This is a story about the working people of New York City.
Since the turn of the 20th century,
working people have struggled for a better life.
Manhattan's Little Italy, Lower East Side, circa 1900
They joined together and formed Unions,
to fight for a living wage,
Construction workers on strike, 1930
and for workplace safety.
Demonstration for thirty construction workers who died from 2014 - 2016 because of lacking safety standards on non-union work sites.
Their fight continues today.
Unions built New York City from the ground up.
They are responsible for the bridges,
Manhattan Bridge - 1909
George Washington Bridge - 1930s
the skyscrapers…
View from Empire State Building - 1930s
Workmen raise the flag at the new Empire State Building - 1930s
Construction of UN's Permanent Headquarters
and the infrastructure of New York City.
Third Avenue Line train tracks - 1878 (AP Photo)
Sandhogs, Lincoln Tunnel - 1955 (NY Times)
They have recognized that joining together,
is the best means of protecting themselves and their families.
Unions = Protection
Today’s workplace rights, like the eight-hour work day,
and laws covering health and safety on the job,
have been won by the struggles and sacrifices of working people in Unions.
Unions are empowered by the strength of solidarity.
Their actions embodied the American dream of fairness.
Unions have built an opportunity for all to succeed.
Credits:
Created with images by WikiImages - "ground zero world trade center new york" • Unsplash - "manhattan empire state building new york city" • WikiImages - "suspension bridge manhattan bridge construction" • simpleinsomnia - "Street view of the Brooklyn Bridge and skyline" • WikiImages - "skyscraper workers construction workers" • marc.flores - "36th Street" • Foundry - "child childhood boy" • MTAPhotos - "Second Avenue Subway - October 13, 2014" • empracht - "World Trade Center ruins" • rwkvisual - "New York Summer Street Fair 11" • MTAPhotos - "Second Avenue Subway Update - October 13, 2014" • Witizia - "new york nyc architecture" • MsSaraKelly - "Statue of Liberty"