Nothing Religious, Political or Sectarian

I will not hesitate to bear witness to Mike Simmon's support for public transportation and the workers who operate and maintain it. 

However, any kind of political endorsement for him—or anyone else—in the name of our union is not appropriate under any circumstances.

The ATU Local 308 Bylaws and ATU Constitution are our guide in such matters. 

1. Any agreement or act by our union must be representative of the membership's democratic will. See Section 30(b). One may argue that an endorsement of a politician is not contractual. However, the very essence of the English word "endorse" is to give approval for support or detailing an exemption for a policy—such as insurance. It has roots in the Latin word "indorsare" or "in" (on) "dorsum" (back). When we as a body put our name on a politician, we are putting our very existence on their name. We effectively give our collective power—to get what we want—to one person. That is not a union. That is a political action committee. 
   
   
2.  The Preamble of the Bylaws and Constitution declares us as an organization where "all the working members…can participate in the discussion of problems…" To my knowledge, no endorsement for Mike Simmons was proposed or motioned for at any Executive Board or Mass Membership Meeting. Should our president choose to endorse him, that is her right—as long as she indicates so on her own publications or website. Was any money given to him? Releasing such a statement on our behalf—without our approval as members—is wrong. 
   
   
3. Politicians and religion are expressly forbidden topics of discussion in our meetings (see Section 26(f)). So there is no facility—nor can one exist—in our Bylaws for such an endorsement. There may be an exception of sorts for the ATU COPE. However, that is a voluntary effort which still should involve the membership's democratic will.

Business Unionism teaches that we must elect a boss to take power. Revolutionary Unionism—as codified by the Industrial Workers of the World—teaches that we must democratically control our workplaces, unions, schools and neighborhoods in order to take power. 

When we stop making excuses not to organize for mass action and put ordinary people in the driver's seat, we will get closer to making a better world.  

Voting for politicians is a duty. However, it is not a means to an end. People-power is how we will make real change. What better place to start except in our own unions?