Support Union Rights for Public Workers!
Georgia State Legislators & Governor Brian Kemp
All workers deserve the right to unionize and bargain for a better workplace! But most public-sector workers in Georgia — teachers, nurses, university staff, and other government workers — aren't legally allowed to collectively bargain or strike for a fair contract. Throughout the pandemic, the public has relied on essential workers to keep communities afloat, children educated, and families safe and healthy. We can’t leave these workers behind!
Public service workers, who are disproportionately women and people of color, earn less on average than their counterparts in the private sector. Studies show that collective bargaining rights can close this pay gap while strengthening the public services we all depend on, like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. More democracy in the workplace means smaller classrooms, safer neighborhoods, better public services, and a higher quality of life for all Georgians.
For far too long, Georgia state leaders have defunded and neglected critical public services, and left public school teachers and other essential workers relying on poverty wages. As a result, Georgia has lost 9% of public sector workers since the start of the pandemic. Workers who provide essential services deserve a seat at the table to make their needs known to employers. We are calling on Georgia state legislators to legalize collective bargaining for all workers in public service. Georgians deserve robust, well-funded public services, with public workers empowered to do their jobs.Sponsored by
To:
Georgia State Legislators & Governor Brian Kemp
From:
[Your Name]
I am writing to you as a voter and constituent to urgently express the need to legalize collective bargaining for public sector workers in the State of Georgia. From teachers to university staff, school bus drivers, and health care workers, public service workers do the essential work that keeps our economy afloat and communities safe and healthy.
On average, public service workers earn less than their counterparts in the private sector, and are disproportionately women and people of color. These essential workers are the cornerstones of our local communities – they keep children learning, the roads and railways clean, safe and functioning, and provide crucial community health and mental healthcare. Private sector collective bargaining is currently legal in Georgia. It goes without saying that public sector workers also deserve the right to a seat at the table, a more democratic workplace, and to perform their jobs with dignity and respect.
Studies show that increased protections for public worker bargaining not only helps close the public-private wage gap but also can help strengthen and improve the government’s public services. More democracy in the workplace can mean safer neighborhoods, smaller classrooms for students, a more skilled workforce, and higher quality service for all Georgians. It is essential that we legalize public sector bargaining in the State of Georgia. Permitting essential Georgia public workers the freedom to organize and a seat at the table is long overdue.