Sunday, April 30, 2006
Death in the Haymarket
New book, James Green, Death in the Haymarket: A Story of Chicago, the First Labor Movement, and the Bombing that Divided Gilded Age America (Pantheon Books, 2006), is discussed by Peter Linebaugh in a Counterpunch Essay, “A Strike, a Boycott, a Holiday, a Refusal: May Day with Heart.”
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Employee Free Choice Act
On April 19, 2005, a bipartisan coalition reintroduced into Congress the historic Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842 and H.R. 1696). The act would strengthen protections for workers’ freedom to choose by requiring employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers sign cards authorizing union representation. It also would provide for mediation and arbitration of first-contract disputes and authorize stronger penalties for violation of the law when workers seek to form a union.
Summary of Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842, H.R. 1696) was introduced as bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress on April 19 by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.)
1. Certification on the Basis of Signed Authorizations
Provides for certification of a union as the bargaining representative if the National Labor Relations Board finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit has signed authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative. Requires the board to develop model authorization language and procedures for establishing the authenticity of signed authorizations.
2. First-Contract Mediation and Arbitration
Provides that if an employer and a union are engaged in bargaining for their first contract and are unable to reach agreement within 90 days, either party may refer the dispute to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for mediation. If the FMCS has been unable to bring the parties to agreement after 30 days of mediation the dispute will be referred to arbitration and the results of the arbitration shall be binding on the parties for two years. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties.
3. Stronger Penalties for Violations While Employees Are Attempting to Organize
or Obtain a First Contract Makes the following new provisions applicable to violations of the National Labor Relations Act committed by employers against employees during any period while employees are attempting to organize a union or negotiate a first contract with the employer:
a. Mandatory Applications for Injunctions: Provides that just as the NLRB is required to seek a federal court injunction against a union whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the union has violated the secondary boycott prohibitions in the act, the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against an employer whenever there is reasonable cause to believe the employer has discharged or discriminated against employees, threatened to discharge or discriminate against employees or engaged in conduct that significantly interferes with employee rights during an organizing or first contract drive. Authorizes the courts to grant temporary restraining orders or other appropriate injunctive relief.
b. Treble Back Pay: Increases the amount an employer is required to pay when an employee is discharged or discriminated against during an organizing campaign or first contract drive to three times back pay.
c. Civil Penalties: Provides for civil fines of up to $20,000 per violation against employers found to have willfully or repeatedly violated employees’ rights during an organizing campaign or first contract drive.
=======
This fact sheet has been prepared by the AFL-CIO. For more information regarding the Employee Free Choice Act, please contact Maria Fiordellisi at 202-639-6239.
Summary of Employee Free Choice Act The Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842, H.R. 1696) was introduced as bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress on April 19 by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.).AFL-CIO•April 2005.
See also American Rights at Work.
The AFL-CIO has produced a hands-on toolkit for student and faculty supporters of workers' rights. The toolkit features ideas for teach-ins, checklists for planning, sample leaflets, fact sheets, discussion questions and other materials. To order, call 202-637-5102 or e-mail bboyce@aflcio.org.
Summary of Employee Free Choice Act
The Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842, H.R. 1696) was introduced as bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress on April 19 by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.)
1. Certification on the Basis of Signed Authorizations
Provides for certification of a union as the bargaining representative if the National Labor Relations Board finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit has signed authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative. Requires the board to develop model authorization language and procedures for establishing the authenticity of signed authorizations.
2. First-Contract Mediation and Arbitration
Provides that if an employer and a union are engaged in bargaining for their first contract and are unable to reach agreement within 90 days, either party may refer the dispute to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for mediation. If the FMCS has been unable to bring the parties to agreement after 30 days of mediation the dispute will be referred to arbitration and the results of the arbitration shall be binding on the parties for two years. Time limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties.
3. Stronger Penalties for Violations While Employees Are Attempting to Organize
or Obtain a First Contract Makes the following new provisions applicable to violations of the National Labor Relations Act committed by employers against employees during any period while employees are attempting to organize a union or negotiate a first contract with the employer:
a. Mandatory Applications for Injunctions: Provides that just as the NLRB is required to seek a federal court injunction against a union whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the union has violated the secondary boycott prohibitions in the act, the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against an employer whenever there is reasonable cause to believe the employer has discharged or discriminated against employees, threatened to discharge or discriminate against employees or engaged in conduct that significantly interferes with employee rights during an organizing or first contract drive. Authorizes the courts to grant temporary restraining orders or other appropriate injunctive relief.
b. Treble Back Pay: Increases the amount an employer is required to pay when an employee is discharged or discriminated against during an organizing campaign or first contract drive to three times back pay.
c. Civil Penalties: Provides for civil fines of up to $20,000 per violation against employers found to have willfully or repeatedly violated employees’ rights during an organizing campaign or first contract drive.
=======
This fact sheet has been prepared by the AFL-CIO. For more information regarding the Employee Free Choice Act, please contact Maria Fiordellisi at 202-639-6239.
Summary of Employee Free Choice Act The Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842, H.R. 1696) was introduced as bipartisan legislation in the 109th Congress on April 19 by Sens. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Reps. George Miller (D-Calif.) and Peter King (R-N.Y.).AFL-CIO•April 2005.
See also American Rights at Work.
The AFL-CIO has produced a hands-on toolkit for student and faculty supporters of workers' rights. The toolkit features ideas for teach-ins, checklists for planning, sample leaflets, fact sheets, discussion questions and other materials. To order, call 202-637-5102 or e-mail bboyce@aflcio.org.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
April 28, Workers Memorial Day. International Day of Mourning.
April 28, Workers Memorial Day.
The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning.
History of 28 April:World Day for Safety and Health at Work.In 2003, the International Labour Organization began to observe World Day stressing the prevention of illness and accidents at work, capitalizing on its traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue. 28 April is also a day the world's trade union movement has long associated with commemorating victims of occupational accidents and disease.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Workers killed on job to be honored
Local leaders who are to gather Wednesday to memorialize workers killed on the job are hoping that, a year from now, they'll have an actual monument there to gather around.
The Westchester-Putnam Central Labor Body, AFL-CIO, is proposing to construct a Workers Memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza, across the park from where the county's Sept. 11 memorial is taking shape.
The monument is intended to honor both current workers and those who have died on the job — at union or nonunion work sites, said Paul Ryan, head of the regional division of the AFL-CIO.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Coal Miner Memorial and Coal History at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Coal and Steel [virtual] Library at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
The Coal Miner
on the grounds of the Illinois State House-Springfield.
State Representative Paul Powell introduced a bill to create a monument to honor Illinois coal miners at the urging of miner, poet and artist Vachel Davis.
The statue commemorates the more than 9,000 Illinois coal miners who have lost their lives in mine accidents over the past 130 years prior to 1964.The statue was modeled after Davis' famous painting and dedicated on October 16, 1964.
Sculptor: John Szaton
1964
The Coal Miner
on the grounds of the Illinois State House-Springfield.
State Representative Paul Powell introduced a bill to create a monument to honor Illinois coal miners at the urging of miner, poet and artist Vachel Davis.
The statue commemorates the more than 9,000 Illinois coal miners who have lost their lives in mine accidents over the past 130 years prior to 1964.The statue was modeled after Davis' famous painting and dedicated on October 16, 1964.
Sculptor: John Szaton
1964
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Hunger Striking University of Miami Janitors and SEIU
After taking symbolic tiny bites of bread dipped in chicken soup, five University of Miami janitors and four students ended a 17-day hunger strike Friday and were quickly replaced by international union leaders who vowed to continue their protest and labor dispute.
Andrew Stern, international president of the Service Employees International Union, and Los Angeles-based Vice President Eliseo Medina donned makeshift crucifixes and took the workers' places under a tent front of the university campus in Coral Gables on Friday afternoon.
Andrew Stern, international president of the Service Employees International Union, and Los Angeles-based Vice President Eliseo Medina donned makeshift crucifixes and took the workers' places under a tent front of the university campus in Coral Gables on Friday afternoon.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Berkeley Public Library : Librarians Call Director a Liability, Demand Ouster
Berkeley Daily Planet
Edition Date: Friday, April 21, 2006
Librarians raised the pressure a notch this week in the two-year battle with their boss, presenting a statement of no confidence in Library Director Jackie Griffin Tuesday to the City Council and Wednesday to the Library Board of Truste es.
“We find the management of the Berkeley Public Library as provided by Library Director Jackie Griffin to be a liability for the organization, and a misuse of the public trust,” the statement concludes.
While to date 77 of the 120 library employees r epresented by the Service Employees International Union 535 have signed the statement, their names are not listed individually.
Anes Lewis-Partridge, senior field representative with the union, said that is because there has been retaliation against empl oyees who speak out at the library. In fact, grievances have been filed on behalf of workers who claim they are facing retaliatory disciplinary measures.
“The tactic of the administration is to target activists,” Partridge said. “It has a chilling effect.”
The no confidence statement included some of the following points:
• Library service hours have been cut.
• Library materials are unavailable due to shelving backlogs.
• Administrative and supervisory staff positions have increased.
• An expensive, controversial radio frequency identification system was instituted.
• Labor-management meetings have been costly and ineffective.
• Reprisals against employees who have spoken out include loss of promotions, written reprimands, punitive work assignments, gag orders, loss of pay and more.
read more.
Edition Date: Friday, April 21, 2006
Librarians raised the pressure a notch this week in the two-year battle with their boss, presenting a statement of no confidence in Library Director Jackie Griffin Tuesday to the City Council and Wednesday to the Library Board of Truste es.
“We find the management of the Berkeley Public Library as provided by Library Director Jackie Griffin to be a liability for the organization, and a misuse of the public trust,” the statement concludes.
While to date 77 of the 120 library employees r epresented by the Service Employees International Union 535 have signed the statement, their names are not listed individually.
Anes Lewis-Partridge, senior field representative with the union, said that is because there has been retaliation against empl oyees who speak out at the library. In fact, grievances have been filed on behalf of workers who claim they are facing retaliatory disciplinary measures.
“The tactic of the administration is to target activists,” Partridge said. “It has a chilling effect.”
The no confidence statement included some of the following points:
• Library service hours have been cut.
• Library materials are unavailable due to shelving backlogs.
• Administrative and supervisory staff positions have increased.
• An expensive, controversial radio frequency identification system was instituted.
• Labor-management meetings have been costly and ineffective.
• Reprisals against employees who have spoken out include loss of promotions, written reprimands, punitive work assignments, gag orders, loss of pay and more.
read more.
Foundry worker killed. Joe Hill Watch. No. 2.
Akron Beacon Journal-April 21,2006.
WHEELING, W.Va. - A foundry worker who was electrocuted had recently been forced to leave his job Mittal Steel's Weirton mill through a buyout offer as part of downsizing.
Independent Steelworkers Union spokesman Dave Gossett identified the worker as Gregory Allen Orwick, 47, of Hopedale, Ohio.
Orwick was one of about 70 union workers at Mittal Steel who didn't have enough seniority and were forced to accept the buyout, Gossett said. Another 871 workers voluntarily accepted the offer, which reduced Weirton's union work force to about 1,000.
Orwick was killed on Wednesday while working on a catwalk at the Centre Foundry & Machine Co. near Warwood, W.Va., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Gossett said Orwick told him just three or four weeks ago that he had gotten the job at the foundry, but still hoped to be hired back at Weirton.
"It's a sad situation," Gossett said, "(He was) too young to die like that."
The death on Wednesday was the plant's seventh emergency in six months, said Sue Barazi, assistant area director for OSHA. Not all of those were accidents, she said. Some were minor incidents, including a 911 call for a heart attack.
Joe Hill Watch.
WHEELING, W.Va. - A foundry worker who was electrocuted had recently been forced to leave his job Mittal Steel's Weirton mill through a buyout offer as part of downsizing.
Independent Steelworkers Union spokesman Dave Gossett identified the worker as Gregory Allen Orwick, 47, of Hopedale, Ohio.
Orwick was one of about 70 union workers at Mittal Steel who didn't have enough seniority and were forced to accept the buyout, Gossett said. Another 871 workers voluntarily accepted the offer, which reduced Weirton's union work force to about 1,000.
Orwick was killed on Wednesday while working on a catwalk at the Centre Foundry & Machine Co. near Warwood, W.Va., according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Gossett said Orwick told him just three or four weeks ago that he had gotten the job at the foundry, but still hoped to be hired back at Weirton.
"It's a sad situation," Gossett said, "(He was) too young to die like that."
The death on Wednesday was the plant's seventh emergency in six months, said Sue Barazi, assistant area director for OSHA. Not all of those were accidents, she said. Some were minor incidents, including a 911 call for a heart attack.
Joe Hill Watch.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Joe Hill Watch
"Don't Mourn, Organize".
Union Librarian begins the Joe Hill Watch today--April 20, 2006. This will honor workers killed or wounded on the job. In some cases as in Mexico, workers have been killed fighting for their rights. In other cases workers have died because of unsafe work conditions. By driving out unions management all over the world are responsible for unsafe working cnditions. Each man or woman who dies at work is a light that goes out.We begin the Joe Hill Watch at the time of organizing for the May 1, 2006 Immigration Protests. It is a shocking reminder of the suffering and hardships of our brothers and sisters in Mexico that the Mexican police have killed and wounded striking workers on the eve of the U.S. protests.
===========================================
May 11, 2007. JHW. 12.
CHILE: FORESTRY WORKER KILLED
Last week, 26 year old Rodrigo Alexis Cisternas, a forestry worker in Chile was shot three times by police, and died. He was killed during a strike involving 7,000 workers. His union (and the global union federation representing forestry workers, the BWI) are asking all of us to take a moment and send a message to the Chilean government demanding an
investigation of this crime, and to ensure that workers' rights are respected.
April 11, 2007. JHW.11
###
Santiago Rafael Cruz, an organizer for the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), was found bound and beaten to death this morning in the group’s Monterrey, Mexico, office.
FLOC opened an office in Monterrey next to the U.S. Consulate there in 2005 to help members coming to North Carolina as guest workers in processing their visas, to fight corruption in the recruitment process and to develop leaders and train members. The office has been the target of break-ins with files and equipment destroyed.
Cruz, 29, who worked for FLOC for more than four years in the United States, had headed up the Monterrey office for less than a month, says Leticia Zavala, a FLOC organizer.
###
April 4, 2007. JHW. 10
Carlos Fuentealba.
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine schoolteachers went on a one-day nationwide strike on Monday after a high school chemistry teacher was killed by police last week during a protest over pay. In the capital, Buenos Aires, workers at banks, hospitals, government offices, and public transportation joined the strike for one hour.Carlos Fuentealba, a 41-year-old teacher, died on Thursday, a day after he was hit in the head by a tear gas cartridge when police broke up a teachers' protest and roadblock in the southern province of Neuquen.
###
March 23, 2007. JHW.9
Remember the 15.
Second anniversary of the tragedy at Texas City, and to unveil the Remember the 15 Bill. We will assemble on the South Steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M.
Location:
South Steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin
1100 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX
###
February 10, 2007. JHW.8
Weekly Toll: Death In The Workplace w/News & Udates
###
October 19, 2006. JHW. 7.
Union Activist Jesús Marino Mosquera Murdered in Colombia
###
June 22, 2006. JHW. 6.
Many Workers Killed Week of June 19/2006.
###
June 10, 2006. JHW.5.
A foundry worker was killed Thursday when he fell into an industrial pit and was covered in molten steel, authorities said.
Gordon Hickman, 41, was operating a massive ladle near the rim of the 35-foot pit just before noon when he fell into it, moments before the 2,600-degree steel was poured in, said Battalion Chief John Whitlatch of the Canton Fire Department.
###
May 20, 2006. JHW.4.
5 Killed in Harlan Mine Explosion. HOLMES MILL - Five coal miners died and a sixth crawled to safety early May 20, 2006 after an underground explosion ripped through a Harlan County coal mine in Kentucky's worst mining disaster in 17 years...United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts urged state and federal mine officials to "redouble their inspection and enforcement activities, starting now.""This tragedy only compounds what has already been a horrific year in America's coal mines," Roberts said in a statement.
###
May 6, 2006. JHW.3.
The roof of a condominium project partially collapsed, burying and pinning workers in quick-drying concrete that ultimately crushed them. The site was One Bal Harbour featuring 185 apartments priced from $1.75 million to more than $12 million.
###
April 21,2006. JHW.2.
Akron Beacon Journal-.
WHEELING, W.Va. - A foundry worker who was electrocuted had recently been forced to leave his job Mittal Steel's Weirton mill through a buyout offer as part of downsizing.
###
April 20, 2006. JHW.1.
Michoacan, Mexico. Mexican police shot dead two workers at a steel plant operated by Villacero SA, Mexico's biggest producer of steel bars and wire rod, during an attempt to break a three-week-old picket line, the union said.About 600 police this morning shot tear gas and opened fire on workers at the company's steel plant in the southern state of Michoacan, killing two and wounding dozens more, the Mexican Mining Federation said in an e-mailed statement. The workers' families burned buses and blocked roads in response, the union said.
Mexican Police Kill Two Strikers: Joe Hill Watch. No. 1.
Workers still are killed and injured as the government and corporations seek to wring every last drop.
In my research I have found no librarian unionists killed in labor efforts. But we can honor the courage of our sister and brothers in labor. In honor and respect for May Day and the 2006 action for immigrant rights, today begins the Union Librarian Joe Hill Watch. We will honor those who give life and limb for worker rights.
As librarians we do our best by preserving memory.
Bloomberg News reports:
Mexican police shot dead two workers at a steel plant operated by Villacero SA, Mexico's biggest producer of steel bars and wire rod, during an attempt to break a three-week-old picket line, the union said.
About 600 police this morning shot tear gas and opened fire on workers at the company's steel plant in the southern state of Michoacan, killing two and wounding dozens more, the Mexican Mining Federation said in an e-mailed statement. The workers' families burned buses and blocked roads in response, the union said.
Workers went on strike at the plant April 2 to protest the company's support of a government move to remove Napoleon Gomez as leader of the union.
Joe Hill Watch.
In my research I have found no librarian unionists killed in labor efforts. But we can honor the courage of our sister and brothers in labor. In honor and respect for May Day and the 2006 action for immigrant rights, today begins the Union Librarian Joe Hill Watch. We will honor those who give life and limb for worker rights.
"Joe Hill ain't dead" he says to me,--Alfred Hayes
"Joe Hill ain't never died
Where workingmen are out on strike
|: Joe Hill is at their side." :|
As librarians we do our best by preserving memory.
Bloomberg News reports:
Mexican police shot dead two workers at a steel plant operated by Villacero SA, Mexico's biggest producer of steel bars and wire rod, during an attempt to break a three-week-old picket line, the union said.
About 600 police this morning shot tear gas and opened fire on workers at the company's steel plant in the southern state of Michoacan, killing two and wounding dozens more, the Mexican Mining Federation said in an e-mailed statement. The workers' families burned buses and blocked roads in response, the union said.
Workers went on strike at the plant April 2 to protest the company's support of a government move to remove Napoleon Gomez as leader of the union.
Joe Hill Watch.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Revitalization of the Labor Movement
As Crisis Deepens:
Is a Comeback for Labor in the Cards?by Chris Kutalik.
As labor activists from around the country and world converge on Dearborn, Michigan in early May for the Labor Notes Conference, it's worth reflecting back on a year that has brought back hopes for a revitalization of the labor movement.....including
SOCIAL MOVEMENT UNIONISM
Beyond traditional union reform, labor groups fought for democracy and social justice in new and exciting ways in 2005 (labor's participation in the above-mentioned immigrant marches is one example of this).
Unions and other labor organizations continue to oppose the war in Iraq, with U.S. Labor Against the War (USLAW) playing the biggest role. USLAW is reaching out to veterans and military families, sponsoring public events with Military Families Speak Out, Iraqi Veterans Against the War, and other veterans groups. In 2005, USLAW also organized a successful tour of Iraqi labor leaders and an intervention at the AFL-CIO Convention. Due to pressure from USLAW, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution against the war in Iraq at its convention, a groundbreaking moment for the federation.
Responding to the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, Community Labor United (CLU) -- a Jobs with Justice-like community-labor coalition in New Orleans -- stepped up its own regional organizing. CLU has already been involved in a number of local fights around Gulf Coast reconstruction and continues to demand that the people of New Orleans determine the future of their city.
For all these positive developments, this remains a difficult period for U.S. labor. Union membership has hit historic lows, and employers (along with the government) continue their assault on workers' living and working conditions.
But precisely because this period looks so bleak, it is important to examine these victories, small and large, and learn what we can. In hard times, we need the lessons these victories provide, and we also need inspiration.
Is a Comeback for Labor in the Cards?by Chris Kutalik.
As labor activists from around the country and world converge on Dearborn, Michigan in early May for the Labor Notes Conference, it's worth reflecting back on a year that has brought back hopes for a revitalization of the labor movement.....including
SOCIAL MOVEMENT UNIONISM
Beyond traditional union reform, labor groups fought for democracy and social justice in new and exciting ways in 2005 (labor's participation in the above-mentioned immigrant marches is one example of this).
Unions and other labor organizations continue to oppose the war in Iraq, with U.S. Labor Against the War (USLAW) playing the biggest role. USLAW is reaching out to veterans and military families, sponsoring public events with Military Families Speak Out, Iraqi Veterans Against the War, and other veterans groups. In 2005, USLAW also organized a successful tour of Iraqi labor leaders and an intervention at the AFL-CIO Convention. Due to pressure from USLAW, the AFL-CIO passed a resolution against the war in Iraq at its convention, a groundbreaking moment for the federation.
Responding to the disaster of Hurricane Katrina, Community Labor United (CLU) -- a Jobs with Justice-like community-labor coalition in New Orleans -- stepped up its own regional organizing. CLU has already been involved in a number of local fights around Gulf Coast reconstruction and continues to demand that the people of New Orleans determine the future of their city.
For all these positive developments, this remains a difficult period for U.S. labor. Union membership has hit historic lows, and employers (along with the government) continue their assault on workers' living and working conditions.
But precisely because this period looks so bleak, it is important to examine these victories, small and large, and learn what we can. In hard times, we need the lessons these victories provide, and we also need inspiration.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Fire Union Supports Mesa Library as residents march for higher taxes
Mesa residents march for higher taxes
Budget cuts put over 100 public services at risk
Justin Juozapavicius
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 19, 2006 12:00 AM
Holding signs that said, "Read Any Good Books Lately? Better Hurry," dozens of residents rallied this week against the city's reduced library hours due to budget cuts.
It was one of several, high-profile events planned during the next few weeks to promote the May property and sales tax election.
"It's going, going, gone for our libraries," said resident Mitzi Pearce, with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, which helped sponsor Monday night's rally in front of the Dobson Ranch Library.
advertisement
Tuesday afternoon, about 30 people, largely fire union members, rallied near Power Road and U.S. 60 in east Mesa and marched into neighborhoods encouraging residents to vote.
Lately, the campaigns for and against the taxes have been relatively muted, but Monday's rally appeared to kick off the bells-and-whistles phase, with both sides announcing or planning rallies.
On Monday, about 50 residents, including former City Manager Mike Hutchinson, Mesa Schools Superintendent Debra Duvall and Chamber of Commerce chief Charlie Deaton, attended.
Backed by the "Yes For Mesa" campaign, attendees handed bright pink fliers to citizens that explained why their library branch was closed after 6 p.m. on Monday nights.
Budget cuts put over 100 public services at risk
Justin Juozapavicius
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 19, 2006 12:00 AM
Holding signs that said, "Read Any Good Books Lately? Better Hurry," dozens of residents rallied this week against the city's reduced library hours due to budget cuts.
It was one of several, high-profile events planned during the next few weeks to promote the May property and sales tax election.
"It's going, going, gone for our libraries," said resident Mitzi Pearce, with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, which helped sponsor Monday night's rally in front of the Dobson Ranch Library.
advertisement
Tuesday afternoon, about 30 people, largely fire union members, rallied near Power Road and U.S. 60 in east Mesa and marched into neighborhoods encouraging residents to vote.
Lately, the campaigns for and against the taxes have been relatively muted, but Monday's rally appeared to kick off the bells-and-whistles phase, with both sides announcing or planning rallies.
On Monday, about 50 residents, including former City Manager Mike Hutchinson, Mesa Schools Superintendent Debra Duvall and Chamber of Commerce chief Charlie Deaton, attended.
Backed by the "Yes For Mesa" campaign, attendees handed bright pink fliers to citizens that explained why their library branch was closed after 6 p.m. on Monday nights.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Militant Unemployed Workers Movement
Images of the Unemployed in New Deal Photography: "The Forgotten Man" versus the Militant Unemployed Workers Movement.by Jeannette Gabriel.
..This study seeks to build on the prior research work by examining conflicting images within the FSA collection of the unemployed. While the vast majority of FSA images of the unemployed portray them as passive, listless, and in need of assistance, there is a small body of FSA pictures showing the unemployed engaged in organizing through the national organization of the unemployed, the Workers Alliance of America. While there are only eleven images of the Workers Alliance, these few images provide a glimpse of a national, powerful movement that impacted the lives of the unemployed. For too long, the experience of the unemployed during the Great Depression has been viewed solely from the perspective of the New Deal reformers and the solutions they offered. This trajectory strips the unemployed of the power they had to develop their own alternatives and to fight for them. These two sets will be contrasted to the larger body of images that the FSA utilized to help promote the New Deal agenda.
Monthly Review
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Raises for U. Mass-Amherst Librarians and Faculty
Lt. Gov. Kerry M. Healey yesterday signed a bill providing long-awaited raises for more than 2,000 faculty and other workers at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Dan Clawson, professor of sociology and president of the 1,200-member faculty and librarians union---Massachusetts Society of Professors --, said yesterday he was delighted.
Faculty, librarians, clerical and technical workers on the Amherst campus will receive 2 percent raises backdated to April 2005. Additional 2 percent raises are backdated to January 2006 and will take effect in January 2007.
The contracts begin on July 1, 2004 and will expire on July 1, 2007. The administration of Gov. W. Mitt Romney insisted that any raises be delayed until April 2005, Clawson said.
Union members worked almost two years without a contract. "This state cannot make up its mind to make a commitment to higher education," Clawson said. The average faculty member probably makes about $70,000, he said. There's also a provision in the contract for merit pay for faculty.
Dan Clawson, professor of sociology and president of the 1,200-member faculty and librarians union---Massachusetts Society of Professors --, said yesterday he was delighted.
Faculty, librarians, clerical and technical workers on the Amherst campus will receive 2 percent raises backdated to April 2005. Additional 2 percent raises are backdated to January 2006 and will take effect in January 2007.
The contracts begin on July 1, 2004 and will expire on July 1, 2007. The administration of Gov. W. Mitt Romney insisted that any raises be delayed until April 2005, Clawson said.
Union members worked almost two years without a contract. "This state cannot make up its mind to make a commitment to higher education," Clawson said. The average faculty member probably makes about $70,000, he said. There's also a provision in the contract for merit pay for faculty.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Mourn for the Dead. Fight for the Living. Workers Memorial Day is April 28.
Workers Memorial Day
Within just a few weeks’ time at the start of 2006, the disasters at the Sago mine and five other mines claimed the lives of 18 miners. These tragedies focused the nation’s attention on the dangers faced by workers and the weaknesses in job safety protections. But the Sago disaster was not an isolated event. Before this year is over, thousands more workers will be killed on the job and millions will be injured or diseased.
[see pdf. report, Death on the Job]
More than three decades ago, Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Mine Safety and Health Act, promising every worker the right to a safe job. Unions and our allies have fought hard to make that promise a reality, winning protections that have saved hundreds of thousand of lives. But the fight for safe jobs has gotten harder as corporate interests, joined by the Bush administration and conservative Republicans, have moved to roll back and weaken protections.
Since 2001 the administration has blocked or withdrawn dozens of important safety rules, including a number of measures that may have prevented the recent mine tragedies. Voluntary compliance has been favored over issuing new protective standards and enforcement. Industry officials have been put in charge of government safety programs.
In Congress, Republican leaders have ignored calls to strengthen the mine safety law, and instead are pushing legislation that would gut OSHA enforcement.
And many employers, in a race to the bottom in a global economy, are looking to cut wages and benefits and loosen protections. With fewer and fewer workers having the protection of a union, more workers are afraid to speak out and raise job safety concerns, fearing retaliation and firing.
On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. We will fight to improve the mine safety law and protections for all workers. We will fight to make workers’ issues a priority and to keep and create good jobs in this country. We will fight for the freedom of workers to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for safe jobs, respect and a better future. We will keep fighting until the promise of safe jobs for all workers is a reality.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
No-confidence Vote at Eastern Oregon
Faculty at Eastern Oregon University, dissatisfied with President Khosrow Fatemi's financial stewardship of the La Grande school, on Wednesday approved a no-confidence vote on his leadership.
The vote demands that the university system chancellor and State Board of Higher Education review whether Fatemi should remain in office.
"What this represents is a profound worry that the present leadership is really harming the institution," said Greg Monahan, a history professor and president of the union representing Eastern faculty and librarians.
The vote demands that the university system chancellor and State Board of Higher Education review whether Fatemi should remain in office.
"What this represents is a profound worry that the present leadership is really harming the institution," said Greg Monahan, a history professor and president of the union representing Eastern faculty and librarians.
Algonquin College Unionized Faculty Stage Vote to Consider calling for President's Resignation
Unionized faculty at Algonquin College are staging an unprecedented vote this week on whether to call for the resignation of president Robert Gillett.
The vote is largely symbolic because the college's appointed board of governors is the only body that can remove Mr. Gillett. But it points to an increasingly tense relationship between the college and its 500 full-time teachers following last month's three-week strike....
Algonquin's teachers are also bitter over Mr. Gillett's handling of the walkout, saying he has refused to acknowledge the need for the college to hire more full-time faculty.
Both the umbrella group representing Ontario colleges and former premier Bob Rae, in his review of Ontario's higher education system, have drawn a link between chronic understaffing and a decline in community college education quality.
Workload, along with salary, were key issues during contract talks and remain unresolved. They are expected to be heard by a provincially appointed arbitrator next month.
"There is a sense of intense frustration at a number of colleges over the conduct of the presidents during and after the strike," said Paddy Musson, an OPSEU representative.
The vote is largely symbolic because the college's appointed board of governors is the only body that can remove Mr. Gillett. But it points to an increasingly tense relationship between the college and its 500 full-time teachers following last month's three-week strike....
Algonquin's teachers are also bitter over Mr. Gillett's handling of the walkout, saying he has refused to acknowledge the need for the college to hire more full-time faculty.
Both the umbrella group representing Ontario colleges and former premier Bob Rae, in his review of Ontario's higher education system, have drawn a link between chronic understaffing and a decline in community college education quality.
Workload, along with salary, were key issues during contract talks and remain unresolved. They are expected to be heard by a provincially appointed arbitrator next month.
"There is a sense of intense frustration at a number of colleges over the conduct of the presidents during and after the strike," said Paddy Musson, an OPSEU representative.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
"Building Solidarity from Below"-Labor Notes
"Building Solidarity from Below," will attract hundreds of labor activists from around the world. The conference will feature more than 50 workshops; dozens of union, industry, and interest meetings; main panels with great speakers; and much more.
Labor Notes is a non-profit organization that has been the voice of union activists who want to "put the movement back in the labor movement" since 1979.
For years, the labor movement has been reeling from an employers' offensive. We now have real lower wages, less job security, and smaller, weaker unions than the previous generation. Employers are turning what used to be good, steady jobs into poorly-paid drudgery, often dangerous and stressful. Some of us work more overtime than we want; others must make due with part-time or temporary jobs.
Labor Notes believes that if the labor movement is to regain the numbers and the power we have lost in past decades, we must deal with the problems we face. Some of these problems are a result of outside influences, but some are our movement's own failings.
Labor Notes Magazine
"Climate of Fear at Berkeley Public Library," says SEIU
Berkeley Daily Planet reports:
After two years of labor strife between employees and Library Director Jackie Griffin—and growing discontent with the director from a citizen’s group [superBOLD]—Berkeley’s Board of Library Trustees met Saturday behind closed doors to discuss possible litigation threatened by the library director’s attorney, were she to be terminated.
...
Union shop steward Andrea Segall wasn’t thinking about whether the director would be fired or get a negotiated settlement. She said she was simply glad that signs seemed to point to the director’s exit and the end to antagonistic relations with employees, represented by Service Employees International Union Local 535.
The conflicts began when the director carried through with her proposal for the more-than-$650,000 Radio Frequency Identification program, an expense that resulted in staff layoffs.
The union has alleged that there was administrative retaliation against employees who have engaged in union activities and spoken out against library policies, exacerbating the conflict.
“There’s been a climate of incredible fear in the library—now people are afraid to challenge (the director),” Segall said.
“Our perspective is that we have tried over almost two years in five different venues to affect change,” Segall said. “That cost the city quite a bit of money in staff and consultant time.”
Anes Partridge, senior field representative with SEIU 535, underscored that the union will keep the pressure on at the library until the personnel files of people disciplined unfairly have been cleared.
A call to Griffin was returned by Community Relations Librarian Alan Bern, who said the director “can’t comment at this time on internal issues.” A message on the answering machine of her attorney, Jonathan Siegel, said he was away from the office until April 14..
more here
After two years of labor strife between employees and Library Director Jackie Griffin—and growing discontent with the director from a citizen’s group [superBOLD]—Berkeley’s Board of Library Trustees met Saturday behind closed doors to discuss possible litigation threatened by the library director’s attorney, were she to be terminated.
...
Union shop steward Andrea Segall wasn’t thinking about whether the director would be fired or get a negotiated settlement. She said she was simply glad that signs seemed to point to the director’s exit and the end to antagonistic relations with employees, represented by Service Employees International Union Local 535.
The conflicts began when the director carried through with her proposal for the more-than-$650,000 Radio Frequency Identification program, an expense that resulted in staff layoffs.
The union has alleged that there was administrative retaliation against employees who have engaged in union activities and spoken out against library policies, exacerbating the conflict.
“There’s been a climate of incredible fear in the library—now people are afraid to challenge (the director),” Segall said.
“Our perspective is that we have tried over almost two years in five different venues to affect change,” Segall said. “That cost the city quite a bit of money in staff and consultant time.”
Anes Partridge, senior field representative with SEIU 535, underscored that the union will keep the pressure on at the library until the personnel files of people disciplined unfairly have been cleared.
A call to Griffin was returned by Community Relations Librarian Alan Bern, who said the director “can’t comment at this time on internal issues.” A message on the answering machine of her attorney, Jonathan Siegel, said he was away from the office until April 14..
more here
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