|
|
On the Campaign Front Lines: Union Activists Share Their Stories
 |
 |
I am a Teamster member of Local 580 Lansing, Michigan. Even
though the Teamsters are now in 'Change to Win', we are
still a part of the Greater Lansing, Michigan Labor Council.
I became a Greater Lansing Labor Council Delegate about two
years ago. I signed up for an eight week Community Activist
class that begin in March 2006. I met other Teamsters, SEIU,
Plumber Pipefitters & UAW members. The comradery was
infectious & I have a lot more Union friends. Many of the 38
who took the class are working hard to educate their members
& we work together on Labor & social issues as well as
educating our members to VOTE for Labor endorsed candidates
this November 7 who support their Wage, Pension & Health
benefit issues. |
|
| |
|
Irene Cahill, Howell, MI
Forester
Teamsters Local 580
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
A couple of years ago, I attended an AFL_CIO conference that
urged all of us to look towards the future of our Unions.
Laws have been changed, the strength of our Unions has been
eroded - and most of this can be linked to anti- Union
politicians who are being funded by corporate America. It
made sense that if our Unions are to survive and thrive, we
had to find a way to bring a differant mentality to politics
and make sure the people we have representing us share the
values we have and understand the impact of our members.
Having studied the history of Unions, I know the impact that
they have had on my life and the lives of every person that
enjoys the freedoms and protection they take for granted.
Recently I have been canvessing in my area, talking to
fellow Union members and have been hearing how valuable they
feel their Unions are and critical it is to retain our
Unions and build them. It reaffims what I have been doing
and makes me feel that we are making an impact and our
members support our Unions. Along with their support for the
candidates that will support our Unions, I believe we can
and will make the changes that are needed - both in the
political arena and economically. |
|
| |
|
rona Elliot, york, PA
assembler
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
|
|
| |
|
|
|
More than 25 years ago I became a Political Action member
and Co-Chair of our local's P.A.C. committee. I have found
that all union leaders must concentrate on the new and
younger members of our locals. We must encourage these
members to get involved in the political process at the
unon level and the local level. Our members must volunteer
in their home communities to ensure that the local's
agenda is at the forefront of the political agenda at
home. The agenda of your community should also become a
part of your political efforts. I trust that the older
members of our locals will continue to vote and volunteer!
A donate to your locals C.O.P.E. Fund! |
|
| |
|
Alvis Martin, Chicago, IL
Retired
Amalgamated Transit Union
|
|
| |
|
|
|
I started getting involved about 12 years ago. Today,
election time,(as crazy as this might sound), gives me the
same feeling that we all had on Christmas Eve, when we were
children. My best advice for anyone who thinks about
getting more involved is this: Not only are you helping
your union and working people across America, but you
become more educated, you learn things that the main stream
media skips out on. For the past 2 years, I've been taking
journalism classes at night. During the last presidential
elections, I dug deeper than probably anyone on the
planet.I learned things about our current president, that
would (should) have him in jail. It was an extreme wakeup
for me and those who I shared it all with. Remeber this is
an off election year with a usual low voter turnout. And in
New Jersey, I see it as a chance, that if every union
household votes in our best interests, union votes can win
every election. So don't sit around and think it doesn't
matter, because it does, our futures depend on it. |
|
| |
|
Joseph Lukac, Manville, NJ
electrician
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
|
|
| |
|
|
|
I have been a union member since I was 18. I was really
active while I was a member of USWA Local #3733. I served
our many positions and roles but my years as a Legislative
Chairman and Rapid Response trainer were extrordinary! I
spent a lot of time lobbing in Harrisburg, Pa. and
Washington. The opportunity to educate other members and
get them involved really motivated me. The best thing of
all was when my Daughter came to me, after eading some
material I had given her. She said to me Bob Dole can not
become our president! I want to register to vote.
I am unfortunately no longer a Steelworker, but I am a
member of Teamster Local # 77, so is my wife. My daughter
is also a union member. |
|
| |
|
Larry Miccicke, Reading, PA
Equipment Operator
United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union
|
|
| |
|
|
This portion of this website is paid for by the AFL-CIO Committee on Political Education Political Contributions Committee, 815 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006, with voluntary contributions from union members and their families, and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
|
