Introduction

The Basics

Operating the Union

Contract Administration

Organizing

Building Trades and
Other Organizations

Labor Law

Politics and Government

Useful Information

Education

References

Home

Federal Information

Click below for a comprehensive website.
External Web Link: http://www.firstgov.gov/

The machinists have a good site. Use the link below:
External Web Link: http://www.capwiz.com/iamaw/dbq/officials/directory/directory.dbq?command=congdir

Congressional voting records.

Click the link below for individual voting records.
External Web Link: http://www.aflcio.org/issuespolitics/votes/vr_memb.cfm

Click the link below for voting records by issue.
External Web Link: http://www.aflcio.org/issuespolitics/votes/vr_issue.cfm

AFL-CIO information on the judiciary.

Who are federal judges and what do they do?

Federal judges—the 900 men and women who sit on the U.S. District Courts, U.S. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court—are appointed for life. They hear and decide cases involving crucially important rights and protections, and their decisions have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. For example:

	Federal appellate courts hear employer and union challenges to decisions by the National Labor Relations Board. Courts have the power to set aside union elections and unfair labor practice charges when they think the NLRB was wrong.
	Federal judges hear and decide whether workers are entitled to receive overtime pay from their employers under the Fair Labor Standards Act and whether they are entitled to take unpaid leave for a serious illness or for the birth or adoption of a child under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
	They hear cases involving race and sex discrimination in the workplace, including sexual harassment and racial harassment claims.
	They also hear challenges to Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and citations, and have the power to overturn or strengthen safety and health rules adopted by OSHA, the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies.

The decisions of federal judges have a direct impact on the lives of working people and their unions.

Talking to your Congressional Rep on the issues.

AFL-CIO fact sheet on worker rights (PDF file)

Lobbying Tips (PDF file)

Sample letter to your representative. (PDF file)

Coalition of Labor Union Women: Guide to Get out the Vote. (PDF file)