2012 ABC Contest
Headlines 
Why Union?
Union workers in the 15 lowest-wage occupations are 25% more likely to have health insurance than similar non-union workers in the same occupations.
Union workers in the 15 lowest-wage occupations are 25% more likely to have health insurance than similar non-union workers in the same occupations.
Why Union?
"If I have a problem, I can go to the union to work it out. And the benefits I get are worth the hard work." -Rosa Reede, Local 152, New Jersey
"If I have a problem, I can go to the union to work it out. And the benefits I get are worth the hard work." -Rosa Reede, Local 152, New Jersey
Why Union?
Unionization has raised African-American workers' wages 12 percent --about $2.00 per hour.
Unionization has raised African-American workers' wages 12 percent --about $2.00 per hour.
Why Union?
"Do not be afraid to be united. Do not be afraid to demand the wages and benefits, and safe working conditions you deserve." - Maria Naba, Local 7R, Longmont, CO
"Do not be afraid to be united. Do not be afraid to demand the wages and benefits, and safe working conditions you deserve." - Maria Naba, Local 7R, Longmont, CO
Why Union?
Unionized Latino workers are 27 percent more likely to have a pension plan than similar non-union Latinos.
Unionized Latino workers are 27 percent more likely to have a pension plan than similar non-union Latinos.
Why Union?
Unionized women workers are 19 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance than non-union women workers.
Unionized women workers are 19 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance than non-union women workers.
Why Union?
Unionized Latino workers earn 17.6 percent more in wages or $2.60 more per hour than non-union Latinos.
Unionized Latino workers earn 17.6 percent more in wages or $2.60 more per hour than non-union Latinos.
Why Union?
FACT: Union workers earn 30 percent more money than non-union workers, and 44 percent more when you include the total compensation of health and welfare benefits.
FACT: Union workers earn 30 percent more money than non-union workers, and 44 percent more when you include the total compensation of health and welfare benefits.
Why Union?
“I love my union because I have job protection. Without the union, the company could promote their favorites or fire people they just don’t like. My union keeps things fair for everybody.” - Dottie MacKenzie, Local 1360, Shoprite
“I love my union because I have job protection. Without the union, the company could promote their favorites or fire people they just don’t like. My union keeps things fair for everybody.” - Dottie MacKenzie, Local 1360, Shoprite
Why Union?
Unionized African-American workers are about 16 percentage points more likely to have health insurance and about 19 percentage points more likely to have a pension than their nonunion counterparts.
Unionized African-American workers are about 16 percentage points more likely to have health insurance and about 19 percentage points more likely to have a pension than their nonunion counterparts.
Why Union?
Unionized women workers earn 11.2 percent more in wages or $2.00 more per hour than non-union women workers.
Unionized women workers earn 11.2 percent more in wages or $2.00 more per hour than non-union women workers.
Why Union?
Without a union, employers have 100% control over its employees and complete authority to make all decisions. Unions give employees some of this control to make their workplace better.
Without a union, employers have 100% control over its employees and complete authority to make all decisions. Unions give employees some of this control to make their workplace better.
Why Union?
"Having a union is like having an attorney working for your rights 24 hours a day. When you cast your vote for the UFCW, you cast a vote for your family’s future." -Maria Naba, Local 7R, Longmont, CO
"Having a union is like having an attorney working for your rights 24 hours a day. When you cast your vote for the UFCW, you cast a vote for your family’s future." -Maria Naba, Local 7R, Longmont, CO
Why Union?
For low-wage workers, unionization raises wages about 21%
For low-wage workers, unionization raises wages about 21%
Why Union?
Unionized African-American workers are about 16 percentage points more likely to have health insurance and about 19 percentage points more likely to have a pension than their nonunion counterparts.
Unionized African-American workers are about 16 percentage points more likely to have health insurance and about 19 percentage points more likely to have a pension than their nonunion counterparts.
Why Union?
"It is important to get together. We have more strength at the bargaining table, we can get the company to treat us fair and give us more respect. The stronger we stick together, the louder our voice." - Jane Crawford, Local 271, Farmland Foods
"It is important to get together. We have more strength at the bargaining table, we can get the company to treat us fair and give us more respect. The stronger we stick together, the louder our voice." - Jane Crawford, Local 271, Farmland Foods
Why Union?
"I think my union unites workers because it’s something that’s good for everybody. It’s not a Hispanic thing or a black thing or a white thing — it’s something that’s good for everyone." - Susan Packer, Texas Poultry Worker
"I think my union unites workers because it’s something that’s good for everybody. It’s not a Hispanic thing or a black thing or a white thing — it’s something that’s good for everyone." - Susan Packer, Texas Poultry Worker
Why Union?
“All retail workers should have a union...Nobody thinks about the people who work long hours to make shopping easier. But the union is always thinking about us, and making sure that we're treated right." -Margie McCabe, New York
“All retail workers should have a union...Nobody thinks about the people who work long hours to make shopping easier. But the union is always thinking about us, and making sure that we're treated right." -Margie McCabe, New York
Why Union?
For service sector workers in low-wage occupations, unionization raises wages by over 15%.
For service sector workers in low-wage occupations, unionization raises wages by over 15%.
Why Union?
"What we all have in common is we all just want a fair wage, health care, and to be treated right. That's why we need to communicate with each other and stand together." -Ryan Dodds, Iowa
"What we all have in common is we all just want a fair wage, health care, and to be treated right. That's why we need to communicate with each other and stand together." -Ryan Dodds, Iowa
Why Union?
"We aren’t alone. We all have the same problems across all these meatpacking plants…We are in a very dangerous industry. We are feeding the world! We deserve the best medical care." -Susan Abdulla, Iowa
"We aren’t alone. We all have the same problems across all these meatpacking plants…We are in a very dangerous industry. We are feeding the world! We deserve the best medical care." -Susan Abdulla, Iowa
Why Union?
Unionization raises the likelihood of having health insurance or a pension by over 25 percentage points for younger workers.
Unionization raises the likelihood of having health insurance or a pension by over 25 percentage points for younger workers.
Why Union?
"When there was an ammonia leak…the supervisor got really mad and said that we had to get back to work. He didn’t want to listen to anyone. The union spoke with management and the situation was corrected." -Efrain Reyes Ruvalcaba, Texas
"When there was an ammonia leak…the supervisor got really mad and said that we had to get back to work. He didn’t want to listen to anyone. The union spoke with management and the situation was corrected." -Efrain Reyes Ruvalcaba, Texas
Why Union?
“My American dream is to buy a home... raise my children, and show them you have to work hard to have something in life... my union helps me reach that and allows me fair treatment and representation in the workplace.” - Alma Estrada, UFCW Local 9
“My American dream is to buy a home... raise my children, and show them you have to work hard to have something in life... my union helps me reach that and allows me fair treatment and representation in the workplace.” - Alma Estrada, UFCW Local 9
Why Union?
"I like the feeling of security you have with a union. I know I can’t just be fired for any reason, and that makes me feel safe and protected." -Michelle DiBartolomeo, Local 1360, New Jersey
"I like the feeling of security you have with a union. I know I can’t just be fired for any reason, and that makes me feel safe and protected." -Michelle DiBartolomeo, Local 1360, New Jersey
Why Union?
For the average woman, joining a union increases her probability of having health insurance more than finishing a four-year college degree would.
For the average woman, joining a union increases her probability of having health insurance more than finishing a four-year college degree would.
Why Union?
Unionized service sector workers in low-wage occupations are 26 percent more likely to have health insurance and 23 percent more likely to be in a pension plan.
Unionized service sector workers in low-wage occupations are 26 percent more likely to have health insurance and 23 percent more likely to be in a pension plan.
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