Holiday Gift Guide: Buy Union This Year!

The holiday season is finally upon us! And no matter what holiday you celebrate, there’s no better gift to give than one made right here in America using union labor. Making the choice to buy labor-made products this season rewards those employers who respect workers’ rights and support our local communities. Take a look below at some of the gifts you can give this year that will support your sisters and brothers in the labor movement: 

For the baker

All Pyrex products are made in Charleroi, Pennsylvania by 310 members of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 53G.

For the family member who is ALWAYS cold

All Pendleton Woolen Mills blankets (but not apparel) are made in Washougal, Washington, and Pendleton, Oregon, by 210 members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 49.

For the one who appreciates style AND function

Red Wing Shoes makes their Heritage and Handsewn collections in Minnesota using labor from UFCW Local 527.

 

For that one who’s late to every family Event

Timex uses Labor from the International Association of Machinists (IAM) in North Little Rock, AK.

 

For the wine lover in the family

Washington state’s award-winning Chateau Ste. Michelle employs members of United Farm Workers in its vineyards, and members of Teamsters Local 117 in the barrel room, warehouse, production, shipping and maintenance departments in its Woodinville location.

For the techy (or your parents who are still using flip phones)

While any smartphone you buy is probably assembled in China, the workers who maintain the cellular network that allow you to use the phone will be members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) as long as you choose AT&T or Cricket Wireless. AND union members can get a 15-20% discount on some cell plans. Click here to view the AFSCME Advantage AT&T discount.

But don’t stop there.

When buying your gifts, remember that Walmart, Target and Amazon do not support union efforts. Instead, give your business to the retailers who respect that their employees deserve a holiday too:

  • BJ’s Wholesale Club
  • Cabela’s
  • Costco
  • DSW – Designer Shoe Warehouse
  • H&M
  • Home Depot
  • Home Goods
  • IKEA
  • Lowe’s
  • Marshall’s
  • Nordstrom
  • Nordstrom Rack
  • Office Depot and OfficeMax
  • Patagonia
  • PETCO
  • PetSmart
  • Pier 1 Imports
  • Raymour & Flanigan Furniture
  • Sam’s Club
  • Staples
  • TJ Maxx
  • Tractor Supply
And if you’re sending holiday cards and packages this year, ship union with USPS and UPS, and ditch anti-labor FedEx.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a public employer that provides nearly half a million career union jobs with benefits in every single community in America. UPS is also the single largest employer in the Teamsters Union with approximately 250,000 union employees.

Happy shopping!