PLATFORM : Labor’s L.A. Gains

There have been peaks and valleys in the past century, but one inescapable truth emerges: Unions are essential for the long-term health of the U.S. economy.

The decline in membership over the past two decades (from 30% to 16% of the labor force) is inextricably linked to plummeting standards of living. Real wages today are lower than in 1973. People now work

longer and harder; good, high-paying jobs are hard to find.

We face a widening gap between rich and poor--and a dangerous disappearance of the American middle class. Hampering efforts to reverse the decline are badly outdated U.S. labor laws, which now serve only to help companies maintain “union-free” environments, often by violating workers’ rights.

But after 14 years, union membership is rising again--especially in Los Angeles. The Service Employees and Hotel and Restaurant Employees locals have led the way in improving low-income members’ pay and benefits. Unions are reaching out to more women, more people of color and more immigrant workers than ever before. And unions are forming partnerships with community groups to affect public policy and promote economic growth in a way that’s good for all.