A Message from CWA President Claude Cummings Jr.

This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on so many things I have to be thankful for. My loving family. My friends and faith community. As always, I’m thankful for my union. I know that this past year has not been easy for many of you. As I’ve traveled across the country and met with members and retirees, I have heard your stories and your struggles. You have also shared the ways that our union provides you with strength and support in difficult times and the satisfaction you get from working together toward a common goal.

Although we may come from different backgrounds, we share similar values. We love our families and our country, and want everyone in our communities to have the freedom to be themselves, pursue their dreams, and have a good life. We believe in prosperity, justice, and security for all, not just a privileged few.

Uniting around our values gives us our strength and our power. I believe that’s why so many people are drawn to the labor movement. In these divisive times, they see us putting aside our differences to stand up for each other. They see our perseverance and courage as we confront the rich and powerful to demand our fair share and a voice at our workplaces.

We never back down from a fight. There’s no clearer example of that than our members at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who will spend their third holiday season in a row on the picket line. It is the longest active strike in the United States. As you gather together this Thanksgiving, I ask you to keep them in your thoughts and, if you are able, to contribute to their holiday fund to help brighten the season for them.

I could not be more proud to serve you as your President. Please enjoy time with family and friends and take a moment to reflect on all that we’ve accomplished this past year. The coming months will be challenging, but I am confident that we, as a union, can continue to achieve great things.

The regular CWA eNewsletter will return next week.