Mission, Vision, Values icon
Staff at John Theissen's Children Foundation Stuff A Bus program
Staff and Members working at John Theissen's Children Foundation
Local 338 Staff working at a food drive

Community Engagement & Advocacy

Mission

To better the lives of our members and all working people 

We are all stewards of our union, aiming to protect and grow the union for those who will come after us. As union members we are also members of the communities in which we live and work, and by giving back, our sense of purpose is renewed and rewarded. Our commitment is to advocate on behalf of working people so as we may all achieve full participation in our society and secure the rights guaranteed to us, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender expression or immigration status. We do that by supporting movements and allying with communities our members belong to including, Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA, and organizations that support women and immigrants and promote inclusiveness.

Vision

As recognized leaders within the Labor Movement, Local 338 will: 
  • Mobilize and empower our membership 
  • Demand security, dignity, and respect for our members 
  • Organize nonunion workers among diverse industries 
  • Impact public policy that effects social and economic change to benefit working people 
  • Fight to end social, racial and, economic injustice, as well as break down systemic barriers that hinder advancement and harm workers and their families

Values

  • Integrity in everything we do 
  • Improving the lives of working people by fighting for their security, dignity and respect 
  • Delivering superior service to our members 
  • Empowering staff, members, and community 
  • Growing the Union’s numbers and strength 
  • Unity of purpose with team work 
  • Courage in all our endeavors 
  • Conviction in our advocacy for full equality and equity for all working people
Local 338 believes that it is important to be involved in the communities that our members live and work in. As an organization whose main purpose is to represent people in the workplace, it is essential that we are in touch with our members and should understand what their needs and interests are, beyond what is included in their union contract. This is why Local 338 regularly participates in charitable work with several community-based charities, including the United Way and local food pantries. It is also essential that we serve as allies to our members and as a result, we participate in annual Pride events, proudly supporting our LGBTQ members and their families. We also partner with a number of social and economic justice organizations throughout the State.
Staff making a thanksgiving donation on behalf of Local 338 Members
Members and staff and John Theissen's Children Foundation during the winter holiday
Members and Staff dropping off toys at a hospital
Local 338 staff standing with toys for our winter holiday drive
Local 338 Staff posing during our thanksgiving food drive
Members and Staff working together at John Theissen's Stuff a Buss program
A component of our community engagement is through our participating in the political and legislative process. Through our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts, we have been able to campaign for candidates that will advocate on a legislative level on behalf of not just Local 338 members, but also working people throughout New York and New Jersey. These efforts have helped us secure the passage of groundbreaking legislation including the Compassionate Care Act, which legalized medical marijuana, as well as campaigns centered on Paid Family Leave, funding for childcare subsidies, wage theft protections and the creation of meaningful living wage laws, ensuring that working people are able to provide for their families.
Members and Staff united In the capital of New York
Signing of a bill in favor of our members
Cannabis Members In Albany New York