A historic election gives CWA a new president

Administrative director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the CWA Convention in St. Louis. Mathews also discussed the Ohio special election in August and the news that President Joe Biden will extend access to high-speed internet for all Americans.

At the CWA Convention in St. Louis, the 1,000 union delegates in attendance are working together to decide the future of the CWA. Elections were first on the list, as Claude Cummings Jr. was elected President, the first African-American male to lead the organization. Along with elections, the delegates were working to decide their main union initiatives. Mathews discussed a few issues the CWA and District 4 would focus on following the Convention. 

Starting today, July 11, early voting has begun for the special election in August. Together with 250 other organizations, Mathews is developing a plan to better educate Ohio citizens on State Issue 1. Mathews recommends voting early and not waiting until the final day to cast your vote. The impact the bill could have on Ohio’s democratic process could be devastating for citizens, he said.

Following many pandemic-related issues with internet access, President Biden has announced funding to every state that will go to extending high-speed internet access to everyone. After fighting for a policy like this for a decade, the CWA is excited about the bill and will be doing everything it can to ensure CWA members will be the ones doing the work required. Each state will receive at least $100 million to complete the work necessary to grant access to everyone. In the bill, President Biden announced that the work will go to high-road employers, which should mean a large union presence, Mathews said.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more.