Labor pact is a boon for regional center
Awareness of programs for workers is likely to rise under agreement By ALAN WECHSLER, Business writer
ALBANY -- The Capital District Worker Center, one of 140 worker-education programs nationwide, could benefit from a new national alliance announced late Monday. The union umbrella group AFL-CIO has joined forces with Interfaith Worker Justice, a coalition of faith-based workers' rights groups, to raise awareness on many of the same issues addressed by the centers. "The core values that drive both our movements are the same: equality, fair treatment, dignity and respect," AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said in a written statement. "Too often, the religious and labor communities have worked in isolation from one another. It's time we rediscover our common bonds and bring our organizations closer together." The two groups plan to work together on such issues as workplace discrimination and civil rights advancement for low-wage workers. The groups also will work together for immigration reform that supports workplace rights, political equality and a path to citizenship for immigrant workers. The Capital District center, now about 3 years old, is on Central Avenue in downtown Albany. It offers classes on interviewing skills, resume writing, math and other training to inexperienced workers. The idea is to prepare low-wage workers for apprenticeship programs offered by local trade unions, giving the workers access to better-paying jobs. About 50 local residents have taken the 12-class, 12-week program, said Gene Rodriguez, coordinator of the program. Ten years ago, there were four worker centers in the United States. Today, they number 140 in 31 states and are in rural areas as well as big cities. In announcing their alliance, the groups did not offer specifics about how programs like the one in Albany would benefit from the agreement. But Rodriguez said the joint effort would help make more workers aware of the programs offered. It also could increase the level of funding the center gets. With a $97,000 yearly budget, the program gets its money from the state, the county and private donations. "More people will know what we're doing and hopefully want to help us," he said. All Times Union materials copyright 1996-2006, Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation, Albany, N.Y. UPDATES: Capital District WORKER Center Last Updated:12/20/2006 |