Unions are everywhere. Teachers, police officers, doctors, nurses, actors, and even grocery store employees all have unions. Union policies have had a positive impact on middle-class households. They can improve working conditions, raise income, and boost job satisfaction. “When unions are strongest, the government is strongest,” stated Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, M.D, at a Town Hall meeting at Happy Valley Library. She was a physician at Kaiser Permanente for fifteen years and was the first woman to be the Chair of the Board of Directors at Northwest Permanente. Dexter is currently a U.S. Representative for Oregon’s District 3, which is in the Teach NW school district. She hopes to improve our healthcare system and safety of everyone in our community, regardless of wealth or immigration status. 

One place a union is very important is in schools. Teachers and other school staff are protected by unions. “The union ensures worker’s rights are met and pushes for ways to improve working conditions, protections, and salary,” states Principal Luan Nguyen of Gilbert Park Elementary, in the David Douglas SD. “On the other hand, being a supervisor, some aspects of the contract make it difficult for staff accountability.” Statistically, union members get better medical benefits, retirement benefits, and even paid jury duty leave. The Newsies weren’t exactly fighting for a retirement plan, but their strike was still important. Though the World didn’t lower the price of newspapers, they offered to buy back any papers the Newsies couldn’t sell. The Newsies didn’t really sing and dance, and they weren’t led by Jeremy Jordan, but they did make a difference. The Newsboy Strike of 1899 helped shape the way unions are today.