(ISSN 0023-6667) Unions rally against health benefits tax By Mark Gruenberg Arlene Holt Baker and other cause for labor in health care PAI Staff Writer workers at a Capitol Hill rally revision. Sanders has a pend- WASHINGTON (PAI)-- organized by Sen. Bernie ing amendment to the health With the Senate’s version of Sanders, Ind.-Vt. Sanders orig- care revision to dump the ben- health care revision apparently inally planned to again push his efits tax. going from bad to worse for plan to trash present dysfunc- “We need a strong public workers, unionists on Dec.10 tional expensive private-insur- health insurance option to keep rallied and lobbied against one er-run health care in favor of a insurance companies honest of the worst ideas in it: Taxing federal-run single-payer health and fair financing -- with Happy Holidays To One And All! their health benefits. care system. Single-payer ral- employers shouldering their WEDNESDAY VOL. 115 “We don’t need any more lies also were held Dec. 10 near responsibility and no new taxes DECEMBER 16, 2009 NO. 12 taxes on the working class. It’s dozens of senators’ field offices on health benefits,” AFL-CIO just unfair,” declared Jim in cities nationwide, the same President Richard L. Trumka Huber, 59, a 42-year day. said Dec. 9. Steelworker -- and his union But the Senate killed single- "Instead of taxing those local’s benefits manager -- at payer weeks ago, and Senate who already provide benefits, the longtime Bethlehem Steel negotiators dumped its weaker those employers who don't pay, mill and its successor plants at substitute -- a government-run should pay," Cohen added at Baltimore’s Sparrows Point. “public option” to compete the Capitol Hill rally. Huber’s comments and with the insurers -- on Dec. 9. That includes Wal-Mart, those of other speakers focused So speakers and statements according to CWA, UFCW, the on one of the two worst sec- focused on stopping the tax on Teamsters, the Steelworkers, workers’ benefits, though the tions of the Senate health bill: See Unions fighting..page 12 A plan to tax workers’ health public option is also a key benefits worth more than $8,500 for an individual and $23,000 for a family. Unionists vehemently oppose that, arguing they have traded away raises and pensions over the years to preserve health care -- care which is far from the “Cadillac plans” its foes criticize. Members of the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Huber was joined by CWA Council took a bus trip to Blaine Dec. 10 for another public President Larry Cohen, AFL- hearing for the Polymet Mining project near Hoyt Lakes. CIO Executive Vice President Trades running hard for Polymet project The Duluth and Iron Range 1,000 at Mesabi East High Statement (EIS) completed and Building & Construction School in Aurora for a public hearings,” said Craig Trades Councils have been hit- Department of Natural Resour- Olson, President of the Duluth ting the highways and meetings ces and U.S. Army Corps of Building Trades. “We’ve also to voice their support for Poly- Engineers hearing. been submitting written testi- Met Mining Company’s pro- Earlier in the month trades’ mony and given statements to posed project on the Range. leaders attended a presentation stenographers.” Polymet wants to develop a at the Water Quality Lab in The DNR and Army Corps $600 million mine and process- Duluth. are soliciting public comments ing plant for copper, nickel, “We’ve been involved basi- on the draft EIS for the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body officers for 2010-11 platinum, palladium, gold and cally from day one and now PolyMet project. Once the draft were sworn in by the illustrious duo of Minnesota AFL-CIO cobalt at the former LTV Steel we’re getting closer with a is approved, permits can be President Shar Knutson and Minnesota Secretary of State plant near Hoyt Lakes. draft Environmental Impact See Polymet...page 11 Mark Ritchie at Dec. 10’s meeting.(Photo by Chad McKenna) Last Thursday, 40 Trades workers left the Duluth Labor WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? Temple for a bus trip to Blaine and a public hearing on the Movie night, Thanking Gilbert, Census jobs.....page 2 project. Three other buses from Ditchview thanks Netland.....page 3 Hibbing, Aurora, and Hoyt Bakk gets State Trades endorsement for gov.....page 4 Lakes made that trip for a total MN/WI tax reciprocity killed by Pawlenty.....page 6 of 150 riders. Sign up now for Union Leadership classes.....page 7 Last Wednesday, union con- struction workers were a huge RNs form new national union...page 9 part of a crowd that pushed Massachusetts health plan a poor one for U.S.....page 10 MN unionists wishes for health reform...page 13 Legislation would pay musicians for recordings.....page 14 Rules for air, rail elections need changing....page 16 St. Louis Co. Schools referendum passes.....page 18 Catalog a good resource for union books.....page 19 ACORN does good work in spite of troubles.....page 20 Labor likes Obama’s jobs plan...page 21 Unemployment drops to 10 percent...page 22 MN, WIS taxes hurt poor, middle class...... page 23

e HappyHappy HolidaysHolidays & AA GreatGreat 2010!2010! e Have a laugh at Labor Movie Night this Friday with the Yes Men Because of the holidays this this month is the movie “The wide notoriety for impersonat- not get busted. showing at Zinema 2, 222 E. month’s Labor Movie Night Yes Men,” the namesake of a ing, or “identity correcting,” You could follow up their Superior Street in Duluth at will be held this Friday, Dec. group of prankster activists that the World Trade Organization first movie with “The Yes Men 9:15 p.m., Monday through 18 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in will give you a good laugh. on television and at business Fix the World.” It may still be Thursday. the Duluth Labor Temple’s This comedic documentary conferences around the world. Wellstone Hall. is the first of the The Yes Men As one prank, The Yes Men Get a job with Census 2010 NEALC Field Organizer movies. Andy Bichlbaum and set up a website that mimics the With the bad job picture, the 2010 U.S. Census is coming at Chad McKenna’s selection for Mike Bonanno gain world- World Trade Organization's-- a good time for many Americans looking for work. Applications and it's mistaken for the real are now being taken for people from students to retirees wishing Thank Greg Gilbert Dec. 29 thing. They play along with the to be census takers and for other census positions. An event has been planned to thank retiring Duluth City ruse and soon find themselves Not only will earning a paycheck be good for you and your Councilor Greg Gilbert for his years of service to his second dis- invited to important functions family, it is extremely important for all communities to be accu- trict and the entire city. Labor to business leaders would be hard as WTO representatives. rately counted in a successful 2010 Census. Minnesota may lose pressed to find a more caring, committed, thoughtful, and decent Delighted to represent the a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives depending on the public leader. organization they politically population count, and redistricting of political districts is deter- The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 4:30 to oppose, The Yes Men don mined by the count. How federal money is budgeted is also 6:30 p.m. in the Lyric Room of Porters at the Holiday Inn. There thrift-store suits and set out to affected by the census, which comes every ten years. will be hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. shock unwitting audiences with As a member of the 2010 Census Team you will earn good Hosts include the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, Fire darkly comic satire that high- pay, get paid weekly, work flexible hours, receive paid training, Fighters Local 101, Mayor Don Ness, Rep. Roger Reinert, and lights the worst aspects of glob- and receive reimbursement for authorized mileage (for field city councilors Sharla Gardner, Jeff Anderson, and Tony Cuneo. al free trade. jobs) and other work-related expenses. “I wish we would have heard about it earlier,” said Duluth Snacks and refreshments Among available positions are census takers, crew leaders, Building & Construction Trades Council President Craig Olson. are provided at Labor Movie crew leader assistants, recruiting assistants, and census clerks. “We’d have loved to be part of hosting the event. Greg has been Nights, but you could even More information, including a practice test, is available at good for us too and we’ll be there.” sneak your own Cheetos in and www.2010censusjobs.gov. You can also call the toll-free jobs line at 1-866-861-2010, or FedRelay 1-800-877-8339 TTY. I.U.O.E. Local 70 Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010, 5:00 P.M. Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 Retirees’ Luncheon Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1:00 p.m. McKenzie’s (form erly Landing 53) MN AFL-CIO Communications Director The Minnesota AFL-CIO is seeking resumes for the full time staff position of Communications Director. To be considered for this position, resumes must be received at the Minnesota AFL-CIO office no later than 4:30 PM, Monday, December 28, 2009. For further information, go to our web site, May you have a healthy and www.mnaflcio.org and click on Employment Opportunity. Heat & Frost Insulators Local 49 prosperous new year! Permanent Meeting Time Change Left to right (top row): Sean Quinn, Stephanie Balmer, Jim Peterson, Jim Balmer & Andrew Pierce Beginning with our January 8, 2010 union meeting, (bottom row): Bob Falsani, Ronny Reindeer, Bill Thompson & Eric Beyer and for all our regular, second Friday of the Month union meetings thereafter, we will have new starting times. The Executive Board meeting will start at 6:00 p.m., and the union meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. ~ Dick Webber, Business Manager

IBEW 31 & 242 Retirees’ Annual Christmas Party Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1:00 p.m. Sunset Sports Bar & Grill The Best of the Season to All!

PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009

IBEW 31 & 242 Retirees’ Annual Christmas Party Tuesday, Dec. 29 1:00 p.m. Sunset Wishing the Best of the Holiday Season to all our friends in the Labor Movement As Obama wraps up his first year, as I expected, I’m disap- pointed in what he tried to do and what he accomplished. It’s regrettable that he’s accelerat- ing the war in Afghanistan and that we seem no closer to get- ting out of Iraq. We suffer badly for that here at home. Obama’s approval rating with me has gone down but not even close to how far Congress has fallen. What a bunch of Sen. Joe Liebermann out as Al the vote. After 12 years as Central Body president, Alan Netland, got conservative protectors of big Gore’s vice presidential run- His style is aggressive and little but this kick in the pants as he was thanked Dec. 10. money and the status quo we’re ning mate. Oh, what faith they abrasive. He doesn’t need the Depicted as Princess Leia of the Rebel Alliance in this “gift” stuck with there. Their idea of can conjure up amongst the approval of others to do what from Mikael Sundin, painted by Scott Murphy, Netland will health care reform is to bring masses as they go about stifling he thinks is right. That’s called now be the Great Crusader from the vice president’s posi- out their pro-life fight again, us with the two party system. leadership and we could use tion. At right is new Central Body President Dan O’Neill. while funding more killing in The Republicans are an more of that from our elected wars, and leaving poor, sick absolute joke--Sarah Palin still representatives. Trying to be Americans dying at the emer- has traction for heaven’s sake-- perfect will get nothing done. And To All A Good Cheer! gency room door. They all talk and they can be because There will always be new bat- From all of us at T-Bonz we’d like to say thanks for all a good game as if that were the Democrats are taking care of tles to be fought. the support shown by area unions and their members game. We need more people their business for them. That is Netland’s next project will like Vermont’s Sen. Bernie the definition of a dog and be to consolidate labor in the during the past year. May you have the Best of the Sanders and Ohio’s Rep. pony show and we’re left to seven counties of the North Holiday Season, and Good Cheer in the New Year! Dennis Kucinich. Never forget beg for bones and clean up East Area Labor Council. 2531 West that in 2000 our good conser- crap. That’s a tough task as we can Superior St. vative Democratics paraded Back here in Minnesota if be a little independent minded the DFL can’t win the gover- up here. It’s a task worth the 727-9582 ~NOTICE~ nor’s race next year after the effort, however. Bar Next issues of Labor World: way Republican Gov. Pawlenty He may actually be able to Jan. 6, 20; Feb. 3, 17; has destroyed our sense of val- do some new, good work for 727-0020 March 3, 24; April 7, 21; ues in eight years, we can just the Central Body as the vice Grill May 5, 19; June 2, 23; let it all go. No sense in paying president now--the Great HAPPY HOURS: M-F 3-6, & Sun-Th 10 p.m. July 7, 21; Aug. 4, 18; attention anymore then. Take Crusader working under cover, Sept. 1, 22; Oct. 6, 27; up fly fishing, the guitar, as you organizing the Grey Panthers. to midnight, $1 off drinks, 1/2 off apps always wished you had. Good luck in your “retire- Nov. 10, 23; Dec. 15. Oh yah, we deliver! Don’t miss our great lunch specials Mon-Fri! But right here in our own ment,” Al, and thanks. We’re LABOR WORLD backyard, let’s thank Alan lucky you’re still helping us. “You Bet It’s A Union House” (ISSN#0023-6667) is published Netland for the fine job he’s semi-monthly except one issue in done in leading the Duluth Affiliated with Workers United Local 99 December (23 issues). This Day In History The known office of publication is AFL-CIO Central Labor Body www.workdayminnesota.org Labor World, 2002 London Road, since 1998. Like everyone else Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. in positions of leadership he Decem ber 16, 1977 Periodicals postage is paid at has his detractors, but the Eight women in Willmar, MN, Duluth MN 55806. Central Body has added thou- initiated the first bank strike POSTMASTER: sands of new members under in U.S. history. They earned Send address changes to: international attention as The Labor World, 2002 London Rd., his leadership. Attendance at our monthly meetings has blos- Willmar 8. Although they did Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 not win their strike, they 6 7 somed because delegates knew important work was going to became enduring symbols in (218) 728-4469 be done for working families the struggle for women's FAX: (218) 724-1413 under Netland’s leadership. rights, social and economic [email protected] The city council and school justice. Read more about www.laborworld.org board have had a majority of their legacy, “Twenty-five ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ years later, Willmar 8 are Owned by Unions affiliated with the labor-friendly members on Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body them for some time because of heroes to a new generation” Subscriptions: $22 Annually Netland’s political expertise at www.workdayminnesota. Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager from recruiting to getting out org/index.php?article_1_70 Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper Decem ber 16, 1901 Board of Directors The non-profit Labor World, Inc. Margaret Mead, anthropolo- is the official publication of the Pres./Treas. Mikael Sundin, Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor gist/social commentator, was Painters & Allied Trades 106; Body. It is an educational, advo- born in Philadelphia. Her pio- V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED neering works identified com- 1710; Sec. Larry Anderson, cacy newspaper for workers and Painters and unions. The views and opinions mon trends in human behav- Laborers 1091; Al LaFrenier, ior, whether in a primitive or Workers’ United Midwest Bd; submitted and expressed in the Mike Kuitu, Operating Engi- Labor World do not necessarily modern society. "Never Allied Trades neers 49; Susan Jussila, MN reflect the views of the paper, its doubt that a small group of Nurses; Rick McDonald, Board of Directors or staff, the thoughtful, committed people Local 106 IBEW 31; Jayme McKenna, Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor can change the world," she AFSCME 66; Dan O’Neill, Body, its affiliated unions, their said. "Indeed, it is the only Plumbers & Steamfitters 11 officers, or staff. thing that ever does." LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 3 State Trades endorse Bakk for governor ST. PAUL - The Minnesota “More than any other indus- to retire with dignity,” Bakk Season’s State Building and Construc- try in this state, construction is said. “They know I have a pas- tion Trades Council, which experiencing brutal unemploy- sion for putting people to work Greetings! represents 50,000 construction ment,” Melander said. “Tom and understand our state needs Your voice has never been members across the state, has knows first hand what our a governor who will make job more important. Rest now, endorsed Sen. Tom Bakk, members are going through, creation the top priority...I have then join me in the fight at DFL-Cook, for governor. The and will fight for jobs for them been unemployed, and I under- state council had denied Bakk and their families.” stand that the most important the Capitol in 2010! that endorsement at its July A carpenter for 34 years and thing to workers is that on Rep. Roger DFL Endorsed convention even though he had a former business representa- Friday they have a paycheck to & already been endorsed then by tive for Carpenters Local 606 take care of their families' the Duluth Building and Con- in Virginia, Bakk said the needs. As chair of the Senate Reinert struction Trades Council and endorsement is very personal Tax Committee I know we Minnesota House-7B

the North Central States Re- to him. He understands the need jobs to create the revenue Paid for by Roger for Duluth Volunteer Committee AFL-CIO gional Council of Carpenters. hard times in the Trades with needed so we can invest in edu- Dick Anfang retired at that some near 50% unemployment cation, health care and priori- convention and Harry Melan- “My brothers and sisters ties that provide long-term der took his place. have seen how hard I’ve prosperity. This is a huge Melander said Bakk is hit- worked to improve their stan- endorsement from a power- ting the nail on the head with dard of living and allow them house of an organization.” True compassion is more what’s happening in the econo- than flinging a coin my and what’s on the minds of voters with his campaign mes- to a beggar. sage of “jobs, jobs, jobs.” It comes to see that an edifice, Peace for A Holiday Wish which produces beggars, Our Planet, For Our needs restructuring. Prosperity for Trade Union ~Martin Luther King, Jr, 1967 Brothers and Sisters All People and Your Families... a thought for the season, A Joyous Holiday Bill and Laurie Hilty and a Very Prosperous, Support your local pharmacy Healthy 2010 Tell your union, health fund, and employer you want local pharmacy services Bricklayers & It’s Better...Keep It Local! Allied Craftworkers Your Local vs Mail Order AFSCMEAFSCME Local 1 White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies Local 3801 Minnesota/North Dakota 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer University of Minnesota 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do Duluth-Clerical & you get questions answered? Technical Employees 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing accurately product that has been returned 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders new prescriptions 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE Happy Holidays Refills) authorizations 3Free in town prescription Do you want your meds sitting in delivery a 110 degree mailbox? 3We contact doctors for refills Some require you to get your to everyone own refill authorizations 3Monthly health screenings Why trust your health & safety to who makes 3Free blood pressure checks a nameless, faceless person? our community Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable than mail order. We are always available to answer a better place your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. For a listing of locations visit www.thriftywhite.com to live Pinetree Plaza Inside Super One Foods and work. Cloquet, MN 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 OurOur $100$100 RebateRebate hashas grown!grown! We’ve added Air Conditioner and Sump Pump rebates to New, Residential Electrical Service Upgrades, including Dual Fuel and Off Peak! This Residential Rebate Program is brought to you by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 242, in conjunction with their signatory contractors listed below. IBEW Contractors are the most highly skilled companies working in the electrical industry because they employ the most highly skilled, trained workers. IBEW members are the best because they’ve gone through 5- year Apprenticeships, learn on the job from fellow union members who are Master Electricians licensed by the State of Minnesota, and because they attend trainings every year, including 16 hours of code classes, to keep up with changes in the electrical industry. Call one of these contractors today to find out how to save money by upgrading your electrical service, and get a great rebate for making your home more efficient! TWIN PORTS REGION Ask APi Electric...218-628-3323 your union Park Electric...218-721-3500 Absolute Electrical...218-522-0101 contractor Pine Lake Electric...800-997-5751 about the Agate Electric...218-834-9226 Polyphase Electric...218-723-1413 Bachand Electric...715-392-5580 PLUS 5 Service Electric...715-392-8771 Beacon Electric...218-591-7163 PROGRAM TM Automation...715-244-3727 Belknap Electric...715-394-7769 A 5-year Yax Electrical...218-724-8450 warranty Benson Electric...715-394-5547 BRAINERD AREA Bergstrom Electric...715-392-2427 on all residential APi of Brainerd...218-829-5859 Dave Twining Electric...218-721-3833 work! Electrical Systems of Brainerd...218-825-0549 Duluth Electrical Contracting...218-390-2819 Hoffmann Electric...218-829-9533 Electric Builders...218-722-1073 Holden Electric...218-829-4759 Electric Systems of Duluth...218-722-0764 Energy & Air Systems...715-392-9115 Gilbert Electric...218-729-7874 Lake City Electric...715-394-3873 Lakewood Electric...218-525-4388 Laveau Electric...218-384-4001 MK Electric...218-624-0836 Northern States Electric...218-652-4227 Nylund Electric...218-624-5706 www.ibew242-neca.org Don’t Delay, Call Today! This Rebate is valid through 2009!

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 5 MN/WI tax reciprocity appears to be dead as good neighbor Gov. Pawlenty says “no” ST. PAUL – When Minne- workers. More than 15,000 gone,” Reinert said. “But for HappyHappy sota Governor Tim Pawlenty Minnesotans who work in border communities and eliminated a long-standing tax Wisconsin will have to file regional centers like Duluth, reciprocity agreement between taxes in both states; and 8,000 whose economies depend on Holidays!Holidays! Wisconsin and Minnesota, law- will pay higher taxes because people and industries moving makers on both sides of the of it. That’s an average $340 easily back and forth across the Wilson-McShane Corporation would like border sprung into action. After tax increase per filer affected border, the impact of Governor meetings and negotiations by the change. Rep. Reinert Pawlenty’s action will be sig- to wish you and your family a Happy and between Wisconsin and says Twin Ports taxpayers in nificant.” Healthy Holiday and New Year. Minnesota legislators, the particular will feel the negative Rep. Reinert plans to con- Wilson-McShane proudly provides Wisconsin Legislature was impact. tinue seeking solutions to the ready to convene a special ses- “Most parts of this state and reciprocity issue when the third-party administration services for sion as early as this week to Wisconsin will never notice Minnesota Legislature recon- Taft-Hartley negotiated benefit funds. resolve the issue. A plan was that income tax reciprocity is venes February 4, 2010. put on the table that would have accelerated Wisconsin’s Wilson-McShane payments to Minnesota, with interest. Corporation However, the Pawlenty Administration would not Since 1969 accept the compromise, mak- ing any solution on the issue Matt Winkel - President impossible before the end of this year. “I know many Twin Ports Bloomington, MN 1-800-535-6373 residents and employers will be Duluth, MN 1-800-570-1012 frustrated by this news,” said Minnesota State Represen- Kansas City, MO Louisville, KY tative Roger Reinert (DFL – Duluth), who has played an Omaha, NE Des Moines, IA active role in the reciprocity deliberations between the Minnesota and Wisconsin leg- islatures. “The Governor’s can- cellation of this valuable eco- nomic development tool will Your Good Will is the foundation impact many Duluth and Superior businesses and tax- of our success. Accept our “Thank payers. It frustrates me as well You” this Holiday Season as we that Governor Pawlenty was unwilling to compromise on Located at intersection of I-35 & 26 Ave. E. wish you Happiness and Health in behalf of northeastern Minnesota. Thousands of tax- the coming New Year. payers across the state will pay the price with more hassle, and Representing Railway Labor and higher taxes.” Eliminating the income tax their families for injuries on and off reciprocity agreement will the job for over a half century! impact 80,000 cross-border Buying American, Looking for Union Labels, Patronizing firms that use Union Labor make HappyHappy HolidaysHolidays Northern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council President Norm Voorhees, Ironworkers Local 512, (218) 724-5073 HUNEGS, LENEAVE & KVA S Boilermakers Lodge 107~(262) 798-1267 Laborers Local 1091~(218) 728-5151 Attorneys at Law Bricklayers Local 2 Operating Engineers Local 139 (715) 392-8708 or (715) 835-5164 (715) 838-0139 900 Second Avenue South, Suite 1650 Cement Masons, Plasterers & Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Shophands Local 633-- (218) 724-2323 (218) 724-6466 612-339-4511 1-800-328-4340 Electrical Workers Local 14 Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 (715) 878-4068 (218) 727-2199 ~Investigators~ Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 Electrical Workers Local 242 (218) 644-1096 Arnie Flagstad Clyde Larson (218) 728-6895 (218) 724-3223 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Superior, WI. Duluth, MN Insulators Local 49~ (218) 724-6873 Iron Workers Local 512~(218) 724-5073 715-394-5876 218-348-3091 Teamsters Local 346~(218) 628-1034

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 UMLES Union Leadership Program deadline Jan. 5 MINNEAPOLIS – The deadline is Jan. 5 to apply for the Minnesota Union Leadership Program, a new training opportu- low rates. free hat with a nity from the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service. recreational loan LES also announced three basic skills courses in coming fast approvals. months. no hassle The Minnesota Union Leadership Program is an innovative educational experience tailored to the needs of union officers and lending. staff. It is offered in cooperation with the Minnesota AFL-CIO. The program goes beyond regular skills training to provide 218-729-7733 • Hermantownfcu.org the opportunity for top leaders — and emerging leaders — to Member eligibility required. Member NCUA. develop a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting working people in Minnesota. View a brochure and application at www.les.csom.umn.edu or call 612-624-5020 to receive one. LES also is offering three basic skills courses in the next few months. Classes will be on the university’s Minneapolis campus and are open to all, but registration is required. Call 612-624- 5020 to register or for more information. Here is the schedule: Introduction to the Labor Movement-- January 30, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. From all of us at the An overview of the labor movement – its successes and chal- lenges – in a global context. Learn the structure, organization and evolution of the movement, the impact of union membership Greater Northland Area Local 142 on workers and communities and discuss future directions. Taught by Mary Bellman and Randy Croce of the LES staff. American Postal Workers Union/AFL-CIO Cost is $50. Contract Negotiations--March 13, 20; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Designed for new and experienced negotiators desiring to We wish you and your loved ones sharpen their skills. Examines the legal framework for collective bargaining, the concept of bargaining power, negotiations prepa- ration, costing contract proposals and drafting contract language. A Safe and Happy Holiday Season! Students will apply learned skills by negotiating a contract in a bargaining simulation. Taught by Steve Lucht, LES adjunct instructor. Cost is $100. Call 612-624-5020 to register or for more information. Basic Arbitration--April 10, 17; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Covers the principles that arbitrators rely on to decide cases, development of evidence, preparation of witnesses and such issues as discipline, past practices, workers’ rights and manage- ment rights. Taught by John Remington of the LES staff. Cost is $100.

Season’s Greetings

U.S. bankruptcy judges have set over $30 billion dollars to pay to present and future asbestos claimants. In order to qualify claimants must have been from the diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer or lung disease after 1997*.

If you’ve worked with asbestos or taconite and you’ve developed a lung condition, you may qualify for financial compensation. If you would like to see if you qualify for asbestos compensation, give us a call for a free, confidential consultation. Representing Media & Communications workers *Good till only 1/2010, for example specifically Babcock & Wilcox, in Minnesota for 76 years. under Bankruptcy Court rules. 612-789-0044 Cascino Vaughan Law Offices, Ltd. [email protected] “Representing asbestos victims since 1986” www.mnguild.org

Toll Free: 1-800-783-0082 Proudly representing the Local: 414-226-0241 Labor World editor since 1989 www.dairylandlaw.com

Allen D. Vaughan, Esq., Michael P. Cascino, Esq. 1110 N Old World Third Street Suite 405 Milwaukee, WI 53203 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 7 H a p p y H o l i d a y s Season’sSeason’s Greetings Greeting fromfrom allall of of us us at at United Steelworkers District #11 EducationEducation Minnesota! Minneso 2929 University Avenue SE, Suite #150 Minneapolis, MN 55414

Tom Dooher president Paul Mueller vice president Denise Specht secretary-treasurer

www.educationminnesota.org Education Minnesota is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and AFL-CIO. from the Members, Officers and Staff of Operating Engineers Local 49 Pulling Our Weight In Minnesota, North & South Dakota www.local49.org

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PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Registered Nurses form new national union With Best Wishes for (PAI)--Promising to cam- accommodating and enabling patient ratios by organizing,” paign for better health care for their control," Hamilton told co-president, Deborah Burger patients and better working convention delegates. of CNA/NNOC, told PAI. a Safe and Happy conditions for themselves reg- NNU’s newest members are The NNU will also take up istered nurses from several 400-500 nurses at Kansas the cause of government-run unions, including the Minne- City’s Menorah Hospital, who single-payer health care -- sota Nurses Association voted the week before to join abolishing the insurance com- (MNA), founded the National CNA/NNOC. panies, their denial of care and Nurses Union (NNU) at a con- Status of the United Amer- pressure on hospitals to cut cor- vention in Phoenix Dec. 7. ican Nurses is unclear. Its del- ners, curtail care and fire nurs- The new union includes the egates attended the conclave, es -- which CNA/NNOC has MNA, California Nurses but its top two officers oppose championed for years. So have Association, which has mem- folding UAN into NNU, and Massachusetts nurses. bers in California, Chicago, are suing to stop it. “Our immediate plans are Arizona, Nevada and Kansas “The promise of the future to organize nurses nationally so City, and the Massachusetts has arrived, with all the unlim- that they enjoy the same pro- Nurses Association. ited potential, creativity, vision, tections we have in our states,” Three Minnesota members and power represented” by Burger said. Details and tar- are among the top leaders of nurses nationwide, Karen gets of the organizing drives the new union. Jean Ross, an Higgins, a Boston RN and one have yet to be worked out. And National Association of Letter Carriers RN at Fairview Southdale hos- of the three co-presidents, told she added passage of the pital is one of three NNU co- delegates. Employee Free Choice Act to Zenith Branch 114 Merged presidents. Linda Hamilton, NNU will concentrate on the union’s legislative priority Duluth, Two Harbors and Silver Bay MNA’s president, and organizing RNs and on lobby- list. She said it would give Bernadine "Bunny" Engeldorf, ing to improve working condi- workers -- their patients -- were named vice presidents. tions, primarily to enact federal more bargaining power and “We finally have an organi- standards for nurse-patient more economic power. “That zation that directly challenges ratios, to improve patient care, way they won’t go bankrupt the role of corporations in the co-presidents said. and lose their home when they SSeason’s GGreetings! healthcare delivery, instead of “You get better nurse- get sick,” Burger said.

May this Holiday Season bring you Joy and Peace. Thanks for helping make our region a better place to live and work. You can help our Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon Minnesota Senate District 7 F AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed members have better Paid for by the Prettner Solon Volunteer Committee, Elaine Hansen, Treasurer holidays if you would PLEASEPLEASE BOYCOTTBOYCOTT +HDOWK\+ROLGD\V THETHE FOLLOWINGFOLLOWING COMPANIES:COMPANIES: Caywood Oil Como Oil & Propane Curtis Oil & Propane Superior Fuel TeamstersTHANK YOU! )URPWKHPHPEHUVRI T WKH0LQQHVRWD1XUVHV$VVRFLDWLRQ LocalL 346 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 9 Nurses: Massachusetts health system not containing costs, failing the poor This can’t be what but the amount is small. “isn’t helpful to those who there’s almost an incentive not universal coverage first, but * Attempts at cost controls, struggle, who can’t make ends to insure people,” she adds. without meaningful cost con- we want nationally! through a state-run non-parti- meet,” Higgins said in a tele- “The Massachusetts system trols, Sager says. By Mark Gruenberg san commission, coupled with phone interview from NNU’s definitely is not the recipe for “In every state but PAI Staff Writer the state’s promise to cover the founding convention in the rest of the country.” Maryland, including ours, hos- BOSTON--Karen Higgins, costs of care for all -- and state- Phoenix , Arizona. “To still Boston University School pital payments are chaotic,” a registered nurse at Boston set payment levels. have to pay a lot for health care of Public Health Professor Sager explained. “There’s no Medical Center, is seeing the * Reordering of medical is ridiculous,” she added. Alan Sager, who, with Dr. accountability or demand for future of U.S. health care -- or payments, to encourage Yet more and more patients Deborah Socolar, is studying efficiency.” Maryland has something similar to it -- and patients to see primary-care are flooding Boston General’s the Massachusetts system, changed its system to pay hos- she doesn’t like what she sees. physicians, and to encourage emergency room because they backs Higgins’ comments up. pitals for quality of care, not That’s because Higgins and medical personnel to treat the can’t afford doctor visits, and The reimbursement situa- quantity of procedures. other members of the Massa- whole person, rather than pay- the state’s promised payments tion has gotten so bad that While the Massachusetts chusetts Nurses Association ing the doctors on a per-proce- to the hospital to cover the cost Higgins’ hospital, Boston law increased state payments to have been serving for several dure basis and rather than of care have been cut, thanks to Medical, is suing the state for hospitals to cover Medicaid- years under a state-run univer- pushing patients towards visit- the recession. As a result, breach of contract, Sager says. eligible patients -- the poorest sal health care plan in the Bay ing the emergency room even Higgins says, her hospital and Other hospitals are planning to patients -- by $800 million over State. It hasn’t worked as for routine care -- because they others cut corners on care and join in. “There was 3-year five years statewide, those pay- expected. Costs are out of can’t afford a doctor. lay off nurses and staff. phase-in” of the reimburse- ments were doled out equally, sight, and the poor are under- Unfortunately, says Hig- “Under the old system, the ments, which reached 60% of rather than taking hospitals’ served. In broad terms, many gins, one of three co-presidents ‘safety net’ hospitals created planned levels. “And then the different costs into account. So of the Massachusetts plan’s of the new National Nurses community health care cen- state budget crisis hit,” he adds. some hospitals actually made a characteristics are similar to Union, it hasn’t worked like ters,” which were smaller, At the same time, Sager said profit on Medicaid, Sager said. those in health care plans being that, especially at hospitals like more reasonable and could pro- “the paradox” that Massachu- Then the state budget debated on Capitol Hill: hers, one of three in Boston vide the basic care “that the big setts has the highest per-person crunch hit, pinching state * Universal coverage. designated as “safety net” hos- kahunas” among the insurance health care costs in the U.S., Medicaid money for all, he Massachusetts covers more pitals handling those too poor companies refused to pay for, “and the most-expensive hospi- added. than 96% of its residents. to pay -- the very patients the she pointed out. When the tals in the world.” Data show Sager faults the Massa- Virtually everyone must Massachusetts statewide health state faced a budget crunch, the U.S. has the highest per- chusetts system for its lack of buy some form of health care care system is supposed to those centers had to close as person health care costs of any cost controls. He says it’s due coverage, or pay a tax penalty help. And studies from the Massachusetts cut its payments nation, by far. One reason for to the politically potent power if they don’t. There are only Boston University School of to the hospitals. high costs in Massachusetts is of the hospitals. Higgins says 200,000-300,000 uninsured Public Health back her up. The money from business that, due to its high concentra- the state’s corporations got a people in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts plan, isn’t there to cover the costs of tion of universities and hospi- virtually free ride from paying * Employer payments. and particularly its order to care, she added, because the tals around Boston, the state into the Massachusetts system. Employers who refuse to cover individuals that they must buy per-worker payment for busi- has more doctors per person “Partners Health Care, their workers with health insur- health insurance or pay a hefty nesses that refuse to cover their than any other state. But the Brigham & Women’s and Mass ance must pay into a state fund, fine along with their taxes, employees “is so low that big reason is that the Massachusetts plan went for See Massachusetts..page 13

This holidayThis holiday season, season, we encourage we encourage everyone everyoneto please toshop shop smart smart and and avoid avoid Wal-Mart! Wal-mart! + In Wal-Mart’s America workers are paid poverty level wages even if they are full time employees. In our America workers are paid a living wage with health and retirement benefits. Thank you for the + In Wal-Mart’s America wealthy companies shift their health care costs onto government programs, and thereby onto taxpayers like you and your family. honor and pleasure In our America corporations live up to their responsibilities and provide of serving the great their employees adequate and affordable health care coverage. + In Wal-Mart’s America suppliers are forced to make their goods cheaper even State of Minnesota. if it means shipping U.S. jobs overseas. In our America we value U.S. jobs and I’ll always work to companies that buy and sell the “Made in the U.S.A” label. UFCW Local 1116, 2002 London Road, Suite 211, Duluth, MN 55812 improve the lives of 1-218-728-5174 working families. 1-800-942-3546 I’m enjoying doing it! http://www.ufcw1116.org DFL & Labor Endorsed Gary Morgan, President Joyce Berglund, Secretary-Treasurer Tony Tom Cvar, Representative Dan Hudyma, Representative Minnesota Tamara Jones, Representative Jim Gleb, Organizer/Representative Lourey Senate Barb Lowe, Office Manager Dianne Rosendahl, Administrative Assistant District 8 Paid for by Tony Lourey for Senate, Tony Bundschuh, Treasurer, Bruno, MN 55712

PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Polymet has support of many...from page 1 How to comment on Polymet issued. cially because of pipeline talk, water and other natural Public comments on the Polymet Mining Company project Olson said construction of our construction trades are resources.” will be accepted until Feb. 3. Letters can be sent to: the $600 million project will really hurting for work,” Olson Olson said much of the Stuart Arkley, EIS Project Manager require 1.5 million hours by said, “and Polymet is a good opposition to the project by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources 300 workers over two years. project. The EIS shows environmentalists is based on Division of Ecological Resources “In spite of what people Polymet can mine the metals it old technology used in such Environmental Review Unit may hear in the media, espe- needs and still protect our air, mining operations. 500 Lafayette Road, Box 25 “There are have been mil- St. Paul, MN 55155-4025 lions of dollars spent on new Emails can be sent to [email protected]. mining processes, like liners, Put “NorthMet” in the subject line and include your full name wells, and containment basins, and mailing address. to protect the environment,” he The draft environmental impact statement is at http://www. said. Currently those types of dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/polymet/eis_toc. precious metals are being html. mined in places like China and You can find out more information at www.mndnr.gov and Russia with no controls at all www.polymetmining.com/stakeholder.php. over pollution Olson added. “We have a choice,” he ate 400 full-time jobs with a Board passed a resolution said. “We can have the mining $40 million payroll and more opposing legislation aimed at done using out-dated methods than 500 spin-off jobs with a delaying the PolyMet EIS like those or do it here in our $242 million payroll in St. process. Now, after consulta- own backyard to sound envi- Louis County alone. tion with elected officials rep- ronmental standards while cre- U.S. Senators Amy Klobu- resenting the Iron Range, after ating jobs in northern char and Al Franken, Con- learning that PolyMet has Minnesota.” That makes sense gressman Jim Oberstar, and the already invested more than $20 The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council con- he said because America is the Iron Range’s state delegation million in researching and out- tinued their long tradition of kicking off the United Way of largest consumer of those met- are all on board of the project. lining a safe and environmen- Greater Duluth’s Campaign with a donation from the als, which are important for In his letter on the EIS to the tally responsible mining opera- Dollars Against Diabetes Golf Outing that’s held the second national security, medical uses, DNR, Oberstar said Polymet tion, we urge the DNR to Saturday every June. Left to right are Beth Peterson electric cars, catalytic convert- will use sulfur in the ore as approve the draft EIS and (Community Services Director), John Bartikoski (United ers, cell phones, computers and fuel, minimize greenhouse gas allow the project to move for- Way), Dan Olson (Laborers 1091), Taire Suliin (United many other uses. emission, manage waste rock, ward.” Way), Brent Pykkonen (Operating Engineers 49), and Jeff Polymet says they will cre- “and will not discharge process Oberstar closed his letter by Daveau (Plumbers & Steamfitters 11). water. And the company will saying, “Over 100 years ago, follow state law by setting Minnesotans began mining aside appropriate levels of natural ore and then used inge- and have a financial resources to cover nuity and determination to Happy Holidays any and all closure costs.” extend our mining and process- “Northeastern Minnesotan ing capabilities to include reat ew ear! needs good, family supporting taconite. Responsible, non-fer- G N Y jobs,” said Minnesota AFL- rous mining represents the next Call us if you’re CIO President Shar Knutson. chapter in the evolution of the thinking of building “The most recent data from the Iron Range; it is time to begin Jobs Now Coalition of this new era.” or remodeling-- Minnesota shows that 12 peo- Oberstar, and Senator Tom We’ll direct you to ple are competing for every Bakk at the Blaine hearing, qualified, licensed open job in the Northeast have addressed the importance region. of reclaiming the brownfield contractors that “On March 16, 2009, the site at LTV and making the employ trained, skilled Minnesota AFL-CIO General area whole again, Olson said. trades’ members of our affiliated unions: Boilermakers 647~(218) 724-6999 Operating Engineers 49~(218)724-3840 n economy that’s still in the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers 1~ Painters & Allied Trades 106~ AAtank has found working (218) 724-8374 (218) 724-6466 families taking the big hits as Cement Masons, Plasterers & Plumbers & Steamfitters 11~ America rolls over again for the rich. Shophands 633~(218) 724-2323 (218) 727-2199 We need to continue to pressure all Electrical Workers 242~(218) 728-6895 Roofers, Waterproofers 96~ elected officials so they can really (218) 644-1096 Elevator Constructors 9~(612) 379-2709 understand our plight and find ways Sheet Metal Workers 10~(218) 724-6873 Insulators 49~(218) 724-3223 to bring us happier holidays and an Sprinkler Fitters 669~(507) 493-5671 Iron Workers 512~(218) 724-5073 improving 2010. Teamsters 346~(218) 628-1034 Laborers 1091~(218) 728-5151 IronIron RangeRange DuluthDuluth BuildingBuilding && LaborLabor ConstructionConstruction TradesTrades CouncilCouncil AssemblyAssembly The cost is less when you Use The Best! Tom Cvar, President Craig Olson, President, 1-218-724-6466

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 11 Over 60 northern Minnesota Building Trades members were on hand Dec. early November and won’t be done until January. Voorhees says the for- 7 to place a “Shame on You!” banner at the former Ainsworth plant just mer Potlatch site that was purchased by Ainsworth, which closed it south of Cook. Non-union Cianbro Corp. of Maine was given a huge proj- January 2008, is now slated to be converted to make fuel out of wood ect to disassemble boilers and conveyers and will not hire local workers chips by a local investor. “We may have lost this phase, but we want them said Norm Voorhees, Market Development/Organizer for Ironworkers to know we want to be part of the next one,” Voorhees said. Pickets con- Local 512. About 25 workers from Maine have been on the project since tinue to be at the site. (Photo by Norm Voorhees)

Auto Accidents Medical Malpractice Workers’ Compensation Wrongful Death Unions fighting against taxed health benefits...from page 1 the Farm Workers and UAW. In a full-page newspaper ad, they declared the world’s largest private employer -- notorious The Holidays are about tradition. for its low wages, rabid anti-unionism and high-cost health care -- would be virtually unaffected by the Senate’s health care revi- Fighting for your rights is ours. sion. “The Senate wants to make the Wal-Mart model into law,” their ad stated. -Paul Schweiger, Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Attorney The tax on workers health insurance will hit 30 million fam- ilies in the first five years of the plan, Cohen said. He also cited Managing Partner, Duluth office of Sieben, Grose, Von Holtum & Carey a new poll commissioned by CWA that finds 70% of voters sur- veyed strongly oppose taxing health benefits. The Teamsters, who also support Sanders’ move to kill the tax on workers’ health insurance, noted it would be a 40% tax on any For over 50 years, our insurance over the minimums. “Millions of working Americans will pay thousands of dollars more in taxes under the Senate’s attorneys have worked proposal to finance health reform,” said Teamsters President James Hoffa. “Millions more will have their health benefits cut, together to fight for lost even if they don’t belong to a union.” Senators. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Al Franken, D-Minn., wages and fair compensation are Sanders’ allies. Hoffa cited a Mercer Consulting survey showing two-thirds for injured Minnesotans. of firms would cut benefits instead of paying the tax, and anoth- er 23% would load it onto their workers. After all, we know that After the rally, CWA members from nine states, and other unionists, lobbied lawmakers both to vote against taxing their nothing is more important health care to pay for everyone, and to vote for the House-passed health care revision bill’s way to accomplish that goal: Tax sur- than knowing your rights… charges on the rich. CWA Local 2204 member Valerie Castle-Stanley, an AT&T and fighting for them. worker from Norton, Va., said that "when I heard that some sen- ators want to tax our health care benefits, I just couldn't believe it. It will hurt families like mine. "We're not rich. We're average middle class Americans. We • Free Consultation need quality health care. There's no question that companies will look for ways to pass on this tax – they're sure not going to pay • No recovery/No Fee it. That means my benefits will be cut and my costs will go up. I support health care reform but I can't afford this tax," she said. “Imposing an excise tax on health insurance plans would be a disaster for millions of middle class Americans,” Sanders said. “Some of my colleagues would have you believe the tax only falls on ‘Cadillac’ health care plans, but the truth is that the plans this bill will tax are more like Chevrolets.” Duluth Technology Village The AFL-CIO came out strongly for Sanders’ plan to kill the tax. “Taxing workers' health benefits is just plain wrong,” Holt 11 East Superior Street Baker said. “A tax on benefits would mean higher premiums for workers already struggling to make ends meet. And it would ask Duluth, MN 55802 workers who already have it so hard to pay more for the health care they have now. “Union members know first hand that a tax on working class 218-722-6848 families is the wrong way to pay for health care reform. They have fought hard for their modest health care benefits and they www.knowyourrights.com know there's nothing ‘Cadillac’ about them. But this is not just a union issue. Taxing benefits would hurt all workers. In fact, one in five workers would be hurt by this tax. It would be anoth- Duluth • Minneapolis • Fairfax • Lakeville er blow to middle class families,” she said.

PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Minnesota unions outline their goals for national health care reform By Barb Kucera, 5, “For us, the main issue is a will provide access to health AFSCME’s Munt said. employers. The plan cuts out Workday editor robust public option.” care for all Americans,” said Thousands of uninsured the insurance industry and pays ST. PAUL - Minnesota In recent weeks, labor Minnesota AFL-CIO President people turn up in the emer- hospitals, clinics and other unions presented members of unions have stepped up their Shar Knutson, who convened gency room of HCMC every providers directly. the state’s Congressional dele- efforts to urge lawmakers to the forum. year for routine care. At the Still, at $93 million per year, gation with several goals for pass meaningful health care Testimony at the forum was same time, HCMC is also a health care is by far the largest health care reform: Include a reform. Union members have sprinkled with real-life exam- major trauma center that treats cost item in the union’s budget, public alternative to private visited Congressional offices ples of how the current patch- many of the most difficult George said. insurance, cover everyone, and delivered thousands of let- work insurance system is fail- emergency cases. “We know of the $93 mil- control costs and focus on pre- ters. Yet the bill taking shape in ing many Minnesotans. Munt recounted the case of lion we spend, almost a third is vention. the U.S. Senate bears little Liz Freeberg, a member of her mother, whose heart wasted – in procedures that Union representatives spoke resemblance to the goals out- the AFL-CIO’s community stopped after she had a heart don’t need to be done and in out at a forum Dec. 10 at the lined at the Minnesota health affiliate, Working America, attack. She was immediately procedures done incorrectly. State Capitol, with staff from care forum. said her family gets insurance taken to HCMC – and sur- “When we pay for our own the offices of U.S. Senators Al It does not cover everyone coverage through her hus- vived. But “we were told that if health care, we have a different Franken and Amy Klobuchar nor does it appear to control band’s job, but the co-pays and she had arrived five or 10 min- perspective . . . Our members and Congresswoman Betty insurance industry profits or deductibles are so high they utes later, she wouldn’t have have a vested interest in seeing McCollum in attendance. The the waste currently occurring really can’t afford to go to the lived” because the lines for the system work efficiently.” forum commemorated Dec. 10, in the health care system. Also doctor. She is worried there care were so long, Munt said. David Wehde, regional International Human Rights missing is a focus on preven- will be no public option in the Jason George, legislative director for Working America, Day, and coincided with the tion and coverage for many final bill passed by Congress – director for Operating said his organization goes door announcement that the people who earn too much to or the public option will not be Engineers Local 49, also had a to door to ask people their con- Democratic-led U.S. Senate qualify for government-funded available to families like hers. personal story. Thanks to his cerns. “Since we started organ- was dropping the public option health care but not enough to The growing number of union’s comprehensive health izing in Minnesota in 2006, the from its main health care bill. afford private health insurance. uninsured people is straining coverage, he recently found out most common response has “Keep the public option,” “Access to affordable med- the state’s chief safety-net hos- he is at risk for developing dia- been health care,” he said. Minnesota Nurses Association ical care is recognized interna- pital – Hennepin County betes and is taking steps to Wehde also said his canvassers President Linda Hamilton tionally as a human right and Medical Center – and that has address the risk. have heard broad support for a declared. Added Jennifer Munt, we are here today to urge our an effect on everyone whether True health reform would public alternative to private representing AFSCME Council leaders to pass legislation that or not they have coverage, change how care is delivered insurance. and put a focus on prevention, Knutson urged lawmakers If you’ve had good fortune this year, even though it may have come he said. “We’d like to see pay- to “find a way” to resolve the ment for quality – not payment issues raised at the forum. through your own hard work, remember those, especially during for procedures.” “We’re seeing good, hard- Local 49, like many working people who are going these holidays, who have hard times knocking at their doors. Building Trades unions, pro- backwards” because of rising vided health care for members health care costs and lack of Have a Peaceful Holiday and Healthy 2010 through a Taft-Hartley plan access, she said. jointly administered with Massachusetts plan...from page 10 General made a deal that gave them more money,” Sager says, referring to three of the state’s biggest health care institu- tions. There was also a virtually uncontested merger of Mass General and Brigham & Women’s to form Boston General. “Payment became a political football,” says Higgins of the health care system, worked out between the overwhelmingly Democratic state legislature and then-Gov. Mitt Romney, R- Twin Ports • Twin Cities • Virginia, Minnesota Mass. On ideological grounds, Romney disavowed the system when he campaigned for the GOP presidential nomination last Over 94 years of service • 1916 - 2010 year. He still disavows it. “The corporate world has been given a free pass from paying General Contractors, Engineers, and Equipment Rental Specialists their fair share,” Higgins adds, referring to the low per-person payments companies must kick into the state fund if they don’t cover their workers. Though Higgins did not say so, Romney forced the lawmakers into cutting the corporate payments. Now Serving the Iron Range! The whole mess has implications for the health care legisla- When you need Any Type of Glass Work call this tion Congress is considering, Sager says. “We need cost controls along with health care improvement. Covering everyone is the area’s only UNION, AUTO GLASS COMPANY! easiest job to do physically in health care, but politically it’s hard We’ll handle your insurance claim and do the because it’s so expensive,” he explains. The Massachusetts system “covers people through tradition- repair at your site or in our service centers. al insurance and its premiums and that’s a very regressive kind But auto glass repair/replacement is only part of of financing. It’s $15,000 or more per family per year regardless of your ability to pay. No other country does this,” he adds. what we do. Residential and commercial glass work Nate Kiminski The U.S. has tried HMOs, preferred provider organizations, Painters & Allied are a large part of our expanding business. Trades Local 106 increased regulation and the GOP’s “free market” ideas as cost RESIDENTIAL~~Thermopane Replacement~ controls, and all have failed, Sager says. The free-market nos- RESIDENTIAL trums peddled by the Right Wing “turn patients into kamikaze Storm Sash/ Screen Repair ~Patio Doors ~Glass Tub pilots” -- like the Japanese suicide aircraft diving at U.S. ships in Enclosures/Shower Doors ~Tables/Desktops ~Glass SGISGI World War II. Beveling ~Mirrors ~Entrance Doors ~Vinyl Replacement SUPERIOR GLASS INC. That leaves one more solution, NNU’s Higgins adds. Both Windows~H-Windows ~Glass Handrails/Replacement her Massachusetts union and the new national union push it: 4911 Matterhorn Drive, Duluth Single-payer federal-run universal health care, without private COMMERCIAL~~Store Front Design/Fabrication 823 Belknap, Superior insurance, abolishing the companies and their overhead. ~Besam Entrance Doors ~Automated Door Systems 722-7400 F 394-5588 “We’re very disappointed with the system in Massachusetts. Serving the area for over 60 years! 1-888-899-6369 It isn’t helpful at all,” Higgins says. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 13 Congress asked to pass Civil Rights for Musicians Act On Dec. 7th, unions, promi- Trumka’s letter and the ad less musicians and older per- is the only outlet that doesn’t nent minority organizations, state that the Performance formers are living in squalor compensate performers--satel- and rural groups joined togeth- Rights Act would specifically even though they shared their lite radio and webcasters do. er on an ad in Roll Call urging protect older recording artists talents with us, because they “This imbalance is inconsis- Congress to pass the Perfor- who are not being fairly com- are not fairly compensated. tent with maintaining a com- mance Rights Act (H.R. 848, S. pensated when their song is Trumka said opponents of petitive and open media envi- 379), also called the Civil played over the airwaves. the legislation say it would be a ronment,” Trumka wrote. Rights for Musicians Act. Trumka wrote on Dec. 1 (S. financial hardship for AM/FM The ad follows a letter from 379) “would guarantee that broadcasters but that’s not true. AFL-CIO President Richard performers whose work is Bi-partisan amendments e appreciate area Trumka that calls upon House played on AM/FM radio can “would guarantee that the workers, your Speaker Nancy Pelosi and finally secure the right to be smallest broadcasters would W Senate Majority Leader Harry compensated for their efforts. pay as little as $100 per year commitment to this Reid to pass H.R. 848 and S. This is an issue of basic fair- for the right to utilize perform- region and share your 379 to ensure that artists are ness for working families.” He ers’ intellectual property.” dedication to quality! paid fairly for the music that is said correcting the injustice has The ad states in part, played on the radio. The bill been 80 years in the making. “Without these performers, the Ⅲ Quality 4-Color Printing was first introduced in Not only would it protect songs would be nothing but Ⅲ In-House Creative Design Congress in December 2007. the rights of workers and words on a page. And for many Ⅲ Computer Forms & Checks The ad was signed by 17 ensure that the artists’ civil of them, radio performances Ⅲ Union Contracts groups including the AFL-CIO, rights are preserved, but the would be their only source of Ⅲ Letterheads & Envelopes many of its constituency Performance Rights Act would income.” Ⅲ Color & High Speed Copies groups, the American Federa- protect small, community- “This is a fair pay for an Ⅲ Gathering & Stitching tion of Musicians, American based, minority, educational honest day’s work issue,” said Ⅲ Laminating Federation of Television and and public radio stations from Dana Rossmeier of the Music Radio Artists, the National harmful royalty fees. First Coalition, http:// 114 West Superior St. • Duluth, MN 55802 Association for the Advance- Every country except the musicfirstcoalition.org. 218-722-4421 • Fax 218-722-3211 ment of Colored People U.S., China, Iran and North Trumka says AM/FM radio (NAACP), and the Black Lead- Korea requires radio stations to ership Forum among others. compensate musicians. Count- The Best of the Season and New Year to All Our Friends! from the Members of International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 49 Duluth, MN Chartered in 1937 We're the Insulators!

from our Membership to Union Members Officers and Your Families and Staff Andrew & Bransky PA LaborersLaborers LocalLocal 10911091 ~ Duluth, Minnesota / Superior, Wisconsin Tim Andrew Aaron Bransky and Surrounding Counties Representing Unions and their Members 302 W. Superior St. Suite 300 Duluth, MN 55802 218-722-1764

PAGE 14 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 From Our Family To Yours, Happy Holidays! Labor Education Service You’ve worked hard on my campaigns, University of Minnesota We’ve worked hard on working family issues, Your place for education Together we are making a difference. Revamped labor skills courses Looking forward to 2010! New Union Leadership Program Customized training for workers & unions Peg Sweeney 612-624-5020 St. Louis County Commissioner, District 5 www.workdayminnesota.org Paid for by the Sweeney Volunteer Committee www.les.csom.umn.edu

Thanks to all our employees & everyone else who helped us have a great 2009! Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

Proud to be a Union Contractor LAKEHEAD Painting Co. “Serving the upper midwest since 1965” Free Estimates Superior, WI 715-394-5799

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 15 Airline, railroad unions pushing for changes to make election rules fair By Barb Kucera, Workday particular, it would ease the would allow voters who actual- tion system that makes it more Minnesota editor, and Press way for planned unionization ly cast a ballot to determine the difficult for workers to win Associates votes at the “New Delta,” the outcome of the election, as is union representation. ST. PAUL--Transportation nation’s largest air carrier. done in every other union rep- The current voting process workers deserve the same The “New Delta” was creat- resentation and public election is not required by law and the rights as everyone else when it ed when Delta Airlines, which in the United States. Non-vot- board has the ability to change comes to voting on union rep- has only its pilots unionized, ers would not be counted at all. it, advocates said. Foss and resentation, leaders of the swallowed Minnesota-based “The current voting rule is Hooker said a new process Flight Attendants and Northwest Airlines, which is unfair,” said Rene Foss, com- would have positive implica- Machinists said Dec. 7 at a completely unionized. That left munications chair for the tions for airline workers. rally at the State Capitol. While IAM and AFA needing to cam- Association of Flight Atten- Earlier this year, the AFA they were speaking in St. Paul, paign not just to retain the dants-CWA, at Northwest. would have won a union elec- the National Mediation Board - NWA workers they represent- “All of us encourage the tion among the non-union - which governs labor-manage- ed, but to unionize Delta too. National Mediation Board to flight attendants at Delta before ment relations at airlines -- was And they face an airline man- make this rule change,” said the merger – except that people taking public testimony in agement that had already Ken Hooker, president of who did not vote were counted Washington on a proposal, first defeated AFA-CWA twice. Machinists Local 1833, repre- as voting against the union. advanced by the AFL-CIO Under the current NMB-run senting more than 4,000 airline “The AFA lost the election, Tr ansportation Tr ades Dept., to system, unions must win the workers in Minnesota and even though 98% of those who change the decades-old rules support of the majority of other Midwestern states. voted, voted for the AFA,” John Hendrickson, a mem- for conducting union elections workers eligible to vote – not The unusual voting system Foss said. Delta management ber of Machinists Local 1833 in the airline and rail industries. just the majority of those who for airline and rail workers can interfered in the election and employed as a NWA/Delta The issue is important actually vote in the union rep- be traced to the Railway Labor even sent DVDs to workers’ reservation agent in Chis- because an NMB rule change resentation election. If a work- Act, enacted in the 1920s. The homes to encourage them to holm, brought postcards to could make it easier to win er does not vote, he or she is National Mediation Board, act- tear up their ballots, she added. the Dec. 10 Duluth Central union elections at both airlines counted as voting “no.” ing in the interests of interstate “There can be any number Body meeting that delegates and railroads nationwide. In The proposed rule change commerce, structured an elec- of reasons why an individual signed asking the National could not vote, and it should Mediation Board to change not be assumed they are against its election rules. (Photo by Here’s hoping you had a safe and the union,” Foss said. If the Jessica Hayssen, MN AFL-CIO) National Mediation Board air and rail voters’ rights for the successful year that will allow for rules were in effect in public same reason people were elections, “thousands of elected opposed to guaranteeing voting officials at the local, state and rights for women and African- Happy Holidays federal level would never take Americans -- they are afraid to office,” she said. upset the status quo and lose from your friends in the 19 affiliated unions of the At the public hearing in the advantages they enjoy at D.C., union leaders and labor the expense of others.” law experts squared off against AFL-CIO Transportation Iron Range Building & Trades Council executives of the airline and Trades President Edward rail industries and the U.S. Wytkind said: “NMB’s election Contact us - we can direct you to the highest quality Chamber of Commerce. procedures are also an anomaly contractors who use the most skilled, area workers! “The new rule will not sud- in the realm of American labor- denly give unions an edge in management relations. President John Grahek, 1-218-741-2482 elections, as some claim,” said Workers in all other areas of Treasurer Michael Syversrud, 107 S. 15th Ave. W., Virginia, Mn. 55792 IAM VP Robert Roach. “It the economy, including those Recording Secretary Dennis Marchetti will only take the advantage in both the private and public away from carriers opposed to sectors, are afforded the right to definitively affirm or reject representation by a majority Wishing you vote of those who participate.” 2009~ At the rally in Minnesota, several members of Congress Happy Holidays and the Minnesota legislature It's added their voices for change. and a “I am leading the congres- sional effort to urge the A Wrap! National Mediation Board to Great 2010! adopt a new standard for union elections,” Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., the House Transportation Committee chair, said in a statement read by a staffer. More than 160 members of Congress have signed a statement supporting new rules, Oberstar said. “You ought to have a right to a union and you shouldn’t have some phony election rules From your Friends to deprive you of it,” Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., told at Minnesota LECET the rally. The NMB is accepting com- www.mnlecet.org ments on its proposal until Jan. 4, 2010. Comments may be e- Proudly supporting the Twin Ports Construction Liaison Committee mailed to [email protected].

PAGE 16 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Happy Holidays

City Council-Elect District 4 AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed Thanks to Labor, I can be excited about my opportunity to serve the good citizens of Duluth in 2010. Paid for by the Gauthier for City Council Volunteer Committee A Happy Holiday Season! 2010 To All Union Members & Area Contractors from Cement Masons, 7ISHINGŸ9OUŸAŸ Plasterers & Shophands Local 633 ,IFETIMEŸOFŸ(EALTHŸ 1-218-724-2323 ANDŸ7ELLNESSŸTHISŸ America’s Oldest Building Trades Union• Est. 1864 (OLIDAYŸ3EASON
Season's Greetings

Jim Ward *IM
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The Officers and Members of

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 17 T r a d e U n i o n D i r e c t o r y St. Louis County Schools “The world is run by those who show up!” referendum passes 52-48 By an unofficial 52 to 48 percent margin, voters in the large AFSCME COUNCIL 5— President Mike DULUTH AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER Buesing, Local 1011; VP Judy Wahlberg, BODY —Meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00 p.m., Well- CARRIERS, BRANCH 114 MERGED— St. Louis County School District voted Dec. 8 to raise their taxes Local 66; Treas. Clifford Poehler, Local stone Hall, 2002 London Rd., (218) 724- Meets 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m., Labor Temple for a $78.8 million major realignment of sprawling school dis- 2938; Sec. Mary Falk, Local 4001; Director 1413, President Dan O’Neill, Plumbers & Hall B, Pres. Tatyana Vahkrusheva-Wiita, Eliot Seide; Area office, 211 West 2nd St., Steamfitters 11; VP Alan Netland, AFSCME 727-4327 (office), P.O. Box 16583, Duluth trict. The referendum, the only item on the ballot, got a 53 per- Duluth, MN 55802; 722-0577 66; Rec. Sec. Terri Newman, CWA 7214; 55816; VP Scott Dulas; Recording Secretary Treas. Sheldon Christopherson, Operating Sheila Fawcett; Financial Secretary Donnie cent voter turnout. AFSCME Co. 5—LOCAL 66—Meets 1st Eng. 70; Reading Clerk Larry Sillanpa, MN Leshovsky; Treasurer Karl Pettersen School referendums have been voted down all over the state Tues. at 7:00 p.m. in the AFSCME Hall, News Guild/Typos 37002 Arrowhead Place, 211 W. 2nd St. NATIONAL CONF. FIREMEN & OILERS in recent years as Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s failure to fund public Pres. Alan Netland; VP Judy Wahlberg; DULUTH BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SEIU 956—Meets 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m. Treas. Deb Strohm, Rec. Sec. Sue Urness. TRADES COUNCIL—Meets 3rd Tuesday, Meetings held at Central High School. education has placed the burden on property taxes, but only Union office, 211 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 3:00 p.m., Freeman Hall, Labor Temple. Pres. Jerome DeRosier, 315 W. 5th St. about 25 percent of homes have school age children. 55802, 722-0577 Pres. Craig Olson, Painters & Allied Trades Duluth, MN 55806; Treas. Dennis 106, 724-6466; Treas. Jim Brown, IBEW McDonald, 7208 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI “Kids are the big winners tonight,” said Dr. Charles Rick, AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1123—City of Two 242, 728-6895; Rec. Sec. Dan Olson, 54880, 628-4863; Sec. Steve Lundberg, Superintendent of St. Louis County ISD 2142. “We appreciate Harbors workers. Meets 1st Wed. of each Laborers 1091, 728-5151 8304 Grand Ave, Duluth 55807, 624-0915 month at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall, Two Har- the hard work of board members who met with parents and other bors. Pres. Brad Jones, 723-15th Ave., Two DULUTH MAILERS UNION LOCAL ML-62 NORTH EAST AREA LABOR COUNCIL, Harbors 55616; Sec. Karrie Seeber; Meets 3rd Monday, Duluth Labor Temple, AFL-CIO-President Alan Netland, Field Co- community leaders to develop this plan, and we thank taxpayers Treas. Paul J. Johnson 2002 London Rd., Pres. Oscar Steinhilb: ordinator Chad McKenna, 218-310-8412, for supporting a plan that will improve our facilities, balance our Sec. Marty Lee-Burgener, 106 S. 62 Ave. [email protected] 2002 London AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1934— W., Duluth, MN 55807, 218-624-7537 Road, Room 99, Duluth, MN 55812 operating budget, and allow us to provide a 21st century educa- St. Louis Co. Essential Jail Employees. Meets 3rd Wed., 3:15 at Foster’s Bar & Grill. IBEW LOCAL 31 (UTILITY WORKERS)— NORTHERN WISCONSIN BUILDING & tion for our students. We’re ready to get to work with everyone Pres. Dan Marchetti, 726-2345, Rm.105, Duluth Labor Temple, 728-4248. CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL— in the community - whether they were for or against this plan - VP Glen Peterson, Sec. Larry Van Why, Pres. Tim Ryan; VP Paul Makowski; Meets the 3rd Wednesdays, Old Towne Bar. Treas. Heather Ninefeldt Rec. Sec. Bob Fonger; Treas. Dan Leslie; President Norm Voorhees, (218) 724-5073, to take a strong, unified approach to providing the very best edu- Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Mark Glazier, 2002 London Rd., Duluth, MN 55812; AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 3558 - Non-profit Ass’t. Bus. Mgr. Dick Sackett V-P Dan Westlund Jr., Sec.-Treas. cation we can for the children of the St. Louis County School employees. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.. Monthly Meetings: Duluth: 1st Wednes- Bill Cox (218) 728-5151 District.” AFSCME Hall, 211 W. 2nd St. Pres. days, 7:00 pm, Labor Temple; Michelle Fremling ; VP Todd Kneebone; Iron Range: Gilbert VFW, 2nd Tuesdays, OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49 — A new southern school will be built in Alborn near highways Sec. Susan Cook; Treas. Yvonne Harvey 7:15 pm; Grand Rapids Blandin Workers Meets 2nd Tues. of month at 7:30 p.m., 7 and 47, and a northern school will be built north of Cook by Hall, 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm; Hall B, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London AFSCME LOCAL 695 - Meets 4th Tuesday Western Area: 3rd Wednesdays, all at 7:00 Rd., Bus. Rep. Brent Pykkonen, 724-3840, Hwy. 53 and the Olson Road. Cherry ($10 million), Tower- of even numbered months at Council 5 pm: Jan., Brainerd Legion; Feb., Park Room. 112, Duluth Labor Temple. Duluth offices and odd numbered months Rapids Legion; March, Nisswa Tasty Pizza All members attend each meeting Soudan ($5 million), and Babbitt-Embarrass ($5 million) will be at Gampers in Moose Lake. North; April, Little Falls Legion; May, Ironton remodeled. The current Orr, Cook, Cotton, and AlBrook schools President John McGovern, 393-5718 Legion; June, Brainerd Legion; July, Park OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 70— Rapids Legion; Aug., Little Falls Legion; Union office, 2417 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. will close. AFSCME LOCAL 3801 - Representing Paul, MN 55113, 651-646-4566. Bus. Mgr. UMD Clerical & Technical employees, Room Sept., Jenkins VFW; Oct. Brainerd Legion; ISD 2142 has a rare joint Project Labor Agreement with the Nov., Nisswa Tasty Pizza N.; Dec., Wadena Dick Lally. Meets 2nd Tues. at 5 p.m. in the 106 Kirby Student Center. Meets 4th Th. @ Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd. 4:45 pm, Room 125 A.B. Anderson Hall; Superior: Shamrock Pizza, 4th Tues, 7 pm Duluth and Iron Range Building & Construction Trades President Denise Osterholm, 726-6312 Quarterly Meetings: 3rd Mons. Jan., April, PAINTERS & ALLIED TRADES LOCAL Councils because of the size of the district. July, Oct. at Schroeder Town Hall, 6 pm 106 Meets 1st Wed., 6:00 p.m., Duluth AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION Locations Labor Temple. President Lee Carlson; VP The web site for the St. Louis County School district is AFL-CIO Greater Northland Area Local— Duluth-Labor Temple-2002 London Road Ron Folkestad; Rec. Sec. Mikael Sundin; P.O. Box 16321, Duluth, MN 55816. Brainerd-American Legion, 708 Front St. Fin. Sec. Brian Coyle; Treas. Bryce Sjoquist www.isd2142.k12.mn.us. Membership meetings held monthly in Crosby/Ironton-Ironton American Legion Bus. Rep. Craig Olson, Duluth Labor Duluth, bi-monthly on Iron Range (in odd Gilbert-Gilbert VFW, 224 N. Broadway Temple, Room 106, 2002 London Rd. numbered months), 218-722-3350 Grand Rapids-Blandin Papermill Workers Duluth, MN 55812, 724-6466 Hall, 1005 NW 4th St. BRlCKLAYERS & ALLIED Jenkins-VFW, 3341 Veterans St. PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL NO. 1—Chap- Little Falls-American Legion, 108 1st St NE LOCAL 11, U.A.— Meets 1st Thursdays at ter #3, Duluth & Hibbing meetings are listed Nisswa-Tasty Pizza North, Hwy 371S, union hall, 4402 Airpark Blvd. (218) 727- in the quarterly update newsletter. Chair- Pequot Lakes 2199; President Dan O’Neill; VP Scott man/Field Rep. Jim Stebe, 218-724-8374 Park Rapids-American Legion, Hwy. 34 Randall; Rec. Sec. Butch Liebaert; Recording Secretary Stan Paczynski, Schroeder-Town Hall, 124 Cramer Rd. Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jeff Daveau, Sergeant at Arms Jerry Lund Superior-Shamrock Pizza, 5825 Tower Ave Ass’t Bus. Mgr. Dave Carlson Wadena-Pizza Ranch, 106 Jefferson St. S. BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10— AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS IBEW LOCAL 242 (CONST., R.T.V., MFG., Duluth-Superior area meets 2nd Mondays LOCAL 512—Northern MN office/training MAINT.)—Rm.111, Labor Temple, 728-6895. at 5:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall, Duluth Labor center, 3752 Midway Road, Hermantown Pres. Jesse Wick; Rec. Sec. Don Smith; Temple, 2002 London Rd. MN 55810, (218) 724-5073, Pres. Kevin Treas. Stan Nordwall; Bus Mgr./Fin. Sec. Iron Range meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Thank You For All Your Kowalski, B.M./F.S.-T. Charlie Witt, Jim Brown. Meetings 4th Wed. of every Regency Inn, Beltline/Howard, Hibbing. B.A. Darrell Godbout, Rec. Sec. Bill Gerl month at Duluth Labor Temple. Bemidji area meets 3rd Thursday Jan., Unit meetings - Brainerd, American April, July & Oct., 6:00 pm, Carpenters Hall Support and Help! BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF Legion, 7:30 p.m., 1st Wed. each month WAY EMPLOYES DIVISION LODGE Bus. Mgr. Craig Sandberg, 1681 E Cope 1710—Meets 1st Mon. of each month at 7 Ave., St Paul, MN 55109, 612-770-2388-89. INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL Duluth-Superior-lron Range area. Bus. Rep. p.m., Pit Stop, Boundary Ave.; Gen. WORKERS, LOCAL 294 - Meets 4th Thurs- Joyous Holiday Greetings! Chair/Sec. Treas. Mike Nagle, 6049 Seville Dennis Marchetti, 2002 London Rd., Duluth day, 7:30 p.m., Local 294 Building located at 55812, 724-6873 Rd. Duluth, MN 55811, 729-9786; 503 E. 16th St., Hibbing, MN. Business Beth Peterson, Director, and the entire Pres. Bart Berglund; 1st Vice Chair Alan Management Scott Weappa, (218) 263- SUPERIOR FEDERATION OF LABOR — Hansen; 2nd Vice Chair Jim Sonneson 6895, Hibbing. I.B.E.W. Local 294 Unit Be- Meets 1st Weds, 6:30 p.m., Public Library, AFL-CIO Community Services Committee midji, meets 3rd Thursdays of the month at Pres. Janice Terry, 394-2896, Treas. Mar- BUILDING & GENERAL LABORERS 7 p.m. in Carpenters Hall LOCAL 1091—Meets 3rd Thursdays, 7 pm lene Case, 399-8152, Sec. Cindy Lee, 395- and United Way of Greater Duluth 1853, PO Box 1246, Superior, WI 54880 Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall. INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL President Larry Anderson, V.P. Brad Buko- WORKERS, LOCAL 366—(Electrical, Sig- UNITED AUTO WORKERS LOCAL 241 — vich, Rec. Sec. Bill Cox, Bus.Mgr./Fin.Sec./ nal & Communication Workers of C/N) - Meets Ist Tues. of the month, 7:30 p.m., Du- Treas. Dan Olson; (218) 728-5151 Meets 3rd Thursdays, Proctor American Le- luth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd., P. Del gion. President/Local Chairman Larre Cole, CARLTON COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR Soiney; Fin. Officer Eric Sparring, 259 3309 Kolstad Av., Duluth MN 55803; Canosia Rd., Esko, MN 55733 BODY—Meets 1st Monday of month except VP Al Johnson; Fin. Sec. David Ostby, 303 Sept. which meets last Monday in August. Park Ave. Cloquet, MN 55720, 879-0941; UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL Meeting 7:00 pm 2nd floor of Labor Temple, Rec. Sec. Darren Lundberg; Treas. Kurt WORKERS LOCAL 1116—Duluth Labor 1403 Ave C, Cloquet 55720; President Mike Shaw Temple, 2002 London Rd., Rm. 211, P.O. Kuitu, 391-6367, VP Tim Ryan, Treas Dan Box 16388, Duluth 55816-0388. President Swanson, Sec. Patty Harper INTL. ASSOCIATION OF HEAT & FROST Gary Morgan; Sec. Treas. Joyce Berglund, INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS 218-728-5174. CARPENTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 361— LOCAL NO. 49—Meets 2nd Friday each Meets 2nd Tues. of the month at 6:30 p.m. Retirees' Club meets 2nd Monday, 1:30 month, 7 p.m., Duluth Labor Temple. Busi- p.m., Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall at Training Center, 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., ness Manager Dick Webber, 2002 London 724-3297. President Steve Risacher, Rd., Room 210, Duluth 55812, 724-3223; UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 1028 - VP Susan Erkkila, Rec. Sec. Chris Hill, Fin. Pres. Wade Lee; VP Garth Lee; Meets 2nd Tues., Room 212, 2002 London Sec. Larry Nesgoda; Treas. Chuck Aspoas, Rec. Sec. Randy Neumann; Rd., Duluth 55812, 728-9534. Pres. Larry Field Reps. Steve Risacher, Chris Hill Fin. Sec./Treas. Mark Lindholm Libra, VP Mike Connolly, Treas. Lee CEMENT MASONS, PLASTERERS & Popovich, Fin. Sec. Jeff Westad, SHOPHANDS LOCAL 633—Duluth & Iron Rec. Sec. Dave Lubbesmeyer Range Area Office: Mike Syversrud, 2002 UNITED STEELWORKERS 1028 London Road, Room 112, Duluth 55812; RETIREES ASSOCIATION—Meets 3rd 218-724-2323; Meetings to be announced Weds (except Jan, Feb) Evergreen Center, 5830 Grand Ave 3 p.m. All USWA 1028 re- tirees welcome. Pres. John Stojevich, Treas. Mary S. Petrich, Sec. Ted Krakovac WORKERS UNITED LOCAL 99 — Execu- tive Board meetings 2nd Mon. each month: 1:30 p.m. in Mar., June, Oct., & Dec., 9:30 a.m. in all other months. Quarterly regular membership meetings are held on the 2nd Mon. of Mar., June, Oct., & Dec. at 2:30 p.m. All meetings are at the Union Office, 2027 W. Superior St. President Todd Erickson, 728-6861

PAGE 18 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 733-0100 Union book catalog has new KOLAR biographies of Guthrie, Debs ANNAPOLIS, Md. (PAI)--New biographies of famed pro- www.kolarnet.com worker folk singer Woody Guthrie, famous labor leader Eugene A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P V. Debs, and a book advising unionists on how to combat the impact of the Great Recession are just some of the titles being offered by Union Communication Services (UCS) this holiday When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will season. The Annapolis, Md.-based wall-to-wall union shop includes those three and many others in its new 56-page holiday cata- 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN logue. Titles range from practical how-to books -- such as Union Strategies For Hard Times, which tells about dealing with reces- sion-driven management demands for cuts -- to bios of Debs, Guthrie and famed union crusader Mary Harris “Mother” Jones, to books for children and adolescents. That includes one explaining why Daddy or Mommy is forced to go out on strike. Other notable titles include books promoting women’s activism in unions, along with Democracy Is Power: Rebuilding Unions From The Bottom Up, activist Kim Bobo’s new book exposing Wage Theft In America, and A Primer on American Labor Law, by Stanford Professor William B. Gould IV, NLRB chair during the Clinton administration. Howard Zinn’s classic A People’s History of the United States is also available. The catalogue -- which includes an order form -- is available for free from UCS, at (toll-free) 1-800-321-2545, by mail at 165 Conduit Street, Annapolis, Md., 21401, by e-mail at ucs- [email protected] or at the UCS website, www.unionist.com. You can find a copy of the catalogue in the Labor World offices as well, Room 110, Duluth Labor Temple.

In the coming years I will continue to invest whatever time it takes to make certain that you are treated fairly and that Labor's interests are protected. Thank you so much for your past friendship, encouragement, and support.  My best wishes to all of you! Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2010! Happy holidays from the officers and

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 7A staff of the Minnesota AFL-CIO

Artwork courtesy of Ricardo Levins Morales and Northland Poster Collective Paid for by the Huntley Volunteer Committee

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 19 ACORN’s a good organization in spite of mistakes, right wing witch hunt There is no doubt that some dence that ACORN is not Chris Hayes have reported on thousands of poor and working strengthening ACORN’s gov- poor decisions, and bad mis- alone. The right wing witch how the right wing has unfairly families find housing, win a ernance structure as well as takes, were made by people hunt against ACORN is over targeted the organization. living wage, and register to improving its financial and working for ACORN (Asso- the top, however, from Sarah The United Steelworkers of vote. Members can also sign a management controls. ciation of Community Organi- Palin on up. America have created a chart to petition to Fox News telling the “This independent investi- zations for Reform Now). No Efforts to debunk the smear show how much federal money network they "Stand with gation should remind those in organization that large is campaign against ACORN that ACORN received compared to ACORN." the Congress and in federal immune, especially if it is is trying to destroy an organiza- some of the companies that are A recently released report agencies that a rush to judg- working to employ and help tion that helps so many are guilty of serious misconduct. by former Massachusetts ment to cut off funding for poor people. Media reports of finally bearing fruit. Contrary to the lies being Attorney General Scott ACORN prior to the conclu- wrong-doing by individuals Errol Louis at the New York spread by right-wing media Harshbarger makes it clear sion of the investigations that and other organizations is evi- Daily News and The Nation's outlets, among recipients of ACORN did not engage in any were underway was wrong- government money already illegal behavior. headed and counterproductive. convicted of serious miscon- AFL-CIO President It is a strong rebuke to those Show your Union Card for 10% Discount! duct, ACORN (had it been so Richard Trumka issued the fol- organizations whose under- Hours: M­Sat convicted) wouldn't make it lowing statement on Harsh- handed tactics sought to 11­9 onto the list of the top 100. barger’s findings last week: destroy an organization that has ACORN is an anti-poverty “...the report offers nine been a singular voice for the organization that has helped specific recommendations for millions of poor and disenfran- chised in our country. A Great Holiday Season “As suggested in the title, Attorney Harshbarger’s report and New Year to All provides a “path to meaningful reform” for ACORN, including United Steelworkers independent oversight, finan- Thank you, Labor Thank you, Local 1028 cial and governance reforms. Greek Cuisine Serving: ME Electmetal ACORN should be subject to Lerch Bros. (Allouez) the same standards as other of GR LLC 220 W. Superior Street recipients of federal funds. Tel: 218­464­4027 Duluth, MN 55802 Duluth Steel Fabricators “At a time when millions of Local Union Family Owned & Operated Cutler-Magner (Salt) Americans are reeling from the Township of Duluth (Police) loss of jobs, homes and health care we are confident that the report will enable ACORN to refocus on its core mission of community organizing and from the members of civic empowerment.” IBEWIBEW LocalLocal 3131

WWiisshhiinngg Representing workers at: Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Cooperative Light & Power Association Lutsen, MN of Lake County Y o u Two Harbors, MN Y o u Bayfield Electric Co-op Iron River, Wl Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Brainerd, MN PPeeaaccee City of Brainerd - Administrative Support Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric Assn. aanndd aa Brainerd, MN Park Rapids, MN City of Brainerd - Lake Country Power Water & Light Dept. Grand Rapids, Kettle River & Virginia JJooyyoouuss Brainerd, MN Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative City of Moose Lake - Aitkin, MN Water & Light HHoolliiddaayy Moose Lake, MN Minnesota Energy Resources Corp. Cloquet, MN City of Staples - Minnesota Power S e a s o n Water & Light Commission S e a s o n Duluth, MN Staples, MN City of Two Harbors - Public Utility Commission of Aitkin Aitkin, MN Water & Light Dept. Two Harbors, MN Public Utility Commission of Proctor Proctor, MN City of Wadena - Electric Water Dept. Superior Water, Light & Power Wadena, MN Superior, WI Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op Wadena, MN

PAGE 20 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 AFL-CIO will work for quick approval of Obama jobs plan (PAI)--AFL-CIO President Trumka said Obama’s plan Richard L. Trumka said the is “proposing many of the same federation will work “hard and steps that we see as the most non-stop” for quick congres- promising, efficient routes to sional approval of President job creation,” such as putting Obama’s job-creation propos- unused Troubled Asset Relief als even though the fed is dubi- Program (TARP) money “to ous about a tax credit in them. work for Main Street by mak- Obama unveiled the plans ing it available to provide cred- 2520 Pilot Knob Road, Dec. 8 just days after he hosted it to small business.” Obama a White House jobs summit estimates there is $200 billion Suite 325 that drew union and business in unused TARP money. Mendota Heights, MN 55120 leaders, including Trumka, Obama’s plan also extends Change To Win Chair Anna jobless benefits, food stamps 750 Torrey Building Burger, and presidents from the and COBRA, rebuilds schools, USW, CWA, Teamsters, AFT, roads and energy systems, and Duluth, MN 55802 and UFCW. it is “increasing aid to state and Trumka said Obama’s plan local governments to maintain is similar to the 5-point propos- vital services and prevent the al the federation unveiled in layoffs of teachers, firefighters early December and pushed at and police and putting people the summit. That’s one reason to work doing work that needs labor will lobby for Obama’s. to be done,” Trumka said. HaveHave a SafeSafe and & EnjoyableEnjoyable But the lobbying may not But he differs with Obama’s budge the Senate, which is tan- tax credits to business. They’re gled up in health care, before “not the most- effective way to Labor Day Weekend the end of this year -- even create jobs and should not be Holiday Season though key components of the the main priority for spending AFL-CIO and Obama plans, public funds,” Trumka added. And Please Buckle Up for extending food stamps, job- And please buckle up less benefits and COBRA cov- erage, end Dec. 31. INTERSTATE From the Blue Cross Organized Labor Department “While Wall Street is busy From the Blue Cross Organized Labor Department SPUR (651) 662-1523 cashing their bonus checks, (651) 662-1523 now is the time for immediate action to stabilize the economy for struggling working Americans on Main Street,” Trumka urged lawmakers. “We must ensure any plan is big and robust enough to meet the scale of the crisis we face.” 2700 W. Michigan St. GAS - DIESEL GROCERIES You’ll really like You Could Dig Up More our car wash! Than You Bargained For Happy nderground electric, natural gas and phone lines need to be located Solidarity Uat your work site before digging to avoid utility line accidents. If you’re land- scaping or gardening on your property or clearing land at a construction site, you Holidays must call Gopher State One Call at 1-800-252-1166 before you excavate. They’re a state-wide center that notifies utilities of your dig site. Utility personnel visit the site and mark underground lines, wire or pipe with paint or flags. You need to call 48 hours prior to the start of digging. It’s a FREE SERVICE that can save you time, trouble and perhaps your life. Greg Rindal Carlton Minnesota Power Safety Manager County Central ® Call Gopher State One Call Gopher State One Call before you DIG at Labor an company DIAL 811Damage Prevention Center 1-800-252-1166 Body

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 21 Unemployment drops to 10% By Mark Gruenberg for permanent jobs. PAI Staff Writer Temp services added 52,000 Confounding expert predic- workers last month, and tions and President Obama, the 117,000 since July, BLS said. nation’s unemployment rate The rest of the numbers declined 0.2% in November, to continued the gloomy picture: 10%, the Bureau of Labor * The current number of Statistics said. Some 325,000 jobless is more than 2-1/2 workers left the unemployment times the 5.956 million jobless lines while a separate survey -- and an unemployment rate of showed businesses shed 11,000 4% -- in the last month, early jobs last month, far below the Jan. 2001, that a Democrat year’s 163,000-jobs-per-month occupied the White House. average. But not all was sweet- * A Dec. 3 BLS survey showed U.S. workers produce ness and light for U.S workers: goods at an accelerated rate, 15.375 million remained but aren’t getting paid for it. unemployed, and they are pro- “Non-farm business sector ducing more goods and getting labor productivity increased at paid less for doing so. an 8.1% annual rate during the Some economists see a few third quarter of 2009...the “green shoots” in the numbers. largest gain in productivity Heidi Shierholz of the labor- since the third quarter of backed Economic Policy 2003...Unit labor costs fell Institute said that she checks 2.5% in the third quarter, as temp hiring figures, because a productivity grew at a faster rise in those numbers precedes rate (8.1%) than hourly com- a rise between 9 months and 19 pensation (5.4%). months later in hiring workers Security issues in Minnesota’s unemployment Minnesota’s Office of the Legislative Auditor’s report Dec. 3 on the Unemployment Insurance program run by the Happy Holidays! Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) concluded that the department did not have ade- quate security controls, and reported eight findings of inter- nal control weaknesses. Sen. David Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, who chairs the Economic Development and Housing Committee, reacted to the auditor’s report: “It’s alarming the auditor found so many different ways that sensitive information about Minnesota citizens could be compromised. At a time when identity theft is so preva- lent in our society, it is very disconcerting to see a report about lax computer controls, [ work injury ] and it makes you wonder what other computer problems may be prevalent at the state gov- ernment level. It points to lax oversight at DEED, and calls into question the leadership of It happens in an instant. One minute you’re Commissioner McElroy. working—earning a wage. Next minute you’re Sadly, this appears to be one standing around wondering what to do next. more example where Gov. Statistics show that in Minnesota more than Pawlenty’s political appointees 150,000 workers are injured on the job each are not up to the job.” Unemployed workers still year. And that’s only the ones we hear about. If complain about navigating the you’re injured on the job you need proven 130 W. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 program online as they are statistics working for you. We have over 35 218-727-5384 asked to do by DEED. It was years of trial experience and a team approach 800-535-1665 especially difficult when it first to personal injury cases. Fact is, OUR SUCCESS cuzzo.com started but has been improved. IS NO ACCIDENT. The auditor’s report is at: www. auditor.leg.state.mn.us.

PAGE 22 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 Minnesota, Wisconsin taxes hit poor, middle-income people the hardest Low- and middle-income Incidence Study conducted by $480,000), with average earn between $35,000 and Minnesota’s individual families in Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of incomes of $1,607,000, pay on $57,000 a year. They pay on income tax itself is now much Wisconsin pay higher shares of Revenue. The study added up average 7.7%. average 11.2% of their income less progressive than before. their income in state and local state and local taxes. It found On average, a Minnesota in Wisconsin taxes. “The state’s income tax now taxes than do families in those that for Minnesota families: dollar earned by the bottom • The top 1% (incomes over is not enough to offset the states with the highest incomes, • One-fifth earn under fifth is taxed at 9.2%, at 10.3% $388,000), with average unfair impact of the other according to a new study by the $23,000 a year, with their aver- at the middle, but only at 7.7% incomes of $1,116,000, pay on taxes,” said Matthew Gardner, Institute on Taxation and age income being $12,100. at the very top. average 8%. ITEP’s executive director and Economic Policy. They pay on average 9.2% of For Wisconsin families On average, a Wisconsin lead author of the study, enti- The study finds that while income in state and local taxes. here’s how the numbers read dollar earned by the bottom tled “Who Pays? A those states treats low- and • One-fifth at the middle for the same income groups: fifth is taxed at 9.2%, at 11.2% Distributional Analysis of the middle-income families fairer earn between $40,000 and • One-fifth earn under at the middle, but only at 8% at Tax Systems in All 50 States.” than the overall national aver- $62,000 a year, with their aver- $20,000 a year, with their aver- the very top of incomes. “Minnesota has an unfair, age, their tax systems still are age income being $51,400. age income being $12,700. The study found national regressive tax system,” significantly regressive. The They pay on average 10.3% of They pay on average 9.2% of tax-rate average of the states is Gardner said. “Relying more findings are consistent with the income in Minnesota taxes. income in state and local taxes. 11% at the bottom one-fifth of on income taxes, and less on most recent results of the Tax • The top 1% (incomes over • One-fifth at the middle income, 9.7% at the middle and regressive taxes, could make only 6.4% at the very top. In the Minnesota system substan- some states, such as Florida, tially less unfair.” In recent WishingWWiishing YYouou HappyHappy HolidaysHolidays andand a with no individual income tax, years, the Minnesota middle-income families pay on Legislature has adopted legis- ProsperousProsperous andand HHealthyealthy NewNew Year!Year! average a state and local tax lation that would reduce the tax rate 300% greater than those at disparity by removing income the top. Florida also faces tax cuts still in place for those recession levels much higher with highest incomes, but those than the national average. measures have been vetoed by Growing more regressive Governor Pawlenty. Minnesota’s system has ITEP, a Washington D.C. become more regressive in research group, conducts the A confidentialconfidential counselincounselingg service rerepresentingpresenting tthehe needs ooff union recent years with permanent Who Pays? national study every few years. This year’s members and theirtheir ffamiliesamilies since 1981987.7. OOurur ppurposeurpose is to assist yyouou in income tax cuts aimed dispro- portionately at those with very study uses 2007 tax law updat- improvingimproving the qqualityuality ooff yyourour lilifefe botbothh on and ooffffff the job. high income. In turn, regres- ed to reflect permanent YouYou cancan reach T.E.A.M.T.E.A.M. 24 hhoursours a day at: sive property tax increases changes in law enacted through (651)(651) 64642-01822-0182 (800)(800) 63634-77104-7710 were required to make up for October 2009. ITEP is a the lost revenue. research partner with Citizens for Tax Justice. The study is funded by a group of founda- WishingThank Thank youYou You all to to a Organized veryOrganized happy andLabor Labor prosperous forfor bringingbringing Holiday tions, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Ford recognition to all Workers this Labor Day! Foundation. recognition to all workers this Labor Day! You can view the full report Season, and looking forward to a wonderful 2010! at http://www.ctj.org/itep by See youSee inyou Virginiaʼs in Virginia’s Olcott Olcott Park, Sunday, Sunday, Sept. Sept. 2! 6! clicking the Who Pays? map. ~from Workday Minnesota Sen. David TOMASSONI www.workdayminnesota.org Rep. Tom RUKAVINA Rep. Tony SERTICH OPTICAL

Paid for by the Rukavina Campaign Committee, 6930 Hwy 169, Virginia MN; the Citizens for Anthony “Tony” Sertich Committee; Rick Puhek, Chair, 1210 NW 9th Avenue, Chisholm, MN 55710 and the Tomassoni Campaign; P.O. Box 29, Chisholm, MN 55719 WHAT?!WHAATT?! YouYYoou havenhaven’t’t used yyourour Flex Plan Dollars?Dollars?

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Colored Contacts BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE* Purchase One Pair of Vision Pro Glasses and Get the Second Pair FREE! 'XOXWK‡6XSHULRU‡$XURUD‡7ZR+DUERUV *UDQG5DSLGV‡&ORTXHW‡0RRVH/DNH *Cannot be combined with any other offer or prior purchase. www.ibew242-neca.org SeeSee sstoretore fforor ddetails.etails. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009 PAGE 23 Best Wishes for the Holidays and a Happy New Year! If your Union isn’t listed here among our affiliates, call 218-724-1413 to learn how to become part of our Regional Labor Movement! AFSCME Council 5 IBEW 366 (Canadian National) AFSCME 66 (City, County, Others) Insulators 49 AFSCME 695 (Minnesota DOT) Ironworkers 512 AFSCME 718 (Minnesota DNR) Laborers 1091 AFSCME 1011 (MNDOT) Lake Superior News Guild 37008 AFSCME 1092 (Amalgamated MN State Human Services) Machinists District 165 AFSCME 1123 (Two Harbors Municipal) Machinists Lodge 1575 AFSCME 1934 (St. Louis County Jail) Mailers ML-62 AFSCME 2829 (Amalgamated Minnesota State Employees) Minnesota News Guild/Typographical/CWA 37002 AFSCME 2980 (Minnesota State Agricultural Employees) Minnesota Nurses Association AFSCME 3142 (Minnesota Public Safety) Musicians 18 AFSCME 3558 (Duluth Area Non-Profits) National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 114 AFSCME 3761 (St. Louis County Attorneys/Investigators) National Conference of Firemen & Oilers/SEIU 956 AFSCME 3801 (UMD Clerical/Technical) Office & Professional Employees 12 AFSCME 3802 (Silver Bay Veterans Home) Office & Professional Employees 277 AFSCME 4001 (Minnesota State College & University) Operating Engineers 49 American Postal Workers Union--Greater Northland Area Operating Engineers 70 Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, Grain Millers 167G Painters & Allied Trades 106 Boilermakers Lodge 647 Plumbers & Steamfitters 11 Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers 1 Roofers 96 Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Division 1710 Sheet Metal Workers 10 Carpenters Local 361 Stagehands 32 Cement Masons, Plasterers, Shophands 633 United Auto Workers 241 Communication Workers of America 7214 United Food & Commercial Workers 1116 Duluth Federation of Teachers 692 University Education Association (UMD) Education Minnesota-Cloquet Teachers United Steel Workers District 11 Education Minnesota-Proctor Teachers USW 1028 Retirees Education Minnesota-Willow River Teachers USW 9460 Education Minnesota-Wrenshall Teachers USW/PACE 776 Fire Fighters 101 United Transportation Union 1067 Hermantown Teachers Federation 1096 United Transportation Union 1292 IBEW 31 (Utility Workers, Others) Workers United 99 IBEW 31 and 242 Retirees Workers United 150 IBEW 242 (Construction, TV, Others) Workers United Joint Board (Minnesota) DuluthDuluth AFL-CIOAFL-CIO CentralCentral LaborLabor BodyBody Dan O’Neill, President Alan Netland, Vice President Terri Newman, Recording Secretary Sheldon Christopherson, Treasurer Larry Sillanpa, Reading Clerk Lori Doucette, Sergeant at Arms Member Brent Pykkonen, Assistant Sergeant at Arms NEALC, Trustees North Craig Olson, Scott Dulas, Christina St. Germaine East Executive Board Area Labor Jim Brown, Marie Pechek, Beth McCuskey, Kevin Nendick Council

PAGE 24 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2009