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Greetings,
As Election Day draws
closer the work of the AFL-CIO’s labor 2008 program is
showing its reward. All across the country we are seeing
increasing support for Barack Obama and all of our endorsed
candidates. We are just 2 days away
sweeping out a government that has turned it back on workers and
abandoned the middle class. If we do our part on election day we
will enter 2009 with a President and Congress that is proud to
stand with the labor movement and committed to rebuilding the
American economy and grow the middle class. However, before we can
begin to celebrate the change coming to our country we have to
make sure that we get our members, family and friend to the
polls on Election Day. Michigan State Political Director, Brent
Gillette says, “Here in Michigan we have seen our GOTV
volunteer numbers growing over the course of the last week and
we looking forward to an aggressive 72 hours leading up to
election day” Make these last few days
some of the hardest you’ve worked and on November
5th we can celebrate a new day for labor in
D.C. Today’s Schedule of Activities To find a walk or phone
bank location today visit: http://events.aflcio.org/page/event/search_simple To find a place to walk
of phone bank through Election Day visit: http://labor2008.typepad.com/mi/2008/10/michigan-walk-a.html Today’s Top Story
This year the Michigan
labor movement is primed to continue its 26 year streak of
supporting the union endorsed, worker-friendly presidential
candidates. This election day the Michigan State AFL-CIO is looking to secure big wins in both the presidential race and in our targeted congressional races where union supported candidates Mark Schauer and Gary Peters are looking strong in their race against republican incumbents Tim Walberg and Joe Knollenberg respectively. Although Barack Obama
didn’t campaign in Michigan in the primary and started the
race at a disadvantage to Senator McCain your hard work on the
labor 2008 program quickly gave Barack Obama a commanding lead
that forced Senator McCain to abandon campaigning in Michigan
all together. Our work however is not
done we must use the next two days to make sure that we are
voting and strong numbers and making sure votes are counted. If
you have the ability contact your union, your CLC or the
Michigan State AFL-CIO headquarters and volunteer for our GOTV
efforts. Daily Union Spotlight
For all the success of
this year Labor 2008 program it wouldn’t be as successful
as it is without contribution of the Michigan Building and
Construction Trades Council. (MBCTC). The 100,000 plus members
of the Michigan Building Trades played key roles in nearly every
aspect of the Labor 2008 program. The leadership of the
electrical workers on issues like the Employee Free Choice Act
are essential to getting the word out about the importance of
the legislation and making sure that every union member in
Michigan signed an Million Member Mobilization card. From the
June March on the NLRB to the October rally featuring
international presidents and elected officials the men and women
of the IBEW have led the way for the Employee Free Choice Act in
Michigan. When it comes to the
labor 2008 program the men and women of the MBCTC are a force
like no other. The BAC, IBEW, IBT, IUPAT, IUOE, SMWIA,
UA and so many more were are constant and reliable
source for volunteers and organizers for labor walks, phone
banks, worksite leaflets and local union mail. IBEW, Statewide
Political Director, Jim DeLuca stated, “we need a new
level of leadership in Washington. America needs a president and
congress that understands the difficulties facing working
families and I think the people realize that and that’s
why you have seen the level of participation that you have this
year”.
MBCT President, Patrick Gleason says “our members have been hard hit by the problems of this economy and we know that its up to us to do what we have always done which is play a leadership role in making America great. We’ll continue our efforts through Election Day and hopefully come November 5th we can celebrate the beginning of a new direction for our country.” |
