CWA Political Activists Thwart Telecom Threat

Last week, CWA District 9 members and retirees won a hard-fought victory over the state’s controversial Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) 9. CWA activists made phone calls and lobby visits in opposition to the measure, alongside allies from several California Central Labor Councils and the State Federation of Labor. Both ally organizations sent letters to the committee opposing the bill.

The proposed legislative measure, introduced by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, sought to alter the structure and oversight responsibilities of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

CWAers and our allies beat back an attempt to pack the commission, expanding it from five seats to nine seats and shifting appointment powers away from the governor by adding appointment powers to the state senate and assembly. It also would have removed telecommunications regulation authority from the CPUC and would have opened the door wider for substandard satellite service to replace long-lasting fiber.

“We must be involved in the legislative and political process at all levels of government, by shaping legislative outcomes that affect CWA District 9 members' rights and protecting Californians,” said CWA District 9 Vice President Frank Arce. “I'm proud of the work CWA District 9 members and retirees did to stop ACA 9. This is our win!”