Rebuilding the American economy is the most critical task before our nation. And the most important priority is making sure it is an economy that creates good jobs that will also rebuild the middle class.

The AFL-CIO is one of the few organizations working to make sure that, as we plan for America’s economic future, middle class families see the benefits, not just the already rich. They are fighting for training in clean energy technology, expanded math and science coursework and more vocational education to make sure that our country can compete with China and India and the rest of the world for good-paying jobs.

Because workers are able to come together in a union to bargain for more fair wages and benefits, those in unions earn 30 percent higher pay on average, are 59 percent more likely to have employer health coverage, and are four times as likely to have a pension. If more Oregonians can negotiate with their employers, health coverage, retirement security and other benefits will improve for all of us.

Everyone deserves to have a good job. When Oregonians join together in a union and gain strength in numbers, they can make their voices heard and improve their places of work.