Member Sets the Record Straight

Dot Latin, a member of Local 3101 (PA State Employees' Retirement System) wrote an excellent letter to the Harrisburg Patriot News, explaining that AFSCME does not use dues to finance political campaigns.

Voluntary deduction

A recent letter stated that union dues are used for political campaigns. This is not true. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees is prohibited by law to use members' union dues for anything related to politics.

AFSCME does have a voluntary deduction program called P.A.L. (Political Action League.) The amount deducted can be as little as $1 per pay or more.

With the political climate as it is, all union-covered employees should be concerned about elections and proposed legislation. Did you know there are persons, who if elected, will try hard to eliminate unions all together?

If people don't know what their union does and/or has done for them, they can get involved with their local. An employer does not negotiate the contract, their union does.

We need active, motivated members. Some people are even against raising the minimum wage. That hurts! How can any family live without that increase?

There are so many critical issues in the political arena, locally and worldwide. Those who aren't registered to vote for the fall election should think about doing so. Their vote could be the one to help us retain our rights and the rights of others.

-- DOT LATIN, Harrisburg