In response to Sam’s request to see a bit more about my trade union activism, here’s a little film I made earlier. (Well okay, I didn’t, my colleagues did. But I’m in it!)
We made this at last year’s UNISON National Women’s Conference by way of explaining just how important women’s self-organisation is to trade unionism.
Anyway, here’s the video:
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I think that far too many Americans discount the value of unions. In Canada the union density rate is much higher because goverment employees are all in unions. Big business has talked many out of protecting themselves and has falsely convinced workers that their interests intersects. Your boss is not and never will be your friend. The object of the company is to pay as little as possible while demanding as much work as possible. Many of the social gains that are now everyday rights in Canada can be traced back to unions fighting for them in collective agreements. Women in particular stand to gain from the union advantage because we are uniquely impoverished.
Its a good video and such a good idea. Looking forward to catching up with you in Gateshead next week.
Yay, you go Cath. I have been meaning to join my union for ages, will finally get off my behind and do it.