Forging On in Progress This New Year

The Human Relations Department would like to wish everyone a happy new year. As another year rolls over, it’s time to reflect and hope for a brighter future. In 2023, the Human Relations Department held its Educational Assembly in Baltimore, MD, building unity, solidarity and efficiently equipping our members through education and empowerment. This educational event was the first in person meeting since 2017 where members were informed on topics such as Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Veterans’ Rights, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Economic Justice, Social Justice, Equal Employment opportunities, and learned of the connection between the civil rights movement and the labor movement. We encourage our members to carry on the wisdom we gained in 2023 to inspire and energize us in the new year.

Office of Workers’ Compensation (OWCP)

After a successful year in 2023, we are going to keep the momentum going by conducting more training related to the OWCP. Although we organized many notable training courses across the country last year, there is still more work to do. This new year, the Human Relations Department aims to continue training for locals and states and provide a Regional Resource Assistant to better assist locals and states with their issues. Our mission is to continue this year by building on the program and providing excellent training for all.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

This year, we will be providing locals and states with more guidance on how to effectively utilize the EAP in their local areas and will continue to meet actively to stress the importance of having assistance available to members as they need it. Veterans Rights and Benefits

This year, we are dedicated to initiating a program that encourages our veteran members. We have organized a database to recognize our service members and build a coalition. We are committed to using all the tools and resources at our disposal to mobilize our members. Please stay tuned and pay attention to the communication resources we have for updates on our progress.

Civil Rights and Engagement

As we continue to strive for equality for all, I’m excited to announce that we take on the issues of today. We look forward to this year and the momentum we’ve carried into it by making sure we become more knowledgeable and empowered on all platforms to protect our civil rights, while stressing the importance of engaging and mobilizing members, and continuing to secure assistance for all who are in need.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

This year we will provide our members with much-needed guidance on how the EEOC works, as well as a handbook for the EEOC process. We know how tedious the process can be, so it is the intent of the Human Relations Department to provide an informative manual, formulated specifically from your union, on the EEOC rules, processes, and general guidelines on how to navigate through the EEOC process. At this time, we are not providing representation, but it is important that we provide a resource and tool that can be readily accessible for all our members. Please stay tuned and informed on the upcoming issuance of the new EEOC booklet which will be shared with all our members.

Lastly, I want to thank all that will be taking on the challenges that we face this year. I’m confident that all challenges that we face will better forged together in the common goals we wish to accomplish in 2024. This department looks forward to addressing your needs, providing resources, and offering opportunities to get involved throughout the year. We can do it better when we work together. Thank you all.■