BRATTLEBORO — At one time, unions were common in America, but they have been busted and dwindled as “right to work” legislation has diminished union shops. In 1954, an estimated 35 percent of U.S. workers belonged to unions and in 2018 only 10.7 percent do.
Fortunately, the Brattleboro Food Co-op has the benefit of being a union shop. Though a cooperative, there is a need for a union. A union is only as effective and strong as the stewards willing to step in and carry the weight of all of us.
Because our co-op has stellar, devoted stewards, I am writing a letter to the editor to publicly thank them. Scott, Donna, Marlene, Cindy, Ron, Simon, Sheila, and Zack are our solidarity warriors! They exemplify the definition of what a co-op is - or strives to be. They represent all of us bargaining employees - listening to us, supporting us, representing us, and walking that very difficult balance between management and rank-and-file employees.
They do all of this, and they do so often without thanks or appreciation.
Unions support the worker, who supports the business, which supports the community.
Historically, unions have been regarded as instigators and accused of creating untenable working environments. But unions have also been praised and recognized for the justice and cohesion they bring to all of us, because we all benefit when solidarity is the goal.