Collective Bargaining: Real People. Real Impact.

New website explains what it is and why it matters to every worker

As multiple states around the country attempt to undercut workers' rights and pass anti-collective bargaining laws, the AFL-CIO and Laughing Liberally have teamed up to produce a series of videos illustrating the importance of collective bargaining. The videos coincide with the launch of a new website, collectivebargainingfacts.com:

For years, not many people talked about collective bargaining. But that changed when Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Republican politicians in a dozen other states decided to eliminate the right to bargain collectively from public employees. Instantly, working people in all kinds of jobs as well as students, community supporters, faith leaders and others united to defend this basic right.

And why is it so important? Because the right to come together for a voice on the job is not only a fundamental right, it is essential for working men and women to have the strength to improve their living standards, provide for their families and build an American middle class. Collective bargaining enables working people who are union members to negotiate with their employers to determine their terms of employment, including pay, benefits, hours, leave, job health and safety policies, ways to balance work and family and more. Bottom line: It gives working people a voice at the table.

Featured on the website are several videos - some comedic and others sincere statements by real people with personal experience in collective bargaining - including one video featuring AFGE member and Triangle Labor Council President Michael Gravinese, who explains what having a contract and being a union member has meant to him. Click here to watch Michael's video.