Celebrating 75 Years of Progress, Advocacy, and Solidarity: The Future of NOITU

As we stand on the threshold of 2025, it is a momentous time for the National Organization of Industrial Trade Unions (NOITU). In just a few short months, we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary—a remarkable milestone that speaks to our enduring strength, commitment, and unwavering support for workers across the nation. This anniversary is not only a celebration of the Union’s rich history, but also a moment to reflect on our continued evolution and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.

Reflecting on our achievements over the past year, we have much to be proud of. The year 2024 has been one of growth and progress for NOITU, a year where we have continued to build on our legacy while staying true to our mission of serving the best interests of industrial workers. As we move toward our 75th anniversary in 2025, we are excited to celebrate our history, our successes, and the bright future that we will continue to shape together.

Growth and Expansion: A Stronger NOITU

In 2024, NOITU experienced a period of growth, with significant progress made in expanding our membership. A key focus for us has been organizing new shops and bringing new members on board. The labor movement in the United States is experiencing a renaissance, with workers seeking representation and a voice in the workplace more than ever before. This fertile environment for organizing has allowed NOITU to step forward and ensure that workers who previously lacked representation now have a strong, supportive organization behind them.

Our locals have worked diligently to reach out to unorganized workers, guiding them through the process of joining a union and securing professional representation. We understand that the workplace is constantly evolving, and we are committed to ensuring that every worker, regardless of their industry or background, has access to the protections and benefits that come with union membership. This commitment to organizing new members has ensured that NOITU remains a vital and growing force in the labor movement.

Celebrating Staff and Legacy

As we continue to grow, we have also seen changes within our own ranks. We have welcomed new staff members to our office, bringing fresh ideas and energy to our organization. These additions have strengthened our ability to serve the needs of our members, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have as we move into the next phase of our journey.

At the same time, we have also bid farewell to several long-serving staff members who have chosen to retire after many years of dedicated service to NOITU. Each time we gather to celebrate the careers of these outgoing staff members, I am filled with gratitude and pride. Their contributions to our union have been immeasurable, and the legacy they leave behind is one of professionalism, dedication, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of our members.

Retirement is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, and it is heartening to see how NOITU staff have impacted one another’s lives over the years. The bonds formed between our staff members—whether they are in our various departments or across different regions—are a testament to the collaborative spirit that has driven NOITU’s success. This network of relationships has also played an essential role in ensuring that our Union has been able to support its members, with a deep well of knowledge and expertise to draw from.

Looking to the Future: 2025 and Beyond

As we close out the year and look ahead to 2025, we have much to be excited about. Not only will we be celebrating our 75th anniversary, but we will also be looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. For NOITU, 2025 represents a time of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking optimism. It is a moment for us to recognize the hard work and achievements of our past, but also a time to chart a course for the future, continuing to advocate for the rights and well-being of workers in an ever-evolving world.

Over the years, NOITU has evolved alongside the industries that employ our members. Just as technology has dramatically changed the landscape of work, our union has adapted, introducing initiatives and programs that serve the needs of our membership and their families. One of the earliest and most impactful initiatives we introduced was the NOITU Daniel Lasky Scholarship Fund, which has been helping members’ children pursue higher education for over 40 years. This fund provides invaluable financial assistance to those seeking to fulfill their dreams of attending college, helping to defray the costs of higher education and ensuring that the next generation has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to our members extends far beyond education. The NOITU Individual Account Plan and the NOITU Insurance Trust Fund provide essential retirement benefits and healthcare coverage for our members. These programs have been pivotal in providing workers with the peace of mind that they will be supported in their retirement and have access to quality healthcare benefits throughout their lives.

The success of these initiatives is a testament to our ability to meet the changing needs of workers and their families. We understand that the challenges workers face today are different from those of years past, and we are committed to continuing to evolve in response to these needs.

In 2025, the NOITU Insurance Trust Fund will introduce a wide range of benefit enhancements. These include out-of-network coverage for ambulance and anesthesia services, an improved hearing aids benefit, increased optical reimbursement, a new LASIK surgery benefit, higher orthotics reimbursement, expanded eligibility for chiropractic benefits, a higher annual cap on dental benefits, and the introduction of in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage. We are thrilled to offer these enhancements and believe they will further improve the good and welfare of our members.

The 2025 NOITU National Convention: “Educate, Elevate, and Empower”

Looking ahead to our 75th anniversary, one of the most exciting events on the horizon is the 2025 NOITU National Convention, which will take place in October 2025. This event will be a historic occasion, a time to celebrate the achievements of the past while looking forward to the future with renewed energy and purpose.

The theme of this year’s convention—“Educate, Elevate, and Empower”—is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the work we have done and the work we will continue to do in the years to come. It is a theme that encapsulates the essence of NOITU’s mission: to educate our members, elevate them to positions of leadership, and empower them to make a difference in their workplaces and communities.

This theme draws inspiration from our 2017 convention, where we adopted the theme “Technology is Our Future”, which proved to be prophetic in the years that followed. The rapid advancement of technology, from the widespread use of video conferencing to the rise of artificial intelligence, has reshaped the workplace and the world. At NOITU, we have embraced these changes, ensuring that our members are equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

As we look forward to 2025, the “Educate, Elevate, and Empower” theme will guide us as we continue to prepare our members for the future. We know that the workplace is changing, and it is our responsibility to ensure that our members are not only ready for these changes but are also in positions of leadership and influence to help shape the future of work. This theme will serve as a call to action, inspiring each of us to continue learning, growing, and fighting for the rights of workers in an ever-evolving world.

The Future is Bright: A Continued Commitment to Workers

As we approach the 75th anniversary of NOITU, the future is bright. We have made incredible strides over the years, but there is still much work to be done. The labor movement faces new challenges as the world changes, but NOITU has always risen to the occasion, adapting to new realities, and remaining steadfast in our commitment to our members.

As we celebrate our past, we also look forward to the future with confidence and optimism. Together, we will continue to educate, elevate, and empower workers, ensuring that NOITU remains a strong, united force for justice and fairness in the workplace. The next 75 years will be defined by our collective strength and solidarity, as we continue to advocate for workers’ rights and create a better future for all.

Please keep an eye out for a mailing that will be sent to all NOITU members. It will contain important information about an upcoming meeting where members can be nominated to serve as delegates for the National Convention. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

In solidarity,

Gerard A. Jones

National President