Dear Brothers, Sisters and Kin,
 

I write you with a deep sense of commitment to addressing your profound concerns with respect to the wages, terms and conditions under which you work. As you may be aware, negotiations with the major producers have reached a standstill. They refused to reply to our last proposal.

Throughout these negotiations we have stressed our priorities repeatedly and without waiver. We have offered the producers options. They well know what it will take to get a deal done. Nonetheless we must move forward in the fight for our causes which are irrefutably about fairness. We must remain united and prove our resolve.

We are at a stage where the employers have made this struggle about power, not reason. Therefore we are initiating a strike vote to authorize me to call one if necessary. It is crucial that every member understand the seriousness of this matter and return their ballot in favor of the strike vote. A clear decisive message will be sent.

In solidarity,

International President Matthew D. Loeb