I come from a family where strong Labor and Union values were instilled from as long as I can remember. We were a proud Union home during my growing-up years, and I have been a proud Union member whenever I have had the chance to be part of a Union.

My dad understood the value of labor in America both before and after World War II. As a kid, I remember the Union where he worked going out on strike and just how much he believed in what American Labor and his Union offered to him as he continued to work hard to provide for his family.

During this time of celebrating workers in America over the Labor Day holiday weekend, I believe we are also at a time where we are being called to action to support American Labor and Unions. This call to action is underscored by the Trump Administration recently breaking and canceling Union contracts within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This had immediate consequences for staff at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

Why should other Union-represented workers pay attention to this recent Trump action? Well, it is pretty simple. At some point he will be coming for your Union-negotiated contracts. They will be called illegal and be canceled, just like the contracts at the VA hospital were cancelled. Then, after your contracts have been cancelled. watch out for your pensions, as they will be next!

If you are a member of one of our local Unions but are not involved, it is time to become involved before it is too late. If you are able to join a Union and have chosen not to, I hope you understand the train wreck that is coming your way and get involved and join your local Union.

Organized Labor has always stood in the way of an authoritarian government. We need to help our Unions be even stronger and better than they are today so workers aren’t trampled and pensions aren’t stolen.

Thank you to all our Union sisters and brothers for the work they do in our communities.

Be well.