Sec. Hilda Solis: At the Table

[babylonsister]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rep-hilda-l-solis/at-the-table_b_829501.html?ref=fb&src=sp

Sec. Hilda Solis
U.S. Secretary of Labor
Posted: March 1, 2011 12:45 AM

At the Table


I was "raised union."

snip//

For me, it's not lofty rhetoric. During my two years as labor secretary, I've seen firsthand time and time again how unions make remarkable contributions to the strength and prosperity of our nation. In workplaces from my home state of California to Washington, D.C., where I spend most of my time now, and everywhere in between, organized labor is helping businesses improve their bottom line, make workplaces safer and more productive, and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve the middle class.

Organized labor does the same for state and local government "business," too. I'm talking about the men and women who care for our neighbors, teach our children, keep our communities safe and clean, and run into burning buildings when others run out of them. These dedicated public servants -- many of them union members -- do their important work with little fanfare or recognition. Through their unions, they have a voice in their workplace, in their future... and most importantly, in our future.

They've made sacrifices, too -- particularly in the past decade -- and have worked closely with state and local leaders to help the public sector do what it is supposed to do. Their participation in our civil society is paramount to its success.

Their collective voice gives them the opportunity and the right to actually improve public education, public heath, and public safety and security. They deserve the right to have their voices heard when they speak out for job security and safe workplaces. Unions fight for better wages and benefits, not just for their members, but for everyone. They advocate for quality jobs that build a strong middle class.

In hard times, we all understand the need for sacrifices. Scapegoating teachers, firefighters and bus drivers by taking away their basic rights is not going to solve any problems. This is a time to find ways to work together and forge compromise. Neither side will get everything it wants, and everyone should share in the sacrifice.

Collective bargaining -- what my dad called sitting "at the table" -- is a cornerstone of our democracy and our middle class. It shouldn't be cast aside in hard times. It can and should be part of the solution. Just as my dad explained to me with those paper scraps at our kitchen table, the best solutions come from people sitting down at the table together.

[Raine1967]

1. I am so glad she spoke up.

I've been waiting for her. :)

[former9thward]

2. I wish she would not have left out the word "federal" when she

was talking about organized labor. She said "state and local".

[Arkana]

3. But you see she doesn't speak for Obama except when she does bad things.

When she does bad things she's Obama's mouthpiece.

[babylonsister]

4. I don't know that she's ever done anything bad. But those folks

who were bemoaning her absence haven't made themselves present in this thread to show their appreciation.:P

[gateley]

7. She wouldn't be saying this if it it hadn't passed muster with Obama. Everything

every person says in his administration can be assumed to be speaking "for the President", IMO.

[babylonsister]

8. Yes, I agree.

:D

[TheKentuckian]

5. K&R! Glad to hear from token. Darth's undisclosed location must have needed renovation.

[Bake]

6. Thank you, Sec. Solis!

Now THAT'S a "strong statement" in support of unions!

Bake