Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO
Endorses YES on Props 94, 95, 96 and 97

SACRAMENTO –The Coalition to Protect California’s Budget & Economy today announced that the Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO District 9 (CWA) has formally endorsed a YES vote on Propositions 94, 95, 96, and 97 to preserve the four historic state-tribal Indian gaming agreements negotiated by the Governor and ratified by a bipartisan majority of the Legislature with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; the Morongo Band of Mission Indians; the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians; and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

“These new agreements will create thousands of new, good paying jobs here in California and will strengthen protections for workers and preserve their right to organize,” said Tony Bixler, CWA Vice President. “CWA recognizes the value of establishing respectful, long-term relationships with the Indian tribes and building towards a more prosperous future for all our members. These agreements are good for our workers, and they’re good for California. That is why a Yes vote on Props 94, 95, 96 and 97 is so important for California.”

The Agua Caliente, Morongo, Pechanga and Sycuan tribes employ tens of thousands of Californians, and provide fair wages, employer-paid health benefits for employees and their families, generous pension benefits, and training and education opportunities to further employees’ careers.

The new compact agreements include strong protections for casino workers and rights for union organization that mirror or exceed the National Labor Relations Act. These organizing rights were originally negotiated by then Assembly Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa and Senate President John Burton.

CWA is America's largest communications and media union, representing over 740,000 men and women in both private and public sectors, including approximately 70,000 members in California. CWA members are employed in telecommunications, broadcasting, cable TV, journalism, publishing, electronics and general manufacturing, as well as airline customer service, government service, health care, education and other fields.

CWA joins a broad coalition of public safety, taxpayer, education, labor, local government, business, Indian Tribes and community groups in supporting Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97.

To see our latest list of supporters, visit the Who We Are section of our website at www.YesforCalifornia.com.

Media with additional inquiries about the Coalition to Protect California’s Budget & Economy can contact Roger Salazar at (916) 444-8897.