MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
RESEARCH
POLITICAL ACTION
The California Legislature, where decisions are made daily which affect
the working lives of local government employees, knows and understands
the needs of independents because CIPELC provides participating associations
with two lobbyists at the Capitol.
CIPELC not only sponsors legislation on behalf of participating associations
but tracks hundreds of bills which affect local government and public
employment.
Independent public employees associations are assured of access to
lawmakers because as decisions are made CIPELC is at the Capitol,
offering the independent perspective on important issues facing
the Legislature.
The CIPELC Legislative Committee reviews the hundreds of bills affecting
public employees to determine priorities and the CIPELC position on
legislative proposals. Under the direction of the Legislative Committee
Chairperson, CIPELC legislative advocates meet with lawmakers, testify
at legislative committee hearings, and actively negotiate with lobbyists
representing opposing interests to assure CIPELC members that their
interests will be protected.
The voice of the independent public employee association will continue
to be heard in the State Capitol only through the active involvement
of all independent associations in California. The spirit of cooperation
and unity among independents remains the foundation of the California
Independent Public Employees Legislative Council, and advocacy ensures
the continued clout of all independents represented at the Capitol.
The commitment on the part of CIPELC participating associations to the
independent movement in California is firmly embodied in their continued
willingness to mutually assist each other. Whether the need for help
arises as a result of a raid launched by an international union or the
CIPELC member wants assistance with steward (site representative)
training, bargaining, or grievance resolution, CIPELC participating
associations remain ready to provide any level of mutual aid to assure
independent associations of a strong future.
Aiding a critical aspect of public employee representatiion, research and statistical information is readily available through the CIPELC "network" of independent associations.
In addition to financial information obtained directly from the legislative committee charged with reviewing and implementing the State Budget Act, CIPELC member associations regularly exchange information on wage agreements and classification modifications negotiated with local governments around the state.
Whether it be the latest information on major labor-related studies or contract language hammered out at the bargaining table by independent public employee associations throughout California, the hard data necessary to the dedicated association's representational effort is as close as the telephone.
Vital to the effort of representing local government employees, a strong
political action program at the state and local level assures independent
employee associations of access to the decision making process which
affects the working lives of public employees every day.
Political clout guarantees a willing ear of government, whether a city
council, board of supervisors, school board or the State Legislature.
Participation in CIPELC automatically qualifies member associations
with membership in CIPELC/PAC and members are provided with assistance
in establishing local level political action committees as well.
The CIPELC/PAC is comprised of the CIPELC Board of Directors and a
Treasurer which may be selected from the members at-large. Funding for
CIPELC/PAC is voluntary but members are encouraged to help fund the
CIPELC/PAC.
By actively supporting decision makers who sympathize with the interest
of local government employees, independent associations in CIPELC find
an open door and a willing ear of lawmakers who realize that local
government employees wield the clout necessary to decide elections.
CIPELC membership provides the opportunity for independent associations
to pool their political resources and increase the clout of the local
government employee.
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