2008 – The Year from the Edge of My Seat

What a year.

From the very beginning, my life as a UHW member has been a roller-coaster of emotions. I've been encouraged, uplifted, and very, very proud of the victories that we've achieved.

We’ve won strong, positive contracts. Organized thousands of new members. Given strength, hope, and pride to so many who were looking to improve their lives and working conditions.

I've been so impressed with the spirit of togetherness and the resolve of my fellow members, both staff and my fellow rank-and-file workers. I've had the privilege to talk to so many folks who, like me, care deeply about our patients and co-workers. The work we do is very important, and we are very proud of the job we do.

So why can't I just be just terribly thrilled?

Why do I feel so betrayed? So stepped on?

Why, as a steward am I still having to sign petitions, make calls, and have meetings to answer questions and to calm the fears of co-workers?

Why are we, as UHW members, being treated with such disrespect by SEIU? Aren't they supposed to work for us, and not against us?

There are so many, many issues that we need to be working together to address. Why do we have to waste so much effort and resources defending ourselves?

We are member-driven and we intend to say that way. I have yet to find any other UHW member that thinks that it is better to be dismantled as a union as led by people that are not voted in by us, not accountable to us, and who we believe do not have our best interest at heart.

This is why I feel such betrayal. Supposedly the idea of “trusteeship" is to be in our best interest. Since when?

SEIU, we will not go quietly in the night. The belief that we, as members are generally ignorant of the plotting and scheming to destroy UHW and disband our leadership has not been and will not ever be acceptable.

Stay strong, UHW. This blogger believes in you. Never give up the good fight.

In Solidarity,

Joe “Coffee Guy” Thomas


P.S. Thanks to Jerry, Nikki, Kit-Kat and the rest of the gang in Woodland. You make it fun to go to work each day.