(ISSN 0023-6667) Labor’s candidates come through Primary Representatives District 7B tatives from District 5B, easily Duluth Central seat held for years by the retir- withstood his Primary chal- Labor Body adds ing Rep. Mike Jaros was lenge with 87% of the vote. Huntley, Reinert, expected to be a tight Primary Minnesota House 7A race but Roger Reinert, cur- On Sept. 11 the Duluth Brad Jones to rently the Duluth City Council Central Body added Rep. Tom president, won easily. He took Huntley of Minnesota House of endorsed list 56% of the vote to AFSCME Representatives District 7A to All of labor’s endorsed can- Council 5 representative Marsh its list of endorsed candidates An Injury to One is an Injury to All! didates advanced to Tuesday, Stenersen’s 36%. with a unanimous vote. He did WEDNESDAY VOL. 114 Nov. 4’s General Election fol- Reinert followed up that not have a Primary contest. SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 NO. 6 lowing Sept. 9’s Primary. win with an endorsement from In addressing the body, At the top of the ticket AFL- the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Huntley said he is proud of his CIO- and Democratic Party- Labor Body at its meeting Sept. labor voting record, which was endorsed U.S. Senate candidate 11. Screenings for the seat had 100% in the past session. Al Franken will finally have taken place August 14, but the One of the leaders in health his shot at incumbent body decided not to get care reform in Minnesota and Republican Senator Norm involved in the race until after Chair of the Health and Human Coleman, who has been noth- the Primary. It takes a two- Services Finance Committee, ing more than a lap dog for thirds vote to get a CLB Huntley fielded a lot of ques- President George W. Bush endorsement and it wasn’t tions from delegates about the labor says. You wouldn’t know going to happen for either poor quality of America’s and it watching Coleman’s ads. Reinert or Stenersen, who is a Minnesota’s health care sys- Franken easily beat six CLB delegate. Reinert has tems. An increasing number of Primary opponents, including been invited to address the organizations are calling for a Priscilla Lord Faris, daughter Thursday, Oct. 9 Central Body single-payer system some are of retired Judge Miles Lord, meeting. calling “Medicare for All.” with 65% of the vote. Lord Minnesota House 5B “I’m for single payer, but Faris got 30%. Rep. Tony Sertich, Assistant you won’t get this governor to Minnesota House 7B Majority Leader of the Min- sign it,” Huntley said of Re- The Minnesota House of nesota House of Represen- publican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. “He didn’t even listen to his Unemployment hits 6.1% own health care task force.” The way to go now, Huntley By Mark Gruenberg, PAI Staff Writer says, is to make incremental WASHINGTON (PAI)--The nation’s unemployment rate advances. He said Massa- jumped 0.4% in August, to 6.1%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics chusetts now has fewer unin- said. That’s one-third higher than it was last August and more sured than Minnesota, which than 50% higher than when GOPer George W. Bush entered the has been number one nation- Oval Office in Jan. 2001. The actual number of jobless is 57% wide for years, because of its more than that month. mandated system that many The number of unemployed rose by 592,000 in August and criticize. now stands at 9.376 million. That compares to 7.097 million “We need a universal man- AFSCME Local 66's Jayme McKenna was one of the thou- people out of work last August, and 5.956 million jobless the day date to get to universal cover- sands of peaceful protesters at the Republican National Bush took over. The unemployment rate then, the last figures age,” he said. “We do need to Convention in St. Paul Labor Day week. "It's an opportu- gathered under Democratic President Bill Clinton, was 4%. get health care away from nity to express my anger and sadness about the failed for- The gloomy figures provide more evidence the nation is in its employers.” That would be bet- eign policy the Republican Party has caused," she said. second recession under Bush. ter for employers and for (Photo by Steve Share, Minneapolis Labor Review editor) “The spike in the unemployment rate to 6.1% and the eighth unions and all workers he said. month of continued job losses confirm that recessionary condi- Many young workers who RNC draws protests, arrests tions persist in the labor market. Working families are in real could afford health care aren’t trouble,” said EPI senior economist Jared Bernstein. buying it because of its cost, By Workday Minnesota and Press Associates The unemployment rate does not tell the whole story. BLS Huntley said. Cost controls are ST. PAUL, Minn. (PAI)--As the Republican National said that in August one of every nine workers were jobless, critical to having a successful, Convention convened on Labor Day in St. Paul, more than underemployed, looking for work but hadn’t found it or forced sustainable system. One way to 10,000 people, including unionists, took to the streets to protest to take part-time jobs when they rather would have full-time do that is to have an insurance the Iraq War and demand new priorities for the nation. employment. That’s compared to one of every 12 last August. exchange, where brokers are “The war costs $10 billion a month,” said Polly Pampusch, Not only that, but BLS said 51.3% of the jobless in August taken out of the equation, and who teaches English as a second language at Maxfield were actual job losers. And 38.6% of the jobless lost their posi- coverage could be purchased Elementary School in St. Paul. “I’ve been teaching for 30 years tions permanently. And of all the jobless, 36% have been job- on-line. and the last eight years have been a very tough time for our less for at least four months, and 19.5% have been jobless at least Huntley said he was the schools.” The war, she added, cost thousands of lives and used six months. Both numbers are higher (0.5% and 0.4%, respec- original author of county-based resources needed for education. tively) than they were in July--and far higher than last August. purchasing which is catching The march, organized to protest the war, drew a diverse group Another big item was an overall net loss of 84,000 jobs, rep- See Labor’s ...page 9 of citizens who said the country is headed in the wrong direction resenting the eighth straight month of job losses. Factories lost in a variety of ways. The event was timed to coincide with an another 61,000 jobs in August, down to 13.428 million, continu- appearance by anti-worker GOP President George W. Bush at ing the almost-uninterrupted crash--much of it due to subsidized the convention, but Bush canceled his speech so he could track foreign imports--that began in 1999. Last August, factories had the effects of Hurricane Gustav on the Gulf Coast. He spoke to 14.003 million jobs. They now have shed almost 3.5 million the delegates, defending the Iraq War, by a taped videolink the jobs since 1999, half of them union jobs. next day, after Gustav lessened. Construction lost 7,000 jobs in August, and its jobless rate The GOP conventioneers turned some of their parties into was 8.2%. Services shed 27,000, despite gains in health servic- pass-the-hat fundraisers for people in Gustav’s path. es and education (+55,000). Government gained 17,000 jobs. Communities in the path of the hurricane were also on the minds But all other sectors lost, BLS said. The auto companies contin- of the protesters, who collected donations for Gulf residents ued to dump workers. They’re down to 863,400 jobs, seasonal- affected by the disaster. And the demonstrators also made a link ly adjusted, in August, a drop of 39,000 more in one month and Bush’s failure to respond to Hurricane Katrina three years ago, 120,000 in one year. Textiles and apparel lost 200 jobs in August the Iraq War and the many unmet needs in the U.S. and are down to 493,700, seasonally adjusted, fewer than half of See RNC...page 9 the figure of 1999--again mostly due to imports. Bushed has World Premiere Oct. 2 The World Premiere of for Oct. 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18 at last eight years of George W. Barton Sutter’s “Bushed: A the same site and time. Bush.” Poetical, Political, Partly There will be a $2 discount Sutter said a year ago or so Musical Tragicomedy in Two for union members at the door he’d had heard so many things Acts” will take place Thursday, if they show their union cards. from the Bush camp that his Oct. 2, 7:00 p.m. at the Harbor That is being made possible anger was cooking. City International School because of labor’s support of “Anger’s like a form of Theater, 332 West Michigan St. the production. energy and I started writing, Performances are scheduled “Bushed” is being spon- then I just kept getting ideas, Barton Sutter’s Bushed sored by Hell’s Kitchen, the and they (the Bush family and Minnesota AFL-CIO, the friends) kept giving me ideas, ACT II Scene 7 Duluth AFL-CIO Central and pretty soon I thought, ‘this Superdome Poem Labor Body, the Duluth is a play,’” Sutter related. Water’s rising up to here! Building and Construction A funny thing happened Mama needs her medicine! Trades Council, Northern though, as his “angry” writings Can’t you see we’re dying here? Lights Books and Gifts, and went through Matuszak’s mind Someone call the president! Francis and Jocelyn Heid. and came out through the Among the dozens of members recognized for 25 years or Vignettes of “Bushed” actors. It’s more enjoyable and more of service to the Laborers Union at a pin party at Sent us to the Superdome. have been presented at the funny. “These are a bunch of UWS last Saturday night was George Kulus, who has been This some kind of punishment? Minnesota AFL-CIO’s House talented goofballs,” Sutter said a Laborer for 55 years. George came out of Superior’s All y’all watching this at home of Labor at the State Fair, the of the Rubber Chicken bunch. Laborers Local 1050 that was merged into #1091 a few years Someone call the president! COPE banquet at their con- “Bushed” does contain ago. Dan Olson, right, Business Manager of Local 1091, is We be stubborn. We be poor. vention in Duluth Monday, adult language and themes. also a former 1050 member. At left is this region’s Laborer’s We still N’awlins residents! and at the Duluth Central Find out more at www. International Representative Kevin Lee of LaCrosse. Ain’t no cause to slam the door. Body’s meeting Sept. 11 in RubberChickenTheater.com. Presidential/VP debates set Someone call the president! Wellstone Hall. It has had its Citizens Fed See these old folks? audience grinning where ever The presidential debates will begin on Friday, Sept 26 with a Kids are scared. it has been performed. It nails spag dinner discussion on domestic policy between Barack Obama and John Ain’t we got no government? the neocons and the actors McCain from Oxford, MS. Thursday, Oct. 2 will be a vice pres- make it fun to watch. The Citizens Federation idential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin from St. Don’t this country even care? NE’s Annual Celebration Someone call the president! Written by Sutter, Duluth’s Louis. On Tuesday, Oct. 7 a townhall format will take place in first Poet Laureate and award Spaghetti Dinner will be Nashville. The final debate will be on foreign policy on Won’t somebody volunteer? winning author, Bushed has Thursday, Sept. 25 from 5 to 7 Wednesday, Oct. 15 from Hempstead, NY. We got corpses, excrement. original music and arrange- at the West Duluth American Can’t you lift us out of here? ments by Marya Hart. It is pro- Legion, 5814 Grand Ave. Cost Someone call the president! duced by Brian Matuszak’s is $8, $4 for children under 12. I.U.O.E. Local 70 Rubber Chicken Theater. Visit www.citizensfed.org or Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Save us! call 722-0207 Water! “Written in verse Bushed Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008, 5:00 P.M. chronicles the rise and fall of Airdrop food! Electric rate Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Look in your New Testament! the Bush administration,” said This is moral turpitude. Matuszak. “It is funny, edgy, hike hearings Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 Where the hell’s the president? sad and it rhymes, just like the The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold If you have legal questions concerning public hearings on Thurs., Oct. AFSCME’s FREE Union 2 in Duluth on Minnesota • Small Business or Non-Profit Organizations Power’s proposed electric rate Family Solidarity Picnic increase. The hearings are at 2 • Real Estate • Wills, Trusts, or Probate p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Duluth • Bankruptcy or Business Workouts City Council chambers. Other hearings are in • Municipal Law Eveleth Sept. 30, 7 p.m., Grand Rapids Oct. 1, 7 p.m., and You know Greg Gilbert can help you! Little Falls Oct. 6, 7 p.m. The overall hike is 9.7%, but very large businesses will GGilberilbertt LawLaw OOfficeffice only get about a 3% raise; (218) 625-8777 [email protected] small business - 22%; and resi- Saturday, Sept. 20, Noon – 6 p.m. Suite 563 Duluth Technology Village 11 E. Superior St. dential homes, 30% to over 50% or even more. Barnum’s Carlton Co. Fairgrounds The Citizens Federation will intervene in the case, as it All our Sisters & Brothers from all THANK YOU has in all previous Minnesota To all of the Laborers Local 1091 members past and Power cases. For more infor- Unions are invited to our Picnic! present who attended our 25-year and above pin mation call 727-0207. a Pig roast, hamburgers, chips, party held last weekend at UW-Superior’s Rothwell IIBBEEWW 3311&224422 ice cream, 1919 Root Beer Student Center. Roughly 65 members and their a Live music/live WKLK broadcast spouses were on hand to share old stories and good RReettiirreeeess’’ a Labor history display times from their years of dedication to our great Luncheon a union. Special thanks to Bill Cox, his wife Kelly, Luncheon Meet Legislators and AFSCME’s candidates Wendi Mattinen, and Larry Anderson for their part Tues., Sept. 30 For questions, to volunteer at the picnic, or in making this event a great and memorable one. 1:00 p.m. to make a donation (Thank You!), please Thank you to all of you. Rapids Riverside call Becky Price at (218) 380-1931 Fraternally, Members & Their Overnight camping is available by calling Dan Olson, Business Manager, Laborers Local 1091 Guests Welcome! the Fairgrounds at 218-389-6737 PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 If you work for a paycheck you must vote for Franken Editor: Lee Iacocca, the former Chairman of the Board at Chrysler There are a lot of things that Corp wrote in a recent article “Where the hell is the outrage? We didn’t make it into this paper should be screaming bloody murder. We’ve got a gang of clue- even though it’s 12 pages less bozos steering our ship of state over the cliff… and corpo- rather than the usual 8. rate gangsters stealing us blind…” Generally a larger paper is a Well, Lee, I am outraged. I have been for about seven years result of too many ads for 8 but when I found out last week that two Building Trades pages but that hasn’t happened International Unions actually endorsed Norm Coleman for re- (other than our 4 special issues election in Minnesota, I am seething. a year) since a Democrat was One International Union I should understand because their in the White House and the general president has flown around the country with President economy was rolling. Bush on Air Force One, and has pulled his union out of the AFL- Some of what we “missed”: CIO, but the other was a complete shock. (I was somewhat • Democratic National Con- encouraged however when told that one local union of that vention, “one of the most im- opposition’s success, contracts The point is, labor in this International in this area had voted in opposition to the statewide pressive events I’ve ever been let, and the separate levy that region is not going quietly into endorsement.) part of” said Mike Sundin. He will be on the ballot to help the night. Christina St. Ger- Norm Coleman moved from New York to Minnesota. He was and Larry Anderson got so kids Nov. 4, which we’ll get to; maine, President of AFSCME elected mayor of St.Paul as a Democrat, kissed butt of some much press as delegates in • Hey, what about the MN Local 1092, tied their affilia- Union leadership in the state then changed parties and was Denver they must have had an AFL-CIO convention, and tion to both the AFL-CIO picked by Dick Cheney and Karl (baby fat) Rove to be the agent. They deny it. national President John Swee- North East Area Labor Republican candidate for Senate against one of the very best • Barack Obama’s speech at ney showing up in perhaps a Council, and the Labor World. U.S. Senators in history, Paul Wellstone. the DNC. That was a piece of first for Duluth; That’s what was supposed to Coleman supported Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthiest one work. I should publish the • Hey, what about Palintol- happen when the AFL-CIO percent in this country and now supports making those cuts per- whole thing. ogy as Huck/Konopacki call it? reorganized under their New manent. He had a glowing opportunity to expose the corruption • Ain’t much in here about It’s hard to find that com- Alliance. Regional groupings and profiteering that took place in Iraq as Chairman of the Senate Labor Day is there? Sorry, I fortable spot between chroni- of unionized workers were sup- Permanent Sub-Committee on Investigations. Norm had the know you like pictures; cling history (my, I’m puffy) posed to come together and opportunity, but he is not his own man--and he caved. Norm • You probably wanted and leaving some things behind become stronger. Hopefully, Coleman is a gutless, shameless, mindless parrot for the most more about the RNC and the and looking forward. I’m going 1092’s affiliation is a first step. guileful administration in my lifetime, and for two Building arrests in St. Paul. Anyone that to shut up...I sound like that At the end of this column is Trades Unions to endorse his campaign is pathetic. Pathetic. went there should have expect- insufferable “how we doing” my good friend Barb Kucera’s Pathetic. ed to be arrested. This is column in the News-Tribune. “This Day In History” The only good thing about the Bush Administration is that America isn’t it?; One thing that did get cov- with a story about the Pittston they have only four months left. We have the opportunity in the • There could have been a ered (page 8) was the affiliation Coal Mine occupation by the next four years to pass legislation paralleled only by the FDR bunch of stuff about ISD 709’s of AFSCME Local 1092 with United Mine Workers. I had term following the Hoover administration.. We can change the Long Range Facilities Plan, its the Duluth Central Labor just started this job then and National Labor Relations Act to make it function again as it was Body. Welcome to all 504 of some Minnesota COACT intended with the Employee Free Choice Act. We can strength- ~NOTICE~ you new CLB members and folks were heading to en Social Security--not privatize it. We can support the PUBLIC Next issues of Labor World Labor World subscribers. With Appalachia to find out about education of our children instead of abandoning it by providing are: Oct. 1, 15, 29; their affiliation this paper’s the United Mine Workers vouchers to private schools, and we can enact a national health fight. Sam Fuqua wrote a Nov. 12, 25; Dec. 17. press run is 19,200 with a mail- care system that will insure all Americans and enable our indus- ing list of 18,700. That makes piece about their trip that we tries to again become competitive in the world. LABOR WORLD me so proud I want to re-open published in the Oct. 12, 1989 Even though Al Franken was not my first choice for Senator, (ISSN#0023-6667) is published my contract. Forget I said that. Labor World with a photo of he is now the only choice of Minnesotans who make their living semi-monthly except one issue in the occupation. You could find from a paycheck. If your money (or your inherited money) December (23 issues). No negotiating in public. The known office of publication is Another AFSCME local it at the Duluth public or UMD works for you, Coleman is your vote. If you work for your Labor World, 2002 London Road, and an Education Minnesota library. A proud little moment money, Franken will work for you. Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. local are also discussing affili- for the Labor World, some- Mr. Iacocca, I am outraged! I am mad as hell about the direc- Periodicals postage is paid at ating with the Duluth Central thing you wouldn’t find any- tion in which this country has been led. And I am also mad as Duluth MN 55806. where else. Thanks S. Fuqua. hell about two International Unions whose support of Norm POSTMASTER: Body. They could both be on board within a month. If they We do manage to cover Coleman would continue this state and country in the same Send address changes to: some things that are going on. Labor World, 2002 London Rd., are, we will have a mailing list direction. We inherited a hell of lot better country from our par- Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 that is around 19,000. That’s a This Day In History ents than Bush and Normie have left for our children and grand- big number to me. When I get children. They deserve better and we can do better. 6 7 from my marketing hat on, which www.workdayminnesota.org George A. Sundstrom, Retired Union Sheet Metal Worker (218) 728-4469 doesn’t sit comfortably, I’ll talk FAX: (218) 724-1413 about our list being just over September 17, 1989 Cornography Committee opening [email protected] 11,000 when I started in 1989. www.laborworld.org Ninety-eight miners and a Editor: ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ If I were a capitalist this paper minister occupied the Owned by Unions affiliated with the would be doing better and I’d Pittston Coal Company's There is an opening for an apprentice on Duluth’s Labor Day Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body be working less, delegating Moss 3 preparation plant in Picnic Cornography Committee, as apprentice Jim Brown has Subscriptions: $22 Annually more, perhaps. Not my style. Carbo,Virginia, beginning a been released for non-attendance at this year’s Picnic. Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager year-long strike against Asked whether his showing up missing and subsequent Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper The non-profit Labor World, Inc. release may have been because Foreman Jackson was too tough is the official publication of the Pittston Coal.While a Board of Directors month-long Soviet coal strike an instructor, Committeeman Niemi said that may have been a President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor contributing factor but Brown’s whining had been detrimental to Body. It is an educational, advo- dominated U.S. news broad- Painters & Allied Trades 106; casts, the year-long Pittston the crew from the day he was selected. V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; cacy newspaper for workers and Any mature adults that would like to be considered for the unions. The views and opinions strike garnered almost no Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; mainstream press coverage Apprenticeship Program please contact Committeeman Gagnon Tom Selinski, IBEW 242; Mike submitted and expressed in the at the Union Hall. Kuitu, Operating Engineers 49; Labor World do not necessarily whatsoever. Ultimately, the reflect the views of the paper, its United Mine Workers were Committee members wish Mr. Brown well and leave him Al LaFrenier, UNITE HERE!; with a resounding, “Thanks for nothing!” Shane Sweeney, BCTWGM 167G; Board of Directors, the Duluth successful and the Pittston Larry Anderson, Laborers 1091; Central Labor Body, its affiliated strike became one of the few Sincerely, Susan Jussila, MN Nurses Assn. unions, their officers or staff. labor victories of the 1980s. Jim Butters, Cornucopia, Committee Secretary LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 PAGE 3 Saving city services is as much about saving kids as saving workers’ jobs By Erin Bates, Tammy you getting the park ready for she and her friends get into Chester Bowl skiing, Toddler inspired leadership. Residents Gosline and Dale Stanek, next week?” Her smile disap- trouble, we hope city leaders Time and Flag Football, to and park users should demand recreation specialists and peared and our hearts dropped can explain to her parents why name just a few. Parents also a better solution from Mayor members of when we told her that we were they closed her park. If she rely on us when they want their Ness. AFSCME Local 66 closing due to service cuts. sprays graffiti on storefronts, kids to participate in organized Other cities balance their Our programs keep kids we hope the Chamber of sports. budgets without eliminating On (Sept. 2), we were physically fit and out of trou- Commerce can explain why Hockey players and skaters core services and disposing among the five recreation spe- ble. We work with more than there was nothing constructive will be searching for ice rinks dedicated staff. They treat their cialists terminated by the City 200 user groups and volunteer for her to do. Next time, we this winter. Only three rinks parks as crown jewels and a of Duluth. With only one staff organizations to ensure fair and hope the budget balancers will will be staffed and maintained necessary part of a livable member surviving the cuts, equitable use of our 23 recre- stand at the locked doors and by the city. The other 14 rinks neighborhood. They value most recreation centers will be ation centers and park lands. turn kids away. will be closed unless volun- their recreation staff and treat locked when families need a We’re troubleshooters and Thousands of youth and teers step up to flood them and them with respect. safe place to send their kids peacemakers. We’re mentors families will suffer the loss of repair the ice. Candidate Ness told us to after school. and role models. We care our programs. They include Can volunteers do our jobs? “Believe in Duluth.” He didn’t When we locked the doors about kids and community. after-school and summer activ- Absolutely not! We’re tell us to give up on the things of Endion Recreation Center in That’s why we wonder ities, neighborhood and city- accountable for performing that make our city great. He June, a young girl asked “Are where the young girl will go. If wide events, youth dances, background checks on volun- told us he would “prioritize teers who directly supervise core services, especially public Study: Enriching kids enriches the nation kids. We’re the ones trained to safety and infrastructure.” He In his new study, Enriching Children, In these fact sheets, universal refers to a train recreation leaders. We’re didn’t say he would close parks Enriching the Nation, Economic Policy voluntary, high-quality pre-K program serving the ones with the experience to and end positive programs for Institute economist Robert G. Lynch examines all 3- and 4-year-old children; targeted refers remodel undesirable behavior kids. He told us to believe in the costs and benefits of high quality pre- to a similar program serving 3- and 4-year-olds so youth can make better deci- “beautiful parks, multi-use kindergarten programs and their positive from families in the lowest quarter of the sions and become better citi- trails and abundant outdoor impact over time on federal and state budgets, income distribution. zens. We’re the ones trusted by recreation.” He didn’t tell us crime costs, and the earnings of pre-K partici- Lynch’s study can be found at http// youth and community police to that he’d stop maintaining pating children and adults. www.epi.org/content.cfm/book_enriching. curtail deviant behavior when those spaces and our access to recreation centers aren’t open. them. He told us he would Recreation specialists aren’t “instill a positive attitude in Universal program costs & benefits in Minnesota the problem; we’re the solu- public service.” He didn’t say . tion. We’ve offered many sug- he’d try to bust the city gestions to make the Parks employees’ union. ƒ When the program would start paying for itself 9 years Department financially self- AFSCME believes in Annual cost of fully phased-in program in 2008 $567 million sustaining. We proposed revi- Duluth. We believe the city ƒ talizing the “600 for Kids” can save core services and ƒ Total benefits in 2050 $16.8 billion fund, introducing a sliding good jobs. Help us create the ƒ Costs in 2050 $1.7 billion scale fee for the summer and political will to bring people ƒ Ratio of total benefits to costs in 2050 10.2 to 1 Toddler Time programs, and together and get the job done ƒ When the program would begin to pay for itself in budget benefits alone 17 years applying for federal grants right. Our city’s future Budget benefits in 2050 $3.9 billion through the Office of Criminal depends on it. ƒ Justice. In fact, some programs Erin Bates is laid off from ƒ Ratio of budget benefits alone to costs in 2050 2.37to 1 are already raising revenue to Portman, Duluth Heights and ƒ Total increased compensation (wages & benefits) in 2050 $9 billion help maintain the buildings Lower Chester Recreation Savings to individuals from crime reduction in 2050 $3.9 billion they’re housed in; for example, Centers. Tammy Gosline is ƒ youth dances, 3-on-3 basket- laid off from Hillside Sport ball, and Flag Football. Court and Woodland, Targeted program costs & benefits in Minnesota We know there’s a way to Piedmont Heights, Lincoln . save our parks and our jobs. It Park and Harrison Recreation will take creative problem Centers. Dale Stanek is laid off ƒ When the program would begin to pay for itself 3 years solving, cooperation and from Washington Center. ƒ Annual cost of fully phased-in program in 2008 $32 million ƒ Total benefits in 2050 $4 billion Thank You! ƒ Costs in 2050 $146 million ƒ Ratio of total benefits to costs in 2050 27 to 1 Labor’s support was a huge factor in ƒ When the program would begin to pay for itself in budget benefits alone 5 years my Primary Election win. Since then I ƒ Budget benefits in 2050 $982 million have received the endorsement of the ƒ Ratio of budget benefits alone to costs in 2050 6.70 to 1 Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor ƒ Total increased compensation (wages & benefits) in 2050 $1.8 billion Body to go along with my Duluth ƒ Savings to individuals from crime reduction in 2050 $1.1 billion Building & Construction Trades Council and AFSCME Council 5 endorsements. As a lifelong union member and current president of my union, AFSCME Local 1123, it 733-0100 means a lot to have Labor’s support. Thank you! KOLAR I'll appreciate your support and vote in the General Election Tuesday, Nov. 4! A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com Vote Brad Jones When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will www.voteforbradjones.com Lake County Commissioner Dist. 3 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN Paid for by Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body COPE

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 Judge denies AFSCME TRO Gander Mountain’s CEO crusader against St. Louis County District Judge Eric Hylden denied a tempo- rary restraining order filed by AFSCME Council 5 in an attempt tax incentives gives up his good fight to avoid 19 lay-offs of their members employed full time by the By Charlie Quimby Kansas. (http://www.jsonline.com/story City of Duluth.The TRO was filed August 29 on Sept. 2 lay-offs. (Last) week, Mark Baker Such subsidies give big /index.aspx?id=603068) and “He said there was no ‘irreparable harm,’” said Deb Strohm, resigned as CEO of Gander stores a substantial advantage Rogers, Minnesota (http:// one of the rank-and-file leaders of the bargaining unit. She told Mountain, Co., the St. Paul- over other retailers. What’s 74.125.95.104/search?q=cache Central Body delegates last week that they are battling Mayor based retailer of outdoor gear more, the hoped for paybacks :u1KioGQGkFcJ:sayno2out- Don Ness’ administration on many levels over the lay-offs. and apparel. Last quarter don’t always materialize, said doorsretailsubsidies.com/pdfs/ “We’re filing grievances, asked the Bureau of Mediation Gander Mountain reported a Baker. nov2706startribune.pdf+Cabel Services to issue a clarification of the bargaining unit because larger-than-expected 11.7 per- “Resources that could be a%27s+subsidy&hl=en&ct=cl the city is stacking temporary workers and contracting out our cent drop in same-store sales used for education or true eco- nk&cd=7&gl=us) are among work, we have a hearing with Civil Service over the temps rul- with net losses of nearly $5 nomic development are being those who’ve had a change of ing, and have an injunction that will be addressed October 24.” million. wasted on private retail devel- heart about such subsidies. “We’re doing everything we can to save good jobs and the Times are tough for retailers opments,” Baker said in the Now Baker is off to run services that Duluth residents want and need,” said Alan all over, so that’s not what interview. “Communities have Scott’s Miracle-Gro, which just Netland, president of AFSCME Local 66, the city’s largest pricked my ears about the been paying big money to announced it will close two of union. “The court refused to help us, but we won’t give up.” news. bring in low-paying retail jobs. its three Twin Cities-area Smith AFSCME has a court injunction from about 15 years ago that Baker was also outspoken Buda, Texas, for instance, gave & Hawken garden supply says the city cannot lay-off bargaining unit workers while retain- about unfair competition in his Cabela’s subsidies worth $61 stores at the end of the year. ing part-time, temporary, or seasonal workers. industry -- specifically “corpo- million, or about $271,000 for It remains to be seen how Mayor Don Ness had stated if the TRO had been issued over rate welfare” given by state and every full-time job, according he’ll perform in a new retail 40 part-time city workers would have been laid off first but it local governments offering tax to our estimates. Reno, Nevada environment, but I’d say he wouldn’t have saved the jobs of the full time workers. Ness said incentives to Cabela’s and Bass spent $54 million, or $208,000 made a positive impact in help- he dislikes the lay-offs as well but must come to terms with a Pro Shops. These retailers pro- for every job. ing to expose problems with $6.5 million budget deficit he inherited. mote their outsized stores as Good Jobs First (http:// public incentives to attract pri- At an August 27 Labor Lunch with union members at the “destination retail” that will www.goodjobsfirst.org/news/ vate businesses. Pickwick Ness said revenue shortfalls have forced “our best draw millions of tourists, their article.cfm?id=115) has written Charlie Quimby is a com- efforts at difficult decisions to balance the budget by the end of dollars and additional tax rev- extensively about the issue and munication fellow at Growth & the year. There’s no easy way to do it.” He said 2009’s deficit enues to communities. David Cay Johnston reports in Justice. A non-partisan advo- may be as high as $8.9 million. Two years ago, the his book Free Lunch (http:// cate for fair taxation and smart Ness has looked at selling land on Park Point, a Tiffany Heartland Institute did an inter- www.amazon.com/exec/obidos public investment, Growth & stained glass window at the Depot, he axed a fire truck in the view (http://www.heartland. /ASIN/1591841917/ReasonMa Justice believes a sustainable downtown station, transferred $600,000 from the Housing org/policybot/results.html?artI gazineA) that Cabela’s made economy provides the founda- Investment Trust, but in the end has laid-off bargaining unit d=19291) with Baker that laid more money in its first three tion for a just society. (http:// employees, thereby cutting city services and programs in trying out how the game works. years by reeling in subsidies www.growthandjustice.org) to balance the budget. Various forms of government than it did from selling sporting “We expect a better solution from Mayor Ness,” said Netland. assistance can amount to about goods. “Other cities balance their budgets without eliminating core one-third of the cost of building Local officials in Wisconsin services and busting union contracts. They don’t abolish recre- new stores, Baker said, citing a ation programs when families need a safe place for their kids to tax increment financing (TIF) go after school. They don’t carve good jobs into temporary work package worth $40 million to that can’t support a family.” build a giant 180,000-square- “Despite (Judge Hylden’s) ruling, we’ll continue to pursue a foot Cabela’s in Kansas City, legal remedy,” said Netland. “The city is violating our contract. You & Us It’s illegal to lay off full-time employees while retaining temps.” Continuing our commitment to Duluth investors. Choose your

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 PAGE 5 IBEW member speaks out on unsafe work, electrocution of troops in Iraq By Michael Gutwig ground wire, used as a ‘hot’ site: mssparky.com and began The Northwest Labor Press wire. I brought this to my fore- blogging. PORTLAND, Oregon--A man’s attention but my com- “I knew why it had hap- union electrician from Battle plaints were totally disregard- pened and I blogged about it,” Ground, Washington is raising ed,” she said. she said. Soon after launching hell over shoddy work and Crawford said that time and the Web site, Crawford was unsafe conditions in Iraq--con- time again she heard, “This is contacted by staffers of Sen. ditions so bad, she says, that not the United States …OSHA Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). After they’ve resulted in the electro- doesn’t apply here. If you several phone conversations, cution deaths of several don’t like it, you can go home.” she agreed to testify about her American troops. Until a year ago, KBR was a experiences. Debbie Crawford, a mem- subsidiary of anti-union “I’m not political. I wanted ber of Portland-based IBEW Halliburton, where Vice to know what their agenda was Local 48, testified before the President Dick Cheney was first. I’m not going to be any- U.S. Senate Democratic Policy CEO before taking office with one’s tool to push someone’s Committee, which is investi- GOP President George W. political agenda. But this is a gating waste, fraud and abuse Bush. Halliburton is the bipartisan issue about our sol- in Iraq and the performance of world’s biggest oil services diers. Both Democrats and Debbie Crawford, a member of IBEW Local 48, worked at the Defense Department’s war company and is making bil- Republicans are part of this Saddam Hussein’s Republican Palace in Baghdad. She is contractors. lions of dollars in Iraq recon- investigation,” she said. seen here holding a brick of $100 bills totaling $1.6 million To date, 16 soldiers and struction work--paid for with A native Washingtonian, that was stored in a palace vault. She didn’t get to keep it. contract workers have died by U.S. tax dollars. Crawford joined IBEW Local Crawford said she knew 112 in Kennewick, Wash., as work for KBR in Iraq. “The safety conditions were electrocution since 2003. Crawford is looking for some worse in China than in Iraq,” Hundreds more have been nothing about KBR’s anti- an apprentice, turning out in union history when she applied 1984. She worked primarily at of those former KBR employ- she said. Her complaints in injured by shock and burns ees willing to share their expe- China also were ignored. caused by electrical fires. The for the job. “I didn’t go over the Hanford Nuclear for the money,” she told the Reservation, where she riences with faulty electrical Crawford is on a mission to Senate committee has conduct- and other unsafe conditions in change the laws protecting ed 17 hearings. Northwest Labor Press. “It was moved into maintenance, man- the only way I could be patriot- agement and engineering, thus their camps. Electricians, sol- U.S. workers at U.S. projects Crawford, 47, took a job diers and other civilian con- overseas. with military contractor KBR ic and support the troops and letting her electrical license my family.” expire and her union member- tractors are encouraged to e- “We need the union’s help-- (Kellogg Brown and Root) in mail her at: MsSparky@ms- the union’s strength--to change 2004. She spent two years It wasn’t until Crawford had ship drop. returned to the U.S. that she In 1994 she left the Tri- sparky.com the laws that protect U.S. working in Baghdad’s Green Crawford has been sharing workers that work on U.S. jobs Zone. Her first year, she per- learned soldiers had been killed Cities for the beaches of in Iraq--not in the war zone, but Oregon. She ran a small busi- her information with the moth- outside the country,” she said. formed electrical work and ers of two soldiers who were “Personally, I think unions supervised Iraqi electricians by electrocution due to improp- ness in Seaside while home- erly grounded wiring while schooling her daughter. electrocuted. They all testified should try to organize the wiring living trailers for civil- before the Senate committee. world.” ian contractors and military taking showers, washing Crawford returned to the trade Humvees, and swimming in in 2000, re-testing for her elec- The mothers are suing KBR. Crawford is appalled that personnel, and maintaining KBR has denied any responsi- U.S. citizens employed by an State Department facilities and pools. trical license in Oregon and “I was watching the news joining IBEW Local 48. bility. American company working the temporary U.S. Embassy “There is no incentive over on an overseas project funded there. During Crawford’s sec- and saw a story on the electro- She got the “traveling bug,” cutions,” she told the Labor and took union jobs wherever there to do it safely or to do it by the United States have no ond year she worked as an right,” Crawford said. “There recourse when labor laws, job administrative specialist help- Press. “I was dumbfounded. I they could be found in the U.S. was shocked, but I wasn’t A friend told her about a job in are no ramifications for KBR if safety laws and human rights ing to coordinate the depart- they kill someone in Iraq. They laws are violated. ment’s safety program. shocked. It was like my worst Antarctica building a lab for fears had been realized. I knew the National Science still get paid.” “Billions of dollars spent all But it wasn’t long after Following her testimony over the world by Americans arriving in Iraq that Crawford how things were done over Foundation. Crawford took it. there. I knew that...I just cried. Crawford returned to the before the Senate panel in July, who have to have top secret realized worker safety was of Crawford met for three hours security clearance. It’s impor- little importance to KBR. I was sick that this was going U.S., traveled some more, then on. And I was angry because I heard about work in Iraq. She with the State Department’s tant enough that we have a top Many of her co-workers Office of Inspector General secret clearance… but it’s not weren’t qualified electricians. was over there for two years told the Labor Press she was and we were never notified that amazed at how easy it was to over concerns she raised while important enough for OSHA to “They didn’t know about con- working in China. apply, or for labor laws to duit or wire nuts--real basic this was happening--to height- get hired. She applied online en our awareness to grounding and two weeks later was flown After returning from Iraq, apply. They can make you stuff,” Crawford said. “My Crawford took some time off, work seven days a week, 16 general foreman wasn’t even issues, to shock hazards, to to Houston for orientation. “It raise the priority on shock was like a big cattle call,” she then headed to China in 2007 hours a day and not pay over- an electrician.” to work on the new American time,” she said. Crawford told senators she reports...nothing. It was totally recounted. “They didn’t check kept quiet.” my references. There had to be Embassy in Beijing--a job that Labor World has 18,700 saw countless wiring hazards required top secret security and jerry-rigged circuit boards. Encouraged by her family 500 or more people who had subscribers and cheap and friends to start writing been hired by KBR on the clearance. After four months, “I saw green wire, which is she quit. ad rates. 218-728-4469 specifically designated by the about her experiences, in April same flight to Baghdad as me.” National Electric Code as 2008 Crawford started a Web More than 21,000 people By popular demand A credit union for East Duluth EXPERIENCE THE CREDIT UNION DIFFERENCE Open your account today! Details: 218-729-7733

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 37,000 green jobs for Minnesota waiting on political will to proceed It wasn’t many years ago says their membership is see- Wing-based Great Northern cially in construction and man- would be in the same areas of that unionists and environmen- ing “a lot of man hours of work Solar, LaForge said his work ufacturing. Construction em- employment that people talists didn’t mesh well. Things from erecting windmills and has started to bring him into ployment has fallen from 8 already work in today, in every have changed now as union environmental upgrades.” He more contact with union con- million to 7.2 million jobs over region and state of the country. construction and manufactur- said Ironworkers nationwide tractors in the area and he the past two years. The green recovery pro- ing workers are seeing the ben- are experiencing the benefits. decided it was only right that The recovery program aims gram investments would fund: efit of a “green economy” as “Responsible development he be union himself. He does to boost private and public • $50 billion for tax credits job losses multiple in more tra- is where a lot of economic training for contractors’ em- investment in six energy-effi- to assist private businesses and ditional employment sectors. growth is at today,” Voorhees ployees who install the solar ciency and renewable energy homeowners; A new report, “Green said at the press conference. units he sells. strategies: retrofitting buildings • $46 billion in direct gov- Recovery: A Program to Create “But it’s not just all new green “The future is now, and it to improve energy efficiency; ernment spending to support Good Jobs and Start Building a technology, a lot of it is from demands bold action,” LaForge expanding mass transit and public building retrofits, the Low-Carbon Economy,” says our long time partners who said. “There is a lot of good freight rail; constructing expansion of mass transit, investing green will yield two have made this area what it is work for labor and unions, and “smart” electrical grid trans- freight rail and smart electrical million jobs in just two years. today.” He pointed to all the we have the educated work- mission systems; and increas- grid systems, and new invest- In Duluth, traffic has been environmental improvements force to bring this type of man- ing the production of wind ments in renewable energy. slowed often recently by huge to air and water quality that ufacturing home to Duluth.” power, solar power, and next- • $4 billion for federal loan tractor/trailers carrying wind- have been made by retrofitting LaForge and Spencer Roth generation biofuels. guarantees to underwrite pri- mill parts and other equipment places like Murphy Oil, Sappi, of Environment Minnesota The report shows the vast vate credit. designed to take advantage of Georgia Pacific, the mines, both said political leadership majority of the 2 million jobs alternative energy sources. power plants, and many other must be pressured by the public Lay-down yards near the har- long time facilities. “They are to continue moving towards Battle in Seattle film opens bor are full of windmill parts. complying to environmental energy efficiency and making In 1999 fair trade activists from around the world converged At a press conference at the regulations that make this a America less reliable on for- on Seattle to protest a globalization summit of the World Trade Duluth Seaway Port Authority better region to live and work eign oil. LaForge said a green Organization and free trade leaders. It was the first major Sept. 9, John Doberstein of the in,” said Voorhees. “All our investment tax credit bill is cur- demonstration where labor and environmentalists came together. Blue Green Alliance said construction unions have bene- rently being held up in the U.S. That struggle is being portrayed in a new film premiering GERP will yield over 37,000 fitted from those jobs, as have Senate. Sept. 19 at Minneapolis’ Uptown Theatre, 2906 Hennepin Ave., new jobs in Minnesota if our the the workers at those plants, Roth said, “We have a and nationwide. A panel discussion will be held directly after the political leaders follows gover- and the general public.” strong labor presence here and Uptown premiere at Common Roots Café, 2558 Lyndale Ave S. nors in some other states. Christopher LaForge came can create high quality union Directed by Stuart Townsend, “The Battle in Seattle” stars Norm Voorhees, a Market to the press conference as the jobs, lower energy costs, while Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, and Ray Liotta. Told Development Representative newest member of IBEW making less of a carbon foot- through the experiences of fictional characters who come togeth- for Ironworkers Local 512, Local 242. The owner of Port print.” er during five days in Seattle, the movie mixes dramatic per- “Green Recovery” shows formances and archival footage to create a multi-layered story. that, in addition to creating 2 For more information visit www.battleinseattlemovie.com. million jobs, the $100 billion You can even visit a labor link of the site (/labor) to demand the green package would: movie be shown in your city. • Create nearly four times more jobs than spending the same amount of money within Support your local pharmacy the oil industry and 300,000 Tell your union, health fund, and employer more jobs than a similar amount of spending directed at you want local pharmacy services household consumption. • Create roughly triple the It’s Better...Keep It Local! number of good jobs—paying at least $16 dollars an hour—as Your Local vs Mail Order spending the same amount of White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies money within the oil industry. 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer Christopher LaForge (at the podium) is the newest member • Reduce the unemployment of IBEW Local 242. He was doing so much training on solar 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do rate to 4.4% from 6.1%. you get questions answered? power with union contractors and their employees, he • Bolster employment espe- decided he should be one of their members too. 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing accurately product that has been returned 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders Now Serving the Iron Range! new prescriptions 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE When you need Any Type of Glass Work call this Refills) authorizations area’s only UNION, AUTO GLASS COMPANY! 3Free in town prescription Do you want your meds sitting in We’ll handle your insurance claim and do the delivery a 110 degree mailbox? 3We contact doctors for refills Some require you to get your repair at your site or in our service centers. own refill authorizations 3Monthly health screenings But auto glass repair/replacement is only part of Why trust your health & safety to what we do. Residential and commercial glass work Nate Kiminski 3Free blood pressure checks a nameless, faceless person? Painters & Allied Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable are a large part of our expanding business. Trades Local 106 RESIDENTIAL~~Thermopane Replacement~ than mail order. We are always available to answer Storm Sash/ Screen Repair ~Patio Doors ~Glass Tub your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. Enclosures/Shower Doors ~Tables/Desktops ~Glass For a listing of locations visit www.thriftywhite.com Beveling ~Mirrors ~Entrance Doors ~Vinyl Replacement SGISGI Pinetree Plaza Windows~H-Windows ~Glass Handrails/Replacement SUPERIOR GLASS INC. 4911 Matterhorn Drive, Duluth Inside Super One Foods COMMERCIAL~~Store Front Design/Fabrication 823 Belknap, Superior Cloquet, MN ~Besam Entrance Doors ~Automated Door Systems 722-7400 F 394-5588 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 Serving the area for over 60 years! 1-888-899-6369 Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 PAGE 7 AFSCME 1092 affiliates Trade Union Directory AFSCME Local 1092 affiliated 504 members with the “ The world is run by those who show up!” Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body this month. AFSCME COUNCIL 5— President Mike CEMENT MASONS, PLASTERERS & INTL. ASSOCIATION OF HEAT & FROST The AFSCME Council 5 unit represents workers at over a Buesing, Local 1011; VP Deb Bloom, Local SHOPHANDS LOCAL 633—Duluth & Iron INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS 66; Treas. Clifford Poehler, Local 2938; Sec. Range Area Office: Mike Syversrud, 2002 LOCAL NO. 49—Meets 2nd Friday each dozen sites in the region. In contracts with the State of Mary Falk, Local 4001; Director Eliot Seide; London Road, Room 112, Duluth 55812; month, 8 p.m., Duluth Labor Temple. Busi- Area office, 211 West 2nd St., 218-724-2323; Meetings to be announced ness Manager Dick Webber, 2002 London Minnesota, Local 1092 represents: Units 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, Dept. Duluth, MN 55802; 722-0577 Rd., Room 210, Duluth 55812, 724-3223; of Human Services; MN Sex Offender Program--Moose Lake DULUTH AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR Pres. Wade Lee; VP Garth Lee; Rec.Sec. AFSCME Co. 5—LOCAL 66—Meets 1st BODY —Meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00 p.m., Well- Randy Neumann; (MSOP); MN State Operated Community Services (MSOCS) - Tues. at 7:00 p.m. in the AFSCME Hall, stone Hall, 2002 London Rd., (218) 724- Fin. Sec./Treas. Gerry Nervick Arrowhead Place, 211 W. 2nd St. 1413, President Alan Netland, AFSCME 66; Developmental Disabilities serving Moose Lake, Cloquet, Pres. Alan Netland; VP Deb Bloom; Treas. VP Beth McCuskey, Duluth Fed. of Teach- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER Duluth and the Iron Range; MN Regional State Operated Joe Griffiths, Rec. Sec. Kathy Stevens. ers; Rec. Sec. Terri Newman, CWA 7214; CARRIERS, BRANCH 114 MERGED— Union office, 211 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN Treas. Sheldon Christopherson, Operating Meets 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m., Reef Bar (back Services - Mental Health and Chemical Dependency serving 55802, 722-0577 Eng. 70; Reading Clerk Larry Sillanpa, MN room) President Robert Marshall, 727-4327 Duluth, Eveleth and Carlton. News Guild/Typos 37002 (office), P.O. Box 16583, Duluth 55816; VP AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1123—City of Two Kevin Lammi; Recording Secretary Regina Christina St. Germaine, President of AFSCME 1092, said Harbors workers. Meets 1st Wed. of each DULUTH BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Westerlund; Financial Secretary Scott that the membership understands that in order for them to grow month at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall, Two Har- TRADES COUNCIL—Meets 3rd Tuesday, Dulas; Treasurer Karl Pettersen bors. Pres. Brad Jones, 723-15th Ave., Two 3:00 p.m., Freeman Hall, Labor Temple. and be stronger advocates, they needed to work with the region’s Harbors 55616; Sec. Karrie Seeber; Pres. Craig Olson, Painters & Allied Trades NATIONAL CONF. FIREMEN & OILERS Treas. Paul J. Johnson 106, 724-6466; Treas. Jim Brown, IBEW SEIU 956—Meets 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m. greater labor movement. “We believe in the idea of the AFL- 242, 728-6895; Rec. Sec. Dan Olson, Meetings held at Central High School. CIO’s Area Labor Council and think it can help us improve AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1934— Laborers 1091, 728-5151 Pres. Jerome DeRosier, 315 W. 5th St. St. Louis Co. Essential Jail Employees. Duluth, MN 55806; Treas. Dennis working conditions for our members, and the lives of the people Meets 3rd Wed., 3:15 at Foster’s Bar & Grill. DULUTH MAILERS UNION LOCAL ML-62 McDonald, 7208 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI Pres. Dan Marchetti, 726-2345, Meets 3rd Monday, Duluth Labor Temple, 54880, 628-4863; Sec. Steve Lundberg, we serve at our worksites,” St. Germaine said. “There’s some- VP Glen Peterson, Sec. Larry Van Why, 2002 London Rd., Pres. Oscar Steinhilb: 8304 Grand Ave, Duluth 55807, 624-0915 thing to be said about strength in numbers.” Treas. Heather Ninefeldt Sec. Marty Lee-Burgener, 106 S. 62 Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55807, 218-624-7537. NORTH EAST AREA LABOR COUNCIL, She said members had also expressed an interest in receiving AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 3558 - Non-profit AFL-CIO-Field Coordinator Chad McKenna, employees. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.. IBEW LOCAL 31 (UTILITY WORKERS)— 218-310-8412, [email protected] the Labor World as an impetus to affiliating. AFSCME Hall, 211 W. 2nd St. Pres. Rm.105, Duluth Labor Temple, 728-4248. 2002 London Road, Room 95B, Duluth, MN St. Germaine said 1092 is seeing lay-offs and a general lack Michelle Fremling ; VP Todd Kneebone; Pres. Tim Ryan; VP Paul Makowski; 55812, Sec. Susan Cook; Treas. Yvonne Harvey Rec. Sec. Bob Fonger; Treas. Dan Leslie; of funding in the state’s health and human services budget. Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Mark Glazier, NORTHERN WISCONSIN BUILDING & AFSCME LOCAL 695 - Meets 4th Tuesday Asst. Bus. Mgr. Dick Sackett CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL— “The MSOP facility is supposed to be expanding but that is of even numbered months at Council 5 Monthly Meetings: Duluth: 1st Wednes- Meets the 3rd Wednesdays, Old Towne Bar. going slowly because of a lack of funding,” St. Germaine said. Duluth offices and odd numbered months days, 7:00 pm, Labor Temple; President Norm Voorhees, (218) 724-5073, at Gampers in Moose Lake. Iron Range: Gilbert VFW, 2nd Tuesdays, 2002 London Rd., Duluth, MN 55812; “Our employer is cutting jobs throughout the state. We had 11 President John McGovern, 393-5718 7:15 pm; Grand Rapids Blandin Workers V-P Dan Westlund Jr., Sec.-Treas. Food Service Workers laid off at MSOP last month, and this was Hall, 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm; Larry Anderson, (218) 428-2722 AFSCME LOCAL 3801 - Representing Western Area: 3rd Wednesdays, all at 7:00 just the first wave of lay offs. With the state budget the way it is UMD Clerical & Technical employees, Room pm: Jan., Brainerd Legion; Feb., Park OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49 — and us going into negotiations, we need to do something about 106 Kirby Student Center. Meets 2nd Wed., Rapids Legion; March, Nisswa Tasty Pizza Meets 2nd Tues. of month at 7:30 p.m., 12:00 pm, KSC, 3rd Floor; North; April, Little Falls Cabin Fever; May, Hall B, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London President Denise Osterholm, 726-6312 it. There are several ways to fight back. We need to elect officials Ironton Legion; June, Jenkins VFW; July, Rd., Bus. Rep. Brent Pykkonen, 724-3840, who support working families and care about public services. AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION Park Rapids Legion; Aug., Little Falls Cabin Room. 112, Duluth Labor Temple. AFL-CIO Greater Northland Area Local— Fever; Sept./Oct. Brainerd Legion; Nov., Nis- All members attend each meeting. They are the ones who set the budgets that fund our programs. I swa Tasty Pizza N.; Dec., Wadena P.O. Box 16321, Duluth, MN 55816. OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 70— Membership meetings held monthly in Superior: Shamrock Pizza, 4th Tues, 7 pm can’t say enough how important it is to get these officials elect- Quarterly Meetings: 3rd Mons. Jan., April, Union office, 2417 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. Duluth, bi-monthly on Iron Range (in odd Paul, MN 55113, 651-646-4566. Bus. Mgr. ed. Our jobs are on the line.” numbered months), 218-722-3350 July, Oct. at Schroeder Town Hall, 7 pm Locations Dick Lally. Meets 2nd Tues. at 5 p.m. in the She said the union’s political program, AFSCME PEOPLE, BRlCKLAYERS & ALLIED Duluth-Labor Temple-2002 London Road Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd. with it’s payroll deduction system, is a valuable way for mem- CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL NO. 1—Chap- Brainerd-American Legion, 708 Front St. PAINTERS & ALLIED TRADES LOCAL ter #3, Duluth & Hibbing meetings are listed Crosby/Ironton-Ironton American Legion 106 Meets 1st Wed., 6:00 p.m., Duluth bers to improve their work lives and the lives of the residents. in the quarterly update newsletter. Chairman Gilbert-Gilbert VFW, 224 N. Broadway Labor Temple. President Lee Carlson; VP “The more members we get to sign up for PEOPLE the more Jim Stebe, Recording Secretary Stan Grand Rapids-Blandin Papermill Workers Ron Folkestad; Rec. Sec. Mikael Sundin; Paczynski, Sergeant at Arms Jerry Lund, Hall, 1005 NW 4th St. Fin. Sec. Brian Coyle; Treas. Bryce Sjoquist power we have to negotiate better contracts, get better budgets to Field Rep. Jim Stebe, 218-724-8374 Jenkins-VFW, 3341 Veterans St. Bus. Rep. Craig Olson, Duluth Labor Little Falls-Cabin Fever, 15331 183rd St. fully fund public services, to lobby elected officials and more BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL Temple, Room 106, 2002 London Rd. Nisswa-Tasty Pizza North, Hwy 371S, Duluth, MN 55812, 724-6466. power to elect and replace elected officials throughout AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS Pequot Lakes LOCAL 512—Northern MN office/training Park Rapids-American Legion, Hwy. 34 PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS Minnesota,” St. Germaine said. “It’s illegal to use members’ center, 3752 Midway Road, Hermantown Schroeder-Town Hall, 124 Cramer Rd. LOCAL 11, U.A.— Meets 1st Thursdays at MN 55810, (218) 724-5073, Pres. Frank Superior-Shamrock Pizza, 5825 Tower Ave union hall, 4402 Airpark Blvd. (218) 727- monthly dues for political activities, so PEOPLE is the way.” Vento, B.M./F.S.-T. Charlie Witt, B.A. Darrell Wadena-Pizza Ranch, 106 Jefferson St. S. 2199; President Dan O’Neill; VP Scott She said worksite actions and small, positive steps like Godbout, Rec. Sec. Lance Queen Randall; Rec. Sec. Butch Liebaert; IBEW LOCAL 242 (CONST., R.T.V., MFG., AFSCME green wrist bands, tee shirts, and ID lanyards, will add BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jeff Daveau, MAINT.)—Rm.111, Labor Temple, 728-6895. Ass’t Bus. Mgr. Dave Carlson WAY EMPLOYES DIVISION LODGE Pres. Jesse Wick; Rec. Sec. Don Smith; to the unit’s solidarity and cohesiveness. “We realize we can’t 1710—Meets 1st Mon. of each month at 7 Treas. Stan Nordwall; Bus Mgr./Fin. Sec. SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10— sit back--that we have to be more involved on many levels, p.m., Pit Stop, Boundary Ave.; Gen. Jim Brown. Meetings 4th Wed. of every Duluth-Superior area meets 2nd Mondays Chair/Sec. Treas. Mike Nagle, 6049 Seville month at Duluth Labor Temple. at 5:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall, Duluth Labor including politics. Supporting endorsed candidates by door- Rd. Duluth, MN 55811, 729-9786; Unit meetings - Brainerd, American Temple, 2002 London Rd. knocking, phone banking, and lawn signs is a good start for Pres. Bart Berglund; 1st Vice Chair Alan Legion, 7:30 p.m., 1st Wed. each month. Iron Range meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Hansen; 2nd Vice Chair Jim Sonneson Regency Inn, Beltline/Howard, Hibbing. everyone.” INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL Bemidji area meets 3rd Thursday Jan., BUILDING & GENERAL LABORERS WORKERS, LOCAL 294 - Meets 4th Thurs- Solidarity was a factor in a recent win for the local when the LOCAL 1091—Meets 3rd Thursdays, 8 pm April, July & Oct., 6:00 pm, Carpenters Hall day, 7:30 p.m., Local 294 Building located at Bus. Mgr. Craig Sandberg, 1681 E Cope Bureau of Mediation Services ruled in their favor to keep Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall. Presi- 503 E. 16th St., Hibbing, MN. Business dent Larry Anderson, V.P. Brad Bukovich, Ave., St Paul, MN 55109, 612-770-2388-89. Management Scott Weappa, (218) 263- Duluth-Superior-lron Range area. Bus. Rep. Security Councilor and Security Councilor Leads in Unit 204 Rec. Sec. Bill Cox, Bus.Mgr./Fin.Sec./ Treas. 6895, Hibbing. I.B.E.W. Local 294 Unit Be- Dan Olson; (218) 728-5151 Dennis Marchetti, 2002 London Rd., Duluth Health Care, Non-Professional. midji, meets 3rd Thursdays of the month at 55812, 724-6873. 7 p.m. in Carpenters Hall. CARLTON COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR “This allows us to retain our bargaining power with the UNITE HERE! LOCAL 99 — Executive BODY—Meets 1st Monday of month except INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL employer to get our members a fair contact,” she said. Sept. which meets last Monday in August. Board meetings 2nd Mon. each month: 1:30 WORKERS, LOCAL 366—(Electrical, Sig- p.m. in Mar., June, Oct., & Dec., 9:30 a.m. in Besides Pres. St. Germaine other Local 1092 officers are: Meeting 7:00 pm 2nd floor of Labor Temple, nal & Communication Workers of C/N) - 1403 Ave C, Cloquet 55720; President Bob all other months. Quarterly regular member- Meets 3rd Thursdays, Proctor American Le- ship meetings are held on the 2nd Mon. of VP/Chief Steward Alvin Langhorst, Treas. Lynn Whipple-John- Oswold, VP Tom Beltt, Treas Dan Swanson, gion. President/Local Chairman Greg Arras, Sec. Diane Firkus, 390-9560 Mar., June, Oct., & Dec. at 2:30 p.m. Meet- son, and Sec. Pam Sater; Executive Board members are Thea 745 Laurel St. Cloquet MN 55720, 879- ings are held at the Duluth Labor Temple. 6129; VP David Winek; Fin. Sec. David President Todd Erickson, 728-6861 Erickson, George Klaskin, and Hector Oritz Jr. Gladys CARPENTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 361— Ostby, 303 Park Ave. Cloquet, MN 55720, Meets 2nd Tues. of the month at 6:30 p.m. 879-0941; Rec. Sec. Brian Johnson; Treas. UNITED AUTO WORKERS LOCAL 241 — McKenzie is their Council 5 Field Representative. Their six del- at Training Center, 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., Richard Swenson. 724-3297. President Steve Risacher, Meets Ist Tues. of the month, 7:30 p.m., Du- egates to the Duluth Central Body are St. Germaine, Erickson, VP Susan Erkkila, Rec. Sec. Chris Hill, Fin. luth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd., P. Del Ortiz Jr., Diane Firkus, Jason Johnson, and Dave Gorghuber. Sec. Larry Nesgoda; Treas. Chuck Aspoas, Soiney; Fin. Officer Eric Sparring, 259 Field Reps. Tony Radzak, Steve Risacher, Canosia Rd., Esko, MN 55733 You can learn more at http://wearelocal1092.org. Chris Hill UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL WORKERS LOCAL 1116—Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd., Rm. 211, P.O. Box 16388, Duluth 55816-0388. President Steve Gilbertson; Sec. Treas. Joyce Need Help? Dial 2-1-1 Berglund, 218-728-5174. Retirees' Club meets 2nd Monday, 1:30 Not sure where to turn? Dial United Way’s 2-1-1 to p.m., Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall get connected to resources throughout Minnesota. UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 1028 - Meets 2nd Tues., Room 212, 2002 London For personal services provided by the Community Services Rd., Duluth 55812, 728-9534. Pres. Bruce Program sponsored by the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Lotti, VP Mike Connolly, Fin. Sec. Larry Libra, Treas. Lee Popovich, Body and the United Way of Greater Duluth Call 728-1779 Rec. Sec. Dave Lubbesmeyer UNITED STEELWORKERS 1028 Community Services Program RETIREES ASSOCIATION—Meets 3rd Duluth Labor Temple Wed., West Duluth Evergreen Center, 5830 Grand Ave. at 3 p.m. All retirees from USWA 2002 London Road, Room 94 1028 welcome. President Robert Jones, Treas. Mary S. Petrich, Sec. Lois Pelander Yvonne Harvey, Director PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 Labor’s candidates advance...from page 1 RNC draws protests...from page 1 on in places like central improved health care system. opponent in the General “We demand a reordering of national and local Minnesota in a mini-single Wisconsin Assembly 73 Election received 43% with priorities…toward jobs, education, health care, rebuilding our payer, rural system. only 300 votes separating infrastructure and an end to poverty as we know it,” said Phyllis The biggest problem with Nick Milroy had the support them. Two other candidates Walker, president of AFSCME Local 3800, which represents health care is that by tax code it of all Wisconsin labor, as well totalled 200 votes. clerical and technical workers at the University of Minnesota. is a federal issue and out of a as sitting Democratic officials, “We worked hard on Bill’s As the protesters exercised their free speech rights, hundreds state’s control. in his bid for the seat that had campaign and can be happy of police--some in riot gear--lined the sidewalks of downtown While Medicare does work been held by Rep. Frank Boyle. with him advancing out of the St. Paul. After the march, some 50 people were reportedly well at a low cost, Huntley dis- The Primary was going to be Primary, but we know we have arrested for smashing windows and violating the convention agrees with the 2 to 3% admin- the race for the seat and Milroy a lot more work to do for him security zone. According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, police istrative costs that many came through with 46% of the to retain his seat,” said North used tear gas and pepper spray. Arrests during the 4-day con- “Medicare for All” advocates vote to win that election. His East Area Labor Council Field vention numbered at least 400. tout. He thinks it’s closer to General Election will be an Organizer Chad McKenna. Eileen Clancy, in St. Paul for I-Witness Video, said video 6%, and on top of that, 15% of easier campaign than what he “We’ll need all the help we can makers were “targeted by the FBI for disruption.” The FBI was Medicare payments are fraudu- has been through to this point. get from our members in one of dozens of law enforcement agencies in the Twin Cities. lent, which is a cry for more St. Louis County 3 District 3.” “On Saturday” before the convention opened, “the FBI visit- administration. Commissioner Bill Kron, Lake County 3 ed the house we were staying at and a few hours later it was raid- “We’ll try to get things in who has labor’s support, had a ed by the police. Several members of I- Witness Video were held place so in two years when we Both Lake County Com- inside for at least three hours…Five other members who were much more difficult time than missioner races on the Primary elect a Democratic governor anticipated by many in his not at the house at that time were simultaneously detained on no we’re ready to go,” Huntley ballot found incumbents los- basis. The way the government is acting--no arrests, no apolo- Primary race, advancing with ing. In District 3 Brad Jones, said about the prospects for an 51 percent of the vote. His gies--seems designed solely to disrupt our work…We don’t President of the City of Two demonstrate, we just videotape and that taping helps prevent Harbors AFSCME Local 1123 police misconduct. Apparently, that is threatening to the gov- USW 9460 to picket SMDC bargaining unit, came out on ernment,” Clancy added. United Steelworkers Local 9460 has scheduled an informa- top with 58% of the vote. Police also arrested and briefly detained Amy Goodman, host tional picket against SMDC for Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 a.m. at Jones entered the Primary of the nationally syndicated radio program Democracy Now! the DECC, Sheraton Hotel, 3rd Ave. E. and Superior St., and carrying the endorsement of and two of her producers, who were arrested while covering the three area SMDC hospitals. The only thing that will stop the AFSCME Council 5 and the anti-war protest on Labor Day. Goodman was arrested when she picketing is if a negotiation’s session on Thursday, Sept. 18 Duluth Building & Construc- questioned police about why they arrested the two staffers. shows progress. A notice will be posted on www.nealc.org if the tion Trades Council. Before Journalists’ groups, including The Minnesota Newspaper picket is called off. going to work for the City of Guild, circulated e-mails and petitions which they sent to Twin Kevin Nendick, President of USW 9460, says negotiations Two Harbors and becoming an Cities officials denouncing the arrests and demanding release of are not going well on their contract that expired two months ago. AFSCME member, Jones had those held. Video of the FBI raid on I-Witness and of “We met with our 600 members who are technical workers last worked construction for 12 Goodman’s arrest were both posted on YouTube and video of the week and they voted 100 percent to authorize a strike,” he told years as a member of Laborers producers’ arrest is on Democracy Now! fellow Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body delegates Sept. 11. Local 1091. As the anti-war march on Labor Day neared the Xcel Energy Nendick says the tone of SMDC negotiators can be summa- Two days after the Primary Center, the convention hall, demonstrators were herded past rized in a quote from one of them who said SMDC is “philo- Jones was at the Duluth Central large security fences that blocked access to the facility. Nearby, sophically opposed” to the technical workers’ contract requests. Body meeting to thank labor a sign on the Dorothy Day Center, a homeless shelter operated “We not only aren’t close on wages, but they say retroactive for his good showing. He drove by Catholic Charities, read, “Our political agenda: food, shelter pay is off the table, and they are asking for concessions that we home that night with the and dignity.” That sentiment was echoed by many in the march. can’t give,” Nendick said. “Our members are just looking for a Central Body’s endorsement “When will we come out in numbers to say no to inequality, fair contract.” for the General Election. hunger and homelessness in the United States of America?” SMDC canceled five negotiations’ sessions in June. Born and raised in Two wondered Cheri Honkala, organizer for the Poor People’s While balking at contract improvements for the techs, SMDC Harbors, Jones has a long his- Economic Human Rights Campaign. “It is our families that go to has been spending millions on executive salaries and buying tory of service to his communi- war because they are poor in this ‘economic draft.’” buildings and other properties as it continues it’s enormous ty for being so young. Other protests included a commission, holding hearings on growth. He has a website at www. poverty in the U.S. in a nearby church, a “Take Back Labor Day” The 600 USW technical workers are in 48 different job clas- voteforbradjones.com. rally organized by the Service Employees on Harriet Island, and sifications at SMDC. The next Duluth Central the “Bush Legacy Tour”--a rolling “museum” bus of the presi- Technical workers in the St. Luke’s system ratified their con- Labor Body meeting Thurs., dent’s misdeeds, aided by McCain and other Republicans. The tract a month ago he said. Oct. 9 may consider more bus is partially funded by the AFL-CIO, Change to Win, The sites for the informational pickets were chosen because endorsements. Some delegates AFSCME and Americans United for Change. SMDC will be hosting 50 physicians from around the world for would like more Lake County “McCain has emerged as the poster child for a third term of a neurovascular symposium. “Our members felt we needed to be and Two Harbors races to be Bush,” said Julie Blust of Americans United. “He wants to keep part of the welcoming committee,” Nendick said. They invite considered. No Carlton County our troops stuck in the crosshairs of the civil war in Iraq for ‘100 their union brothers and sisters to join them. races will be, however. Years’ or more...wants to see more tax breaks for corporations that outsource American jobs and more tax cuts for millionaires We don’t seem to get along like we used to
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I can’t stop thinking about what LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 PAGE 9 Only in America...Your tax dollars are subsidizing excessive CEO pay By Sam Pizzigati, Editor based incentive. now annually spends to edu- overdue public policy Americans are working harder Too Much, Special to PAI The report, by the Institute cate America’s most vulnera- reforms,” sums up Executive and getting less. WASHINGTON (PAI)-- for Policy Studies and labor- ble, children with disabilities Excess. “We have now entered Over the last three decades, Every year, thanks to one out- backed United for a Fair and other special needs: Only troubled economic times, like- the U.S. economy essentially rageous loophole in the U.S. Economy, points out the more $10.8 billion a year. ly our worst since executive turned working Americans tax code, corporations save bil- corporations pay their top Billions more in CEO pay pay started ballooning in the upside down and shook them lions of dollars on what execs, in effect, the less they subsidies, the report adds, flow 1980s. Ballooning executive hard enough to empty out their Executive Excess 2008 dubs pay in taxes. indirectly, through government pay has helped create our cur- pockets. The loose change has the “unlimited tax deductibility Direct subsidies for bailouts and procurement. rent economic woes. Deflating nearly all gone to America’s of executive pay.” Top compa- America’s most powerful, Federal officials regularly let that excess can help end them.” wealthy. nies can essentially deduct Executive Excess 2008 esti- out contracts to corporations But its not just that those at “We have seen a large scale whatever they pay their execu- mates, add up to $20 billion a that pay their top executives the top are reaping the gains, or skimming of the benefits of tives off their corporate income year. To place this $20 billion hundreds of times more than that they enjoyed huge excess growth from the bottom 90% taxes, so long as they define in context, the report also notes their workers. under anti-worker GOP of Americans to the top 10%, that pay as a performance- what the federal government One example: Lockheed President George W. Bush. As and especially to the top 1% Martin now gets about 80% of Larry Mishel, Jared Bernstein, and, even more so, the top Alaska AFL-CIO picks Obama its revenue from federal con- and Heidi Shierholz point out 1/10th of a percent.” The bot- No matter how much workers in Alaska may want to support tracts, i.e. from taxpayer dol- in their latest comprehensive tom half of America’s top 10% the Republican presidential ticket billing their Gov. Sarah Palin’s lars. Lockheed Martin CEO view of the economy and its saw their incomes increase by name as VP, they should cast their votes for Democrat Barack Robert Stevens made $24 mil- impact on working people, The 32%, after inflation, from 1979 Obama, a state labor organization leader said on Labor Day. lion last year, 787 times the pay State of Working America to 2006, EPI says. The top 1% A vote for John McCain in the 2008 presidential election is of a typical U.S. worker. 2008/2009, Bush’s regime only percent, over those same years, essentially a vote against the working man, said Vince Beltrami, Legislation that would end accelerated excesses that saw their incomes jump executive president of the Alaska AFL-CIO said in Fairbanks. this indirect subsidy for lush afflicted workers for decades. 203.7%. The rise for the top Organized labor has had a generally good relationship with CEO compensation, Executive In this longer frame, their 1/100th of 1%: An absolutely Palin, but that doesn’t change the fact that labor has to support Excess 2008 makes clear, is book, available from the stunning 425%! the candidate who best supports working families, Beltrami said. already before Congress. The Economic Policy Institute, says Meanwhile, over those “We are 100 percent on board for supporting Barack Obama.” Patriot Corporations Act would that the George W. years repre- same years, average weekly The fed also supports Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich in his give a preference in federal sent an exaggerated version of worker earnings in the private campaign to unseat long-time U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, a powerful contract bidding to firms that more of the same, a continua- sector actually fell, after infla- Republican facing charges of accepting illegal contributions. pay their executives no more tion of the income inequality tion, from $601 in 1979 to than 100 times the pay of their that has been steadily growing, $590 in 2007. “It is often said Who ya’ gonna tru$t? lowest-paid employee. with only minor interruptions, that Americans do not object to If you’re getting the Labor World there’s a good chance a But Brown’s bill and others since the 1970s. unequal outcomes, only to politician that says they’re going to protect the middle class is are going nowhere, and neither The State of Working unequal opportunities,” this lat- going to get your attention. Trouble is all of them say that at elec- presidential candidate--Sens. America slices and dices eco- est State of Working America at tion time, even if they’ve been protecting the rich forever. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and nomic data from every angle one point notes. “But what if Money Magazine, in an article titled “Millionaires-in-Chief,” John McCain (R-Ariz.)--have imaginable, from income, unequal outcomes themselves had the following estimates of the net worth of presidential con- yet staked out a position on wages, and wealth to working lead to diminished opportuni- tenders. Barack Obama’s was $1.3 million, John McCain’s was most of these needed legisla- hours and productivity, from ties?” $40.4 million. One of them doesn’t know how many homes he tive fixes. Still, the tide may be pensions and benefits to social Only 29% of low-income owns.. shifting. mobility and education. But students who score in the high- Work hard and you could grow up to be president the maga- “Historically, troubled eco- the view from all these angles est eighth grade test bracket, zine said but it helps to get rich first. Mitt Romney has $202 mil- nomic times in the United gives essentially the same the Economic Policy Institute lion but he must not have worked hard enough. States helped generate long exact picture: Average authors point out, currently go on to finish college. High- income kids who score in the lowest test result bracket actu- When You Plant a Tree, Consider Its Future ally end up graduating from college at a higher rate, 30%. Inequality may not yet have he size and location of trees can have a direct killed the American dream. But somebody really ought to call Timpact on your family’s safety and the reliability of for life-support--and fast. your electric service. It’s important to avoid planting Too Much is published by trees that will grow into power lines. the Council on International We’d like to send you a handy 16-page booklet that and Public Affairs, a nonprofit research and education group. provides guidance for homeowners, businesses and [email protected] other landowners on selection and placement of trees. To receive a free copy of The Right Tree brochure, INTERSTATE call toll-free 1-800-228-4966. Or, visit our Web site: www.mnpower.com/treebook. SPUR

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PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 Oberstar, Franken have transportation vision DFL: Coleman named in top Congressman Jim Oberstar Franken’s proposal includes for Minnesotans to send and DFL-endorsed U.S. Senate $2 billion in immediate fund- Franken to Washington, saying 4 of most corrupt senators candidate Al Franken, both ing for roads and begins to a slim Democratic majority in The independent ethics watchdog group Citizens for also AFL-CIO endorsed, ended address the 590,750 structural- the U.S. Senate has led to grid- Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) gave a two day swing through north- ly deficient bridges on our lock. One of the AFL-CIO’s Minnesota Republican Senator Norm Coleman a “dishonorable eastern Minnesota with a press nations roadways. main goals for this fall’s mention” in their Most Corrupt Members of Congress rankings event at the Duluth AFL-CIO Another $1 billion would be General Election is to make the (www.citizensforethics.org/node/34046). Along with it came the Central Labor Body’s Picnic at used to fund Oberstar’s Multi- U.S. Senate veto-proof with dishonor of joining indicted Alaskan Republican Senator Ted Bayfront Park. They had been Modal Transportation Plan, more than 60 Democratic Stevens as one of the four most unethical senators. at Virginia’s Olcott Park the including high speed rail, light members. That’s a tall order. The report cited ethical problems with Coleman’s sweetheart day before for the Iron Range rail, and buses. “The filibuster in the U.S. housing deal (www.crewsmostcorrupt.org/node/429) in Wash- Labor Assembly’s celebration. “Today, I’m calling for a Senate is holding up our bridge ington DC with Republican operative Jeff Larson. In July, At both venues they laid out new stimulus package, one that replacement and reconstruction CREW filed a complaint about the deal with the Senate Ethics plans for investing in trans- is specifically designed to cre- legislation,” Oberstar said “the Committee, where it is currently under review. portation and infrastructure. ate jobs and bolster the middle- way to fix that is to get people Coleman’s dishonorable mention also comes just days after Franken unveiled a $3 bil- class economy while at the in the U.S. Senate who will the Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ lion infrastructure initiative he same time doing something our vote for the people’s agenda. content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090202863.html), the Den- says will create jobs, grow our economy badly needs -- I’m proud to support Al ver Post (www.denverpost.com/business/ci_10394675) and The economy, and make badly- rebuilding our infrastructure Franken; he understands the Nation (www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters/356658) needed infrastructure invest- and investing in new trans- importance of investing in raised questions about potential conflicts of interest in ment. Oberstar, chair of the portation options,” Franken infrastructure and in the lives Coleman’s close relationship with Xcel Energy. Xcel has been a House Transportation Commit- said. “Each billion dollars we of working families. We can major contributor to Coleman’s campaigns and to the tee, outlined the importance of spend on transportation and count on him to be a leader in Republican National Convention while Coleman has pushed in investing in infrastructure. infrastructure creates as many the Senate.” the Senate for Xcel’s desire to designate nuclear energy as “Creating a more efficient as 47,000 new jobs, so my plan Many politicians have not “renewable energy.” transportation system will would create up to 150,000 kept focus on the future or the Minnesota DFL Deputy Communications Director Frank reduce our dependence on fos- new, good-paying middle-class issues that are important to Benenati released this statement: “Norm Coleman and Ted sil fuels, move our people and jobs. And at the end of the day, Minnesotans. They have run Stevens are together once again - only this time it’s not with con- goods to market, and create we’ll have repaired our roads negative ads and focused their victed oil executives on Stevens’ crooked lobbyfest in Alaska. good paying jobs right here at and bridges.” efforts on personal attacks. No, this time they’re together on a list of the four most corrupt home,” Oberstar said. Oberstar also made the case “My campaign will not sink Senators in Washington. to that level,” said Oberstar. “Just as Alaskans have found out the truth of Stevens’ cor- “As a candidate for Congress, ruption, Minnesotans are now seeing the real Norm Coleman: a you owe it to the people to run die-hard George Bush supporter and calculating politician who a clean campaign based on works only for Big Oil, drug companies and mortgage lenders issues. I’ve defended myself while breaking the rules that every other Minnesotan has to fol- from attacks when I’ve had to, low. Come November 5, Coleman and Stevens will surely be but I have never stopped talk- together again - on the unemployment line.” ing about the issues that matter In July, the Minnesota DFL Party announced that Coleman to my constituents.” had set new records for taking the most money from the oil and Oberstar secured money to gas industry and the pharmaceutical industry than any politician replace and rebuild the I-35W in Minnesota history. In August, the party announced that bridge, held the FAA and their Coleman has shattered another record by taking more money inspectors accountable, ques- from the banking and credit industry than any politician in tioned the NTSB’s decision not Minnesota history. “When given the choice between protecting to hold public hearings on the Minnesotans from predatory lending and unfair credit practices, I-35W tragedy, and authored or siding with big banks and credit-card companies, Norm and passed the Water Coleman chose his special-interest buddies - and they rewarded Resources Development Act him with a cool half-million Rep. Jim Oberstar, Al Franken, Rep. Mary Murphy, and over a Bush veto. dollars,” said Minnesota DFL Back to School Rep. Tom Huntley addressed Duluth’s Labor Day Picnic. Associate Chair Donna Cassutt Complete pair of Kids Glasses† Single Vision Poly-Carbonate Lenses and Special Edition Frames

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Void where prohibited. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008 PAGE 11 Workers’ compensation law takes small, positive turn for injured Oct. 1 October 1, 2008 marks a rather than having the legisla- making authority to the com- keep fighting to increase wage hassles. Any way that costs can small but positive shift in how ture initiate any action. The bill missioner of the Department of differentials, arbitrary caps on be saved may be able to be injured workers will be treated that was passed was authored Labor & Industry. That could temporary total cases, and used to beef up benefits in the in Minnesota. For the first time by Senator Tom Bakk. be bad. Steve Sviggum is the social security and PERA off- future. With medical costs ris- in over a decade gains will be The workers’ comp system commissioner and took pride in sets that hurt public employees. ing so quickly, it has been ben- made for them as new state was created to make it easier taking credit for the onerous “Medical costs need to be efits that have taken the bite in statutes will go into effect. for injured workers to navigate workers’ compensation law reduced fairly as well so how each dollar is allocated Attorney Bob Falsani has through their injuries, physical- changes of the 1990s as the providers will have less disdain from a workers’ comp premi- been defending injured work- ly, mentally, and the paper trail, Speaker of the House of Repre- for treating workers’ comp um. As of Oct. 1, however, ers for a long time and says the but it takes an comp attorney to sentatives, under Republican cases,” said Falsani. things start to turn in the right past legislative session was the understand the minutia of the control. Comp cases can be very direction. Oh, and remember to “best in years” for workers in laws that end up pitting a work- Falsani said labor needs to bureaucratic and paperwork vote DFL Nov. 4. terms of compensation law. As er without income against their a longtime Democratic Farmer employer and their employer’s Labor Party activist--he’s been insurance company. to the last four state DFL con- There are numerous levels ventions as a delegate--he of injury with varying times of knows why. return to work, medical treat- “We finally got some ments that can take years, reha- Injured on the job? changes in the law that will bilitation, total disability cases actually help injured workers where the injured will never because of DFL power in the return to work, and deaths on legislature,” Falsani said. the job. The process comes With the General Election with a paper trail and frustra- only seven weeks away, it’s tion that has found many a good to remember that DFL working family all but starved victories can pay dividends for to death trying to navigate the working families. system. Until 1995, when the Suffice it to say that effec- Workers’ Compensation Advi- tive Oct. 1, injured workers sory Council (WCAC) was will see their maximum benefit created by the legislature, amount increased from $750 a every session was a political week to $850, temporary total battle over workers’ comp law. injuries will have their maxi- Rather than deal with the polit- mum duration increased from ical football each year and the 104 weeks to 130 weeks, and fallout at re-election time, leg- the number of weeks of bene- islators created the WCAC to fits collected before retraining fight over proposed changes. options expire goes from 156 Trouble is, said Falsani, with to 208 weeks. labor and management repre- As always, there are so sentatives on the WCAC each many variables in the system having veto power, nothing that if you get injured on the We can help. really got done. That didn’t job make sure you notify your bode well for workers as comp supervisor immediately, con- law had severely slashed bene- tact your union, and talk to an fits to injured workers in 1992 attorney. None of that will cost Receiving fair compensation for on-the-job injuries isn’t simple. and 1995. Highly paid workers, you anything but it could cost including many union mem- you plenty, including your job You may run into red tape and your employer’s Workers’ bers, were hit hardest by the and your health, if you do noth- cuts. With the WCAC it was ing. Compensation insurer may try to cut or reduce your benefits. hard to get anything back for Falsani said other minor injured workers said Falsani. comp changes occurred that That’s where we come in. We’ve helped thousands of workers Because of DFL control of limit alternative therapies, successfully negotiate the complexities of the system and emerge both houses of the legislature, health care outside the state, some have suggested that per- and employer/union arbitration with benefits which reflect fair compensation for their hurt. haps the WCAC decided to for injured workers. Another throw a few bones labor’s way change gives medical rule If you’ve suffered a work related injury, call us. We have the experience to show you the way. Start the week right MNF burger! Our Monday night (in-house, w/beverage) special is the way to get acquainted with the “Best Burger in Town!” Our unbelievable Cheeseburger with Fries is only $3.59! We’ll throw in Monday Night Football for free. 2531 West Superior St. 727-0020 Grill Happy Hour M-F 3-6, $1 off drinks, 1/2 off apps rld class delivery

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PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2008