A Message from Business Manager Chris Erikson Jr.
It's been nearly a week since Election Day and the dust is settling, as the country prepares to move forward with a new dynamic of power in Washington, D.C., and in dozens of states. The American people went to the polls upset with the way the country has been run the last two years. High inflation, increased costs for gas, groceries, energy and more, plus an unpopular and unnecessary war, all combined with an electorate tired of the self-dealing and corrupt antics of the Trump administration, led to a historic Election Day. As always, Local 3 focused on economic issues along with every candidate's position on labor-related issues. While there could be a hundred reasons to vote for or against any particular candidate, Local 3’s priority will always be whether they support unions, our right to collective bargaining, and an economy that benefits working people.
With this new dynamic in D.C. – Democratic majorities in both the House and the Senate during the remaining two years of Trump's term – questions remain as to how this is all going to work. I certainly hope the Democratic majorities under the leadership of our friends from New York, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer, will seize the moment and set powerful pro-worker and pro-union agendas that focus on expanding labor rights, making it easier to organize and be represented by a union, restoring and expanding collective bargaining in the public and private sectors, restoring funding to countless programs and projects across the country, ensuring corporations pay their fair share of taxes, and reining in inflation due to Trump's war in Iran and tariffs. As union members, we know the best way to raise standards and reduce income inequality is with a collective bargaining agreement. At the same time, these majorities have an obligation to investigate any criminal actions of the Trump administration to ensure no future president stoops to such lows and self-serving actions in office at the expense of ordinary Americans.
Thank you to all the Local 3 members who voted in this election, especially those who volunteered their time, whether it was for an hour or multiple days, to help elect Local 3's endorsed candidates. Up and down the ballot, from Congress to New York's governor, other statewide offices, the State Senate, and Assembly, we helped elect and re-elect pro-union and pro-worker friends to public office. Have no doubt, sisters and brothers, we will hold these elected officials accountable over the next few years and ensure they continue to live up to the standards we expect from them: fighting for working people, expanding and creating work opportunities for the members of Local 3, and helping support and grow the labor movement in our city, state, and country.
