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CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL NEWS December 2012

Happy holidays from Your Central labor council and the iowa federation of labor Afl-cio

1 2 LEE COUNTY LABOR COUNCIL—Keokuk

Union Workers Tim Wilson USW 3311, Matt Thorton, Annie Washington, Mark support Morgan, Rober Cale, UFCW 617. (We were joined at the Mart by Robert Korshagan UFCW 617, Vickie Brennan Davis and Workers Mom Barb Davis Brakroom Lounge and USW 444 members. Members of UFCW617, USW3311, BCTGM 48G, Lee to hang out and play pool, listen to County Labor Council music, watch football or eat, drink “Let’s remember the AFL/CIO were allowed by Vick- and be merry. We let them know Walmart workers and all ie and Barb at the UNION Break they are welcome. Before we were other workers after room Lounge to hang out and get kindly asked to leave we passed Black Friday is over. the plan straight before heading out several invitations and had One day doesn’t do it. out to Walmart on Black Friday some good conversation. Let’s talk to them. Try at 9pm to hand out flyers to our Don't know what all the to answer questions fellow members of the working frantic conversation on the radio they might have and in- class and invite them to our/their was about. We were very nice and vite them to our Labor Keokuk Labor Temple left when asked. Many workers centers.” and Break room Lounge. Wheth- had been told not to accept any- Buddy Howard, Presi- er they had questions about their thing , but several accepted our dent Lee County Labor rights, working conditions or just invitation. Thanks to all who par- Council. ticipated.

2 3 LEE COUNTY LABOR COUNCIL—Keokuk and said they knew about the We had a Lee County Labor Lockout. They said as long as we Council/Next Up leafleting event were on the sidewalk it was fine. for the Crystal Sugar Boycott No- The manager again in- vember 9th at County Market formed them that he asked us to grocery store in Keokuk. leave and their lawyer would deal Attending were Buddy with it. Howard, Lee County Labor When I went to put my Council/BCTGM 48G; leaflets back in my car and move Robert Cale ,Lee County Labor it off the property the manag- Council/Next Up/UFCW 617; er said he would have my car Drake Custer, Lee County Labor towed and me arrested. Council/Next Up BCTGM 48G; I went over and talked to Penny Logsdon ,Lee County La- him and the officers again ex- bor Council/IUPAT-PPME 2003. plaining that I was just moving We took pictures of my car and putting the leaflets Support the Army Crystal Sugar on the shelf and back and getting out my boycott gave the letter stating what we Received an e-mail after I signs because it is too dangerous intended to do to the manager. posted that I was proud to collect to do handouts off of the high- The store manager was gracious way. I also told him we didn't our bell ringing plaque from the and told us we could leaflet all want to do this because we can't Salvation Army for Labor Bell we wanted on the sidewalk. talk to people and it looks like we Ringing Day. It was from a retired We wore out our wel- are boycotting the store. CWA member that was concerned come when we started leafleting We stayed for another that the Salvation Army discrimi- outside the door. We explained hour or so and left. nated against gay people by refus- that it was dangerous to hand The next day Robert Cale ing them service. people the leaflets when was asked by a co-worker why Thought the only way to they entered the parking lot from we were out boycotting County clear it up was to call them direct- the 35MPH highway. Market. There you have it. ly. We told each customer Major Jim assured me that that we were not boycotting they never refuse anyone service Country Market, just asking them because of being gay. They were to boycott Crystal Sugar. sorry if someone had been told The manager asked us to this because they said they would leave again and then called the never allow that to happen here. police. I contacted the President We handed out a few more leaflets and then walked out of the CWA local and he said he to the sidewalk. would pass it on to the member. Three police cars arrived Thank goodness. Bell Ringing and the manager told them he Day December 8th. Sign up at the wanted us arrested for trespass- Labor Temple ing. The officers asked to see the information we were handing out Buddy 3 4 LEE COUNTY LABOR COUNCIL—Keokuk

USW 3311 In- formational Picket across from Steel Castings

After having informational meetings, the body of 3311, voted to hold an informational picket across from their plant (Keokuk Steel Castings). For several days workers gathered to hold informa- tional signs about their com- plaints. Three workers have been fired and 7 suspended for every- thing ranging from being told they could have stickers on their hel- mets with the company going back on that. Workers have been told not to say the word scab. The union has over 350 unanswered grievances and the company has gone over 4 months without hav- ing a meeting to discuss grievanc- es. The workers have also been denied FMLA after being in the guidelines. Since the informational picketing started, the company has met once with the union on griev- ances. It's rumored that the owners in India are upset with the compa- ny so the picketing has done some good. The workers’ Solidarity has grown. The picket made the front page of our newspaper and cars and trucks honk to express Solidarity with the workers when they go by.

4 5 SOUTH CENTRAL IFL—Des Moines .

Lame Duck Rally in Des Moines Over 30 people showed up in front of the Federal Build- ing in Des Moines on Novem- ber 8th to draw attention to the “fiscal cliff.” The event was to bring attention to our Congressmen that they need to go back to Washington and do something. Several speakers ad- dressed the crowd, all calling for their elected officials to work on issues of protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as to stop the tax breaks for the richest 2%. 5 6 SOUTH CENTRAL IFL—Des Moines Holiday Basket Assembly December 14 to help families in need

Holiday Baskets from munity this year,” said Sagar 14, at 9 AM in the Euclid Room South Central Iowa Federation about the Food Bank. at the East Euclid Hy-Vee on of Labor will not be done at the East 26th and East Euclid. Food Bank of Iowa this year. The holiday baskets project helps union sisters and Lunch will be provided “We have decided to brothers in need because of to the volunteers that help as- move in a new direction,” said layoffs, lockouts or strikes. It semble the baskets. Holly Sagar, of the Community also help those families strug- services Committee. She said SCIFL is asking for a gling during hard times. that SCIFL was looking to have donation of $60 per food bag. If specific foods in the bags, and South Central has been you have any questions, con- that was not always available doing the Holiday Baskets for tact Holly Sagar at 515-326- at the Food Bank. “Please re- years and has helped thou- 0856 or Deb Babb at 515-249- member them when you are sands of families. 7771. looking to donate in our com- The baskets will be as- sembled on Friday, December Majority of SCIFL endorsed candi- dates win in 2012 Election The South Central Iowa Federation of Labor endorsed 26 candidates and helped get 15 of them elected. (58%) Those elected: Polk County Sheriff Bill McCarthy. Iowa Senate: Dick Dearden and Janet Peterson. Iowa House: Scott Ourth, Dan Kelly, Joe Riding; Rick Oson;,Ruth Ann Gaines, Bruce Hunter; John Forbes;, Jo Oldson; Ako Abdul-Samad, Marti Anderson, Beth Wessel- Kroeschell and Kevin McCathy. Jeff Erickson (NALC) George Woods (Visiting from United Kingdom TSSA) and Mark Fallis (NALC) worked many hours and hard for Labor 2012.

6 7 QUAD CITY FEDERATION OF LABOR—Davenport

. Quad-City American Crystal Sugar Boycott Action

Several unions gathered outside two different stores in the Quad City area, asking customers to not buy Crystal Sugar and asking the stores to take the product off their shelves. Union members were from Quad City area AFSCME, AFT, UFCW, Teamsters, IBEW, AFGE, APWU and NALC. Locals. The stores in Bettendorf, Iowa, and Moline, , knew the boycott action was coming ahead of time, but both store man- gers accepted the letters from the unions, asking them to take Crystal Sugar off their shelves.

7 8 QUAD-CITY FEDERATION OF LABOR—Davenport

Messer to retire Dino Leone, the Illinois Moritz said that Messer Vice President of the Quad-City has a unique way of treating peo- Quad City Federation of Fed has stated that he will run to ple that “inspires you to rise up Labor President, Jerry Messer, is succeed Messer. and accomplish tasks that maybe stepping down from that position you didn’t want to do, or thought after 26 years. “Jerry has demonstrated that you couldn't do.”

The 67—year old Messer got in- Messer said he wants to terested in politics spend more time as presi- while he was in the Na- dent of the United Food vy (1966-67) when he and Commercial Workers contacted a congress- (UFCW) Local 431. man to help out a fel- low shipmate with his Messer became assignment. President of the Quad City Federation of Labor in In 1989, Mes- 1986. The Federation has ser, was appointed to an affiliation of over 70 the Davenport City local unions, representing Council, and he lost a more than 33,000 workers bid for election of the in Iowa and Illinois. post later that year.

He said that a suc- Since then he cessful 2012 political cy- has not run for a politi- cle helped him decide it cal office, but he has was time to step down. been very political. He played a very active “Shortly after Jer- role in the election and ry became President, I be- re-election of Congressman Bruce came a delegate and was able to great leadership for labor and a Braley. witness him take the Quad City commitment to our community, Federation of Labor from a sleepy setting ambitious goals for the “Jerry has been an intricate little CLC to a model CLC that is Fed, and accomplishing these by part of the labor movement here in recognized around the country.” having high expectations from his Iowa and Illinois,” said Ken said Tom Moritz, Iowa Vice Pres- board members, delegates and af- Sagar, President of the Iowa Fed- ident of the Quad City Fed. filiated unions,” said Leone. eration of Labor. “ I have had the pleasure of working with Jerry for The Federation’s delegates “Jerry Messer helped build a polit- many years, and he has proven are scheduled to meet in January, ical machine in both Illinois and Iowa, and he unified Quad-City himself as a leader and advocate at which time nominations will be for the labor movement.” taken for Messer’s replacement. unions like no one before him.”

8 9 BLACKHAWK UNION COUNCIL—Waterloo

Left: Volunteers make phone calls during one of the many labor walks in the Waterloo area. Bottom: Bob Kressig and Anessa Kajatzovic address the crowd of volunteers be- fore they headed out to knock doors during Labor 2012 efforts. John Colombo ran the Labor 2012 offices in Waterloo and Mason City.

9 10 HAWKEYE LABOR COUNCIL—Cedar Rapids

Union Members ers from Machinists (IAM) Local members from Sheet Metal Work- Fashion Super- 831, Sheet Metal Workers ers Local 263 help me in getting it (SMWIA) Local 263 and Mill- out there….It's everything and Sized Salvation wrights Local 1039 were involved everyone, working together, to get Army Kettle for the in the project. it done, whatever it takes. That is Journeyman sheet metal what I think unions are about.” Holidays worker Steve Devereux, the lead person on the project, says: Hawkeye Labor By Jackie Tortora “I volunteered to work on the pro- ject because it sounded like a fan- Council Blood Drive Around the holidays, gro- tastic opportunity to do something cery store shoppers expect to see a positive for our community. Also, Thursday December cheerful person in a Santa hat and because it would be unique.” red apron, ringing a bell and col- 20 12 PM (Noon) to The kettle was completed lecting donations in the iconic in October and painted Salvation Salvation Army red kettle. 5:30 PM. IBEW Army red. Other finishing touches Some union members in included a system of chutes to Local 405 Hall, 1211 Iowa turned the familiar red kettle funnel donations into a hatch on into something pretty big this fall: Wiley Blvd SW the side of the kettle so volunteers a five-and-a-half-foot-tall replica, wouldn’t injure themselves when For an appointment contact which was fashioned on the upper retrieving the money. Rick Moyle at floor of the world’s largest cereal “Having a large eye- mill, the Quaker Oats plant in [email protected]. Or catching piece that gains public Cedar Rapids, Iowa. call 319-396-8461 notoriety and draws attention to Rick Moyle, executive the Salvation Army is the goal,” Walk-ins welcome! Please director of the Hawkeye Labor says Devereux. “Just being in- bring a photo ID or your blood Council, formerly a United Way volved in the project, having the donor card or two forms of ID. community services liaison, skills and talent of other union jumped at the chance to build the kettle when he was approached with the idea by Salvation Army Director of Development and Communications, Mindy Kayser. He and Jay Larson, coordinator and AFL-CIO labor liaison for East Central Iowa, got to work. “Jay and I put our heads together and went to Quaker Oats, which is owned by PepsiCo,” says Moyle. “The Quaker Oats plant director, Tom Metelmann, agreed to supply and pay for the materials while union members in the plant who are affiliated with the labor coun- cil donated their time.” Construction on the kettle began at the end of August. Work-

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Black Hawk Union Council Quad City Fed of Labor President Cal Eckhoff President Jerry Messer 319-240-8145 Central Labor Councils 563 - 323 -3655 [email protected] Contact & Meeting [email protected] Web page—click here Web page—click here Meeting Info: Information Meeting Info: 1st Wednesday, 7:00 pm 3rd Monday, 6:00 pm Labor Temple 4600 46th Ave Suite 4 1695 Burton Ave, Waterloo Rock Island, IL

Clinton Labor Congress Hawkeye Labor Council North Central Fed South Central Iowa Fed President Dave Keefer President Shelley Parbs President Dale Struecker President Mark Cooper 309-788-4569 Ext 232 319-396-8461 515-955-8301 515-265-1862 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Web page—click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Meeting Info: Meeting Info: Meeting Info Meeting Info: 1st Monday, 7:30 pm 4th Tuesday, 5:30 pm 2nd Thursday, 7:00 pm 2nd Wednesday, 6:00 pm Democratic Headquarters IBEW Local 405 Credit Union - basement Machinists Hall 226 22nd Place, Clinton 1211 Wiley Blvd SW, CR 13 S. 3rd St, Ft Dodge 2000 Walker St, Des Moines

Des Moines/Henry County Iowa City Fed of Labor North Ia. 9 Labor Council S. Iowa Labor Council President Sherri Riney President Patrick Hughes President Mike Herman President Steve Siegel 319-754-7034 319-530-6248 641-430-6754 515-971-3325 [email protected] [email protected] cmfish11@gmail,com [email protected] Web page—click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Meeting Info: Meeting Info: Meeting Info: Meeting Info: 2nd Monday, 6:00 pm 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm 4th Thursday, 6:00 pm 3rd Monday, 5:00 pm Machinists Hall Eastdale Plaza, Suite 19 Labor Temple , 510 S. 1305 E Mary 1700 S. First Ave., Iowa City Hwy. 34, West Burlington Pennsylvania, Mason City Ottumwa

Dubuque Fed. of Labor Lee County Labor Council NW Iowa Labor Council SW Iowa Labor Council President Bruce Clark President Buddy Howard President John Hamm President Bill Biede 563-599-7725 319-524-3011 712-233-1218 402-250-0943 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Web page—click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Web page — click here Meeting Info: Meeting Info: Meeting Info: Meeting Info: 1st Wednesday, 7:00 pm 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm 3rd Thursday, 7:00 pm 3rd Monday, 7:00 pm Labor Temple Keokuk Labor Temple UFCW Local 222 FF Local 15, 1827 S 8th St 3038 S. Lakeport, 1610 Garfield, Dubuque 301 Blondeau, Keokuk Council Bluffs Sioux City

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December Central Labor Council Meetings Remember those in need this Holiday Season

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

30 31 1 CLC Mtg at Iowa Fed

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Clinton Mtg Blackhawk Lee County Mtg Mtg Clinton Win Dubuque Mtg

MayIA City Win 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Des Moines/ South Central Muscatine North Central Henry Mtg Mtg Win Mtg 2012 Iowa City Burlington Davenport Mtg Win Win NW Iowa Mtg

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Quad City Labor Leaders Mtg Mtg—Iowa Southern IA Fed Mtg SW Iowa Mtg

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 Christmas

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Lee County Labor Council is hosting a program to help the locked out BCTGM work- ers from Crystal Sugar. Take a hand. Write your name on it. Take it to Vickie in the lounge with your donation. She will put it on the board.

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Financial Officers' School November 29-30, 2012, BioVentures Center, UI Research Park, Coralville Download flyer (pdf) Designed for union officers responsible for private and public financial recordkeeping. Includes sessions on IRS reporting requirements, LM and PERB forms, audits, changes in Department of Labor regulations, accounting skills and budgets. Registration: $150/person - Click here to register on-line

Union Communications: Reaching Members with Messages that Matter December 6-7, 2012, BioVentures Center, UI Research Park, Coralville Download flyer (pdf) This program is for local union newsletter editors and leaders interested in developing effective communication. Learn why local union newsletters still matter, and how to start one or improve the one you have; find out how to create atten- tion-getting messages and how high-tech tools such as email and social media can boost your message. Registration: $150/person - Click here to register on-line

Collective Bargaining January 23-25, 2013, Iowa Memorial Union, University of Iowa, Iowa City Download flyer (pdf) A hands-on approach intended to get union staff, officers and bargaining team members ready for bargaining. Includes sessions on bargaining law, preparation and research, member mobilizing, community support, media and communica- tion, persuasive techniques, impasse resolution, and a practice bargaining session. Registration: $200/person (a discounted rate is available for locals sending more than five participants) Click here to register on-line

Forging Hope: Local Alliances for Good Jobs and Racial Justice February 9, 2013, University Capitol Centre, Room 2520D, Iowa City Description coming soon!

Workers' Compensation March 14-15, 2013, Iowa Memorial Union, University of Iowa, Iowa City Overview of Iowa workers’ compensation law and how it relates to other laws and benefits, with special attention to the union’s role in assisting injured workers. Invited speakers include Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner Chris God- frey, experienced work comp attorneys, and UI medical professionals.

Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) April 11-12, 2013, Iowa Memorial Union, University of Iowa, Iowa City In-depth review of FMLA law and revised 2009 Department of Labor regulations, plus sessions on helping members with FMLA questions, handling FMLA grievances, bargaining improved contract language, and addressing common problems with medical certification.

62nd Annual Labor Short Course May 13-17, 2013, Iowa Memorial Union, University of Iowa, Iowa City The Labor Center's longest-running annual course. A week-long class designed to introduce newer union activists to many of the issues facing organized labor, plus sessions to improve practical skills needed by stewards and other union leaders. A great opportunity to build the leadership necessary to strengthen your union for the future. 14 15

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2013 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE February 25-27 Prairie Meadows Skinner Ballroom 1 Prairie Meadows Drive Altoona, Iowa PRAIRIEPRAIRIE MEADOWSMEADOWS HOTEHOTELL INFORMATIONINFORMATION

For Reservations Call: 515-957-3000 or 1-800-325-0901 Online Reservations: www.prairiemeadows.com Group Reservation Code: 02252013LEG

Room Rates are $99.00 + state & local tax per night All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card

DEADLINE FOR SPECIAL ROOM RATE IS

5:00 PM, MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013 17