Put Members First
Respect and Represent ALL Members
I understand that as an elected officer, I represent ALL members on both sides of any issue, and it is my belief that the union should never tell its members how to feel or what to think.
I believe everyone should have the freedom to live by their own values and make their own choices — that’s what real freedom means. But freedom doesn’t mean forcing those values onto everyone else. You can choose your path, live your truth, and hold your convictions — as long as you respect that others have the right to do the same. The moment we start trying to make everyone think, live, or believe the same way, we stop being free.
As a membership, we cannot come together in true solidarity if our personal beliefs and differences continue to get in the way of recognizing our many shared interests and talents. We work in a creative industry that celebrates diversity of thought and respects varying perspectives, and I for one am proud of that.
An E-Board that Members Deserve
Everyone deserves for their elected leaders to prioritize the needs of their constituents before their own. You deserve for your Executive Board to make decisions that focus on the overall good of the membership - providing the best opportunities for the most members. You deserve an E-Board that, despite differences of opinion, has the ability to compromise, cooperate, and ultimately work together to positively carry our Local forward.
The only way to achieve this type of E-Board again is to elect people that focus on the #1 priority relevant to every single member of Local 479 - depositing a paycheck on Friday in order to provide for their families. Our leadership has problems, and the best way to fix those problems is to choose new leaders.
I know what you are thinking - maybe I am problem. But consider this fact:
I, Mike Akins, have been a constant presence on your Executive Board for over 20 years. Throughout the majority of that time, the Executive Board ran smoothly and members prospered.
When did the dysfunction start? 4 years ago.
When did our Executive Board make a major change in priorities? 4 years ago.
The changes that some members sought after the pandemic ultimately resulted in a massive priority shift of our Executive Board from focusing on job protection and creating opportunities to help all members succeed to directing our spotlight on social issues important to our most vocal members. I’ve heard over and over from members lately - my union should ONLY be concerned with protecting my job, NOT with who I vote for or what I do at home.
Supporting new candidates for Sergeant-at-Arms and ATL-North GA Labor Delegate will help to turn the tide of the Executive Board, and allow a return to true representation of ALL members.