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As I sit down and gather my thoughts for this letter, I am reminded that our Local is in the middle of an election. While I don’t know the outcome of this election today; by the time this newsletter is printed we will all know the results and what direction our Local Union will be heading in.
Whatever the outcome, what is taking place in our Local is no different than what is playing out in politics, on college campuses and in our cities and communities every day. It is healthy for people to disagree and sometimes out of fear, people often assume that their goals differ from the goals of others. And it makes me wonder how do we come together when, for some, we are starting from a place of division and separation?
The answer for me is to go back to basics and find common ground. I think that we all agree that, as Teamsters…as brother and sisters, we ultimately all share the same goal… Strength and solidarity. Without these core values we cannot achieve good, solid contracts, which insure that our members' wages, hours, and working conditions are always protected and always improving. No matter what your age, cultural or religious background or political affiliation that one common goal has always brought Teamsters together. Embracing the diversity of our organization and working together to achieve that goal will be the glue that holds us together.
With that in mind, I can only say that I hope that you all took the time to exercise your right to vote in our Local Election and I hope that you all take the time to vote on Election Day, as it is right and freedom that no one should ignore or take lightly.
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