I'm not always a big fan of the political actions of labor unions, but I'm a big fan of unions protecting the rights of workers. So I was very pleased to read an article in today's Times (metro section) about a new local formed for the workers at a chain of 10 small shoe stores in poorer neighborhoods of New York City.
After ongoing minimum-wage violations and other unpleasant practices, the 96 workers, mostly poor immigrants, at the 10 stores decided to unionize as part of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union. Importantly, they worked with a local community group to threaten a boycott if the unionization was rejected by their employer.
Management agreed to recognize the union, and the workers now make $7.25/hour, get 5 overtime hours per week, get health insurance ($2200/year employee contribution), and a few days sick leave and some paid vacation. This is clearly a victory for the workers, as well as a good case-study for other unions trying to organize non-skilled and immigrant workers, such as the SEIU under Andy Stern.