It's official, unions are still very, very good for workers. According to not one, but two new reports, collective bargaining is the best way tool we have to raise wages and increase opportunity for workers.
The first report was released by The Center for American Progress on Wednesday, and it focused on economic mobility and “the ability to improve upon the economic situation of one's birth.”
The authors of that study found, “a strong relationship between union membership and inter-generational mobility.” In other words, children who grew up in union households were more likely to lead a better life than their parents.
The other analysis, which was released Friday by the AFL-CIO's Center for Strategic Research, draws a clear line between union membership and higher wages.
Separately, and together, these reports show how important it is to protect our collective bargaining rights, and why we should celebrate when workers declare a victory.
According to the AFL-CIO report, in the first half of 2015, workers who bargained for new contracts saw an average wage increase of 4.3%. And, despite the Right's best efforts, even more employees will fight to form unions in the upcoming year.
Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, said, “This report provides clear evidence that joining a union and bargaining with your employer is the most effective way to give workers the power to raise their own wages.” He added, “When working people speak with one voice, our economy is stronger, and all workers do better.”
The Republican war on unions hasn't stopped people from organizing, but we need to fight hard to make sure our collective bargaining rights don't disappear.
-Thom
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