Politics

Working families need political leaders who will champion quality jobs, protect vital public services, and balance budgets equitably. We provide the “people power” that helps elect better leaders.

Member-to-member communication is the most persuasive tool to ensure people are educated:

• Worksite meetings
• Literature and flyers
• 1:1 conversations with co-workers about issues!
• Your union’s COPE (Committee on Political Ed.) to weigh in on policy issues for the union and to strategize how to get co-workers more involved.

The Council plans programs on legislative and policy priorities including political campaigns. We conduct an extensive endorsement process to choose the best candidates. We organize a field program. You will learn campaign tactics and how to apply them.

Interviews & Endorsements:

The Council interviews candidates for City, County, School Board, Community offices, and ballot measures and recommends candidates for State and Federal races to the California Federation of Labor unions. All affiliated union members can participate in the Committee on Political Education (COPE) interview process. COPE screens candidates running for office and makes endorsement recommendations to the Executive Board and the Delegate Body of the Council.

Phone Banking:

Using auto dialers, volunteers phonebank from the Labor Council prior to an election, combining the human touch with efficient data management. When we talk worker-to-worker, voters connect with the issues.

Precinct Walking:

Door-to-door canvassing of union voters is a very effective way to reach members and make a strong personal connection. Union members are happy to hear from someone who takes the time to visit.

Briefings:

On broad issues, the Council regularly holds meetings with elected officials to review key policies from organizing, transportation, education, healthcare, PLAs, and other issues that impact working families.