Leadership Message from President Russow

Times are tough. No one has to convince Michigan workers that we are living in very difficult times.

We hear about it day after day in grim news stories on the sluggish economy, high unemployment, and rising prices.

Not to mention the onslaught of frightening reports from the state capitol where politicians are doing their best to destroy unions, and eliminate the middle class in the process.

There is no question that times are tough. The question is, "What are we going to do about it?" We can complain and do nothing, or we can work together to grow stronger and build a bright future.

Your union has chosen the latter. Some of your union's actions provide immediate, direct individual assistance. Other programs are part of a much broader long-term agenda which focuses on strengthening the organization and the contracts we negotiate through organizing, community, and political action.

The UFCW 951 Community Service Representatives and UFCW Local 951 Foundation makes organizing and growing the union a top priority, by stepping up its political activity for the 2012 elections and developing new communication mediums to better educate and engage.

I urge you to become active in UFCW 951, and also work with your union to secure improved contracts. By completing a contract survey and talking about negotiations with your coworkers, members can send a strong message to employers.

While some are trying to blame workers for Michigan's problems, we know workers are an asset. It will be workers' collective action that enables us to make it through these tough times and emerge looking at a brighter future.