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Senator Manchin Should Listen to West Virginians and Support the For the People Act Statement from the CWA West Virginia State Council: For over a decade, CWA members in West Virginia and across our country have been fighting to protect the ability of working people to fully participate in our democracy. We have seen our votes overshadowed by the corrupting influence of secret money in our elections. Extreme partisan gerrymandering and laws designed to restrict the access of working people and voters of color to their constitutional right to participate in elections have made it harder for us to find common ground and shifted power from the people to corporate elites. We know that Senator Manchin shares our vision of an American democracy revitalized by fully engaged citizens participating in free and fair elections. He demonstrated his commitment to that vision by making voting more accessible through vote by mail and early voting while serving as our Secretary of State here in West Virginia, provisions included in the For the People Act. By recognizing that Republicans in the Senate are opposing the For the People Act out of concern for their short term political interests instead of the health of our democracy, Senator Manchin can help realize that vision. Senator Manchin should listen to the majority of West Virginia voters – Independents, Republicans, and Democrats – who support the reforms in the For the People Act and judge the bill on its merits. ### Contact: Jeff Anderson, President – WV CWA State Council ([email protected]), 304-476-1342;Elaine Harris ([email protected]), 304-541-7293 — Jun 14
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Essential Workers are Essential to Our Democracy Supporters of the For the People Act rallied on the steps of the Supreme Court yesterday to speak out about the necessity of passing the bill in order to realize the promise of our democracy. The legislation, which has passed the House of Representatives and awaits action in the Senate, will get big money out of politics, ensure our freedom to vote, and guarantee that congressional districts are drawn to give fair representation for all. CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens addressed the crowd. "As we continue rebuilding from this pandemic and the economic crisis that happened as a result, I want us all to take a moment to remember that it was working people who put their lives on the line every day to keep our grocery stores open, keep our hospitals operating, keep our internet connected, and to uphold our democracy through these last elections," Steffens said. "Now is the time to recognize that essential workers are essential to our democracy. That's what the For the People Act is all about: restoring power for working families in this country." We need to let every member of the Senate know that working people want them to pass the For the People Act. Call your Senators at 1-855-790-7628. CWA Secretary-Treasurer Sara Steffens addressed the crowd at a rally yesterday in support of the For the People Act. — Jun 10
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Republican Filibuster Blocks Paycheck Fairness Act Once again, a Republican filibuster has prevented the Paycheck Fairness Act from proceeding to a vote in the United States Senate. The bill, which has overwhelming public support, would help eliminate the the gender pay gap by guaranteeing that women can challenge pay discrimination and disclose information about their wages. It also holds employers accountable by increasing penalties for violating equal pay laws. Women on average still make only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and the gap is even wider for women of color. For a woman working full time year-round, the current wage gap represents a loss of more than $400,000 over the course of her career. — Jun 10
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CWA-Endorsed Candidates Win in Virginia and New Jersey New Jersey and Virginia held primary elections this week for state and local offices. In Virginia, Delegate Elizabeth Guzman defeated three democratic primary challengers in Virginia's 31st House of Delegates district. Del. Guzman, an AFSCME member, has been a leading voice on workers' issues in the Virginia legislature. In contested democratic primary races in New Jersey Legislative District 20, CWA-endorsed candidates State Sen. Joe Cryan, Assemblyperson Annette Quijano, and Rev. Reginald Atkins notched convincing wins. "CWA members have been out in force for over a month knocking on doors and making phone calls to voters in the 20th Legislative District because we know that Senator Cryan and Assemblywoman Quijano have always had our backs," said CWA New Jersey Director Fran Ehret. "They stood with us when public workers were under attack and they continue to be champions of pro-worker policies. We look forward to working with Senator Cryan, Assemblywoman Quijano, and Reverend Atkins to protect and preserve our members' pensions and advance the rights of all workers." — Jun 10
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IUE-CWA Members Stand Up For Good Jobs in Wisconsin On June 4, members of IUE-CWA Local 84811 and allies rallied in Janesville, Wisc., to demand that local manufacturer Hufcor halt its plan to offshore 200 manufacturing jobs to Mexico. Hufcor is owned by OpenGate Capital, a private equity firm notorious for acquiring and then gutting companies across the country. IUE-CWA members called out the company's race-to-the-bottom tactics, noting the devastating impact the closure would have on the Janesville community. Jesse Arndt, one of the workers whose job is on the line, is a father of four. "If they send our jobs to Mexico, OpenGate is impacting whole families, not just their employees," he said. "All to save a few bucks." Local 84811 President Tom Casey called OpenGate's move a "heartless strategy" that puts profits above people. "We will do everything in our power to fight for these jobs. The closing of the Hufcor Janesville plant not only affects these employees, but also affects our local suppliers and businesses in the surrounding community." Sign the petition calling on OpenGate Capital to keep good jobs in Wisconsin. IUE-CWA members and allies rally to save jobs at Hufcor in Janesville, Wisc. — Jun 10