Election 2010: A clear choice for union members

 

 

Dear IAM Member,

 

     If you care about your job, your benefits and your rights as a worker, you have a clear choice in November in both the Governor’s and U.S. Senate races. Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer are both proven pro-worker legislators. Their opponents have threatened to “take on the unions” and therefore take on you, as a working person in California.

     This year, the candidates running for Governor and Senator are polar opposites on many key issues. Jerry Brown has a proven record of creating 1.9 million jobs, giving public workers the right to collectively bargain for better wages, and taking on Wall Street and the banks to stop home loan abuse. Barbara Boxer has fought for working people for 30 years, seeking to bring green and infrastructure jobs to California and ending tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas.

     What does that mean? They support workers getting good wages and benefits because they know that a strong middle class means there will be a strong economy. Unions support them because they support our members and our way of life.

     Their opponents, Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina, are clearly out to destroy unions and the benefits that we’ve won for our members. Instead, they want to give tax breaks to themselves and their millionaire friends.

     Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, you have to agree that restoring the economy in California and across the U.S. must be the top priority. And that means creating and saving good jobs.

     This election may be decided by as little as 80,000 votes. That small margin makes your vote count more than ever this time. Be sure to register to vote, and be sure to vote. Your union leadership has interviewed all of the candidates and made endorsements based on their records on worker issues. Please take these recommendations into consideration when you vote.

     It’s easy to stand back, say you’re discouraged with politics, and sit out the election. That would be the worst thing you could do. The most important thing you can do is vote on November 2. If you haven’t yet registered to vote, it’s not too late. (See page 2.)

    If you care about rebuilding the economy and taking our state and nation back from the billionaires, then your choice in November is clear: vote for Jerry Brown and Barbara Boxer.

 

In Solidarity,

Jim Beno

Directing Business Rep

IAM District Lodge 190



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