Ranks of Unity Partners Grow with Addition of Ohio Union

by James Parks, Mar 9, 2007

When workers join together to support each other and fight about issues, all workers 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 March 1, the independent Monarch Electric Blue Collar Union in Parma, Ohio, received the federation’s second Unity Partnership certificate of affiliation. The union—whose 56 members repair electric motors—is now a part of the national AFL-CIO, the Ohio AFL-CIO and the North Shore Federation of  Labor in Cleveland. Last month, the nearly 1,000-member Dade County (Florida) Schools Maintenance Employee Committee became the federation’s first Unity Partner.

Meanwhile, several other independent unions also are consulting with their members about making applications for partnerships.

Ken Branning, president of the Monarch Electric Blue Collar Union, says the affiliation is important because unity is the only way to stop the shrinking of the middle class.

We wanted to join the backbone of the country—the people who made it possible to have better wages, better living conditions and better benefits. Being independent is not a good thing because you’re out there on your own. The only way to get things done is to join together. We need to come together to let our leaders know that our votes count and that more and more people are going to come together to make things better.

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.