What has a union ever done for me?

“What have the Unions ever done for us?” This is a question that is often asked, and it’s easy to overlook the many contributions that unions have made to our society. In fact, their impact on our daily lives is so significant that we may not even realize it.

Monty Python famously satirized this idea in their skit “What have the Romans ever done for us?” In the skit, a group of rebels discuss the oppressive Roman rule and the many ways they have been mistreated. However, they are then asked to consider all of the things that the Romans have actually provided, including sanitation, medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, and a fresh water system. In the end, they have to admit that the Romans have actually done quite a lot for them.

Similarly, when we ask “What have the Unions ever done for us?”, we may be overlooking all of the things they have provided. Unions have been instrumental in fighting for better working conditions, fair pay, and benefits for workers. They have also fought for workplace safety regulations, improved labor laws, and protections against discrimination.

Unions have also played a significant role in shaping our modern political landscape. They have been at the forefront of many important social justice movements, including the civil rights movement, the fight for gender equality, and the movement for LGBTQ+ rights. They have also been involved in advocating for environmental protections and healthcare reform.

When we consider all of these contributions, it’s clear that unions have done a lot for us. They have helped to make our workplaces safer, fairer, and more equitable. They have fought for our rights and freedoms, and they have played a crucial role in shaping our society.

So the next time someone asks “What have the Unions ever done for us?”, we should be prepared to answer with a long list of their many contributions. It’s time to give credit where credit is due, and recognize the important role that unions have played in making our world a better place.