(LOCKPORT, NEW YORK) - We all know what Unions do that benefits their Memberships, both Active and Retired - from bargaining fair contracts that offer living wages and health benefits, as well as retirement packages, to filing grievances that solve on-the-job disagreements with management to making sure the workplace is safe so Workers are protected and that they come home healthy - each and every night.

But there are some actions Unions take that extend far beyond their own Memberships.

Case in point, Representatives from United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 686 in Lockport will be heading to Albany next week to lobby an array of New York Elected Lawmakers on both the Assembly and Senate side of State Government.

Those UAW Representatives, who are part of the UAW’s Community Action Program (CAP) here in Western New York and New York State, will be pushing two potential Bills:

One is a Buy New York State Bill, which would ensure all products and services purchased with New York State tax dollars follow the following protocol: 1) Buy Union Made materials and products made in New York State; 2) If no Union Made material or products can be found in New York State, buy New York State-made materials or products; 3) If no New York State-made materials or products are available, then buy USA Union-Made materials and/or products; and 4) If no Union Made materials and products are available, buy USA Made only.

The other is a called-for freeze on Retiree real estate taxes - beginning at age 65.  

It would go as follows: Freeze the tax payments on the primary home for people age 65, regardless of any increase in the home’s assessment or tax rates. 

Upon approval, the real estate taxes would be frozen until the homeowner moves out.

While one can understand a Union pushing for a Buy New York State Bill, a lobbying push to freeze a Retiree’s real estate taxes (again, at age 65) is not an initiative that anyone - more than likely, would immediately envision a Union pursuing.

So, the obvious question is, why?

“‘Because it gives a voice to people who don’t have a voice,’” Local 686 President Michael DeLucas, who will travel to Albany next week with Local 686 Financial Secretary Dan Mullane, tells WNYLaborToday.com.  “‘It falls (in line with Labor’s commitment with) social justice.’”

“It ‘would effect our Members, but it would also effect (those age 65 who live in) our communities,’” Mullane tells Your On-Line Labor Newspaper.  “There are people out there who have ‘no’ pension, ‘so this Bill would be a big deal.’  ‘Now, there are some people who get chased out of their homes - they can’t afford (to pay) the taxes - so then, the (overall) burden falls on other taxpayers.’  ‘We’ll keep pressing and pressing every year, but I can see it in the future.’  ‘It might take a couple of years, but we’ll get it done.’”

Local 686 represents 4,700 Active and Retired Members at the General Motors Components Plant in the Niagara County City of Lockport, many of whom assemble thermal products used in vehicles’ radiators, air conditioning and heating and cooling systems.

Local 686 is also part of UAW Region 9, whose Locals combine to represent 20,000 Workers.

DeLucas serves as Chairperson of the Upstate New York UAW CAP Council, while Mullane serves as Vice Chair of the Western New York UAW Cap Council.

For the past 22 years, UAW CAP Representatives have made a lobbying trip to Albany.

Several years back, the CAP effort bore fruit as UAW Reps were able to get enough support to move the New York State Unemployment Insurance waiting period from seven weeks down to two weeks. 

Using that as an example of what can be accomplished, both DeLucas and Mullane both voice optimism that more can be brought to fruition from their hard work that not only benefits their UAW Members, but New York State Taxpayers - across the board.

“While we will have nine different (individual) issues in our packet of our information for State Elected Officials, ‘these are the two we are focusing on this year,’” Mullane said. “We’ll be trying to get sponsors who will then get co-sponsors (on the proposed Bills).  ‘That’s the way you get some traction going.’”

“‘These are the kind of issues we keep pressing on every year,’” DeLucas added. “‘This is something attainable because (the UAW) has boots on the ground and we are going to keep our foot on the gas.’  ‘We can see it happening in the future, getting people to support it - and getting it done.’  ‘It’s a three-to-four-year plan and should take a couple of years.’”

Donations from UAW Members are voluntarily made to fund the CAP Program, which is a result of Union Reps convincing them that Labor needs to cultivate positive relationships with their Elected Officials who not only seek their Union’s endorsement when it comes time to run for public office, but who are also on the same page when it comes to supporting a Workers’ agenda.

Through an educational process, two-thirds - 1,000 out of 1,400 - of Local 686 Membership are contributing to the CAP effort ($10 a month), which is impressive.

“‘We let our Members know what we need in the political arena.’  ‘We feel our numbers are a force to be reckoned with and that we have to take a look at voting for those who are Labor-friendly,’” DeLucas said.  “‘Because with the stroke of a pen, collective bargaining - for example, could be taken away.’  ‘For that matter, all Working People enjoy as a Union Movement could be taken away.’”