See Inside MEETING NOTICES Page 6

Volume 109 Number 2 January 18, 2008 Portland

Bi-state task force considers options for I-5 bridge over Columbia River Unions Are Ready To By DON McINTOSH Associate Editor Tired of traffic bottlenecks on and around the Interstate Bridge? For the past two years, a 39-member bi-state task force set up by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Oregon De- Build A New Bridge partment of Transportation (ODOT) has been looking at ways to reduce con- gestion and improve safety on I-5 between Oregon and Washington. The advisory group — the Columbia River Crossing Task Force — has sifted through dozens of bridge, transit and highway improvement project proposals, ranging from digging a tunnel under the river to supplementing the existing bridge to building a replacement bridge. The task force has win- nowed the proposals to just five, and it expects to narrow it down to one by August. The proposal that appears most likely to win approval would replace the I-5 Bridge with a new bridge no more than 200-300 feet to the West (down- stream.) The new bridge would have five or six standard-sized lanes in each direction, including a safety lane, plus a bike/pedestrian path. And it would have light rail — either on a separate structure just next to it, or within it in some way, like on the bridge’s underside. The new bridge would be about 90 feet above the Columbia River — high enough for boats to pass beneath without a bridge-lift, but low enough to avoid complications for air traffic from Portland International Airport and Vancouver’s Pearson Field. When the new bridge opened, the existing bridge would be removed. The bridge would be only one part of the project, however, which also in- cludes improvements along the five-mile stretch of I-5, from State Route 500 in Vancouver to Columbia Boulevard in Portland. To improve safety (Turn to Page 9) NW lawmakers score well on AFL-CIO vote tallies Reps. David Wu, Peter islative section. 1585, a defense authorization bill that was modified to restore the rights of DeFazio and Darlene U.S. HOUSE federal civilian workers to collectively Hooley get perfect marks Oregon Reps. David bargain. The bill, which set military Wu (1st District); Peter spending priorities but did not actually in the first session of the DeFazio (4th District); and allot the money, passed 397-27, with 110th Congress Darlene Hooley, (5th Dis- 25 Democrats and two Republicans trict), were among 173 opposing it. The opposition voters Congressional representatives from House Democrats to score wanted conditions for troop with- Oregon and Washington scored quite 100 percent COPE voting drawal from Iraq. The AFL-CIO sup- well on the national AFL-CIO’s in- records. ported the bill because it deleted most terim Committee on Political Educa- Also among the “100 of President Bush’s plan to take away tion (COPE) voting report card re- percenters” were Washing- DAVID WU PETER DeFAZIO DARLENE HOOLEY union rights for the Department of De- leased last month in Washington, D.C. ton Democrats Norm fense’s 700,000 civilian workers. But The scorecard is a running record of Dicks of Bremerton, and synopsis, authorized $2 billion in fed- Rep. Jim McDermott of Seattle. Blu- the defense measure also lacked limits 34 Senate votes and 33 House votes Rick Larsen of Bellingham. eral loan guarantees for bio-refineries menauer compiled a 30-201 scorecard on the war in Iraq, and that prompted that took place during the first session Another 29 Democrats cast only and bio-fuel production plants with re- and McDermott was 31-2. The Farm the opposition to the measure. of the 110th Congress, but it is not the one vote in disagreement with the quirements that all construction be en- bill passed 231-191. The defense bill vote allowed 51 official voting record for 2007. The AFL-CIO. Among them were Vancou- forced by federal Davis-Bacon Act Spokeswomen for Blumenauer and Republicans to avoid a shutout and AFL-CIO labeled lawmakers’ votes as ver, Washington’s Brian Baird, (30-1-2 prevailing wage standards. It also Baird told the NW Labor Press that the register one “right” vote (1-33) on their either “right” or “wrong,” based on the absent); Tacoma's Adam Smith, (32-1), stopped the Bush Administration from congressmen are strong supporters of COPE scorecards. position the AFL-CIO took. and Jay Inslee of Shoreline, (27-1-5). continuing to contract out jobs of fed- the Davis-Bacon Act, but that the Farm Oregon Republican Greg Walden of Bills — and amendments to bills— The three Washingtonians’“wrong” eral workers who conduct eligibility bill, overall, favored large agribusi- Cascade Locks (2nd District) scored included the Employee Free Choice votes came on a Farm bill that had at- determinations for the food stamp pro- nesses over the needs of small farmers 33 percent, with a vote tally of 11-22. Act, limits on guest worker programs, tachments that both strengthened gram. and rural communities, among other Washington Rep. Doc Hastings of and federal minimum wage increases. Davis-Bacon enforcement and ended Also voting against that bill were issues they had with the bill. Pasco was one of the worst lawmakers, A complete list of votes can be found privatization of some civil service jobs. Oregon Congressman Earl Blume- Blumenauer and McDermott also voting with labor at 2-29-2. online at www.aflcio.org under the leg- HR 2419, according to the AFL-CIO nauer (3rd District), and Washington voted against labor’s position on HR (Turn to Page 2) ...Gordon Smith votes ‘wrong’ on many unionization bills (From Page 1) lected by the AFL-CIO. publican filibuster meant backers vote on the final immigration reform federation on 25 of the 34 votes. Top Republicans voting in agree- In the Pacific Northwest, Democ- would need 60 votes to shut it down bill. The vote failed, the filibuster The lowest-scoring Republican ment with the AFL-CIO were Frank rats Ron Wyden of Oregon and Patty and move to a vote on the bill. Smith continued and the bill was effectively was Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hamp- LoBiondo, Frank Pallone and Michael Murray of Washington led the way at was among the Republicans voting killed for the session. shire, who voted in agreement with Ferguson, all of New Jersey, at 25-8, 31-2 and 32-2 — or 94 percent, re- against cloture. He also would have Smith, Wyden and Cantwell also the AFL-CIO on only three of the 34 24-9 and 23-9-1, respectively. spectively. Washington Democrat voted against the bill. voted against the AFL-CIO’s position votes. Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho was Democratic presidential hopeful Maria Cantwell scored 85 percent (28- Smith also voted against labor on on an amendment to the immigration next, with four “right” votes. Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio came 5-1), and Oregon Republican Gordon several amendments giving airport reform bill that eliminated a new Y- in at 23-4, with six absences, and Re- Smith tallied 51.5 percent (17-16-1). screeners greater collective bargaining visa guest worker program. The AFL- (Editor’s Note: Officially, Sen. Patty publican candidates Ron Paul of Texas Smith is up for re-election this year. rights and whistleblower protections. CIO wanted the Y visa out of the bill Murray has the best lifetime AFL-CIO and Duncan Hunter of California The top two GOP senators support- In one key vote used in the interim because it opened the door for em- COPE voting record in the Pacific scored 4-23-6 and 3-27-3, respec- ing labor issues — Sens. Susan scorecard, Smith and his fellow Re- ployers to import up to 400,000 temp Northwest at 89 percent (132-17). tively. Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine publicans — under pressure from the workers annually to perform perma- Maria Cantwell is next at 88 percent — each voted in agreement with the Bush Administration — tried to kill a nent jobs throughout the United (73-10), followed by Ron Wyden at 87 (Editor’s Note: Officially, Rep. Pe- AFL-CIO on 22 of the 34 votes it tal- 9/11 Commission recommendation States. The amendment was rejected percent (106-16) and Gordon Smith at ter DeFazio has the best lifetime AFL- lied (65 percent). Sen. Arlen Specter that simply restored the right of airport 31-64. 20 percent (23-90). Press Associates CIO COPE voting record in the Pacific (R-Pa.) was just behind with a 20-14 screeners to unionize. Republicans Smith and Cantwell added to their Inc. contributed to this report.) Northwest at 94 percent (221-15). He mark. lost on a party-line vote in the Democ- “wrong” votes by voting against an- is followed by Earl Blumenauer at 92 It should be noted that many of ratically-controlled Senate. other amendment to the immigration percent (110-10); David Wu at 90 per- Smith’s “wrong” votes dealt with col- Smith again voted opposite labor bill, this one seeking a sunset of the cent (89-10); Brian Baird at 89 percent lective bargaining rights for workers. on another Republican-led filibuster, temporary guest worker visa program (85-11), and Darlene Hooley at 86 per- The most egregious to labor was his this one blocking an increase in the after five years. That amendment was Minimum Hourly Wage cent (100-16). Greg Walden leads Re- opposition to the Employee Free federal minimum wage. The so-called rejected 48-49. Rates as of Jan. 1, 2008 publicans from the Pacific Northwest at Choice Act. Labor’s top priority legis- “clean increase” again had enough Front-runner presidential candi- Oregon’s minimum wage rate be- 20 percent (20-78). lation, the bill would have allowed for votes to pass in the Senate, but it failed dates Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) and certification of a union when a major- to get the 60 votes needed to end the Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), voted came $7.95 per hour on Jan. 1, 2008. This is the fourth-highest state mini- U.S. SENATE ity of workers signed cards designat- filibuster. 23-1-10 and 27-1-6, respectively, with mum wage rate in the nation. The na- Five Senate Democrats, including ing the union as their bargaining rep- Wyden, Murray and Cantwell labor. They both missed a large num- tional minimum wage rate rose to one presidential hopeful, scored 100 resentative (“card check”). (along with 30 other Democrats) ber of votes because they were out $5.85 per hour on July 24, 2007 and percent, as did one Independent law- The legislation passed overwhelm- picked up “wrong” votes on a cloture campaigning. The immigration cloture will rise to $6.55 per hour on July 24, maker. Sixteen other Democrats ingly in the House, and it had enough vote on an immigration reform bill. vote was their only blemish with the 2008. missed just one vote among the 34 se- votes to pass in the Senate, but a Re- The AFL-CIO opposed S. 1639 be- AFL-CIO. cause amendments had made it “too Republican presidential hopeful anti-worker.” A Republican-led fili- Sen. John McCain of Arizona was 3- STATE RATE buster had the final bill bottled up on 14-17. All of McCain’s “right” votes Washington $8.07 the Senate floor when a motion was had to do with the minimum wage California $8.00 b h Bennett Hartman made to invoke cloture (limit the de- hike. Massachusetts $8.00 bate). Thirty-three Democrats, includ- The lowest-scoring “Democrat” Oregon $7.95 Morris & Kaplan, llp ing Wyden, Murray and Cantwell, was Joseph Lieberman of Connecti- Vermont $7.68 m k Attorneys at Law voted “yes” to end the filibuster and cut. He voted in agreement with the Connecticut $7.65

Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm FOR OVER 25 YEARS Representing Workers Since 1960 SERVING UNIONS BEAVERTON, OR WILSONVILLE, OR (503) 644-1400 (503) 682-8552 GRANTS PASS, OR Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. (541) 479-6696 VANCOUVER, WA FISHER’S LANDING GRESHAM, OR SeriousInjuryandDeathCases (360) 891-1999 (503) 492-8487 Sarah Barber, D.D.S HILLSBORO, OR Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. • Construction Injuries ORENCO STATION Chau Ngo, D.D.S. (503) 640-9999 VANCOUVER, WA • Automobile Accidents MILWAUKIE, OR SALMON CREEK (503) 659-2525 (360) 574-4574 PORTLAND, OR Phong Bui, D.M.D. • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. (503) 777-0761 Chau Ngo, D.D.S. • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents SALEM, OR Stirewalt, P.C. (503) 362-8359 • Pedestrian Accidents Protecting Union Member • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) QUALITY, AFFORDABLE FAMILY DENTAL CARE Smiles and Wallets. • Workers’ Compensation Injuries ORTHODONTICS AVAILABLE! • Social Security Claims General, cosmetic, and specialty care $ OFF Most insurance and union plans accepted NON COVERED Easy credit and low monthly payments, O.A.C. DENTAL SERVICES We Work Hard for Hard-Working People! Evening and Saturday appointments There may be future costs based on diagnosis. Limit one per person. Not valid on diagnostic or preventative Ask about our Dental Discount Program 10 0 services. Not redeemable for cash or credit. Must surrender at time of service. Valid for cash, PPO, Indemnity 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650 patients only. Can't be combined, subject to change, expires 12/31/2008. Portland, Oregon 97204 (503) 227-4600 1-888-BRIGHT NOW www.bennetthartman.com www.BRIGHTNOW.com Smiles for Everyone!

Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555 © 2007 Bright Now! Dental, Inc.

PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008 At City of Portland Laborers Union gets health insurance for seasonal crew

A newly-signed union contract gressive council,” Beetle said. wants to take away economic incen- gotiations were like, Beetle said the Now they’ll be limited to 1,200 hours, contains a major breakthrough for Seasonal maintenance workers are tives to use seasonals to do work that City spent two months arguing over about seven months. Local 483 op- several hundred City of Portland sea- among the lowest-paid City workers, could be done by full-time, year- the boot allowance. posed Measure 26-90, fearing it sonal maintenance workers. Thanks and bargain separately from other round employees. Bringing season- It’s still a substandard contract in would open the door to greater use of to bargaining and be- groups. als’ wages and benefits closer to those some respects, Beetle said. There’s temps. But the way it worked out, hind-the-scenes polit- Local 483 permanent employees does that — only a very limited grievance proce- Beetle said, increasing the hour limit ical work by Laborers ‘Health care is a basic campaigned to and of course is also a tremendous dure, and unlike most union workers, made offering health benefits more Local 483, the work- human need. But one unionize them boon to the seasonal workers them- the seasonals under this contract are feasible. ers will now get in 2000, in selves. an “at-will” workforce, meaning they “Health care is a basic human health insurance cov- that’s not attainable to part to protect The new contract has a four-year can be fired for any cause or no cause. need,” Beetle told council members erage when they re- City employees earning existing mem- term and is retroactive to July 1, The City also was able to lengthen Jan. 9, but one that’s “not attainable to turn to work for a sec- seasonal worker wages bers — in 2007, when the old contract expired. the amount of time seasonals can City employees earning seasonal ond year at the City. Portland Parks Under the new contract, employees in work, thanks to a change to the City worker wages without the assistance Portland may be without the assistance & Recreation their second year of work can register Charter that voters approved in May of the City.” the only city in the of the City.’ and the Port- for health benefits starting May 2008, 2007. Previously they were limited to The new contract won praise from country to offer land Water get insurance by July 1, and then re- 860 hours in any calendar year, or commissioners and was approved by health benefits to sea- Bureau — main insured for the duration of their about five months at 40 hours a week. unanimous vote. sonal employees, Local 483 Business who were concerned about increased employment that season. Workers pay Manager Richard Beetle and City of use of temporary, seasonal workers. 10 percent of the premium cost, Portland Human Resources Director The City hires 250 to 300 seasonal which currently is $460 a month for Yvonne Deckard told Portland City workers in any given year, Beetle worker-only coverage, $660 a month Zachary Council Jan. 9 — before the council said. Most are hired in the spring and for a worker and a spouse, and $1,080 voted to ratify the contract. The sea- summer by the Bureau of Parks & for full-family coverage. Beetle said Zabinsky sonal workers typically work less Recreation to mow grass, pick up cost estimates to the city for insuring • Social Security than half the year for the City. And leaves, and clean restrooms. About 20 the group range from $400,000 to $1 • SSI - Disability Claims the Bureau of Human Resources help with street maintenance at the million a year. (BHR) couldn’t find any insurer to of- Bureau of Maintenance. And about The new agreement also raises Personal Attention To Every Case fer a policy for such a group. 10 do routine fire hydrant mainte- wages by the cost-of-living index, Beetle said it took one-on-one ap- nance for the Water Bureau. with a minimum of 2 percent a year Working For Disability Rights peals to City Council members before Typically, about half will return to and a maximum of 5 percent. The Since 1983 BHR would relent; before, manage- work for the City again the following workers currently make between $10 NO FEE WITHOUT RECOVERY ment negotiators had said it was im- year. and $11 an hour. 621 SW Morrison, Portland possible. Then Mayor Tom Potter The union has no objection to the And the contract raises the boot al- said, basically, “make it happen” and City using such temps for work that is lowance from $50 to $120, every BHR came up with a plan to self-in- truly seasonal, Beetle said, but it other year. Giving a sense of what ne- 223-8517 sure. “This shows that we do have a pro- Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers

Elec

rs ere

rcas Car tricians, last Start the New Year off right.

etr,Laborer penters,

Painters, Elevators, P Let IBEW & United Workers FCU

,Gair,S Glaziers, s, Help you with all your financing needs.

etea Wo heetmetal

rke

r ü F s,

Auto Loans l

oorc

o ü Mortgage Loans Roofer Masons, Cement Bricklayers, verers, ons, Roofer, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, ü Home Equity Loans

ment Mas ü RV/Boat Loans ü Motorcycle/ATV (International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) ü Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon Refinances as a voice of the labor movement. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, ü Visas W Asbestos ,

Portland, Ore. 97213 Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Ce Telephone: (503) 288-3311 ü Personal Lines of Credit E-mail: [email protected]

o

Editor: Michael Gutwig Millwri Family, rkers, Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice

Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- Call us or apply online today. profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore- gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union members. 800-356-6507 ext 340 www.ibewuwfcu.com

ght Group rates available to trade union organizations.

,Painters, s, PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT PORTLAND, OREGON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a PO Box 16877 change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old

E

and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. P levators,

rpenters, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, 9955 SE Washington St POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150-0150, Portland, Oregon 97292

PORTLAND, OR 97213 ans, Ca

www.ibewuwfcu.com lasterers Electrici Glaziers, Carpenters, Laborers, Electricians, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Family, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers

JANUARY 18, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 Josephine Co. doesn’t adhere to order to rehire 100 workers let go after strike Local Motion By DON LOVING there’s still no agreement. mond handled the legal work on the December 2007 Oregon AFSCME “On the surface, we are still negoti- original ULP complaint, and she’s Union activity in Oregon and Southwest Washington, GRANTS PASS — Despite a ating,” said Oregon AFSCME Staff currently working on the union’s re- strongly-worded order from the Ore- Representative Daniel Burdis. “But sponse to both the request for a stay according to the National Labor Relations Board gon Employment Relations Board the pace of the process is frustratingly and the court appeal. and the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB) last fall that Josephine County slow.” “We probably shouldn’t be sur- must rehire within 30 days about 100 Burdis has truly lived this issue. He prised,” Diamond said. “ERB asked former members of the American Fed- was the interim Local 3694 president the parties to try to come to an agree- Election results eration of State, County and Munici- and the bargaining chair during the ment, which is good in theory. But Results: pal Employees (AFSCME) Local strike. He was also a county mental from a practical standpoint, when you Company Union No 3694, those former members remain health employee who would have have an employer that was — from Date Union Location Union outside the county’s employment, and been one of those privatized if not for our point of view — engaged in nu- it appears likely the issue will land in taking over the Council 75 staff rep merous illegal actions, it’s not likely American Medical Response court. position in the Grants Pass field office. they’re going to turn around 180 de- 12/17 Teamsters vs. SEIU Portland 297 52 4 Oregon AFSCME Council 75 filed Burdis and Oregon AFSCME Field grees just like that. The two parties are an unfair labor practice complaint Services Director Rick Henson have just at such different places.” Unitus Community Credit Union (decertification) against Josephine County alleging that met with county officials a half dozen Diamond expects a ruling from 12/17 CWA Local 7901 Portland, Salem 31 31 the county had privatized over 100 times or so. But Josephine County has ERB on the stay request within two mental health workers in retaliation made two legal moves. First, they’ve weeks. Should Josephine County not Columbia River People’s Utility District card check, for Local 3694’s four-day strike in asked the ERB for a stay of the order. receive injunctive relief from ERB, 12/24 IBEW Local 125 Deer Island unit of 24 early 2006. The vast majority of Local They’ve also filed an intent to appeal they could make the same request to 3694’s bargaining team and strike ac- the ERB decision to the Oregon Court the courts. tivists worked for the Josephine of Appeals. Diamond will also ask the court to County Mental Health Department. “The county is dragging its feet, toss out an appeal from Options for Representation petitions ERB agreed with the union, and apparently hoping to buy time for a Southern Oregon, Inc. to join the legal Company Location the Board’s unprecedented order said court decision,” said Burdis. “We’ve fray. Better known locally as “Op- Union # of employees the county had to rehire all those em- agreed not to talk publicly about the tions,” it is a private, non-profit agency ployees, make them whole for any lost specifics of the negotiations, but in that most of the former county mental Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (print, copy, mail center) Clackamas wages and benefits, reimburse Coun- general their position is that it’s sim- health employees now work for. Service Employees International Union Local 49 10 cil 75 for lost union dues and pay a ply impossible to bring all the em- “It’s very late in the game for Op- $1,000 civil penalty — the last being ployees back, regardless of the ERB tions to claim it’s an interested party,” Kaiser Foundation Health Plan (materials specialists) Clackamas the maximum fine the ERB is allowed order. We agree that may be true for Diamond said. “They didn’t try to in- Service Employees International Union Local 49 2 to levy under Oregon law. some former employees, but certainly tervene earlier. From my perspective, The ERB order came with some not for all of them. So we have a cou- they have no standing in this case.” wiggle-room, as it gave the two sides ple of future dates set for meetings, 30 days to negotiate a settlement out- but I’m guessing this will ultimately (Editor’s Note: Don Loving is the side the ERB decision. The union ex- be resolved in court.” communications director of Oregon Bend manufacturer announces tended that deadline a second 30 days, Labor attorney Barbara Diamond AFSCME Council 75.) which ended in late December. But agrees with Burdis’ assessment. Dia- closure during IAM bargaining BEND — Leaders of Woodworkers at a slow pace, when in October the District Lodge W1 of the International company announced it was closing the Association of Machinists are per- facility and moving it to Georgia. plexed by a decertification petition filed “We negotiated a closure agreement Swanson, Thomas & Coon with the National Labor Relations for the bargaining unit, and that was Board by an employee at BEKO Mem- that,” Macrae said. ATTORNEYS AT LAW brane Technology. On Nov. 29, a decertification peti- Since 1981 Chuck Macrae, directing business tion was filed with the NLRB. The no- representative of Lodge W1, said work- tice indicated that the petition was sup- James Coon Ray Thomas Kimberly Tucker ers voted last June to join their union. ported by at least 30 percent of the The vote was 6-1. 12-person workforce. Jacqueline Jacobson Margaret Weddell Cynthia F. Newton BEKO, headquartered in Germany, “We received the decert notice, but opened an operation in Bend in 1996. we disclaimed the unit, because it is our Workers at the Bend facility make com- understanding the company is moving,” pressed air dryers. Macrae said. Tip of the week: If you are injured or disabled, keep a Macrae said bargaining was moving good relationship with your treating doctor. Your doctor’s opinion is often the most important evidence in your case. Win a bass fishing boat Looking for a new bass boat to help you cast away your winter blues when We represent people on all types of injury and disease related claims. spring finally rolls around? The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Triton Boats are giving one away. • Workers’ Compensation • Construction Injuries • Asbestos/Mesothelioma All you need to do is be a member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and • Personal Injury/Product Liability • Death Claims • Social Security Disability enter the drawing for a new Triton 18 Explorer powered by a union-made Mercury engine, with depth-finder, trolling motor, trailer and more. The boat and trailer package is valued at approximately $25,000. The USA, launched last July, is a joint venture between 21 unions and the We provide straight answers at no cost on any of the above areas of law. Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). One of the main goals of CALL US or VISIT OUR WEB SITE the two groups is to support the TRCP’s long-standing dedication to guaranteeing access for hunters and anglers, conserving fish and wildlife habitat and increasing funding for conservation. (503) 228-5222 http://www.stc-law.com For more information on joining the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and on the bass boat giveaway, go online to www.unionsportsmen.org. The drawing will be held April 4.

PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008 ATU #757 members ready to ENDEND OFOF ANAN ERAERA?? strike AMR in Josephine County The last commercial Freightliner branded truck the Freightliner name has disappeared from most of GRANTS PASS — Emergency medical technicians and paramedics em- rolled down the assembly line March 29, 2007. Now the company’s buildings on Portland’s Swan Island. ployed at American Medical Response (AMR) are preparing to go on strike The truck manufacturing plant is Jan. 20 in Josephine County. now known as the Western Star Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757 represents a bargaining unit of 33 Truck Manufacturing Plant, and the ambulance workers at AMR. On Jan. 7 they gave a 10-day notice to strike. Freightliner Corporate Head- quarters became Daimler Trucks They were ready to walk out at 8 a.m. Jan. 17, but that was pushed back 72 North America LLC, as of Jan. 7, hours on Jan. 14 after AMR delivered some financial documents that the union 2008. The truck plant is now pro- had been seeking. AMR claims that it doesn’t make a profit in Josephine ducing Western Star brand trucks, County. The union doesn’t buy it, and wanted to see proof. and the Freightliner military vehicle. “AMR stalled and stalled handing over any documents,” said Local 757 The Daimler name is replacing President Jon Hunt. “When it finally got down to the wire (to strike), we got DaimlerChrysler as the name of the some more documents.” parent company. Workers in the At press time, the union was still scouring the documents for information. In truck plant are members of the the meantime, they decided to delay the strike and, instead, meet with a federal Machinists, Teamsters, Painters and mediator on Jan. 17. (The outcome of that mediation was not known at press Service Employees. time.) The new strike date is set for Jan. 20. The union has been trying to bargain a new contract for nearly two years. Key issues in the dispute are wages and health insurance benefits. As it stands, some EMTs and paramedics at AMR make just a few cents above the state minimum wage of $7.95 an hour. According to Hunt, EMTs are on call 24 hours a day, and the average work-week is 56 hours. During negotiations AMR implemented the company’s national health in- surance plan and increased worker co-payments for premiums. It also gave workers a wage increase, although part of that was tied to the increase in the state minimum wage on Jan. 1. Local 757 has filed an unfair labor practice complaint, which is pending. “Our people are solid. I think the company realizes that,” Hunt said. “Hope- fully we can get something worked out on the 17th. If not, our people are ready to strike.”

Michael E. Hardeman, Business Representative Sign & Display Local 510

The bank of local unions

brings 50 years of on-the-job labor experience

provides complete banking services tailored to the Local leadership

guides investments to ensure your money works as hard as you do

offers online access to keep multiple accounts easily organized

gives each and every local union their due.

Invest in you®

Labor Management Trust Services Stephen Heady, Vice President, (503) 450-1270 Louis Nagy, Vice President, (503) 450-1273 Labor Management Deposit Services Diane Williams, Senior Vice President & Manager, (213) 236-5085 John Mendoza, Vice President & Relationship Manager, (415) 705-7112

Visit us at unionbank.com ©2007 Union Bank of California, N.A. Member FDIC

JANUARY 18, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 Newton; No. 2164, Ernest H. Rude; and No. 2165, Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. Frank A. Corallino. Laborers 483 13, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., Medford. Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Mu- Multnomah County Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, FFICIAL at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Eugene. O sicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. Electrical Workers 280 Employees 88 Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 21, at the Labor Temple, 3427 Ash St., North Bend. 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Laborers/Vancouver 335 at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. OTICES Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at the Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, preceded by a General membership meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. N IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red- 20, preceded by a 6 p.m. stewards’ meeting, at 6025 E. Sign Painters & 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancouver mond. Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. Burnside, Portland. Auto Mechanics 1005 Joint Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Paint Makers 1094 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in the Dis- Executive Board meets 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. Lane County Northwest Oregon trict Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 13. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturdays, Jan. 19 and Feb. Labor Council Labor Council 16. ALL MEMBERS are invited to shop stewards’ Elevator Constructors 23 Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at IBEW Lo- Southern Oregon training. Stewards must attend steward meeting to be Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, preceded 1116 South A St., Springfield. cal 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. compensated. by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE Central Labor Council NOMINATIONS & ELECTION: Nominations for Whitaker Way, Portland. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Labor the position of Trustee will be at our regular meeting Lane, Coos, Curry & Painters & Drywall Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy.#3, Central Point. Jan.19, 2008. Election will be Feb. 16, 2008 the same day as our regular meeting. The polls will open at 8 a.m. Exterior & Interior Douglas Building Trades Finishers 10 and close at 5 p.m. Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 11105 Southwestern Oregon NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEET- Specialists 2154 Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Pkwy., Spring- NE Sandy Blvd., 2nd Floor, Portland. PLEASE ING: There will be a Special Membership Meeting fol- Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 1125 field. NOTE: Receive a free T-shirt for attending the mem- Central Labor Council lowing our regular membership meeting Jan. 19, 2008. SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. bership meetings. FOR SALE, spray coveralls for $8 at Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at the Bay The purpose of this meeting will be to withdraw money Local 10’s office. Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. from the emergency fund to help cover the cost of Linn-Benton-Lincoln needed repairs to our Union Hall. Fire Fighters 452 All meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 2807 Labor Council Plasterers 82 Transit 757 PLEASE NOTE: Rochelle Conrad will be available NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, pre- Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 12812 Vancouver members meet 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at from 8 a.m. to noon during the regular lodge meeting to ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 NE Marx St., Portland. the Laborers Hall, 2232 NE Andresen, Vancouver, WA. answer any questions you have concerning health, wel- Salem Ave., Albany. Tillamook members meet 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, fare and pension plans. Fire Fighters 1660 at the Odd Fellows Hall, next door to the Bay City Fire Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at 4411 SW Linoleum Layers 1236 Portland City & Hall in Bay City. Bakery, Confectionery, Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. AMR Northwest Josephine County, LAMAR Adver- Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. Metropolitan Employees tising and Valley Transit- See your liaison officers. Tobacco Workers and 24, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 189 PLEASE NOTE: ATU members are invited to attend Glass Workers 740 Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at any of the above-listed meetings. Grain Millers 114 Executive Board members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. Feb. 7, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan 22, in Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 28, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12. United Association 290 the meeting room, at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 205, Port- at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Meetings are at 6025 E. Burnside Portland. Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. land Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, Machinists 63 18, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, Roofers & Waterproofers Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, Bricklayers and Allied Springfield. Executive Board meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, preceded by 49 Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, Craftworkers 1 Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. SE, a 9 a.m. stewards’ meeting. at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, Red- Salem. Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7. mond. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 12812 NE Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Marx St., Portland Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. (Phone: Jan. 29, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 417 Rail- Iron Workers 29 Machinists 1432 503 232-4807) road St., Brookings. Carpenters 247 Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, preceded by Swing and graveyard shift members meet at noon Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NE Wednesday, Feb. 13. Salem Building & 22, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Ainsworth Cir., #200, Portland. Regular membership meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. 13. Construction Trades 21, at the Eugene #290 Hall. Shop stewards’ training session 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. Council Klamath Falls area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Carpenters 1388 19. Jan. 22, at 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. Iron Workers Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 276 IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. 24, at 650A Industrial Cir., White City. Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. Shopmen 516 Metal Trades Council Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at 11620 NE Sheet Metal 24, at the Roseburg Labor Temple, 742 SE Roberts. Carpenters 1715 Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland. . Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at IBEW Lo- Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at cal 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, preceded Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at Workers 16 The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 22, at the United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union Hall. McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. Labor Roundtable of at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Molders 139 Portland. p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the Eureka Training Center, Clark, Skamania & Southwest Washington Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 1, at Hometown Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, preceded the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., W. Klickitat Counties Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Carpenters Portland. USW1097 Labor Council Members meet 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, pre- ceded by a 5:45 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, preceded union office building, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., West- by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 port. Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. RETIREE MEETING NOTICES

Columbia-Pacific ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED Building Trades AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR Apprenticeship Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 and Jan. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. RETIREES COUNCIL 29, in Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. Jan. 24, at Westmoreland Union and noon Monday, Feb. 11, at The Business meeting from 10 a.m. to Opening Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., Portland. Old Country Buffet on Lancaster in 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in the Electrical Workers 48 Linoleum, Carpet & Soft Tile Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Salem, which is next to Michael’s Northwest Oregon Labor Council Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28. Applicators Installers Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 13, Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Northwest Craft Store. board room, at 1125 SE Madison Dispatch Lobby . Oregon Labor Council board room, at If you have any questions, please #100G, Portland. General Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Applicants must be at least 17 Jan 23. 1125 SE Madison, Portland. give Don Ball a call at 541-327-3388. years old. Must apply in person Winter Hawks Member Appreciation Night first All retirees are welcome to attend. OREGON AFSCME come, first-served, tickets are limited. Tickets will be dis- and have a copy of either a high GLASS WORKERS 740 Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. tributed AFTER the Jan. 23 Union Meeting for Satur- school diploma or GED. day, March 8 v. Seattle; starts 7 p.m. at the Memorial CARPENTERS Retirees meet 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the AFSCME office, 6025 E. Coliseum, pre-game dinner available at 5 p.m. Women and minorities are Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at the Retired Carpenters meet for lunch 19, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 Burnside, Portland. Call Michael Northern Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The Dalles. 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at JJ NE Halsey, Portland. Arken for information at 503-239- encouraged to apply. Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at As- toria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 NE 9858, ext. 124. Applications will be accepted on EWMC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, in the Ex- Halsey, Portland. INSULATORS 36 Feb. 6, Feb. 13, March 13 ecutive Boardroom. Sound & Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Retiree breakfast 9:30 a.m. Thurs- TRANSIT 757 April 9, May 8, June 11, July 8, Wednesday, Feb. 13, Meeting Hall. ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 day, Feb. 7, at the Dockside Restau- Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Vancouver Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, Aug. 13, Sept. 11 and Oct. 16 Shanahan’s Pub 209 W McLoughlin Blvd. Vancouver. Retirees, wives and friends meet rant, 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. Feb. 6, at Westmoreland Union between the hours of Electrical Women of Local 48 meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 15, at NIETC. Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy MACHINISTS Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6, in the Executive Boardroom. Blvd., Portland. A brief business Retired Machinists meet 10 a.m. UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22. meeting and drawing will follow. Wednesday, Feb. 6, at 3645 SE 32nd Portland area retirees meet 10 a.m. Oregon & Washington Floor in the Executive Boardroom. Ample parking available. For further Ave., Portland, followed by a no-host Thursday, Feb. 21, at 20210 SW Covering Joint Apprenticeship & Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un- Training Office less otherwise noted. information and reservations, please lunch at a restaurant to be determined Teton Ave., Tualatin. DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as- 11105 NE Sandy Blvd. sessments have been declared for Jan. and are payable at call Vera Larson at 503 252-2296. at the meeting. 50 cents: No. 2162, Lee Hudson; No. 2163, Larry F. Portland, Ore. 97220

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008 IRS fines FedEx $319 million for independent contractor dodge WASHINGTON, D.C. (PAI) — used to figure and report the em- sometimes the worker is incorrectly An employer’s continued efforts to ployee’s share of uncollected Social treated as an independent contractor misclassify workers as “independent Security and Medicare taxes due on when they are actually an employee. contractors” and avoid paying Social their compensation,” the agency ex- When this happens, Form 8919 will Security taxes, Medicare, workers’ plained on Dec. 20 — the day of its be used beginning for tax year 2007 compensation insurance and other FedEx ruling. IRS did not say what it by workers who performed services benefits just got a $319 million kick would do about the employer’s share for an employer but the employer did in the head. of those levies. not withhold the worker’s share of That’s how much the Internal Rev- “Generally, a worker who receives Social Security and Medicare taxes,” enue Service fined FedEx in late De- a Form 1099 for services provided as the agency added. cember for misclassifying 15,000 of an independent contractor must report Workers who have to file the form its FedEx Ground pickup and delivery the income on Schedule C and pay are those who receive letters from the drivers as “independent contractors.” self-employment tax on the net IRS saying they’re really employees FedEx said it will appeal. profit,” IRS explained. “However, and not independent contractors. Besides the FedEx workers, other independent contractors who really Unions for Kids poker run gets a kick start aren’t independent abound in the con- American Federation of Teachers, Oregon Lee Duncan (left) of IBEW Local 48 receives a check for $5,000 from Mark struction industry and among some Electrical Association endorse Merkley Kenney, service manager of McKinstry Co. , for the sixth annual Unions for service industries, such as advertising The Oregon State Association of AFT-Oregon encompasses 20 lo- Kids Motorcycle Poker Run scheduled for June 14. McKinstry, a unionized sales and messengers. Electrical Workers and the American cals representing some 10,000 work- mechanical contractor with offices in Portland and Seattle, and the Pacific Teamsters President Jim Hoffa Federation of Teachers-Oregon have ers in K-12, community college and Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters, are the first-ever title sponsors for hailed the IRS ruling against endorsed State Rep. Jeff Merkley in higher education in faculty and classi- the fund-raising event for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. In addition to “FedEx’s illegal independent contrac- the Democratic primary for U.S. Sen- fied positions; and child care workers registration fees for the poker run, money is raised through a raffle for a new tor scam.” ate. in both public and private sectors. Harley-Davidson. Tickets are now on sale at $10 each for a chance to win a The day before the IRS ruling, the The Association of Electrical “Jeff has stood with us for better 2008 Dyna Low Rider FXDL 105th anniversary limited edition bike. Only Massachusetts attorney general also Workers and its affiliate local unions health care in Oregon, a more stable 3,500 tickets will be sold. The organization also is challenging unions and ruled that FedEx Ground illegally represent workers in inside electrical economy, and his critical role in di- contractors to help with a $1,000 Club sponsorship. Unions for Kids is a non- misclassified its drivers. construction, telecommunications, recting the largest increase in higher profit organization comprised of members of unions and union contractors “It’s ‘game over’ ” for FedEx, broad- casting, electrical manufactur- education funding in Oregon in mem- in the area. The group has raised $71,000 for Doernbecher in just five years. Hoffa said. ing and maintenance. “Jeff has been a ory,” said AFT-Oregon President For more information, call Duncan at 503-260-5905. The IRS found the problem of champion for Oregon workers for Mark Schwebke. misclassified independent contractors nearly a decade in the Legislature,” Seven labor groups, including the is so pervasive that it created new said IBEW Local 48 Business Man- Oregon AFL-CIO, have endorsed Form 8919 for workers misclassified Unions help Share program ager Clif Davis. “He comes from a Merkley. The winner of the May pri- VANCOUVER — Several labor IBEW Local 48 and EC Electric are by their companies. The form, “Un- union family, so he understands the mary will challenge Republican in- unions are helping Share, a non-profit sponsoring the silent auction, and La- collected Social Security and values of fair treatment and hard cumbent Gordon Smith. organization that provides shelter, food borers Local 296 is sponsoring a gam- Medicare Tax on Wages,” will now be work.” and emergency services for people in ing table. Tickets are $75. Southwest Washington, through spon- On April 28, a “Share-A-Bowl” din- sorships at its fundraising events. ner fundraiser will feature saxophonist Share is holding a Mardi Gras Gala Patrick Lamb, who is a member of Mu- — the first of its four major fundraisers sicians Local 99. IBEW Local 48’s — Saturday, Feb. 2, from 5 to 11 p.m. at Washington Political Action Committee the Vancouver Hilton Hotel. The gala is helping sponsor the event. includes wine and hors d’oeuvres, a For information on sponsoring a New Orleans-style dinner, casino-style Share event, call Pam at 360-695-7658 gambling and silent and live auctions. ext. 309.

REVERSE MORTGAGES For Homeowners 62 and Older Get The Financial Independence and Security You Deserve • Supplement Your Retirement Income. • No Monthly Payments. • You Maintain Ownership and Title.

TURN YOUR HOME EQUITY INTO CASH, LINE OF CREDIT, MONTHLY INCOME OR A COMBINATION OF PLANS.

Talk with Lynn or Julie, the Reverse Mortgage Specialists at:

360-694-7272 or Lynn Russell 1-866-684-7272 205 East 11th Street, Suite 104, Vancouver, Washington

JANUARY 18, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 Labor returns to Memphis for Martin Luther King Jr. Day event By JAMES PARKS ‘when the Negro wins, labor wins,’ ization of the dream we all National AFL-CIO and that is just as true now as it was share for the economic and In 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. then,” said AFL-CIO Executive Vice social justice Dr. King lived told striking sanitation workers that President Arlene Holt Baker. “He and died for.” we all are “tied together in a single warned us that the forces that fought The activists will celebrate garment of destiny. If one black per- against unions also tried to keep Ne- King’s life by taking a look son suffers, if one black person is groes from voting and in poverty.” back at what the Memphis sanitation ing the strike. color, and AFL-CIO Political Director down, we’re all down. It is a crime for Holt Baker continued: “He said, workers strike meant to working peo- On Friday, Jan. 18, Lucy will lead a Karen Ackerman will address how people to live in this rich nation and ‘Those who in the second half of the ple and people of color. The 64-day special roundtable discussion with workers can win in 2008. Participants receive slave wages.” 19th century could not tolerate organ- strike ended with a union contract for veterans of the strike, including mem- also will spend almost four hours Fri- With studies showing that 45 per- ized labor have had a rebirth of power some 1,300 members of the American bers of the clergy, community organ- day afternoon in get-out-the vote cent of African Americans who were and seek to regain the despotism of Federation of State, County and Mu- izers and sanitation workers. training sessions. born in the late 1960s into middle- that era while retaining the wealth and nicipal Employees Local 1733. The But the conference will not just The weekend will be devoted to class families have fallen into the bot- privileges of the 20th century. Their strike is credited with reviving a dor- look back — the participants will look community service projects designed tom 20 percent of income, more than target is labor, liberals and the Negro mant union movement in Memphis forward to find ways to bolster the to serving the community that King 600 union and civil rights activists are people.’ ” and initiating a wave of public em- movement for economic and social worked to help — the poor and disad- gathering in Memphis this week to Holt Baker said the big change is ployee union organizing in other parts justice. An entire afternoon of the con- vantaged. AFL-CIO President John reaffirm their commitment to making that the list of those most disdained by of the South. ference will be devoted to political ed- Sweeney will present a computer lab King’s dream a reality. the ultraconservative right wing has The activists will hear about the ucation and training. paid for by union members to a local The annual AFL-CIO King Day only expanded. “It no longer includes strike and its impact from speakers in- Ronald Walters, a political analyst elementary school, and AFSCME and celebration Jan. 17–21 in Memphis — just labor, liberals and the Negro — it cluding the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who and professor at the University of the Transport Workers will make con- the city where King died 40 years ago now includes new immigrants of all was one of King’s aides; the Rev. Maryland, will discuss the importance tributions to schools and the Head while helping striking sanitation races, young people, gays and lesbians James Lawson, Vanderbilt University of the 2008 elections for people of Start program. worker — will focus on taking politi- and the working poor, who are dispro- distinguished professor, who helped cal action, helping workers form portionately single mothers and peo- the sanitation workers; Michael unions and building coalitions to en- ple of color.” Honey, author of Going Down Jericho sure that King’s dream becomes a re- Holt Baker said it is those on that Road, which chronicles events in the ality. list “that we in the labor movement strike and King’s assassination; and IN MEMORIAM “In 1961, Dr. Martin Luther King have aligned ourselves with in a coali- AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Jr. told the AFL-CIO convention that tion that will make possible the real- Lucy, who was a union organizer dur- Gary Thrasher, a former president He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; of Graphic Communications Interna- daughter, Keely LeDoux; stepdaugh- tional Union Local 43, passed away ters, Randi Adai and Mikki Adair- Dec. 22 of cancer. He was 58. Berens; son, Tyler; brothers, Harold Thrasher grew up in Southeast Port- and Darrell; and five grandchildren. Re- Reminder: OEFCU Loans and CD Rates Are the land, where he attended Washington membrances can be sent to Mercy High School and Portland Community Corp. Best You’ll Find Anywhere. Don’t Make A Move College. He entered the field of com- mercial printing in 1972 and worked as Till You Call Your Non-Profit Union, Credit Union! a journeyman press operator and press- room foreman for 35 years. A member of the Choctaw Nation, Broadway Floral Thrasher served as Local 43’s president for the BEST flowers call • High Yield Share Certificates (CD’s) for 10 years. He was a volunteer bell- 503-288-5537 ringer for Salvation Army and volun- 1638 NE Broadway, Portland • Home Equity Lines of Credit teer for the Oregon Peace Institute. • New & Used Car & Truck Loans • Direct Deposit Checking & Call Savings Accounts 503- 288-3311 • First Mortgage Home Loans • VISA Platinum & Debit Cards SubscribeSubscribe Today!Today! • Roth & Traditional IRA’s ReceiveReceive 24 24 issues issues of thethe latest latest laborlabor news news and and views • Internet Banking w/ Free Online fromfrom Oregon Oregon and and Southwest Southwest Washington. Washington Bill Payment & E-Statements RATES: $13.75 a year for AFL-CIO union members; (SpecialSpecial group rate gr ofoup $7.20 rate on orders of of$7.92 50 or more.)

800 877-4444 onMAIL orders TO: THE N ofORTHWEST 50 orLABOR morPRESSe, For Current Rates and Answers P.O. Box 13150 Mail To: NorthwestPortland, OR 97213. Labor Press P.O. Box 13150 Portland, OR 97213 Name /Union Affiliation

Name/UnionAddress Affiliation

• UNION Strength • UNION Purpose • UNION Pride AddressCity State Zip 22 Branches including 805 E. Berkeley Street Gladstone, Oregon 503 655-5462 City State Zip

PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008 ...Public hearing on I-5 Bridge options Jan. 22 (From Page 1) While the project’s price tag is enor- the short run, but wouldn’t solve many signatory contractors in a good posi- was levied from 1917 to 1929. The sec- and reduce congestion, on-ramps and mous, federal, state and local leaders of the problems of the old bridge, and tion to bid on the work. Thus the project ond, 20 cents for cars and more for off-ramps would be widened and say that doing nothing is an unaccept- would make maritime shipping more would mean years of employment for trucks, was levied from 1960 to 1966. lengthened at six interchanges: SR 500, able option. hazardous. And one proposal would in- hundreds of union building trades It’s not clear how much the toll would Mill Plain Boulevard, SR 14, Hayden U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary clude the new bridge but have a dedi- workers in Oregon and Southwest have to be now, but it will be more than Island, Marine Drive, and Columbia Peters, U.S. Deputy Transportation cated lane for buses rather than light Washington. 20 cents. Fortunately, new electronic Boulevard. Secretary Thomas Barrett and Federal rail. Dave Tischer, business manager for tolling technologies exist that would It would be the biggest Portland- Highway Administrator J. Richard Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard Laborers Local 320 and a member of enable drivers to pay a toll without area public construction project in a Capka toured the I-5 Bridge and the and Oregon Congressman Earl Blume- the task force representing the Colum- slowing or stopping. generation. Early estimates say the area surrounding it last year. nauer have said they oppose any option bia Pacific Building Trades Council, is The Columbia River Crossing Task project would take five years to con- “Something obviously needs to be that doesn’t include light rail. encouraging union members — espe- Force is expected to finalize its recom- struct and would cost $3.1 to $4.2 bil- done. It is important to get the new Finally, some members of the public cially those whose commute takes them mendation by August, at which point lion. bridge built,” Peters said during her oppose any bridge improvement at all, across the Interstate Bridge — to come WSDOT, ODOT, and local govern- State transportation planners are visit in October. arguing that reducing congestion will out to the task force’s Jan. 22 public ments and transit agencies will have a hoping the federal government will Columbia River Crossing staff have make it easier to drive, which is bad for meeting to show support for the proj- chance to formally endorse the project, pick up 60 percent or more of the total shown a preference for a replacement the environment. ect. At the meeting, which takes place which would then seek federal funding cost, with the remainder to come from bridge with light rail, but the task force Local building trades union officials, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vancouver from several sources. Contracts could state and local government budgets, hasn’t ruled out several other alterna- however, are solidly in support of the Hilton, task force members will also go out for bid as early as late 2009, and and revenues from a high-tech toll sys- tives. Two proposals would keep the new bridge with light rail alternative. hear a presentation about tolling. construction could begin as early as tem. Union officials say, realistically, existing bridge and build a smaller new The project would require payment Tolls paid for both phases of the ex- 2010, though 2011 is a more likely the federal government likely will pick bridge as a supplement. That might of prevailing wage rates, leaving union- isting bridge. The first toll, five cents, start date. up between 25 to 30 percent of the cost. save $170 million to $590 million in I-5 Bridge can’t handle traffic Roger G. Worthington, P.C. leads the fight to find a cure The existing I-5 bridge actually consists of two side-by-side three-lane bridges, completed in 1917 and 1958. They’re just too small to handle the ex- isting demand — 135,000 vehicles a day, a number which includes 10,000 to 30,000 trucks. On weekdays, traffic congestion — defined as traffic moving 30 Mesothelioma miles per hour or less — averages six hours a day. for cancer On- and off- ramps in the project area are shorter than usual, and the bridge’s 11-foot-wide lanes are a foot smaller than standard. As a result, accidents along caused by asbestos exposure the five-mile stretch are twice as frequent as on comparable stretches of high- way. And because it has no safety shoulders, accidents on the bridge back up Since 1989, we have been dedicated to helping asbestos cancer patients traffic for up to an hour. The bridge is also too low for tug boats to pass when the river level is high, so a lift span in the center must be raised an average of once get justice in the courtrooms and help in the hospitals. In the last ten years, a day for river traffic. The lift span takes 10 minutes to go up and down, and it we have recovered over $725 million for our clients. too can lead to hour-long traffic backups. All told, the five-mile span between State Route 500 in Vancouver and Co- $34 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and carpenter lumbia Boulevard in Portland is the worst congestion bottleneck of any stretch on I-5 — a 1,381-mile-long highway that runs from the Canadian border to Ti- $20 Million: 54 year-old engineer juana. Congestion has a major impact on commuters, and makes freight com- $12.6 Million: 69 year-old psychiatrist exposed at home merce more costly; regionwide, trucking companies time the shipment of goods $10 Million: 54 year-old woman exposed via father’s clothes to avoid being on I-5 in Portland during rush hour. Lastly, the existing bridge is not up to modern seismic standards, and would $8.4 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and crane operator likely collapse in the event of a major earthquake. The eastern span — the one built in 1917 that now carries north-bound traffic — is held in the river by 60- foot wooden pilings made of Douglas fir. 800-831-9399 For a free booklet of medical/legal information, including medical experts, Quest patient profiles, clinical trials and asbestos products, call us or visit our website. Investment www.mesothel.com Q Management, Inc. Mesothelioma typically We’ve helped hundreds develops 20 to 60 years of patients find the best } Serving• Serving Multi-Employer Multi-Employer after the first asbestos doctors, coast to coast Trusts Trusts for for Over Twenty Twenty Years Years exposure. Each year and we’re known for about 3,000 new cases providing up-to-date CamCam Johnson Greg Greg Sherwood of mesothelioma are medical information Adrian Adrian HamiltonHamilton Monte Monte Johnson diagnosed in the U.S. and patient education. DougDoug GoebelGoebel BillBill ZenkZenk Asbestos lawyers for life. Garth Nisbet Pat Worley Offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Dallas, Texas • Lawyers licensed in California, Oregon, and Texas

OneOne SWSW ColumbiaColumbia St., Suite 1100,1100 Portland,Portland, OR 97258 Roger G. Worthington, P.C. has donated more than $2.5 Million to medical research 503-221-0158503-221-0158 working on a cure for mesothelioma — more than all the asbestos companies combined. www.QuestInvestment.com www.QuestInvestment.com

JANUARY 18, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 9 UNITE HERE, Plumbers and Fitters BARGAIN COUNTER FREE Union, endorse Obama for president Free classified ads to subscribers The Plumbers and Pipe Fitters cans with him,” said UNITE HERE panied by an endorsement of former DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication Union (UA) and UNITE HERE have General President Bruce Raynor. Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) UA President William Hite said Republican primaries. Huckabee won Published 1st and 3rd Fridays in the 2008 presidential primary race. Obama “has always fought for work- the Iowa caucuses. The UA is the first national union ing people throughout his career and Three national AFL-CIO unions Now accepting e-mails from the AFL-CIO to back Obama, will do the best job of bringing badly are supporting former Sen. John Ed- Send to: [email protected] who won the Iowa caucuses earlier needed change to Washington.” wards (D-N.C.) in the Democratic pri- Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 this month and came in a close second Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D- maries. They are the Mine Workers, in last week’s New Hampshire pri- N.Y.), who narrowly won the New Transport Workers and United Steel- (Please include union affiliation) mary. The UA represents 340,000 Hampshire primary, has been en- workers. The Carpenters Union, an af- members. dorsed by 12 AFL-CIO unions, in- filiate of Change to Win, also has en- • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • 1 ad per issue UNITE HERE is the first national cluding AFSCME, the American Fed- dorsed Edwards. • Please print legibly • Sorry, we cannot accept ads over the phone union from the Change to Win labor eration of Teachers, the Amalgamated Neither the AFL-CIO or Change to federation to endorse Obama. The Transit Union, the Bricklayers, the Win federation has made an endorse- Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published union represents 450,000 hotel, Letter Carriers, the Machinists, the ment for the primaries. restaurant, laundry, culinary and ap- Office and Professional Employees, ics, 80CI, EVO, powder coated frame, $12,250 Automotive OBO. 503 257-7390 parel workers. the Painters and Allied Trades, the ‘02 YAMAHA MOTORCYCLE, 650 V Star Clas- GRANDMA’S CAR, ‘92 Cad. Sdn, 4 dr. Deville, “Our organization and our mem- Sheet Metal Workers, the Theatrical sic, stored 5 years, 450 miles, $5,900. 503 658- LERC 30th 57k, like new. 503 223-3501 6108 bers will do everything in our power Stage Employees, and the United STUDDED TIRES, two P205/75 R14, on wheels, ‘79 HONDA CBX motorcycle, one owner, 6 cyl, $60; Four P195/75 R14, no wheels, $80. 503 to see that Barack Obama reaches the Transportation Union. antique, only so many made, great cond., anniversary 539-0288 White House this fall, because we IAM’s endorsement of Clinton in $3,000. 503 286-7079 ‘07 RAIDER VAGABOND canopy, cab-hi, fits 14’ POLOR KRAFT boat/trailer, 15hp Honda 03, know he will bring working Ameri- the Democratic primaries was accom- long-box, super-duty Ford, $925. 541 367-4651 new depth finder, ready to fish, $5,500 OBO. 503 party slated ‘92 PLYMOUTH VAN, good mech cond, new 656-1590 tags, no back seats, no radio, $995. 503 992- The Labor Education and Research 1857 or 503 407-7339 Center of the University of Oregon is ‘01 SATURN SL1 DOHC, 5spd, air, pwr every- planning a 30th anniversary celebration thing, exlnt cond inside and out, 50% on all Miscellaneous brakes, non smoker/one owner, $5,500 firm. 503- RV STORAGE box, Stor-Mor, 60x32x16, $45. Friday, March 30, at the Oregon Con- 266-2321 503 246-4144 vention Center in Portland. ‘97 DODGE DAKOTA, V8, 4WD, auto, many ex- NEW “PRADA” purse, excellent knock-off, beige, Gov. Ted Kulongoski has been in- tras, 93,000 mi. $9,250. 503-413-0043 barrel style, double handles, $40. 360 687-4830 ‘78 MERCURY COUGAR Brougham,47,060 ROLL-A-WAY bed, inner spring mattress, used vited to speak, along with UO President original miles, 2nd owner, vinyl roof, air, 4-door, one week, $100; Super-pole for handicap, used Dave Frohnmayer and Ruth Milkman, excellent condition, $4,800. 503 693-7526 one week, $100. 503 644-5049 director of the UCLA Institute for Re- ‘93 F250 5.8 V8, new auto, AC, PB, PS, dual SPRAY TEXTURING engine pumps and more, search on Labor and Employment. tanks, LWB, 2-wheel, std cab, $4,493. 503-829- come see, best offer on any parts. 503 253-4397 9374 (David) A reception and dinner are sched- 10” TABLE SAW, 10” radial arm, $200 each. 503 uled for 6 to 9 p.m. Preceding the din- 693-0694 ner, from 2 to 5 p.m., will be a sympo- Housing ELECTRIC PUMP, 1 3/4 inlet, 1 1/8 single P.H., 2 ROCKAWAY BEACH house, 3 bed, 2 bath, speeds, 3450 & 1725, 220 & 110 volts, $50. 503 sium entitled, “Creating Labor- 761-1133 Community Alliances That Work.” sleeps 9, great amenities, minutes to beach. 503 355-2136 or 503 709-6018 40” REBOUNDER MINI trampoline, excellent At the evening celebration LERC ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 bed, condition, used 4 times, $25. 503 788-0989 sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, $175/nite. 503 ELECTRIC LOWERY organ w/upper and lower also will launch its new Strategic Train- keys w/peddles, good cond., $300. 503 774-0181 ing and Action Research (STAR) Fund. 842-9607 SOUTH SALEM HOME for sale, 3 bed, 2 bath, RAT TERRIER puppies, UKC, tri-color, 10- Net proceeds from the event will bene- vaulted ceilings, fenced yard, 2 RV parking ar- weeks-old, nails and tails done, first shot. 503- fit the fund, which was started through eas, covered patio, $233,900. 503 931-2454 734-7500 Chase is backing union members with the Union Plus® Mortgage UTILITY TRAILER HD, 8-lug axle with electric an estate gift from Robert and Cloy- Program — a home purchase and refinancing program exclusively brakes, 9x6 steel bed w/tailgate. $1,050. 503- dene Uhrbrand. The fund will be used 829-9374 for union members, their parents and children. in part to provide more training pro- For the Home DINING ROOM TABLE, glass top, ornate metal Wanted grams and to bring visiting union lead- frame, six chairs, oval 66” x 36”, $250. 503 655- • FREE Mortgage Assistance Benefit ers to Oregon. 3353 OLD WOODWORKING tools, planes, levels, chisels, folding rulers, handsaws, spoke shaves, If you are unemployed or disabled. LERC’s hopes to raise $30,000 at slicks, adzes, tool chests. 503 659-0009 the anniversary dinner. Donations to the CROSS CUT log saws, slicks, double bit axes, STAR Fund are tax deductible and Sporting Goods blacksmith hammers, planes, woodworking hand • A wide variety of mortgages WEIDER WORKOUT weight bench, 3 position, range from $100 to $5,000. A $5,000 tools. 503 819-3736 Choose from fixed rate, adjustable-rate, and low- or no-closing costs new, don’t have room, $45. 503 493-7413 (Mark) CASH FOR older toys, older American art pot- “Visionary” contribution includes 16 ‘95 JAYCO 31’, FSC w/tip-out, designer series, tery, older oil paintings. 503 653-1506 options. anniversary dinner tickets and recogni- ‘94 Silverado Suburban, 4x4 snow ready, MOTORCYCLES, DEAD or alive, cash paid, also tion in the dinner program. A $100 “Ac- $13,000 for both OBO. 503 585-2247 or 503 949- musical instruments. 503 880-8183 9447 OLD S & H green stamps or books. 503 771- • Special Lending tivist” contribution includes a dinner ‘90 EVENRUDE OUTBOARD, 25hp, manual 3442 (Paul or Debbie) First-time homebuyer and less-than-perfect credit programs. ticket and recognition in the dinner pro- long shaft, as new, used 2 hrs, $950. 360 225- REMINGTON NYLON .22 cal rifles, models #10, gram. Dinner tickets are $60 each. 1398 11, 12, 66, 76 & 77, any color stocks. 503 852- CUSTOM BUILT Harley Softail, flat black/graph- For more information about the an- 6791 • Savings on closing costs niversary dinner and/or the STAR Fund, Member-only savings on new purchases and refinance. call LERC at 541-346-5054. It all adds up to more home-buying power. Contact your local Union Plus Mortgage Specialist ramers/metro Call Bob Krueger at: K 503-490-0459 mailing service

Rain Forest Boots 3201 N.W. YEON Made in America! PORTLAND, OREGON 97210 (503) 274-1638 FAX (503) 227-1245

Try a pair on, you’ll like them. Union Plus is a registered trademark of Union Privilege. Eligibility for mortgage assistance begins one year THE ONLY UNION MAILER after closing on a Union Plus Mortgage through Chase Home Finance. This offer may not be combined Tough boots for the Northwest. with any other promotional offer or rebate, is not transferable, and is available to bona fide members of par- IN OREGON ticipating unions. For down payments of less than 20%, mortgage insurance (MI) is required and MI charges ap- Visit our Web site at www.kramersmailing.com ply. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Program terms and conditions are subject to change with- AL’S SHOES out notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all loan amounts. Other restrictions and limitations 5811 SE 82nd, Portland 503-771-2130 MEMBERS OF TEAMSTERS LOCAL 223 apply. ©2008 JP Morgan Chase & Co. All Rights Reserved. P-UP 104 2A-7604 Mon-Fri 10-7:30 Sat 10-5:30 Sun 12-6 — Eric Brending, Owner —

PAGE 10 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008 Open Budget and staff cuts – The real Social Security crisis By STEVE KOFAHL ity programs run by SSA. It is getting much more needed, and just $150 million more than what the Forum The first members of the huge Baby Boom gen- difficult to get through on the agency’s toll-free president proposed. eration are beginning to file applications for Social number, and more than half of the callers to SSA Though it is an improvement over the Continuing Security retirement benefits. Those not old enough field offices get a busy signal. Resolution, and the first year that Congress ex- to apply for retirement are in their disability-prone Continuing disability reviews that save taxpayers ceeded Bush’s budget request, it is woefully inade- years, and record numbers of them are seeking dis- over $10 for every $1 invested have been cut back quate, and service will continue to decline. The pres- Don’t sell foreign ability benefits. Unfortunately, impacted by these severely, as have Supplemental Security Income eli- ident is expected to sign the bill. growing workloads, the Social Security Administra- gibility reviews, which save $7 for every $1 spent to The American Federation of Government Em- ‘anything’ in tion (SSA) is being starved of funding and, thereby, do them. This is penny-wise and pound foolish, and ployees (AFGE) and other organizations that care denied the front-line employees needed to provide harms taxpayers of all ages. about SSA are already lobbying for an adequate Bargain Counter the quality service that American workers have paid Social Security will collect $189 billion more SSA budget for next year. We have not yet heard than it will pay out in benefits this year, and some of what Commissioner Astrue has requested, or what To the Editor: for and deserve. Applicants and taxpayers — present I would assume you are a union and future — are being seriously harmed as pay- the money collected will be used to fund program Bush will propose in 2008, but we are not waiting. administration, so why isn’t there enough money Several senators from both political parties have al- member in good standing with your lo- ments are delayed. cal. Here is the problem: SSA employees who retire are not being re- available to properly run the programs? The reason ready asked the White House Office of Management is that the agency’s annual administrative budget and Budget to support $11 billion. Why would the Labor Press print an placed, and the agency is on track to lose 6,000 posi- ad for a foreign “anything” in our union tions in just the past two years. must be authorized as part of the Labor-HHS-Edu- The American Customer Satisfaction Index re- cation-Independent Agencies spending bill. leased Dec. 17, 2007, reveals that SSA’s score has paper? Remember, after Volkswagen Staffing will soon drop to its lowest level since came into the United States in the ‘60s, 1972, in the face of rapidly-expanding workloads. SSA has been struggling to function under a fallen from 84 percent to 72 percent since 2000. Continuing Resolution, which limits spending to the The man selected president that year has so far that was the start. Now Toyota holds More field offices are being closed and hours of op- Number 2, ahead of Ford. eration are being reduced in others. Field representa- levels that have been in place for each of the last two failed to privatize Social Security, but he and the fiscal years. Congresses since then have managed to cripple, dis- Whatever happened to the days tives responsible for community outreach have all when you went into a Union Hall to a but disappeared, and the agency is steering benefit In late 2006, SSA Commissioner JoAnne Barn- mantle, and discredit the agency and its workforce. hart requested $10.44 billion from President Bush Seniors, the disabled, survivors and dependents meeting and you would never see a for- applicants toward Internet self-service. Many older eign car? It is shameful that a union and disabled individuals who attempt to file for ben- for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, 2007, and asked of workers, taxpayers, and their children and chil- to serve another 6-year term. In January 2007, Bush dren deserve better. They should demand change member drives a foreign car, or even efits online are disadvantaged, and even lose bene- tries to sell one in the Labor Press. fits they are due because they do not understand proposed to spend $9.597 billion for SSA in his now, and in November. budget proposal, knowing that limiting spending to Shame on them! And don’t tell me that complex SSA rules. they were made in America. More agency functions are being outsourced to that level would greatly accelerate service deteriora- (Editor’s Note: Steve Kofahl is president of the tion. And he nominated Michael Astrue as commis- American Federation of Government Employees Lo- Watch all the jobs go to other coun- entities that are not held accountable. tries — thanks to the Bush machine. The greatest hardships are suffered by applicants sioner to replace Barnhart. House and Senate budget cal 3937. An affiliate of the AFL-CIO, the union rep- committees raised the amount for SSA to about resents Social Security Administration employees in Remember Ronald Regan? Look at the for disability benefits. Almost two-thirds of initial history. I have seen it. Thank God for a claims are denied, but almost two-thirds of those $10.1 billion last spring. The House Appropriations Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Idaho.) Committee slashed the amount to $9.697 billion, strong union to give me the benefits of who request a hearing before an administrative law a good retirement. judge are ultimately approved. and Senate Appropriations to $9.872 billion, in late summer. Before sending the Labor-HHS authoriza- William Felix Sr. Nationally, there are about 577,000 initial claims Iron Workers Local 29 pending, plus 746,000 hearing requests. About tion bill to the president, the Senate raised it to Thanks to unions, ‘Presents $9.918 billion, and the bill passed the Senate easily. Retired 84,000 of the hearing requests have been filed by from Partners’ best ever Portland veterans. Hearing request backlogs have more than The 435-member House passed it as well, and was doubled in the last seven years. An applicant ap- within two votes of the two-thirds majority needed To the Editor: proved for benefits after a hearing will have waited to override a veto. The president vetoed the bill, try- This letter comes with deepest thanks for labor’s about two years on average from the date of filing a ing to present himself as a born-again fiscal conser- compassionate support of the 2007 “Presents from Congress needs to claim before finally receiving benefits, with 496 of vative (domestic programs only), and he threatened Partners” toy drive. these days spent waiting for a hearing. This clearly to veto all of the other domestic spending bills. You joined hands with 30 other organizations in an listen to the people Congress largely acceded to his demands, cut unprecedented outpouring of kindness and generosity is unacceptable. Too many applicants lose their life To the Editor: spending levels, added war funding with no strings on behalf of kids in need. As a result, nearly 1,700 toys savings, their homes, and their families while they I am retired with multiple sclerosis. attached, and placed all 11 bills in an omnibus pack- were distributed to 574 underprivileged children this wait. Some die before their claims are finally ap- My day mostly consists of watching age. SSA was left with $ 9.747 billion, which is past December. Those numbers exceed last year’s proved. CNN and C-SPAN. Service deterioration is not limited to the disabil- $693 million less than what Barnhart said she record highs by nearly 40 percent! In partnership with the Northwest Oregon Labor I was once a Democratic Party chair, Council and Saturn of Beaverton, we held our 11th in what is now commonly referred to annual holiday toy distribution party at the Genesis as “little Beirut.” I am very fond of a Community Fellowship in Northeast Portland on Dec. signed Christmas card I received from 20. Each of the 354 children in attendance received Republican U.S. Senator Mark Hat- three new toys, a picture with Santa, along with the field. He was renowned for his ability gift of recognition, delight and a positive memory to to do the right thing, notwithstanding last a lifetime — all because you cared. his party affiliation. Whatever hap- Your generosity also helped distribute gifts to an pened to the time when people in Con- additional 220 children who are homeless or whose gress did what the people wanted done, families are among the working poor. as misguided as we may have been? Children First for Oregon reports that 16.8 percent Of all the presidential candidates of Oregon’s children lived in poverty in 2007. That running this year, Republican U.S. Sen- number is up 15 percent from 2006. While this obvi- ator John McCain seems the most vo- ously growing need is discouraging, it is uplifting to ciferous about staying the course in see such an abundant, genuine display of care and Iraq. I’m thinking that if the politicians concern for those less fortunate. Your generosity ignored us during Vietnam, then we helped us provide more outreach than ever before. might still be waiting for McCain’s On behalf of all the children and their families, my bones to be returned. heartfelt thanks and gratitude for making the 2007 Can’t we get back to the times when “Presents from Partners” toy drive and distribution an Congress listened to us and/or were unparalleled success. sent home because they chased Glenn Shuck women? Executive Director Wally Mehrens Labor’s Community UA Local 290 Service Agency Retired Portland Clackamas

JANUARY 18, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 11 Barbara Byrd reports back from Bali Labor must ramp up efforts to combat global warming By DON McINTOSH cial observer, and brought 90 trade Associate Editor unionists from 25 countries. Barbara Byrd may soon be attend- Byrd was part of the 20-member ing your union meeting to deliver an U.S. contingent, which was led by urgent message. Bob Baugh, a former Oregon AFL- Byrd, secretary-treasurer of the CIO secretary-treasurer. Baugh now Oregon AFL-CIO, is the Portland co- is executive director of the national ordinator for the Labor Education and AFL-CIO’s Industrial Union Council, Research Center (LERC) of the Uni- and chair of the labor federation’s versity of Oregon’s. She spent Dec. 3- one-year-old Energy Task Force. 14 in Bali, Indonesia, as an official As observers, Byrd and other trade observer at a United Nations climate unionists met with official govern- change summit. Byrd returned to Oregon evangel- ment delegates to lobby for workers ized: Global warming is real, and the to be protected when actions are taken union movement needs to step up and to halt global warming, a principle show leadership by helping to craft ITUC outlined in a “Green Jobs” the world’s response to it. white paper. “The need to really ramp up la- Back from Bali, Byrd is working bor’s engagement is so clear to me on a presentation to take around to lo- now in a way it never was before,” cal unions. Byrd said she wants to Byrd told the NW Labor Press. “We make sure organized labor is part of need to be there to talk about protec- state and regional discussions on how tions for workers who might lose their to respond to global warming. At its jobs, and about creating new jobs that 2007 convention, the Oregon AFL- are good jobs. We [in labor] bring a CIO passed a resolution to create a moral dimension to this discussion, blue ribbon committee to study how having to do with equity — who loses the state labor federation can best and who benefits in dealing with cli- contribute to the fight against climate mate change.” change. Byrd wants labor to be at the There’s no time to waste, Byrd Pictured above is most of the U.S. contingent to the United Nations Dec. 3-14 summit on climate change in Bali, table this year when state lawmakers said. The scientific case, by now, is Indonesia. Oregon AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Barbara Byrd is in the middle row at the far right. In front of her discuss global warming legislation to is Bob Baugh, executive director of the Industrial Union Council of the national AFL-CIO. Others pictured include overwhelming. Even the Bush Ad- be introduced at the 2009 Oregon ministration has acknowledged that union leaders from the United Mine Workers, Boilermakers, Service Employees, Communications Workers, and Legislature. Oregon is one of six global warming is happening. At the Steel Workers, plus Sean Sweeney of the Cornell University Global Labor Institute. western states (and two Canadian Bali summit, the United Nations’ In- provinces) taking part in the Western tergovernmental Panel on Climate Agricultural land is turning into nologies to combat global warming. The negotiations begun at Bali are Change (IPCC) presented its most re- desert. Floods are uprooting commu- The Bali meeting was the kickoff of a expected to be concluded next year at Climate Initiative, an effort to develop cent conclusions after reviewing hun- nities. Massive forest fires are de- new round of negotiations over the in- a meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark. a regional response to global warm- dreds of studies. Global evidence of a stroying people’s livelihoods. And ternational response to global warm- According to the road map agreed to ing. If there are state and local gov- warming trend is unequivocal, the disappearing Arctic ice is disrupting ing. The negotiations are supposed to in Bali, poor nations would also com- ernment subsidies for reducing green- IPCC reported, from increases in av- fishing industries. produce a successor agreement to the mit to reduce greenhouse gas emis- house gas emissions, Byrd wants to erage air and ocean temperatures to “The folks I met from Malaysia 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which expires sions in the new agreement, and rich make sure they favor employment of widespread melting of snow and ice and South Africa and Argentina and in 2012. Under the Kyoto Protocol, nations would help them do so with local workers, and require payment a to rising average sea levels. And hu- Brazil, they’re not sheltered from the 36 of the world’s rich countries com- aid, investment, and transfer of new living wage. man activity, the IPCC concluded, is impact,” Byrd said. “They’re experi- mitted to reduce greenhouse gas technologies. “There are [green] jobs being cre- the driving force contributing to the encing it big time. We haven’t felt it emissions, while 137 poor countries The Bali meeting was the first time ated as we speak,” Byrd said. “They warming. because we’re a rich country and can committed to monitor and report the world’s trade union movement has are not necessarily good jobs. We In Bali, Byrd met foreign trade adapt. But we will.” emissions. The United States and had a role in climate talks: The Inter- need to make sure they are good jobs. unionists who told her that global Fortunately, according to the IPCC Kazakhstan are the only countries not national Trade Union Confederation And then we need to go out and or- warming’s impacts are already here. report, humanity already has tech- to have ratified the Kyoto agreement. (ITUC ) was given status as an offi- ganize them.” More than 3 million seniors will fall into donut hole in 2008 By JAMES PARKS the Alliance says. The CEPR study, “Changes in the Cost of least $300 a month for medicines than those in NATIONAL AFL-CIO More than 3 million of the 24 million Part D Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, 2007– 2008” other plans, according to a study published by This will not be a happy New Year for mil- enrollees will have to pay the $4,050 in out-of- suggests the increased premium costs may be the journal, Health Affairs. lions of seniors. More seniors than ever are ex- pocket expenses before Medicare kicks back in the result of insurers offering low introductory Medicare Part D is a voluntary prescription pected to fall into the Medicare Part D donut and provides catastrophic-care coverage, pay- premiums when the program began in Jan- drug program, and its benefits are provided hole in 2008, the coverage gap that requires ing 95 percent of those prescription costs. But, uary 2006 to attract seniors and later springing only through private plans, either stand-alone seniors to pay the full cost of their prescription even if they don’t fall into the donut hole, sen- the higher costs on participants. prescription drug plans or Medicare Advantage drugs, according to the Alliance for Retired iors are paying nearly 25 percent more in pre- The average Part D premium increase will plans. Congress passed the Medicare drug leg- Americans. miums for their 2008 Medicare Part D pre- drive costs up for the average single participant islation by a slim margin — and several law- Under the Medicare Part D rules pushed by scription coverage than they did in 2007, by $57.70 a year to $293; for the average cou- makers likely would not have voted for the bill the Bush Administration and passed by Con- according to a report by the Center for Eco- ple, the annual premium jumps from $470.60 a had they been told the true cost, the AFL-CIO gress in 2003, seniors are on the hook for pre- nomic and Policy Research (CEPR). year to $586. said. scription expenses between the annual amounts Edward Coyle, executive director of the Al- The study warns: “If this rate of increase is While the Bush Administration claimed the of $2,510 and $5,726 in 2008. This gap of liance, sums up the situation facing seniors: sustained for any substantial period of time, legislation would cost $400 million over 10 more than $3,200 has been dubbed the “donut “Between rising premiums, fewer prescriptions then it will have a noticeable impact on living years, Congress learned that Medicare’s chief hole.” The total costs for seniors in the donut being covered and the growing donut hole, sen- standards.” actuary had estimated the true cost of the pro- hole, when you add in deductibles and co-pays, iors will pay more for their drugs on every In August, the AFL-CIO noted that seniors gram at $534 billion. will hit $4,050, about $200 more than in 2007, front next year.” in the Part D program are more likely to pay at

PAGE 12 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 18, 2008