THERE IS NO “ME” IN
UNION
JUST AN “I”
I get so tired of some people saying, “What does the Union do for
me.” They only think of themselves and what is in it for them. Let
me tell you folks that there is a lot that the Union does for you. It
gives you better work conditions, even if you can’t see it. Better
pay that the average person that does not have a college education or
a degree in some high tech type of job. Security in the work place and
the most over looked of all is the fellowship of all your brothers and
sisters in the great Unions of this country.
Yes, in my over 41 years of belonging the Union has help “me”
through some tough times and has made it possible for “me”
to have a good life style and have security for my family and work friends.
But this was only possible because of all of those before and during my
younger years has worked hard to get this done.
It was those that believed that the Union had an “I” in it,
and always wanted to know what “I” could do for the Union.
They were involved in all that made this a great Union; they worked hard
to keep it that way; they kept up with all that was going on; and made
sure they were always helpful to those who didn’t understand what
was happening.
So ask yourself, what can “I” do for my Union. Like attend
the meetings, read the contract, help your brothers and sisters that are
new. Don’t bad mouth your appointed officers, if you don’t
want them then when the next election comes around vote for someone you
think will be better. Remember that these officers were voted in by those
that were there, those that thought they would do a great job,
those that took that few extra minutes out of their lives to stop and
vote for the person of their choice.
You will find that the ones who complain the most were the ones that didn’t
vote at all. When contract time comes around and all of them and those
in international sit down to get you more, show them your support. Before
you vote for a new contract, read it. Just don’t look to see if
you are getting a raise or more days off, read the whole thing, and then
ask what it means if you don’t understand. When it comes time to
vote on it, go and vote, because if you don’t go, it will be a yes
vote and then you have no gripe when things don’t go your way.
So remember that the “I” in Union is you and the only way
the Union can stay strong is if all the little “I’s”
stay together and stay United.