BC FORUM News - from The Advocate, September, 2013

Major campaign to highlight union contributions to our communities

With so many right-wing forces and governments conspiring to drive down wages and erode working conditions for employees, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is spear-heading a major campaign to highlight the union movement’s many contributions to our communities.

The campaign – “together fairness works” – will involve both affiliates and unions that are not affiliated to the CLC. It was officially launched with events in 17 targeted communities on Labour Day, with supporting events in more than 50 communities.

It’s a long-term initiative. And it’s comprehensive. The labour movement will be speaking directly to Canadians about how unions have improved the lives of working people, union and non-union alike.

“We believe in the old saying that what we desire for ourselves we wish for all,” says Ken Georgetti, President of the CLC.

“Many of the benefits first won by unions are enjoyed by all workers today, including fair wages, overtime pay, pensions, workplace safety standards, parental leaves, vacation pay and protection from discrimination and harassment,” he says.

These issues and more will be highlighted in a major national advertising campaign that begins in late September, social media events and an unprecedented level of direct contact with union members.

“This is the largest member-to-member engagement program in Canadian labour history,” says Amber Hockin, the CLC Regional Director for the Pacific Region.

“The goal is to have three million conversations with union members on the value of union membership,” says Hockin.

Georgetti says researchers at the CLC have found that unionized workers earn an average of $4.97 more than others.

“Decent middle class family-supporting wages translate into vibrant communities,” says Georgetti.

“Unionized workers spend their pay cheques close to home. They buy at local businesses and bolster the tax base, which in turn supports public works, community services and charities. These communities become better places in which to live and work.

“We in the labour movement take satisfaction in knowing that we have helped to build a stronger middle class and a more secure economy for everyone in our country. When unions stand up for fairness, they raise the bar for everyone,” says Georgetti.