NATCA Recognizes Scholarship Winners: Hayden Copadis
Hayden Copadis, child of Alexander Copadis (Fort Worth Center, ZFW) is among this year’s 20 NATCA Scholarship winners. Every year, NATCA offers a scholarship program for spouses, children, stepchildren, and legally adopted children of active, retired, and deceased members in good standing for at least two consecutive years. This scholarship is for full-time attendance at accredited colleges and universities within the United States and its territories for an undergraduate degree program.
This year’s prompt asked candidates to examine the factors that can either strengthen or weaken labor unions. Read the essay that Hayden submitted below:
Unions are designed by nature to bring people of different backgrounds and races together for the purpose of pursuing better wages, better work conditions, and job security. However, achieving unity can be challenging due to the differences mentioned above. These differences often lead to division within the union. Other factors that contribute to division within the membership are seniority, socio-economic status, and political beliefs. All of these differences between members may be amplified by economic downturns, changing of different labor laws, and even a company’s method to try calming people down can end up leading to even more divide.
To strengthen unity within a union, the union leadership must prioritize clear communication, making sure all members’ voices are heard, and that all concerns are addressed. By holding surveys, having open forums, or meetings, it ensures that leadership within the union knows about the problems and concerns of its members, so they can properly address the voiced concerns within the union. Doing this can build trust and foster a sense of unity within the union due to everyone’s voices being properly heard.
Beyond communication, encouraging active participation strengthens the union by making members feel personally invested. Leadership can promote involvement through committees, mentorship programs, and educational workshops on labor rights and collective bargaining. When members actively engage in union efforts, they develop a stronger sense of ownership and commitment to the union’s goals.
Inclusivity is also key to unity. Union leaders should work to bridge differences by recognizing diverse perspectives and finding common ground among members with varying priorities. Addressing concerns related to wage disparities, job classifications, and seniority with fairness and transparency can help prevent resentment and division.
Additionally, celebrating collective achievements reinforces the power of solidarity. Whether it’s a successful contract negotiation, improved workplace conditions, or a legal victory, recognizing these wins reminds members of the benefits of standing together. Publicly acknowledging member contributions through events or internal communications can further strengthen morale and camaraderie.
Lastly, education is a powerful tool against division. Employers may attempt to weaken unions through misinformation or selective incentives, so equipping members with knowledge about labor laws, collective bargaining, and historical labor movements empowers them to remain united.
By fostering trust, encouraging participation, and ensuring inclusivity, unions can overcome internal divisions and build the collective strength necessary to achieve their goals. When members recognize that unity is the key to securing better conditions and long-term success, they can stand against any challenge.
