Using Political Action

Hay una diferencia sustancial entre la acción política de los miembros de nuestro sindicato con base en los principios de la UE y “jugar a la política” con legisladores y candidatos. Las próximas elecciones nacionales y estatales del 5 de noviembre son cruciales y cada representante y líder de la UE debe tomar algún tiempo para familiarizarse con nuestro programa sindical, así como el funcionamiento básico del sistema electoral. Las discusiones políticas pueden ser para algunas personas estresantes y controversiales pero como sindicalistas debemos participar en el proceso político para proteger lo alcanzado en las negociaciones tras un trabajo muy arduo. Hoy por hoy la acción política sindical es una necesidad no una opción.

Engaging our rank-and-file members in our nation’s political process can be a vexing challenge for any UE officer or shop steward, but it’s important work that needs to get done. We can’t overlook that the decisions our governments make, whether in the legislature or the courts, impact working people.

There is a major difference between member-driven political action based on sound UE principles, and “playing politics” with lawmakers and candidates. With critical national and state elections coming up on November 5 every UE steward and leader must take some time to become familiar with our union program, as well as the nuts and bolts of the electoral system. While for some people political discussions can be controversial and stressful, as unionists we have to participate in the political process to protect what we have worked so hard to negotiate at the bargaining table. These days, union political action is a necessity, not a choice.

NOTE: This UE Steward has not been updated in over a decade, and so it may contain out-of-date information.

The Union Committee for the Town employees of Causewell were prepared for a tough negotiations. They knew that the budget was tight because the town was not getting an increase in aid from the state.