Abraham Lincoln:

“All that serves labor serves the nation.  All that harms is treason…If a man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar…There is no America without labor, and to fleece one is to rob the other.”

Woodrow Wilson:

“While we are fight for freedom, we must see, among other things, that labor is free.” 

Franklin D. Roosevelt:

“If I were a worker in a factory, the first thing I would do would be to join a union.” 

Harry S. Truman:

“The right to join a union of one’s choice is unquestioned today, and is sanctioned and protected by law.” 

Dwight D. Eisenhower:

“Only a fool would try to deprive working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice.” 

A Personal Message From Your Union Executives 

Welcome to a union that is dedicated on your behalf so that you will find friends, success, security, and contentment at your work. 

This union believes very strongly in the dignity of the individual.  We understand; however, that if we are to gain your loyalty and respect, the union will have to earn it. 

We take great pride in this union and its accomplishments…However, it didn’t come easy.  Please remember, that unionism is not a heritage, but rather must be continually protected and fought for by men and women - real men and women. 

We hope you will have continued faith in yourself, your company, your union, your country, and God. 

“Unionism has helped to give to everyone who toils the position of dignity which is his or her due.” 

Your Responsibilities

Because you are a union member, you have many advantages and privileges.  However, every mature individual knows that privileges mean responsibilities.

Your duties to your union are as follows: 

Ø      Practice as well as preach unionism.

Ø      Your demands should be fair.

Ø      Judge your fellow workers by their actions, not by their color, creed, or religion.

Ø      Cooperate with your union representatives by giving them all the facts concerning a grievance.

Ø      Support your leadership by never doing anything that will lose respect for your union. 

We cannot expect cooperation from the management unless we ourselves are unified, and all are willing to do our part. 

HELP WILLINGLY WHEN CALLED UPON 

Your Union 

            The following are major sources of union-member misunderstandings.  Let us discuss them clearly. 

1. “The union should be doing more than it is.”

Answer:  There are times when to you the union seems to be moving very slowly.  However, it is well to remember that labor relations is a complicated affair.  All problems need study, meetings have to be arranged differences of opinion listened to and ironed out.   All of this takes time.  A grievance or contract negotiated hurriedly can cause great harm.  Your union is doing all it can, as quickly as it can to further your personal gains.  However, we must always keep in mind that while improving our own status, that we do not destroy our hard fought for union-management relationship. 

“The truth shall make you free.”

2. “We can do as well without the unions.”

Answer:  No fair individual can ignore that fact that history proves that unions have accomplished miracles to improve the lot, not only of the worker but company and country as well.  Unions have:  promoted security, have given all a chance to advance, have assured more human treatment and dignity, and have amicable settled thousands of disputes.  It is gross ignorance to accuse all unions because a few have discredited themselves. 

            The records show that unions are making and will continue to make, valuable contributions to higher standards of life.

            The workers who make up your union are typical citizens who are united not only for their own individual welfare, but for the well being of all.  Be proud you are a union member.

3. “Why join a union?”

Answer:  Workers unorganized are weak.  Workers organized are strong.

4. “What does job security mean?”

Answer:  Protection against being discharged without sufficient reason.

5. “What is collective bargaining?”

Answer:  Workers through their union are powerful enough to have a voice in laying down the rules.

6. “What is the collective bargaining agreement?” 

Answer:  A book of rules, which constitute a solemn contract, which must be observed by both parties.

7. “What is the real purpose of a union?”

Answer:  To extend democracy.

8. “Would unions be better off under Communism?”

Answer:  The first thing communists do is smash unions forever.

9. “What does a worker most desire?”

Answer:  Security.

10. “What is a union’s greatest weakness?

Answer:  The indifference of its members to their own affairs.

“The past is today’s greatest teacher.”

Stay Dissatisfied 

            Every minute of the day there are individuals undermining, and even attempting to destroy your union.

            This means, of course, that as a good union member you must remain ever vigilant.  Never become too satisfied with existing conditions.  Continually strive to improve your relations with the management, and your relations with the management, and your services to the union.

            Unions simply must not stand still.  They either forge ahead slowly or slide backwards quickly.

            Help strive for more efficient and businesslike methods of operation in your union.

            Naturally, we cannot expect the respect of the management if we don’t deserve the respect of one another. 

The Golden Rule           

            Union members should never serve their personal needs by sacrificing the welfare of others.

            It is very important to remember that there are disadvantages and advantages and two sides to every problem.  Always consider the long range point of view.  Ignore the temptation of letting the future take care of itself.  Guide yourself by remembering that the union must continue serving long after we are gone.

            Every successful union member knows that the policy of “treating others as you would have them treat you” is sound advice.

            This does not mean a union member should be reluctant to make demands of the management.  It does mean, however, that demands should be well founded and just.

Be Optimistic 

            How often have you heard people bemoan their failure to take advantage of past opportunities.  They are foolish, for the present offers the greatest opportunity ever for advancing unionism.

            Courage and faith in the future is fundamental to success.  There will always be temporary dips in our economy; however, living standards in our country continue to march forward, and always will. The best time to plan and forge ahead is when others are afraid.

            The world is full of perpetual pessimists; be very careful following their advice.

            Have continued faith in yourself and your country. You will be glad you did.

“One flag, one land, one heart, one hand.” 

How to Get Along With Others 

• Look at and really listen to others when they speak.  Don’t be thinking of what you are going to say when they stop.
• Don’t talk too much.
• Be sincerely enthusiastic about the good fortune of others and genuinely sympathetic to their ill fortune.
• Don’t criticize or speak ill of others.
• Be friendly to all people.  Prejudice of any type is a malignant disease that ends up hurting yourself.
• Be optimistic about the future.
• Be considerate – never serve your personal needs by sacrificing the welfare of others.
• Help willingly when called upon.
• Offer your assistance when needed without waiting to be called upon.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” – The Golden Rule

Speaking Up at Union Meetings 

            Your Union’s greatest enemy is the indifference of those who do not regularly attend union meetings.  No one should be so indifferent to their own welfare.  Be a real union member; attend your union meetings. 

            Meetings are held in an orderly and democratic manner to assure the rights of all.  Here are some suggestions for speaking: 

• Prepare your points before speaking.
• Don’t ramble; get right to the point.  
• Try to look around at all concerned when speaking.
• Don’t worry if you’re nervous; so is everyone else.
• Don’t be afraid of pauses; avoid eh, eh.
• Speak in a firm, clear voice without shouting.  Never shout.

“Success is a ladder which we cannot expect to climb with our hands in our pockets.” 

What Your Union Does for You

• Negotiates and enforces the contract
• Settles your grievances
• Organizes
• Prepares necessary paperwork, insurances, etc.
• Keeps you informed; holds meetings
• Supports fair labor legislation
• Furnishes legal protection
• Acts in your interest with community as well as the management.

Where Your Dues Go 

• Rent, supplies, and equipment
• Affiliation fees
• Salaries and expenses of full time representatives.
• Printing, postage, educational materials
• Labor board and arbitration expenses
• Other legal expenses
• Costs incurred in disputes.
• Organizing expenses, negotiation expenses

Accept the full responsibilities of a good union member.  You will be glad you did because…

1. By being a good union member, you are actually helping yourself.
2. There is a great personal satisfaction in doing your “share”.
3. You will win the respect of others.
4. You will gain self respect.

The Human Touch

If you are an old timer at your job, lend a helping hand to new members. 

Talk about your union proudly and urge new members to attend union meetings. 

Union workers cannot afford to be impersonal.  Never treat anyone indifferently.  Everyone, expert or beginner, should be treated with personal dignity. 

Real union members are helpful and easy to talk to .  They never forget they were once beginners. 

The secret of the human touch is simple….A sincere liking for and interest in people – all kinds of people.

                    EPILOGUE 

            The history of the American worker is the history of the American nation.  Since the first colonists arrived in the early seventeenth century, people have worked and struggled to better their lives.  The development of the American worker reflects this struggle.  By seeking better wages and working conditions, more opportunity for individual advancement and personal fulfillment, and increased security in both employment and life itself, working people have participated in the American dream; they have, in fact defined it. 

            The history of the American worker is by no means completed.  As long as the nation exists, working people will be, as they have always been, a source of its strength and its pride.  The American worker will continue to grow with the nation.