Hey there,
I just sat down from cleaning a pile of dishes up to my ears. The kids have left, the house is quiet. After a long day of family, friends, and (so much) food, I couldn’t let the sun set without sharing my gratitude with you all.
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday or an excuse to sell some turkeys. It’s a chance to reflect back on where we’ve been, where we’re going, but – most importantly – the people who walk with us on our journey.
That means you. I’m thankful to every single person in this union for pouring their blood and sweat into the job every day (with a smile on your face, too). Not only that, you all are going above and beyond to meet the incredible fight we’re in to get democracy – on and off the clock.
I’m thinking of Francis Robateau and Andrea Arhelger and our political volunteers who took their hard-earned days off to walk door to door canvassing. They didn’t let the hot sun of the Simi Valley scare them. The pushed ahead and their tenacity helped flip a seat that’s been in hostile hands for decades.
I’m thinking of Johnathan Fabro and our organizing team who are helping bring safety and security to hundreds of Cannabis members across L.A. County. We’re about to sign a new contract with Med Men – a major moment to show the world that we are here and we’re legit.
I’m thinking of Mary and the thousands of Rite Aid workers and supporters who, when Rite Aid threatened their health care, said: “No way.” Our Boycott Rite Aid campaign brought the company back to the table and took their hands off your benefits.
I’m thinking of all of you who feed your communities – mind, body, and soul – every single day. You keep your neighbors happy and healthy. That’s a powerful thing, and something they’ll never be able to take from us. As long as we continue showing up and giving our all, we’ll keep winning.
The fight is far from over, though. Next month, we begin organizing for our Grocery contract negotiations. Whether you’re a Grocery division member or not, this is your fight. It’s no secret ruthless companies like Amazon want to bring automation to every store. When we hang tough, though, we can get ahead and get more.
They may have the money and the expensive lawyers. We have something better, though: the power of people. We have each other.
Please sign up to volunteer your time and we’ll get you started on how you can pitch in to help get a better deal. For now, Happy Thanksgiving.
And now we go,
John Grant
President, UFCW 770