Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson
Born on November 23, 1905, and he died on February 16th, 1986. Almost 37 years ago and Harry’s legacy lives on. As we hear too many Americans spew hateful speech toward others because of where they come from or the color of their skin or who they choose to love or what their politics are, I am reminded of Harry’s words.
“Help those less fortunate.”
“Be kind, everyone is putting up a hard fight.”
“When are people going to join the human race?”
Pretty profound. He cared about all working men and women and wanted us to have a better life. Thanksgiving offers us the opportunity to reflect on and to think about what we have and how we got it and to be thankful for it. As members of this great union, we have plenty to be thankful for and should commit to do everything we can to protect it.
As we continue to put the pandemic behind us even though people are still testing positive for COVID, we’re coming back, and I’m reminded of one more of Harry’s quotes, “You need to support the organization that supports you.” I’m asking that you make every effort to come back to our union meetings. An informed membership is a strong membership, and an active membership demonstrates our strength to our adversaries. It’s your organization, it supports you, so support it. We have challenges and work to do. Don’t take it for granted, keep our union strong, and show up. Let’s keep Harry’s legacy alive, consider joining the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Memorial Association. What he accomplished for us was special, as he was special, so get on board.
