Creating a pro-worker political climate

The primary function of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Political Education Department is to elect men and women who aggressively work for pro-worker legislation.

The public leaders we elect to office make decisions that affect our lives. These lawmakers shape the laws that govern us, the taxes we pay and the services our government provides. By taking a lead role in state, municipal and local elections, collectively, the labor movement can elect more pro-union candidates and subsequently create a more pro-worker political climate in the Commonwealth.

COPE

Because our lawmakers are charged with deciding key issues of importance to all of us, the Mass AFL-CIO recently redefined its endorsement process to ensure that it gives its stamp of approval exclusively to pro-worker candidates.

The Committee on Political Education (COPE) includes the 65 members of the Executive Council, the Mass. AFL-CIO political and legislative directors and the National AFL-CIO state director. COPE mobilizes and educates union members to vote for candidates who will support workers' rights and social and economic justice issues. COPE only considers those elected leaders with a 75-percent voting record in the state legislature.

COPEs jurisdiction includes:

* Statewide ballot questions
* Candidates for statewide office, Congress and the state legislature.

The department provides:

* Year-round political education programs for union members
* Voter registration training
* Massive get-out-the-vote campaigns across the state
* Campaign literature and research materials, including voting records for all
state legislators and the state congressional delegation.

COPE works with Central Labor Councils and affiliated unions in coordinating labor support for endorsed candidates. COPEs operation includes:

* Membership communications
* Phone banks
* Voter registration
* Volunteer recruitment
* Participation in campaign rallies and events
* Fundraising

Prior to 1999, the Mass AFL-CIO told legislators in advance which votes it considered labor votes and would affect their labor rating score. The new process is designed for legislators to work more closely with the labor movement. The Mass AFL-CIO also evaluates lawmakers actions beyond House and Senate votes. For example, it recently asked legislators to sign a Right to Organize pledge, indicating that he or she will support area organizing drives. The Mass AFL-CIO credited the ratings of lawmakers who signed the pledge.