On October 30, 2013, Joanie Cameron Pritchett gave her final address as president of YUSA at its Annual General Meeting. The following is text from that speech:
They say you never know you’re having the time of your life until after it’s done.
And when looking back at my 13 years as president of YUSA, I realize how special a time it really was. It wasn’t only serving the exceptional people – all of you – who make up the membership of this union, but working alongside some of the finest people I’ve ever known.
I had a particularly challenging summer recently, and I want to first extend my gratitude to those who sent me such warm wishes during my recovery from surgery. I will never forget the support and strength you gave me.
I am proud to say that the state of our union is very strong indeed. We have seen successes during the last few years that many of us didn’t even think were possible a decade earlier. I am certain that this is the right time for me to step aside and for others to step forward. Change is part of every organization, and I am excited to see how YUSA will grow with new leadership.
We must never forget that great 20th century writer and political activist, Hellen Keller, and what she said about life: “it is either a daring adventure… or nothing at all.” And I am asking each of you to dare to take on the responsibility of becoming an elected officer or official within our great union. It is a both an honour and a joy to serve your fellow sisters and brothers within YUSA.
[blockquote align=”left”]I am proud to say that the state of our union is very strong indeed. We have seen successes during the last few years that many of us didn’t even think were possible a decade earlier.
[/blockquote]These are exciting times, not only for our union, but for others throughout Canada and beyond. What were once radical ideas – such as workers’ rights, gender equality, a living wage or environmental sustainability, have become common knowledge and common sense solutions to the problems we face as a movement and a society.
Long before unions helped abolish child labour and created the weekend, before they helped create a middle class, developed health and safety standards, pensions and paid vacations, before they took on discrimination and harassment in the workplace, there were powerful, privileged entities complaining about unions.
Yet how fast things change in the world of public opinion. Just a few years ago, unions were seen as an outdated relic of an earlier time. Economists were hailing a new generation of corporate heroes who would supposedly make everyone wealthy without the need for labour unions or the benefits they provide workers.
Today, and especially after the 2008 financial crash, no one believes this nonsense anymore. Even some conservative commentators now understand that unions are a vital component of any modern economy and just society, and as important today as they were a century ago.
New movements like Occupy Wall Street have put the issue of growing inequality on the front page, and unions have responded overwhelmingly to those in the streets throughout the world calling for real democracy and social justice.
[blockquote align=”right”]More and more, our future becomes a race between labour unions and workers’ rights on one hand, and economic catastrophe on the other.
[/blockquote]More and more, our future becomes a race between labour unions and workers’ rights on one hand, and economic catastrophe on the other.
I have no doubt that we will win this battle, but only if we do what we have always done in times of crisis – and that is to work together in solidarity. The labour movement has faced challenges before, and ones certainly larger than what we face today. After all, the word “union” comes from “unity,” and it is this time-tested principle that has always got us through.
The same will be said of current struggles and the attacks on public sector workers in Canada. When we stick together, we’ll win forever. There is no force in the world more powerful than a group of commitment souls dedicated to the rights of the majority, whether its workers’ rights, protecting our environment, women’s equality, or human rights.
Remember what Ralph Waldo Emerson once noted: “Every great and commanding moment in the annals of world history is the triumph of some kind of enthusiasm.” And I know that the leadership and membership of our union will remain as energetic, inspired and creative as ever before.
We are told that we should leave the world a better place than it was when we came into it, and I’ve tried to do the exact same as President of YUSA. Like the hundreds of people I have worked with, I have done my absolute best – from the very depths of my being – to serve the fine members of this union.
[blockquote align=”left”]In a world that is sometimes dark and unfamiliar, our union stands as a beacon for goodness, love, beauty and light.
[/blockquote]This is why each of you deserve so much credit for making YUSA what it is today. When thinking of the thousands of members I have had the pleasure of serving, I am compelled to borrow a phrase from the great Bertrand Russell: “Three passions, simple but strong, have governed my life – a longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable solidarity with those in the pursuit of justice.”
The York University Staff Association is a definitive example of what an independent and democratic union should be. It is an organization that always sees the best in people, is open to new ideas, strives to do better, and looks towards a brighter future.
The challenges and struggles of our union go far beyond the confines of this university, and even our country. Workers throughout the world know that there is an alternative – a better way – one based on democracy and fairness, values that YUSA has always committed itself to, and will always fight for – no matter who we’re up against.
In a world that is sometimes dark and unfamiliar, our union stands as a beacon for goodness, love, beauty and light.
Again, I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart. It has been an honour to serve such an exceptional group of people.
