Dear Brothers and Sisters, Christmas… people either they love it or they hate it. Maybe you’re enjoying time with your family and friends, gleefully wrapping up presents to put under the tree, or planning Christmas dinner down to the very last detail. Maybe you’re dwelling on the memories of loved ones lost, having a beer alone on your sofa, or joyfully anticipating the end of non-stop holiday music, crowded stores, and the awful traffic on Westnedge ave. More seriously, maybe you’re worried about the tears in your child’s eyes as they wake to find no presents under the tree. Maybe you’re dreading spending yet another holiday alone… or concerned about someone who will. Maybe you’re worried about where you’re holiday meal will come from and whether a free community dinner is worth swallowing your pride. You see, Christmas is not the same for everyone: It is full of emotions and reflection… and sometimes the things people have to reflect on are not thoughts that inspire happiness. So why the bah-humbug? Why am I raining on your eggnog and Elf (movie) parade? I’m not. Brothers and Sisters, amongst our 700 members, there are people who fall into every one of these categories. In saying this, I am not trying to scare you or make you feel bad – I am simply trying to bring to light the reality that some people face. If there is a brother or sister in need – whether in need of help financially or in need of emotional support – I do not want that brother or sister to find themselves without somewhere to turn. You see, solidarity is not limited only to work, but it is also our support system; when the world fails us, we can always turn to each other. For me, Christmas is a reminder of why I got involved in our union… and why I’m so proud to be a part of one. While our company would be proud to pay us wages conducive to poverty (and trust me, they would pay less if they could), our union gives us a voice to stand up and say that it is not good enough. While our company would gladly mandate us to work through the holiday break, we have a voice that says “no” and gets us paid for it, too. Our union is not only our voice, but it is also our family… a family (no matter how dysfunctional, lol) of 700 members… and also part of the family that makes up all unions worldwide. As a family, we are there for each other, always lending a hand to brothers and sisters in need. How many times have I been asked by concerned members to start up a collection for someone who is hurting? How many times have I watched our members deliver food to food banks, stuff stockings for veterans, host holiday parties, or take supplies to members on leave? How many times have I watched members share rides or loan a friend a couple dollars? To be a part of our union, UAW Local 503, is be part of a community… a family… and there is no time like the Christmas holiday to thank you all for being the amazing people you are. Reach out and connect with one another over this (U=you) UNION-SPONSORED CHRISTMAS VACATION – even if it’s just calling to say Merry Christmas... because you may never know who needs it the most. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and am so proud to call you my family! In Solidarity, Your Brother, Frank “Jimmy” Hines
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 00:12:24 +0000
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