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Though Labor Recognition Week (LRW) looked a lot different this year, NTEU chapters still found ways to celebrate their members and show them how important they are to our union – even if from a distance.
Chapter 32 (IRS Colorado) celebrated LRW by sending each member a gift card to a local supermarket with a postcard featuring members wearing their NTEU Chapter 32 masks. The chapter previously purchased and mailed 450 masks emblazoned with its logo and the words “Protected by NTEU Chapter 32” to its members.
“As we celebrate Labor Recognition Week virtually this year, it’s important to remember that our members are without a doubt NTEU’s most valuable resource,” said Chapter President Peter Robbins.
Chapter 40 (IRS Oregon) didn’t let the pandemic stop it from hosting National President Tony Reardon. During two virtual town hall sessions, Reardon took questions from members and discussed pressing issues like the payroll tax deferral and how critical the 2020 elections are to federal employees.
“The importance of having an opportunity to meet with Tony and discuss current issues was far too significant to pass up,” said Chapter President Elizabeth O’Neal. “The feedback from the teleconference has been nothing but positive.”
Chapter 213 (DOE, Washington, D.C.) also hosted a virtual townhall meeting giving members a chance to hear directly from Reardon and ask questions.
At what may be NTEU’s first-ever drive through LRW event, Chapter 67 (IRS Ogden Campus) set up in a parking lot where members pulled up for goody bags with gift cards and coupons to local businesses. Those members who picked up a bag were automatically entered into a drawing for several grand prizes.
“In a time of so much uncertainty and confusion, we are proud to be a part of the IRS workforce here in Ogden and we are even more proud to serve them,” said Chapter President Robert Lawrence.
Chapter 26 (IRS Georgia) took to Facebook for some LRW fun. Along with posting a video on its members-only Facebook page, the chapter conducted an NTEU trivia contest with prizes for members who responded with correct answers in the comment box.
“Every year, LRW is a time to recognize and celebrate the frontline employees who support our union and deliver for our country,” said Reardon. “This year, it was also an opportunity to take a break from the daily stresses of working during a pandemic and reconnect with friends and coworkers. In this way, it was one of the most important LRW celebrations we’ve had in a long time.”
Did your chapter also celebrate LRW? Email NTEU (NTEU-PR@nteu.org) and tell us what you did. We may feature your event in a future blog post.