Rechenbach, Hill: CWA Activists Building Our Union

CWA Sec.-Treas. Jeff Rechenbach and EVP Annie Hill talk union building.

Building CWA was the focus of remarks by both Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Rechenbach and Executive Vice President Annie Hill.

Rechenbach outlined the financial state of the union and told delegates that CWA's Ready for the Future plan was a critical part of moving CWA forward, especially in the difficult economic times that our members, our union and all working families are facing. He applauded delegates for taking bold action on the RFF Phase 3 initiatives as a way to strengthen CWA and do what it takes to restore bargaining rights for American workers.

"Our nation desperately needs a revitalized and reenergized labor movement, not just for the sake of our survival, but for the sake of our overall economy. We cannot sit by and watch the tide of wealth continue to stream away from working class families and into the hands of the super wealthy," he said.

Hill, who oversees CWA's political and legislative work, said 1,300 CWA members from 101 locals in 22 states have signed on as Legislative Political Action Team, or LPAT, members. And in 272 vital congressional districts across the country, CWA members have been tapped for the union's Legislative Strike Force, a team that's doubled in size since March.

"These are people who know their member of Congress closely enough to call them within 48 hours and personally talk about issues important to working families," Hill said. "We will continue to make sure that no one in Congress can vote on an issue that matters to us without having to think of the face and name of a CWA member."

Click here for full remarks by Hill and Rechenbach.