These are just a few of the things UE members have done in recent months. And something else this is what having a member-run union means. This is what it means when union members make decisions, union members take responsibility, union members are involved. Collective will, arrived at democratically, makes for collective strength. In pursuit of their goals UE members have donned T-shirts and buttons, wielded placards and stickers, spoken in even tones and raised voices, participated in press conferences and picket lines and, on occasion when appropriate, stopped work.
Unionism is synonymous with collective action, with unity.
That unity begins in the workplace, builds to encompass a regional and finally a national network with the power to back each member and local. The collective strength of the union membership finds its expression in the resources, coordination and cohesion of the national union. The regional and network organization is strengthened with elected leadership and a small, dedicated paid staff organizers and negotiators, support staff, bookkeepers, lawyers, researchers, educators, technical and publication specialists. Their load has become heavier as their ranks have become thinner, as we have wrestled with the budget deficit. We have accomplished a great deal despite budget cuts and budgetary restraint.