68th Convention: 'Aiming Higher' with New Offensive Weapon; The CWA Strategic Industry Fund

"We need to aim higher, imagine a resurgence in bargaining rights, and help create opportunities for positive change in every CWA industry," the Executive Board stated in proposing a unique Strategic Industry Fund to the 2006 convention.

In creating the new SIF, the convention acted to earmark up to $24 million per year initially to support major campaigns in key industries to challenge anti-union employers year-round — not just fight defensive struggles at bargaining time — and to push for reforms in such areas as health care, trade policy and workers' rights.

Specific campaigns have yet to be mapped out, however the Board cited as possible examples challenging the non-union cable companies and big employers like Verizon that are shrinking CWA's presence; building CWA power among the converging media giants; mobilizing health care locals and allies in demanding health care reforms; and reforming U.S. trade and tariff policies that are fostering job outsourcing.

Strategic plans will be developed for different industries — telecom, media, manufacturing and health care — by the various district and sector vice presidents in conjunction with their locals and subject to approval by the Executive Board.  The Defense Fund Oversight Committee will have oversight responsibilities for the SIF.