Los Angeles, CA
The 2000 Presidential election was decided in the State of Florida. Through intimidation of minority voters going to the polls, inadequate voting equipment in poor and minority polling places, confusing ballots, erroneous voting instructions and, finally, the blatantly partisan rulings of the U.S. Supreme Court, the will of Florida voters was ignored and the state's 25 electoral votes were given to George Bush.
The labor movement in general, and AFSCME in particular, were engaged in this election as never before. Labor educated and mobilized its voters and generated voter turnout well in excess of turnout among the general population. Union members and their families voted overwhelmingly for Al Gore. After Election Day, unions, along with civil rights organizations, which were also critical in boosting voter turnout, led the charge to "count every vote." The new president, the leadership in Congress, and the Governor of Florida know this full well.
AFSCME represents Florida state employees. Now that the election is over, Governor Jeb Bush, brother of the new President and the person ultimately responsible for the election fiasco in Florida, is exacting retribution. Through legislation, the budget process and contract negotiations, he is seeking to decimate AFSCME's state membership, and take away the union's ability to represent members, and silence the union as a political voice.
Governor Bush's attack must be met with a swift and sure response. AFSCME is mobilizing its forces in the workplace, at the bargaining table, in the community and at the state legislature. This is not simply an attack on AFSCME, though. It is an attack on all of labor and, more broadly, on those who seek to protect working families through the political process. It must be met as such. AFSCME's fight is our fight, and the Executive Council approves provision of all appropriate support and assistance by the AFL-CIO and its affiliates in this important struggle.