WHY I DECIDED TO STUDY LABOR

Written By Karla Pineda

EL AVANCE

LCLAA's Bi-weekly Newsletter | April 7, 2022

Why I Decided to Study Labor

Dear LCLAA members and allies,

 

If you ask most students my age, they do not know Labor Studies is a major. It is not promoted well or it is something that students do not seek out. I only heard of Labor Studies after I transferred into a four year university and even then, Labor Studies found me.

 

I took a course  that was cross listed with Labor Studies. I deeply enjoyed the class and learning about workers.  My academic counselor  recommended that I speak to the Labor Studies counselor and by the end of that meeting I was a Labor Studies minor. I was still not sure about the decision but with the support and passion of the counselors and professors I knew I was going to love this work. In this field I have found a community of not just professors but students, who are committed to helping others. It is work that is not always seen as mainstream but is an integral part of our society. 

 

Labor Studies is intertwined in our daily lives from the workers at the grocery store to the construction happening down the block. Yet, labor is  often overlooked. We fail to pay attention until we are the ones being exploited. 

 

We are taught that we should just be grateful to have employment but that is not the standard we should set for ourselves. In this career I have learned the importance of our work and that every individual worker deserves safe working conditions, proper compensation, and benefits. We strive for a society where no employee, regardless of race, gender or job title, can be exploited and we can only achieve this if workers have the right to organize and join a union. Labor Studies has taught me that we do not only need to protect ourselves, but the people around us. That is why I study Labor Studies. Because this is a movement bigger than myself. 

 

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Intern

Sasha Rodriguez

 

Like a Moth to a Flame, Workers Unite
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This article highlights the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire which continues to have an impact today. Despite occurring in 1911, the event and the surrounding work by unions at the time have allowed unions today to have a stronger voice in workers’ rights and safety. Unions stand in solidarity with workers and those who have lost their lives because of an unsafe workplace. Read the full article.
 

America Finally Gets an Amazon union
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Both parties have come to an agreement to establish the first Amazon union in Staten Island, New York. This historic moment comes after 28 years of workers fighting to get a union that represents them and fights for better working conditions. ALU will fight for higher wages, longer break hours, and allow for a union representative to be present during disciplinary meetings. Read the full article.
 

Janitorial Workers Demand Higher Wages

In any job, workers should receive fair compensation and fair wages. This however, is not the case for USC workers. For many years custodians have worked under low wages, despite having years of experience. This week we shed light on USC workers losing healthcare benefits, transportation passes, and discounts on the USC campus. Read more at the Daily Trojan.

 

¡Actúa! - Take Action!

Support the DC Domestic Workers Bill of Rights: Domestic work is one of the most important and fastest growing jobs in the country, yet it is some of the most unprotected and vulnerable work, excluded from basic labor rights and protections and primarily done by women of color and immigrants. Click here to sign the petition. 

 

Support Conde Nast Union: The Condé Nast Union has requested voluntary recognition with The NewsGuild of New York-CWA (TNG-CWA). Sign this petition telling Condé Nast’s management to recognize the union and start negotiations without delay or division! Click here to sign the petition.

 

Support Maximus workers are on strike: Maximus workers are demanding livable wages, paid leave for all and better working conditions. Maximus workers handle all the 1-800 calls for Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. They’ve been trying to form a union for years. However, Maximus has launched an anti-union campaign to interfere with their right to organize. So the workers are going on strike today, the anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act. This is the first strike ever of federally contracted call center workers. Click here to sign the #MaximusStrike Community Support Letter. 

 

Email California lawmakers to support Senate Bill 1162, the Pay Transparency for Pay Equity Act:  Employer transparency is key to achieving equal pay for women and people of color. We can't fix what we can't see. Take Action Now!

 

Support Low-Paid Families with the Build Back Better Act: Email your Representatives to support the Build Back Better Act, a federal bill would address a number of issues affecting women and families across the country in the wake of COVID-19, by lowering the cost of child care, creating new jobs, allowing parents to get back to work, and more. Click here to Take Action!

 
 

Eventos - Events

April 7: Pacific Northwest LCLAA First in person event. Click here for more information.

 

April 23: Greater Lansing LCLAA Chapter 8th Annual Scholarship Dinner. Click here for more information.

 

May 1: Sacramento, LCLAA International Workers Day Event. Click here for more information.

 

Oportunidades - Opportunities

Oportunidades y más
 

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EL AVANCE

 
 

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The Labor Council
for Latin American Advancement

 815 Black Lives Matter Plz NW

Washington DC, 20006
Karla Pineda
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