Labor

In fact, Payroll Deduction is an invention of organized labor. UAW President Walter Reuther is generally credited with devising Payroll Deduction in the 1940’s as a way for workers to contribute a small portion of their paycheck to United Way each pay period, thereby making giving much easier.

A basic principal of the AFL-CIO Community Services Program is that the union member is, first and foremost, a citizen of the community, who cooperates with other citizens in making the community a good place in which to live, to work, to raise children, and to retire. The union member is concerned about the availability of adequate health, welfare and human services for the entire community.

From this basic principle, organized labor developed a working relationship with United Way of America that has lasted over 60 years.

United Way of America has traditionally included organized labor in its decision-making process. The Department of Labor Participation serves as a liaison between the national AFL-CIO and United Way of America. Over 200 full-time state and local AFL-CIO Community Services Liaisons serve as links between their central labor councils and United Ways all across the U.S.

Union members are actively involved in the programs of a wide range of community service organizations like United Way and United Way agencies such as the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and many others.

In addition to monetary donations, union members contribute time and energy to renovating agency facilities and supporting people in need throughout the community.

Please consider a contribution to United Way of McLean, preferably through payroll deduction. And please consider becoming involved in your own local union’s community service activities.

Working together we can make our community a better place to live, work, raise a family and retire.