Research from the Economic Policy Institute shows that Unions raise wages of unionized workers, offer better benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, and retirement plans, and most importantly protect workers and their rights in areas of safety, health, family/medical leave, etc. Having a collective bargaining agreement is so important to our working families. It enables us to perform better at our jobs therefore providing excellent service for everyone. How can we give our students quality education if teachers are forced to work in an unsafe and unhealthy environment? How can our workers from the port do their job if they are forced to work with unsafe equipment? How can our nurses take care of their patients when they are given so many extra duties beyond the scope of their work? How can we serve our people/customers/clients if we are not treated properly or given the respect we deserve at work? Take pride in your collective bargaining agreement, it is for this reason we can better serve our people.