The strength of the IBEW is determined by our union density. As union density declines, so does our ability to secure beneficial wage increases, benefits and working conditions. In "right to work for less" states like South Dakota, Wyoming, and Nebraska, the three states that IBEW Local Union 1250 has members in, the task of keeping good contracts and having high union density is especially difficult and requires that we constantly strive to maintain our membership levels. Most of our units do very well at maintaining membership levels, but some have dropped to less than desirable levels. Each of us as union members, has the task of asking our fellow workers to join the Local Union and help maintain the good wage and benefit levels in our contracts. That's why I'm asking each of you to take the time to visit with your co-workers and if they are not members, ask them to consider joining their union to help us keep and improve our union contracts.