Vol. 68, No. 10 Thursday, October 23, 2008

ENDORSED CANDIDATES NOVEMBER 4 US PRESIDENT Thinking through Barack Obama, Democrat Why Obama is winning US HOUSE DISTRICT 4 By Dominique Paul Noth growing understanding of the , Democrat Editor, Labor Press record. Obama, they conceded, hat a curious race for had proved neither as liberal nor Legislature the White House and as tax-happy as painted — and the Congress. At this perhaps more in touch with tradi- incumbents unless indicated W Obama survives the flash- tional American optimism and point it seems that Republicans bulbs on a visit Senate can only win November 4 by frugality and even broader fami- emerging than Reagan District 4: Lena Taylor discouraging voter turnout while ly values than his main opponent Democrats. the Democrats must strive for for the presidency. His response District 6: Spencer Coggs Obama has been up 10% in record turnout to guarantee a to financial crisis also reassured District 8: Sheldon Wasserman, recent polls of battleground mandate for change. them that he had the experience states. He is ahead or competing Democrat, challenger Six months ago, there were and temperament. in 10 states that went for Bush in District 20: Clyde Winter, Democratic strategists who were They didn’t say this easily. 2004. He is also up 10% among Independent, challenger counting on conservative cool- Several remained cautious about women in polls, up among col- ness to John McCain to keep his sharing these views because they Assembly lege-educated suburban white party from the polls. Some even grew up disliking Democrats – voters including soccer moms, District 7: Peggy Krusick called it the key to a Barack and because McCain forces were and probably hockey moms, too, District 8: Pedro Colon Wasserman, Page 2 Obama victory. telling them to either back their if there are such things. District 9: Josh Zepnick But the surprise in this elec- original candidate or stay home. He’s gaining the majority tion is the goodly portion of But the changing trend is not District 10: Annette (Polly) Williams among white males and definite- moderate Republicans and reli- the one union leaders feared District 12: Fred Kessler ly Latinos; he’s attracting anx- gious conservatives actually lis- most (and are continuing to ious financial managers — District 14: David Hucke, Democrat, challenger tening favorably to Obama. address) — white working-class including the $40,000 a year District 15: Tony Staskunas So they tell pollsters. So voters who may use Obama’s front office novices on Wall District 16: they told me not only in color and background to vote Street who can’t believe their Waukesha and Ozaukee counties against their own economic District 17: Barbara Toles CEOs were that stupid. but also on an October visit to interests. District 19: Jon Richards He’s raising more money New York City, where I shared They exist, but it’s hard to than McCain from Republican District 21: Glen Brower, Democrat, challenger airports, Wall Street visits and see them gaining traction in, say, strongholds, enough to plan half District 20: Christine Sinicki restaurant meals with a number Ohio, when unemployment an hour of prime time on major District 22: Sandra Pasch, Democrat, open seat who identified themselves as jumped to 7.4%. Still, it’s a deli- networks Oct. 29. Through “lifelong Republicans,” “diehard cate topic. small Internet contributions he conservatives” and even “former ut consider this: The sta- Milwaukee County Advisory Referendum has been outspending the GOP McCain admirers.” tistics as well as the City of Milwaukee Binding Referendum two or three to one, allowing him Not just financial crisis has Banecdotes suggest there VOTE YES ON BOTH! See Story Page 8 forced them to rethink. So has a are more Obama Republicans Obama continued Page 4 Milwaukee area candidates must complete a process of questionnaires and interviews even to be considered, and recommendations require a two-thirds agreement on the Can fake fear of fraud slow the vote? Committee on Political Education (COPE) of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, representing all member unions, locals till in the crosshairs of party roustabouts seeking to office. and constituency groups. COPE choices are not binding, presidential politics, demean anyone convicted of a That was following the law but they represent considerable scrutiny on working family SWisconsin is also on the major crime. and acting swiftly (while most of issues. firing line in accusations of voter Unleashing the cry of the GOP charges against Union households are one of the most committed voting fraud. Even if it barely exists. "Felons! There Are Felons on the ACORN around that nation have segments in the nation. On November 4, polls are open Sniff the air: Determined Streets!" it is an attempt to flowed out months later). It 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. despite the polls to turn the state undermine voter registration meant no voters were imperson- for John McCain, the national drives among the poor by princi- ated at the polls. Republican Party has singled out pally two organizations in Of some 49 named in Wisconsin as a place where it Wisconsin -- ACORN Milwaukee complaints, prosecu- can scare the public and suppress (Association of Community tors have to this point found only the vote. There's nothing there Organizations for Reform Now) two worth charging with any- but the smell, but it's still going and Community Voters Project. thing. Noted Milwaukee District to be an odorific fight. Officials of those organiza- Attorney John Chisholm in an One nose-holding attack, tions, doing due diligence on the interview, "Compared to even discussed last month, is led by registration deputies the govern- four years ago our voter registra- the only Republican in high ment trains and they hire, uncov- tion system and independent office, J.B. Van Hollen, state ered fraudulent voter registra- groups are so much better now . . attorney general, who was clear- tions. They fired the employees . quickly reporting concerns to ly pushed by GOP officials to and reported their suspicions to the election commission" - in sue his own state, insisting on a city election officials, who effect preventing any fraudulent check of driver license names passed them along to the DA's Vote continued Page 10 against two years of address changes by residents who want to vote. A more recent effort was pushed at an angry and typically inaccurate press teleconference Why did Chris Yatchak call Sheila Cochran a stinker at the by the national GOP's main law- United Way kick-off? See Page 6. yer, Sean Cairncross, and other

Page 2 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 www.milwaukeelabor.org No fight bigger: Wasserman vs. Darling n Milwaukee area races for most expensive legislative race announced a year ago that would Senate and the extreme wing of Shore constituents who hardly the , in Wisconsin history. seek to step up to the Senate in the Republican Party is pushing share it. Ithere is one Assembly and Labor's candidate has the District 8. That meant taking on for Darling in what they know is It's a far cry from what the one Senate face-off of keen com- reputation as the hardest working another formidable fund-raiser a difficult election year. district originally expected from petition and high interest to orga- legislator, respected by both and campaigner, Republican Wasserman has directly Darling, yet some are confused nized labor. sides for his dedication, frugal . raised the issue that this is not because she can still speak one These contests are so close ways with the public dollar and Wasserman has the edge in the Darling who began serving way in support of progress and and hard to track that pundits are independence in ideas. The state speaking his mind on social 18 years ago in District 8 when then vote the other way. The top- reluctant to predict the outcome AFL-CIO also gives him the issues and demonstrating legisla- Republicans were better able to per was her recent floor pleas for in either. Which means union highest marks in supporting tive and ideological consistency resist pressure from the extremist stem cell research followed by a votes could make the difference. union bargaining rights and Talk radio, which once indi- wing of the party. The question vote that would have virtually The Assembly race - see worker training programs. cated respect for both camps, has today is just who has she been eliminated the entire Wisconsin Page 3 -- is District 21 where heldon Wassermann is also recently been trying to boost serving? initiative in stem cell biology, organized labor is speaking up a physician who has deliv- Darling by creating petty dis- When first elected she was not just the embryonic kind. for political newcomer but veter- Sered some 3,000 babies putes about who works harder, regarded as a moderate, a former That vote smacked the North an public servant Democrat Glen hereabouts and offers practical who is more frugal, even who teacher concerned with a bal- Shore hard as an example of Brower to unseat incumbent steps to improve health care and says what under their breaths. It anced approach to family prob- being out of touch with a diverse Republican Mark Honadel. education. is the definition of silliness in lems. She even sat on the district that is moving more to The Senate race is between An easy victor for years in politics. The issues and realities Planned Parenthood board. the middle as she crossed further two familiar political names - a Assembly District 22 - where of this campaign are far deeper. Today she has abandoned that into the right lane. The stem cell tight contest expected to make labor-endorsed Sandra Pasch is The Democrats are seeking to board to earn backing from vote brought a devastating mailer the North Shore District 8 the expected to succeed him - he strengthen their hold on the Wisconsin Right to Life. That from Wasserman discussing her reflects her hard shift to the right flip-floppery. in both attitude and votes. Both sides are about even in he is now a sure-fire con- campaign money, but the servative partisan who has Democrat struck first with an Sfought Democratic efforts effective light-hearted TV ad for property tax relief. She introducing himself and his work speaks up for the Milwaukee ethic to the voters. It was a way school choice program even of extending his presence - he though it doesn't even affect the has always dominated in the bulk of her constituents (Brown most Democratic of the three Deer, Fox Point, Germantown, Assembly districts within Senate Mequon, Menomonee Falls, District 8. River Hills, Whitefish Bay, eavy ad punches are Glendale, Shorewood, all expected from both excluded from the choice pro- Hcamps in the final week gram and largely disinterested in before November 4, though it seeing it expand). was unknown as we went to She waves the banner for press how much third-party cam- TABOR (the GOP's unworkable paign money would also come tax limits to duck actual thinking flying in, bringing the danger of $ Disposable $ about services and costs). She ugliness and last minute attacks $ Contact Lens includes won't question as Wasserman that can't be explained in time Package dilation 99 37 does the equity and need for for voters. 75 Off Price includes: 1. Comprehensive Eye Exam reform in the QEO, the qualified But there is a larger issue at Designer Frame and 2. Three Month Supply (6 pr.) of Soft, Comprehensive Visitint, Spherical Disposable Contacts economic offer of 3.8% that 3. Instruction Class work, as a Republican supporter Single Vision 4. Starter Kit of Solutions Eye Exam school districts can impose when of Darling conceded. It comes 5. Follow-up Care with the Doctors Save $75.00 When You Purchase a Performed By A Licensed Doctor of Optometry. they think negotiations with down to how broad are Barack Designer Frame with a Minimum Retail $ or Call Today to Schedule teachers have stalled. She's Obama's coattails because Value of $129.00 and Single Vision Lenses. 35 Off Your Appointment. (Choose either Plastic or Polycarbonate Lens Material) Complete Contact Lens bought into that whole Palin lip- "McCain doesn't have any," the Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Offer Not Valid With Other Discounts or Promotions. Package Exam, Fitting & Lenses Excludes Contact Lens Examination. stick agenda and has been forced Darling supporter said. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/08. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/08. Offer Expires 12/31/08. to explain that support to North

Update Published Monthly by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO your look www.milwaukeelabor.org secretary-Treasurer ...... Sheila D. Cochran President ...... Willie D. Ellis with Vice-President ...... Annie Wacker Administrative Assistant...... Robin Lundgren editor, Communications Director ...... Dominique Paul Noth Autumn editorial Assistant, Advertising & Circulation. . Lynnda Guyton EXECUTIVE BOARD - Mary Jo Avery, Communications Workers of America Local 4603; Lyle Balistreri, Milwaukee Building & Construction Trades Council; William F. Christianson, International Association of Machinists Lodge 1845; Paula Dorsey, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 426; Nacarci Feaster, Laborers Local 113; James K. Fields, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Savings Employees Local 33; Sam Gallo, UNITE HERE, Local 122; Brandon W. Jensen, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998; Robert Klein, International Association of Machinists Lodge 1430 (Ozaukee County); Larry L. Nunley, IAMAW, Lodge 1916; Candice Owley, Wisconsin Federation of Nurses & Health Professionals; Anthony Rainey, UAW Local 469 (CBTU representative); Scott J. Redman, Plumbers and Gas Fitters Local 75; Kenneth Roberts III, Graphics Communications Council/International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 577M; Andy Voelzke, United Steel Workers (USW) Local 2-209; Patrick R. Weyer, Brewery Workers 9, United Auto Workers; Ross M. Flex Plans It’s never too early to start utilizing your Flex Plans Winklbauer Sr., Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers (USW, formerly PACE) Local 7-0232. 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 MILWAUKEE ...... 1920 W. Layton Ave. 414-325-8600 MENOMONEE FALLS . .N85 W16033 Appleton Ave. 262-251-1900 for $12 a year. Periodical postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. MILWAUKEE ...... 7528 W. Burleigh St. 414-873-9090 RACINE ...... 3905 Douglas Ave. 262-639-5360 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, 633 S. Hawley Rd., ELM GROVE ...... 12876 W. Bluemound Rd. 262-432-0052 RACINE ...... 6035 Durand Ave. 262-554-8600 Suite 110, Milwaukee, WI 53214. FRANKLIN ...... 8225 S. 27th St. 414-761-2269 WAUKESHA ...... 203A E. Sunset Dr. 262-524-1130 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 GRAFTON ...... 1260 N. Port Washington Rd. 262-546-0234 WAUKESHA ...... 1921 Silvernail Rd. Suite D 262-436-0884 from unionized companies or services of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council or any of its affiliates. GREENFIELD ...... 4818 S. 76th St. 414-431-0385 WEST ALLIS ...... 1401 S. 108th St. 414-476-0200 COPY DEADLINE: Usually by noon 3rd Monday of each month except December (2nd Monday). KENOSHA ...... 5725 75th St. 262-694-5553 www.wisconsinvision.com www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 — Page 3 One Assembly challenger forcing a tough race imilar issues to those on What Winter does have is Where Grothman derides Is Winter a longshot? For ot quite a longshot but fac- Page 2 - what you say the Milwaukee Area Labor government's role in America's sure, though there are many Ning an uphill battle in Sversus what you really are Council's first toe in the water economic crisis, Winter sees Republicans who don't like how District 14 is David Hucke, his - have turned Assembly District of its expanded territory. Right govern- Grothman attacked and replaced second go-round against 21 into a heated race of con- now that's largely ideological ment as a Mary Panzer in 2004 and then Republican incumbent Leah trasts. It is also one of the seats and moral support in a region help - failed to deliver on better days Vukmir. Hucke's opportunity to where the Democrats hope to that has only a few thousand "Where ahead. The question is whether change the legislative tone of finally gain control of the union households. is the the citi- Wauwatosa and nearby regions Assembly while increasing (if But times are changing and health zens of may also come down to the folks like Wasserman win) con- so are union and housing pat- care?" he Senate headwind from Obama. trol of the Senate. terns. Eight years of failed asks - District n Wasserman's old Assembly The right-wing policies will do that. and he Winter 20 are IDistrict (22), there is only a enthusi- The incumbent's Senate sees cam- ready to token Republican opponent to astic, District 20 contains much of paign finance as an important see him Pasch taking over, but labor articulate Washington and Ozaukee coun- way to get lobbyist money out as the forces are working hard to Hucke Brower ties including Port Washington, of the system and actually lower obstruc- ensure her victory. may be Cedarburg and West Bend. the cost of government. tionist in a new era of coopera- -- Election stories just the Winter may have no previ- Grothman thinks the other way. tion in the legislature. by Dominique Paul Noth candi- ous political office but he is well date to known in the area for his news- Brower 1. We Feature do that. paper columns, blogging and Products Made Incumbent Mark Honadel down-home outspokenness has voted along hard Republican about issues. His ideas have in the USA lines, but has convinced too certainly earned attention and many in Oak Creek and South are often in direct opposition to 2. Proud Member Milwaukee (with two city wards Grothman's hardline conserva- of Local 770 thrown in) that he is in tune with tive approach. Painters and both worker and small business Where Grothman argues Allied Trades needs. Looking at his track that Wisconsin companies pay record of votes and philosophy too much in corporate taxes, pretty much debunks that. He’s Winter pulls out the figures of 3. Service a reliable right-wing vote. how they have largely avoided Brower is a different kind this tax and asks why they are Thank you for your interest in JEPA Technologies! Proud sponsor and supporter of: of Democrat. A fourth genera- not stepping up with expansion Union Sportsmen’s Alliance: tion resident of South and living wage to help the www.unionsportsmen.org Milwaukee, a retired Lieutenant area's struggling families and Colonel in the US Army and job losses. 11304 N. Rudella Road, Mequon, WI • 414-403-4922 once director of policy, planning and budget for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, MetDESK ® he has also unveiled an econom- ic plan that would reverse many ParentsParents of Children of Children and Other and Other of Honadel's votes, invest in the families and businesses of the district and seed green technolo- DependentsDependents With WithSpecial Special Needs Needs gy to create more jobs. His passion for change and for smart use of taxpayer money impressed labor's COPE during interviews and there is no ques- tion he is working the district hard with lawn signs, forums and door-to-door visits. In other races of note: You’re Invited to Attend a Workshop on... here is another Senate race Tin the counties north of “Planning for the Future of your Child or Milwaukee where no one gives the independent much of a Dependent with Special Needs” chance - not when Clyde Winter is a political newcomer, an inde- Important issues That Need to be Addressed: pendent going up against long- • Government Benefit Eligibility time Republican dominance and facing a confident, entrenched • Guardianship and Conservatorship/Guardian Ad Litem Glen Grothman who considers • Financial Security and Funding Options his description as a red-meat right-winger a compliment. MetLife’s Division of Estate Planning for Special Kids (MetDESK) Presented By: Bob Johnston, MetDESK Specialist, Financial Adviser, Financial Services Representative

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0706-4946 L0002F1K5(exp1210)MLIC-LD © 2007 MetLife, Inc. PEANUTS © United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166 and New England Financial, A MetLife Company, 501 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 • Tower Square Securities, Inc., A MetLife Company, One Cityplace - 18th Floor Hartford, CT 06103 • Walnut Street Securities, Inc., A MetLife Company, 13045 Tesson Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63128 Page 4 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 www.milwaukeelabor.org bad in the process. (Of course, polls are fluid and no one dares to relax in this election but the polls as I write were all in the same range.) bama has been a bal- anced steady voice with Opractical ideas through the economic disaster. McCain can only attack him by ignoring him, questioning his acquain- tances or “alien appearance” or aloofness or “not one of us” – all innuendo dangerously close to racism. But Obama is right there in The opening of every Obama for Change campaign center brought front of McCain, who has hurt crowds like this, and Wisconsin now has 50 such offices. himself badly by pretending not to see him. Both Democrats and It is a clever adroit cam- The moderates are on the march for Obama even if Sarah Palin Republicans obviously do see has stirred up some muddier waters. Labor activists in Obama paign, the best in memory of him. McCain can dismiss the presidential politics. Milwaukee discussed such results in a roundtable with the New From Page 1 blacks who take this avoidance York Times’ noted labor reporter, Steven Greenhouse (at laptop). The anger among McCain as a personal affront– he was to respond quickly to personality money? McCain wasn’t sure, but wrapping himself in yesterday’s diehards is not just because their never getting their votes. But he attacks and still have money to it certainly wasn’t thought out, flag. Obama, to his credit, has candidate is behind and their has also raised doubts about his tell his personal story and outline and would mainly benefit the not said a word about this, but own privileged status is falling own temperament on the world his plans. creators of the disaster, not the Republicans sure have. away. It’s because he looks so stage. Most Americans seem to families facing foreclosure. They are also disturbed – be appreciating Obama’s grace And meanwhile Obama was while Democrats mostly just and calm under this sort of fire. also winning debates in the for- laugh — to see McCain running And his lack of campaign stunts. eign policy arena McCain away from the enemy. In this He didn’t try as McCain did expected to dominate. case that’s Bush and Cheney. To to pull an Eisenhower (“I will go emeaning Obama has pretend he didn’t support their to Korea”) by announcing he made McCain look programs — to act as if he didn’t would suspend his campaign and deceptive, which raises lead the charge on deregulation solve the Wall Street-Main Street D questions about the main and warmongering in Iraq — crisis. McCain, you will recall, strength he brings to the contest simply doesn’t work. wound up doing neither – one — genuineness built around Beyond that, Obama’s anal- reason he moved in the public’s those years as a Vietnam POW. ysis of the US financial woes has mind from “maverick” to “inef- Perhaps, as a Rolling Stone resonance in both parties — that fectual maverick.” profile now intimates, it was the stagnant wages of the middle Then he shot a $300 billion McCain himself who revealed to class are a big factor in blank rather than a magic bullet his captors that he was the son of America’s recession and poten- with his mortgage buy-up rescue. an admiral and got treatment for tial depression, as is the growing Was it money already given to his horrible wounds, but really, income gap between rich and the treasury secretary or new who can blame that instinct to poor and the bloated reliance on survive? If he succumbed to tor- deregulation in every aspect of Partnering to assure your family’s health ture, who doesn’t understand? society. None of that diminishes his per- (There is a profound irony At Dental Associates, we have all sonal tale of courage. in the labor community that the expertise you need to ensure But he can’t hide deception many in middle and middle-of- your family’s dental health. or miscalculations today by Continued on Page 5 From braces to bridges, our caring professionals will treat your family’s dental health needs throughout your lives. Schedule your exam and dental cleaning appointment today!

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DALLaborPress102308.indd 1 9/24/2008 3:12:37 PM www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO MILwAukee LAbOr Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 — Page 5

they were and rejected their things. advice. It was Democrats sever- Something more than al months ago who were urging unflappability has emerged in Obama to get tougher and nastier Obama’s approach. Something to match McCain, pointing out more than a better organization how vulnerable McCain was in with more ardent believers. his lifelong reliance on financial Obama focuses on issues. insiders and lobbyists, his addic- What makes him an effective tion to gambling and desperate speaker also makes him more schemes, his dubious record on cautious and believable in a veteran affairs, health care and debate – he thinks before he on, dare we say it, marital stabil- reacts. ity. And it is the way he thinks – Some of those concerns “more like what leaders do” – were relative to the campaign, that impressed one of those “life- worker, who made a face when some were not, but Obama just long Republicans” in New York. he was reminded that Palin’s took on the important ones indi- Added another in the conversa- husband was in his union. rectly in ads and resisted all calls tion: “No, it’s not just that he’s It was an echo of the within his own camp to take the more articulate, and it’s not response a few days earlier at a debate low road to the high because I believe in all his poli- Labor activists at the state AFL-CIO conference in Milwaukee Milwaukee roundtable with office. cies. I just trust him to work heard an insightful reminder from special guest speaker Arlene New York Times labor reporter ome think he may still things through.” Holt Baker (right), the new executive vice president of the nation- Steven Greenhouse. He was try- have to get sharp with as Dr. King’s day finally al: Obama’s analysis of the economy dovetails with what labor ing to see if racism was at play McCain just in self-de- come? When people are had been saying in vain for years to the Bush administration. S and if Palin was making a differ- fense. In the final weeks many Hjudged not for “the color From Page 4 ish as screamers in middle ence in Wisconsin. “Out in the expect McCain to attack in per- of their skin but the content of Florida and southwest the-road America now nod in open is better,” responded one sonal terms even Obama can’t their character”? Pennsylvania where Obama agreement with Obama over labor organizer. ignore. But to this point he’s “I don’t know about that,” expected some cultural trouble, these issues. So noted the AFL- Democrats and labor leaders proved wiser than many advisers. said the Republican, “but I do and where Palin crowds have CIO’s new executive vice-presi- are sheepish about one thing – And he’s scoring points with know that Obama is far more hurled invectives at both the dent, Arlene Holt Baker, speak- that Obama was smarter than how optimistically he handles comfortable in his own skin.” media and minorities (shades of ing in Milwaukee at the state macaca)! AFL-CIO convention. But every time Palin speaks (For years unions complain- she seems to galvanize the more ing about just these things were liberal communities around the accused by conservatives and Wholistic Occupational erapy nation to go to work for Obama. Republicans of creating a “psy- Treatment for the Whole Person abor leaders at the state chological recession,” she noted AFL-CIO gathering at the Treatment of Pain, Injuries and More: with amusement. “Today they • Headachest Headaches • Head t TMJ Injuries t Neck • TMJ and •Back Neck Pain and t Back Vertigo Pain Wyndham Hotel were know there was nothing psycho- L • VertigotShoulder, • Shoulder, Arm Armand Handand Hand Pain Pain t Carpal • Carpal Tunnel Tunnel actually not unhappy about how logical about it.”) Diane Halloran OT • Fibromyalgiat Fibromyalgia • ADHD t ADHD • Frozen t'SP[FO4IPVMEFSt#FMMT1BMTZ Shoulder • Bell’s Palsy Palin was stirring up union McCain’s free-fall has 6320 W. North Ave. Democrats and independents. Using Craniosacral erapy and other Integrative erapies helped turn the campaign ugly, Wauwatosa, WI When you combine the under- as has his choice of Sarah Palin tone of what she says with her Flexible Hours By Appointment t414-258-2981t Insurance Accepted as running mate. Her celebrity lack of readiness for this job, status has turned demonstrations more of their members were lin- overly emotional — it certainly ing up behind Obama because put two hysterics in Waukesha she “took them off the shelf by on the national media map, her attitudes,” said one steel- though they weren’t as outland-

“We are Setting New Standards for Funeral Services in our Community” Let us remember in our prayers the families of: Mr. Larry Gross, Milwaukee Public School Mr. Joe Gold, Blue Cross & Blue Shield Insurance Company Rev. Alvin Powell, American Motors Mr. Dantwon Gray, SEUI WI State Council Mrs. Margaret Willson, Master Lock Atty. Leroy Jones, Milwaukee Police Department Mr. Michael Valentine, Spartan Food Company Page 6 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 www.milwaukeelabor.org he Center of Excellence is an old factory building. It A United Way to fool a guy Tis also a diverse trades tigious visitors. Another sign of a of the United Way), the center and skills training school at 3841 split personality -- a few times a was converted into a land of bal- W. Wisconsin Ave. that pulls year it becomes Chez loons, decorations, fancy cater- Milwaukee residents into family- Excellence. ing and a cash bar, starting in supporting careers. That's the amusing name sunlight and fading to dusk along It's a success of the given by the Milwaukee Area the gravel terraces outside. Wisconsin Regional Training Labor Council when it uses the Creeping unnoticed into this, Partnership/BIGSTEP, now a center as a sort of nightclub -- as and hiding in the central office, United Way partner, but its it did Sept. 18 for the Labor was the Yatchak stealth cam- rebirth requires nurturing and Kick-off Rally for the United paign, an elaborate plot to sur- maintenance. Water pipes can Way community campaign. Led prise Christopher Yatchak, who burst even as it adds equipment, by the AFL-CIO Community would be the evening's recipient computers, classrooms and pres- Services troops (also associates of the prestigious Werner J. Schaefer Labor/United Way Community Service Award. TOP FROM LEFT: Daughter Emily, wife Cindy, son Mark and Yatchak, the retired leader of mother Vera popped up at the ceremony to help shock the hon- the Graphics Communications oree, Christopher Yatchak. council (who previously was sur- BELOW: Unions are also heavily involved in the Days of Caring prised by having a hall named arranged by the United Way to highlight the community's needs. after him in the building his A few days after the event, using scaffolding and dumpsters union owns where MALC has its donated by union companies, workers from four unions tore offices, 633 S. Hawley), was down the bad roof and put up a new one at a needy retiree's lured by a fib from MALC's sec- house on S. 70th St. Scott Redman of Plumbers Local 75, the retary-treasurer, Sheila Cochran, Labor Cabinet co-chair, helped bring in volunteers from four one of the United Way hosts for unions - the plumbers, the carpenters, the laborers and the the event. roofers. Helping arrange it all was LeAnn Launstein of Interfaith She told him with a straight- Older Adult Programs (a United Way partner), who once served Jeffrey Butler, MD William Pennington, MD face that she was angry that no as a Milwaukee County Board supervisor. James Stone, MD Jamie Edwards, MD one had been coming from his Daniel Guehlstorf, MD Thomas Perlewitz, MD GCC Local 577M. Meanwhile Steven Trinkl, MD Eric Pifel, MD MALC vice-president and orga- Joshua Neubauer, MD nizer, Annie Wacker, was secret- ly sneaking his family into the building. The ruses worked. Yatchak was stunned to get the honor, find his family there and then be lengthily embar- rassed by the tales of all his help to the unfortunate in the union family and in his neighborhood. Hugged by Cochran, he broke her into laughter by whis- pering as he received the trophy, "You little stinkers." www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 — Page 7

ozens of Wisconsinites -- friends, labor people and Terese Agnew and her son, Ray, were Mrs. and Mr. Tony Dart patrons -- made the trek to Manhattan's Bryant, original patrons at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Columbus Circle to celebrate the Museum of Arts & Center for the Arts, and (right) Issa Kohler-Hausmann, Design's new home and inaugural exhibit, featuring Julilly Kohler and Margarete Harvey, all part of the cloth- Portrait of a Textile Worker (at left). Joining artist ing label and funding brigade so essential to the work's existence and global recognition. nd Greening the state’s roundtables 2 Annual Conference he green agenda took practical steps for interaction and devel- opment this month with grant money to allow community and The Wisconsin LERA Chapter, an organization of labor, Tenvironmental groups, business, industry, workers and unions, management and neutrals involved in labor relations, is local government and experts to join forces in a series of Sustainability Roundtables through 2009 to advance Wisconsin's green sponsoring a One Day Conference in Milwaukee economic development. The Roundtables are asking all to connect with UW-Extension Speakers Include: Author Linda Gravett, NLRB General Counsel Ronald Meisberg, National expertise and leaders in sustainable ideas and technologies, LERA President Anthony Oliver "This project is an exciting opportunity to bring together many different perspectives," said Corliss Olson of the UW-Extension Date: November 13, 2008 Time: Registration 7:30AM School for Workers. "Developments in sustainability are taking place Program 8:30AM all around the state. This project will help build connections among Place: Fees: groups that might otherwise be working in isolation from each other." Hyatt Regency Milwaukee Members - $105 Many of these groups have similar goals, she noted, but the con- 333 W. Wisconsin Avenue Non Members - $125 nections among them have not yet been made. For more information Continental Breakfast and Buffet Lunch Included – Walk Ins Are Welcome and dates as the program unfolds, contact Olson at 608-265-4923, cor- [email protected] For more information or to request a registration and/or membership form contact: Suzanne Clement at 414-297-3883 or email [email protected] U.M.A. Specialties Fall Carhartt Sale Wednesday October 29th - Friday October 31st 9am-9pm Saturday November 1st 9am-5pm, Sunday November 2nd 12pm-5pm 20% Off MSRP on All Clothing and Accessories* UNION MADE IN AMERICA * Excludes certain flame resistant clothing. Offer not valid with any other offer or coupon. Good only on clothing and accessories, not valid on 21100 Capitol Drive gift cards, embroidery, silk screening or promotional merchandise. Pewaukee, WI 53072 (262) 373-0777

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Duck Detroit Jacket Duck Traditional Coat Arctic Boot Sock Duck Overall Double-Front Work Dungaree Relaxed Fit Jean UJ01 $73 UCO3 $113 A111 $14 UR01 $62 UB01 $51 UB170 $43 $58 After 20% off $90 After 20% off $11 After 20% off $49 After 20% off $40 After 20% off $34 After 20% off Union Made in USA • Union Made in USA • Union Made in USA • Union Made in USA • Union Made in USA • Union Made in USA • We are the only retailer in Wisconsin to stock the USA made line of Carhartt Page 8 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 www.milwaukeelabor.org Here’s a county question and a city question By Dominique Paul Noth has come, particularly in this disaster of global proportions to ation-culture, transit and emer- actually go to the services out- Editor, Labor Press hard economy caused in large realize that. gency medical services?” lined and take the burden off the ere’s why the Milwaukee part by neglect. Now, everyone has pretty County Executive Scott property tax. Despite Walker’s Area Labor Council is Sure, it would be nice to much concluded that the time for Walker not only opposed putting doubts, this can be done. Hurging a yes vote on the think that, when left to their own waiting to correct economic this on the ballot and was over- And without such sort of advisory county referendum to devices and humanity, the busi- injustices is over. That tax cuts ruled by the county board. He dedicated relief, Walker will con- add a penny to the local sales tax ness community and the for the wealthy don’t trickle also opposed the county explain- tinue to starve the county, forc- and another yes vote for an ordi- Milwaukee county executive down new jobs and better wages. ing to the public the purpose of a ing citizens to pay more for less nance requiring minimal paid would push for basic quality of Instead, they helped the obses- yes vote, even in neutral lan- quality all in the name of not sick days in the city of life issues and work as hard as sive rich play even more games guage approved by county law- raising the property tax. Yet this Milwaukee for the estimated nonprofit groups do to figure out with money. So now we see both yers. Apparently he’ll do any- referendum directly shrinks the 77,000 private employees who how this can be done. But they the middle class and even the thing possible to beat the parks property tax. right now don’t have any. haven’t. upper middle class crippled by to death so he can privatize Walker himself provided more These are ideas whose time Maybe it took an economic the economic consequences. them. reasons for dedicated sales tax There are corollaries of this he arguments against the funding when he outlined a 2009 failed philosophy — and they are sales tax idea are really budget that would mightily raise being addressed by referendum Tabout the next step in the transit fees, golf and marina fees, on Milwaukee’s county and city process, not this one. Once the pool and water park fees. Walker’s ballots November 4. voters approve, then it will be budget would also put parking Stated simply: Without a important to write the law in meters along the lakefront. hard punch from the voters, the such a way that the money will Continued on Page 9 right and just thing for working mothers and sick children won’t be done and the dedicated resources for our parks, transit, Calendar emergency medical services and the like won’t emerge. For updated master list of events, And both needs had better visit www.milwaukeelabor.org be filled in a hurry. ONE IS ADVISORY Wednesday, October 29 he county referendum is MALC Executive Council simply advisory to push 2 p.m. , 633 S. Hawley Rd. Tthe state legislature to act and help the county develop rules that make sure the money Tuesday, November 4 is used as the voters wish. The Presidential and General Election referendum asks in sum: MAKE SURE TO VOTE “Shall the State of Polls Open 7 a.m. Wisconsin grant Milwaukee County the authority to provide property tax relief of at least $67 Wednesday, November 5 million by levying 1% county Monthly Delegate Meeting sales to be used to remove the 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. following three items from the property tax levy: parks-recre- Wednesday to Saturday, November 12-15 WisCOSH and national COSH conference Safety issues, workshops, speakers, to register call WisCOSH (414) 933-2338 Wyndham Hotel, 4747 S. Howell Ave.

Thursday, November 13 Wisconsin LERA Conference All Day, Hyatt Regency

Wednesday, November 26 MALC Executive Council 2 p.m., 633 S. Hawley Rd. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 — Page 9 -- but only one positive answer on ballot! From Page 8 needed convincing. families. seling meeting. Ellen Bravo, for- that suburb.” Attracting better No, no, the opponents say, mer national director of 9to5 and Worse, by eliminating ser- The surprise was John Topp, and more devoted workers could doing the right thing costs too now a UWM professor, told one vices or moving them to CEO of the union-connected actually offset any costs to busi- much. Actually, that’s bad or MMAC discussion that the only unnamed private vendors, his Allied Construction Employers nesses. self-deceptive math. Remember thing “we want to stop with this budget will ruthlessly cut 339 Association, who apparently Aimed only at city of you have to work at a company ordinance is you getting served public service jobs in skilled scribbled some numbers on the Milwaukee voters, the referen- for three months before you can flu in your soup.” trades, vehicle maintenance, back of an envelope and then dum question refers to a simple start taking the paid sick days. Or people getting fired housekeeping and food services. worried aloud at a forum about seven page document (too long hen you hear there is because they care about a sick Most affected would be something that he and most busi- for the ballot). It has been a better way than a child. AFSCME District Council 48, nesses also commended as a endorsed as a yes vote by the city ordinance to my Stear, head of the county’s largest union, matter of decency and con- W Milwaukee Area Labor Council, address these concerns – like Wisconsin 9to5 who already decimated by attacks (the science – providing a minimum whose members helped circulate maybe a state law or a federal helped promote the ordi- county work force has shrunk of paid sick days to mainly A the petition: law —— you are hearing that nance, says Milwaukee should 23% under Walker, but do you working mothers who otherwise “Shall the City of this is the right thing that some- flock to this example of good really think you’re paying less get docked or fired if they take Milwaukee adopt Common one else should do. Which is policy and basic citizenship. and getting the same level of ser- time for their sick children. Council File 080420, being a silly. For those who fear business- vice?). Walker’s 2009 cuts would 9to5 studied the issue, care- substitute ordinance requiring The business community has es will flee to the suburbs to also eliminate half of the skilled fully developed a binding ordi- employers within the city to pro- had many years to make this eas- avoid such small numbers of trades the county has, noted Lyle nance for employees stationed in vide paid sick leave to employ- ier for small businesses and paid sick days, that would be Balistreri, president of the the city – and then got 42,000 ees?” address a deficit affecting mainly nothing but “lousy publicity for Milwaukee Construction & supporting signatures, far more low income workers. The basics Building Trades Council. than needed to be put on the city of the ordinance are simple and Lee Holloway, who has of Milwaukee ballot. minimal, affecting employees in announced this will be his final Now you are hearing from the city of Milwaukee. After 90 term as county board chairman, the business community the days, workers can start taking called the budget the worst in same chorus used to oppose one hour of paid sick leave for costs and complications that he child labor laws or unemploy- every 30 hours worked. At that has seen in his 16 years on the ment insurance or worker com- rate it would take most workers board. pensation – this may be the right eight weeks to earn a full day. But it sure gave incentive to thing to do, but maybe next year, There are also limits on backers of the one-penny maybe next century. It’s too cost- what workers can accumulate in increase in the sales tax, which ly now. a year – 72 hours max for most. would require further state and Actually there may be no Employees of companies with county approval. better time when living wage and fewer than 10 workers would get Supporters point out that not family flexibility have become a less, up to five sick days, and only does it set funds aside spe- priority and a solution to eco- those working for larger compa- cifically for things like parks and nomic doldrums. And there may nies would get at most nine days transit, it also would provide the be no better salvation for a city a year. The returns diminish for first real relief of the county than fair payment and basic ben- part-time or temporary workers. property tax burden in all the efits for the lowest-income fami- You may also hear that years of Walker’s tenure. It lies among us. Milwaukee is a test case, that would also be a way to get peo- Most of the unions Topp such a law is not common every- ple who don’t live in Milwaukee works with were quick to tell where. Is that bad? Or does County to pay for county servic- him they back the idea. Milwaukee prefer to be known es they often use. The better paid workers for how many bus drivers are A BINDING ORDINANCE have paid sick days by contracts beaten on video or how many t was no surprise that the or simply because the employer parks are in disrepair? Metropolitan Milwaukee wants to keep them around. Even Right now, parents face los- Association of Commerce, the lowest paid workers often I leave when they don’t have paid ing a job if a child is sick – or along with some stubborn devel- even if a school asks for a coun- opers and restaurant owners, sick days to take care of their Bowling MALC MIXED IND. HIGH GAME OVER 190 DAN LAACK 235 SENIOR BOWLING DEL GROSS 226 SEPTEMBER 2008 RESULTS DON WIEDMANN 215 TEAM WINS LOSSES BOB WAGNER 212 GUTTER RATS 20 8 DAN KNIPPEL 192 CRAZY 8's 19 9 8 BALLS 16 12 IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 420 PIN PALS 14 14 JOYCE KNIPPEL 481 ONE BOARD OVER 8 20 EILEEN WESTERFIELD 454 PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 445 SLAMMERS 7 21 RAE MATKOWSKI 423

IND. HIGH SERIES OVER 500 IND. HIGH GAME OVER 140 DAN LAACK 614 PHYLLIS NAVARRETE 172 DON WIEDMANN 596 EILEEN WESTERFIELD 172 DEL GROSS 587 JOYCE KNIPPEL 166 BOB WAGNER 586 RAE MATKOWSKI 162 DAN KNIPPEL 508 MARLENE CORTEZ 144

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Nationally, the rules for ACLU Voting Rights Project: poenas ing and jobs, noted Renee City election officials, look- restoring full rights to felons (877) 523-2792. by Shavers Crawford, associate ing at how the attempts to list who are "off paper" -- complet- Congress Restoring voter rights is par- director of the ACLU of non-existent voters happened, ing their debt to society -- are all into how ticularly hard on African Wisconsin. wondered aloud if the issue over the map, which the White Americans in Wisconsin - one Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis) wasn't financial need rather than Republican Party doesn't want to House out of nine remain disenfran- and Rep. John Conyers trying to influence the vote. admit at election time. officials chised after prison compared (D-Mich.) have introduced the The community groups, they Maine and Vermont permit used such with 1 out of 50 in the broader Democracy Restoration Act. If suggested, had in effect a quota felons to vote in prison. GOP “Where are the released population. passed, it would allow all felons system of registrations a worker Kentucky and Virginia perma- invective other DAs?” There are former felons who've been released from pris- must bring in to get paid, which nently ban felons from voting, to engage Chisholm asks. encouraged to speak in our high on to vote in federal elections. led a few workers to fabricate which is being challenged in in irre- schools, to scare students straight "Facilitating civic participa- names, or get friends to sign up, court. Twenty states require a sponsible and potentially crimi- or personalize the dangers of tion seems to me a great way for just to get a paycheck. They prisoner to complete both parole nal behavior in the firing of 29 drug use. Former prisoners are (former prisoners) to begin to were quickly caught. and probation before voting, US attorneys. now trained tradespeople take responsibility for their com- one of this stopped the which is similar to the process in Chisholm has been taking a rebuilding City Hall or complet- munities again, which will make GOP from accusing Wisconsin. quiet beating from Democratic ing the Marquette Interchange them less likely to re-offend," ACORN, the people But Wisconsin is also under officials who think he was naïve N heavy criticism about inequity, and lakefront condos -- or work- Crawford noted. to cooperate so quickly with Van who led the alert, of employing ing in clinics to help the elderly Some of the complaints "felons." since African Americans com- Hollen, though Chisholm has or stem teenage pregnancy. being manufactured are Mainly that was an unsavory prise only 6% of the overall pop- made it clear, as has the attorney t struck many observers that described as inventive lawyering, GOP effort to take advantage of ulation but 45% of the correc- general, that he had nothing to there was something deeply playing any contradictions in the limitations of the English tions population. White or black, do with Van Hollen's strange un-Christian, and certainly state law against local laws language. Semantically, anyone almost all prisoners -- many con- I lawsuit against the state. demeaning to society, when against federal laws. convicted of a major crime -- victed for nonviolent crimes -- He actually began this coop- Republican Party spokeswoman Milwaukee Mayor Tom Republican legislator, bribed will return to society and need eration under a previous attorney Kirsten Kukowski called the use Barrett, pointing out how aggres- judge or bank examiner, church jobs and programs of support to general and largely joined the of seven felons as voter registra- sively the city is pursuing the gambling addict, voucher-school overcome stigma and hatred Election Fraud Task Force to let tion deputies in Milwaukee "sim- reports of voter fraud -- a hand- embezzler, corrupt union official, encouraged by such GOP press his office take responsibility for ply irresponsible to allow people ful in a sea of more than 18-year old drug abuser - can be conferences. the county and to devote respect- who have shown a strong lack of 300,000 potential city voters -- ed assistant Bruce J. Landgraf to judgment in the past to have says any confusion still facing the effort. such an important role in our lawyers is a "gripe to be taken up The Van Hollen choice of democratic process." with the state." name -- election fraud rather Irresponsible would better Crawford, who it turns out than voter protection -- was describe the GOP officials who was listening in as was this unfortunate and so was the fact have cried wolf so often about reporter to the GOP press confer- that Chisholm was left dangling voter fraud. Irresponsible is how ence, quietly noted that "it cer- in the wind when no other coun- city officials regarded this GOP tainly did its part to sow doubts ty's DA stepped forward to join focus on Milwaukee when the and confusion among the elector- the task force, furthering the illu- biggest danger of vote buying ate." sion that Milwaukee was the takes place in circumstances of She -- along with most of only worry. wealth (election protection law- the media -- doesn't see any evi- "My intention was simply yers won't say what they've dence of the systematic fraud the to assure citizens who had any uncovered but do say this is one GOP complained about. And all questions that there was a place reason they will focus Nov. 4 on involved should remember that to go for answers," said such counties as Waukesha and complaints about "systemic voter Chisholm, "but no question! I Ozaukee). fraud" (which didn't exist) led to agree we should be asking" why Members of both major overblown letters from the GOP the DAs from Waukesha, Dane, Brown and other counties did not step forward to be part of such voter protection. "I'm disappoint- ed they haven't." Publicizing all the tricks being employed actually puts journalists in a bind. It's easy if you only want to sell newspa- pers. Just scream fraud in big headlines. It's hard if you believe in public responsibility. How do you make readers or viewers aware of what's going on without making them fear more delays and confrontations at the polls than are likely or possible? To describe most of the games as rubbish is certainly accurate. But with lawyers well paid to obfuscate and election protection lawyers who have to wait for an excess to happen before they can react, there is no guarantee Snarls may occur for a few people November 4, one reason voters are encouraged to take advantage of absentee bal- lots, special voting hours and early voting opportunities. Realistically, particularly in large cities like Milwaukee, go to the polls armed with knowledge of your rights. There are unlikely to be problems, but there is no shame in being prepared. -- Dominique Paul Noth www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 — Page 11 Whose flight is it anyway? By Dominique Paul Noth furloughing 75% of its pilots and Midwest CEO Timothy Editor, Labor Press flight attendants, said they can Hoeksma, who had just dumped urely by coincidence I was come back and learn to handle 75% of his workers, was to key- at New York's La Guardia the Embraer 170s over eight note the annual Wisconsin 75 POct. 1 boarding the very months to a year. What Midwest business breakfast hosted by first fake Midwest flight on the hasn't spelled out to the media is Deloitte and the Milwaukee home leg back to Milwaukee. that the crews can come back Journal Sentinel. Thousands of miles below me only if they accept the uncon- "Kind of makes you wonder across from Mitchell Field, the scionable wage and benefit cuts what he has to teach them," com- real original Midwest pilots were Midwest insists on. mented one flight attendant, protesting the inaugural out- "In the old West, they knew echoing the later remarks in front sourcing I was flying in. it was blackmail," laughed Greg of media cameras by Toni Oh, the plane was real and Uselmann, the longtime pilot Higgins, president of the well handled, perfectly safe and delegate to the Milwaukee labor Midwest AFA unit. Dozens of Letting no corporate number go unscrutinized are the Midwest even on time --- an Embraer 170 council who is about to be fur- union members joined the protest flight attendants’ bargaining leaders. From left, Cat Reed, Toni jet, two seats on each side of the loughed despite decades with the while the flight attendants cor- Higgins and Joey Krajewski. narrower aisle. But the seats and company. nered and confronted Hoeksma what was about to hit them, cut back dealerships while GM the plane were smaller, not the Midwest is on record seek- several times, asking what on Midwest now ignores the origi- and Chrysler talk merger. "signature wide seats" of the ing pay cuts from 45% to 65% earth he could tell other nal reason it argued for so radical But oops! Midwest's inven- Boeing 717s that regular passen- for the pilots and 34% to 56% Milwaukee businesses about a downsizing -- cutting 1,850 tory included routes it flew. gers anticipate. for the flight attendants -- even CEO values. jobs this year out of an original Virtually all of those were The repainted exterior after decimating their member- What Hoeksma said was he force of 3,380. That reason was snapped up by other companies branded this a Midwest plane, ship with its existing and con- had to outsource these popular the jump in fuel costs to $140 a that think they can make money but the pocket in front of my seat tinuing cuts. From 400 Midwest routes, planes and workers barrel. and take advantage of lower fuel had a Republic Airways brochure pilots at the start of the year, because Republic Airways was But those prices have prices. to explain the plane's exits. ALPA is down to about 119. The giving a $10 million loan as part dropped nearly in half. No wonder some flight The Midwest pilots from flight attendants have already of a 10-year lease for the 12 Perhaps Midwest can join attendants and pilots are con- ALPA and the flight attendants lost 317. Many lived, shopped Embraers -- with another $10-15 the rest of the financiers by say- vinced that Midwest is not tell- from AFA, many of whom I and owned homes in the million loan if Midwest meets ing none of this is the fault of its ing the real story. And they will know, were the crew on the way Milwaukee area. Midwest can certain financial hurdles. In the executives. Perhaps Midwest can not go quietly into the night. out to New York -- but on this now take some pride in almost airline industry, these are not argue that it is just one of the Look for a sudden series of ral- flight they were quietly being single-handedly keeping long-term solutions but Band- many companies caught with lies and protests aimed at cloned by very capable Milwaukee on the national pace Aids for executives. overextended inventory and the Midwest's biggest corporate cli- Teamsters pilots and flight atten- for foreclosures. And if you want a further need to slash and burn, like ents and business travelers, while dants (who underbaked the cook- It has certainly forced hun- slap in the face as CEOs every- Starbucks and Target looking to the fight continues in court. ies on this maiden voyage, but dreds of trained employees to where prove they didn't know close stores, like Ford looking to hey, I'm sure they now have the look for new professions. hang of it). Jay Schnedorf, chairman of If you talked to these the bargaining team for the Teamsters brethren away from Midwest ALPA pilots, argues the plane, you'd find them keenly that Midwest's deal with aware and unhappy to be played Republic violates its existing as pawns in a management game labor agreement, an issue that by Midwest (with, they suspect, may take months to settle. the aide of Republic, not to men- For the flight attendants, the tion Northwest and Delta work- hypocrisy melting point came a ing on the sidelines). few days later at Discovery Midwest, after cutting or World when they discovered that Page 12 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Thursday, October 23, 2008 www.milwaukeelabor.org