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POLITICAL UPDATE

As we at the Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters know, election day
is not the only way our union is involved in politics. Yes, our members take to the streets to get
the vote out and support candidates that share the pro-labor values. However, we also work 365
days a year to hold these candidates accountable and create policies our working families need.

FIGHTING RIGHT-TO-WORK

The fight against right-to-work laws and legislation is an ongoing would be a real victory for our hard-working members in one of
battle that we are determined to win. In West Virginia, the court the least labor-friendly states in the country. Our members will
battle continues over the 2016 law that was passed by anti-labor be knocking on doors, phone banking, and voting for candidates
politicians. The KMLRCC is focused on this court case and that can support the already introduced repeal of the misguided
supports its process through the court system. The Virginia right-to-work practice of Virginia. These possible victories in West
Commonwealth has been a right-to-work state ever since the Taft- Virginia and Virginia will help our union as we continue to push
Hartley Act emboldened states to attack workers rights in 1947. back against politicians that are looking to expand right-to-work
For the first time in decades, there is a genuine opportunity to legislation in our regions other states.
elect a pro-labor majority legislature in Virginia. If achieved this

GAINING MARKET SHARE IN ENERGY

Fighting for workers' rights is an essential step to bettering the
lives of our members. Making sure new work opportunities are
available through policy initiatives is another. Legislation has
been drafted and/or introduced in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
that will help protect and create new jobs in the energy industry.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are home to several nuclear power
plants that employ many of our members. Our Council provides
this industry with highly skilled workers that have safety training
certifications and have passed rigorous security clearances.
Ensuring the continued investment from states to protect these
jobs as well as the reliable energy they provide to our communities Progress in renewable energy initiatives will bring additional work
is an important issue that we are proud to work on with elected to our members. It is our goal to continue educating and assisting
leaders including New Jersey Democratic State Senator Troy federal and state elected officials as we work towards creating
Singleton, Pennsylvania Republican State Senator Ryan Aument, legislation that will spur research and development of the solar
and Democratic Representative Tom Mehaffie. Bipartisan support, and wind energy industries. There is also great news from our
along with political pressure from our members, will help pass shore bordering states with investment taking place and approvals
these bills and protect good-paying jobs. being reported for renewable industry construction. In the State of
New Jersey, the Board of Public Utilities has given Danish power
company Orsted approval to build wind turbines off the coast of
Progress in renewable energy Atlantic City.
initiatives will bring additional work Though our political team battles every day to protect workers’

to our members. rights, and bring real, good-paying job opportunities to our
members, we are stronger when members understand what's at
stake and make their voices heard!

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