You’ve heard the myth of the self-made man: If you cultivate a positive attitude and work hard, you can start out with nothing and still become the next billionaire. What’s more appealing than the belief in complete self-sufficiency?

Yet, reality is otherwise. As a report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) points out, American workers have always done better for themselves and their families when they join together in strong unions. It’s through collective bargaining that they have a voice on the job and greater control over their lives and their futures.

It was going to be a special day and John Marciel had it all planned: He and his family would attend his eldest son’s high school graduation. Then they would relax at the Centerville Beach near Ferndale, California, about 260 miles north of San Francisco.

Saving a stranger’s life was not on the agenda.

Editor's Note: This op-ed was originally published in The Hill. 

Freedom is one of the most cherished American principles. But freedom means more than the ability to speak your mind, practice your religion, or choose your own democratically elected leaders. Our freedoms don’t end with the First Amendment to the Constitution.