The art of labor

"There's no way I could be half the artist I am without the support of the union"

By AFL-CIO

Published March 26, 2013 1:00PM (EDT)

The video is brought to you by the AFL-CIO. To read the other stories in this series, click here.

Despite the common stereotype that unions only serve workers in manufacturing, construction and service industries, organized labor has a long history protecting the livelihoods of artists and performers. Jennifer Mondie, a veteran violist with the National Symphony Orchestra, puts it succintly: "There's no way I could be half the artist I am without the support of the union."

In the video above, Mondie explains how being a member of the American Federation of Musicians allows her to excel at her craft -- and she shares some beautiful music, as well.


By AFL-CIO

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Afl-cio Aol_on Jennifer Mondie Labor National Symphony Orchestra Unions Working Ahead