Four Ways Union Leaders Can Help Displaced Workers

Plan a Union Response to Layoffs

Laid-off workers who have unions to represent them are fortunate. Local unions offer their members a valuable advocate and resource to help them meet the challenges of dislocation. Many local unions that have made the greatest difference for their members in hard economic times have planned their response to layoffs carefully. See our UNION CHECKLIST in this special section for help in planning a union response.

Develop Strategies to Coordinate Services

Every state has set up a Dislocated Worker Unit under Title 1 of the Workforce Investment Act. As a union leader, you will want to be alert to the services available for your members through the unit. When a state’s Dislocated Worker Unit learns of an upcoming layoff, it is responsible for contacting the affected employer and union(s) to offer assistance including help in setting up a Workforce Adjustment Committee. Made up of labor and management representatives, this committee can coordinate services available to workers about to lose their jobs.

Identify Support Services

Displaced workers have access to many core services through their local One-Stop Center including assistance in applying for unemployment insurance and pension benefits and the option of extending health insurance coverage. Displaced workers also can receive help in searching for new jobs, writing resumes, and seeking job training. If these core services do not produce results, displaced workers may be eligible for oneon- one job counseling, group career workshops, stress and financial workshops, and other assistance.

Some AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils, and many international unions and union locals, are providing special assistance to laid-off workers. Often they work in partnership with AFL-CIO Community Services and non-profit organizations such as the United Way to assist working families affected by layoffs. AFL-CIO affiliated organizations such as the Union Community Fund, the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, Union Privilege, and the Working for America Institute also have launched special programs to assist workers affected by recent layoffs.

Conduct Information Meetings and Workshops

Often, local unions will sponsor worker information meetings for their laid-off members in coordination with the state’s Dislocated Worker Unit. These workshops teach workers how to take advantage of resources that will help them cope with their layoffs and find new jobs. The Working for America Institute can offer information and advice to unions and Workforce Adjustment Committees on how to plan and organize these meetings. Usually these meetings include advice from the local One-Stop Center and other workforce development agencies on how to conduct a job search and where to get help in setting occupational goals.