Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1380878
our union. However, through the efforts of dedicated members like Ron Hairston and all of the women and men who offer up their time to the causes of equity, diversity, and opportunity, we are beginning to see things move in a positive direction. I would like to thank Ron for taking the time to sit down and speak with me about his career, his life, and the work he's doing as a member of our union. His efforts are helping to forward Local 695 in its mission of nurturing equality within our industry. Members who are interested in being a part of this reform are encouraged to reach out to the Local about joining the Women's Committee or the committee for Equity, Diversity and Outreach. On December 2 of 2020, then President-Elect Joe Biden declared his intention to be "the most pro- union president you've ever seen." This was a welcome proclamation, as union membership and influence has been in steady decline for decades. Today, it is estimated that just 10.8 percent of workers in America belong to a collective bargaining organization, down to less than a third of where we stood at our peak in the 1950's. This is in spite of the fact that, by and large, research shows labor unions to be a net positive to their members. A 2020 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics concluded that workers belonging to unions, on average, earned wages nineteen percent higher than their nonunion peers while an April 2021 study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics determined that income inequality has waxed as the membership of unions has waned. Moreover, unions are popular. A Gallup poll published in September 2020 shows a sixty-five percent approval rating among Americans, their highest rating since 2003. With this unique opportunity afforded to us by both a high favorability rating and an ally in the White House, unions are relying on members like Ron Hairston to take charge and shape the change we need in the world. Above: Kenn Fuller, Jestin Willard (Y-16A), Kevin Culligan, and Ronald Hairston on Generation. Above top right: Tom Payne and Ronald Hairston on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Right: Tom Payne, Kenn Fuller, Ronald Hairston, and Kevin Culligan on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.