| What is COPE? (Committe on Political Education) |
|
TWU COPE
TWU's Committee on Political Education (COPE) is a Political Action Committee, or PAC, set up to receive voluntary donations from members. The money is used to support candidates who are sympathetic to the union's goals, whether they are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. Unions contribute slightly more than a quarter of all PAC money, while corporations give more than 70% of the money. But TWU COPE dollars take on added clout when members go to the polls and vote.
COPE Director Peggy Olstein-Wiedman is at 1700 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. Phone: 212-259-4900. Or contact her via e-mail: p-wiedman@twu.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| COPE- Why is it Important to Me? |
|
Why Labor is in Politics
Labor unions have always been under attack from business and industrial organizations and, often, from state and national legislatures and political leaders. Every time the U.S. Congress or a state legislature opens a new session, a flood of bills intended to restrict the rights of workers and their unions is introduced.
If working people can help elect friendly candidates, passage of such bills becomes less likely and the passage of proposals good for TWU workers and their families become a reality.
Workers have learned through bitter experience that there is a powerful link between the bread box and the ballot box. Unfortunately, gains won at the bargaining table or through sacrifice on the picket line can be wiped out by unwise actions of state or national legislatures and political leaders -- today's wage increase can be erased by tomorrow's inflation, or today's job can vanish in tomorrow's wage of unemployment.
Unions are in politics to protect and advance the interests and concerns of their members and families. The TWU COPE Committee supports all Party affiliations, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents at all levels of our government who are going to be supportive of the thousands of TWU members in this country.
We encourage our TWU members to get involve in the political process -- to run for elected office in the Central & State labor councils and to get involved in the political Party of their choosing. As well as run for Public office, to be able to represent labor’s interest at all times and anywhere--at the school board, the town and city councils, state and federal positions -- from the East Coast to the West Coast --we support our members in the airline, transit, and railroad divisions "to stand up and be counted in the political process!"
|
| What are COPE Clubs and How Do I Become a Member? |
| NEW COPE CLUBS - 2007
Diamond Club - Anyone who contributes $504 a year/ $42 a month will be honored:
-
A TWU COPE: Denim Jacket, Deluxe Nylon Gym Bag, New short sleeve Polo Shirt - men’s & women’s; lined Warmup Suit and a new hat.
-
A certificate of appreciation
-
Your name mentioned in the TWU Express
-
If applicable, a reception with President James Little and/or other selected invitees
-
Meet your legislators, and/or representatives at receptions / fundraisers in your region if applicable
-
COPE Reader, and other selected COPE mementos
Platinum Club - Anyone who contributes $420 a year /$35 a month will be honored:
-
A TWU COPE: Watch-men’s or women’s; full- zip Hooded Sweatshirt, Long Sleeve Denim Shirt, and a new short sleeve Polo Shirt - men’s or women’s.
-
A certificate of appreciation
-
Your name mentioned in the TWU Express
-
If applicable, a reception with President James Little and/or other selected invitees
-
Meet your legislators, and/or representatives at receptions / fundraisers in your region if applicable
-
COPE Reader, and other selected COPE mementos
Presidential Club - Anyone who contributes $300 a year / $25 a month will be honored:
-
A TWU COPE: Long sleeve Cashmere Sweater, a full zip Hooded Sweatshirt, and a new hat.
-
A certificate of appreciation
-
Your name mentioned in the TWU Express
-
If applicable, a reception with President James Little and/or other selected invitees
-
Meet your legislators, and/or representatives at receptions / fundraisers in your region if applicable
-
COPE Reader, and other selected COPE mementos
Officers Club - Any one who contributes $180 a year / $15 a month will be honored:
-
A TWU COPE: Seat cushion/Bag, short sleeve- pocket- navy T-Shirt, and a new hat.
-
A certificate of appreciation
-
Your name mentioned in the TWU Express
-
If applicable, a reception with President James Little and/or other selected invitees
-
Meet your legislators, and/or representatives at receptions / fundraisers in your region if applicable
-
COPE Reader, and other selected COPE mementos
Leaders Club - Anyone who contributes $120 a year / $10 a month
-
A TWU COPE: Zippered Tote Bag and a new hat.
-
A certificate of appreciation
-
Your name mentioned in the TWU Express
-
Meet your legislators, and/or representatives at receptions / fundraisers in your region if applicable
-
COPE Reader, and other selected cope mementos
For example: If you now contribute a $1.00 a week to COPE = $52.00 and give an additional $48.00 by personal check; or change your contribution to $2.00 a week = $104.00, this will entitle you to belong to the Leaders club!
*PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “TWU COPE” AND MAIL IT TO THE TWU COPE DEPT.
1700 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10019-5905, (212) 259-4900.
Automatic Payroll Deduction
To authorize an automatic payroll deduction for the TWU Political Contributions Committee, you must fill out an authorization form. These forms are available online at www.twu.org under Political Action, then TWU COPE, or at your local union hall. Stop by Local 568 and sign up today and receive a complimentary hat provided by the political department, and join one of the COPE Clubs and receive exciting new gifts directly to your home!!!
|
|
