Labor Bytes Streaming Content Continues the Conversation
Labor Bytes; Union Leaders using Technology to talk to their MembershipIn many ways, 2006 was a year of revolution and a time forever marked by the phrase “stay the course”; a policy term and/or philosophy that Americans recently rejected on many levels.
The revolution wasn’t limited to November’s political election and subsequent Republican loss of both houses, or simply a rejection of the war in Iraq and a President who had squandered the trust of his people. It was a revolution on many fronts, both national and local, including the war for adequate wages, the war on healthcare, and the war on organized labor …to name just a few.
Organized labor found itself in a somewhat disorganized atmosphere in recent years as individual unions (and in some cases individual locals) sought individual solutions to common problems that affect all union members on a statewide and/or national level.
However, dialogue between union leaders coupled with more effective outreach to their membership is closing the gap as trade organizations look for common ground and join forces to expand union membership, bolster union benefits and the recoup the strength of a politically educated workforce once feared by politicians who currently find unapologetic refuge within corporate shelters.
To assist in local efforts and ensure that the discussion is accessible to all within a platform easily accessed by workers, Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd launched an aggressive online program last September called Labor Bytes; a series of audio programs that can still be heard 24/7 over the Internet at the convenience of union members at www.horwtizlaw.com/Our-Library/Labor-Audio.htm.
The success of Labor Bytes is attributed to those labor leaders who embraced the new technology with enthusiasm and honesty, offering frank and candid discussion of matters important to both their membership and organized labor as a whole.
Mike Smith, business agent for Laborers Local 751 kicked off the series premiere with a discussion regarding the disproportionate use of outside contractors on local construction projects made possible through tax grants, robbing taxpayers (local contractors, workers, retailers and families) within the community of shared revenue benefits.
Joe Ward of OE 150 engaged listeners with his thoughts on true collective bargaining as it relates to merging the strength of unions statewide and/or nationally for better health and welfare benefits, as well as the need for heightened accountability for those charged with the management of funds; performance standards that protect union members from abuse or neglect that often result in loss.
And perhaps more appropriate than we realized at the time he agreed to participate, the November elections were preceded by Tim Smith, President, UAW local 145 who spoke to the danger of passive ignorance through a lack of education within today’s political climate; the responsibility of union workers to educate themselves about the issues at stake and to participate in the security of worker rights so valiantly fought for by union brothers and sisters of past generations.
In reflection, we’re proud to have played a small part in the 2006 revolution as a sponsor of engaging thought and a call to action for members of organized labor throughout Illinois.
January marks a new year; a new era of progress and our promise of continued commitment from the Horwitz firm to keep the dialogue moving forward. Labor Bytes returns this month with a new lineup featuring dedicated and driven labor leaders speaking to important issues that can be successfully navigated to a purposeful end through cooperation, effort and member education.
I hope you’ll join us.
If you have an issue or concern you’d like addressed on Labor Bytes, please write to me at office@horwtizlaw.com.
Happy New Year,
Cliff Horwitz