As public service workers, AFSCME members keenly understand the importance of elections to their working lives.
It’s not just national elections that matter. Who gets elected to the county council, the mayor’s office or the state legislature often has a direct and tangible impact on AFSCME members’ wages, benefits, safety in the workplace, and even on our ability to have a voice on the job.
Three members addressed the 46th AFSCME International Convention on Thursday about the importance of helping elect pro-worker officials to every level of government.
“We know the impact a school board, a city council, a state legislature, a local judge, or members of Congress can have on our work and our families,” said Ihsan Baha, a member of HOPE AFSCME Local 123 in Texas. “We know that every single race up and down the ballot is important, and that’s why we are committed to winning races at every level.”
Joshua Capilla, a member of AFSCME Local 3282 in Arizona, said he’s looking to support candidates who will push for union jobs and values.
“My politics are pretty simple: I’m looking for candidates who will work with our union to help us serve the people,” Capilla said. “We’ve got to hit the streets and the phone banks. We’ve got to reach out to our co-workers and our family members and our neighbors.”
He urged convention attendees to go to AFSCME.org/action and sign up to volunteer and get involved in the upcoming elections in other ways.
Barbara Ward, a school bus driver and a member of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4), urged AFSCME members to contribute to our union’s PEOPLE political action committee.
“I serve as chair of our state PEOPLE committee, and you need to know that donating to PEOPLE is one of the most important things you need to do as an AFSCME member,” Ward said. “If you’re not a PEOPLE donor, or if you’re not a PEOPLE MVP, now’s the time to step up.”
Photo: Ishan Baha of Texas HOPE Local 123 and two other speakers stressed the importance of getting out the vote for pro-worker candidates and giving to PEOPLE. Photo by Javeon Butler
Contributions or gifts to AFSCME PEOPLE are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. All contributions to AFSCME PEOPLE are voluntary and will be used to support pro-worker candidates in federal, state, and local elections. Contributions are not a condition of membership or employment and refusal to contribute is free of reprisal. Any contribution guideline is only a suggestion, and you may contribute more or less than that amount or nothing at all, and you will not be favored or disadvantaged because of your contribution amount or decision not to contribute, in accordance with federal law. AFSCME PEOPLE accepts contributions only from AFSCME members, executive and administrative personnel, and their families. Contributions from other persons will be returned. Federal law requires us to use our best effort to obtain and report the name, address, occupation, and employer of each individual whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.
