Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO

 

VERMONT AFL-CIO TEN POINT PROGRAM

A New Path Towards Progressive Change For Labor Organized Labor has been the most powerful force for change in the History of the United States of America. From the 8 hour day/40 hour work week, the establishment of the weekend, livable wages (in Union shops), to workplace safety standards; Labor has won these foundational victories through collective action and solidarity. However, for some decades Labor, nationally, has been on the decline...We can (and must) be a social and political power once again; one capable not only of defending against the attacks we now face from DC, but also of going on the offensive and delivering positive life altering changes for working people. But we will not achieve our potential if we stay on the road more traveled....

VERMONT AFL-CIO TEN POINT PROGRAM for UNION POWER

"The task before us today is not just to grow the power of Labor, but to become THE social & political power capable of making foundational change throughout the Green Mountains.

VT AFL-CIO Convention Elects New Leadership, Turns in Progressive Direction

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VT AFL-CIO TURNS IN A PROGRESSIVE DIRECTION

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This was a lonely existence, and not an easy one. The pay, even though the work was full-time, was little enough that food stamps became necessary.

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How We Fight for and Win $15 and a Union

Building Our $15 and a Union Now Movement

Whereas: There has been remarkable growth in the Fight for $15 movement since it was started by fast food workers in New York City in November of 2012, and 

Whereas: Observing that the movement to raise pay for workers, boost their purchasing power, and strengthen the economy has taken root in communities across United States and around the world, and 

Whereas: Recognizing that this movement is growing to include underpaid workers across the service sector such as grocery store workers, home care workers, hospital workers, adjunct professors, airport workers and others, and 

Whereas: Recognizing that other unions, faith organizations, student organizations, and community organizations are increasingly joining with us in a Fight for $15 movement, and 

Whereas: More and more workers are starting to fight for and win concrete victories, such as the $15/hour minimum wage in Seattle, and

Whereas: The power of organized labor is needed for low wage workers to win livable wages and the power and respect that comes through union organization.

Therefore, be it resolved: That the Vermont State Labor Council, AFL-CIO will commit resources, and urge and its member unions and membership, to commit resources to a $15 and a Union Now movement based on organized union power by vigorously supporting the fight of the City Market workers of UE Local 203 for an immediate minimum wage of $15.

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