Chicago, Ill.
The United States has lost millions of good-paying manufacturing jobs in recent years and now has begun losing large numbers of white-collar professional jobs as well. Good jobs with decent wages and benefits are essential to build a strong middle class, maintain a healthy society and sustain a growing economy.
U.S. Department of Commerce figures show consumer spending accounts for 68 percent of the $10 trillion U.S. Gross Domestic Product, giving shoppers enormous power over the economy and labor market. The winter holidays are the biggest shopping season of the year and, therefore, offer the best opportunity to wield our buying power in support of good jobs.
The AFL-CIO recognizes November 26 - December 5, 2004 as “Buy Union Week.” We will use appropriate means to publicize “Buy Union Week” and to organize our members, co-workers, relatives, neighbors, friends and the buying public to “give the gift of good jobs” by buying union-made gifts and seasonal items and using union services for the Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa holidays.