Life is better with collective bargaining

When workers have the power to bargain collectively, life is better. Just ask the 350 workers at Jefferson County Public Library (AFSCME Colorado) who just won their historic first contract this year. The newly organized AFSCME members won raises across the board for every worker, bilingual pay, holiday leave and a grievance procedure that ends at-will employment.

For Jefferson County Public Library workers, it was a long, hard road to winning a contract. First, they had to lobby their legislators to change Colorado law to enable county workers to collectively bargain. Then they had to organize together and win their union election. Then they got to work to mobilize and negotiate their contract. Their victory is inspiring, impressive and a great example of what happens when workers stand together and demand more through collective bargaining.

Collective bargaining is not just about what happens at the bargaining table. Fighting for a fair contract is a prime opportunity to grow union membership. The more members who are engaged, connected and informed, the better the outcomes. Through workplace actions, visibility days and bargaining updates, we can keep up momentum and show our solidarity while negotiating. That show of strength is vital to deliver wins for workers.

Whether we are fighting for paid family leave, quality health insurance, secure retirement benefits, better equipment, or safe staffing ratios – collective bargaining is how we achieve victories for workers. And through collective bargaining we are raising the bar for workers across the country, whether they belong to a union or not.

The newest Union 411 installment explores the power of collective bargaining. You can share this video to help others understand the importance of organizing and fighting for a fair contract and what they can do to help make it happen.

For more information, follow the Union 411 series, which explains union basics and how to build strong local unions. Each two-minute video highlights a specific topic like the power of legislative action, the role of stewards and new organizing.

Belonging to a union gives us a powerful voice. With collective bargaining, we use that voice to improve our lives and our communities.