As we officially kick off Q2, it is time to turn our focus toward the upcoming Area Committee Meetings. These sessions are the bedrock of our collective process and represent the most critical first step in ensuring that the voices of our members are not just heard but acted upon effectively.

Before these meetings take place, I encourage you to make a concerted effort to speak with as many members as possible across your areas. Your role is to be a conduit for their experiences; therefore, it is vital to go into these meetings with a clear understanding of which business-facing meetings require your attendance and, more importantly, what specific agenda items your members want you to raise. When you leave your Area Committee Meeting, you should have a solid, actionable plan on how to channel member feedback into tangible results. If you have not yet received your official invite, please reach out to your NEC representative immediately to ensure you are looped in and prepared.

In addition to our local meetings, please continue to champion Conference Lite, taking place virtually on June 24th. This is a defining date in our annual calendar, as the debates and decisions made there will truly shape our union’s strategy for the next 12 months and beyond. Please remind your members that this is an inclusive space—anyone can submit a motion, and anyone can register to attend. Stay alert for further details in the coming weeks and help us ensure a high turnout.

Furthermore, I am asking you to really drive the “Starter for 10” campaign. Take a moment to reflect on your own journey: for many of us, the reason we joined the union was simply that a colleague took the time to ask us. Now, the responsibility falls to us to be that person for someone else. We want every worker to have their say and share in the strength of our collective voice. Far too many people miss out on the benefits of union membership simply because they were never invited. Let’s make it our mission to bridge that gap.

Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who took the time to complete our recent End-of-Year Ratings and Appeals Process survey. Your contributions are invaluable. We must continue to push for higher levels of engagement, as it is through this active participation that we stay strong. Keep an eye out for the upcoming all-member e-mag in early June, where we will share the results of that survey and outline the path forward.

Thank you once again for the dedication, energy, and hard work you bring to our union every single day.

Jim