Unions provide a path to prosperity

The plight of the American worker has been well-documented by the Teamsters and others. Many don't know how much money they will bring home to their families because of uncertain hours and pay. The businesses that employ them are not being held accountable, and we all suffer because of it.

The Teamsters are helping those leaving the military find jobs.

Wages in recent years have been going down, not up, for a majority of workers when inflation is taken into account. Bad trade deals and pro-corporate legislation like so-called "right-to-work" is part of the problem. Retirements are uncertain. And it is having a huge effect on the outlook of many Americans, some of who are ready to give up.

A new study conducted by pollster Anna Greenberg on behalf of George Washington University professor Amitai Etzioni found:

The majority of Americans indeed experience an acute sense of economic anxiety. Americans are most concerned that Social Security will not be there when they retire. They also fear that they will not have enough money of their own when their working days are over. Indeed, even for now, the majority feels it may not have enough money to pay the bills and -- that they may lose their jobs. 

There is no one answer to how the U.S. can rebuild the confidence of our nation's workers and emerge victorious against the growing national scourge of income inequality. But the Teamsters are committed to doing our part, beginning with a partnership with ABF to get those leaving the military their commercial drivers' license and a trucking job.

Speaking to American Legion members today in Washington, D.C., Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa said more parties need to work together to get people back to work:

The whole thing is about partnering. How do we get this job done? We take this tremendous job of transitioning 130,000 people out of the military every year, and find some way to get them into civilian life. And not dead-end jobs. We want to find good jobs, We want to find jobs where they can build their life, make good money, have a family, have health care, have pensions and have a real future.

The most recent election shows that workers can no longer rely on government to do what's right. Unions like the Teamsters, who help our members earn better wages, can play a critical role. Joining one is a way workers can get back on their feet.