New Union Welcomes ALL - Working or Not

[Triana]

Members to pay dues to have voice on issues
September 3, 2003

BY SARAH A. WEBSTER
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney is expected to announce in Detroit today the formation of a newfangled national labor union that is specifically for employees who don't have union representation at work.

Working America will serve as a voice for nonunion -- and even unemployed -- workers on labor issues such as jobs, health care and education, Sweeney is to tell the Detroit Economic Club during a luncheon at the Cobo Conference Center.

Unlike many unions, such as the UAW, Working America will not be industry- or workplace-based and will have no bargaining power. Instead, it will recruit members through a neighborhood-based, door-to-door campaign that the AFL-CIO tested in Cleveland and Seattle.

In August, the executive council of the AFL-CIO gave Sweeney authority to issue a charter to Working America on a provisional basis and to issue bylaws for the union, including an initial dues structure. Information about fees was not available Tuesday or on the group's Web site, www.workingamerica.org

The goal of the new union, though, seems to be less about money and more about promoting a social and political agenda for working-class people. So Working America may be likened to the AARP, which collects dues to advance its platform for retired Americans.

http://www.freep.com/money/business/aflcio3_20030903.htm

[Ouabache]

1. Looks like an ultra-light IWW ?

Couldn't hurt.
I might join.

[Triana]

2. I'll certainly consider joining!

We working stiffs need a voice - and the more and the louder, the better! I've personally been waiting for something like this and will be glad to see it happen!

[Fovea]

7. Yeah

I will be all over this.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

10. iww.org lite

good one :) http://www.iww.org/

[prolesunited]

3. What will be the RW spin on this one?

Oh, I know, those corrupt union bosses are just out to steal your money or how about "Why pay dues to an organization to sit on your butt or take a nap when you can do it for free?"

It's signs like these that give me hope that people will take back the power in this country. How many times do they need to be kicked by these corporate fascists before they get a clue?

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. America's Labour Party in the making? This could get interesting.

I think I like it.

[w4rma]

9. Expanding and strengthening the labor group under the Democratic big tent

Not a 3rd party. More like a lobbying group like the Sierra Club or the AARP.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

12. If labor would/could really organize, they would dwarf any lobbying

group or PAC in existance. There are a lot of Blue Collars out here and, unfortunately amore and more mid level white collar folks are joining the ranks every day.

Right now, many have been sold the elusive Algeresque dream that they to will soon be a leader of commerce if they just don't ask who's behind the curtain.

[old_dad]

5. Here is an idea for a union that I'd like to see.

As the power of labor unions is being eroded in this country, perhaps the time will come when a comsumer union is formed. Once it gained some momentum, a union of consumers could be very powerful. As in "lets all not buy Chevron for 30 days". Where is Ralph Nadar when we really need him. I would join a union of comsumers in a heartbeat.

[newyawker99]

15. Hi old_dad!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[VaLabor]

6. yes, JOIN

Everyone on DU should be a member of Working America. Please join!!!

[mumon]

8. Why not join the IWW instead?

Seriously, they have the social and political agenda.

OK, so it's a bit left of center, but today, we need more Trotsky and less Bush-lite.

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

11. No one wants

Trotsky or any college ideology BS. Just solidarity. I'm certainly going to join.

[Triana]

13. Well - I'm glad to see WE won't be alone!

I agree - everyone on DU ought to join Working America! After all we ARE working America.

I'm bumping this up...meanwhile - EVERYONE spread the word! When this thing is live and taking members, I'd like it to be as large and strong as it can be. Another comment in this thread (wtf took people so long to wake up and get a CLUE and band together - or something to that effect). I agree. IT'S ABOUT TIME!

And, I'm ready to join a Union for ALL working people in the U.S. BRING IT ON!

:D

[lumpy]

14. Terrific idea

Uniting is the only way for workers to have any kind of a voice or power in industry. Love the concept about promoting a social and political agenda for working-class people. A platform for workers is there for the taking.

[Mel]

16. I like it

am going to join and :kick: it up for others to see.

[David__77]

17. Everyone should join!

The labor movement needs to be the heart of a progressive surge. Only the working class can lead such a movement. Here in CA the state labor federation has been key to advancing our causes and uniting our constituencies.

In this article the word "newfangled" is used. I just love it when arcane words are chosen for news articles!

[silverweb]

18. What a wonderful idea!

I'll be following with interest as this develops.

:)

[grasswire]

19. and.................

they can offer a group health insurance plan!!!!!