With the whole world watching, you and the leaders and members of your unions stepped forward to help bring Joe Biden and Kamala Harris across the finish line in the US presidential election. Your extraordinary effort during these very difficult times, with the pandemic raging and the economic crisis unfolding, made a real difference in the result. I want to express my deep appreciation for all the work you have done and for all you will continue to do in helping to “build back better”.

I want to express my deep appreciation for all the work you have done and for all you will continue to do in helping to “build back better”

I know how close this election was, with the control of the US Senate election still in doubt, but with a new Biden administration there is now some hope that efforts can be made to deal with the pandemic, improve healthcare and move toward greater justice and equity for the common good.

I know that the Biden election victory brings relief to you and to the workers represented by your unions. You should know that workers around the world are also breathing a sigh of relief with the new direction taken by voters in the United States.

Joe Biden has called for the healing to begin. This is a goal that requires the efforts of everyone, but it is worth exclaiming the extraordinary role that has been played by healthcare workers, first responders, and public employees in holding society together during these most difficult of times. Public employees in the US and around the world are surely heroes, but they deserve much more than simple praise and applause. They deserve workplace safety, better pay and working conditions and real recognition for their selfless contributions. They have shown by example how to build trust and how to deliver healing. They show us every day how we can bring greater care and decency to the communities around us. We would do well to provide them with greater support if we are truly about healing and rebuilding.

On behalf of the leadership of Public Services International, let me offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your outstanding work during the recent election campaign. Let me also offer you my continuing support for the organizing, education and advocacy still required to put people over profit, to build a stronger labor movement and to deliver the health, safety and economic security necessary to bring us through the multiple crises now enveloping us. We stand united for a better future.

In solidarity,

Rosa Pavanelli
PSI General Secretary