Lee County, FL Workers Organizing: ‘The Struggle Continues’

My name is William Munger. You might have heard of my father, of the same name. As I’m sure you have heard, we are in the midst of an organizing campaign for the workers of Lee County Public Works, Ft. Myers, FL. Being that I had a few minutes, spending my furlough day babysitting my 2 year old granddaughter as she is napping, I wanted to contact you personally to thank you, your interest in helping Florida workers, as well as your dedication to no greater Union than the UWUA. During my formative years, being from a strong Union family, I was totally in awe with the men that formed this National Union. I grew up personally knowing as my “uncles” Joe Fisher, Bill Pachler, Harry Straub, Eddie Shedlock,well the list goes on. In your history page on the union’s website, along with my father, I knew each of these great men photographed and told about, and had spent quite a bit of time getting to know them.

In those years, I spent a lot of time at the conventions learning what labor unions can do and the achievements of the Utility Workers. Now I am striving, along with my committee members, to reach a complete circle and return “Home.” Our work here is not easy. We have already had our ups and downs. The frustrations of convincing those among us that do not have any idea what a union is all about but rely on anti-union rhetoric that they have learned, much of it passed down generation to generation.

More and more is taken away from us yet many still do not see that there is another way. One day they will and we will be there to show the way. Recently I set up our own website, www.leeorganize.org. The intention is to educate ourselves and take in current events as they unfold with the eye that WE can change things. Our struggle continues. Cards are slow to come in but still they are coming in. I’ve made alliances here with the local Democratic Party who has endorsed what we are doing, and the Southwest Florida Labor Council, and Local 604 Lakeland. The Council president here has shown nothing but support for us. You will find his endorsement on the homepage of our website as well. Mike.. Maybe what all this letter to you is about is…Thank you…thank you for seeing that Florida needs union protection. Thank you for being there for us.

Sincerely,
William Munger

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