The Future Depends on What We Do Today
Greetings, Brothers & Sisters. I hope that this issue of the Journal finds you and your family healthy and safe as we enter the new year.
2021 begins with the promise of several vaccines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. This is extremely welcome news across both our countries. Nevertheless, we must maintain our best disease prevention practices (Mask-Distance-Wash) over the coming months to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccination process. We owe it to each other and to our families.
Here in the US the promise and peril of the new year unfolded in dramatic fashion. On January 6, 2021 we witnessed the most dangerous assault imaginable on our democracy. Rioters, incited by politicians making baseless claims in order to cling to power, attacked our Government. Thankfully, this effort to overturn the clear and decisive will of the voters in their selection of President Biden was defeated. However, this shameful episode serves as the starkest reminder that we must remain vigilant against those that would seek to undermine or interfere with the peaceful transfer of power that democracy demands.
The promise of a newly elected government supportive of labor unions and our mission to improve the lives of workers is energizing. President Biden is unapologetic in his support of unions and does not waver in saying so publicly. His nomination of Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a union member and former head of the Boston Building Trades, as Secretary of Labor speaks volumes about this Administration’s commitment to workers. BAC looks forward to working with the Biden Administration.
As always BAC’s support for politicians will be based on their commitment to the goals of advancing the rights and livelihoods of workers, and the unions that represent them. These are not partisan goals. Rather, these are goals that should unify politicians of both parties moving forward. (see pages 16-17)
BAC calls upon politicians of all parties to support: the PRO Act (labor law reform), infrastructure investment, enhanced unemployment benefits, stimulus monies to support state and local government spending on construction, improved health & safety programs for workers, and strengthening retirement security. These goals should be embraced by Republicans and Democrats alike as unifying principles to ensure our country emerges even stronger from this pandemic and the associated economic fallout.
The resilience of BAC members since the pandemic first took hold nearly a year ago has been impressive. We’ve managed to continue working in the face of this crisis, endured periods where construction was halted, implemented new work practices, and adopted changes to how we meet, both as union members and family members.
BAC has always changed with the times, adjusting to the challenges posed to our industry, our union, and our society. But what doesn’t change is our commitment to a union that provides members the opportunity to live their best lives. I’m confident that with your dedication we’ll meet these challenges head-on and emerge even stronger.
Stay healthy and stay safe brothers and sisters!