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tends. “We feel that the president is not out for anything other than representing us and not let our collective bargaining rights be diminished.”
Members should emulate Catanzara’s voice because he is like you. He was a member who decided to speak up, step up and get in- volved.
“I heard John was outspoken, and I am pretty much the same way,” Sanchez disclos- es. “It’s great because we need to be outspoken to keep these politicians real. We have to get on this bandwagon and show the white shirts we have each other’s back because they don’t like they did back in the day.”
Certainly, the call to
get involved will not
only show the propensity to get each other’s back but that the union is unified. Lodge First Vice President Mike Mette recog- nizes the importance of unity by drawing a comparison to the Chicago Teachers Union.
“Not that I have anything nice to say about them, but the
only reason why they have power is because their membership comes out in droves when they need something,” Mette ex- plains.
Adds Rubino: “Look at what the teacher’s union has been able to accomplish. Look at what the Teamsters and the plumbers have done. They all have a presence in Spring- field. We have had a hard time even getting invited to meetings that
concern us down there.” Will increased mem- ber participation change that? It’s hard to argue with how more mem- bers being involved makes the organization stronger. And there are great benefits that can result from that, only starting with a new con- tract and culminating with a powerful political
voice.
“For the FOP to have
real power, we need the
backing of our member- ship, and you’re never going to get that unless everybody starts participating,” Mette emphasizes. “But if we can get three- fourths, or two-thirds of our membership to come out and have their voices heard, we will really be able to have a presence that
can get a lot done and truly help our members.”
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28 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JANUARY 2021
Let’s Hear It: Members need to speak up to let the Depart- ment and City know they are unified and will follow the Lodge 7 leadership to never stop fighting for their rights.