Reports Document How Union Membership Helps Communities, Workers

by Seth Michaels, Aug 25, 2009

As the fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act continues, it’s worth noting that this is not just an issue of an individual worker’s freedom to join with other employees and bargain for a better life. It’s also important to note the role that unions have on communities and the economy, for members and nonmembers alike. 

American Rights at Work has put together two great new reports that show how unions help create a well-trained and skilled workforce and healthier communities. 

The first report, “Unions on the Cutting Edge: A Workforce Trained for the 21st Century,” focuses on how unions take the lead in creating innovative training programs for our workforce. In industries ranging from construction to health care to green energy, unions are breaking new ground and making sure America’s workers are prepared to be the very best at critical jobs.

As the report notes: 

Unions have a long history of leadership on designing and promoting innovative and effective job training and apprenticeship programs that benefit workers, businesses and local communities. Now more than ever, this country needs workers to have a voice at the table to ensure that the challenges of a new economy are met with fair and effective policies. 

The second report, “Unions and Other Community Groups Benefit Local Economic Development,” gives examples of how unions improve their communities by protecting local jobs, promoting and supporting local businesses and providing funds and services to aid those hurt by disasters. The report states: 

When workers have a seat at the table, their voices strengthen local economic development and help ensure fairness, quality jobs and long-term sustainable growth.

Labor unions have been responding to the unfair policies of the last several decades by taking action to shape local economic development policies and issues. In partnerships with employers, community organizations and local governments, unions have helped revitalize local economies by saving and expanding family-supporting jobs. 

These two reports here and here are valuable resources, and they present strong reasons to quickly pass the Employee Free Choice Act and build a new economy that works for everyone.

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