Why I root for the working class:
These photos were taken in 1978 at the Furniture Builders Union meeting. My dad is on the right in the first photo.
The last time he walked was into an investigation where an employee was terminated wrongfully and my dad represented him. After the investigation, he came home to a huge party in our backyard, dove into our swimming pool, and broke his neck. He never walked again but he did win in the investigation and the employee got his job back with back pay. My dad was also compensated due to wrong doing on the company’s part. That company was Simmons. He was just a bearded factory worker with a C average high school education. He fought Simmons and won for 2 people!
I was 4 years old and these are my earliest memories of a person getting fired and having to fight to defend themselves. My Dad always took positions that allowed him to fight for people.
His passion faded and changed. We are different people now but I have carried the torch in my heart. My employees always came first, even if that meant trouble for me sometimes. I’d find a compromise.
As the labor movement gains more momentum, it makes my toes tingle and my soul dance.
As you are struggling to maintain employment, find employment, or remain sane in your current position… Always remember your value. This is the time. #solidarity #unionstrong #union #union #strike #workers #tradeunions #1u #teamster #teamsterstrong #unionwomen
Freckled and Unfiltered 