Voting For Workers, Harder for Some Than Others
Republican Leadership Makes it Tough on
Pro-Worker Republicans
Our union is an issue-based organization operating in a very partisan political
setting. Workers come to the capitol and lobby Democrats and Republicans.
But Republican legislators faced a tough challenge this session. Republican
Party leadership called on legislators to toe an anti-worker line on a wide
variety of bills.
Despite the pressure, there were individual
Republicans who stood up for workers and bucked
party leadership. This is a dangerous step because
leadership has the power to deny individual legislators
power, perks, and the chance to have a voice in the process.
Senator David Nelson (R - Pendleton) is one legislator
who stood up on several key issues for our members.
He led the successful fight (along with Representative Bob
Jenson R-Pendleton) to maintain continuity of care for
developmentally disabled clients at Eastern Oregon Training Center. Keeping
the facility open saved more than 200 of our members'jobs.
Sen. David Nelson
R-Pendleton
Senator Nelson also cast key votes for workers to support the right to organize.
The right to have a union and to have a voice on the job is fundamental.
Senator Nelson voted to give child care and adult foster care providers the right
to form a union. Senator Nelson's overall rating is not as strong as some of
his colleagues, but his willingness to cast votes for workers-in opposition
to his party-merits special recognition.
Senate President Peter Courtney (D)
and House Speaker Jeff Merkley (D)
showed leadership by championing
issues for working families and
pushing their members to vote for
workers.
Percentage of Time Legislators Voted
with SEIU on Issues
5