Greetings, brothers and sisters, from the "Show Me" state. I've just seen the election results from our efforts to repeal right-to-work. It has been repealed through the hard work and relentless efforts of many electricians, pipefitters, machinists, autoworkers, laborers and many other union brothers and sisters, who all joined together to fight this battle.

I'd like to acknowledge my business manager, [St. Louis] Local 1's Frank Jacobs and his staff, who were among the many labor leaders who picked up the ball deep in their own end zone with time running out. They never took their eyes off of the goal — the only acceptable outcome — and organized a petition drive.

Over the course of months, they got the necessary signatures across the state, submitted them to the proper officials and put right-to-work on the August primary ballot to be voted on by the people of Missouri.

Right-to-work was voted down by the people of Missouri by nearly 2-to-1.

To all the brothers and sisters who live in right-to-work states, I implore you to get out and talk with your elected officials, organize committees and get this scourge on working people eradicated from our country. Missouri is proof it can be done.

We, the working middle class — the backbone of this great country — will be heard. We will stand up for what is right, and we will never go away.

Michael R. Moran, Local 1 retiree
St. Louis

I'm writing to acknowledge the service of a longtime member of Cumberland, Md., Local 307. Brother Floyd Wigfield turns 100 this month after 65 years of dedicated service to our local.

In August, we recognized his service at our annual picnic, and last month he was honored as the last surviving member of his graduating class at Fort Hill High School in Cumberland. Brother Wigfield landed at Utah Beach on D-Day and fought honorably for his country in World War II. He then returned to serve the IBEW for more than six decades.

His brothers and sisters at Local 307 and across the IBEW want to thank him for his years of devotion to his country and the Brotherhood as he turns 100 on Oct. 10.

Jim Combs, Local 307 retired business manager,
former executive assistant to the International Secretary-Treasurer
Cumberland, Md.

On Labor Day, I'm thankful for the IBEW. I had a massive paralyzing stroke in 2007. If not for the IBEW and the wage-loss insurance they provided, who knows where I would be? Three years of recovery, and I've been back to work since 2010. Thank you, IBEW!

Doug Gustafson, Local 230 member
Victoria, British Columbia