AFL-CIO Pennsylvania Labor 2008 Blog

The Undecided Voter: One Phone Call From a Fellow Union Member Makes A Difference

Bryon Shane, ATU Local 85 and Tracey White, AFSCME Local 2719 star in a short video about an undecided voter, a dedicated union activist, and one very important phone call:

UWUA Local 69-2 Member, Mike Errett, Phone Banks

Last week, UWUA Local 69-2 Steward Mike Errett gave up his Friday night to phone bank and let his fellow union members know that Barack Obama is the best candidate for the future of the middle-class.

“John McCain wants to tax your health care,” said Errett to an undecided union member on the line.  “Barack Obama wants to cut taxes for the middle class and develop a healthcare plan that will cover every one.”

Hanging up the phone after more discussion Errett said, “you are not going to persuade everyone you call.  But I do think it is important that people hear from their fellow union members and learn that the union endorses Obama.  At the very least it makes them think.”

“I’m phone banking tonight because this is such an important election.  As union brothers and sisters we have a shared interest in seeing Barack Obama elected President of the Unite States.  He supports important legislation, like the Employee Free Choice Act, which will help rebuild the middle class.”

“I want to do everything I can to make sure other UWUA members know that Barack Obama is our candidate and I encourage other union members to do the same.”

Jim Wasser Visits Phone Bank in Pittsburgh

On Thursday, September 25, IBEW member and Vietnam combat veteran, Jim Wasser stopped by a phone bank in Pittsburgh to speak with volunteers from AFSCME, APWU, IUPAT, and SEIU.  He was in town for the evening before heading off to round tables in Beaver County with union veterans and in Erie with AFL-CIO endorsed CD 3 candidate Kathy Dahlkemper and union veterans.

"What you all are doing is so important," said Wasser.  "I've phone banked and walked and been where you are sitting right now.  I know sometimes it is tough and you get a few people who hang up on you.  But when you do talk to someone it is so important.  Those conversations are what make the difference."

"As a union member and a veteran I respect John McCain's service but I do not appreciate his record when it comes to working families and veterans' issues.This election our economic livelihood is at stake and we have to change things.  It is up to us to elect a president that will take care of working families and their future.  That is why we've got to educate our members, stick to the issues, and elect Barack Obama in the Fall."

Union activists at the phone bank appreciated the words of encouragement.  "I agree with Jim Wasser," said Tim Rogozinski, APWU Local 81.  "We need Obama to win and we need our fellow union members to know that he is the only candidate for us.  We need to rebuild the middle-class and that is why I am here tonight making phone calls."

To join the conversation come out to a phone bank in your area!