by Candice Owley

Turn political energy into legislative action

As we come to the end of the incredible process of Election 2000, instead of focusing on the negatives, let's focus on the significant work done by our members and the entire labor community.

City by city, state by state, union members turned out to vote in record numbers. While unions comprise only 14 percent of the work force, union households accounted for 26 percent of voter turnout; in Michigan alone it was an astounding 42 percent. Labor did an amazing job in turning out the vote.

What made these amazing numbers possible was the work of frontline union members. Thousands of AFT activists and volunteers were among those who mounted an unprecedented effort in educating members about candidates and issues, distributing literature, talking to colleagues on the phone and at work sites, and getting out the vote on Nov. 7. As a result of these efforts, an astounding 96 percent of members reported that they received information from their union on the candidates and issues, including national and local publications, material received in the mail, flyers at work and personal contact at work.

We had the ability to reach out to members and make a huge difference. Frustration with the election outcome could cause us to retreat from our mobilization efforts, but that would be a terrible mistake. The best response--the reaction that will lead to victory--is to build upon the member-to-member work that was done and to turn those efforts to the legislative process.

At the state and federal level, it's time to focus on holding politicians accountable for passing laws that will bring about a better health care system for members and for the country.

As health care workers, we must fight for laws that end mandatory overtime, ensure a safe workplace, promote quality care and end the shortage of nurses and other health care workers.

As citizens, we must fight for laws that will improve health care for all--starting with prescription drug coverage and health care coverage for children--and laws that will curb escalating health care costs and improve accessibility and affordability.

Continuing the member-to-member effort, which was clearly an overwhelming success during the recent elections, will be the key to passing laws that will benefit the nation.