Union Members Quiet on Prop. 75
An LA Times article says union members have been decidedly quiet on Prop 75.
Out of more than 1 million union members who would be affected by the measure, only 181 have publicly endorsed it.
Union leaders say the lack of support proves the initiative is disingenuous.
”If you look at the folks who are making the major contributions, they are all very right-wing, very conservative folks, none that I can see who have ever been in a labor union,” said Lou Paulson, president of the California Firefighters Assn.
On the other side:
Eric Beach, a spokesman for the Yes on 75 campaign, said about 100 union members had donated money, but he declined to release their names. The campaign said union members feel too intimidated by labor leadership and their colleagues to be identified with the effort.
”I’ve had two teachers, union activists, tell me I have to watch my back,” said Lillian Perry, a teacher in the Fontana Unified School District, who has been one of the most vocal advocates for the measure. ”I guess I’m sort of like a Rosa Parks or Harriet Tubman at this point. I’m pretty much walking around with a bull’s-eye on my head.”
Having been a Teamster and an AFL CIO affiliated union member in the past, I believe there is fear among members, preventing them from coming forward publicly. Many of them will vote for it however, in the privacy of the voting booth.
October 23rd, 2005 at 3:04 pm
If union members are being quiet, it is not good news for the opposition to Prop 75.
October 24th, 2005 at 6:34 am
In California, there may be the privacy of the voting booth, but not for long. In Nevada, Union Goons have invaded Las Vegas voting booths in 2004, as well as Florida and Philadelphia. I’m sure there’s other places like Washington State where union goons go in to help the voter vote the union label.
October 24th, 2005 at 9:17 am
Did you know that the California Teachers’ Association opposed the three strikes law? No wonder they oppose Prop 75- they won’t get to waste money on issues not related to salaries and working conditions for teachers.