Members of UE Local 150-CAAMWU, which represents workers at Cummins Diesel, held their 33rd annual MLK Day “Workers Want Justice!” celebration at the Bloomer Hill Community Center on January 16.

The speaker, Sue Perry Cole of the NC Association of Community Development Corporations, began her remarks by honoring the late UE International Representative Saladin Muhammad, who passed away last fall.

“We can all bear witness today that Saladin Muhammad did so much for so many during his life of service by helping to organize, guide and lead ordinary people, especially working people and Black marginalized people, to understand the conditions they are confronting, then to build the unity and power required to change their circumstances and assert control over their own lives.”

Cole reviewed the recent surge of union organizing, noting that “After years of declining influence, unions are having a resurgence. Employees from companies from across the country are increasingly organizing as a means of asking for higher pay, better sick leave, more benefits, or safety and other changes to their working conditions.”

CAAMWU member Marvin Arrington, who also serves as a Nash County Commissioner, offered greetings to the meeting. Rev. Doris Lindsey, Pastor of Mann’s Chapel AME Church and a member of the Whitakers Town Council gave the prayer, and CAAMWU retiree Jim Wrenn introduced Cole. CAAMWU member Theodis White presided, and CAAMWU President Jimmie Thorne offered closing remarks.