Your future is calling!

It wants you to take action

Supplied

In Twisted Sister’s famous music video for “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, Mark Metcalf demandingly asks his son “What do you want to do with your life?”

As a new term begins, this question often jumps to the top of many students’ minds. For most young people, the answer lies in a job that is meaningful, worthwhile, and of course, one that pays.

Unfortunately, job security is difficult to come by in an age of high youth unemployment. Many graduates find themselves working two or three part-time jobs, or one with near-minimum wages and zero benefits.

Employers and governments alike are actively undermining meaningful jobs for our generation of workers – eroding their right to bargain for contracts, fighting against efforts for fair wages, and destroying benefit packages secured in the past.

In the public and private sectors, the prospects of securing meaningful and stable employment looks as dismal as ever. Provincially, we often see wage freezes, job cuts, and demands for concessions, while corporations siphon profits out of the hands of workers and fight against their right to organize.

This trend doesn’t show any sign of slowing, which is why your future is calling you now – it wants you to take action.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) recently held a week-long strategy meeting to determine what young people need to succeed in this rapidly changing labour market.

The responses from young people were clear: youth need the assurance that they’ll be protected in their jobs, compensated fairly, and receive benefits for themselves and their families.

In other words, they need a strong and active union and labour movement.

Unions are democratic organizations that represent workers in the private and public sectors. Unions and the labour movement have been at the forefront of major achievements such as the 5-day work week, 8-hour work day, vacation and sick time. Unions have also been responsible for maternity, family and bereavement leave, and have been leaders in the ongoing campaign for pay equity in the workplace.

In Manitoba, approximately 196,600 workers are members of a union – 36% of all employees in the province.

For those students who are already members of a union, the time to get involved is now. There are many ways to take part: putting your name forward as a Shop Steward, participating in membership meetings, and even showing up to union events and initiatives.

If you’re not a member of a union, you have your students’ association that actively participates in and supports union initiatives. Being politically engaged means that you are helping to shape your own future, while at the same time supporting the livelihoods of those around you.

You should also be engaged politically in speaking out against the anti-union rhetoric that is often spewed by bodies and agencies that consider their profit over your future. Being an active part of the labour and student movements means that you are answering that call, and securing a better future for everyone, today.

David Jacks is a former UWSA President and is currently a Communications Representative for the Canadian Union of Public Employees.

Published in Volume 68, Number 2 of The Uniter (September 11, 2013)

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