Unions can provide better opportunities for women with better outeach

Sara Dorner, President of Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how unions can become more accessible to women and improve relationships with their local community.

In 2020, Dorner became the first woman elected President of Rockford United Labor, which is located in Illinois. Rockford United Labor is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils affiliated with the AFL-CIO, and it represents more than 25,000 unionized workers in the Greater Rockford Area.

One of the primary goals of the AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions and councils is to make the labor movement more accessible to women, especially mothers. Dorner discussed why this effort is important to the labor movement's future. She said that all-around inclusion will be what builds the labor movement.

To help bring more workers into the labor movement, Dorner spoke about a need to change the concept of what a union member looks like. She said it is not just the guys in hard hats or the people in uniform. The labor movement comprises people who work in a variety of positions - in the public and private sectors - including teachers, social workers, nurses, letter carriers and many other jobs. At the end of the day, it is the duty of Dorner and the rest of the labor movement to recognize that all workers deserve to have a voice on the job and do what they can to help make that happen.

Another way that Dorner believes unions can grow is by inspiring union members to be more active in the labor movement through creative methods and meeting people where they live. She said that most people do not take the initiative because they are used to believing they need permission. Dorner explained ways unions can help build stronger relationships with their local communities, which could make for a stronger, more unified labor movement.

Listen to the show above to hear more from Dorner.