None of us needs to be told of the struggles that our nation and world are facing in these most difficult times. With layoffs, foreclosures, and unemployment levels remaining at unacceptable levels, the future appears very uncertain at best. However, we must also look towards the future with optimism so that everyone in our society can benefit.
In an earlier column, I have passed information to you about the ongoing difficulties of our fellow brothers and sisters at the Minnesota Epilepsy Group in St. Paul. As of the writing of this column, it gives me great pleasure to state that our fellow SEIU Healthcare Minnesota members and the management of the Minnesota Epilepsy Group have reached an agreement on a new contract. This is wonderful news for those members that could have been affected by a potential work stoppage, but more importantly, the citizens and patients that our members serve will continue to receive the quality and dedicated care that they deserve.
This is an important victory not only for the members of SEIU, but also for all of us in the labor movement, as each victory can help build momentum for other battles ahead. However, we must stay vigilant to the problems facing our other fellow union members in other locals and other unions as well.
Here in the Minneapolis area, our fellow brothers and sisters in SEIU local 26 have won another great victory.
As I type these words, I have learned that a potential contract agreement has been reached to avert a potential strike that would have begun on March 1, 2010. This means that these members won a fair contract that will give them some increase of economic security, but also shows these individuals a level of respect for the jobs that they do.
I applaud our fellow brothers and sisters at Local 26 as well as their negotiation team members for the long hours and stressful conditions that they faced to bring their friends and co-workers a contract that they can be proud of! I urge all of us in SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and beyond to visit www.seiu26.org for more information on this hard-fought victory.
With each day that passes, we in the labor movement know well that the struggles for fair wages, better and safer working conditions, and respect in the workplace continue. This is what all of this is about. It is truly about looking out for each one of us. When a worker is facing uncertainty in their job, it is up to each of us to come together in solidarity and give strength to that individual. A union UNITED, shall NEVER be divided!
To our fellow brothers and sisters in Local 26, I say SI SE PUEDE! (Yes We Can!), and thank them for their solidarity and strength that they have shown each of us in the labor movement!
Grasp these victories won by Minnesota Epilepsy Group and Local 26, and use this momentum to move all of our causes forward.
Have a wonderful week brothers and sisters, and stay strong and vigilant in your workplaces. Victories are important, but do not become complacent and allow any of us to lose any of the past improvements that we have won!
Until next time;
Solidarity Today. Solidarity Tomorrow. And Solidarity Always...In All Ways.
Original post at http://seiuhealthcaremn.org/membercolumn/default.aspx
About the author:
Mark Freeman is a receiving clerk at Methodist Park Nicollet Hospital and a small business owner (DJ/Karaoke Entertainment). He's been a member of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota for 12 years and served on the SEIU Healthcare MN Twin Cities Hospital Negotiation Team in 2008-09.
Besides SEIU, Mark has also been a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the American Postal Workers Union and the Sheet Metal Workers. He is married with two sons, and a proud grandfather of three grandsons.
