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Sisters & Brothers,
The only way working men and women are going to regain their voice within the current state and federal political environment is for workers to run for and win election at every level of political office. We need to have true worker advocates at every level within our local, state and federal government. The opportunity to support one of our own, a UWUA Local Union President, in his re-election bid for the position of Mayor of Westwood New Jersey is not only privilege but an opportunity for the membership of the UWUA to provide assistance to a true advocate for workers and their families.
The UWUA National C.O.P.E. Committee endorses Brother John Birkner is his re-election bid and has contributed to his campaign fund. Time is of the essence, there are only two weeks left before the election, please read the letter from Brother Birkner below and please do all that you can to support one of own.
John Duffy
UWUA Vice President, AFL-CIO
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Dear Brothers and Sisters of the UWUA,
As you are aware, the labor force in the State of New Jersey is under direct attack by politicians intent on destroying the rights that thousands of working families have earned through collective bargaining. Everything from working conditions, to pensions and benefits have been the subject of a well orchestrated media campaign designed to divide public and private labor unions, and to destroy the gains we have fought for decades to achieve.
For the past thirty years I have been an active member of the UWUA, AFL-CIO, Local 534, and the President since 2002. I have fought attempts at privatization of public utilities, joined our health care professionals on the picket line, and been a vociferous advocate for the rights of working families. For the past four years I have served as mayor of the Borough of Westwood, working hard to ensure that the quality of life of the residents I represent is maintained, and the working conditions of our Borough employees are not compromised due to draconian cuts to municipal aid from Trenton.
I am a candidate for re-election in November and I am reaching out to you because I need your help. As a labor leader, I have successfully completed the NJ State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Education program and pride myself in the commitment I have made to New Jersey’s working families. My opponents in the upcoming election are well funded and will stop at nothing to move their anti-worker agenda forward. I realize this is a difficult time economically, however I am asking for your financial support so that we may continue to ensure that the ranks of our elected representatives include the voice of working families and organized labor.
Your generosity and continued support is greatly appreciated.
Donations can be sent to :
Friends of Mayor John Birkner, Jr.
c/o 416 Fourth Ave.
Westwood, NJ 07675
In Solidarity,
John Birkner, Jr.
President Utility Workers Union of America AFL-CIO, Local 534
Support Occupy - Ask Mayor Bloomberg to Allow Tents
I just wanted to make sure you didn't miss this email from over the weekend:
As the snow began falling on the Occupy Wall Street protest in Manhattan's Zuccotti Park, we called on Mayor Mike Bloomberg to make it clear that he’ll work with the protesters and allow them to address their own needs for shelter and warmth so that the protest can continue.
The petition is catching on, and over 28,000 people have signed it so far. Can you help us reach our goal of 100,000 signatures before the end of the week? We'll deliver them to Zuccotti Park and to Mayor Bloomberg's office.
Help us reach our goal. Sign the petition today.
After you sign, please be sure to spread the word to help us meet our goal.
The snow has mostly melted. But it’s only going to get colder. We don’t have long to make sure the protest has what it needs to survive.
Mayor Bloomberg doesn't have to agree with the protesters. But he should honor the letter and the spirit of the First Amendment and allow them to set up what they need to continue spreading their message. We hope he’ll declare -- as the Irvine City Council, in California's conservative Orange County, did last week – that in this case, tents are free speech.[1]
The message of the protest is a critical one, and it’s focused the attention of the nation on the problems we most urgently need to fix. Let’s make sure they can keep at it.
Thanks again for your support,
Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and Working Families
Source:
1. http://boingboing.net/2011/10/27/orange-county-city-council-unanimous-occupy-tents-are-a-form-of-speech.html
