AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders today announced that, even in the face of attacks from anti-worker politicians, billionaires and judges across the country (including the United States Supreme Court), AFSCME gained more than 90,000 new members during the past six months.
AFSCME nearly doubled the goal set in early January 2014 when the union launched its “50,000 Stronger” organizing campaign.
“Today, we are 92,155 members stronger, with new members from EMTs to home care workers, and we will continue our fight for the middle class and the future of this country,” Saunders said.
“Our opponents want to deplete the labor movement of resources, steal our power and silence our voices. They are even undercutting the most fundamental right we have as Americans: the right to vote. Yet, no matter the challenges that face us, the answer remains the same: Organize. Organize. Organize. ”
Included in the 90,000-plus new members are more than 20,000 home care workers, who were the target of the National Right to Work Committee funded lawsuit, Harris v. Quinn, which was recently decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. These caregivers joined AFSCME to protect quality care for children, seniors and people with disabilities.
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The Today Show this morning spoke about a company which issued “swipe cards” for employee toilet access which limits time in the stall to 6 minutes.
This is the type of management abuse that Unions need to oppose for their members. And, furthermore, shows the degree to which Union participation has declined in public perception.
I contend that for every action–even in public trends–there is an equal and opposite reaction: Thus, we have an increase in actual union membership.
But even as membership increases corporations will try to increase public disdain for unions. My point is that Union members should elect management who understand and practice public relations. If they don’t, things will only get more confrontational and toxic for union supporting politicians.