International Secretary-Treasurer’s Message

Let’s get into some ‘good trouble’

U.S. Brothers and Sisters, we face one of the biggest challenges of our lifetime with the election in November. It’s every bit as great as the challenge we faced when I was a child in the 1960s, when we protested the poor education and poverty that denied African-Americans any hope of attaining the American Dream.

We fought for the American Dream – for life, liberty, and justice for all. And Labor was at the forefront of the civil rights movement because unions understood that decent wages and rights on the job were crucial for a good life. And we’re still fighting for economic justice and fair treatment for workers today.

The fight for “one-person/one-vote” has been a struggle throughout U.S. history. African Americans, women, and others have fought for the right to vote through constitutional amendments and challenges to our legal system.

John Lewis, Kamala Harris After the death of John Lewis, we were reminded of the struggle to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act which guaranteed every citizen the right to vote – a right purchased with the blood of Americans of every race, color, and creed. It should never be taken for granted.

Unfortunately, the Voting Rights Act was severely diluted by a 2013 Supreme Court decision which invalidated a major portion of the law. And many states have taken advantage of that decision by passing new “Jim Crow” laws intended to inhibit African Americans, and other marginalized communities from voting.

Undoubtedly, Lewis would have been pleased to see the nomination of Kamala Harris as the first Black woman candidate for Vice President, but he would admonish us not to “sit on our laurels.” He would exhort us to re-double our efforts to vote during this critical time. Use it or lose it Sisters and brothers, your vote affects every aspect of your life, from the cost of your utilities, to your right to have a union, to taxes of all kinds, and even the quality of the air you breathe.

We’ve all seen how the Trump Administration and courts have inhibited the ability of labor unions to protect your rights at work. President Trump has mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and cost the lives of more than 85 of our sisters and brothers.

The right choice to lead our nation forward through this crisis and beyond is Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. They will help rebuild the middle class by restoring the rights of Labor, advance racial justice and equity, and bolster our economy through unprecedented investment in public services like transit.

VOTE! Vote for candidates that stand for working people, unions, and public transit. Your vote determines how your Local, state and national governments are run, and this year that’s more important than ever.

So, I encourage you, and all U.S. members to vote like never before.

As the great John Lewis said, “Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of working people by getting in what I call ‘good trouble’ – necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.”

Let’s get into some good trouble! v