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Teamsters Go All In on Wisconsin
Supreme Court Race Key to Undoing Anti-Worker Legislation
Teamsters Joint Council 39 and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen are spearheading an effort across Wisconsin to get out the vote for Judge Janet Protasiewicz in the upcoming April 4 election for Wisconsin Supreme Court. While getting out the vote, Joint Council 39 Teamsters have been using the opportunity to also engage UPS Teamsters ahead of upcoming contract negotiations for a new National Master Agreement that will begin on April 17.
Joint Council 39, which represents more than 18,000 workers across Wisconsin, has unanimously endorsed Judge Protasiewicz in the non-partisan election for Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Court currently has a four-three majority of justices that favor corporate interests. In mobilizing thousands of workers across Wisconsin to vote for Judge Protasiewicz, the Teamsters are seizing on a prime opportunity to help rebalance the Court. Protasiewicz’s election to the state’s highest court could potentially lead to the overturning of anti-union laws enacted by former Governor Scott Walker, among other precedents that could expand collective bargaining rights in the state.
“Just look at Michigan. Last week, they repealed a ‘right to work’ law and secured a huge victory for workers across the state,” said Bill Carroll, Joint Council 39 President. “If our members continue to stay engaged in the political process, Wisconsin could do the same in the future.”
In addition to the Supreme Court election, political field organizers, local union business agents, and national field staff have traveled to more than 40 UPS facilities and have engaged nearly 6,000 rank-and-file workers and their families about the importance of getting involved in this year’s UPS contract campaign. To date, these efforts have resulted in the signing of more than 1,500 unity pledge cards by UPS workers.
“Traveling across Wisconsin for the last few weeks to meet members has been very productive,” said Matt Ugan, Teamsters Local 344 Business Representative and Organizer. “Engaging workers in this way is critical in building Teamster power on the job and Teamster political power in Wisconsin.”