November 25, 2024
Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for taking stock of the blessings in our lives. The family, friends, health, and happiness that sustain us are the most important things in our lives. Everything else is just details that finish out our days.

This year, in Region 8 have seen a lot of blessings, particularly when it comes to organizing. After several years, the workers at Volkswagen in Chattanooga are finally represented by the UAW. As we speak, work is being done on their first contract. Workers at the new Ultium Battery Plant at Spring Hill have become part of the bargaining unit at Local 1853 and a majority of the workers at the new Blue Oval battery plant in Kentucky have signed membership cards signifying their desire to join the UAW.

We sometimes forget that having the opportunity to fight for others is a blessing. Our members donate millions every year to community relief organizations through United Way and personal donations. Locals across Region 8 have supported children’s organizations, those who have been the victims of hurricanes, and thousands of our fellow citizens who are in need. It has been said that during our life we all have an opportunity to be involved in giving; if you can count yourself on the side of those doing the giving you are indeed blessed.

Robert Emmons recently published an essay on gratitude. In this essay, Emmons writes there are two parts to gratitude. The first part is recognizing the good things in life. Food, clothing, shelter, companionship, and the small things that bring us happiness. Happiness is achieved differently for each of us, due to the fact we all have different needs and desires. Once we recognize what makes us happy then we can move to the second part of gratitude.

The other side of gratitude is understanding and realizing where those things come from. The food that sustains us, the home that shelters us, the health we have are all examples of blessings. Have you ever stopped to think about where those things come from? A nurse or doctor working to cure our ills, a waitress bringing us food, the person we work with who offers encouragement to us when we are feeling down, or the stranger who lends a helping hand when we are in need. To truly practice gratitude, we have to recognize our blessings and the source.

As we assemble with family and friends this Thanksgiving, it is my desire we will take stock of the blessings we have and the source. Remember those around you who are blessings and recognize the things they do to make a difference in your life. If you are the source of blessings to someone else, be thankful that you have that opportunity to make a difference for someone else. Giving is a two-way street, that involves the exchange between two people.

On behalf of the entire Region 8 leadership and staff, I want to extend our wishes to you and yours for a happy Thanksgiving, spent in the warmth of those you love. Take the time to remember your blessings and the source. Tell those around you what they mean to you.

I want you all to know the blessing you are to me. As I travel the 17 states that make up our region, my favorite part is getting to know each of you. When I see the solidarity of our members coming together for the collective good of all, it encourages me when I am down. Together we can accomplish anything; together we can provide for the common good; together we can navigate the issues we face every day. I am thankful we know who we are collectively- who are we? UAW!

UAW Region 8 Director
Tim Smith
Who are We? UAW!