In America, one of your rights as a worker, is to join or form a union. All workers should understand that it is their right to be represented by a union that will protect their rights on the job. Unions can also advocate for issues concerning the worker. Having union representation gives the worker a voice at the job and on capitol hill. It's the law, it's fair and it's an expression of free people in a free democracy.

The US Congress passed the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) in 1935.  Section 7 states:" employees SHALL have the right to self-organization, to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing, and to engage in other concerted activities for the purpose of collective bargaining or other mutual aid and protection," as well as the right to refrain from engaging in any of those activities.

The fact that some employees in the US are not given this right, or are having this right taken from them through the actions of state legislatures is an assault on democracy and a blatant disregard for existing labor law.

Members of the Laborers' Union belong to one of the fastest-growing unions in North America. The Pacific Southwest Regional Office represents 70,000 members and their families in Arizona, California, Hawaii and New Mexico.

There are several ways to go about joining the working members of LIUNA:

• If you are a construction worker or a public employee, by uniting together with coworkers to form a union with LIUNA.
• In the construction industry, by reaching out to a Local Union where you live or work. Find a Local near you.
• By working for an employer, that already has a contract with LIUNA.

Related Resources:

• History of the Laborers
• History of the Labor Movement
• few more links to related info