Are unions good for African Americans?

Here is one organization’s opinion based on research and historical data that details the positive aspects of labor unions and why they should be supported. This information was excerpted from an email from James, Gabriel, William, Dani, Matt, Natasha and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team.

“There was once a time in this country when Black folks would work 12-hour days for less money than their White co-workers who worked only eight. The key to leveling the playing field for Black workers was collective bargaining — and now Republicans around the country are attacking this basic right.

“The right of workers to negotiate as a group for better wages, benefits, and working conditions has been important for everyone, but it's been especially meaningful for Black Americans. Before we could collectively bargain, we had little control over our working conditions and no protection from racial discrimination in the workplace.

“That's why it's critical that we stand with the workers in Wisconsin, Ohio, New Jersey, and everywhere else collective bargaining is coming under attack. Collective bargaining has helped Black workers vulnerable to workplace discrimination win needed on-the-job protections.

“More than just protection from discrimination, collective bargaining has won Black workers fairness in pay and advancement, access to health insurance and retirement savings, and basic worker safety protections. This is especially true for Black public-sector workers.

“Twenty-five percent of all Black college graduates work in the public sector, and government work is second only to health and education services in concentration of Black workers. Now, Republicans in state legislatures around the country are attacking public employees' collective bargaining rights.

“Wisconsin is one of many states where collective bargaining is under attack. Republicans in Ohio just passed a law similar to Wisconsin's, and states from Indiana to New Jersey are prepared to follow suit.

“For Republicans, the economic well-being of Black folks (and all workers) is only collateral damage in a political battle. It's shameful. That's why it's important that we stand with the brave workers around the country fighting to preserve the right to collectively bargain in their states.”

For more information on this subject, read Black Americans And Organized Labor: A New History by Paul D. Moreno.