NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 1

See Inside MEETING NOTICES Page 4

Volume 110 Number 4 February 20, 2009 Portland, Oregon

Congress passes stimulus package

By DON McINTOSH fought hard in Washington, D.C., for a Associate Editor federal economic rescue bill that would To respond to the biggest economic emphasize spending on infrastructure crisis in at least a generation, Congress — so-called “shovel ready” projects in mid-February passed its biggest stim - that could immediately employ work - ulus package ever, the American Re - ers. But infrastructure investments covery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. ended up being less than 10 percent of The act’s $787 billion in new federal the American Recovery and Reinvest - spending and tax cuts will cushion the ment Act, while tax cuts were four times plight of the jobless and put some peo - that amount. The package is projected ple back to work. to cost $787 billion; $461 billion of that Will it bring about recovery? Time is new spending, and $326 billion (41 will tell. The package may end up cre - percent) is tax cuts. ating as many as 700,000 jobs in con - Tax cuts are a diluted way to stimu - struction, for example, but there are al - late an economy compared with direct ready 1.7 million unemployed construc- spending, critics like U.S. Rep. Peter tion workers, and Americans lost DeFazio (D-Ore.) argued. DeFazio was 598,000 jobs overall last month alone. one of the seven Democrats to vote The Obama Administration says 3.5 against the stimulus bill, after infra - million jobs will be created or saved structure spending was greatly reduced. over the next two years (estimating The biggest of the tax cuts — the 44,000 jobs in Oregon and 75,000 jobs Making Work Pay tax credit — Another day at the office in Washington), with over 90 percent in amounts to just under $8 a week for an the private sector. individual. Mike McCoy of Iron Workers Local 29 welds on the 16th floor of the First and Main Building under The final bill signed by President Unlike the multiple rounds of tax construction in downtown Portland. The union “raising gang” topped out the environmentally friendly, Barack Obama on Feb. 17 was very dif - cuts approved during the Bush Admin - 346,500 square-foot office building on Feb. 16. General contractor Hoffman Construction threw a ferent from the version the U.S. House istration, this set of cuts does not give recognition party for the entire crew Feb. 4. Weather has played a factor on the project as snow storms passed two weeks earlier — tax cuts the biggest benefit to the richest payers. in late December and high winds in January forced workers off the job for more than a month and a were increased, infrastructure spending The Making Work Pay tax credit was half. The developer is San Francisco-based Shorenstein Properties. was decreased, and state governments proposed by President Obama in order got a lot less aid. The U.S. Senate made to fulfill a campaign promise that 95 change after change to accommodate its percent of American workers would see Republican minority, which then voted lower taxes. The credit will be $400 for against it anyway. Leaders of both individuals and $800 for couples and it chambers then met to work out differ - will appear immediately on paychecks, ences in their versions, and presented a thanks to a change in the withholding final bill for approval in the House and formula. It applies to wage earners mak - Elections Division looking at Sizemore Senate. ing up to $75,000 ($150,000 for a cou - “I feel like we had a bipartisan pack - ple), and fades out gradually above that It appears Oregon’s newly-installed evidence that he moved money around ATRF, for example, received age,” said U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D- amount. It will cost the U.S. Treasury Secretary of State Kate Brown will use in ways that may have violated the law. $913,000 from Loren Parks, his com - Ore.) at a Feb. 16 Portland press confer - $20 billion this year, $66 billion next the power of her office to make sure Five organizations set up or con - pany, and his charitable foundation over ence explaining the bill. “We did not year, and $30 billion the year after. Then election laws are complied with — trolled by Sizemore — CBS Consult - a two-year period, much of which was have a bipartisan vote.” business tax cuts in the bill amount to even by longtime scofflaw and union ing, Initiative Resource Management, paid directly or indirectly to Sizemore, In the Senate, the final version $76 billion over the next two years. And foe Bill Sizemore. American Tax Research Foundation who was working to get measures on passed 60 to 38, with Republicans pro - another $70 billion is the cost of a one- On Feb. 12, the Oregon Elections (ATRF), the Initiative Preservation In - the ballot. viding all the “no” votes and just three year “patch” to limit the Alternative Division, which Brown oversees, stitute, and Democracy Direct — re - Sizemore has been given a deadline of the “yes” votes. In the House, where Minimum Tax. It’s hard to see how that opened an investigation to determine ceived or spent money from Sizemore’s of March 16 to provide details about it passed 246 to 183, not a single Re - could be considered a stimulus: Con - whether Sizemore violated campaign millionaire financial backers, Loren the purposes and activities of the publican voted for it, while all but seven gress has passed a similar measure finance laws last year in waging several Parks and Richard Wendt, or from groups, and to make all financial Democrats voted for it. every year since 2001. ballot initiative campaigns. Sizemore groups they control. records for the groups available to an “You’ll have to ask those across the For the most part, the tax cuts will fielded four ballot measures in Novem - The investigation will seek to find Elections Division compliance special - aisle why they chose to go a different di - generate relatively little economic ac - ber that were opposed by unions and out whether those five groups should ist. rection,” Merkley said. “I think they’ve tivity. But the spending parts of the rejected by voters. Oregon law requires have registered as political action com - If Sizemore is shown to have failed stated fairly clearly what they’re doing. stimulus package will put money in the political campaigns to disclose who mittees and whether the official ballot to report political campaign contribu - They hope to take the mess they’ve cre - hands of unemployed and low-income their funders are. But a Dec. 1 judge’s measure committees run by Sizemore tions, he could face civil penalties of up ated over the last eight years and turn it workers, and put some back to work. ruling in a long-running teachers union failed to report in-kind contributions to $10,000 for every transaction he into President Obama’s mess.” The summary of the stimulus package’s lawsuit against Sizemore highlighted from the groups. failed to report. Since late last year, unions have (Turn to Page 8) NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 2

UNITE leaders try to dissolve SEIU offers hotel/restaurant union merger wage freeze WASHINGTON, D.C. (PAI) — vice presidents passionately explained By a 39-23 vote, UNITE HERE’s Ex - what the deep divisions within the ecutive Board on Feb. 9 defeated a mo - union are doing to our ability to repre - to ease state tion to dissolve the merger between the sent members and meet the challenges old Union of Needletrades, Industrial we face.” budget crisis and Textile Employees (UNITE) and Romney also criticized the majority the Hotel Employees and Restaurant for not discussing the issue openly. He Employees (HERE). called that another sign of intransi - SALEM — Reacting to the State of The unions merged in July 2004, gence and said “reconciliation is not Oregon’s budget crisis, the largest bringing together 450,000 members. possible” in UNITE HERE. union of state employees went public Reports differ on the reason for the At the time of the merger, HERE Feb. 12 with a proposal for a two-year attempted breakup. Edgar Romney, had more members than UNITE, and freeze of pay steps and eight unpaid UNITE HERE’s executive vice presi - it has since undertaken successful or - furlough days. dent who led the dissolution, cited a ganizing drives in the Las Vegas-based Service Employees International number of factors. But a staffer on the gaming industry. But at the same time, Union (SEIU) Local 503 made the of - prevailing side told PAI the motive was HERE President John Wilhelm be - ILWU rally at Rite Aid fer at a Feb. 10 contract bargaining ses - sion. The union is negotiating a new a plan by General President Bruce came president of the Hospitality In - Union members rallied outside Rite Aid stores in four states Feb. 13 to draw Raynor (the former president of dustries sector of the merged union, two-year agreement to replace the one attention to the company’s anti-union conduct. Some 700 workers at Rite that expires June 30. Local 503 repre - UNITE) to withdraw his union and taking a back seat to Raynor. Aid’s distribution center in Lancaster, Calif., have been trying to join the merge it with the Service Employees. Though Romney said all the votes sents more 22,000 workers at 20-plus International Longshore and Warehouse Union since 2006. In 2007, the state agencies and seven universities. Romney, who also is secretary- against dissolution came from HERE federal government was prepared to charge the company with 49 labor law treasurer of the Change to Win labor members, the staffer who spoke to PAI, Under SEIU’s proposal, there violations for threatening and firing employees, but weak labor laws allowed would be no cost-of-living increases, federation, said in a statement after the Tom Snyder, said the vote was not a Rite Aid to evade the violations with only a slap on the wrist and promises to vote that he “worked hard to hold this straight split. He noted one of largest but everything else would stay the behave in the future. And that hasn’t happened. “These abuses are a textbook same in the new contract — including union together, in the ‘One Union union’s joint boards — the 10,000- example of why Congress should pass the Employee Free Choice Act,” said Committee,’ and in daily work. But our member New England Board — op - step increases that reward longevity. George O’Neil (above center) during a noontime rally at a Rite Aid store in The furloughs were suggested by Gov. union is broken and our merger has posed the dissolution. Beaverton, Oregon. O’Neil is an international Executive Board member out failed in its mission to organize large Fifteen vice presidents have now Ted Kulongoski in his December of Portland’s ILWU Local 40. The Employee Free Choice Act is a proposed budget proposal. If all state workers numbers of workers to build power for joined together in a lawsuit to dissolve law that would protect employees and their right to join a union. More than working people. Today, I listened as the merger. were furloughed, the state could save 50 people attended the rally. an estimated $4 million a day. Local 503 spokesperson Kathie Best said the union would encourage members to use the furlough days to Zachary volunteer in schools, homeless shelters b h Bennett Hartman and other community institutions. Morris & Kaplan, llp As of press time, negotiators for the Zabinsky state had not yet responded to the Attorneys at Law • Social Security union’s proposal. m k • SSI - Disability Claims Another 7,000 state workers — in - cluding workers at state hospitals and Personal Attention To Every Case prisons — are represented by Ameri - Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm Working For Disability Rights can Federation of State, County & Mu - Since 1983 nicipal Employees (AFSCME) Ore - Representing Workers Since 1960 NO FEE WITHOUT RECOVERY gon Council 75. Council 75 Executive 621 SW Morrison, Portland Director Ken Allen said his union has been weighing similar proposals. AF - SCME was ready to sign off on some - Serious Injury and Death Cases thing of an austerity contract, Allen 223-8517 said – with no cost-of-living raises, and furloughs for some workers — but the • Construction Injuries governor’s office seemed to get cold • Automobile Accidents feet about the deal, not sure if worsen - ing budget situation would make even • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice that unaffordable. • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents AFSCME’s next bargaining session is set for Feb. 23. That’s the same day a • Pedestrian Accidents revised revenue forecast is due; if tax revenues continue to fall, that could • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) lead state administrators to seek wage • Workers’ Compensation Injuries Are Mom and Dad Financially cuts or layoffs of state employees. • Social Security Claims Secure in Retirement?

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PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 20, 2009 NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 3

God may or may not take sides in labor disputes — but ‘Father Bob’ does

By DON McINTOSH parishioner, Jean Eilers. Eilers, herself a former And Portland’s Arch - Associate Editor nun, was then state director for the national bishop John Vlazny has been Does God take sides in labor disputes? That’s AFL-CIO. In 1997, she asked Krueger to stand supportive of his activism, a question over which believers might disagree. up for Steelworkers in Pueblo, Colorado, who Krueger said, even when it But when workers stand up for their rights, were on strike against unfair labor practices by places him at odds with Robert Krueger knows which side he’s on. their employer, Oregon Steel Mills. managers at “Father Bob,” as he’s known, says mass three Krueger agreed, and was one of about 20 Catholic-owned Providence Standing in the times a week at St. Francis Catholic Church in who committed civil disobedience in the down - Health System — which has bed of a pickup Southeast Portland. At age 80, he’s semi-retired town Portland lobby of Wells Fargo bank, which opposed a long-running truck, Father Bob as a diocesan priest. Yet he remains one of the was the company’s chief lender. The protesters unionization campaign by Krueger speaks most active local religious leaders in speaking refused to leave, and were arrested for trespass. support workers. to striking Oak up for economic morality. All were acquitted. But the protest was a turning As a member of Jobs Harbor Freight Krueger is a member of the steering commit - point for Krueger. With Justice’ Faith-Labor Lines workers at tee of the union-backed solidarity group Port - “I stayed with it, because I deeply believe in Committee, Krueger is a a Dec. 4 rally in land Jobs With Justice. Dressed in clerical garb, it,” Krueger said. bridge between organized re - Portland. he’s a regular presence at marches and rallies for In Krueger’s view, his religion’s founder — ligion and organized labor. workers’ rights. Jesus of Nazareth — was an anti-establishment But he also has words of crit - There’s nothing heretical about that. utopian who fraternized with the poorest of so - icism for both. People of faith need to step up and management to work together,” Krueger Krueger’s positions are grounded in the church ciety, not with civil or religious leaders. more and get involved in issues of justice. And said. “But when conflicts do break out, I’m not social teachings he learned in the 1940s as a stu - “I’m convinced that Jesus was trying to re - labor leaders need to ground their campaigns on a mediator, but an advocate. I see myself as a dent at Portland’s Central Catholic High School. store a just community as you’d find in the moral issues like dignity and fairness, not just witness for justice. Because I think, in too many There and at Mt. Angel Seminary, Krueger stud - scriptures of the Old Testament, beginning with material concerns like wages and benefits. cases, workers are not getting justice.” ied “Rerum Novarum,” an open letter to Moses.” “I think we have an interesting problem in Portland Jobs With Justice will hold its sev - Catholic bishops written by Pope Leo XIII in Krueger said a theme of justice runs through - the United States,” Krueger said. “We have a enth annual “faith and labor breakfast,” at 7:15 1891. out the old and new testaments, such as the book standard of living that can not be maintained a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at Immaculate Heart “The [letter] says because of our dignity as of Deuteronomy, which spells out the duty of worldwide. And workers at the high end of the Parish, 2926 N. Williams Ave., Portland. The human beings, made in the image of God, work - paying a just wage, not only to fellow Hebrews, financial spectrum are consuming at a higher event brings together leaders and activists from ers have rights to be able to fulfill their destiny, but to foreigners they employ. rate than we have a right to. And so the question faith and labor communities to explore ways to to receive sufficient compensation, to be treated Krueger’s sympathy with the poorest workers becomes, ‘How much money should they work together. This year’s breakfast will include well, that they have the right to organize and often translates into support for the rights of im - make?’ But then at the same time, corporations discussion and a presentation about faith com - bargain collectively and strike if necessary,” migrant workers. Krueger is there when the new are making huge amounts of money, and should munity involvement in last year’s successful sit- Krueger said. “We learned that as kids, and I day labor center needs someone to give a bless - not the workers participate in that? It’s a down strike by workers at Republic Window never forgot.” ing, or when janitors are rallying for the right to dilemma.” and Door in Chicago. Cost is $7 per person; reg - After joining the priesthood, Krueger worked unionize. “Ultimately, the best thing would be for labor ister by calling 503 236-5573. as teacher and administrator at St. Mary’s Home for Boys and then at Central Catholic. Later, he was a parish priest at St. Charles Borromeo in Portland, Sacred Heart in Medford, and finally St. Andrew in Portland. Five years ago he retired. While at St. Andrew, Krueger was recruited to the labor cause by a

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(International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon as a voice of the labor movement. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, Portland, Ore. 97213 Telephone: (503) 288-3311 Editor: Michael Gutwig Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore - gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union members. Group rates available to trade union organizations. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT PORTLAND, OREGON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150, PORTLAND, OR 97213-0150

FEBRUARY 20, 2009 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 4

at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. 21. T-shirts, sweatshirts and coveralls for sale at the office. Official Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at LABOR ROUNDTABLE OF Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. the IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red - mond. SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON PLASTERERS 82 Eugene Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at Hometown MARION POLK YAMHILL Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at 12812 at the LU 290 Training Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway, Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. NE Marx St., Portland. Notices Springfield. LABOR COUNCIL Salem Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, preceded 33309 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. LABORERS 320 by a 6:30 Executive Board meeting, at 2110 State St., PORTLAND CITY & Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at Joe Salem. Edgar Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd Ave., METROPOLITAN EMPLOYEES LEVATOR ONSTRUCTORS Portland. AUTO MECHANICS 1005 E C METAL TRADES COUNCIL 189 Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, preceded 23 Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24. General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. by a 9 a.m. shop steward training class. Shop stewards Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12, preceded LABORERS 483 Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Thursday, March 12. 24. must attend training class and regular meeting to be by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE Meetings are at the IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 10. compensated. Whitaker Way, Portland. MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES Airport Way, Portland. Meetings are at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Executive Board meets Wednesday, March 18, at 4:30 Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the p.m. All meetings are held at our union hall, 3645 SE Musicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. 32nd Ave. Portland, Oregon. XTERIOR NTERIOR MID -C OLUMBIA ROOFERS & W ATERPROOFERS PLEASE NOTE: Rochelle Conrad will be available E & I from 8 a.m. to noon during the regular lodge meeting to SPECIALISTS 2154 LABORERS /V ANCOUVER 335 LABOR COUNCIL 49 answer any questions you have concerning health, wel - Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at 1125 Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, March 2, preceded Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 3313 W. Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, March 5. fare and pension plans. SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancou - 2nd, The Dalles. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. ver Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. (Phone: 503 232-4807) BAKERY , C ONFECTIONERY , FIRE FIGHTERS 452 MOLDERS 139 Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at 2807 LANE COUNTY CLC Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, pre - TOBACCO WORKERS AND NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at ceded by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Car - SALEM BCTC 1116 South A St., Springfield. penters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at the GRAIN MILLERS 114 IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, fol - FIRE FIGHTERS 1660 lowed by a 10:30 a.m. General Board meeting, at 7931 Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, March 12, at 4411 LANE , C OOS , C URRY & MULTNOMAH COUNTY NE Halsey, Suite 204, Portland. SW Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. SHEET METAL DOUGLAS BUILDING TRADES EMPLOYEES 88 Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, Feb, 25, at the Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March WORKERS 16 BOILERMAKERS 500 GLASS WORKERS 740 Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Pkwy., Spring - 4. Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at 2515 Executive Board members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, field. General membership meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, 4, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th NE Columbia Blvd, Portland. March 5, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. March 18, preceded by a 6 p.m. stewards’ meeting. Ave., Portland. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March Meetings are at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, 5, at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. LINN -B ENTON -L INCOLN at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, March 9, Portland. at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, LABOR COUNCIL NORTHWEST OREGON Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, CRAFTWORKERS 1 Springfield. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, pre - March 11, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at 12812 ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 LABOR COUNCIL Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, March NE Marx St., Portland. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. Salem Ave., Albany. Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at IBEW Lo - 12, at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Eugene. SE, Salem. cal 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Abby’s Pizza, 997 First St. CARPENTERS 247 LINOLEUM LAYERS 1236 Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at PLEASE NOTE: The following meeting is “Special OFFICE & P ROFESSIONAL the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. INSULATORS 36 Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. Call” to vote to give the negotiating committee strike SIGN PAINTERS & sanction. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, EMPLOYEES 11 Executive Board meets 8 p.m. Friday, March 13. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the La - Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Feb. 26, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. PAINT MAKERS 1094 CARPENTERS 1388 Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Monday, March 2, at borers/Teamsters Hall, 2212 Andresen, Vancouver. Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, in the Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at 276 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. PLEASE NOTE: There will be nominations for the fol - District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. IRON WORKERS 29 lowing officers at this meeting: President, three-year Members meet 7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, preceded term; Vice president, two-year term; Recording Secre - ARPENTERS by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NE MACHINISTS 63 tary, two-year term; Sergeant at arms, two-year term; C 1715 Ainsworth Cir., #200, Portland. Executive Board meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. Executive Board Utilities, two-year term; Executive SOUTHERN OREGON Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, March 14. Board Public Employees, two-year term, Executive followed by a 6:30 p.m. membership meeting, at 612 E. Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Board at Large (2 seats), two-year term; Trustee, two- CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL McLoughlin, Vancouver. year term. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the La - IRON WORKERS bor Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Central Point. SHOPMEN 516 MACHINISTS 1432 CEMENT MASONS 555 Swing and graveyard shift members meet at noon AINTERS RYWALL Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at 12812 Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at 11620 P & D NE Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland. Wednesday, March 11. SOUTHWESTERN OREGON NE Marx, Portland. Regular membership meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, FINISHERS 10 March 11. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL Shop stewards’ training session 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. Insulators Hall at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the Bay CLARK , S KAMANIA & Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. W. K LICKITAT COUNTIES LABOR COUNCIL Retiree Meeting Notices UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, preceded Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 20, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane, Astoria. ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED and noon Monday, March 9, at board room, at 1125 SE Madison Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, COLUMBIA -P ACIFIC AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER HomeTown Buffet on Lancaster in #100G, Portland. at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, Red - BUILDING TRADES Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Salem, which is next to Michael’s mond. Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 24 and March Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, 3, at Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. Feb. 26, preceded by a 9 a.m. Execu - Craft Store. If you have any questions, OREGON AFSCME March 3, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 517 Rail - road St., Brookings. tive Board meeting, at Westmoreland call Don Ball at 541-327-3388. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Union Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., March 17, at the AFSCME office, 24, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse. Electrical Women of Local 48 meets 5:30 p.m. Fri - Portland. All retirees are welcome to INSULATORS 36 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Call Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. day, Feb. 20, at 5th Quadrant, 3901b N. Williams, Port - 23, at the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Park - land. attend. Retiree breakfast 9:30 a.m. Thurs - Michael Arken for information at way, Springfield. Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in the Executive Board meets 10 a.m. day, March 5, at the Dockside Restau - 503-239-9858, ext. 124. Klamath Falls area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Meeting Hall. Feb. 24, at 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. General Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, March 12, at the Northwest rant, 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Feb. 25, in the Meeting Hall. Show-up early for sand - Oregon Labor Council, at 1125 SE TRANSIT 757 26, at 950 Industrial Circle, White City. Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. wiches. Doors open at 5:30 pm. RON ORKERS Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Madison, Portland. I W 29 Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, 26, at the Roseburg Labor Temple, 742 SE Roberts. March 4 and March 18, in the Executive Boardroom. Retirees meet 12 noon Wednesday, March 4, at Westmoreland Union Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets 5 p.m. CARPENTERS March 11, at the Local Union Hall, Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. Tuesday, March 10, in the Executive Boardroom. The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. Sound and Communication Unit meets 6:00 p.m. Retired Carpenters meet for lunch 11620 NE Ainsworth Cir., Portland. 24, at the United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union Hall. Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Wednesday, March 11, in the Meeting Hall. 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, at Home - Lunch will be provided. UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Eureka Training Center, in the Dispatch Lobby. town Buffet, 10542A SE Washington Rusty Pipes meet 2 p.m. Thursday, 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Vancouver Meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at St., Portland. MACHINISTS March 5, at the Springfield Training Round Table Pizza, 5016 NE Thurston, Vancouver. Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at Retirees meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway. Pioneer Center, Bingen Meeting Rm, 971 NE Washing - ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 March 4, at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Port - Salem area retirees meet at noon, UNITED STEELWORKERS ton St, White Salmon, WA. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, land for a brief business meeting and Wednesday, March 11, at Almost 1097 Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, at As - Members meet 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 pre - toria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. March 10, at Tebo’s Restaurant, lunch at a restaurant to be determined Home Restaurant, 3310 Market St., ceded by a 5:45 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Monday, March union office, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., Westport. 16, in the Executive Boardroom. 19120 McLaughlin Blvd., Gladstone. at the meeting. Salem. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un - For reservations and more informa - Portland area retirees meet 10 a.m. less otherwise noted. tion, contact Glenn Hodgkinson at NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR Thursday, March 19, at 20210 SW DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as - NITED TEELWORKERS sessment has been declared for Feb. and is payable at 50 503 656-0028. RETIREES COUNCIL Teton Ave., Tualatin. U S cents: No. 2197, Floyd Stuck. Business meeting from 10 a.m. to 8378 Members meet 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, in the 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, at the A-Dec Building at ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 the Fairgrounds in McMinnville. Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. Northwest Oregon Labor Council

PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 20, 2009 NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 5

Al Panek retires Wyden names Smith Warner new labor liaison IN MEMORIAM

Barbara Smith Warner has been Carriers. She also has worked as cam - KELLY ANN PENDELL , Branch 82 members. hired as a field staff representative and paign director for Forward Oregon and vice president of National Pendell was active in labor liaison for Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Future PAC. Association of Portland Let - the union’s benevolent Wyden. She succeeds Al Panek, who is More recently, Smith Warner has ter Carriers Branch 82, died activities. Under her retiring at the end of February after worked as a consultant for E.G. Enter - Feb. 6 of cancer. She was 51. leadership, donations in - serving 12 years in that position. prises, where she has assisted in the re- Born Kelly Epling, she creased substantially in Smith Warner is well known in la - election campaigns of Wyden, Gov. grew up in the Sellwood area the NALC Stamp Out bor circles. She worked for the national Ted Kulongoski, and U.S. Rep. Earl of Portland, attended St. Hunger food drive and AFL-CIO as a state legislative issues Blumenauer. Agatha Catholic School and the Muscular Dystrophy coordinator and as a campaign direct - Her first day as a Wyden staffer will LaSalle High School, gradu - Association Labor Bowl ing against several anti-union ballot be March 1. ating in 1975. She married Challenge. measures sponsored by Bill Sizemore. Panek, 63, is a 34-year member of Mark Pendell in 1978, had two chil - Personable and compassionate, she Smith Warner was the campaign di - the Teamsters Union. He served as dren, and joined the U.S. Postal Service was well-loved. After she was diag - rector for former Labor Commissioner president of Teamsters Joint Council 37 in 1985 as a letter carrier assigned to nosed with melanoma, she went around and IBEW Local 48 member Dan and as secretary-treasurer of Local 162. Southeast Portland’s Creston station. to postal stations raising awareness of Gardner. From 1993 to 1996 she was He retired in 1997. Pendell soon became a union stew - the need to use suncreen. Skin cancer the Western Regional field coordinator Smith Warner can be reached at 503 ard, and in 2000 was elected vice pres - is a hazard for letter carriers, who must for the National Association of Letter BARBARA SMITH WARNER 326-7525. ident of Branch 82 — a full-time union be outdoors during times of day when staff position. In that job, she handled it’s best to stay out of the sun. It was member grievances, organized pickets thought her cancer had been removed, to oppose Postal Service privatization, but its spread to other parts of her body Teamsters at Oak Harbor Freight offer to return to work and worked long hours phone-banking was discovered after she had a seizure The Teamsters Union is calling off the settlement, Oak Harbor will post a workers stayed out — and they could be for union political campaigns as a at a post office in September. its strike at Oak Harbor Freight Lines, notice promising not to break labor law. permanently replaced. On the other member of the NALC Carrier Corps. Her daughter Dawn is a letter carrier and announced Feb. 12 an offer to re - The union is appealing that settlement. hand, the union’s offer to return to work She was re-elected four times. at Portland's West Slope station, and a turn to work. About 600 Teamsters U.S. labor law lets employers per - obligates Oak Harbor to take them back. Pendell helped her union build steward alternate with Branch 82. from the Portland and Seattle area have manently replace workers who strike That will likely mean job losses for closer relationships with members in A memorial was held Feb. 13 at St. been on strike since Sept. 22. over economic disagreements, but not scabs. smaller towns. Having spent much of Agatha Catholic Church in Sellwood, The offer comes after the National workers who strike to protest “unfair la - The union said the offer to return her childhood on her family’s farm in where Pendell was a lifelong parish - Labor Relations Board agreed to an out- bor practices,” as labor law violations was contingent on the company allow - Mist, Oregon, she was an avid lover of ioner. of-court settlement of unfair labor prac - are known. Because the unfair labor ing every worker to return to their posi - horses, dogs, and cats — including Local 82 is planning a celebration of tice charges against Oak Harbor, which practice charges were resolved, the tions, free from reprisal, and for Oak strays who would turn up at the union life, though a date had not been set as of were the grounds for the strike. Under strike could be deemed economic if Harbor to return to the bargaining table. hall and be adopted as unofficial press time.

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Obama reverses Bush order that EE BARGAIN COUNTER FR banned project labor agreements Free classified ads to subscribers DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication WASHINGTON, D.C. — President For more than 70 years before the Bush • Require federal service contractors Barack Obama has signed an executive order, project labor agreements bene - to offer jobs to current workers when Published 1st and 3rd Fridays order overturning the Bush Administra - fited communities, employers and contracts change. tion’s ban on project labor agreements workers by ensuring fair wages and • Reverse a Bush order requiring fed - Now accepting e-mails (PLAs) on federal and federally funded benefits and on-time completion of eral contractors to post notice that work - Send to: [email protected] construction projects. projects. ers can limit financial support of unions The ban was one of the first orders Ayers says project labor agreements serving as their exclusive bargaining Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 signed by Bush when he took office. provide maximum benefit to construc - representatives. (Please include union affiliation) “The Bush anti-PLA executive order tion users; union and nonunion work - • Prevent federal contractors from was exactly the type of special interest- ers; union and nonunion contractors; being reimbursed for expenses meant to • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • 1 ad per issue driven politics and policy that American lenders and insurance companies; and influence workers deciding whether to • All lower case ( NO CAPITAL LETTERS, PLEASE ) • voters rejected overwhelmingly last No - taxpayers. They are frequently negoti - form a union and engage in collective vember,” said Mark Ayers, president of ated to address a wide range of local and bargaining. Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published the AFL-CIO Building and Construc - social needs, including the assurance of “We have to reverse many of the tion Trades Department. “We acknowl - hiring of local residents, and outreach policies towards organized labor that edge and praise this executive order as programs designed to offer local resi - we’ve seen these last eight years, poli - AUTOMOTIVE WANTED being one of the first steps in ushering in dents the opportunity for a career in the cies with which I’ve sharply disagreed,” ’94 CHEV PICKUP, reg cab, SWB, AT, AC, PS, OLD WOODWORKING tools, planes, levels, a new, more pragmatic and value-con - skilled trades. Obama said. “I do not view the labor PB, CC, canopy, liner, 60k on Goodwrench 350, chisels, handsaws, slicks, adzes, wrenches, fold - scious approach to governing.” This action follows Obama’s three movement as part of the problem. To custom wheels, $4,395. 503 285-6842 ing rulers, old leather tools, tool chests. 503-659- ’78 CHEV SCOTTSDALE 20, 4wd, PS, PB, 0009 Project labor agreements generally previous executive orders that reversed a me it’s part of the solution.” 400ci, headers, two tanks, mag wheels, new COLLECTOR PAYS cash for older toys, pottery, set wages and establish work rules and trio of Bush-era orders governing the “We need to level the playing field shocks, new carpet, low miles, $2,600 OBO. 503 oil paintings, etc. 503 653-1506 methods of settling grievances on large way federal contractors deal with union for workers and the unions that repre - 625-6864 3/4 + HP MEAT SLICER , old style meat scale, multi-contractor construction projects. workers. The new orders: sent their interests, because we know ‘08 ELECTRIC CAR , Flybo, 2 seater, 35 mph, 80 Call Bob. 503 654-7370 that you cannot have a strong middle mile range, $13,000. 503 314 - 8258 NEW TAKE OFFS, set of four Brigestones dueler FOR THE HOME class without a strong labor movement,” h/t 255/70r/18" tires. $350. 503 314 8600 SACRIFICE! MAYTAG HD washer 3 months old, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Obama continued. “Strong, vibrant, 1988-92 HOOD for F250 truck, $125; sway bar w/extended warranty $300, ground level. 503 88 F250 Ford truck, $85. 503 761-1190 THE PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN growing unions can exist side by side 312-5119 ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY PROFESSORS (PSU-AAUP) with strong, vibrant and growing busi - operates as both a professional association and the exclusive collective bargaining agent nesses. This isn’t an either/or proposi - PORTING OODS OUSING S G for all Portland State faculty employed at least .50 full time equivalent. tion between the interests of workers H REM .44 BULLETS 240 FN jacketed 500, $80; We are seeking an energetic, articulate, outgoing individual to provide leadership to our and the interests of shareholders. That’s ON LAKE, 2 bed, 1 bath, Sportsman’s Park in Weaver 4x pistol scope, $60; Dies .30 Luger & organization composed of approximately 1,100 members. The primary responsibilities of the the old argument. The new argument is South Wasco County, $110k. 541 544-3499 6mm Rem., $15 each. 503 658-6108 Executive Director are supporting collective bargaining activities and processing grievances, as that the American economy is not and ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 bed, KIMBER OF OREGON, model 82 ultra-varmit sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, $175/nite. 503 well as supervising the chapter support staff. The Executive Director reports to the Executive .22LR, rings, Leupold vari-x-II 2x7, $850. 503 has never been a zero-sum game.” 842-9607 Council. The full position description can be found at: http://www.psuaaup.net/employment.html 593-9242 “When workers are prospering, they ROCKAWAY BEACH house, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1987 MID-JET (pump removed), 15 ft. Yamaha Please submit a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references, buy products that make businesses pros - sleeps 10, great amenities, Jacuzzi, minutes to 50 and Merc 8, too many extras to list. great fish - including contact information to [email protected], ATTN: Susan Cerasin per. We can be competitive and lean and beach or shops. 503 709-6018 or 1 503 355- ing boat! 503 775-2672 2136 2009 16' ALUMAWELD drift boat, sawyer oars, References will not be contacted without permission. The review of applications will begin mean and still create a situation where ROOMMATE WANTED, close to St. Vincent’s, 3 MARCH 2, 2009 and continue until the position is filled. Rogue custom trailer, 13" spare tire & tongue workers are thriving in this country,” bed, private bath, non-smoker, clean & neat, stand, $3,600. 503 772-3553 PSU-AAUP welcomes applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Obama stated. must have job, $475/utilities. 503 643-6897 1984 HARLEY FXST, rebuilt engine, 75 miles, (Dale) well maintained $7,500. 503 351-5054 see @ SOUTHERN ARIZONA over-55 gated resort Brooker Ent. 38th and Powell community, darling home, 2 bdrms, 2 baths, lots more $199,500. 503 489-5359 OCEAN FRONT, Rockaway Beach, 5 bdroom, 2 MISCELLANEOUS bath, 503 777-5076. http://home.comcast.net/~ 2 FREE CATS, one year old. 503 253-4397 rockaway. beach (David)

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PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 20, 2009 NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:08 AM Page 7

Open Green jobs: Why labor must be at the table By BARBARA BYRD bor needs to make certain that invest - increased job security. Our apprentice - for decades. The difference now is that Forum With the election of Barack Obama ment is targeted to good job creation, ship training committees and instruc - organized labor has a unique opportu - to the Presidency, global warming has and not squandered on projects that tors are looking for ways to train ap - nity to build the power to move this gone from being a suspect theory to an may “green” the environment but lower prentices (and retrain journeymen) to agenda. If we work in coalition with accepted explanation for severe living standards for working families. work with new green technologies. The community organizations, and espe - Union members weather events, flooding and drought. International cially the environmental community, Practically overnight, the call for Brotherhood of on our mutual goals of cleaning up the come through in “green jobs” to help clean up the envi - Electrical Work - environment while creating sustainable ronment has become a mantra for pol - ers, for example, employment for working families, we holiday toy drive icy makers around the country – not has created an can prevail. least because of the hope that public in - entirely new And speaking of community allies, To The Editor: vestment in job creation can stimulate curriculum let’s not forget that a proliferation of This comes with deepest thanks and our damaged economy. around solar good green jobs can also be an oppor - appreciation for labor’s generous sup - Shortly before his election, Barack PVC theory and tunity for the working poor in both port of the 2008 “Presents from Part - Obama promised to “… invest $15 bil - applications, towns and rural areas. We ought to be ners” toy drive. lion a year over the next decade in re - and is working talking with low-income community On Dec. 20, Labor’s Community newable energy, creating five million with its signa - advocates about how we can work to - Service Agency held its annual holiday new green jobs that pay well, can’t be tory employers gether to craft pathways out of poverty toy distribution party at Genesis Com - outsourced and help end our depend - to secure solar, and into good union jobs. Such joint munity Fellowship in Northeast Port - ence on foreign oil.” Governors Kulon - wind and geot - work can not only help rebuild our mid - land. Donations from 38 local labor or - goski of Oregon, Gregoire of Washing - hermal projects. dle class, but it can also remind non- ganizations and labor leaders resulted ton, and Schwarzenegger of California In manufactur - union workers of the benefits of unions, in 801 toys provided for 277 under - have all emphasized the potential of ing, where in- and strengthen our image as advocates privileged children from 104 families. taking action on climate change actions plant training for the public good. Each of the children in attendance re - to create green jobs. has been on the In addition to these three areas of fo - ceived two new toys, a visit with Santa, But we in organized labor know all decline, we cus, we must continue to fight against a stuffed animal, and a candy cane. The too well that investing public dollars should take ad - free trade agreements without strong la - labor community’s generosity — abun - into a free market system does not au - Few green jobs are really new jobs. vantage of this window of opportunity bor standards – green jobs are not, after dant even in this difficult economy — tomatically guarantee the creation of More often, they are traditional jobs to call attention to the superiority of all, immune from outsourcing. And of made the event a resounding success, good jobs. Our participation in these that have been transformed or enhanced registered apprenticeship and the long- course we must organize the new clean bringing smiles of delight and lifting policy discussions, our ability to insert with new skills and knowledge: electri - term financial benefits not only to tech industry. Passing the Employee the spirits of the children and their ap - strong labor safeguards into public in - cians working with solar photovoltaic workers but also to employers who in - Free Choice Act will be the first step in preciative parents. vestment proposals, and our careful energy; ironworkers erecting wind tur - vest in these programs. that longer-term goal. On behalf of all the children and monitoring of the results can assure that bines; factory workers making energy- Third, unions must work with com - In short, labor cannot afford to sit their families, a heartfelt thanks for the economic development raises eco - efficient appliances or equipment; or munity allies, especially in rural com - back and let elected officials, business your support. nomic and job standards. skilled construction workers putting up munities that have been hard-hit by job leaders and environmentalists develop Glenn Shuck, Before exploring this issue, let’s new “green” buildings and retrofitting loss, to attract and retain good green policy options that will eventually lead Executive Director, LCSA consider the question of what, exactly, existing buildings to reduce their car - employers. Millions of dollars worth of to green job creation. We must be at the Portland is a “green job.” “Green Jobs for Amer - bon emissions and upgrade their heat - public investment will be made in re - table, advocating for our members and ica’s Cities,” a 2008 publication of the ing and cooling systems. Green jobs in newable energy, energy efficiency and for working families as a whole, help - Apollo Alliance, a coalition of labor, the forestry sector might focus on wa - related activities. Without explicit stan - ing to shape an approach that leads to a Union member business, environmentalists and com - tershed restoration or biomass energy dards for good jobs (e.g., provision of healthy planet, a sustainable economy, munity organizations, says that green generation. And green jobs aren’t just family wages, health benefits, and full- and good family wage (union!) jobs for suggests ways state collar jobs “... are well-paid, career private sector blue-collar jobs, either. time work) and community stability workers. track jobs that contribute directly to They also exist in government offices (“claw-back” provisions requiring the (Editor’s Note: Barbara Byrd is sec - can save money preserving or enhancing environmental where environmental regulations are return of funds when an employer shuts retary-treasurer of the Oregon AFL- To The Editor: quality. Like traditional blue-collar monitored and enforced and in com - down or lays off workers), the new CIO and a professor at the Labor Edu - I have three suggestions for Gov. jobs, green-collar jobs range from low- munity organizations that serve as ad - green economy will undermine our cation and Research Center of the Ted Kulongoski and the Oregon Legis - skill, entry-level positions to high-skill, vocates and watchdogs. quality of life rather than improving it. University of Oregon. This article first lature. higher-paid jobs, and include opportu - A recent report concludes that This is not a new approach. Demands appeared in the Union Register, a pub - 1. The state is short of money. One nities for advancement in both skills Washington and Oregon, because of for investment in high-wage, high-skill lication of the Carpenters Industrial way to put a dent in the shortfall would and wages.” their early action and continuing com - occupations have been made by labor Council.) be to stop paying national guardsmen The report adds an important quali - mitment to clean energy and energy ef - and women who work for the state fication. ficiency, could create 41,000 to 63,000 double pay when they go on their two “... if a job improves the environ - new jobs across five energy sectors by weeks of annual training. They now get ment, but doesn’t provide a family-sup - 2025. Organized labor’s challenge is to Caterer says ‘thanks for support’ their full state pay, plus military pay. porting wage or a career ladder to move assure that these new green jobs are They should get the greater of the two. low-income workers into higher-skilled good jobs. How can we do that? To The Editor: The Northwest Labor Press helped 2. All politicians talk about more occupations, it is not a green-collar job. First, we need to protect our exist - I wish to say “Thank You!” to the tremendously in getting myself started money for schools. Clackamas Com - Such would be the case with workers ing union jobs in manufacturing, con - Northwest Labor Press and all of you with their great article in the Labor munity College sends out its class installing solar panels without job se - struction and forestry, and be proactive who read the Labor Press for your sup - Press last year. Since then I have schedule four times a year at a cost of curity or proper training, or young peo - in making those jobs and industries port of my growing business “Almost catered numerous functions for unions, over $1 million — and this is just the ple pushing brooms at a green building more environmentally sound. We can Heaven Catering.” union businesses, and the City of Port - mailing cost. The money could be bet - site without opportunity for training or build on our existing employer partner - It was a bit scary leaving my Bak - land. I use union-made ingredients in ter spent on teachers and more classes. advancement.” ships, working in cooperation with em - ers’ Union in-store bakery job last year, my meals and at each event display a 3. Safety. Many states have laws For the labor movement, this is a ployers who are willing to invest in new to devote my energies to my catering placard of the union-made items in the stating that when you use your wind - crucial distinction. A green job is not an technologies to control their green - company. I did not want to leave the meal. shield wipers you must also turn on economically sustainable job, and thus house gas emissions. In return, we can union, and Terry Lansing talked to me So “thank you” again. Please con - your lights. Also, when your registra - not fully “green,” unless it pays a fam - demand from those employers access about making my business union and sider my services when you have an tion tags are renewed, a safety inspec - ily wage, provides basic health benefits, to occupational upgrade opportunities promoting union-made goods. It was a event. You will be served a superior tion is required. Why not in Oregon? has a clear career track, and includes and a bigger piece of the economic pie. great idea. I am a continuing member meal of superior made Union ingredi - This would cut down on accidents and worker protections (like the right to or - Second, we need to pay even more of the Bakers Local 114, and it is my ents. police would not have as many acci - ganize and, ultimately, a union con - attention to training. Some union ap - dream to grow into a thriving catering Misty Wright dents to investigate. tract). Since the large-scale creation of prenticeship programs, for example, al - company that offers what no other Bakers Local 114 Glen Savage green jobs will require large-scale pub - ready provide high quality training for catering company can do: Be union and Portland IAM Lodge 63 (Retired) lic and private investment, organized la - workers that leads to higher wages and promote union-made products. Milwaukie

FEBRUARY 20, 2009 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 NWLP-2-20-09:NWLP 2/17/09 10:09 AM Page 8

...Stimulus bill includes ’Buy American’ provision (From Page 1) More people will be made eligible many of the jobless still will be unable pected to spend the money on projects tion of the $2.2 trillion our transporta - spending side, put together by the for Medicaid, the government-paid to afford the insurance. that can begin quickly and result in high, tion systems, energy systems and House-Senate Conference Committee, health insurance program for the poor. The package also contains: $100 bil - immediate employment. And all iron, schoolhouses need. The plan is a leap runs 136 pages long. For the most part, A House-passed provision to let un - lion for local education grants; $15.6 steel, and manufactured goods used in forward, but it cannot become a ‘we al - it puts new money into existing formu - employed workers get into Medicaid billion for Pell Grants for college tu - any infrastructure project funded by the ready gave’ sign that blocks sorely las to increase the local economic im - was scrapped in the final version. In - ition; $4 billion for job training; $16.8 package will have to be produced in the needed resources, leading to continued pact of federal spending. And it em - stead, the government will pick up the billion for energy efficiency and renew - United States — thanks to a “Buy deterioration of the basics of our coun - barks on a federal government building tab for 60 percent of COBRA premi - able energy; $11 billion for medical re - America” provision that unions, partic - try and our economy.” boom and buying spree to stimulate de - ums. COBRA is the acronym for the search; $7 billion for scientific research; ularly the United Steelworkers, fought U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) put mand for goods. law that lets laid-off workers keep em - $300 million to buy domestically pro - hard for. it this way at the Feb. 16 press confer - Under the package, unemployment ployer-sponsored health coverage — by duced hybrids for the federal govern - Labor leaders applauded Congress ence: “If you’re a worker and you’ve insurance benefits will go up by $25 a paying for it themselves. Problem is, ment vehicle fleet; and $1 billion for for taking action, but warned that more been laid off, you’re not in a downturn, week. Social Security recipients will get monthly premiums average $388 for in - checked baggage explosives detection will be needed. Laborers International you’re in a free-fall. This may not show a one-time $250 bonus. Food stamp dividuals and $1,069 for family cover - systems in airports. Union President Terence O’Sullivan us where the bottom is, but it definitely benefits will increase 14 percent. All age, while monthly unemployment ben - It increases the borrowing authority said the package provides “only a frac - stops the free-fall.” those funds will be spent locally. efits average $1,278. Odds are that of Bonneville Power Administration by $3.25 billion, which the federal power agency will use for new electricity in - frastructure in the Pacific Northwest. Business-labor-group to hold It provides $515 million funding for a “Jobs in the Woods” program to pre - lobby day in Salem for LNGs Local Motion vent forest fires by thinning overgrown second growth forests. Oregon is likely SALEM — Energy Action North - the lobby day,” said Tom Ivancie, di - to get a good share of those funds, and west, an alliance of business and labor rector of public affairs. To set up a January 2009 groups formed last year to advocate for union booth or to register to lobby, call Union certifications and decertifications in Oregon and Southwest the thinning will make merchantable timber available for milling. responsible energy development in Ivancie at 503-595-1232 or e-mail him Washington, as reported by the National Labor Relations Board and Oregon and Washington, will hold a at [email protected]. the Oregon Employment Relations Board There’s $27.5 billion for highway and bridge work; $8 billion to build “Day at the State Capitol” Friday, Members of Energy Action argue high-speed rail; $7 billion for water March 6, in Salem. that building the LNG terminal in As - Recognition elections projects; $6.9 billion for mass transit; $6 Display booths will be set up in the toria will provide significant short-term billion for environmental cleanup at for - Capitol’s Galleria, and union members economic stimulus without any tax - Name of employer Results: mer weapon production and energy re - will have an opportunity to lobby law - payer dollars. Additionally, the project Union Union makers and leaflet passersby about the will assure continued access to reli - Date Name of union Location Yes No search sites; $4.7 billion to bring broad - band internet to rural areas; $4.6 billion need for job creation through invest - able, reasonably priced supplies of nat - Crook County Sheriff’s Department ment in energy infrastructure projects. ural gas to power the electric grid, the 16 0 for Army Corps of Engineers work; 1/6 CC Deputy Sheriffs Assn. Prineville $4.5 billion to convert federally owned Energy Action Northwest is a pro - manufacturing sector, and to heat buildings to High-Performance Green ponent of proposed liquefied natural homes. White Bird Dance gas terminals and pipelines, including The lobby day is part of Energy Ac - 80 buildings; $4 billion to retrofit public 1/7 IATSE Local 28 Portland housing; $1 billion to construct and ren - one at Bradwood Landing near Astoria. tion’s “Truth Offensive” campaign to “We have ample space for any num - rebut claims by environmental groups Kaiser Foundation Hospitals ovate research facilities, and on and on. 14 2 In each case, federal agencies are ex - ber of unions that wish to participate in that LNG plants are unnecessary . 1/9 SEIU Local 49 Clackamas Albertsons (lobby) 21 1/21 UFCW Local 555 Roseburg

Mercy Flights (DECERTIFICATION ) 07 1/30 Teamsters Local 962 Medford

Requests for recognition election Name of employer Location Name of union Number of employees

Petermann ( DECERTIFICATION ) Battle Ground Teamsters Local 58 146 Safeway Burns United Food & Commercial Workers Local 555 46 First Student Medford Teamsters Local 962 117 Aramark Linen Service Medford Teamsters Local 962 11 Hoodview Vending Tualatin Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers 10 Southwest Washington Medical Center (surgical techs) Vancouver Office & Professional Employees International Union Local 11 117 Pro-Tec Fire Service Medford Teamsters Local 962 117

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center Portland Oregon Nurses Association 200

PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 20, 2009