Rebecca ParsonKonto zweryfikowane

In 1881, so-called washerwomen in Atlanta organized a strike for higher pay. There were no labor laws to protect them. No single employer with whom they could negotiate. They wanted $1 for every 12 pounds of laundry. They went door to door & went to church services.

Recruited 3,000 members in 3 weeks. They didn't back down in the face of arrest and massive fines. Most of the women were recently slaves, only recently working for pay.

The law wasn't on the side of these women, the economy wasn't. But they were smart, creative, and fearless. They inspired others to take up their cause because they were united first. *Sara just teared up telling this story.

Leading with love cannot be conflict-averse.

Hate-driven dictatorships are on the march, just like they were in the 1930s.

We can never dismiss someone's oppression as their problem. Some of the earliest wins for LGBTQ equality happened at the bargaining table. The Assoc of Flight Attendants won partner benefits before marriage equality.

Racism, sexism, ageism are the tactics of the boss.

In a time of crisis in the industry, people turned inward, wanted to talk about process and issues of little consequence. Bankruptcy, Wall Street, the White House - everything was stacked against the industry, but because they had the union, they fought back.