Congratulations to the ATU 757 Pride Caucus for getting established and submitting its adopted bylaws to international for approval. ATU 757 will be tied with New Orleans for the third recognized established Pride Caucus. The Black Caucus meeting was held on Sept. 20. The first Women’s Caucus was held on Sept. 27, we are hoping those interested will start attending. Please watch our ATU757.org website for links to all caucus meeting notices and their bylaws.

I would like to congratulate the Corvallis team on the 100% successful ratification of their contract. It’s been a long trek for our members, thank you all for standing together. Congratulations also to our members at Hood River who ratified their contract. We stood strong on the fact that our members felt undervalued. Amy and her team are working to show you are valued, you are appreciated, and this contract shows that we believe. We have opened contract talks with Outdoor Service Provider (OSP). We have sent over a first offer and await their response.

I am writing this article from the AFL-CIO Convention. The power from the speakers, check out our website and the AFLCIO for pictures. Governor Tina Kotek signed the bill that protects workers while out on strike. United States Senators Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, and Janelle Bynum spoke specifically on issues we see both on the state and federal levels. It’s time the billionaires stopped continuing to line their pockets and the ones who do the work take their share. On Sept. 9, I attended a local transit funding project by PSU. This is a study being carried out around public transit and how to fund it. It is in the beginning stages, focusing on ways to fund transit from large metropolitan cities and may also look abroad for ideas. I will keep you informed as this study develops. I will say it has a long-term member of congress assisting, Earl Blumenauer, our friend of 54 years at ATU. Approximately 54 years ago, ATU’s President Mel Schoppert made the first contribution to a younger Blumenauer entering politics, and he remained a friend ever since. I believe he is the only honorary member of ATU757. I look forward to working with this committee and research team.

After the August Charter Meeting, Shawn and I had a 9 p.m. member disciplinary meeting scheduled at the Powell location. Not only did that meeting turn from a disciplinary meeting into an informative meeting with no discipline needed, but it was also an opportunity and honor to meet with the Powell maintenance members on the floor prior to attending that meeting. These are the opportunities that need to be happening on a more frequent basis. I want to hear how we can reach you better. If it means coming to your location at 4 a.m., 6 a.m., 6 p.m., 9 p.m. or later, let’s put something on the calendar. The only way we are going to accomplish this is to build solidarity. It’s time we stand as one. I know by now you’re all getting tired of hearing it.Our silence is our weakness. Let’s break our silence and start yelling from the rooftops and the streets. The “U” in union is needed more than ever.

Please contact the union office to make sure we have your correct mailing information and phone number. Provide your cell phone for text messages if you’d like up-to-date information quickly and also provide your email address. Let’s stand as one!