Hey there, Local 649 members! I’ve been chatting with a bunch of you lately, and I’ve noticed a common thread in our conversations—navigating leadership changes within our union can be a big challenge. Let’s face it, change isn’t always easy, especially when it impacts our day-to-day work and the way we operate together.

As a fellow member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, I totally get how daunting it can be when there’s a shift in leadership. You might wonder how these changes will affect your role, your work environment, or even the direction our union is heading in. It’s crucial to feel confident in the direction we’re moving, and having open, transparent communication plays a significant role in that.

So how do we tackle this? Here are a few tips I’ve found helpful:

• Stay Informated: Knowledge is power, right? Make sure you’re up to date with any announcements or meetings. This is your opportunity to hear directly from leadership and ask any burning questions.
• Engage and Connect: Reach out to your peers and discuss any concerns or excitement you might have about these changes. Remember, you’re not alone in this—your fellow members might share the same thoughts.
• Be Open to Adaptation: Change might bring about new ways of doing things. Embrace it as an opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and within your role.

Ultimately, these shifts can lead to exciting new opportunities and improvements for all of us. Let’s keep the communication channels open and work together to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible. We’re in this together, and your voice matters! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with me or others in our community.