What AFSCME Has Meant To Our Fam

What AFSCME Has Meant

To Our Family

Kristina S. Penny

AFSCME Local 1231

Looking at the underpaid workers in many undeveloped countries and parts of the world, it is easy for many people to be appreciative of unions in general. Every time I pick up an item at the store and turn it over to see the words "Made in China" stamped on the bottom, I am reminded of those who don't have a union to fight for them and must do all of their work with extremely low compensation. The work of unions insures that all of us in the United States can strive for the American dream: the "pursuit of happiness." In a way, it's as if AFSCME and other unions say to their members, "Let's all give a little money, a little time, and advance forward, instead of a few people paying everything (their jobs, their careers, their income) and all of us moving backward in this ‘pursuit of happiness.’”

AFSCME means a lot to my family, first and foremost because of what it did for my uncle. My uncle worked for a local university and has been a member of AFSCME for ten years. About a year ago, he suddenly got sick and was diagnosed with a heart condition that prevented him from returning to work. He then applied for long-term disability pay, but there was some resistance from his employer. So my uncle turned to AFSCME for help. Because he was a member of the union, they were able to provide resources that ultimately allowed him to obtain his disability pay. If it weren't for the assistance of AFSCME, my family and extended family would have been forced to come up with the money to support him. We are especially grateful for the union's help because later within the same year, my uncle suffered a mild stroke and, in the midst of

the worries and concerns during the weeks that followed, we had less to worry about. Instead, we could focus on helping him recover.

AFSCME also has value to me personally in my pursuit of future goals. My family has a different story from most. In my immediate family, I am the AFSCME member, not my mother or father. I started working during my junior year in high school in order to earn a little money for college, to help a little with family expenses, and to obtain work experience for future goals. Now in my senior year, I have been able to recognize the value of AFSCME in my own work experience.

My dream is to become a print journalist. I want to make people think. The only way people can think is if they have information. I want to join the ranks of persons who go where everyday people can't go and fetch information that would not be available to them otherwise.

In order to fulfill my goals, I know for a fact that I will lean on the measures AFSCME and other unions have taken long before I was born. I know that because unions have fought for equality and fair employment and treatment for people of different classes, races, and genders, I will be able to climb higher than I otherwise could have.

I know that because millions of AFSCME members used strikes to gain higher wages in 1945 and 1946, I can rely on fair compensation for my services to my city.

I know that, because of AFSCME's role in the civil rights movement, I can enjoy more equality and respect in my workplace. I benefit because AFSCME workers in San Jose, California waged the first strike in the nation's history in 1981 over equity of pay for women workers. I can know that they have paved the way for me not to be discriminated against because of my gender.

As an African-American woman, I can enjoy a fair shot at my dreams today and tomorrow because of actions AFSCME has taken years ago.

What does all of this mean to my family? It means that I have the opportunity to have a job and to be active in helping with our finances by contributing to expenses and earning a few dollars of my own money for college. It means that through hard work, I can become a successful journalist and reach back to help however I can. It means that my family can have peace of mind knowing that AFSCME has worked to make sure my uncle is taken care of. I depend on the fact that the union has fought and will continue to fight for my rights. I know that AFSCME will support me so that I can help support my family.