Q. When was the Orange County Labor Federation founded?
A. The labor federation was first founded in 1920 under the name Orange County Central Labor Council and later re-chartered again in 1957 by the AFL-CIO.
Q. What is the Orange County Labor Federation?
A. The Orange County Labor Federation represents over a hundred and forty thousand working men and women. the Orange County Labor Federation strives to better the lives of all working men and women. In 2008, the federation was honored by the California Labor Federation as one of the highest performing labor councils. In addition the federation has been singled out as an "agent for change" at the California Labor Federation's biannual convention.
Q. What is a union?
A. A union is a group of workers joined to protect and improve their working conditions. Unions collectively organize to gain:
- Respect on the job
- Better wages and benefits
- More flexibility for work and family needs
- A counter balance to the unchecked power of employers
- A voice in improving the quaility of their lives
The Wagner Act of 1935 was created by Congress to protect workers' right to unionization. Unions give workers a voice on the job. Without a union, workers may be subject to exploitation and unfair labor practices.
The working conditions for Americans today is credited to the work of unions. Because of the organized labor movement, many laws were enacted to improve working conditions. Unions pushed to pass the minimum wage, the eight hour day and weekend, the creation of Social Security, and the end to child labor to name a few.
Q. How do I get involved with the labor federation?
A. You can join the labor movement in Orange County many different ways!
-Join a Union
If you do not have a union at your job, let us help you
find out more on how to form one.
- Volunteer or Intern at the Labor FederationWe are always looking for vibrant, hard working
individuals committed to social justice and working families.
- Email
Sign up on our website for the "OC UNION VOICE" to receive updates on all labor issues in Orange County.
