In the last decade more women have joined unions than men, and a recent poll showed women with a more positive view than men toward unions and collective action. While women are still paid less than men, women who belong to unions earn 38 percent more than those who don’t.

AFL-CIO President Sweeney recognizes that women are the source of growth for unions and will be for the foreseeable future. Through the Working Women’s Department, the AFL-CIO is committed to improving the lives of working families by determining the issues working women care most about, developing an agenda, and striving to close the gender gap within the labor movement and the nation.

It is the BMWE’s responsibility to assist in this endeavor by carrying the message that women are the future of the labor movement to our membership, families and friends.

President Fleming has furnished fact sheets and survey forms to BMWE General Chairmen and State Legislative Directors, encouraging them to distribute the survey forms as widely as possible. You can help by contacting your System Division or Federation office and requesting forms or by calling the Working Women’s Department toll-free at 1-888-971-9797.

The completed surveys should be returned by the end of June, so please act now.