NEWSLETTER COMEBACK

Once again the TWU Local 527 Newsletter is making a comeback and with of all people me, Martin Brown as its editor.

At our June union meeting , in a moment of insanity I volunteered to take on this task. Since then I have been attempting through trial and error to teach myself to use Microsoft Publisher. This is my first
attempt so I am asking that you bear with me until hopefully I become skilled enough to give it the
professional look it deserves.

I would also like to ask for everyone’s help in making the newsletter a success and a permanent outreach of TWU Local 527. If you have any news you would like published please submit it to the Union’s email address at twul527tuwlocal527.org. I am looking for announcements of births, engagements, graduations, family reunions, yard sales and other such events as well as any job related information or concerns you may have.

As always the main goal of the newsletter is to inform and educate its members on labor relations
in the workplace as well as local, state and federal legislation that may affect our ability to exist,
organize workers and bargain collectively with employers.

As editor I will also try to add a little entertainment. I am sure that many of my Union brothers and sisters who are aware of the circumstances of my present employment would ask why would I volunteer to undertake this newsletter. Well for me the answer is quite simple. It is my way of giving back to our union (all of us).

WE ARE THE UNION

Last May my work career with the Fort Gordon Support Project was resurrected through the efforts of TWU Local 527 and its officers who fought so hard on my behalf. No the Union was not able to get me back to the position and situation I had before October ‘07. My pay rate took a hefty cut, I lost 27 years of seniority as if they never happened and I also lost the four weeks per year vacation that I worked so long to achieve. Despite these things I fully realize that without a Union like we have I would be working for minimum wages at Wal-Mart, Bi Lo or Burger King. I also realize that no Union can be the answer to all our needs and wishes but without our Union we would be totally defenseless and without representation.

Our union is no stronger than we the members make it. Our efforts and participation make the Union what it is and what it isn’t. We have a good Union. Proof of this is the new CBAs that were negotiated. None of the increased wages and benefits would have been possible without our Union.

So then, we can stand back and talk about what our union is not or we can get involved and make it what we want and need it to be.

The motto of this newsletter is, “ THE UNION WE HAVE IS THE UNION WE MAKE”.