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Florida Union Becomes First Unity Partner |
It’s a maxim of the union movement that there is strength in numbers—the more of us there are to support each other and fight for issues, the more likely all workers will benefit. That’s why in the fall of 2005, the AFL-CIO Executive Council approved Unity Partnerships, which allow independent unions to enjoy the support and strength of the AFL-CIO, while retaining their individual identity, culture and autonomy.
On Feb. 1, the independent Dade County (Florida) School Maintenance Employee Committee (DCSME) received the federation’s first Unity Partnership certificate of affiliation. The union—whose nearly 1,000 members work in 50 different skilled trades, such as carpenters, plumbers and engineers—is now a part of the national AFL-CIO, the Florida AFL-CIO and the South Florida AFL-CIO. Although DCSME is the first unity partner, several other independent unions are consulting with their members about making applications for partnerships.
The affiliation is important to DCSME’s members says business agent Joe Cortese because Florida is a so-called “right to work” for less state. (”Right to work” laws in fact don’t guarantee workers any rights. What they really do is weaken unions and employee bargaining and destroy the best job security protection that exists: the union contract. Meanwhile, they allow some workers to pay nothing and get all the benefits of a union membership.)
Cortese says:
This was the right thing to do. We’re looking forward to being part of the larger union movement. And we intend to be very active.
For more information on Unity Partnerships, click here. Along with the rules for Unity Partnerships, you’ll find the benefits of joining the AFL-CIO and can get info on such innovative programs as the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America and the National Labor College.
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