Good Opinion Piece About Labor Day

Another Labor Day has come and gone. I have heard some critics of organized labor express that unions are no longer needed and they are obsolete. Often what they forget is that unions' mission is to ensure that the rights of workers are protected. And what they also forget is that unions provide the standards for the working conditions of all workers, union and non union.

Sid Berg, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council penned a great opinion piece in the Eureka Reporter detailing the work that just this fall entails. Below is a quote from that article that outlines the work ahead.

Contrary to those opinions, labor has many struggles to solve in the future. Among those issues that need to be debated are the Free Choice Act (allowing workers to choose to have representation), prevailing wage legislation, universal health care (at an affordable rate), apprenticeship training, workplace safety and, ultimately, wage increases tied to the inflation rate, based on costs of energy and food. We also need to promote mutual understanding and create strong partnerships with employers so we can all remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.