by Seth Michaels, May 12, 2008

Hundreds of AFL-CIO union members in three states kicked off the first round of door-to-door, member-to-member walks this past weekend as part of the AFL-CIO’s massive get-out-the-vote political mobilization program. They distributed fliers and educated union members about the real record of Sen. John McCain, including McCain’s health care plan, which would tax health benefits and could lead to millions being pushed out of their existing coverage.

State federations and central labor councils in Colorado, Michigan and Wisconsin organized the walks, part of the AFL-CIO Labor 2008 program to educate and energize union members to get to the polls and vote. More walks are set around the country this Saturday, May 17, involving hundreds of union members in more than a dozen states.

Brent Gillette, director of Michigan’s Labor 2008 program, says 175 union members took part in the walks statewide and reached more than 5,000 doors.

Steve Keglovitz, president of the West Michigan Labor Council, was involved in voter registration efforts over the weekend. Keglovitz says these walks are crucial to cutting through the corporate media’s lack of focus on issues key to working families and to engaging union members on core economic issues.

I believe that walking and putting issues out there is very beneficial. I believe that the labor movement needs to continue to educate fellow union members in ways the press is reluctant or doesn’t want to. Walking today is good preparation for November, and we need our leaders to encourage their members to participate in these efforts. There needs to be a sense of urgency and education so union members can make up their minds on who or what they are voting for.

According to Colorado Labor 2008 Director Phil Hayes, 84 union members participated in walks across Colorado and knocked on nearly 2,500 doors.

Mary Theurer, Midwest political coordinator for the AFL-CIO, reports that a union walk in Milwaukee brought out 70 volunteers to get out the message about heath care, the economy and the election.

In this closely fought election year, union members’ votes will make the difference in electing a working family-friendly president and Congress. In addition to door-to-door walks, union members have been getting engaged through phone banks, labor council meetings, political training, worksite leafleting and public events.

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