December 16, 2023
Holiday Message From Region 8 Director Tim Smith
Let There Be Peace On Earth
By Jill Jackson and Sy Miller
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth,
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father
Brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me,
Let this be the moment now;
With every step I take,
Let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment
In peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
The holidays are in full swing, with twinkling lights, crowded storefronts, and holiday music on the radio. These holiday songs are classics that place everyone in the spirit of the season. One of the common themes of these holiday favorites is Peace On Earth. Sadly, in this holiday season, the Earth is not a very peaceful place.
Our country is currently divided, with little room for compromise. We see it every day and it makes everything more difficult to deal with. Great President Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” How true this is. We must find a way to work through disagreements without scorching the ground our opponents stand on. We have seen truth become a non-factor in our political debates. Without facts, it becomes impossible to debate an issue because resolution is impossible. We should be very considerate of individuals who try to promote the “them against us” mentality. “Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony.”
We even see division within our union from time to time. May we never forget that our goal is to work together for the common good. The UAW just finished historic contracts at the big three, but much work remains. Our strength comes in solidarity, that is where our power builds and our progress comes. As with any other body, we have differences of opinions and different ideas but again we must find a dialog that allows us to work through those differences for the good of all. “Let peace begin with me. Let this be the moment now.”
Personally- I cannot change the world- I can only change me. But if we all have peace as a goal, then collectively we can change the world.
In 2023, we have faced many challenges, globally, nationally, and as an organization. The past year has been filled with ups and downs, but together we have made it through. 2024 is shaping up to be another challenging year. The UAW is currently working to organize thirteen different automotive companies. Currently, polls show that Americans have a more favorable view of organized labor than in generations. Working people are fed up and only by standing together can we demand a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. National elections next year could determine whether or not labor has a seat at the table.
As we close this year out, peace is my wish for each and every one of you. We live very stressful lives, and it works on our bodies, it impacts our relationships and affects our quality of life. Over the past year, I have walked picket lines with thousands of you. I watched you stand up for a better life for your family and you inspired me every day.
On behalf of the entire Region 8 Staff and Leadership, we wish Season’s greetings to you and your families. May each of you experience peace this season, peace in your hearts, peace in your relationships, and peace in your lives. As the holiday songs suggest, we need Peace on Earth, and let it begin with me. Peace my friends.
Who Are We?
UAW!
UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith
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