We are proud of our union, built in the democratic tradition 108 years ago. The founders were humble yet militant workers who not only survived the struggles of starting a union but also were on the front lines fighting for social justice. Each generation over the decades contract-by-contract, worker-by-worker, built a union strong enough to win the outstanding wages, benefits and working conditions our members enjoy today. Our members today inherit everything these workers won for us, along with the responsibility of continuing the struggle begun so long ago.

Our union needs energetic, motivated men and women to carry the message of solidarity now more than ever. Working together, we can pass on to the members of the future a Local 227 every bit as proud and powerful as we are today.

Union members like everyone else want to know what you did for me today. We fight for members every day winning some and losing some. We win more than we lose and are happy to report that for the year 2009 we won 1,025 of the 2,210 grievances filed for total awards to members of $581,179.49.

We don't rest on our laurels and encourage you if you don't have a union where you work to visit the Organizing Page and join with us to make a difference for all who work.

In solidarity,

Gary K. Best, President