General President Coleman’s Thanksgiving message to U.S. members

November 27, 2025

Brothers, sisters and friends,

I want to wish you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is about gratitude. It is about the things that matter in life: Loved ones. Community. Our health, and our well-being.

As SMART members, these values are especially meaningful. We are part of the movement that fought to protect those things that matter to us — and so all of us could enjoy days like Thanksgiving. We continue to fight so that every single person gets the pay, the benefits and the respect they deserve.

And it’s not lost on any of us that we have many members working, even on Thanksgiving, keeping our nation moving. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for everything you do, and know we do not forget the sacrifice you made.

We all have different traditions on days like Thanksgiving. Some of us eat turkey. Some of us watch football. Others just take the opportunity to see family. But no matter what your tradition is, I hope we all take the chance to think about what we’re grateful for.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent all of you. And on behalf of the SMART General Executive Council, I hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the holiday, and please stay safe.

In solidarity,