UAW Local 2322 4 Open Square Way Holyoke, MA 01040 413-534-7600 April, 2013 Issue 8 www.uaw2322.org Upcoming Events! Remembering Immigration Reform Rally Wednesday, April 10 By Ron Patenaude, President Washington, D.C. ionists and better more active Join us at this rally! Contact Dear Sisters and Brothers, citizens lives on not only at [email protected] if you’d like Black Lake, but also in all of to go! Shortly after joining UAW 2322 those thousands who have in 1998, I had the opportunity gone there. UAW 2322 Solidarity and to attend the Walter and May To Walter Reuther, the Labor Education Committee Meeting Reuther Family Education Cen- ter in Black Lake, . It Movement was also a Social Monday, April 22 was truly a life altering experi- Movement. During my 15 years 3:00—5:00 PM ence. as a UAW member, I have had UAW 2322 Office, 4 Open Martin Luther King, Jr. and the privilege of hearing those Square Way #406, Walter Reuther’s dream was to Walter Reuther in 1963. sentiments expressed by UAW Holyoke, MA have a place to train trade un- Presidents , Ron ionists and Black Lake has the staff, I was reminded of all Gettlefinger, and . Worker’s Memorial Day Event served that purpose since open- of the areas in which the UAW Thursday, April 25 ing in 1970. Over the years, has been at the forefront of. The memorial at Black Lake is Northampton City Hall thousands of not just Labor The civil rights movement, envi- inscribed: Contact our office for more activists, but community and ronmental causes (yes, the information! political activists, have attended UAW has had some issues “There is no greater calling the center. there as well) many other un- than to serve your brother, there is no greater satis- Workers Memorial Day ions and various social and I attended in 1999 for Union economic justice issues benefit- faction than to have done Observation Involvement (I attended a sec- ed over the years from Walter it well.” -Walter P. Reuther Friday, April 26 ond time for Civil Rights training Reuther’s vision. and May Reuther in Broth- 1:00—5:00 PM in 2000) and spent 5 days in erhood and Peace Teamsters Local 404 the company of other UAW sis- On May 9, 1970, President 115 Progress Avenue ters and brothers from around Reuther and his wife May, along Let us all strive to live those Springfield, MA the country. with 4 other passengers, were ideals. killed in a plane crash. Walter’s Workers Memorial Day When discussing this edition of dream of a place where workers Fraternally and in Solidarity, Sunday, April 28 the newsletter with Ryan and can be trained to be trade un- Ron Patenaude

Western MA Pride@Work Postermaking and Prep Party Monday, April 29 Join us at the Northampton Pride March on May 4 3:00—6:00 PM UAW 2322 Holyoke Office By Court Cline, Servicing Rep. Pride at Work - Western Mass. invites Association, Jobs with Justice, the all union members and allies to join us Occupy movement, IBEW, CWA, and UAW 2322 Citizenship and The Western Massachusetts chapter as we march to demonstrate mutual UFCW. This year, we hope to expand Legislative Committee of Pride at Work, a national organiza- support of the LGBT community and to even more representatives from Tuesday, April 30 tion of lesbian, gay, progressive labor. If you 3:00—4:00 PM bisexual, and would like to help make UAW 2322 Holyoke Office transgender folks who posters and plan our are part of the labor contingent, please join us May Day movement, is organiz- at the UAW Local 2322 Wednesday, May 1 ing a contingent for the office, 4 Open Square 32nd Annual North- Way, Suite 406 in Ho- Northampton Pride March ampton Lesbian, Gay, lyoke on Monday, April 29 Saturday, May 4 Bisexual, and from 3:00-6:00 PM. 11:30 AM Transgender Pride On Saturday, May 4th, we Between the Northampton celebration on Satur- will gather between the Brewery and Parking Garage, day May 4th in downtown Northamp- the Labor Movement for social and Northampton Brewery and the parking Northampton, MA ton. The theme this year is “Our Jour- economic justice. Last year, we had garage at 11:30am. Look for the UAW ney is Not Complete.” the largest labor contingent ever with representatives from Mass. Nurses local 2322 and Pride at Work banners.

UAW Local 2322 The Local Pulse 413-534-7600, uaw2322.org Special Earth Day Section UAW Dissents on Keystone XL Pipeline Expansion

By Ryan Quinn, Servicing Rep. The UAW has maintained its CIO President Richard Trumka stance against expansion of the has attempted to clarify that the Keystone XL Pipeline despite AFL-CIO has not endorsed the pressure from other unions to Keystone XL expansion specifi- support the project. cally, stating that the federa- tion’s statement “can be inter- On February 26, 2013, the preted in different ways,” and American Federation of Labor – that they came out in favor of Congress of Industrial Organiza- pipelines in general as opposed tions (AFL-CIO) released a state- to more carbon-intensive meth- ment in favor of “expanding our ods of transporting oil such as pipeline infrastructure,” a move ships. interpreted by many to be an endorsement of the controver- The BlueGreen Alliance, a coali- sial Keystone XL pipeline expan- tion of unions and environmen- sion project. Sean McGarvey, tal groups founded in 2006, president of the AFL-CIO’s Build- has also declined to take a ing and Construction Trades stance on the pipeline expan- Department, released a state- sion, but the BlueGreen Alli- ment that day announcing that, ance’s initiatives are focused in "America's Building Trades Un- large part on clean energy ions are pleased that the AFL- sources and climate change, CIO Executive Council today and several of its member or- approved a resolution in sup- ganizations, such as the Sierra port of a comprehensive energy Club and the Natural Resources policy that includes the expan- Defense Council, have strongly sion of our nation's pipeline exposed the pipeline expansion infrastructure, including the for years. Keystone XL pipeline…The U.S. The , an construction industry has been affiliate union of the AFL-CIO mired in a depression for over 4 years now, and shovel-ready and member of the BlueGreen projects like Keystone XL and Alliance since August 2010, has Map courtesy U.S. State Department other energy infrastructure pro- expressed opposition to the pipeline for over a year. As tional Union of North America jects are badly needed.” AFL- expansion of the Keystone XL early as January 19, 2012, the (LIUNA) left the BlueGreen Alli- union made a statement in ance, with LIUNA General Presi- Former UAW President Walter Reuther on support of the Obama admin- dent Terry O’Sullivan stating istration’s decision to reject “we’re repulsed by some of our the Environment House Republicans’ plan to supposed brothers and sisters “The labor movement is about that problem we face expedite environmental impact lining up with job killers like the tomorrow morning. Damn right! But to make that the studies and require a rapid Sierra Club and the Natural decision on the pipeline by reaf- Resources Defense Council to sole purpose of the labor movement is to miss the main firming that “addressing global destroy the lives of working target. I mean, what good is a dollar an hour more in climate change, establishing men and women.” Despite wages if your neighborhood is burning down? What sustainable and secure energy such criticism, the UAW has good is another week's vacation if the lake you used to sources, and creating and re- since maintained its stance that taining safe and family- we should not increase the go to is polluted and you can't swim in it and the kids supportive jobs are keys to a extraction of oil from the Cana- can't play in it? What good is another $100 in pension positive future for our children dian Tar Sands given current if the world goes up in atomic smoke?” and grandchildren.” The follow- climate change and research on ing day, the Laborers Interna- the impact of the project.

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UAW Local 2322 The Local Pulse 413-534-7600, uaw2322.org Special Earth Day Section Earth Day In The Workplace The First Earth Day April 22, 2013

By Nancy Fish, Servicing Rep. In 1970, the UAW helped fund the first Earth Day. The UAW’s Celebrate Earth Day! lors and teachers use gardens Department of Conservation for therapy, nutritional educa- In honor of Earth Day, the UAW and Resource Development had tion, science, and health related Local 2322 Conservation Com- been working with environmen- activities. Work with your pro- mittee is asking that you look tal groups for several years grams to make a garden plot. around your place of work and before Earth Day organizer and Compost your vegetables scraps see if it is easy for you and your Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nel- and use to make soil. Compost co-workers to recycle. Are there son came to the AFL-CIO’s In- fortifies your garden for super recycling bins, clearly marked, dustrial Union Department to healthy plants. Composting can out in the open to use? If yes, ask for their participation in the be easy if you have a container great! If not, how can you help first Earth Day in 1970, but his in the kitchen for your veggie support the Earth Day action at scrapes. Composting reduces request lead to the UAW getting your local union and make recy- your trash, enhances your gar- more involved in the environ- cling a priority at work and den, and is earth friendly. mental movement. home? How can you and your union co-workers incorporate an Bring and use your own reusable In addition to funding efforts to earth-friendly system for unwant- grocery bags. put on Earth Day itself in April, ed paper, glass, plastic, and Join a neighborhood/town clean- the union worked closely with aluminum in your work place? students at the University of up effort. Reusable bins for sorting: place Michigan to host the first teach- Flyer for the first Teach-In on the Organize an Earth Friendly activi- these bins near traditional waste in on the environment on March Environment at the University of ty or event with your UAW Local basket with signs to encourage 11-14, 1970. 2322 co-workers. Michigan recycling all the materials that your town allows...it’s that sim- For more information or support The UAW on Increased ple. Check with your town for in your efforts please contact the best way to keep your recy- your Local UAW 2322 Conserva- Fuel Efficiency cled items out of the landfill. tion & Recreation Committee at 1-413-534-7600. Does your program have a gar- By Ryan Quinn, Servicing Rep. den? Many Residential Counse- Following the election of UAW Congress was debating in- International Union President creased Corporate Average Bob King in 2010, the union Fuel Economy (CAFE) stand- later, the September/October dent Obama and thirteen au- joined the BlueGreen Alliance, ards in 2007 and 2009, for- 2011 edition of Solidarity, the tomakers to come to an a coalition of labor and envi- mer UAW President Ron Get- UAW’s bimonthly news maga- agreement to raise fuel effi- ronmental groups which de- telfinger said that the pro- zine, included an announce- ciency standards to 54.5 velops research and policy posed increase to fuel effi- ment from the UAW’s Legisla- miles-per-gallon by 2025. initiatives about creating a ciency standards “sets the tive Department calling signif- King stated, “This new stand- green economy. This move stage for building a new gen- icant increases to the CAFE ard caps off a remarkable set signaled a renewed commit- eration of cleaner, more fuel- standards “a ‘win-win-win’ – of achievements by President ment to environmental issues efficient vehicles here in the producing greater oil inde- Obama to save the domestic for the UAW, a commitment ”. UAW Vice- pendence for our nation, a auto industry and put it on a that some skeptics doubted, President for cleaner environment for our- path to long-term prosperity,” selves and our children, and given the perception by many Cal Rapson added that said King. “Cleaner vehicles an increased number of jobs that the UAW has always op- "members of our union have that significantly reduce our posed fuel efficiency stand- never accepted the false in the auto sector.” nation’s oil consumption are ards. choice between protecting our In 2012, President King good for the auto industry and jobs and protecting our envi- Over the past decade, the spoke out in favor of increas- its workers, good for the envi- ronment.” UAW has begun to move back ing CAFE standards, following ronment, and good for our towards its more progressive When CAFE standards were the UAW’s involvement in nation’s economy.” environmental history. When again up for review two years discussions between Presi-

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UAW Local 2322 The Local Pulse 413-534-7600, uaw2322.org Big Changes Pending at NCYF and Cutchins

By Nancy Fish, Servicing Rep.

Many UAW Local 2322 members work alone more often, and shift Many programs that our UAW ing so workers are safe, trained will soon be affected by big their attention to provide ser- Local 2322 members work in and paid fairly? Will there be changes in the Youth Residential vices to the client’s families, not are waiting for their employers to enough money to provide ongo- Treatment Programs; Northeast just the client. Will workers need tell them if they’ve received the ing training and support for Center for Youth and Families to use their own cars? Will em- bid to provide services and stay Counselors new duties and re- (NCYF) and The Cutchins Pro- ployers help pay the cost of in- in business. The time frame for sponsibilities? Will the new grams in Northampton and creased car insurance? when the bids will be awarded is model of care for our communi- Springfield, to name a few. now late spring (best guess). There is no guarantee that NCYF ty’s troubled youth and families Many of the pending changes or Cutchins will even receive the Union workers’ questions are left be served better with the focus are looming, and not yet real- full funding to provide current unanswered and many workers shifting away from traditional ized. Workers’ job descriptions services. Who decides what a Residential care facilities? Time will most likely change. are unsure about their own job safe staff/client ratio is? Will will tell. Get involved with your Cutchins is currently bargaining security and safety in a changing there need to be lay-offs? Often shops Labor/ Management over job description changes model of care. Is this new model direct care workers disagree with meetings and ask your Stew- with the UAW members, as is our cost effective? Workers deserve what the State and their employ- ards, and Supervisors for up- right as a union member. Coun- fair pay and fair benefits. Will ers say is adequate staffing. dates. selors will need to drive more, the State provide adequate fund- 2013 Massachusetts UAW Lobby Day a Success

On March 5, UAW gamated local repre- 2322 President Ron senting graduate em- Patenaude, Vice- ployees and adjunct President Ryan Quinn, faculty at UMass Lowell; Recording Secretary and our own UAW 2322, Court Cline, Eric Hop- which represents early kins from ServiceNet, childhood education and Joanne Coakley workers and graduate from the Goddard employees, resident College Faculty attend- assistants, and postdoc- ed the Massachusetts toral researchers at Community Action UMass Amherst. Program [CAP] Coun- cil’s “lobby day” at the Members interested in statehouse. They becoming more active in joined more than 50 the political process other UAW members should consider joining from across the Com- the Local 2322 Citizen- monwealth to speak ship and Legislative with our state legisla- Committee by contacting tors about funding Office Manager Scott legal services, child- LaRochelle at care and higher edu- [email protected]. cation, creating a do- The committee meets mestic workers’ bill of on the last Tuesday of rights, increasing the every month at 3PM at state’s minimum Eric Hopkins, Joanne Coakley, Ryan Quinn, and Court Cline at the Massachusetts State our office at 4 Open wage, establishing House (Photo by Ron Patenaude) Square Way, #406, Ho- paid sick time for all lyoke, MA in advance of workers, and raising state reve- Funding legal services, child- includes members in UAW the monthly MA CAP Council nues in order to maintain vital care, and higher education has 2320, the National Organization meetings on the first Tuesday of services. been a priority for the MA CAP of Legal Services Workers the month. Council for years, as our state (NOLSW); UAW 1596, an amal-

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