Things you need to remember as a Union Member

Brothers and Sisters of SEIU,
 
Often we forget what makes us, a Union worker, different from a non-union worker.  We begin to wonder why we pay dues, and what they go for.   I only have to think about some of the places I have worked in my life to realize how important it is to be a part of a labor union.
 
I have had jobs with and without union representation.  It usually doesn’t matter either way, except on those occasions when a company you work for treats you in such a way that you realize how badly you need someone to go to bat for you.  I have worked for companies that would fire you on the spot for accidently dropping something, or even for such a small infraction as speaking out about not being given a full lunch break.  These things are not easy to accept, but they are small in comparison to things that our leaders of the past have had to endure to bring us to where we are today.
 
How often do we remember that our children do not have to work by our sides, like some of our grandparents, or great grandparents had to work in sweatshops as children?  It was not uncommon at one time in this country for a person to work 14 hours per day, six and sometimes seven days per week without overtime compensation.
 
Do we look at the safety of the workplace, and think that it is only because of government intervention that rules exist that protect us from personal injury?  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) came into being in the 1970’s, and would not be there if not for union activist’s demands.
 
I have walked on strike lines, both for myself and others, and came to realize that this right to strike, although difficult to go through is sometimes necessary, but is aright that many of us would not have.  When we, as union members see a strike, we should feel at the very least an urge to acknowledge our union friends with a horn honk or a wave; or if possible we should take some time to show solidarity and walk that line with them.  But most important, never should we patronize the business, and we should urge our friends and others to do the same.  Because we are all in this together!
 
Even if I worked in a non-union shop, the unions would have a direct effect in the wage that I would receive based upon the average rate of pay being paid in the area for like jobs.
 
Thanks to union members who have come long before us, we have rules in place that we often take for granted.  Many past union members have lost their lives to win the protections and benefits we enjoy today.  It is our duty to protect these rights for ourselves and for our brothers and sisters who will come after we have long been retired from our years of labor.
 
I have been a Teamster, a UFCW member, a sheet metal worker, a postal worker, and now a proud member of SEIU.  Each union, although different, have worked for the same end, that being the improvement and empowerment of all workers, not just their membership.  But each union would not have achieved any success if not for their members taking pride and realizing that we are stronger together, rather than separate.
 
I used to wear my SEIU pin on my uniform only during contract time, but I now wear it each day to show everyone the pride I have in my union.  I also want to show my fellow co-workers and union members that they should be proud as well, of the important role we all play in the success of the companies we work for, as well as the strength we need to show as a viable force for these companies.
 
It is my hope that all of us, members and non-members can take this to heart.  We truly need to realize that everyone, from the lowest paid worker to the degreed professional, we all need to work together to form a better world for all of us. 
 
 
Remain Strong in Solidarity and SEIU Union Pride!!!!
 
            Mark
            Methodist Hospital