Last month we asked CWA District 1 members to fill out a brief survey asking about some of the most pressing issues impacting you right now, and what we should focus on as a union.

I’m pleased to report that we had an incredible response to the survey, with over 3,700 CWA members and retirees giving their thoughts on issues ranging from workplace rights to healthcare to retirement and economic security.

Responses indicated that the top four issues of concern to CWA members and retirees, with over 80% of respondents indicating high importance, are

• Wages and job security
• Healthcare, drug prices, retirement benefits
• Cost of living
• Protecting workers rights

The vast majority of respondents indicated strong disagreement with recent Executive Orders and proposals by the Trump Administration, with a smaller portion expressing strong agreement.

The Proposals listed are:

• Cuts to Medicare (84% strong disagreement; 3% strong agreement)
• Cuts to Social Security (86% strong disagreement; 3% strong agreement)
• Dismantling the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) (78% strong disagreement; 4% strong agreement)
• Elimination of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (78% strong disagreement; 4% strong agreement)
• Elimination of the Department of Education (71% strong disagreement; 10% strong agreement)
• Dismantling of the IRS (61% strong disagreement; 12% strong agreement)

The Executive Orders listed are:

• Federal Funding Freeze (65% strong disagreement; 10% strong agreement)
• Repealing Drug Cost Reduction Efforts (67% strong disagreement; 9% strong agreement)
• Tariffs on Imported Goods from Canada, Mexico, and China (58% strong disagreement; 12% strong agreement)

WHAT’S NEXT?

From these responses and the outpouring of suggestions for actions CWA should focus on to protect workers and our families, it’s clear that our members are seeking both knowledge and information on the rapidly changing landscape in our country and how it impacts us, and ways to plug in and fight for our rights.

Stay tuned for more upcoming webinars and education programs on the most pressing topics indicated in the survey, including Social Security and Medicare, Medicaid and healthcare access, and more.

Get involved! CWAers have been mobilizing throughout District 1—and across the country—to fight back against attacks on working people. Our next big action is coming up on May Day: Thursday, May 1. CWA District 1 is helping coordinate the march in New York City, and we’ll send out more info about marches and rallies in other areas as we get it.

Looking for other ways to plug in? Take a look through CWA’s Action Toolkit to find other events and ways to support workers across the country and across industries.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey—your responses are vital in keeping our union strong, united, and responsive to our membership, especially in turbulent times when it feels like our country is going through some rapid changes.

I also want to take a moment to express my appreciation for each and every one of our members and retirees for everything you do each day to keep our union strong and to keep our communities running, connected, healthy, educated, and informed.