The Heart of Unionism: One Local Union’s Story of Solidarity

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/11/1053894/-The-Heart-of-Unionism:-One-Local-Union%E2%80%99s-Story-of-Solidarity

Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 03:14 PM PST

Many times in my life I have been proud to be a member of a Labor Union, specifically a third generation member of Sheet Metal Workers' Local 19 in Philadelphia. We Sheet Metal Workers (AKA Tin Knockers, Tinners, etc.) have always had a long standing reputation of being tough, no nonsense types that don't pull too many punches. Most importantly though, we always try to look out for each other, as those that came before us have in the past. This is at the very core of what it means to belong to a Union.

We hear it every day, “Unions have outlived their usefulness.” or “What have they ever done for us?” and the infamous, “Unions steal from their members and are run by criminals.” That last blatant lie always gets me fired up.

Look throughout not just history, but our present, and you can see all the good Organized Labor has done (and continues to do) for this nation and the entire industrialized world. But for this piece I want to scale back the scope a bit and focus on what I feel is the perfect example of what a Local Union should be and how it takes care of its membership.

The Local I want to focus on is my own Union (SMWIA Local 19), not because of bias or because it and the membership is very near and dear to my heart, but because Local 19, its leadership and members have truly given an example that all others can and should strive to follow.

First and foremost I want to mention that since the economic downturn began in 2008 unemployed members of the Local have held on to their health insurance for themselves and their families. And it doesn’t matter if you’ve been laid off two days or two years, members won’t be left without insurance. You won’t get that with a corporation that holds profits above people every day of the week.

FULL story at link.

[Omaha Steve]

1. Kick

[pampango]

2. Great story. Thanks for posting it. Rec. n/t

[lonestarnot]

3. No bookiemarkies yet.