Why Unions Matter
This Friday, the Democratic Club features a panel of union members from the North Idaho Labor Council. These individuals represent the legacy of men and women who have worked for and defended workers’ rights. They will share a bit of history about the work of unions along with an overview of the values and issues that unions have spent decades defending. Democrats are the natural allies of unions. The panel will confirm the shared values and benefits of this alliance. They will also speak to why Democrats should continue to support them. Come down to the Iron Horse Bar and Grill this Friday for a reminder of Why Unions Matter and why we should defend them.
The panel members are Barb Harris, Brad Cederbloom, Rick Jones and Shirley McFaddan.
A Brief History of Unions in Idaho
Unions in Idaho are as old as the state itself. In the 1880’s, the mining district, commonly known as the Silver Valley, was a center of conflict between the mine owners and their beleaguered workers. Because of the oppressive and unjust conditions of their labor, the workers formed a union and held strikes. Listed among their grievances were a request for fair pay and reasonable working hours. They also defended their right to organize. The fight for workers’ rights was bloody and long. However, ultimately, unions succeeded in protecting and extending the rights of workers. Today, unions are under attack by the same corporate interests. Democrats need to continue to support them and the role they serve as a counterweight to those who wish to weaken workers’ rights.
North Idaho Labor Council
SOURCE: https://idahoafl-cio.org/northidahoclc/about-us
The North Idaho Labor Council is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO. These councils are the heart of the labor movement. They are democratically elected bodies representing the interests of working people at the state and local level. Most importantly, the NILC mobilizes its members and community partners to advocate for social and economic justice regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.
