Good Union News

The weakness of private-sector unions remains a lethal flaw in the U.S. economy, but victories are to be had and must be celebrated.

Two from Kenneth Quinnell at Crooks and Liars:

Last year American Airlines filed for bankruptcy in an effort to cut jobs and pensions, while paying executives large bonuses. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and the Transport Workers Union recently concluded negotiations with American that led to the airline dropping the plan, which would've eliminated 13,000 jobs and canceled 90,000 pensions. TWU President James C. Little said:

The company initially wanin California with overtime protections, inclusion in workers' compensation coverage and the right to meal and rest breaks – givens for almost every other worker in California.

Assemblymember Ammiano, author of the bill, said "Simply put, the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights is about doing the right thing. Ask any parent and they will tell you that domestic workers like nannies, caregivers and housekeepers do some of the hardest and most necessary work around. Not only will this bill improve the everyday lives of workers and their families, it will improve the lives of those who they care for and nurture every day. Treating people fairly is not rocket science – protecting the health, safety and well-being of domestic workers will lead to better home care, fewer mistakes from exhaustion and less worker injury."

...

"All work matters and all workers deserve dignity. Domestic workers care for children, the elderly, and the disabled, enabling so many workers to go to their jobs every day knowing their loved ones are in good hands. Just as they care for our families, domestic workers have families of their own and deserve the same protections that all other workers have. This bill is simply about ensuring every worker in California is treated with respect and dignity on the job," said California Labor Federation leader Art Pulaski.

If the bill has success in California, maybe it can help bring a spotlight on the way domestic workers are discriminated against in other states as well.