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AFL-CIO Launches National Organizing Campaign

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Showing that the Labor Movement’s door is open, the AFL-CIO launched a nationwide print and digital campaign urging workers to join a union as all working people continue to withstand assaults on their freedom to come together.

“If you want a raise, better benefits and the dignity of having a voice on the job, we’re saving a seat for you,” declared AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in an open letter titled “Join a Union!”

The letter, contained within an ad that will run in USA Today, The Washington Post and regional newspapers across the country, directs readers to a new website – FreedomToJoin.org – which outlines efforts by wealthy corporate interests to take away freedoms earned by workers.

In addition, the website provides information regarding the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case awaiting a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. (The justices heard the case in February. A decision is expected at any time that could affect unions’ ability to collect funds to cover costs associated with collective bargaining and not dealing with politics. Under law, unions must cover all workers covered by a collective bargaining agreement whether or not they pay dues.)

The AFL-CIO effort follows up on successful initiatives waged by teachers in several states as well as nearly 15,000 people (ranging from nurses and flight attendants to graduate workers) who said “Union Yes!” last month. The AFL-CIO pointed out nearly three-quarters of the 262,000 workers who joined a union last year were under the age of 35.

As noted by Trumka in the open letter, “Workers aren’t sitting quietly as the wealthy rig the rules of the economy we built. We are leading a revolution to demand what we’ve rightfully earned.”

To see the ad, click here.

 

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