It's been a long time since I've posted here. Life has changed a lot.
I'm still married to the same man, still working for the same company. Still a union worker, still in an elected union position in my local.
It's been a shitty year. We had a 4 week strike last fall, where, as a member of local leadership I found myself working 80 hour weeks to keep up with all that needed to be done to facilitate a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week picket line. And yes, all for the same strike pay that everyone else received.
In my "off hours" I found myself drawn into social media drama and quickly burnt out. I think I actually had a bit of break down.
I had tons of work to do and catch up on after the strike as well.
I went into the new year feeling good and within 2 weeks was delivered another blow on the union/labour side. Dealing with labour division is no good for anyone, particularly not any of us in the working class. It's a shame that those in power at the top cannot see beyond their own egos for the greater good.
I won my third election for my position in the spring. I was opposed by someone I had considered a friend, and won by less that 100 votes. We are no longer friends.
Shortly after my re-election I was the target of a coordinated effort by union sisters and brothers to prevent me from being elected as a delegate to our national convention, even though I was supported by my President and unit chair. I actually went into a deep depression once I uncovered the level of deceit and betrayal I had been subjected to.
Tomorrow I am flying out to the national convention for my union, where I plan to tell them in person exactly what I think of their leadership and certain decisions that were made early in the new year, leading to labour movement division.
It will be hard...my voice will shake...but I will persist and speak my truth.
Wish me luck, and send me strength and good vibes friends.
I'll need all the help I can get.
