We welcome the end of this year of uncertainty and turn our sights to the hope that 2026 holds.

As we witnessed the second Trump administration unfold, each Executive Action chipped away at the American dream. The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” paid off billionaires and corporate interests with massive tax breaks while placing the burden on working people and cutting Head Start, SNAP, Medicaid, and other essential federal assistance programs. The same chaos we became acquainted with during the president’s first term has only hardened our resolve to fight back and protect our members. We will not give up.

Fortunately, beams of light lit our path through the darkness of the year. We defeated an attempt by the Brooklyn Museum to lay off workers with next to no notice. We kept the pressure on management and pushed for funding at the City Council, preventing the layoffs and helping make the museum whole.

We continued our organizing efforts, expanding our membership and negotiating first-time contracts in the non-profit, public, and private sectors. We made inroads with other cultural institutions like the Museum of Math and negotiated first contracts with the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and additional Care for the Homeless sites.

Despite costs that continue to soar, we negotiated a historic new health care plan for city workers and pre-Medicare retirees, expanding access to tens of thousands of additional providers, boosting mental health services, and preserving our premium-free benefits.

From the moment NYS Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani demonstrated his firm grasp of working class issues at our Mayoral Candidate Forum in February, many members began to recognize his potential to become the top leader of our city. He defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo twice despite an injection of billionaire and Republican donors against him, and won with more than 50% of the vote during one of the most contentious election cycles in New York City’s history.

On New Year’s Day, he will become Mayor Mamdani. I’m confident we will work well together in the fight for a more affordable, equitable city, especially as we prepare to negotiate the next citywide contract on behalf of municipal employees.

The citywide election was a watershed moment for DC 37 members. Not only was a truly progressive mayor elected, but all DC 37-endorsed candidates swept the floor thanks to our activism and canvassing efforts. The biggest win was in the Bronx, where former SSEU Local 371 Executive Vice President Shirley Aldebol defeated Republican incumbent Kristy Marmorato for the District 13 City Council seat. The only thing better than an elected official who will fight beside us is an elected official who is one of us.

As we look toward the end of the year, I want to thank all our members for your participation and steadfast support in building this powerhouse union. I wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season. As we look toward the new year, remember— when we fight together, we win.