AFL-CIO Pennsylvania Labor 2008 Blog

Daily Spotlight on The Building and Construction Trades

"We are leafleting and talking to our members every day," said Pat Gillespie, Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council Business Manager. "Our members know that Barack Obama is the right candidate for union members and all working people because we've been talking to them about it regularly."

"It is so important that we are out here talking to the workers and trying to let them know that Barack Obama supports working people," said Fred Chamberlain, IBB Local 19 Vice President and Philadelphia Metal Trades Council Recording Secretary. "Our members elected us and they trust us to get this important information to them."

"We always talk about the power of the union vote in Pennsylvania but this year we will make the difference," said Pat Eiding, Philadelpia Building and Construction Trades Secretary Treasurer and Philadelphia Central Labor Council President. "We are reaching not only union members but their families as well. If folks are able to see clearly what we have then we are going to win this."

"I've been on the labor walks and I've seen that when you talk to our members in person they get the message. They understand what we are dealing with and know that we need to come together to support Barack Obama."

"This election is about our livelihood," said Jim Kunz, IUOE Local 66 Business Manager. "We are reaching out to our members through mailings, our magazine, worksite leafleting, the phone banks, and the labor walks. We are going to make a big push for GOTV as well to make sure that our members are getting out to vote."

"As the election nears we are getting ready for the final push," said Kunz. "Barack Obama supports the Employee Free Choice Act, he opposes the Right to Work for less legislation, he supports a health care system and he wants to invest in this country and its working families. We are doing every thing we can to make sure our members know that and make the right choice on November 4th."

For video of Scott Malley, IRON Local 3 Business Manager discussing the labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.  For video of Jim Kunz, IUOE Local 66 Business Manager CLICK HERE. For video of IUOE national release staff CLICK HERE. For video of Pat Eiding, Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Secretary Treasurer CLICK HERE. For video of Don Siegel, IBEW Third District International Vice
President on a labor walk CLICK HERE. For video of Bill Teitz, IUOE Local 66 release staff CLICK HERE.
For video of John Wurtenberg, BAC release staff CLICK HERE. To view video of UA Local 27 members phone banking CLICK HERE. To see video of Joe Sellers, SMWIA Local 19 discussing the Labor
2008 program CLICK HERE . To view members of the Philadelphia Metal Trades and IBB members
worksite leafleting CLICK HERE. Mike Fera, OPCMIA Local 592 Business Manager discussing
member-to-member contact CLICK HERE.  For video of UA Local 690 members worksite leafleting CLICK HERE. For video of Terry Lightle, IUPAT DC 57 release staff phone banking CLICK HERE. For video of Tom Flook, IUPAT DC 57 release staff phone banking CLICK HERE.For video of IUPAT President Williams and Vice President Candelori on a labor walk CLICK HERE. For video of Jack Lee, ROOFER Local 210 Business Manager CLICK HERE.  For video of Walt Friedrich, SMWIA Local 19 discussing the labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.  For video of Pat Gillespie, Philadelphia Building and
Construction Trades Council Business Manager discussing the upcoming election CLICK HERE. For a profile of IUPAT DC 57 CLICK HERE. For a profile of Marie Peluso, IBEW release staff CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on IAFF

"When you look at the last eight years and consider what they meant for working families it is clear that it is time for a change," said Art Martynuska, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Assn. President.  "Where do you want to start?  There is the price of gas and groceries, the price of health care and it's really damaging to working families everywhere."

"It is clear that working people are ready for a president who will work for them.  I think that all we need to do is make sure our union members have the information that they need before they head to the polls to know that when they do get to the polls they are making the right decision.  I feel that as a union officer it is my responsibility to make sure they have that information."

"We did a statewide mailing from my office and asked all the local leaders to send a mail piece to their members as well.  We are talking to our members through phone banks and really encouraging them to get out and vote.  I think it means more coming from a fellow union member and even more when it comes from a fellow firefighter."

"Barack Obama is truly the labor movement's candidate and as we head into the final days I really encourage all union members to get out and talk to each other.  We need to come together and make sure each and every one of us gets out to vote on November 4th and elect Barack Obama."

To view video of Art Martynuska, Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association President discussing the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.  To view Joe King, IAFF Local 1 President discussing the importance of the upcoming election CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on AFSCME

 "Though the volunteer numbers across the state are just phenomenal and we are extremely pleased with the number of GOTV volunteers we have, we haven't lost sight of the fact that this isn't over yet," Dave Fillman, AFSCME Council 13 Executive Director. "As we enter these final days I just urge every one to keep up the great work."

"We've been phone banking and participating in labor walks. We sent out local union mail pieces to all our members and leafleted at the worksites where we are able. We made sure to contact all our members in person one way or another to let them know that Barack Obama is the candidate for working families."

"As we enter the finals days before the election McCain continues to give us motivation and to remind us that he is the wrong person to be in the white house, overseeing the United States and any labor issues that might come to his desk. He continues to state the fact that he is opposed to the Employee Free Choice Act and it only serves to motivate our members to get out and vote on November 4th."

"I think the Labor 2008 program is so effective in educating our members and getting them out to vote because all we are doing is offering information about our core issues," said Rich Caponi, AFSCME District Council 84 Director. "We have a relationship as union members and the things we talk about at the workplace, over the phone at member phone banks and on labor walks get to the core of why we exist. We talk about collective bargaining, health care and pensions and how this election is going to impact the future of working families and their unions."

"People feel a sense of ownership when it comes to their union and they want to hear from their fellow union members. We all have something at stake in this election and together we will all come out on November 4th to elect Barack Obama and protect our shared future as working families in America."

For video of Dave Fillman, AFSCME Council 13 Executive Director discussing the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE. For video of Mary Schwanger, AFSCME District Council 90 Director CLICK HERE. To
view photos of AFSCME Local 1199c worksite leafling CLICK HERE. To view video of Dave Antle, AFSCME District Council 87 Director discussing why Barack Obama is for working families CLICK HERE.  To view AFSCME President Gerald McEntee discussing the importance of the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on BCTGM

"We see the cost of health care going up and we see our jobs being shipped over seas because of unfair trade agreements," said Dennis Bomberger, BCTGM Local 464 Business Manager. "McCain is proposing to tax employer paid health care and he supports unfair trade agreements. Barack Obama supports working families and that is why it is so important to make sure our members get that message. One candidate is for working people and one will only hurt our future."

"We have been getting that message out to our members as much as possible. We leaflet at all our plants and are doing a final round of leafletings this week. We moved our union meeting a week earlier this month to make sure we could talk to members directly then, too. And we've done a number of local union mailings. We are doing a four page mailing this week and emphasizing how important it is for union members to get out and vote."

"It is so important for the future of our union, and of all unions, that we get someone in the white house who is a friend of labor. In addition to supporting fair trade agreements, Barack Obama also supports the Employee Free Choice Act. The stronger our numbers are the strong we are as a movement. That is why we need to elect Barack Obama and that is why I am doing all I can to make sure my members understand that and get out to
vote on November 4th."

For video of Dennis Bomberger, BCTGM Local 464 Business Manager discussing the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.  For video of BCTGM Local 464 members worksite leafleting CLICK HERE. For an article about BCTGM members getting ready to support the UAW at the Rally in Atlantic City CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on APWU

"I know that there are a wide variety of sources for union members to get information about the candidates and their policies," said President Charles Pugar, APWU Pittsburgh Metro Area Local.  "I feel that my responsibility is to make sure that my fellow union members are getting the information that most directly concerns their working conditions and daily life."

"I educate my members a number of ways.  We have a legislative director who works with members and with the Labor 2008 program to get union members out to the phone banks and labor walks.  We also have a union newsletter that goes out regularly with relevant information and I send out local mailings."

"There is no doubt about it that the most effective way to educate members and get them out to the polls is through member-to-member contact.  The word of mouth is the most powerful tool that the labor movement had in any campaign or election."

"We have a common denominator as union members with our job, our community and our families.  Union members trust each other and listen carefully to what their fellow union members say.  That word of mouth is the most important and binding thing you can have going into an election and that is why the Labor 2008 program is so important.

To view video of APWU Lehigh Valley Area Local release staff Ron Ennis discussing labor walks CLICK HERE.  For video of Philadelphia APWU Local 89 release staff Lisa Powell CLICK HERE.  For video of Charles Pugar, APWU Pittsburgh Metro Area Local CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on USW

"The more we are going around and the more we are talking to our members the better it is looking out there," said John DeFazio, USW District 10 Director. "As we continue to talk about the issues and focus on the economy our fellow union members are recognizing that Barack Obama is the only candidate for working families."

"We've been participating in labor walks and member phone banks regularly. We are leafleting at the plants and we?ve got the Steel Blitz tour. We get great crowds for the tour and it only adds to the momentum that the program is already building."

"We are leafleting at worksites every day," said Keli Vereb, USW Local 1408 and USW release staff. "We are phone banking every day and we are sending out mailings from all our locals. We know that union members want to hear about the election from people they trust and respect. That is why we want to make sure that the local unions are talking to their members."

"The one thing I'd like to say to our fellow union brothers and sisters is this: it is very important to pay attention to what is going on and to talk to your fellow union members about the election," continued DeFazio. "The more we talk to our people the better. And the more we focus on our own issues the more clear it becomes that there is only one candidate for us, Barack Obama."

"This election comes down to the hard work of union members like all of you," said Leo Gerard, USW International President. "Knocking on doors on labor walks, participating in phone banks, leafleting at the worksite, and sending local mailings are the most important things you can do to make sure that we get the vote out for Barack Obama on November 4th."

For video of President Leo Gerard, USW discussing member-to-member contact CLICK HERE. For video of USW Local 9305 leafleting with Congressman Altmire CLICK HERE. For video of USW National Political Director Chuck Rocha and the USW predictive dialer system CLICK HERE. For video of John DeFazio, USW District 10 Director CLICK HERE. For video of USW release staff Keli Vereb CLICK HERE.
For video of USW release staff Bill Herbert CLICK HERE. For video of USW Local 1660 worksite leafleting CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on NALC

"Essentially this is probably one of the most critical elections in our history," said Joe Antal, Pennsylvania NALC President. "The economy is in a terrible state, our credibility around the world is down, and, as letter carriers, we are seeing mail volume decline because of the mortgage and credit crunch."

"We are concerned because John McCain doesn't oppose contracting out federal jobs. Barack Obama on the other hand is opposed to privatizing public jobs and he wants to rebuild the middle class and the labor movement. He's made that clear."

"So we have got to make sure our members get out and vote. We've got to educate our members and make sure that working men and women have a major say in this election."

"We are up to 9 release staff around the state right now. Our members volunteer for labor walks and member phone banks. Because union members are all working people they share similar values and concerns about the election. That is why the member-to-member contact and the Labor 2008 program is so powerful."

"I am personally out walking every days. I am participating in phone banks and our unions are sending out local union mailings. We are keeping our members educated and involved. And on November 4th I hope that all union members will get out and vote for Barack Obama and for the future of all working people in America."

To view video of NALC release staff Clay Smith discussing the importance of labor walks CLICK HERE. To view video of NALC release staff Howie Brandt discussing the importance of member-to-member contact CLICK HERE. To view video of NALC release staff Charlie Hamilton discussing member-to-contact CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on IUOE

 "This election is about our livelihood," said Jim Kunz, IUOE Local 66 Business Manager. "We are reaching out to our members through mailings, our magazine, worksite leafleting, the phone banks, and the labor walks. We are going to make a big push for GOTV as well to make sure that our members are getting out to vote."

"It is very important that our members hear from the union," continued Kunz. "We sent out a letter to our active members just today and last week we sent a separate letter to our retirees. Retirees have different issues that they are concerned about and so we wanted to send them a mailing that would address those issues."

"Going out and talking to our members is one of the most effective tools we have for educating them," said Bill Teitz, IUOE Local 66. "Members trust one another and want to talk about the issues with fellow union members."

"Our local is making educating our members the top priority this election," continued Teitz. "And we know that member to member contact is the best way to do that."

"As the election nears we are getting ready for the final push," said Kunz. "Barack Obama supports the Employee Free Choice Act, he opposes the Right to Work for less legislation, he supports a health care system and he wants to invest in this country and its working families. We are doing every thing we can to make sure our members know that and make the right choice on November 4th."

For video of Jim Kunz, IUOE Local 66 Business Manager discussing the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE.  For video of Bill Teitz, IUOE Local 66 release staff CLICK HERE.  For video of IUOE international release staff CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on UFCW

"I continue to be impressed with the group we've got working with Labor 2008 this year," said President Wendell W. Young, IV, UFCW Local 1776. "They are the most enthusiastic and committed group I've ever worked with. Right now we have about 60 members released in the state not including staff and it is impressive to see them all going out of their way to be involved in every way possible."

"We are running phone banks and labor walks daily out of our hall in Montgomery. And we are hitting numbers of volunteers beyond what we expected. We have so many volunteers that we are moving them to help out in the Southwest and in Philadelphia and up into the Northeast as well."

"It's so encouraging to see all this participation because we know that the member to member contact is the most effective way to make sure union members are educated about the candidate, in this case Barack Obama, who is best for working families."

"We are out here in Southwestern Pennsylvania and working out of UFCW Local 23's offices," said Sue Michielli, UFCW Local 1360. "We are participating in labor walks every day. We are participating in daily in member-to-member phone banks and we are helping to put together mailings for various locals."

"We have release staff working with us from Washington State, Maryland, New York and New Jersey to name a few. Our main goal is to elect Barack Obama for President of the Unite States and we are all working very hard to do just that. We know that member-to-member conversations are the best way to get our member educated. We are working hard and cooperating in every way we can to get our members educated and to let them know that Barack Obama is the best candidate for working families."

For video of President Wendell W. Young, IV, UFCW Local 1776 discussing the Labor 2008 program CLICK HERE. For video of release staff Sue Michielli, UFCW Local 1360 CLICK HERE. For video of UFCW Local 325 members worksite leafleting CLICK HERE. For video of UFCW Local 23 members worksite leafleting CLICK HERE.

Spotlight on ATU

"We are participating in the Labor 2008 program this year because we know how important this election is to working people," said President Pat McMahon, ATU Local 85. "We can't have another four years of the kind of policies that have been hurting working families for the past eight years."

With release staff across the state, the ATU is making sure to reach out to all union members in Pennsylvania at the worksite, at the doorstep, through local union mail and on the phone.

"It is important that ATU members hear from their local," continued President McMahon. "Their local is one of the few organizations that they can still trust and they know that their fellow union members have their best interest in mind when they ask them to come out to vote."

"We are out talking to our members in person as much as we can," said Mike Harms, ATU Local 85 Recording Secretary. "When we can't meet them with fliers at the worksite we are calling them, sending them a piece of local union mail or knocking on their door."

"This election is going to have a huge impact on the future of the middle class," said Bryon Shane, ATU Local 85 Shop Steward. "We need union members to come out and participate in any way they can. An  we need every one to get out on November 4th and vote for our future, for Barack Obama."

To view video of President Pat McMahon, ATU Local 85 on a labor walk CLICK HERE. To view Bryon Shane, ATU Local 85 in the Undecided Voter CLICK HERE.  To view video of ATU Local 85 members worksite leafleting at the West Mifflin Port Authority Garage CLICK HERE. To view video of ATU Local 85 members worksite leafleting at the East Liberty Port Authority Garage CLICK HERE.  For video and photos from a worksite leafleting at the Harmar Port Authority Garage CLICK HERE.  For a profile of ATU release staff Allen Nuccio CLICK HERE.