USW Convention | April 7-10, 2025 Get registration information here
Earlier this month, the AFL-CIO conducted a discussion on the future of work. Among the panelists that day were a group of young workers. Let’s have a bit more of an in-depth discussion in the coming weeks with those young workers. First up is United Steelworkers (USW) member Charleeka Thompson.
AFL-CIO: What barriers do you think stand in the way of young people becoming fully participating members of the workforce?
Charleeka: Some barriers include self-doubt, regarding others having more experience. The lack of interest in becoming fully involved. The work-life balance is off. Many feel they are sacrificing life because the majority of their time is at work.
AFL-CIO: What issues and challenges do young workers face that the rest of us might not recognize?
Charleeka: Many have questions about seniority and how the current benefits package will benefit them. Also making enough to pay off student loans.
AFL-CIO: What inspired you to organize/form/join a union?
Charleeka: I was looking for a place to utilize my education. When I first was hired at my facility, I had all aspirations to grow within the company. I went to company management informing them about what area my degree was focused on. An impression was made that I would be contacted from time to time to help with some public affairs that the company participated in. I was then approached by a local union member. I did not know much about USW at the time. I signed a card, went to a meeting and was hooked. I have been active ever since. I can utilize my formal degree with the committees I’m involved with within the union. It’s great!
AFL-CIO: What can the labor movement do to rally more workers to join unions?
Charleeka: Workers like to feel they are apart of something…a movement. Something that they can share with their families. The labor movement has to make it feel personal to a worker. The labor movement has to identify the issues workers are passionate about and rally for those issues.
AFL-CIO: What can young workers do to better prepare themselves for success in a changing economy?
Charleeka: Learn to save money before you play. Learn a trade. There has always been a push for young people to go to college. Well a lot do, but [they] still end up with an industrial factory job. Which is great. But if they had a trade, they may be able to start with higher wages and still work for a union facility. Learning a trade is many times cheaper than going to college and one will not have the dreaded student loans hanging over their head.
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
See how the USW is making a real difference in our communities and our workplaces.