Members Come Together to Build a More Powerful, Active Union

Over the last six months, New York New Jersey Regional Joint Board members from all three divisions of our union (manufacturing, retail and hospitality) have come together for a groundbreaking series of leadership meetings. As working people and as union members, we face serious challenges such as the continued outsourcing of manufacturing jobs, harsh immigration laws, a troubled economy, and a national political environment that is hostile to organizing rights. In the face of these challenges, union members have pledged to fight even harder to build a strong, active union that can be a powerful voice for positive change both in our shops and in our communities.

After meeting together in October 2007, shop stewards and other member leaders circulated a survey in all NY NJ Joint Board shops. Nearly 1000 members filled out the survey! From the survey we learned that our members are passionate not only about protecting our rights on the job, but also about fighting for affordable housing, immigrant rights and educational reform. We found out that members are ready to sign petitions, come to rallies, meet with politicians and community groups, and take many other actions to win justice in these areas and to win strong contracts at work. To see more results from the survey, click on the "survey results" document below.

In March 2008, participants in the leadership meetings formed an Action Committee. The Action Committee is an important and exciting first step toward our goal of building a stronger, more powerful union – a union characterized by active member participation and success in winning respect and rights both on the job and in our communities. We are always looking for more participants - to join the action committee, contact your shop steward or union representative today!