“I have a diversified type of work that addresses many communities. My idea is to make people think about the topics that I am presenting, and perhaps how they might relate to them. That’s my goal—to bring that type of awareness to the public, to make them think about all these events and activities and issues that are happening in our society.”

“The biggest benefit of a union is probably collective bargaining: salary negotiations, raises, cost of living adjustments are all negotiated through the union. The mere presence of a union is not a panacea to frictions with administration; it’s a tool that we can use to negotiate from a stronger position.”

“The reason why we’ve got sick leave, the reason why we’ve got minimum wage and so many other benefits and retirement benefits as well is because of unions.”

“(UUP’s) strength and perseverance over the past 50 years are a source of great pride and inspiration to all of us. It gives us incentive to continue working to make our union even stronger at the local, state and national levels.”

“We simply have more strength as a collective than as individuals.”

“Union members are strong, and whenever union members are united, they win. Whenever UUP calls, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you.”

“I wasn’t aware of the union until I needed it. As executive board members, we represent everybody. I want to be able to contribute to solve the issues that affect all our members: academics and professionals, from a comprehensive campus or a hospital.”

“When I started attending more DAs and union events, it became evident to me that UUP really was aware of the power of advocacy for social justice and utilizing terms and conditions. If we improve the working conditions of those who are most vulnerable among us, we improve the working conditions for everybody.”

“When you are united, you feel stronger together. I found from the very first that the union made me feel like family.”

“I am proud to tell you that the state of our union is strong and growing ever stronger. Our time is now.”