I remembered this morning that Andy Stern, former president of the SEIU, came to Netroots Nation two years ago and talked about plans for a national freelancers union for contract workers.
And because, frankly, the only political speeches I really want to hear are coming from the union movement, I was thinking there should be a way for liberals to show their support for union causes through affiliating with the unions — maybe through an associate membership of some kind that would possibly even allow you to buy into their health care plan.
So I got on the phone with a friend who works for the SEIU, she said she’d been thinking along similar lines and she’s promised to pursue it.
What do you think? Is it something you’d support?
Yes.
There is a sort-of union for graphic artists called the Graphic Artists Guild, which provides legal support, and has had health insurance available. I think they are somewhat too small to really provide the support needed. http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/
Will I get health care? If so, sure.
An idea worth pursuing.
There are a lot of office workers who aren’t covered by unions; if they could become affiliate members and get a benefit like health care, it think it would be something they would consider. I would.
At the drop of a hat . . .
Membership and health insurance, check and check! We don’t do collective bargaining (doesn’t really work with freelancers…) but we’re all about solidarity and workers’ rights.