The Process News By the International Union of Operating Volume , Issue Engineers, Locals 351 and 564 Cut the Corporate Tax Rate? You’ve got to be Kidding. Donald Trump has proposed the difference between the Corporate taxes made up cutting the corporate tax rate stated corporate tax rate and about 35% of our total federal from the current 35% to 15%. the effective corporate tax tax receipts in 1955, they First off...we have cut the rate (what they actually pay). make up only about 10% to- corporate tax rate. It was Our effective rate is around day. During the same time, over 50% for the 1950’s 27%, a bit lower than the corporate profits after tax through 1970 or so. It was OECD average. have risen from about $22 lowered in the 70’s. We cut Third...many US corporations billion to $1.75 trillion. it down to about the current are fond of hiding their profits Even noted conservative 35% in the 1980’s. So, right overseas or offshore, where economist Ben Stein recently Inside this issue: off the bat, that begs the they pay 0% in US taxes. disagreed with the plan, say- question, is it working? Apple has about $200 billion ing, “Well, I don’t think Mr. Well, in 1960 a single income holed away. Pfizer has $193 Trump’s plan is going to work Gas Prices Going Down 2 could buy a house and raise a billion. The top 10 tax- very well...the evidence that family...anyone do that now? avoiding companies currently tax cuts stimulate business in Secondly, while businesses have close to $1 trillion in any kind of meaningful Good for Business? 2 like to complain about how profits avoiding US taxes. way...is extremely poor.” Exxon Beaumont Expansion 2 high corporate taxes are in Lastly, while corporate profits Cutting corporate taxes hasn’t the US and how our 35% is have climbed astronomically, worked so far...and it won’t Weingarten Rights 3 higher than other developed their percentage of our total do us any good now either. IUOE and Job Corps 3 nations, it is important to note tax burden has plummeted.

Bakken Pipeline 4 Tyson Chicken Fine 4 Moving Bakery to Mexico

New TX Game Wardens 5 Last summer, Nabisco an- that you see in the grocery countries around the world. OK’s Wild Hog Problem 5 nounced that instead of store. In addition to , And continuing to focus on spending money to upgrade Mondelez owns brands that efficiency and productivity is Labor Movies 6 its facility in the Chicago make Velveeta, Maxwell essential to our ability to Western Refining 6 area, it would instead move House, , Ritz, Pre- create value for our share- that production of Oreo cook- mium Crackers, , holders.” Back Pay for Workers 7 ies to Mexico. Snackwells, Chips Ahoy, Fig The Chicago southside bak- Biggest TX Employers 7 The move eliminated 600 or Newtons, Nutter Butters, ery has been open since the so well-paying jobs at the , Philadelphia Crème 1950’s. In 1993 it was given facility. The majority of Cheese, and millions in city and state tax those being laid off are union Gum...among many, many savings to assist with a 10- workers, members of either others. year upgrade to the facility. Find more information to the Bakers union or IUOE The company brings in about At that time, it was the organize at your Local 399. $30 billion per year. It’s world’s largest bakery, with CEO, Irene Rosenfeld, was about 2,400 workers. workplace at Oreos are made by Nabisco and Nabisco is owned by awarded almost $20 million The Baker’s union is advocat- workers-united351.org . in 2015 in total compensa- ing for a boycott of Mexican Never heard of Mondelez? tion...about 534 times what made Mondelez products. and Don’t worry, many people the average US worker made. You can find out more on workers-united564.org have not. It is one of the Rosenfeld defended the deci- how to spot those at dozen or so huge multi- sion to move the jobs to Mex- www.fightforamericanjobs.org. national conglomerates that ico, saying, “We are a global own most major food brands company. We compete in 165 Page 2 The Process News Gas Prices Falling Again

For the second straight year, time of the year. Likewise, Brent crude oil has gasoline prices are expected Last December the national not recovered its price from a to dip below $2 per gallon by average fell below $2 and the high of $110 per barrel in the holiday season. previous winter it was close June 2014. Though it has July saw the nationwide aver- to that mark. risen to about $45 per barrel, age fall to a 16-week low of up from a low of $26 in Janu- In addition to increased in- ary. The moderate increase $2.26 per gallon and it is ex- ventory, demand falls off later pected to continue falling has allowed some drillers to in the summer and refineries bring their rigs back online. through the end of the year as are allowed to swap out some Gentlemen, your supplies rise. of their production compo- It is forecasted that crude oil The Energy Information Ad- nents to cheaper stock this prices might rise in late 2017 average working ministration said that high time of year, which can pro- and production will increase man is not stupid. production has led to record vide some cost savings at the as well. highs in inventories for this pump. He just gets tired - Ruben Warshowsky, Good for Businesses but Bad for Workers? organizer in Businesses seem quick to member businesses. Accord- The National Association of oppose unions for their work- ing to OpenSecrets.org, the Realtors is “America's largest Norma Rae ers, yet most businesses be- US Chamber has spent more trade association”. Accord- long to a variety of money (close to $23 million ing to their website, the core “associations”. Likewise, so far) on lobbying in 2016 mission is “to help its mem- while we do not normally than any other organization. bers become more profitable think of lawyers and real es- In the last two years, they’ve and successful”. tate agents as belonging to a spent over $100,000,000 on By the way, Open Secrets union...they usually belong to lobbying. currently lists the Realtors “associations” as well. We’d One wonders how much they Association as #2 for lobby- like to take a look at these spent informing workers of ing money spent in 2016 so examples. their right to form their own far (about $12,000,000). The largest industrial trade organizations? Hmm...so the NAM, Cham- association in the US is the Likewise, we are sure you ber of Commerce, the Bar National Association of Man- have heard of the American Association and the National ufacturers (NAM). Accord- Bar Association and the Na- Association of Realtors all ing to their website, they “are tional Association of Realtors. have members...those mem- on the front lines of a wide bers pay dues...and the organ- range of policy battles, from The Bar Association repre- sents 400,000 members. It izations work to advance the health care reform and labor interests of said members? relations to energy and the seeks to support the legal environment, to trade policy profession though “practical So... good for businesses, and taxes”. resources for legal profes- lawyers, and real estate agents sionals” and “accrediting law but bad for working people? I can hire one The US Chamber of Com- schools”, among other merce represents 3 million half of the things. working class to ExxonMobile Beaumont Expanding kill the other - Gilded Age ExxonMobil is planning to States. awarded the contract for the increase production of ultra- The expansion centers around project. They have already Railroad Tycoon, low sulfur diesel and gasoline meeting the tightening federal begun the design work and Jay Gould. by 40,000 barrels per day at clean-air limits. They will plan on starting construction its Beaumont refinery. build a selective cat naphta this year and finishing up in This is in addition to the al- hydrofining unit that will use 2018. ready announced 20,000 BPD a proprietary catalysts system expansion. The total expan- (called SCANFiling) to re- sions will increase production move Sulphur while minimiz- from 345,000 barrels per day ing octane loss. to 405,000 and will make the The expansion is expected to Beaumont facility the 8th create about 700 construction largest refinery in the United jobs. Bechtel has been Page 3 Weingarten Rights

In the 1975 US Supreme After your make your request under these circumstances. Court case NLRB v. J. for a union representative, Some union members even Weingarten, the court ruled your employer can do one of carry what is known as a that employees have a right to three things: grant the request “Weingarten Card” that they union representation at any and wait for a union rep to can give to or read to manage- workplace investigatory in- arrive before continuing the ment to assert their rights. The most perfect po- terview. interview, deny the request An example might read: “If this This benefit to union mem- and stop the interview imme- litical community is diately or give you a choice discussion could in any way bers became known as lead to my being disciplined or “Weingarten Rights”. between continuing the inter- one in which the view without a union rep or terminated, or affect my person- There are a few rules you ending the interview. al working conditions, I re- middle class is in should be aware of when it spectfully request that my union comes to exercising this right If your employer decides not representative or steward be control, and outnum- as a union member. First, to allow a union representa- present at the meeting. Without you must make a clear re- tive to be present and they representation, I choose not to bers both of the oth- quest for union representation continue to ask you questions, answer any questions”. they are committing an unfair before or during the inter- Weingarten Rights - just anoth- er classes - Aristotle view. Your employer is not labor practice and you have the right to refuse to answer er benefit of forming a union at allowed to take any negative your workplace. action against you for making any questions. Again, your this request. employer is not allowed to discipline you for your refusal $100 Million Project Near Dallas

Charles Schwab Corp. recent- “Like Austin, where we al- location of its new campus,” ly announced their intention ready have approximately said Westlake Mayor Laura to build a $100 million cam- 1,500 employees, and El Wheat. “The Charles Schwab pus in Westlake, TX. Plans Paso, where we are building Corporation is certain to be an include 500,000 square feet our presence, the Dallas/Fort integral piece of the financial of commercial office space Worth area is an important services cluster coming together on 70 acres along Highway location for Schwab to better in Westlake and along the State 114. This project will be part serve our clients. We look Highway 114 corridor.”. of the Circle T Ranch mixed forward to significantly ex- They expect construction to use development being built panding our footprint there start in the second half of 2017 by Hillwood and The Howard over the coming years.” and continue into 2019. Hughes Corp. Schwab is getting $6 million Schwab has 330 total offices They anticipate 1,200 jobs from the Texas Enterprise and 10 million open brokerage will be created when it is Grant and $1.3 million in accounts, 1.6 million corporate finished. property tax abatement sav- retirement accounts, 1.1 million Charles Schwab VP Dennis ings and sales tax refunds banking accounts and $2.62 Howard said they will be over the next 10 years. trillion in client assets. recruiting local residents for “Westlake is delighted that employment. the Charles Schwab Corpo- ration has selected us as the IUOE and the Job Corp Program The Job Corps program is a the Jobs Corp program for received training through the no-cost educational and voca- over 45 years. At 10 loca- Jobs Corp program decide to tional training program put tions around the United become IUOE members and on by the US DOL. Since States, IUOE local union find well-paying jobs with sig- 1964, the program has sought members have provided natory contractors. to provide young people aged skills training for thousands The program generally requires 16-24 with the skills neces- of Jobs Corp students in the 1 year to complete, and students sary to find meaningful jobs. fields of heavy equipment may be able to continue with an They currently train over operator, heavy equipment IUOE Apprenticeship after. 60,000 students nationwide mechanic, stationary engi- each year. neering and asphalt paving. For more info - search for “Job Corp” on iuoe.org. The IUOE has participated in Many of the students who’ve Page 4 The Process News Trump Hotel Settles a Labor Complaint

Two employees of Trump ed to join the Culinary He described the differences International’s Hotel in Las Workers Local 226 and between the two properties. Vegas were recently given Bartenders Union Local 165 (both part of Unite Here). “$9.11 [an hour] at Trump $11,200 in back pay due to a and Mandalay Bay is complaint filed on their be- Since the election, the hotel $13.81, plus benefits. Bene- half by the Culinary Worker’s management has refused to fits represents being able to Local Union 226. negotiate, claiming that the go to the doctor with the Benefits represent The complaint was generated election was rigged. kids without being bankrupt being able to go to by the National Labor Rela- The union and many of the and in debt. “ tions Board and alleged that housekeepers, cooks, and (at Trump Hotel) “No the doctor with the Trump International fired one waiters who voted to join, lunchtime. You’re able to kids without being worker and denied a transfer have been holding regular take your 30-minutes break, to full-time status to the other rallies outside the hotel, and you have to clock out, bankrupt and in worker due to their vocal demanding that Trump and out of the system. So they support for the labor union. debt - Miguel his hotel recognize the new don’t pay you for that. This is part of an ongoing units and agree to begin the When you come back, you Funes, Las Vegas effort by the workers at the negotiation process. clock in again. Punch out property to exercise their One of the employees, Mi- and punch in.” rights to form a union. Back guel Funes works at both Is it any wonder why these in December of 2015, about the Trump Hotel and the workers are willing to fight 500 workers at the resort vot- unionized Mandalay Bay. for their right to a union? Project Financing Lined up for Bakken Pipeline

A partnership between Energy pipelines. The total cost was gulf coasts. Transfer Partners, Sunoco estimated to be $3.7 billion. The route for the 1,134 Logistics Partners and Phillips Construction began in May mile underground pipeline 66 has announced the success- and is expected to finish by will travel from North Da- ful completion of project level the end of this year. kota southeast through financing for the Dakota Ac- Once finished, the pipelines South Dakota, Iowa and cess Pipeline and the Energy into Illinois. Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline, are expected to transport over known together as “The 470,000 barrels per day of The project was granted Bakken Pipeline”. crude oil from the Bakken/ the use of eminent domain Three Forks production areas in March of 2016. The This $2.5 billion facility is in North Dakota to markets in same month they said it expected to provide substan- the Midwest. From refineries had secured voluntary tially all of the remaining capi- in the Midwest, products can easements in 82 percent of tal necessary to finish the be transported to the east and Iowa land needed. Tyson Foods Fined $263K in Texas

The Occupational Safety and equipment and not providing Tyson is no stranger to Health Administration an- training for employees who issues and controversy. In nounced in mid-August that use potentially harmful chemi- 2001, the company had they were fining Tyson Foods cals. multiple employees indict- Inc. $263,498 for exposing The repeated violations stem ed for conspiring to smug- workers to amputation, chemi- from Tyson not ensuring that gle undocumented workers cal, fall and fire hazards. employees wear the appropri- into the country to work in The inspection found 2 repeat ate eye and face protection. processing plants. Two and 15 serious violations fol- made plea deals and three Inspectors also noted slip and were acquitted. lowing an accident where an fall hazards, improper drain- employee lost a finger. The age, tripping hazards and fire The company has also violations include failing to danger. faced class-action and ensure proper safety guards RICO lawsuits regarding are in place on machines, car- Tyson is headquartered in it’s hiring of undocument- bon dioxide levels higher than Arkansas and is the world’s ed immigrants and paying allowed, not providing the largest meat and poultry pro- them substandard wages. correct personal protective cessing company. Page 5 The Outdoor Corner

TPWD Graduates 46 Game Wardens and Park Officers

After seven months of rigor- “The people of Texas will ex- to the visitors and users of state ous training, the 60th Texas pect you to be pillars of parks and help enforce laws game warden cadet class strength and leadership, reso- within their local jurisdictions. graduated today at the Texas lute in character and virtue, “We have tremendous confi- Humans pull to- State Capitol. The cadet class fair beyond reproach and un- dence in the men and women includes 41 game warden failing in response in times of commissioned and believe they gether in an odd cadets and five state park disaster and duress. And, when will serve the people of Texas police officers. you are called for help, day or with great distinction,” said way when they're This is the second cadet class night, weekday or weekend, Texas State Parks Director with state park police officers irrespective of the need or the Brent Leisure. “These new in the wilderness. training and graduating cause or the caller for help, officers have proven them- alongside state game wardens you will go and you will go selves worthy and prepared for It's astonishing after the two academies were dutifully.” the demands they will face." combined last year. The graduates will begin their All graduates met the state- how few people Following their preparation at new careers stationed in coun- mandated requirements for the Texas Parks and Wildlife ties and state parks throughout peace officer certification, litter and how Department Game Warden the state. including criminal and consti- much they help Training Center in Hamilton The duties of a Texas game tutional law, firearms, self- County, the newly- warden include the enforce- defense, use of force, defensive one another - commissioned peace officers ment of all state laws, but pri- driving, arrest, search and sei- were recognized during a marily hunting, fishing and zure, ethics and first aid. Nicholas Kristof, special ceremony this morn- water safety regulations. As The new wardens and park NYTimes Writer ing at the Texas State Capitol. fully commissioned peace police are joining the 493 “Today, you are joining a officers, they respond to emer- game wardens and 170 park select group of men and wom- gencies, assist other law en- police officers currently in the en who put their lives on the forcement agencies and work field and will help enforce line each and every day to to educate the public about TPWD regulations and carry protect our state’s lands, conservation issues. the department’s high stand- waters, borders, fish, game, State park police, also com- ards to every corner of the environment, property and missioned peace officers, pro- state. our lives,” said TPWD Exec- vide law enforcement services More at tpwd.texas.gov. utive Director Carter Smith. Oklahoma Legislature Working on Feral Hog Problem

Feral hog populations have warden. However, that bill was feral hog populations is the been found in all 77 counties vetoed by Governor Fallin, who network of trappers who in Oklahoma. The state esti- thought it might create public transport feral hogs to these mates there are between safety issues. She instead issued licensed facilities to be killed 400,000 and 1.6 million at an order allowing landowners by hunters,” said Representa- any given time. and people with landowner per- tive Renegar. Unfortunately, the wild hogs mission to shoot the hogs at night “I’ve been hunting at night, can cause widespread damage on private land with a state is- early in the morning, and you to crops and may contribute sued permit. may get a shot at one or two to disease in the state pork The current legislative effort in a group and they scatter and cattle industries. The seeks to have a study done to and go all over on your Samuel Roberts Nobel Foun- provide education for house neighbors. Trapping you can dation estimates that about members on the problems caused get 25 in one location at one $1.5 billion in damage hap- by the feral hog population. time.” pened nationwide last year. It seems like trapping may be the Owners of hunting preserves Last year, the OK legislature most effective measure in Okla- usually pay about $100 per passed a bill to allow people homa, at least according to Rep- head for each wild hog re- to hunt the animals, day or resentative Brian Renegar. leased on their properties. night, on public or private “In fact the only effective meas- land, with no license and ure we have in place to control without notifying a game Page 6 The Process News Great Labor Related Movies

There have been a number of He won a Golden “scabs”...but things don’t really good movies with Globe...and got nominated work out as planned as Few themes that centered on un- for a Worst Actor “Razzie” Clothes Johnson joins sides ions and the US Labor Move- award. DeVito was also with the union. ment. Some of them are fair- nominated for Worst Direc- Matewan is a great telling of ly mainstream and include tor. Hoffa was nominated the early struggles of the superstar casts and some are for two Oscar awards and United Mine Workers union lesser known gems. the Golden Bear (highest and the coal miners who One of the best all around award) at the Berlin Interna- took on the huge companies. movies on the list is Norma tional Film Festival. It shows the tyranny of the Rae. Sally Field won the The story definitely didn’t “company town” and the 1979 Academy Award for sugarcoat Hoffa’s rise to the true-to- life violence perpe- Best Actress in her title role IBT’s highest position as it trated by the coal mines and the film was added to the told a story of mafia influ- against the workers. National Film Registry of the ence and occasional intimi- Lastly, you should check out Library of Congress in 2011. dation. The movie does 1954’s On the Waterfront. Norma Rae is the story of a have Nicholson providing a Though, this movie definite- textile factory in North Caro- great quote though - “Never ly does not provide a glow- lina and the workers’ struggle let a stranger in your cab, in ing endorsement of unions, to form a union. The climax your house, or in your Marlon Brando’s portrayal of the movie comes when heart...unless he is a friend of a dockworker fighting Norma Rae is being pressured of labor. “ against a corrupt Long- to leave the facility by man- A somewhat lesser known shoremen’s local union is agement and she instead film, but just as good as the amazing. climbs up on a table with a first two, is 1987s Matewan. hand-written “UNION” sign. The film won Oscars for It is a great scene and an all- Staring Chris Cooper and Best Picture, Director, Ac- around good movie. James Earl Jones (great tor, Screenplay, Supporting character called “Few Actress, Art Direction, Cine- Another popular film with a Clothes Johnson”), Matewan matography, and Film Edit- big-name cast is the 1992 is set in a 1920’s West Vir- ing. It is ranked #8 on Hoffa. Directed by and cos- ginia coal town. Like Nor- AFI’s top 100 movies of all tarring Danny DeVito, Hoffa ma Rae, the story centers on time. Yeah, it is that good. is the “based on a true story” an organizing effort at the There are many more great telling of James R. Hoffa’s coal mine. The company rise to the presidency of the labor related films...though threatens to replace all it is about time for another International Brotherhood of workers who join the union The issue is jobs. Teamsters. Jack Nicholson major one. Anyone got with African American and Martin Scorsese's number? played Jimmy Hoffa and re- Italian American You can't get ceived widely mixed reviews. away from it: Western Refining Investing $145 Million in St. Paul Area Refinery jobs. Having a Toward the end of last year, be utilized for the mainte- pany and 38% of the limited buck or two in El Paso based Western Refin- nance and renovation project partnership interests. In ing completed their acquisi- and it will have the refinery June of this year, Western your pocket and tion of Northern Tier. As part down for about 45 days. spent $1.5 billion to com- of that merger, Western took The previously announced plete the purchase. feeling like some- ownership of a 90,500 barrel $100 million will provide They also own Super Amer- per day refinery in St Paul, upgrades to the refinery ica’s retail gas business body - MN. aimed at increasing produc- which has been a longtime It was announced previously tion and improving the facil- customer of the St. Paul Studs Terkel that Western was going to put ities ability to process crude Park Refinery. $100 million into the facility oil from the Bakken in and in early August they said North Dakota. they were pumping in another Western’s acquisition of $45 million for a third-quarter Northern Tier actually start- turnaround. ed back in 2013 when they According to Western, 900- purchased the general part- 1,000 outside contractors will nership interest in the com- Page 7 $1 Million Plus in Back Pay for Senate Cafeteria Workers

674 workers in the US Capi- been involved in a union hailed the findings, but noted tal’s food services will get organizing drive last year that there is more work to be checks for about $1500 each and won a raise in their new done. in back pay. The worker’s contract, however many were misclassified by their “If federal contractors feel free workers were not given that to break federal law right under employer into lower-paying raise. job titles and were required to the noses of lawmakers, they Should any work before clocking in. Sam Souccar, a Restaurant probably feel free to violate the Associates executive (the rights of workers all across political party David Weil, head of the La- company who hired the America. While the Labor De- attempt to abolish bor Department’s Wage and subcontractor) said that they partment should be commended Hour Division, said, “Federal had “worked diligently” for acting quickly to remedy social security, Contractors have a legal obli- with the USDOL and that wage theft at the US Capital and unemployment gation to follow the letter of the problems were caused Senate, the truth is that the the law, especially when it by “administrative techni- agency does not have enough insurance, and comes to paying their work- calities related to our asso- resources to investigate every eliminate labor ers. Workers in the restau- ciates’ evolving day-to-day federal contractor in the US.” rant industry are among the work responsibilities.” laws and farm lowest paid workers in our Instead of chasing bad contrac- programs, you economy. Most struggle to While Restaurant Associates tors, Mr. Geevarghese advocat- afford life’s basic expenses has agreed to make the em- ed for the US Government to would not hear of and pay their bills; they ployees whole, it is yet to be instead just insist on contracting that party again in shouldn't have to deal with seen if the DOL will bar the with known employers who pay paychecks that don’t accu- contractor and its subcon- good wages and recognize our political rately reflect their hard work tractors from winning fur- workers’ right to form a union. history - Dwight D. and the wages to which they ther federal contracts. are legally entitled.” Good Jobs Nation’s Direc- Eisenhower Additionally, the workers had tor, Joseph Geevarghese Biggest Employers in Texas When most people think of one-fifth of Dell’s 103,000 students. Located on 5,200 Texas business, they probably employees are located at the acres, Texas A&M, like UT, envision oil and gas compa- Texas campus. is a leading research universi- nies (or maybe boot stores?). Number three is also tied to ty and receives funding for However, it might surprise the UT system. MD Ander- ongoing research for NASA, many to find out that while son’s Cancer Center is Texas’ the National Institutes of ExxonMobil, Phillips 66, and third-largest employer with Health, the National Science ConocoPhillips are among the about 35,000. It is one of the Foundation and the Office of largest companies headquar- top cancer research and treat- Naval Research. tered in Texas, none of them ment centers in the world and Further down the list of big- are actually in the top five for ranked #1 for Cancer Car in gest employers, you’ll find most employees working in the US in 2015 by US News Sanitors (janitorial services), Texas. The list of biggest and World Report. Sylvan Learning Centers, the employers in the state may Texas Department of Trans- surprise some. Ok, so there is one oil and gas company in the top five. portation, Lockheed Martin, Coming in at number five is Shell Deepwater Develop- Dow Chemical, and Dairy the University of Texas in ment comes in at number 2 Queen. Austin. With 55,000 or so and 44,000 Texas workers. students in the state capital, As the name indicates this UT employees around 21,000 unit is involved in finding people. It is the fifth largest petroleum resources located university in the country and below the ocean floor. one of the nation’s best re- search schools. Now if they And the biggest employer in could just get their football Texas? Another university - program back on track… College Station’s Texas A&M. It is the largest uni- Also located in Central Tex- versity in Texas, the forth as, Dell’s campus in the Aus- largest in the United States tin suburb of Roundrock and employees about 50,000 comes in just under UT with people to service it’s 60,000+ 21,000 employees. About Local 351 111 East Coolidge St. Borger, TX 79007

T HE P ROCESS N EWS The History of Labor Day Every September, we all cele- ionize again. Local 351 brate the contributions (and It was struggles like this that struggles) of workers. generated what became the US 111 East Coolidge St. Though many states had celebrat- Labor Movement. There were Borger, TX 79007 ed the occasion previously, Labor a lot of brutal (often violent) Day was officially recognized as defeats in the late 19th and early 806-274-4501 a federal holiday in the US in 20th centuries. Without the 1894. The federal recognition sacrifices made by those early Local 564 came after the Pullman Railroad trade unionists, we would not strike earlier that year. Thirty have won the 1935 National 2120 N Brazosport Blvd workers were killed and 57 were Labor Relations Act. We would Richwood, TX 77531 injured after President Grover not have the right to form a un- Cleveland sent 12,000 federal ion and bargain collectively. 979-480-0003 troops to break the strike. In an We would not have overtime effort to appease the working pay, sick time, child labor laws class, Cleveland pushed the La- or safety protections. bor Day bill through congress And that is what we should re- and signed it just 6 days after the member on Labor Day…that the strike had ended. right to form a union was fought While denoting a day to celebrate for by previous generations and workers’ contributions is nice, it that workers should never give should be noted that the Pullman up the right to stand together in Strike did not turn out well. The solidarity to improve our wages, government, at the behest of the benefits, and working condi- railroad companies, was able to tions. break the strike. The leader of the strike was sent to prison, the American Railway Union was disbanded, and Pullman workers had to sign pledges to never un-