Stop Paycheck Deception
Joint Council 42 Mobilizing California Teamsters
Approximately 1,400 California Teamsters and 20 politicians turned out for a rally and seminar on April 14 in El Monte. The purpose of the event, organized by Joint Council 42 in Covina, Calif., was to fight against “Paycheck Deception” legislation.
The California ballot measure on paycheck deception will appear on the statewide ballot in November. The “Stop Special Interest Money Now Act,” a title designed to fool voters, does virtually nothing to limit donations from business interests and corporate political action committees while it cripples the ability of labor unions to raise money from members for political action. At press time, the state had not yet issued a proposition number for this anti-union initiative.
Joint Council 42 has led the way in fighting against paycheck deception. They have been laying the groundwork in this fight for some time, which is how they got so many participants in this rally and seminar. At the event, each Teamster got an information packet including 20 voter registration cards. They also learned what the paycheck deception legislation would mean for their fellow union members.
“The goal is to get 20,000 new voter registrations before the November election,” said Randy Cammack, President of Joint Council 42 and an International Vice President. “Soon, this core group of 1,400 members will be operating as grassroots advocates to get a ‘no’ vote on the proposition.”
“This paycheck deception is the number-one target to silence the voices of hard-working families, and it’s a crime,” Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Cerritos, told the crowd, adding that the proposed law would make it more difficult for workers to have a voice in issues important to them, such as wages and benefits. “This legislation would effectively keep you guys from participating in the political cycles.”
El Monte Mayor Andre Quintero also expressed strong opposition to the ballot measure.
“What’s disgusting about this initiative is they go around and tell you it’s to protect your paycheck,” he said.
