Local 70's June Steward Council meeting was more a rally kicking off Joint Council 7 and 38's Political Action Program for 2008. Officers, members, stewards and political coordinators from a number of Locals joined 70 members to talk about voter registration, DRIVE participation, grass roots action, precinct walking, phone banking and election-day Get Out the Vote (GOTV) activities for next year.

George Miller, Congressman from Contra Costa and Chair of the Education and Labor Committee was the main attraction. He urged Teamsters to get active and build an even greater union-friendly majority in Congress. “Minimum wage, mine safety, and worker anti-discrimination legislation have all moved forward in Congress;” said Miller “but there is much more to do.” He cited the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Miller is the author of what has been called the most important labor legislation since the National Labor Act established in 1985. EFCA would amend the Labor Act by providing for “card check” recognition for union representation rather than the current lengthy legislative employer-slanted NLRB election. It would also mandate first contract arbitration if the parties reach impasse. “EFCA,” Miller said; “would balance the power relationship between business and workers. It would increase union identity and strengthen the American middle class in the process.” Miller received three standing ovations and was lauded by Secretary-Treasurer Chuck Mack for his courage in standing up to big business and big money, and for never wavering in his support of workers.

Sharon Cornu from the Alameda Central Labor Council, Bob Blanchet Joint Council 7 Political Coordinator, and Marsi Newman of the California Teamsters Public Affairs Council followed Miller. Cornu asked Teamsters to engage in the current health care debates. Costs are escalating, service is deteriorating and more and more people are without coverage. Cornu argued; “we can change this if we organize.” Blanchet urged greater member participation in DRIVE so we can support officials who speak out for labor, workers and their families. He said; “we need to increase the numbers if we're to be successful.” Newman talked about the year ahead and how we will coordinate the Political Action Program.