by Kathy Groob, ElectWomen Magazine

Women have fought along side men for the rights of workers and for adequate pay that is equal to men.

The AFL-CIO Executive Council in March, 2009 issued the following statement on working women’s rights in a global economy: “Trade unions make a difference in the lives of women, and women make a difference in the work of trade unions. From Berlin to Bogotá, from Bangkok to Baghdad and from Boston to Brazzaville, women work every day, contributing to the economic vitality of society as a whole.

Throughout the world, women are the hardest hit by the global economic crisis. Most work in low-skill and low-wage jobs. They are paid less than men in nearly every country, and they work longer hours. Their work is often dangerous, and many women risk their lives every time they go to their jobs.”

“Rising social inequality both between and within nations reinforces the need to eliminate vast disparities.”

“Specifically, dynamic measures that target women are needed to redress existing discrimination and change attitudes and conditions. The AFL-CIO therefore focuses our work on major areas in which women’s rights must be defended and enhanced worldwide, including:

Freedom of association—the right to organize;

Education and training;

Employment and equal pay;

Social protection with particular focus on maternity protection and access to health care;

Family responsibilities;

Harassment and violence against women; and

Full participation of women in union structures and operation.”

This Labor Day, ElectWomen Magazine salutes the women leaders of yesterday’s and today’s union organizations:

Linda Chavez-Thompson

Linda Chavez-Thompson, labor union activist, was the first woman of color elected to an executive office in the AFL-CIO.

Mother Jones – Labor Agitator

Mother Jones (Mary Harris Jones) has been called the most dangerous woman in America. Taking up labor union agitation when she was sixty by her reckoning, she continued her activism into her nineties, working for the United Mine Workers, against child labor and in struggles including in Illinois, West Virginia and Colorado.

Rose Schneiderman

A Russian Jewish immigrant to the United States who worked in the New York garment industry, became President of the Women’s Trade Union League.

Dolores Huerta

Labor leader and organizer, social activist; co-founder of the United Farm Workers.

Lucy Parsons

Early socialist activist “of color”; a founder of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, the “Wobblies”); widow of executed “Haymarket Eight” figure, Albert Parsons; writer, anarchist, radical organizer.

Wanda Mitchell Smith

AFSME Kentucky & Indiana –Political advocate for the members of AFSME Council #62.

Jacqueline B. Vaughn, President Chicago Teachers Union

As the leader and spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union, the late Jacqueline B. Vaughn was a frequent vision on the screen, addressing the issues and interests of both teachers and students in her calm yet firm voice. Clearly and succinctly, wit h dignity and style, she presented the union’s position through the years while school crisis after crisis seized the public’s attention.

Donna Dewitt

Donna is currently serving her seventh term as President of the South Carolina AFL-CIO.  Elected in 1996, she was one of only three women in the history of the AFL-CIO to hold the title of a state president. She is one of five women currently serving in this position throughout the United States.  In addition, Donna is the chair of the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics.