Public Employee Press

Your PEOPLE contributions can take back the White House

Clerical Administrative Local 1549 enrolled 1,600 local members into PEOPLE in the last 10 months as part of the union’s drive to take back the White House for America’s working people.

“Big corporations and right-wing politicians are stronger than ever, and they are attacking our union, our benefits and the services we provide,” said DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, “but we are fighting back — and winning — through PEOPLE.”

Public Employees Organized to Promote Legislative Equality is the political action committee of AFSCME, DC 37’s national union. PEOPLE is powerful: Members’ contributions helped stop President George W. Bush from privatizing Social Security.

“Signing up 1,600 PEOPLE members is a tremendous accomplishment and we are very proud,” said Local 1549 President Eddie Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 2nd Vice President Ralph Palladino, activist Alvin Carter and the Clerical Division staff worked hard to increase members’ involvement and political awareness, said the division’s PEOPLE coordinator, Assistant Director Ron Arnero. “We have been diligent about discussing PEOPLE at membership, steward and orientation meetings, worksite visits and one-on-one sessions with members,” Arnero said.
“We make the connection between politics and paychecks, because politics affects our bargaining, benefits and take-home pay.”

In November, voters elect a president, 35 U.S. senators and all 435 members of the House of Representatives. AFSCME has challenged all councils to increase members’ participation in PEOPLE.

Contributions go to candidates across the country who believe in labor’s agenda. DC 37 members who join PEOPLE at the MVP level of $4 per pay period (about $100 a year) get a green AFSCME jacket. Members can sign up for payroll deductions or contribute by check, money order, cash or credit card.

PEOPLE contributors who give at the MVP Gold level of $250 a year get a gold and silver watch and incentives: after one year, a new pen set; in year 5, a zippered pullover shirt; in year 10, an MVP polo shirt and in year 15, a fleece jacket.