As seen in the Unity: Fall 2022 – President’s Report. See past copies of the Unity here.

Looking back and charting a path forward

At the end of each year, it’s a good time to look back on what we’ve been able to accomplish as a union. Before the calendar flips over to 2023, we can take a moment to step back from the day-to-day challenges we all face and consider the big picture.

First of all, I’m thankful. Thankful for the active, engaged and united membership we have at Local 152.

Because you stood together, we were able to negotiate and ratify industry-leading contracts this year. No contract will ever be able to express our true appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice you have endured since the start of the pandemic, but the wage increases and benefit improvements in the latest round of contracts are a good place to start.

These successes are only the beginning. It’s up to you how far we can go with this newfound momentum. And when we help others succeed, we succeed.

Not all workers enjoy the benefits of union membership — from higher wages and benefits to job protection to financial security in retirement. We spread the word about the union both to emerging industries, like the cannabis market, and existing ones, and in the process we strengthen Local 152 with new members and new voices.

Failure to organize new members doesn’t mean we get to continue with the status quo. If we sit still, non-union employers with lower wages and inferior benefits will continue to cut into the business of union stores and hurt our ability to negotiate at the bargaining table.

All of our members can do their part to keep our union strong by attending our quarterly union meetings and staying up to date by reading this Unity newsletter and following us on social media. Young members, especially, are often on the cusp of new technologies and social platforms, and adding your pro-union voice in these spaces can have a positive effect going forward.

All this and more is possible because of worker solidarity, the idea that we are stronger together than when we stand alone.

In a time when millions of people of all ages are feeling isolated and fearful of forces beyond their control, unions are the antidote. We deliver the message that no worker should ever have to struggle alone.

— President Brian String

Read past Messages, or learn more about President Brian String.