August 14, 2008

Greetings:

The Union Label & Service Trades Department reminds all union members that Union Label Week will be observed September 1 through September 6, 2008. That week is the traditional time set aside to remind communities, friends and family that union goods, made by union workers are always the smartest buy; and that the services of union members in the private and public sector help sustain good middle-class communities. When you buy union you not only get the highest quality goods and services, but you also help maintain good union wages and benefits that sustain the quality of life in U.S. communities. A good source for finding union made goods and services is on our website: www.shopunionmade.org. You can also find good suggestions at the UnionPlus website: www.unionplus.org.

Spread the word to friends, family, churches, schools, elected officials and especially merchants that we need to focus our spending on products and services that are union-made.

We recognize that all Americans are experiencing the pinch of rapidly rising costs and falling incomes in the current economy*, which makes it even more important to look for union goods and services. By doing so, you can ensure that the hard-earned money you spend will not be rewarding runaway manufacturers and offshore employers.

Along with the credit crisis, concerns over rising costs and economic downturns led Congress to authorize the payment of economic stimulus checks to taxpayers. Even in these tough times, we’ve all got to buy life’s essentials. Kids will need clothes and supplies for back to school. Some of us may even need a new auto, tools, appliances, furniture or hardware. Let’s all try to make smart purchases when those times arise and ask for union-made goods and services.

If you have received that stimulus check, we urge you to make smart decisions about how you spend it and look for union-made choices.

In solidarity,

Charles E. Mercer