It is not easy for workers to run their own unions. Members must participate in their union, work out their differences through democratic debate and discussion, and unite — despite their differences — when in struggle against the boss. Elected leaders have to work hard, listen to members who often have different opinions, build unity — and often make difficult decisions.

The easier but much less effective option is to let a union official, a lawyer, a politician or the boss make the decisions and shoulder the burdens.

While a member-run union is hard work to maintain, it pays off in a stronger union, a better contract, and the satisfaction that comes from knowing that “We did it ourselves.” The old labor anthem “Solidarity Forever” reminds us that, “there can be no power greater” than the solidarity of working people joined together in a union; that power is greatest when that union is one that the members run themselves.