Dear President Cummings,

Thank you for your message regarding the tragic killing of Renee Nicole Good. I appreciate the sincerity with which you expressed our union’s long-standing commitment to honoring those who have suffered or died while exercising their rights.

That said, I struggled with the comparison made between Ms. Good and CWA Local 1103 Chief Steward Gerry Horgan. Gerry’s death, while defending workers’ rights on a picket line, is deeply rooted in our union’s history and mission. Ms. Good’s tragic shooting, while deserving of sympathy and reflection, involves very different circumstances and a much broader public debate.

I understand that your intent was not to offend or divide members with deeply held personal and political views, but rather to express empathy and highlight the importance of constitutional rights. However, the comparison raised serious concerns among many of my members and retirees and prompted questions about the framing of the message. For some, linking these events felt like the union was misrepresenting and diminishing the significance of Gerry's death.

I believe it is important for us to carefully consider when and how union-wide statements are issued on highly charged public events, especially when those events are not directly tied to workplace struggles. While decisions about when to speak out are ultimately the responsibility of national leadership, it is my opinion that not every tragic event necessarily requires a union-wide political statement.

At the same time, I want to be clear: I do not agree with the notion that the union should “stay out of politics” or focus only on narrow workplace issues. The idea that politics does not affect our members’ jobs or their workplace is simply incorrect. Staffing levels, safety standards, bargaining rights, wages, healthcare, and retirement protections are all shaped by legislation and public policy. These gains came from member mobilization and political action.  Even when members may not feel directly engaged in politics, or choose not to be, the reality is that politics continues to shape their jobs and their futures. 

My purpose in writing is not to diminish the importance of solidarity or political engagement, but rather to encourage greater care in how we issue public statements—particularly when invoking the legacy of Gerry Horgan—so that we strengthen unity.

Thank you for your leadership and for taking the time to consider these concerns. I remain committed to our union’s mission and to ensuring our members feel represented and respected.

In solidarity,

Kevin 

Kevin Sheil, President, CWA Local 1103