LaborPress | Kerri O’Brien | October 18, 2025
On Monday morning at Depot 4, two coworkers compared calendars over coffee.
“Let’s just do it,” one said. “I’ll book mine if you book yours.”
By lunch, they’d both scheduled screenings—and three others had asked for the link.
That’s how a culture of care starts: not with a memo, but with a moment. When we make screening feel normal, easy, and backed by our union family, more of us follow through. This week is about those small sparks that catch: buddies who nudge each other, crews that carpool, stewards who say “I went—here’s what to expect,” and leaders who remove roadblocks before anyone stumbles.
Bring a Buddy
Try this simple pact: “I’ll go if you go.” Tape a sign-up in the breakroom or share a quick online form. Snap a photo for the shout-out wall—“I booked mine. Ask me how.”—and let the pride spread. It’s not about health lectures; it’s about solidarity in action.
Show crews, not stock photos
Members trust what looks like us. Post short, authentic notes on your channels:
- “Parks Team B scheduled after shift—carpool saved us time.”
- “Yard 12 did a ‘call now’ huddle—five appointments in ten minutes.”
Keep it voluntary and privacy-safe. No medical details—just momentum.
Make access real, not theoretical
If you can, invite a trusted, in-network imaging partner to set up a table at work. Best case, they help members book real appointments on the spot. If mobile mammography is available, explore an on-site day—especially for night shifts or remote locations where time and travel are the biggest barriers.
Name the barriers—and beat them
We all know the hurdles: overnight shifts, second jobs, kids to pick up, language access, nerves about results. Meet those head-on with off-hours options, translation, and clear privacy assurances. Be explicit: there’s no retaliation and no stigma for taking time to get preventive care. Requests for time off are confidential and respectful—full stop.
Stand by members in treatment, with dignity
Some people are scheduling their first screening. Others are already in the fight and still showing up for their teams. Publish a short, plain-language guide that explains leave options (including FMLA/state leave), how to request temporary light duty (if available), and who to contact for accommodations. Pair every policy with a person: “Call Steward Maria or HR Liaison Devon—real humans who can help.”
Feelings are part of the job
Anxious before the appointment? Stress climbing while you wait for results? Fatigue during treatment? That’s real. Remind members that EAPs and mental-health benefits are there for them and their families. A two-minute check-in from a supervisor—“How are you holding up?”—can make the load feel lighter.
Inclusion is strength
Health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Encourage everyone—women, men, and trans/non-binary members—to talk with their clinicians about personalized screening based on anatomy, age, hormones, and family history. The most powerful message we can send is: “You matter here.”
This week’s simple social plan
- A 30-second steward selfie video: “I booked my screening—have you? Here’s how I did it in five minutes.”
- A benefits tip: “Most preventive screenings are covered at low or no cost. Unsure? Call your navigator—it’s what they’re here for.”
- An inclusion note: “Every body is different. Ask your clinician about the screening plan that fits you.”
Keep the tone inviting, never shaming. We’re building confidence, not guilt. Share your best posts and photos so we can amplify them across the labor community: [email protected]. And follow/tag LaborPress on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more stories you can reshare.
