Vol. 69, No. 11 Friday, November 27, 2009

The death of Midwest Media cameras (far right) caught the crowd waiting Nov. 2 as the last legacy flight landed at Mitchell Field. Fired colleagues, By Dominique Paul Noth helped send all that "best care" among the hundreds left aground by Midwest Airlines and its new Editor, Labor Press to pasture. owner, Republic Airways -- milled around to embrace, take each n the night of November While most of these crews other’s photos, or clown for the press, as did the three above: 2, Mitchell Field saluted were veterans tested many times From left, Allen Ohm, JoAnn Holling and Greg Ueselman, who Othe final flight of in flight, all had universal praise was long the pilots’ delegate to the Milwaukee labor council. Milwaukee's real hometown air- for the choice of Dan Norden to pilot the last legacy flight, for flight attendants. line with arcs of water sprayed reasons Guess which Kelly's unpublicized pres- from fire trucks, an honor usual- abun- ence was a happenstance. He ly reserved for the retirement of Last to Lead dantly CEO dropped by? was a captain. Meet everyone’s ot a single senior execu- Capt. Bryan Jandorf of the bar- clear on attend- This was the last Boeing 717 choice for final tive of Midwest or Major Changes gaining team escorted the Flight Page 5. ing a flown by the last legacy crew flight. Page 5 Republic Airways in US Aviation 210 crew into Concourse D. But N market- from Midwest Airlines, before all showed up to greet legacy Flight Brighter future while ing were mothballed ahead of their nearby inn, crammed with 200 210 or for workers. the meeting time. axed salute and Page 10 praise and the party was going in Select dozens at the arrival veterans Dubious Record thank the gate and hundreds more gathered and their of Excuses, on, most of the print and elec- flight tronic media were engaged else- Milwaukee about Southwest's inside Mitchell Field Concourse families crews Job Promises where in secondhand nostalgia newly started service from D paid tribute in a moment of who Nov. 2 for Commentary and misplaced romanticism, par- Mitchell, but his home airport profound sadness. But the fare- could so many Page 9. roting the self-serving explana- isn't yet included, so he had to well salute turned surprisingly more years of tions of the business community rely on another airline to fly into affirmation deeper than openly special that the Midwest service model Gary Kelly home - and that flight was cheers, hugs and hoopla -- a cel- greet service. was doomed and belonged in the delayed three hours. Ironically it ebration of the resilience and and embrace each other and But curiously enough, the Stone Age. was on Republic Midwest. So camaraderie that made Midwest share drinks and memories of 15, CEO and president of the newest Come down to earth for a Kelly was stuck at the airport service special. 20 even 25 years of service. competitor at Mitchell Field, hard reality landing. Nov. 2 when the final legacy flight The real spirit of these flight Some had not seen each Gary Kelly of Southwest made clear it was not the van- arrived and he was drawn to the crews shown through as they other in years - a reminder that Airlines, was there and met sev- ished leather seats, lobster din- excitement and to the arriving refused to submit to what would about 800 had been let go over eral of the Midwest pilots and ners and even the remaining in- Kelly continued Page 6 be natural bitterness over corpo- the last two years by the airline rations robbing them of their before and after it became a flight chocolate chip cookies that careers and often their homes. wholly owned subsidiary last led the airline to dominate the Instead, they filled this final June of Republic Airways (con- nation's top service awards and departure with the humor, confi- tinuing to use the Midwest brand first place in the hearts of cus- dence and optimism shown pas- and reputation to lure clients). tomers for so many years. sengers over the years through But all partygoers immedi- It was the flight crews of both routine moments and crises ately picked up on the friend- Midwest who delivered on the in the air. ships, the anecdotes and the care and fought to keep the ore than a hundred col- warm feelings that have always promise of quality even when leagues were waiting distinguished the "best care in management abandoned it. Mwhen Flight 210 the air," a motto that with no In the process the Midwest arrived from Boston, even sense of history or validity is crews rank high as examples of though most had already been being maintained as a slogan by safety and confidence in the furloughed by the newly cobbled the corporate manipulators who skies, Republic-Midwest hybrid. The while Be Afraid pilots and flight attendants in the the loss D.C. testimony terminal were joined by a hun- of avia- should worry dred airport and security work- tion air travelers roots Page 8 Proud relatives carried signs to the airport to welcome a flight atten- ers, crews from other airlines and dant on the last legacy flight, at right: Karen Clement Marchner. offering appreciation, clapping passengers from other flights, solidity families and friends bearing has become the subject of con- signs and by some surprisingly gressional inquiries into regional notable travelers who stumbled airlines' safety and operations. upon the 10 p.m. celebration. Meanwhile, recognizing the neg- Story above left. ative public relations from its The impromptu party was behavior, Republic engaged in an followed by a real party at a Legacy continued Page 6 Page 2 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Moves to help jobless he media has devoted its airtime and news unemployed families as well as increasing spending space to how long health reform is taking, the in the economy. She points out the legislation will Tactual number of jobs saved or created under provide families in all states with 14 weeks of addi- the recovery bills and the fight over cap-and-trade tional benefits, and then six more weeks to the 27 advances. But quietly Nov. 5, Congress in an aston- states with the highest unemployment rates - where ishing bipartisan agreement confirmed that aspects it is most difficult to find employment. Wisconsin is of the government stimulus efforts are clearly work- among those high unemployment states. ing well and acted to continue the programs helping umbers from Moore's office indicate that an America recover. estimated 24,140 workers in Wisconsin have After a month of public carping by the GOP, the Nor will run out of unemployment benefits by Republicans ended that needless political boondog- year's end and are eligible for this expansion. In the gle by voting in favor 98-0 -- and the House imme- state, 24,685 have applied for the homebuyer's cred- diately followed with a 403-12 vote (yes, only 12 it. Republicans disagreed) -- to expand a popular tax The Congressional Budget Office has cited credit for homebuyers and extend unemployment unemployment benefits as one of the most cost- checks for nearly 2 million workers about to exhaust effective forms of economic stimulus, since every or face termination of such help in a stingy market. dollar spent on unemployment benefits generates The package also contained an estimated $20 $1.63 in new demand, according to Moody's chief Veterans’ Corner billion in tax credits for struggling businesses and a economist Mark Zandi. way for the government to recoup federal costs Similarly effective in helping the economy and oving quickly to make the federal government the model through how private business expenses are allocated. paying future dividends is the homebuyer's credit. It employer of America's military veterans, President Obama Businesses that incurred losses in 2008 and 2009 has already sparked the housing marker, with some Missued an executive order in November creating the inter- now have guidelines to seek refunds for taxes paid 1.4 million applicants for the credit through August. agency Council on Veterans Employment to advise the president and on profits over the past five years. All these mea- The new legislation would extend the $8,000 first- the federal Office of Personnel Management OPM) sures became law with President Obama's prompt time homebuyer tax credit program through June (if The order also establishes a Veterans Employment Program office signing the next day. the buyer signs a contract by the end of April of within most federal agencies responsible for helping veterans identify While this is in effect the fourth stimulus pack- 2010). It also offers a $6,500 tax credit to those who employment opportunities, providing feedback to veterans about their age Congress has passed since June of 2008, new have lived in their current residence at least five employment application status, and helping veterans recently pay-go rules and the Democratic majority insisted years and it doubles the income ceiling for eligible employed by these agencies adjust to civilian life and a workplace cul- on only a temporary $43 billion increase in the individuals to $125,000. (Homes must cost less than ture often different than military service. national debt since the help will be paid off within a $800,000 to qualify.) To give the enterprise teeth as well as clout, Obama ordered a top few years and is designed to immediately stimulate The statistics reaching back through the last 14 team to head the council. Chairs will be Secretary of Labor Hilda the economy. months of the Bush presidency and extending into Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director For instance, the $2.4 billion increase in unem- the first (only!) 10 months of the Obama administra- John Berry will serve as the vice chair and COO. ployment benefits is offset by extending through tion reveal that the nation has lost 8 million jobs in This council "underscores the administration's commitment to our June 2011 the federal unemployment tax that that period, noted a chief sponsor of this legislation, military men and women, and keeps us squarely on the path to achiev- employers pay for each employee, and the extended Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.). So even though the ing the goal of good jobs for everyone," said Solis. Veterans deserve benefits focus on basic living expenses to quickly recession is winding down, he said, "we know it will particular support as "they reintegrate into the civilian workforce," she mean money poured into the American economy. take considerable time to restore those lost jobs." said. Milwaukee's representative to the US Congress, The House is signaling even more aggressive "Veterans have shown unmatched dedication to public service," Gwen Moore, has been a champion of this action - since more than one-third of the 15 million said Shinseki. "They offer leadership and technical skills that are in Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension unemployed have been looking for work for at least high demand, whether in the public or private workforce. Not only Act as a way to speed immediate assistance to six months, which is a record. does this initiative present an opportunity for veterans to serve their nation once again, the nation will benefit from the education and train- ing veterans received in the Armed Forces." The president's move will be of crucial help to federal hiring at a time when the Union Veterans Council reports that unemployment among veterans now exceeds 25%, much of the problem in the private sector. The Veterans Council is calling on Congress to quickly enforce the laws allowing veterans to claim their former jobs when they return from active duty. Council chairman Mark Ayers said he is "dumb- When Accidents or Injuries Happen struck" that Congress is considering cutting funding for the Helmets to Hardhats program - which places veterans in good construction jobs. to Someone You Love Our Family of Lawyers Will Protect Your Family.

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BVK JOB NO.: ks 1092 AR NAME/LOCATION: Megan-Milwaukee SHIPPED: DISK TO AR www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 — Page 3

As community groups swirled around the City Hall rotunda in opposition to the mayoral takeover of public schools (right and below), MPS Board Chairman Michael Bonds listened (at left) as Amy Stear laid it on the nose why Tom Barrett has already con- vinced city voters he is likely to ignore their wishes. When flu, schools intersect, mayor loses he most powerful proof well because of flu, and these Stear said, having learned first- against Tom Barrett's are people with paid sick days. hand about mayoral lip service Tconcept of mayoral take- In contrast, Stear reminded of a principle. over of the Milwaukee Public the rally, "In the food service Rather than have Schools is swine flu. industry over 85% of all work- Milwaukee serve as a beacon of That was the message from ers do not have a single paid how workers should be treated 9to5's Wisconsin director Amy sick day. Many feel they have and companies should behave Stear, one of many speakers and to work even when they have toward their workers, something groups at an early November flu symptoms, endangering their that might actually improve rally in the City Hall rotunda own health and risking the employment in the city, Barrett urging the city to keep an elect- spread of illness to consumers." clearly feared the city would ed school board in charge of tax The ordinance is far from become an island alone among decisions, governance and the dead. 9to5 Milwaukee continues its phlegm-rich suburban neigh- choice of a new Milwaukee to work on winning against the bors, that doing the right thing Superintendent of Schools, all anticipated the danger of public days, showing that Milwaukee MMAC through a court appeal, was not as important as doing things Barrett says he will do illness without some protection voters were a year ahead of the statewide through legislation in the MMAC thing. better if he holds the reins alone. from being fired or getting sick. curve, as Stear noted. the next session, and nationally Why, she asked the rallygo- Cough together in disbelief. The record was clear on the fre- In fact, in the construction through the Healthy Families ers, should voters expect any Because swine flu is the evi- quency in which parents of sick field, which is largely union, Act. different buckling to the MMAC dence against him. children could not get time to contractors have told workers But 9to5 also has special on school issues than the mayor "When it comes to issues help their kids or were afraid to that even if they run out of sick memories to support the MPS did on swine flu? -- D.P.N. of public health, education, tran- stop working themselves when days they can take time to get against a mayoral takeover, sit, jobs, and green space, sick. Workers could be fired if Milwaukeeans know best and they forced the issue, or patrons want to safeguard our city," said would get ill from their pres- $ Disposable Contact Stear, pointing out that exactly a ence. $ Lens Package Despite the overwhelming includes 99 year before this rally, the mayor dilation Price includes: size of the vote, and despite FREE 37 1. Comprehensive Eye Exam didn't listen to 70% of the voters 2. Three-Month Supply (6 pr.) of Select Soft, Barrett's professed belief in the Spherical Disposable Contacts in the same election that chose Comprehensive 3. Instruction Class Barack Obama as president. basic principle, or so he said, he Lenses 4. Starter Kit of Solutions FREE single vision standard lenses 5. Follow-up Care with the Doctors The voters chose to support refused to support the required Eye Exam ordinance or make the city attor- with the purchase of any frame with Performed By A Licensed $ a minimum of mandatory paid a minimum retail value of $129. Doctor of Optometry. ney defend it through the court or sick days for all private compa- Call Today to Schedule Your Appointment. 35 Off appeal system when the Discount can be applied to the Complete Contact Lens Package ny employees working in the upgrade of multi-focal lenses. Metropolitan Milwaukee Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Exam, Fitting & Lenses city. It should have been clear Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Some Restrictions May Apply. Excludes Contact Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/09. Lens Examination. Offer Expires 12/31/09. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/09. then but it is certainly clear Association of Commerce went today that the size of the support to court. was not because, as business So without the ordinance in groups claimed, voters mistook place as the public wanted, paid sick days as some kind of along came swine flu, which hit free health largesse. It was Milwaukee particularly hard and because they had experience and vindicated the case for paid sick DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR

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WEST ALLIS...... 1401 S. 108th St. 414-476-0200 www.wisconsinvision.com Page 4 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Attack on a national scandal: wage theft also at the forefront in wage Th o u Sh a l t No t St e a l Frontera, which intends to direct- because of changes in the federal 750 investigators, a twentieth of his provocative warning ly confront corporations engaged administration, particularly the what existed in World War II. enforcement, which includes to businesses underlies in the practice. new commitment by the Obama Now consider the wage theft direct action by workers and the overwhelming prob- For Voces activities here in Department of Labor. under the Davis-Bacon Act. their trusted advocates to recover T stolen wages. It also includes lem of wage theft. It is being December, visit www.vdlf.org or Wage theft is a term cover- Workers being paid by a contrac- used by Interfaith Worker Justice call (414) 643-1620. ing a variety of infractions that tor or subcontractor of a federal lawsuits and sometimes class (IWJ) to launch a nationwide All this "push back" against occur when workers do not contract are entitled to receive action suits against large employ- campaign of social conscious- wage theft can now include receive their legally or contractu- the prevailing wage in the city or ers. ness and legal action. effective enforcement agencies ally promised wages. region where the work is done. During the last federal The effort formally started that work cooperatively with t occurs across the boards for But many contractors could sim- administration, the DOL concen- November 19 with a National community partners to educate citizens of the US as well as ply ignore this law, knowing that trated more on policing labor Day of Action. Events around the workers and employers, investi- Ifor the vulnerable undocu- with such light enforcement unions than enforcing wage and country included a campaign by gate industries and punish those mented workers. Common forms there was little change of being hour or health and safety laws. Madison's Worker Right Center. who steal wages, especially those of wage theft are nonpayment of caught. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis now Now a series of actions are who do so willfully and repeat- overtime, not giving workers Wage theft also frequently has secured the hiring of hun- underway by Milwaukee reli- edly. their last paycheck after a worker involves violations of tax laws, dreds of new investigators and gious groups, unions and the IWJ can work on legislative leaves a job, not paying for all through such devices as misclas- declared that wage theft enforce- worker rights center Voces de la bills to stop and deter wage theft the hours worked, not paying sification of employees as inde- ment is a top priority. minimum wage, and even not pendent contractors. When a ut better legislation is paying a worker at all. worker is called an independent still needed to mandate Most commonly, wage theft contractor, the employer does not Bthat employers give Bowling is a violation of the Fair Labor pay its share of federal taxes and workers pay stubs, so that they can accurately calculate their JOHN PADRON 481 Standards Act (FLSA), which avoids the taxes that honest com- MALC MIXED provides for a federal minimum panies pay. hours and earnings and have a SENIOR BOWLING IND. HIGH GAME OVER 180 wage and allows states to set ll this makes wage theft record if they need to prove they LEAGUE DAN LAACK 217 their own (higher) minimum endemic. It affects mil- were cheated. Advocates also DEL GROSS 212 wage. But for decades a lack of lions and costs them bil- want to fix the statute of limita- OCTOBER 2009 RESULTS DON WIEDMANN 211 A tions on wage claims. The IWJ is TEAM WINS LOSSES investigation, not to mention lions of dollars. No group is DAN KNIPPEL 209 also pushing legislative action to 8 BALLS 29 20 GEO. BARAK 192 enforcement, has given workers immune, including workers earn- SLAMMERS 29 20 BOB WAGNER 181 little chance of redress. ing good wages. It is more likely protect workers from retaliation. PIN PALS 27 22 In 1941, the DOL's labor to occur in non-union workplac- Unions and other groups are 1 BOARD OVER 25 24 IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 450 wages and hours division boast- es -- union workers generally pushing hard for the Wage Theft GUTTER RATS 22 27 RAE MATOWSKI 486 ed 1,700 investigators, a number receive pay according to their Prevention Act (HR3303), intro- CRAZY 8'S 15 34 PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 467 duced by Rep. George Miller JOYCE KNIPPEL 464 that at least covered one in 10 negotiated contract, and any theft businesses of the era. Those would be challenged by the (D-CA) in July 2009. It amends IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 475 IND. HIGH GAME OVER 165 experts examined payroll records union. the Fair Labor Standards Act so DON WIEDMANN 581 PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 175 and talked to workers. By 2008, Immigrant and native born that the DOL can offer stronger DAN LAACK 566 RAE MATOWSKI 169 protections for workers. DAN KNIPPEL 549 though 15.5 million workers workers alike have their wages JOYCE KNIPPEL 168 The commandment against DEL GROSS 526 were covered by FLSA rules, the stolen, though low wage workers GENE HERRICK 508 Bush DOL had dropped to under are particularly vulnerable. thievery is hardly the only histor- Agriculture, poultry processing, ical injunction to get this done. janitorial services, restaurant The IWJ also is using a famous work, garment manufacturing, quote from Abraham Lincoln to long term care, home health care push its campaign: and retail are industries with sig- There has never been but nificant cases of wage theft. one question in all civilization IWJ's Workers Center -- how to keep a few men from Network now includes 200 cen- saying to many men: You work ters reporting wage theft in the and earn bread and we will eat Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, it. South, and West Coast. Small For updates on the Interfaith grassroots organizations and campaign, visit www.iwj.org. committed religious groups are

Milwaukee area labor council, aFl-cio

Published Monthly by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO www.milwaukeelabor.org

secretary-Treasurer ...... Sheila D. Cochran President ...... Willie D. Ellis Vice-President ...... Annie Wacker Administrative Assistant...... Robin Lundgren editor, Communications Director ...... Dominique Paul Noth editorial Assistant, Advertising & Circulation. . Lynnda Guyton EXECUTIVE BOARD - Richard Abelson, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees District Council 48, Lyle Balistreri, Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council; Stephanie Bloomingdale, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals; William F. Christianson, International Association of Machinists Lodge 1845; Ike Edwards, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1473; Nacarci Feaster, Laborers Local 113; James K. Fields, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 33; Sam Gallo, Workers United Local 122; Larry L. Nunley, IAMAW, Lodge 1916; Anthony Rainey, UAW Local 469 (CBTU representative); Scott J. Redman, Plumbers and Gas Fitters Local 75; Joy Roberts, Communications Workers America Local 4603; Kenneth Roberts III, Graphics Communications Council/International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 577M; Andy Voelzke, United Steel Workers (USW) Local 2-209; DiAnn Wagner, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2150 (APRI Representative); Patrick R. Weyer, Brewery Workers 9, United Auto Workers; Ross M. Winklbauer Sr., United Steel Workers (USW) Local 2-232.

AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press Editorial and Business Office 633 S. Hawley Road, Milwaukee, WI 53214 Telephone (414) 771-7070 FAX (414) 771-0509 E-mail: [email protected]

THE MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS (USPS 350-360) is published once a month by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53214, and is also available by subscription for $12 a year. Periodical postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Suite 110, Milwaukee, WI 53214. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement which is deemed objectionable. Publication of advertisements is not to be construed as a personal endorsement nor are all ads necessarily from unionized companies or services of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council or any of its affiliates. COPY DEADLINE: Usually by noon 3rd Monday of each month except December (2nd Monday). www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 — Page 5 Legacy captain flies home to bankruptcy know well the temptation to let By Dominique Paul Noth younger pilots might not know the little things go. Midwest Editor, Labor Press when to be firm, or think they'll crews were known for beings sense of impending loss lose their jobs if they're labeled bears about everything feeling spurred remaining veter- troublemakers," he said. right and even smelling right. ans at Midwest to rush He'll miss the B-717s, A Norden recalls one time in though agrees it would be a slam to fill the last B-717 flights -- April when both he and the flight yet there was broad endorsement dunk to learn to fly the smaller attendants thought something among peers of the choice to Embraer jets Republic leased to "smelled funny and it was the captain final Flight 210: Dan its own future subidiary. That plane," so despite pressure from Norden, the always cheerful and was the financial deal that made the dispatcher, the ramp crew measured 24 year survivor of Midwest throw in the towel and and down the line, who thought 23,000 hours flying for Midwest cede control. the problem was outside, they Airlines. But Norden has also don refused to take off. Sure enough, "Everything that could hap- the math. "Did anyone notice the plane filled with smoke, they pen to a Midwest pilot -- includ- that Midwest paid more per opened windows to clear it and ing having an engine fall off plane in the lease deal with returned to the gate. your plane on takeoff - - has hap- Republic than it cost to fly the "That's so much of being a pened to him," noted his col- B-717s, and we seated more pas- good crew, knowing when to leagues. sengers? It's all about numbers speak up and stand up -- and and how you sell them, isn't it?" Among those making such Among the crew buddies greeting Norden when he brought the recollections was Cat Reed, who last B-717 legacy flight home from Boston Nov. 2 was Toni represented all the flight atten- Higgins, president of the flight attendants AFA unit at Midwest. Just who are the abandoned? dants at last September's he sizable number of lost jobs recently at Midwest Airlines and Laborfest. plane and returned for an emer- seemed buoyed with hope and Tfive other companies spurred Milwaukee's HIRE Center for Cat has a daughter in high gency landing - during which the good memories, only casually dislocated workers to urge the state to provide $560,000 in special school, lives in the heart of the sparks flew, the brakes failed, the pointing out how little funding. In support of that urgent demand, HIRE did an in-depth city and will be finishing up plane did a 180 and he went off Milwaukee media has document- study of the characteristics of the hundreds of workers recently dis- union business at Midwest while the runway into a ditch without ed the impact on hundreds of carded by Midwest. The demographic profile is startling. exploring a new career. "We real- losing calm or total control. families, of veterans who have Only 1% lacked a high school diploma. About 24% had earned ly are one big caring family So everyone walked away had to abandon careers they either bachelor or master degrees and 25% more had advanced spe- being torn apart," she told me, unharmed -- and today Norden loved and excelled at in aviation. cial training. The skills reflected all that would be needed to oper- and her warm feelings for can chuckle. "Was that his scari- n many cases they like ate "a fully integrated airline service" since those hunting new jobs Norden were echoed at the party. est moment?" Norden are being forced included flight attendants, pilots, customer service, reservations ser- Said a fellow pilot: "Whatever "Not sure," he said, recalling Ifrom the homes and commu- vices and ramp agents. Median wage across all these occupations the fates laid on Dan, he always a time out of Dallas before 9/11 nities where they raised families was $20 an hour; given $10 at the low end and $150 an hour for a brought the flights home with when an explosion in the air left and brought that quiet strength to few top-trained experts at the high end. calm and even laughter." him and the crew with an ago- the community. While pilots and first officers were predominantly male and If you ask Norden to nizing "five minutes of what the I had caught up with Norden 89% over age 45, representing what should be peak earning years respond to all this praise, he was hell was that." Yet he brought before he had to fly off on a job in the profession, the flight attendants were 83% female, 17% typical of these crews, brief on that plane down without injuries hunt, after weeks of phone calls minorities, 55% over age 45, a startling 39% the only wage earners anecdotal details, reluctant to as well. and farewells from colleagues. "I in the household, along with 49% with dependent children -- and dwell on bravery past or eco- Norden may demonstrate the just had dinner with two flight 52% had more than 10 years of seniority when they were let go, nomic suffering present. sort of calm steady nerves that attendants I've long worked with, confirming the race to the bottom at the airlines. Only two weeks later in a every passenger wants behind and it was nice to hear that one There was a strong preference to retrain within health care phone interview did he open up. the wheel -- unless you manage reason they'll miss me is I knew (42%) and professional/business services sectors (26%), but e felt honored to captain Midwest, which showed no how to work the system," he among the pilots a strong demand for type rating training to broad- the last legacy flight but reluctance to let these crews go. laughed. en the range of aircraft they can fly. Hnot sure what was wait- Like so many others we spoke to But he explained. Without ing for him and his family. Their at and after the reunion, he practice and experience, they Muskego area home has gone into foreclosure and they've entered bankruptcy. Norden was at the helm in January 1993 when the engine of his Midwest plane exploded and crumpled 100 feet off the Drive safely. But if you are ground after takeoff from Denver. The incident was caught in an accident, put years of by an aghast controller on video as Norden and the crew climbed 800 feet into the air, righted the legal experience on your side.

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Page 6 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org A few hope to remain pilots loses a remarkable number of Legacy but unless they luck onto the still FAs every year -- apparently in From Page 1 evolving seniority lists, they will the hundreds. exercise in hole filling Nov. 10. have to move elsewhere and In contrast, Betsy Olsen It announced it would add 800 probably into private aviation to worked in the air for nearly 25 jobs to the Milwaukee market in do so. years at Midwest and that's why the next year, a promise that in he bad vibes in she fought for a spot as flight its excess raised more questions Milwaukee have pro- attendant on one of the final than answers. To clear up the Tpelled Republic manage- B-717 trips. She and her husband numbers game, see Page 9. ment to want to add a few intend to stay in Milwaukee "No question what Midwest pilots to the Embraer where they raised seven children. Milwaukee is losing," said one jet service or even the Airbus They have traded the job duties partygoer looking around Nov. 2. planes they intend to move over back and forth over the decades abor Press found dumped from bankrupt Frontier Airlines. depending on which one had bet- veteran pilots and flight Some Republic employees say ter health care. Lattendants scattered from CEO Bryan Bedford has actually "My family will survive," Fond du Lac to Oak Creek, from ordered them to "bring in a few said Olsen, described as the most Glendale to Appleton. Captain tokens." senior member of the union unit. Norden, profiled on Page 5, But not many and not flight "We've always been frugal. We'll knows of six other families in his attendants, or FAs as they are find a way to stick," she told me Muskego area who have lost Betsy Olsen, the most senior of the flight attendants, shared a known in the trade. Republic at the party. careers and secure income. hug at the party with Cat Reed, the union’s vice president. FAs, members of the Teamsters "But my concern is still with a weaker contract than its with the passengers. I'm truly About 270 recent or departing reluctantly. The flight attendants Pilots we spoke to are being Midwest counterparts agreed to, worried about them." employees can be found seeking are moving to everything from trained in air-conditioning repair, say management is far more dis- "Maybe there are jobs new work or even new commu- making pottery to teaching to as bank tellers, in real estate couraging, even telling Republic where experience, skill and nities in online job search cen- sales. sales, or applying as police offi- FAs that this is "not a real devotion to safety are overrated," ters. any just don't know cers, both public and private. career" and they shouldn't expect she continued. Yet most we talked to Nov. what lies ahead but Greg Ueselman, once the pilots' those jobs "to last more than two "But not in aviation. The 2 preferred to focus on the good have confidence in M delegate to the Milwaukee labor years." Perhaps because of the loss of these crews is going to times and their hopes for the themselves and supportive fami- council, was furloughed a few future, continuing the pattern and attitude recounted, Republic have consequences." lies. years ago and has been working experience of facing disaster Karen Clement Marchner, for SEIU in Madison. with remarkable cheer. "I'm not who served the last B-717 flight "We no longer exist," said Kelly of Southwest sure where my family will end from Boston, started at Midwest one pilot, but then he brightened From Page 1 up," one pilot told me at the at a ticket counter in Appleton in up. "But at least we'll always gate. party. "But at least we'll be if this legacy moment will have 1984 and then advanced to flight know we did." As related by a Southwest happy!" any impact on how Southwest attendant. Proud parents, rela- Others echoed a refrain that manager traveling with him, "Well, one good thing," a sells itself here. With flights tives and husband crowded has been picked up in those Kelly was amazed at the scene flight attendant told me. "Now that started in November, it has around her at the airport -- see Internet social communities: - first by how many veteran I'll have time to schedule my already made inroads as a no- photo on Page 1 -- but she will "The airplanes will still say B-717s crews were now out of home life." frills airline that emphasizes have to go to college to establish Midwest on the side but it's what work (his airline also flies Most are leaving aviation friendly people and direct con- a new career. was inside that counted." Boeings, the 737 model exclu- nection. It's also won media sively). It may also not have applause with its "luggage flies escaped notice how many of free" commercials. In union- these Midwest crews trail- strong Milwaukee it openly blazed the East Coast routes reminds customers that it is not out of Mitchell that Southwest only the nation's most profit- intends to add. able but also its most unionized Kelly told traveling com- air carrier. panions he had never seen such The Transport Workers affection and kinship among Union has taken out print and flight crews as he did at this radio advertising to introduce legacy reunion. Maybe part of Southwest Airlines to the that is the geographical prox- Milwaukee market and seek imity - and also the mutual reli- applicants. It represents about ance over the years of these half the company's workforce, Midwest legacy crews. But the about 17,000 employees Southwest executives perceived including flight attendants and in passing exactly what has ramp and provision operators. struck at the hearts of so many The 5,900 pilots are represent- in the Milwaukee community. ed by SWAPA (Southwest It is for others to speculate Airlines Pilots' Association).

“We are Setting New Standards for Funeral Services in our Community” Let us remember in our prayers the families of: Mrs. Viola Jones, Milwaukee County Mrs. Flora Lee Smith, Johnson Control Mr. William Shelton, American Can Mr. John Curry, General Electric Mrs. Cordelia Neale, Milwaukee Public Schools Mrs. Linda Hughes., Ladish Mfg. Mrs. Osie Woodard, University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Mr. John Reed Sr., Milwaukee County www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 — Page 7 Good memories mask feelings of a last call It began with cameras snapping and warm greetings at Mitchell Field among Midwest colleagues returning Nov. 2 for the last legacy flight. The crush forced even a flight attendant on the final leg- acy voyage, Linda Clement Marchner at far left, to leave her cluster of relatives (Page 1) to roam group after group among longtime friends. The party got bigger and more crowded as it moved to the catered party room at the hotel where the AFA had long kept its Milwaukee offices. With appetizers for all and bartenders kept hopping, the large room grew smaller. Even after mid- night it was busier than a sports bar during a Packers game -- with two notable differences: No TV set and a lot more conversation. Eavesdroppers would hear jokes and teasing from yesteryears, but there were also trivial and serious tales dealing with moments of teamwork before, during and after 9/11. Back then, the memories suggest, peers had good reason to assume your compe- tence. Today, the pilots joke about front office rather than cockpit skills. Flight attendants know they will be far more scrutinized for how they dress on the long bus rides from out of state to the airport rather than their manners with passengers during a flight.

Airline management receives past credit along with blame egional air carriers, as our story on Page 8 indicates, can be an avenue of good value to travelers, depending on how com- Rpanies use the rules of these non-national air roads. But as congressional details and comments from veteran flight crews also reveal, this is clearly one of the concerns about the Republic Airways takeover, given the track record and the expert testimony also described in that Page 8 story. Republic has profited from the regional needs while Midwest tried to also play with the big boys over the years with its service model, routes and experienced flight crews,. Republic worked the higher profit, broader low-cost codeshare connection caravans needed by so many bigger airlines, serving as an ever-increasing tight-margin go-between among regional destinations. "One thing I will credit the old Midwest management for," said one "furloughed" pilot who has every reason to avoid pointing this out. "They had a good eye for hiring people, not just in the crews but in finding ramp people, baggage handlers, mechanics, right down the line, people who went beyond the call of duty to take those extra steps that made it all work. It's the one thing you definitely aren't seeing under new management, and you won't see in the way Republic does business." Technically a few Midwest Airlines flight crews have a chance to return to Republic -- IF they agree to be trained on the less complicat- Orthopedic Institute ed Embraer and Airbus planes from the B-717s they mastered, IF they of Wisconsin also agree to existing Teamsters contracts that cut wages by 40% to 70% despite the cuts previously agreed to help Midwest survive, and Thomas J. Perlewitz, MD IF the blending of union seniority lists at Republic -- despite their obvious seniority -- lets them rise from the bottom to maybe a level Orthopedic Surgeon where despite all the ifs they would be hired. Spine Specialist By law the airline must agree to the concept of seniority lists, but Fellowship Trained there is clearly no haste on management's part. Negotiators in fact say Republic has left it up to the unions and really doesn't want many of 2901 Kinnickinnic River Parkway the senior Midwest flight crews back since they're known for fighting Suite 102 hard for better pay and working conditions, as well as respect. Milwaukee, WI 53215 414-384-6700 "Republic doesn't even believe these should be careers," several flight attendants also told me. "They say it's not a job to stick with 2323 N. Mayfair Road longer than two years." -- Dominique Paul Noth Suite 310 Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-771-5080

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Medical Education Fellowship – Orthopedic Medical College of Wisconsin Spine Surgery Milwaukee, WI Harvard Medical School Boston, MA Residency Board Certified Medical College of Wisconsin American Board of Milwaukee, WI Orthopedic Surgery For more information or scheduling, please call 414-384-6700. w w w. T h e O r t h o I n s t i t u t e . c o m Page 8 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Air safety hearings no place for faint of heart espite the optimism the ulations of regional carriers, major carriers it represents were grounded flight crews under the radar of regulatory injured by in-flight air turbu- Dexpress for their person- emphasis on national airlines. lence incidents. al future, you also hear consider- A regional carrier can be an The Midwest unit sure able scorn and plain mystifica- honorable road to better air ser- knows about that. In one case, tion about the short-sightedness vice, but it can also escape close profiled both in the Labor Press of Republic-Midwest manage- legislative notice. It's in the and the New York Times, Toni ment in discarding its most cracks between regulations that Higgins -- now president of the experienced, proven and safety- short cuts and inattentiveness Midwest AFA unit -- was one of conscious workers. occur, when the bottom line is two flight attendants seriously You could dismiss that as more important than the treat- injured in 2003 when a sudden sour grapes. You may well argue ment of the workers, or safety air pocket over Colorado that Republic Airways meant on the ground and in the air, or careened her twice from ceiling positively -- not as a slap in the operational and scheduling to floor. face to Milwaukee's workers -- details. "I remember hitting the ceil- when it trumpeted that it would series of recent disasters ing the first time and the second join the board of the among regional carriers I don't remember because I was Metropolitan Milwaukee Ahas brought warning tes- On Nov. 2 at Mitchell Field, several radio and TV crews asked unconscious," she recalled. The Association of Commerce timony to Congress in hearings flight crews about losing their jobs, but media has not much cov- injuries kept her out of work for despite the MMAC opposition to about just such issues. ered the devastating hearings about regional carriers and safety. a year. Her colleague on that flight never did return to flying. helping low-income workers Colgan Air, a regional code- investigative reports on how by Republic and likely to be Yet these flight attendants, (see Page 3) or including parents share carrier providing flight crews had established added into the Midwest mix, as Higgins frequently pointed and voters in education reform. Continental Connections Flight crash pads near airports to catch don't make the annals of aviation out in her union role before You might also think the Air 3407, was on the congressional some secret shut-eye between status the way the Midwest lega- media cameras, " have been the Line Pilots Association and the hotseat last May for that fatal flights or grabbed a nap in air- cy crews do, though those air- main public face of the airline" Association of Flight Attendants crash in February that killed all port lounges. because they were line operations have been around as well as the most prominent -- the ALPA and AFA unions that 50 aboard near Buffalo, N.Y., not domiciled in the communi- a long time. embodiments of its best care. continue to fight for every bene- and clearly blamed on pilot inat- ties they regularly flew from. Regular fliers who put their Passengers have always cited fit due their Midwest members tentiveness. Colgan's vice-presi- AA Administrator J. loyalty in Midwest legacy crews' that Midwestern warmth at -- are overstating the conse- dent for operations admitted that Randolph Babbitt -- a for- vast experience were apparently Midwest, married with the disci- quence of airline industry behav- the pilot lived in Florida and that mer president of ALPA -- on the right track, judging by F plined control and calm that ior. the co-pilot not only lived in the testified about long-term con- aviation historians. commanded obedience under all But that means you must Seattle area, there was no record cerns, and steps for improve- It's notable that two circumstances. also ignore the annals of recent of a hotel stay, she had com- ments. He focused heavily on Midwest flights over Manhattan (Republic can also worry aviation history and the frighten- plained about not feeling well crew fatigue "because piloting is on 9/11 were singled out for that the pressure to scale up will ing testimony from the Federal and she worked a second job at a a highly mobile profession (and) experienced pilots who kept happen from many quarters. Aviation Administration and coffee shop in Virginia because one of the persistent challenges their cool and control amid Frontier flight attendants have safety experts at congressional her pay from the airline was a is that pilots are often domiciled chaos. Midwest crews were a already petitioned to switch to hearings. mere $16,200 a year. Testimony in places that are hundred of big part of that day's remarkable the AFA in an effort to get All serve as goading also revealed that the pilot had miles from the airlines' bases of safety record across the nation decent wages.) reminders that some of the very never received hands-on training operations." when all commercial planes espite the realities of things lost in the Midwest trans- in a key instrument control. It is the responsibility of returned safely to the ground congressional testimony fer to Republic set the standards National Transportation pilots, flights attendants and dis- within minutes on orders from and the stalled negotia- for quality in the airline industry Safety Board member Kathryn patchers to be fit for duty, the the FAA -- and there are also D tions, the media has allowed -- and that losing such mutual Higgins said during testimony testimony detailed, but the detailed FAA records over the both Midwest and Republic to safeguards should deeply worry that the low pay, fatigue and experts also insisted airlines years of mechanical problems claim with a straight face that far the public. long commutes were "a recipe should operate in a supportive and air turbulence that Midwest less experienced flight crews, far Both Midwest and Republic for an accident." accountable manner and noted crews quietly overcame. (ALPA less pressure to retain good emerged from the world and reg- Legislators also learned of that experience was a key factor represents nearly 54,000 pilots at workers, less demanding con- in reducing ever-present human 36 airlines in North America.) tracts and hiring procedures, risk. light attendants have been tighter cost and scheduling stric- Yet regional air carriers for part of this safety concern tures will have absolutely no cost encourage mobility and dis- and fight for their own F impact on quality or service. tant domiciles, an emerging protection as well as that of pas- Labor Press asked the lega- issue with Midwest Airlines sengers. Their largest union, cy crews if they felt Republic where once so many crews lived AFA/CWA, representing some management was resisting their near the airport they flew from. 55,000 flight attendants at 20 unions, much as Midwest These days the Republic airlines (including the legacy Airlines had done in its negotia- Airways pilots and flight atten- Midwest that ended in tions, because they were known dants operating under Indiana November), has emerged as a for pushing safety and working based Teamsters contracts are leading voice not just for air conditions as well as respectful often bussed in or pooled from careers, better pay and working decent pay. "If that's their rea- afar to fly from Mitchell Field. conditions but also improved son," said one negotiator, "well, The far less experienced safety. shame on them." crews at the current Republic- In the first eight months of -- Dominique Paul Noth Midwest, or even from the bank- 2009, the AFA testified recently, rupt Frontier Airlines acquired 143 flight attendants at two

EmployEEs arE rEprEsEntEd By: Workers United LocaL 122 (414) 271-0290 www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 — Page 9 City needs steak, airlines deceive with sizzle By Dominique Paul Noth Editor, Labor Press Comment he consolidation of the aviation business has Few in the aviation business Talways been more about even believe the additional jobs money than service. Which also Republic pledged. It's good to makes image and promotion move any jobs, even low-income more essential in convincing pas- ones, to Milwaukee from places sengers than facts and reality, as like La Cruces, N.M., or Denver Republic's recent promise to add (though management insiders are jobs in Milwaukee confirms. hedging that the 400 jobs mov- For instance, the Midwest ing here might turn into 150). Airlines brand continues under But aviation consultants Republic's cut-quality practices laugh at the idea of $8 an hour and its ads assure Milwaukeeans workers leaving La Cruces with- that it is still the hometown air- out a sizable pay raise, or line with 1,000 jobs in the area. Milwaukee employees willing to But that number has already bend in half from their current dropped by several hundred. $14 an hour (which they may In fact, it is only by calling have to do to keep those jobs). As they said farewell Nov. 2, the flight crews may have been sending Milwaukee a quiet message on the remaining 800 jobs Republic's job moves are their cell phones and cameras -- don’t believe what the airlines keeps promising about job security. “Republic Airways jobs” that mechanical (slightly better pay) downturns. Midwest brand on Republic because fees have expanded for Republic can now claim it’s and clerical positions tied to Yes, there has been a fever planes. everything from ticket booking bringing 1,600 jobs here while more tax advantages here and an in the airline industry spurred by The remaining shoe to drop to baggage to airport fees. saying it’s “adding” 800 new effort to stem losses at bankrupt 9/11 to consolidate, to lure pas- will be how long Midwest can The industry now theorizes jobs to Milwaukee in its Nov. 10 Frontier Airlines by folding more sengers back, curtail to fewer maintain such pretense when that the public doesn't care about announcement. operations into and flights out of flights for bigger profit and cut even business journalists have service distinction or quality if The only people who blindly Mitchell. Of course, if Frontier wages (which the Midwest crews started describing it as a "virtual prices go down. Many aviation accepted Republic's magic num- doesn't turn around, those jobs had been among the first to agree airline," an airline "in brand consultants quietly disagree -- bers were MMAC luncheon will turn around - and leave. to) while seeking deeper financ- name only" and even a "shadow they see danger in relying on the guests, elected officials to whom ne former military pilot ing and more efficient planes. airline." The speculation is how financial leverage of consolida- any job promise is a gain and said he understood the One result has been that the long will it be for Midwest to tion and ticky-tacky uniformity. Journal Sentinel reporters. Odesire by politicians to highest skilled crews are treated turn wholly into Republic and Speaking off the record, an Unmentioned: None of these fill the space left vacant at by management as mule skinners sell off the naming rights to its executive at one of the airlines Republic employees in Mitchell with the departure of hauling freight from city to city. downtown convention center, flying out of Mitchell talked Milwaukee are anymore in the the 440th air wing, "but at least In the Midwest Airlines still the most prominent relic of about what will happen five skies. What remains are basically we were here for decades; they're story, it is remarkable as well as the service that once was. years from now when the air disposable clerical workers or trading that for a few months." dumfounding how many dis- (One wag suggested it traveler gets tired of being treat- backroom bean counters. Several The other added jobs are charged represent the top skilled, should be called "The Brett ed "like a sardine." told Labor Press they have no mainly customer-service if educated and accomplished citi- Favre Center" -- "something else "Some bright fellow is assurances about their immediate Republic can reverse the decline zens of the community. that has left but at least still rep- going to realize that competitive future. of ticket sales against new formi- The service model was resents quality.") prices and good service can go dable opposition. This is not never the deciding expense, nor There should be a temporary hand in hand," he said, "and he'll Official notice money to write home to mother were the crew salaries - it was advantage for passengers at re-invent the Midwest service nited Steelworkers Local about yet. always the cost and efficiency of Mitchell in ticket prices. But model and make a killing. Only U2-232 is notifying its mem- As to the promise that it planes and fuels, and manage- prices are expected to drop for it won't be an airline in bers that nominations for the might base more fight crews here ment perks. Midwest swooned only a few months, mitigated as Milwaukee." Executive Board and the Strattec and offer opportunities to fly because of bad financial deals, recent news stories indicate Bargaining Committee will occur Frontier and Republic planes to bad anticipation, refusal to spend at the January 17th (2010) meet- the dumped Midwest crews, on upgrades even when workers ing at 9:30 a.m. that Sunday at Republic in the same breath said and shareholders begged -- and Frank Monreal's El Matador, it was up to the unions to resolve basically a desire to protect exec- 9155 W. Bluemound Rd. the seniority issues. utive pay by abandoning the very Nominations of eligible Even talk radio now regrets elements that set Midwest apart. members cover the president, the loss of the good service of Republic has taken it on without vice-president. financial secre- Midwest, though it likes to the very things - style and people tary treasurer, recording secre- blame the original Midwest man- - that made it work. tary. sergeant at arms, guide, agement for not moving fast Midwest Airlines has Briggs trustee. Strattec trustee enough with the times, not already dropped to 35% from and Strattec Bargaining responding to the Internet, or not half of the traffic at Mitchell Committee (two positions). having enough cash as did Delta/ Field - yet amazingly it seems to If a primary is needed United Airlines or Air Tran. be getting away with pretending because of too many nomina- hose were factors -- but that nothing has changed by tions, that will be held February there were also airlines in slapping Midwest insignias on 5 in voting in the plant and at the Tequally bad circumstances Republic Airways' Teamsters union office, 8500 W. Capitol that outplayed expectations. Such uniforms or painting the Drive. as Southwest, which anticipated The general election will be the volatility of fuel costs by held March 5 in the plant and at locking in lower bulk rates early, the union office. by unifying its fleet before it Ralph E. Schwieger became too expensive, by retain- Secretary Treasurer ing its best employees through

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So a union not only has to A Threatened Gem eran flight crews explored paign. after two hearings and is have a majority vote of those t's all a reminder of another Tin our main stories was The AFGE is not only the described by many in Congress who cast a ballot, it has to have a Ireason why the GOP is so not the only airline news this federal government's largest as a good leader well informed majority vote of all potential vot- eager to take over the state legis- month. union, with 600,000 federal and on the issues. ers. lature in 2010 as well as the gov- Other major developments D.C. government workers This fall, the House over- Now the NMB, applauded ernor's mansion -- the largesse involve a campaign to win union nationwide and overseas. Its sight and government reform by many unions but opposed by the party could lay on private rights for the nation's transporta- many duties and training regi- committee approved HR 1881, several airlines, has announced companies by taking control of tion security officers (TSOs) mens embody everything from not only restoring the workers' new voting procedures that echo the airport away from the who handle 600 million US air veterans administration workers rights that the Bush administra- the existing majority vote stan- Milwaukee County Board. travelers each year; basic rights such as AFGE Local 0003 at the tion stripped away but granting dards at the NLRB. This simple This seems the prime moti- restored to even more aviation Zablocki Center in Milwaukee to the baggage and passenger long-overdue decision could vation behind this constant push and railway workers through a the civilian police officers at the screeners and other TSA workers have profound impact on hun- for creating a regional airport simple rule change at the Ft. Hood military installation in "whistle-blower" rights and the dreds of thousands of workers. taxing authority that local voters National Mediation Board; an Texas, where AFGE Local 1920 civil service protections enjoyed Construction Boon can't control. Such a change, impending $18 million runway member Sgt. Kimberly Munley by other federal workers. unlikely under current legisla- improvement project in was wounded stopping Major Politics may play a part -- for Mitchell tors, would also remove from the month ago, in support of Milwaukee that means good con- Nidal Hasan, accused in the kill- elections do have consequences community a successful nonpo- grants approved by the fed- struction jobs over the next year ing rampage. -- but the committee also cited A litical public service. eral 2009 American Recovery for skilled area union workers, Despite its track record of the desperate need for improve- To this point supervisors and Reinvestment Act and the and -- lurking in the background solid training and active bargain- ment after so many confirmed have focused on working with FAA, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle -- the continuing efforts of ing for diverse government reports of the high attrition, low residents and businesses around released both federal and state Republican legislators to hand workers, AFGE was blocked in morale and severe workplace the airport and providing only funds to complete financing of privateers one of the jewels of 2001 by President Bush when he injury rates that have plagued the oversight to the professionals an $18 million runway improve- clean operation of Milwaukee created the Transportation TSA since its creation in 2001. running the airport. ment construction project at County government, the General Security Administration (TSA). So Congress seems poised to That has kept out the Mitchell Field. Mitchell International Airport. Except for a few existing units, change the ground rules if the maneuvering that has roiled the The governor supported the the TSOs were legally stopped -- public shows its support, which airline industry from infecting Solidarity for TSOs second phase of this project by for still bizarre "security reasons" is the reason for the December key operations -- and kept profit he campaign to finally win directing $1,086,214 in state (translation: Unions would have solidarity campaign. To find the motives out of the equation by Tbargaining rights for the funds to match Milwaukee county halted cheap low-cost employ- form to get baggage tags and for using government workers for TSOs is the most prominent tale, funds while also freeing federal ees, a hiring practice that became more details, check out www. both crucial and basic functions. with many key factors. improvement funds. a scandal of how lightly creden- TSAUnion.net. Yet the airport also works The Milwaukee labor coun- All this directly affects tials were checked). well as it must with private com- cil, the national AFL-CIO and The 'Silence Veto'? building and construction trades Ignoring the pressure against panies, from vendors to airlines such major unions as the flight Time to Shut It Down union workers in southeastern attendants and pilots who repre- unionizing, more than 12,000 to service providers. These gains nother related move that Wisconsin, since the work sented Midwest Airline workers TSOs have become dues-paying in success and reputation are could free airline and rail- involved will require several dif- have all endorsed the American members of AFGE despite being A both tempting and grating on the way workers to more easily ferent specialties. The investment Federation of Government denied the right to collective bar- politicians eager for another attain basic rights is simultane- also recognizes the growing Employees (AFGE) as key repre- gaining. They clearly have been profit center for privateers, so the ously underway. This involves regional and national value of sentative should the country's chafing for the day they get their issue will bubble underneath the overturning an archaic interpreta- Mitchell Airport and its seven 42,000 TSOs finally achieve, as rights. next election cycles in the state. tion of the 1934 Railway Act, hard-surface runways that handle seems more likely, collective Since 2003 members of -- Dominique Paul Noth which actually controls aviation seven million passengers and bargaining rights after eight Congress have introduced legis- and railway workers to this day. 215,000 takeoffs and landings years in the desert. lation to help them but were For all the fuss about the each year. All citizens can show their always blocked by Bush's threat proposed Employee Free Choice support for this campaign during of a veto. Act and how it would take away National TSO Solidarity Week Now a new president has the secret ballot in National Our house is yours for the holidays Dec. 13-19. Along with activities nominated a security veteran and Labor Relations Board work- ast year''s annual open house great party tradition. It is cus- and rallies, there are stickers, open-minded executive to head place elections, that turned out of the Milwaukee Area tomarily attended in droves by a pins, leaflets and tags to apply to the TSA. Since September, L not to be true. Labor Council AFL-CIO was range of public officials and airport luggage to announce soli- Republicans have tried to block But all the hoopla kept the clobbered and canceled by bad community and religious leaders. darity. Visit the Take Action cen- the appointment by President public eye off an egregious deni- weather. So please, take a few hours and ter of www.milwaukeelabor.org Obama, but Erroll Southers is al of free choice known as the This year, all hands are on join a good time! "veto of silence." board, all food and drink are Health Forum Dec. 2 The NLRB doesn't control being sumptuously assembled -- The December meeting of aviation and railway employees, oh yes, traditional festive fare to delegates will become a health who have long suffered under a make the stomach groggy -- and care forum with testimonials. It HAWKS QUINDEL, S.C. bizarre reading of the Railway all weather systems had better be will also accept nominations for Act. At the NLRB at least, a go Friday, December 18, from the open Ozaukee County posi- majority of voters in a workplace noon to 4 p.m., when the council tion on the executive board. election can choose or reject a hosts its annual holiday get- Rules require that no more union. together. than one delegate from a mem- Under the ancient interpreta- Yatchak Hall at 633 S. ber union sit on the board at the tion allowed at the National Hawley Rd., just outside the same time and that only unions Mediation Board (NMB), anyone offices of the Milwaukee Area with up-to-date per capita pay- who doesn't vote in a railway or Labor Council, will be decorated ments can participate. aviation election is counted as a for the holidays and good cheer If final election is needed, "no" vote. That's right - no secret is the command of the day. that will be held at the January ballot here. If you don't even All union members and 13 delegate meeting. know or decide to vote, that's a affiliates are welcome to this The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 2, at American Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. We need to recover ecause of these holiday cele- Bbrations, the offices of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO. will be closed from Dec. 24, 2009, through January 3, 2010. The office re-opens January 4. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 — Page 11 Gala adds power oces de la Frontera orga- nized remarkable public Vreminders over the last few years by rallying tens upon tens of thousands to march through the streets as a show of power and unity for immigrant families and rights. Some tried to dismiss that as simply an uproar of "illegals" but that Dairy owner Rosenow ignored both the common humanity and how many voting a labor secretary who comes citizens and veteran community from an immigrant family and groups were also engaged. even with a homeland security secretary who "listens and works If you need fresh proof that Video highlights entertained with" the minority community. the workers' right center has hundreds of diners as did stroll- vedano has spoken often hardly retreated and has actually ing musicians (right) at the about the shame that grown into a full-fledged politi- Voces de la Frontera gala. The should be felt in a nation cal and economic force -- with A keynote speaker was the AFL- founded on inalienable rights its own newspaper, legislative CIO’s leader on immigration that "we have created a subclass and education agendas and elec- issues, Ana Avedano (below) of workers who have no mean- tion-deciding influence on politi- and new awards included sever- ingful way of protecting their cians and businesses -- that al presented to union groups. civil rights" because of fear- came in late October with its BOTTOM RIGHT: The trio at the inspired immigration laws fur- first formal fund-raising gala. podium from left is Voces ther enshrined in court rulings. Well-dressed hundreds added Executive Director Christine She .still has disagreements tens of thousands of dollars to Neumann-Ortiz, AFT Local 212 with homeland security, under- Voces coffers and causes in a President Michael Rosen and lined in a recent report about sumptuous banquet hall at the Dennis Rody, the son of the how the Bush administration's Potawatomi Ballroom on Canal late humanitarian after which a crackdown on illegal immigra- St. major new award has been tion, combined with lax enforce- At $50 per person, partici- named. The fund raiser cleared ment of labor laws, undermined pants enjoyed a lavish dinner, more than $20,000 and was federal labor standards and left roving Fuego Musical trouba- held at the Potawatomi not only illegal immigrants but dours, a video reminder of Voces Woodland Dreams Ballroom. clout throughout southeastern many legal workers at risk of Wisconsin, a silent auction and abusive employment practices. new awards for community But things are different activism at this initial "Reaching today since working behind the for the American Dream" event. scenes well with federal agencies na Avedano, the keynote was almost half the battle -- speaker, had just been though Congress "must still act Aelevated by new national forcefully to heal broken immi- AFL-CIO President Richard gration laws." Trumka to be his chief policy She reinforced organized adviser on immigration issues. labor's commitment to a legal She was also one of the path for those hard workers and recipients of the new Joe Rody valuable families already driven awards, named after the warmly to this country by repression and remembered activist (1918-2005) poverty in their home countries. and self-taught inventor and The economic crisis in the US businessman who spoke up for has already receded that undocu- humanitarian and progressive mented tide, but she said the causes while preaching the bene- nation must now balance its con- fits of organic food. Other recipi- cern by addressing the illegal ents of the Rody award presented subpar wages, cruel raids and by his son, Dennis, were AFT refusal of legal redress by Local 212, the MATC teachers American companies to exploit- represented by local president ing the vulnerable workers here. Michael Rosen; the Racine "There can be no worker rights Education Association (repre- for any of us if we allow this senting teachers, nurses and oth- shadow existence for anyone in ers at the Racine Unifed School this country," she said. District), and John Rosenow, Though Avedano seems to owner of a large dairy farm near believe that honey and good Waumandee who talked of the sense worked better than acid, essential place of immigration she nevertheless renounced those workers in the state's dairy in Congress trying to institution- industry. alize such exploitation and asked A youth activist award, pre- how "blind can we be to our sented to two tireless recruiters good health?" for Voces, Valeria Gonzalez and Indeed, GOP leaders had so Yazmin Romero, is named after demonized the issue of undocu- a late visionary, Richard mented workers that they were Oulahan, creator of Esperanza costing American citizens big Unida. His son and one of his money, as well as the moral high brothers helped make the presen- ground, by refusing to let undoc- tation. umented immigrants spend their Avedano, long legal council own money for good coverage in and leader of the AFL-CIO's the emerging health insurance efforts for centers such as Voces exchange. focused not on unions but all "Our time is coming," she workers, outlined the state of assured the gathering. "The immigration reform efforts, call- movement is toward fairness to ing them much better today with all our workers." Page 12 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Friday, November 27, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Labor history at last goes to head of class or nearly 20 years, union- schools a reality. It's not exactly Gov. Doyle fulfilled a promise to Since the early 1990s, ground and a national pioneer in ists in Wisconsin have a mandate but the dream came sign it into existence. WLHS, the State AFL-CIO, many of the labor campaigns. Fbeen trying to make the true when the state law passed The State Senate approval of Teamsters, WEAC and AFT. The new law does not man- teaching of labor history in the the state Senate Oct. 27 and AB-172 calls for the State among other groups, have been date the teaching of labor but it Superintendent of Public urging the state to allow teaching supports it by putting detailed Instruction to include the history of labor history in the schools. lesson plans on the state's front of organized labor and the col- This is not some public relations burner. It requires the State Calendar lective bargaining process in the ploy. David Newby, president of Superintendent of Schools to the state AFL-CIO, said in hear- For updated master list of events, state's model academic standards make the subject part of the state ings that this should be a "warts visit www.milwaukeelabor.org for our schools. standards, and, as such, to pro- It took many efforts but the and all" approach, telling the vide assistance in teaching the Thursday, November 26 bill that easily cleared the truth but not ignoring the major subject. Thanksgiving Holiday Assembly sailed through the place of labor concerns and orga- The bill is a major victory Office Closed Until Monday, November 30 Senate on a vote of 20-12 vote, nized labor in the march of histo- not just for organized labor, but including 17 Democrats and ry. Currently students learn noth- also for rounded and truer teach- three Republicans voting aye, ing, though Wisconsin's history ing of American history in our Wednesday, December 2 and 12 Republicans voting no. is particularly rich in labor activ- schools. Health Care Forum ism. The state was a breeding Open to All, Featuring Testimonials for Officials -- Separate MALC meeting with nomination -- Battle for fair trade with Woody, Charlize 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. en years ago, thousands of people converged ten of your friends or family -- sponsors will send on the World Trade Organization in Seattle to you a free copy of the film "Battle in Seattle," star- Saturday, December 5 Tprotest the devastating impact of corporate ring Charlize Theron and Woody Harrelson. Rally for Immigration Reform globalization. Now, big corporations are at it again. Sign up to host a house party at http://housepar- The World Trade Organization has brazenly sched- With informational sessions from Voces de la Frontera ty.wtoturnaround.org. You'll get a free copy of uled a 7th Ministerial on November 30th, the exact 9 a.m.-noon, South Division High School, 1515 W. Lapham St. "Battle in Seattle" and then host a house party day of the 10th Anniversary of Seattle activism. screening. Even if you can't organize a party or Their WTO "Doha Round" expansion will hurt attend one, join the movement, which will be con- Friday, December 18 US workers economically, increase the flood of ducting other events throughout December. MALC Holiday Open House unsafe imports and undermine efforts to reregulate Included is a bonus special edition DVD with Noon-4 p.m., Yatchak Hall, 633 S. Hawley Rd. the banks and stabilize our economy. If you don't original Seattle protest footage and a short new doc- think the hurt will happen, think back on the last 10 umentary to update your guests on the WTO and the December 24 - January 3, 2010 years. WTO turnaround fight worldwide. At the end of November, hundreds of groups Happy Holidays! MALC Office Closed Learn more from the Citizens Trade Campaign across the country are joining together to turn at www.citizenstrade.org. Andrew Gussert, national around trade policies with a WTO Trade Turn director. points out that his group doesn't have the Wednesday, January 13 Around Campaign. $100 million budget of the Chamber of Commerce, MALC Delegate Meeting To celebrate this historic ten year anniversary, but it does have details and facts on major reform -- 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. fair trade coalitions around the nation are organizing and does quite a lot with small focused contribu- movie house parties. If you sign up -- with at least tions from ordinary people.

Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic opens October 26, 2009, and the Aurora Medical Center opens early 2010 Thank you to these talented organizations that made this dream a reality

Boilermakers Union, Chicago Regional Council of Operating Engineers Union, Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local 107 Carpenters – North Region Local 139 Local 18 Bricklayers and Allied Electrical Workers Union, Operative Plasterers & Sprinklerfitters Union, Craftsmen Union, Local 494 Cement Masons Local 183 Local 8 Elevator Constructors Union, International Union, Steamfitters Union, Bricklayers District Council Local 15 Local 599 Local 601 Bridge, Structural, Heat & Frost Insulators Union, Painters & Allied Trades, Teamsters Union, Ornamental & Reinforcing Local 19 District Council No. 7 Local 200 Iron Workers Union, Laborers International Union, Plumbers Union, Tile & Terrazzo Layers Local 8 Local 113 Local 75 Protective Union, Roofers Union, Local 5 Local 65

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