A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson
Sisters and brothers, to say I’m disappointed in the result of the presidential election would be an understatement. I remain unapologetic in opposition to Donald Trump for all the right reasons. I still believe a vote for Trump was a vote against unions and against workers. The threat to our economic security was and remains real. If he does half of what he accomplished during his first time in office and half of what he intends to do in the future, I am fearful for the survival of the trade union movement in America. If I thought he might have some sense of fairness, I wouldn’t have been so concerned. His pro-business policies, his desire to cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, plans to eliminate regulations that protect all Americans – all of this does not bode well for unions. It remains to be seen if he will be a president for all Americans or just for those who support him.
I am a staunch trade unionist, and there are less and less of us. The trade union movement remains the only organized opposition to the top 1% having it all. This election puts them on that path. So much was at stake. Time will tell and maybe losing the little that we do have will push us harder next time. America will survive. I just pray that it’s the America we all know and love.
Despite the outcome of the presidential race and its impacts on us, I am proud of the efforts made by our members over the last 10 weeks who volunteered their time to get in the fight. We knocked on doors, made phone calls, rallied, and shared the message that we need pro-union and pro-labor candidates in all levels of government. The work continues, and we will keep making our voices heard on the issues that affect us and working people everywhere.
Finally, thank you to all the veterans who served our country. We are forever indebted to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Services for keeping us safe and free. We honor and celebrate the members of Local 3 and the IBEW who admirably stepped up and answered the call to protect our country. Happy Veterans Day!
