Labor Day - Phil Barbarello

 

To my Brothers and Sisters,

It was three years ago on Labor Day that management imposed their arcane work and pay rules in an ill-fated attempt to break our spirit and our Union. Since then we have worked together to restore fairness and dignity back to our profession.  We have been unwavering in our collective pursuit of justice and in doing so we have strengthened our Union.  We will soon reap the rewards of our efforts as we reclaim working rules that are just and a pay system that values our contributions.
 
We have stood up to the constant attacks by our employer using our influence and integrity to protect our members and advance our objectives. By any benchmark one would measure we set the standard.  Our membership is second to none nearing 100%.  Our political activism and our activists are among the finest in organized labor.  
 
On this Labor Day we turn the corner on a dismal three years of management oppression but our work is not done.  We need to vigorously enforce the provisions of our new collective bargaining agreement.  It will be incumbent upon us to quash the hostile management culture that was born of the imposed work rules and re-establish our position as the agency's premier labor force. These next few years will not be a time to rest on our laurels but rather a time solidify the foundation that our new collective bargaining agreement will establish.  
 
We have a deep-rooted tradition of being hard working, no-nonsense unionists. It is these character traits that have kept our employer from destroying us.  For my part, it is an honor to lead the Eastern Region and I am grateful that you have the confidence in me to continue to represent you.  I thank you for your support, your activism and your passion.
 
 
Please take the time to enjoy this special Labor Day,
 
 
In Solidarity,
Phil Barbarello