Virginia AFL-CIO Labor 2008 Blog

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A Look Back

Wow. We did it. The election of Barack Obama means a lot of different things to a lot of people.  But one thing is for sure – we have rewritten history!

It's historic. It's transformative. And for the labor movement, it means we will have a friend in the White House who understands the power of a strong union movement, who supports legislation like the Employee Free Choice Act, who will make affordable healthcare for all a priority. An Obama administration will watch out for working families by protecting retirement security, good wages and will fight for education and good American jobs.

We want to thank you for all of your hard work. You may be tired right now but boy, did it pay off. This victory, like all of our past successes, did not happen by accident- it was due to your dedication and commitment. Every door knocked, every call made, every local union mail piece sent and leaflet handed out made a difference.  We can't measure the impact of all these individual acts, but we know that what we did turned Virginia blue for the first time in 44 years.

Virginia is no longer red, not even purple, but is becoming a nice dark blue. It was said many times that Obama could be President without winning Virginia, but if Obama wins Virginia, he will be President  - well that is exactly what happened.  When you recall the moment that Virginia was called for Obama  - less than 10 min. later, the networks announced Obama as President-elect!

We also elected Mark Warner to the Senate where he will fight for the interests of union members in Virginia. Gerry Connolly, Glenn Nye and Tom Perriello won hard fought races and they will join Bobby Scott, Rick Boucher, and Jim Moran in Congress.

Thank you again, get some rest and we'll see you for the Governor's race in 2009.  

In Solidarity,

Doris Crouse-Mays

Virginia AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer

 

Cecile Conroy

Virginia Labor 2008 State Director

Int’l Brotherhood of Boilermakers  

 

Jim and Doris

Check out an uncut two-part interview with Jim and Doris where they re-cap many of their favorite (and funniest) moments from the last 6 months, share their more personal reasons for supporting Senator Obama, and thank all of you for your commitment and hard work in the most important election in a generation.

Commentary from Boilermakers President Newton Jones

MANY OBSERVERS have concluded that, if elected, John McCain will continue the failed policies of the past eight years. They are right, but they don’t go far enough. He will actually make many of them far worse. For working families — including Boilermaker families — a McCain presidency would be a disaster.

McCain opposes everything this union stands for. He not only opposes increases to the minimum wage, he opposes the minimum wage itself and voted to abolish it.[1] He opposes Davis-Bacon,[2] a law that protects the wages of workers on federally-funded construction projects. He opposes the Jones Act,[3] a law requiring that ships carrying goods or passengers from one U.S. port to another U.S. port be built in the United States. He opposes “Buy American” laws.[4]

He opposes project labor agreements.[5] He opposes union security.[6] He opposes the Employee Free Choice Act,[7] a law that gives workers who want to organize their place of employment a fighting chance. In fact, he opposes labor unions in every way and on every level. He says the right to organize a union amounts to “class warfare.”

McCain voted to block OSHA from implementing standards to protect workers from repetitive stress injuries.[8] Now he says every regulation should be revisited to determine whether it imposes a burden on employers.[9]

He voted to use the Social Security surplus to pay off the national debt — one year after voting for the Bush tax cuts[10] that added $2 trillion to that debt. Now he proposes raising the minimum retirement age and reducing cost-of-living raises, but refuses to consider making high-income wage earners pay the same Social Security tax rate as low income wage earners.[11]

Throughout his campaign, he has claimed he will put more money in the hands of average Americans. But when he had the chance last year, he didn’t even bother to show up to vote for the stimulus package that sent rebate checks of $600 to $1,200 to middle-class working families.[12]

John McCain appears to have no idea what life is like for working families. Perhaps that is because he hasn’t “walked a mile” in our shoes. The son of a four-star admiral married to an oil heiress, he has never had to struggle to make ends meet, never been laid off when the plant he worked at closed down, never had to do without when his paycheck wouldn’t stretch to cover all his needs.

Now he is married to an heiress himself, the daughter of a successful beer distributor. Their combined wealth is nearly $100 million. I don’t begrudge them their money, but I want you to understand why he cannot relate to the life you live. When a reporter asked him how many homes he and his wife own, he said he’d have one of his staff look into that and get back.

He couldn’t remember how many houses he owned! A person with that kind of wealth has to make a concerted effort to understand how someone who works for a living thinks, and John McCain has never made that effort.

Barack Obama does understand the lives working families live. For part of his childhood, he was raised by a single parent. He learned early that working families must struggle to survive, and after he graduated from Harvard Law School, he turned down offers to work for large law firms to become a community organizer in a working-class Chicago neighborhood ravaged by the closing of a steel mill, its main employer.

Organizers are a curious breed. Whether organizing a labor union or a community, they succeed by inspiring people to work hard to improve their own position in life. A successful organizer does not create change on his own — the people he organizes are the ones who make change happen. In that Chicago community, Obama demonstrated he is a true leader, a person who can inspire others to follow him as he helps them unlock the doors to a better life.

An Obama presidency promises a world of change from the Bush administration of the past eight years — and in fact, from any administration in almost 50 years. No candidate since John F. Kennedy has invigorated the nation’s youth as Barack Obama has, and no candidate since Franklin Roosevelt has been so committed to struggling against the injustices and economic hardships felt every day by working families.

The choice is yours

ON ELECTION DAY, you will vote as your conscience dictates. Who you support is your decision and yours alone. I urge you to be a responsible voter — to study the candidates’ records, positions, and proposals in light of how they will affect you, your family, and the millions of other working families across the country. Information about the candidates and videos of them explaining their positions are available through our Web site, www.boilermakers.org. I urge you to read about the candidates and listen to McCain explain his positions, so you can see how out of touch he is with the world you and I live in.

When you do, I believe you will see that your choice is clear.

You can vote for the candidate who has refused to accept campaign donations from lobbyists or the one who not only accepts their donations, but hires them to be his campaign advisors.

You can vote for the candidate who has vowed to end tax incentives for companies that move jobs overseas or the one who proclaimed he “would negotiate a trade agreement with almost any country.”[13]

You can vote for the candidate whose health care plan makes coverage affordable for every American[14] or the one who wants to tax the health care benefits you get from your employer.[15]

You can vote for the candidate who believes workers need greater security for their pensions and a stronger Social Security or the one who has voted to privatize Social Security and wants to raise the eligibility age for Medicare.

You can vote for the candidate who will give companies tax breaks for creating jobs in the United States or the one who said, “I firmly object to Buy American laws.”

You can vote for the candidate who supports the Employee Free Choice Act[16] or the one who supports a national so-called “right-to-work” law[17] that eliminates union security in collective bargaining agreements.

You can vote for a champion of the working people who knows how to work with unions or the one who believes the right to unionize amounts to “class warfare.”

You can vote for the candidate who promises a change from the failed policies of the Bush administration or the one who has supported President Bush 89 percent of the time.

You can vote for the candidate who understands the struggles and needs of working families and has dedicated his life to helping us improve our lives or the one who consistently opposes the laws that help working families.

You can vote for the candidate who has promised to cut taxes for middle-class Americans and retirees or the one who has promised to cut taxes for corporations and the wealthy.

In other words, you can vote for Barack Obama or you can vote for John McCain.

I hope you choose wisely. The nation’s future and your family’s future are riding on it.

Paid for by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Campaign Assistance Fund, [phone: (703) 560-1493] and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

[1]S.Amdt. 116 to S.Amdt. 100 to H.R. 2, Vote 24, 1/24/07; H.R. 2, Vote 23, 1/24/07; Vote 25, 1/25/07; Vote 37, 1/31/07; Vote 39, 1/31/07; Vote 42, 1/31/07)
[2]S Amdt. 4031 to S.C.R. 57, Vote 134, 5/22/96; H.R. 10, Vote 239, 7/12/83
[3]International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, www.bridgedeck.org/WhatsNew.htm
[4]McCain Amdt. No. 3461 to S.Amdt. 3197 to S.2400, Vote 135, 6/22/04; McCain Amdt. No. 783 to S. 1050, Vote 191, 5/21/03
[5]Associated Builders and Contractors PAC
[6]S. 1788, Vote 188, 7/10/96
[7]Congressional Record, page S8389, 6/26/07; H.R. 800, Vote 227, 6/26/07
[8]S.J.Res. 6, Vote 15, 3/6/01
[9]Associated Builders and Contractors PAC
[10]S. 2020, Vote #26, 11/18/05
[11]Wall Street Journal, 3/3/08; S.C.R. 83, Voe 68, 3/16/06; S.Amdt. 489 to S.C.R. 21, Vote 89, 3/22/07; S.C.R. 86, Vote 56, 4/1/98; S.C.R. 86, Vote 77, 4/1/98
[12]Phoenix Business Journal, 2/7/08
[13]Speech to National Press Club, 5/20/99
[14]Campaign Web site; Speech in Iowa City, Iowa, 5/29/07
[15]Health08.org, Forum, 10/31/07; Los Angeles Times, 11/20/07; Center for American Progress, 4/9/08
[16] H.R. 800, Vote 227, 6/26/07; Chicago Tribune, 3/4/07; S.Amdt. 316 to S. Amdt. 275 to S. 4, Vote 64, 3/7/07; Illinois State Senate, S.B. 90, 2003; Campaign Web site, accessed 6/12/08
[17]S. 1788, Vote 188, 7/10/96

Pep talk

Yesterday at our walk in Richmond, we were pleased to have union members from Maryland drive down in a show of solidarity to walk with us. Delegate Joe Morrissey, Delegate (and future mayor of Richmond) Dwight Jones, President Jim Leaman and Secretary-Treasurer Doris Crouse-Mays joined the more than 100 walkers on beautiful fall day and last Saturday before the election.

Delegate Morrissey delivered a great pep talk to get the walkers pumped up before hitting the streets. He began by noting, "On Election Night, Barack Obama is going to look into that camera and thank one group for what they've done and that group is the AFL-CIO, because you have been the ones responsible for the most miraculous and spectacular ground game we've ever seen in a Presidential election. More than 20 million union members were contacted on the phone, 12 million doors knocked and 1.5 million union members are out there doing this work."

Morrissey added, "here's where we stand right now, so goes Virginia, so goes the United States in this election, end of story. This is the final push, we've got the lead, we've got the ball and there are two minutes to go in the game, we need to continue that push for just a few more days. We do that, we've got the election."

Life Of a Packet

You may not realize how much work actually goes into each individual packet that walkers get. Surprisingly (perhaps), they do not get shipped in the neat, organized manner in which canvassers get them. We've spent quite a bit of time highlighting the important work of going door to door to union members, but we're taking this opportunity to reveal all of the "behind-the-scenes" steps as well.

1. Separating

When packets are born they begin as sheets and sheets of information on our union voters. Release staff separate out the sheets, go through and highlight Working America members since these members get their own literature. Next, the packets are labeled with county and Congressional district as well as a breakdown of the number of AFL-CIO and Working America members. These steps are critical in distributing and prioritizing packets more efficiently.

"Labeling a folder is crucial because we take a lot of time organizing our packets by area so that we can send folks to the most critical precincts, especially during GOTV."

- Roxana Mejia

2. Mapping

Possibly the most time-consuming aspect of putting together packets is mapping. In order to make navigation easier for volunteers, release staff label streets on the neighborhood maps and often times even print out multiple maps from Google Maps, Mapquest or Street and Trips.

"If you've ever been in an area that you don't know, it's nice to have streets clearly labeled and these maps become extremely handy if you happen to get turned around."

- Tom Perez- Lopez

3. Stuffing

The third step is to put in all the goodies that walkers use at the door. These items include absentee ballots, a script, and the right number of AFL-CIO and Working America flyers.

"Our walkers need to be persuasive and confident at the door. Everything in our packets not only informs our walkers but of course our members."

- Kelly Ahl

4. Distributing

Can I have a packet that is close by and small? Certain packets get distributed before others. It might not be fair, but it's true. And yes, when we give you a packet that is a bit of drive, it's because certain precincts need to be hit sooner than others. Either they have critical Congressional races, or have a high union density or voter turnout or there are a high number of swing voters that need to be reached during persuasion time. Needless to say, release staff take a lot of care to organize and then hand out these packets in a certain order.

"There is a method to the madness of giving out packets. It's not random."

- Steve Mendenhall

5. Gathering/ Feedback

Walkers normally return eager to tell their stories from visiting their brothers and sisters. Getting their feedback is great- it's helpful in order to get a sense of our members' moods. Also, we can follow up if anyone needs a ride to the polls or an absentee ballot or something.

So, an equally important part of the process is making sure that all the packets that go out come back safe, sound and properly tallied. To be honest, packets are no good to us if they a) don't return :( or b) don't accurately reflect the hours and hours of walking and talking.

6. Scanning

Speaking of showing the hours and hours of work at the door, another step is scanning the results into Excel spread sheets that then can be sent to DC in order to create models for future walks. Identifying voters is only useful when that info gets translated into hard data. It's also interesting because when you scan pack after pack, you can tell who the really diligent walkers are and it's cool to realize who takes the time to make notes.

7. Recycling 

After a packet's information has been scanned, sadly, it has reached its full potential. Luckily, the death of a packet may not be as tragic as you might guess. Most of the packet gets recycled and used again and again- including the folder itself, walk instructions, script and absentee ballot info. All the member data gets shredded though. 

IRON 79 Phone banks

Ironworker locals around Virginia continue to be busy pushing all facets of the labor program. They sent out local union mail as well as participated in phone banks and labor walks. Ironworker Local 79 has also graciously offered their hall for the Labor 2008 operation in Tidewater. In addition, Local 79 is also getting their apprentices involved in the program.

Fourteen young apprentices with Ironworkers Local 79 took to the phones in Tidewater. As Zone coordinator, Joni Shifflett noted, "it usually takes a little bit of time for volunteers to get going on the phones, but once they do, there's a buzz in the room and the young guys will brag and tease each other about how many people they've identified or persuaded."

Matt, the instructor of 1st year apprentices, mentions, "it's really important that we begin involving the young people in the political aspect of the labor movement."

Apprentice Impressions with Sean and Shannon

When asked about this election, Sean explained, "Currently the economy is hurting my job and threatens the future of our work. Hopefully things improve. I really think Barack Obama is the guy who can help us out on that."

Shannon agreed and added, “I think the last eight years have been terrible for young people like myself. I think we do need a change, I hope enough people out there agree with me. Tonight, we talked to a lot people and got a lot of positive responses from union members. Sometimes we had to leave messages but that’s ok, we’re not going to give up”

All-star Phonebanking IBEW's Mark Flowers

The Virginia labor movement is blessed with many talented phone bankers who engage undecideds, who explain the issues clearly and who make arguments forcibly when necessary. We have phone bankers who are bi-lingual, funny, kind, encouraging and tough.

A few nights ago, IBEW's Mark Flowers convinced an undecided voter who was caught up in many of the myths in McCain's ads to come out to Saturday's labor walk. 

Mark began by explaining to "Carol" why the unions have endorsed Senator Obama,

"Barack Obama is going to look out for the working man.  We need leaders who will fight for all Americans. Mr. Obama strongly opposes unfair trade deals that send good jobs overseas. He'll give us—the middle and working class—tax cuts.

During the conversation, Mark added, "I'm taking the time and all of these union members are out here working for us. We're pushing this for a reason and it's because Mark Warner will work with Senator Obama to make sure that working families are put first. Not second or third, but first."

Mark then offered to pick up "Carol" so they can go walk for Senator Obama so she would, "see all the great people that come here every weekend and who have put in their time for our well being as union members."

IAM: "hunting for voters"

President of the Virginia State Council of Machinists, Rick Howard, is a labor leader widely respected across Virginia for his activism and committed leadership of the Roanoke Area Labor Federation. Rick is also a member of the Virginia AFL-CIO Executive Council.

Machinists locals and volunteers have been busy pushing the political program in Virginia by sending out local union mail as well as regularly participating in phone banks and labor walks. In Tidewater, District 74 business manager, Larry Young helped demonstrate the theme behind the Machinists' activism in this election.

"The Machinists are going to be visible and we're going to be out searching for voters for Obama. That's why we have the bright orange vests with the IAM emblem and TNT on November 4th: we have a goal and we want people to know that we're out here.

 

Larry added, "We need to make sure no stone is left unturned these last four days. We need to get all of our brothers, sisters, and friends out to vote to put Barack Obama in the White House. As working men and women, we need a friend in the White House who we can go to with our issues and concerns."

Margaret's Letter

Margaret Stanton is a retired social worker and AFSCME member who lives in Front Royal, Virginia. After receiving a mail piece from the Virginia AFL-CIO explaining that Barack Obama and Mark Warner were our endorsed candidates, she decided to write a letter.

In her letter, Margaret, who is 93, explained that she read both of Senator Obama’s books and her daughter in Connecticut is working on Obama’s campaign.

Margaret believes that the current policies in Washington are “killing the middle class” and she hopes and prays that Barack Obama becomes president.

Inspired by the response, Doris Mays tracked down Margaret and discovered she has a remarkable life story…

Margaret came to America from Holland when she was in her 20s. She was working with a Dutch resistance group who hid Jews from the Nazis. It is estimated that her group saved the lives of 15,000 people. The Nazis eventually discovered what she was doing and were planning on killing her. Margaret escaped to Genoa, Italy and then took a ship bound for the United States.

Margaret went to Chicago and received a degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. She was a social worker for Montgomery County, Maryland and, for many years, was involved in the civil rights movement.

Margaret and her boyfriend, Palmer, voted last week for Barack Obama. When asked why she voted for Senator Obama, Margaret explained, “I admire him. I think he’s honest. He works for the people. He’s blessed and I believe in him.”

As Doris notes, “you never know how much a mail piece that we send or a phone call means to people.” This mail piece meant enough to Margaret for her to write a letter and send a check to the Obama campaign.

Margaret keeps the mail piece at her table along with The Audacity of Hope and Dreams from my Father and made sure to remind Doris (a few times) during the visit that she would like a framed copy of the Barack Obama and Mark Warner flyer.