Southwest Pipe Trades Association (SWPTA) Political Director Ron Lord joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the importance of face-to-face political campaigning and how it helps get out the vote.
The SWPTA is comprised of 13 Local Unions from the United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry throughout Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
Lord explained that union leaders have realized phone banks and direct mail make less of an impact than in-person interaction. Door-to-door campaigning has a demonstrable positive effect compared to other forms of campaigning. That being said, the SWPTA, like other building trades unions and organizations, face the problem that members are busy working due to the construction boom. As a result, many pipe trades members do not have the time to campaign. He then explained how the association has reached out to other unions to help them campaign.
Lord also talked about the importance of courting both political parties to support union issues. He believes it is more important for a politician to support Prevailing Wage and other issues important to the labor movement than worry about their party affiliation.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.