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A message to all IBEW members at Verizon from Myles Calvey

October 23, 2008

November '08 election is an opportunity to highlight our concerns, set the stage for important new gains

"No man is an island" -- and neither is our union.

For more than a year, union members mobilized for a good contract at Verizon. That mobilization helped get everyone educated about our major objectives. It got everyone talking about our core issues like job security, health care, pension benefits, and wages. Mobilization builds lasting membership unity -- and that's how we won a good contract.

It's tempting to lay back and be satisfied with the good wages, benefits, and job security that we all enjoy, but think for a minute about what is happening in the world. The economy is going down hill fast. People are losing their homes in record numbers. Unemployment is up and will likely get much worse. The debate is whether we are in a recession or depression.

Now we have to use our mobilization skills at a different level. These huge problems can best be addressed through political action. It's time to mobilize for the election on November 4!

First a personal story. When I was nine years old, John Kennedy was campaigning for president. My parents were both Irish immigrants. They knew discrimination and bigotry firsthand. I'll never forget how excited and proud they were that a person of Irish decent and Catholic faith could run for – and be elected – president. His election showed us the best side of the American Dream. And it gave all of us great hope for the future.

"It is because of the union movement that workers have the 40 hour work week, minimum wage, pension plans, health plans, work safety laws…even if you've never been in a union, you have benefited from them…"

Obama spoke eloquently about why we need to pass the Employee Free Choice Act so that more workers can stick together and help each other like we do in IBEW local 2222.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that with this election the future of the labor movement (and our country) hangs in the balance.

I urge all union members to seriously consider voting for Obama. We need a President who understands the needs of working families and how unions are the backbone of this country. We need a change -- and Barack Obama is the President we need in times like these!