Let’s talk about our Union’s participation in the political process. I know that for some this conversation can be an uncomfortable one, but as public employees it is critical for us as a body to be actively engaged in the process or else we risk losing the protections and benefits we have fought to acquire.

The chief way we accomplish this is by leveraging the strength of our Political Action Committee (PAC) through endorsements for candidates and ballot measures. Before any such endorsement, the PAC meets to discuss its merits and debates all specifics related to it.

If you were not already aware, as a part of Local 189 you are a key member of our PAC. While it might seem early, the political machine is already revved up for the 2022 Primary Elections. As a result, we are looking to hold a PAC-focused meeting next week, Tuesday March 1, 2022 from 7pm-8pm to discuss our immediate priorities. You will remember that we decided not to start up our endorsement process until after we got a contract. That time has come.

Help to guide the future of our union by joining us at our first PAC meeting of 2022 on March 1st from 7pm-8pm.

—Jacob Brostoff, Vice President and PAC Chair, AFSCME Local 189