Local Union 271 is very involved in the political issues that affect labor on a daily basis. We have watched the highs of winning political benefits for our members, such as the 8-hour workday, and have seen the lows, such as the 1986 repeal of prevailing wage laws in the state. Both our construction contract and our Boeing maintenance contracts allow our members, on a voluntary basis, to deduct $.02 per hour from our paychecks and contribute that amount to our Committee On Political Education. (COPE) The moneys collected are then used for several purposes. First, to educate our members on the importance of political involvement. Second, to help our members register to vote. Third, to educate political candidates on issues that are important to labor. And last, to financially support those candidates that are willing to support labors views. Labor has not traditionally endorsed one political party or another. Historically, Democrats have been more supportive of labor's issues, but not always. Kansas's union members have been trying unsuccessfully, to pass three important pieces of legislation in Topeka for the last several years. First, the reintroduction of a state prevailing wage law for tax dollars spent on construction at the local, county and state levels. Second the repeal of the local option of the Public Employees Relations Act. This current option allows public boards to opt out of collective bargaining contracts if they so decide. They can do this even if 100% of the employees wish to belong to the union! The federal government gives all employees in the private sector the right to belong to a union, why not the public employees of Kansas? Third, a fair share service fee for representing members who do not pay union dues. If a union must expend money to represent someone who does not belong to that union then the union should be able to recoup that cost. Majority rules, folks. Every one pays taxes for representation, so why not union dues when the majority has decided to have union representation? Recent surveys have shown that the preservation of Social Security is one of the most important issues to our members.

So far, Congress has yet to introduce a bill that supports keeping Social Security solvent for the next 75 years. The first three bills introduced either raised the minimum retirement age or reduced benefits. We need to keep our Congressmen and Senators informed as to what works for us. With the current budget surplus in Washington, what is important to our members? Sure, we would all like to pay fewer taxes, but we want protection for Social Security and Medicare, first. We want decent public education for our children. We need good roads and transportation. We need a fair justice system.Ê All of these issues are dictated by politics. We cannot ignore what happens at the local, state and federal levels and believe that it won't affect us. Nationally, 205 IBEW members currently hold some type of politically office. Many other union members from other national unions are also office holders. If any member is interested in running for office there is training available through the AFL-CIO to help that person get started. Many of the current congressmen and senators in Washington got their start at the local level. Remember that belonging to COPE is voluntary. In order to participate, a member must obtain a COPE deduction card from a steward or the local union. A member may stop contributing at any time. We have the right to vote. We also have the obligation and responsibility to this great country to be informed voters. Won't you start today? For those who enjoy the Internet, check out the IBEW International Website. Click on congressional activities at www.ibew.org (click on the Congressional Action Center) and find out up to the minute activities in Washington, D.C. You can sign on to receive the Plug In Alert, which is a quick response to our congressmen on pending legislation. Make you voice heard through this medium. Also, check out www.ksworkbeat.org. This is the website of the Wichita Hutchinson Labor Federation. Find out what is going on in the state and in the local areas. Find out who is organizing who and how you can help.