Comic Book Answers: Why do workers need a new 'Bill of Rights'?
“Working people in America will no longer accept economic rules written of, by, and for the wealthiest few. We refuse to accept the reality of struggling to make ends meet in the richest country in the world at its richest point in history. We can do better. We must do better. And so we demand rights that ensure we are able, through our work, to lead better lives.”
A comic book developed by the North Carolina State AFL-CIO aims to answer the question of why we need a new 'Bill of Rights' in this country to turn the tide of economic and societal forces back in favor of working people during the current pandemic and beyond.
The 'Bill of Rights' we need now more than ever
America's labor movement continues to lead the response to the coronavirus pandemic and to fight for economic opportunity and social justice for all working people -- including fighting for policies and principles that, had they been in place at the start of the current crisis, would have lessened the disruption of lives and livelihoods caused by COVID-19.
Back in 2017, at the national AFL-CIO convention in St. Louis, Missouri, delegates passed Resolution 1: Workers’ Bill of Rights, which declares that all working people have the right to:
- A good job with fair wages;
- Quality health care;
- A safe job;
- Paid time off and flexible, predictable scheduling;
- Freedom from discrimination;
- To retire with dignity;
- Education;
- The freedom to join together; and
- A voice in democracy.
With public approval of unions today near a 50-year-high and with COVID-19 having exposed and even worsened pre-existing and persistent structural racial and economic inequalities in the United States, now is the time for the labor movement to champion these essential rights and freedoms.
Introducing "The Workers' Bill of Rights: A Comic Exploration"
In keeping with our commitment to promote the Workers’ Bill of Rights to a broad audience, we are thrilled to announce an exciting, new resource: The Workers’ Bill of Rights: A Comic Exploration, a comic book developed by the North Carolina State AFL-CIO.
The comic book, available in Spanish and English, both in print and online, comprises nine captivating and beautifully illustrated individual stories that explore the nine key components of the Workers’ Bill of Rights.
We must educate our members and the public on the need for a comprehensive bill of rights for all working people--Black, brown, and white; urban and rural--because we deserve better.
One job should be enough to make ends meet. Getting an education should not require mortgaging your future. No one should have to sacrifice their health or life to earn a paycheck.
Join us in this fight for better jobs and better lives for all working people!
Visit the comic book website to read The Workers' Bill of Rights: A Comic Exploration.
Get involved by texting comic to 235246 to get your own digital copy of this publication or by emailing [email protected] to request a printed copy.
