Union Members in Shakopee Campaign for Democratic Candidates, Highlight Importance of Union Values in Voting Choices

Union Members in Shakopee Rally for Democratic Candidates

SHAKOPEE — On a recent Saturday, more than 70 members from SEIU Local 284 took to the streets to encourage union households to vote for Democratic candidates. Among them was Cathy Garrett, a dedicated paraprofessional who has spent 16 years in the education field. She actively supports her union and routinely engages in door-knocking and phone-banking during elections to back Democratic initiatives.

A Challenge Within a Partnership

Garrett found one of her most challenging moments that day as she tried to persuade her door-knocking partner, Mike Selle, to consider voting for the candidates endorsed by their union. Selle, 44, is a newer member of the SEIU and has had a somewhat ambivalent outlook on politics. In the last presidential election, he wrote down his thoughts on the ballot indicating he wasn’t in favor of having a president at all.

“I don’t like Harris. I don’t like Trump,” remarked Selle, a father of two. He expressed his concerns about the candidates in the race, saying that Harris supports wars and labeled Trump as “a glorified rich kid with an ego,” which he believes is detrimental for the country.

Understanding Union Values

Despite his mixed feelings about the political scene, Selle’s commitment to union values remains strong. He volunteered his Saturday morning in solidarity with the union’s call to support candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris and local representatives such as Angie Craig and Brad Tabke because he appreciates the work they do for wages and benefits for school employees.

Since joining the union a year ago after transitioning to a job as a safety coach, Selle is still getting accustomed to the union culture and its operations. He echoed feelings of curiosity and uncertainty about how politics function. “I’ve never been political. I’m finding out how this all works,” he shared, leaving his voting plans open for discussion.

Union Influence in Politics

The presence of active unions like SEIU and the Teamsters plays a vital role in Minnesota’s political landscape. They have been rallying their members to support Democratic candidates to maintain control over state government and the White House. Union leaders aim to preserve gains made over the past two years, including advancements in wages, benefits, and labor-friendly policies.

However, even with their advocacy efforts, unions are facing the challenge of dwindling membership. Some members of the workforce, particularly those who are white and male, have shown a tendency to gravitate towards Trump’s ideology. The situation is reaffirmed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which notably chose not to endorse Harris despite her support for union causes.

Team Solidarity and Voter Engagement

The Teamsters recently engaged in direct actions to counteract their leadership’s earlier decisions, pushing back against the non-endorsement of Harris. They are actively campaigning to inform their members about Harris’s vital initiatives that aim to improve workers’ rights and benefits, which could impact their vote in the upcoming elections.

At the forefront of this community engagement is the Minnesota AFL-CIO, which has mobilized various workers, including teachers and construction workers, to canvass neighborhoods and connect with voters directly.

Encouraging Feedback

During her canvassing efforts, Garrett had some positive interactions, including a conversation with an AFSCME preschool teacher who expressed enthusiasm for voting for the Democratic ticket. “That’s uplifting, isn’t it? Doesn’t make you feel good,” Garrett exclaimed, signaling optimism for the upcoming elections.

While Selle may seem uncertain for now, Garrett is committed to continuing her outreach. With their paths crossing daily at work, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of union-backed candidates among her colleagues.

As the elections draw nearer, both Garrett and her fellow union members remain dedicated to combating apathy and persuading their peers to exercise their right to vote in favor of candidates who support their labor rights and interests.