Feb 22, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
IAM Midwest Territory Chief of Staff LaToya Egwuekwe-Smith joined the IAM in 2008 as a Communications Representative at the Grand Lodge after having previously worked as a political television news reporter/anchor and producer for many years. In 2016, she joined the IAM Midwest Territory as a Communications Representative.
This afforded her the opportunity to dive even deeper and work closer with the membership, where she says she “learned first-hand the importance of effective servicing and how the work we do directly impacts our membership and their families.”
In this role, Egwuekwe-Smith helped develop and implement cutting-edge programs for contract negotiations, organizing and political communications for the Midwest Territory.
Egwuekwe-Smith grew up in a union household. Her father, a Nigerian immigrant, and her mother both retired from AFSCME. Her mother also retired from the Chicago Teachers Union. Smith says her parents were her mentors and inspiration.
“Together they raised five strong black women, of which I am the youngest,” said Egwuekwe-Smith. “Even though we grew up in an area that was not always the safest place to raise a family, they were able to shield my sisters and I from a lot of what was going on in the streets. Their union jobs allowed all of us to attend top elementary and high schools, and each of us went on to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It was my parents who taught me the importance of hard work. It was my parents who taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be. For that, I am forever grateful.”
In 2020, Egwuekwe-Smith was appointed Midwest Territory Chief of Staff, the first Black woman to hold the position. Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway says that in the summer of 2020, Egwuekwe-Smith “was on the top of his list” for the job when then former Chief of Staff Luther Williams made the personal and unselfish decision to retire from the IAM.
“My decision was very easy, as LaToya showed leadership qualities from the time she joined the IAM,” said Galloway. “Her expertise, dedication, and respect throughout the IAM was only equaled by her cultural pride and fight for justice. LaToya’s knowledge, tenacity, work ethic and leadership qualities are second-to-none. Her proven ability to multi-task and work with our staff and membership exemplifies how well respected she is in the IAM. LaToya’s ability to build relationships and mentor others throughout her career in the IAM proves that she is an effective leader that will only continue to grow stronger for our organization.”
Egwuekwe-Smith notes that effective leadership does not exist without obstacles.
“Being a woman of color in a room or at a table where no one else looks like you has its own set of challenges,” said Egwuekwe-Smith. “My round-the-clock work ethic, being a huge stickler for the details, and keen ability to meet people where they are, while at the same time share mutual respect for every human being I come across is how I’ve been able to overcome many challenges as a leader. From a cultural standpoint of being an African-American woman, I’ve always simply stood in my truth: I’m Black. And I’m a woman. And I make no apologies for either of those two facts.”
Egwuekwe-Smith’s advice to members is to “be the change you want to see,” as Gandhi once said.
“Representation is important,” said Egwuekwe-Smith. “An organization in which its leaders don’t reflect its membership lessens that organization’s effectiveness.”
For Black History Month, COS Smith reflects that “Oftentimes, you hear people say, ‘I’m colorblind. I don’t see race or color.’ While such a statement may seem honorable and politically-correct, the truth is I need you to see my color. I need you to see my race. Because that’s what makes me me. It’s a part of who I am.”
“It’s important that we as a country recognize that Black History is U.S. history,” said Egwuekwe-Smith. “It would be great if we all committed to digging deeper into the contributions of African Americans this Black History month. If we could commit to learning something new that perhaps we never learned before. While we as a country will forever be indebted to the contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks and Oprah Winfrey and Frederick Douglas, we cannot forget the hundreds of other unsung Black heroes that tend to get overlooked.
“Folks like Henrietta Lacks, who unbeknownst to her, her immortalized cancer cells have become the backbone of modern-day medicine. Her family has yet to be compensated. Or, that some of the United States’ most symbolic buildings – the White House, the U.S. Capitol, Georgetown University – were built by slaves. This history should not only be important to African-American people. It should be important to all people,” said Egwuekwe-Smith.
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Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
Approximately 2,500 IAM members at Hawaiian Airlines, represented by IAM Districts 141 and 142, have overwhelmingly ratified strong five-year collective bargaining agreements with the carrier. The agreements win the best job protections and largest pay raises for Clerical and Related Agents, Ramp, Aircraft and GSE Mechanics and Related in the history of Hawaiian Airlines.
“Our members at Hawaiian Airlines and across the transportation sector have kept the world moving through this pandemic,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “They deserved a contract that gives them the respect they have earned, and I’m proud to report that this has been accomplished.”
On Wednesday, February 16, a ratification vote was held across the whole Hawaiian Airlines system.
Highlights of the agreements include:
– An increase in the base rate of pay on date of ratification by a minimum of 10%, and increases each year over the five years of the contract by 2% each year.
– Limits the contributions employees will pay for health care.
– Increases the number of day trades available for members.
– Raises mandatory overtime pay.
– For part-time workers, the agreements will bring more fairness and expand healthcare options.
“The IAM’s strength as the largest and most powerful airline union in North America was on full display during these negotiations,” said IAM Transportation Coordinator Edison Fraser. “Our congratulations go to all IAM members, Hawaiian Airlines, the negotiating committee and support staff who made it all possible.”
The contracts cover nearly 1,000 members who work as Aircraft & GSE Mechanics, Inspectors, Line Servicemen, Aircraft Appearance, and Contract Service personnel, as well as more than 1,500 members in Cargo, Central Reservations Control, Crew Scheduling, Guest Services, Ramp, Purchasing, and Records.
“I saw firsthand the dedication and commitment of the members of our negotiating committee,” said IAM Airline Coordinator Tom Regan. “This is a model collective bargaining agreement that will benefit the entire airline industry. Congratulations to every IAM family at Hawaiian Airlines for their strength and solidarity.”
The post IAM District 141 and District 142 Members at Hawaiian Airlines Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract with Historic Job Protections, Pay Raises appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
The IAM continues to prepare for its 40th Grand Lodge Convention, to be held October 2-7, 2022 at the Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World.
As part of the preparations, the IAM Executive Council has voted on and come to consensus on a 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention logo and theme, which will be “IAM Standing Strong.”
“Our union has overcome so many great obstacles in the past few years,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Despite all the challenges we have faced, we have remained strong and united toward our goals of justice and dignity for every IAM member and family. We look forward to showcasing these great victories at our 40th Grand Lodge Convention under the theme of ‘IAM Standing Strong.’”
The 40th IAM Grand Lodge Convention Official Call will be mailed to Local Lodges in the coming weeks.
“The Western Territory and the Grand Lodge Convention Host Committee are fully mobilized in preparation for a great convention in Las Vegas this October,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Our Grand Lodge Convention logo and theme both speak to the power and pride of our membership in the Western Territory and across North America. We continue to look forward to welcoming IAM delegates to Las Vegas.”
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Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
The employees at Integra Pool Covers in Burlington, Iowa knew they needed a union, no matter the outcome.
“It was that bad in the plant that the workers were willing to put everything on the line to make sure the next generation of workers didn’t have to endure what they did,” said Midwest Territory Special Representative Chris Tucker. “That’s the type of people we are talking about here. Men and women who risked their livelihoods to make the world better.”
Respect, wages and consistency of work rules were the three areas that needed to be addressed. So in November 2021, this small group of workers took a large step in the right direction and filed a petition to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM.)
But since joining the IAM, these workers have been put to the test by the company.
Immediately after filing a petition to join the union, the company launched a retaliation campaign against this group of employees. Assigning them to do meaningless tasks like pulling weeds in the company parking lot or digging snow in temperatures dipping below freezing, the company was trying hard to get these workers to quit. Within a few months, Integra stopped nearly 90% of production at their Burlington facility, announcing they were closing the plant and moving to another state.
But with the Machinists in their corner, this group kept their promise to right the injustices that were happening behind closed doors, and their solidarity kept them fighting. The IAM is not leaving them to fight alone.
“These workers have been through hell and we are going to do everything we can within our power to help them,” said Tucker. “This company should know they can’t hide. We know they treat workers bad in their facilities and we are going to make sure the rest of the world knows what is really going on. You can’t abuse a person’s human rights without consequences.”
So far, the IAM has filed two unfair labor charges against Integra with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of these workers. And the Machinists Union will continue to work on getting these employees all they rightfully deserve.
“This is the core of the Machinists Union; we fight to protect workers whose rights are being trampled on,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “We intend to do that for the employees of Integra Pool Covers who were not only brave enough to stand up and say we need a union but also put everything on the line to make sure the next generations of workers in their community will never have to go through this again.”
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Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Helena Thornton started her career in August 2006 with US Airways in Charlotte, NC as a part-time fleet service agent. She was elected as a Shop Steward in 2008, and in 2010, she ran for Victory Lodge 1725 Conductor Sentinel—and lost by only three votes.
Despite the obstacles of working in a male-dominated field and being a single mom, Thornton never gave up.
“If nothing else, this gave me the strength, drive and the determination to overcome any obstacle,” said Thornton.
Her hard work and determination to learn more paid off when she ran again in 2013 for Conductor Sentinel and won. She also became a delegate for her Local Lodge and attended her first Grand Lodge Convention in Toronto, as well as the Transportation Conference and the Women’s and Human Rights Conference. During this time, she served on her Local Lodge’s Women’s Committee, where she worked to revamp the committee’s mission.
In 2016, Thornton was elected to serve as Local 1725’s Recording Secretary. She formed the Community Service Committee after attending the Community Service Program at the William W Winpisinger Center. She was a delegate to the 2016 Grand Lodge Convention in Chicago, and attended the Transportation Conference and District Lodge 141 Conference as a delegate.
During her term as Recording Secretary, she was appointed to be an auditor to District 141 by President and Directing General Chair Michael Klemm. In 2019, Thornton was one of the three honorary recipients of the Community Service Award from the Women’s Department at the IAM Women’s Rising Conference. In 2022, Thornton was elected as the first woman president of her lodge.
Thornton notes that she was fortunate to be given all the training to ensure that members were represented to the best of her ability. She also notes the help she received from her assistant general chairs, who got her more involved on the district level. She also credits IAM women in leadership roles, and how they were always supportive of any and all women in whatever role they wanted.
“Without a doubt, the mentorship and leadership that I received from the William W. Winpisinger Center is one that could never be replaced,” said Thornton. “I can honestly say the relationships that are built there are for a lifetime.”
“Helena is a very determined individual who has time and time again proven herself to be a strong union leader,” said Richard Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “Becoming the first woman President of Local Lodge 1725 is a significant accomplishment, and I applaud her.”
Thornton admires and can relate as a mother to Mamie Till-Mobley, an American civil rights activist whose son, Emmett Till, was kidnapped and murdered after being wrongfully accused of whistling at a white woman at a grocery store. She fought to bring justice for her son and educate people on discrimination.
Thornton’s advice to members is to get involved. She encourages her IAM Brothers and Sisters not to get discouraged and feel like they may not fit in, because every person has a place in their local, as well as their union.
“At the heart of it all, it’s about unionism and what we stand for,” said Thornton. “Always strength in numbers as Fighting Machinists do.”
Her hope is for people is “to learn to respect everyone no matter of race, ethnicity, gender and equality. Because everyone bleeds red, so we’re not as different as people want us to be. Let’s just respect and love each other.”
Thornton also encourages people to learn the Black history for themselves, not what others perceive it to be.
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Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
Thank you to IAM District 751 for sharing this information from the Aero Mechanic.
The Machinists Institute, which is the training arm of our Union, continues to expand opportunities to support education and training for our members and community residents for training in manufacturing and aerospace.
On November 22nd, the Machinists Institute Youth Academy (MIYA) program held its first graduation celebration for students completing the pre-employment manufacturing training. Two classes of students ages 16-24 completed this 8 to 10-week training and the evening was an opportunity to celebrate their success.
District 751 President Jon Holden and Machinists Institute Executive Director Shana Peschek addressed the graduates – congratulating them on their accomplishments.
The Machinists Institute provided the training, in conjunction with Partner in Employment, to provide youth from the immigrant and refugee community skills to gain entry-level work and a pathway into the aerospace and manufacturing industry.
“The Machinists Institute Training Program is a great vehicle for young, motivated youth to learn valuable skills if they choose a career in either the aerospace or manufacturing sectors,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “Jon Holden, PDBR and the entire leadership are to be commended for their vision! The IAM has always emphasized training our current members and providing prospective Machinists with the tools to get their careers started. District 751 continues to establish innovative training programs that serve the aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive industries.”
The event took place at the MI Tukwila Training Center. These graduates had the honor of being in the two inaugural classes – where the program and equipment were literally being built around them as the program progressed. Before the formal ceremony, those attending had an opportunity to tour the facility, where students could demonstrate what they learned on the various equipment. Students recognized the opportunities this initial training provided and were excited to showcase their skills.
For the majority of the students, this program was the first time they had been exposed to potential careers in manufacturing. The program spurred several to pursue a career in manufacturing after getting hands-on experience and touring several nearby companies that are looking to hire individuals.
At least one of the graduates plans to pursue an internship they learned about during the program. Once the internship is completed, the company will place individuals on a hiring list – giving the student a clear pathway to a career in manufacturing.
One of the parents attending was nearly in tears as she noted that this program “opened doors for my daughter and got her interested in pursuing a manufacturing career. Before this hands-on program, she was in the house doing online training and feeling very isolated. Now, she is energized and excited at the possibilities for her future thanks to this training.”
During the 8 to 10-week program, students got hands-on experience in basic drilling, riveting, and deburring, as well as the chance to work on mini-lathes that cut steel and aluminum. In addition, students got to experience coding and work with benchtop mills. The curriculum also included six workstations for soldering – each teaching a different lesson in electronics. During the class, students assembled a Bluetooth stereo speaker they were allowed to keep. Students also assembled a 6-axis robotic arm, which they then had to program.
Another aspect of the training, introduced students to metrology, depth gauges and radius gauges to gain an understanding of measurement tools, as well as QA concepts. The class also had a segment on tool control so students would become acquainted with how to check tools in and out since this can be a big issue in a manufacturing environment.
Throughout the training, students learned the importance of precision work and paying attention to detail. Students also worked on a resumé.
Finally, the program also incorporated a segment on worker rights to educate students on the advantages of Union membership – something missing from most other training programs.
The class gave the students great exposure to a variety of manufacturing processes, equipment, and principles. Batholomew Kimani, who taught the course, is very knowledgeable and has a great rapport with the students – getting them engaged, asking questions and understanding the relevance of each activity as it pertains to manufacturing and industry standards. His love of the topic is evident – making him a great fit to help encourage others on the pathway to manufacturing careers.
This is just one of the exciting programs the Machinists Institute is delivering to serve the aerospace, manufacturing and automotive machinists industries. Established by IAM District 751, the Machinists Institute proudly serves current and future workers to reach their career goals and provides cutting-edge education and training to build a highly skilled and diverse workforce to meet employer demand.
The post Celebrating Graduates of the District 751 Machinists Institute Program appeared first on IAMAW.
Feb 17, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Richard Jackson started his IAM career in 1997 as a Union Steward at Local 751A. A few years later he was chosen to be a part of a newly negotiated work transfer group.
The group was charged with fighting to keep work for their Local Lodge members that Boeing sought to offload. Jackson also held position as a Local Lodge auditor and District Council delegate, and is a current Delegate for the AFL-CIO. In May 2007, he was appointed to the position of Business Representative and secured this position when he was elected one year later. In 2014, Jackson took on the dual roles as Business Representative and the first Black District 751 Secretary-Treasurer.
Although Jackson cannot recall any roadblocks that stopped or held him back, he says that none of the past leaders or anyone on staff looked like him until 1990 and again 10 years later in 2000. Jackson understands what hard work is after being raised by a single working Black mother who worked two and three jobs to support him and his sister.
“Brother Richard Jackson is a fine union representative and exemplifies the values of integrity and compassion,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “He consistently gives of himself without reservation and serves our members with dignity and grace.”
Jackson credits Bruce Spalding, a previous Business Representative, for his mentorship and encouragement. Jackson says that Spalding believed that he could be a leader and afforded Jackson different opportunities in the union. He also credits District President and Directing Business Representative Jon Holden for teaching him the intricate details of negotiating a first contract and Holden’s confidence in him by assigning him to lead contract negotiations, which help better the lives of working families.
“Be bold, step up and get involved with your Local and District at all levels,” said Jackson. “You have a right to be there, and our union is better off with leadership that looks like its membership. Don’t be discouraged by what you see. What you see today does not determine where we’ll end up in the future.”
Jackson grew up in the 1960’s on the west side of town. He not only felt the financial struggles of his family, but experienced discrimination.
“I look at my life and my future and what I would like to leave behind as a professional legacy, and my desire is to change the tapestry of the Machinists Union and make sure all people are recognized for their hard work and efforts along the way, instead of just maintaining the status quo,” said Jackson. “I was given great opportunities throughout the years of service to our great union, and I want the same for the Brothers and Sisters who also deserve the recognition and opportunities to grow and advance. We have to be purposeful in our endeavors to cultivate change, and I will continue to work towards this greater purpose and help others who also want to advance this legacy.
“The knowledge, understanding and benefit of being in a union will no longer be blinded by the lies of corporations and the wealthy who don’t want us to know the truth,” said Jackson. “The truth is, people of color are better off financially when they have protections on the job and have better pay and benefits by being in a union. Unions are an equalizer and ensure workers are paid for the job they perform. I also hope that current leaders at Local Lodges and Districts across the country begin to reach out and ask people of color to be involved. I didn’t know I was wanted until someone asked me to join them.”
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Feb 15, 2022 | iMail
BOSTON, Feb. 15, 2022 – Thirty members of Machinists Union Local Lodge 447 are on strike for a fair contract at Cummins locations in Dedham, Mass., Scarborough, Maine, and Concord, N.H. The strike began on Saturday, Feb. 12. Members are currently on the picket line.
Machinists Union members at Cummins voted almost unanimously to reject the company’s offer to extend the contract and voted 100% to strike after Cummins management insisted on a contract that put into place inconsistent and subjective pay for performance policies.
“Machinists Union members at Cummins are determined to get a fair contract that reflects the current economic conditions,” said IAM District 15 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mike Vartabedian. “Our members are trying to do the right thing and fight for a contract that will make life better for their families and they are a huge part of Cummins’ success. They risked the health of themselves and their families by working through a pandemic to service generators that helped keep our senior citizens in nursing homes safe and supporting our frontline workers throughout New England to save lives. We hope that they will present us with an offer that values the hard work of our members.”
“We stand in solidarity with our members at Local 447,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “The IAM will utilize all of our resources to ensure our members at Cummins receive a contract recognizing their hard work in making this company successful.”
IAM District Lodge 15 is one of the largest districts in the IAM representing approximately 19,000 active and retired members in a number of different industries.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is among the largest industrial trade unions in North America and represents nearly 600,000 active and retired members in the manufacturing, aerospace, defense, airline, railroad, transportation, shipbuilding, woodworking, health care, and other industries.
goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion
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Feb 15, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Nicole Tappenden started her IAM membership in 2017. She began attending Local 2323 monthly meetings, and then was nominated and elected to be a shop steward shortly after. She went on to become the chair of the Young Machinists (YM) Committee and Co-Chair of the Community Service committee, as well as a member of the Human Rights, Political Action, and Health and Safety committees in her Lodge.
Tappenden says her main obstacle in chairing Local committees was not having the budget available to do what was needed. She decided that her very first campaign would be to raise money to achieve the committees’ goals.
Tappenden attributes a lot of her involvement to her former Local Lodge President Dave Flowers.
“He was an excellent resource and truly lived the life of an activist for the workers,” said Tappenden.
Flowers empowered Tappenden to exercise her autonomy to lead the committee in a direction she felt would work in helping her local’s members and community.
Tappenden’s goal is to make the work place and the policies that govern the work place better for everyone. She wants to be known as being an activist, being fair, and being persistent to get things done.
“Taking ’no’ for an answer when the answer should be ‘yes’ is not something I will ever get accustomed to and will always push the boundaries to make things better,” said Tappenden.
“I’m very pleased with the dedication and personal commitment that Nicole has demonstrated in defending her fellow workers rights and how she has been advocating for social justice as well as justice in the workplace,” said IAM Canadian General Vice President David Chartrand. “Nicole is truly an inspiration for a new generation of community and labor leaders. She truly personifies the word solidarity and brings pride to the IAM.”
Tappenden’s advice is to keep things in perspective.
“Being a minority shouldn’t be seen as being disadvantaged, instead bring your perspective and learn from others,” said Tappenden. “You will see workers tend to have similar issues that cross color.”
She also notes that sometimes we find allies in different places, and that union members trying to contribute to their union should rely “on their natural instincts, talents, skills and resilience to contribute to being a unionist and activist to drive change.”
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Feb 15, 2022 | iMail
This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.
Sheldon Barber started down the union leadership path a couple of months after his shop was organized. At the time, the current shop steward felt Barber would serve the position better than she would and asked if he would become a shop steward if she stepped down. He has always admired her for that.
“It takes a selfless person to put their ego aside and admit, without provocation, that someone else would serve the membership better,” said Barber.
Growing up in a very proud union household, Barber knew from the day his IAM Local 4 shop was organized that he was going to be involved and wouldn’t just sit on the sidelines. His father was very active in his union and served on his Local Lodge Executive Board.
In addition to his time as a shop steward, and later as Chief Steward, Barber has served on various Local Lodge committees. He became Local Lodge Vice President in 2014, and one year later was elected as Local Lodge President. He also was a District Delegate and State Council Delegate. In February 2021, Barber was appointed Business Representative for District 4 in the Eastern Territory.
Barber feels the only obstacle he had to overcome was inexperience, but time and dedication fixed that. He is humbled for all that he has learned over the years. He attributes the mentoring, support and advice of District 4 Assistant Directing Business Representative Mark Duval as being invaluable to his success.
“I want to thank Brother Barber for his words on what this month means to him, through the eyes of a Black man in our union, the IAM,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President Brian Bryant. “I have watched him progress through the ranks at Local 4 up to President, and then as a Business Representative at District Lodge 4. I am proud to call him my union Brother, colleague and friend.
“While it is easy to say that Barber earned the positions he has held in our union, we would be doing a disservice to him if we fail to acknowledge that it was more difficult for him, and all of our Black Sisters and Brothers, to earn their peers’ confidence to be their union representative,” continued Bryant.
“The IAM is not unlike most AFL-CIO trade unions. While we were one of the first unions to grant full membership to our Black Brothers and Sisters, we cannot, and should not, hide our history on race in the IAM. We are a better union today because our doors were opened to all workers, and we are a better union when our Black Sisters and Brothers participate in all levels of our organization,” said Bryant.
“As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s celebrate the contributions and accomplishments that all our Black Brothers and Sisters have made in the IAM and across the entire labor movement over the history of our great union,” concluded Bryant.
Barber is inspired by and admires the self-discipline of Malcom X.
“Malcom X was a polarizing figure who went from a poor farm boy in Nebraska, to a street hustler in Boston, then to one of the most prominent and influential non-politicians of the 20th century,” said Barber.
Barber’s advice to Black members is to “jump in with both feet.”
“Don’t assume someone else will do it or let your lack of experience or knowledge stop you,” said Barber. “The main thing you need is to care about the issues facing you and your coworkers. If you care about the conditions at your job, you have enough to get started.”
His hope for the future is “true equality; not only in compensation but in recognition and input.”
Barber believes the wage inequity between Blacks and Whites in America is “criminal,” and the difference between Latin Americans and Whites is even greater.
“Without unions, the disparity would be immeasurably worse,” said Barber.
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