Running for Local Union Office

Do you think your union needs new leadership and a new direction? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work?

This book draws from decades of experience of labor activists who have run for office. It covers topics like: how union elections work, building a campaign team, flyers, mailings, raising money, getting out the vote, the law, and what to do after you win office.

If you think we just need new faces at the union hall, then this is not the book for you. But if you want to run a campaign that unites members to build power, then you’ll benefit from the advice in this book.

A resources page accompanying the book can be found at: labornotes.org/runningforoffice

“I ran for office because I believe member involvement makes a strong union. Unions need local officers who are committed to empowering the membership. Since we won, we’ve won strikes, implemented coordinated bargaining, ended bargaining blackouts, increased training, organized contract campaigns, and more. If you’re thinking about running for local union office, this book is the place to start." –DUSTIN ROACH, President, Teamsters Local 135