(ISSN 0023-6667) Minnesota almost withstands surge to right As had been expected in the endorsed for re-election, also months to be seated after a second mid-term election of a lost. recount. Democratic president, voters This region sends another Many supporters feared the sent the U.S. on a hard turn to union member to the House as worst for both Nolan and the right Nov. 4. Leading up to Jennifer Schultz was easily Peterson but they won in dis- the election there had been elected to Duluth’s District 7A tricts that are becoming more many signals from the left that seat opened by Tom Huntley’s conservative, especially after Republican Kentucky Senator retirement. She is a University redistricting. Mitch McConnell was ripe for Education Association member Nolan won by only 3,732 defeat, but now President at UMD, an affiliate of votes over his Republican chal- An Injury to One is an Injury to All! Obama will have to face him as Education Minnesota. lenger, Stewart Mills III. Ray WEDNESDAY VOL. 121 Senate Majority Leader, and Trade union Reps. Erik Sandman got 11,450 votes as a NOVEMBER 12, 2014 NO. 10 GOP Rep. John Boehner as Simonson (7B), Mike Sundin Green Party candidate in that Speaker of the House. (11A), and Jason Metsa (6B) race. Nationwide voters ushered also won their first re-election Peterson won by about in Republican candidates in the bids. Former Laborers official 20,000 votes. Senate, the House, governor- Rep. Tom Anzelc (5B) won a Incumbent DFLers return- ships, and state legislative bod- close race. All other Labor- ing as Constitutional officers ies. endorsed candidates won easily include Att. Gen. Lori Swanson Minnesota showed a glim- in the region. and Auditor Rebecca Otto, who mer of light to the nation’s pro- The Minnesota House has was AFL-CIO endorsed. gressives by faring much better changed its majority party Labor and DFL endorsed than all the other states, almost every election in the past eight Steve Simon won the close all the other states combined it years. When the legislature Secretary of State contest, the seems. But even here the victo- convenes in early January, 72, only open seat on that ballot. ries were soured by and maybe 73, of the 134 One of Simon’s opponents, Republicans taking control of members will be Republicans Independence Party’s Bob These were the hardest working get-out-the-vote guys on the House of Representatives. lead by Rep. Kurt Daudt of Helland, came just shy of the election day and for weeks prior. Jake Lepak (UFCW 1189), They won 11 races to seat new Crown. 5% needed for that party to be Glen Jackson (USW 776 Retired), Don Melton, and Steve members to the DFL’s five. The Republican win will able to continue as a major Skarman (both Laborers 1091), helped area turnout exceed Among the losses were Labor- stem the incredible progress party as it has been for 16 the state average again. Melton had just come back from the endorsed Reps. John Ward made in the past two years by years. He got 4.91% of the Fond du Lac Reservation where he brought two handi- (Brainerd 10A) and Joe DFL majorities in the House vote, the most by any capped voters to the polls. Behind them are City Councilor Radinovich (Crosby 10B). and Senate and all constitution- Independent. That party will Sharla Gardner and Central Body President Dan O’Neill, Rep. Tim Faust (Hinckley al officers being DFL also. not quality for public subsidies who were also taking their lunch break in the Labor Temple. 11B), who was not Labor- There were no state senate or be automatically included on elections this year. future ballots until they crack Walker’s victory humiliates labor unions The good news Minnesota that 5% barrier again. voters brought to the nation And there will be no By TIMOTHY NOAH er does not share Wisconsin’s York, New Jersey, and Texas. were wins by U.S. Senator Al recounts, which is good news politicopro.com values and cares more about “Wisconsin is back on the Franken, Congressmen Rick to everyone, maybe even los- Scott Walker’s victory is a his own political ambition.” right track, and we are better Nolan (CD 8) and Collin ers. humiliating loss for organized What the labor movement off than we were four years Peterson (CD7). The trouble is Labor-endorsed St. Louis labor. The Wisconsin gover- now has to ask itself is: How ago,” said Walker after his vic- they’ll all be in the minority. County commissioners Frank nor’s challenger was Democrat could it lose three times — in tory, borrowing language from Governor Mark Dayton was Jewell (Duluth Dist. 1) and Mary Burke, a former execu- 2010, a 2012 recall vote and Ronald Reagan. also re-elected by a 110,000 Tom Rukavina (north Dist. 4) tive at Trek Bicycle Corp. It now in Walker’s 2014 re-elec- Of six anti-labor governors vote margin, bucking a nation- both won with about 58% of was no photo finish; with 72 tion — to the nation’s most bla- the AFL-CIO targeted for al trend that saw Republicans the vote. percent of precincts reporting, tantly anti-union governor? defeat earlier this year, Walker winning many of those races. Two boxes on page 8 show Walker was up 6 points. But How especially in Wisconsin, occupied pride of place. “It’s Franken ran a low key cam- the winning and losing candi- Walker’s true adversary in this cradle of the early 20th-century not been tough for us to get paign in his first re-election bid dates backed by labor in north- re-election race — and for the Progressive movement and volunteers in Wisconsin,” against Republican investment west Wisconsin and northern four years that preceded it — birthplace of public-sector Trumka boasted late last month banker Mike McFadden, who Minnesota. was the labor movement. He unionism? If not here, where? on MSNBC. “He’s sort of like campaigned like a cheerleader. You can easily find com- won every time. Much of the answer, as the poster child of that across Franken won by almost plete election results at the For labor unions, the defeat Trumka’s statement suggests, the country.” 203,000 votes after winning by Minnesota Secretary of State’s cut deeply. AFL-CIO President is that labor simply can’t match Walker was labor’s public only 312 votes four years ago website http://electionresults. Richard Trumka, in a prepared the financial resources avail- enemy No. 1 practically from and having to wait seven sos.state.mn.us/ENR/home/20 statement, said Walker had able to Walker through the the moment he was elected. He “sinisterly shown us the reality Koch family and other pro- stunned public employee of how money pollutes politics. business allies. But another unions a month after the elec- Everybody knows Scott Walk- part of the answer is surely tion when he said that weaken- labor’s inability to break free of ing them was essential to a decades-long steep decline bringing state spending under that prompts many of its natu- control. He was looking, he ral allies to judge it politically said, at anything from outright irrelevant. decertification to various For Walker, the question “modifications of the current may now be: How can I not laws in place.” enter the 2016 presidential con- The upshot, in 2011, was test with these three gladiatori- Act 10, which cut state al victories behind me? It’s an employee health and pension open secret that Walker is pon- benefits and sharply reduced dering a run. In 2013, Walker the scope of collective bargain- headlined an Iowa GOP ing for state employees. That National Day of Action to Tell U.S. Postal fundraiser; this year he was came as a particular shock Service to Stop Delaying America’s Mail! spotted at fundraisers in New See Walker...page 6 Friday, Nov. 14, 9–10 a.m. Duluth, 2800 Michigan St. Forum will ask if “F” and “L” in DFL matter Laborers 1091 food drive is on Under the Farmer-Labor established Minnesota’s tradi- powerful party in the 1930s Laborers’ Local 1091 is conducting their 3rd Annual Food banner, Minnesotans struggled tion of strong public programs and the most successful state- Drive for area food shelves from outside their office door in the to save the family farm, won and institutions. With its roots level third party in U.S. history. Labor Temple. If you enter the building via the 20th Avenue the right to organize unions, in rural populism and the early The Farmer-Labor Move- East entrance below London Road, take a right to the end of the organized hundreds of urban labor movement, the FL Party ment had a major impact on the hallway and you’ll see the table and a collection barrel. and rural cooperatives and became Minnesota’s most politics and culture of Duluth “With homelessness, poverty, and hunger right outside of and the Iron Range. But is this our building, we are asking you to help us in helping others this JOB POSTINGS–AFSCME COUNCIL 5 (MN) tradition still relevant? Can an holiday season to provide a little to those who have so little,” FIELD REPRESENTATIVES understanding of the past said Business Manager Dan Olson. He said the union will have We are taking applications for four positions as Field inform the present and help Lynette Swanberg of Community Services help them in direct- Representatives based out of South Saint Paul. Assign- shape a positive future? ing their contributions to the proper facilities. Those questions will be Community Services is also collecting for their holiday food ments involve working with state, private, city and local addressed at a forum this program. Contact Swanberg at 218-726-4775. government local unions. Overall responsibility is to build Saturday, Nov. 15 from noon to local union capacity and empower the membership. 1:30 p.m. at the UMD Labovitz JOB SUMMARY/DUTIES: Incumbents may perform any or School, Room 225. Light food I.U.O.E. Local 70 all of these duties and responsibilities on a recurring and refreshments will be had. Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting basis depending upon the individual local and/or unit Opening remarks will be by: assignments. This is only a general summary: • Tom O'Connell, Chair, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2014, 5:00 P.M. • Facilitate internal organizing campaigns Minnesota Farmer-Labor Duluth Labor Center, Hall B • Arrange and participate in frequent site visits to improve Committee; • Richard Hudelson, author Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 communications with rank and file members, in addition of “By the Ore Docks, A to regular meetings with leadership of local unions Working People’s History of • Communicate to members policies and positions of the Duluth”; SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY organization; provide advice and guidance to membership • Joel Sipress, Duluth City and leadership regarding issues facing the organization Councilor, Professor of • Promptly and accurately respond to all communication History, University of • Work with locals/units to develop and implement a Wisconsin, Superior; and, process so members can find and implement solutions to • Sharla Gardner, Duluth problems rather than having problems solved for them City Councilor • Attend as needed, local and/or unit meetings The event is sponsored by the Farmer-Labor Education • Have ultimate responsibility for enforcement of Committee, a non-profit com- collective agreements. Process and prepare grievance mitted to educating about files. Prepare and conduct arbitrations Minnesota’s Farmer-Labor • Assist locals/units in preparation for negotiations Movement, and the Masters of Serve as the chief negotiator in negotiations Advocacy & Political Leader- • Attend to labor relations problems. Serve as a resource ship program, an applied for legislative items, trends in collective bargaining, and degree that creates ethically- other matters relating to employment grounded advocate/organizers. • Train Local Leaders and Stewards on their duties O’Connell wrote “Toward • Actively look for and support opportunities and activities The Cooperative Common- wealth: An Introductory to organize unrepresented groups of workers History of the Farmer-Labor • Complete accurately and timely all AFSCME MN Council Movement in Minnesota 5 required forms, including activity and expense reports (1917-1948).” You can learn more at farmerlabored.org ACCOUNTABILITIES: Field Representatives must be able 800-535-1665 s 218-727-5384 s 130 W. Superior St., Duluth s duluthinjury.com to work independently and make necessary decisions Ironworker Retirees concerning all aspects of representation and be account- I understand how important our Minnesota able to the assigned Field Director and members. Monthly Breakfast Cement Masons Health and Welfare Fund is to JOB REQUIREMENTS: Thursday, Nov. 20 • High School diploma or equivalent my family and to the families of our members. • Knowledge and/or experience in the labor movement 9:00 a.m. It is our greatest fringe benefit as union members. • Knowledge of the labor movement and its structures Bridgeman’s (Mall) • Demonstrable ability to organize and plan work For 6 years I have served as a Health & Welfare • Ability to analyze and resolve complex problems Mt. Shadow Drive Trustee and have been certified by the Int’l • Ability to work under pressure and independently Foundation of Employee Benefit Funds. I would • Ability to communicate effectively in all formats HappyHappy • Availability to work long, irregular and unusual hours, Thanksgiving!Thanksgiving! like to continue that service. I am a member of the including weekends and holidays. national Labor Management Health Care Coali- Most weeks will be more than 40 hours • Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable IBEWIBEW 3131 &242242 tion, and the national HealthWorks Coalition. • Knowledge of computers, internet and email Retirees’Retirees’ I need you to mark the ballot you got Resumes and references submitted to: Michelle Stein, LuncheonLuncheon in the mail for “Mike Syversrud” AFSCME MN Council 5, 300 Hardman Avenue South, South St. Paul, MN 55075 or Fax: 651-455-1311 Tues., Nov. 25 and mail it back ASAP. THANKS! Email: [email protected] (No phone calls) 1:00 p.m. .8 DEADLINE: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014, 4 pm VIP, 1201 Tower MIKE SYVERSRUD AFSCME MN Council 5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer; Members & Their for women and people of color strongly encouraged to apply. Guests Welcome! Cement Masons Health & Welfare Trustee PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 MN AFL-CIO on election: St. Paul - Following the 2014 election, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement: “Despite a massive Republican wave that swept the nation, a majority of Minnesota voters re-elected working families cham- If you still find yourself in pions Governor Mark Dayton, Senator Al Franken, and the street with a few dozen oth- Congressman Rick Nolan. ers yelling “This Is What Governor Dayton, Senator Franken, and Congressman Nolan Democracy Looks Like!” it all ran in competitive races as true progressives with a record of might be time to quit being so fighting for working families and won. Their victories should be proud and start realizing you’re an example to candidates in other states, especially in states doing it because you fell asleep where voters approved progressive ballot initiatives like mini- and need to wake yourself up mum wage increases and paid sick days. with some noise. That’s about Their victories are also thanks in part to the thousands of all you’re doing now so you’d union members who had conversations with tens of thousands of better put a sock in it and get Minnesotans about this year’s election. some real work done. Don’t Unfortunately, millions of dollars in outside money and neg- think you’re rallying independ- ative advertising put the Republican party back in control of the ent voters or even your own to “would go all Scott Walker on Have I mentioned that I’m Minnesota House. your cause, especially if you’re Minnesota.” Really, don’t disgusted with campaigns and However, the new Republican majority will find a state in wearing Badger gear. You’ve know? How’s that communica- campaign staffers and other much better shape than it was two years ago. Thanks to got a lot of more important tion thing working out? Are bad movies we’ve seen before? Governor Dayton and the DFL Legislature, Minnesota has a work to do behind that street things so much better now that And recruiting candidates to budget surplus, a more level playing field for women at work, scene and you’d better figure we have all these social media run for office is going to get marriage equality, all-day kindergarten, lower property taxes, out how to get after it because opportunities or are we just harder and harder making and a higher minimum wage. you may be losing your sup- bullion cubing our way through money even more powerful. House Republicans should listen to Minnesotans, who clear- porters as well, including many our day, leading by snippets, Who will ever beat Rep. ly want them to work with Governor Dayton and the DFL-led on this side of the bridge. It collecting a check? In the back- Sean Duffy in Wisconsin CD Senate in continuing to build a better Minnesota.” seems Wisconsin’s burning as ground we hear the old com- 7? Honestly Kelly Westlund Neuro fiddles, and some union mercial, “Where’s the beef?” should have run for Ashland Wisconsin labor must carry on members may be hoping right I talked to one of Wiscon- County Board, not Congress. to work for less passes so they By Pres. Phil Neuenfeldt and Sec. Treas. Stephanie sin’s labor political action lead- New state Senator-elect Janet Bloomingdale, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO don’t have to pay union dues ers last week who said she has Bewley should maybe take the anymore either. We’re losing sometimes voted Republican next run at him. We know that you poured your heart into this election. While contact. because she’s an issue’s voter. Have too many of us gotten this is not the outcome we wanted, we know that the issues we It is equally shocking to Really? What issues? I think too comfortable? care about are important enough to continue to fight for. We hear the head of our state fed we’re starting to get at the And electoral politics has stood up for what we believe in; we stood up for the values of say she doesn’t know what it problem here. become so jaded that voter working families who deserve a fair shake and a shot at the means when the Republican Senator Al Franken’s oppo- turnout continues to drop just American Dream. gubernatorial candidate says he nent, investment banker as the monied interests had We brought issues important to working people, issues like Republican Mike McFadden, planned after we heard “it’s all union rights, the minimum wage, economic fairness, equal pay Labor World 2014 issues: for equal work and BadgerCare expansion to the forefront of this Nov. 25; Dec. 17 who makes money moving about turning out voters” ad jobs offshore, gushed about nauseum before the election. election. In every place it was on the ballot, voters made it clear LABOR WORLD Sen. Amy Klobuchar calling Minnesota turnout was 50%, that Wisconsin should raise the minimum wage and accept fed- (ISSN#0023-6667) is published her a “model senator.” She after 55.8% in 2010, 60.5% in eral money for BadgerCare expansion. We must continue to semi-monthly except one issue in should be ashamed as she 2006, all mid-terms. That does- push forward and be the voice for fairness. Together, we con- April, June, December (21 issues). spends more time in Iowa hop- n’t bode well for the future. tinue to build a movement. The known office of publication is We can only hope that in his second term in office, Gov. Labor World, 2002 London Road, ing Hillary drops over so she It’s hard to believe we’re Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. can run for president. Ever see going to have to do this again Walker reverses course and listens to the people of Wisconsin, Periodicals postage is paid at Klobuchar around MN labor? in two years, and a presidential not to the big dollar donors who flooded his campaign with an Duluth MN 55806. She feels at home in Iowa she election year at that. And state influx of out-of-state cash. POSTMASTER: says as Republicans all but senators up in MN too. OMG! Workers will continue to stand together to hold Gov. Walker Send address changes to: accountable. We will continue every day to stand up for what we Labor World, 2002 London Rd., control their congressional reps I’m feeling so disgusted I and the state. Are we getting at have to admit the dark side is believe in -- to stand up for collective bargaining rights, for a Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 strong middle class and for fair wages for all workers. S-70 the problem here? winning even though I believe T 7 W I N C I T I E S Brothers and Sisters, we will continue this fight, together, just DULUTH And Democratic political in government, especially if it’s (218) 728-4469 activists bitch about Indepen- run by socialists, but not the as those who have gone before us continued the struggle for FAX: (218) 724-1413 dence and Green candidates Obama kind. working people. This is what we do. We will continue to stand [email protected] up and speak out for a better day, for an economy that works for taking votes away from their The yard is dizzy with birds www.laborworld.org candidates like they were a all and for social and economic justice for all people. ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ and that’s a comfort as winter Owned by Unions affiliated with the birth right but neither party jumps us. Bleak, pure white Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body even has major party status INJURED AT WORK? Subscriptions: $25 Annually landscapes will be our only now. Who do we kick next? scene for months on end but Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager And our candidates beg for my flying friends will cheer me We8QLRQ0HPEHU5HSUHVHQWDWLRQ Represent Union Members Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper more money and say if they up, answer my whistle that Board of Directors don’t get it they’ll lose and they breakfast’s ready, and then Lost Wages? Unpaid Bills? Pres/Treas Dan Leslie, IBEW blow millions on TV ads to they’ll sing again in the spring. 31; VP Stacy Spexet, USW help in pissing off and alienat- Can I Get Fired? 9460; Sec Jayme McKenna, ing voters, and if they don’t do The non-profit Labor World, Inc. is the AFSCME 66; Mikael Sundin, it their good friends in DC do it official publication of the Duluth AFL- +HOSLQJLQMXUHGXQLRQPHPEHUVZLWKHelping injured union members with Painters & Allied Trades 106; for them. Thanks a lot. CIO Central Labor Body. It is an educa- tional, advocacy newspaper for workers Steve Fields WKHLUZRUNHUV¶FRPSHQVDWLRQFODLPtheir workers’ compensation claims. Al LaFrenier, Workers’ United And they and their cam- Attorney Midwest Board; Dan O’Neill, and unions. The views and opinions sub- Free Advice – No Obligation paign staffers take Labor for mitted and expressed in the Labor World )UHH$GYLFH1R2EOLJDWLRQ Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; do not necessarily reflect the views of the Steve Risacher, Carpenters 361 granted more and more every year in a Halloween invasion paper, its Board of Directors or staff, the 218-824-0093 Tom Cvar, UFCW 1189 Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, its Toll Free 1-888-212-6820 Scott Dulas, NALC 114 of the body snatchers. affiliated unions, their officers, or staff. ZZZ)LHOGV:RUN,QMXU\FRPwww.FieldsWorkInjury.com LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 PAGE 3 Northland Vietnam Veterans Lakewalk, Duluth HONORING AMERICA’S VETERANS Northern Minnesota Veterans’ Memorials and the 148th’s Korean Veterans Lakewalk, Duluth entrance have been designed, built and/or repaired by Building Trades and other union volunteers in honor of all American 148 Fighter Group Airpark, Duluth Veterans. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
(Labor World file photos except for Gareth Andrew’s sculpture)
Veterans Memorial Gary, Duluth
USS Duluth LPD-6 Lakewalk, Duluth Gareth Andrew’s sculpture in Virginia’s Veteran’s Park
Northland Vietnam Veterans Lakewalk, Duluth PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 Iron Range will miss John Grahek’s leadership in the construction trades By Mike Syversrud The construction industry’s rest of the nation doesn’t need well on the Range. a 28-year member in good President, Iron Range boom and bust cycle is evident our natural resources. John has Among his many accom- standing with Cement Masons, Building Trades Council in every jurisdiction in the lived and led through the tough plishments is the largest Project Shophands, and Plasterers We’ll miss another great nation but it can be especially times and its nice to see him Labor Agreement we’ve ever Local 633, a statewide union. champion of working families painful on the Iron Range if the retire when things are going so had – the $1.2 billion PLA at He has been a Business Agent now that John Grahek has Essar Steel. for his union since 2001 He retired as Business Manager of John Grahek has been an has served the Iron Range Plumbers & Steamfitters Local important part of the improved Building Trades as secretary- 589 and President of the Iron relationships on the Iron Range treasurer and vice president. Range Building Trades between our unions, our con- He also chairs the Iron Range Council. tractors, and the businesses that Construction Liaison We’ve all got a lot more hire us. Our members’ families Committee, and is the north- work to do to fill John’s shoes. are the recipients of those ern Minnesota representative John started his Appren- improved relationships and to the Minnesota State ticeship with Plumbers & we’re grateful. Building Trades. You can con- Steamfitters Local 589 in We have much to look for- tact him at 218-724-2323. October 1975. Within seven ward to in the future because of years he had been elected to the John Grahek’s leadership. BE UNION! union’s Executive Board dur- Thanks, John, and we wish you ing terrible economic times for a long, relaxing retirement! BUY UNION! northern Minnesota. His good It’s because of people like work resulted in John being John that the Building Trades is Build union! appointed Business Manager so strong in northern of Local 589 in August 1997. Minnesota. I would put our BUY LOCAL! He was elected to that position Iron Range and Duluth coun- the next January and remained cils up against in the nation and BUY AMERICAN! there until his retirement this I’m proud to be a member of both of them. practice year. He also served as an John Grahek, right, accepts an award for his contributions Apprenticeship Instructor for to the Minnesota Building & Construction Trades Council Mike Syversrud was elected solidarity, 10 years, and served on virtual- from Mike Syversrud, left, a trustee of the state council, at President of the Iron Range ly every committee his union the Rochester convention in July. Building Trades Council to It works! has in his 39 year career. (Barb Kucera, workdayminnesota photo) replace John Grahek. Mike is
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! Building Trades members have been picketing the Burger King being built non-union on Hwy 53 between Stebner and Lavaque roads. The framing had collapsed once (left) already. If Burger King had built using union labor like Kwik Trip next door it would already be open, and maybe have union customers. (Craig Olson photo of collapsed framing) HealthyPackTM Multi-Dose Packaging FREE Mail Out Service • Rx Savings Club Plus • Free In Town Delivery • Ready Refill • Participation in most 3rd Party and • Medication Synchronization Program Medicare Part D Insurance Plans • Shopper Rewards Program • Vaccination Administration DFL Representative-elect MN House District 7A – Labor Endorsed • Automated Voice Response • Pharmaceutical Care & Counseling ! " " • Automated Prescription Dispensing • Fast and Friendly Service # " " $ '*$"+,"& ' $$$' ,"'&+."+",///',!*" ,0/!", ' '% " $% " & ! ' ! ( ! ! ! ! "& ,* $1 ! ! " ( ! &+" -( *& '' + ! ) $*+,- ../0 $')- , 2 1 2 $3 $ /0 4"1 5 1 $ 2 "" #$ 1 $ Store,'* '-*+'&' *"'% (%2,'% #"(%2-&'% (% Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm • Sat 9am-5:30pm • Sun 9am-3pm !""#$% LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 PAGE 5 Walker humiliates labor unions...from page 1 because Wisconsin was tra- Americans for Prosperity. In “serves a purpose.” Earlier ditionally liberal and in 1959, the end, Walker beat back the Walker certified, through the became the first state to bargain recall, 53-46. GOP strategist Department of Workforce collectively with state employ- Karl Rove called it “a historic Development, that Wisconsin’s ees. The American Federation setback for organized labor.” current $7.25 minimum wage of State, County, and For 2014, AFP committed constituted a “living wage.” Municipal Employees evolved considerable resources to re- Walker’s labor-heavy budg- from a Wisconsin union that elect Walker, spending nearly et cuts ended up producing traced its origins to 1932. $900,000 on TV ads alone. results for the state economy Act 10 prompted legal chal- David Fladeboe, Wisconsin that were mixed at best. lenges, mass demonstrations in AFP director, said the organi- Unemployment in Wisconsin Madison and a 2012 recall zation had been sending out 40 dropped to 5.5 percent for election. Walker’s opponents to 50 volunteers a day to knock September, well below the spent $18 million to defeat him on doors and had been heavily national average of 5.9 percent. but were swamped by $47 mil- committed to phone banks, But private-sector job growth lion spent by Walker’s allies, direct mail and get-out-the- was notably weak, ranking according to the Wisconsin vote radio ads. Much of that well below the national aver- Democracy Campaign, a non- effort, he said, focused on talk- age in 2011, 2012 and 2013. partisan research group. The Fire Fighters Local 101’s Operation Warm is proving to be ing up the benefits of Act 10. When Walker was elected, a huge success in its first year of raising money to put AFL-CIO spent in the hun- In October, Walker fired up Wisconsin ranked 14th among dreds of thousands, but that Union-made in America winter coats on Duluth children. his base some more — and the states for job creation, This camp out and lunch program at the Minnesota Power was dwarfed by $9 million infuriated labor — by telling largely thanks to the Obama from Republican Governors plaza drew the public to their efforts. You can help them the Milwaukee Journal Senti- administration stimulus. But reach their goal at operationwarm.org/duluth Association PAC and $3.7 mil- nel’s editorial board that he over the next three years, it lion from the Koch-funded didn’t think the minimum wage never ranked higher than 36th. THANK YOU! I appreciate the confidence voters of central and western Duluth have shown in electing me to serve a second term in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I will continue to work hard for you to make our state a better place for everyone. Rep. Erik SIMONSON MN House of Representatives • District 7B IBEW Local 242 journeyman and apprentices, as well as National Electrical Contractors & Endorsed! Assn. members swarmed the Proctor Hockey Arena after work on Oct. 30 in a volunteer Labor DFL effort to place energy-efficient ballasts and replace lamps in the lobbies. www.erikfor7b.com Paid for by Simonson For 7B, PO Box 652, Duluth, MN 55801
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PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 There was overwhelming re-election of leaders opposed to outsourcing Lawmakers in 15 states in corporate control of public these results.” unsafe working conditions in include metrics and parameters rolled to reelection last week services sought re-election in These numbers result from Michigan prison kitchens. that vendors must meet, and after sponsoring legislation that 2014. Of that number, 132 suc- an analysis by In the Public Allegations against Aramark allows the state to cancel con- protects taxpayers from reck- ceeded. Three additional law- Interest (ITPI), a non-partisan include maggots in and around tracts if the vendor fails to do less outsourcing and returns makers who stood up for tax- resource center on government food, Aramark employees hav- so. control of public services to payers were elected to higher outsourcing and responsible ing sex with inmates, and even The tally of legislators up voters. On a night that saw office. contracting. ITPI examined a murder for higher plot. Rep. for reelection who also took landslide victories for “On an evening when many bills that reflected policy rec- Kivela also introduced HB affirmative steps to reign in Republicans in the U.S. Senate, elected leaders sweated late ommendations contained in the 5891, a measure that would predatory outsourcing includes along with an increased num- into the night, those who took a organization’s Taxpayer require state contracts to 195 Dems and 21 Republicans. ber of governorships and state stand and protected taxpayers Empowerment Agenda, a set of legislative majorities, the pic- had nothing to worry about,” eleven common sense propos- Economy #1 to working class ture for elected leaders who said Donald Cohen, Executive als that ensure taxpayers, not Despite disappointing election results for union members, the stood up for taxpayers is much Director of In the Public corporations, remain in control vast majority of Americans made clear that they want an econo- more bipartisan. Interest. “Candidates compet- of the quality and cost of public my that works for everyone. Months of unprecedented spending In total, 136 state legislators ing in coming elections would services. by corporate billionaires on television ads failed to turn voters who backed proposals to reign be wise to take a lesson from The analysis included bills against the idea of an economy that is built on a foundation of such as Oregon’s HB 4122, a raising wages. measure that requires thorough AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said “people are disillu- analysis of information tech- sioned by endless political bickering and eyed these elections nology contracts and ensures with great dispirit. In way too many elections, they got a false government can cancel con- choice. In these very difficult times, they did not a get a genuine tracts when the corporations economic alternative to their unhappiness and very real fear of holding the contract don’t the future. But when voters did have a chance to choose their deliver results. Cover Oregon, future directly – through ballot measures – their decisions are that state’s healthcare exchange unmistakable” implemented as part of the An election-night survey conducted by Peter D. Hart Affordable Care Act, has been Research Associates found Republicans won many races on plagued by missed deadlines political grounds, yet voters heavily supported working family and cost overruns after the issues. Voters favor increasing Social Security benefits by 61%- project was outsourced to 30%; raising the federal minimum wage by 62%-34%; taxing Oracle. Eleven legislators that American corporations on profits they make overseas by 73%- co-sponsored the measure were 21%; and increasing funding for public schools by 75%-21%. re-elected on Nov. 4. Additionally, voters opposed many traditional Republican issues Diamond Tool & Horseshoe workers had a well attended, In Michigan Representative such as raising the Social Security retirement age (27%-66%) cheerful, 20 year reunion of the plant’s closing at the Kom- John Kivela cruised to re-elec- and raising the Medicare eligibility age (18%-76). on-Inn Oct. 10. Members of Directly Affiliated Local 18650, tion after publicly leading calls Where it counted, workers and their unions led intense, grass- AFL-CIO in attendance included Treasurer Ron Francisco, for accountability for Aramark roots organizing on the ground. These efforts resulted in union George Gerogeorge, and VP Tim Kusnierek, who had a after that company was repeat- members supporting working family governor candidates by commemorative hat and tee shirt in mint condition. The edly cited for unsanitary and 64%-32% and U.S. Senate candidates by 61%-35%. mural of the plant by Arthur Fleming is one of many industrial sites he painted on the bar’s walls in the 1950s. PLEASE MENTION THIS LABOR WORLD AD
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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014 PAGE 7 Ballot measures a silver lining in election Winners & Losers for By Mike Hall, AFL-CIO Blog Proposal 3, an education fund- and passed Prop. 47, dealing In an election night that was ing initiative. In Missouri, with mass incarceration and NW WI Labor-endorsed rather bleak for working fami- Amendment 3, which would unfair sentencing for nonvio- A name with a line through it indicates that lies, one bright spot was the have weakened due process for lent crimes. person lost. Of 10 Labor-endorsed candidates, 6 success of several state ballot teachers and take local control • Important tax and budget of them won. Milroy and Wick were unopposed. initiatives dealing with core of schools away from parents, ballot initiatives won approval worker issues, including teachers and schools lost. in Alaska, Illinois and North Governor Mary Burke wages, equal pay, education • In Anchorage voters Dakota. and paid sick leave: defeated AO-37, which would • Transportation funding Lt. Gov. John Lehman • Voters approved increases have introduced “right to measures were approved in Att. Gen. Susan Happ to minimum wages in Alaska, work” for less measures in the Maryland, Rhode Island and Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska city and prevented collective Wisconsin. Clayton County, Sec. of State Doug LaFollette and South Dakota, as well as bargaining for city employees. Ga., voters approved a contract Oakland and San Francisco. • California voters also with public transportation Treasurer Dave Sartori • Voters in Oregon ap- struck a blow to unfair laws provider MARTA. U.S. House Dist. 7 Kelly Westlund proved the Equal Pay Measure. In Massachusetts a measure Winners & Losers for State Sen. District 25 Janet Bewley calling for up to 40 hours a year of paid sick leave was State Assembly Dist. 73 Nick Milroy approved. Paid sick leave won NE MN Labor-endorsed in Oakland, Cal., Montclair A name with a line through it indicates that Douglas Co. Sheriff Tom Dalbec and Trenton, N.J., also won. person lost. Of the 38 Labor-endorsed candidates, Douglas Co. Clerk Michelle Wick • Measures to strengthen 30 of them were winners, that’s 79% winners! voting right were approved in U.S. SENATE Mark Thell Missouri, Montana and Illinois. • New York voters passed Al Franken Itasca District 3 U.S. HOUSE Leo Trunt Rick Nolan MN-8 Koochiching District 4 Governor Rob Ecklund Mark Dayton St. Louis District 1 Secretary of State Frank Jewell Steve Simon St. Louis District 4 Auditor Tom Rukavina Rebecca Otto MAYORS HOUSE of REPS Cloquet HOUSE of REPS Dave Hallback District 3A Hibbing Rep. David Dill Rick Cannata “A trial can be an extremely District 3B Rep. Mary Murphy CITY COUNCILS emotional time for a client. Cloquet District 5A Jeff Rock They are worried, nervous, Rep. John Persell anxious and upset. I've had clients International Falls District 5B Joe Schwartz cry, yell, scream - one even directly insulted the judge. Rep. Tom Anzelc Cynthia Jaksa In such situations my role, as their attorney, is to work to get the judge District 6A Rep. Carly Melin Virginia and jury to understand what happened to my client. What kinds of medical Steven B. Johnson District 6B problems have they endured. What are the losses they have suffered. Dennis Jorgensen Rep. Jason Metsa Nevada Littlewolf When I am successful, not only do we have a District 7A Mary McReynolds- good outcome, but I know the judge and jury Jennifer Schultz Pellinen have gained an insight into why my client was District 7B SCHOOL BOARDS so emotional in the first place.” Rep. Erik Simonson Cloquet District 10A Dave Battaglia Rep. John Ward Dan Danielson District 10B International Falls Rep. Joe Radinovich Tom Holt, and District 11A Write-in Candidates Rep. Mike Sundin Toni Korpi Heather McBride COUNTY SHERIFF Koochiching St. Louis Co. Schools Brian Jespersen Nathan Briggs Virginia COUNTY BOARDS Greg Manninen Carlton District 4 PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014