what s at stake
in this election?
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A
More than 120,000 Oregon workers are unemployed. Those with jobs are working longer and
harder than ever before - and getting less for their efforts.
Our lowest-paid workers haven’t had a raise in almost four years. Health care costs are squeezing
our paychecks. Corporate scandals have wiped out many workers’ retirement savings.
“Enron’s executives made off with $100 million in bonuses, while we
were left holding the bag. I lost most of my retirement savings on Enron
stock in my 401(k) after company officials had bailed out of theirs.”
— Dave Covington, PGE journeyman lineman (IBEW Local 125)
While CEOs cash in on stock options and free loans, they cut jobs and slash benefits for
their workers. That’s why unions are more important than ever,,g and why we need to
challenge employers who try to block the right of workers to gain a voice on the job.
“The last election showed you the value of your vote — you do count —
and it's time to be counted again.”
— Leanne Skinner
Oregon State Hospital
This election is about putting Oregon back on the right track for working families:
Creating and protecting good jobs, by encouraging investment in our local
communities and discouraging corporations from moving production overseas;
✓ Making health care affordable for all Oregonians, which will require taking on
drug companies that engage in price gouging;
✓ Encouraging employers to pay their workers fairly, with good health benefits
and adequate pensions, and to fulfill their responsibilities to our communities; and,
Defending our right to organize and bargain collectively for fair pay, family
benefits and safe working conditions.
We have assessed the candidates and the ballot measures on how they respond and
relate to these priorities. How you vote is your decision. We hope you will use the
information and recommendations on the following pages to judge for yourself.
For more information, visit our website at www.seiu503.org.