Vested Interest - September 2006 Issue

The President's Thoughts

"Salute To American Labor"

A few days ago, my 84-year old mother required a warranty service call on her aging television. Mom lives near my home in southern Illinois. She was appalled to learn that the 1-800 number connected her to someone in India!! (Needless to say, there was a substantial language barrier.) Nevertheless, “outsourcing” – a modern attempt by big business to avoid fair wages and laws designed to protect workers – has become too common in our society. Over the years, the “Made In America” label has disappeared, only to be replaced by “Made in China” or, most recently, “Made in Vietnam.”

John F. Kennedy once described the work of labor as follows:

“The American labor movement has consistently demonstrated its devotion to the public interest. It is, and has been, good for all America. Those who would destroy or further limit the rights of organized labor – those who cripple collective bargaining or prevent organization of the unorganized – do a disservice to the cause of democracy.”

As we celebrate Labor Day this year, take a moment to THANK YOUR LOCAL UNION WORKERS. These working men and women represent the continuing contributions made every day in our society and form the backbone of America’s strengths, prosperity and freedoms. These workers are also our friends, neighbors and clients. They are construction workers, railroad workers, longshoremen, miners, air traffic controllers, autoworkers, mechanics, electricians, teachers – the list is endless. Some place themselves in hazardous environments so that we can enjoy the fruits of their labor – coal, gasoline, electricity, roads and public safety.

But don’t forget to also pay homage to those who labored in the past. For example, too little is learned in our classrooms today about Samuel Gompers. Who recalls that Sam Gompers emigrated to the United States in 1863? He worked as a cigar maker and in the year following his arrival in America, he joined a local union. In fact, Samuel Gompers was instrumental in acting as a founder of the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions. And, as we all know, this organization later became the American Federation of Labor. Sam Gompers was the first President of the AFL and believed that “The trade union movement represents the organized economic power of the workers... It is in reality the most potent and the most direct social insurance the workers can establish.”

We owe so many of our liberties to working men and women. For example, also long forgotten is Rose Schneiderman. In 1890, Rose, like so many other immigrants, sought a better life in America. After working as a lining stitcher in a cap factory, she was instrumental in getting women admitted to the United Cloth, Hat, and Cap Makers Union. Rose was well known in her day for her stance on working conditions for laborers. In 1928, she was elected president of the National Women’s Trade Union League.

There are so many notable labor leaders to whom we, as Americans, owe our gratitude. These organizers represented all nations and were not afraid to take risk in their efforts to vigorously advance the cause of social justice. Consider, for example, David Dubinsky. He was a baker in his father’s shop in a small town in Russian-occupied Poland. After becoming active in his local bakers’ union, David Dubinsky was sentenced to a Siberian prison. In 1911, he escaped and reached the United States. He became a cloak cutter and joined the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. David Dubinsky became President of the ILGWU in 1932 and was an active labor leader for over 30 years.

If I tried to summarize the names of all the working men and women who should be honored for their past accomplishments and dedication to democracy, I would far exceed the pages allotted for this article. Instead of continuing eulogies, let us offer a “SALUTE TO AMERICAN LABOR.”

As lawyers who proudly seek to preserve the civil justice system, we must stand with labor and join in their commitments. Today, more than ever, we must join the fight against those interests that seek to destroy organized labor in order to realize an increase in profits. By joining this battle, we unite with the men and women of our society who continue to make this country prosperous and free. For labor is, truly, “the most potent and … direct social insurance the workers can establish.” Our vision is their vision: To insure that all Americans have the opportunities for good jobs, affordable, quality health care, a great education for all children, and a retirement system that will be there when it is needed.

Judy L. Cates, President
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association