7 Steps to Protect Your Union
In today's political environment where corporate interests and anti-worker agendas dominate, every union member needs to actively protect our Right to a Union and Collective Bargaining. Whether you have organizing experience or if you are a rank-and-file member, there is a role for you to play.
1.) Register to Vote!
The easiest way to protect your Right to a Union is to exercise your right to vote -- this is your voice in the political process. When you choose not to vote, you empower other people to make decisions for you. Only registered voters are allowed to vote, so you must take this first step. For a voter registration application and information click here to begin the process.
2.) Get Informed.
It is important to be informed on the issues. Right now, Washington bureaucrats are working on legislation that seriously affects your ability to form and maintain a union, as well as your power at the negotiating table. If we don't know our rights and issues, those rights will be easily taken away.
3.) Become a Volunteer.
Our volunteers are the vanguard defense that protect our Right to a Union. The program is free and will give you the tools and resources you need to fight for your union. After enrolling, you will be contacted by a coordinator who will discuss what role you can play in defending high paying jobs, affordable health care and a safe work place. The coordinator will connect you with other dedicated activists in the fight for fair legislation.
All you need to do to enroll is fill out a brief Volunteer Information Form.
4.) Monitor Local Media.
The media is brutally biased against working Americans and union members. Large corporations own most of the media outlets, and the results can be seen every time you turn on the TV or read the paper. One of the best ways to counter this anti-labor bias is to put facts about working Americans before the public in letters to the editor. Letters to the editor and local media stations spread our message and show positive results. Make sure to keep up on worker related stories.
5.) Work with Local Parties.
Working with your local party is a very effective way to influence local officials and legislation that affect your union. Amazingly, many Democrat and Republican Party positions at the county level are vacant or inadequately filled -- especially in rural areas. Visit our Working with Local Parties section for information on how to become a local political player and read several USW success stories.
6.) Mobilize Your Local Union.
Your local union is a powerful collection of people who all hold similar beliefs and have the same interests in a secure, safe job. Designate a portion of each meeting to discuss local political issues and suggest a follow-up action. This could be as simple as writing letters to a lawmaker or inviting a representative to address the local. Nominate a member of the local as the point of contact so we can keep you up to date on important legislation and actions.
7.) Expand to Your Community.
Local Unions are important to communities. Every one union job supports three non-union jobs. When a local is on strike or a company closes down, the whole community is affected. There are many local organizations and small businesses that share the same goals as you. Keep them informed on working American issues and get them involved in your activities!
