6 Organizations Standing Up For Workers

Groups Organizing and Fighting for Workers

The History of Graduate Assistants United at the University of Florida

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As a percentage of civilian workers in the United States in March 2019:

Bernie Sanders on The Fight for $15

Income Inequality in the U.S.

In Depth

For many people, discussion of the labor movement conjures up images of robber barons, Pullman porters, or other remnants of history. But the struggle of workers to organize and demand fair pay, protection from abuse, and safe working conditions continues to this day. Presented here, in no particular order, are six groups coming together in support of dignified treatment and equitable wages for employees.

Starting off at #1 is The Fight for Fifteen, a movement that began with a strike by New York City fast food workers in 2012. It has grown to worldwide scale, calling for minimum wage increases in countries on six continents. Its members organize work stoppages and demonstrations, protesting against poor labor conditions, and pay rates that force employees to have multiple jobs in order to meet basic needs. Seeking to bring these issues to the forefront of the political conversation, they support lawmakers and candidates who push for wage reform.

Though the movement is named for the proposed pay increase, their advocacy extends beyond the minimum wage issue. Labor rights are another important component of their goals, notably the freedom to unionize for collective bargaining. Many low-paid employees are forbidden from joining workers' organizations, and can be fired for doing so. Other endemic problems the group opposes include jail for debtors, restrictions on voting, and workplaces that fail to prevent violence or sexual harassment.

Labor rights are another important component of their goals, notably the freedom to unionize for collective bargaining.

Next in the order at #2 is Co-op Cincy, formerly Cincinnati Union Co-op Initiative, an organization promoting a shift toward a worker-owned business model based on Spain's Mondragon cooperatives. Their approach combines employee ownership with labor solidarity, with unionization and collective bargaining reinforcing the power of workers and community members as stakeholders. Their network includes local businesses like Sustainergy, an energy insulation cooperative, and Renting Partnerships, a nonprofit providing affordable housing.

Co-op Cincy organizes the biennial Union Co-op Symposium, an international conference gathering speakers and participants to exchange ideas, share strategies, and celebrate solidarity around union worker cooperatives. Some other initiatives the organization has created or participated in include the Apple Street Market, an employee-owned grocery store, and the People for Early Childhood coalition, which works to expand access to childcare and education. They welcome donations in support of their efforts to promote worker ownership.

In the #3 slot is Workers United Canada Council, the Canadian branch of a labor union that also operates in the United States, and represents hundreds of thousands of working people between both countries. They are dedicated to negotiating strong contracts, implementing high workplace standards, and ensuring representation for employees. In addition to organizing to achieve collective bargaining power, they provide important services for members such as legal defense, information on health and safety rights, and resources regarding benefits and pensions.

They are dedicated to negotiating strong contracts, implementing high workplace standards, and ensuring representation for employees.

Workers United is committed to investing in its members, to ensure that they are well equipped to fight for fair treatment and wages. They offer numerous training programs, building knowledge and skills related to labor organizing and negotiation. They also have a scholarship program to assist with educational costs for members or their families. The organization stands in solidarity with laborers around the world, demanding an end to sweatshops and other abusive practices. They encourage Canadian workers interested in improving job conditions to join and contribute to their efforts.

Entry #4 is Graduate Assistants United, a labor union representing graduate student employees at the University of Florida. It was created in 1971 to protest rising tuition, low pay, and lack of attention to grievances, and continues to negotiate for the interests of student workers. The organization strives to ensure adequate compensation, and fight against fees that effectively reduce assistant paychecks. They also perform outreach and education to highlight the important work performed by their members.

G.A.U. members receive benefits like discounts on certain goods and services in the area, along with advocacy in negotiations and disciplinary hearings. Some key issues the organization targets are employee health insurance, family leave and child care, and support for other local labor struggles. They work together with faculty union allies, opposing legislative attempts to reduce bargaining rights for education workers, as well as coordinating charitable efforts on behalf of graduate assistants struggling to make ends meet. G.A.U. welcomes the contributions of prospective members.

Some key issues the organization targets are employee health insurance, family leave and child care, and support for other local labor struggles.

Coming in at #5 is the Workers Unite Film Festival, which screens and promotes cinematic works that shed light on the efforts of laborers to unite, organize, and fight for better living conditions and social justice. Founded as a response to anti-union pressure in the United States, and in solidarity with worker's movements worldwide, the event aims to educate audiences and motivate action in support of labor rights. Some of the films presented directly spotlight notable activists or groups, while others portray the everyday struggles of working people.

Through its partnership with LaborArts, an organization that curates and displays artifacts from the history of the labor struggle, the Festival is able to supplement its program with online exhibits delving deeper into key themes. Along with screenings of award-winning films that shed light on the experiences of workers, the event features activities like musical performances and artist tributes. Those looking to support the Festival can purchase merchandise from its web store, make a donation, or, of course, buy tickets and attend.

Closing out our list is #6, Hand in Hand, a national network of domestic worker employers committed to creating equitable and dignified work environments for those in home care and cleaning roles. It was created in 2010, following the passage of the New York State Domestic Worker Bill of Rights, to continue fighting for reform nationwide. The group advocates for recognition of the importance of a kind of labor that is often overlooked, and for workplace protections that include those employed inside the homes of others.

The group advocates for recognition of the importance of a kind of labor that is often overlooked, and for workplace protections that include those employed inside the homes of others.

The members of Hand in Hand are vocal proponents of programs to support people with disabilities, who are often reliant on the services of domestic workers, and cannot always afford the care they need without public assistance. Another key issue they target is immigrant rights; they fight against unfair treatment of foreign nationals, many of whom are in-home employees. The organization calls on employers to provide their workers with respect, fair wages, and clear communication. Those inspired by their efforts can donate to fund their campaigns.