AFTRA Holiday Shoppers

Can Save Hours and Dollars

Special web sites offer discounts, premiums, 24-hour stay-at-home shopping for union members

By Susan Chapek

I admit it; I started my holiday shopping the day after Thanksgiving. But this year, that Friday didn't seem bleak or black! For the first time, I was using shopping benefits available to AFTRAns on the Web.

        AFTRA shopping benefits? Who knew?

        Union Plus, the same organization that makes group insurance rates available to AFTRAns who don't qualify for our own plan, has a web site offering holiday savings on popular items like Dell and IBM computers, handhelds, digital cameras, printers and more. I recommend a visit to their website at www.unionvoice.org.

        Keep your family comfy in body and conscience by giving them jeans and sweats from www.unionjeancompany.com and other stores at www.nosweatshop.com (which calls itself as the first shopping mall in the world where you can't find a stitch made in a sweatshop).

        Last year in Oregon, I discovered the book-lover's dream store: Powell's Books in Portland. It's so big they hand out maps at the door. Their huge selection of new, used, and rare books is as well organized as their workers (LWU Local 5). Your purchase at www.powellsunion.com delivers 10% of its total directly to employees as part of their profit-sharing program.

        Are holiday travels in store for you?  www.unionvoice.org offers savings of up to 25% on your car rental. The same site offers a 15% discount on fresh flowers to gift your hosts. 

        I hate bumper stickers, but I'm tempted by a dignified license plate frame proclaiming "Today's Unions: Our Voice at Work," only $2! This and dozens of other American-made stocking stuffers (Rosie the Riveter coasters; a DVD of Norma Rae; inspirational mugs and postcards) can be found at http://unionshop.aflcio.org/shop.

        When you do venture into the crush of local shopping, remember to support local businesses like Giant Eagle, who provide fair wages and benefits to their Union employees. To check on the Union affiliation of a product or store, try www.paaflcio.org.