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Calif. IBEW Members Mobilize Against Prop. 32

October 19, 2012

The billionaire Koch brothers, best known for bankrolling Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s efforts to strip collective bargaining rights from teachers, firefighters and police officers, are back and this time they’re targeting California working families.

The brothers, known for their support for ultra-right-wing political candidates and anti-worker causes, recently dropped $4 million in the state to support Proposition 32.

The measure, which will appear on the ballot Nov. 6, limits the ability of union members to express their voice in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., by making organized labor’s main political fundraising tool – payroll deductions – illegal.

In an editorial calling on readers to vote no on Proposition 32, the Los Angeles Times’ editorial board writes:

Proposition 32 is a deceptive measure that would disproportionately weaken some special interests while leaving others essentially unaffected. Those who have seen its list of backers will not be surprised to learn that it would have a devastating effect on labor unions' political fundraising efforts and only a trivial impact on corporate spending.

While backers claim it will limit both labor’s and  business’ ability to influence the political process, the measure will have a crippling effect on union outreach efforts, while leaving untouched massive loopholes that allow corporate super PACs and well-funded front groups to spend millions in lobbying and campaigning.

Says Dublin Local 595 member Tanya Pitts:

It takes away our rights as workers to fight for good jobs and decent benefits. And it hurts our ability to make our voice heard.

A broad coalition, including labor, business and civic leaders and the faith community, has come together to defeat proposition 32.

Pitts, who is now volunteering full time on the campaign, says Local 595 has been doing intense outreach to members and their families, including worksite leafleting, phone calls and home visits. So far she says they’ve collected more than 1,400 signed “No on 32” commitment cards.

Vacaville Local 1245 Business Representative Hunter Stern says his local has also been active in member outreach. Pacific Gas and Electric, which employs most Local 1245 members, has come out in opposition to the measure and has allowed Local 1245 organizers to talk to workers on the job about it.

Says Stern:

We’re a safe blue state, so presidential elections aren’t usually busy times for us, but right now we’re involved in the biggest political mobilization I’ve been involved in.

Pitts says Proposition 32 is similar to the attacks on workers’ rights that were launched in Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana after the 2010 midterm elections.

Says Pitts:

Prop. 32 is a lot like Wisconsin, except they are trying to sneak their attack through the back door, dressing it up like it’s something it’s not.

Click here for more information on the No on 32 campaign.