WNYLaborToday News

CSEA & PEF Union Presidents Blast New York Governor Paterson On Proposed State Employee Layoff/Remind Paterson Of Binding Contracts & Criticize Governor For Not Cutting Back On Use Of Outside Consultants & Contracted Workers

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY)

New Western New York Working Families Party Chapter Chairman Jim Lakeman Keeps UAW Tradition Alive/Looks To Expand WFP Presence Across The Southern Tier

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: New Western New York Working Families Party Chapter Chairman Jim Lakeman discusses his plans to expand the presence of the WFP across the Southern Tier during a recent interview with WNYLaborToday.com. Lakeman also tells Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper he plans to emphasize the fact the WFP

Union Retiree News From The Alliance For Retired Americans: Alliance Members Set To Celebrate Medicare's 45th Birthday & Social Security Gets Ready To Turn 75

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Alliance Members to Celebrate Medicare's 45th Birthday & Social Security Turns 75

On July 30th, the federal Medicare program turns 45 and Alliance For Retired Americans members will be celebrating the occasion with events all across the country. The events will serve to remind lawmakers and the general public how important and efficient the Medicare program has been in providing health coverage to retirees. At the same time, they will inform seniors on improvements to Medicare through the Health Care Reform Law. Meanwhile, the 75th anniversary of Social Security also takes place this year, on August 14th. The Alliance has submitted testimony to the Subcommittee on Social Security of the House Ways and Means Committee for the record during a July 15th hearing, "Social Security at 75 Years: More Necessary Now Than Ever." In it, the Alliance addressed the incorrect words of deficit hawks who repeatedly claim that Social Security is to blame for the national debt, even though the program has not contributed to the federal deficit and maintains a $2.5 trillion surplus. To find a Social Security 75th birthday event near you, go to http://bit.ly/aTIDaP.

Poll: Youth Losing Faith In Social Security

A disturbing recently-released Gallup poll shows three-fourths of those age 18 to 34 do not expect to receive a Social Security check upon retirement. "Just like health reform's so-called 'death panels,' this poll shows that when lies and scare tactics are repeated often enough, they take root," said Alliance Executive Director Edward Coyle, who is urging Alliance members to tell younger generations that Social Security is on solid financial ground, but to be wary of those who falsely predict Social Security's demise to advance their agenda of cutting benefits and raising the retirement age.

Blue Cross Had Billions In Cash Reserves, Despite Rate Increases

Non-profit Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans stockpiled billions of dollars during the past decade, yet continued to hit consumers with double-digit premium increases, Consumers Union found in an analysis of 10 of the plans' finances. As USA Today wrote, insurers must keep surplus money to ensure they can pay policyholders' medical bills if unexpected market conditions develop. Yet seven of the plans examined held more than three times the amount regulators consider the minimum needed to do that, according to a report released Thursday by the non-profit consumer group. "Fortunately, the new health care law would finally reign in the excessive greed of the big insurance companies," Alliance President Barbara Easterling said.

Unemployment Benefits Extended For Those Jobless More Than Six Months

Last Week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Democrat-Nevada) officially secured the 60 votes needed to break the filibuster on the extension of unemployment benefits for those who have been without a job for more than six months. Maine Republican Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe voted with Democrats in favor of ending debate. Democratic Senator Ben Nelson (Nebraska), however, voted with Republicans. When the newly sworn-in Senator Carte Goodwin (Democrat-West Virginia) voted, members applauded on the floor. The Senate later voted 59 to 39 to restore emergency jobless benefits to the millions of people who have been out of work for more than half a year. The House voted 272-152 to ratify the measure on Thursday and sent it to the White House, where President Obama quickly signed it. "Retirees worry about their family and friends, and are happy that partisan obstructionist tactics are finally over and people can get the help they need," Alliance Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks said.

Alliance President Easterling Takes Part In Atlanta Housing Forum

On Thursday, Atlanta-area residents facing foreclosure joined community groups, clergy and Organized Labor and government leaders at a hearing to demand that big banks like Wells Fargo/Wachovia reform their policies and protect homeowners facing foreclosure. Residents losing their homes detailed the big banks' role in the foreclosure crisis and told stories of its impact on their families and communities. Participants pointed to lending practices of the big banks and decried their targeting of minority communities. The Atlanta Fighting Foreclosure Coalition and the AFL-CIO sponsored the hearing. Alliance President Easterling and Arlene Holt-Baker, Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, were two of the panelists. After the hearing, hundreds of residents headed to the Wells Fargo/Wachovia downtown branch in Atlanta for a rally and a meeting with bank executives to discuss the modification of mortgages in suffering communities.

Sunday Labor Column: Who

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: State Senator Eric Schneiderman received endorsements last week from United Auto Workers Region 9 and 1199 Service Employees International Union Healthcare Workers East in his campaign for New York State Attorney General. Meeting with several local Labor Leaders at 1199 SEIU

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter Steps Up & Supports Extension Of Federal Unemployment Benefits

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Finds Probable Gender Discrimination In Case Brought By New York State Nurses Association/Considered Huge Victory For Nurses & Midwives In New York City

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY)

New Report Looks At Union-Building & Young Activists

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400

A new report by the Berger-Marks Foundation offers a "top ten list" to help Unions attract and keep a new generation of workers, especially women members. "Stepping Up, Stepping Back: Women 'Talk Union' Across Generations" provides some very specific suggestions to help increase activism and leadership among young workers, especially women.

The report is based on discussion among 30 women leaders who attended a "summit" in New Orleans. They came from more than 20 different Unions and other organizations.

Recommendations included more training programs so that young workers can learn how to Talk Union with their peers, eradicating sexual harassment and sexism, and more decision-making involvement and opportunity for young activists.

The Berger-Marks Foundation was established with a bequest from the estates of Edna Berger - the first female lead organizer for The Newspaper Guild-CWA - and her husband, the legendary Tin Pan Alley song-writer Gerald Marks.

It seeks to bring the benefits of Unionization to working women and to assist organizations committed to those principles.

Editor

CWA National News: Sound Familiar? Omaha TV Techs Battle Hearst For A Fair Contract In Omaha & Boarman Nomination As Public Printer Cleared For Senate Action

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Sound Familiar? Omaha TV Techs Battle Hearst For A Fair Contract In Omaha/NABET-CWA Members Use Bus Bench Ads In Fight For Fair Contract At KETV-Channel 7

(OMAHA, NEBRASKA) - NABET-CWA (National Association of Broadcast Employees & Technicians/Communications Workers of America) technicians at Omaha's KETV Channel 7 are fighting for a fair contract that prevents the Hearst-owned station from unilaterally turning full-time jobs into part-time work. Three years ago, when the last contract was negotiated, the bargaining unit had 17 full-time and five part-time technicians. Since then, six full-timers have lost their jobs and the number of part-timers has more than doubled. Management is attacking job security provisions negotiated in the last contract and wants to limit NABET-CWA's jurisdiction over existing work. The KETV workers - who just merged their Omaha local with Local 54041 in Chicago - are wearing red shirts to show solidarity. The unit bargained this week with a federal mediator and more sessions are schedule in late August.

Boarman Nomination as Public Printer Cleared for Senate Action

The nomination of William Boarman - president of CWA's Printing, Publishing & Media Workers Sector - to become the Nation's next Public Printer has been approved by the U.S. Senate Rules Committee and has been sent to the full Senate. Upon confirmation by the Senate, Boarman would serve as the chief executive officer of the Government Printing Office, which publishes thousands of documents every year for the Federal Government. Boarman was nominated by President Obama in April, but his nomination has been slowed because of the Senate's broken procedures. Filibusters by Republican leaders and secret holds by anonymous senators attached to nominees at every level have virtually brought the process to a halt. Usually, all but the highest level of presidential nominees have been confirmed by unanimous consent in the Senate, but unanimous consent is nearly impossible in this Congress and an objection by a single senator requires a cloture vote to cut off debate. CWA President Larry Cohen said CWA's legislative staff worked hard to get the nomination cleared by the Senate Rules committee. "We celebrate not only the vote for Bill, but our growing legislative and political clout and work," he said.

New Report Looks At Union-Building & Young Activists

A new report by the Berger-Marks Foundation offers a "top ten list" to help Unions attract and keep a new generation of workers, especially women members. "Stepping Up, Stepping Back: Women 'Talk Union' Across Generations" provides some very specific suggestions to help increase activism and leadership among young workers, especially women. Download the report here. The report is based on discussion among 30 women leaders who attended a "summit" in New Orleans. They came from more than 20 different Unions and other organizations. Recommendations included more training programs so that young workers can learn how to Talk Union with their peers, eradicating sexual harassment and sexism, and more decision-making involvement and opportunity for young activists. The Berger-Marks Foundation was established with a bequest from the estates of Edna Berger - the first female lead organizer for The Newspaper Guild-CWA - and her husband, the legendary Tin Pan Alley song-writer Gerald Marks. It seeks to bring the benefits of Unionization to working women and to assist organizations committed to those principles. Go to www.bergermarks.org for more information.

Nyack Nurses Pledge

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:00:00 -0400

(NYACK, NEW YORK) - Registered Nurses (RNs) represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) have a motto to express their approach to contract negotiations:

The Western New York Chapter Of The Working Families Party Announces Its 2010 Political Endorsements

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO)

Atlanta Coalition Fights Home Foreclosures: National AFL-CIO Condemns Big Banks' Role In Crisis & Highlights Possible Fixes, During Hearing & Rally - Participants Demand Wells Fargo/Wachovia Help Struggling Homeowners

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0400

(ATLANTA)

CEJ Reacts To Brown Administration:

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO) - The Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ)

PEF President Kenneth Brynien Reacts To Yet Another Threat Of New York State Layoffs:

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY)

Labor-Endorsed 146th Assembly District Candidate Brad Rybczynski Announces Plan for Lobbying and Ethics Reform

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(HAMBURG) - Brad Rybczynski, the Labor-endorsed candidate for the 146th Assembly District seat, has pledged

National & New York State Labor Briefs: National AFL-CIO Urges White House To Appoint Elizabeth Warren To Head Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; The USW Calls For Action On Clean Energy Jobs Legislation

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

WASHINGTON: Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, urging the appointment of Elizabeth Warren to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

The National AFL-CIO applauds the passage of the Wall Street Accountability Act and looks forward to the creation of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - which has the potential to be a powerful and independent voice for consumers. In our view, there is only one candidate who is uniquely qualified and equipped to head this new agency: Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren, who originated the idea of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and has proven as Chair of the Congressional Oversight Panel to be a strong and fearless advocate for the American public. We therefore strongly urge President Obama to appoint Professor Warren as director of the new Consumer Protection Bureau. Professor Warren's appointment would make clear that under President Obama's leadership, there truly will be accountability for Wall Street and fair treatment for the American public in the financial marketplace.

WASHINGTON: United Steelworkers Send 100,000 Letters Urging Action On Clean Energy Jobs Legislation, Creating & Maintaining Manufacturing Jobs

(WASHINGTON) - As the U.S. Senate prepares to take up Clean Energy legislation, members of the United Steelworkers (USW), along with USW International Secretary-Treasurer Stan Johnson and BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster, are highlighting the more than 100,000 letters sent from USW Members that urge action on strong Clean Energy Jobs Legislation with critical policies aimed at creating and maintaining good manufacturing jobs across the United States.

BREAKING LABOR NEWS: U.S. Senate Breaks Republican Stranglehold On Jobless Help

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON) - The U.S. Senate today broke the Republican blockade of unemployment insurance (UI) for long-term, jobless workers - a blockade that cost more than 2 million unemployed workers their benefits.

The U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to end the filibuster led by Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell (Republican-Kentucky) which all but ensures the bill

New York City Council Members Urge Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group To Return To Negotiating Table With Striking Mott

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK) - In response to the on-going strike by workers of the Mott

Teamsters Local 25 Calls Dunkin' Donuts' CEO Bruce's Bluff/Despite Public Statements To The Contrary, Company Refuses To Reopen Negotiations

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:00:00 -0400

(BOSTON)

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Speaks Out On The U.S. Treasury Department's Announcement Concerning Chinese Currency & After Labeling China

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On the U.S. Treasury Department's Announcement on Chinese Currency

We are disappointed by the Treasury Department's recent announcement that it will not designate China a currency manipulator in its semi-annual report.

This announcement ignores the overwhelming evidence, including that in Treasury's own report, that the Chinese government has systematically intervened in currency markets over many years to keep the renminbi (or yuan) undervalued by as much as 40%.

American Workers and businesses are paying a steep price every day for our government's failure to act decisively in this enormously important area.

Chinese workers also suffer reduced purchasing power from the undervaluation of the renminbi.

At a time when our economy is more than 10 million jobs short of pre-recession unemployment levels, and when we are focused on boosting exports to create jobs, we simply cannot afford to look the other way as the Chinese government continues to manipulate its currency for an unfair trade advantage.

The Chinese government's vague announcement a few weeks ago that it will allow its currency to fluctuate slightly has not been followed by concrete and significant progress. Our government must not accept this token gesture in lieu of action.

We strongly urge Congress to act swiftly to enact S. 3134 - the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2010 - which would give our government the tools and resolve it needs to address currency manipulation.

We should also keep on the table all options - including action at the World Trade Organization and use of our trade statutes - to pressure the Chinese government to take appropriate action to revalue its currency.

Labeling China

Union Retiree News From The Alliance For Retired Americans:

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0400

New Study From National Fiscal Officials Concerns Seniors

The co-chairmen of President Barack Obama's fiscal commission have offered an ominous assessment of the Nation's economic future, calling current budgetary trends a "cancer" that will destroy the country from within unless checked by tough actions in Washington. The two leaders - Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles - singled out Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, saying that the three programs fully consume federal revenue. The commission looks to reduce the deficit primarily through spending cuts and additional revenue. Separately, a new study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) finds that if the Social Security benefit cuts and retirement age increases that have been widely suggested were adopted, they would have a substantially negative impact on low- and -middle-income families. The report, "The Impact of Social Security Cuts on Retiree Income," is available at http://bit.ly/dplKBb. "Social Security and Medicare have helped generations of seniors stay healthy and out of poverty," Alliance Executive Director Edward Coyle argued. "Balancing the budget on the backs of seniors is absolutely not the solution."

Ohio Alliance Supports Delphi Workers

Ohio Alliance activists have appeared before a U.S. House Oversight and Investigations subcommittee hearing that addressed the slashing of pensions for Delphi salaried workers while maintaining those for hourly and UAW employees. U.S. Representative Charlie Wilson (Democrat-Ohio) arranged the hearing in Canfield, Ohio to review the challenges faced by Delphi retirees as a result of the corporate collapse in the auto industry and the effects of the fiscal crisis on retirees created by the implosion of the financial industry. Alliance members were there to support Delphi retirees who are fighting for fair treatment and to denounce the pervasive weakening of retirement income security. Ohio Alliance State Director Norm Wernet testified: "The Delphi workers are asking for some measure of economic justice for the compensation they have earned after a life of work. To allow those who managed this company into bankruptcy to walk away with huge sums of money that guarantee their livelihood at the expense of the retirees is not just an injustice but a structural weakening of the local and state economies." Wernet encouraged Congress to return the pensions and pass the "Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2010," which would bring relief to workers caught in a corporate bankruptcy.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Unveils New Preventive Care Benefits

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has released their new preventive care rules, which are included in the new Health Care Law. The rules make it easier and more affordable for seniors on Medicare and Americans enrolled in Medicaid to access preventive screenings and services. For seniors enrolling in a new health plan on or after September 23rd, 2010, their plans will be required to cover recommended preventative services such as mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, and annual check-ups, without charging a co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible. Some of the covered preventive services for seniors include colorectal cancer screening for adults over 50, diet counseling, as well as Type 2 Diabetes and cholesterol screening. To see the full list of covered services, visit the official HHS website at http://bit.ly/asJydX.

Seniors At Hospitals For "Observation" Face Bills Not Covered by Medicare

According to Bloomberg Business Week, seniors are increasingly finding themselves hit with thousands of dollars in normally reimbursed hospital bills, because of an unintended glitch in Medicare rules. In December 2008, Medicare expanded a pilot auditing program Nationwide to cut fraud. Since then, the number of patients in long-term observation has increased. Under Medicare rules, patients listed under observation face 20% co-payments that would not be required if they were admitted and expensive aftercare isn't covered at all. The observation classification is designed to be used when there is not an immediate diagnosis or if it is determined the condition is not normally treated within an inpatient setting. However, hospitals sometimes extend the use of observation status in order to avoid being challenged by Medicare auditors on patient admissions when cases fall in a gray area between inpatient and outpatient. "In the past, hospitals and physicians were on their honor, but no more," Alliance President Barbara Easterling said. "Congress needs to make clear that anyone who is in a hospital for 24 hours or more is considered an inpatient."

WNYLaborToday.com Posts New Video In Our Young Unionists Section From the Baltimore, Maryland-based Young Trade Unionists Organization, Entitled:

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0400

WNYLaborToday.com has posted a new video in our Young Unionists Section, which focuses on the growing Baltimore, Maryland-based Young Trade Unionists group.

According to information posted on its website, during late March the Young Trade Unionists organization was contacted by the International Union of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which was interested in learning more about the group.

The next month the IBEW attended one of the Young Trade Unionists

WNY AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation Issues A

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO)

Sunday Labor Column: A Discussion With Buffalo AFL-CIO President Michael Hoffert, The Annual Buffalo AFL-CIO Summer Picnic & A New Appreciation For Members Of IUOE Local 17 & Ironworkers Local 6

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

WNYLaborToday.com touched base with Buffalo AFL-CIO Council President Michael Hoffert last week, who wanted to remind the Western New York Labor Community that the Buffalo AFL-CIO Council

CWA News: Court Orders Visteon To Negotiate Over Retiree Benefits & Piedmont Agents File For Their First Fair Election

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Court Orders Visteon To Negotiate Over Retiree Benefits

In a huge victory for 2,100 IUE (International Union of Electricians)-Communications Workers of America (CWA) retirees who worked at Visteon Corp. in Indiana, the U.S. Court of Appeals found that the company illegally terminated retiree health and life insurance benefits. In a unanimous decision, the court reversed the Delaware Bankruptcy Court that permitted the auto parts supplier to terminate the benefits as part of its bankruptcy filing. The appeals court ordered Visteon to restore benefits immediately. The court also ordered Visteon to bargain with IUE-CWA over any further changes to benefits. IUE-CWA President Jim Clark said: "IUE-CWA took on this fight to make sure that the rights of our retirees were respected by Visteon and the courts. It

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On Comprehensive Financial Reform:

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Comprehensive Financial Reform:

This vote represents a historic shift of power - away from Big Bankers and CEOs to Working Families and Main Street.

For years, big banks have profited on the backs of Working Families.

Millions of Working Families lost their jobs and still can't find work because of the reckless and selfish actions of Wall Street and the Big Banks.

After the financial meltdown brought on by Wall Street's greed and irresponsibility, it would have been an outrage for the status quo to stand. Yet, all but three Republicans in the U.S. Senate voted against reforming our bloated and unaccountable financial sector.

Fortunately, President Obama and Working Family Leaders in Congress stood firm to put our country back on track toward an economy that works for everyone.

In the end, 57 Democrats and three Republicans voted for this landmark legislation. This vote will make it a lot harder for big bankers to indulge their greed at the expense of Working People.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will:

Create a strong consumer protection agency to protect Working People from predatory lenders;

Shed light on the shadow markets by requiring most derivatives to clear and trade on open, transparent exchanges and mandating that large managers of hedge funds and private equity funds register with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

Give long term investors new tools to hold corporate boards and senior management accountable;

Help prevent future bank bailouts by creating a council of regulators to oversee systemic risk, giving regulators authority to dissolve failing financial institutions while prohibiting bailouts for bank shareholders and executives and

Moving toward restoring of Glass Steagall by limiting banks ability to make risky bets backed by taxpayer funds.

We will continue to fight for reforms that will further address too big to fail financial institutions and make Wall Street pay its fair share to create the eight million jobs it helped destroy.

As we look ahead to November, when voters will once again have the ability to stay on the path to change or look back to the failed policies of the past, this vote is a defining line in the sand.

Working Families will be dedicated to supporting leaders who vote to create jobs and hold Wall Street and big business accountable.

Voters now have a clear picture of those who stand on the side of Main Street and those who choose instead to stand on the side of Wall Street.

We will not forget.

CSEA Questions Impact Of NYS Office of Children and Family Services-U.S. Department Of Justice Settlement On Juvenile Justice Facilities

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY) - The announcement of a settlement between the New York State Office of Children and Family Services and the U.S. Department of Justice establishing Federal oversight of four of the state

UPDATE:

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO)

Labor Spotlight On Collins & Brown LLC: Buffalo Labor Law Firm

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Collins & Brown Senior Partner William Collins (left) talks to two members of Bricklayers & Allied Craftsworkers Local 3

WNY Congressman Louise Slaughter Hails AFSCME Support For Bill Aimed At Ending Excessive Use Of Antibiotics

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON)

Buffalo Assemblyman Sam Hoyt Urges State Senate To Pass Legislation That Would Eliminate Public Authority Bonuses

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO)

Registered Nurses Represented By The New York State Nurses Association At The Westchester Medical Center Say Reorganization & The Elimination Of Nursing Positions Will Threaten The Quality Of Patient Care

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0400

(VALHALLA, NEW YORK)

Union Retiree News From The Alliance For Retired Americans: Social Security: House Minority Leader Raises Renewed Privatization Fears & President Obama Fills Key Position At U.S. Department Of Health & Human Services

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0400

Social Security: House Minority Leader Raises Renewed Privatization Fears

House Minority Leader John Boehner (Republican-Ohio) says he

Working Families Kick Off Grassroots Campaign With Call For

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON)

Sunday Labor Column: Are We Becoming A Nation Of Noses Pressed Up Against The Glass? And What Must Organized Labor Do About It?

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

During the week, I took full advantage of one beautiful and warm evening to sit out on my deck, listen to music and enjoy the night. After leaning back in my chair, a Don Henley song - Gimme What You Got - caught my ear, as well as the lyrics he sang, which quickly stuck in my mind: Now its take and take and takeover

United Steelworkers Members Ratify Five-Year Collective Agreement With Vale In Ontario, Canada/Workers Approve New Contract By 74% Margin - Ending Year-Long Strike

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(SUDBURY, PORT COLBORNE, ONTARIO/CANADA)

Healthy Workplace/Bullying Law Passed By State Senate Continues To Garner Support From Organized Labor While Being Attacked By The Buffalo-Niagara Partnership as

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO)

Unionized Nurses In Minnesota That Had Struck Over Safe-Staffing Language Ratify New Contract With 14 Hospitals

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(MINNEAPOLIS) - After more than three months of tense negotiations that included a 24-hour strike, some 12,000 Unionized Nurses in Minnesota

National Union Organizer Stewart Acuff: Corporate America Is Off-Shoring More Jobs During This Economic Crisis

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:00:00 -0400

Editor

CWA News: AT&T Store Shooting In Central New York Puts Spotlight On CWA-Represented Retail Workers' Safety & Local 9413 Hospital Workers in Reno Nearly Unanimous in First Contract Vote

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

AT&T Store Shooting In CNY Puts Spotlight On Retail Workers' Safety

A CWA Local 1126 member who was shot while working at an AT&T Wireless store in Central New York will be honored at the CWA convention, along with the off-duty police officer who killed the gunman before he could hurt anyone else. The shooting and the events leading to it are a textbook argument for more retail store security and worker training. The victim, Seth Turk, is out of the hospital but has a long road to full recovery. He was one of four CWA members and six workers total named on a "hit list" carried by gunman Abraham Dickan, 79, a meddlesome, almost daily visitor to the New York Mills store. A month earlier, Dickan brandished a gun to another CWA member there. AT&T sent him a letter banning him from the store, but no changes were made in security. On May 27th, after the county seized the weapon and revoked his carry permit in response to the earlier incident, Dickan returned, pulled a .357 caliber revolver and shot Turk in the stomach. Nearby in a short line of customers, off-duty Police Officer Donald Moore swiftly pulled his gun and fatally shot Dickan. No one else was injured. In spite of his grave injury, Turk, 37, managed to call 911 and calmly provide details. "He was even able to tell them about Officer Moore having a weapon so they didn't come in thinking he was possibly the assailant," Local 1126 Vice President Jason White said. "The police said it was a textbook 911 call." White praised AT&T for its efforts since the shooting, which include re-opening the store at a new site with multiple video cameras, panic buttons and, for now, a constant police presence. But he is concerned about long-term safety for his members and all CWA retail workers nationwide. "We definitely need to establish a protocol, jointly with the company, that workers can follow if they ever feel threatened by a customer," he said.

Local 9413 Hospital Workers in Reno Nearly Unanimous in First Contract Vote

Technical workers at St. Mary's Hospital in Reno, Nevada will get a 9.5% raise over the next two years under a first contract that new members of CWA Local 9413 have overwhelmingly ratified. The 170-member unit cast a 98% "yes" vote on the contract, which includes a $1,000 bonus for workers with special certification, holds the line on Health Care and separates sick leave from personal time. Previously, employees had to use personal days when they were sick. Local 9413 Executive Vice President Liz Sorenson said she began organizing the pharmacy techs, radiology techs, respiratory therapists and other technical employees about a year ago -shortly after organizing 570 service workers at the hospital. The technical workers voted for representation in February and bargaining on the two-year contract began this spring.

AFA-CWA Files For Union Election for Delta Flight Attendants

Delta flight attendants are moving closer to holding the first truly Democratic election at the airline as the Association of Flight Attendants-Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed with the National Mediation Board to trigger a Union Representation Election. AFA-CWA asked the NMB to declare that the airline is a single-transportation system as a result of the Delta/Northwest merger, thus paving the way for an election. Northwest Airlines flight attendants are currently represented by AFA-CWA, while Delta flight attendants are not represented. With nearly 21,000 flight attendants at the combined airline, the election will be among the largest ever conducted in the airlines. "Delta and Northwest flight attendants have waited a long time for this day and are eager to move forward in creating a world-class contract at the world's largest carrier," AFA-CWA President Patricia Friend said.

Court Upholds NMB's New Democratic Airline Election Rules

In rejecting the airline industry's challenge to new, Democratic rules governing representation elections for airline and railroad workers, U.S. District Court Judge Paul Friedman said the National Mediation Board was fully within its rights to change the rules, and that the agency demonstrated "that the change is essential." As a result of the June 25th decision, the new rules went into effect June 30th - opening the door to fair elections for tens of thousands of unrepresented airline workers at Delta Northwest, Piedmont, Fedex and other carriers. Under the changes supported by AFA-CWA, the outcome of Union Representation elections will be based on a majority of the votes cast. Until now, workers who didn't cast ballots were counted as "no" votes. During elections, airlines frequently packed employee eligibility lists with furloughed workers to increase the number of non-voters. AFA-CWA President Patricia Friend applauded the decision: "Democracy has prevailed and we gladly usher in a new era where aviation and railway employees have a voice. For the first time in recent history, elections conducted by the NMB will be held to the standards and principles that our country was founded upon." Based on thousands of comments the NMB received on the rule change from airline workers, Unions and the industry, the judge said the board provided "evidence and analysis of why the new rule will better determine employees' preference regarding representation." Friedman also rejected industry claims that the NMB acted beyond its authority and in violation of the Railway Labor Act, stating that the new rule "is consistent with the Board's broad discretion to investigate representational disputes and to decide how a majority of a craft or class shall exercise its right to determine a representative under the RLA." The Air Transport Association, which sought to block the rule on behalf of Delta Air Lines and at least nine other carriers, and with the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said it "will thoroughly study the decision to determine" whether it would appeal the ruling.

The Late U.S. Senator Byrd Remembered As Workers' Champion Who

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On The Release Of The June Jobs Report & On New Legislation To Strengthen Job Safety Laws

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0400

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the June Jobs Report:

June's unemployment numbers should be a wake-up call to Republicans in Congress who

Sunday Labor Column: Happy Independence Day To All!, Did You See The Five New Labor News Video Reports On WNYLaborToday.com? & Kudos To Operating Engineers Local 17 & The Union

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

First off, WNYLaborToday.com would like to extend our best wishes to our viewers/readers for a tremendous July 4th! The weather

New York State United Teachers Applauds State Senate Passage Of Anti-Bullying Legislation

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is hailing recent state Senate

New York State Nurses Association-Represented Registered Nurses To Hold Informational Picket On Wednesday In Schenectady Over Staffing Guideline Dispute At Ellis Hospital

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(SCHENECTADY, NEW YORK)

The White House Announces HealthCare.gov: A Brand New Consumer-Oriented Informational Website That Provides

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON) - The White House has announced the launching of a new website - HealthCare.gov - a consumer-oriented information center that provides unprecedented transparency into the Health Care marketplace. Through HealthCare.gov, Americans will now have more control over their Health Care as informed and empowered consumers, Obama Administration officials say.

This

Are You A Former Consolidated Freightways Employee Who Was Represented By The Teamsters Union? If So, You Might Be Owed Some Money.

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 07:00:00 -0400

(WESTERN NEW YORK)

Lee Saunders Elected International Secretary-Treasurer At AFSCME Convention

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(BOSTON) - Delegates to the 39th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME), have elected Lee Saunders to be the next Secretary-Treasurer of the Union that represents 1.6 million Public Service Workers.

Saunders, Executive Assistant to International President Gerald McEntee, received 652,660 votes in the election. Saunders was followed by Danny Donohue, president of the New York State Civil Service Employees Association CSEA)/AFSCME Local 1000, who received 648,356 votes. A third candidate, Mark Foley, president of AFSCME Local 2019/California Council 57, received 1,489 votes.

"Danny Donohue and I are both deeply committed to our members and deeply devoted to this Union," Saunders said. "Both of us waged very vigorous and energetic campaigns. I am very grateful for his words of support and look forward to working together to advance the interests of our members and the working people of this country.

Labor Viewpoint/Column: By AFSCME Local 3800 Chief Steward Cherrene Horazuk of Minnesota: Will Rare Contested Election At AFSCME Wake Labor's Dozing Giant?

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Editor's Note: The following viewpoint column was published on LaborNotes.org - a media and organizing project that has been the Voice of Union Activists since 1979. It was written by Cherrene Horazuk, a clerical worker employed at the University of Minnesota, who also serves as the chief steward of AFSCME Local 3800.

A contested election at the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is a rare thing - not to be taken lightly.

The opportunity for delegates to have a say comes with the resignation of Bill Lucy, the AFSCME secretary-treasurer for almost four decades. Many believe that long-time President Gerry McEntee will not run for re-election when his term is up in 2012, so the winner of this year's secretary-treasurer election will be well-placed to win the presidency.

The two candidates for the position are Lee Saunders and Danny Donohue.

Saunders is executive assistant to McEntee, who backs him.

Donohue is president of the largest AFSCME local in the country, the 265,000-member New York State Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA). He's also a member of the International Executive Board. Donohue is supported by Lucy.

Brother Saunders is perhaps best known for being the trustee sent in to deal with the corruption scandals within AFSCME District Council 37 in New York City. Beyond that, he is as inside-the-Beltway and inside the Democratic Party as you can get. He has only held staff positions within AFSCME and has spent most of his time as McEntee's right-hand man. He is an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee, and while he says that labor must hold Democrats accountable, he strongly advocates for Labor's partnership with the Dems, regardless of how bad they've been.

Brother Donohue is a rank-and-file leader who has only held elected, rather than appointed, positions. He has led successful battles against furloughs and layoffs of state employees, although admittedly his strategy has mostly taken the form of lawsuits. His campaign calls to put more financial control in the hands of the locals and councils rather than keeping it centralized at the International. He is also opposed to AFSCME marching in lockstep with the Democratic Party and believes that Labor needs to hold politicians accountable.

BETTER, BUT NOT ENOUGH

Donohue is the better of the two candidates, but neither his nor Saunders' platform articulates what is needed: a fundamental shift in the way labor does business. It's not about who Labor endorses in the elections, a key point of Donohue's campaign. Donohue is so bold as to say the Dems shouldn't be guaranteed an endorsement - meaning that he'll back Republicans, too. Nor is it about who we prioritize for organizing, which is a key point for Saunders, who also pushes hard for more diversity in the leadership.

Having a leadership that is representative and reflective of the membership is clearly important.

But the Labor Movement, including AFSCME, needs to focus our energy on building Unions that will stand up and fight rather than arguing over whether political campaigns or funding organizing is the key issue. History has shown that people of all ages, races, and genders will join an organization that will fight to improve their working and living conditions.

The economic crisis is having a huge impact on the public sector. State budgets are being decimated, desperately needed services are being cut, and Public Workers are under attack from Republican and Democratic governors and legislatures alike. In many states, legislators, governors and agency heads are taking advantage of the economic crisis to bust our Unions.

States cannot cut their way out of the crises that have been years in the making. The emphasis of our political work should not be focused on who we can elect, because let's face it - neither party is standing up for Working People.

AFSCME's overall approach in fighting privatization is a good model to follow - we've demanded and fought for the jobs and for services to remain public. This can be contrasted with the Service Employees' general approach of "following the work," meaning, don't fight the privatization - just organize the once-public, now private-sector workforce. As the largest Public Sector Union, AFSCME should be at the forefront of demanding full funding for public services.

One of our most popular chants at the Capitol in Minnesota should be echoing across the country, "Here's the fix: Tax the Rich!"

But the emphasis of our fight needs to be based in the workplace, not at the ballot box, even if we do "elect our bosses." Unions will get nowhere by partnering with government to find ways to more gently slash our wages, pensions, health benefits and jobs. One, two, or three days of furlough are certainly better than 10 or 15 days, but when you live paycheck to paycheck, even one hour's loss in pay is unacceptable.

ADVICE FOR THE WINNER

The winning candidate needs to emphasize that the best way to fight furloughs is by organizing and mobilizing members and supporters. Courts aren't exactly a worker's friend these days, so relying on a contractual or legal strategy alone is unlikely to bring success. Instead, workplace campaigns where members build a fight - demanding to see the books and pressing for the high-paid folks at the top to take the hit before frontline workers - is going to do more to stop management's political ability to furlough staff than simply relying on the courts.

Donohue's call for more of our members' money to remain at the local and council level and for that money to support workplace fights is a good start. Within AFSCME, only 10% of dues currently remain at the local level. Sixty-percent goes to the council and 30% goes to the International.

Shifting that would be a good thing.

But AFSCME delegates need to demand that strategy coming out of the convention be to stand up and fight against every hour of furlough, every layoff, and every cut in public service. We need to recognize that our partners in this fight are the people who are receiving those services - not the politicians.

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On The U.S.- South Korea Trade Agreement: Organized Labor

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 -0400

Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on the U.S.-South Korea Trade Agreement:

We remain deeply concerned about and strongly opposed to the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement as negotiated by the Bush Administration.

The agreement would exacerbate our already lopsided trade relationship with South Korea, putting at risk thousands of good U.S. jobs in the auto, steel and other industrial sectors.

The agreement phases out tariffs on goods and services between the two countries, but does not go nearly far enough in eliminating the non-tariff barriers that currently prevent American products - especially autos - from entering the South Korean market fairly.

This flawed agreement is the last thing working people need.

With a fragile and incomplete economic recovery, and unemployment estimated to remain near 10% for the foreseeable future, we should not be putting in place new trade agreements that will speed up the off-shoring of U.S. manufacturing jobs.

Our negotiators should go back to the table to address the imbalanced market-access provisions in the agreement and to revisit the flawed investment, procurement, and services provisions as well.

President Obama promised a "smart, fair and strong" trade policy.

The KORUS FTA does not meet this standard, and we will work closely with the Administration and Congress to improve this agreement on behalf of American and Korean workers.

Unless and until the agreement is amended to address these concerns, we will strongly oppose passage of the U.S.-South Korea trade agreement.

Second Annual IUOE Local 17 Fishing Derby Builds & Grows Union Brotherhood, Sisterhood & Camaraderie While Attracting Nearly 250 Members & Their Children

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 17 Assistant Supervisor Alan Pero and Union Member/Operator JoAnn Santonocito - who came up with the idea to get her fellow Union Members more involved in their Union - take a brief timeout to speak with WNYLaborToday.com during the Union's Fishing Derby that was held over the weekend and attracted nearly 250 Local 17 Union Members and their families. The second annual derby was held at Local 17's sprawling, 400-acre training facility in Lakeview, where an extremely large 2.5-acre pond is located and was stocked specifically with trout for the local event. Santonocito is wearing an event t-shirt that was specially produced by Buffalo's American Images - a Union custom-embroidered and silk-screened apparel manufacturer. The t-shirt was given to everyone who participated in the fishing derby. (WNYLaborToday.com Photo)

Editor's Note: WNYLaborToday.com will post a Labor News Video Report on the Local 17 Annual Fishing Derby on Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper this week. It will be located in the second video cube from the left in the bank of video cubes that appear across our Front Page.

(LAKEVIEW) - How can a Union continue to build and grow Union Brotherhood, Sisterhood & Camaraderie? Well, in the case of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17, it's holding an annual fishing derby in an extremely large 2.5-acre, stream-fed pond that's located on the grounds of the Union's sprawling, 400-acre training facility in Lakeview.

On Sunday, nearly 250 Union Members and their families - including a variety of young children - took part in Local 17's second annual fishing derby. The event was the brainchild of Union Operator JoAnn Santonocito - who was caught by WNYLaborToday.com smiling from ear-to-ear as she gazed out at the large number of Union fishermen, fisherwomen and fisherkids who cast their lines into the pond under clear blue and sunny skies as the wonderful smell of a nearby hot dog cook-out wafted through the air.

"It's been a dream of mine since I was an apprentice. We have this beautiful facility and it's a great opportunity to use it. This is a fantastic response," Santonocito - who started as an apprentice with Local 17 in 1997 and is now a journeyman crane operator, as well as an avid fisherwoman - told WNYLaborToday.com.

"This is all about family. It's a family fishing day and the kids are catching some wonderful fish. We all work so hard during the year that this is such a great way to relax with our families and enjoy Local 17's Union facilities. Our members are loving this," she said.

The idea to hold a Union Fishing Derby on the property came from Santonocito a couple of years ago. So it was no surprise that she approached Local 17's Alan Pero, the IUOE's International Representative for the Northeast Region - who is overseeing the daily operations of the Western New York Union - to find out if a member fishing tournament could be held.

"I thought it was a great idea," Pero told WNYLaborToday.com. "It was extremely important to me that our Union do this and that our members and their family members be involved. In fact, I thought the event was even more special if the members involved their families."

Last year, despite rainy weather, 158 individuals - adults and children - took part in Local 17's first fishing derby. This year, nearly 250 took part, casting their lines into the pond and hoping to catch not only the specially-stocked trout, but a number of other fish, including bass, blue gills, crappies, perch and sunfish.

The top nine winners in several age categories received prizes - including a variety of fishing equipment that was purchased at the local Gander Mountain Outdoors Store, which discounted the items because they were going to be given away at the Union fishing event, Santonocito said.

Several dozen special prizes were also awarded to those who caught trout, Pero said - including homemade gumball machines that were made by Local 17 Member Victor Grandits - who used mason jars to hold the multi-colored gumballs.

All who participated in Local 17's fishing derby were treated to a hot dog roast and were given an event t-shirt that was specially produced by Buffalo's American Images - a Union custom embroidered and silk-screened apparel manufacturer.

The pond is on land that was purchased by Local 17's membership years ago for its training site that is located just a stone's throw from Route 5. The pond was actually used as a water source for an old brick-making company that had once been located there, Pero said.

"This is a wonderful event, sharing solidarity with the membership and introducing their family members to Local 17," Pero said. "I've enjoyed walking around and talking to the members and watching their kids pull the fish out. Their smiles and laughter does nothing but warm your heart, especially when you're watching a little child pull a sunfish out. It brings a smile to your face."

"We're very fortunate our membership owns this property and the reaction of our members is overwhelming," Pero continued. "You have to have solidarity. It's the only way (Unions) exist. What did Thomas Jefferson say? 'If you do not hang together, we surely hang apart?"

Local 17 Member Ed Gleason, a member of the Union since 1955, brought a friend from Springville and the man's 7-year-old grandson, who was visiting from the Tampa, Florida-area and had just caught a small sunfish as WNYLaborToday.com approached the group.

"Absolutely," Gleason answered when asked if the fishing event promotes Union Camaraderie. "There's not better Union than Local 17 and this is something for the Local to be proud about. It's a good thing. How can't you be proud?"

Asked what may be on tap to make the event even better in year three, Pero joked that some of Local 17's members had asked him if the Union "could stock the pond with sharks."

"To top this next year? Maybe put some sharks in there," Pero laughed. "But it's really great to seeing Local 17's members enjoying 'their' property."

National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka & The United Steelworkers Warmly Remember The Late U.S. Senator Robert Byrd (Democrat-West Virginia)

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

America's Workers mourn the loss of one of their greatest champions. Senator Byrd was a son of the Appalachian coal fields who never forgot where he was from and dedicated his life to improving the lot of others. I am honored to have worked beside him and humbled to call him a friend. Senator Byrd's record in the Senate was unabashedly and unapologetically on the side of Working Families - as Majority Leader he helped lead the fight against the Republican filibuster of Labor Law Reform in the 1970s. He tirelessly fought for Health and Safety Laws that protected workers, opposed job killing trade deals and when it came to standing up to the coal companies, a miner never had a stronger ally. I will always cherish the memories of the long hours we spent together working to protect benefits for victims of black lung and passing landmark legislation guaranteeing the Health Benefits for retired coal miners, like so many in my own family. While it is with great sadness we mourn his death, it is with great joy we remember his life and his work. His legacy will live on in the annals of American history that he cherished so dearly.

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo Gerard issued the following statement regarding Senator Byrd:

Members of our Union and workers across the country are grieving the loss of Senator Robert Byrd, a giant among his fellow legislators and one of the greatest friends that Working Families have ever had. From his humble beginning as the son of a miner who had to scratch out a living for his family during the Great Depression, he never forgot where he came from and the people he represented. Senator Byrd understood the role of government in the lives of everyday citizens and he worked tirelessly during his remarkable career to help those who needed help and to provide opportunity to all who sought it. Senator Byrd's record setting longevity stands as a tribute from West Virginians who looked to him as one of their family. The Steelworkers Union demonstrated the high regard it held for Senator Byrd, when in 2004 it presented him with the Paul Wellstone Award - the highest honor bestowed by the Union on a political figure for his lifetime of dedication to the pursuit of the well-being of working people and the defense of our Democratic institutions.

New York Attorney General & State Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Cuomo Urges Mott

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Striking Mott's Workers in the Wayne County Town of Williamson rallied over the weekend to call attention to their Unfair Labor Practice strike against the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group. (Photo provided to WNYLaborToday.com by RWDSU/UFCW)

(WILLIAMSON, NEW YORK) - In response to the on-going strike by 300 workers at the Mott's manufacturing plant in the Wayne County Town of Williamson who are represented by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)/United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 220, New York Attorney General & State Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Cuomo is urging the beverage maker to "come back to the negotiating table, bargain in good faith and reach a fair and equitable solution for the workers, company and state."

Stuart Appelbaum - president of the RWDSU, which represents 100,000 members in the U.S. and Canada and is affiliated with the UFCW - today released a letter from Cuomo, who said it is of the "utmost importance" that Mott's "comes back to the negotiating table, bargains in good faith and reaches a fair and equitable solution for the workers, the company and the state."

Wrote Cuomo: "I am deeply concerned about the impact this strike could have locally in Wayne County and across New York State. It is in the best interest of all involved that this strike be settled as quickly as possible. New York needs the high-skill good paying jobs this plant provides. The Upstate economy needs this plant to be working at full capacity, producing quality product for consumers across the country."

Cuomo's running-mate for Lieutenant Governor - Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy - recently visited the Mott's strikers on the picket line as a show of support, and U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York have both sent letters to Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group President & CEO Larry Young urging the company to continue bargaining in good faith.

Entering their fifth week on strike, the 300 full-time, highly-skilled workers at the Mott's manufacturing plant in Williamson stopped work on May 24th as a result of the company's Unfair Labor Practices committed by corporate executives in their efforts to impose drastic and unprecedented wage and benefit cuts after failing to reach a contract agreement with the Union.

"The Mott's workers were forced out on strike because of pure corporate greed," RWDSU President Appelbaum said. "A business model that allows profitable companies like Dr. Pepper Snapple to pay their CEO a lavish salary while cutting workers' salaries and benefits is unhealthy for our people, our state and our Nation. We're grateful for the support and strong public comments by Attorney General Cuomo."

Despite a record company profit - $555 million net profit in 2009 - an increase in market share and a skyrocketing stock price, the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group has imposed a $1.50 per hour wage cut for all employees, a pension elimination for future employees and a pension freeze for current employees, a 20% decrease in employer contributions to the 401k, and increased employee contributions toward Health Care premiums and co-pays, Union Officials said.

By contrast, Snapple Group President/CEO Larry Young has enjoyed a 113% salary increase over the last three years or 29% each year, said RWDSU/UFCW Representatives, pointing out that Young's total compensation in 2009 was $6.5 million.

Union Retiree News From The Alliance Of Retired Americans: Congress Delivers President Obama a

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

Congress Delivers President Obama A "Doc Fix" Bill

After realizing that combining the "Doc Fix" provision with a Jobs Creation Package was not politically feasible, House Democrats promptly passed a six-month solution to the on-going cuts in Medicare reimbursement rates to physicians. The temporary fix passed the House last week by a vote of 415-to-1. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services had already started to process Medicare claims at the 21%-lower rate - causing severe financial damage to medical practices Nationally. All prior claims will be resubmitted and paid at the new reimbursement rates. Additionally, the bill allows for a 2.2% raise for physician reimbursement rates. Despite this small-scale victory, there were no celebrations on Capitol Hill, as the same problem is on the verge of occurring yet again. In December, Medicare physicians are scheduled to face a 23% cut in reimbursement rates, increasing up to 30% by January. Policy experts, Medicare beneficiaries and doctors alike are grateful for the fix, but believe that a permanent solution must be implemented. "The Alliance is pleased that Congress has put politics aside in order to protect the quality of care that seniors receive," Alliance Executive Director Edward Coyle said. "We hope that during the next six-months, Congress will be able pass a permanent solution to this recurring problem, and we still hope for a jobs and economic relief package."

President Obama Warns Insurers About Rate Hikes

An AFL-CIO blog post has repeated a warning from President Obama that "health insurance companies should not use the new Heath Care Reform Law as an 'opportunity to enact unjustifiable rate increases.'" The president made his remarks at a White House ceremony marking the 90-day anniversary of signing the landmark bill, which he termed "a true patient's bill of rights." The warning came a day after a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) showed that health insurers are raising prices by an average of 20% for working-age adults who are not covered on the job and who buy their own policies. At the ceremony, Obama referred to Anthem Blue Cross of California attempting to raise its rates by 39%, before caving in to pressure. Now, says Obama, "CEOs need to know that they're going to be required to publicly justify unreasonable premium increases on your websites, as well as the law's new website - healthcare.gov. As we set up the exchanges, we'll be watching closely and we'll fully support states if they exercise their review authority to keep excessively expensive plans out of their insurance exchanges." Under the law's new rules, Obama said the insurance companies' "worst abuses will be banned forever."

A Number Of States - Including New York - Are Cutting Pension Costs In A Variety of Ways, Which Hurt Retirees

A recent New York Times report on budget cuts and pensions stated that Illinois has raised its retirement age to 67, the highest of any state. Arizona, New York, Missouri and Mississippi will be making people work more years to earn pensions and Virginia is requiring employees to pay into the state pension fund for the first time. Nearly all of the cuts so far apply only to workers not yet hired. An exception is Colorado, which has imposed cuts on its current workers - not just future hires, and even on people who have already retired. The retirees have sued to block the reduction. Illinois is putting less money into its pension fund now, starting with $300 million this year - raising the risk of a collapse long before the real savings start to materialize. Some other states are raising employee contributions. New Jersey officials are quietly looking into whether it, too, could reduce the benefits that current employees can expect to accumulate in the future. To read the story, go to http://nyti.ms/d3d0bX.

BREAKING NEWS: New York City Grocery Store Strike Averted - United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1500 Reaches Tentative Agreement Tonight With Pathmark, Stop and Shop and King Kullen Supermarkets

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK) - United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500 and representatives for Pathmark, Stop and Shop and King Kullen Supermarkets reached a tentative agreement tonight in what a Union spokesperson termed a "victory for Union Solidarity." The agreements avert a possible strike at all three New York City-area supermarket chains, which combined involved 150 stores and 16,000 employees.

The agreements are subject to ratification by the members of Pathmark, Stop and Shop and King Kullen. A vote to ratify the agreement has been scheduled for July 8th, Union Officials said.

"Negotiations are always difficult," UFCW Local 1500 Spokesman Patrick Purcell said. "In this case all three companies had three very different sets of economics. Pathmark and King Kullen had particular challenges and together we bargained hard and fair to resolve them. It was Stop and Shop that made these talks extremely difficult."

Meanwhile, representatives of UFCW Local 1500 - New York State's largest Grocery Workers' Union that represents 23,000 grocery workers in the Metropolitan New York area - singled out Stop and Shop for their reprehensible bargaining tactics.

"We all understood that Pathmark was dealing with some financial difficulty," Purcell said. "Sadly, Stop and Shop swooped in like a vulture hoping to capitalize on Pathmark's economics and brought us to the brink of a strike. Fortunately, it backfired as their workers saw through their tasteless tactics and responded with an unprecedented level of solidarity. The consequences of their actions will be felt for many years to come in the form of a more difficult Labor-Management relationship."

Purcell also announced the end of a Labor-Management Legislative Committee involving Stop and Shop. In recent years, UFCW Local 1500 and Stop and Shop had partnered on a number of legislative issues, including: fighting against the bottle bill, a tax on plastic bags, a tax on sugary beverages, high debit card fees and advocating for new supermarket funding via city programs and Federal Stimulus money. "The Union and their members lobbied to help Stop and Shop receive sixteen-million dollars in Federal stimulus money and they said 'thank you' by arguing over nickels. That's not a partnership," Purcell said.

UFCW Local 1500 was victorious in many areas of the contract, according to Union Officials, including: Workers will have no longer have paycheck deductions to cover their Health Care costs; Workers will receive wage increases that will put top-rated clerks at over $50,000 a year; The pension costs will be entirely funded by the employers and involve no employee contributions; Sunday premium pay will experience a modest change with minimal impact on the employees; and The amount of guaranteed weekly hours for thousands of Union Workers has been increased.

"Local 1500 Members stood up as 'One Union with One Voice,'" Purcell said. "They also showed a great understanding of the effect a strike would have on their customers - many of which have become their friends over the years."

What Do You Think? Should Weekly U.S. Postal Delivery Service Be Cut From Six To Five Days? Town Hall Hearing Will Be Held in Buffalo Today To Get Public

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: The U.S. Postal Service holds a Town Hall-style meeting in the Common Council Chambers inside Buffalo's City Hall in order to gather public in-put on a plan to cut mail delivery service from six to five days. Local National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)/Branch 3 Representatives spoke at the hearing, saying the proposal would hurt small businesses who rely on Saturday delivery - as well as the elderly who await mail delivery of their prescription drugs. (WNYLaborToday.com Photo)

(BUFFALO) - In one of only seven such hearings held across the United States, Western New Yorkers are expected to come out and speak their minds today in Downtown Buffalo about the U.S. Postal Service's proposal to cut weekly mail service delivery from six to five days.

The movement to go to a shortened delivery schedule does not appear to have gained any momentum whatsoever in the U.S. Congress - an act from which is needed to make the change - according to Buffalo-headquartered National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)/Branch 3, which represents 1,500 Western New York mail carriers that deliver mail from Niagara County down to the New York-Pennsylvania State Line.

"We don't think this will move forward," NALC/Branch 3 President Robert McLennan - who will be one of the speakers at today's hearing - tells WNYLaborToday.com. The 1 p.m. Town Hall-style meeting with be held within the Common Council Chambers at Buffalo's City Hall.

"While the feedback (from across the country) has been anecdotal, what we've been getting is the public thinks it's a bad idea. (The) CVS (retail drug store chain) has come out against it - nationwide.   It would hurt a number of people, such as seniors waiting for delivery of their medical prescriptions, and businesses, including small businesses, who - for example - may be waiting for a check to arrive. We feel Congress won't support it. In fact, with what's being discussed, it makes more sense to go to a seven-day delivery schedule," McLennan said.

Similar public hearings have been held in a number of U.S. Cities, including Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Memphis, Sacramento and Rapid City, South Dakota. Buffalo - which is the smallest of the involved cities - is the last stop on the public hearing circuit, McLennan said.

The cutback would also impact the Letters Carriers Union workforce. If approved, 40,000 jobs would be lost nationwide - including 300 across NALC/Branch 3.

So why is there push to cut back on mail delivery?

According to NALC, the United States Postal Office Inspector General says that over the past three years, the Office of Personnel Management badly miscalculated the postal surplus in the Civil Service Retirement Fund. An investigative research unit report shows the USPS was overcharged an astounding $75 billion for pension liabilities that should have been paid for by the U.S. Treasury, since they relate to service performed before USPS was created in 1971. This means the onerous pre-funding schedule included in the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act is grossly inflated, since OPM shortchanged the Postal Service Retiree Health Fund in 2007, when the agency transferred the surplus into the fund, according to information posted on the NALC website.

In April, USPS Inspector General David Williams was quoted by The Federal Times as saying: "The Postal Service has been overcharged $75 billion for its pension obligations. Fixing these overcharges will allow the Postal Service to address its real challenges and implement its plan at a safer pace. The Postal Service and its employees deserve justice in this matter and the ability to fix the real problems."

Postmaster General Jack Potter, meanwhile, had acknowledged as much at a March 18th hearing before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee. "If that [recovering the $75 billion and applying it to future retiree health care] were to happen," he said, "we wouldn't have to go to five-day delivery."

Federal Law mandates the provision of these benefits "even if the Postal Service's retiree health fund had no assets," NALC officials say. The retiree health fund is designed to make sure that postage ratepayers reimburse the U.S. Treasury for future health benefits, but USPS is being massively overcharged for these costs and there are excess postal pension assets in the civil service retirement fund that should be used to cover retiree health costs in the future, Union officials add. The reforms supported by NALC are believed by the Union to save the Postal Service billions and protect every postal employee's retiree health benefits.

NALC is also disputing a figure of $3 billion the Postmaster General says could be saved by going to a five-day delivery schedule. However, McLennan says NALC is not opposed to working with the Postmaster General and his administration to bargain work changes that would bring about cost-savings.

NALC, meanwhile, cities five reasons why the five-day delivery schedule should be opposed:

It's penny-wise and pound foolish - Saturday delivery is the Postal Service's key strategic advantage over its private competitors, UPS and FedEx. Giving away its most important comparative advantage in the one area of the postal market that is likely to grow when the economy recovers - e-commerce package delivery - would be very risky. Over time, the loss of revenue would outweigh the short-term savings.

It will drive customers away - Slower service, letters mailed on Friday nights would not be picked up until Monday morning or Monday afternoon, and less frequent delivery is likely to accelerate the shift to electronic invoicing and electronic bill paying. Booming businesses like mail order prescriptions would be threatened. Reduced service would also threaten one of the fastest-growing segments of the mail - Parcel Select - as UPS, FedEx and other consolidators would reconsider their use of last-mile delivery services by USPS letter carriers.

It would prompt the emergence of new competitors - If the Postal Service doesn't deliver on Saturdays, other companies will step in to fill the void. Within days of the Postal Service's March 2nd announcement, multiple press accounts quoted executives from niche delivery firms welcoming the news. Many companies would view the Postal Service's exit from Saturday delivery as a business opportunity. Once established, competitors will demand a "level playing field" and ask Congress to open the Nation's mailboxes to their services, making it impossible to enforce the monopoly and maintain affordable universal service.

It would set a bad precedent - If the language requiring six-day delivery were repealed, there would be no legal barrier to prevent the Postal Service from reducing delivery days further, from five-day to four-or-three-day delivery. Business Week magazine called on the Postal Service to shift immediately to three-day delivery within days of the Postal Service's announcement of its action plan. That would not only destroy half the department's workforce, but also likely lead to a death spiral for the Postal Service - less service leading to less mail volume leading to less service, and so on.

It's not necessary - The Postal Service has hidden financial strengths, with fully-funded pension plans. If the accounting is done properly, retiree health benefits can be fully-funded. If Congress and the Postal Administration can be convinced to fairly allocate pension costs and correct the $75 billion error made by the OPM when it established its retiree health fund, eliminating Saturday delivery would not be necessary.

After today's hearing, U.S. citizens still have time to voice their opinion on the mail delivery proposal. NALC/Branch 3 President McLennan - who is encouraging all to do so - tells WNYLaborToday.com anyone can go on-line and visit www.prc.gov and weigh in with their opinion right up until an October 12th deadline.

Sunday Labor Column: Congratulations To Laborers Local 210 Business Manager Sam Capitano & WNYLaborToday.com Gets Ready To Kick-Off A 13-Week Digital Billboard Campaign To Celebrate Our Third Year Of Covering The Western New York Labor Community

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

WNYLaborToday.com congratulates Laborers Local 210 Business Manager Sam Capitano, who has won re-election to a second three-year term by an overwhelmingly vote to 436-to-76. "You never know, because I couldn't see this coming (winning the election by such a large margin). But our slate has worked our (rear-ends) off," Capitano tells WNYLaborToday.com. Capitano tells WNYLaborToday.com he is now setting his sights on focusing on the Laborers' Pension Fund, which was hard hit by the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scam. "We also need help from our elected officials regarding pension reform. Everyone else has gotten bailed out but Working People," Capitano said. On another front, Capitano said Local 210 has nearly 100% of its membership working and has been successful in signing a number of new contractors. The future looks bright, said Capitano, adding: "And there's a lot of (construction projects) that haven't even started yet."

WNYLaborToday.com - as you know - is celebrating its third year of covering the Western New York Labor Community. As a means of further doing so, and at the same time making tens of thousands Western New Yorkers outside the realm of Organized Labor aware of Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper, WNYLaborToday.com is getting ready to begin a 13-week, digital billboard campaign that will start next month in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and the Southtowns and run right up until the end of September. The promotional campaign will not only serve as a reminder to Union Members of what WNYLaborToday.com offers, but will begin to introduce Labor's media vehicle to the general public and the business community - especially to the good that's being brought about by Labor Unions and their members, as well as underscore what can be accomplished when Labor and management work together. In addition, WNYLaborToday.com will also use this promotional campaign to highlight our growing Union Mall - an offering of Union-made products and services, Union-friendly companies that offer the same, as well as American-made and Locally-made products. Many of our Front Page advertisers have already enjoyed more than 400,000 page views since WNYLaborToday.com unveiled its new look site on Labor Day Weekend, and as many as 20 new companies are currently considering coming aboard prior to the start of our promotional campaign. All in all, WNYLaborToday.com is excited about our continued growth and expanding reach across all of Western New York, New York State and the Nation - as WNYLaborToday.com has been recognized by the National AFL-CIO and is only one of a handful of Labor-oriented news sites that are featured on the Front Page of its AFL-CIO News Now Blog website. These are exciting times for Organized Labor's On-Line Labor Newspaper. WNYLaborToday.com looks forward to bringing Labor Unions and their members' news that cannot be found anywhere else in the mainstream media, as well as to tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers who are fed a daily and negative stereotype of Labor Unions in newspapers and by local radio talk show hosts. Keep an eye out for our digital billboards and the message they'll carry. Let us know what you think!

Speaking of the mainstream media, it was good to read CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) Local 815 President Joan Bender's Letter to the Editor in The Buffalo News, which responded to a recent Donn Esmonde column that chastised Local 815's members voting down the latest contract offer from Erie County and County Executive Chris Collins. Wrote Bender: In his recent column, Donn Esmonde is critical of CSEA members for rejecting a contract. He is advocating lower wages and reduced benefits for workers, calling it "the real world." Well, if pushing workers to the bottom, making it difficult for them to raise their families, limiting their buying power, restricting their access to affordable health care and forcing working families into poverty is "the real world," it's a shame. As workers in the private sector earn less, pay more for their health care coverage and lose benefits, the CEOs and upper management at those companies pay lower taxes and see enormous increases in salaries, bonuses and benefits often reaching into the millions. Those same CEOs avoid taxes by outsourcing American jobs overseas and forcing remaining workers to give up more. It's a vicious cycle that has to stop. CSEA members said no to the weakening of the county work force when they voted to defeat County Executive Chris Collins' contract proposal. CSEA members and other unionized workers are not the enemy. Unions fight every day for fair wages and benefits for all. We fight to save and maintain the middle class. Big business will continue to destroy this country unless we bring good-paying jobs back home. Instead of kicking county workers for trying to hang on to the American dream, it is time for others to demand more for themselves. Workers need to stand up and say "no more!" It is time to organize, unionize and demand CEOs share their multimillions with the men and women "in the trenches." Together, we should all reach for the top, not continue to try to push each other to the bottom. WNYLaborToday.com's applauds Bender's rebuttal to Esmonde's column and gives a 'thumbs down' to the many knuckleheads - as one Union Leader describes them - out there who are given the opportunity by the newspaper to anonymously post vicious comments on The News' website that tear into Organized Labor and blame it for every ill in the world. When are people going to realize that without Labor Unions standing up for workers - including the Buffalo Newspaper Guild at The News - they might as well be left out there to twist alone in the wind? If it isn't Organized Labor, then who will step forward to do so? Unbelievably, there are still those out there who continue to say "Labor Unions once served a purpose, but are no longer needed." WNYLaborToday.com responds that Labor Unions are needed even more today than they were in the past, especially in light of the corporate greed that has infected and is killing many U.S. businesses and of the jobs of their workforces. On another note, Esmonde's column and the message it delivered further underscores the need for and worth of WNYLaborToday.com. I ask you, where else would Labor get the news coverage it not only deserves, but provides it with a platform to get its message out - unimpeded?

And speaking of getting Labor's message out - unimpeded, WNYLaborToday.com hopes you had the opportunity to watch the series of four Labor News Video Reports we posted a couple of weeks ago after our interesting sit-down interview with Danny Donohue, president the New York State CSEA. Where else could any Labor Union or a Union Leader - for that matter - get 25 minutes of media time? Not in the mainstream media - which is more interested in focusing on any negative it can get its hands on when it comes to Organized Labor. On that note, WNYLaborToday.com hopes you take the time to watch our three-part conversation with New York State Public Employees Federation President Kenneth Brynien, which will be posted in our Labor Video News Section (second video cube from the left in the bank of video cubes that appear in the middle of our Front Page) during the week. Both Donohue and Brynien have some very interesting things to say in regards to the many cost-cutting recommendations their State Unions have made to Governor David Paterson, who would rather spent his time looking at furloughing state employees for one-day-a-week instead of saving the state $656 million by eliminating the use of an exorbitant amount outside and temporary consultants that cost - on the average - three times what it would cost to employ a state employee. Interesting stuff - but again - not to be found anywhere else in the mainstream media.

Sticking with the mainstream media theme, WNYLaborToday.com was made aware by a local Union last week of a disturbing situation that involved The Buffalo News. It seems a News reporter walked in uninvited by Union Leadership to a meeting that was held by the Union without making anyone aware of just who he was. The reporter was later recognized by a Union Official midway through the meeting. When approached and asked why he was there, the reporter answered he was "invited by a member." I worked as a reporter for 12 years here in Western New York - six as a correspondent for the United Press International (UPI) wire service in Buffalo and another six as a business news reporter for Business First, Buffalo's weekly business newspaper. During that time, I never "snuck" into a meeting that I was not invited to by the people who were hosting it, and I never not told those who I was and which news organization I represented. Besides - I believe - it being a violation of journalistic integrity, it's was just plain disrespectful, rude and unprofessional. It would be similar to having a party and someone you didn't invite just shows up - and then tells you they were invited by someone else you'd invited. It wasn't right and - unfortunately - may show where some in the mainstream media are heading in their attempt to cover news within the local Labor Community. If it was on the up and up, the reporter would have rightly reached out to Union Leadership and asked whether he or she could attend the meeting that they had been made aware of by a member. Using a lame excuse that they were "invited by a member" just doesn't wash - and just works to further widen the gap of distrust between Organized Labor and the mainstream news media. However, it really isn't much of a surprise these days since many in the mainstream news media are only interested in covering the Labor Community when a problem or confrontation emerges. Much of the positives that have occurred and are continuing to occur are ignored by the mainstream media. Again - WNYLaborToday.com asks - where else would Organized Labor get this kind of news coverage if Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper did not exist?

CWA News: AT&T Mobility Workers In Puerto Rico Join The Communications Workers Of America & CWA Gains Consumer &Worker Safeguards In Frontier Agreement

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

AT&T Mobility Workers In Puerto Rico Join The Communications Workers Of America

Another 186 AT&T Mobility network workers in Puerto Rico now are members of CWA Local 3010 - joining CWA through majority sign-up. The former Centennial Wireless Network Department employees work in six different locations across the island. Local 3010 President Rafael Castro-Torres credited Local 3010 Organizer Javier Sepulveda and the internal organizing committee for building strong support for the Union, as well as support from District 3. "The campaign got underway in April 2010 and our training and strategic planning paid off, with the committee signing up more than half of the network workers in just about a month," Castro-Torres said. Local 3010 is continuing to build majority support among AT&T Mobility's 414 retail store workers and 175 call center workers.

CWA Gains Consumer &Worker Safeguards In Frontier Agreement

CWA has reached an agreement with Frontier Communications that preserves Union Jobs, raises wages and calls for the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband build-out and other projects. It also requires Frontier to ensure that at least 84% of eligible job titles throughout the United States are Union Jobs. The agreement, which will be voted on by members, resulted from CWA's year-long campaign that raised concerns about Frontier's purchase of Verizon's landline operations in West Virginia and 13 other states. "We're comfortable with the deal, given the guarantees that we have negotiated," CWA District 2 Vice President Ron Collins said. The guarantees include $310 million for broadband and other projects in the state. CWA wanted to ensure that West Virginia residents and anchor institutions can get access to high-speed broadband and other innovations, as well as consistent service quality. The agreement also calls for the company to add 150 CWA jobs by October and maintain at least 1,600 full-time CWA jobs through the end of the contract term, August 2nd, 2013. Wages will increase by 2.75% in August 2011 and 2.5% one year later. There will be no Health Care cost shifting. Other improvements include an upgraded title for service technicians and a guarantee that customer service calls in West Virginia will be routed to CWA call centers in the state. CWA members will begin voting on the agreement next week, with ballots due July 14th.

CWA Project to Help Patients, Staff At Public Hospital Wins Major Award

CWA members who created and led a project to reduce the use of patient restraints at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey have won first place in a statewide quality improvement competition, beating more than 60 other entries. By creating new quiet areas called "walk off zones" for patients in distress and using other de-escalation techniques, the CWA team of psychologists, nurses and support staff reduced patient restraint use by 58% and staff injuries by 93%. In the eight months before the program was launched, 16 employees were injured while restraining patients. During the same time period after the new program began, only one minor injury was reported. "This demonstrates that public employees are innovative and that we not only can compete with but exceed the private sector in delivering quality patient care," said Dr. Jeffrey Uhl, a psychologist and member of CWA Local 1040 who was one of the team leaders. "That's extremely important for people to know when the privatization of state hospitals is being explored." The team of about 15 CWA members developed the project using "Lean Six Sigma" problem solving and management principles. "Its bottom up versus top down management, allowing employees to own the process," Uhl said. The hospital is building a display case for the team's Richard Codey Behavioral Healthcare Quality Improvement Trophy, which is passed on each year to the competition's winner. The award is named for a former New Jersey governor who has long supported mental health care services.

Civil Rights, Labor & Environmental Leaders Call On Congress To Clarify FCC Authority For Broadband

Leaders representing eight national Civil Rights, Labor and environmental organizations are urging Congress to act quickly to clarify the Federal Communications Commission's authority to protect an Open Internet and apply Universal Service funding to broadband. The coalition wrote to U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman - calling for quick action on narrowly targeted legislation that will support broadband build-out to move our Nation forward and ensure that every American has the skills necessary for today's digital age. The organizations are: the National AFL-CIO; the Communications Workers of America (CWA); the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); League of United Latin American Citizens; Minority Media and Telecom Council; the NAACP; the National Urban League; and the Sierra Club.

More Than 1,000 Unionists Participate In Today

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Union Members have been handing out this informational flier that's been produced by the RWDSU (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union)/United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) that involves Local 220's eight-week-old strike at the Mott's (a subsidiary of the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group) plant in the Town of Williamson, which is located 20 minutes from Rochester in Wayne County. (Flier provided to WNYLaborToday.com by RWDSU/UFCW Local 220)

(WILLIAMSON, NEW YORK) - Ten of the 300 striking Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)/United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 220-Represented manufacturing workers at the Mott's plant in the Wayne County Town of Williamson - where a major supportive rally was held today - are also battling cancer and dealing with an uncertain future regarding their Health Care coverage and treatment that can cost upwards of $10,000 a month, the president of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation tells WNYLaborToday.com.

More than 1,000 Union activists were expected to participate in today's rally in support of the striking RWDSU/UFCW-Represented manufacturing workers, who voted to strike in late May after company executives demanded a $1.50-per-hour wage cut and reductions in their Health Care benefits as Mott's - a subsidiary of the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group - enjoyed a record year of $555 million in profits. Also expected to participate in today's rally were RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, UFCW International Vice President Pat O'Neil, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes and Workers United President Bruce Rayner, as well as several federally-elected and area officials.

Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation James Bertolone, who was to participate in the rally, told WNYLaborToday.com: "This is not a close call here. This is about 'corporate greed,' a company with half-a-billion-dollars in profits whose stock is up four-hundred-percent from eleven dollars a share to forty dollars a share. This company is doing great. Their last offer to the workers was a one-dollar-and-fifty-cent cut in their hourly wage and increased costs to their Health Care coverage and deductibles. It's also my understanding ten of the strikers are being treated for cancer, treatment that can cost as much as ten-thousand dollars a month. There's a question of how much longer their Health Care coverage will be carried."

The strike at Mott's has also caught the attention of National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who is urging the Obama Administration to get involved in the strike. In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Trumka urged Solis to "call upon corporate America to do its part in helping America's workforce through tough economic times," and to ask Mott's owner to "reach a fair settlement with its workers" - instead of trying to squeeze workers at a time when the corporate giant is enjoying record profits.

According to Union Representatives, Mott's President & CEO Larry Young enjoyed a 113% salary increase over the last three years - or 28% each year. In 2009, Young's total compensation was reported as $6.6 million.

In a recent letter published in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Bertolone said: "Dr. Pepper Snapple Group has refused to come off its bargaining proposal to its 300 Union Workers of wage cuts, pension cuts and health benefit cuts. On May 23rd, the Union went on strike. This company made $550 million in profits last year during a recession. CEO Larry Young's compensation has doubled since 2007 to $6.6 million. Management said it needs to get the pay down near the area wage of $14 per hour, around $30,000 per year, the same as the median in Rochester - where nearly half our children live in poverty. For workers, Union or non-Union, this is about greed destroying the Middle Class. Some things are not about Republican or Democrat or left or right - but wrong or right. Support these workers and their picket line and don't try to steal another American's job. Ask yourself, where do you stand? With greedy millionaires or with your fellow Americans as we ask the age-old question, which side are you on?"

Unfair Labor Practices had been filed against the company, which was not bargaining in good faith, according to Union Representatives. Mott's had publicly declared an impasse and planned to implement their last contract terms, which offered nothing but a reduction in hourly wages and drastic Health Care and pension concessions for its skilled, dedicated workforce at the Williamson manufacturing plant, RWDS/UFCW Officials said..

"The workers that were forced to strike are the same workers who helped make Mott's the highly-profitable company they are today, and they should not be treated like a bunch of 'rotten apples' by overpaid executives," said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, who was to attend today's rally. "We understand no one wins when there is a strike, but its very troubling and disturbing that such a profitable company as Mott's would carve away a core relationship with their workforce all for corporate greed. Whittling down wage and benefit standards, while exponentially increasing CEO compensation is rotten business, and frankly 'un-American!'"

RWDSU/UFCW Local 220 had been attempting to negotiate a fair and decent contract for months with Mott's management. However, despite the company's profitability, Mott's/Dr. Pepper/Snapple demanded givebacks, including a $1.50-per-hour wage cut for all employees, a pension elimination for future employees and a pension freeze for current employees, a 20% decrease in employer contributions to the 401K and increased employee contributions toward Health Care premiums and co-pays, Union officials said.

Mott's workers overwhelmingly rejected the offer and voted in favor of authorizing their negotiating committee to call a ULP Strike.

In an open letter to Unionists distributed by the RWDSU, Union President Appelbaum said during negotiations, management at the Mott's plant told Union workers "should think of themselves as a 'commodity,' like 'soybeans or oil.' When the supply goes up, the price should go down. And regardless of how profitable and productive the workers have been - and how profitable the company has been - the workers should be paid less."

The Williamson plant is the only plant that produces Mott's applesauce, including high-margin, single-serve packs, with 70% of the workforce in Skilled Labor categories.

May was the busiest season for Mott's apple juice and applesauce manufacturing as the demand for these family favorites is highest during the summer season. A Labor Dispute could damage the value of Mott's family-friendly brand by associating it with corporate greed and Union Busting. Additionally, the product may suffer quality issues, as the skilled workforce is not easily replaceable. The Mott's brand is responsible for more than $550 million worth of Dr. Pepper Snapple's retail sales each year.

The RWDSU/UFCW is also asking Unionists and Working People to directly contact Mott's President & CEO Larry Young at the company's Texas headquarters in order to tell him to treat his workers fairly. Young's office number is 972-673-7976.

Meanwhile, an emergency food drive to benefit the striking RWDSU Local 220 workers has been set up by the Rochester Region's Young Unionist Group - Next Generation United. Next Generation United President Julie Schmidtke is asking for donations of non-perishable food items such as pasta, sauce, cereals, boxed meals and canned goods, which will be boxed up and delivered by the Young Unionist group to Mott's striker. For further information, contact Julie Schmidtke directly at 585-301-1920 or via e-mail at jsschmidtke@nilife.com.

Editor's Note: A bus carrying a number of Unionists from Western New York left Buffalo early today to participate in the rally to support striking Mott's workers. Information for this story was also provided to WNYLaborToday.com by the RWDSU/UFCW.

Senate Republicans

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 15:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON) - Republican partisan politics won and Working Families Lost last night when U.S. Senate Republicans - for the fourth time this year - blocked a bill that would revive the extended Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits program that is the last lifeline for millions of jobless workers.

The 57-to-41 vote (with Democratic Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska joining all Republicans) fell three votes short of the 60 that were needed to end the filibuster against the bill. The bill also included aid for states facing huge budget shortfalls to keep 900,000 people on the job.

The extended UI program expired May 31st after the Senate left town for the Memorial Day recess without acting on a House-passed jobs bill that would have kept the long-term unemployment benefits program alive. Since then, 1.2 million jobless workers have lost their benefits.

The Republican blockade means about 250,000 unemployed workers a week lose their benefits, which averages around $300 a week, while Republican lawmakers take in a nifty $3,346.16 a week of taxpayers' money.

Maybe if they spent a few months out of work in an economy where the unemployment rate is near 10% - at least 15 million people are out of work and 6.8 million people have been out of work for 27 weeks or more - they wouldn't be so cavalier in calling for "tough love" for the unemployed and telling them they're just not looking hard for work.

PEF President Kenneth Brynien To Governor Paterson:

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Kenneth Brynien (left) is interviewed by WNYLaborToday.com Editor/Publisher Tom Campbell during a recent stop in Buffalo. During a wide-ranging interview, the PEF president says New York needs to seriously look at a number of cost-cutting areas that have already been recommended to Governor David Paterson by the second-largest Public Employees Union in the State - including the skyrocketing, exorbitant and expensive use of outside and temporary consultants. (WNYLaborToday.com Photo)

Editor's Note: WNYLaborToday.com will post a three-part, Labor Video News conversation with PEF President Kenneth Brynien in the WNY Labor News Video Cube Section on our Front Page, which appears second from the left in our bank of video cubes.

(BUFFALO) - New York State is paying outside consultants seven times what it would be paying state-employed Department of Transportation engineers on a highway project in Albany, which the president of the Public Employees Federation (PEF) tells WNYLaborToday.com is yet another example of what Governor David Paterson should be looking to cut instead of targeting, attacking and singling out Union-Represented State Workers for wage concessions.

During a recent and nearly one-hour interview with WNYLaborToday.com, Brynien - who heads the second-largest Public Employees Union in New York with nearly 60,000 members, which also happens to be one of the largest white-collar Unions in the United States - discussed a number of topics and issues regarding the state's current budget crisis and the positive role State Employee Unions can play if allowed to by New York State Government.

"(PEF Members) traded pensions for lower salaries and a commitment to public service and we do it to the best of our ability. But there are times when we can't because of management and government policy. We're not given the resources to adequately do what we need to do, but we do the best we can. What we're really asking for is the state to help us do our job better," Brynien said. "We want to be partners. Many of our members have been around for twenty to thirty years. They're some of the best educated people in this state - engineers, accountants, judges and lawyers - people who help develop policy. We know how to save money and make it work better. All (New York State has) to do is ask us. They tell us that's management's role and that we're (just) the workers. (But) We have a responsibility to point out waste and make the state become a better place - but it will only work if we're treated as partners and not just as 'tools' to be used of and deposed of when we're no longer needed."

Case in point - Brynien spoke about New York clamping down on worker overtime to save money and a certain road construction project in Albany where, he said, outside consultants/engineers are being paid seven times what state employees would be paid to perform the same job.

"The State uses excessive amounts (of OT) and has tried to rein it in to help save hundreds of millions of dollars. But the Department of Transportation has a project going on in Albany (on Route 87 at Exit 6). They're redoing the exit ramps to relieve congestion. It's a good project and local crews are doing the work. You need a couple of state engineers inspecting and overseeing the project. (The state employees) work five days a week and there's no (approved) OT. There's another company that comes in and oversees the project on the weekend. We looked at numbers and its costing seven times the amount (to pay those consultants versus state workers). The DOT spent taxpayer money for a study to determine if contracting out costs more and then they refused to release results of the study. We had to get it through a Freedom of Information request and it said same thing - consulting costs more. The state is cutting overtime, but not saving money. That's always been the problem. You lay off workers and there are fewer employees, but higher costs. It makes no sense," he said.

The problem is, Brynien adds, is that New York State is "addicted" to contracting out workers.

"It hurts the economy, takes away valuable taxpayer money and throws it away on high-priced individuals that you don't need. Why? Sometimes it's easier and they don't have to manage people. It eases the workload. Other times it's to do business with some of these companies that (managers) would like to go to work for after they retire. It (establishes a) connection and periodically you'll hear about a trial because someone has contracted with relative. It happened in Syracuse with the state Office of Mental Retardation where winning (state) bids were awarded to relatives. It's a host of bad reasons," he said.

For the past several weeks, both the Assembly and Senate have been forced by the governor to vote on weekly extenders under the threat of shutting New York State government down. Despite the doom and gloom, what remains a constant is the state is continuing to waste taxpayer dollars, Brynien said.

"We're not the only Union to claim that. We're saying, take a fair look at money wasted and try to curb some of that waste. We talk about it more frequently because what impacts our membership is the waste with outside consultants - in engineering, auditing, inspections or informational technologies services. If you use a state worker to do the job, they have a relatively competitive price and provide good service over their entire career. When you go outside to save money, what you're actually doing is paying as high as triple the price to get someone in to do the same work. Over a period of time, there's no loyalty to the state, only loyalty to their company. (Over time,) They get transferred out and someone else is brought in to continue the work. The contract gets renegotiated and the company comes in. What we have found is there are hundreds of millions of dollars to be saved. If you stop contracting it out and hire more state employees at half the price that's far more cost effective," Brynien said.

In mid January, WNYLaborToday.com published a story on a PEF research study that revealed New York could save $656 million by implementing the Union's recommendations - which zeroed in on the state spending $2.9 billion on outside consultants.

"We're trying to get the word out, but the state pokes fun at it. Recently, the governor's PR director said our arguments were just 'air' and the savings really aren't there. It's a fight between common sense and rhetoric. The governor says he wants savings from the state's workforce - around two-hundred-and-fifty-million dollars. In my mind, the workforce means everyone who works for the state - two-hundred-thousand state employees and one-hundred-thousand consultants. If you reduce the use of consultants, you save far more money," Brynien said.

With so many positive examples of "management" and Labor working together across New York State - including the United Auto Workers and General Motors right here in Western New York - WNYLaborToday.com asked the PEF president why the governor isn't choosing to work with New York's Unions and its leadership.

"At times it's hard to explain why. But we think we've made some progress working with the legislature on a bill that we're calling 'Cost Benefit Analysis' legislation. The state can contract out consultants, but before they didn't they have to demonstrate its cost-effectiveness. (With such legislation, New York would) Have to prove that hiring 'short-time' employees is cheaper. If certain short-term expertise is needed, they can contract it out, but prove that's the case. The Division of Budget put a cap on how many people (a state department) can hire. Even though a contract (may call) for twice the salary, they say they haven't hired any new employees - they've contracted it out. It's crazy. Everybody points the finger at everybody," Brynien said.

Asked how frustrating it's been to sit down with the governor, who listens - but still takes the tack of wanting concessions from the state's Unions - Brynien responded: "It's very frustrating when you don't know what's going to happen day to day. A lot of statements have been made involving Union contracts that's been very hurtful. One is we're not state workers because we're Union Leaders! Of course we are. Another is the Unions don't care if people get laid off because they don't vote in Union elections. That's crazy."

As a result, the state's Unionized employees have had a bulls-eye painted on their backs, which also leaves PEF frustrated, Brynien said. "There's frustration coming out of the governor's office because the legislature is not going along with his ideas. (Paterson) threatens us because he believes we'll go to the legislature (and put pressure on state lawmakers) to get what 'he' wants. What we're saying is, don't hurt state employees in process. We're taxpayers too. (We suffer too if you) close the parks and we wind up paying more taxes on soda and cigarettes. So why attack our salaries too?"

The bedlam brought about by the state budget deficit also has Organized Labor taking a closer look at the individual elected officials it endorses and supports. For example, many Unions - including PEF - are reconsidering the way they will approach endorsements and make monetary donations in preparation for the upcoming election season.

"We're taking a closer look at what individuals say and do. The leadership (the so-called "three men in a room") makes the decisions and most of the other (state elected officials) don't have a lot of influence. And just going along and endorsing them again, I don't think that's going to work. We're expecting people to stand up for what's right. In a twenty-seven-page decision offered by (Northern District U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn), the judge ruled on the (governor's call to) furlough state workers that if there were other (budget cut options the state could pursue) that didn't hurt people, those options must be explored first, because they do hurt people. That's why the furloughs were thrown out. We're going to look at every legislator and see where they stand on these kinds of issues. Are you really trying to fix the problems? Are you really trying 'not' to hurt people? Or are you jumping to conclusion that well it's easier to hurt public employees because they don't matter? Some legislators have stood up and said the laying off/furloughing of people is wrong - that there are places where we 'can' cut waste. Other legislators say public employees are getting too much and it's time that (state workers) cut back. A vast majority of others have been quiet. I think this is the year we're actually going to look at what people say and do and some people we will endorse and (in other cases, we'll) endorse someone else. To those others, we'll say, 'You left us out there alone and we're going to leave you out there alone this year.' It's our job to motivate our people this year and we'll educate them on what (elected officials have) said and done on our behalf."

Asked what he might directly say about PEF and the membership it represents to New York taxpayers - who are fed up with what's gone on in Albany over the past 80-plus days regarding the back-and-forth, tug of war between the governor and members of the Assembly and Senate as the state continues to operate without a budget - if he had the chance, Brynien replied: "Our members are the professionals that make sure New York operates the way it should every day. We help keep people safe. We patrol your streets. We're your medical teams. We inspect the water you drink and air you breathe. We make sure the food you eat is safe. We take care of your parks and we help people find work. We do everything that's needed."

The United Steelworkers Ratify New Four-Year Contract With Alcoa That Impacts 6,000 Workers At 11 U.S. Locations

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

(PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA) - A new four-year Labor Agreement between the United Steelworkers (USW) and Alcoa that covers some 6,000 workers at 11 U.S. locations has been ratified in a secret ballot vote by the membership, it was announced today.

The agreement provides for lump sum bonuses of $2,250 this year, $1,750 next year, and general wage increases of 2.5% in each of the following two years, as well as a $2 per month/per year of service increase in the pension multiplier, USW officials said.

The agreement is retroactive to June 1st and expires on May 15th, 2014. The USW is the largest Industrial Union in North America and has 850,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. It represents workers employed in metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, atomic energy and the service sector. Other important issues important to the USW in the Alcoa contract were the preservation of long-standing seniority practices and the rejection of a two-tier pay and benefit proposal that would have been divisive to Union Members in the workplace.

During negotiations, Alcoa proposed a series of changes in Health Care Benefits that would have dramatically shifted costs to employees through reduced coverage and higher employee premium amounts. Although the proposal was designed to appear to offer greater individual choice, in reality each of the options offered only poorer coverage and higher costs, Union officials said.

USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson, who served as chief negotiator for the Union, said: "Our members were adamant in the need for a single plan which provided everyone with access to high-quality Health Care and protection against catastrophic medical bills. The new contract does raise employee premiums, but they will still be much less than paid by Alcoa salaried and non-Union employees. Alcoa was not only insisting on implementing a plan that would have required our members to pay much higher costs for a lower level of coverage, but Alcoa also wanted the right to set future costs and coverage at whatever levels the company deemed appropriate. Our membership understood what was at stake and stood in solidarity with us. The company understood that and it's the reason why we will continue to have excellent Health Care that is affordable for our families."

Deceptive Californian Ballot Measure Would Ban Living Wages/City Of San Diego Leaders Warn Contractor-Funded Initiative Is

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA) - San Diego elected officials, faith leaders and community leaders are denouncing a misleading and destructive new ballot measure bankrolled by government contractors and developers, calling it "a classic bait and switch."

The initiative would overturn and ban San Diego's Living Wage Ordinance and prohibit many other requirements on contractors. Contrary to proponents' claims, it would actually reduce transparency and accountability in city contracting and would cost the city millions of dollars in state and federal funding.

"This measure is transparent in name only and fails to properly disclose the fact that it would eliminate the City's Living Wage Ordinance," said Councilwoman Donna Frye. "Contrary to its title, it's as transparent as a brick wall."

The six-page proposition contains a string of hidden impacts: It bans San Diego's Living Wage Ordinance by prohibiting wage requirements above minimum wage; It prevents the City's use of state and federal funds for public works projects, from street repair to the convention center expansion; It bans requirements for local hiring and standards for contractor qualifications and safety training; and It bans equal benefits protections.

The measure is far from "grassroots," as claimed by Councilmember Carl DeMaio. In just the first three months, the contractors' lobby spent $161,000 on paid signature-gatherers. Voters report being misinformed and pressured to sign and sometimes fooled by the deceptive wording.

"I deeply wish that I could take my signature back," said voter Stephanie Alaimo of Mission Hills. "I firmly support the need for a living wage in California. This initiative is ... far from transparent!"

The ballot measure claims to implement the stalled Managed Competition Program, but actually guts it and creates a new process to force privatization of public services with far less accountability, no oversight or cost monitoring, and more risk of corruption.

"This ballot measure is a sham and a disgrace," said Father Tommie Jennings, of Christ the King Catholic Church. "Our public dollars should never be used to subsidize poverty wages. This will do great harm to hard-working families in our community."

The Center on Policy Initiatives, which advocates for low- and middle-income workers, has created a committee to fight the ballot measure, called Stop the Ban of Living Wages. More information is available at www.ProtectLivingWages.org.

Additional Information From ProtectLivingWages.org:

The deceptive, contractor-funded "Competition and Transparency in City Contracting" Initiative would ban living wages, kill local jobs, restrict access to state and federal funds, and eliminate workplace standards.

The so-called "Competition and Transparency" initiative is devised to deliberately mislead voters. It claims to be in the interests of taxpayers, but it favors the interests of city contractors above all.

Contrary to proponents' claims, the initiative would actually reduce transparency and accountability in city contracting. It also would cost the city millions of dollars in state and federal funding and ban local hiring rules.

"This measure is transparent in name only and fails to properly disclose the fact that it would eliminate the City's Living Wage Ordinance," said Councilmember Donna Frye. "Contrary to its title, it's as transparent as a brick wall."

The six-page proposition contains a string of hidden impacts:

Lost Funding: It bans the City from using or receiving state and federal funds for public works projects - from street repair to the convention center expansion.

Poverty Wages: It bans San Diego's Living Wage Ordinance.

Local Jobs Lost: It bans requirements for local hiring.

Unsafe, Poorly-Trained Paramedics, Electricians & Other Workers: It bans minimum standards for contractor qualifications and safety training.

The contractors' lobby spent $161,000, just through March, on paid signature gatherers. Voters report being misinformed and pressured to sign, and sometimes fooled by the deceptive wording.

One local voter, who didn't want to be identified because she works for a contractor, said she was badgered into signing the petition by signature-collectors who lied about its effects. "It was very misleading. I want my signature back," she said.

Backed by Councilman Carl DeMaio, the ballot measure claims to implement the stalled Managed Competition program, but actually creates a new Direct Outsourcing process to force privatization of public services - with no set standards or rules, and far less accountability and transparency.

The Chicago Labor Federation Rejects Wal-Mart

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(CHICAGO) - The Chicago Federation of Labor has rejected an offer from Walmart to pay its Chicago employees a minimum urban wage of $8.75-an-hour to break the stalemate that has stalled its $1 billion plan to build "several dozen" Chicago stores over the next five years.

After six years of stonewalling Organized Labor's demand that Wal-Mart pay its employees a so-called Living Wage, the world's largest retailer yielded to pressure from Mayor Daley to establish a new standard for Chicago. The $8.75-an-hour minimum Chicago wage would be 50 cents above Illinois' minimum wage, but far short of the $11.03-an-hour Unions have demanded. Walmart's multiple projects would create 12,000 jobs, including 2,000 construction jobs.

Jorge Ramirez, secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, promptly rejected the offer outlined during the second face-to-face meeting between Walmart and Organized Labor and the first since May 3rd. "It's fifty-cents above the minimum wage. The big-box ordinance was eleven dollars and three cents an hour, plus three dollars in benefits. Folks in our coalition are outraged that they wasted our time for a month-and-a-half and came up with something they knew would not be acceptable. This is a straight muscle play by Walmart to ram this down the City Council's throat. Aldermen are going to see through it," Ramirez said.

Hank Mullany, president of Walmart North, said the company is prepared to spend $1 billion over the next five years building "several dozen" Chicago stores that create 10,000 permanent jobs and 2,000 construction jobs. Those stores, he said, would range from 141,000-square-foot super-centers to 60,000-to-80,000-square-foot mid-sized stores and food and pharmacy stores with just 25,000 square feet. Asked whether those stores would be new construction or take over vacant storefronts, Mullany said, "We would look at both. We would take over existing retail boxes, if they were available. We'd build ground up. Frankly, it will be a combination of both."

Mayor Daley has been searching for the "next big thing" ever since Chicago's first-round flame-out in the 2016 Olympic sweepstakes and he's apparently convinced that Walmart expansion is it. Recently, Daley privately with Walmart executives while attending the U.S. Conference of Mayor's meeting in Oklahoma City and pressured the world's largest retailer to up the ante.

With dozens of stores and thousands of jobs hanging in the balance, the mayor is now hoping Organized Labor's City Council allies will be afraid to say "no."

But, Ramirez of the Chicago Federation of Labor said: "Walmart doesn't make this investment out of a sense of corporate largess. They're not gifting the money. They're doing it because they have to invest in an urban market. Their stockholders are demanding it."

New UAW President Bob King Zeroes In On Organizing Non-Union & Foreign Auto Manufacturing Operations - Including Toyota

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(DETROIT) - The top priority for the United Auto Workers (UAW) is organizing non-Union workers at Toyota facilities across the United States and workers employed by other foreign automakers, new UAW President Bob King says.

The 63-year-old King, elected to succeed the retiring Ron Gettlefinger last week at the UAW's Constitutional Convention in Detroit, says the UAW "must fight for greater rights to organize non-Union workers" - including lobbying for federal passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow workers to join Unions. In addition, King says the only way for the UAW to win back concessions with the auto industry during the recession is to focus its energies on organizing workers across the board, from the automotive industry to the aerospace and agricultural equipment sectors.

The new UAW president, meanwhile, singled out the Toyota Motor Corp., criticizing the foreign automaker and announcing the UAW will begin a banner campaign at Toyota dealerships that will carry the message that Toyota "puts profits before people." Currently, there are no Unionized Toyota plants in the U.S.

Toyota is resuming construction of a manufacturing facility in Mississippi, where it has announced it will hire 2,000 workers. The project had been mothballed in 2008 after auto sales slumped. The UAW's King contends, however, that work was shifted to the Mississippi facility so the company could pay lower wages than what they were paying at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., (NUMMI) plant in Fremont, California - which was recently closed. King says NUMMI's California plant was closed down to scare workers at its other U.S. factories so they wouldn't join the Union.

President

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Governor David Paterson and Legislative Leaders have announced an agreement to scale back the Empire Zones program, attributing a $100 million savings to the trimming.

The Empire Zones will be replaced by the Excelsior Jobs program with lesser cost and shorter duration.

Press reports indicate Governor Paterson favored a new effort targeting specific industries, requiring stronger job creation guarantees.

Wage tax credits of $2,500 to $5,000 for each new worker hired are proposed to be part of the new program.

While our Federation supports the industry specific approach to economic development, the use of subsidized wages to spur job creation is generally something that this Federation has opposed.

This proposal (wage subsidy) would be better spent on Prevailing Wage and Fair Wage Programs. Subsidized jobs rarely survive in tough sledding or economic downturns. The so-called "earned" income tax credit has been proven to be a drag on wage increases and a disincentive to retirement programs.

Finally, property tax credits offered by both the old and new programs seem to be in disharmony with the recent legislative push for real property tax caps.

This Federation opposes the tax cap idea and is still wondering when the real property tax payers will realize how much property is now off the books as a result of these so-called "development" programs.

The push to get something done was begun during the Spitzer regime, and it is encouraging to see this Governor and this Legislature making good on the Empire Zone clean up effort.

Denis Hughes is president of the New York State AFL-CIO Labor Federation, whose affiliated Labor Unions combine to represent 2.5 million members across the Empire State.

(Editor's Note: New York State AFL-CIO President Hughes' column was reprinted on WNYLaborToday.com after first appearing in the most recent New York State AFL-CIO's Legislative Alert.)

UFCW Calls Federal Mediator Into New York City Contract Negotiations/Urges Supermarkets Not To Mislead Public About Affects Of Potential Strike

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 09:00:00 -0400

(QUEENS VILLAGE, NEW YORK) - Hoping it will work to help avoid what could be a crippling strike that would impact more than 150 supermarkets and 16,000 workers, the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1500 - New York State's largest Grocery Workers' Union that represents 23,000 grocery workers in the Metropolitan New York area - has called for a federal mediator to join negotiations with three major supermarkets.

Those grocery stores involved in the negotiations are Stop and Shop Supermarket, King Kullen Markets and A&P/Pathmark. The strike would affect supermarkets on Long Island, the Five Boroughs, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, UFCW Officials said, as well as possibly impact New Jersey and Connecticut. The current contract is set to expire on Saturday (June 26th). Any potential job action will affect the July 4th weekend for hundreds of thousands of customers. "We're doing everything we can to avoid a strike," UFCW Local 1500 Spokesman Patrick Purcell said. "However, this is a fight between what our members need to survive versus the companies immoral greed. That's the fight, need versus greed."

Queens-headquartered UFCW Local 1500, meanwhile, has urged the supermarkets not to mislead the public regarding their ability to operate in the event of a strike. "It would be irresponsible to announce that everything will operate as usual in the event of a strike. This could affect sales long after any dispute is settled." Purcell said.

Purcell also questioned the publics' willingness to shop in striking stores.

"Does the public want their money exchanging hands with an inexperienced cashier?" Purcell asked. "Do they want to place their bakery orders with some store manager from New Jersey who is more accustomed to eating doughnuts than baking them? The public needs to consider shopping alternatives in the event of a strike. That is the bottom line."

UFCW Local 1500 Harry Hammin - a Pathmark worker and member of the Union negotiating committee - said Union Workers "do not want a strike." "However, the supermarkets seem to be doing everything they can to guarantee there will be a strike. If that's what they want, then that is what they will get," Hammin said.

In other UFCW News: After nearly six week of bargaining, UFCW Local 23 and the Giant Eagle supermarket chain in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area has reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that Union Representatives say its 6,000 members can be proud of. With their contract expiring on June 26th, Pittsburgh-area UFCW members stood in solidarity for wage increases, secure retirement plans and affordable Health Care, UFCW Officials said. Giant-Eagle generated over $8 billion in profits last year, while the wages of their Union Employees remained relatively stagnant. UFCW members are scheduled to vote on the contract this Saturday (June 26th).

NYSNA-Represented Registered Nurses On Long Island Hold Second Protest Outside Nyack Hospital/Nurses Charge Management Has Yet To Offer A Fair Contract

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

(NYACK, LONG ISLAND) - There's a poster on a wall in Nyack Hospital on Long Island that features an image of a tree. It's intended to encourage the community to "help us grow the quality of our service" by offering suggestions. But Registered Nurses (RNs) represented by the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) at the hospital also have ideas on how to improve service, knowing the fundamentals of quality care involve recruitment and retention of RNs, as well as respecting nurses' concerns about patient safety and involving the community to determine how best to meet its needs.

Those RNs - who have been trying to address these issues in their current contract negotiations, but have been met with the hospital's refusal to engage in meaningful discussions - are holding an informational picket today outside the medical facility. Nyack Hospital RNs have already held one protest, on March 9th, and pledged to hold as many as necessary until management offers them a fair contract.

"We're seeking a contract that will help the hospital remain competitive," said RN Anna Marie Perkins, who serves as president of the NYSNA bargaining unit. "Does this sound unreasonable?"

When negotiations began last Fall, hospital management contended publicly that they wanted to come to an agreement by December 15th. But across the table, management engaged in one stall tactic after another and demanded deep cuts in the nurses' Health Care Plan, NYSNA Representatives have charged. Now, 10 months and 24 sessions later, management still has yet to offer the nurses a proposal that can be considered "fair," Union Officials said.

Management's attitude has most certainly been evident at the bargaining table, as it demands givebacks in the RNs health insurance before it will discuss any patient care issues, NYSNA Representatives said.

"We've supported the hospital through its leanest days and have contributed to its improving situation," NYSNA's Perkins said. "We enjoy being a part of the Nyack team. We just want Nyack Hospital to show it shares our commitment."

NYSNA - The Voice for Nursing in the Empire State - represents more than 37,000 members, and is the state's largest professional association and Union for RNs. NYSNA also supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

Union Retiree News From The Alliance For Retired Americans: Senior Issues Take Center Stage In Nevada Senate Race &

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

Senior Issues Take Center Stage In Nevada Senate Race

Nevada Alliance members rushed to Republican/Tea Party Senate candidate Sharron Angle's office to protest her position on privatizing Social Security. "She's extreme. She's dangerous," said NARA President Scott Watts. Her opponent is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Democrat). Watts called emergency meetings in Las Vegas and Sparks, Nevada about Angle's positions, and scores turned out to exchange warnings about her ideas for privatizing Social Security. Emotions ran high. Other sources of concern for retirees include Angle's stated desire to privatize Medicare and the Veterans Administration. Despite numerous attempts by television stations to reach Angle for comment and clarification, no one from her campaign returned their calls and e-mails over the past few days. During the primary campaign, Angle said that she wanted to phase out Social Security and Medicare programs, for something private. "I've never seen any compassion from this person as far as senior citizens are concerned. Never," Mr. Watts added.

"Doc Fix" Stalled in Congress As Some Medicare Patients Start Losing Their Doctors

Obama Administration officials had announced the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services would hold all Medicare claims until June 18th in order to give Congress more time to pass the "Doc Fix" provision. While the president's temporary solution had put the Medicare reimbursement cuts on hold for a couple of days, it has by no means satisfied doctors or Medicare beneficiaries. The legislation currently stalled in the Senate, H.R./4213, would prevent the 21% cuts to Medicare doctors through the end of 2011, extend unemployment insurance, provide pension fund relief, and add funds for the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) program - federal matching funds under Medicaid for state expenditures on certain social services, medical costs, and Health Care insurance. Most of these provisions are emergency spending. Traditionally, it's not been required that these be paid for in the legislation. The House passed a smaller bill that did not include FMAP. Neither the House nor Senate bill currently has a COBRA extension, though Sen. Bob Casey (Democrat-Pennsylvania) has an amendment ready should the bill get to the floor for debate. Despite a multi-million dollar campaign by the American Medical Association, pressure from seniors around the country, and a plea from the president himself, Senate Republicans have refused to support the "Doc Fix" provision because they feel that it is "too expensive." Senate Democrats had come up four votes short, 56-40, in their attempt to invoke cloture on the measure, preventing the bill from going to the floor for a vote. Consequently, some doctors have been forced to stop accepting Medicare patients because they simply cannot afford to. "Medicare beneficiaries should never be at risk of losing their doctor, and that's why we ask that Congress work efficiently to prevent these cuts," Alliance President Barbara J. Easterling said. Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus (Democrat-Montana) and ranking Republican Charles Grassley (Republican-Indiana) are now attempting to move a six-month fully offset "Doc Fix" through the Senate. If they succeed, Baucus and Grassley would uncouple the doctors' provision from the rest of the bill (H.R./4213). The fate of that bill, particularly without the doctor language, remains up in the air.

More Reason To Beware Social Security Cuts

Americans are living and working longer, and Alice Rivlin, a member of President Obama's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, tells CNBC that raising the Social Security retirement age would help put the Social Security program on a sound footing. However, Edward F. Coyle - Executive Director of the Alliance - said that Ms. Rivlin's idea is not the right solution. "Raising the retirement age would put further hardships on many workers in their sixties who have all they can do to work until the current retirement age of sixty-seven," he said. The President's Fiscal Commission has been tasked with proposing recommendations designed to balance the budget by 2015 and helping put the country on a path to fiscal sustainability. Its recommendations will not be forced upon Congress, but Rivlin expects the commission's recommendations will come up in Congress for a vote.

Obama Administration Focuses On Preventing Medicare Fraud

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder have teamed up to combat Medicare fraud. Recently, at the directive of President Obama, Holder and Sebelius sent out a letter to state attorneys general asking them to help the Administration fight Medicare fraud and scams that seek to target vulnerable seniors. In their letter, Sebelius and Holder outlined many actions that the State Attorney Generals could take, including leading fraud prevention forums across the country and educating seniors about the risk of scams. The first of these fraud prevention forums is scheduled to take place in Miami, Florida on July 16th, with other summits in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston to follow shortly thereafter. "This Administration is devoted to protecting seniors from malicious criminals who seek to make a profit at their expense," said Ruben Burks, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. At his recently-held tele-town hall meeting, President Obama issued a stern warning to potential scammers - saying that he will ensure that they pay a heavy price for attempting to harm seniors.

Indiana Alliance Turns Concern About Home Health Care Funds Into Action

Indiana seniors and people with disabilities who rely on Home Health Care could experience a 15% funding reduction in the publicly funded care they receive come July 1st. That could result in many more Hoosiers being forced into nursing homes rather than remaining in their homes while receiving less-expensive Home Health Care visits. Civic leaders from the Indiana Home Care Task Force, including Indiana Alliance members, recently shared their concerns in Terre Haute as they talked about the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's decision to reduce funding for the CHOICE home care program, and continue a freeze on enrolling new clients in the Medicaid aged and disabled waiver. Alliance President Elmer Blankenship is especially vocal about the cause - sadly. He even knows people who say they have saved up pills to use to commit suicide rather than go into a nursing home.

Sunday Labor Column: Happy Father

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

First off - Happy Father's Day from WNYLaborToday.com to all Dads across Western New York today! And to the sons and daughters of all those Fathers who've passed, remember those good and warm memories of your Dads, what they did for you, the sacrifices they made to make your lives better, the encouragement and support they lent and the smiles they wore on their faces. Thanks Dad for providing me with the opportunity to reach my full potential, for being the first in my family to go to college and to achieve both my personal and professional goals. We miss you all today, but will remember you forever.

Update on Nick Stone, the son of former Carpenters Union official Chris Stone, who was badly injured while serving our country in Afghanistan. From Nick's brother, Chris, Jr., who recently posted this announcement on the social network Facebook: "Many of you may not know, but my brother, Nick, was injured on Friday, May 21st while serving with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. He lost his left leg. His right leg was severely damaged. Nick has had three major surgeries so far. He's doing very well and on the road to recovery. But it will be a long road. He most likely will not be back in Buffalo for at least a year and even that time frame is tentative, depending on how he does with rehab and physical therapy. So, we're going to have a party/benefit/fundraiser for him on Saturday, August 7th! We'll have draft beer (maybe an open well bar) and food. Ticket Price will be between $20 and $30 per person. Flyers/Tickets and price are in the works now. I'm putting together a Donation Request Letter, for businesses that would like to be a part of this event. Thanks to everyone for the continued support through a very tough time for my family and I!" WNYLaborToday.com will provide our viewers/readers with additional information as it becomes available regarding the specific time and location for the Stone fundraiser. But in the meantime, and if you're a facebook member, go to Benefit/Fundraiser for my brother, Nick Stone for further information and updates. By the way, WNYLaborToday.com asks our readers/viewers to take a few moments to remember those in the military who are serving overseas and to keep them in your hearts and prayers. Many are Dads too. As we suggested last week, take the time to drop Nick Stone a quick note at the Walter Reed Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20307. I know he'll appreciate it.

IUPAT District 4 Business Manager Dan Boody tells WNYLaborToday.com that he was extremely pleased to attend the National AFL-CIO's first-ever Young Workers Summit that attracted 400 Young Unionists to Washington, D.C. for a three-day event. "I'm glad I took the time to go. I wanted to see what it was all about," said Boody, who is a bit over in age of the majority of those who attended the event. "Eighty-percent of those who were there were under the age of thirty-six," said the Painters District Council Union Leader - who was impressed by the use of electronic polling at the Young Workers Summit, which provided those in attendance an immediate opportunity to voice their opinion of where the direction of the Labor Movement must go and how to involve more and younger Union Members in the movement. "There was one poll that was taken on communicating and I was surprised that texting outscored the use of e-mails," Boody said. What transpired in Washington over those three days made a further impression on Boody for the need to create Young Unionists movement right here in Western New York. "We definitely should do something here through the Buffalo and Niagara-Orleans Central Labor Councils. The groundwork has now been put into place," he said. A couple of months ago, Buffalo AFL-CIO Council President Mike Hoffert publicly discussed his desire to start a Young Unionists group, and there has been further interest shown by the Niagara-Orleans Central Labor Council. Here's hoping that overall effort materializes and more young Union Workers are involved in the process and the Labor Movement across Western New York in the months to come.

WNYLaborToday.com had the opportunity to sit down with Kenneth Brynien, president of the 60,000-member New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), here in Buffalo late last week. During a wide-ranging interview that took place at PEF's Downtown Buffalo offices, Brynien talked about a number of issues and topics, including his Union's push for New York State and Governor Paterson to seriously consider and move forward on a number of cost-cutting measures PEF has recommended - including the inordinate amount of temporary workers hired by the state. WNYLaborToday.com's will publish a print story during the week on our interview with PEF President Brynien, as well as an expanded Labor News Video Report.

I couldn't help but think about New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder's misguided decision to support construction of an anti-Union Walmart Supercenter on the border of South Buffalo and West Seneca, especially after Schroeder met with several high-ranking Labor Leaders who requested an explanation from him. By what WNYLaborToday.com reported last week, the meeting involving Schroeder, Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation (WNYALF) President Angelo Vellake, Buffalo AFL-CIO Council President Hoffert and Richard Lipsitz, who serves as vice president of the WNYALF and is Labor Movement Liaison for Teamsters Local 264, did not go well (See story headlined: Buffalo Assemblyman Mark Schroeder Draws Major Criticism From Organized Labor For His Support To Build A Walmart In His District - Recent Meeting With Union Leaders "Does Not Go Well," Has Some Calling His Support Of Walmart "Outrageous"). I was left scratching my head thinking why Schroeder, who has a long and proud track record of Labor support, didn't take the time to think about and realize that Vellake - who also heads the United Food & Commercial Workers Union here in Western New York - would be against such a project due to the fact that those 300 retail/grocery store employees that would be employed by South Buffalo/Walmart would be represented by the UFCW - if Walmart even agreed to go Union, which will occur when hell freezes over. Well, it doesn't matter much now as Schroeder has caught the ire of Organized Labor. From what local Labor Leaders tell WNYLaborToday.com, a meeting will be held in the not too distant future to discuss Schroeder's public and supportive stance on anti-Union and anti-Worker Walmart. What might happen? It's anyone guess, but a "no endorsement" might be given to Schroeder, who is seeking re-election to the State Assembly. There may also be Unions that decline to make monetary donations to his campaign and fail to offer any volunteer assistance by Union Members to help out during his campaign. If so, it will be one heck of message sent to any elected official - and political party, for that matter - who's received the support of Labor Unions and their members that they should never be taken for granted. In the end, you might be seeing a "Mark-down" on Assemblyman Schroeder when it comes to his Walmart decision.

And speaking of Walmart, if you have a moment, take the time to read today's Letter to the Editor that WNYLaborToday.com received from Earl A. Frampton - retired Communications Director for the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council. Frampton hit the nail on the head in his column, where he outlines the loss of jobs to foreign soil and the movement by Big Business to slowly dismantle the Middle and Working Class. "Wake Up America! and stop the Great American Give Away before it's too late!," says Frampton, who notes the U.S. has lost more than 3.5 million manufacturing jobs over the past five years, with more job loss expected to come. What can we do about it? Frampton urges the American workforce to "take back our country and this election year is a good place to start." "What we do at the ballot box affects our breadbox, and everyone - from the youngest to the oldest - should say enough is enough and work hard this year at the local, state and national level to elect candidates that will deal with down-to-earth people issues and concerns," Frampton writes. Words of Wisdom they are and hopefully Working People, both Union and non, read them carefully and take it upon themselves to get involved by casting their vote later this year.

Letter To The Editor @ WNYLaborToday.com: Retired Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Council Communications Director Earl Frampton:

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Over the past 10 to 15 years, I've read the news articles on 23 plant closings in Niagara County that detailed the shutdowns of Carbide Graphite and Vanadium and the laying off of workers at Dupont and St. Gobain. Each time, the issue was the same: If the Unions didn't give back on wages and Health Care, they'd close down and move. But even after good faith bargaining and givebacks, it was only a matter of time and those companies decided to close down anyway - at the expense of the local workforce.

Companies, Corporations and Businesses are continuing to sell out the American Dream of the Middle Class in America to the highest bidder - be it China, Japan or other Third World countries.

We've lost over 3.5 million manufacturing jobs in the last five years at the expense of the American Worker. The so-called skilled jobs that have been created by past Administrations in Washington are also being exported overseas. What's now left are jobs created by the Walmarts of the world - but at half the wages and without benefits for the average worker.

American companies like IBM, Dow, Delphi - and even the American Auto Manufacturers - are building new plants in China, Mexico and other Third World countries to exploit cheap labor, child labor and to avoid environmental laws that keep our workplaces safe.

It's totally obscene for American Workers to have to go two and three years without a bargained contract like some do. The same thing has happened to Public Sector Workers, some are going into their third year without a contract.

American Companies today are using bankruptcy as a means to null and void Labor Contracts that were bargained in good faith to protect workers wages, pensions and benefits.

Workers trusted their companies and now many workers have lost everything.

Two-hundred multi-national corporations - or about 30% to 40% - say they plan to change substantially their worldwide research and development work over the next three to five years, with that work going to China and India.

I believe it's Un-American for companies like IBM, Dow Chemical, Hewlett-Packard and Delphi to open new companies in China and India without paying a dime in taxes back into the American Economic System.

There's no loyalty to our America by the Fortune 500 Companies - only greed and the almighty dollar that now rules.

Finally, we - the American workforce - have lost economic and financial control that continues to fuel the fires of anti-Unionism and anti-worker sentiment with continuous exportation of good American Jobs to Third World countries.

So what needs to be done?

It's time for the American people to take back our country and this election year is a good place to start. What we do at the ballot box affects our breadbox, and everyone - from the youngest to the oldest - should say enough is enough and work hard this year at the local, state and national level to elect candidates that will deal with down to earth people issues and concerns.

This country was built brick-by-brick and board-by-board and workers were the ones who made businesses profitable - both working together to build a Middle-Class Standard of Living that is second to none.

So, WAKE UP AMERICA!

It's your country to save.

We need to stop the abuse of the negative powers that are stealing it blind.

Today, our country is mortgaged by more than 40% or approximately four or five countries.

If they called in our debt to them - they could cause the total collapse of our country.

It's time to stop the Great American Give Away and save our country for our children and grandchildren and the American Way Of Life - before it's too late.

Earl A. Frampton

Communications Director - Retired

Niagara/Orleans AFL-CIO Labor Council

CWA News From Across The Nation: Bargaining Opens June 21st On AT&T Internet Contract & AFA-CWA Members Support Striking Spirit Airlines Pilots

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Bargaining Opens June 21st On AT&T Internet Contract

CWA's (Communications Workers of America) AT&T Internet bargaining committee will begin negotiations with AT&T for a new contract covering nearly 5,400 workers in Districts 3, 4, 6 and 9. Bargaining will take place in Dallas. The current contract expires July 17th. Key issues include wages, protecting and improving benefits, job security, protections against subcontracting, improved scheduling and time off.

AFA-CWA Members Support Striking Spirit Airlines Pilots

Spirit Airlines flight attendants and other AFA-CWA members showed their support for striking Spirit pilots by joining them on picket lines at numerous airports during the pilots' five-day strike. "Spirit flight attendants are committed to assisting pilots in achieving the best contract possible," the Spirit AFA-CWA Master Executive Council said. The flight attendants are in mediation over their contract. The Air Line Pilots Association said Spirit's demands would have forced pilots to work more hours and pay more for family health care, while company profits continue to soar. Spirit was ranked as the most profitable U.S. airline by pre-tax profit margin last year.

National AFL-CIO Young Workers Summit Shows Promising Future For Labor

The AFL-CIO's first-ever Young Workers Summit drew more than 400 young people to Washington, D.C., generating ideas to mobilize younger workers and strengthen the Union Movement. "It was an awesome experience," said Chris Lane, a "Next Up" conference speaker and the youngest-ever president of CWA Local 2201 in Richmond, Virginia. "I was so excited and motivated and recharged by it, especially with all the networking I was able to do." Lane was 31 when he was elected Local 2201's president four years ago. "I talked about how the younger generation has a set of issues and concerns, wages are a big one, and the older generation may be thinking more about defined benefit pensions and Health Care," Lane said. "I told them that neither side can survive without the other and together we can thrive." Through workshops and group discussions, participants called for: A "Next Up" constituency group; A national youth summit every year; Next Up member representation on AFL-CIO local, state and national organizations; Blogs for young workers and many other ideas. CWA's Next Generation committee, launched at the 2009 CWA Convention, is also building energy throughout the Union. The committee will meet again later this month and will report on its progress to CWA Convention delegates next month in Washington, D.C.

Community Education Center Workers Join CWA In Trenton

Workers at the Bo Robinson Community Education Center in Trenton, New Jersey wanted a Union and they overwhelmed management's efforts to stop them. The workers at the privately-run center that helps former corrections prisoners' transition back into society voted unanimously, 54-0 for CWA Local 1040. The unit has 69 workers total. Management pulled out all stops to defeat the workers' campaign with regular captive audience meetings and multiple distributions of anti-Union literature. Two weeks before the election, the company brought workers in from another location, claiming they were needed "if there was a strike." "The workers stayed united and could not be swayed from their hunger to get a voice on the job," said Local 1040 organizer Connie English, who with local staff representative Chris Young, assisted the campaign. Fair pay, job security, respect, and an end to arbitrary treatment were the issues driving the workers' campaign. Local 1040 is now assisting the 50 workers in the center's professional unit who also want Union Representation.

Download CWA's iPhone App!

CWA Union News, the CWA's new iPhone application, makes it easier than ever to stay connected. Now you can get the latest CWA news, videos and photos in one place. This new application, which is completely free of charge, is a great new way to stay up-to-date on all things CWA. With a single touch, CWA Union News allows you to mobilize and advocate on behalf of your Union. Never miss a beat when you are on the go, download CWA Union News from http://www.cwa-union.org/iphoneapp or find it by searching for CWA in the App Store.

Letter To The Editor @ WNYLaborToday.com: Coalition For Economic Justice Executive Director Allison Duwe: The State Assembly & Governor Paterson Should Support Provisions For The Payment Of Living & Prevailing Wages

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 09:00:00 -0400

Despite continued dysfunction in Albany, the New York State Senate did manage to act in the interest of Working New Yorkers recently.

Earlier this month the Senate passed a bill that would require public utility companies to pay prevailing wage for cleaners, security guards, doormen and other service workers. The vote fell almost completely along party lines, with one Republican breaking ranks and voting for the measure.

Handymen, janitors, groundskeepers, cooks and other workers providing basic services for the utility companies would be subject to Prevailing Wage, which is an hourly rate set by the State Department of Labor on a county-by-county basis for individual service occupations.

The measure has yet to pass the state Assembly and opponents of the bill are sounding the alarm, largely by claiming that the burden of paying workers a decent wage will necessitate increases in rates for consumers.

Once again, National Grid is trying to pull the wool over the eyes of New Yorkers, by suggesting the multi-billion dollar public utility cannot avoid keeping its contracted cleaners in poverty without raising rates is as financially preposterous as it is reprehensible to New York taxpayers.

National Grid raked in $1.87 billion in profits last year, and it would cost them pennies on the dollar to keep the workers who keep its facilities safe and clean out of poverty. Instead, workers contracted at public utilities are earning poverty wages, at as little as $7.75 upstate.

Prevailing Rates for public service workers in Western New York are not very high, for many of the industries the set rate is not even what CEJ would consider a Living Wage.

However, this legislation is a step in the right direction and an important response to the poverty crisis we're facing locally - a crisis that is the result of having too many jobs that pay too little.

When low-wage workers, like those contracted to work at public utilities, are unable to support themselves and their families on their wages, they often turn to public programs for food, health care and housing - and taxpayers are forced to foot the bill.

The Senate has voted to close the loophole that lets public utilities keep workers in poverty and pass on the costs of the food, Health Care and housing they need to support their families onto New York taxpayers.

The Assembly and Governor Paterson should stand up to these fear-mongering companies, and do the same.

Allison Duwe/Executive Director
Coalition for Economic Justice/Buffalo, New York

The Coalition For Economic Justice Calls On State Senators Stachowski & Thompson Of Buffalo To Help Fix

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Rachel Wilson of the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation wears an ATM costume during a news conference that was held by the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ) to draw attention to the need to fix New York State's "broken economic development programs." Also taking part in the Downtown Buffalo news conference are CEJ Organizer Andy Reynolds (holding papers in his hand) while answering questions from local media. (Photo provided to WNYLaborToday.com by the Coalition for Economic Justice)

(BUFFALO) - A life-sized ATM machine representing taxpayers was featured in a skit held in Downtown Buffalo Friday by the Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ) to illustrate how New York State's economic development programs waste public money and fail to create quality jobs.

The CEJ provided a creative performance of an Industrial Development Agency (IDA) board meeting to show how the State's many IDAs use taxpayers like ATM machines before delivering a wake-up call to State Senators William Stachowski and Antoine Thompson of Buffalo that its time to fix New York's "broken economic development programs, create quality jobs, and put the State" on the road to recovery.

"The one-hundred-and-fifteen IDAs across New York State might not have ATMs in their lobbies, but the skit we performed isn't too far a cry from what happens regularly here in Erie County and across the state," said the CEJ's Terrence Robinson, who performed in the skit. "In a time of great economic uncertainty for many individuals and families across the state, including here in Buffalo, IDAs are spending more of our taxpayer dollars, and doing less for our communities."

With the end of the State's legislative calendar ending next week, the CEJ is calling on the Senate to act on substantive reforms that would include long-term solutions to the failings of New York's economic development programs, particularly its IDAs.

"The New York State Assembly has consistently acted in support of IDA reform, but for reform efforts to move forward the Senate needs to wake up and realize it's time to work with the Assembly to craft a winning bill," CEJ Executive Director Allison Duwe said. "We're delivering our wake up call to Western New York majority Senators Stachowski and Thompson, asking them to work with the Assembly and Senate Leadership to fix our broken economic development system and put folks to work in quality jobs."

IDAs are the main engine for economic development throughout New York, awarding tax exemptions and tax-free bond financing to businesses in return for job creation and retention.

However, a new audit released in May by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli showed that spending by IDAs increased, while job creation decreased. The report, based on 2008 data, showed net tax exemptions grew 9% over the previous year to $645 million, but job creation decreased nearly 14%.

"IDAs have been failing us for too long," CEJ Organizer Andy Reynolds said. "IDAs are now giving away six-hundred-and-forty-five-million dollars in net tax exemptions each year. We're facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. We can no longer afford to let IDAs and corporations use taxpayers like their own personal ATMs. Six-hundred-and-forty-five-million dollars is not an insignificant amount of money. Combine that figure with the half a billion dollars we throw away each year through the Empire Zone program and the money starts to add up."

The CEJ is a co-anchor with New York Jobs with Justice of the New York IDA Coalition, which is a broad coalition of public policy experts, government watchdogs, Labor Unions, community and faith-based organizations, and concerned small business owners, workers and taxpayers.

National Labor News Round-Up: Senate Republicans Kill Jobs Bill/Block Aid To Unemployed Workers & Supreme Court Finds Hundreds Of NLRB Labor Cases Were Improperly Decided/Court Rules Two-Person NLRB Board Can't Make Decisions

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:00:00 -0400

Senate Republicans Kill Jobs Bill, Block Jobless Aid

From AFL-CIO News Now Blog Website

Earlier this week, Senate Republicans blocked a Jobs Bill that would have extended Unemployment Insurance (UI) for long-term jobless workers. Some 250,000 unemployed workers a week are losing their unemployment benefits because they can't find jobs. National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said the Republican's action to block unemployment benefits for the hardest-hit jobless Americans is an "outrage - sadly, it's simply the latest shame." "All members, both Republicans and Democrats, must remember that come November, voters will be thinking about one thing - jobs," Trumka said. Senate leaders scaled back the bill to win the 60 votes needed to end the Republican filibuster against the bill. The 56-to-40 vote included all Republicans present and Senator Joe Lieberman (Independent-Connecticut) and Senator Ben Nelson (Democrat-Nebraska). The extended UI program expired May 31st after the Senate left town for the Memorial Day recess without acting on a House-passed Jobs Bill jobs bill that would have kept the long-term unemployment benefits program alive. The U.S. unemployment rate is now near 10%. At least 15 million people are out of work and 6.8 million people have been out of work for 27 weeks or more. Not only did Senate Republicans turn their backs on jobless workers, they also protected Wall Street investors and big oil companies like BP. The bill would have closed tax loopholes that allow hedge fund and other investments managers to shelter income at lower tax rates than Working Families pay on their income. It also increased the liability taxes on oil companies. Senator Richard Durbin (Democrat-Illinois) said Republicans said "yes" to the special interest groups they always stand by. Further Senate action on the bill is not expected until next week.

Supreme Court Finds Hundreds of Labor Cases Were Improperly By National Labor Relations Board /Says Two-Person NLRB Can't Make Decisions

Statement by AFL-CIO General Counsel Lynn Rhinehart on Supreme Court Ruling in the Case of New Process Steel v. NLRB: "We're extremely disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision in New Process Steel v. NLRB.  As has become the norm, workers are once again penalized by corporate stall tactics. By the barest of majorities, five justices rewarded New Process Steel and other corporations who challenged the two-member National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) decisions as a delay method to avoid respecting Workers' Rights. Workers in these cases now face further delay as the NLRB is forced to sort out and deal with the impact of the Court's decision. The AFL-CIO supported the NLRB's position in this case and believes the NLRB had the far better argument. We regret that as a result of the Court's decision, workers in these cases will have to wait longer still for justice."

From The National Law Journal:

(WASHINGTON) - The vacancy-plagued National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) did not have authority to issue nearly 600 decisions in the last two years with only two board members, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

In New Process Steel v. National Labor Relations Board, a 5-4 Court upended the NLRB's attempt, dating back to 2007, to continue functioning when it foresaw that its membership was in imminent danger of dropping from four to two.

The immediate effect of the Court's decision will be to return to the board an estimated 75 to 80 cases pending in the lower courts that are challenging the legitimacy of two-member board decisions. Another 500 or so cases involve appeals not raising the two-member board issue; cases where the parties already have complied with a board decision; and cases where the parties are in the process of complying and did not appeal.

All of those decisions are void, but whether the aggrieved parties petition the board or the courts of appeals to review their cases as a result of the Supreme Court decision, may depend on the facts of those cases, according to labor and management attorneys.

"I think it's going to be very difficult for those employers or unions that had cases decided but didn't challenge the decisions on the ground that the two members lacked authority to try to go back and revisit the issues," said Peter Conrad, a partner in the labor and employment department of New York's Proskauer Rose and a former NLRB hearing officer.

Conrad said, for example, that many board orders in discrimination cases require reinstatement and back pay for the employee. If that has been done, he said, "It is conceivable, but not likely, an employer is going to terminate that employee because the order is now invalid. Even if the case were revisited by the board, it is unlikely the board would reach a different outcome." Those decisions, he said, were made by one member from each of the two major political parties. "If they were able to reach a decision in those cases, most of which were fairly routine matters, when these cases are reassigned to a three-member panel of the now four-member board, adoption of those decisions is not difficult to foresee," Conrad said.

John Raudabaugh, a former NLRB member and now counsel to the Washington office of Nixon Peabody, said he believes that parties who did not appeal their two-member board decisions have waived any opportunity for reconsideration. "That would leave a much smaller number affected," he said.

But no one really knows how many cases ultimately may go back to the board.

The New Process Steel case involved a steel processing plant in Butler, Indiana, that unilaterally withdrew recognition from the International Association of Machinists.

The two-member board had ordered the employer to recognize the union, honor a contract negotiated in fall 2007 and make employees whole for any income lost while the employer failed to honor the contract.

In the Supreme Court, the justices faced a classic statutory interpretation challenge. Section 3(b) of the National Labor Relations Act states that the "Board is authorized to delegate to any group of three or more members any or all of the powers which it may itself exercise." It also provides that "three members of the Board shall, at all times, constitute a quorum of the Board, except that two members shall constitute a quorum of any group" to which the board has delegated its powers.

Toward the end of 2007, the five-member board had four members and one vacancy. Anticipating that the terms of two of the four members were about to expire, the board delegated powers to three of its four members. Two of that three-member group - Chairwoman Wilma Liebman, a Democrat, and Peter Schaumber, a Republican - would remain in January 2008 and be the quorum needed to do business.

The question before the Supreme Court was whether two members constituted a quorum in this instance, or whether three members were still required to issue a decision.

Writing for the majority, Justice John Paul Stevens said interpreting the law to require that the board's powers be vested at all times in at least three members harmonizes and gives effect to the law's quorum, delegation and vacancy clauses.

"Secondly, and relatedly, if Congress had intended to authorize two members alone to act for the Board on an ongoing basis, it could have said so in straightforward language," he wrote. The law, as it currently exists, he added, "does not authorize the Board to create a tail that would not only wag the dog, but would continue to wag after the dog died."

Justice Anthony Kennedy, joined by justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor, dissented. He said there was nothing in the law's text to support the majority's conclusion.

"The Board's delegation to a three-member group that ultimately dwindled to two was a thoughtful and considerate exercise of its reasonable discretion when it was confronted with two imperfect alternatives," he wrote. "During the past two years, events have turned what Congress had undoubtedly thought would be an extraordinary circumstance into an ordinary one."

New Process Steel's counsel, Sheldon Richie of Richie & Gueringer in Austin, Texas, said, "We believe the decision is correct and we're pleased we got it in our favor."

Liebman said in a statement, "When the Board went to two members in January 2008, Member Schaumber and I made a difficult decision in difficult circumstances. In proceeding to issue decisions in nearly 600 cases where we were able to reach agreement, we brought finality to labor disputes and remedies to individuals whose rights under our statute may have been violated. We believed that our position was legally correct and that it served the public interest in preventing a Board shutdown. We are of course disappointed with the outcome, but we will now do our best to rectify the situation in accordance with the Supreme Court's decision."

The term of board member Schaumber will expire at the end of August. Three nominations for board seats are currently pending before the Senate, including those of members Craig Becker and Mark Pearce, who were recess-appointed by President Barack Obama in late March.

In a statement after the ruling, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, (Democrat-Vermont), blamed the board's "vacancy crisis" on "continuing obstruction in the Senate" of confirmation of Obama's nominations.

"More than 500 disputes resolved by the Board are now called into question, including disputes involving allegations of unfair labor practices, secret ballot elections relating to union representation and challenges to requiring workers to pay union dues," Leahy said. "It is unfortunate that there has long been a vacancy crisis in the National Labor Relations Board, but it was never the intent of Congress the Board cease operating entirely when three vacancies arise."

UAW Members Rally for Good Jobs Now

From AFL-CIO News Now Blog Website

On his first day in office, UAW President Bob King sent a clear message the Union Movement is ready and able to fight as long as necessary to gain economic and social justice for all. After delivering his acceptance speech at the UAW convention in Detroit, King joined Teamsters President James Hoffa and Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO President Saundra Williams to lead a Good Jobs Now! march and rally in downtown Detroit. Delegates to the convention and other workers joined the march that filled a city block. The marchers demanded Wall Street pay for its role in creating the recession, which cost 11 million jobs America. They called on Big Bankers to end their opposition to financial reform and to begin to make loans available to homeowners to stop foreclosures, to communities, small businesses and others starved of credit. King told the crowd that the Union Movement must return to its roots and fight for social justice as well as economic justice. "If we don't win social justice for everyone, we don't win," King said. That echoed a statement he made a few hours before in his acceptance speech, in which King said: "Our call, I think, is to go back to our roots and take on the fight in America for Civil Rights, for Labor Rights, for First Amendment rights." King said the UAW is putting together a strategy for the 2010 elections: "We all have disagreements with President Barack Obama. We have forgotten sometimes to put that in context and talk about all the good things he's done." The new UAW president also said workers "should not let the Republican Party get away with blaming Obama and Congressional Democrats for the economic crisis." The truth is, King said, when George W. Bush entered the White House, he was handed a $127 billion surplus by President Bill Clinton. When Obama took office, he was handed a trillion-dollar deficit. "Don't let any Republican get away with saying Democrats caused this crisis. No president has been as accessible to unions representing workers [as Obama]. He saved General Motors and Chrysler from disaster. The Republicans had no problem giving hundreds of millions of dollars to bankers," King said.

District Council 37/AFSCME Leader Lillian Roberts Tells New York City Council During

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

(NEW YORK CITY) - During a massive "Save Our City" rally that was held outside New York City Hall (Wednesday, June 16th) earlier this week, AFSCME (American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees) District Council 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts joined a host of other Labor Leaders to denounce Mayor Bloomberg's proposed cuts in his 2011 budget - calling them "a threat to city services and the thousands of municipal workers who provide them and the millions of New Yorkers who rely on them."

Declaring New York's Working Men and Women and their families "under attack," Roberts - who heads New York City's largest Public Employee Union with 125,000 members and 50,000 retirees - said Bloomberg's "budget slashes funds for education, social services, Health Care, food pantries, child health clinics, libraries, substance abuse counselors, senior centers, swimming pools, and more."

Roberts also called on City Council members to act now to remedy the situation. "Tell our elected representatives - the City Council and the Speaker - to use the power they have through the City Charter to make a fifteen-percent cut in personnel, professional and technical services contracts," Roberts urged the thousands of Union Workers who jammed the streets and sidewalks of Lower Manhattan.

"This is not a new idea," Roberts said, pointing to across-the-board cuts in outside contracts that have already been carried out in Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois and elsewhere. "But, in New York, rather than cut contracts the Mayor's budget calls for a five-hundred-million-dollar increase in the very give-away deals that created the disaster we're facing," she added.

Roberts, meanwhile, noted that according to the Union's calculations "this fifteen-percent reduction in funds for consultant contracts would save over three-hundred-and-sixteen-million dollars and provide enough funding to eliminate all the service cuts and preserve the jobs of the workers slated to be laid off."

"Today, we're asking the Speaker and the members of the City Council to take a stand," Roberts said. "You have the power under the city charter to set spending limits. We're asking you to act now to exercise that power to save our communities and thousands of city workers the pain and suffering of service cuts and layoffs."

Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Awards Its Annual Harry S. Jordan Scholarships/Three Area Students Honored During Niagara Falls-Held Event

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Representatives of the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council gather behind the 2010 Harry S. Jordan Scholarship winners during an awards dinner held in Niagara Falls Wednesday evening. The award winners are seated from left to right: Patrick Polley (in black shirt), Charles Porreca and Cortland McKernan. (WNYLaborToday.com Photo)

(NIAGARA FALLS) - With an overall theme of the need to involve more young people and young workers in the Labor Movement, the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council awarded three scholarships to two area high schools graduates and another to a University of Buffalo student during its 27th Annual Harry S. Jordan Awards Dinner that was held Wednesday evening in Niagara Falls.

"I believe this is extremely important," Niagara-Orleans CLC President Anna Horton told nearly 50 individuals who attended the annual scholarship awards dinner. Added Bill Jakobi, Community Services Liaison for the Niagara-Orleans CLC: "The Labor Movement believes in today's youth and we're proud to continue to award these scholarships."

Receiving the 2010 Harry S. Jordan Scholarships were:

Cortland McKernan of Newfane High School, who was sponsored by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 686/Unit 1. McKernan will major in criminal justice at Niagara County Community College. McKernan took time to recognize his mother, a UAW Union Member, for playing such an important role in his life. He also read a short essay that he wrote on "Unions and Political Action."

Patrick Polley of Lewiston Porter High School, who was sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 237. Polley is an undecided major who will attend the State University of New York at Oswego. Polley read his essay on the "Eight-Hour Work Day/Five-Day Work Week."

And Charles Porreca, an electrical engineering major at the University at Buffalo, who was sponsored by USW (United Steelworkers) Local 4-0598. Porreca received the Harry S. Jordan President's/Continuing Education Scholarship Award. Porreca, who also read an essay on the "Eight-Hour Work Day/Five-Day Work Week" topic, told dinner attendees he has been "fortunate to grow up in a family of Union Workers, who were afforded the time to spend with their children as they grew up," instead of working long hours seven days a week.

The scholarship awards dinner is named after long-time Niagara County Union Leader Harry S. Jordan. The late Jordan's dedication, interest in his Local - IBEW Local 237 in Niagara Falls - and its membership helped set the standard for local Union Achievement, while serving as an inspiration for all Union Brotherhood and Sisterhood, Niagara-Orleans CLC officials said.

Jordan was born in England in 1894 and later immigrated to America. After moving from Springfield, Illinois to Niagara Falls in 1914, he began to pursue his chosen trade with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Jordan served as the first Business Agent for IBEW Local 237 in Niagara Falls, a position he held for 52 years. Serving on the Local's apprenticeship board, Jordan was involved in establishing courses that maintained the highest standards of craftsmanship. In 1958, then U.S. Secretary of Labor James Mitchell cited Harry for his efforts.

Jordan's achievements were many. He was the president of the Niagara Falls Federation of Labor in 1919 and served in that capacity until it merged with the Niagara-Orleans Central Labor Council in 1956. Jordan served as its president until 1971. He also served as president of the Niagara County Building & Construction Trades Council from 1933 to 1941, and as trustee of the Niagara County Building Trades Council from 1941 until his retirement in 1971.

Jordan's interest in helping the everyday Working Person extended far beyond Organized Labor into the field of public housing. For his efforts, Jordan was affectionately known as the Father of Public Housing. He served on the Niagara Falls Housing Authority for 30 years, including 14 as its chairman. In 1963, the Public Housing Administration cited Jordan for his efforts and dedication.

On another front, Jordan was active in the American Red Cross, the Community Chest, served as a member of the Niagara Falls Urban Renewal Agency, as a trustee on the Niagara Community College Campus in Sanborn, and also finding time to serve as chairman of the Educational Foundation at the local college.

In a bio that appeared in the scholarship dinner program, it was noted that "Jordan's long record of continuous service to Organized Labor stands as a tribute to the ordinary man. Everyone who knew him benefited from knowing him, his hard work, positive influence upon his community, as well as, to the area's Unionized Construction Industry continue to this day."

Dinner Notes: Nick Zawacki, president of New York State United Teachers/American Federation of Teachers Local 4265 - a professional singer - sung the National Anthem as part of the dinner's opening ceremonies. Zawacki, a Niagara Falls native, is a singer/songwriter who has performed at a number of Western New York venues, including the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights, and has released a seasonal CD of Christmas songs... Featured speaker Earl Frampton - retired AFL-CIO Communications Director - spoke on the importance of Working People "taking back our country" during the Fall elections. "What we do at the ballot box affects our breadbox and everyone from the youngest to the oldest should say 'enough is enough' and work hard this year at the local, state and national level to elect candidates that will deal with 'down-to-earth' people issues and concerns," Frampton said... Also in attendance was United Way of Greater Niagara President Carol Houwaart Diez and her family. The relationship between Organized Labor and the United Way was highlighted during the dinner, as well as were several collaborative community efforts the two are involved in across Niagara County - including the Holiday Lights of Niagara, the National Association of Letter Carriers Union's Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and the Workers' Memorial In Niagara Falls, to name just a few.

Western New York UAW Leader Elected VP Of UAW

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: New UAW President Bob King (left) and Vice President General Holiefield give "thumbs up" during the UAW's 35th Constitutional Convention in Detroit. (Photo courtesy of www.UAW.org)

(DETROIT) - More than 1,200 delegates to the 35th UAW (United Auto Workers) Constitutional Convention in Detroit have overwhelmingly elected Bob King to succeed Ron Gettelfinger as president. King will be sworn in today to a four-year term as president.

King's election brought change to the UAW across the board and also reached into Western New York. UAW Region 9 Director Joe Ashton was elected vice president of the UAW's General Motors Company Bargaining Unit. Region 9, which is headquartered in Amherst, oversees Western and Central New York, as well as New Jersey and portions of Pennsylvania.

As a result of Ashton's election, Region 9 Assistant Director Scott Adams has been promoted to director. "There's no greater honor than to represent this great membership," Adams said. "You can't do this unless you have the support of the membership and staff, and I thank you for that. Joe Ashton kept this region together. Now, it's under my watch."

King prevailed by a vote of 2,115.095 to 74,549 against 61-year-old challenger Gary Walkowicz, a UAW Local 600 bargaining committee member at the Ford Motor Company's Dearborn Truck Plant. The constitutionally-required roll call vote lasted more than one hour and ended with Gettelfinger saying: "Ladies and gentleman, you have just witnessed democracy in action."

King, 63, has been a UAW vice president since 1998 and headed the UAW's National Ford and Independents, Parts and Suppliers (IPS) departments since 2006. He played a major role in both the UAW Ford 2007 National Agreement and the 2009 modifications to the agreement.

Delegate Bernie Ricke, president of UAW Local 600 - King's home local - nominated him.

"The support from Region 1A was always there whether you were a mine worker from Pittston, a Steelworker from Ravenswood or a UAW member from Caterpillar. Bob's leadership meant getting himself and many of his friends arrested in acts of non-violent, civil disobedience to publicize and support the Detroit newspaper workers' fight for justice," Ricke said. "We're all proud of his accomplishments. He always reminded us that there are no personal victories. Only through the strategic use of our institutional power and the solidarity of our membership and leadership will we win the social and economic justice that all workers deserve."

Re-elected a vice president in 2002 and 2006, King's leadership of the National Organizing Department assisted nearly 80,000 workers in their efforts to join the UAW. He pioneered the use of innovative neutrality and majority signup with employers giving workers the right to join the UAW without interference from their employers.

Delegate Vera Newton of UAW Local 862 in Louisville, Kentucky, praised King's leadership skills and the diversity of his team.

"I see women. I see minorities. I see strength. With this team, we can reach from one generation and pull up our next generation," Newton said. "I have a concern that our next generation doesn't understand what our Union Forefathers went through. King's team is the bridge that connects his father and our fathers to our children - a connection from the old to the new."

Delegates also elected by acclamation UAW Region 4 Director Dennis Williams to the post of secretary-treasurer. He succeeds retiring UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn.

Delegate Kevin Johnson, UAW Local 807 president in Burlington, Iowa, nominated Williams.

"Dennis has the uncanny talent to see what needs to be done, plan a strategy and then follow through until the goal is achieved," said Johnson. "He proves his love for the Labor Movement daily through his tireless passion for CAP (Community Action Program - the UAW's political affairs department), organizing campaigns, his professionalism in negotiations and the way he connects with the members."

Williams was elected director of UAW Region 4 at a special convention in 2001 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006 at the union's Constitutional Conventions in Las Vegas. Region 4 includes Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Convention delegates re-elected by acclamation incumbent UAW vice presidents James Settles Jr. and General Holiefield, as well as new vice presidents Ashton and Cindy Estrada. Estrada is director of the Union's National Organizing Department and becomes the Union's first Latina vice president.

Settles was nominated by delegate Ed Mitchell, president of UAW Local 6000, representing State of Michigan employees.

"We need strong leadership to see our union through these difficult times. Vice President Settles has always demonstrated great leadership," Mitchell said.

Delegate Yvette Thompson-Gordon of UAW Local 1435, who nominated Holiefield, said: "The phoenix is rising. While we are still are not quite out of the woods yet, still we can rest at ease that the right leadership is at the helm."

UAW Local 2327 President Fran Smith of Bridgeport, New Jersey, called Ashton a "very competent and effective leader, as well as a great organizer," when he placed his name in nomination. "Make no mistake, casino owners, Joe and this Union will have those workers under contract. He will not give up until there is a contract for casino workers," said Smith, referring to the UAW's three-year struggle to achieve first contracts at four casinos in Atlantic City.

Delegate George Taylor of UAW Local 2121 - who works at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut - has high expectations from the new leadership.

"I'm expecting this team to continue to improve and grow our Union and bring in new locals like ours, Foxwoods dealers, and use us as a springboard to get more dealers organized and strengthen the Working Class. We need to get the working class back to where it was," he said.

Robert Ramirez of UAW Local 600, Dearborn, Michigan, nominated Estrada.

"She's risen from organizing to be the director of UAW National Organizing. I love her aggressiveness, assertiveness, compassion and her warm heart. She brings youth and energy to our movement," Ramirez said, adding, "Si, se puede! Si, se puede! Si, se puede! (Yes we can! Yes we can! Yes we can!)"

Mayra Mu�oz, president of UAW Local 1850 - one of the oldest locals in Puerto Rico representing AELA workers, the Commonwealth government workers credit union - said she was proud of the new team. "I'm taking a good experience with me and to be able to share with members the democratic process that our Union has and it was put to work," she said.

Also by acclamation delegates elected UAW Local 863 President Phyllis Blust to serve a six-year term as an International trustee. She fills the position vacated by Tito Sanchez.

Floyd Mason Jr., chair of UAW Local 863, Cincinnati, nominated Blust. "Phyllis has been a member of Local 863 for thirty-three years. She was the first woman elected vice president of Local 863, and in 2005 was the first woman president of Local 863," he said.

State Senator Stachowski

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO) - State Senator William Stachowski (Democrat/Lake View) today announced that the New York State Senate has passed Senate Bill S.5014 - which he has sponsored - that establishes a time schedule for Prevailing Wage violation claims, which for the most part occur in the construction industry.

By establishing a time schedule, the legislation would expedite the process by which Prevailing Wage violations cases are settled by the New York State Department of Labor. This bill would require the Department of Labor to take all reasonable steps to expeditiously conclude these investigations after receiving all the necessary records to make a determination.

"Currently, there is a tremendous backlog of Prevailing Wage violation cases that are just waiting to be completed by investigators through the hearing process," Stachowski said.

"I'm very pleased this bill has passed the Senate. It will prompt the Department of Labor to take action in a timely manner against those who violate New York State's Prevailing Wage Law. Many hard-working New Yorkers will benefit from this change in the law as they attempt to recover the fair pay and benefits they may have been denied," Stachowski said.

CSEA Calls For Secure Future For New York State Juvenile Justice System

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 07:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY) - The CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) has presented a detailed and often-graphic account of deteriorating conditions in New York State-operated juvenile detention facilities under embattled Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Gladys Carrion.

In addition, CSEA is also calling for a formal commitment from New York State to secure the future of the juvenile justice system. Union Representatives detailed the growing danger and lack of support in facilities under Carrion's misguided and permissive policies during a State Task Force Hearing that was held yesterday in Albany. Carrion has inexplicably retained the support of Governor David Paterson despite her sanctioning of social events for youth in detention, including one event that turned into a sex party at the Goshen Secure facility last year involving an alleged prostitute and a 15 year-old girl.

"CSEA believes Commissioner Carrion should long ago have been removed from her position," said CSEA Deputy Director of Contract Administration Mary Rubilotta in testimony before the Senate Task Force on Juvenile Justice. "Obviously neither Commissioner Carrion nor Governor Paterson has any shame or standard of decency."

Rubilotta stated Commissioner Carrion has shown complete disregard for the safety of her staff and the community: In 2009, the OCFS workplace injury and illness incident rate increased dramatically, from 14.7% to 19.6%. The agency's injury costs increased more than any other agency in the state executive branch, up 61% over the previous year from $1.6 million to $2.5 million; The death of direct care worker Rene Greco in Lockport last year and the shooting of Police Officer Anthony DiPonzio in Rochester are prime examples of OCFS disregard for public safety; and Carrion has created a myth of empty facilities - facility populations have been run down because the commissioner has manipulated the transfer of youth to other facilities.

The commissioner has also engaged in inappropriate communication with Family Court judges last year when she urged them to avoid the OCFS system - action that represents a dangerous breach of her authority.

In addition to CSEA represented OCFS employees providing testimony to the Task Force, Rubilotta presented some perspective from CSEA employees at facilities across the state:

"Commissioner Carrion is attempting to change the entire model that our system is built upon, but we do not have the resources to implement that model. They cut staffing and they don't want to fund more mental health professionals, and the current staff is not getting any more mental health training to deal with these kids. The impact is that the kids are not getting what they need with her new program and it makes the place dangerous, because the kids have no control and we have no control over them, because she doesn't want them restrained," said one.

"Before the sanctuary model, there used to be some control and consequences to bad behavior. Kids would move in line and get their food, orderly. Now, if a kid throws juice at you and calls you an 'f-in bitch,' it's okay. There are no consequences," said another.

"These kids are leaving here worse because they realize there is zero accountability. The kids are smart. They know they can cause a staffer to be indicated in child abuse, it will take years to clear their name. What the kids say is gospel. We have to fight to clear our name," said a third.

"CSEA wants to work cooperatively to create a juvenile justice system that will serve everyone better," Rubilotta said. "No one should ignore CSEA's history in helping to change the developmental disabilities system in the late 1980s and early 1990s."

However, CSEA will not accept models and policies that compromise public safety and put youth and staff at risk, she added.

"The youth in OCFS charge should have a system that offers them structure and hope," Rubilotta said. "The dedicated staff deserves to be treated with respect and the people of New York deserve responsible and effective public policy."

(Editors Note: Full testimony is available on CSEA's website at wwww.csealocal1000.org)

AFL-CIO President Trumka Responds To President Obama

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:00:00 -0400

Statement by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on President Obama's Remarks on Energy

Last night, we were encouraged by President Obama's reassurance of an aggressive restoration of the Gulf and accountability for BP - but even more by his call for new, clean energy investments in America's future.

Even during our economic challenges - especially during our economic challenges - we must move forward to the green energy future our children and grandchildren need.

We need to retrofit commercial, industrial and residential buildings, develop and manufacture technologies to clean our water, invest in carbon capture and sequestration technology, create modern transportation systems that relieve congestion; invest in domestic wind and solar capacity, build the nuclear plants that are a bridge to the low carbon future and cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Perhaps most of all, we need to build the smart grid that is the key to our future.

And in every aspect of this work we must make developing a domestic supply chain in clean energy technology a national priority.

If we don't make it here, it won't create jobs here.

We cannot have sustainable, good jobs in America unless we become world leaders in the technologies of the future.

We know we can do it because we have already started, beginning with the president's economic recovery package and states like Illinois, Ohio and Michigan are developing new technologies, and the good jobs that come with them - like advanced batteries, hybrid energy systems and fuel cells.

We look forward to working with the president to expand our national vision when it comes to energy and acting on it.

The USW Awards The Peggy Browning Fund With A $100,000 Grant To Establish An Annual Fellowship To Educate Law Students On The Rights & Needs Of Workers

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0400

(PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA) - The Peggy Browning Fund - which is committed to educate and inspire the next generation of advocates for Workplace Justice - has received a $100,000 grant from the United Steelworkers (USW) Charitable & Educational Organization, which will be used to establish an annual fellowship, in perpetuity, to encourage students to enter the Labor Movement.

The grant was made in honor of James English, Carl Frankel and Millie Ranich. English, formerly the International Secretary-Treasurer and General Counsel of the USW, retired from the Union in 2009 after a 41-year career. Frankel also formerly served as General Counsel of the USW and as the Union-nominated director of LTV Steel Corp., and Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp. Ms. Ranich is a retired administrative assistant with the USW Legal Department, where she worked with then General Counsel Carl Frankel and other attorneys in South Chicago and Pittsburgh.

"The Steelworkers Charitable and Education Organization is proud of its support of The Peggy Browning Fund and its encouragement of law students to enter careers that benefit Labor and Working Families," USW International President Leo Gerard.

The Peggy Browning Fund is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and was named after Margaret Browning - the first Union Lawyer appointed to the National Labor Relations Board.

Since its founding in 1997, the Peggy Browning Fund has placed hundreds of law students in highly-competitive fellowship positions, and is considered to be the training ground and recruiting source of legal advocates for social and economic justice for workers.

Through fellowships, Workers Rights' conferences, networking and other programs, the Peggy Browning Fund provides unique opportunities for law students to work for economic and social justice. It also promotes student awareness of the evolving challenges that face workers and encourages activism around legal strategies that address them.

Buffalo Assemblyman Mark Schroeder Draws Major Criticism From Organized Labor For His Support To Build A Walmart In His District

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

(BUFFALO) - A recent meeting involving the Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation (WNYALF), the Buffalo AFL-CIO Central Labor Council and State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder - who made it clear to area Labor Leaders that he will not back away from his publicly announced support of working with Walmart to construct a supercenter in his South Buffalo District - did not go well and has prompted local representatives of Organized Labor to schedule a meeting later this month to discuss and chart a plan of political action.

WNYALF President Angelo Vellake, who also serves as executive vice president and area director for UFCW (United Food & Commercial Workers) Local One, tells WNYLaborToday.com a meeting held several days ago with Schroeder "did not go well." Vellake said the Buffalo Assemblyman - who has a long history of Labor support and endorsements - failed to explain why he would champion such a project by an anti-Union/anti-Worker employer.

"While our problem is with Walmart, (Schroeder) is going to continue to be the 'pied piper' for Walmart," said a disgusted Vellake, who added the feedback he's currently receiving from WNYALF Union affiliates after the meeting with Schroeder is one of "outrage." The meeting with Schroeder also included Buffalo AFL-CIO President Michael Hoffert and WNYALF Vice President Richard Lipsitz, who also serves as Business Agent/Labor Movement Liaison with Cheektowaga-headquartered Teamsters Local 264.

"He apologized, but that's all he did. (In light of the support from Organized Labor that he's received in the past,) We asked him to stop his involvement in this effort. He was told there will be no net job gain because other area retail stores will be forced to close (over the course of time). (Schroeder) said it was economic development, but this is not economic development. He then started with the 'political speak.' We asked, 'Are you saying yes or no?' Then it became clear. I got frustrated with him and he was asked to leave," Vellake said.

A couple of days after their meeting, Vellake said Schroeder -- who is running for re-election for his 145th Assembly District seat this Fall - contacted the WNYALF president by phone and told Vellake that he would "continue to fight to have the Walmart store built Union" and that "he thinks he can get Walmart to Unionize" its projected 300 workers at the store.

"Doesn't he know that Walmart makes all kinds of promises to get their stores built? Mark Schroeder telling us this means nothing. He's being hoodwinked. (Walmart) has no intention" of agreeing to Unionize their retail outlets, Vellake said. The UFCW would be the Union grocery and retail workers would be represented by if Walmart agreed to Unionize.

"This is nothing more than a race to the bottom," added Vellake, who said he was told by Schroeder that "it never occurred" to him to contact the UFCW about the Walmart project that he's publicly described as a "game changer" for the Seneca Street Business Corridor.

"This, supposedly, is 'Labor's guy' and it never occurs to him to call us? This raises a lot of concerns, including concerns with the Erie County Democratic Party. I did call (Party Chairman) Len Lenihan to complain, but it's a fractured party and this is nothing more than a complete disregard for Organized Labor. The Erie County Democratic Party is not working in Organized Labor's best interests," Vellake said.

Buffalo AFL-CIO President Hoffert who has known Schroeder "for many years," added: "I thought (Organized Labor) could count on his support at every juncture. I'm very disappointed in the tact he's taken. If Assemblyman Schroeder thinks he can change (the way Walmart does business), he's got his head in the sand. This is an employer that offers low wages and no benefits with no promise for any worker to get out of poverty. These are 'get-by jobs.' (Organized Labor) has members in other retail locations in that area and they come first. (Organized Labor) will fight this."

Hoffert also addressed Vellake's concerns with the Erie County Democratic Party, saying: "Labor helped build the Erie County Democratic Party and today's party does not reflect days past. I thought things were getting better, but there is not a conscious effort to involve Labor and the buck stops with Len Lenihan."

Despite the fact Walmart is known as an anti-Union retailer that has been charged with numerous worker wage violations, Schroeder called the decision by Walmart to open a new 115,000-square-foot supercenter - which would employ 300 and straddle the border between South Buffalo and West Seneca - a "game-changer" for Seneca Street. Reportedly, the store would feature general merchandise and a full-service grocery store under one roof.

For years, Walmart has come under fire for years for its shoddy treatment of its employees.

WNYLaborToday.com recently published a Labor News Report from California detailing Walmart's agreement to settle a class-action lawsuit and pay up to $86 million to 232,000 affected employees. Walmart employees had charged they were collectively denied over $12 million in vacation pay and $74 million in other unpaid wages mandated by California law. While agreeing to settle the multimillion-dollar lawsuit, Walmart continues to refuse to acknowledge cheating its workers out of hard-earned wages. The report also noted the settlement is separate from the $640 million agreement in 2008 in which Walmart agreed to settle 63 federal and state class-action lawsuits that claiming similar illegal wage violations.

WNYLaborToday.com has also reported on Labor's initial surprise that Schroeder would support such a project with such a well-known anti-Worker entity.

When the announcement was made at the end of March, one local Labor Representative told WNYLaborToday.com that a recent campaign to stop Walmart from building a supercenter in the Town of Evans had been a success, as that announced project was contested by community residents. That individual, who requested anonymity at the time, pledged to do the same should Walmart move ahead to build a supercenter in South Buffalo.

Coalition for Economic Justice (CEJ) Executive Director Allison Duwe - whose organization has been fighting for the payment of a Living Wage in Buffalo for years - said Walmart would only be held accountable to do so if the big box retailer took public/taxpayer assistance for their South Buffalo Project. "Nothing else would trigger (that kind of) wage requirement," said Duwe, who - based on Walmart's past track record - was not optimistic of that happening.

"I believe greater thought should have been put into this," Duwe said of the overall effort to attract Walmart to South Buffalo.

On another front, representatives of the Buffalo Building & Construction Trades Council - including President Paul Brown and officials of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17 - said they had already reached out to Schroeder in an attempt to convince Walmart to build Union, much like the retailer agreed to with a recent store in Niagara County.

"I did speak to Mark Schroder and there will be discussion with Walmart's contractors to go all Union. If that happens, it would be the first Walmart ever built Union with city limits," Brown told WNYLaborToday.com.

CSEA & PEF Praise New York State Comptroller DiNapoli, Who

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 19:00:00 -0400

(ALBANY) - The presidents of CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) and PEF (Public Employees Federation) today praised New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli for making a public commitment to stand up for the integrity of the State Pension Fund.

In a prepared release, DiNapoli said: "There have been a number of outrageous and unfounded rumors and erroneous press reports that I will allow a raid of the pension fund to balance the state budget. Let me be very clear, the pension fund will not be used to balance the budget. The Pew Center has recognized New York as one of only four, fully-funded state pension systems. New York's strong position has been achieved through long-term, fiscally responsible practices. My first job as state comptroller is to protect the one million members, and the rest of New York State taxpayers, from the irresponsibility that has left New Jersey, Illinois, California and dozens of other public pension funds across the Nation dangerously under-funded. I will fight any raids on the New York State Common Retirement Fund. Shame on those who are playing politics, trying to mislead taxpayers and scare members and retirees who rely on the fund for their financial security. The fund is not a political football. The fund is strong. I recently reported that SFY 2009-10 was the third best investment year in the past twenty years. The Pew Report found that our fund is one of the best managed funds in the nation. I will not sacrifice that strength to a dysfunctional budget process. The State Comptroller's office has a long history of protecting the fund from raids. I will protect the fund from any raids under any circumstances."

CSEA President Danny Donohue said in a prepared statement: "CSEA fully supports New York State Comptroller DiNapoli's position against any attempt to undermine the integrity of the New York State Retirement Fund. There are few if any issues of greater concern to CSEA members than protecting the retirement system. CSEA is proud that Comptroller DiNapoli has demonstrated strength and character in clearly and forcefully rejecting pressure to let the fund be used for political purposes."

PEF President Kenneth Brynien said in a prepared statement: "The New York State Public Employees Federation applauds and supports Comptroller DiNapoli's stand on protecting the state's pension fund. Comptroller DiNapoli has proven himself a tenacious defender of the fund and we have full faith and confidence in his ability to continue to protect the fund. New York State's pension fund is one of the few pension funds in the country that has remained fully funded during the economic downturn. The comptroller's commitment to protect the fund from political tampering is one of the reasons the fund hasn't slipped, the way many other public pension funds have."

CSEA represents 300,000 members in New York State. PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee Union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.

Facts about the New York State Pension Fund, from Comptroller DiNapoli's Office: The pension fund posted a 25.9% rate of return for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 2010 - driving the value of fund assets to approximately $132.6 billion; In February, the Pew Center on the States issued a report calling New York one of the best managed pension funds in the country. Only four states in the country are fully-funded: New York, Florida, Washington and Wisconsin; and The pension fund is one of the best funded public pension funds in the Nation and can cover its current and future obligations.

Labor Obituary: Martin Donald Spencer - Former President Of Ironworkers Local 6 And A 57-Year Union Member Who Also Served In The Korean War - Remembered For His Quick Wit & Dedication To Family

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:00:00 -0400

(ORCHARD PARK) - A mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16^th for former area Labor Leader Martin Donald Spencer - a South Buffalo native and proud member of Ironworkers Local 6 for 57 years, who also served as president of the Buffalo Building & Construction Trades Union - at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Orchard Park.

Spencer - a U.S. Navy Veteran who served on the destroyer U.S.S. Gurke, which played a crucial role in the Raid on Inchon, Korea - died Saturday in South Buffalo Mercy Hospital-Hospice Care at the age of 80, his son, Martin Spencer, Jr. - who serves as an assistant to International Boilermakers President Newton Jones and is the Assistant Coordinator of the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - informed WNYLaborToday.com today.

Spencer - born in South Buffalo and the youngest in a family of 10 - was also a 57-year member of American Legion Post 721, and a Union member for 57 years with West Seneca-headquartered Ironworkers Local 6, where he carried on in his father's tradition since 1906. Spencer served in numerous capacities with the Ironworkers Union and served as its president during the 70s. He also tended bar at the Ironworkers Hall for more than 20 years.

President Ironworkers Local 6 President Jim Willis told WNYLaborToday.com that he will always remember Spencer for "his wit" and being a "good father and family man."

"What can I tell you - No matter if you were kidding around, joking or in an argument, you had better bring your 'A' game. He was a witty son-of-a-bitch, and I sincerely mean that in a good way. He was a good friend of mine and we were both third generation Ironworkers," Willis said.

Spencer also involved himself with a number of community organizations, including serving as president of the Babcock Boys Club Alumni Association, as president of the St. John the Evangelist School Guild, and with the Holy Name Society. He also found time to call bingo games every Wednesday night for 18 years, Spencer, Jr. said.

Spencer - who was noted for his great sense of humor, love of Irish music and being a political junkie - was very active in Democratic politics and was a Democratic Party Committeeman for more than 40 years. His political interests put him on a path to becoming a legislative aide for the former New York State Assemblyman Richard Keane in the 145th District.

Spencer - whose two hobbies were Buffalo sports and bragging about his children, according to Spencer, Jr. - was recognized for his involvement in local politics and his contributions with an official citation from current New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, which recognized Spencer as the first recipient of the "Lifetime Labor Recognition Award."

Spencer is survived by his wife, Ruth Hock, three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as by many nieces and nephews.

WNYLaborToday.com had interviewed Spencer, Jr. earlier this year at Orchard Park-headquartered Boilermakers Local 7. He had this to say about his father and grandfather, who also served as president of Ironworkers Local 6:

Even though Martin Spencer, Jr. has had a grand total of 16 members of his family become Union Ironworkers over the years - including his father and grandfather, who both headed Buffalo's Ironworkers Local 6 - Spencer himself decided to take another path.

Instead, he became a member of Orchard Park-headquartered Boilermakers Local 7, and over the years has risen in the ranks of the Union to become one of a small, but select, number of assistants to International President Newton Jones, as well as being named assistant coordinator of the Boilermakers National Apprenticeship Program across the United States and Canada.

"It was my father who told me about the Boilermakers when I was eighteen. What did I know? I thought it was a drink," joked Spencer during a recent interview with WNYLaborToday.com at the F. Patrick Lyons Training Center within the Union's Orchard Park offices.

Spencer's father and grandfather both served as president of Ironworkers Local 6 over the years. "I still have my grandfather's Union Book from 1906," said Spencer, who had been leaning towards becoming a Metal Arts Teacher when he was 18. But once he took his father's advice, the rest - as they say - is history. Now, Spencer's son is working in his 11th year as a Union Boilermaker, as well as "a couple of my nephews" who are also in the Union.

From The Buffalo News' Obituary Page:

SPENCER - Martin D. "Don" June 12, 2010, beloved husband of Ruth (Hock); dear father of Martin (Debbie) Spencer, Jr., Laureen Spencer and Patricia (Raymond) Beale; loving grandfather of David (Jessica), Timothy (April), Megan, Brendan and Daniel Spencer and Madeline and Allison; great-grandfather of Chelsea, Mackenzie, Ava, Brady, Brogan and Sadie; son of the late Martin F. and Mary E. (Wolansky) Spencer; brother of the late Marion (late Andy) Colern, Ellen (late Buddy) Barrett, Jane (late Rich) Crapo, James (late Jane), Ann (late Ed) Gaska, Robert (Rita), Ernest (late Jean), Audrey (late Eddo) Wertman and Grace (late Gus) Bartels; dearest brother-in-law of Doris Purcell. Funeral from the JAMES W. CANNAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. (Southtowns Chapel), 3155 Orchard Park Rd., Wednesday at 9:30 and from St. John Vianney Church at 10:00 AM. Friends may call Monday and Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Parkinson's Association of WNY. Marty was U.S. Navy Korean veteran, U.S.S. Gurke, a proud member of the Ironworkers Local #6 and a Legislative Aide for the N.Y.S. Assembly and 145th District. Online condolences at www.CANNANFH.com

News From The National AFL-CIO

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON) - The best person to reach out to, communicate with and educate people about the Union Movement, is "a passionate, militant, committed Union Member...[and] someone who looks like you," said a young Communications Workers of America (CWA) member during a question-and-answer session at the opening of the National AFL-CIO's Young Workers Summit that was held in Washington, D.C. last week.

The back-and-forth between AFL-CIO Leaders and the 400 young workers from around the Nation was a two-way street, as Union Leaders asked young workers questions about their concerns, ideas and vision for the Labor Movement's future, and the audience questioned AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler and Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker.

The kick-off session of the three-day conference in Washington was webcast live and viewers were able to join in an interactive discussion.

Shuler told the young activists and leaders: "This is not just a three-day meeting with a couple of receptions and some speakers. This is the birth of change and you are the 'change makers.' We're going to be picking your brains and working together for three days."

The young workers participated in a number of breakout groups with policy experts, Labor Leaders, student activists, community allies and a couple of political comedians and professional athletes. The workshops are focused on topics identified by young workers across the country, such as communications, organizing and mobilizing, issues facing this generation and integrating young workers into the Union Movement.

Shuler, meanwhile, identified several key areas where the Labor Movement must develop effective and relevant strategies to reach younger workers and build the movement.

"We need to communicate in new ways-using cutting edge technology and messages that appeal to younger people. We need to open up leadership opportunities and provide more mentoring. We need to do a better job of educating the public about the Labor Movement - who we are and what we do, especially in the schools. We need to adapt our structure and be more open to organizing unconventional industries," she said.

Schuler also got the morning's first laugh when she followed up on the "unconventional industries" point - "You may have heard the UFCW just organized the medical marijuana facilities in California."

Trumka, who said the workers at the summit "are the faces of change, the future of American Labor," outlined the corporate and political assault of the past three decades that has stripped workers of the freedom to join Unions, instilled fear, shipped jobs overseas and more recently shattered the economy. While he said, "I believe we can and will fix a lot of this-and I want you to believe that and fight for that with me," Trumka added: "But quite frankly, our economy will not return to the 1950s. The global economy is here to stay. You're not going to have the economy your parents and grandparents knew. You're not going to get a job and retire from it thirty years later. Heck, you probably don't want to. Maybe the economy has changed beneath us, but we've got to find sure footing. Our charge-your charge-is to build a new foundation. To rebuild power for America's Workers. And whatever the job, whatever the problem, this we know: There is no better way to face it; there is no better way to solve it, than together - with a collective voice."

In an instant electronic poll, summit participants were asked which of five options were the most important and effective way to cut through the corporate and media clutter about Unions and to effectively reach out to non-Union workers, as well as to re-energize Union Workers who are sitting on the sidelines. Better education - both in schools and within Unions themselves - about what the Union Movement does, from wages to benefits to social activism, was the top choice at 36.7%. It was followed by: Creating a better image of Unions (22.1%); Better mentoring of Young Union Members/Organizing non-traditional industries (9.4%); and Greater reliance on social media to communicate (7%).

One on-line commenter wrote: "We must re-educate people about Labor Unions and what they do for Workers' Rights, Fair Labor Practices, contracts and Health Insurance. We need an 'education power push,' because of all the anti-Union labor advertisements, the millions (of dollars that) have been spent on by companies and large corporations. [Union Members] need to get involved become an activist, Labor Organizer, steward and make a stronger Union Labor Workforce once again."

A member of Jobs with Justice said new media - such as Twitter, Facebook and texting - are certainly useful tools, but added: "You still need to go face-to-face and put in the time." Her point was echoed by another instant poll in which 78% of the conferees said a combination of social media, traditional media and personal contact is the best way to communicate.

Shuler told the young workers: "I firmly believe that there is no better way to make America's economy work for us individually and for all people who work for a living than with a Union. I believe there is no better way to build a powerful voice for your values and for your generation than through Unions. I know it. You know it. But there are a lot of young people out there who don't know it. And are we okay with that? That's why we're here-what are 'you' going to do to change it? Get ready, Next Up. It's time to make it happen."

The Next Up Young Workers Summit wrapped up over the weekend as the young workers and Union Leaders gathered to discuss and adopt the essential elements the summit will develop for "A Blueprint for Our Future."

Editor's Note: Don't forget to go to the Next Up Facebook page to connect with other young Union Members and activists and join the conversation. And join the AFL-CIO's text message network by texting AFLCIO to 225568 (data and message rates may apply)

Young Workers Call for More Communication, Larger Role in Unions

The participants in the Next Up conference developed a game plan for the future that focuses on making sure young Union Leaders and activists are taken seriously and their ideas are heard at all levels of the Union Movement.

Following three days in workshops and breakouts, student activists, community allies, a couple of political comedians and professional athletes and young workers generated several key ideas on the best ways to reach younger workers and build the movement.

In reports to the conference's closing session, the breakout groups recommended and called for increased mentoring programs to help young Union Members grow into leadership roles and establishing a national youth mobilization effort as an AFL-CIO priority.

The young workers also called for: Organizing a Next Up constituency group; Holding a National Youth Summit each year; Opening up seats for the Next Up Generation on National, State Federation and Central Local Body Boards; Creating an internship website with information on national, state and local opportunities; Creating blogs that highlight best practices for involving young workers; and Re-branding the Union Movement to appeal to a wider audience.

Young Workers Summit: NFL Players Call For Union Solidarity

When an offensive or defensive line of a football team stands shoulder-to-shoulder, it's almost impossible to move it. Today, two National Football League (NFL) players came to the AFL-CIO Young Workers Summit to invite their fellow Union Members to stand with them in one of the toughest battles they face on or off the field.

The 32, super-rich owners of the NFL teams terminated the current collective bargaining agreement two years early because they say "it isn't working for them," Domonique Foxworth of the Baltimore Ravens and a member of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) executive committee, told the young Union activists.

But in a scenario all too familiar to other Union Workers, the NFL owners refuse to provide audited financial information to help the NFLPA understand how they're hurting after generating $9 billion in revenue during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

Said Foxworth: "We're in the middle of the biggest battle with the team owners of the National Football League that our Union has faced since we won the right to free agency over twenty years ago. Like most management these days, the owners are demanding givebacks, this time to the tune of a staggering one-billion dollars, although not one team has lost money." In fact, all 32 teams increased in value about 500% over the past 15 years, said Foxworth, adding NFL owners also want players to pay for team travel and the cost of running the practice facility.

But money is not the only issue, Foxworth and Stephon Heyer of the Washington Redskins said. In a sport with an average career length of just 3.4 years because of the physical toll on their bodies, players only get five years of Health Care after they retire.

"[That is] if we're lucky enough to play three full seasons," Foxworth said, "and no one would argue that facing a guy like Stephon [who stands 6-feet-6-inches tall and weighs 330 pounds] puts one's health in great jeopardy every second on the field!"

Billionaire owners also have proposed restructuring the retirement plan to push all the risk onto the players. Foxworth told the group of young Union leaders and activists: "We're blessed to play football for a living, but this battle is a stark reminder to us that football is a brutal billion-dollar business. The owners are management, and they see us as revenue-generating widgets. We have to fight to protect ourselves in careers that usually end before we're thirty years old, but leave us with injures that endure for the rest of our lives. We are not complaining, but explaining to you why we understand how crucial union strength and solidarity is."

Sunday Labor Column: Young Unionists Summit In Washington A Big Hit, Disappointing News Regarding President Bill Clinton & Say A Prayer For Nick Stone

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:00:00 -0400

News, Notes & Observations collected while covering the Western New York Labor Community over the past several days:

It's a good way to start off the week by publishing five new stories today/Sunday on WNYLaborToday.com. When you get a moment, check out the Letter to the Editor @ WNYLaborToday.com from Jane Dickerson/www.middleclassunionmade.com regarding CWA Local 1168's Labor problems with the Catholic Health System/St. Joe's Hospital; National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's comments to the Young Unionists/Workers Summit that was held in Washington last week (By the way, keep an eye on our Young Unionists Section throughout this week for several more stories about the successful summit) and U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter's update on how Health Care Reform has immediately benefitted Union Retirees/Seniors - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. WNYLaborToday.com will report on several other very interesting happenings across the Western New York Labor front in the coming days - So stay tuned!

Speaking of the National AFL-CIO's Young Unionists/Workers Summit that was held in Washington, the event was streamed live on the Internet and WNYLaborToday.com caught a few moments of what was being said and discussed - including the point raised by many that young people today just don't know what Labor Unions are, what they stand for - and what they can do for the American workforce, as well as the need for Organized Labor to tap into and take advantage of new technology to reach young Union Members, and those who need Union Representation in their workplace. One young man told AFL-CIO President Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Schuler and Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker that "there just aren't enough young people involved in Organized Labor." He lamented the fact that many of his friends whom he graduated from college with "went on to get their MBAs and are expressing the fact (to potential employers) that they know how to bust Unions." A young woman suggested Union Leadership start to think about how to accommodate young parents and families by allowing them to bring their children to evening Union Meetings (which was a very good idea). Holt Baker opined: "We're learning that we've got to think differently. We have the traditional (Union Member) and the new (Young Unionists) and we need to be a combination of the two." If that happens, Holt-Baker said, "No one will be able to beat us moving forward." Schuler - a driving force in the National AFL-CIO's effort to involve its young members in the Labor Movement - said she was "blown away" by the involvement and participation in the summit and could not wait to hear more. Locally, representatives from Buffalo-headquartered Painters District Council 4 were in attendance: Business Manager Dan Boody and Organizer Mark Stevens. Boody texted WNYLaborToday.com during the summit, saying he was "humbled" by what he was seeing and hearing in terms of young Union Members making such "passionate statements."

Congratulations to the Niagara-Orleans AFL-CIO Central Labor Council and the United Way of Greater Niagara for a very successful Labor Night @ The Races that was held Friday evening at Ransomville Speeding in Niagara County. Several hundred took part in the Niagara-Orleans CLC event, hanging out under sunny skies before the races while munching on hot dogs and hamburgers and all the fix'ns before the races began. WNYLaborToday.com had the opportunity to visit with a number of old friends, including: Niagara-Orleans CLC President Anna Horton; Buffalo AFL-CIO President Mike Hoffert and his wife, Debbie; United Steelworkers Staff Representative Jim Briggs (who had a modified car in the races that evening); and BlueCross/Blue Shield Labor Liaisons Dennis Pawlik and Bob Butski, to name but a few. Kudos to United Way Labor Liaison Bill Jakobi, who did a tremendous job pulling it all off, including a sharp race-night program that was filled with ads from those who work with and support Organized Labor in Niagara County.

Some discerning news that came out of last week's victory by embattled U.S. Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, who narrowly won nomination to a third term. The Associated Press reported Lincoln overcame "a Labor-backed challenger and defying a Nationwide anti-establishment tide." Even more discerning was what the AP further reported: Lincoln had 52% of the vote in nearly complete Arkansas returns, to 48% for Lt. Governor Bill Halter. The result marked a stunning defeat for organized labor, which had poured more than $5 million into an effort to dump Lincoln in retaliation for her departure from party orthodoxy on numerous issues. Seemingly headed for defeat in the race's final days, she unleashed a campaign ad that acknowledged voter anger with Washington, and she also got a boost from former President Bill Clinton, who told voters that out-of-state unions were trying to steal their votes. President Clinton's comments must have more than made Organized Labor upset, in light of the fact it was Organized Labor who played such a key role in not only his presidential elections, but of that of his wife, Hillary, for the New York State Senate seat she won, and in the election of President Obama. Combine that with the public stance state Buffalo Assemblyman Mark Schroeder - a Labor-endorsed- and -supported elected official - has taken when it comes to supporting the construction of an anti-Union Walmart on the border of South Buffalo and West Seneca - Organized Labor indeed has the right to rethink who it will support in future elections and what message it will send to those who have taken Labor's support for granted. WNYLaborToday.com will publish a story later this week after interviewing Union Leadership here in Western New York on both Clinton and Schroeder's recent comments. Again, stay tuned - and to say the least - it should be interesting.

Don't know if you saw this, but National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) case information and decisions can now be obtained through mobile smart phones. The NLRB last week announced the launch of NLRB Mobile, a web-based mobile application that delivers recent cases, decisions, news, updates, case search and other information about the NLRB to web-enabled devices. NLRB Mobile is available at: http://m.nlrb.gov/. A key component of the new service is its direct link to the NLRB's new case handling system. According to a media release, it furthers the NLRB's commitment to open governance and transparency and makes it even easier for those interested in the NLRB's work to find the information they're looking for as efficiently as possible. Organized Labor for one will be well served by the NLRB going mobile. The NLRB is an independent federal agency vested with the power to safeguard employees' rights to organize and to determine whether to have Unions as their bargaining representative. The agency also acts to prevent and remedy Unfair Labor Practices committed by private sector employers and Unions. By the way, Buffalo Labor Attorney Mark Gaston Pearce - a founding partner of the Buffalo, New York law firm of Creighton, Pearce, Johnsen & Giroux - was sworn in as a Board Member on April 7th, following his recess appointment by President Obama.

And finally, from old friend and retired Business Manager Ron Lechner of Bricklayers Local 3 in Buffalo through Facebook:

I just got some of the worst news a friend could get. The son of Unionist Chris Stone, a former field representative for the Buffalo Carpenters Union - who was serving our country in Iraq - was hit by an improvised explosive device. Nick Stone's left leg was blown off above the knee and his right leg is full of shrapnel. Nick is in Walter Reed Medical Center/Room #5835. He will be in what we would call a critical care unit for 30-to-35 days. The healing process will take at least seven months. Nick has had four operations on his right leg to date, including three skin grafts. The attending doctors say the way his right leg is healing is as close to a miracle as they have seen. The prayers of all the members of the AFL-CIO Labor Council will be a great help. I for one do believe in miracles. Keep the prayers coming.

Answered Buffalo AFL-CIO President Mike Hoffert:

We collected donations at the Buffalo AFL-CIO Central Labor Council's monthly meeting, which are going to Nick. All of the men and women in attendance at the CLC meeting have the Stone family in their thoughts and prayers. Bless them.

Replied Lechner: I'm so proud to be a third generation Union Bricklayer that it make's my heart swell with pride.

WNYLaborToday.com asks all our readers/viewers to take a few moments to remember those in the military who are serving overseas and to keep them in your hearts and prayers.

If you have a moment, take the time to drop Nick Stone a quick note and send it to him at the Walter Reed Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20307.

I know he would appreciate it.

Letter To The Editor: From Jane Dickerson/middleclassunionmade.com:

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 11:00:00 -0400

I've been thinking about something that my husband, a thoughtful and devout Catholic, showed me from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.

It goes like this:

The Magisterium recognizes the fundamental role played by Labor Unions, whose existence is connected with the right to form associations or Unions to defend the vital interests of workers employed in the various professions.

Unions "grew up from the struggle of the workers - workers in general but especially the industrial workers - to protect their rights vis-�-vis the entrepreneurs and the owners of the means of production."

Such organizations, while pursuing their specific purpose with regard to the common good, are a positive influence for social order and solidarity, and are therefore an indispensable element of social life.

The recognition of Workers' Rights has always been a difficult problem to resolve because this recognition takes place within complex historical and institutional processes, and still today it remains incomplete.

This makes the practice of authentic solidarity among workers more fitting and necessary than ever.

I bring this up because of CWA Local 1168's year-long struggle to form a contract with St. Joe's Hospital, which I learned about in WNY Labor Today.

According to Church teaching above, St. Joe's should applaud its Union and its goals, which include a living wage and equal pay for equal work (presently new hires make more money).

I've been often bewildered by aspects of Church teaching, but not this time.

The Pope's and the Bishops' message is clear: Catholic Health and St. Joe's have a moral and social duty to treat their workers fairly.

I hope CWA 1168 can help them learn.

Thanks again for the news.

I've got several others following it on my FB (Facebook) page.

Jane Dickerson

www.middleclassunionmade.com

CWA News: Research Assistants At SUNY Stony Brook Keep Up Contract Fight & Lessons From Arkansas For Elected Officials

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Research Assistants At SUNY Stony Brook Keep Up Contract Fight

Since they joined CWA Local 1104 more than 1.5 years ago, research assistants at the State University of New York (SUNY) Research Foundation at Stony Brook have been fighting back against an anti-Union management and the University's refusal to bargain a fair contract. CWA President Larry Cohen met with the group when he spoke at a university forum. District 1 Vice President Chris Shelton and other CWAers also were on hand. The RA bargaining team has been meeting two or three times a month with management since March 2009 but management has refused to move forward on a first contract. The 740 research assistants are PhD candidates who work for faculty at University's Research Foundation which is supported by federal funds. "The foundation has been using the time meant for bargaining as an extension of its campaign to get rid of the Union," said Jim McAsey, Local 1104's organizing director who helped the RAs organize. Some research assistants earn as little as $20,000 a year and put in 80 hours a week or more. The Union is working to increase minimum pay, in addition to other issues. Management constantly tries to create dissension and divide the group, McAsey said. It pulled permits for events the RAs had scheduled and sent an e-mail to all faculty members advising them - illegally - to not give the RAs any raises. The unit did win a victory earlier this year when it saved the jobs of the lowest-paid RAs at Stony Brook, who management tried to fire after the Union proposed to improve their pay and working conditions.   "The RAs are frustrated and angry, but they are determined to stay together and stick it out, as long as it takes," says McAsey.

Lessons From Arkansas For Elected Officials

Working Families in Arkansas came very close to making Lt. Gov. Bill Halter the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. It's disappointing to fall short, but CWA locals and members in Arkansas and District 6 did a tremendous amount of work and sent this powerful message to elected officials: "We will hold you accountable for your votes and for the choices you make on the issues that matter most to Working Families." Blanche Lincoln learned that by abandoning workers and doing the bidding of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Big Business interests, she was in for the fight of her political life. That's exactly what happened in Arkansas. Here's a reminder of how Blanche Lincoln abandoned workers: Lincoln voted to tax workers' Health Care benefits when she voted against the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Bill; Lincoln refused to support even a compromise on the Employee Free Choice Act and would not allow the measure to come to the Senate floor for debate; Lincoln voted against allowing the nomination of Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board to come to the Senate floor for debate; Lincoln voted against the auto bailout; Lincoln sided with bankers and against reform of the student loan program; and Lincoln voted to send millions of jobs overseas by supporting NAFTA and CAFTA. CWA's, as well as Organized Labor's, efforts in Arkansas put Lincoln and every other elected official on notice. CWA members won't support candidates who are Democrats in name only. CWA will support candidates who support Organized Labor, which came within just a few thousand votes of winning in Arkansas. CWA is continuing to build an independent political and legislative movement that supports Working Families in tough times - today's times.

CWAers Step Up Campaign To Ban Corporate Tax Loophole

Legislation to close the Reverse Morris Trust Tax loophole is coming up before the Senate and CWA members are working hard to get their Senators on board. The House of Representatives closed the Reverse Morris Trust Tax loophole last week as part of H.R. 4213: the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act. CWA's Legislative Political Action Team has been coordinating contacts to key Senators, looking for support for H.R. 4213, including phone calls and letters. District vice presidents and local Union Presidents are writing to their Senators, pointing out that the Reverse Morris Trust "is a Wall Street scheme that allows big businesses to avoid paying taxes on the sale of company assets," and that closing the loophole would have meant hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue. Because of the Senate rule requiring 60 votes for legislation to be considered, CWAers are urging their Senators to reject a filibuster and get the bill to the senate floor for debate. District 2 activists played a huge role in winning support from Sen. Jay Rockefeller (Democrat-West Virginia), a key member of the Senate Finance Committee. The RMT tax loophole has enabled companies like Verizon to save millions of dollars in taxes from the sale of assets. H.R. 4213 also includes tax cuts and an extension of unemployment benefits.

CWA's Weitkamp: Workers, Consumers Lose In Proposed Comcast-NBCU Merger

The proposed Comcast-NBCU merger would lead to job cuts, aggravate the already anti-competitive behavior of the cable industry and restrict consumer access to the on-line video content of their choice, CWA District 9 Vice President James Weitkamp told the U.S. House Judiciary Committee at a field hearing last week in Los Angeles. Weitkamp said the merger "is not in the public interest" and will have a huge impact on video competition, choice and jobs. He said the two companies already have begun to deploy a "TV Everywhere" model that forces people to buy cable packages in order to see content on-line. By reducing competition and increasing the companies' debt by $8 billion, Weitkamp said the merger would force Comcast/NBCU to cut jobs and/or raise prices that have already grown three times faster than inflation. "Either way, consumers and workers lose," he said. CWA is also greatly concerned about Comcast's long anti-Union track record, illegally blocking organizing drives and refusing to bargain fair contracts even after workers have voted multiple times for representation. After Comcast acquired AT&T Broadband in 2002, for example, it refused to reach an agreement on a first contract with 16 of the organized bargaining units it bought from AT&T Broadband, including those in Fresno, Modesto, Sacramento and Los Angeles, California. "Comcast wages and benefits trail those at Unionized telecom companies by about one-third," Weitkamp said. "This has a considerable impact on minority workers, who comprise about one-third of the workforce in this sector." Weitkamp's comments echoed testimony by CWA President Larry Cohen earlier this year before the full House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill.

CWA Surveying Outside Techs About Heat Stress, Employer Response

As summer heats up, CWA is asking outside technicians to take an online survey to help assess how many members have suffered heat stress symptoms and what employers are doing to limit exposure and provide training. Local presidents and staff will be receiving an e-mail about the survey and are asked to make sure that all outside technicians are notified. Potentially deadly, heat stress is a growing concern for CWA's Safety and Health Department, which just published a new heat stress brochure.

"Colbert Report" Features TNG Member At Consumers Union Testing Lab

Emilio Gonzalez was nervous when he sat down in front of the TV late last week. What to expect after a goofy day a few weeks earlier when comedian Stephen Colbert and his camera crew invaded the TNG-CWA member's dishwasher testing lab at Consumers Union? "I wasn't sure how they would spin it," said Gonzalez, treasurer of the 260-member unit of The New York Newspaper Guild, TNG-CWA Local 31003. "It wasn't rehearsed in any way. We just went with the flow. He made it easy," Gonzalez said. Billed as "Who's Watching the Watchdog?," Colbert was turning his cameras on Consumers Union for an "investigation" of the product raters for the "Colbert Report" - a half-hour, satiric news program. The segment can be viewed on the show's website, www.colbertnation.com. Gonzalez has been a project leader testing appliances in the Yonkers, New York lab for 19 years and was the only TNG-CWA member featured on the show.

National AFL-CIO President Trumka Address The Next Up Young Workers Summit In Washington

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:00:00 -0400

Editor's Note: Buffalo-headquartered Painters District Council 4 Business Manager Daniel Boody and Organized Mark Stevens attended the National AFL-CIO's Next Up Young Workers Summit in Washington, D.C. last week, and WNYLaborToday.com will publish a story later this week on their trip, what they learned and what their Union will attempt to carry out in the weeks and months to come in regards to involving their young membership in the Labor Movement.

Remarks by National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka at the Next Up AFL-CIO Young Workers Summit, Washington, D.C. on June 11th, 2010:

Thank you all for coming together for the first ever Young Workers Summit. It's a privilege to speak with you, to feel the energy in this room, hear the passion in your voices, and see in your faces the strength of your convictions.

Actually, it's humbling.

It's hard not to be awed by you.

It's also humbling to be the oldest guy in the room.

I'm always telling people not to accept limits, not to imagine ourselves capable of less than our dreams. You help remind me of the power of that ideal. Thank you for being here.

Each of you, if you will, look around. Some of you are friends. Many of you have just met. What you see are the faces of change, the future of American Labor. So what will that future be? What will our movement be? It's up to you. And your answer has everything to do with what our country will be.

That's what we're talking about at this summit. It truly is a first-of-its-kind. And it's about time.

I used the word "movement." A movement isn't just a gathering, like this weekend's event.

It's people in action. It's us. We have linked ourselves together-whatever the particulars of our unique circumstances, we are part of something together, we make up something. And that's important.

Alone, as individuals, we could easily be swept aside. But we're not alone. We share the noble goal of building a better world for millions of hard-working men and women - for each other, for parents, for single moms, for people of color, for our brothers and sisters, for people with disabilities.

This summit begins our work. It will help define and shape it, and there's no knowing where it will go from here - what our work will accomplish and engender.

But there are some things I do know.

I know that even the people in this room can't bring change alone. I know that we have to build a broader movement - to move entire communities by reaching out in honest, genuine partnership.

I know that we have to speak for all Working People. Be open to "all" Working People and create a movement - there's that word again - that all Working People want to be part of.

And I know that we have to stand firm for basic principles of economic and social justice - not just stand for them but take action for them. Fight for them. This is our country, and by God, it should reflect our values. This weekend, it's your job to start the conversations and craft the strategies to begin to do it.

Some of you may have heard me talk recently about why America's workers are angry. We have every right to be angry. Wall Street tanked our economy, killed millions of jobs, demanded and got a bailout to prevent another Great Depression and then went right back to business as usual.

But today I also want you to focus on fear - which is one of the most tenacious and poisonous roots of that anger. America's workers are scared.

In our proud history, progressives and Union Workers marched and rallied and fought to demand - and win Civil Rights Laws, unemployment benefits, job creation, job safety laws, the eight-hour day, curbs on Child Labor, Health Care in old age, Social Security and the right to organize to provide stability, security and fairness for millions upon millions of America's Workers.

The fact is that our movement helped Working People gain entry to the American Dream for more than five decades, in the greatest era of broad-based prosperity the world has ever known.

During the 1970s - when American wages and productivity still rose together - workers retained a sense of security, even as foreign competition began to cut into American manufacturing and production.

That era didn't end by accident.

Corporate CEOs wanted something different. They wanted a low-wage workforce and they found allies by emboldening right-wing backers. The turning point may have come in 1981, when President Ronald Reagan fired 11,000 Unionized air traffic controllers. The cause for dismissal? They had voted to stand fast for fair pay and benefits.

When President Reagan fired the air traffic controllers and ordered the hiring of permanent replacements, he proved that nothing - not even the safety of our airways - was more important than breaking a Union. He made it okay in corporate America to thumb your nose at obligations to workers. Union contracts - who cares? America's social contract, whatever. And he showed that no one was indispensable - no matter their skill, no matter their expertise, their knowledge or their commitment.

That terrified America's Workers.

It stole our security.

It scared us then, and it frightens us still today.

You don't need me to tell you that it's frightening out there. Our economy still has a deep hole where 11 million jobs ought to be. And no one knows whose job will be next.

President Reagan's assault was just one among many against America's Workers, who have been split by wedge issues, frightened by the flight of jobs overseas, lured by false claims about deregulation and bled by financial institutions.

I believe we can and will fix a lot of this and I want you to believe that and fight for that with me. But quite frankly, our economy will not return to the 1950s. The global economy is here to stay. You're not going to have the economy your parents and grandparents knew. You're not going to get a job and retire from it thirty years later. Heck, you probably don't want to.

Maybe the economy has changed beneath us, but we've got to find sure footing. Our charge - your charge - is to build a new foundation. To rebuild power for America's workers.

And whatever the job, whatever the problem, this we know: There's no better way to face it, there is no better way to solve it, than together with a collective voice.

You want to know what's more powerful than Wall Street's billions? What can move more people than Tea Party madness? What's bigger and stronger than racism and sexism and homophobia and anti-immigrant hatred?

You know the answer.

We are!

The answer is strength in numbers.

Our collective voice.

Our values.

Our action.

And don't ever forget it.

This is a great time to be a progressive, to be in the labor movement. We have the challenge and the chance to make the difference. We're in a battle for the heart and soul of America, and the promise of this great country lies in the balance. Maybe corporate America has taken millions of our jobs, threatened our security and played hell with our economy - but it can't take everything.

We have "people power." We have "boots on the ground." We have an organization that reaches into all fifty states and more than five-hundred communities through State Federations, Local Labor Councils and Local Unions.

The distance from me at the AFL-CIO or you in this room in Washington, D.C., to a teacher in Alaska or an electrician in Nebraska, is just a few steps removed. Those connections are powerful, but we'll need to be resourceful, creative and focused on what we aim to accomplish.

Our movement is young, brothers and sisters, and we have not yet been fully tested.

We will be tested.

We're not just going to offer some good ideas and see the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its corporate bosses grin and give us the thumbs-up.

We all know we need to tackle the ruthless corporations, but there's something else we have to take on, something more ephemeral. It's inside our culture, maybe even inside us, inside the people we meet at work, in our neighborhoods, at school, in our families.

It's the nagging doubt - doubt planted by decades of insecurity, decades of attacks, decades of anti-worker fanaticism - that Working People don't deserve to demand a fair shake. It's the distrust that tells us we're better off on our own. It's that seed of fear that I talked about earlier that prevents us from proclaiming our allegiance to each other in a strong and confident voice - anywhere, at any time.

We can blame conservatives and the Chamber of Commerce. We can blame Wall Street or the boss who might fire us on a whim. But they aren't going to fix this. We are. So we have to dig down deep, find strength instead of fear and build confidence instead of cynicism.

That's what I'm asking you to do, and I'm asking you to help others do it.

Will you do it?

Will you do it today?

And tomorrow?

And every day as long as you have the breath in you?

Millions of people live and work in silence, unable even to talk about forming Unions because of the danger of harassment, intimidation or firing.

But in the backward, black-is-white lexicon of the corporate universe, it's Unions - not managers - who threaten workers.

According to this twisted view of America, it's the greedy homebuyers who wrecked our economy by buying more house than they could afford, not the reckless CEOs who rigged our financial system to fail, and profited from that failure.

In this perverted view, it's the consumer who believes the large print on the credit card offer who's the problem, not the bank that cynically extends credit to customers most likely to get buried in late fees and penalties.

And it's the teachers and cops and firefighters who're responsible for our state budget problems, not the greedy folks at the top who brought down our economy.

Are Working Families really the problem?

No, working people aren't the problem.

We need to believe - to fight for - to convince others of this simple ideal: Working people deserve better!

Working People have a right and a responsibility to demand a fair share of the profits we produce. We should not be conditioned to accept scraps from the tables of the rich and powerful. It's not greedy to work for and pursue the American dream. There's nothing wrong with wanting fairness and security.

Sisters and Brothers, are you prepared to join hands and create a new and powerful movement to take labor and progressive America not back to what we once were, but forward to what we haven't yet dreamed we can be?

Are you ready and willing to fight to give America its future back?

Are you strong enough?

Are you committed enough?

Are you united enough?

I know that you can do it.

And together - dreaming together, working together, fighting together, marching together, winning together - we will make our movement and our country what we know they can be.

Thank you.

God bless you all.

And God bless our movement.

Congresswoman Louise Slaughter Says Health Care Reform Is Immediately Benefiting Seniors

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:00:00 -0400

(WASHINGTON) - U.S. Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (New York-28th District) is hailing the beginning of the end of the burdensome prescription drug coverage gap known as the "donut hole" following the issuance of $250 checks to qualified seniors.

These checks will continue to be mailed out in the coming months to help millions of seniors Nationwide as they reached this coverage gap. In 2011, a 50% reimbursement check will be issued. Within the decade, the Health Care Reform Bill passed in March will completely close the donut hole - ending this troubling coverage gap.

"Our seniors should not have to choose between their life saving medication and putting food on the table," Slaughter said. "Every year, nine-thousand residents in the twenty-eighth Congressional and millions more around the country who are on fixed incomes reach the 'donut hole' and are forced to pay the full cost of their prescription drugs out of pocket. I'm delighted to see this immediate benefit of the recently enacted Health Reform Law help our seniors achieve the dignity we owe each one of them."

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun sending out $250 checks to seniors spending $2,830 in drug costs. Under Medicare Part D, which was enacted in 2006, prescription drug coverage was introduced to the Medicare program. Despite this coverage, a gap - commonly known as the "donut hole" - existed that left many seniors covering part of their expenses out of pocket.

"Health Reform will rein in costs, reduce the deficit, and put the focus back on and away from big insurance companies and their profits," Congresswoman Slaughter said. "The rebate checks that begin hitting mailboxes are proof positive of the commitment we made to reduce long term costs, increase long term health and maintain Medicare's long term fiscal solvency."

The Health Care Reform Law included several important provisions for seniors, including many addressing long term problems that have been left unaddressed for far too long. This includes a focus on preventative care, through such measures as free mammograms and colonoscopies, increasing long-term health and reducing long-term costs.

The benefits of reform are expected to cut across all segments of Western New York. It extends coverage to 22,000 uninsured residents, guarantees that 7,600 residents with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage and gives more than 12,700 small businesses in Western New York relief from burgeoning health care costs to stay competitive in these tough economic times

BREAKING NEWS: CSEA Local 815-Represented Erie County Workers Vote Down New Contract Offer By Tally Of 1,993 To 1,063/Union Leadership Says Membership Was Against County Executive Collins

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:30:00 -0400

(BUFFALO) - Members of CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) Local 815 - who are employed in a variety of positions by Erie County - have declined to accept a new contract offer by a vote of 1,993 to 1,063, CSEA Representatives announced this afternoon.

Although the new contract offer from Erie County included raises, the proposal increased employee health insurance contributions for current employees and new hires, CSEA Officials said. In addition, the proposal eliminated health insurance coverage for anyone not currently in county service, Union Officials added.

"I believe the membership defeated this proposal because they care about newly-hired and future county employees," CSEA Local 815 President Joan Bender said in a prepared press release. "They can see that (County Executive) Chris Collins is attempting to create a 'second (wage) tier' and they don't like it. It's clear from this vote that CSEA members care about Working People as a whole, rather than just about themselves. Many of them simply could not vote for an agreement that would negatively impact their future colleagues."

On another front, Bender said CSEA Members employed by the county had also expressed their anger over County Executive Collins' decision to prematurely release details of the new contract proposal through the local media before CSEA Members themselves had the opportunity to look it over.

"Our members were very angry when they read about details of the contract in the newspaper and heard about it on TV," noted Bender, who added CSEA Local 815 held several informational meetings to explain the agreement to its membership before the vote.

While this latest contract has been voted down by Union Members, both sides still have the option of returning to the bargaining table, said Bender - adding that if negotiations do not resume, the issue "will move to the fact-finding stage and a neutral third party will recommend a settlement."

CSEA Local 815/Erie County Unit #1 represents more than 4,000 county workers, including blue and white collar, who are employed in a number of capacities with the Department of Social Services, at ECMC, in the labs and morgues, the library, ECC (Erie Community College), the parks department, the district attorney's office, department of probation, the youth and detention facility, public works, in the comptroller's office, board of elections, county clerk's office, senior services and nurses and physical therapists at the county home.

From the City of Buffalo to the Town of Amherst to the Village of East Aurora, CSEA Local 815 also represents nearly another 1,000 workers employed in a variety of positions with villages, cities and towns across Erie County.

Earlier this week, WNYLaborToday.com published the following story:

(BUFFALO) - Erie County Executive Chris Collins' decision to disregard his staff's assurances to CSEA (Civil Service Employees Association) Local 815 Leadership that details of a new contract reached with the county's largest Union would not be made public until Union Members had time to review the information may have now placed its ratification in jeopardy.

"I can't say 'yes' or 'no,' but I personally feel that (its chances it will be ratified) are slim now," CSEA President Joan Bender tells WNYLaborToday.com as Local 815 representatives get ready to begin to count thousands of returned contract ballots this Friday.

Bender said the county attorney had assured the Union the county "would not go public" with the details of the contract "until we talked to our membership." But on May 21^st, in a story that was published in The Buffalo News, not only was it reported that a deal had been reached, but Collins was quoted throughout revealing its details and matter-of-factly stating that "time would be our friend" as the county and Local 815 continued to negotiate a new contract that will impact some 4,200 workers employed in a variety of locations - from the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) to the Erie County Home and across a number of government offices.

"That surprised us, because the county attorney assured us that the county executive would not go public until we first talked to our members about the new contract. However, Collins said he 'didn't make that deal.' What he did was make our members angry," Bender said.

Even though details of the new contract were published in The News, Bender declined to discuss any of them during her interview with WNYLaborToday.com until the ratification vote is held this Friday and its results made public.

Because of an overwhelming response from Union Members, CSEA Local 815 held seven individual meetings over the last couple of weeks to introduce and discuss the specifics of the new contract and for Union Members to listen and ask questions. More than 1,000 Local 815 Members attended those meetings and as much as 80% also voiced "a high level of anger and frustration with the county executive," Bender said.

"Personally, I was impressed by the numbers of Union Members who turned out, but there was very little positive feedback," she said.

Bender, meanwhile, said she herself also caught the anger of her membership during those recent member meetings - some who wrongly blamed her for the release of the contract details.

"They're mad at me too," Bender said. "I understand it, but it's not my fault. (Collins) didn't uphold his end and it looks like he may have sunk his own boat. They just may decide to send it back to him (because of what was done)."

In What Is Said To Be The Largest Nursing-Related Strike In U.S. History In Terms Of The Number Of Nurses Involved, 12,000 RNs In Minnesota Conduct A One-Day Strike To Stand Up For Safe Staffing Levels To Improve Patient Care

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 07:00:00 -0400

Pictured Above: Some of the 12,000 Unionized Registered Nurses in the State of Minnesota who participated in a one-day strike yesterday carry picket signs, as Registered Nurses stood up for safe staffing levels to improve patient care. The walkout is said to have been the largest nursing-related strike in U.S. history in terms of the number of nurses involved. (Minnesota Nurses Association Photo)

(ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA) - Since mid-March, more than 12,000 Minnesota nurses have been locked in contract negotiations with six different Twin Cities hospital systems that represent 14 hospitals. After voting just eleven days ago to authorize a strike, Unionized nurses conducted a one-day strike on Thursday, June 10th to stand up for safe staffing levels that will improve the quality of patient care. The work stoppage is said to have been the largest nursing-related strike in U.S. history in terms of the number of nurses involved.

On May 19th, Twin Cities nurses made history by voting to authorize the largest nursing strike in U.S. history, with more than 12,000 RNs (Registered Nurses) ready to walk off the job if a new contract agreement with six Twin Cities hospital systems can't be reached before June 1st, when the current contract expired. Of the 9,200 Twin Cities RNs who voted, more than 90% voted to reject the contracts and pension proposals from the hospitals.

"Thousands of us gathered here today for one simple reason," said Minnesota Nurses Association President Linda Hamilton, an RN in the Children's Hospital System. "And that was to cast a collective vote for our patients' safety and quality of care. This vote wasn't about us - it was about making sure everyone who walks through the doors of our hospitals has access to the safest and highest-quality nursing care possible."

Since mid-March, more than 12,000 Twin Cities RNs have been negotiating with six different Twin Cities hospital systems for a new contract. The largest previous nursing strike in U.S. history also occurred in Minnesota, when more than 6,000 Twin Cities RNs walked off the job for 38 days during the summer of 1984.

The Minnesota Nurses Association had formally submitted a 10-day strike notice to the Twin Cities hospitals, and Hamilton said Twin Cities nurses planned on staging a one-day strike with a formal request to return to work the following day.

"We want to have the maximum impact on our employers in terms of letting them know Twin Cities nurses are serious about standing up for patient safety," Hamilton said. "At the same time, a one-day strike has the minimum impact on our patients and the communities served by these hospitals. Our nurses did not want to cast a strike vote, but the hospitals forced our hand. They left us no choice."

Federal Labor Laws mandate that Health Care-related strikes include a formal 10-day notice so that hospitals can have ample time to make contingency plans for patient care, along with the hope that both sides can return to the bargaining table and work out a deal before the strike takes place.

"As nurses, we never want to leave our patients," Hamilton said. "That's why all of us felt called to this profession to begin with. But the reason our members were so united on this vote was because it wasn't about economics - it was about the safety and well-being of our patients."

The NYS Building & Construction Trades Council

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:00:00 -0400

(NIAGARA FALLS) - The New York State Building & Construction Trades - whose statewide Union membership totals around 200,000 - has endorsed the Democratic Gubernatorial Ticket of New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy, Painters District Council 4 Business Manager Daniel Boody tells WNYLaborToday.com.

The gubernatorial endorsement for the Cuomo-Duffy ticket came as the New York State Building Trades wound up its annual convention that was held earlier this week in Niagara Falls.

Niagara County Building & Construction Trades Council President Clyde Johnston, Jr. - who addressed the more than 300 attendees who gathered at the Niagara Falls Conference Center - told WNYLaborToday.com this afternoon that Statewide Building Trades President Edward Malloy was also re-elected to another three-year term.

"I welcomed those Union Representatives to Niagara Falls and impressed upon them that much that has been constructed in the city and across Niagara County has been 'Built Union,' including the Niagara Falls Conference Center and the Seneca-Niagara Casino," Johnston said.

Also addressing the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council - among others - was New York State Labor Commissioner Colleen Gardner, Rochester Mayor/Democratic Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate Duffy and Buffalo Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.

The New York State Building Trades last held its statewide convention in Western New York in 1992 in Buffalo. For the past two years, the State Building Trades has held their annual convention in Cooperstown, and previous to that in Saratoga.

The decision was made to come back to Western New York after two area Building Trades Executive Board Members - the Painters' Boody and Donald Winkle, Jr., business manager for the Buffalo-headquartered Elevator Constructors Local 14 - successfully lobbied the state group.

Malloy's re-election as president of the statewide Building Trades organization was a bit of a Western New York homecoming. It was back in '92 at the Buffalo-held constitutional convention that Malloy was first elected president of the New York State Building Trades.

During an interview with WNYLaborToday.com earlier this year, Molloy said the State Building Trades were dealing with a number of concerns these days, including unemployment within the construction trades and the lack of state movement on releasing funding for a number of high-profile construction projects across New York.

"We're very concerned about unemployment in the construction industry, which is based on the economy. When the economy starts to slow, the downside occurs in capital budgets - so we get a double-whack. We're meeting with those in Albany to generate jobs, but it looks like during the first and second quarters of this year, we'll be tightening our belts just like everyone else," Molloy said.

In regards to Industrial Development Agency (IDA) Reform, the president of the State Building Trades said the fight to preserve Prevailing Wages and Living Wages in IDA-financed projects goes on, as well as the State Trades' campaign to reform the IDA system.

"I would probably say more and more of the money that is being used (to build) these IDA-financed/taxpayer-financed construction projects across New York, which collectively are over one-billion dollars, is also being used to pay people who are coming in from out of town," instead of employing local construction workers, Molloy said. "Like anything else, our first move is to protect jobs. But right now, IDA Reform is considered to be on the backburner in Albany and Governor Paterson has looked to have backed off on it."

On another note, Molloy remained positive about the landmark Green Jobs/Green New York Act that Governor Paterson signed into law last year, which will not only stimulate investment in weatherization and energy-efficiency improvements for residential and commercial buildings, but could mean the creation of thousands of new jobs for Unionized Building Trades Workers.

The Green Jobs Act has been created to provide efficiency upgrades to an estimated one million homes and businesses over the next five years, as well as creating more than 10,000 new jobs. Seven-million dollars from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance has initially been awarded to New York City and 11 counties - including the Upstate New York counties of Chautauqua and Monroe - to launch the new Green Jobs Corps program.

"There's a lot of talk about in Albany these days about 'Green Jobs' and it is a tremendous opportunity for the Building Trades," he said.