(ISSN 0023-6667) Frank Jewell, usual suspects endorsed Let’s just say the Duluth CIO Political Director) to not in his bid to sit on the St. Louis AFL-CIO Central Labor Body send me all that paperwork, County Board of Commis- screening and endorsement because we’ll just ask them sioners in District 1, which discussions on August 10 what we need to know.” covers approximately the east- weren’t wild and wooly times. And that's how the time ern half of Duluth. Jewell will With all the Minnesota leg- was spent...talking about the islative incumbents in Districts DECC expansion’s failure, See Endorsements...page 23 6 and 7, the two areas the House Speaker Steve Central Body has jurisdiction Sviggum’s call for cooperation AFL-CIO An Injury To One Is An Injury To All! over as determined by the as he shuts out anyone Minnesota AFL-CIO, running opposed to his ideas, universal Endorsed WEDNESDAY VOL. 112 again with Labor’s endorse- health care, the transportation AUGUST 30, 2006 NO. 5 ment from their last campaign, amendment.... Candidates the outcome was a done deal. Sen. Yvonne Prettner For www.mnaflcio.org Following the screenings, Solon’s opponent, Steve and www.wisaflcio.org which were attended by all Khalar, had asked for an audi- candidates except Rep. David ence with the delegates and U.S. Senate Dill, who was out of state, a spoke after legislators screen- Amy Klobuchar motion to endorse all six was ed. He described himself as passed unanimously. The coming from a strong union U.S. House process was especially pain- family and of having been a Dist. 8~Jim Oberstar less for Dill and Rep. Mike DFL delegate in 1988 and Jaros, who have no opposition 1990 but his more conserva- MINNESOTA in their races. tive nature won out and made Governor/Lt. Gov. Rep. Tom Huntley, Rep. him a Republican. Northern Mike Hatch/Judi Dutcher Mary Murphy, Sen. Tom Bakk Minnesota needs a Republican Attorney General and Sen. Yvonne Prettner at the legislature he said. Steve Kelley Solon will have opposition in It was suggested to him that Secretary of State the General Election. he should go about enlighten- Mark Ritchie “I didn’t bring any lengthy ing the state Republican Party questionnaires (to the screen- on things like living wages and Auditor ing) because these are our health care for all. Rebecca Otto friends,” Central Body Presi- County Commissioner MN House dent Alan Netland said in Former Duluth City District 3 opening the screenings. “I told Councilor Frank Jewell won a Sen. Tom Saxhaug Brad Lehto (Minnesota AFL- near unanimous endorsement 3A--Tom Anzelc 3B--Loren Solberg Joan Linski gave her personal, gripping account of life as a St. Louis County attorney District 4 minimum wage worker at an Aug. 18 rally with Amy candidates to screen Sept. 14 Senate-Mary Olson Klobuchar, the AFL-CIO-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate, 4A--Frank Moe and Congressman Jim Oberstar. Read her story on page 12. Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body delegates decided at their August 10 meeting to hold a screening in the St. Louis District 5 Fewer choices Labor Day County Attorney race. That screening will be held before the Sen. Dave Tomassoni Thursday, Sept. 14 meeting at 6:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall of the 5A--Tom Rukavina The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s Labor Day Duluth Labor Temple. 5B--Tony Sertich Picnic has been a tradition nearly as long as Labor Day itself, Incumbent Alan Mitchell is being challenged by Melanie District 6 which dates back to 1882. This year will mark the 118th Labor Ford in that race. Screenings are open to interested affiliated Sen.Tom Bakk Day observance in Duluth as far as can be ascertained. It’s union members. 6A--David Dill always a tough go, pulling the event off with only donations and An endorsement will be discussed at the regular meeting fol- 6B--Mary Murphy volunteers. Just ask trade unionists in Superior and St. Paul. lowing the screening. Only delegates can vote for endorsement, District 7 The central labor bodies in those two good union towns have which requires two-thirds of the votes cast. both cancelled their activities for this year. In Carlton County, Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon Delegates also discussed possible screenings in the 6th 7A--Tom Huntley that central body has ended its free retirees’ banquet. In all three Judicial District races but decided to not screen those contests. areas a lack of resources for the amount of participation seems 7B--Mike Jaros to have been the undoing of events. District 8 Superior’s dance is done for this year, St. Paul hopes to come WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? Senate--Tony Lourey back with a celebration next year after having speakers like Come on, you’re ready for a bus trip.....page 2 8A--Bill Hilty Garrison Keillor and Jim Hightower in recent years, and Carlton David Newby on Labor Day.....page 3 8B--Tim Faust County has added a car show to replace the retirees’ banquet. Molly Ivins & Ditchview, MN.....page 4 St. Louis County The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s Labor Day Picnic will be at the beautiful, spacious Bayfront Festival Park Letters to editor.....page 5 Commissioner Dist. 1 on the waterfront from noon to 4 p.m. Last year was the first A great chance to take in Unionism 101.....page 6 Frank Jewell year at Bayfront after being at Fairmont Park and Park Point. UA endorses single-payer, H.R. 676.....page 9 The new venue was a huge success. The site affords accessible Univ. Wisconsin hires non-union Kontny firm...page 11 PLEASE VOTE parking and rest rooms, and room for growth in the future. Joan’s story on minimum wage.....page 12 September 12 & Every year a host of elected officials attend the picnic and Public schools beat charters, again....page 15 with St. Paul off the charts, Duluth might get even busier. This November 7 year a very distinguished speaker will address the event after Hillary has opposition from union activist.....page 16 years of being a quiet donor and attendee. A View From the Ditch.....page 18 Picnic Chair Yvonne Harvey said more volunteers are need- Surviving Sago miner sues owners.....page 19 ed as well as donations. Contact her at 728-1779. Labor Day FAQs.....page 20 Carlton County Celebration Worst Boss found.....page21 The Carlton County Central Labor will sponsor their 87th Cloquet Labor Day Celebration beginning Thursday, Aug. 31 Yvonne Harvey says “Thanks”...... page 22 through Labor Day. Their agenda is too extensive to list. Suffice Teacher wins arbitration over strike support.....page 24 it to say that no matter when you go to Carlton County dur- ing the 5-day gala you’d find Labor Day, 2006 something happening. A short Labor Day, 2006 list appears in an ad on page 2. For Carlton County info con- tact Tom Beltt, 879-7148. See Labor Day...page 2 Come on, you’re ready for a bus trip! Labor 2006 getting results Labor to make trip to states, “I have been a teacher, sengers but one-third of the Doorknocks and phone banks being conducted on the Iron International Falls for coach, county commissioner seats have been reserved for Range are finding huge support for AFL-CIO-endorsed candi- and was honored to serve with another group of riders that dates says Labor 2006 Northeast MN Director Mike Sundin. “Old Style” political rally the administration of Gov. will be picked up at the “Labor’s work on the Range is being carried by AFSCME, The plans are in the works Rudy Perpich. Since then I’ve Operating Engineers Local 49 the Steelworkers, and Building Trades, who are all finding and you’re all that’s needed fought for workers’ rights as a union hall in Mountain Iron tremendous support for Labor candidates,” said Sundin. says Mike Sundin, the labor official. Our next repre- about 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. On August 16, 100 union households were doorknocked in Minnesota AFL-CIO’s Labor sentative needs to be effective “Seating is limited so peo- the Nashwauk/Keewatin/Pengilly area and only one person said 2006 director for northeast right away.” ple that want to go need to they were voting for Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty. Minnesota. “Helping Tom Anzelc win give me a call to reserve a “Ida Rukavina led a AFSCME Council 65 phone bank “We’ve got a free bus trip his Primary Election is our top spot,” said Sundin. He can be August 23rd with a bunch of volunteers and Mike Hatch got 72 for any and everyone to priority in northern Minne- reached at 391-5911. ‘votes,’ Pawlenty 13, and 43 undecided,” Sundin said. “Amy International Falls and sota,” Sundin said. Klobuchar beat Mark Kennedy 69 to 10 and Tom Anzelc had Smokey the Bear Park set for The bus trip will leave at Save 9/23 for the DFL Primary covered 89 to 7. Those are good numbers.” Friday, September 8,” said 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8 Sundin said nearly every town in the region will be door- Sundin. “It’s going to be fun.” from the Carpenters Union Sen. Edwards, knocked and phone banked and so many volunteers are needed. Sundin said Rep. Tom Hall on Hwy 53, just south of Union picnic Along with the usual Labor Day activities, a bus trip to Rukavina will be the host for the Ugstad Road by a quarter International Falls Sept. 8, and a huge Buffalo House picnic the event, which will make the mile or so. You can see the Mark your calendar on Sept 23 with Sen. John Edwards (see adjoining stories), door- trip worth it on its own. Amy huge building a few hundred Saturday, Sept. 23 as a day knocks are scheduled for Duluth Sept. 19 & 26, and Oct. 3, 10 Klobuchar will be there. Mike yards off the highway. when you’ll be at the Buffalo & 18. Virginia, Mt. Iron, Eveleth and Gilbert will be knocked Hatch has said he’s clearing The bus can take 55 pas- House for a grand political Sept. 21 & 27 and Oct. 4. Hibbing will be done on OCt 12, his schedule to make it. soiree and picnic. Chisholm on Oct. 19. “We’re going to the Falls to Sen. John Edwards (D-NC) Sundin can be reached at 391-5911. On the Iron Range con- fire up the troops for Tom is considered one of the lead- tact Jerry Fallos at 744-2757. Anzelc, Labor and the DFL’s ing Democratic candidates for guy in House District 3A,” president in 2008 after being Sundin said. “Our job is to John Kerry’s running mate in Labor Day activity...from page 1 retain that seat with Irv 2004. He’ll be the featured speaker at a DFL Unity Rally Iron Range Picnic Anderson having retired.” The Iron Range Labor Assembly will hold their “3rd Annual Anzelc has a long history that should include every Democrat running for office in Day Before Labor Day Picnic” on Sunday, Sept. 3. The Virginia of being a supporter of work- picnic will be held in Olcott Park from noon to 5:00 p.m. with ing families that goes beyond the state. Also that day at the Buffalo the whole nine yards of activities. For Virginia information con- the years he spent as political tact Gerry Knaeble at 263-5704. director for the Laborers House, a Union Family District Council. At his web- Solidarity (Pig Roast) Picnic The Brainerd Trades & Labor Assembly will have their pic- site, www.tomanzelc.com, he Tom Anzelc will be hosted by AFSCME. nic at Baxter Park. For information contact Ken Zelinske at Call Lynn Whipple (218) 485- 829-0222. 8353 or -5300 with questions St. Cloud’s Central Minnesota Trades & Labor Assembly I.U.O.E. Local 70 or to help the picnic effort. will hold their picnic at Riverside Park. For information contact Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Richard Steffes at (320) 251-5615. Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2006, 5:00 P.M. Duluth Labor Center, Hall B abor MELANIE FORD Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 L for St. Louis Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 ay County Attorney Retirees’ Luncheon D “For the People, For a Change!” A chance for Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1:00 p.m. See you at the Duluth Central Dry Dock all workers Labor Body screening Sept. 14! to again www.VoteMelanieFord.com Carlton County Central Labor Body Prepared and paid for by Ford Campaign Committee, POBox 16734, Thank Duluth, MN 55816 ~Paid Advertisement~ 87th Labor Day Celebration Thursday, August 31 thru Labor Day Unions Carnival Dunlap Island Park, Thursday-Monday for their Softball Tourney Pinehurst Park Sat., Sunday Call Steve Martin, 879-3094 Holiday. Sunday September 3 Fireworks Sunday, 9 p.m., Veterans Park Noon to 5:00 p.m. Parade Labor Day, 11 a.m., Cloquet Ave. Olcott Park Virginia Free Picnic After Parade @Labor Temple

Nifty-Fifty Car Show Monday, Noon to 3 p.m. FREE FOOD& MUSIC! Next to Labor Temple *Kids Entertainment:The Amazing Charles, Space Walk *Cash Bar See You In *Raffle Drawing at 4:00 p.m. for: Carlton County! 1st Prize: $500 Cash 2nd Prize: Weber Genesis Gold Stainless Steel Gas Grill For information Roofers (Union-made in USA-$750 Value, Grande’s Ace Hardware) call Tom Beltt 3rd Prize: Wool & Leather Jacket (Union-made in USA- Donated by All American Imprints-Wyoming, MN) (218) 879-7148 Local 96 For information call Gerry Knaeble, (218) 741-0508

PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Labor Day: A time for honor & reflection, separating YOYOs from WITTs by David Newby The core question we face al responsibility” but in reality we have a floor beneath which President, Wisconsin State as a country today is this: Are it means we’re on our own, no one falls. AFL-CIO we going to recognize that we there’s no common safety net. Combined with Bush tax Labor Day is a time to really are all in this together, And if our health fails or our policies that are shifting vast honor those who do the work and we need to support and job is outsourced and we’re amounts of wealth from work- and actually create the real take care of each other? Or are not rich enough to survive on ing families to the super-rich wealth of this country: work- we going to repudiate that our own, then that’s too bad, (who can afford to be on their ing people! It should also be a value and any mutual obliga- it’s our own fault. We’ve own), YOYOism sums up the time to reflect on what union- tions and say instead it’s obviously failed in our “per- policy agenda of this adminis- ism is all about: Solidarity— everyone for themselves? sonal responsibility.” tration and its right wing con- an injury to one is an injury to Jared Bernstein from the The union movement has a gressional majority. These all. That is the basic principle Economic Policy Institute completely different philoso- anti-worker policies are rapid- of the Labor Movement, the summed it up well in a recent phy. Recognizing that “we’re ly eroding the economic foun- understanding that we’re all in article, saying it’s YOYO all in this together,” we want to dation for the middle class as it together. (“You’re On Your Own”) vs. share risks and pool our well as rolling back the protec- Without romanticizing the WITT (“We’re In This resources. So that everyone, at tions we all need by undermin- past, that understanding also Together”). a minimum, has the health ing everything from environ- For years the Right Wing care they need. So that all our mental standards to health and used to be a fundamental David Newby value among the vast majority has been promoting a YOYO kids have a good public educa- safety protections in the work- of Americans. It was the way vision for America. The entire Wing solution to our health tion. So that everyone has place. we related to each other as Bush domestic agenda is care crisis: not universal, work—and that work pays a So on this Labor Day neighbors and as co-workers. based on the YOYO principle. quality, affordable health care living wage. So that everyone 2006, let’s think a bit about the It was the basis of community. YOYO underlies Bush’s for all, but high-deductible can retire in dignity. So that basic principles of the Labor But today that sense of attempt to privatize Social policies that expect us to Movement: Solidarity—an community has been weak- Security and leave our retire- “shop” for the lowest cost "Come injury to one is an injury to all. ened—in fact it’s under sys- ment income to the mercy of health care providers and And let’s remember why our tematic attack. the stock market. which stress “personal respon- one, government was formed: “. . . YOYO underlies the Right sibility” for our health—as if to promote the general wel- we could all become mini doc- come fare, and secure the blessings Monday - Friday tors and could have complete all!" of liberty to ourselves and our 9 am - 5:30 pm control of our health! And meet the posterity.” These are precisely YOYO also underlies the candidates! the principles we all need to corporate shift from “defined follow in order to meet the benefit” guaranteed pensions Carlton County needs of the vast majority of 2002 London Road • 218.728.2863 to “defined contribution” pen- Americans and put America sions or 401 (k)’s—which, like DFL“Fun” Raiser back together again. F Live Milkbone music, Doctor On Site privatized Social Security, do In Solidarity F Convenient Parking not provide a guaranteed Food, Beverages income, but an income based F Located in the Duluth Labor Temple on how lucky we are in that Saturday, Sept. 2 F European Style Glasses grand casino called the stock 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. F market. Rain or Shine @ Contact Lenses The fundamental goal of Larry the Laborer's Owners YOYO policy is to shift all 97 E. Palkie Rd, Esko September 4, 2006 economic risk to individuals Kim Bujold & Eric Saksa, O.D. Free to political contribution refund- and our families. Those cur- ers, but $20 donations accepted rently in power call it “person- Have a Safe To All Our Affiliated Union Members: and Come enjoy your Labor Day Picnic with your Happy Holiday... family at Bayfront Festival Park And Enjoy It! Monday, Sept. 4, Noon-4 The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Please remember to vote in the Tuesday, Sept. 12 Primary Election and the Tuesday, Nov. 7 General Election. Bring someone with you to the polls! Call your city clerk (Duluth, 723-3340) or county auditor (St. Louis Co., 726-2385) for voting requirements and locations. Politics begin at your dinner table, in your neighborhood and at your worksite. Help others realize how important politics and voting are in the lives of working families. See the graphic on page one for your Duluth AFL-CIO Central Body- endorsed candidates and support them when you go to the polls. LOCAL 49 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 3 Only Cheney could think Sen. Joe Lieberman’s lose would help al-Qaida By tioned the Indiana move -- Veep Dick Cheney to the men- a phased withdrawal of troops gets serious -- a task Molly Ivins some claiming it is a waste of ace. Ned Lamont, the guy who from Iraq would be “taken as a Lieberman, ranking Democrat AUSTIN, Texas -- money trying to stop attacks beat Lieberman, said he was tremendous victory” by the on the Government Affairs The most cunning on the Wabash Cannonball. surprised that Cheney claimed terrorists. Cheney said it Committee, has avoided. No refinement yet in The Statue of Liberty and the his victory would embolden would encourage “the al- surprise that the lobbyists and the administra- Washington Monument might Osama bin, as we call him Qaida types” who want to insiders want to keep their guy. tion’s plot to scare merit a little more attention. Texas. “break the will of the In other news, we have the the liver, lights and This is precisely why it is bet- “My God, here we have a American people in terms of answer to a troubling part of onions out of us with Tales of ter to have Michael Chertoff terrorist threat against hearth our ability to stay in the fight the Middle East jigsaw puzzle: Terror Plots is the Department and Karl Rove making these and home, and the very first and complete the task.” how to rebuild Iraq. We ought of Homeland Security’s bril- Homeland Security decisions, thing that comes out of their Wow. How little we real- to drop Halliburton like a skil- liant move to declare Indiana rather than Osama bin Laden. mind is how we can turn this ized the fate of a single senator letful of rattlesnakes and get the national center of terror- The defeat of Connecticut to partisan advantage,” com- -- especially such a whiny and Hezbollah on the job. Did you ism, with 8,591 potential tar- Sen. Joe Lieberman in the plained Lamont. Lieberman sanctimonious one -- meant ever see a better rebuilding gets. Many citizens have ques- Democratic primary alerted warned that Lamont’s call for everything to Osama bin. bunch than this Hezbollah? Must’ve pulled off his turban The shooting hadn’t even and danced around his cave stopped yet when the “Army when he got the news. The of God” was hustling around Enjoy a Safe & Happy Labor Day! whole al-Qaida bunch stayed with plywood and duct tape, up just to hear the late returns putting everything back from Darien, Conn. together. And who do they get Give President Bush anoth- to pay for it all, but the Arabs. er five years or so, and he’s Now that’s what I call rebuild- bound to figure out that Osama ing! bin is not in Iraq -- then we’ll © 2006 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. be right on his tail. www.creators.com Meanwhile, back in Wash- ington, The Hill newspaper This Day In History reports that an Enron lobbyist from (former aide to Joe Lieberman www.workdayminnesota.org and money-raiser for him and convicted Republican Connec- August 30, 1834 ticut Gov. John Rowland, Union delegates from New whom he describes as being York, Boston, Philadelphia “like-minded guys”) is and other East Coast cities demanding that Democratic met in convention to form senators not campaign against the National Trades Lieberman. When asking other Union.The NTU united professional influence-ped- craft unions to oppose "the dlers to contribute, he tells most unequal and unjustifi- Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day them to come back for able distribution of the Lieberman, saying, “Who wealth of society in the from your friends at knows what Lamont would be hands of a few individuals." like?” Active for only a few years, For example, Lamont NTU nonetheless helped might use his power to make spawn the organization of sure the Enron investigation more than 60 new unions. I don’t know if I’ve ever in- dulged my sense of self-impor- tance to this level, but I’ve placed myself on the same page with our favorite, Molly Ivins, in the hopes someone would read my work. Greater Northland Area Local We couldn’t have ended up with better placement in the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO paper to continue our little talk, because we need to talk. After all, this is the last issue of the paper before the Tuesday, Sept. Duluth, MN 12th Primary Election, which means it’s time to start paying attention. First, go mark your calendar on that day in red with the let- ters “V-O-T-E.” Maybe underline it. Alert your herd to it too. Primaries aren’t difficult, but they’re very important in some races, the equivalent to a thumbs up or down from Caesar. Sept. 12 will be good practice for the Tuesday, November 7 General Election when the ballot will be really full and scary. Kind of like reading James Joyce “Ullyses” versus Tom Sawyer. No, I didn’t. The Vikings, Twins, your lawn, the golf course, the lake, and the couch can give you up for the half hour it will take to push a few butts through to November. State Rep. David Dill is endorsed by: Here are important races that will/may be on your Sept. 12th 4DuluthIron RangeBuilding Building and Construction & Construction Trades Trades Primary Election ballot if and when you vote DFL: 4 U.S. Senate: This one shouldn’t be close, but Amy IronDuluth Range Building Building &and Construction Construction TradesTrades 4 4 Klobuchar (www.amyklobuchar.com) does have a Primary IronIron Range Range Labor Labor Assembly Assembly USWA- MN AFL-CIODistrict 11 opponent. She will make a great U.S. Senator when she beats 4 Minnesota Association of Professional Employees U.S. Steelworkers of America, District 11 Mark Kennedy in the General Election. He can’t possibly keep 4Minnesota Farmers Union - PAC lying about not being a Bush Boy for two more months can he? 4 DFL HousePaid for Caucus by David Dill Endorsed for 6A Committee; JoAnne 4 Pagel,Associated Treasurer, P.O.Contract Box 293, Orr, Loggers MN 55771 and Truckers Minnesota Governor: Hang on to your home boy Mike 4 Hatch here but I’m going to vote for Becky Lourey just because International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 633 I’ve always believed in her progressive politics. Hatch is AFL- 4 Minnesota School Board Association "House Legislator of Year 2004" CIO and DFL-endorsed and some Building Trades have a prob- Paid for by the David Dill for 6A Committee, JoAnne Pagel, Treasurer, P.O. Box 293, Orr, MN 55771 See Ditchview, MN...page 18 PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Pollution price in the future is too high to justify Polymet mining jobs Editor: ant stated, "The present state- Floodwood residents are upset in the St. Louis as long as great Americans seem to judge "It is difficult to get a man of-the-art technology does not about this, and some hay great grand-daddy had a job.” every issue by asking the ques- to understand something when provide any universal solu- farmer’s fields will be flooded. I also know that a lot of tion, Will this make the econo- his salary depends on his not tions for sulfide drainage." This 200 acres of wetland union workers love to fish, and my larger? Maybe instead we understanding it." -Upton The mining company will con- replacement will be the largest the idea of retiring to days of should think about this quote: Sinclair tain the toxins and acids in in Minnesota history! If my relaxing and fishing is the “Only when the last tree has liner filled pools in the ground. husband, who’s a union brick- dream. Think about that! You That quote could be about died, and the last river poi- If the liner goes bad, or the layer mason, works on build- work for the company that pol- soned will we realize we can’t the proposed PolyMet mine. pool overflows , oops! If this ing the PolyMet mine, he can lutes the water you want to This copper, or sulfide, mine, eat money. What’s more mine is approved and built, be happily assured that fish when you retire. So is that important? is a hot topic. Unions need to there are plans to build three Floodwood residents are mad, paycheck worth it? decide where they stand on Jackie Bartosh more copper mines around the St. Louis catfish will die, but Funny thing is we Lakeside, WI this issue. What is more Boundary Waters area. at least he’s coming home with important? The jobs it’ll create In the U.S., acid mine a paycheck. If that doesn’t or the toxic mess it’ll create. drainage and other toxins from sound greedy, I don’t know Joan Growe supports Ritchie Both the economy and the abandoned mines have pollut- what does. Dear Friends, preservation of the environ- ed 180,000 acres of reservoirs I would like the unions to I am writing to ask you to support my friend, the next ment are major issues to and lakes, and 12,000 miles of think about this PolyMet mine. Secretary of State of Minnesota -- Mark Ritchie. Mark is the Minnesotans. When they go streams and rivers. Estimated If the mine operates for 25 endorsed Democratic Party candidate. I am honored to join the head to head, we must decide cleanup of these polluted years, is 25 years of employ- thousands of Minnesotans who are supporting Mark in this race. which is more important. waterways will cost taxpayers ment more important then a I had the privilege of serving as Minnesota’s Secretary of This copper mine is pro- between $32-$72 billion. thousand years of cleaning up State from 1975 to 1999. It was a time of great change in our posed for south of Babbitt on Clean up costs don’t stimulate sulfuric acid in the St. Louis state and elections. Minnesota was behind many states in voter the Partridge River in the the economy, they hurt it. and Lake Superior? Let’s turnout when I took office. We were number one when I left. Superior National Forest, not PolyMet wants to locate the bump ahead to your great, I am most proud of the respect that Minnesotans held for the far from the Boundary Waters. mine on top of 1200 acres of great, great grandchild’s time office -- a reflection on the non-partisan and open approach we The Partridge flows into the wetlands. PolyMet has chosen and ask him what he thinks. took to administering our election laws. No one worried about St. Louis River and then into Floodwood to replace the wet- You can hear his mom saying, the fairness of voting in Minnesota. Sadly, this is no longer the Lake Superior. The waste lands. I hear a lot of “ It’s ok you can’t swim or fish case. Minnesotans worry the Office of the Secretary of State product of a copper mine is has become partisan -- working to help some, but not all, of the sulfuric acid. The sulfur in the voters. This erosion in trust in our elections cannot be ignored. ore will continually react with I am happy that Mark Ritchie has entered this race to restore air and water to form sulfuric integrity and trust to this important office. His 20 years of expe- acid for thousands of years to rience in non-partisan voter registration and civic engagement come. Once sulfuric acid are excellent preparation for both the work of the office and for enters a water system, it can returning nonpartisanship to Minnesota’s elections. turn into a biological waste- Before Mark can get started turning around this office we land. Fish can’t live with bat- have to help him get elected. I am writing today to ask you to tery acid in their water. join me in supporting Mark. The contribution you make today - Sulfuric acid isn’t easy to - which you can do by going to www.markritchie06.net and contain. One mining consult- clicking on “Contribute” -- will help to ensure that Minnesota does not become the Florida of 2000 or Ohio of 2004. I know there are many requests coming to you in this busy ~NOTICE~ political season. This race is special because it affects us all. If Next issues of Labor World we do not have fair elections in Minnesota it will not be possi- are Sept. 13 & 27, ble to move our state forward again. Oct. 11 & 25, Nov. 8 & Joan Anderson Growe 21, Dec. 6 & 20. LABOR WORLD Remember GOP scam in Nov. Known office of publication Consumers’ rights trampled 2002 London Road, Room 110 Editor: Duluth, MN 55812 Editor: When it comes to greed few can surpass Republican leaders. (218) 728-4469 Proposed legislation that would have given Minnesota con- Consider the minimum wage. U.S. Senate Democrats FAX: (218) 724-1413 sumers dealing with customer service centers around the world attempted to block an estate tax cut, which would have helped [email protected] the “right to know” whom they are speaking with, and where only the wealthiest. Republicans wanted to link that cut to a www.laborworld.org they are located, was recently defeated in the Minnesota House minimum wage increase, which shows their sympathies. ESTABLISHED 1896 Owned by Unions affiliated with the of Representatives. This legislation was blocked by Republican The minimum wage is $5.15/hour. Maybe folks like House Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body House leaders who put the special interests of corporate giants, Ways & Means Chair Bill Thomas (R-CA) should try living on credit card companies, and financial institutions ahead of pro- it. Tom DeLay too, who’s linked to Mr. Lobby, Jack Abramoff, 6 7 tecting consumers from possible identity theft. who could be one of yours if you have a few million to spend. Periodical Postage The Communication Workers of America Minnesota State The idea was to raise the minimum wage to $7.25/hour over Paid Duluth, MN Council introduced a bill giving consumers the “right to know” three years--the first minimum wage increase in nine years. But Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager where a company has located their call centers. If a consumer is Thomas packaged permanent estate tax cuts with them. It would Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper uncomfortable giving personal information (credit card, social have reduced our federal tax revenue by $268 billion over the Published 24 times per year security number, etc.) to someone located outside of our coun- next decade, adding to our ever-increasing deficit! Subscriptions: $22 Annually try, then the consumer would have the option to ask that they be U.S. Senator Bill Frist, (R-TN) supports the estate tax cut POSTMASTER: transferred to a worker in America. and wants to be our next president. Count on Frist to bring it Send address changes to: As American companies continue to outsource customer back. The responsible thing is to let a minimum wage increase 2002 London Rd., Room 110 service centers overseas, it is becoming increasingly more stand alone, and have an up or down vote on it. But that will Duluth, MN 55812 important for Minnesota consumers to closely protect their per- have to wait, until after the November elections. Board of Directors sonal information. Identity theft is on the rise and U.S. laws do Frist, Thomas & Co. failed June 8 in the Senate by 3 votes President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, not pertain if your identity is stolen in a foreign country. even though Thomas had packed the bill with lots of goodies to Painters & Allied Trades 106; For the record, the DFL leadership in the Minnesota Senate get those 3 votes. George J. Kourpias, president of the Alliance V.P. Paul Iverson, BMWED 1710; allowed this legislation to be voted on. It passed with a margin for Retired Americans, said blocking the bill was a matter of Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; of 63-1, receiving strong bipartisan support. economic and social justice. Jim Walters, Plumbers & Steam- This fall when you cast your votes, please remember that the Frist, Thomas & Co. should link the minimum wage increase fitters 11; Tom Selinski, IBEW Democratic party is the political party that is watching out for to their pay raises: no pay increases for them until they raise the 242; Laurie Johnson, AFSCME your personal interests while attempting to rebuild the Co. 5; Lynette Swanberg, MN minimum wage. It won’t happen, but it does reflect the anger Nurses; Mike Kuitu, Operating American job base. many of us feel about those elitists. In November, they could Engineers 49; Al LaFrenier, Kenneth L. Cusick, Executive-VP, CWA Local 7214 learn just that. How many of them will file for unemployment? UNITE HERE! Joint Board Duluth, MN John DeRosier, Eau Claire, WI LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 5 When Eliot Seide decides to “talk union” it’s a good idea to listen It started out as a discussion says there are still too many noon on Wednesday, Sept. 13 York and throughout nation as 2006. among AFSCME Local 3801 fair share workers on campus. in the Kirby Student Center a Business Agent, Legislative Seide has a Bachelor of members, clerical and techni- This region does far better Ballroom. Director and International Arts from New York Univer- cal employees of the Univer- than public unions nationally Eliot Seide is the first exec- Area Director. He serves on sity, and a Master of Arts from sity of Minnesota Duluth, on the issue, however. For utive director of the recently HealthPartners’ Board of the University of Toronto. He about how to get more fair example, the National Asso- created AFSCME Council 5, Directors, the Minnesota AFL- has completed all his course share employees involved in ciation of Letter Carriers which built power for its CIO Executive Board, and was work towards his Ph.D. with a the union. Zenith Branch 114 has only 43,000 members with the elected as an AFSCME Inter- major in political science and a In the public sector each one fair share employee, Steve merger of three Minnesota national Vice President in worker can decide whether to Merrill, who gets his name councils, including Council be a part of the union that cov- listed in each issue of the 96, which had been Duluth- Duluth Building Trades ers their work or not. Even if union newsletter. based. Seide has spent 28 they choose not to join the AFSCME 3801 decided to years working for AFSCME Health & Welfare Fund Members union, they get the union ben- have a public discussion about members in Minnesota, New efits and the union is obligated unions and invited their All Thrifty White and White Drug Pharmacies are participating pharmacies for your new health plan. We can fill a 90 day supply for you and for convenience we offer our by law to represent them. statewide AFSCME Council 5 Ready refill ™ program for automated refills. Our mail order takes three or four days AFSCME Local 3801 has Executive Director, Eliot instead of 10 to 14 as you are accustomed to seeing! been organized at UMD only Seide, to lead it. Damberg said We also offer: since 1992, but Local Union they’ve asked Seide to give a • Many convenient locations in • Order your prescriptions by phone, Secretary Nancy Damberg short history of unions, talk Minnesota and North Dakota 24 hours a day about why unions are impor- • Free mail out service • Free daily blood pressure checks INTERSTATE tant, and why workers should • Free in town prescription delivery • 122 years of pharmacy service join unions. She said they • 30 day private charge accounts in the upper Midwest SPUR expect a discussion will follow Seide’s presentation. All of our pharmacies are ready to fill all of your family’s prescription needs. It was such a good idea, the Pinetree Plaza • Inside Super One Foods • Cloquet, MN free event has been opened up to the public and would be a 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 great “Unions 101” course for Eliot Seide For a listing of all locations visit www.thriftywhite.com new leaders in unions, appren- tices, and young union fami- lies as well as fair share 2700 W. Michigan St. employees at UMD. Atten- dance will be required for GAS - DIESEL Council 5 stewards who will GROCERIES be attending training at the OPEN 24 HOURS Radisson. The event will be held at BENNA FORD SUPERIOR To All Fellow Union

Members...Come in or call to set up a test drive! BENNA FORD SUPERIOR Roush and Saleen 3022 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880 715-392-2268 Roger Childs Sales 218-343-6596 Professional Cement Masons Toll Free 1-866-992-3662 Local 633 Special Pricing for Union Members!

LLabor DDay GGreetings To All Union Members and Area Contractors Talk with Eliot Seide from AFSCME Council 5 Director Cement Masons UMD Ballroom B ʄ September 13 ʄ Noon Plasterers

& Shophands Discuss how unions build power for workers: Local 633 Membership Growth + Political Action = Minnesota Bargaining Power North Dakota Northwest Wisconsin Free and Open to the Public with a Special Invitation to all Union Members, Apprentices, and Fair Share Employees America’s Oldest Building Trades Union uEst. 1864 PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 www.hadenoughmn.com an eye opener Sick of lies, incompetence, and corruption? thoughts, ideas, frustrations, and hopes about With best wishes for a safe and Tired of broken promises from politicians? this year’s elections. Here’s a sample: Aching for another blog/website? “(Pawlenty’s) reelection campaign slogan relaxing Labor Day holiday! Check out America Votes Minnesota’s web- should be ‘cut and run.’ He makes cuts to the Please take time to vote. site at www. hadenoughmn.com to read about services that really matter to Minnesotans – and discuss what’s going on in Minnesota, with like education and local government aid -- and daily posts about happenings in state politics, then runs for reelection claiming to support the get facts about what Gov. Pawlenty and other very services he tried to eliminate...,” said Josh officials/candidates are up to, and share your Syrjamaki, State Director of America Votes.

National Association of Letter Carriers Zenith Branch 114 Merged Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay

All Workers are Entitled to a Fair and Just Share of America's Wealth

Operating Engineers Local 49 "Pulling Our Weight" THE MOST DIRECT WAY TO www.local49.org GET YOUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PRESCRIPTIONS. TWO HARBORS RESIDENTS...... Should be aware that a substantial development planned for the Lighthouse Point is being held hostage by a group named Save Lighthouse Point founded by Todd Ronning. This group has seized control of the Planning & Zoning Board and We’re Injured Workers Pharmacy. We There are absolutely no out-of-pocket convinced the City Council to resist this opportunity to Revive Downtown Two Harbors. do just what our name says – provide expenses for you, your attorney prescribed Workers’ Compensation or physician. No confusing claim The project would provide 124 direct jobs and medications to injured workers. How forms. And no catch. Seriously. many more in spin-off development rebuilding the Downtown. Contact city counselors and express we do it is every bit as simple. We ship Contact us today and we’ll make your support for the project. medications right to your door and sure you can focus on recovery, the insurance company pays us. not reimbursement. Please visit our website, www.lsrcommunity.com to find out more about us and our plans, and feel free to contact me at [email protected]. “Sam Cave has been exceptional about meeting with our 888-321-7945 www.IWPharmacy.com 17 construction unions and ensuring that his project will have a labor agreement, which means our union members in this region will work on his job. ~Craig Olson, President, Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Paid for by Sam Cave

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 7 Education Have a safe and enjoyable Jobs Health Care Labor Day weekend And please buckle up DFL Majority From the Blue Cross Organized Labor Department Mary Murphy (651) 662-2934 State Representative

Prepared and paid for by the Mary Murphy Vol. Comm., Jean McDonald Treasurer, Best Wishes for a Safe and 5180 West Arrowhead Road, Hermantown, MN 55811 Enjoyable Labor Day Holiday. It’s all just raw dirt, steel, wood, brick and concrete until it gets Thanks to Labor, shaped by skilled hands and minds. I’ll enjoy mine too! Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon Minnesota Senate District 7 F DFL & Labor Endorsed Paid for by the Prettner Solon Volunteer Committee, Elaine Hansen, Treasurer

Have an enjoyable Labor Day break LABORERS LOCAL 1097 Remembering IRON RANGE & NORTHERN MINNESOTA Brother Debs’ W e A p p r e c i a t e Y o u r 151st Birthday! P a t r o n a g e ! The only Reef worth steering into has... Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. 7 Days a week Tuesday is Karaoke Night Wednesday has Live Music Live bands Friday & Saturday, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The largest game room in town! We can set-up employee parties of up to 80 people! THE REEF In the Labor Temple, 2002 London Road, Duluth

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Determined Plumber convinces Int’l Union to back single-payer health By Mark Gruenberg $250,000 to $75,000. pointed out to Plumbers that their elected representatives needs the churches, too. 0“I PAI Staff Writer Literally, Love said, with non-union contractors--who repeatedly and forcefully,” tell them: ‘No man can look SAVANNAH--Jack Love’s changes like that, Plumbers don’t provide health care-- Oswego Local 73 Business you in the eye and tell you members were upset. Raises had to “stay home and die” were underbidding union con- Manager David DeCaire said. Jesus Christ won’t support disappeared. Out-of-pocket rather than go to the hospital if tractors, costing UA members “They must help lay the national health insurance.’ costs skyrocketed. The bal- they had heart attacks, given and UA members their jobs. groundwork for change in You claim to be a Christian, ance in the union’s health the costs of care. Not only that, but when Washington, D.C., and they but if you don’t do anything fund skidded to $167,000. Business Agents in Canada uninsured workers and their must be prepared for a long about this, you’re a liar,” Love Visits to the emergency room told Love of organizations in families came from out of state and difficult fight,” with a says. “The churches have got cost them a $100. The insurer the U.S. that advocated gov- to Georgia and got ill, local GOP-run Congress and the to get involved. It’s a human, wanted more money. ernment-run single-payer health facilities, paid for by powerful health insurers. public issue.” Whenever Love, Business health care. The more he local property taxes, or federal Love says single-payer Manager of Plumbers Local probed, the more he liked it. programs, paid for by all tax- 188 in Savannah, Ga., and a Three points were especial- payers, took care of them. trustee of its health insurance ly attractive, Love said: Cost, It’s those same impacts-- It has been my pleasure to serve working fund, had to give them the bad universality and affordability. including competition from news, he had to face brickbats. That last one helped him sell it non-union, non-insured com- families in the Minnesota Senate. “There’s got to be a better to Plumbers in New York, after petitors--that drove the USW way than this,” he thought. he assembled an 18-page and particularly the UAW to Please go the polls on Love’s problems in paying booklet and faxed it to every back Conyers’ bill. UAW has for health insurance for mem- Plumber’s local in the country, recently said it all by pointing Tuesday, Sept. 12 bers led him to researching and followed up with calls. out that now more cars are and Tuesday, Nov. 7, alternatives to the present “In New York City, they’re made in Ontario--which has employer-based health care paying $12 an hour for health Canada’s government-run and vote for candidates system and then turning him- care coverage. The Canadians national health care system-- self into a one-man campaign pay $86 a month for a single than in next-door Michigan. that will help maintain for single-payer government- person, $96 for a couple and USW Pres. Leo Gerard, a run national health care. $106 for families. And they Canadian, never tires of com- the middle-class in On August 9, at his United have no deductibles and no co- paring the quality of coverage- America, for it is the Association union’s Las Vegas pays. We pay twice as much -and cost--that his daughter, convention he succeeded. in a week as the Canadians pay who lives in Ontario, gets to middle-class that is the The UA, which has in a month,” he says. the coverage his union must 219,800 members, became the At the convention, nobody battle for in bargaining. engine that drives us fourth AFL-CIO union to disagreed and the endorsement Despite success with the toward prosperity for all. endorse single-payer govern- passed by voice vote.Love UA, Love realizes union sup- ment-run national health care- port alone will not be enough -Medicare for all--advocated Still no MN to achieve single-payer health Senator Becky Lourey by Rep. John Conyers (D- care. And unions are not unit- Mich.) as HR 676. HR 676 backers ed behind Conyers’ bill. HaveHave aa GreatGreat LaborLabor Day!Day! The UA joins Steelworkers, As much as Minnesota is The AFL-CIO Executive Paid for by Lourey for Senate, Rosanne Haynes, Treasurer, Holyoke, MN Auto Workers and the Long- considered a progressive state Council, at its August meeting shore and Warehouse Union in on social issues, there is no in Chicago, called single- backing Conyers’ legislation. one in the Minnesota Congres- payer one way, but not the “We saw the balance in our sional delegation that is on only one, to achieve universal health insurance trust fund board with Rep. John Conyers health care coverage, in the going down from $4 million to (D-MI) single-payer health next Congress. It’s given up THE VOICE OF LABOR - $167,000--in two years,” Love care bill, H.R. 676. on this GOP-run Congress. said. That crash forced the It has 75 congressional co- SEIU Pres. Andrew Stern, local to arrange for a backup sponsors and been endorsed whose union, part of Change may it ring loud and bank loan, just in case--a dis- by 171 union organizations to Win, has a million health tasteful move. Out-of-pocket including 38 Central Labor care workers, says single- clear in November deductible for family coverage Councils, including Duluth, payer government-run health skyrocketed to $7,000, and the and Area Labor Federations care is not the way to go. cap on yearly payments for and four state AFL-CIO’s (KY, To pass HR 676 unionists any individual collapsed from PA, CT & OH). “must express their views to Please support the Walk for Leukemia by purchasing balloons at Super One stores for $1 when you shop from September 24 to October 2nd.

Best Wishes for a Happy and Enjoyable Labor Day! Happy Labor Day...... to all people, who, by their labors, have worked to make and keep America great! United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1116 Steve Gilbertson, President

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 9 A Day FOR honoring Working Families Have a great Labor Day... Have a great Labor Day Holiday! We’ve earned it! and thanks for everything organized labor has done to improve the working lives of all LAKEHEADLAKEHEAD american workers, union or not. PaintingPainting Co.Co. Serving the Upper Midwest since 1965 Commissioner Try our“Rapid-Cure” Polyurea Coatings Peg Sweeney Free Estimates Superior, Wisconsin (715) 394-5799 St. Louis County • District 5 Duluth afl-cio Central Labor Body endorsed “I’m honored to carry the labor endorsement!” Paid for by Peg Sweeney Volunteer Committee The Great American Labor Force has been the vital sector in making the good life even better n Labor Day as we honor working women and for all of us. Building America... men for the gains America has made, let us with all the skill and energy characteristic of O America Labor. We salute the men and women remember that a quality workforce, well educated and who make up our task force for progress --- who work today for a better tomorrow. well trained, is what is needed to keep America Laborers Local 1091 moving forward toward a prosperous future for all. Duluth, MN/Superior, WI & Surrounding Counties Don Watkins Business Agent/Financial Secretary/Treasurer Larry Anderson Bill Cox President Vice President Chris Thacker Dan Olson Sgt.-at-Arms Recording Secretary John Schneider Brad Bukovich Kyle Koller Jim Jones Tim Meteraud Jim Gagnon This is equipped. Auditors Executive Board

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DULUTH • SUPERIOR GRAND RAPIDS • CLOQUET *Must be of equal or lesser value: select from special collection of frames and plastic lenses. See store for details. PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 A Kontny family history lesson is in order for the University of Wisconsin Construction work on area the company was violating the months in prison and fined a University. UWS has $75 mil- Warf Office Bldg, 610 Walnut schools, especially institutions employees’ right to organize. total of $110,000 for what U.S. lion in construction slated in St., Madison, WI 53726. of higher learning, has gener- On August 25, 1995, the District Court Judge John C the next four years. She’s said UW must take ally been very good for mem- U.S. District Court agreed Shabaz called a “sophisticated But for now he said UW the low bid. The University is bers of Building Trades with the unions against the scheme” to defraud the federal Facilities Management and an equal opportunity employer Unions. Most jobs are covered Kontnys. government of taxes. Ken, Angela Zar, who made the too, which must make the by Project Labor Agreements Then Wisconsin Attorney who the judge charged with decision to hire KBK, need to Kontnys happy. Don’t it stir and problems are ironed out General James E. Doyle, the perjury at one point, blamed hear from residents. She can your Badger pride watching before they progress too far. current governor, found the his wife for everything. He be reached at 608-263-3031, your tax dollars at work? That makes pickets by company owed employees was accused of threatening by fax at 265-3139, or 985 Plumbers & Steamfitters about $300,000 in back pay employees lives in the past too Local 11 at the University of and punitive damages for not The Kontny’s Tri-State W isconsin-Superior’s paying prevailing wages or Mechanical disappeared but Wessman Arena a rare site on overtime. Charges were limit- its offspring, KBK Services a campus. It only gets worse. ed to only two years by the and Chris Kontny, are doing Officials on Madison’s statute of limitations. Then business and earning Wiscon- main campus decided to be the Ken Kontny asked employees sin taxpayers’ money at general contractor on the proj- to reimburse him for use of UWS’s Wessman Arena. ect. That’s very unusual. Then company trucks ($6 an hour), A union contractor’s bid they let the mechanical bid to travel and tools, advance was $6,000 over KBK’s. The KBK Services, owned by wages, and loans. His efforts union contractor offered to Chris Kontny. The name ring to force employees to return take $6,000 off his bid. any bells? wages were Class E felonies Mike Rydberg, Business The Kontny family has punishable by $10,000 fines Rep. for P&SF #11, said pick- quite a history in the region. At and/or two years in jail on eters are getting great support. one time the business was each count. “Benna Ford owner Pat called Shorty & Sons, a union The U.S. Forest Service Ringle is cancelling a car show mechanical contractor in refused to allow the Kontnys there,” said Rydberg, “and Mike Rydberg, Chad Bodin, and Ed Mickendrow of Plum- Superior. Then a son, Ken, to bid on the Ashland Visitor’s Kari has one coming.” bers & Steamfitters Local 11 are staffing a picket along started a non-union firm, Tri- Center. KBK Service bids Rydberg said unions will be with other members of the Northern Wisconsin Building State Mechanical based in were thrown out on other jobs. trying to get Project Labor Trades Council at UWS’s Wessman Arena against KBK Ashland, that ran afoul of the On Jan. 12, 2000, a six Agreements drawn up with the Services, part of the notorious Kontny family tree. law on a number of charges in count indictment was returned the mid-1990s. After being by a Madison federal grand barred from bidding on some jury against Ken Kontny and projects for his transgressions, his wife, JoAnn, for activities Ken Kontny started another that may have gone on for 20 A Labor Day salute firm, KBK Services. Chris years. Their scams filled their Kontny is Ken’s son. pockets with overtime pay at In the mid-1990s Plumbers straight time, Social Security, & Steamfitters Local 11 and and Medicare tax fraud. to our affiliated unions Sheetmetal Workers Local 10 On May 10, 2000, Ken, 50, waged a battle with the and JoAnn, 49, were found Kontnys after Tri-State work- guilty in U.S. District Court of ers called the unions to organ- conspiring to file false tax including AFSCME, ATU, ize. During the organizing returns and filing false tax campaign union officials, and returns for their business. then the National Labor On July 26, 2000 the cou- Relations Board, found that ple was sentenced to 59 CWA, IAM & MNA LLabor DDay... for organizing more than A good time to reflect on how Unions have improved the lives of all working Americans: 10,000 new members 8-Hour Day...Paid Sick Leave...Higher Wages... Health Insurance...Overtime Pay...Pensions... Paid Holidays...Safer Working Conditions... this year. Paid Vacations...Maternity Leave... LAKEHEAD CONSTRUCTORS INC. Twin Ports Twin Cities Virginia, MN Over 91 Years of Service 1916 - 2006 General Contractors, Engineers and Equipment Rental Specialists Our state’s largest grassroots organization

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 11 Working for the minimum wage isn’t about living, it’s about dying By Joan Linski, member, only one of us will eat at the while. Eventually those things where I am today. Some of the next time some Republican UNITE HERE Local 99 salad bar for the next week and stopped working for me. you work in the labor move- boasts about keeping wages I’ve been working for 31 we’ll sneak out food for the Several years ago, my ment, others work in politics, low you might want to remind years, 29 as an adult. other. That’s what it cost to nephew said if the federal min- some of you volunteer for pro- them of something Abraham In 1977 at the age of 18 I take one day off from my imum wage had increased at grams around the city to bring Lincoln once said: “All that found myself in Las Vegas housekeeping job in order to the same rate as the postage awareness to the public on serves labor serves the nation. with a broken down truck and look for a better job. stamp it would be around $11 how these issues affect our All that harms is treason. If a a $2 roll of nickles. My I never did find a better job an hour. If that is true, the min- lives. The work you’re doing man tells you he loves boyfriend and I went to the because the union rep sent me imum wage should actually be is making people’s lives bet- America, yet hates labor, he is Showboat Casino, plugged out on cocktail waitressing around $12 an hour. A single ter--I’m living proof of that. a liar....There is no America those nickles into a slot interviews even though I had person can live pretty well on Keep pushing to raise the without labor, and to fleece machine and won enough to asked for housekeeping or that kind of money if they’re federal minimum wage and one is to rob the other.” pay for a night’s stay at the serving assistant positions. I reasonably responsible. But U.S. Motel down the street. had to be 21 to waitress in Las for anyone to live on the mini- The next morning I ap- Vegas. I couldn’t lie about my mum wage, well, that’s not liv- pealed to the motel owner to age because they ran a back- ing, that’s dying from exhaus- help me find a job cleaning ground checks. The Golden tion and hopelessness. rooms. Anything, anywhere--it Nugget manager didn’t under- I lived throughout the didn’t matter to me as long as stand why I was there for a country for 15 years. When I I could earn enough money to waitress interview when the moved back to Duluth in 1992, keep a roof over our heads. rep knew I was 18. I got a job at Porter’s Restau- That was the beginning of a The frustration and anger I rant. I finally got that union long and painful struggle with experienced at being treated job I’d been looking for! My economic survival and the with such disrespect was com- life got better and I learned a hopeless, grinding poverty that pounded by the realization that lot from being in my union. earning the minimum wage I had just given a union my I know Democrats in Min- kept me in for many years. hard-earned money and they nesota have worked long and Throughout the summer had done nothing for me. I hard on behalf of waitresses to and into the fall of 1977, I couldn’t go back to the union make sure we get paid an worked as a housekeeper at the and give the woman a piece of hourly wage instead of tip Joan Linski received hugs from Amy Klobuchar and Monie Marie Motel for a my mind or try to get my credit. I’d like to thank them Congressman Jim Oberstar after telling her story about her Chinese couple who treated money back. There just wasn’t for that, because if I didn’t get early life as a minimum wage worker. me very well. I cleaned 16 to time. I had to get back to work minimum wage I wouldn’t 18 rooms a day, 6 days a week, and try to figure something have a savings account. This Holiday and All Year... 8 hours a day for $2.30 an else out. Seven weeks ago, I fell and hour. After taxes, I took home This is how the cycle goes. tore a ligament which put me Please Patronize Businesses... about $80 a week which paid When a person is struggling to out of work for about a week. for a room in a motel, a month- survive every little thing that Although I didn’t receive com- that support your Union Sisters and ly bus pass, two packs of ciga- happens, whether it is positive pensation for my time off, I Brothers of UNITE HERE! Local 99 rettes a day, the salad bar at the or negative, is a big deal. I was still able to pay my bills Showboat Hotel and Casino eventually did get out of Las because I have a savings Hotels and Inns and not much else. Forget Vegas. I left the boyfriend account. I was able to see a behind somewhere out West doctor because I have afford- Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Radisson Duluth about saving money. There 200 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 505 W Superior St, Duluth, MN was nothing left over to save. but not without a cost. able health insurance.This is 722-1202 727-8981 People told me to go down I’d slept on a lot of floors, how it could be for all working Holiday Inn Hibbing Park Hotel to the union office and get my lived in places without running Americans if more states 1500 Highways 11 & 71, 1402 E Howard St, Hibbing, MN card so I could get a job in a water or electricity and my would follow Minnesota’s International Falls, MN 262-3481 union hotel. In those days you spirit was broken. There was a example on the tip credit. 283-8000 The Lodge had to pay to get a union card suicide attempt in 1978. I was Today, I live in a modest Giants Ridge, Biwabik, MN and they would send you out so depressed I didn’t want to home that I was able to pur- 1-877-442-6877 to job interviews. I don’t recall live anymore. chase through a first-time Restaurants & Eateries Poverty wages kill people. homebuyer’s program in how much it cost for a card. I Pickwick Porter’s Top of the Harbor do remember it took months Not right away. Slowly, a per- Duluth. I make a modest living 508 E Superior St 207 W Superior St 505 W Superior St before I had saved enough to son’s spirit is broken by disap- waiting tables at the Pickwick 727-8901 727-6746 727-8981 get one. Then came the stress pointments, struggles, and the Restaurant, another union Grandma’s in the Park Greenery Timbers of figuring out whether I could ongoing frustration of never establishment. I am no longer Hibbing Park Hotel 207 W Superior St Giants Ridge afford to take a day off to look being able to get ahead with no living in poverty. I have a lot 1-800--262-3481 727-3387 Biwabik for a better job. end in sight. I smoked a lot of to be grateful for and I cannot The Spot Restaurant U.W.S. Cafeteria 1-877-442-6877 cigarettes in those days and take complete credit for my Int’l Falls, MN UW-Superior Campus Riverfront Bar & There is no such thing as a 283-2440 394-8102 Grill financial cushion on minimum eventually turned to drinking success because I haven’t done Holiday Inn wage, only sacrifices. I’ll and drug-use--anything to this by myself. Many, many International Falls numb the pain for a little people have helped me to get smoke half as many cigarettes, Pubs and Taverns 1-218-283-4451 All American Club North Pole Bar Hanson's Outpost Working For & Building A Better America 1931 W Michigan St 5606 Raleigh St Hwy 53 & 18 St S 727-9419 624-9841 Int’l Falls-283-9200 City of Ranier O’Gilby’s Bar Twins Bar Have A Great Municipal-Ranier, MN 511 E Fourth St 501 E 4th St 286-3343 722-9139 727-3871 Labor Day Holiday Fifth Avenue Lounge Reef Bar Viking Bar & Lounge 505 W Superior St 2002 London Rd 412 3rd St-Int’l Falls The Members of 727-8981 724-9845 283-4000 Kom-On-Inn Rustic Bar V.F.W. 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PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Democrats frustrated over inability to get minimum wage increase While Joan Linski was dance. She wasn’t the only one how (life on the minimum unions, labor continues to bat- paign she finds people even in telling her story about life as a there to have lived through dif- wage) affects so many peo- tle for minimum wage workers conservative areas concerned minimum wage worker (oppo- ficult years, but she was the ple,” Duluth AFL-CIO Central who have not have a wage about low wages, increasing site page) you could feel a only one with the courage to Labor Body President Alan increase for nine years. costs, and health care. shared pain in a quiet Well- tell her story. Netland told her when she fin- “It won’t happen in a “We’ve got $90 billion tax stone Hall August 18 among “We appreciate your hon- ished. Republican Congress,” shelters being paid for by wait- the three dozen or so in atten- esty and helping us realize After hugs from U.S. Oberstar said about a mini- resses in Virginia, and other Senate candidate Amy mum wage increase. “We giveaways to the rich being Cal. to raise minimum to $8 Klobuchar and Congressman Democrats have tried all the paid for by minimum wage (PAI)--At the rate the nation’s 50 states are going, the GOP- Jim Oberstar, he thanked devices available to us and we workers who work nine hours run Congress may well finish last in raising the minimum wage. Linski for having the courage can’t get our bills reported out to fill the 15 gallon gas tank in The latest, and the largest, to plan to do so is California. The to show the pain and soul of of committee, we can’t get a their truck,” Klobuchar said. hike will benefit 1.4 million workers. the minimum wage because it hearing!” “The average CEO earns more In another illustration of the potency of the issue in an elec- is too often reduced to an aca- He said Republicans were before lunch on their first day tion year, GOP Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed to raise the demic exercise. more interested in securing an of work in the year, than the wage to $8 an hour by 2008. The state minimum wage is now Oberstar spoke of the 200 average of $1.3 million in average wage earner will earn $6.75. The federal minimum is $5.15 and the GOP-run year battle in America to estate tax cut savings for 7,800 all year. Yet low-and middle- Congress in Washington has refused to raise it for a decade. establish a 10 hour day, then rich Americans than they were income workers are the engine Schwarzenegger agreed to the hike after vetoing two previ- another 25 year fight to get to about helping 14 million mini- that is supposed to drive our ous minimum wage increases, state fed Secretary-Treasurer Art an 8 hour day but when labor mum wage workers, 135,000 economy. We need to increase Pulaski said in late August. The governor got one small win: finally had enough in the of them in Minnesota. the minimum wage!” Indexing the minimum wage to inflation was dropped. 1930s, radical ideas like over- “We need Amy Klobuchar Minnesota State Rep. Mary Pulaski called it “not fair” that workers “had to wait for an time pay, vacations, and health in the U.S. Senate to say no to Murphy asked Oberstar to election year” to get the raise. “Schwarzenegger has become care started to become reality poison pills (when we bring a make sure Minnesota law on just another politician by turning the minimum wage into a for workers. Yet with all the minimum wage bill to the tip credit isn’t subverted by political football," he added. The state fed backs improvements that have been floor),” Oberstar said to cheers federal law. “Use Minnesota’s Schwarzenegger’s Democratic foe, state official Phil Angelides. made in the lives of workers Klobuchar said as she has law as national model,” she through organizing into traveled the state in her cam- said. “I give my tip for the This Economic Policy Institute Minimum Wage Issue Guide shows as of last week, 22 states service, not to let an owner and the District of Columbia have raised their minimum wage above the federal level. have more money.” 2006 State Minimum Wage State (as of 8/21/06) Planned 2007 State Minimum Wage Planned 2008 State Minimum Wage Alaska 7.15 7.15 7.15 Arkansas 6.25 (effective 10/1/06) 6.25 6.25 I want to help California 6.75 7.50 8.00 $ you save money. Connecticut 7.40 7.65 7.65 $$ Delaware 6.15 6.65 7.15 District of Columbia 7.00 7.00 7.00 Florida 6.40* Inflation Adjusted Inflation Adjusted (218) 728-6803 Hawaii 6.75 7.25 7.25 Call me today! Illinois 6.50 6.50 6.50 You may qualify for Maine 6.50 (will increase to $6.75 on 10/1/06) 6.75 (will increase to $7.00 on 10/1/07) 7.00 Maryland 6.15 6.15 6.15 money-saving auto insurance discounts. Jerome E Siljendahl Agency Massachusetts 6.75 7.50 8.00 2002 London Rd Ste 200 (218) 728-6803 Bus Michigan 6.95 (effective 10/1/06) 6.95 (will increase to $7.15 on 7/1/07) 7.15 (will increase to $7.40 on 7/1/08) Duluth, MN 55812 Minnesota 6.15 6.15 6.15 New Jersey 6.15 (will increase to $7.15 on 10/1/06) 7.15 7.15 New York 6.75 7.15 7.15 North Carolina Federal level 6.15 6.15 Oregon 7.50* Inflation Adjusted Inflation Adjusted © 2000 American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries Home Office - Madison, WI 53783 z www.amfam.com Pennsylvania Federal level 6.25 (will increase to $7.15 on 7/1/07) 7.15 NA-16942 Rhode Island 7.10 7.40 7.40 Vermont 7.25* Inflation Adjusted Inflation Adjusted Washington 7.63* Inflation Adjusted Inflation Adjusted Wisconsin 6.50 6.50 6.50

*=State minimum wage adjusted annually for inflation. http://www.epinet.org/issueguides/minwage/table5.pdf

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 13 The Lakes & Plains Region- al Council of Carpenters held their annual appren- ticeship contest in Proctor at the South St. Louis County Fair Aug. 12. Duluth’s Pat Lowry of Carpenter’s Local 361, top photo, finished first in his division. Lowry and other Carpenter participants make cedar picket tables that are raffled off to people who attend the fair. It’s one of the “don’t miss” events for many who attend annu- ally, hoping to win one of the beautiful tables. Millwrights Local 1348’s Ron Staskivigel of Grand Rapids, bottom photo, took second place in the Millwright division. School opens next week, Bosch came through again for participants by donating Please Dri ve Safely! circular saws, cords and tool bags to each of the appren- LLaborabor DDayay GGreetingsreetings tices, many of whom come a long way to compete in the contest. from the Duluth Federation *IM/BERSTARIS of Teachers WORKINGFOR-INNESOTA Local 692

A`d_Xj[\c`m\i\[ Labor Day (.(d`cc`fe`e Greetings... to our Union Friends ifX[ZfejkilZk`fe[fccXij HUNEGS, STONE, kfk_\/k_;`jki`Zk# LENEAVE, KVAS Zi\Xk`e^fm\i0#''' & THORNTON ZfejkilZk`feafYj Attorneys at Law Representing Railway Labor and Practicing in All Aspects of *IM/BERSTARIS Labor Law for over a Half Century WORKINGFOR9OU

HUNEGS, STONE, LENEAVE, KVAS & THORNTON 1650 International Centre *IM/BERSTAR 900 Second Avenue South FORYOU Minneapolis, MN 55402 FORMINNESOTA 612-339-4511 1-800-328-4340 Arnie Flagstad, Investigator

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PAGE 14 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Public schools win again with test scores WASHINGTON (PAI)--In down those that are not work- grader in math was 5.8 points a surprise for the charter ing. With charter schools in lower than the average public school movement, test scores many states operating virtually noncharter school mean. for 4th-grade students in free- unchecked, and because con- “After adjusting for multi- standing charter schools lag version to a charter school is a ple student characteristics, the significantly behind scores for possible sanction through the difference in means was 4.7 public school students, a new federal No Child Left Behind points,” it said. Again, the federal Education Department Act, policymakers should take kids who lagged were in char- report says. Scores for stu- note of these findings,” ter schools not linked with a dents in charter schools linked McElroy added. public school district. to public school districts have Bush’s NCLB law envi- • And in math, there was a “insignificant differences” sioned charters as one of the significant difference, the A tribute to all from scores for the public alternatives to “failing” public researchers said, in mean school students, it adds. schools and set up the law to scores for all charter school of Duluth Labor in The findings, released ensure many public schools kids and all public school kids your 118th August 23 by the National would flunk. The law’s back- in the central cities with high Center for Education ers, many of them foes of pub- minority populations--and the observance of this Statistics, did not surprise lic schools and teachers, also public school kids’ scores American Federation of pushed taxpayer-paid vouch- were higher. hallowed day! Teachers President Ed ers for parents of private Spellings chose a more- McElroy. He noted an AFT school students as an alterna- optimistic outlook, as Bush’s STATE REPRESENTATIVE study two years before found tive to public schools. law comes up for renewal next much the same results. The study of 150 charter year. She emphasized the char- Meanwhile, Bush Educa- schools and 6,764 public ters’ newness. “We need to MIKE tion Secretary Margaret Spell- schools found that: examine how they improve ings tried to view the data on • The average charter student performance over time JAROS the bright side, noting the school mean score for a fourth for a better picture of how they charter school movement is in grader in reading was 5.2 compare to traditional public District 7B--AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed its infancy. points lower than the average schools,” she said. Charters PLEASE VOTE SEPT. 12 & NOV.7 The report is important public noncharter school “empower low-income par- because AFT has argued that mean. “After adjusting for ents…in areas where tradition- Paid for by the Jaros Volunteer Committee, 3108 Minnesota Ave., Duluth, MN 55802 charters should be viewed not multiple student characteris- al public schools have fallen as a replacement for public tics, the difference in means short of their responsibilities,” schools, but as “laboratories was 4.2 points,” the study said. she added. for innovation,” with what Virtually all of the differ- “These results are incon- works best being taken from ence was in charter schools venient for charter school pro- them and used in both sys- “not...affiliated with a public ponents,” McElroy pointed tems, as McElroy put it. school district.” There were out. “Charter supporters can’t “Charter supporters should “no significant differences” in just keep moving the goalpost not be blinded by ideology. It mean reading scores for char- when they don’t like the only weakens the original ter school and public school results. Their ‘see no evil’ atti- Saluting intent of the charter experi- kids in central cities with high tude ultimately hurts the char- ment. It is time to learn what minority populations. ter movement.” The Labor Movement... we can from the few success- • The average charter ful charter schools and shut school mean score for a fourth Duluth, Superior, Northern Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin

AND TO ALL AMERICAN MILITARY PERSONNEL! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! Carpenters Local 361, serving northern Minnesota and north- western Wisconsin, salutes the working men and women of America who have made this nation such a great one. We also send our thanks to all U.S. Military Personnel and their PAINTERS, GLAZIERS and families who work so hard to perserve this Great Nation! DRYWALL FINISHERS IUPAT LOCAL 106 Call Painters & Allied Trades Carpenters Local 361 Local 106 for a List of Carpenters, Millwrights, Pile Drivers, Floor Coverers Our Union Contractors 5238 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN 55811 1-218-724-3297 (218) 724-6466

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 15 Unionist Tasini challenges Hillary Clinton in NY Primary Enjoy Your Well-Deserved Holiday NEW YORK (PAI)--Jonathan Tasini doesn’t shy away from battling big wheels in New York. First it was The New York Times. Now it’s Hillary Rodham Clinton. Tasini, National Your days of labor number in the hundreds in a Writers Union president from 1990-2003, makes no bones about why he opposes the nationally known Democratic sena- year's time. Enjoy this long weekend with your tor in New York’s Sept. 12 primary: Her stand on the Iraq war. “I believe this war should never have happened,” the family and take in the Duluth Manhattan resident told a reporter for NY1, a public-access cable channel. “Something is amiss in our country, and pro- war, pro-corporate Democrats must be held accountable for AFL-CIO Central Body's their votes and their actions.” Clinton voted for the use-of-force authorization pushed by GOP President George W. Bush and Labor Day Picnic at our refuses to say she was misled or her vote was wrong. Clinton won a first term in 2000, as her husband was beautiful Bayfront preparing to move out of the White House. Pundits and poll- sters expect her to coast to re-election this fall and then seek the presidency in 2008. She has millions of dollars in her campaign Festival Park. coffers. As of early August, Tasini had $132,000. But he also has 13 percent of the vote in pre-primary polls, the example of businessman Ned Lamont’s primary win over pro-war Sen. You've earned it. Joseph Lieberman (D) in next-door Connecticut, and the boos Clinton got from some progressives at a Washington conference this year for her stand. Tasini flyers were distributed there. Regardless of whether he wins or loses, Tasini is part of a movement the AFL-CIO favors: Getting individual union mem- bers involved in politics, not just as campaign workers, but as candidates. But nobody expected this. Labor Day 2006...a small reward Tasini managed to meet New York’s notoriously strict and detailed requirements by garnering 40,000 signatures Working men and women are the greatest resource this country statewide--he needed 15,000--to get on the primary ballot against Clinton. His poll showing indicates he may be her only has. They are the reason for the incredible progress this nation has viable foe this year. The Republicans had two virtually made. We’re working to see that they’re rewarded for their efforts. unknown hopefuls running in their primary--until one pulled out on August 21, due to a family crisis. “A good Tasini insists he’s not just campaigning on the war, though from the contract with a that is his top issue. Tasini has also made Medicare for All--a government-run single-payer health care system--a key issue membership good union is Clinton ignores Tasini on the campaign trail. But the chal- good business.” lenger has a prior win against another Empire State icon: The of Times. As NWU president--NWU is Auto Workers Local ~John Dunlop 1981--Tasini was lead plaintiff in an electronic publishing rights Former U.S. Labor suit that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2001 IBEW over whether freelance writers had any control or rights to their Secretary material after they sent it to major publications, such as the nation’s leading paper. Tasini won. The justices ruled that, elec- Local 31 tronically, media firms illegally used the works of the free- lancers without their permission or pay. Their decision pro- Proud to be celebrating over a century of supporting workers duced class-action suits by other freelancers and a mass settle- ment, creating an $18 million compensation fund. Representing workers at: Jonathan Tasini is also president of the Economic Future Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Group, a national consulting group. His bio says he is a strate- Lutsen, MN Brainerd, MN gist, organizer, activist, commentator and writer, primarily focusing his energies on the topics of work, labor and the econ- Bayfield Electric Co-op Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric Assn. omy. He has an excellent blog at www.workinglife.org. Iron River, Wl Park Rapids, MN City of Brainerd - Administrative Support Lake Country Power The Labor Day Holiday... Brainerd, MN Grand Rapids, Kettle River & Virginia City of Brainerd - Fire Department Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative Another one of those great improvements Brainerd, MN Aitkin, MN

in all workers’ lives, like the 8-hour day, City of Brainerd - Water & Light Dept. Minnesota Energy Resources overtime pay, and vacations to name a few, Brainerd, MN (formerly Aquila) Cloquet, MN City of Moose Lake - Water & Light Minnesota Power brought to us by the Labor movement. Moose Lake, MN Duluth, MN

City of Staples - Water & Light Commission Public Utility Commission of Aitkin Andrew & Bransky PA Staples, MN Aitkin, MN City of Two Harbors - Water & Light Dept. Public Utility Commission of Proctor Tim Andrew ~ Aaron Bransky Two Harbors, MN Proctor, MN City of Wadena - Electric Water Dept. Superior Water, Light & Power Representing Unions and their Members Wadena, MN Superior, WI 302 W. Superior St. Suite 300 Cooperative Light & Power Assn. of Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op Duluth, MN 55802 218-722-1764 Lake County ~~ Two Harbors, MN Wadena, MN

PAGE 16 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Have a Have a Safe Labor Day Great ZENITH ADMINISTRATORS, INC. 2520 Pilot Knob Road 750 Torrey Building Holiday! Suite 325 Duluth, MN 55802 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 218-727-6668 Proud to be part 651-256-1900 of the Annual Labor Day Picnic! KOLAR 733-0100 Teamsters Local 346 ~Minnesota and Wisconsin~ www.kolarnet.com A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P Patrick Radzak Secretary-Treasurer When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will Colin Hayes Roderick Alstead President Vice President 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN David LaBorde Les Kundo Recording Secretary Business Agent James McManigle Barry Johnson Trustee Trustee Wilhelmus Bothma Trustee If you’re thinking big, you’ll 7EŸAPPRECIATE VOTE LITTLE Tim Little was raised by two public school teachers, Rev. Tom and Betty Jo Little. YOURŸHARDŸWORK He is deeply committed to continuing his family’s legacy of public service. A Duluth Central, UMD, and North Dakota School of Law graduate, Tim has served Mower (APPY
,ABOR
$AY County as a prosecutor, been a partner in two Duluth law firms, and had his own practice here. He is a past president of the Duluth Trial Lawyers Association. Tim is currently an At-Large Duluth Councilor, Vice President of the Duluth Economic Develop- ment Authority, a board member of the 1200 Fund and St. Scholastica’s Pre-Law Advisory Program. Tim Little has the education, *IM
7ARD


experience, and commitment to  service that is required of a judge. Voters will decide who has the seat this time, not Gov. Pawlenty. Tim WWWMEDICACOM LITTLE for Judge, 6th District Prepared & paid for by Tim Little for Judge Campaign ¹-EDICA-EDICA¸ISAREGISTEREDSERVICEMARKOF-EDICA(EALTH0LANS-EDICAREFERSTOTHEFAMILYOFHEALTHPLANBUSINESSESTHATINCLUDES-EDICA(EALTH0LANS -EDICA(EALTH0LANSOF7ISCONSIN -EDICA)NSURANCE#OMPANYAND-EDICA3ELF )NSURED Comm., 406 W. Superior St., Duluth MN 55802

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 17 .....from page 4 Tuesday, Sept. 12 Primary. See Ditchview, MN how easy that’ll be? Take a lem with Becky using a musician and I love the blues. few minutes and get to the non-union electrician friend MN Secretary of State: polls, please. Help continue for her company’s job, but this Mark Ritchie inspires me like the fine Minnesota tradition of is my message vote for pro- no one since Paul Wellstone giving a damn about what will gressive women in leadership has. He exudes trust and a happen to you in our represen- Enjoy Labor Day roles in Minnesota, which sense that he’d always do the tative form of government. It’s brought to you by unionists doesn’t happen. I don’t think right thing, politics can take she’ll win, which makes me the back seat. In a few years I who had to fight to get it for you! hope Hatch is our next want him in the Governor’s Voting Info: Governor, because damn we Mansion, the U.S. Senate or Basic requirements: need a change! I’ll enjoy vot- House. Any questions —18 by Sept. 12, 2006; ing for Hatch on Nov. 7 but (www.markritchie06.net)? —lived in Minnesota for 20 I’m going with my heart now. Minnesota Senate District days prior to the election; Minnesota Attorney 8: While we’re talking —U.S. citizen 3 months; General: Three names will “Lourey” the vote here goes to Absentee or election day appear but you only need to Becky’s son, Tony Lourey, registrants, or to change know Steve Kelley’s who is the AFL-CIO and DFL- address, must present: (www.kelleyforattorneygener- endorse candidate. As a first- • MN driver’s license, Bricklayers and Allied al.org) name to move on. The time candidate facing a big learner’s permit, ID card; Craftworkers Local State Senator from Hopkins city (Cloquet) boy in this rural • Tribal ID; ran in the Governor’s race race, Tony will need your vote • If the MN license, Tribal Union #1 of Minnesota until he didn’t receive the DFL to advance. ID, or MN State ID has former endorsement that went to St. Louis Co. Board/Dist. address, bring it AND a recent and North Dakota Mike Hatch. Though I wasn’t 1: I’ve known Dennis Fink utility bill; 2002 London Road • 724-8374 a Kelley for Governor sup- longer than just about all of • U.S. passport AND a util- porter I felt bad when he you and can’t believe he’s still ity bill; bowed out of the race because getting elected. He doesn’t • U.S. military photo ID he’s really a good guy to have come close to who we are as AND a utility bill; representing us. If I used a northern Minnesotans. Frank • Oath of a registered voter sympathy vote here it would Jewell does and he deserves in the same precinct (voucher); go to the Greens’ Papa John your vote. • Students ID, registration, Kolstad because he’s a blues I think that’s it for the fee statement or voucher.

Enjoy your Labor Day at a Labor Event in your area! Remember To Vote For Labor Endorsed Candidates Have a Great Holiday! Tuesdays, Sept. 12 and Nov. 7 From the members of www.afscmemn.org Local Unions “In The Public Service” in Northern Minnesota include: #66--City, county, schools, others~~Alan Netland, President #695--MnDOT~~John McGovern, President #718--Minnesota DNR~~Darryl Arola, President #1092--Moose Lake Regional Treatment Center~~Diane Firkus, President #1123--Two Harbors Municipal~~Gayle Ostman, President International Brotherhood #1934--St. Louis County Jail Essential~~Dan Marchetti, President #2980--MN State Agricultural Employees~~Janet Nelson, President of Electrical Workers #3558--Non-Profits~~Michelle Fremling, President #3801--UMD Clerical & Technical~~Denise Osterholm, President Local 242 #3802--Silver Bay Veteran’s Home~~Susan Larson, President #3887--Moose Lake Corrections~~Lance LaFrenier, President Please Remember To Vote #4001--MN State Colleges/Universities~~Mary Falk, President in the Sept. 12 Primary Election Eliot Seide, Executive Director Mary Theurer, Northern Director Eric Lehto, Organizing Director and in Nov. 7’s General Election! ~~ UNION REPRESENTATIVES ~~ “Bad officials are the ones elected Marsh Stenersen, Sarah Lewerenz, Ken Loeffler-Kemp, Laurie Johnson, John Westmoreland, Bob Buckingham by good citizens who do not vote.” ~George Jean Nathan Give Us A Call At 1-218-722-0577 PAGE 18 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Sago survivor sues mine owner CHARLESTON, W. Va. (PAI)--The sole survivor of the fatal Enjoy a safe, well-deserved holiday from your labors, Jan. 2 blast in the Sago, W. Va., coal mine, Randal McCloy, sued the mine owner and four other companies on August 23, one but get yourself prepared to vote in this fall’s elections day after a federal judge tossed out the Mine Workers’ suit from your friends against the Bush administration on mine safety rules. McCloy and families of two of the blast’s 12 victims filed in the 19 affiliates of the separate suits in Kanawha County Court in Charleston against the mine’s owner, ICG, and mining supply firms. Iron Range Building & Trades Council McCloy’s suit said the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration cited Sago more than 200 times in 2005 for safety violations, including 96 that MSHA called “significant Call us, we’ll direct you to high quality and substantial.” Sago’s 2005 accident rate was roughly three contractors who use skilled, area workers times the national average, and mine managers “did not insure proper installation of equipment meant to prevent a lightning President John Grahek, 1-218-741-2482 strike” that probably caused the blast, his suit adds. The Sago explosion was the first of many disasters that have Recording Secretary Dennis Marchetti claimed the lives of 34 coal miners so far this year. Financial-Secretary Michael Syversrud, 107 S. 15th Ave. W., Virginia, MN. 55792 Investigations have shown that besides the Sago safety viola- tions, miners were killed by fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, which seeped through “protective” blocks in the mine. The firm that made the blocks is named in McCloy’s suit. LABOR DAY 2006 GOP President George W. Bush’s MSHA is not part of McCloy’s case. The Mine Workers sued it for failures of This Labor Day let us reflect on those who withheld their labor in order to win enforcement earlier this year, demanding periodic emergency an 8-hour work day for us, on those who demanded and won a “Union Shop” training for miners and periodic checks of the emergency oxy- gen units that mine owners are supposed to provide for miners. contract, paid vacations, health care coverage, pensions, and improved safety. U.S. District Judge John D. Bates in Charleston threw out These Election Days--Sept. 12 and Nov. 7, 2006--let’s remember those who sup- the UMW case August 22. He said the Mine Safety & Health port and vote for similar provisions today, and those who mouth support, wrap Act leaves standards to federal MSHA discretion. “The loss of themselves in the flag, and then vote against us time after time on these issues. lives, and the risks miners presently face, weigh heavily in pub- lic discourse and are taken seriously by this court. But the "All that serves labor serves the Nation. All that harms is treason. If a man tragedy of those events, and the need for greater protection tells you that he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If a man tells you described by plaintiff, cannot substitute for the requirements of he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without the law," Bates wrote. Mine Workers spokesman Phil Smith said union lawyers are labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other." ~Abraham Lincoln still studying Bates’ ruling before deciding whether to appeal. But he noted the changes the suit sought--frequent inspections We cannot allow those who wrap of the emergency oxygen units and “more training in real-life themselves in the flag and say they love situations” for miners--are already being ordered by MSHA. At their request, the union represented McCoy and the fam- this country, but vote against Labor on ilies of the other miners during investigations of the blast at the non-union mine. The union is not part of the families’ civil suits issue after issue, to receive our vote. against the mine owner and the other firms, Smith said. SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10 We’ll all enjoy our Labor Day Holiday! Twin Ports-Arrowhead Chapter NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION APi Electric Benson Electric Kantor Electric Hibbing, MN Virginia MN International Falls, MN APi Electric Bergstrom Electric Laveau Electric Duluth, MN Superior, WI Wrenshall, MN APi Technologies DECO, Inc M. J. Electric Duluth, MN Baxter, MN Iron Mountain, MI AEC Electric Electric Systems North Country International Falls, MN Duluth, MN Electrical Services Agate Electric Electrical Systems Laporte, MN Two Harbors, MN Brainerd, MN Nylund Electric APS Technology Group Energy & Air Systems Duluth, MN Duluth, MN Superior, WI Polyphase Electric Belknap Electric Hoffmann Electric Duluth, MN Superior, WI Brainerd, MN Seppala Electric Belknap Tel-Com Holden Electric Hibbing, MN Superior, WI Baxter, MN Benson Electric Johanson Electric Superior, WI Cloquet, MN

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 19 Labor Day FAQs from http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/laborday/faqs.cfm Q: When is Labor Day? Proud to be a part of Duluth’s Labor Day Heritage A: Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. In 2006, Labor Day will fall on Sept. 4. Q: Why do we celebrate Labor Day? Since 1887! A: Labor Day honors the contributions of working men and women to America’s social and economic life. Q: When was Labor Day first celebrated in the U.S.A.? A: On Sept. 5, 1882, when about 20,000 working people marched in New York City to demand an eight-hour workday and other labor law reforms. In a parade up Broadway, spon- sored by New York’s Central Labor Union, they carried banners reading, “Labor Creates All Wealth” and “Eight Hours for Work, Eight Hours for Rest, Eight Hours for Recreation.” About a quarter million New Yorkers turned out to watch. Q: When did Labor Day become a national holiday? A: After the first Labor Day in New York City, celebrations began to spread as workers fought to win workplace rights and better working conditions and wages at a time when they had little power. In 1893, New York City workers took an unpaid day off and marched around Union Square in support of a national Labor Day. The following year, 12,000 federal troops were called into Pullman, Ill., to break up a huge strike against the Pullman railway company. Two workers were shot and killed by U.S. marshals. In what most historians call an election year attempt to appease workers, shortly after the strike was broken, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making Labor Day a federal holiday. Cleveland lost the election. Q: Who founded Labor Day? A: Some say Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the CC ee ll ee bb rr aa tt ee LL aa bb oo rr DD aa yy Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the ( a n d o u r 2 4 t h A n n i v e r s a r y ! ) American Federation of Labor, first suggested it. Others credit Matthew Maguire, a machinist who served as secretary of the LSALMA (incorporated in 1982) thanks our 2006 member/investors Central Labor Union in New York. AFL-CIO Community Services MEDICA AFSCME Council 24/WI State Employees Mercy Hospital & Health Care Center (Moose Lake) Q: What international holiday is a Labor Day relative? AFSCME Council 40 Midwest Energy Resources Company (Superior) A: May Day. In 1889, a Paris workers’ congress voted to AFSCME Council 5 Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services support U.S. labor’s demand for an 8-hour workday. It chose AFSCME Local 3558/Duluth Area Non-Profits Minnesota Power/Allete May 1, 1890, as a day of demonstrations in favor of the 8-hour Arrowhead Juvenile Center Minnesota AFSCME Council 65 Arrowhead Regional Corrections National Association of Letter Carriers-Branch 114 day. Afterward, May 1 became a holiday called Labor Day in Bayfield County (WI) Neighborhood Housing Services of Duluth many nations. It resembles the September holiday in the U.S. Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota Northeast Regional Corrections Center Q: Is Labor Day just about unions? Carlton County Operating Engineers Local 49 A: No, visit www.dol.gov/opa/aboutdol/laborday.htm. City of Duluth PACE/USW Local 7 (Sappi) City of Hibbing Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 City of Proctor Range Center (Chisholm) City of Superior School District of Superior Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital St. Louis County College of St. Scholastica St. Luke’s Hospital (Duluth) CWA Local 7214 St. Mary’s Hospital (Superior) Cub Foods, Duluth St. Mary’s/Duluth Clinic Health System Douglas County St. Scholastica Monastery Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Service Employees International Union #113 Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce SEIU-NCFO Local 939-Cloquet Duluth Federation of Teachers Stewart Taylor Printing Duluth Firefighters Local 101 Superior/Douglas County Chamber of Commerce Duluth Transit Authority (ATE Management) Superior Federation of Labor Education Minnesota Superior Housing Authority Fairview University Medical Center (Hibbing) Superior Water, Light & Power Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service The Development Association/Superior/Douglas Co. Join us for Personal Service… Join us for a Lending Hand… Join us Because You Can ! FIRST Plan of Minnesota Twin City Labor Management Council Fox Cities/Green Bay Area L/M Council UNITE HERE Local 99 61 years of Experience Now Available to all Northland Residents and Businesses Georgia Pacific-Duluth United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1116 Holiday Inn-Duluth United Steelworkers District 11 Housing, Redevelopment Authority of Duluth United Taconite LLC (Eveleth) A great IBEW Local 31 United Way of Greater Duluth Independent School District #709 (Duluth) University of Minnesota-Duluth Labor World Newspaper University of Wisconsin-Superior Labor Day Labovitz Enterprises Upper Midwest L/M Health Care Coalition Lake Country Power Western Lake Superior Sanitary District Lake County Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission Holiday to all. Lake Superior College Zenith Administrators Lion Group Zenith Management We’ve earned it! ME Global from 411 West 1st St. 1316 N. 14th St. City Hall--Room 332 Metro Center Room 301 USW Local 1028 Duluth, MN 55802 Superior, WI 54880 Serving: ME Electmetal (218) 727-4565 FAX: (218) 730-5902 Lerch Bros. (Allouez) www.LSALMA.org Duluth Steel Fabricators Cutler-Magner (Salt) Lake Superior Area Labor Management Association Township of Duluth (Police) Last Chance L/M Golf Outing, Weds., Sept. 27, Enger~~Call for Details

PAGE 20 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 World’s Worst Boss contest winner selected The results are in. Working “When we began the con- Talk to your boss about America, the AFL-CIO com- test, we had no idea just how your concerns. Sometimes munity affiliate, has announ- deep the feeling of frustration bosses don’t know when they Enjoy your ced the winner in its Bad Boss ran,” said Karen Nussbaum, are making bad decisions or Contest, which exposed the director of Working America. treating employees unfairly. hard reality of work in “We were overwhelmed by the Plan ahead what you want to Labor Day. America. “Cat Scratch” won volume, and also by the inten- tell your boss. Practice keep- the contest with a total of sity, of the stories submitted.” ing cool and speaking calmly. 2,564 votes in the final round. A shocking number of Take back your life by You've earned it! “Cat Scratch” told the story entries highlighted the increas- establishing boundaries bet- of a boss who, in response to ing rarity of good jobs, jobs ween work and home; clearly patients’ cancellations on 9/11, that offer a fair wage, good define your time for work, Don L. Bye took $100 out of each employ- benefits and a balance between family and friends. Remem- ee’s paycheck. The boss earns work and family life. ber your boss pays you for 8 (218) 733-0745 more than $1 million a year. In a recent AFL-CIO sur- hours a day, not 24! “Did he really need my $13 vey of more than 20,000 work- Organize a union at your an hour that badly?” asked ing women, respondents over- workplace to have a say over Local Labor Lawyer “Cat Scratch,” who won a whelmingly expressed support the decisions that affect your week’s vacation and $1000 in for laws to help balance fami- wages, benefits and work airfare. ly and work life, to make environment; most unions More than 4,500 stories healthcare affordable, and in- have a dignity and respect Have A Happy Labor Day were submitted in the contest creased corporate accountabil- clause in their contracts. that brought close to a quarter ity. These and other tips are Communications Workers of a million visitors to the “The stories were varia- available at www.working Working America website, tions on the same theme,” america.org. Though the con- of America Local 7214 www.workingamerica.org. Nussbaum said. “Bad bosses test is over, people can still During the six-week contest, are toxic to working families.” post stories and connect with nearly 50,000 votes were cast If you work for a bad boss, workers fighting to have a on two million page views. experts recommend that you: voice a work. A Great Labor Day Holiday To All Who Labor! from your friends in the Northern Wisconsin Representing workers at: Building & Construction Trades Council AT&T AVAYA Dex Media East, LLC President Norm Voorhees, Ironworkers Local 512, (218) 724-5073 Paul Bunyan Telephone Qwest Vice President Dan Westlund, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer Larry Anderson Paw Communications, Inc P.O. Box 577, Superior, Wisconsin 54880, (715) 392-2129 Boilermakers Lodge 107 Laborers Local 1091 (262) 798-1267 728-5151 Bricklayers Local 2 Millwrights & Machinery Erectors Ahhhhh, 392-8708 or (715) 835-5164 Locals 1348-- (218) 741-6314 Carpenters Local 361 Operating Engineers Local 139 Labor Day... 724-3297 (715) 838-0139 One last gasp, Cement Masons, Plasterers & Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 Shophands Local 633--724-2323 724-6466 then we welcome Electrical Workers Local 14 Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 the students, and (715) 878-4068 727-2199 Electrical Workers Local 242 Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 another school year. 728-6895 218-644-1096 AFSCME Insulators Local 49 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 724-3223 724-6873 Local 3801 Iron Workers Local 512 Teamsters Local 346 724-5073 628-1034 UMD Clerical & Technical Employees

ThankCongratu Youlation sto to OrganizedLabor World o nLabor your 10 7forth A nbringingniversary! INTERSTATE recognitionKeep up the go otod wallor kWorkers fighting fo rthis the wLabororkers oDay!f the SPUR See you inst aVirginia’ste and ke eOlcottping th Park,em in fSunday,ormed. Sept. 3! David TOMASSONI

Tom RUKAVINA 2700 W. Michigan St. GAS - DIESEL Tony SERTICH GROCERIES Paid for by the Rukavina Campaign Committee, Mary Anderson, Chair; the Citizens for Anthony “Tony” Sertich; Rick Puhek, Chair, 1210 NW 9th Avenue, Chisholm, MN 55710 OPEN 24 HOURS and the Tomassoni Campaign; P.O. Box 29, Chisholm, MN 55719 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 21 When you talk Trash, talk Howard Waste, the only Union, Residential Hauler in the Region! Full-Service Recycling AFL-CIO Community Services and United Way Partnership Single-sort curbside recycling Liaison Program by Yvonne Harvey Yard Waste Disasters can hit anyone-- From your curb to WLSSD’s compost center --Just ask me! Disasters can strike anyone and at anytime! Just ask me. On Christmas Trees July 3, 2006 in the very early morning hours my house burned Even happier holidays 628-2388 down. I was very lucky, no one was home at the time, and I only www.howardwaste.com lost material possessions: most of which can be replaced. 414 South 59th Ave. West Again, I am lucky to have a very strong support system: my Garbage Duluth, MN 55807 family and friends, my community, my co-workers and the Picked up at your curb, of course labor community, who came forward to assist me and my Using locally-owned granddaughter, Kalie, in our hour of need with their kindness, businesses is like good wishes, thoughtfulness and donations of furniture, house- All included in our regular hauling fee, making an investment hold items, money and etc. To each and every one of them I owe in your community. a very heart felt--Thank You! which will beat your current hauler’s rate! However, not every disaster victim is as fortunate as I have been. Many victims are left with just the clothes on their back Proud to be Affiliated with Teamsters Local 346 as the area’s only Unionized Hauler! and have no clue of where to go for assistance. That is when area non-profit agencies supported by United Way dollars step in to help. For example: • In the past year the Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 115 house fires and assisted 308 people Teamsters Joint Council 32 from Duluth and the surrounding area; • Our local Salvation Army has provided food, emergency Minnesota • Iowa shelter, clothing and furniture to hundreds of individuals and families in crisis; North and South Dakota • CHUM has provided emergency shelter and food to those who would otherwise go without; • The AFL-CIO Community Services Program assists vic- tims with Advocacy and Intervention Services...and the list goes on. The 2006-2007 United Way Fundraising Campaign will be Labor Day Greetings starting at your worksite soon! Please -- when you are asked to give—DO. It is through your generous donations that United Way is able to fund the AFL-CIO Community Services EXECUTIVE BOARD Program, as well as 47 other United Way sponsored human AFFILIATED LOCAL UNIONS services programs. And, as you can see, many of these programs assist victims of local disasters –just like me. C. THOMAS KEEGEL Because of your generous donations, the AFL-CIO President Community Service programs are available to you, your union Local 4 Doug Rubbelke, President brothers and sisters and/or their families, and your community Local 90 Claudia Pettit, Secretary-Treasurer as a whole to help make it a better, safer, healthier place to raise DANIEL FORTIER families. Member Assistance Services, Intervention Services, Secretary-Treasurer Local 116 Dean Cypher, Secretary-Treasurer Services to the Unemployed, Strike Assistance, and Advocacy Local 120 Tom Keegel, President Services are available to all union members. SUSAN MAUREN Please remember--what you donate to United Way of Greater Duluth stays in our community to assist our members in Vice President Local 160 Wayne Perleberg, Secretary-Treasurer need, our families and our neighbors. The dollars you donate to Local 238 Gary Dunham, Secretary-Treasurer United Way touch the lives of thousands of union members and PATRICK RADZAK their families each year, right here at home through United Way- Recording Secretary Local 289 Dan Bartholomew, Secretary-Treasurer supported programs. Even though we think we will never need help from one of these programs, not one of us knows what Local 320 Sue Mauren, Secretary-Treasurer MARK RIME tomorrow will bring-just ask me. Remember union members Local 346 Pat Radzak, Secretary-Treasurer are, first and foremost, members of their community and the Trustee dollars you donate to United Way stay in your community. A Local 421 Dave Baker, President strong United Way Campaign will help build a stronger, health- DANIEL BARTHOLOMEW ier community for all of us to live in; and that is What Matters Trustee Local 471 Dave Laxen, Secretary-Treasurer UPCOMING UNITED WAY EVENTS: Local 638 Mark Rime, Secretary-Treasurer LAWRENCE YOSWA 15th Annual United Way Chili Cook-Off Campaign Local 749 Randy Knudtson, Secretary-Treasurer Kick-Off, Thursday, Sept. 7, 4:30-6:30 p.m., DECC Trustee 29th Annual Labor Partnership Luncheon, Wednesday, Local 792 Larry Yoswa, Secretary-Treasurer Sept. 13, Noon to 1:30 p.m., Radisson Harborview. Labor’s Kick-Off for United Way of Greater Duluth’s Campaign Local 970 Dan Fortier, Secretary-Treasurer For more information on these events please call United Local 974 Tom Tweet, Secretary-Treasurer Way office at 726-4770. Local 1145 Brad Slawson, Sr., Trustee If your worksite does not have an United Way Campaign and you wish to donate, please send a check made out to UWGD, Suite 402, 424 West Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802—in memo area put union affiliation. If you want to use a credit card call 726-4770.

PAGE 22 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 Endorsements find friends...from page 1 be involved in the Tuesday, Sept. 12 Primary Election as three candidates have filed for that seat. Jewell served on the Duluth City Council from 1987 to 1991. During that time he was in a 15 year career as as AFSCME Local 66 member employed by St. Louis County Social Services. He worked as a Violence Prevention Specialist and in other human service jobs with adolescents, the mentally ill and the elderly. He is currently Executive Director of Men as Peace-makers, one of the state’s largest in-school mentoring programs that serves 450 local children. MAP also provides violence preven- tion training and works with juveniles in crisis. Jewell said the great union tradition in St. Louis County from the days of the IWW, the AFL, and CIO can still be seen “and carries through to who we are today. I’m proud to have been an AFSCME member. I’m impressed with what happens in our area because of unions.” When employed by the county he said he sometimes had to bring people to Chris Jensen, a county-run nursing home, and realized that it was always the most difficult cases that ended up there. That’s why the county had to get into the nursing home business and needs to stay in it rather than contracting out the work. On project labor agreements Jewell said he supported them It was a relaxed crowd at the Central Body’s screening of incumbent, AFL-CIO-endorsed as a city councilor and will continue to support them in the state legislators from districts 6 and 7 August 10. These usual suspects, Rep. David Dill, future. who was unable to attend, and Frank Jewell (inset) were all endorsed. He said he looks forward to serving such a hard working populace, one that has a high union density, and to bring coun- ty government’s role out where people can see what it does for ONON DIGNITYDIGNITY them. “I look forward to the chance to do something for county res- Labor Day's significance lies in one word. Dignity. Without ques- idents...to have an impact on their lives,” Jewell told delegates. tion, it is the single most important accomplishment trade unionism has You can find out about candidates and voting at www. brought forth onto our American culture. Dignity is realized in better sos.state.mn.us. wages, and in livable, safe working conditions... in an attitude that is better suited to cope with retirement or ill health. Regardless of one's station in life—worker, manager or boss, union or non-union—each individual and family lives a better life because of American trade unions. By organizing and uniting, we've set standards, wages and con- ditions that we are continually improving. By insuring the survivability of collective bargaining, we've spread America's wealth to a broader populace which, in turn, has provided more purchasing power, allow- ing industry opportunities to also thrive and prosper. DuluthDuluth BuildingBuilding && ConstructionConstruction THIS LABOR DAY THIS THOUGHT TTradesrades CouncilCouncil BEARS REPEATING: Affiliates Boilermakers Lodge 647 Laborers Local 1091 ~~ 728-5151 724-6999 “. . . The rules for employees Millwrights & Machinery Bricklayers & Allied Crafts Erectors Local 1348 are quite distinct from those for Local 1 ~~ 724-8374 741-6314 stockholders. Employees con- tribute more and more to compa- Carpenters Local 361 Operating Engineers Local 49 724-3297 724-3840 nies, year after year. Yet they are paid as little as possible. If they slack off, they are let go. Stock- Cement Masons, Plasterers Painters & Allied Trades holders make a onetime investment when a share of & Shophands Local 633 Local 106 ~~ 724-6466 724-2323 new stock is purchased, and beyond that contribute Plumbers & Steamfitters nothing. Yet the company aims to create maximum Electrical Workers Local 11 ~~ 727-2199 income for them forever. . . . The phrase stockholder Local 242 ~~ 728-6895 Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 productivity is strangely missing from [our] vocabu- Elevator Constructors 218-644-1096 lary, perhaps because it points to a reality we would Local 9 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 rather ignore. . . . this business of endless income as (612) 379-2709 724-6873 recompense for doing nothing. One wonders when Insulators Local 49 Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 we will awake.” The Divine Right of Capital 724-3223 (701) 281-1514 by Marjorie Kelly Iron Workers Local 512 Teamsters Local 346 724-5073 State Rep. 628-1034 District 8A BILL HILTY Call Us When You’re Thinking Construction! Paid for by Hilty Volunteer Comm., 64105 Norway Spruce Road, Finlayson, MN Craig Olson, President, 1-218-724-6466

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006 PAGE 23 C-I teacher wins arbitration after being fired for participating in strike A state arbitrator has ruled Grievant was not retained due teacher said her co-workers 2005. The eight-week strike years. New hires will not the Crosby-Ironton school dis- to her strike activities.” “are thrilled for Maureen. was the second longest teach- receive health coverage when trict acted in retaliation when Union leaders said the rul- She’s a young woman with ers’ strike on record and divid- they retire. it terminated a probationary ing vindicates their position tremendous courage.” ed the small community. Key Superintendent Linda Law- teacher who took part in the and refutes the claim of a for- Morrow, who lived in issues had been health insur- rie and the school district had bitter 2005 teachers’ strike. mer school board chair that the Ironton at the time but has ance for retired teachers, and hired dozens of scab replace- Arbitrator Eugene C. Jen- grievance was frivolous. moved to Grand Rapids, said wages and health coverage for ment teachers, paying them sen ordered the district to rein- “We’re thrilled for Maur- she never has had to second active employees. $300 a day– twice the rate of state Maureen Morrow with een and looking forward to guess to decision to stand with The parties settled retiree pay for beginning teachers in full back pay and benefits for having her back,” said EdMN her co-workers. health benefits by setting up a the district. Some of the scabs all of the last school year. C-I President Brian Gaffney. “I was pretty sure what trust fund to make payments as weren’t licensed to teach. Morrow was the only one On Monday, August 21 a would happen but I’ve been needed. In the past retirees had EdMNC-I had 87 members of five Crosby-Ironton proba- decision to rehire Morrow was around unions all my life and full family coverage for nine then, serving 1,300 students. tionary teachers who partici- made by the district, and she just knew it was the right thing pated in the entire eight-week accepted. But by Friday the to do,” Morrow said. Her strike. She also was the only school board had decided to deceased father, Bob Norberg, one with full licensure who appeal Jensen’s decision so was an AFSCME representa- was not offered continued she is “on-call” for the school tive. Her mother, Connie employment with the district. year that begins Sept. 5 and is Andrews, has been active in Teachers must serve a three- missing teacher orientations. her AFSCME union. Her hus- year probationary period when Morrow was in her third band, Adam, operates heavy they first enter the profession. year of teaching Spanish when equipment as a member of the The teachers’ union, Edu- the strike started on Feb. 9, Operating Engineers Local 49. cation Minnesota Crosby- 2005. Knowing her fate as a “At first we tried to keep Ironton, filed a grievance and probationary employee, she me out of the public eye to the dispute wound up in arbi- nevertheless was on the picket avoid possible repercussions, tration. After a full-day hear- line from the first day. The but as the strike drug on during ing two weeks ago, Jensen four other probationary teach- those cold winter days I really determined that the district ers did not follow her coura- wasn’t concerned about any Feb. 28, 2005, the first day students returned to class dur- “went out of its way to not geous lead. Three of those four focus on me,” Morrow said. ing the Crosby Ironton teacher’s strike, Maureen Morrow hire” Morrow. were offered jobs when the The strike ended April 6, carried a sign letting a scab teacher know he was taking her “Both sides of the labor strike was over. One was job. (Photo by Marian Segersten, EdMN C-I) dispute retained a significant found to not have the neces- amount of anger following the sary licensure. Morrow spent strike,” Jensen wrote. “I most of the year unemployed. believe the Grievant was a vic- “She was hurting,” said Education Minnesota supports the tim of that post-strike animus. Harley Ogata General Counsel There are simply too many of Education Minnesota. “She labor community inconsistencies in the Dis- could only find about six trict’s behavior toward the weeks of work as a substitute Education Minnesota looks forward to another great year in the Grievant to ignore. Given all teacher.” That work was in the classroom. We are educating the next generation of Minnesota the facts, I must agree with the Staples school district. workers. Union’s claim that the Doug Mayfield, a C-I Education Minnesota is made up of 70,000 :H¶UH5DLVLQ¶5DWHV educators doing what it takes to help students succeed.

Education Minnesota is an affi liate of the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and AFL-CIO.

Visit www.schoolsfi rst.org to fi nd out how you can support public education in this state.  

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PAGE 24 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2006