4/11/04
The United States is the birthplace of a thriving middle class. Our dedicated working class denied aristocrats power over our society. The American working class realized the investors and workers were codependent, meaning they needed each other. And so a new balance within society emerged. The working class united together, using the strength of numbers to fight for fairness (Wetzel 1-10). Their success was due to a combination of diplomacy, dedication and a bond of common interests. Average Americans stood in the way of profiteers that abused the common worker for selfish gain. Most importantly, they stood together. These workers were soon organized into the first unions; quickly they spread nationwide. Seventy years later, these united workers are still the cornerstone of defense against feudalism and have allowed a middle class to flourish.
Union member's enthusiasm has fluctuated throughout history. In today's economy, the union interest is increasing with more than 41,000 new AFL-CIO members this year (AFL-CIO 1-4). The push for a free market threatens the working class with corporate access to cheap foreign labor. With George W. Bush at the helm, 2.9 million American jobs have vanished. A majority of the eliminated jobs have been overwhelmingly in the manufacturing industry and replaced with other jobs offering 21% less pay. This is expected to worsen with current economical objectives of government leaders and corporate juggernauts. In Michigan , there was $2,406 less income in households and 1.7% increase in poverty between years 2000 and 2002. A total of 300,000 Michigan jobs have been stripped away since 2000 (170,000 were manufacturing jobs) (Gray 1). All of these statistics appear inexcusable when considering the 25% increase in corporate profits last year (AFL-CIO). Still, President Bush proposes eradication of overtime pay to 8 million Americans.
Today, unions are still one of the best defenses for the American worker. Together, union members look to discredit the “free market” theory. As the accomplished author Thom Hartmann states, “There is no such thing as a free market.” Examination of the “market” proves Mr. Hartmann's conviction to be true (1-4). Markets are supported by taxes we all pay. Taxes make public education available, educating the American workforce. Tax goes toward public transport, allowing the workers to travel and goods to be shipped. The safety services of police and fire departments are paid for with taxes so commerce can function safely. Even communication networks are protected through tax funding. One is left to wonder where the “free” in “free market” comes from.
The value of a united working class can be felt by the unprotected, struggling Americans nationwide and within our own communities. Americans agonize over fading dreams of economic stability, sending their children to college and putting food on the table today and the days that follow. College graduates accumulate large debts they fear they may never recover from. The middle class needs protection that unions have proven to provide. United, Americans can restore responsible tariffs, anti-trust legislation, worker protections and eventually reclaim the American dream.
Works Cited
AFL-CIO. The Real Economic Story . March, 2004. <http://www.aflcio.org>
AFL-CIO. Work in Progress. March 22, 2004 . <http://www.aflcio.org/aboutaflcio/wip/wip03222004.cfm> ; ;
Gray, Kathleen. “Governor acts to retain Mich. jobs.” Detroit Free Press 22 March 2004 .
Hartmann, Thom. Democracy – Not “The Free Market” – Will Save America 's Middle Class . 12 March 2004 . <http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0312-08.htm>
Wetzel, Tom. The Origins of the Union Shop . Fall, 1989. <http://www.uncanny.net/~wsa/union3.html>