Sisters & Brothers,

We have reached the 1 year anniversary of the day we stood up and said enough is enough, and we fought back against Verizon and corporate greed.  April 13th is a day we should all be proud of, we saw firsthand the power of the Union movement, and the strength solidarity provides to each of us.

As Business Manager, I am so very proud of this membership.  You held the line strong, through adversity, and the unknown.  For many members, the fear and anxiety of a strike can sometimes be overwhelming however our members overcame the challenge.

I ask that we all take a moment and reflect on our 7-week fight, and what we accomplished together.  We must remain vigilant and make sure that we are as prepared, if not more for 2019.  The Union leadership worked very hard to lay the foundation in the years leading up to the strike.

We need to continue to build on that foundation, and not rest on our laurels.  We have been very actively politically, through your COPE contributions.  We have forged strong relationships with our fellow Unions in Rhode Island, by answering the call to attend their rallies, or picket lines.

We operate from a philosophy that to have a friend, you need to be a friend.  It is critical that we continue to be active, and continue to participate in all forums so when we make the call, we have friends to call upon.  We saw the benefits through winning unemployment, or the experts that attended the health insurance information meetings, the strong support on our picket lines, and more.

In closing, I wish to thank the entire membership for their efforts, and sacrifice that began 1 year ago today.  I am proud to have you as my Union Brothers & Sisters.

 

Fraternally,

Steve Murphy