Workers United

Workers United is a labor union affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing over 80,000 workers in the United States and Canada. The union has its roots in the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) and the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE), which merged in 2004 to form UNITE HERE, before a portion of the membership split off to form Workers United in 2009. Workers United is headquartered in New York City and has locals in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto. The union is also affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress.

● History

The history of Workers United dates back to the early 20th century, with the formation of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA) in 1914, led by Sidney Hillman. The ACWA was a key player in the Lawrence Textile Strike and the Gastonia Textile Strike, and later merged with the Textile Workers Union of America (TWUA) in 1976 to form the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU). In 1995, the ACTWU merged with the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) to form the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). UNITE later merged with the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE) in 2004 to form UNITE HERE, led by John Wilhelm and Bruce Raynor. However, in 2009, a dispute over the direction of the union led to a split, with a portion of the membership forming Workers United, affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), led by Andy Stern and Mary Kay Henry. Workers United has since been involved in various campaigns, including the Fight for $15 and the Black Lives Matter movement, alongside organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

● Organization

Workers United is a democratic organization, with a constitution and bylaws that outline the union's structure and governance. The union is led by a president and a board of directors, which includes representatives from each of the union's locals. Workers United has locals in cities across the United States and Canada, including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Toronto. The union is also affiliated with the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress, and works closely with other unions, such as the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers (USW). Workers United has a strong commitment to social justice and community organizing, and has partnered with organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the National Organization for Women (NOW).

● Membership

Workers United represents over 80,000 workers in a variety of industries, including textiles, manufacturing, distribution, and retail. The union's membership includes workers from companies such as Hanesbrands, Levi Strauss & Co., and PVH Corp., as well as workers from non-profit organizations and government agencies. Workers United has a diverse membership, with workers from a variety of racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds, and has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. The union has also been involved in organizing campaigns, such as the Justice for Janitors campaign, alongside organizations such as the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ).

● Activities

Workers United is involved in a variety of activities, including collective bargaining, organizing, and advocacy. The union negotiates contracts with employers on behalf of its members, and works to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions. Workers United also engages in community organizing and social justice activism, and has partnered with organizations such as the ACLU and the NAACP to advocate for workers' rights and civil rights. The union has also been involved in campaigns to support immigrant workers and low-wage workers, alongside organizations such as the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).

● Notable Campaigns

Workers United has been involved in several notable campaigns, including the Fight for $15 and the Black Lives Matter movement. The union has also been involved in campaigns to support immigrant workers and low-wage workers, and has partnered with organizations such as the NILC and the EPI to advocate for workers' rights and economic justice. Workers United has also been involved in campaigns to support women's rights and LGBTQ+ rights, alongside organizations such as the NOW and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The union has also worked with politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren to advocate for progressive policies and labor rights.

● Leadership

Workers United is led by a president and a board of directors, which includes representatives from each of the union's locals. The union's current president is Noel Beasley, who has been involved in the labor movement for over 20 years. Beasley has worked with organizations such as the AFL-CIO and the SEIU to advocate for workers' rights and social justice. Workers United has a strong commitment to democratic leadership and member involvement, and encourages its members to take an active role in the union's decision-making processes. The union has also been led by former presidents such as Raynor and Stern, who have played important roles in shaping the union's direction and strategy. Workers United has also worked with allies such as Ruth Milkman and Steven Greenhouse to advocate for workers' rights and labor justice.

Category:Labor unions in the United States