Dear sisters and brothers:
I know many people have had thoughts as to what happened Election night and how we proceed from here. That is our democracy. With that in mind I just wanted to say a few words to rest some fears. We have been operating in this type of environment for almost six years. We have experienced some of the toughest challenges in our lifetime. The events of Tuesday only strengthen our resolve in what we do and who we are as a labor organization.
This union has tightened its budget, strengthened its walls and increased its operations. We will continue to educate our members as to what we do and why we exist. Keep in mind first and foremost we are here to service our members and protect their rights under the contracts that they have negotiated. Our members come from many walks of life, different religions, different beliefs and different political affiliations. They are all our members. We will spend more time reaching out to our members on their jobs and in their homes to really find out who they are and what they need. We will find more ways to say “yes” and less ways to say “no.”
Elections have consequences, and I know we are more prepared now than ever to deal with what may come. Labor is never easy; unions were built around turmoil and without conflict there is no resolution. This is a teaching moment for us all, and we will get through. The organization has been going through changes and will continue to do so for the betterment of the labor movement.
Now is the time for everyone to throw their shoulders back, keep their heads up, stand tall and...
Never Quit.
In Solidarity,
Christopher Mabe, OCSEA President