Better wages and benefits aren't the only things that unions fight for, and their members aren't the only people who benefit. Look at what's happening in California, where Guild-represented interpreters are leading a push to expand access to interpreter services in the state's courts. “Our members around the state routinely witness Californians standing before judges with no ability to effectively understand their own legal proceedings or communicate with their counsel or otherwise get their needs addressed,” California Federation of Interpreters President Michael Ferreira said. And CFI, a unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, is determined to change that. Photo: CFI members meet with California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye.

When Gannett decided to outsource its janitorial work in Detroit, forcing maintenance staff with decades of experience to reapply for non-union jobs, the janitors didn't get mad. They got even. They reorganized as a new Guild unit and are getting ready to negotiate a first contract. Photo: Longtime employees and Guild activists Tom Conrad, left, and Derrick Bell.