As another year comes to a close and we celebrate the holidays with our families, I want to thank you for all you do each day. As public employees who provide the vital services that allow our communities to function—as well as labor activists who advocate for your families, coworkers and neighbors—you make me proud to be associated with you and to serve as your union president.

In 2011 we won good contracts for our fellow members, but we did so much more. We beat back harmful cuts to our schools and advocated for students. We helped elect candidates who respect us and who support working families. We stood with our brothers and sisters in Wisconsin, whose very right to exist as a union is under attack. We fought for federal legislation that meant good, family-supporting jobs and infrastructure here in Alaska. We partnered with school districts in innovative ways to literally save hundreds of at-risk students. We were successful in ensuring that Alaska’s resources continue to benefit Alaskans, keeping that money in state. We stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in other local unions, and began working with legislators from both parties toward a return to a defined benefit retirement. We garnered prestigious nationwide honors from AFT as one of our members from Ketchikan won the "Everyday Hero" award and we were awarded 2nd place in the nation for best website.

We fought these battles at the bargaining table, at rallies, in the press, online and at the voting booth. None of this would have been possible without you, the members who are our union. 

In the coming year, we will continue to face opportunities and challenges. It’s an election year that will once again see the fate of working families on the ballot. School and local budgets will once again force us to do more with less. We will be called upon to defend the youngest and most vulnerable Alaskans by improving the base student allocation and protecting Denali KidCare. And we will undoubtedly be called upon to defend Alaska’s fiscal resources—the very resources that pay our salaries and provide our benefits—from another assault by corporations from Outside.

Because of our caliber of public employees, and because of union activists like you, I am filled with confidence and hope for the coming year. I wish you and your family the very happiest of holidays, and look forward to working alongside you in 2012. 

Nancy Hereford

APEA/AFT President