There are many different opinions regarding the role of local unions and union members related to politics in today’s political climate. Some unions dedicate a large portion of their resources and man power to impact their local political stature and others are more passive.
However, one thing is for sure, as demonstrated by geographical regions throughout the United States, those regions whose unions/members are more active on the political front have a much higher success rate and presence in their communities than those that don’t. Thus, the viability and the strength of any local union community goes hand in hand with it’s political impact and presence.
In layman’s terms, this is because local and state politicians and legislators are much more apt to consider the position of organized labor when confronted with issues such as “Rite to Work” type legislation if that local union community has committed themselves to a grassroots political movement that can actually impact the political landscape in their region.
LEADERSHIP
As demonstrated in the Philadelphia region, it is vital for a local union movement to have active, knowledgeable and strong leadership at the top of the leadership ladder in order to keep large numbers of unions, many who have different industry related issues, active and moving in the same general direction.
Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President, Pattrick Eiding is certainly an outstanding example of a labor leader who is more than dedicated to leading the local union movement in to the future. He is knowledgeable of the unique challenges and needs of the over 100 Philadelphia area local unions that he represents and has a tireless commitment to working with all of our local union leaders to keep them informed and focused on common goals and agendas.
RANK AND FILE UNION MEMBERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
However, make no mistake about it, no matter how important is to have good leadership, it is the rank and file union members who ultimately have the strongest political impact particularly at the grass roots level. Without the members, the message can not be transmitted, the presence can not be felt and the votes can not be registered. Sure it’s easy to sit back and rest on the efforts of others to relay the message, but it’s the responsibility of each and every union member to keep abreast of their union’s political agenda and at the same time be willing to contribute to carryout the agenda set forth by their union’s leadership which further demonstrates the words of JFK in a slightly edited fashion, “Ask not what your “union” can do for you, ask what you can do for your “union” both in the work place and on the political landscape”! Our Future Literally Depends on it!
Joe Dougherty
PhillyLabor.com
