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The International Union of Operating
Engineers' Legislative and Political Department is responsible for
representing the IUOE on key issues of interest to IUOE members before
Congress and various federal agencies. We spend the vast amount of our time in
lobbying on those critical bread-and-butter issues which support the
living standards of IUOE members and their families. Primary emphasis is
working on important "jobs" legislation which helps provide employment
opportunities and protects the living standards of our members. For
example, federal investment in public works programs such as highways,
transit systems, sewage projects, aviation, and other construction
legislation are at the heart of the IUOE political and legislative effort.
Protecting the hard-earned pensions of IUOE members, fighting for more
affordable health care and prescription drug coverage, supporting
occupational safety and health - these are key issues which attract IUOE
attention.
Whether alone, or often in conjunction with other
building trade unions, contractor associations and similar-minded business
organizations, the IUOE focus in Washington is on the economic well-being
of IUOE members and their families. Our
IUOE legislative effort reflects that guiding principle.
While IUOE Local Unions around the country are primarily
responsible for member participation and grassroots involvement in the
political process, it is that local union energy and activity which gives
our Washington, D.C. based advocacy efforts political credibility with
Senators and Representatives in Congress. When elected officials know that
our IUOE advocacy in Washington represents the key economic interests of
IUOE members back home, their voting constituents, then the IUOE has put
together an effective political and legislative operation in the best
interest of our members. Through the IUOE'S Engineers Political Education
Committee (EPEC), we raise voluntary contributions from Operating
Engineers and their families to help support those candidates for the
House of Representatives and Senate who will support us in our key job
creation and economic issues agenda. |
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