October, 2011
Dear CAL, UAL and PDT Mechanic and Related,
*There is no shortage of forces trying to stamp out the labor movement. In the last year, we have seen overzealous politicians and legislatures attempt to roll back labor rights that have taken a century for workers to earn.
Rank-and-file Teamsters have the opportunity to send a message and tell these anti-labor think tanks, media outlets and politicians that they still care about the labor movement.
In October, Teamster members will receive a ballot for the 2011 International Election. It is the right and the responsibility of every Teamster to vote in these upcoming elections for General President, General Secretary-Treasurer, At-Large Vice Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents and Trustees.
By voting, Teamsters show how involved the membership is, they show Teamsters pay attention to the issues affecting them; they show that the labor movement is still vibrant and alive.
The only thing voting will cost is the time it takes to learn about the issues and the ink it takes to mark the ballot. Not voting, however, costs much more. It sends a message to employers, politicians and the public that as voters, Teamster members don’t value democracy.
Voter turnout is critical to building a healthy democracy. A union is not a corporation. Members are more than shareholders who are valued by their holdings.
Rank-and-file Teamsters have an unprecedented say in the future of the union that many other international union members don’t have. Each Teamster has an equal voice in these elections and every vote counts.
BE SURE TO VOTE!
* Source: The Teamster Human Rights Commission Newsletter, August 2011