|
|
IBEW Local 21 Committee on Political Education (C.O.P.E.)
COPE Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Question?
I’m not at all interested in politics and don’t think my union should be either. Why doesn’t IBEW Local 21 spend more time representing me instead of talking about politics, voting, and politicians?
Answer:
When we talk to members about politics, it’s mostly from an educational standpoint. Political candidates are elected by the American people and they become the individuals that will draft and vote on new laws; and they can vote to change existing laws as well. What is won at the bargaining table can be taken away at the ballot box. It is important to know the voting records of each candidate and elected official. We hope, through education, that members vote for the candidates that will vote in the best interest of working families, not for powerful corporations.
2. Question?
That sounds great, but what impact can we really have when our nation’s major corporations contribute enormous amounts of money during election campaigns?
Answer:
Despite being outspent in almost every single state and federal election for decades, America’s labor unions have played an important role in the passage of virtually every piece of social legislation that directly and indirectly benefits the American family. It’s a matter of historical record that the nation’s powerful corporations have opposed every major piece of legislation that benefited working people, from the ban on child labor, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance to Social Security, OSHA, Job training and more.
Organized labor conducts vigorous campaigns for laws to improve safety on the job, extend health insurance, education, child care, affordable, housing, job training, and other important needs.
3. Question?
I don’t want Local 21 spending any of my union dues on “political” issues, or giving it to politicians. Who can I complain to?
Answer:
Great Question! No dues monies are spent on or by IBEW Local 21 C.O.P.E. The IBEW Local 21 PAC is funded by voluntary donations from C.O.P.E. 50/50 raffles conducted at Local 21 monthly Unit meetings, through voluntary payroll deductions from members that are employed at AT&T, and from the staff of Local 21. These funds are deposited with the IBEW International until requested by Local 21’s C.O.P.E. Directors. The IBEW International is responsible for all reporting requirements of and to the Federal Government.
4. I have heard that politicians are always asking Local 21 for contributions to their campaigns. Is this true, and if so, who gets the money and who doesn’t?
Answer:
Whenever a candidate contacts Local 21 requesting a donation to their campaign, the first thing we do is check the candidates voting record on issues important to our members in the Telecommunications industry. Then we check their overall labor voting record, and last, we check to see if they are endorsed by the Labor community at large. Candidates with no voting record are required to fill out a questionnaire before being endorsed.
5. Question?
What if I decide I want to run for an elected office? Will Local 21 support me?
Answer:
IBEW Local 21 Members running for political office will be given priority regardless of party affiliation or office they choose to run for as long as they meet certain requirements.
If you want to ask IBEW Local 21 C.O.P.E. Department a question by e-mail, click here. If you want to speak directly with an IBEW Local 21 C.O.P.E. Director, please contact:
Illinois:
Rosetta Shinn
630.960.4466 ext. 327 or e-mail, click here.
Indiana:
Dennis McCafferty
630.960.4466 ext. 472 or e-mail, click here.