"When I think about what I’ve contributed to the organized labor movement and what I have received in return, I can only conclude that it has been a profitable venture. I’ve contributed so little and received so much. I think this is basically true for most workers. I’d be the first to say that the unions have not really achieved all that I thought they ought to achieve. This is understandable — though you have to define who and what the union is. We’re the union. It is an imperfect institution because it is made up and led by people like us, who are imperfect but seeking to perfect ourselves and seeking to perfect our movement. Imperfect as it is, it’s the best that we have as working people, therefore it’s up to us to strengthen it and to make it as effective and as responsive as possible to our needs. We’ve got more work to do to completely bridge the gap between the promise of equality and the fulfillment of that promise because it’s the only way to win for ourselves the fuller and better life we all seek. I’m a part of that movement and I hope to remain a part of it."
- Addie Wyatt, from 'Particular Passions: Talks With Women Who Shaped Our Times.'