The facts emanating from survey data on today's union workers, tell a story of improved living standards for union workers. According to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Population Survey data, union members have a distinct advantage. Unionized women earn 38 percent more; African Americans earn 30 percent more and Hispanics earn 38 percent more than workers who do not have union representation. Union members are also far more likely to have employer-provided health care (85 percent for union workers compared to 57 percent for nonunion workers) and employer-provided pensions (82 percent for union workers compared to 43 percent for nonunion workers).

Unions give working people a voice in government, by representing working families before lawmakers, and make sure politicians never forget that working families voted them into office. Unions work for equal treatment and fight discrimination. And we continue to fight for justice for women and minorities in collective bargaining, as well as in legislation. Unions help working families get a fair shake in today's economy. Union workers earn an average of $155 (or 33 percent) more each week than nonunion workers and are much more likely to have health and pension benefits. That's why America needs today's unions. Unions promote economic development, partner with community groups and pitch in when disaster strikes.

The television campaign will also include community outreach and local activities to reach out to nonunion workers. This is today's labor movement: savvy and informed--using their voices to express the broad new commitment to reach out and build our membership to gain greater strength for American working families.

From the IBEW Journal November 1997.