Hello Fellow Unit 15,

As we begin to say goodbye to the summer season and prepare to welcome the crisp air of fall, I find myself reflecting on the highs and lows of these past few months. One thing is for sure—this was a hot union summer in more ways than one!

Together, we’ve accomplished some incredible things. From organizing and mobilizing to standing strong in solidarity, we’ve shown what Unit 15 is made of. But as the temperatures cool, we can’t let our fire die down. We are just months away from entering negotiations with the State for our next union contract, and the work is already underway.

Your bargaining team is hard at work—drafting proposals, refining language, and preparing for the fight ahead. But we can’t do it without you. We need to hear from you—your concerns, your hopes, your priorities. What do you want to see in our next contract? What matters most to you and your coworkers?

As fall approaches, I think of family gatherings, shared meals, and carving that delicious turkey. It reminds me of our union family—coming together at the bargaining table to carve out a better future for all of us. Just like at home, every voice matters, and every seat at the table counts.

So I encourage each and every one of you to get involved. Talk to your coworkers. Attend union meetings. Share updates. Ask questions. The union is all of us. When we stand together, we win. When we’re divided, they win.

Let’s carry the energy of this hot union summer into a powerful, united fall. 

In Solidarity,

Eric Murray
Chair, Bargaining Unit 15