Jul 8, 2008: Importance of voting

by Chris Kraynak

This Political Action Committee update addresses the importance of voting by ALL union members, and demonstrates how it can make a difference in getting a fair and timely contract.

In the past, County leaders reportedly believed that CSEA Local 834 would not have a significant impact at the polls because only about 400 union members voted.

This last Election Day the Political Action Committee worked to increase union member participation at the voting booth. A total of 5,911 of the members voted in the November 2007 election 93% of all members in our local. The PAC does not take all of the credit for this increase. There were several factors in play. It does show potential clout when we continue to vote in such large numbers.

We are very happy with this increase and congratulate all who voted. 15 of the 21 candidates that we endorsed won. We must continue to vote in large numbers to gain respect as a politically active union. That respect can only help at contract negotiation times.

As this letter is put together, we have declared an impasse in our current contract negotiation process. It seems respect for CSEA Local 834 won't come with only one election cycle.

Respect won't be given freely by our local decision makers. If we want respect we will have to work for it, fight for it and demand it.

Thank you,
CSEA Local 834
Political Action Committee

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