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Did You Get Obama’s Message?
Tuesday, January 20, was a great day for America. That was the day Barack Hussein Obama – a man who stands for unity and equality – was sworn in as 44th president of the United States. During his acceptance speech, President Obama spoke of service to America. I want to pick up the spirit of the president’s message by speaking to you about service to our union. This message is not just for elected union officials and shop stewards. It’s for all of the members. The Postal Service keeps trying to suppress us with its union-busting tactics and constant violations of the National Agreement. For example, it uses stall tactics so that the union is forced to move grievances to Step 2, Step 3 and even arbitration. But if you do service to the union, you’ll see that we have to rally together and work as one body toward our common goal. Therefore, it’s up to all of us to file grievances, write statements and sign up new members. Earlier this month, we announced a general membership drive. By signing up new members, we show management that we’re powerful, united and a force to be reckoned with. But if we shrug our shoulders and just wait for someone else to sign up the people who grow fat off of our dues then you’re giving management every reason to slight and disrespect your union and yourself. Remember how you felt when you heard President Obama’s inauguration speech? With that feeling in mind, read the words of our own union’s constitution. Its preamble states: "We, the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, establish this Constitution in order to form a more perfect union. We believe that all working people and all human beings have a right to a safe and decent living at a reasonable wage and that all members of society are entitled to equal and fair justice. We believe that all people, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental handicap, or creed are entitled to equal opportunity and treatment. We further believe that all members of society should challenge such pernicious evils as racism, sexism and capital’s domination of labor. We also believe that it is important for the working class to ever realize that “in unity there is strength” and that “an injury to one is an injury to all.” My brothers and sisters, never forget, in unity there is great strength. Fraternally, John Macey President NPMHU Local 308
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