LEAD & ORGANIZE

Before the first unions were formed, and before workers gained the legal right to unionize, there were women and men who recognized a simple truth: In a workplace, employees united around shared values, concerns, and interests have power that is greater than an individual worker on their own, and this power gives everyone a collective voice to advocate for themselves and for all workers.

But uniting people was no easy task, and didn’t happen on its own. It took leadership and commitment from workers willing to stand up in the face of intimidation and retaliation, to organize and fight for the right to unionize and bargain as a group. And when that right was won, the power gained from unionizing was wielded to improve their livelihoods, working conditions, and much more – things that have raised the standard and quality of living for all Americans.

The unions we’re a part of today are the legacy of these people who led and organized in workplaces across the country. As union members today, we have a responsibility to carry on this legacy for all workers, our families, and for those we serve. 

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Pictured here is Jennifer Torres, a Special Education Assistant at Alta California Elementary, and who’s worked at LAUSD for more than 10 years. Jennifer stepped-up and became a Local 99 Steward. She organized her co-workers around the LAUSD contract campaign and helped them become vocal advocates for improving staffing and other student services. 

LEAD & ORGANIZE

Before the first unions were formed, and before workers gained the legal right to unionize, there were women and men who recognized a simple truth: In a workplace, employees united around shared values, concerns, and interests gain a power that is greater than an individual worker on their own, and this power gives everyone a collective voice to advocate for themselves and for all workers.

But uniting people was no easy task, and didn’t happen on its own. It took leadership and commitment from workers willing to stand up in the face of intimidation and retaliation, to organize and fight for the right to unionize and bargain as a group. And when that right was won, the power gained from unionizing was wielded to improve their livelihoods, working conditions, and much more – things that have raised the standard and quality of living for all Americans.

The unions we’re a part of today are the legacy of these people who led and organized in workplaces across the country. As union members today, we have a responsibility to carry on this legacy for all workers, our families, and for those we serve. 

Ready to step-up? Sign-up below.

Pictured here is Jennifer Torres, a Special Education Assistant at Alta California Elementary, and who’s worked at LAUSD for more than 10 years. Jennifer stepped-up and became a Local 99 Steward. She organized her co-workers around the LAUSD contract campaign and helped them become vocal advocates for improving staffing and other student services. 

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Aren’t there already union staff organizers? What am I paying dues for if members are being called on to do the work of union staff?

Union staff and union members work hand-in-hand to build a strong union.

Think about it: no one knows your job or understands your daily situation at work better than you. So there’s no better person to address work site issues and present solutions. That’s why union staff work closely to support and train members at their work sites.

While union staff do represent members in grievance cases when management violates our contract, they also assist stewards and other member leaders in addressing grievances and issues at work.  Union staff and members also work collaboratively on labor management issues and contract negotiations.

The fact is, there are fewer problems at work sites where members know their contract, know their rights, and speak-up when there are violations. And with tens of thousands of Local 99 members working at thousands of work sites throughout Southern California, it is essential that members understand their rights and are ready to defend them on the front lines.

Union staff assists and supports members so they can build these lasting, member-led leadership structures directly in their work sites.