Building Political Power for Working Families
What is the union difference?
According to a new study released by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the typical worker — whether a union member or not — would be making thousands of dollars more a year now if unions had the power they once had. In other words, when working people negotiate collectively, everyone benefits. Read more in this news article by Salon.
“Unions have functioned to raise the wages of all workers, union and nonunion,” said Lawrence Mishel, EPI President. “The erosion of collective bargaining has clearly taken a huge toll on nonunion wages in the United States, and is a major factor in the wage stagnation of the last four decades.”
Strengthen the American Dream: Contribute today to our union’s Committee on Political Education (COPE)! It’s the only way working people have of standing up to corporate power and money in politics.
Join and contribute to COPE online now: Create or log-in to your MemberLink account to contribute to COPE (the information will be prefilled). Or talk to a steward or worksite organizer to contribute up to $20 a month (that’s only 67 cents a day) to help protect our retirement security and jobs.
Special Events
Fresno
We are proud to introduce and welcome all our SEIU members from Madera and Fresno County to attend our special program called “The Fresno COPE 2023 Speaker Series.” We have identified three important elected leaders who should hear from working families and how they will address issues that are important to you.
Fresno COPE Speaker #1: Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria. Register in advance with this link to join us for the virtual meetings!
Last year, many of our SEIU 521 union family members called and knocked on the doors of our neighbors so they can vote for our union-endorsed candidate Esmeralda Soria. Because we united behind her, she won her election and now she is our voice and lawmaker for the Fresno region.
If you live in Fresno or Madera County, you’re highly encouraged to join this meeting with Asm. Esmeralda’s as she represents all of Fresno and Madera Counties. We look forward to hearing from her and what she is working on at the Capitol, but RSVP today.
SPEAKER #1: Assemblymember for District 27 Esmerelda Soria
WHEN: Thurs., Feb. 23, 2023 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Online meeting via zoom. Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Fresno COPE Speaker #2: Fresno County Board of Supervisor Sal Quintero –
Register in advance with this link for this virtual meeting.
Next, we have Fresno County Board of Supervisor Sal Quintero to speak at our next meeting on Tuesday, March 14th. Supervisor Quintero has been a reliable ally on the Fresno County Board of Supervisors for Fresno County employees, and we look forward to speaking with him about his vision, goals, and what his plans are for 2024 elections.
If you live in the South-East area of Fresno city, you’re highly encouraged to join Supervisor Quintero’s meeting. We encourage all Fresno County workers to join Supervisor Sal Quintero and City Councilman Luis Chavez meeting (in April, see below) as we prepare for the 2024 Fresno County Board of Supervisor election race for District 3.
SPEAKER #2: Fresno County Board of Supervisor Sal Quintero
WHEN: Tuesday, Mar.14, 2023 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Online meeting via zoom. Register in advance for this meeting here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Fresno COPE Speaker #3: Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez – Register in advance with this link today.
Finally, we have Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez speaking at the final meeting for our Fresno COPE 2023 Speaker Series. Councilman Chavez has proven to be a labor ally and advocate for working families in Fresno. As he looks to his future in politics, we would like to hear what his next steps are.
If you live in the South-East area in the city of Fresno, you’re highly encouraged to join city councilman Chavez’ meeting. We encourage all Fresno County members to join City Councilman Luis Chavez’s meeting as we prepare for the 2024 Fresno County Board of Supervisor election race for District 3.
SPEAKER #3: Fresno City Councilman Luis Chavez
WHEN: Tuesday, Apr 11, 2023 at 6:00 PM
WHERE: Online via Zoom. Register in advance for this meeting:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
COPE Meetings
Bakersfield: 1st Monday of the month 5:30 p.m. SEIU 521, 1001 17th St., Bakersfield RSVP: Rob.England@seiu521.org or (661) 364-7101
Fresno: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:00 p.m.. SEIU 521, 5228 E. Pine Ave., Fresno RSVP: Fresno.RSVP@seiu521.org or (559) 447-2579
Salinas: 4th Wednesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. SEIU 521, 334 Monterey St., Salinas RSVP: Salinas.RSVP@seiu521.org or (831) 784-2560
San Mateo County: 2nd Thursday of the month, 12-1 p.m. Location: 455 County Center, 2nd floor, Room 201, Redwood City RSVP: SanJose.RSVP@seiu521.org or (408) 678-3300
South Bay (San Benito and Santa Clara County): 1st Tuesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. SEIU 521, 2302 Zanker Rd., San Jose and via online video conference RSVP: SanJose.RSVP@seiu521.org or (408) 678-3300
Santa Cruz: 3rd Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m. SEIU 521, 517B Mission St., Santa Cruz RSVP: santacruz.rsvp@seiu521.org or (831) 824-9255
Visalia: 2nd Thursday of the month 5:30 p.m. 1811 Sunnyside Ave., Visalia, CA 93277 RSVP: Rob.England@seiu521.org or (661) 364-7101
Questions & Answers
What Does COPE Stand for? COPE is an acronym for the Committee on Political Education. It is our union’s voluntary bi-partisan Political Action Committee used for political and legislative activities. We hold politicians accountable at every level of government, and help our union build the political power to win strong contracts, better benefits and pass laws to protect our jobs.
How do WE Build Power? Our hard-earned pensions are under fire. Layoffs and furloughs seem to be getting worse. We’re not big business or a corporation. So how can we get our elected leaders to understand our issues and help protect the jobs and services of hardworking people like us? Through our Committee on Political Education (COPE) program.
How does COPE work for us? COPE allows us to dedicate resources behind worker-friendly candidates and help get them elected to school boards and Congress. COPE money is used not only for contributions to candidates, but also voter registration efforts, lobbying, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Funds are also used to introduce and pass legislation that protects SEIU members and our families.
Why is SEIU Involved in Politics? Public Employee collective bargaining rights, job security, working conditions, and benefits are decided by elected officials. To do an effective job in collective bargaining, SEIU Local 521 must be involved in electing candidates to school boards, city councils, county boards of supervisors, governor, Legislature, president, and Congress, who value, who believe in, and who will stand up for public employees’ issues at the decision-making table.
How is the Money Used? All COPE money goes into SEIU’s Political Account for use in local, state, and federal activities only. It does not become part of the general treasury. A portion goes to the SEIU federal PAC at the International office for use in Congressional or U.S. Senate races. COPE money is used not only for contributions to candidates, but also for voter registration efforts, lobbying, and get-out-the-vote efforts. Funds are also used to introduce and pass legislation that protects SEIU members and their families.
Who Does SEIU Support? SEIU Local 521 supports pro-SEIU, pro-worker candidates in local, state and federal election campaigns. SEIU Local 521 is bi-partisan and supports both Republicans and Democrats who support our issues.
How can we contribute to COPE? Contribute to COPE online now: Create or log-in to your MemberLink account to contribute to COPE (the information will be prefilled) or use this online contribution form. Or talk to a steward or worksite organizer to contribute up to $20 a month (that’s only 67 cents a day) to help protect our retirement security and jobs.
For Our Members ›
As a union member, this statement could save your job:
Member Benefits Being a union member has its benefits.
Need Assistance? Contact SEIU 521 Member Resource Center (MRC) for assistance.
Resources Find out the resources we have for our union members.