Why We Are Endorsing Labor (Not the Other Way Around)
Instead of asking unions to endorse us and touting their support this election cycle, it’s we, the candidates, who should be endorsing Indiana’s unions.
I am a working-class guy with a boss and a day job. Every time establishment politicians like Nancy Pelosi or Mitch McConnell sell out to moneyed corporate interests, I struggle just like (almost) everyone else.
Meanwhile thanks to his family’s fortune, my opponent Trey Hollingsworth went from undergraduate student to CEO — with nothing in between. Most people leaving college start out in entry-level positions, if they’re even that lucky. Trey’s billionaire dad bought him a company.
If this is Mr. Hollingsworth’s definition of a “successful small business owner,” which is what he constantly, falsely claims to be, it’s no wonder Trey can’t see the world from our point of view. Instead of asking how he can help Indiana’s workers, he wonders how to squeeze every last dollar out of us he can.
Too many politicians want a union stamp of approval during the election, but do nothing for labor once elected. I have experienced this personally. Even many of those truly committed to helping don’t represent us well enough. Politicians should not simply be doing what they think is best for workers, but actually taking their cues from labor and getting it done.
America’s workers know exactly what they’re fighting for, so my campaign is taking our direction from them.
After speaking with so many of you, I will fight as your congressman so workers will have:
an equal say on corporate boards
an ownership stake in the companies they work for
a greater share of the wealth they create
the power to dramatically reevaluate CEO compensation
the power to eliminate golden parachutes for failed executives
These changes will make it harder for companies to shut down profitable factories in Indiana and move elsewhere and will make corporations far less likely to exploit the communities where workers live. By limiting executive compensation, profitable companies will no longer be looted by greedy CEOs. Most importantly, these changes will allow workers to achieve self-determination and equality of opportunity, helping to build the merit-based foundation America has always striven for.
Despite what the executive class will inevitably claim, these changes will actually make companies more resilient. When workers are responsible for protecting their own jobs, companies become more immune to short-term trends and grow in a more thoughtful manner. Workers are more invested in preparing for an economic downturn, pandemic or weather catastrophe. Workers, quite frankly, might be the only sensible people in the room.
Our livelihoods are not poker chips for investment elites to gamble with. These days, too many top-level decisions are made in Silicon Valley and Wall Street board rooms. The temp and gig economies continue to strip away basic benefits tied to full-time employment. Investment firms are purposely turning profitable companies into distressed assets to create big payoffs for investors.
These problems can feel overwhelming, but there is joy in fighting back.
This Labor Day, I won’t ask you for a donation. I know times are tough. Instead, I’m asking you to help me spread the word. Talk to your friends, family, coworkers, congregation and neighbors.
Forward this message. Seriously, hit forward! Spreading the word in a full-throated manner is the best donation you can make.
I’m an anti-establishment Hoosier progressive with 20 years’ experience supporting unions as a city council member. My pro-labor record is rock solid. I won’t ask for your endorsement and then leave you in the dust. I know that Democratic candidates rely on your support, assume they’ll get it, but rarely deliver. I’m sick of that mentality.
And if you’re going to picket, I want to join. Email me directly (info@andyruff.org) and I’ll show up.
Keep fighting! I am in awe of you.
-ANDY