The Transport Workers Union is an organization established in 1943 in New York City by Michael Quill. Before its foundation, thousands of city transit workers suffered under the hands of greedy corporations and managers who took advantage of their labor and the harsh economic times of the great depression. Despite walking away with vast profits, the organization mistreated workers who were underpaid, hired and fired at will, disregarded, and overworked. As a result, Michael Quill collaborated with other human rights activists and like-minded individuals like Martin Luther King to empower workers in retaliating against organizational prejudice through bargaining. This essay describes what to expect from the TWU, what not to expect, and how to positively contribute to the Union by actively participating as a member.
The TWU is an organization that fights for equality in the workplace by speaking against any form of discrimination and violation issues that lead to undesired outcomes for workers. Therefore, TWU can intervene for its members in human rights violations cases, gender bias, racial or sexual discrimination, and ethnic disparities. The TWU is also responsible for ensuring that workers operate in a safe environment that meets their needs, including reimbursements and insurance covers to mitigate disasters (Transport Workers Union, 2021). Moreover, the TWU collaborates with institutions such as the Committee on Civil and Human Rights to ensure that workers can navigate complicated labor regulations and deal with issues facing a diverse workforce such as LGBTQ and immigrants. As a result, union members can depend on TWU to stand with them in advocating for higher wages, improved health and safety, and assault protection.
Even though the TWU fights for the rights and well-being of its members, it can only do so within its legal jurisdiction and to fulfill its duty of fair representation. As a result, the TWU cannot get involved with issues not related to workers’ rights violations (Transport Workers Union, 2021). For example, the organization cannot represent an individual before the committee in negligence cases or failure to meet their obligations. Moreover, the organization cannot protect an individual from job loss due to underperformance and breaking corporate laws. Therefore, it is crucial to uphold integrity to ensure adequate support from the TWU.
Labour unions such as the TWU yield more power when active and loyal participants go out of their way and contribute to its initiatives. Consequently, it is vital to actively participate in the Union’s initiatives and follow through with its programs. For example, the TWU occasionally adopts picketing, striking, and boycotting organizational operations as tactics to drive organizations towards acknowledging worker’s demands. Therefore, it is advisable to show up in numbers and motivate each other to initiate a better response. Additionally, the Union is stronger with more members (Transport Workers Union, 2021). On that account, it is best to encourage others to register and join in to reap its benefits and improve their living standards.
Regulating labor markets has played a crucial role in improving employment outcomes and availing better opportunities to the less fortunate. However, organizations like TWU play a pivotal role because corporations may go against statutory labor laws by abusing the individuals who depend on them. Nonetheless, the TWU and similar organizations unite workers and offer front-line support in fighting for their rights. Therefore, the Union can assist workers in navigating complex rules, receiving fair pay, fighting against racial, sexual, or gender bias, abolishing discrimination, and enhancing occupational safety. Even so, the TWU only operates within its jurisdiction, preventing it from protecting individuals with organizational liabilities. However, actively participating and encouraging others to join can boost their capacity and help address more issues.
References
Transport Workers Union, (2021). About – Transport Workers Union. The Transport Workers Union of America.