Mission Statement
The Charlottesville/Albemarle Workers Action Network exists as a resource for workers in the area to get the tools and information they need to improve their lives. It is our belief that workers in the area have very few resources as far as unions or labor activism are concerned. Therefore, we strive to make the needs of workers a priority in Charlottesville, to bring the labor movement to our community and to have a way to express solidarity amongst the many struggling working people in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
It is our belief that the lack of institutional workers groups presents an opportunity to organize workers in a more direct and radical way that focuses on improving conditions for workers, not simply building unions. We want workers to be the driving force behind making changes at their jobs, therefore, we don’t favor one strategy over another, our goal is to give workers a chance to be heard, not to collect dues that ultimately wind up in the hands of politicians. We do support workers organizing on their own behalf, and making those decisions on their own.
Whether it be organizing a union, learning about rights as an employee, filing worker’s comp claims, engaging in non-traditional forms of organizing, or addressing issues outside of the workplace that affect workers, we offer to discuss options, make plans, and help workers to engage in effective labor activism and advocacy. We plan to offer information on a wide range of subjects and issues so that workers might feel more knowledgeable and comfortable in taking steps to improve their conditions. Some of the resources we can offer include- talking to organizers, putting workers in touch with union workers, discussing strategies for non-traditional unionizing, sifting through legal questions, finding safe spaces to meet, and using technology to advance your project like phone conferences, website construction, e-mail lists.
We are building a network of committed and experienced organizers, activists, and fellow workers willing to answer questions, help to organize, or simply listen to the needs of workers in Charlottesville/Albemarle. Volunteers come from a variety of styles of organizing and we can help find the best strategies for dealing with different problems in the workplace.
We are interested in hearing from you! All workers are welcome to use our resources, including the undocumented, volunteers or the unemployed!
Contact us for help in your workplace-
spvirginia@comcast.net
(434) 249-3312
