Months after Local 1700 members elected officers, the U.S. Dept. of Labor claims it must continue to supervise our union activities. Obviously, the DOL cannot still be investigating last fall’s election. The government supervisor approved everything the union office sent out, and all questions and concerns that members brought to his attention were answered immediately.

Instead, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao seems intent on suppressing union activity during this political season. Local 1700 isn’t the only union that Chao is attacking. The DOL was created to promote collective bargaining. Under the Bush Administration, though, the department has promoted a Big Business agenda.

Chao has established the worst record in agency history by gutting workplace safety regulations and undermining workers’ rights. What would you expect from someone who previously served on the boards of 13 corporations, including Northwest Airlines, Columbia/HCA Healthcare and Clorox.

Bush appointed Chao as thanks for raising $100,000 for him in the 2000 election. In fact, the most important lesson we can learn from this outrageous chapter is the utmost importance for Local 1700 members to help elect labor friendly candidates this November.

It’s time to get on with the organizing and political work that Local 1700 members elected the current board to do – free from government intrusion. We will not be intimidated.

Join more than 25,000 working people across the U.S. who have sent letters to Chao protesting her favors to Corporate America. Log on to the website ShameOnElaine.org or copy the sample letter below and mail it to U.S. Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210.