FROM THE DESK OF BUBBA CRADDOCK

Happy New Year and Goodbye 2022! As always, the New Year symbolizes a fresh start and the closing of the previous year’s chapter. We look back at the victories, losses, the highs and lows, and pledge to “do better” in the year to come. While we are all coming off of a period of “goodwill to all men”, our employers are also planning their version of “do better”. They will have renewed commitments to enforce work rules. New visions of “more with less” practices and procedures. There will be meetings, kickoffs, huddles, etc. to get you to buy into their ridiculous goals. This is a good time for us to lookout for one another and remind each other that we work to live, not live to work! We will provide our skills and labor in exchange for agreed upon working conditions, pay, and benefits. We do not create failed policies, nor should we answer to the results of such. This is a reminder to all of you, if you are harassed, intimidated, threatened, written up, appraised poorly, or anything that negatively impacts your working conditions….reach out to your union steward, VP, or the Local. Far too often, these things have been allowed to go on much longer than they should. Let’s move into the new year from a position of strength and confidence recognizing one of the most important aspects of the union difference….we are employed under a mutual agreement NOT a gift or favor from our supervisors. Most of them don’t have the authority to approve a vacation day much less treat you in an unprofessional manner. As always, I invite you to get involved in your Union….. Ask about our committees, become a steward, or any other way you can make a difference for your coworkers and community.  Welcome 2023!