As a daughter of immigrants I grew up listening to stories told by my mom and aunt about working in a hotel. It was considered a good job to have because it was a job with union representation. I would hear stories about how the unions would have their backs, but what always really stuck with me was what the union representation meant to my family. Union representation meant job security and support when layoffs and furloughs happened, it meant someone in your corner to help you fight for fair treatment at work. It meant a community of workers behind you that are all in this with you. As an adult I still have family members and friends that are union organizers — teachers, firefighters, sanitation workers — and that are all active union members showing me everyday that there is power in the people and power in unionizing.

Protecting Workers
Power in the People, Power in the Union
Ilse grew up hearing stories about how her mom and her aunt’s unions were looking out for its members’ families. A union, afterall, is itself a kind of family. Now more than ever Ilse sees the power in unions as they stand up for workers in the midst of crippling furloughs and layoffs.