Organizing + Political + Community Action

= Strong Bargaining & Representation

The triangle is a strong building component.

But, if one side is weakened, it becomes unsteady and the structure collapses.

Understanding the importance of each side will keep our union strong.

Some members think we should ignore politics…

but government makes laws for:

Unemployment compensations when workers are laid off from work.
Workers compensation - setting how much and how long a worker injured on the job will get paid while off the job.
FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act), Social Security, Medicare, pension protection and workplace safety (OSHA).
Trade agreements that could lower our wages, benefits and pensions or eliminate jobs through corporate tax breaks promoting the off-shoring of call centers and manufacturing.
Organizing laws governing workers’ rights to form and join unions are broken. It’s harder to organize new union members. Unable to organize, we will eventually see our wages and benefits fall to the level of unorganized workers.

What action can you take to prevent our Union from becoming weak?

CWA-COPE (CWA’s Committee On Political Education) is an important part of the Political Action side of the CWA Triangle. It informs our members of issues and actions that affect their quality of life.

CWA-COPE educates, endorses and raises money to elect lawmakers who understand the issues and actions affecting our members and agree to protect workers’ rights. Your small donation, plus other member donations, equals a large donation needed to protect and gain workers’ rights.

When asked contribute to CWA-COPE,

remember $1 a week will keep CWA strong.

opeiu#5, afl-cio/ss