Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1154384
14 The Costume Designer Summer 2019 LABOR REPORT UNION LABEL Title IX legislation passed 50 years ago requir- ing equal athletic opportunity for girls and boys. In the 1960s, Title IX legislation prohib- ited educational institutions receiving federal funding for sports programs that discriminate based on gender ensuring the rights of stu- dents. Between 1972 and the first Women's World Cup in 1991 saw a 17,000% increase in U.S. girls playing on high school soccer teams. The U.S. Women's Team has filed a legal challenge that exposes institution- alized gender discrimination and advocates proactive action. Despite their impressive record of four world cup championships and four Olympic gold medals, the wage gap continues. For 50 years and counting, wage parity still needs to be realized. We have the opportunity to vote our values to achieve wage parity across all profes- sions and job markets. We can do this. The Janus vs. AFSCME [American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees] decision took away fair-share rights that forced union members to pay for the representation of nonmembers. This decision turned into a rallying cry for public sector union organizing. The LA County Federation of Labor leadership under Rusty Hicks, saw the Janus case for what it was and set in motion an organizing campaign in the workplaces around Los Angeles. Workers chose higher wages, bene- fits, and workplace safety by organizing, recruiting and training union members to talk to members about their concerns in the workplace. Many public sector unions report that the organizing approach and member action to defend their hard-won benefit gains through collec- tive bargaining. President of AFSCME Local 809 says, "We have maintained 100% new membership for our previ- ous existing members." AFSCME has maintained 80% of membership through their collective voices. When we fight, we win. In solidarity, Betty Madden CDG Labor Delegate and County Federation of Labor Sergeant at Arms bmadden@cdgia.com "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." –Founding father, Thomas Jefferson