How Corporate Forces are Trying to Destroy Groups that Fight for the Rights of Low Wage Workers

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4. I think it's already slipped from their grasp

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-04-25/business/ct-art-handlers-union-0425-biz-20140425_1_teamsters-union-union-representation-handlers

About 30 art handlers, including many who are highly educated artists, are scheduled to vote Friday on whether they want the Teamsters union to represent them, the latest nontraditional organizing campaign in the Chicago area.

Unions have been organizing workers in low-wage industries, including fast food, retail and warehousing. They are also organizing workers in small businesses, carwashes and even the football players at Northwestern University, who also will vote Friday on union representation. Art handlers say they identify with the movement. They, too, want higher wages, set schedules and better working conditions. . . .

While it is too early to say people are becoming radicalized, Dau-Schmidt said, some wages are so low that even professional employees are seeking protection and higher pay through collective bargaining.

Consider Neal Vandenbergh, 28, who holds a master's degree in fine arts. Vandenbergh said he is happy he is employed because "it is really hard to find a job." But at the same time, he said he earns only slightly more than $14 an hour and his hours vary. He clears about $800 every two weeks.