1245
International Brotherhooa Of Electrical Workers Local 1245, AFL-CIO October 1992 Vol. XLI No. 10
INSIDE
)PECIAL SECTION IBEW Local 1245 Voters' Guide Pages 7-18
Outside Line: Border Trouble Pages 4-5 Lineman's Rodeo I Page 6 Layoffs at Merced ID Page 6 Members Speak Out: Who Should Be President? Pages 19-21 PG&E's Humboldt Bay Power Plant Pages 22-23 Day of Reckoning • for Workers' Safety CALENDAR October 17 General Construction Stewards Conference A/ Ar Walnut Creek, Ca. October 24-25 Unit Officers Leadership Conference , r A e4lageliiiinbgg3g12406 Concord, Ca. November 3 US GENERAL ELECTION BE SURE TO VOTE!
November 7-8 Advisory Council * Bill Clinton Concord, Ca. November 7 Redwood Region (Southern Area) President Stewards Conference
It r i•ii tem. 1245 LABOR AT LARGE Workers here and abroad APPOINTMENTS NEM PACIFIC GAS AND Rolling the union on ■ ELECTRIC COMPANY IE Do As I Say, Not As I Apprentice Equipment Do: Ford Motor spokesman October 1992 Mechanic Committee Jack Eby recently spoke out Volume XLI Ben Leung Jim Farmer against letting Japanese auto Number 10 Landis Marttila companies have access to Circulation: 27,000 Gene Wallace Mexico's market, declaring "Our view is that you should (510) 933-6060 Commuter Check produce where you sell." Business Manager Program Committee Ford, by the way, assembled & Executive Editor Gwen Wynn 157,000 cars in Mexico last Debra Lopez Jack McNally year and exported nearly President 112,000 of them, mostly to COD Committee on New the US. Howard Stiefer Technology Executive Board Arthur Viray RW Wrong-Way Frank: Jim McCauley Carol Turk Former Eastern Airlines Ron Blakemore Grace Coyle Chairman Frank Lorenzo, Barbara Symons Linda Bostic Midhael J. Davis who destroyed the airline in While Republicans gathered for their national convention in Kathy F. Tindall his attempt to bust its unions, Houston, the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Andrew G. Dudley CONFERENCES AND is still headed in the wrong picketed the Republican Club in Washington. The club's Treasurer CONVENTIONS direction. Lorenzo was re- management has refused to bargain after HERE Local 25 E. L. "Ed" Mallory cently arrested on drunk driv- won a representation election. Joint Executive Communications Director ing charges in Houston. Po- Conference of Southern Eric Wolfe lice say he was driving the Trzcinski. Job loss due to run the plant. After two safety- California Electrical wrong way on a one-way medical conditions decreases related mishaps, Detroit Workers street. Published monthly at 3063 Cit- Richard Dunkin by 94% for managers and Edison asked Local 223 mem- rus Circle, Walnut Creek, Cali- Bobby Blair LcW Out of Work: The In- nearly 50% for non-manage- bers to come back while ne- fornia 94598. Official publica- ternational Labor Organiza- rial workers when companies gotiations continue. provide such leave, she tion of Local Union 1245, Inter- California State tion says that 30% of the ItW' Vicious: Galaxy Cheese national Brotherhood of Elec- Association of Electrical world's workers are out of found. Workers left 75 workers out of work trical Workers, AFL-CIO, P.O. work or underemployed. Managers Can't Cope: OdCPC, when it moved to Florida, but Box 4790, Walnut Creek, CA it Veto - Job Loss: Since Hinting it was concerned the company has threatened 94596. Howard Stiefer Richard Dunkin President Bush vetoed a 1990 about possible sabotage, De- to prosecute the workers it Art Murray bill that would have required troit Edison locked out 200 left behind if they take jobs Second Class postage paid at Bobby Blair companies to grant job-pro- members of Utility Workers with Northwood Cheese, a Walnut Creek and at additional tected family and medical Local 223 at the company's competitor. When they were mailing offices. USPS No. IBEW Nuclear Seminar leave, more than 300,000 Fermi 2 nuclear power plant hired, Galaxy employees had 654640, ISSN No. 0190-4965. Darrel Mitchell workers with serious medi- when the union's contract to sign an agreement that Mike Haentjens cal conditions have lost their expired, according to Labor they wouldn't work for a com- POSTMASTER: Please send Jeff Knisley jobs, according to Cornell Notes. But the company petitor for two years after leav- Form 3579, Change of Address, University economist Eileen found its managers couldn't ing Galaxy. and all correspondence to Util- Coalition of Labor Union ity Reporter, P.O. Box 4790, Women National Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Executive Board Meeting Handcox's songs rolled the union on Dorothy Fortier Single copies 10 cents, sub- Kathy Tindall By Eric Wolfe Handcox was organizing On," a song that has raised scription $1.20 annually. Enid Bidou John Handcox, the labor for the Southern Tenant spirits on countless Millie Phillips balladeer who inspired thou- Farmers Union in the depths picketlines through the years Have you moved lately? If so, sands of workers, died last of the Depression when he and which provided the in- please send your complete new CLOC Conference month at the age of 87. composed "Roll the Union spiration for the column that address and your social secu- Jack McNally appears on this page each rity number to the Utility Re- Art Murray month in the Utility Reporter. porter, P.O. Box 4790, Walnut Richard Dunkin Handcox, unschooled in Creek, CA 94596. music, was gifted with a feel Inter-Union Gas for lyrics that enabled him to Conference Howard Stiefer produce songs and poems Jack McNally that outlive him, in part be- Darrel Mitchell cause they were written in Perry Zimmerman such a way that people can Sam Tamimi easily add verses that tell of Bob Martin their own strikes and Joel Ellioff struggles. Ed Caruso Handcox, whose songs Pat Gates have been recorded by Pete Richard Bidinost Seeger for the Library of Con- Jim Lynn Rudy Woodford gress, may be gone but his John Handcox and Eric Wolfe at Labor Mu music will continue to "roll Festival in Seattle in 1988. the union on."
2 Utility Reporter October 1992
LOCAL AT LARGE POINT OF VIEW
PG&E Medical Reminder Put America back to work: Elect Bill Clinton on Nov. 3 Local 1245 members at PG&E currently covered by the Blue Cross medical plan who did not exercise their options during the open enrollment period will automatically be enrolled in the appropri- ate Prudential medical plan effective Jan. 1, 1993. Jack McNally, IBEW 1245 Business Manager Local 1245 members at PG&E covered in an HMO who did not Interviews with mem- make a selection will continue to have medical coverage through the bers of our union in this same HMO. issue of the Utility Reporter A feature of the PruCare Plus plan provides for medical services reveal some unhappiness with this year's candidates to be managed through a primary care physician. Members may for President of the United change their primary care physicians at anytime by calling Pru- States. dential at 1-800-998-3242. That's understandable. Bill Clinton, the candidate endorsed by this union and by the AFL-CIO nationwide, is far from perfect. There's Drywallers, Hightower featured on labor TV the so-called "character" is- bill that crossed his desk. Labor's public television You can learn about their In addition, October's pro- sues we've all heard so Bill Clinton has pledged program, 'We Do the Work", spirited campaign for justice gram features a New York much about. And there's support for a national health takes a look this month at by tuning in to 'We Do the City blacktop repairman who Clinton's very spotty record care policy to combat the southern California Work" on San Francisco's finds art on the road by mak- on labor issues as governor intolerable increases in in- drywallers struggling for fair KQED-TV (Channel 9), Sun- ing photographs touting use- of Arkansas. surance premiums that pri- wages and working condi- day, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. less and unusual things to do But let's be serious about vate companies and their tions. Also featured will be Jim with potholes, including fix- the choices we face. Labor employees currently face. In southern California's Hightower, the populist ing a Casesar salad in front of could hardly do worse than Bush has offerred a mean- construction industry, the Texan whom many consider Rockefeller Center. we've done under George ingless program of tax cred- most backbreaking work- the wittiest man in public life Coming up in November, Bush these last four years. its that completely fails to drywalling-is performed by today. Hightower will talk 'We Do the Work" presents On the other hand, there is address the problem. legal Mexican immigrants. turkey about tennis shoes: a special about the growing plenty of evidence that And most importantly, However, they make half of who makes them, who buys epidemic of repetitive strain Clinton is prepared to take Bill Clinton has a vision for whatthey made a decade ago, them, and where all the prof- injuries. the steps needed to revive a revitalized US economy about $300 a week. its go. Check it out! our economy and address and has put forward seri- some of the most pressing ous proposals for putting needs of America's work- Americans back to work. ing middle class. The only idea Bush has is to Bill Clinton has pledged continue giving tax breaks to use the savings from de- to business, including tax fense to retrain the work- breaks that reward compa- ers who are thrown out of nies for shutting down US work by this change in na- plants and moving overseas. tional priorities. Bush has Some may be tempted ignored the plight of these to pull the lever for Ross YOUR TURN! workers. Perot as a protest vote. But Perry Zimmerman (on the left) Bill Clinton has pledged the time is past for "sending was given a warm welcome to enact family leave and a message" to Washington. last summer by retiring child care legislation to help It's time to send new and Assistant Business Manager parents cope with the new competent leadership to Orville Owen. Zimmerman, a Washington. Local 1245 business realities of this generation representative since 1981, where stay-at-home moth- We can do that on Nov. 3 took over Owen's position as ers are increasingly rare. by getting out and voting Assistant Business Manager Bush has vetoed every such for Clinton for President. in late June. Zimmerman's responsibilities include Bill Clinton has a vision for a revi- administering union contracts in both the public and private talized US economy and has put for- sectors. (Photo: Eric Wolfe) ward serious proposals for putting Americans back to work. The only idea Bush has is to continue giving tax breaks to business, including tax breaks that reward companies for shutting down US plants and moving overseas.
October 1992 Utility Reporter 3 OUTSIDE LINE CONSTRUCTION
Bad news at the border Outside Line Construction crews see `Free Trade' up close at Otay Mesa
Story by Eric Wolfe Photos by Bobby Blair
merica at its best. year member of Local 1245 [with] US soil. Anything America at its who worked on the Myers that's labor intensive at all, worst. job this summer. But there's any production, is on the That was the plenty there now. Honeywell, other side of the border." kind of job it was Sanyo, Hatachi, and Casio are last summer just some of the corporate Moving to Mexico whenA Local 1245 Outside logos emblazoned upon the The process of moving pro- Line Construction crews up- huge buildings spreading out duction facilities to Mexico graded an electric substation along the US side of the bor- has been going on for years. in Otay Mesa, a California der in Otay Mesa. Since 1965, more than 1,800 town perched on the Mexi- "What everyone should plants employing more than can border a few miles south understand is that anything 500,000 workers have been of San Diego. that has to do with jobs is not built in Mexico, mostly by The skills and expertise going to be located on the US US corporations seeking to that union line crews bring to side," said Joe Francis, ex- take advantage of Mexico's their work are the pride of ecutive secretary of the San low-wage workforce. Local 1245 members working for L.E. Meyers pull in new America. You need look no Diego and Imperial Counties In most cases, the cloth- wire during the upgrading of service to the border area. farther to understand why the Central Labor Council. ing, cars and electronics US has been the most pro- "What they've chosen to goods produced in Mexico combined with high prices Under President Bush's ductive society in history. do is locate administrative are shipped north and sold to paid by US consumers means proposed North American But something is chang- offices on this side just for US consumers. Low wages fat profits for some of the Free Trade Agreement, the ing. And you need look no the sake of identification paid to Mexican workers world's biggest corporations. number of runaway jobs is farther than the rapidly ex- expected to swell to 800,000 panding business parks at by 1995. Otay Mesa and elsewhere on "What everyone should understand is that anything "I think it's terrible for the the US-Mexico border to see American worker," said Lo- the bad news: that has to do with jobs is not going to be located on cal 1245 lineman Tube American jobs are head- the US side" of the border, says Joe Francis of the Dudley, who worked on the ing south. Myers job in Otay Mesa. And, The Local 1245 line crews, San Diego Central Labor Council. Corporations locat- in Dudley's opinion, what's on a job for L.E. Myers, got a ing in places like Otay Mesa will typically "have a US bad for American workers in first-hand view of this corpo- general is likely to be bad for rate flight when they spent side and a Mexican side. On the US side they might Local 1245 linemen in par- three months building a ticular. 69KV transmission line be- have three people in an office. On the Mexican side, Increased movement of tween San Diego Gas and the operation is 3,000 production workers building production to Mexico, Electric substations in Otay Dudley observed, "means Mesa and San Diego. The [for example] television sets." there will be less construc- new line increases the power tion in the state so they won't available to Otay Mesa, need us to build powerlines." where several giant corpora- tions have set up shop. Secret deal Unfortunately, these cor- Even as Congress gets porations have not come to ready to debate the proposed Otay Mesa to construct plants Free Trade Agreement, the that will employ American Bush administration is rush- workers. They have come to ing ahead unilaterally to help set up warehouses and ad- corporations replace high- ministrative offices to service wage US jobs with low-wage production facilities located Mexican jobs. In a secret deal on the Mexican side of the with Mexico last year, the border. Bush administration agreed And they've come in to pre-empt state laws gov- droves. erning commercial drivers "A couple of years ago, licenses and make Mexican there was nothing there," This Sanyo facility at Otay Mesa, Ca., is just one of the many US and Japanese corporations commercial drivers' licenses observed P. R James, a 34- locating on the border to service production facilities in nearby Mexico. valid throughout the US.
4 Utility Reporter October 1992
OUTSIDE LINE CONSTRUCTION
White House: George Bush. cial. These administrative heard about Mexicans tak- 11111111111111111111111111111111111 Democratic presidential offices really amount to little ing jobs, it was migrant work- candidate Bill Clinton on Oct. more than "a front", Francis ers taking jobs up here no- 4 said he will support the Free said, putting a US face on an body wanted. But now they're Trade Agreement, but only if enterprise whose real activ- taking desireable jobs to additional language can be ity is in Mexico. Mexico." negotiated to protect US "They have a US side and a Not many kids in the US workers and environmental Mexican side. On the US side want to be migrant workers, standards. they might have three people Dudley said, but some of - The special treatment in an office. On the Mexican them are getting training to given to Mexican commer- side, the operation is 3,000 assemble electronics equip- cial drivers is like a slap in the production workers building ment and TVs. The training face to hundreds of Local [for example] television won't do them much good, 1245 workers who have re- sets," said Francis. however, if all those jobs have cently been required by the "Most of the managers are moved to Mexico. Bush' administration to pos- US residents," Francis added. Think of the rapid growth sess commercial licenses. `They reside in the US and of business parks in Otay Under Bush, the US Depart- they commute each day Mesa as a window on the ment of Transportation has across into Mexico to the future: a future in which there tightened licensing require- maquiladora plant." Maquila- is no room for the American ments for US drivers, while dora is the name given to US worker. easing them for Mexican driv- and Japanese plants located "Our brothers will do the ers. on the Mexican side of the work, they'll build that line," You don't need to be Albert US border. said Local 1245 Business Einstein to see there's some- Local 1245's Tube Dudley Representative Bobby Blair thing wrong with this equa- says there was a time when after visiting the union line tion. US workers weren't too con- crews working on the line to cerned about competition the Otay Mesa substation. Corporate "front" from Mexican workers. "But they don't like the rea- Ironically, opening US "It used to be when you son for it." highways to Mexican com- mercial drivers will probably lessen the need for ware- houses at border locations like Otay Mesa. If you can Bob Sandow and Doug Schmaderer put on Am Pact tool. use Mexican drivers to truck your goods from your Mexi- can factory directly to the US This year, the US Depart- same logic that underlies the market, there's no need to ment of Transportation entire corporate strategy for warehouse it on the border. (DOT) put this policy into trade relations with Mexico: "It seems the only purpose effect by ordering all state replace high-wage, high- of the Otay Mesa business motor vehicle agencies to skilled US labor with cheap development would be for honor Mexican licenses and Mexican labor. It is a strat- administrative activities," to stop requiring Mexican egy warmly embraced by the said Francis, the San Diego truck drivers to qualify un- corporations' man in the Central Labor Council offi- der US licensing laws. In short, Bush has said "screw you" to US truckers and paved the way for handing their jobs over to Mexican drivers. The Teamsters union last month filed suit against the DOT, charging that Mexican drivers do not meet the same standards required of US commercial drivers. For ex- ample, Mexican commercial drivers do not have to prove their competence at caring for hazardous cargos or han- dling double or triple trailer rigs. Chuck Mack, president of Teamsters Joint Council No. 7 in the Bay Area, said there was "no logic" to the government's show of favor- itism to Mexican drivers. "It's just a bold economic move," Mack said. Mike Robinson, Bill Reed, and Richard Truett on Cline Hogg, a 34-year union member, and Norm But in fact there is a logic ground rod and anchor crew. Stout, a 25-year member, on materials haul. to the DOT order. It is the October 1992 Utility Reporter 5 LOCAL AT LARGE
PG&E offers SMUD, PG&E teams excel in Lineman's Rodeo lid Express' ocal 1245 members team of Rob Harty, Scott Rose turned in outstand- A perfect 700 was scored and Evan Slaydon finished in ing performances at by the Sacramento 10th place with a score of job bidding the Ninth Annual Municipal Utility District 695. Lineman's Rodeo in team of Max Fuentes, Just behind them in 12th eginning Sept. 29, Kansas City last Gerald Mankins, and place was the SMUD team of Local 1245 mem- month.L Jerry Tittle during the Tom Mullally, Pete bers at PG&E can A Sacramento Municipal national competition in Henderson and Brian Perry, use Bid Express Utility District team consist- Kansas City. At right, with a score of 694. The B they display the trophy for more than just access- ing of Max Fuentes, Gerald SMUD team of Scott Hylton, ing information. The Mankins and Jerry Tittle they received during the Mike Fisher and Greg phone-in job bidding sys- regional competition in scored a perfect 700 for the Sacramento in July. "Snake" Smelser finished tem will now accept new seven events, finishing sec- 19th with a score of 692. and renewed bids, accord- ond out of 184 teams. (Speed The PG&E Stockton Divi- ing to PG&E's Karen in performing the events is used to determine the win- The Pacific Gas & Elec- sion team of Rick Bimson, Silva. not a factor in scoring, but is ner in case of tie scores). tric General Construction Tom Jones and George Phase II of Bid Express McNeill finished 25th with a is an enhanced version of Merced Irrigation District score of 691. The PG&E Kern the current job bidding Division team of Bryan Allen, system, but will not re- Curtis Doty and Roy Truitt place the existing mail-in Local 1245 prepares to grieve layoffs scored 689 to finish 35th. system. With Phase II, Coming in 40th with a employees will have the rievances will be filed tamed one employee who had "The grievances will include score of 687 was the SMUD option of continuing to in connection with been a permanent employee that problem, too." team of Rich Harper, Ron mail in bids through com- the layoffs of 23 bar- for two days and laid off an The union committee en- Young and Ted Warner. pany or US mail or submit gaining unit employ- employee who was hired in gaging in discussions with A PG&E General Con- bids or transfers by tele- G ees in the Construction/ June of 1979 and had 13 years the District over the layoffs struction team consisting of phone. Maintenance Department at of seniority." included Tim Goodson, John Eric Dau, Robert Sholler and When calling, employ- Merced Irrigation District. According to Mai, the Dis- Rosshirt, Vicki Bergman, and George Soares scored 681, ees will need their social The layoffs, prompted by trict failed to comply with con- Jim Clinton, along with Mai. finishing 76th. security and personal state budget cuts, also af- tract language when imple- In three meetings with man- In competition among ap- identification numbers fected employees in the Wa- menting the layoffs. agement the union commit- prentices, SMUD's Greg (PIN). This is the same ter Division and Park Divi- 'We are not in agreement tee was unsuccessful in per- Smelser finished 4th out of PIN used for the Saving's_ sion through bumping. The with what the hell they've suading the District to take a 95 contestants. Fund Plan and benefits 23 layoffs represents one- done," Mai said. different course. phone system. They will quarter of the entire bargain- also need the bid or trans- ing unit, according to Local Demotions also grieved fer code (s) of the job (s) 1245 Business Representa- In addition to the layoffs, they are interested in bid- tive Gary Mai. 15 bargaining unit members ding for or transferring 'We recognize that the were demoted as a result of to. district has the right to deter- the District's reorganization Once the employee mine the size of the in the wake of the budget has entered the appropri- workforce, but we object cutbacks. ate identification num- strongly to the manner in "Higher people were bers, a voice will prompt which they implemented the brought down to fill vacated them through the pro- layoffs," said Mai. "They re- classifications," said Mai. cess. Callers will still be able to access information on bids previously sub- mitted. City of Willits pact ratified And, according to Silva, all information and embers of Local tative Bob Choate. requests are confidential. 1245 employed by An hours provision in the Bid Express can be the City of Willits agreement will permit "com- reached from any ratified a new two- pressed" workweeks, such as touchtone phone system yearm Memorandum of Under- four 10-hour seven days a week by call- standing that provides a 3% days. ing company extension pay hike in the first year ret- Under the 223-4243 or from inside roactive to June 1. new agree- the (415) area code by The agreement provides ment employ- calling 973-4243. Outside a wage opener in the second ees will be al- the (415) area code, call year. lowed to buy 1-800-238-4243). The City has agreed to back sick Copies of the Bid Ex- continue paying the full costs leave. Employees will also be press brochure are avail- of medical and dental insur- able to use their sick leave able from the local Hu- ance despite higher premium for family illnesses. man Resources depart- costs. Standby pay and meals ment. Negotiating for the union, Lorrie Changaris, a Measurement and Control are increased by the new along with Choate, were J.C. employee in PG&E's Coast Valleys Division and agreement, according to Lo- England, Jerry Campbell, and a 12-year union member, finishes up a differential cal 1245 Business Represen- Lee Oberdorf. meter test in King City, Ca., last spring.
6 Utility Reporter October 1992
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * VOTERS GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PAGES 7-18 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Dear Local 1245 member,
You have the power to make important changes happen in this country. CONTENTS You can help make the economy grow again. You can restore fairness to our tax structure. PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT PAGE 8 You can protect the rights and the living standards of working people. You can't do it by yourself. But you can do it by acting in unity with U.S. SENATE RACES your fellow union members to elect leaders who share these goals. PAGE 9 Our union by-laws require the Local 1245 Executive Board to evalu- U.S. HOUSE RACES ate candidates for office and recommend the ones who would best repre- PAGE 10 sent our interests as working people.
CALIFORNIA SENATE RACES The candidates for state and national office endorsed in this "Voters' Guide" may not be perfect on every issue, but they share many of our PAGE 11 concerns and will work for many of our important goals. Electing all of CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY RACES these labor-endorsed candidates will create an overwhelming mandate PAGES 15-17 for change.
CALIFORNIA STATE PROPOSITIONS The economic wreckage of the Reagan-Bush years is all around us: PAGE 18 massive unemployment, spiraling health costs, collapsed banks and failing schools. We all know that change is badly needed. We have the power to make it happen. Now is the time to show we COMPLETE LIST OF ENDORSEMENTS have the will. CALIFORNIA: PAGES 12-13 NEVADA: PAGE 14 In Unity,
Jack McNally Business Manager
-111111111, Make Our Voice Heard. ■ Vote November 3rd.
October 1992 Utility Reporter 7 * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * *
Wake *wet Voice e.etizot Ifeveocliet 3,t41/
Bill Clinton President
Al Gore Vice President
ti Endorsed By Your Union!
Because it's time... • Good-Paying American Jobs • Quality Education and Training • Affordable Health Care • A Balanced Supreme Court • Respect for Workers • Family Leave • Fair Trade . . . for genuine change!
itt PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES *
8 Utility Reporter October 1992 * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Maize Voice 'q‘eetird Ifooeforiet Barbara Boxer for US Senate Let Barbara Boxer's record speak for itself: • Barbara Boxer co-sponsored the House version of S. 55, the Workplace Fairness bill that would preserve our right to strike. • Barbara Boxer backed the highway/mass transit bill that will create two million jobs. • Barbara Boxer voted to grant extended unemployment benefits to workers who have been unable to find jobs in this long recession. • Barbara Boxer stood up for saving US jobs by opposing "fast track" status for the US-Mexico trade agreement. • Barbara Boxer voted in favor of the Family and Medical Leave Act and has supported child care legislation. • Barbara Boxer backed tough new civil rights laws and supported the "Motor Voter" bill to make voter registration easier. Barbara Boxer Help California's Union Families Put a Strong Voice for Workers in the US Senate! Endorsed Vote for Barbara Boxer - November 3. By Your Union! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Dianne Feinstein for US Senate Dianne Feinstein knows we must invest in America if we want America to come out of its current economic nightmare. "Now is the time to prime the pump, to put people back to work and to invest in America's future," says Feinstein. Feinstein wants to bring home crucial dollars now spent to defend Europe and Japan. She wants to use that money where it is really needed: in the US. Feinstein wants to: • Create jobs rebuilding our roads, bridges and schools. • Help defense industries make a transition to peacetime uses. • Clean up our environment. • Promote small business start-ups and expansions. • Encourage research and development to create new jobs. Feinstein supports a national health care plan that provides everyone with a Dianne Feinstein benefit package that focuses on wellness and prevention. Feinstein is pledged to fight for an energy policy that encourages conserva- Endorsed tion and sets tough vehicle mileage standards. By Your Union! And perhaps most importantly, Feinstein is committed to improving early education for America's youngest children, to get them off on the right foot. Feinstein understands it is time to "Invest in America." Let's elect her to the US Senate and put her to work doing just that! Vote for Dianne Feinstein - November 3.
October 1992 Utility Reporter 9 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * *
Williams: restore US competitiveness Endorsed By Your Union! f we want to make the US competetive in the global It Endorsed market of the 21st cen- By Your Union! tury, we must rebuild America's infrastructure and encourage businesses to in- vest in research and develop- Patti Garamendi ment. That's what Wendell Wil- US Congress liams believes. Wendell Williams 11th District Williams, a candidate for US Congress from California Assembly California's 10th District, 10th District says improving our educa- Garamendi: time to rebuild tional system is another nec- s a candidate for the US House in California's essary step we must take if 11th Congressional District, Patti Garamendi's we want to improve our top priorities are to rebuild the economy, revamp economy. Williams wants Hams while he was employed The California League of and revitalize our education system, and estab- Head Start to be made avail- at Owens Illinois Glass Co., Conservation Voters has also A able for every child. was created to provide round- endorsed Williams because lish a health care program that assuPes comprehensive Williams knows some- the-clock child care services of his dedication to promot- coverage for every citizen. ing renewable and alterna- Garamendi has served as a Peace Corps volunteer in thing about kids. He was co- to 600 women employees on founder and director of The all three shifts. tive energy sources that cre- Ethiopia, taught in a low-income urban school district Williams supports quality, ate jobs and help preserve near Boston, run the family cattle ranch and pear or- Children's Center in Oak- land, Ca., the first 24-hour, 7- affordable health care for all the environment. chard, and raised six children with her husband John. Americans, winning him the Williams is endorsed by Garamendi has served as a board member for Califor- day industrial child care cen- ter in the United States. The endorsement of the Califor- Local 1245 and the California nia Consortium for Child Abuse Prevention and People Labor Federation. Reaching Out Drug Prevention Program. She was a center, conceived by Wil- nia Nurses Association. founding member of California Women in Agriculture. Garamendi is endorsed by Local 1245 and the Califor- nia Labor Federation. Woolsey: invest in priorities at home ynn Woolsey election to the US Congress it Endorsed will be good news for Endorsed California's working By Your Union! By Your Union! L people. Woolsey has proposed an aggressive program of eco- nomic rejuvenation for America. Utilizing the sav- ings made possible by de- Lynn Woolsey fense cuts, Woolsey would Vic Fazio invest in priorities at home, California Assembly US Congress such as education and infra- 3rd District 3rd District structure. Woolsey stands squarely with labor on the major is- sues of the day: Fazio supports tax fairness • She opposes legislation that would send American Woolsey opposes legislation that S Congressman Vic Fazio believes too much of jobs south of the border would send American jobs south of the US tax burden has been put on the backs of through the North American middle class people and supports "making sure Free Trade Agreement. the border through the North the richest of the rich pay their fair share." • She supports a progres- American Free Trade Agreement. UFazio, running for re-election in the Third District, sive tax system that would voted in favor of this year's Middle Class Tax Relief bill, require the rich to pay their which was vetoed by President Bush. The bill would fair share so that middle in- to provide federally funded Woolsey has made labor's have provided tax credits worth up to $400 for couples come Americans can get child care programs. agenda a big part of her own. and $200 for individuals annually to be paid for with a 10% some relief. • She supports legislation No wonder she's endorsed surtax on millionaires. • She would vote to ban to allow employees to take by Local 1245, the California "I believe that ensuring everyone access to high the use of scabs to perma- unpaid leave to care for a new Federation of Labor, and the quality, affordable health care should be the top priority nently replace striking work- child or ill family member Central Labor Councils of for our nation," said Fazio, who is endorsed by Local 1245 ers. without fear of losing their Marin, Sonoma, Lake and and by the California Labor Federation. • She supports legislation jobs. Mendocino Counties.
* UNITED STATES CONGRESS *
10 Utility Reporter October 1992 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * "% zee Vieev ,d Ifisueogget 31.W
Marks makes job creation a priority Make a Real Difference! enator Milton Marks Many people who share our concerns may not says the next four Endorsed years "will be the turn- be motivated enough to vote. You can make the ing point in the fight By Your Union! difference. forS opportunity and dignity Contact your AFL-CIO Central Labor Council for all people." and offer to help with phone canvassing and get- Marks, a candidate for re- out-the vote efforts. Call up and volunteer today. election to the California State Senate from the Third Dis- Central Labor Council of Monterey County Labor trict, is endorsed by Local Alameda County Council 1245 and the California La- Milton Marks 7992 Capwell Drive 1145 North Main Street bor Federation. California Senate Oakland, CA 94621 Salinas, CA 93901 510/632-4242 778 Hawthorne Street Marks has made job cre- 3rd District ation and "full funding for vi- Butte-Glenn Counties Monterey, CA 93940 tal programs" a top priority Central Labor Council 408/424-7787 (Salinas) in his 1992 campaign. Marks 818 Wall Street (408/375-7410) is working to implement San Chico, CA 95926 Northern Nevada Central Francisco's designation as an 916/343 - 9474 Labor Council enterprise zone and has Central Labor Council of 1150 Terminal Way helped gain approval for new Marks advocates "new proposals Contra Costa County Reno, NV 89502 702/323 - 0390 construction jobs through to end the cycle of poverty" and 525 Green Street programs to improve and Martinez, CA 94553 Northeastern Nevada 510/228 - 0161 Central Labor Council build new schools and col- opposes Gov. Wilson's proposed c/o 472 1/2 Sage Street lege facilities. Five Counties Central welfare reform, which Marks calls Labor Council Elko, NV 89801 Marks advocates "new 900 Locust Street, Rm. 7 No Number Available proposals to end the cycle of "draconian proposals that will Redding, CA 96001 Sacramento Central poverty" and opposes Gov. 916/241 - 0319 Labor Council Wilson's proposed welfare punish children if a parent can't Central Labor Council of 2840 El Centro Road #111 reform, which Marks calls find work." Fresno & Madera Sacramento, CA 95833 "draconianproposals that will Counties 916/927 - 9772 punish children if a parent 3636 North First Street, San Francisco Labor can't find work." California's wealthiest people tax burden." Suie #148 Council Marks says he will fight while low and middle income Marks believes in "access Fresno, CA 93726 510 Harrison Street "for tax reform that removes families are forced to carry a to quality health care for all 209/228 - 8597 San Franisco, CA 94105 loopholes and tax breaks for disproportionate share of the Californians." Central Labor Council of 415/543 - 2699 Humboldt & Del Norte San Joaquin & Calaveras Counties Counties Central Labor 840 "E" Street Council Mello: education key to keeping jobs Eureka, CA 95501 121 East Vine Street ur education system 707/442-4286 Stockton, CA 95202 Kern, lnyo & Mono 209/948 - 5526 is a key ingredient in ✓ Endorsed keeping employers Counties Central Labor San Mateo County By Your Union! Council Central Labor Council and jobs here in Cali- 200 West Jeffrey Street 1153 Chess Drive #200 fornia."0 Bakrsfield, CA 93305 Foster City, CA 94404 So says Henry Mello, who 805/324-6451 415/572-8848 represents the 15th District Marin County Labor Central Labor Council of in the California State Sen- Council Santa Clara & San Benito ate. 819 A street, #27 Counties Mello has been conduct- Henry Mello San Rafael, CA 94902 2101 Almaden Road #102 ing a series of economic de- 415/454-2593 San Jose, CA 95125 velopment meetings around California Assembly Marysville Central Labor 408/266-3790 his district to focus on the 15th District Council, AFL-CIO Central Labor Council of education issue. 1010 "I" Street Sonoma, Mendocino, & "California is slipping in Marysville, CA 95901 Lake Counties its commitment to education. 916/743-7321 P. 0. Box 3587 We are facing larger class Merced-Mariposa Central Santa Rosa, CA 95402 size and less money per stu- Mello also makes health Mello, who is endorsed Labor Council 707/576 - 1677 dent," said Mello, who op- care reform a high priority. by the California Labor Fed- 557 West Main St. #206 Stanislaus & Tuolumne posed Gov. Pete Wilson's cuts "There are currently 7 eration and Local 1245, said Merced, CA 95340 Counties Central Labor in the education budget. million Californians without he is "proud to have the en- 209/722 - 3636 Council "I will not stand on the access to health care," noted dorsement of labor." Central Labor Council of 1340 Lone Palm Avenue sidelines when I know the Mello. "I have a strong record "We have worked to- Napa & Solano Counties Modesto, CA 95351 importance of a good educa- of support in voting for health gether in the past and I look P. O. Box 4190 209/523-8079 tion for our children and the care measures in the legisla- forward to continued coop- Vallejo, CA 994590 future of California," he said. ture." eration in the future." 707/557-5036
iiiii1111111111MIlk * CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE
October 1992 Utility Reporter 11 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 124
'ae 2, ,esidir. %ice
CALIFORNIA CANDIDATE & BALLOT PROPOS1
27. Doug Kahn (D) 31. No Endorsement President & Vice President 28. Al Wachtel (D) 33. Samuel D. Eidt (D) of the United States: 29. Henry A. Waxman (D) 35. Dorianne Garcia (D) 30. Xavier Becerra (D) 37. Jim Rickard (D) Bill Clinton & Al Gore (D) 31. Matthew G. Martinez (D) 39. Lucy Killea (I) 32. Julian C. Dixon (D) United States Senate 33. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D) California State Ass( (Short Term - 2 Years): 34. Esteban E. Torres (D) District Maxine Waters (D) 35. 1. Dan Hauser (D) Dianne Feinstein (D) 36. Jane Harman (D) 2. Willliam (Bill) Brash 37. Walter R. Tucker (D) 3. Lon Hatamiya (D) 38. Evan Anderson Braude (D) United States Senate 4. Mark A. Norberg (DJ 39. Molly McClanahan (D) 5. Joan Barry (D) Donald M. (Don) Rusk (D) (Full Term - 6 Years): 40. 6. Vivien Bronshvag (D 41. Bob Baker (D) 7. Valerie Brown (D) Barbara Boxer (D) 42. George E. Brown, Jr. (D) 8. Thomas M. Hanniga: Mark A. Takano (D) 43. 9. Phillip Isenberg (D) Georgia Smith (D) 44. 10. Kay Albiani (D) 45. Patricia McCabe (D) 11. Bob Campbell (D) 46. No Endorsement District 12. John L. Burton (D) 47. John F. Anwiler (D) 1. Dan Hamburg (D) 13. Willie L. Brown, Jr. (1 2. Elliot Roy Freedman (D) 48. Michael Farber (D) 49. lynn Schenk (D) 14. Tom Bates (D) 3. Vic Fazio (D) 15. Open 50. Bob Filner (D) 4. Patricia Malberg (D) 16. Barbara Lee (D) 51. Bea Herbert (D) 5. Robert T. Matsui (D) 17. Michael Machado (D 52. Janet M. Gastil (D) 6. Lynn Woolsey (D) 18. Johan Klehs (D) 7. George Miller (D) 19. Jackie Speier (D) 8. Nancy Pelosi (D) Cali ornia State enate 20. Delaine Eastin (D) 9. Ronald V. Dellums (D) District 21. Byron D. Sher (D) 10. Wendell H. Williams (D) 1. Thomas (Tom) Romero (D) 22. John Vasconcellos (E 11. Patricia Garamendi (D) 3. Milton Marks (D) 23. Dominic L. (Dom) 0 12. Tom Lantos (D) 5. Patrick Johnston (D) 24. Jim Beall, Jr. (D) 13. Fortney (Pete) Stark (D) 7. Daniel E. Boatwright (D) 25. Margaret E. Snyder C 14. Anna G. Eshoo (D) 9. Nicholas C. Petris (D) 26. Sal Cannella (D) 15. Norm Mineta (D) 11. Frank W. Trinkle (D) 27. Sam Farr (D) 16. Don Edwards (D) 13. Alfred E. Alquist (D) 28. Rusty Areias (D) 17. Leon E. Panetta (D) 15. Henry J. Mello (D) 29. No Endorsement 18. Gary A. Condit (D) 17. William M. Olenick (D) 30. Jim Costa (D) 19. Rick Lehman (D) 19. Henry Phillip Starr (D) 31. Bruce Bronzan (D) 20. Calvin Dooley (D) 21. Rachel J. Dewey (D) 32. Irma Carson (D) 21. Deborah A. Vollmer (D) 23. Tom Hayden (D) 33. John B. Ashbaugh (E 22. Gloria Ochoa (D) 25. Teresa Hughes (D) 34. Joe Green (D) 23. Anita Perez Ferguson (D) 27. Open 35. Jack O'Connell (D) 24. Anthony C. Beilenson (D) 29. Sandy Hester (D) 36. Arnie Rodio (D) 25. James H. (Gil) Gilmartin (D) 37. Roz McGrath (D) 26. Howard L. Berman (D)
12 Utility Reporter October 1992 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
.?.<1.1 if.....v.tc-of-eflIcr
PION ENDORSEMENTS BY IBEW LOCAL 1245
38. Howard Cohen (D) 39. Richard Katz (D) STATEWIDE BALLOT PROPOSITIONS 40. Barbara Friedman (D) 41. Terry B. Friedman (D) Proposition 155--YES 42. Burt Margolin (D) Authorizing $900 million in bonds for public school con- 43. Elliott Graham (D) struction and improvement. 44. Jonathan S. Fuhrman (D) Proposition 156--YES 45. Richard G. Polanco (D) Authorizing $1 billion in bonds for right-of-way, construc- tion and equipment for inter city, commuter and rapid 46. Louis Caldera (D) transit rail programs. 47. Gwen Moore (D) !ars (D) 48. Marguerite Archie-Hudson (D) Proposition 157--NO RECOMMENDATION 49. Diane Martinez (D) Authorizing privately built and operated toll roads. ' 50. Martha M Escutia (D) Proposition 158--YES 51. Curtis R. Tucker, Jr. (D) Creating Office of California Analyst to replace the Legisla- 52. Paul Horcher (D) tive Analyst. 53. Debra Bowan (D) Proposition 159--YES (D) 54. Betty Karnette (D) Creating Office of Auditor General to replace current Audi- 55. Juanita M. McDonald (D) tor General 56. Bob Epple (D) Proposition 160-YES 57. Hilda L. Solils (D) Exempting from taxation the home of a person who has 58. Grace Musquiz Napolitano (D) died on active military duty or as result of injury or illness )) 59. Louise Gelber (D) incurred on active duty 60. Stan Caress (D) Proposition 161--NO RECOMMENDATION 61. Larry S. Simcoe (D) Legalizing physician-assisted death requests. 62. Joe Baca (D) Proposition 162--YES 63. Open Preventing raids on public employee retirement funds by 64. Jane Carney (D) giving boards sole authority over investments and banning 65. No Endorsement alternations in boards without approval of pension plan 66. Patsy Hockersmith (D) participants. 67. Ken Leblanc (D) Proposition 163--NO 68. Linda Kay Rigney (D) Recalling the sales tax on snack foods ► ese (D) 69. Tom Umberg (D) 70. Jim Toledano (D) Proposition 164--NO Term limitations for U.S. Senators and Representatives. )) 71. Bea Foster (D) Mickey Conroy (R) Dual Proposition 165--NO 72. Paul Garza, Jr. (D) Gov. Pete Wilson's attempt to slash welfare and give the Lee Walker (D) governor broad new budget powers including authority to 73. impose unilateral pay cuts on state workers. 74. No Endorsement 75. Open Proposition 166--NO The California Medical Association plan to freeze Califor- 76. Mike Gotch (D) nians into private health insurance plans with no curbs on 77. Tom Connolly (D) costs and no limits on doctors' profits. 78. Deirdre (Dede) Alpert (D) 79. Steve Peace (D) Proposition 167--YES Restoring income taxes on the richest Californians and on 80. Julie Bornstein (D) corporations.
October 1992 Utility Reporter 13 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * 1.3taZe1,64e7 1/exece ifacteodel Szca
I CANDIDATES IN NEVADA ENDORSED BY IBEW LOCAL 12451
President and Vice President State Assembly State Assembly District #25-Washoe County: No Endorsement of the United States: State Assembly District #1-Clark County: Bill Clinton (D) and Al Gore (D) Tom Collins (D) State Assembly District #26-Washoe County: State Assembly District #2-Clark County: No Endorsement United States Senate: Michael Perrah (D) State Assembly District #27-Washoe County: Harry Reid (D) State Assembly District #3-Clark County: Ken Haller (D) John Bonaventura (D) Congressional District #1: State Assembly District #28-Clark County: State Assembly District #4-Clark County: Vonne Chowning (D) James Bilbray (D) Erin Kenny (D) State Assembly District #5-Clark County: State Assembly District #29-Washoe County: Congressional District #2: Pamela Mortensen (D) No Endorsement Peter Sferrazza (D) State Assembly District #6-Clark County: State Assembly District #30-Washoe County: Wendell Williams (D) Jan Evans (D) State Supreme Court State Assembly District #7-Clark County: Morse Arberry (D) State Assembly District #31-Washoe County: Supreme Court Seat E: Bernie Anderson (D) Charles Springer State Assembly District #8-Clark County: Supreme Court Seat A: Gene Porter (D) State Assembly District #32-Washoe County: Miriam Shearing State Assembly District #9-Clark County: Bob Sader (D) Chris Giunchigliani (D) State Assembly District #33-Elko, Eureka University Board of Regents: State Assembly District #10-Clark County: (Part) Counties: Nancy Price-District 2, Subdistrict C Myrna Williams (D) No Endorsement Shelley Berkley-District 2, Subdistrict F Maddy Graves-District 2, Subdistrict G State Assembly District #11-Clark County: State Assembly District #34-Humboldt, Doug Bache (D) Pershing, Lander (Part), Washoe (Part) Nevada State Senate State Assembly District #12-Clark County: Counties: Dora LaGrande Harris ( D) Madonna Long (D) State Senate District #2-Clark County: Ray Shaffer (D) State Assembly District #13-Clark County: State Assembly District #35-White Pine, James McGaughey (R) State Senate District #3-Clark County: Churchill (Part), Eureka (Part), Lander (Part) John Vergiels (D) State Assembly District #14-Clark County: Counties: Val Garner (D) Marcia deBraga State Senate District #3-Washoe County: No Endorsement State Assembly District #15-Clark County: State Assembly District #36-Esmeralda, Lou Toomin (D) Lincoln, Mineral, Nye Counties: State Senate District #4-Clark County: Roy Neighbors (D) Joe Neal (D) State Assembly District #16-Clark County: Rick Bennett (D) State Senate District #5-Clark County: State Assembly District #37-Carson City Stan Colton (D) State Assembly District #17-Clark County: (Part), Washoe (Part) Counties: Robert Price (D) No Endorsement State Senate District #6-Clark County: No Endorsement State Assembly District #18-Clark County: State Assembly District #38-Lyon, Storey, William Petrak (D) State Senate District #7 (4 Year Term)-Clark Churchill (Part), Douglas (Part) Counties County: State Assembly District #19-Clark County: Joe Dini (D) Dina Titus (D) Jack Regan (D) State Assembly District #39-Douglas (Part) State Senate District #8 (2 Year Unexpired State Assembly District #20-Clark County: County: Term)-Clark County: Stephanie Smith (D) John Vernarecci Saundra Krenzer (D) State Assembly District #21-Clark County: State Assembly District #40-Carson City State Senate District #18 Central Nevada Ron Hubel (D) Senatorial District- (Part) County: Esmeralda, Lincoln, Mineral, Nye, White State Assembly District #22-Clark County: Joe McKnight Pine, Churchill (Part), Eureka (Part), Lander Gene Segerblom (D) (Part) Counties: State Assembly District #41-Clark County: Bob Revert (D) State Assembly District #23-Clark County: Larry Spitler (D) Richard Perkins (D) State Senate Northern Senatorial District- State Assembly District #42-Clark County: Elko, Humboldt, Pershing, Eureka (Part), State Assembly District #24-Washoe County: Mike Schneider Lander (Part), Washoe (Part) Counties: Vivian Freeman (D) No Endorsement
14 Utility Reporter October 1992 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * * //lake *oat Voice V4a/ed Ifooesder .3a/
Albiani: let's put people back to work ay Albiani believes we if Endorsed need to help Califor- Endorsed By Your Union! nia businesses sur- if Kvive and grow in or- By Your Union! der to rejuvenate the state's economy. "California needs to stimu- late the economy, to create jobs and put people back to Valerie Brown work," said Albiani, a candi- Kay Albiani date for the California Assem- California Assembly bly in the 10th District. California Assembly 7th District "For businesses that cre- 10th District ate substantial employment opportunities and for those who invest heavily in Califor- Brown's priorities clear nia, we should provide tax alerie Brown, the candidate endorsed by Local credits and incentives," she "Twenty-five cents out of California School Board As- 1245 and the California Labor Federation for the said in a prepared statement. every welfare dollar goes to sociation, believes there is California Assembly in the Seventh District, makes Targeting waste in all ar- administration," said Albiani. also waste to be found in the her priorities very clear: eas is a top priority forAlbiani. "We should cut that first be- state's education system. She if •Make California #1 in education. Albiani proposes merging fore we eliminate services for is committed to eliminating • Revitalize the economy... . the Franchise Tax Board and truly needy people." it, and "using the savings to • Guarantee quality healthhealth care for all Californians. the Board of Equalization, a Albiani criticized Gov. improve instruction." •Fight the Wilson cuts in education, services and move she claims would save Pete Wilson's proposed "wel- Albiani supports Proposi- public employee wages. over $140 million. She ques- fare reform" initiative (Propo- tion 98, which voters passed •Preserve the environment. tions the prudence of spend- sition 165) because it doesn't in 1990 to assure adequate In 1990, Valerie Brown was the top vote-getter in the ing $70 million to recover $17 deal with the problem of ad- funding levels for schools. Sonoma Council election and was chosen mayor. She is million in welfare fraud. ministrative costs. Albiani, who is mother of an educator and founder of the Sonoma Valley Educa- There are other savings Albiani, who served on the five children, is endorsed by tional Center serving K- 12 students needing supplemen- to be found in the area of Elk Grove school board and Local 1245 and the California tal help to their public educations. welfare, she believes. was elected president of the Labor Federation. Her work on the Sonoma City Council has earned her a reputation as an effective leader for North Bay regional Hauser pushes health insurance reform cooperation and preservation of agricultural lands.
roviding a program of sible and comprehensive this challenge and eventually universally acces- medical insurance program all Californians will be guar- sible medical insur- for California. anteed health care when they t/ Endorsed ance has become a 'We are a strong and com- need it." By Your Union! p passionate society faced with Hauser, who lives in front-burner issue in Califor- nia politics. Assembly-mem- a seemingly insurmountable Arcata and has represented ber Dan Hauser helped put it challenge," Hauser once said the Second District in the there. in support of his proposed California Assembly since his During the 1980s, Hauser legislation. "Extending ad- election in 1982, has been a repeatedly introduced bills to equate health care is no easy consistent advocate of public create a universally acces- task, but I know we can meet education. When then-Gov. Sal Cannella George Deukmejian targeted public schools for budget California Assembly cuts, Hauser worked to bring 26th District ti Endorsed together parents, site coun- By Your Union! cils, and teacher groups to fight the cuts. Hauser has also intro- Union endorses Cannella duced or facilitated legisla- s an Assemblymember representing the 27th tion in the Assembly that ad- District, Sal Cannella has devoted his energies to dresses the housing needs of issues of concern to the Central Valley, such as mobilhome residents, se- growth, transportation, air pollution, crime and Dan Hauser niors, farmworkers, and citi- A zens hoping to become drugs, and the concerns of the agriculture community. California Assembly firsttime homeowners. As a result of redistricting, Cannella's home in Ceres 2nd District Hauser is endorsed by places him in the 26th District, where he now seeks Local 1245 and the California reelection. Labor Federation. Cannella is endorsed by Local 1245 and the California Labor Federation.
* CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY *
October 1992 Utility Reporter 15 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tom Hannigan: honest, hardworking om Hannigan has de- Endorsed veloped a reputation as Endorsed By Your Union! a thoughtful, honest Tand hardworking leg- By Your Union! islator ... He is considered among the straight-aarows in the Capitol." Those words from the California Political Alamanac (1991-1992) are high praise Mike Machado in a year when many voters Tom Hannigan California Assembly have grown suspicious of the California Assembly values and motives of their 4th District 17th District elected representatives. As Majority Floor Leader in the California Assembly, Hannigan opposed Gov. Wilson's attempt last year to suspend Proposition 98, a pilot project in Solano vices. Machado: create jobs, which provides a basic level County to provide health care Hannigan has repre- of funding for our public for the poor, setting up a cre- sented the 4th Assembly Dis- reform health care schools. He authored the ative model for helping thou- trict, including all of Solano compromise bill that the gov- sands of working people who County and the Davis and eople need work," says Mike Machado, can- ernor eventually signed into do not have health insurance. West Sacramento portions of didate for the California Assembly in the 17th law. He played a leadership Yolo County, since Novem- District. Hannigan has taken cre- role on transportation and ber 1978. "In 1991, the state lost 600,000 jobs. The ative approaches to the issue agricultural issues, as well as He is endorsed by Local exodus of industry from California must be stopped. of health care. He was instru- education reform, tax issues 1245 and by the California c.4,-.4-,,, ,1-. ..1.4 as,. .-..,+:,..-. :., .-.1,--.4,,,,..,:,-., and local government ser- Labor Federation. Ourv. 0 clead the L. 0 l. , mental in securing funds for research, transportation, technology and agricul- ture," Machado declared. Machado advocates health care reform. "Five million Californians shouldn't be without Creating jobs: Hatamiya's top priority health care. As a state we are paying more than $60 billion for health care. Health care must be made reating new jobs for available and affordable to all Californians," said the rural Third As- sembly District in Endorsed Machado. By Your Union! "In our business," said Machado, who is a family California will be a top priorityC for Lon Hatamiya. farmer, "there's accountability. If we don't produce, we go broke. It's that simple. So we watch our costs, Born to a third generation work hard, and get things done." Yuba County farming family, According to Machado, the incumbent Hatamiya believes it is im- assemblymember "hasn't produced. Nothing on portant to fight to retain ex- health care. Nothing on jobs. Nothing on educa- isting jobs in the agricultural, Lon Hatamiya tion." timber and service industries "California is in trouble," said Machado. "I'd like in the Northern Sacramento California Assembly to try and make a difference." Valley area. 3rd District Machado is endorsed by Local 1245 and the But he also supports de- California Labor Federation. veloping the necessary infra- structure that will attract ad- ditional businesses to the area. healthcare system that pro- experience in the family farm- Hatamiya is committed to vides adequate and afford- ing business recently won improving the condition of able coverage for all. him an appointment to the California's schools and the Hatamiya says he will Rural Economic Develop- "Our state should lead the quality of public education. work to protect retirement ment Infrastructure Pro- He opposes any type of benefits for those on a fixed gram, which directs financial nation in electronics, research, voucher system that would income and will support other assistance to rural communi- unnecessarily create a two- services for seniors, includ- ties. transportation, technology and tiered educational system in ing adequate healthcare, Hatamiya, who lives in agriculture." California. transportation, and in-home southern Butte County, is Recognizing the need for support services. endorsed by Local 1245 and health care reform, Hatamiya Hatamiya holds a BA in the California Labor Federa- says he is dedicated to creat- economics from Harvard and tion. He is married and has a ing a statewide universal a law degree from UCLA. His one-year-old child.
* CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY *
16 Utility Reporter October 1992 Sher has proved his support for labor hroughout my service in public office, I have Endorsed demonstrated my sup- ✓ Endorsed T port for the causes ad- By Your Union! By Your Union! vocated by organized labor," says Assemblymember Byron Sher. Sher, who is endorsed in his bid for re-election by Lo- cal 1245 and the California Rusty Areias Labor Federation, has been a Byron Sher positive force for working California Assembly California Assembly people in the California As- 21st District 28th District sembly, where he represents the 21st District. Sher understands the im- portance of health care re- form to the working men and women of California. He fa- vors establishing "a statewide Sher supports a statewide health Areias defends consumers health care program that would provide accessible and care program that would provide s a five-term member of the California Assembly, affordable health care for all." "full universal and timely access to Rusty Areias has made an important difference Such a program, he says, in the lives of Californians-even though they "must include full universal health services, preventative care, Amay not be aware of it. and timely access to health and cost control." As chairman of the Assembly Consumer Protection services, preventative care, Committee, Areias authored a bill that requires financial and cost control." institutions to disclose the rates and charges related to In this year's budget credit cards, protecting millions of consumers from battle, Sher fought to prevent Sher. "I plan to continue work- importance of fair and just hidden charges. drastic cuts in education. ing in the future to make edu- treatment of employees and As a result of Areias' legislation, credit card users no "There is no better invest- cation improve, not decline, the preservation of benefits, longer have to divulge such personal information as ment than in our children for all Californians." has been a valuable labor ally home phone number, home address, or social security number. and, thus, our future," says Sher, who stresses the in the California Assembly. After serving the 25th District in the Assembly for 10 years, the redistricting process has now made Areias a candidate in the 28th District. Consumer protection is not the only area where Snyder fights for California's kids Areias has made his mark. As chairman of the Commit- tee on Earthquake Preparedness and Natural Disasters, F fighting for our kids- he directed the Assembly response to the Loma Prieta California's future!" is Endorsed earthquake. And as chairman of the Assembly Agricul- Margaret Snyder's By Your Union! ture Committee, Areias plays a key role in how rural battlecry in her effort California responds to uncontrolled urbanization and to win election to the Califor- free trade. nia StateAssembly in the 25th Aerias has authored innovative legislation to help District, which includes all medical students. His bill would establish a student loan or part of Tuolumne, Mari- assumption for OB/GYN physicians who maintain a 40% posa, Madera, Stanislaus, and Medi-Cal base. This would not only "encourage doctors Fresno Counties. Margaret Snyder to take their services to the underserved members of the Snyder, currently serving population," Areias says, but would also "make medical her second term as a mem- California Assembly school affordable for many who would otherwise not be ber of the Modesto City 25th District able to attend." Schools Board of Education, Areias is endorsed by Local 1245 and the California has a distinguished history Labor Federation. of community service. That service includes the League of Women Voters, the Ameri- can Red Cross Board of Di- Rusty Areias has made an im- rectors, and the City of Modesto International "international relations and 34 years and has 3 adult chil- portant difference in the lives Friendship Committee. good will" and as a "Woman dren, all of them teachers in of Californians--even though This year she was named of the Year" by the Stanislaus the area's public schools. a 'Woman of Distinction" by County Commission for Snyder is endorsed by Lo- they may not be aware of it. the Soroptimist International Women. cal 1245 and the California of Modesto for her work in She has been married for Labor Federation.
* CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY *
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October 1992 Utility Reporter 17 * * * * * * * * * * * * IBEW LOCAL 1245 VOTERS' GUIDE * * * * * * * * * * * *
'NO' on Proposition 165 Stop Pete Wilson's naked power grab ete Wilson is try- leave 95,000 more families the governor and his allies ing to sell Propo- Proposition 165 "contains no job homeless on our streets. are trying to provide cover sition 165 as "wel- Proposition 165 is not the for his attempt to completely fare reform" and training, no incentives to get off solution to California's bud- control the budget process "taxpayer protec- welfare, and no child care for the get problems. The total Aid so he can cut whatever pro- tion." It is neither. to Families with Dependent grams he wants. pWhat Proposition 165 ac- parent who gets a job." Children (welfare) program We need genuine welfare tually does is this: is only 6% of the state budget, reform. We don't need a law •It allows the governor to "Proposition 165 gives this California said Proposition and has been at that level for that turns the governor into a create a "fiscal emergency" governor and all future gov- 165 gives a governor "poten- most of the last decade. virtual dictator. just by adjusting Department ernors the ability to cut vital tial dictatorial powers to dic- By exaggerating the im- Vote "No" on Proposi- of Finance projections or sim- state services like schools, tate spending..." pact of welfare on the budget tion 165. ply not signing the budget. health care, law enforcement The governor wants us to •Once he has created the or environmental protection," believe that Proposition 165 `No' on Proposition 166 "fiscal emergency" the gov- says California State PTA is "welfare reform." But it ernor can cut virtually any President Gloria Blackwell. isn't. state program he wants by "To put it simply, no politi- It contains no job train- Phony health reform whatever amount he wants. cian should have that much ing, no incentives to get off •Proposition 165 prohib- lmost everybody referring patients to spe- power to hurt our students or welfare, and no child care for agrees that cialty clinics they own. It its our elected legislators anyone else." the parent who gets a job. It from reviewing or overriding California's doesn't stop the practice of Erwin Chemerinsky, a simply slashes benefits to a health care sys- billing grossly inflated prices the governor's decisions on constitutional law professor level that will leave 170,000 the budget. tem needs to be for aspirin or other simple at the University of Southern more children hungry and reformed. And services." everybodyA except the doc- California Labor Federa- `Yes' on Proposition 167 tors agree that Proposition tion Executive Secretary 166 is not the way to do it. John Henning says that Support economic recovery, tax relief The measure, sponsored "Real health care reform by the California Medical would cap doctors' fees, pre- VW by are taxes But there are three rea- tax, which will help ordinary Association, has two big scription and hospital costs. going up sons why this argument citizens as well as helping flaws: it doesn't extend cov- Real reform would stop the while doesn't hold water: small businesses. Proposi- erage to all who need it, and proliferation of expensive, schools and First, giving tax breaks tion 167 also repeals the tax it doesn't control costs. needless technology and other public doesn't automatically lead to on snacks, candy, bottled According to the Califor- end the red tape that eats up services are new jobs. When corporations water, newspapers and maga- nia Labor Federation, Propo- 23 cents of every health care being cut back? gain extra revenue through zines. In all, Proposition 167 sition 166 does not ensure dollar." Because we've given away tax breaks, they can-and of- will provide over $1 billion in access to affordable health Proposition 166 mas- billions of dollars in special ten do-use that revenue to tax relief to hard-working care for all Californians. querades as health care re- interest tax breaks boost shareholder profits, fi- Californians every year, while Many parttime workers, the form when in fact it offers benefitting the super-rich and nance takeovers of other restoring funds cut from edu- poor and the unemployed less coverage than what multi-national corporations. companies, or engage in cation, health care, public would be left without cover- most insured people have If you ever griped about other corporate maneuvers safety and other services. age. currently. The amount of your taxes being too high, that create no jobs. The banks, insurance Working Californians coverage offered by Propo- Proposition 167 gives you an Second, many companies companies, multinational cor- may find that their health sition 166 "wouldn't see a opportunity to do something now say that having an edu- porations and oil companies benefits are reduced while family through one serious about it. cated workforce is their top that have benefited from tax they pay higher deductibles illness," said Henning. Proposition 167, "The concern. By raising money loopholes will cry bloody and co-payments. Improv- Proposition 166 is op- Economic Recovery and Tax to improve education, Propo- murder over Proposition 167. ing the coverage offered by posed by Local 1245, the Relief Act", closes loopholes, sition 167 will strengthen our They'll do everything they Proposition 166 would re- American Association of increases taxes on the super- economy far more than con- can to protect their loopholes. quire a 4/5 vote of the legis- Retired Persons, Consum- rich, provides sales tax relief tinued tax giveaways to cor- With Proposition 167, the lature, an unlikely event. ers Union, California Nurses for ordinary taxpayers, and porations and the super-rich. middle class has a chance to Other workers may dis- Association, National Fed- provides funding for schools Third, Proposition 167 is stand up for tax fairness and cover that their hours are eration of Independent Busi- and vital public services. specifically designed to ben- to put California on the road cut back to below 17.5 ness, California Hotel and Wealthy special interests efit companies who locate to economic recovery. hours/week by employers MotelAssociation, and Cali- use scare tactics to defend their plants and jobs in Cali- Proposition 167 is en- seeking to avoid the law. fornia Farm Bureau. their tax breaks, claiming that fornia, while increasing the dorsed by the California La- "Proposition 166 won't Send a message to the closing their tax loopholes burden on those who sell bor Federation, the Califor- control spiraling health care doctors: we don't want will drive business and jobs heavily in California but do nia PTA, the California Coun- costs," argues Mary Foley, phony health care reform, out of California. Corpora- not locate here. cil of Churches, and a wide president of the California we want the real thing. tions say they need tax "in- Proposition 167 does not array of local unions. Nurses Association. "It centives" to encourage them raise taxes on ordinary tax- Vote "No" on Proposi- Vote "Yes" on Proposi- doesn't stop physicians from tion 166. to invest and create jobs. payers. In fact, it cuts the sales tion 167.
*CALIFORNIA BALLOT PROPOSITIONS *
18 Utility Reporter October 1992 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ******* *Who Do You Support for President? ********* * ***************************************
Clinton/Gore Clinton/Gore "Bush has failed in his economic pro- "I'm voting for Clinton. First because of gram. He has Quayle's old lady attack the union's endorsement. We don't have a Clinton. He goes after everything ex- damn thing to lose anyway. The Bush and cept the real issue, which is the economy. Reagan administrations' attitude toward [Clinton] seems serious about putting labor has been very negative since Day people back to work. The Republicans One. The loss of jobs to Mexico--this-has have been against the labor movement. just escalated [under Reagan/Bush]." • Leo Mares, Radiation They've been busting unions." • Dewayne Felkins, & Process Monitor Elect. Crew Foreman • PG&E Humboldt Bay • PG&E (Auburn) Power Plant • 27-year union member • 12-year union member
Bush/Quayle (leaning) Clinton/Gore "Known quantities seem to be a good "I like Bill Clinton, especially what thing. I know what to expect from [Bush] he's done for education in Arkansas. and I don't know about this other guy. I [I'm concerned about] the issue of jobs. don't know ifyou can blame [the economy] Good-paying jobs with good benefits, on one guy. It's like a football coach --if the which in turn will help the economy. It's team doesn't winyou blame it on the coach." going to take tax strategies to reward companies that provide jobs and penal- • Steve Gable, Machin- • Don Silva, Lineman ize companies that go overseas." ist • PG&E (Oroville) • PG&E Humboldt Bay • 21-year union member Power Plant • 21-year union member
Undecided Clinton/Gore "I might vote for Perot. I don't care for either one of those gentlemen. "I usually vote Democratic. This year I Clinton's a draft dodger. Bush has done definitely will. I think we've got to take a terrible job with the economy because care of the working person. Bush's policies are for upper income people and the busi- he's caved in to liberal philosophy. I ), think labor and the Democratic Party nesses. would flourish if they had a conservative • John Harper, wing, if they wouldn't support every Troubleman stinking program that comes along. • Jack Collings, • PG&E (Red Bluff) Somebody has to address the national Machinist • 26-year union member • PG&E Humboldt Bay debt." Power Plant • 29-year union member
Clinton/Gore (leaning) "I'm dispirited at the entire process. The big issue that has to be addressed is the debt, the national deficit. The inter- * * * est [on that debt] could be spent on any number of good causes instead of going down the toilet. To address that issue is Members Speak Out going to have to take some sacrifice from everybody. Of the two candidates, I think • Bob Levett, Lineman Clinton is the one who could best get the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. • PG&E (Chico) message across that the system is in need • 22-year union member of change."
October 1992 Utility Reporter 19 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * ** *** Who Do You Support for President? * ** * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * * * * * * ************ * *********
Clinton/Gore
"I think he can get the job market back in place. I'm lucky I have a job and my husband has a job, but there are a lot of people who don't, or Members Speak Out don't have decent-paying jobs. With Bush, it's going to go down the Sierra Pacific Power Co. tubes. With this Mexican trade bill you're going to see more people out of work, you're going to see crime go sky-high. This country is going to be the pits."
• Marlene Peterson, Customer Ser- Clinton/Gore vice Rep • SPP (Carson City) "Why? Because I'm a Democrat and I • 2-year union member don't vote Republican. Bush has lost a lot of jobs. He's anti-union, him and Reagan both. I'd like to see Clinton get some jobs back into the United States."
• Don Moler, Electric None of the Above Inspector • SPP (Reno) • 39-year union member, "I'm not happy with any of them. I unit chair think I'm going to vote for "None of the Above" (which is permitted in Nevada). The federal government isn't doing a Undecided thing. They say they want more jobs, but why are all these places closing down? "I try to get a handle on whether they're You don't see any places opening." sincere or not. There's something about • Gloria Miller, Clerical Clinton I like, but there's something about Rep. • SPP (Reno) him I don't quite trust. I think Bush means • 30-year union member well, I'm just not sure how effective he's been. " • Brenda Coulson, Clerical Rep. • SPP (Reno) Clinton/Gore • 2-month union member
"Between him and Bush, there's no Clinton/Gore choice. And I like Gore. He has a good environmental point of view, but he real- "I feel the country really needs a change izes jobs are important, too. Clinton and of leadership. I think Clinton has some Gore have young families and under- good ideas. I think he could do better in stand the problems that families face terms of the economy. I think he's willing today. Bush is living in the past." to look at things differently and try to get • Scott Downs, Line Working Foreman jobs established back in this country." • SPP (Carson City) • 14-year union member • Stephanie Baber, Lead Customer Service Rep. • SPP (Reno) • 13-yearun ion member, unit recorder
20 Utility Reporter October 1992 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * ** Who Do You Support for President? * * * * * ** * * * **************** ************************
Undecided
"[The country needs] somebody who's going to do what they say they're going to do. I want somebody with some answers on how they're going to put people back to work. And how are we going to get out of debt? Are we going to leave that for our kids? [Bush] has done a poor job. He said • John Platz, Building Maintenance Me- he was going to create 30 million jobs and chanic Subforeman he probably ended up losing more than he • SMUD created." • 10-year union member
Bush/Quayle
"He's the lesser of two evils. I think Bush has done all right. I don't think he's hurt labor. I don't know if he's helped it but he hasn't hurt it. I'd like to see the next Clinton/Gore (leaning) president balance the budget and shrink the government." "Today I would vote for Clinton. I • Gary Stoefer, Build- could change. I'm not really impressed ing Maintenance with the state of our country right now Mechanic and think we need some kind of change." • SMUD • 9-year union member
•Al Seyford, Building Maintenance Me- chanic • SMUD • 10-year union member
Clinton/Gore (leaning)
"I'm ready for a change because I'm not real happy with what's going on now. I've always been on the Republican side and this is the first time I'm thinking of vot- ing for somebody else. I think [Bush] is targetting the wrong Members Speak Out areas instead of targetting the areas where people have prob- ), "ems. Sacramento Municipal
Utility District • Gwen Diregolo, Utility Worker/ Landscape Maintenance • SMUD • 13-year union member
October 1992 Utility Reporter 21
PG&E HUMBOLDT BAY POWER PLANT earth eke
When three earthquakes hit northern California last spring, a worried community flooded the Humboldt Bay Power Plant with phone calls. Union workers at the plant moved swiftly to check for damage, but mostly they just carried on doing what they always do: providing a reliable source of power to Eureka and the surrounding area.
hen three serious event most anyplace. powerful At a power plant, it can be earthquakes catastrophic. rocked The earthquakes last April PG&E's sent operators racing to the Humboldt control boards, where plant BayVV Power Plant within a pe- operations are monitored. riod of hours last April, the "You have to determine place seemed to be coming for sure that nothing serious apart. is wrong," said Savage. And "Pipes were swinging. because the monitoring sys- Stuff was moving and slam- tems themselves may not be ming like crazy," recalls Dan operating properly, "You Savage, an assistant control have to double-check that operator on duty at the time. what you're seeing is right." "This metal ladder went slam- In the minutes immedi- Assistant Control Operators Dave Hicks (left) and Dan Savage Andy Connor, a Materials bang! Alarms were going off." ately following the earth- in the plant's control area. Lead Man, was recently A large earthquake is a quake, job classifications rehired.
1.1■1■■■00°.....mmwmmt "Pipes were swinging. Stuff was moving and slamming like crazy. This metal ladder went slam-bang! Alarms were going off. Dan Savage
Steve Gable, a Machinist at Humboldt Bay Power Plant is a 21-year union member.
22 Utility Reporter October 1992 PG&E HUMBOLDT BAY POWER PLANT
Clockwise from left: Leo Mares, a Radiation and Process Monitor, leads training session attended by Roy Willis, Assistant Plant Superintendent; Rowdy Shaw, Utility Worker; and Paul Morris, Environmental Coordinator. tended to be temporarily sus- One pressing task was to The nuclear unit, although pended as maintenance per- reassure a worried public, inactive since 1976, contin- sonnel pitched in to help op- who flooded the plant with ues to house highly radioac- erations get a handle on the phone calls in the immediate tive spent fuel. Plant employ- status of the plants. aftermath of the quakes. ees are responsible for moni- "As more people showed Fortunately, none of the toring the spent fuel until the up, they could take control of power generating systems at federal government devises particular areas," said Sav- Humboldt Bay Power Plant a permanent high-level age, but until then, "those on were seriously damaged. nuclear waste repository. the scene were in charge." These units include two 55- The fossil fuel units are Harold Connerley, a 19-year union member, is a Radiation megawatt fossil fuel units, the workhorses of Humboldt and Process Monitor. No need to be called which primarily burn natural Bay Power Plant. Fuel for the And people did show up, gas, two 15,000 kilowatt mo- units comes primarily from management and bargaining bile gas turbine generators, Humboldt County's unit alike. No need to be available mainly to meet peak Tompkins Hill gas field and called: as soon as the quake demands or to restore power from gas transmission lines. hit they knew where they in an emergency, and a 65- In an era where some lo- needed to be. megawatt nuclear unit. cal industries in the Eureka area have turned to their own Linda Marchetti (right) is a routine plant clerk co-generation plants for with 3 years in the power, the earthquake under- union. Sue Adams (be- scored the importance of the low right) is a first plant Humboldt Bay plant as a clerk and 8-year union source of backup power. member. Sheryl Silva When the earthquakes (below) is a senior plant knocked the co-gens off-line, clerk and 9-year mem- the Humboldt Bay facility ber of Local 1245. picked up the load. 'We're the reliability of the system," said Dave Hicks, on temporary upgrade to con- trol operator. Plant employees under- standably believe Humboldt Bay Power Plant has a con- tinuing role to play in meet- ing the power needs of the area. But to them, the plant isn't just an energy source. It's a good place to work. Andy Connor, a materials lead man who was laid off in 1986 and rehired this year, gladly described how it felt to be working at the plant: "Can you comprehend the word 'elation'? I'm very very Auxiliary Operator Jim Atchley is a 9 - year union member. glad to be back."
October 1992 Utility Reporter 23 HEALTH & SAFETY
For workers, a vote for Clinton is simple self-defense By Eric Wolfe of occupational illness. Bush's "do-nothing" policy o you work at a Among the hundreds of thou- toward occupational health sands of victims are VDT problems. OH GREAT, ANOTHER video display ter- PA1 IN FRONT OF THIS minal or operate operators, construction work- In contrast, Democratic BLASTED MACHINE! tools that require ers, and other employees presidential candidate Bill you to repeat the whose jobs require repetitive Clinton has pledged to make same movements movements. workplace safety a priority in over and over again? Despite the overwhelm- his administration. If so, then you may have ing evidence that CTDs are Labor unions have long much more at stake in the crippling workers, harming advocated that OSHA adopt November 3 presidential productivity, and contribut- an ergonomics standard to AND I SUPPOSE1 ing to higher medical costs, protect American workers YOU'RE GOING TO election than you realize. TELL ME YOUR Cumulative trauma disor- the Bush administration has against the crippling effects VDT DID THAT! ders have become an epi- failed to take action on the of CTDs. (Ergonomics sim- demic in the American work- problem. This year's "mora- ply means the science of de- place, accounting for nearly torium" on new regulations signing workplaces in such a half of all new reported cases is only the latest example in way that work can be per- formed efficiently and safely.) Although a few fines have Despite the overwhelming evidence been levied against employ- ers for CTD-related injuries that CTDs are crippling workers, to workers, most occupa- California's occupational have prevented any forward harming productivity, and contrib- tional health experts agree safety and health administra- progress. that a separate ergonomics tion, Cal-OSHA. Ultimately any California uting to higher medical costs, the standard is needed to com- While a Cal-OSHA advi- standard would have to be bat the CTD epidemic. sory committee has suppos- approved by the Republican- Bush administration has failed to Bush's inaction at the fed- edly been working on an er- dominated Standards Board. take action on the problem. eral level has set a highly gonomics standard for Cali- The chances of that happen- visible example for state regu- fornia workplaces, labor in- ing are similar to a snowball's lators, like those at siders say business interests chance in hell. Unless, that is, there is a change at the top. `Pro-family' Bush ignores workplace child abuse If Bill Clinton is elected VV e've come a Workplace Institute. found a five-year-old boy with in Congress that would put president next month, some long ways Sure there are laws that scabs on his hands who had an end to child labor. Martin political observers predict since the sharply restrict the use of been beaten while working said American businesses that a national ergonomics days when child labor. The problem is, in an orange grove. The so- shouldn't be buried with standard will be put into ef- children those laws are routinely ig- cial worker said she'd been regulations. fect within a matter of slaved away nored because federal watch- involved with child labor is- To make sure businesses months. With the prospect of in factories. The abolition of dogs are few and far between, sues for seven years but had aren't "buried" by regulation, a federal standard staring child labor has assured that and their number is shrink- never seen anyone from the Bush put Vice President Dan them in the face, California kids can divide their time be- ing. Labor Department. Quayle in charge of his so- businesses would have a pow- tween school and play rather The US Department of Despite all the talk about called Competitiveness erful new incentive to get off than risking life and limb on Labor has slashed the num- "family values" at the Repub- Council to strip away regula- the dime and seriously nego- the production line. ber of child labor investiga- lican national convention in tions that protect consumers tiate a state ergonomics stan- Well, not exactly. tors by one-third. August, the Bush adminis- as well as workers. dard. The reality is that children Child labor is especially tration has resisted congres- Early this year, Bush took An ergonomics standard in the US suffered 71,660 job- common in agriculture and sional efforts to strengthen his crusade a step further by is not the only occupational related injuries in 1990, ac- in the garment industry. In American families. imposing a moratorium on health issue at stake in next cording to the National Safe Florida, one social worker Bush abandoned families all new federal regulations to month's election, of course. when he vetoed family leave further insure that business Organized labor has recently and child care legislation isn't "buried." Meanwhile proposed sweeping changes during his first term in office. American workers, including to the national Occupational But even more appalling was thousands of children, are Safety and Health Act, includ- Bush's failure to protect chil- injured or killed in the work- ing the creation of manda- dren from workplace abuse. place every year. tory worksite safety commit- Bush's labor secretary, Easier to bury the chil- tees with genuine worker Lynn Martin, opposed a bill dren? representation. Bush will veto the bill if he gets the chance. Bush abandoned families when he Clinton, on the other hand, vetoed family leave and child care has pledged to support labor's efforts to improve oc- legislation during his first term in cupational safety and health. When the issue is our office. But even more appalling was health and safety on the job, Bush's failure to protect children the choice on Nov. 3 is clear. Vote for Clinton. It's from workplace abuse. simple self-defense.
24 Utility Reporter October 1992