New administrations in the White House can impact our professional and personal lives, so it’s only natural to try to speculate or anticipate what lies ahead. But while we watch changes take hold and try our best to prepare for the future, it’s important not to spend too much time dwelling on the past. Because as the leadership of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) knows, the most important day in our union isn’t yesterday… it’s tomorrow.
LIUNA has experienced its fair share of successes and setbacks during its nearly 122 year history, and stood strong through both Democratic and Republican administrations. Part of that stability and longevity is because LIUNA and its affiliates across the U.S. and Canada regularly work with elected officials on both sides of the aisle. These officials recognize that when LIUNA is at the table, the interests of its due-paying members and their families always comes first.
At the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA), we’ve also navigated plenty of changes since our inception in 1988. That experience means Fund staff are well-versed in how to address the shifting regulatory environment that often accompanies a new administration and are able to adapt our advocacy efforts when needed.
It’s only been a few years since the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us all that no one can predict the future. During that tough time, the LHSFNA let facts and science guide our recommendations, and we’ll continue to do that moving forward, regardless of which political party is in office. Because despite all the divisive rhetoric and noise that seems to fill our news feeds on a daily basis, our mission is straightforward – working with LIUNA and its signatory contractors to protect the health and safety of LIUNA members and their families.
The Fund will always advocate for policies, regulations and common sense best practices that create safer working conditions for LIUNA members, better and more affordable health benefits that members can count on in their time of need and a bidding environment that levels the playing field for LIUNA’s exemplary signatory employers.
We’ll also stand ready to assist LIUNA affiliates in fending off attacks that target members’ health and well-being, and use our expertise to educate elected officials, other organizations and the public about the value that LIUNA members and signatory employers bring to jobsites and communities across the U.S. and Canada.
There’s no denying that politics plays a big role in our lives. That’s why we’ve fought hard for a seat at the table to ensure our voices are heard. But let’s also remember that while politics are a fact of life and politicians come and go, LIUNA, its Regions, District Councils, Local Unions and affiliates are built on a foundation that isn’t going anywhere.
