CWAers Holding Lawmakers Accountable

So far in August, hundreds of CWA activists have taken part in more than 50 separate "Accountability Actions" aimed at holding members of Congress accountable for their votes on workers' rights and preserving the middle-class.

In Florida and Texas, CWAers and allies were joined by progressives and elected officials in demonstrations to hold Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) accountable for his part in the shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration. In Minnesota, activists contacted Sen. Al Franken (D) about the AT&T/T-Mobile merger and how it would bring broadband to 55 million more Americans.

Most of CWA's Accountability Actions in August are focusing on congressional votes on Medicare. In New York, CWA state Legislative Political Action Team Coordinator Joe Mayhew and Local 1103's Retired Member Council Chair Jeanette Spoor told Rep. Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.) that her vote to turn Medicare into a voucher program was an attack on working families. Activists picketed a "Welcome Home, Nan" event at the Mt. Kisco Senior Center.

In Minnesota, Rep. Chip Cravaack (R) can't go anywhere without seeing CWA activists. He's received dozens of letters and phone calls and heard from CWA members at local events. Another Minnesota lawmaker, Rep. Erik Paulsen (R), has had weekly visits from CWA members. Paulsen also voted with the Republicans to end Medicare.

In Illinois, CWA LPAT activists have been leafleting worksites and phone banking members, asking them to contact their representatives about keeping Medicare secure. In Colorado, CWAers have attended half-a-dozen town hall meetings, pressing Reps. Scott Tipton (R) and Cory Gardner (R) about their Medicare votes.

Nearly 50 more events are planned by CWA LPATs and retirees, including rallies, worksite hand-billing and other actions.

Click here for more on the Accountability Actions during August and September.