Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It’s hard to believe 2011 is over!
In 2011, our local union grew, both in numbers, but also in strength. Our leaders are stronger. Our stewards are stronger. Our staff is stronger. Relationships with our allies are stronger. Our plans are stronger.
Local 21 LA leaders have stepped up and taken control! This year, we set up a Leadership Development Team for members from throughout the state. This team worked to educate themselves about the economy and current events, met with school reform leaders, and made some important plans for 2012. Leaders met to prepare for the upcoming Service Employees International Union Convention, identifying ECONOMIC EQUALITY, QUALITY HEALTHCARE, and LABOR RIGHTS as essential components of a Just Society. Local 21 LA leaders also strongly supported SEIU’s upcoming endorsement of President Obama for re-election.
SEIU Local 21 LA Staff and Executive Board
Local 21 LA is stronger because of our continued commitment to building a permanent and sustained organization of workers in our communities. In Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, and Lafayette, Local 21 LA members are organizing their neighbors, attending community meetings, speaking up at council and school board meetings, and advocating for ourselves, our workers, and our communities. SEIU Local 21 LA members are part of the 99% that has organized to fight the increasing income gap between the super-rich and everyone else. Some of our members have participated in Occupy NOLA and Occupy Baton Rouge. We are partnering with allies in our communities to fight for Good Jobs and Respect and Dignity for working families.
So rest up over the holidays, Brothers and Sisters, because 2012 is a pivotal year! We will continue to deepen our roots, grow our membership, and fight for workers. And we will participate in our International Convention in May and WORK HARD TO RE-ELECT PRESIDENT OBAMA!
Have a wonderful holiday, a happy and safe new year, and get ready to get busy in 2012!!
In Solidarity,
