The Birth of A Union: The Legacy of Noridean McDonald

This is a story and case study of an African-American bus driver who helped her fellow workers in Cleveland, Ohio not only to higher wages and better working conditions, but also toward professional careers and respect. The "Legacy of Noridean McDonald" is an example of how one person provided opportunity, inspired courage, and instilled determination among transportation workers in establishing and achieving a goal of unity among workers, empowerment in the workplace, and respect from the employer. The study documents the beginnings of the union and the details and events that led to successful representation. Noridean's struggle was painful. She sacrificed time with her family and risked a job she desperately needed to fight for the changes she envisioned for herself and her co-workers. Her fight, her fears, and her struggle to level the playing field led to the equality, respect, and dignity of current and future members of OAPSE Local # 744. Noridean McDonald understood, felt, and identified with the overall problems of the working class, not only at her worksite but at all worksites. She attempted to address these issues and then provoked a change, an endeavor not for the faint of heart. This change was not only for her personal dignity, but for everyone, to ensure change and good fortune for the entire united body. Noridean McDonald's aversion to unjust labor practices propelled her into a non-stop, unguided collision with her employer, which launched the union movement in her work place. Noridean's choices and steps led her into the forefront as mid-wife for the birth of a labor union.