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’s been amazing – in fact perfect for this holiday weekend where the aroma of family barbeques can be enjoyed in every neighborhood across Western New York, as well as the laughter of families and children gathering together and watching evening fireworks.  While it is the day we – as Americans – celebrate our country’s birthday, please take a few moments to remember those who are continuing to defend our Nation on foreign soil so that we never take for granted what we are enjoying today.  One of those soldiers, whom WNYLaborToday.com has written about in recent weeks, was profiled in today’s Buffalo News – Nick Stone.  Take a few minutes to read it if you can.  Though suffering severe injuries, Nick is an amazing example of positive thinking and outlook.  Thank You Nick for your service to our country.  We will remember you and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have pledged their service and lives to protect our way of life here in the U.S.

This was a banner week for Labor News Video Reports on WNYLaborToday.com.  First off, Your Regional, On-Line Labor Newspaper posted a three-part interview with New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) President Kenneth Brynien, which can now be viewed in the second video cube from the left that’s located in the middle of our Front Page.  While they will be posted in the same location early this week, our viewers/readers can take a sneak peek at two more Labor News Video Reports that we have already posted to WNYLaborToday.com’s YouTube page – which is easily accessible by clicking on to the YouTube logo that appears on the right-hand side of our Front Page, just above our bank of video cubes.  One involves the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 17’s second-annual fishing derby, which promoted Union Brotherhood & Sisterhood and Union Camaraderie within the Lakeview-headquartered Building Trades Union.  Nearly 250 Union Members and their families participated in the fishing derby last Sunday, casting their fishing poles into a large pond located on Local 17’s training facility property that was specially stocked with trout.  In addition, WNYLaborToday.com covered last week’s U.S. Postal Department’s hearing in Downtown Buffalo that was held to gather public opinion on its proposal to pare down mail delivery by one day a week.  National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)/Branch 3 and its president, Robert McLennan, were in attendance to speak out against the proposal.  Also there to lend support was Western New York AFL-CIO Area Labor Federation Vice President Richard Lipsitz – who also serves as Business Agent/Labor Movement Liaison for Teamsters Local 264 – and Buffalo AFL-CIO President Michael Hoffert – who were interviewed by WNYLaborToday.com.  Over the past couple of months, WNYLaborToday.com has continued to increase its video news coverage of the Western New York Labor Community – providing it with yet another and expanded opportunity to inform and educate Unions on a variety of important issues impacting their memberships.  When it comes to covering Western New York Labor – there’s no where else Unions and their members can go to get the type of information provided to the Labor Community by WNYLaborToday.com.

And speaking of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 17… Kudos from WNYLaborToday.com for the Union’s successful, second annual fishing derby that attracted 250 members and their families.  In all the years of covering and being involved with the Western New York Labor Community, I’ve never witnessed such a unique event that combined family fun and Union Solidarity in one setting.  It was a great idea that Local 17 Union Member JoAnn Santonocito originally had and thanks to Assistant Supervisor Alan Pero, who has fully-supported what is now becoming an annual event, the fishing derby will look to grow even bigger as the years go by.  Hopefully this will serve as a unique example to other Labor Unions that are looking to reach out to more of their membership and get them involved in their individual Unions. 

While he was not ultimately elected as Secretary-Treasurer of the Union that represents 1.6 million Public Service Workers, congratulations to New York State Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) President Danny Donohue on his campaign.  Delegates to the 39th International Convention of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO (AFSCME) elected Lee Saunders as AFSCME’s next Secretary-Treasurer.  Saunders received 652,660 votes in a very close election, and was followed by CSEA/AFSCME Local 1000 President Donohue, who received 648,356 votes.  However, Donohue’s hard work and accomplishments on behalf of CSEA’s New York State Public Employees does not go unnoticed and continues to be appreciated.

It’s hard to understand how Erie County Executive Chris Collins can be allowed to hold on to Federal Stimulus money that was targeted for use to create new jobs.  How can this be?  Collins continues to flash his arrogance and distain for Working People, both Union and non-Union.  In short, it’s totally unacceptable and for that matter - quite ridiculous.  It’s this type of attitude and pattern of executive decisions that continue to hurt everyday working people, and must not go unanswered.  It’s WNYLaborToday.com’s hope that both Organized Labor and Working People lead the charge to oust King Chris from his throne during the next Erie County Executive election.  It makes no difference what political affiliation he holds, what he has and continues to do is detrimental to so many who are working hard to put food on their families’ tables and pay their bills – including county taxes. 

Just a reminder that Union Members who purchase a new iPhone 4 from AT&T Mobility (a supporting advertiser on WNYLaborToday.com and a Communications Workers of American (CWA)-represented Union) can save $198 over their two-year contract on a basic monthly service and data plan (450 minutes and 200MB of data) with a Union Plus AT&T discount.  Members who buy higher-rate plans can save even more.  Union Plus, which provides consumer benefits to Union Members and retirees, has raised to 15% its discount on all new wireless service through AT&T, the only Union Wireless Provider - just in time for the release of the new iPhone 4.  The new iPhone 4 went on sale June 29th at AT&T stores and at UnionPlus.org/ATT.  Even if you choose one of AT&T’s many other phones, you’ll still save 15% on the regular monthly rate on individual and family plans and you’ll help support the 40,000 Union Workers at AT&T wireless.  You can find a local AT&T store or shop online at UnionPlus.org/ATT.