John Mudie, President of CWA Local 1122, and Chrissy Cassata, Labor Liaison at United Way challenge you to "Toss the Boss" and "Lower the Liaison."

As union members, we know how important it is to support our community. So help toss "Boss Mudie" and lower "Liaison Chrissy."

A common vision ensured the lasting partnership:

“United Way and the AFL-CIO share a common vision of prosperous, inclusive, diverse, and safe communities, where every member of the community has access to quality public education, fair wages, productive work opportunities, and
accessible, affordable, quality health care.”

Labor and United Way's Story

United Way and the labor movement have been partners for 7 decades. The relationship began during World War II when the two organizations came together to consolidate the numerous war relief fund drives. To coordinate effective support, organized labor and the Community Chests and Councils, Inc. (now United Way Worldwide) joined in collaborative fundraising and community development. In doing so they essentially modernized the passing of the hardhat into payroll deduction. United Way receives two-thirds of its donations through workplace campaigns and payroll deduction. 

Organized labor is a full partner with United Way, encompassing much more than just financial support. Representatives of labor sit on United Way boards locally and nationally.  They volunteer in all phases of United Way activities, serve on committees, participate in United Way campaigns in leadership roles, and communicate to union members the importance of supporting the campaign. A union voice in the work of United Way ensures the community is aware and focused on the needs and issues most important to working families.

Under the traditional partnership model, Labor was represented within the UW network by the more than 160 AFL-CIO /community Services liaisons who served on the staff of state and local United Ways throughout the country. Historically, the liaisons coordinated services for those suffering from natural disasters, financial hardship, illness, joblessness, mortgage foreclosure, and other difficulties.

Thanks to their efforts, millions of union members have contributed their time, skills and money, to make a huge difference in the community through United Way. United Way has invested the hundreds of millions of dollars donated by union members into local programs that make an impact in an effective and efficient way.

As the two organizations have evolved, so too has the partnership. Today, the focus is moving towards an impact model, that is, working together to create programs that prevent social problems. Organized Labor knows what it takes to give working families the opportunity to succeed. United Way knows how to coordinate services to make those opportunities a reality.  Together, the two organizations bring a different set of stakeholders to the table, build on each other’s strengths, and create stronger communities. Together we are accomplishing much more than we could do alone.