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March 23, 2007 at 04:27:44

Bloggers and Other Writers Should Unionize

by Stephen Crockett     Page 1 of 1 page(s)

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Bloggers and Other Writers Should Unionize  

The benefits of unionization are frequent subjects for many Democratic, progressive and other reform-oriented Internet writers. Unfortunately, many of these writers are unaware that an excellent union is available for freelance writers like them to join. This union is the National Writers Union ( http://www.nwu.org ) which is Local 1981 of the United Auto Workers ( http://www.uaw.org ).

 

The National Writers Union (NWU) represents freelance writers of many types. They represent freelance journalists, book authors, and technical writers among others.

 

The benefits of joining this enlightened union are numerous. The NWU operates a jobs hotline. It can help with contract negotiation and copyright issues of all kinds. The National Writers Union is a strong defender of free expression.

 

Membership education is an important benefit. Members are able to increase their skill level thanks to workshops and other programs of the National Writers Union. The professional networking aspect of NWU membership is very important. The union has local chapters in many parts of the nation along with at-large memberships.

 

Under the leadership of NWU President Gerard Colby, the union is actively reaching out to new members and expanding both member benefits and advocacy for independent writers. This writer highly recommends visiting the National Writers Union website to learn more about the union and/or to join.

 

I have been a member of the National Writers Union for a couple of years. It has been a very positive experience. I personally recommend the union based on my personal experience. Every blogger should seriously consider membership if they take their writing seriously. Anyone even considering writing a book should start with joining the NWU. Personally, I believe in this organization.

 

Union membership in general is a very positive and rewarding experience. My father has been a United Auto Workers, Local 1183 member for almost 50 years. I was briefly a member of that UAW local in my youth.

 

I tried to help the IAM (Machinists http://www.goiam.org ) unionize a General Electric appliance warehouse in Perryville, Maryland. Because the current unionization election process is grossly unfair, the effort was not successful. I remain a huge fan of the Fighting Machinists and recommend them highly. Anyone interested in the “grossly unfair” nature of the unionization election process should read my Employee Free Choice Act and Republican Disinformation column http://www.democratictalkradio.com/wordpress/?p=285  .

 

I am a new member of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU http://www.opeiu.org ) with my job at American Income Life Insurance. The company is both an all union operation and an amazing place to work.

Recently, I was able to become an associate member of the United Steelworkers (USW http://www.uswa.org/uswa/program/content/1264.php ) at a very reasonable rate. This makes my third current union membership.

 

My only regret is that I cannot be a member of even more labor unions. I hope readers like you will join my other brothers and sisters in the organized labor movement, today!

  Written by Stephen Crockett (co-host of Democratic Talk Radio http://www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com .) Mail: P.O. Box 283, Earleville, Maryland 21919. Phone: 443-907-2367. Email: midsouthcm@aol.com . Feel  free to publish at no cost without prior approval.

 

www.DemocraticTalkRadio.com

Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

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Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Reward?

My reward is supporting organized labor. I often ask the question of friends and other, "what do you get out of doing the right thing or doing good.?"

I get many good and revealing answers. The answer I am looking for and give myself is "doing the right thing or doing good." The act is the reward.

Most unions have specific benefits that are reason enough to join them. A few of those for the National Writers Union are included in the article. My OPEIU membership provides my health insurance. These benefits are important but not the reasons that personally motivate me.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 3:54:32 PM
 


x
Tony Forestx

How

can I attend a workshop that is half way around the world ?

As a member of the IGM, one of THE largest unions on the planet, I paid 1% of my total wages to be a full fledged member of that union but when push came to shove, it was me against the rest of the world. Not to put unions down. I totally agree with unions and see the need for stronger unions. I just fail to see the benefit.

by Tony Forest (4 articles, 14 quicklinks, 131 diaries, 1216 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:41:23 AM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Sorry by I am not informed about the IGM?

Could you post some information or a website link?

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 3:57:05 PM
 


digital programmer turned thought specialist, sorta: rocket surgeon.
meremarkdigital programmer turned thought specialist, sorta: rocket surgeon.

Maybe there'd be some kind of liability protection.

Insurance?

Just saying, things like this HERE on the mind of The Portland Freelancer. 

Blog Comments in the Wild West

 

 

by meremark (1 articles, 3 quicklinks, 23 diaries, 483 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 1:11:22 PM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Many interesting points in the link provided- thanks!

Very important discussion going on there and here. The Net is still the frontier of intellectual property. The issues involved are certainly big enough for hundreds of articles. I hope many other writers will explore various aspects here and elsewhere on the Internet.

I know Rob Kall is doing some great things with this site. He is certainly one of the creative forces involved in these issues.

The National Writers Union is heavily involved in all these issues and much more.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 4:04:58 PM
 


Jon Harrison is a freelance writer living in Vermont.
Jon HarrisonJon Harrison is a freelance writer living in Vermont.

Unionized writers

Yep, as a writer I sure want to become a member of the UAW. Maybe we can drive up the prices paid for articles just like the unions drove up the price of cars! But I don't think any publishing house or magazine will offer us a couple years of "community service" work at full pay after we get laid off!

You bet I want to pay union dues out of the money I earn from writing. How else will I cope with all those nasty copywriting issues that are constantly bedeviling me?

Writers unite! Fight the power! Unionize! Let's teach the oppressors who publish us a lesson!

 

by Jon Harrison (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 17 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 7:09:06 PM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Your NWU-UAW knowledge is lacking

The UAW represents all kinds of workers although it started in the auto industry. Around half the membership is outside the auto industries. It has changed along with the rest of the economy.

UAW locals represent free-lance writers, teaching assistants at many universities and some government employees to name just a few non-blue collar jobs.

Copyright issues and contract negotiations are serious matters where professional help is useful. The hiring assistance is very helpful. The NWU lobbying efforts are important to all writers. Their legal team is excellent. These are just a few of the benefits to be found on their website.

If you want to just dismiss the importance of the NWU, you are welcome to your uninformed opinion on the organization.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:32:14 PM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Are you seriously blaming workers for high auto prices?

The decisions that are ruining auto manufacturing are basically management decsions like huge executive compensation and building the wrong types of vehicles for a changing economy. Most of the other decisions are bad government decisions like the globalization/so-called "free trade" policies that give large corporations great financial benefit while shafting American workers (who are the majority of consumers) and taxpayers.

The productivity of the American worker is at historic highs while the share of our economic activity paid to workers has been dropping since 1973 and dropping sharply since the Reagan era. Executive salaries and the share of economic activity going to unearned income from investment has exploded. You should read some books and articles by Thom Hartmann on this subject.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:50:16 PM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Dues are low and benefits are high

Of course, the decision to join or not is a personal one. Dues start around $10 per month and you can get plenty for your money if you use the NWU services available. Check out the site.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:21:07 PM
 


Stephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.
Stephen CrockettStephen Crockett is co-host of Democratic Talk Radio and author of the Democratic Voices opinion column.

Helping the homeless is a good idea!

I am with you on that idea. It is possible to help the homeless and be a union member. I do both.

by Stephen Crockett (127 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 113 comments) on Friday, March 23, 2007 at 10:36:14 PM
 

 

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