July 1, 2009
Our Future is with Education
The issues we face today as a Labor Union are difficult, but we have faced them before. Labor Unions have always been the guardians of the middle class and forever will be. The efforts we take today are more important than at any time in recent history of America.
Our futures are not up to some people we don’t see, it is up to us. How we act and react now will determine the type of future we as workers have for us and our families. I challenge each and every member of this local union to do two things; one is grasp opportunities to learn more about the union and how it operates. Don’t ever assume you know or someone else around you knows, educate yourself by signing up for one of the classes being offered at the local. Second is to communicate what you learn with those around you. Tell them what you were taught in the classes and challenge them to take the class as well. Talk to the non union workers about the importance of standing united as workers for the same cause. By standing together United in Solidarity is the only way we, as workers, can secure our jobs for the long term and make sure our pay and benefits stay competitive and affordable.
We must learn from our past to secure our futures. We must look at what workers did in the 1930’s and 1940’s when their backs were against the wall, as ours seems to be to some. They did not give up, they did not turn on each other; what they did was to realize that I am my brother’s keeper and if I am to do well my brother/sister (co-worker, neighbor, etc.) has to be doing well also. We cannot be like the greedy corporate bosses who have gotten this country in the shape it is in with the mentality of as long as I am doing well, I don’t care about anyone else. We must grasp the concept of I am doing well only when my brother/sister is doing well also.
Bottom line is without the workers standing United under the umbrella of a Labor Union, we are at the mercy of the company’s we work for and I know everyone remembers what that was like. No choices, no voices and no respect.
Stand United and sign up for one of the Education Classes now being offered.
Standing in Unity and Solidarity,
Kevin D Barnett
Vice President/Education LUDL
UAW LOCAL 3520
Local Union phone number: 704-878-3191
E-Mail: KevinBarnett@uawlocal3520.org