'Legislative University' Prepares CWA Activists for Major Battles

Speakers Stress Effective Lobbying, Alliance-Building to Protect Workers

Legislative Political Action Team activists from around the country came to Washington, D.C., this week to learn skills that will help CWA activists fight for critical working family issues in Congress and state legislatures.

CWA's first-ever "Legislative University" drew 100 activists and staff to Washington, D.C., this week to learn how to get the ear of lawmakers, build coalitions and create effective plans to combat attacks on workers in Congress and statehouses around the country.

Legislative Political Action Team, or LPAT, activists came from more than 20 states for the intensive four-day training. Highlights included advice from a U.S. House Democrat and Republican, as well as a panel of Capitol Hill staffers, and sessions on alliance-building with the Sierra Club, Common Cause and other CWA partners.

"The energy and enthusiasm was palpable," CWA Executive Vice President Annie Hill said. "Our LPAT activists understand how vital they are as we fight for sustainable jobs, retirement security, collective bargaining and organizing rights, health care for all and restoring democracy to our legislative process."

Among the expert advice offered, Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) said hearing from CWA members directly is invaluable. "She told us that on some days just getting 10 phone calls can make an issue skyrocket to the top of her agenda," CWA Legislative Director Shane Larson said.

Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Ohio), among a handful of Republicans who supported the Employee Free Choice Act, recently circulated a letter supporting T-Mobile workers. He urged union members not to bypass Republicans when lobbying because some will support some worker issues. "He said, 'If you don’t come in and talk to us, you’re always going to get a goose egg in terms of support,'" Larson said.

Staffers stressed that hand-written letters always stand out when trying to get the attention of Congress. They also reminded activists of the lasting importance of thanking lawmakers, and staff, when they’ve fought for CWA issues.

On Tuesday, Legislative University participants spent the day at the "Good Jobs, Green Jobs" conference put on by the BlueGreen Alliance of unions and environmental groups. A workshop with Common Cause the next day also stressed the critical need for progressive groups to work together.

At various times, activists broke into state and CWA district groups to map out development and growth of LPATs, and plans for fighting the legislative attacks on workers rights', union organizing, public workers and pensions. "Now they’re returning to their states to put those plans into action, and they know they don’t have a moment to lose," Larson said.