Which Side Are You On?

Which side are you on?

Union density peaked out at almost 35% in the 1954 today it hoovers at around 10%, half of what it was in 1980.  As union membership dwindles so does their voice in politics making it harder to hold politicians accountable for our support.  A perfect is the republican platform of 1956, the approximate height of union density.  The republican platform included protecting Social Security, extending the minimum wage, strengthening labor laws and equal pay among other progressive issues.  It would not be a stretch to say that the republican platform of 1956 was to the left of Democratic President Bill Clinton in 1993.  Another prime example of the loss of union’s influence in politics was the signing of horrible trade laws like NAFTA. 

Union member support for the republican party ebbs and flows depending on the candidates.  Ronald Reagan who garnered 45% of union support against Jimmy Carter, promised to support the members of PATCO in their contentious contract negotiations and earned their endorsement only to double cross them and break their union.  42% of union members voted for Trump based on his promise to bring back steel mills and protect the coal industry.  By contrast Bill Clinton beat GHW Bush by 18% with union members then rewarded unions with NAFTA.

Too many union members fail to realize the impact they have on their union when they vote for candidates that have not been endorsed by their unions.  Trump’s appointees to the National Labor Relations Board have put unions at a huge disadvantage when it comes to union organizing drives and implemented rules that make it easier for companies to refuse to negotiate with unions. 

Walter Reuther was only partially right when he said: “there’s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls”.  Unions are witnessing an all-out attack on the rights of union members by the NLRB under Trump.  The only way to end the assault is to elect a candidate that understands the role labor unions play not just in the economy but in the fight for social and economic justice for all working families. 

So, the question becomes, who’s side are you on?  Voting for Trump will only embolden him to continue his assault on unions and working families.  Joe Biden not only understands unions but also knows the value unions play in protecting the rights of both union and non-union members and has pledged to support unions. 

I’ll be voting for Joe Biden, because I’m on the side of working families, I’m on the side of Main Street, not Wallstreet.  I’m Ridin with Biden!