Preliminary Injunction - I did not send my weekly update on Friday, because I wanted to wait until I could tell you....The legal team has filed the request for a PI today. Unfortunately, because of the holidays the agency has until January 12th to respond.

Terminal Island Closure - Unfortunately the bureau has announced yet another prison closure. TI was notified Tuesday of its official closure on June 19th. The agency claimed the closure was due to the recent assessment, yet we are very sceptical! We are working to set up an email campaign, and will ask everyone to sign on when it is up and running. The local has already moved to congressional notifications and having the membership do the same. Contract or no contract we will continue to address any closure notification(s) the same as before... Congressional action!

Sign On Bonus - The agency yet again announced bonuses for new hires (up to $47k). As I am sure you know, we do not think this is the way to fix anything! I understand the concept of incentivising new employees especially when other agencies are offering a huge sign on bonus, however, this does nothing to address the current staff who have been put through the ringer, and stayed through everything over the years. We will continue to push for the pay bill, which I am told should be introduced in the next few weeks. The offices have been working together and even getting OPM's technical review to ensure the bill will address the issues and be applied as we are asking (not just to 0007 series like pay during the shutdown was), which has been the hold up post shutdown. I will keep you updated!

Lastly, this will most likely be the last email of the year, as I do not want to bother you all through the holidays unless it is urgent. So I just wanted to say...

It has been a heck of a year! As I reflect on the year that is about to be behind us, it is impossible to do so without acknowledging just how challenging it has been! This past year tested our resolve, our patience, and in many moments, our faith in the systems meant to protect working people. Yet through it all, one thing remained constant: the strength and integrity of our membership.

Despite uncertainty, adversity, and unprecedented changes, you stayed true to your beliefs and committed to the mission of our union. You showed up—not because it was easy, but because it was right. That commitment matters more than any single policy, ruling, or outcome. It is the foundation of everything we stand for!

While this year brought obstacles, it also brought meaningful accomplishments. We continued to advocate for our members’ rights, support one another in times of need, and ensure that the voices of working people were not silenced. Even when progress felt slow or victories were hard-fought, your perseverance ensured that our union remained present, engaged, and unwavering.

Most importantly, you stood together. You chose solidarity over division, principle over convenience, and courage over complacency. That unity—your unity—is our greatest achievement!

Thank you!! Thank you for your strength, your trust, and your dedication. Thank you for holding firm to the values that define us. Thank you for believing in the mission, even when the road ahead is unclear. And thank you for each act—big or small—that reinforced what it truly means to be union strong!

As we move into the coming year, we do so together, grounded in the knowledge that our power has always come from our people. Whatever challenges lie ahead, whatever decisions may come, we will meet them the same way we always have: united, determined, and guided by our shared purpose.

I pray you have a very blessed Christmas and an extremely safe and joyous New Year! As always, keep the information about issues and changes coming, and DO NOT hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need help!