One thing that makes our union unique is the widespread diversity of our membership. From working in different trade classifications, living in different regions and having our individual takes on the issues of the day, it says a lot about the future of our union and our country that we can bring so many voices into one house.

But the hard fact is that anti-worker politicians don't see us as a diverse fabric of the nation. They see us — all of us — as obstacles in the way to greater corporate profits and tilting the makeup of America toward a radically "free-market" society, and working people be damned.

Since 2011's coordinated rollback on workers' rights in Wisconsin, Ohio and beyond, these lawmakers have doubled down on their job-killing, union-busting policies. And with massive funding from extremist groups like the Koch Brothers' Americans for Prosperity, these legislators are now looking to take complete control of the Senate, the House of Representatives and governor's mansions across the country.

In this month's issue of The Electrical Worker, we shine a light on a few of the most grievous offenders, including Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. The common factor that unites them is their advocacy of policies that mean more money for those who are already at the top and less money for you.

Now, more than ever, we need to realize what unites us in common purpose. As Election Day nears, we need to summon the kind of courage and stamina we showed in statehouse protests three years ago. We need to show in mass numbers that working men and women are wide awake to the challenges facing all of us.

So this election season, keep talking about what we all face together. Talk with your fellow members about the election. Research the candidates. Read the reporting in the Electrical Worker and at www.IBEW.org. Volunteer to phone bank, do a precinct walk or a literature drop.

On Nov. 4, we have a chance to throw these guys out for good.

Let's come together. Let's finish the job.

Also: Chilia: On Labor Day, Celebrating Our Victories