From the Field
UNION MEMBERS IMPACT ELECTIONS
PAUL EDWARDS Field Director
In the next several weeks , union stewards and activists will be discussing with you the importance of your participation and your vote in the General Election on November 8th . They will share opportunities to volunteer on campaigns that support our members interests , including the presidential race . If you are not registered to vote or have recently moved and need to re-register , they will provide you the forms and information you need .
So , why does my union always put so much effort and emphasis into politics ? I hate politics ! What ’ s the big deal anyway ? My vote doesn ’ t really matter ….. does it ?
Sound familiar ? Well , yes , from someone who has worked on campaigns where a candidate lost by FOUR votes ... YES , your vote does matter !
The fact is that unions don ’ t just improve the lives of union workers , but they support and promote social issues that strengthen the middle class as a whole .
A recent example of this is the new minimum wage both the city and county of Los Angeles , several municipalities , and of course , the Statewide Bill signed by Governor Brown . Union advocacy lead the charge on the minimum wage issue which helped level the playing field of nonunion operators who compete with union operators . This gives your union leverage in future negotiations . But even beyond the scope of union workers , it helps strengthen the middle class as a whole .
Statistics show that states with a greater percentage of union members also have much higher voter participation .
In addition to voter turnout , states with a greater percentage of union members also have higher wages and more families covered by health insurance . This is not a coincidence . It is because unions such as the UFCW communicate the interests of our members to elected officials to ensure that our voices are heard and our interests are recognized and served . We ensure that workers are not forgotten or left behind in society .
None of this is possible without membership participation . That is why at this year ’ s stewards conference we will be providing the tools and training to our stewards to enable them to register members to vote and activate our membership base to precinct walk , phone bank and even participate in trips to key swing states to Get Out The Vote ( GOTV )! So be sure that not only is your voice heard this November , but the voices of all union members by getting involved !
To register to vote , or to check the status of your registration , contact your county elections office or call the Secretary of State ’ s toll-free voter hotline at ( 800 ) 345-VOTE .
5 Issue 3 THE VOICE September 2016