Many of you have already voted, and I hope our slate and I were able to make the compelling argument that real, positive change is needed in the operations of our union. If some of you are still undecided, please check out our Platform for Change here on the Harbor Herald. We believe it’s time to put these ideas into action and move forward immediately with an open and democratic union. Our industry is constantly changing and our union must be able to evolve right along with it. Either we adapt or get run over. We hear nothing from our leaders about the big regulatory changes and challenges affecting our mariners. Nothing about what role they played in the outcome. Why? Because they played no role at all. That is unacceptable, and I'm on record saying that this will change. We'll become proactive, and use today’s technology for better communications. A well-informed union membership is a strong union membership. These are not new or ground-breaking ideas for a modern, professionally-run union. They are what should be the standard. Let’s see if we can help mold this industry and our union, instead of standing idly by and watching it all happen to us. Other maritime unions are engaged in this process and we should be too. At times we will not be able to have much influence on some of the events shaping our industry, but we can control what is going on within our union. You can help change that right now with your vote.

My candidacy for President of 333 has never been about me as an individual. It’s been about including and empowering the members. All of them. I have shown that when I was on the Executive Board, and now I want to apply that to the top leadership position of our union. This time I have a competent, supportive and dedicated slate of candidates committed to these democratic ideals. Every one of these candidates knows that an open, democratic and active union is the only way that 333 can ever hope to become relevant, let alone survive, in this ever-changing industry. They all agree, for the first time in 333's history, that every member has a right to know how their union officials voted and why, and what positions they take on the issues. We believe that this transparency, and the real accountability it will promote, will greatly improve on the decision-making of our union officials. It’s about what is good for the membership as a whole, not the President alone. Remember, every three years they must answer to you. Hearing ideas from many sources and building a consensus is how labor organizations become effective. My candidacy is all about making that happen.

I'm ready to take on the serious challenges that lay ahead, and I believe in a team effort and full involvement of the membership. I cannot, and will not, do this alone. We all need to be a part of the process. I look forward to serving you: the members of Local 333.

Fraternally,

William Harrigan 

Candidate for President