President’s Report
On Thursday, December 13th, 2018, Local Lodge 1725 held elections for the next Executive Board and its officers. I would like to thank everyone that took the time to come out and vote in this election. For personal and family reasons I decided not to seek a second term as President of your local. Let me say that it has been my honor and privilege to serve this membership and unionism at large for these past three years.
As I reflect back on my role as President of Local Lodge 1725, I realize it was one of the most challenging and educational things that I have ever done. I could write on for many pages listing the things that I learned and will take away from my time as President. In my final President’s report I would like to share the most important things that I will take away from this experience.
First, and most importantly, a union is only as strong as its member’s level of engagement. That is absolutely true no matter how cliché it may sound. The more active and involved the membership is, the stronger and more effective the union is.
Second, we should never lose sight of the common interests and goals that all union members share, regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, gender, occupation, department, title, etc. Those common interests and goals, like a safe work place, or the best possible wages and benefits for ourselves and our families are what binds us together and gives focus to what we must fight for on a daily basis.
Lastly, if members are engaged and active in their union and they understand and embrace the shared common interests and goals that unite us, then solidarity will be a natural byproduct of these actions. That solidarity is absolutely essential to achieving what it is that we all collectively desire. Individually we can never win the battles we need to win, but collectively, in solidarity, we can win these fights and in the process achieve what is best for us and our families. That is what unionism is all about. For all its imperfections, it is truly the only way to achieve a better and brighter future in the workplace.
In closing, there are far too many people to thank by name for all their efforts in support of this local lodge, its members, and the cause of unionism during my three year term. To the many committee chairs, committee members, shop stewards, our office manager and countless other members and volunteers, a profound and big thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service.
Fraternally
Michael W Jones
