The next General Membership Meeting is Thursday, February 19th at 6pm via "Zoom". 
Call the Local to be added to the email list today!

Brothers and Sisters,

The days are ticking down as we close out 2025. Many of you have probably noticed an increase in nonsense, unnecessary pressure, and an uptick in discipline. Has something changed? Why are meaningless, previously unimportant issues suddenly becoming a big deal?

Here’s the answer and anyone who’s been around for a while can attest, it’s contract year. The year leading up to a contract expiration has historically been filled with rumors, increased discipline, arbitrary policy changes, and plain old-fashioned chaos. This is not an accident or coincidence. It’s an age-old strategy from every employer’s playbook, aimed at creating uncertainty and fear to fuel division, infighting, and an “every person for themselves” atmosphere. All of it is designed to weaken our unity in the workplace and at the bargaining table.

Why am I telling you this? Because understanding the plan of the opponent is critical to carrying out our path to victory. If the word “opponent” bothers you, let me be clear: there are only two parties at the bargaining table. You are either the Union negotiating on behalf of the members, or you are the Company negotiating on behalf of their bottom line. There’s no seat for the neutral, no “I don’t keep up with that stuff,” and no one untouched by this process.

That’s why it’s critical to recognize the Company’s actions for what they are and to respond, not react. When we react, we fall into their traps and end up defending ourselves. When we respond, we put them in the position of having to defend their actions. That’s where we want to be. Our collective response to their bargaining goals will be clear, precise, and effective. There will be no question as to what side of the table we are on, our resolve, or our solidarity. We will move as one when the time is right and as long as it takes to send a crystal clear message to the Company that our demands are fair, well earned, and we will not settle for less.

It can’t be stressed enough how important it is to have these conversations with each other, especially with our newer members who haven’t been through this before. Be the mentor you once had when you first came to work here. Show up to meetings (they’re virtual, so everyone can attend), encourage others to show up, ask questions, and get involved.

Over the last couple of months, I’ve been encouraged. I’ve met with our Retired Members Councils in central and eastern Virginia, and they’re as fired up and ready to fight as ever. They understand that fighting for those who came before you is just as important as fighting for those who will come after, and they’re ready to stand and march with us.

We’ve seen more members showing up at meetings, and I expect those numbers to keep rising. Our local committees remain active. Our national bargaining committees are strong, made up of experienced leaders with years of service behind them and years ahead of them.

Our industry continues to face challenges, both good and bad, that will ultimately rely on a strong, skilled labor force like ours. Let’s seize this moment, this challenging yet opportunistic time, and commit to being part of the fight. Let’s not look back with “should haves and would haves” but look forward to telling the stories of yet another great battle, fought and won by union brothers and sisters at CWA.

I’ll see you at our next membership meeting. Stay strong, stay united, and stay tuned.

In Solidarity,
Bubba Craddock