Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, the implications of broadband infrastructure decisions and the influence of major financial players like Elon Musk in these arenas.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is drawing national attention due to its potential impact on labor rights and public sector unions. Matthews discussed the financial influence of Elon Musk-backed groups supporting conservative candidate Brad Schimmel. Schimmel's track record includes efforts to overturn the Affordable Care Act and support voter suppression tactics, Mathews said. In contrast, labor-endorsed candidate Judge Susan Crawford is seen as a fair and impartial choice, advocating for a balanced judicial approach, he said. The outcome of this election could reverse a recent ruling that deemed Scott Walker's Act 10 unconstitutional, a law that severely restricted public sector unions in Wisconsin.
Mathews then addressed Broadband infrastructure, emphasizing the Biden administration's $42 billion investment aimed at expanding access across the U.S. Mathews expressed concern over the push to prioritize satellite services like Elon Musk's Starlink over more reliable fiber-optic solutions. Satellite broadband, while useful in remote areas, is less effective due to slower speeds and higher latency compared to fiber. He urged state leaders to maintain a "fiber first" approach to ensure long-term, high-quality internet access, warning against the short-term financial gains that could compromise future connectivity.
Mathews explained the broader implications of allowing a few powerful individuals to control essential services like broadband. He stressed the importance of a diverse and reliable infrastructure to prevent monopolistic control over data and internet access. The CWA is actively campaigning to educate state leaders and the public on the benefits of fiber-optic networks, encouraging them to resist the influence of satellite companies that prioritize profit over service quality.
To hear more about these pressing issues, listen to the full episode of the America's Workforce Union Podcast.