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.

Log-in to MemberLink to Join & Contribute to COPE Online

COPE Meetings

East Bay (Alameda & Contra Costa Counties): 3rd Friday of the month, 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom (Register here). Questions: victor.costa@seiu521.org or (408) 678-3327

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

Peninsula (San Mateo County): 1st Wednesday of the month, 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom (Register here). Questions: victor.costa@seiu521.org or (408) 678-3327

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

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

South Bay (Santa Clara County): 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:00 pm
Location: Zoom (Register here). Questions: victor.costa@seiu521.org or (408) 678-3327

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:

"If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated I respectfully request that my steward be present at the meeting. Without representation present, I choose not to respond to any questions or statements."