CWA: 2006 Elections are Turning Point for Working Families

Contact: Jeff Miller or Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, jmiller@cwa-union.org and cjohnson@cwa-union.org

Following is a statement by CWA President Larry Cohen on the 2006 Election Results:

CWA members have worked hard for change in the 2006 elections and we're seeing the tremendous results of that work. Today, we're celebrating a major turning point and we can be proud of what we have accomplished. Now, we have the opportunity to move forward, for all working families.

A great effort by union members across the country has brought a more progressive leadership and majority to the U.S. House of Representatives, progressive change to many state and local governments and potentially, a worker-friendly majority and leadership in the U.S. Senate. Now, we must follow through on our key issues:

Quality Jobs.  Working Americans have seen their jobs and communities devastated by layoffs and offshore outsourcing of work and want a new direction from their government – fair trade, an end to tax breaks for companies that shift work overseas, and a commitment to quality jobs here in the United States.

Speed Matters.  We can move our economy forward and keep pace with the rest of the world by promoting the build-out of high-speed Internet service. Urban and rural communities must be included and have access to this technology.

Health Care.  In the wealthiest nation on earth, more than 46 million Americans remain uninsured.  Real health care reform for all must be a top priority of the new Congress.

Pensions and Retirement Security.  Private and public sector employers continue to attack workers' pensions and some use the bankruptcy process to evade their pension obligations.  The new Congress must take action on the continued threat to retirement security for working families.

Bargaining Rights.  In every other industrial democracy in the world, working people have bargaining and organizing rights without a major battle with their employer.  It's time for Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act that once again promotes collective bargaining for working Americans.

Working families should celebrate today.  Together, we've helped restore the politics of hope and a positive vision of the future.  We worked together to defeat the politics of greed and a government responsive only to big business and big money.

As we move forward on a real agenda for change for working families, we will hold our newly elected officials accountable for the decisions they make – or don't make.  We'll keep organizing until the goals of working families are a reality.