Meet the Educator of Local Lodge 66
Apathy
Among Union Members
Notes from the Educator
By Patricia Elizondo
It’s been about six months since I asked members to make a New Year’s
resolution to become more active in Local Lodge 66. Although I have seen some
improvement in meeting attendance, we still have a long way to go. Getting
involved in your Union after years of not being involved before is a slow
process for some, but a commitment to being active starts with small steps.
Aside from current legislation that defeats the gains of the Labor Movement over
the past 120 years, member apathy threatens the very existence of Unions and
organizing efforts. Unionists from the past died for the rights we now have as
organized workers and we need to become active in the fights of labor to
preserve these rights for our children and grandchildren.
This is not something unique to Local Lodge 66.
I recently attended the Train-the Trainer class at the IAMAW William W.
Winpisinger Center and membership apathy is a common concern throughout the
United States and Canada. Active members are trying as hard as hell to get their
members involved, but their efforts seem to be in vain. Members don’t want to
volunteer their time or talents to further strengthen the labor movement and
their Unions. I am so thankful that the Union leaders of 100 years ago didn’t
feel the same way! The rights we enjoy as Union members today were fought for
with the very lives of Union activists from the past.
Apathy is defined as indifference, a lack of
interest, lack of concern, lethargy, laziness and boredom. These are NOT
terms that should be used to define Union members! As members, I am certain that
you would be extremely concerned if these terms were used to refer to the people
you have elected to represent you in your shops, on the Executive Board,
negotiating committees, etc. Member apathy acts as a
poison to the labor movement and its only antidote is for you to get involved.
I understand that we all live very busy lives.
We all have commitments to work, families and other interests. Is it so
difficult to find one hour a month to commit to fighting to keep the rights we
have as Union members? That’s all I’m asking – one hour a month. We
currently have over 1,000 members in our Lodge. Think of the impact we could
have if each and every member would just promise to give one hour a month to a
Union activity. Choose an activity that is of interest to you. Our Local Lodge
web site and newsletter are filled with opportunities for you and your families
to get involved. Many of us commit an hour a week to church, 40 hours a week to
our employer, an hour a week to a favorite TV program, several hours a week to
meeting with friends, time to read the newspaper, walk our dogs, exercise our
bodies, etc. I’m not asking you to give over every minute of free time you
have. Just give ONE HOUR a month to attend a meeting, rally,
Union event or support a political candidate and I guarantee you will feel a
sense of self-satisfaction you may not have felt for some time.
We all complain about what the Union has not
done for us. “They’re just taking my dues” is something I hear all the
time. Look in the mirror, brother and sisters. YOU are the Union. It’s not
just the people on the Executive Board of Local Lodge 66. It’s not just Shop
Chairs or Shop Stewards. It’s not just your Business Agent. It’s not just
the Communicator and Educator of your lodge – IT’S YOU!
Please help to make a difference in the causes
of the labor movement. We have problems and if you, as members are not part of
the solution of those problems – you are part of the problems we have in
organized labor.
I can be contacted through the lodge at 414-671-3800 or e-mail.