Page 14 - Work Force June 2024

June 2024 15
The Work Force
In recent years, the labor movement
has seen strong public support,
with about 67% of Americans
approving of unions, according to a
2023 Gallup poll.
The strongest levels of union
support are coming from the
youngest members of the workforce,
with 77% of people between ages
18-34 noting their support.
Workers across the country are
forming unions to demand respect
and a voice at work, including
forming unions in industries that
include big tech, retail, cultural
workers and coffee chains. They are
also increasingly fighting for justice.
Young workers leading the way
Key to this new growth are
young workers, who have been the
driving force behind well-publicized
campaigns such as Amazon and
Starbucks. In recent years, studies
have revealed a new perspective
brought on by the younger
generations; that individuals will
side with people whom they feel best
represents them.
Newburgh Central School District
Unit member Karla Quiroz said that
she thinks being part of the labor
movement is a good experience,
noting that she was able to gain
leadership skills through her CSEA
membership.
“I feel
understood and
heard within
the union
environment,” said
Quiroz. “People
listen to what
I have to say. I
feel that union
membership
has a strong
support system to fall back on, and I
appreciate being able to give back to
our union.”
According to the Center for
American Progress, Gen Z workers
are more pro-union than older
generations were at the same age,
but the strong labor support also
stretches to the slightly older
millennial generation.
Many young workers have
reported seeing how unionization
has helped family members sustain
a dignified living, and recognize
that they can demand justice in the
workplace.
The young workers’ pro-labor
Young workers
leading union surge
beliefs may determine the labor
movement’s future. This group of
workers entered the workforce
during recent economic difficulties
and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading
them to be concerned about their
worker rights, economic security and
workplace safety.
Unions help workers sustain a
living and keep them safe on the job,
leading to strong public support and
the recent surge of labor organizing.
Younger workers are also
determined to advocate for positive
changes on the job, and have been
actively working for positive change.
Quiroz said that she doesn’t
believe that there are as many
challenges for younger activists
because the new generational group
has a strong drive and willpower to
be heard and create change.
“I feel excited to be a part of this
generational movement on the rise,
being lead by young activists that
are well versed in trending topics,”
said Quiroz. “This makes them more
immersed in the culture, which
allows for a better understanding
of how to take on an active role in
advocating for workers’ rights.”
Union activism
Being a strong-driven activist goes
beyond attending union meetings.
Making positive changes as a union
activist takes hard work, gaining
knowledge and connecting with
members.
State Tax and OCM Local 4th Vice
President Livia Agosto shared her
succeses in taking on a big role in
advocating for one of the largest
Capital Region locals.
She said that putting the power
of the workers at the forefront,
establishing a good relationship with
management and gaining mutual
respect within the organization are
crucial to creating the right union
environment.
“When all these
things are present
then you can do
the job right,
effectively, and
efficiently,” said
Agosto.
Agosto also
urged members
to ask questions
to gain knowledge
and build solidarity.
“Let people know what you are
thinking,” said Agosto. “You aren’t
going to find what you are looking
for if you don’t ask. Always ask
questions!”
Agosto noted that people don’t
always see all the ways that they can
benefit from being a part of a union.
“Before moving to New York
State, I had never been a part of a
union and I wasn’t aware of all of
its benefits,” said Agosto. “Within
the union, there is great support,
but people don’t necessarily realize
it until they themselves are in the
environment. Unions offer great
representation and you should lean
into them.”
— Ashley McNeal
In this 2023 file photo, Storm King Art Center workers celebrate after
voting overwhelmingly to join CSEA. (Photo by Jessica Ladlee)
In this 2022 file photo, Utica Zoo workers celebrate after voting
overwhelmingly to form a union with CSEA. (Photo by Nicholas Newcomb)
Agosto
Quiroz