WSLC’s virtual COPE Convention is May 16

Affiliated unions should register now for online political endorsement convention

As the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO navigates the uncertainty and tumult caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the council is committed to continuing to serve the needs of its affiliated unions, including moving forward with its COPE Endorsing Convention on Saturday, May 16, starting at 10 a.m. Traditionally held at the Machinists District 751 Hall in Seattle, this year’s convention will take place online.

It is at this Committee On Political Education convention that hundreds of delegates representing unions from across the state gather to vote on WSLC endorsements for congressional, statewide, state legislative and judicial candidates, plus state ballot measures. By WSLC Constitution, the council’s endorsements require a two-thirds majority vote. (See Page 19 for COPE Bylaws.)

“We know how important it is to elect leaders that support the labor movement and fight for working people,” said WSLC President Larry Brown. “This will be even more important in the coming months as elected leaders develop policies to mitigate the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.”

The WSLC COPE Endorsing Convention will take place on Saturday, May 16. Registered COPE Convention delegates will receive instructions on how to join the virtual convention by May 8.

“Democracy and the voice of working people have never been under a greater threat,” said Cherika Carter, WSLC Political and Strategic Campaigns Director. “That is why your presence and participation is essential at the 2020 COPE Endorsing Convention. Who we endorse, and effectively who we support in our 2020 Labor Neighbor Grassroots Political Program, is critical to making sure that the economy — on the other side of the COVID-19 crisis — works for all people regardless of color or background.”

To participate as a delegate, please reach out to your Local Union for information on your organization’s process for COPE delegate selection. WSLC-affiliated union leadership should register your delegates by May 6. Email Willa Kamakahi for information about Local Union delegate credentials.

Also, the WSLC is receiving completed candidate questionnaires, which are available on a password-protected page at the council’s website. To gain access, please send an email to Cherika with your name and affiliated union organization.