How Unions have been important to my family and my
community
By Katelin Condon
Unions have been a big part of my life ever since I can remember.
It defines what my family is and who we are.
Some people view unions as unnecessary, but I see them as a family
working together, sticking up for what is right: a protector and a group of
people working toward a common goal.
However, I learned there also needs to be leniency and accountability.
When I think of unions, family comes to mind.
My dad started out his career in the Teamster’s Union and has been in the
Machinist’s Union
specifically the Automotive Mechanics Lodge Local 510 for 17 years.
Over the years, my dad has been a Union Steward and Committeeman,
attending meetings in addition to working as a mediator between the management
and his co-workers.At times
their shop struggles with management, and this can be tough when one believes he
is right when others don’t. My dad
has had to file grievances in order to keep a safe shop as well as make sure
their contract is being followed and make sure that work has not been
outsourced. Just last October my
dad was unjustly fired after an argument with his supervisor, but after support
from fellow committeemen and co-workers and a meeting with the Union Business
Agent, he did get his job back.
This may not have been the case in a non-union shop.
The same can be said in our family; there are times when we’ve struggled,
when we have had complaints, or when we have not followed the guidelines.
My parents then have to mediate the situation, and together they reaffirm
our family’s moral code of ethics to resolve the issues.
We have had to bargain for leniency; however, my parents have always made
us accountable for our actions.
This unification reflects the values of our family and my dad’s workplace at
UPS. This unity makes our home and
my dad’s shop safe and secure for everyone involved.
Additionally, unions create a positive presence in the community.
Many unions work together with lawmakers, fighting to keep jobs in the United States.
The unions provide solidarity for the middle class, blue-collar worker.
This pride can be seen in the Labor Day parades in
Milwaukee
as well as in other cities across America.
The union’s donations have helped support people in need; for instance,
federal disaster victims or the seeing eye dog program.
Both are examples of the important role unions play in our community.
Being in the Union provides my family with fair wages, giving us a better
life with secure healthcare, paid vacations, a 40 hour work week, overtime, job
security within my dad’s trade, and the promise of a good pension plan. These
benefits are especially important given today’s economic crisis.
Consequently, unions provide their members and my family with numerous
benefits and the power to have a say in what happens within their workplace.
It was evident to me that last fall when my dad was acting as a Steward
and needed support from his Committeeman, co-workers, and Union Business Agent,
that he received that help.
As a member of the union, my dad has developed life-long friendships with
his fellow co-workers who have joined together to work toward a common goal.
This unification has bonded them together like a family.
