As seen in the Unity: Fall 2017 - President’s Report

What can we be thankful for? Plenty!

As we approach Thanksgiving, some of us might be wondering what we can be thankful for.

Our conversations in the past year have been dominated by social and political controversies, catastrophic natural disasters, episodes of horrific violence and the resurging threat of nuclear war.

But while these issues demand our attention, they should not be allowed to overwhelm our capacity for positive thought and action.

A positive mental attitude has served us well in the leadership of this union. In our first decade, we’ve faced our share of challenges, from the millions in debt we inherited to the bankruptcies and closures of some of our employers to legislation that seeks to weaken us as a union.

We took these issues seriously, but we didn’t let them wear us down.  We approached our problems with energy, creativity and confidence in knowing every one of them could be overcome. Our record of success speaks to the wisdom of this approach.

Take a look through this issue of Unity, where we report on strong new contracts with ShopRite, Beef International and Bacharach Institute, among other employers. We’re welcoming new members from United Methodist Homes of Pitman Manor and we’re celebrating 12 successful years of our charity golf tournament.

Our approach is exemplified by Patti O’Neil, a Local 152 member whose inspiring story is also told in this issue.

Patti has dealt with overwhelming tragedy — losing her son to cancer — and responded in the spirit of turning life’s bitter lemons into sweet lemonade. In the process, she has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to help fight childhood cancer.

Passing it on

Nothing good happens from negative thinking. A positive frame of mind, on the other hand, can transform our world in ways we never thought were possible.

As union members, we belong to an organization with tremendous power for achieving great things for ourselves and everyone who works for a living. Through our union and others like it, millions of people are able to own homes, raise families and retire with dignity.

Our continued success depends on you and every other union member with the capacity of positive thinking. We have it in our power to change the world and inspire others to do the same.

Do you remember the first person who talked to you about your union? Typically, he or she was a kind, concerned and thoughtful individual who reached out to a young worker who felt a little lost and alone.

I urge you to become this someone for someone else. Share your knowledge and positivity with others and watch it spread.

Winston Churchill said attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. With the right attitude, we can meet our future challenges and create many things to be grateful for at our holiday tables.

We wish you a happy and optimistic holiday season.

Sincerely,

Brian String

President