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Wheelchair is no obstacle for retirees’ political action

Eastern Kentucky Retired Workers Council retiree members know it’s important to vote. Even though they are wheelchair users, Local 863 retiree Albina Poore and Local 674 retiree Phyllis Williams not only voted, but went door to door campaigning for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Steve Beshear last fall.

Their persistence and commitment paid off as Beshear soundly defeated Republican Ernie Fletcher, one of the most anti-labor candidates in recent memory. Fletcher canceled UAW-represented state employee contracts, dismantled the State Labor Department and cut spending for vital social programs and workers’ compensation. He also put up roadblocks to home health care and nursing home reform.

“We have had enough of the governor stepping on our union toes,” Poore said. “I may be in a wheelchair but I can still fight injustice when I see it.”

The eastern and western Kentucky Retired Workers Councils, along with the state’s Community Action Program chaired by Local 862 retiree Mary Briscoe, helped get many labor-friendly candidates elected.

Michael Caperton, one of the first Democratic candidates elected as appellate judge in a predominant Republican district, summed up the activities of UAW retirees:

“The UAW retirees are dynamic individuals who care about their community,” Caperton said. “Their help was invaluable in my campaign."