AFL-CIO official attemps to draw UA students into labor force
Throughout history, labor has been a major American institution that national organizations have vehemently defended.
In an effort to draw University of Arizona students into the labor field, a recruiter will offer an on-campus informational session tonight about possible job opportunities.
"This program is great for those who have an interest in social and economic justice," said Enrique Valencia, a recruiter for the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.
Students can attend Valencia's information session tonight at 6:30 in the Economics building, room 307.
During the past few years, college students and graduates have been choosing careers in labor, Valencia said.
To recruit more workers, Valencia gives similar presentations and talks to professors in all major universities in the country.
"One of the new visions of the AFL-CIO is to get more college-bound folks to do this as a career," he said. "It is beneficial to students and to our cause."
As more and more college graduates are considering the labor industry, he said options for workers are broadening.
Valencia said his organization addresses the problems facing the separation of wealth in the United States, as the middle class gets smaller throughout the country.
The session will include the movie "Salt of the Earth," which is about a miners' strike in the 1950s and shows the injustices facing workers - problems they still face today.
Valencia will also hold a discussion about the film and the different labor issues that face the U.S. today.
"This session is to explain to students what career opportunities are available in organized labor," said Salomon Baldenegro, assistant dean of Hispanic student affairs. "I think this is exciting in that labor is not usually looked at as a career one goes to college to prepare for. Labor and academia are making more of a connection these days."
The AFL-CIO, which has 18 million members throughout the U.S., also offers various internships through the Union Summer program.
The one-month internships are offered during the summer. The organization places students in major metropolitan areas throughout the country to work with various unions.
"It is a great experience that teaches essential skills that are necessary in any workplace," said Valencia, who started his career in the program.
The internship opportunities, which pay a $210 weekly stipend, can offer students many more options, Valencia said.
The AFL-CIO also offers the Organizing Institute program, which gives graduating seniors paid apprenticeships.
Interested students can apply to either program at the information session, following the presentation and discussion.
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