As a third-gen union worker, and first-gen grad student, I value the democracy and collective power for change we have as a labor union. I am passionate about anti-surveillance, a closed shop, protecting religious freedoms, and demanding transparency from the University on investments and disciplinary processes. Given the increasing corporatization of higher ed, it is crucial to defend our labor rights to organize, especially in a time when the University seeks to repress political activity on campus and silence anti-genocide voices. HGSU members are not just students, but always workers, who provide the labor necessary for the University to function. At the very least, we deserve liveable wages, comprehensive health insurance, and real recourse. As trustee, I hope to make the union a more accessible space especially for all those who find the contract wildly confusing (it’s currently nightmarish, and shouldn’t be!). We are only as strong as our membership — collective engagement is vital as we near bargaining for our next contract (rank-and-file, it’s your time to shine). I look forward to supporting HGSU’s efforts to protect workers’ rights and pursue justice, from our local union to a global scale.