Union members have a history in which we should take great pride. But most of us are too busy worrying about today and forget that we'd have a lot more worrying to do if it weren't for our union.

What does it mean to be a member of a union? It means we get paid pretty good wages. Wages that were won by our local negotiators at the bargaining table.

It means we take our vacation.

It means we take our holidays or we work them for premium pay.

It means that when we are sick, we collect disability pay. And union negotiated health plan help  us pay the doctor bills.

It means that cost of living adjustments can help us keep abreast of inflation. Or at least not fall helplessly behind.

It means retirement with dignity because of union negotiated pension plans.

None of these benefits were gifts from benevolent employers. Nor were they bestowed on us by a society grateful for our good work. They were fought for. Point by point, dollar by dollar, benefit by benefit. And they aren't going to be easily won.

Don't apologize for your union. Brag about it. Labor heritage is a long, proud and brave one. We have every reason to be proud of who and what we are.

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