Christmas is a time for us to gather with our family and friends, appreciate the blessings in our lives, and celebrate the spirit of the season.
This holiday week is also an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on the Christmas message of peace, love, and hope for the workers and all in the world around us. Organized labor is strongest when workers come together and, during this holiday season I ask all members of the Metal Trades to join with me as we give back to communities in need across the United States and Canada.
It is in this spirit of giving that we should all take time, in gesture and thought, to show how proud we are of the brave men and women who serve in our country’s armed forces and our first responders who protect and serve our great nations every day.
In the spirit of reflection and celebration, I would like to share how much I have enjoyed working with you, our members, to make a difference in the lives of working families.
We don’t have small goals at the Metal Trades Department, and we will never shy away from tough fights or problems. The lessons of the past and the dedication and commitment of generations of metal trades workers have taught us that last there are no limits to what we can achieve when we work together.
We have big plans for 2017, and, despite the fact that our councils and unions are going to face new and daunting challenges, we are committed to solving old problems and seizing new opportunities that only a union future can offer. In all our initiatives, we’ll be helping more workers, in more places, faster and more efficiently.
On behalf of the staff and the affiliated International and National Unions of the Metal Trades Department, I wish all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Kwanza. It is our most humble wish that you and your family, friends and loved ones enjoy and reap the joy of a healthy, happy and prosperous 2017.
May God bless and always look out and protect working folks …. God Bless America and Canada!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!