My name is GM, and I am a proud member of the teachers union in New York City. Like many of my fellow union members, I value our collective voice in advocating for better working conditions, wages, and many pertinent issues that affect us. What I and countless others are concerned about, however, is our union's habit of taking a political stance without first sourcing the collective thoughts and feelings of us union members.

Unions are a vital cornerstone of modern democracy, and they emphasize collective bargaining and representation. Yet there's a growing concern here in NYC that our union leadership assumes a political position without reflecting the diverse voices of its members. These instances infringe upon our democratic values and silence the varied perspectives of those the union represents.

According to a 2020 study by the Economic Policy Institute, there are more than 75,000 trade union members in New York City. Imagine the range of political views, feelings, and beliefs that are inadequately represented under the banner of a single union. It is crucial that every member has a voice in the union's political direction. This is the essence of democracy.

We urgently need to reform this practice. The authorities should mandate that unions survey their members prior to issuing statements in support or against political issues. This will ensure that what the union communicates truly reflects the collective voice of its membership.

Please join me in signing this petition, demanding the need for unions to adhere to a democratic process that respects and upholds the diversity and individual opinions of its members. Your signature can bring us closer to maintaining the democratic ideals that unions were founded upon. Sign this petition today.