Sisters and Brothers,

As many of you know, the Company continues to retire power plants. I want to recognize our Sisters and Brothers for their tireless work in the plants, because not doing so would be a travesty. We have given our sweat, blood, even our lives to maintain these plants so we could power America and I do mean America! The electricity produced in these plants is distributed to the grid, so it can be sold nationwide. We have been an integral part of keeping homes warm, providing light, cooking food, and energizing the U.S. economy, our industries and even our military for many years. With the retiring of these plants, we leave a legacy of excellence that is unparalleled.

Personally, these retirements are very near and dear to my heart, because I started my career in the power plants as an Instrument & Control Technician, which is still my official classification today. The memories I have of working in the plants have left an indelible mark on me.

As you know, as the years pass, the people you work with become some of your closest friends and even family to you. So, I will say this, though the plants may be retiring, we are still friends and family.

To all our Sisters and Brothers who have decided to retire along with the plants, I wish you the very best on the new life you are stepping into. Retirement with Local 223 means you are "our" honored family members who have paved the way for those of us who continue to work. To those who will be transferring to other locations, Local 223 will continue to be here to facilitate the movements to make sure they are seamless for you. Whether you are retiring or transferring, I want to say thank you for all you have done and as members of the Local 223 Union Family.

In Solidarity,

Juanita Ray
President
Utility Workers Union of America, Local 223