With 40 Days Until Election, CWA Grassroots Activity Heats Up

With the presidential and congressional elections just 40 days out, CWA activists are part of an unprecedented movement to highlight the candidates' positions on the Employee Free Choice Act, and critical middle class issues like health care, retirement security, and the economy in key states.

In Virginia, activists with CWA Local 2222 have been hand billing members at worksites daily, visiting workers at garages and call centers. "We are getting the message out to hundreds of workers each week," says CWA Rep Laura Unger.

In the must-win state of Pennsylvania, members from Local 1180 in New York supported District 13 locals' efforts on Sept. 20, by holding a day-long labor walk through working-class neighborhoods in Boothwyn, Pa. "Nine busloads of CWAers from New York and New Jersey are arriving in the state this weekend to fortify our efforts in key legislative districts," said District 13 Staff Rep Alex Minishak.

Kansas City, Mo., Local 6360 set up a voter registration table at a United Way event at an AT&T building on Sept. 17.

In Missouri, members have been working throughout the state, hand billing members at work locations, holding block walks, and assisting in voter registration activities, reports CWA Rep Mark Franken, who is coordinating CWA's political activities in Missouri. "Last weekend, CWA delegates attending the state's biennial AFL-CIO convention in Kansas City, conducted block walks after the convention session ended each evening. Locals in the states will be conducting an election mailing to all members soon.

In Nevada, more than 55 CWAers from California and Nevada locals, joined by 25 other union activists, participated in a precinct walk in Reno on Sept. 20 to support the Nevada State Federation of labor's Election 2008 program, according to District 9 Staff Rep Nancy Biagini, who is coordinating activities in the state.

CWA will be reporting on actions and political efforts in battleground states every week. Please send your reports and photographs to news@cwa-union.org.