Labor Party
First Constitutional Convention
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
November 13-15, 1998
At the last Grand Lodge Convention, held in July of 1994, BMWE delegates voted to
endorse the effort to build a Labor Party. Moving on this mandate, the BMWE worked with
other AFL-CIO unions representing well over one million members to make this resolution a
reality. Over 60 BMWE delegates played an important role in June 1996 at the Founding
Convention of the Labor Party in Cleveland, Ohio.
Now comes the second important step in the life of the Labor Party. In November of this
year, the Party's first Constitutional Convention will be held in Pittsburgh. At the
beginning of April BMWE President Mac A. Fleming sent a letter to each U.S. Subordinate
Lodge Secretary-Treasurer along with a copy of the Call to the Convention.
Because the BMWE has endorsed and affiliated with the Labor Party, each BMWE
subordinate lodge and system division and federation is considered an endorsing union.
However, each lodge or system that affiliates individually with the Labor Party is
entitled to greater representation than endorsing groups at the convention.
"The Labor Party is at this time a non-electoral organization and does not replace
the BMWE's ongoing political activity and support of candidates of our choice," said
President Fleming. "However, helping to build the Labor Party is part of our
commitment to advance the interests of the members of the BMWE." President Fleming
went on to express the hope that each subordinate lodge and system division and federation
will consider affiliation with the Labor Party and that the BMWE will have a substantial
delegation at the Labor Party Convention.
@ BOX = Labor Party Affiliation
Who is eligible to affiliate?
Organizational membership in the Labor Party is open to international unions, locals,
districts, lodges or any other designation rendered by an International Union; state
federation and central labor bodies; and other organizations deemed worker supportive by
the Labor Party's National Council.
What does it mean to affiliate with the Labor Party?
Affiliates shall, by official act, accept and abide by the Constitution and principles
of the Labor Party and shall pay an annual affiliation fee. Affiliations help build a
strong base for the Labor Party and provide financing necessary to carry on our day-to-day
operations. Affiliation is also the first step in gaining representation on the National
Council, the governing body of the Labor Party.
What is the cost of affiliation?
Locals/Lodges/Districts/Councils
100 members & under: $ 50 per year Central labor bodies: $500 per
year
101-500 members: $100 per year State labor federations: $ 1,000 per
year
501-2500 members: $250 per year International unions: $10,000 per year
1501-5000 members: $500 per year
5001 or more members: $1,000 per year
Are Other Unions Supporting the Labor Party?
Over one million workers are represented by the nine international unions -- including
the Oil, Chemical & Atomic Workers, the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers
of America, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, the American Federation of
Government Employees and the United Mine Workers -- and thousands of local unions that
have endorsed the Labor Party.
Can My Union Contribute Treasury and Political Action Funds?
Yes. The Labor Party is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization and can receive funds from
any source -- including treasury money, PAC, education or special funds. Because the Labor
Party is non-electoral, Taft-Hartley restrictions do not apply.
Labor Party Affiliation Form
This is to certify that _________________________ has, by
official act, affiliated with
union local/lodge/district/council/federation or organization
the Labor Party.
Name of union:
___________________________________ Affiliation fee
enclosed:
$50 $500
Contact person:
___________________________________ $100 $1000
$250 $10,000
Address:
___________________________________
Please make checks payable
City/State/Zip:
___________________________________ to Labor Party. Contributions
are not tax deductible
Telephone/fax numbers: ______________________________
LABOR PARTY * PO Box 53177 *
Washington, DC 20009 |