The Strengths of AFL-CIO, in terms of this blog, can be divided into two separate categories. There are the strengths of the national AFL-CIO and the strengths of the Arizona AFL-CIO. For my purposes, I am going to write about Arizona AFL-CIO, since that is where I internship and know best.
Arizona AFL-CIO is not one union. We are an umbrella group composed of multiple unions. SEIU would be a comparable organization. It is for that reason that we are stronger than an individual union. We are a federation, hence the F in AFL-CIO. Because of our size and unity, we have a stronger voice when it comes to issues. When we go to lobby at the Arizona Capitol, it's not UFCW or CWA that is going to the Capitol, it is UFCW, and CWA, and SMART, etc.
I am extremely proud to say that I work for Arizona AFL-CIO for two reasons. 1) We support unions, which is something that is of great importance to me and 2) it seems to me, that we have a great reputation in Arizona among those that support labor and are part of the movement.
Once again, because we are composed of several organizations, I think our ability to provide economically is part of what gives us our great reputation. When unions need help for special events, meeting places, etc., if Arizona AFL-CIO can help financially, it does.
There are many strengths related to being a labor federation, but I wanted to cite the strengths of Arizona AFL-CIO specifically. I don't think there is anything I would differently. My boss, the Executive Director, has been doing this for a long time. I think she's a bad-ass and knows what she is doing. I enjoy being here and will forever remember my time here.
Charlie,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up a great point there is definitely power in coalition, "federation", building. In the Hispanic community one of the mantras often heard at rallies and advocacy events is "El pueblo unido jamás será vencido" loosely translated "the people united will never be defeated" this is something that organizations like the AFL-CIO have learned well over the years and now put into practice at a larger organizational scale. I wish you the best of luck on your journey and hope that you can put into practice all that you learn at this internship.
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ReplyDeleteI recently watched the movie CESAR CHAVEZ.This man believed in his own ability and that what he was doing was the right thing to do for others. Courageous acts like this are rare in todays society. We need more of that. As a Correctional Officer I was Vice Pres of a labor group that represented workers inside the prison system. This was an awesome and fulfilling volunteer role that I would do again if I had the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteJoe