Join The Labor Party Today

Delegates to the 1994 Grand Lodge Convention caused the BMWE to become the third international union to endorse Labor Party Advocates, the moving force for the creation of a Labor Party. Over 65 delegates from the BMWE were in attendance at the founding convention of the Labor Party in Cleveland in June 1996.

"The debate over the future of this country must include--actually must be focused on--the working men and women who built the United States and keep it running today," said BMWE President Mac A. Fleming. "The Labor Party will help put working men and women back in the driver's seat."

The Labor Party is not an alternative to MWPL, COPE, or AFL-CIO state or local bodies. These groups are crucial and their electoral support activities are vitally important in the political process. The Labor Party is an independent political party--by and for working people.

Although most members know that the international has endorsed the Labor Party, and most also know how to sign up as an individual member, many are not aware that subordinate lodges and system divisions and federations can also endorse the Labor Party.

LeRoy Paulson, Assistant State Legislative Director and Secretary-Treasurer of Subordinate Lodge 2852 in Custer, South Dakota, said he first heard about the Labor Party from his Lodge President, Neil Dodson. Lodge 2852 voted unanimously to endorse the Labor Party because, "we're tired of government by and for the money instead of by and for the people," he said. Paulson added, "the concentration of wealth is reaching critical levels that are becoming dangerous to the stability of the federal economy. If it continues, I'm worried class warfare could escalate to violence. It is important that working class people unite in great numbers to battle the money that is now running our government. This is why the Labor Party was created and needs the support of all working people."

Frank Cienski, President of Lodge 3068 and also an Assistant State Legislative Director from New Hyde Park, New York, said his lodge invited speakers from the Labor Party to a meeting. The members took a vote that same night to endorse the Labor Party. Cienski says, "we want to be treated fairly. If the Democrats are representing us, why have they held us hostage (in Amtrak negotiations) for two and a half years? If everyone read the Labor Party's platform, I don't see how they couldn't support it. The platform shows the Party was developed by working people for working people."

Don England, Secretary-Treasurer of Lodge 986 in Dickson, Tennessee and also State Legislative Director, said he and the members he knows were "sickened by PEB 219 and the imposition of its recommendations on us by Congress." England joined the Labor Party right after the convention and Lodge 986 endorsed early this year. "We need, we must have, the voice of the people up there (in Congress) instead of the voice of the corporations," said Rick Allen, Lodge 986 President.

Vinnie Bennett, President of Lodge 3014 in Levittown, Pennsylvania says his lodge "is proud of their political activism and their high contributions to the Maintenance of Way Political League." Because of this and because "the idea of a third party itself was appealing," Bennett invited Labor Party speakers to a lodge meeting. A number of members joined the Labor Party and the lodge voted to endorse that night. Gene Anirina, Lodge 3014 Secretary-Treasurer, says he wanted to know "what's going to keep them (the Labor Party) from being any different?" The answer he heard--it's from the grassroots--helped convince him. He also likes the fact "they're doing this the right way, by building momentum. Not like Perot's party that started out like a firecracker and quickly fizzled out."

Tom Hudson, Secretary-Treasurer of Subordinate Lodge 3039 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, simply said his lodge endorsed the Labor Party because, "When we (lodge 3039 members) see something good, we get aligned with it."

What does it mean to affiliate with the Labor Party?

It means that you resolve to strengthen the Party and give your lodge (or system) more democratic input into the direction and development of the Party. It means you will accept and abide by the Constitution and principles of the Party and pay an annual affiliation fee to help build a strong base for the Labor Party.

What is the cost of affiliation for subordinate lodges or system divisions or federations?

100 members and under $ 50 per year

101-500 members $ 100 per year

501 - 2500 members $ 250 per year

2501 - 5000 members $ 500 per year

5001 or more $ 1,000 per year

The Labor Party is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization and can receive funds from any source--including treasury money, PAC, education or special funds. Because the Labor Party in non-electoral at this stage, Taft-Hartley restrictions do not apply. Contributions are not tax deductible.

For more information, ask for speakers, and/or to send an endorsement, contact the Labor Party at P.O. Box 53177, Washington, D.C. 20009, phone 202-234-5190, fax 202-234-5266.