PIMA AREA LABOR FEDERATION

It is imperative that within the framework of the union movement the Coalition of Labor Union Women take agressisve steps to more effectively address the critical needs of all women.

Union women work in almost every industry, in almost every part of the country. Despite their geographical, industrial and occupational differences, all union women share common concerns and goals.

Striving for equality of opportunity and rights in the workplace demands the full attention of the labor movement.  The primary purpose of CLUW is to bring union women together to determine our common problems and concerns, and to develop action programs within the framework of our own unions to work towards our objectives. This struggle goes beyond the borders of this Nation and we urge our working sisters throughtout the world to join us in accomplishing these objectives through their labor organizations.

Since less than twelve percent of the women in today's labor force are enrolled in labor unions, it is obvious that most working women are suffering economically. Statistics clearly demonstrate that the union member enjoys higher wages, better fringe benefits and working condition and greater job security than the unorganized worker. The Coalition of Labor Women seeks to promote unionism and to encourage unions to be more aggressive in their efforts to bring unorganized women under collective bargaining agreements, particularly in those areas where there are large numbers of unorganized and/or minority women. The Coaltion will seek to create a greater awareness of the benefits of union membership.

It is imperative that union women, though action programs of the Coaliton, become more active participants in the political and legislative processes of our unions with special emphasis on these areas, which particularly affect women. We support full employment and job opportunites and shorter work weeks without a loss of pay, child care legislation, a livable minimum wage for all workers, improved maternity and pension benefits, improved health and safety coverage, expanded educational opportunites, mass action for State and Federal legislation for all workers, the right to strike, and an extension of truly protective legislation for all workers, and other relevant issues. Until final ratification of the Equal Rights Admendment is won, the Coaltion will make the fight for the ERA a priority though mass action and educational campaign. The Coalition urges women to seek election to public office or selection for governmental appointive office at local, county, state and national levels.

The Coalition seeks to inspire and educate union women, and to encourage our leadership within our unions and in other arenas.  The coalition supports the formation of women's committees and caucuses at all levels in the labor movement.

Employers continue to profit by dividing workers on sexual and racial lines. This encourages inequality in the workplace and results in wage and benefit losses for women. The power of unions must increasingly be brought to bear, through the process of collective bargaining, to correct these inequities.

If you want to be a part of CLUW, the PALF is working on establishing a chapter.  Please contact Marian Amoroso-Benedetto at mabenedetto@unitedwaytucson.org

or Laura Dent at pimaalf@yahoo.com