Hello, brothers and sisters.
I hope this Labor Day finds you well and that you and your family are remaining safe and healthy during these uncertain times. Labor Day looks a bit different this year as we are not able to gather as a union to celebrate the advancements of labor laws that unions have pioneered for decades. However, that doesn’t mean our spirit has to be diminished.
Today, let’s celebrate that spirit and remember it was Peter J. McGuire himself who first advocated for a day that “would publicly show the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations.” Since that time, our city, state, and country have experienced so many ups and downs, yet each time the union prevailed. In fact, our union carpenters have often been the ones to rebuild infrastructure, the economy, and morale. The truth is that the Carpenters Union is the real vital sign of America.
So, if the past six months have proven anything, it’s that union carpenters will always be essential. When times are tough, it’s union brothers and sisters who get the job done. Time and again, we will be called upon to build and invigorate this city. The work we do is on display every day throughout historic events, important movements, and major transformations – and that is something to be proud of.
Knowing that, I want you to think about what it means to be part of the Carpenters Union and think about the strength and bravery you exhibit every day. And think about the spirit that you share with your 20,000 fellow brothers and sisters – the very spirit that McGuire spoke of and what we have celebrated for nearly a century on Labor Day. We may not get to march this year, but every day we are still taking steps to fight for the working class.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a lot of things on pause, but the labor movement waits for no one. In the upcoming election, there are those who would like undo all the rights and regulations we’ve fought for as union tradespeople. That’s why it so important that you vote union in person or by mail. You can request an absentee ballot to vote by mail by Tuesday, October 27th. Your ballot must be postmarked by election day on Tuesday, November 3rd. Your vote is the future of the union, the future of this city, and the future of our country.
I wish everyone a safe and happy Labor Day with their families and loved ones. For all we’ve been through as a union, it is more than earned. God Bless each and every one of you.
Fraternally,
Joseph Geiger
Executive Secretary-Treasurer