AFSCME LOCAL 2912

From President Susan M. Littlefield

                            

          President's Letter 2021

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Happy New Year to you and your family! I hope this letter finds everyone in good physical and emotional health.

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“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” One of my favorite quotes by Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.” One of my favorite quotes by John Lewis. 

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As we were racing around stressing out with not enough time to meet all our deadlines, run all the

errands and keep up with family and friends, suddenly a pandemic hit. How quickly we were forced, for health and safety reasons, to eliminate so many activities we took for granted and separate from our friends and families. No longer worried about picking up the children from school on time, CTA getting us to work on time, or traffic, everything came to a stop. Our stresses shifted from these to worries about having enough toilet paper, cleaning supplies, food, face masks and making sure our children get an education. 

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One worry we should all be grateful we DID NOT have was losing our pay and health

insurance. We should all be thankful to be part of our AFSCME UNION, since we were one of a few who did not get sent home without pay.   To the many Union office workers who started to telework and the essential workers who kept reporting to work and standing AFSCME STRONG, THANK YOU!

 

Some of the essential workers’ titles that the public are not aware of are: Payment Service Representatives, Administrative Assistants, Animal Care workers, Business Compliance Investigators, Finance Investigators, Fire Department civilian personal, DPD Investigators, and Rehab Construction Specialists. Unions have been under attack the last couple of years from billionaires who do not want us to have a seat at the table to have a voice. They think we make too much money while they are drinking their $30,000 bottles of champagne (yes, not a typing error). We should be proud of each other for standing strong in SOLIDARITY AND UNITY in the face of these attacks. If you have not signed a card to be a paying union member now is the time to stand in solidarity with all your other brothers and sisters and do so. 

 

Feel free to reach out to myself or anyone on the board or use this site:

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/were-standing-together-2/ 

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Good news to report, once again Local 2912 was able to absorb the cost of the increase in Union dues and has waived passing on the increase to the membership again this year as we have done in previous years.

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Union jobs are becoming a rare privilege. It is important that everyone who has a union position

understands that those who came before us fought and lost lives to give us what we have. It is

imperative that everyone, especially younger members, become active to carry this fight for generations to come.

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2020 was a year of economic uncertainty and social unrest. The year that added pressure to change the adage “business as usual.” As a Union leader, I and the entire Executive Board will continue to fight for city workers to be treated with dignity and respect. 

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This year many coworkers have retired without getting their farewells and blessings on their new journey and next chapter. If I am still President when things open back up and we can have gatherings, you will certainly be invited to get the accolades you deserve. 

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This year we have also lost family members, coworkers, and friends, without having the support we are used to. Stay strong in the love and memories you shared with them. After all, the most priceless thing we possess on this earth is memories. I cannot write this without acknowledging the loss of two of the greatest most powerful voices for civil rights; John Lewis and the notorious RBG – Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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As we enter 2021 with a new normal, we all must prepare for the day when teleworking is no longer the norm. We cannot tell you when this will be, the city has the power to make that call. I hope everyone used this time to reflect on the things that are important to you and took time to embrace your loved ones, fully present and not rushing to the next chore, errand, event, or place. The rush to open everything back up will change our daily lives again. As challenging as change may be for some, please take the time to reflect on why the changes are needed. Do not allow change to give you health problems. If you need to talk to someone (besides me), please use the Unions very own Personal Support Program. They can be easily reached by calling 1-800-647-8776.

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In closing, I would like to welcome anyone who would like to get more involved with the local by

becoming a steward, helping with updating website or being a new member mentor please contact

myself or anyone on the board.

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Thank you for allowing me to represent you and be your President.

One more quote: “You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.” Ruth E. Renkl

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Sincerely,

Susan M Littlefield

President