Sarah Gust, BCTGM
Crystal Sugar Factory, Moorhead, MN
Everyone wants to know the scoop about what’s really going on in their workplace. Well, this initial curiosity sparked Sarah Gust, BCTGM member at the Crystal Sugar Factory in Moorhead, to sign the union card years ago. At the time she felt, and still feels the best way to protect wages and benefits and to know what’s really going on in the workplace is to become a union member. She comments, “It’s important to stand in solidarity so we keep the benefits we have, and to not give in to management’s greed.”
Currently a lab foreman, Sarah has done almost every job in the factory over the past 38 years. Sarah is definitely a dedicated union member. Her union activism includes doorknocking, phonebanking, lit dropping for labor-endorsed candidates, attending rallies, and walking the line. She jokes around that she will do whatever Tony St. Michael asks her to do for the union; what shines through in that statement is that she was asked by another union member to take on a small task. Union members again and again prove that the power of the personal ask is undeniable. The personal ask is the most effective way to build capacity and leadership with individuals in unions.
Nowadays, there are many new and different ways for union members to become involved and communicate in their locals: electronic list servs to alert e-activists, Facebook pages, Twitter, blogs, to name just a few. This gives each local more opportunity to learn what communication style works for them to suit their geographic area and community.
The Red River Valley harvest is just about hitting full throttle as October meets the calendar. Judging by Sarah's flexibility and experience both on the job and with her union activism, she will continue to be a champion for her local economy and working families.