Changing Jobs, Changing Lives

Workers pursue their dreams through union-supported job advancement programs.

Waiting for a job promotion to simply "come along" can be as realistic as waiting for Prince (or Princess) Charming: It happens in books and in the movies and sometimes — very rarely — in real life. But it’s not a prospect to bank on.

In real life, job advancement takes vision, planning and follow-through. Having a strong union can be a big help — particularly when that union has taken steps to help its members progress.

AFSCME members in Illinois, California and Connecticut have used their union’s resources to set career goals for themselves and to move up. In many cases they have succeeded despite serious obstacles.

These workers have not waited for their dreams to come true: They have made them come true, with hard work, patience and help from their union.

By Susan Ellen Holleran