HPAE Participates in Common Sense Economics Workshop for Young Workers
April 2, 2015
Local 5004 Vice President Becky Esquivel from Englewood Hospital and HPAE Public Policy staff Sandra Lane attended the AFL-CIO’s Common Sense Economics training hosted by Passaic County YES (Youth Engagement in Solidarity) yesterday evening in Clifton, NJ at the IBEW Local 1158 hall. Over 70 young workers participated representing all sectors of the labor movement as well as various progressive community allies.
The Common Sense Economics training focused on the state of our economy, and strategies to bring about progressive change as young workers. The workshop led to active discussions on issues including student debt, livable wages, job creation, and retirement security. Becky spoke to the group about how support from other labor unions made a strong impact when local 5091 went out on strike, and the importance of continuing to support each other.
Sponsored and developed by the AFL-CIO, the Common Sense Economic Program is part an effort by unions to reach out to and educate young workers about the need for collective action and social justice. The program is also focused on empowering the next generation of union members in New Jersey.
There are a number of upcoming events for young workers in New Jersey: