Taking time to look back.

I was born and raised in Rushville, Illinois but lived in Memphis, Tennessee and consider it to be my adopted hometown. Recently, my wife and I returned to Memphis for a brief visit. One of my stops was AFSCME Local 1733. It is the home of the Memphis Sanitation Workers. The same workers for whom Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. sacrificed his life to support.

As rich and dynamic a history the Memphis Local has, they too struggle as many Locals.

Complacency is something we cannot afford. If we public service workers want respect, we have to earn it and fight like hell to keep it. I know it’s not something a lot folks want to hear, but you need to hear it.

It seems like the only time some folks ever get religion is when they get into trouble at work. They get called into the office, and suddenly they need a Union Representative. If your name isn’t familiar, I’m not shy to ask the question “Are you an AFSCME member?”.

Please, do not wait until your back is against the wall and you are fighting to keep your job. If you are an AFSCME member, THANK YOU VERY MUCH and please come participate in your Local. If you are not a member, do not hesitate, contact me and I can fix that. My email address for joining is organize.afscme3450@gmail.com .