UEREF is ready to hit the ground running and win big for workers in 2024.
John —
I wanted to make sure you got a chance to see all of the exciting work the UE Research and Education Fund is doing. Unfortunately, as we head into the New Year we are running a little behind on our fundraising goals. Can you help ensure that workers have the resources they need to fight for justice by making a donation to UEREF today?
In solidarity, Kari
Hi John,
The new year is almost here, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. UE Research and Education Fund has been building our capacity and our strength. 2024 will be our year for bringing economic, environmental, and racial justice to workers across North America.
Will you help us reach our goal of raising $5,000 by December 31 to fight for workers’ rights?
What makes UEREF special is our focus on empowering rank and file workers. At our partner union, UE, members set national policies and make decisions for their locals. UEREF powers that democratic approach by building skills among diverse worker-leaders and helping them fight for economic and racial equality, a just transition, and international worker solidarity.
In 2024, UEREF will build on our successes and lay the groundwork for future victories:
Southern Worker Justice Campaign
In 2023, we won major victories for Black, Brown, and immigrant workers in the US South. In North Carolina, we supported Durham city workers in winning $6.5 million in bonuses to compensate for frozen wages. In Virginia, we mobilized workers in Portsmouth and won an ordinance allowing collective bargaining.
In 2024, we’ll advocate to repeal North Carolina’s racist ban on public sector collective bargaining. In Virginia, we’ll push to pass collective bargaining ordinances in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News and beyond.
Green Locomotive Project
In 2023, we empowered workers to testify to the EPA about the environmental harm of diesel locomotives and won the ability for states to make stricter environmental standards for locomotives. Simultaneously, we raised the visibility of workers in Erie, Pennsylvania, who went on strike for green jobs.
In 2024, we’ll hire organizers in California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania to organize workers to fight for a sustainable future, and build networks with local environmental activists who share our same goals. Together we’ll advocate for states to implement stricter emission standards.
Worker-to-Worker Exchange Program
For decades, UEREF has supported exchanges between UE and Frente Auténtico del Trabajo in Mexico. Workers build mutual understanding by discussing their struggles to improve workplace conditions. Unfortunately, this program was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, we will return to in-person international exchanges. Rank and file UE members will travel to Mexico and build solidarity with their cross-border counterparts.
UE also continues to support the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC), which educates workers to know their rights and take collective action to address their workplace issues.
UEREF is ready to hit the ground running and win big for workers in 2024. Fighting the good fight feels amazing – but we need your help to sustain it. Will you stand with us in ensuring economic, environmental, and racial justice for all workers?
Kari Thompson
Director, UE Research and Education Fund
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