Wall Street Journal says HTC’s Membership Packs a Powerful Punch in Politics
On June 27, the Wall Street Journal published an interesting article by reporter Andrew Grossman arguing that our union “punches above its weight” in the political arena. The article makes the case that HTC’s political mobilization program has been more successful than many much larger unions in New York City because of the great diversity of our members and the high level of their enthusiasm and support for our union.
Grossman interviewed various political candidates and campaign managers who have analyzed the effectiveness of our political operation. One influential political figure called HTC “an incredibly tight union,” and described how adroitly our members do political field work, canvassing, and get-out-the-vote.
The article attributes much of our success to HTC’s HEAT System, and to the “polyglot” nature of our union, with members from all over the world, speaking many languages, pulling together in the same direction. Our members understand that we need to work and fight hard to protect our contract and our union’s density.
HEAT Network Leader and Local 6 Executive Board Member Kazi Hossain (Plaza Athenee Bartender) is featured in the article because of the key role he played in the election of Queens City Council Member Daniel Dromm, and as a respected and influential leader in his community.
Grossman also interviewed HTC Organizing Supervisor Meg Fosque, and quotes her explaining our membership’s exceptional political solidarity.
Read the full Wall Street Journal article here:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323419604578572101139202858.html
In addition to the Wall Street Journal story, news of the endorsement was seen on NY1 and heard on WNYC. A barrage of other stories came out as well, click the links below to read more coverage of this important moment for HTC and New York Politics in general:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/nyregion/hotel-union-to-endorse-quinn-in-mayors-race.html?_r=0
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20130627/BLOGS04/130629891
http://online.wsj.com/article/APf8b4a9454f4d4a38b132b8f9c76a9e5d.html
