There’s a reason why the universal symbol of labor unions is a raised fist and not two hands clasping. Unions—if they are faithful to their original purpose—are necessarily militant. The union is never the friend of management. The two are never partners in “achieving common objectives.” Prior to unionization, management was not waiting and hoping some labor organization would develop so that it could help them create a better workplace and accomplish the mission more efficiently.

But lately, I’ve been hearing this kind of language being used to justify our Local’s efforts to compromise, collaborate and cooperate with management. I’ve heard it said, “The main goal for all of us—union and management—is to get the mail out. –Right?” Wrong! Management and the union share no common goals. Management wants to get the mail out regardless of whether they must abuse worker rights in the process; but the union wants to get the mail out only if worker rights can be upheld in the process. These are not the same goals. I’ve had enough of the sickening excuses for why so many grievances that should have been sent up were instead settled with a cave-in compromise; and I’ve had enough of hearing the bragging about how high the percentage of grievances is that were settled locally instead of being sent to arbitration or Step-3. Caving in and settling when the case is strong enough that it ought to be sent up higher is shameful and not something to brag about.

It’s vital for our union that we vote only for officials who understand this difference, are committed to a properly militant union, and will stand against compromise, collaboration and cooperation with management. That’s why I’m voting for Xaviare Reed, Rick Farrell, Tammy Savage and the rest of the “Faces of Change” Team. We can’t afford to let our union continue to go in the direction it’s been going. It’s time to return our union to what it once was: a champion of worker rights, fighting against a management that we know will get away with as much as we let them get away with. It’s not wrong for union officials to be outwardly friendly in the relationships with our management counterparts; but it’s inexcusable to lose sight of the fact that we are—at heart—complete adversaries whose goals oppose one another. United against management, we stand—united with management, we fall. It’s your choice: vote wisely!

By Ken Hamrick, Chief Steward, Citygate Tour-1