Labor About Supporting Their Favorite “The Only Way to Get Money Body’S Screening of Political Candidate As They See Fit

(ISSN 0023-6667) Murphy, Kron, Sweeney get endorsements Wellstone Hall was packed days after the Primary Election As a former teacher she with almost 100 union mem- will narrow the field. Prior to feels terrible that the state has bers and guests for the Duluth the Primary, unions can go not kept its promise to schools. AFL-CIO Central Labor about supporting their favorite “The only way to get money Body’s screening of political candidate as they see fit. to classrooms is with special candidates August 14. Large There are five DFLers, one levies, and that’s supposed to numbers usually mean trou- Republican, and one Indepen- be the state’s job,” she said. ble’s brewing, but the night dent in the race for Jaros’ 7B “The economy hasn’t kept up proved to be anti-climactic as a seat. with the promises so property An Injury to One is an Injury to All! quick no-endorsement deci- Rep. Mary Murphy taxes rise.” sion, or something like that, Duluth faces such a levy WEDNESDAY VOL. 114 was made in the contentious The only legislative CLB this fall that is earmarked for AUGUST 27, 2008 NO. 5 Minnesota House of Represen- endorsement that was forth- students but faces a tough fight tatives District 7B race. coming August 14 was for Rep. because of the long range facil- When the evening ended Mary Murphy in District 6B, ities plan, which labor sup- Rep. Mary Murphy (House and it was unanimous. Murphy ports. District 6B), and St. Louis faces an opponent that will be a See Screenings...page 23 County Commissioners Bill bigger challenge for her than Kron (District 3) and Peg she has generally faced in her Sweeney (District 5) received 16 terms in the House begin- the only endorsements. Only ning in 1976. Kron is in the Primary Election “Mary Murphy is one of our on Tuesday, Sept. 9. He has best friends in the legislature,” three opponents in the non-par- Netland told delegates. tisan race. Murphy is a retired member In House District 7B, of the Duluth Federation of AFSCME Council 5 represen- Teachers, who held numerous tative Marsh Stenersen and officer positions as a member Duluth City Council president of the Central Body. Roger Reinert, both strong “I was encouraged to run by DFLers, are the front-runners the Cloquet and Duluth central Endorsements to replace retiring Rep. Mike bodies,” she told delegates. President Sue Schumacher, a 10-year employee of the Duluth Public Jaros, who has endorsed “Over the years our goals have Library who works in youth services with a Masters Degree, Stenersen. Both candidates coincided.” She said she was Barack Obama is one of 26 AFSCME Local 66 members laid off by Mayor have good support among vari- proud of her AFL-CIO voting U.S. Senate Don Ness. Workers rallied Aug. 18 at City Hall. ous labor unions, which meant record, which is a lifetime “96 Ness attacks union jobs in that neither would probably percent or something.” Al Franken have been able to achieve the U.S. House budget deficit balancing act two-thirds vote of delegates WWisconsinisconsin needed for an endorsement. Representatives In office less than a year and faced with a $6.5 million budg- In the past races such as that et deficit, Mayor Don Ness wasted no time slashing jobs, includ- one often would result in a bat- AFL-CIOAFL-CIO 8th District ing dozens of union jobs. Ness said up to 217 workers, full time, tle among the opposing labor Endorsements Jim Oberstar part time, and seasonal, will be laid off by the end of the year. camps, but not this year. AFSCME Local 66 says 26 of their full time workers are When consideration of a 7B President Minnesota House expected to be gone by Labor Day. Originally announcing that endorsement came up Central Barack Obama Representatives 47 AFSCME would go, Ness dropped that number twice but has Body president Alan Netland threatened more lay-offs. He said for every $100,000 not delet- said he was aware of conflict- U.S. House District 6B ed from the deficit 7 more full time employees will be laid off. ing endorsements by affiliated Mary Murphy At Monday night’s city council meeting, six councilors fol- unions. Representatives lowed Councilor Greg Gilbert’s lead, Todd Fedora and Jim “How many want an 7th District St. Louis County Stauber voted against it, to divert $600,000 from the Housing endorsement (in 7B),” he asked Dave Obey Investment Trust to help offset the deficit. Whether that means in calling for a show of hands. Commissioners fewer lay-offs is yet to be seen. Gilbert also had proposed to take Not even half of the delegates State Assembly District 3 $300,000 from Visit Duluth’s tourism marketing budget, and raised their hands. $100,000 from the Greater Downtown Council’s beautification A motion for no endorse- District 73 Bill Kron budget but those attempts were pulled from the table. The HIF ment, and a suggestion for a Nick Milroy District 5 money was to help low- and moderate-income residents with dual endorsement, both fell by sewer repairs. The tourism and beautification dollars enrich the the wayside. Instead it was District 74 Peg Sweeney rich who rake in the tourism dollars. decided that the Central Body Gary Sherman Alan Netland, president of AFSCME Local 66 and the will revisit an endorsement in PLEASE VOTE Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, told councilors his union 7B at their Thursday, Sept. 11 District 75 in Tuesday, Sept. favored all three of Gilbert’s proposals. “Sewer fixes can wait,” meeting, which comes two 9th’s Primary Election he said. “Parks and libraries can’t. Relax the city’s deadline for Mary Hubler requiring sewer fixes until you can find new funding for repair and Tuesday, Nov. grants. Canal Park businesses don’t pay property taxes. Their 4th’s General Election hotel rooms are full and their pockets are lined with gold. If they want streetscapes and billboards, they can pay for it. We need LaborLabor the $400,000 to save our parks and libraries.” In addition to lay-offs Ness has also asked city workers to take four unpaid work days off a year to lower labor costs which DayDay doesn’t sit well with unions either. John Westmoreland, Northern Director of AFSCME Council 5 in Duluth, said that practice would violate the contract and result in grievances being filed. 2008 He said grievances will be filed on the lay-offs as well. 2008 Westmoreland said collaborative efforts are needed to find solutions to the budget deficit but Ness does not seem inclined to include his workers in any discussion on how to handle the budget dilemma or lay-offs. “All we get are ultimatums, not See Ness cuts union jobs...page 22 Labor Day activities cover the weekend ...excerpts from “Bushed” As you can see from the ads Labor Assembly will hold their Temple. on these two pages, there is 5th Annual Day Before Labor Those who attend the The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and the Duluth almost no end to Labor Day Day celebration in Virginia’s Duluth AFL-CIO Central Building & Construction Trades Council are leading communi- weekend activities that you can Olcott Park. Stop in for more Labor Body’s 120th obser- ty supporters of the World Premiere of Barton Sutter’s attend. As it is with Labor, live music, great food, and see vance of Labor Day will appre- “Bushed: A Poetical, Political, Partly Musical Tragicomedy in you’ll find politics and politi- how a celebration is done ciate a large shade tent and Two Acts.” Sutter was Duluth’s first Poet Laureate. Original cians at every venue so bend Range style. more tables and chairs this year music and arrangements for “Bushed” are by Marya Hart. their ears a bit. The Carlton County Central It will be another great suc- The play will be produced by Brian Matuszak’s Rubber If you’re going to the Body’s 89th Annual Celebra- cess if volunteers show up as Chicken Theater in October, with admission discounts for Minnesota State Fair make sure tion is a little abbreviated this they have in the past. It all showing your union card at the door. you visit the new Minnesota year as there will be no carnival starts at noon at the beautiful Excerpts from “Bushed” will appear in the next few issues AFL-CIO House of Labor (see in town. Hopefully that will Bayfront Park. Track down of Labor World leading up to the performances. story on page 21). change for next year said Tom Yvonne Harvey and ask how You can find out more at www.RubberChickenTheater.com. One of the newer activities Beltt. you can help. If your union/organization would like to be a sponsor of is the Carlton County DFL’s The action gets exciting on Lots of live music thanks to Bushed, contact [email protected]. “FunRaiser” at the home of Sunday with fireworks at members of Musicians Local ACT I Scene 7: Thanks for the Anthrax Larry and Lisa Anderson in Veterans Park. 18, free picnic food, including Esko. This year former Min- The great parade from 18th corn thanks to the Falsani/ DICK CHENEY (Sings to original music by Marya Hart) nesota Governor Wendell An- to 8th streets along Cloquet Balmer, et.al. law firm, many Thanks for the anthrax, whoever you may be. derson will be on the guest list, Ave. starts at 11 a.m. followed booths, old friends, and politi- You shook the fools in Washington as will retiring Wisconsin State by a classic car show on cal speeches make for a great Rep. Frank Boyle. It’s a fun Avenue C between 12th and afternoon next to Lake Superi- Whose hearts are soft as Brie. party with live music. 14th. That’s followed by a pic- or. See you Labor Day! We’ve clamped down on security, On Sunday, the Iron Range nic at the Cloquet Labor Alerted simpletons, Come one come all! So thanks for the anthrax, you sons of...liberty. I.U.O.E. Local 70 Meet Wendell Anderson Thanks for the anthrax, whoever you may be. Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting & Rep. Frank Boyle Who mailed the powdered envelopes You never To Daschle and Leahy. Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, 5:00 P.M. know who will show To keep a lazy nation free Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Takes more than hope-a-dope. Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 Carlton So thanks for the anthrax, you sons of...liberty. County Thanks for the anthrax, whoever you may be. Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 DFL“FunRaiser” You spooked the sissy bureaucrats, Retirees’ Luncheon Live Milkbone music, Empowered men like me. picnic food, beverages And furthermore, I’m pleased to see Tuesday, Sept. 2, 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 You stuck to Democrats. 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. So thanks for the anthrax, you sons of...liberty. Blue Max Rain or Shine @ Larry the Laborer's Thanks for the anthrax, whoever you may be. 97 E. Palkie Rd, Esko The FBI are stumblebums; AFSCME’s FREE Union Info? 428-2722, 391-5911 You’re likely to go free. Free to MN political contribution You’ve brought a dose of sanity refunders, $20 donations accepted To Dems and humbled them. Family Solidarity Picnic So thanks for the anthrax, you sons of...liberty. Dennis Setter Memorial Run The 2nd Annual Dennis Setter Memorial Run will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, leaving from the Duluth Labor Temple at 11 a.m. All you need to do is show up with any kind of motorcycle or vehicle, pay a $10 registration fee, and have a great day for a great event. All proceeds will go to one of Denny “Dancing Bear’s” passions, the Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 Saturday, Sept. 20, Noon – 6 p.m. Apprenticeship Scholarship Fund. Direction of travel will depend on the weather next to the Big Lake. Barnum’s Carlton Co. Fairgrounds e appreciate area Setter died April 1, 2007 at the age of 63 while he was presi- Wworkers, your dent of IUPAT Local 106. All our Sisters & Brothers from all commitment to this Unions are invited to our Picnic! region and share your If you have legal questions concerning a dedication to quality! Pig roast, hamburgers, chips, • Small Business or Non-Profit Organizations ice cream, 1919 Root Beer Ⅲ Quality 4-Color Printing • Real Estate • Wills, Trusts, or Probate a Live music/live WKLK broadcast Ⅲ In-House Creative Design a Ⅲ Computer Forms & Checks • Bankruptcy or Business Workouts Labor history display Ⅲ Union Contracts • Municipal Law a Meet Legislators and AFSCME’s candidates Ⅲ Letterheads & Envelopes Ⅲ Color & High Speed Copies You know Greg Gilbert can help you! For questions, to volunteer at the picnic, or Ⅲ Gathering & Stitching to make a donation (Thank You!), please Ⅲ Laminating call Becky Price at (218) 380-1931 114 West Superior St. • Duluth, MN 55802 GGilberilbertt LawLaw OOfficeffice Overnight camping is available by calling 218-722-4421 • Fax 218-722-3211 (218) 625-8777 [email protected] the Fairgrounds at 218-389-6737 Suite 563 Duluth Technology Village 11 E. Superior St. PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Carlton County Central Labor Body Here’s voting information for Tues., Sept. 9 89th Labor Day Celebration The Tues., Sept. 9 Primary ment that contains your valid Or, you may prove resi- Election is critical in some address in the precinct, dence on Election Day by pre- Fireworks Sunday, 9 pm Veterans Park races, Duluth’s House 7B and * a copy of a current student senting one of the items listed Wisconsin’s Assembly District registration card that contains under A (photo ID not bearing (If rained out they’ll be Labor Day.) 73 for example. Get to the your valid address in the a current address) in conjunc- Parade Labor Day, 11 am Cloquet Ave polls. In Wisconsin and Minne- precinct tion with one of the items listed sota you are able to register to * a notice of late registration under B. Free Picnic After Parade, Labor Temple vote on election day. Pre-regis- mailed to you by the county A. Photo identification card tration deadlines have passed. auditor or municipal clerk with your name and photo- Classic Car Show Labor Day, Noon to If you have voted within the * a tribal identification card graph: 3 pm Labor Temple, Call Mike Tillman, 218-727-7797 last four years and not moved issued by the tribal government * a Minnesota driver’s you are already registered. If of a tribe recognized by the license; See You in your name has changed, be pre- Bureau of Indian Affairs that * a Minnesota identification pared to prove the legal contains your name, address, card; Cloquet! change. signature, and picture * a United States passport; For information Voter Eligibility * a current valid student * a student identification Tom Beltt (218) You may vote in Minnesota: identification card from a post- card issued by a Minnesota secondary educational institu- postsecondary educational 879-7148, 590-9522 * if you will be at least 18 years old on election day; tion in Minnesota and your institution or; or Bob Oswold 879-9242 * are a citizen of the U. S.; name on a certified housing list * a tribal identification card * will have resided in in the precinct, or by that contains your name, signa- Minnesota for 20 days immedi- * having a voter who is reg- ture, and picture Job Posting~Communications ately preceding election day; istered to vote in the precinct * a U.S. military ID card PURPOSE: This position is responsible for developing, * are not under court- vouch for you B. An original bill for gas, implementing and maintaining the internal communications ordered guardianship in which * having an employee of a electric, telephone, cellular program for AFSCME Council 5, a union of 43,000 public and the court order revokes your residential facility vouch for telephone, cable television, non-profit employees throughout Minnesota. This position will right to vote; you, if you are resident of the solid waste, water, or sewer work closely with the lead communications coordinator, political * have not been found by a facility (employee must be on a service if: director, organizing director, field directors, field representatives, court to be legally incompetent certified list of employees of a * the bill shows your name and the leadership of Council 5 and its affiliated locals. to vote; and residential facility) and current address in the This position takes direction from the Lead Communications * have the right to vote * having a prior registration precinct; and Coordinator. because, if you have been con- in the same precinct with your * the due date on the bill is DUTIES: victed of a felony, your felony former address shown on the within 30 days before or after Help implement an annual plan for internal and sentence has expired (been roster. Election Day. external communications completed) or you have been Assist with state, county and city contract campaigns discharged from your sentence. Fundraiser to re-elect Train local unions to create their own newsletters, websites Registering to Vote and email networks To vote in Minnesota, you Implement communication strategies to support political must register as a voter. You action and membership growth may register to vote by mail or Peg Strengthen Council 5’s online presence with weekly web in-person at your county court- stories and new technology house (at least 20 days before Edit Action Update, a bi-weekly newsletter with circulation the election to appear on the to 5,000 union members roster) or you may register at SweeneySt. Louis County Commissioner- District 5 Write articles for Stepping Up,a bi-monthly magazine with your polling place election day. circulation to 43,000 union members Election day registering Wednesday, September 10, 2008 Track monthly media hits To register at the polling Provide video and photographic services place, bring a valid driver’s 5:00pm - 9:00pm Coordinate Council 5’s State Fair Booth license with your current resi- Powerhouse Bar, Proctor REQUIREMENTS: Graduation from an accredited four-year dence address on it with you. college or university with coursework preferably in communica- If you have an old address on tions, labor relations, political science, or liberal arts and/or 3-5 your valid driver’s license, Duluth AFLCIO Central Labor Body Endorsed years experience in labor, political, or community organizing and bring a utility bill in your name Paid for by the Sweeney Volunteer Committee, 826 Almac Drive, Proctor, MN 55810 campaign communications, or a combination of education and (due within 30 days of the elec- experience that would provide the following knowledge, skills or tion) with your current resi- abilities: ability to conceive and direct multi-dimensional cam- dence address on it. You may paign communication strategies; knowledge of graphic design also combine photo identifica- software, printing techniques, and website development; tion from a U.S. passport or advanced oral and written communication skills; ability to military identification card develop a campaign message and enforce message discipline in with the utility bill. Sunday fast-paced campaigns; ability to research data and make logical Acceptable Forms of ID: conclusions; ability to write and design flyers, brochures, direct * a valid Minnesota driver’s August 31 mail, and other materials; ability to work independently and use license, or a receipt for one that Noon to 5:00 p.m. initiative to plan and execute projects. contains your valid address in Olcott Park, Virginia Travel, extended hours, and weekend work are required. the precinct Yes, it’s the day before Labor Day! * a valid Minnesota learn- TO APPLY: Send cover letter and resume to Michelle Stein er’s permit, or a receipt for one Free Food & Music, Everyone’s Welcome! at: AFSCME Council 5, 300 Harman Ave. S., that contains your valid address South St. Paul, Minnesota 55075 in the precinct *Kids Entertainment:The Amazing Charles, Space Walk Fax: 651-455-1311 * a valid Minnesota identifi- *Cash Bar *Raffle Drawing at 4:00 p.m. for: Email: HYPERLINK “mailto:[email protected]” cation card, or a receipt for one, [email protected] 1st Prize: Weber Genesis Platinum Stainless Steel Gas Grill that contains your valid address (Union-made in USA-$700 Value;Thanks, L&M Supply) DEADLINE: The posting in the precinct for this position will close * a current student identifi- 2nd Prize: $500 Cash Thursday, September 4, 2008 cation card that contains your 3rd Prize: Wool & Leather Jacket (Union-made in USA- at 4:00 PM. valid address in the precinct Donated by All American Imprints-Wyoming, MN) AFSCME Council 5 is an equal opportunity employer. * a current student fee state- For information call Ida Rukavina, (218) 235-0029 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 3 Labor Day 2008: Worst of Times, Best of Times by David Newby, President, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Charles Dickens’ classic have no health insurance—and they need; sure we have the best-trained, make positive changes for novel “A Tale of Two Cities” the cost of health insurance for • change the economic and most skilled workforce in the working people, the rich and was written nearly 150 years those of us who have it has tax priorities of our country so world. powerful will keep on making ago. It’s about a time of great doubled. that we who work for a living We can make so many changes that benefit only them. turmoil and immense change in The list of statistics which see our standard of living rise changes that would improve Which way change goes Europe. Its opening lines are: illustrate the decline in living and once again have a realistic our standard of living and our depends on us. It was the best of times, it standards for 90% of the hope that our children will be quality of life—for us, but also We can continue to have the was the worst of times, American people goes on and even better off than we are; for our children and grandchil- worst of times. it was the age of wisdom, it on. • change our trade policies dren. But change does not hap- Or we can rise up and expe- was the age of foolishness... So how could these also be so that they benefit workers pen by accident. If we don’t rience the best of times. it was the spring of hope, it the best of times? here and abroad, not the multi- was the winter of despair, Because more of us under- national corporations that we had everything before stand what is happening to our divide workers against each 15,000 reporters, but will us, we had nothing before us.... country. Because gradually other and drive us into a race to What could better describe more are realizing that it does- see just how far wages in all we get the true RNC story? our situation on Labor Day n’t have to be this way. countries can be reduced; By Barb Kucera, editor, www.workdayminnesota.org 2008? Because union members all • restore fairness to our The worst of times? over America are getting better labor laws so that if a majority In the years I’ve lived in the Twin Cities, I’ve witnessed some Certainly since the Depression organized than we’ve ever of workers at a workplace want pretty high-profile events: a Super Bowl and the visit of Soviet of the 1930s. Confide the fol- been to make sure that “busi- a union (and more than half say Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. But nothing compares to the hype lowing: ness as usual” comes to sudden they do), they’ll get it—with- surrounding the upcoming Republican National Convention. • We are losing half a mil- halt. out the employer interference The official count is that 45,000 people – including 15,000 lion family-supporting manu- And because in the elec- and intimidation they face members of the media – will descend on St. Paul for the four-day facturing jobs every year, over tions this November we have today. convention Sept. 1-4. Those numbers don’t include thousands of 3 million since George Bush the best opportunity to make The possibilities for change protesters also expected to participate in marches and demon- became President! major changes in our state and in Wisconsin are equally excit- strations. • Wisconsin has lost over national policies and priorities ing. If we do our job and elect What really caught my attention was the huge number of 100,000 manufacturing jobs than we’ve had in many a strong progressive majority media representatives. What could they possibly cover? How since 2000, over 40,000 of decades. in our State Assembly—and many different ways can one report on John McCain’s accept- them to China. If we take these elections keep our progressive majority ance speech or President Bush’s more-than-likely brief and low- • Wisconsin has lost over seriously and work like we’ve in the Senate—then we can profile appearance? 25,000 manufacturing jobs never worked before, we can make big changes here too. Of course Minnesota can always provide colorful fodder for since 1993 due to NAFTA turn America around. We could be the first to members of the media from other regions of the country. We’ve alone (the U.S. has lost over a If we elect Barack Obama guarantee that everyone in our got Garrison Keillor and F. Scott Fitzgerald, ice-fishing, hockey million). President and increase the pro- state has affordable, compre- and curling. We’re the birthplace of Prince and Bob Dylan. Our trade deficit is now working family majority in the hensive, quality health care, Expect articles comparing Minnesotans to the residents of the $711 B a year; $256 B of that U.S. Senate, we can: just like we were the first to mythical Lake Wobegon and references to the many Paul trade deficit is with China. • rapidly end the disastrous adopt a Workers Compensation Bunyan statues scattered around the state. Median household income, war in Iraq, which is driving us system about 100 years ago. All of which might make Americans forget that serious busi- adjusted for inflation, is not ever further in debt and which We can make our tax system ness will be taking place in the Xcel Center during those four increasing, it’s falling! In fact makes it impossible to deal fair so that every person (and days. A party platform will be adopted; candidates will speak it fell about 2%, or $1000, with the serious social and eco- every corporation) pays their about their vision for the nation. between 2000 and 2006. nomic problems we have here fair share and the burden on the Knowing 15,000 members of the media will be swarming this The number of Americans at home; middle class is therefore event, I will be listening and watching for the real stories – the without health insurance was • move quickly to change reduced. ones that resonate with the lives of working people. 38 M when George Bush took our health care system so that We can invest in the educa- Stories like this: office; today 47 M Americans no one goes without the care tion of our children and make What do the Republicans plan to do to stem the flow of jobs out of the United States and the stream of people forced to come here by unfair trade? What do they plan to do to create a just and fair global economy? When do the Republicans plan to end the wars in Iraq and Proud to be a part of Duluth’s Labor Day Heritage Afghanistan – so working people, the children of working people – and their grandparents – can stop fighting and come home? How do the Republicans plan to fix our broken economy, end the foreclosure crisis, stop the drunken behavior of Wall Street Since 1887! (Bush’s own words) and create an economy that works for working people? (And no, tax breaks for the wealthy don’t constitute a plan). When will the Republicans do something about a health care “system” that leaves 50 million without coverage, millions more underinsured and many, many people just one illness away from financial disaster? And why do the Republicans – advocates of the free market – never propose unions as the best way to raise living standards and build the middle class? Unlike much of Corporate America, unions don’t get tax breaks and they’re not dependent on government handouts. At their best, they function as highly democratic, proudly independent organizations. (Maybe I just answered my own question). Anyhow, I figure 15,000 TV anchors, reporters, producers, newspaper scribes, photographers, videographers, radio announcers and the like ought to be able to ferret out the true stories behind all these questions. OK – if you believe that, I’ve got a bridge over in Minneapolis I can sell ya. Barb Kucera edits www.workdayminnesota.org, a website of workplace news and resources sponsored by labor organizations.

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 neighborhood not believing my Merritt. Players came from good fortune. We had our own near and far to play some War affects Duluth’s budget house, yard, and a creek ran wicked games on that fine Editor: right next to it with two huge Parks and Rec court. Duluth’s budget crisis is tied to the crisis in the federal budg- tunnels that passed under the There was a long line of et. The crisis in the federal budget is in part caused by The street. The hills of West Duluth swing sets, a slide, jungle gym, The Central Hillside was $12,000,000,000.00 the U.S. wastes every month over in Iraq. were only a block or two away. and merry-go-round (you want Uncle Sam does not have the cash on hand for this expense, so where I lived until 1958 when I What I came to appreciate to get sick, get on) for kids on was 10. We lived on 7th Street, he puts it on the credit card. This interest has accrued quickly and most about our new home is the 41st Avenue side of the we are paying double now for the expense of the war in “03.” which didn’t have a gang so I that Merritt Park was only a park. They got used a lot. joined up with the 8th Street The war spending also puts downward pressure on infrastructure block away. It was probably Later as hockey became improvements, ( the Duluth Building Trades is experiencing 20 gang in their fights with the only the second day of living more popular a real hockey nearest gang, the 6th Streeters. percent unemployment this summer) or any other positive fed- there that I wandered over to rink was put into that green eral spending. I was smart enough to know it Merritt and saw kids all over space that had served as a back was much easier to throw rocks The Bush tax cuts for the wealthy worsens the budget deficit. the park playing. It was an up ball field and football field That makes the U.S. a bigger credit risk which increases the down those steep hills than up incredible sight with about a in the fall. That was after my them. The only recreation I can interest we pay and weakens the dollar. Because oil is traded fourth of the square block cov- time. We pretended to have a with weak dollars, the price of oil rises and further ruins the remember is borrowing a bas- ered with beautiful birches. hockey rink on the oval ice ketball and shooting hoops, economy by raising prices for everything. News flash to I sat on the hill and watched rink. We did have nets. Chamber flunkies, The City of Duluth is a huge consumer, it almost always by myself. for a while and wondered how Smashed my toe good once Recreation opportunities were isn’t AFSCME’s fault the city is in financial woe. I could get in the baseball game taking them off in the spring. So, I say, stop the war! We Americans have wasted close to really non-existent for young they were playing. I had never Oh what great memories of kids. There was no Little a trillion dollars invading and occupying a country that never owned a glove and had never a childhood that got turned attacked us. League and no parks nearby. I played a game of baseball. I around by a city-sponsored carried my own pack of Repeal the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy. By the way, Senator had watched the older boys do park and its recreational pro- Norm Coleman has said he wants to make the Bush tax cuts per- Winstons for about three years. it on the Hillside. They’d never grams. We were kept busy and We moved to the Merritt manent. Increase income taxes on the wealthiest one percent. let a kid play. out of trouble for the most part. They are not reinvesting in America, and creating more jobs as neighborhood that summer of I got braver and moved Later, Wheeler Field with sim- 1958. I ran around the yard and much as they should. down to where the action was ilar city-sponsored programs Close useless tax loopholes for corporations. Tax U.S. corpo- and eventually the guy who ran for older kids, was where we rations’ overseas profits and tax foreign corporation profits here. This Day In History Merritt for the City of Duluth ended up. Similar scenarios Balance the federal budget as during the Clinton years and from Parks & Recreation Dept. were being played out at parks the economy will thrive, increasing the tax base. www.workdayminnesota.org asked me if I was new in the every few miles across Duluth. Take a minute fraction of the money saved and raised and August 27, 1950 neighborhood and if I wanted Dave Hicks was a local hero restore state and federal aid levels to cities to where they were to play. His name was George to us Merritt kids because he August 27, 1950 - President before Bush and Pawlenty took over. Then Mayor Ness will be Moore and he worked at the was a great ski jumper and able to balance the budget. Harry Truman ordered the golfer. He’d bring his shag bag airbase too. I told him I didn’t Mike Kuitu, Operating Engineers Local 49 U.S.Army to seize all of the have a glove. He gave me one. to Merritt and practiced with nation's railroads to prevent I think from that day on I wedges from the second dia- a general strike.The railroads was almost always the first kid mond to us kids on the real ball were not returned to their at the park in the morning, hop- field. We’d play 500. Man, it owners until two years later. ing someone else would show hurt when you caught those up to play. I forgot I smoked high flying golf balls. ~NOTICE~ and threw rocks thanks to I listened to Erin Bates talk Next issues of Labor World George and the organized about getting laid off by Mayor are: Sept. 17; Oct. 1, 15, 29; recreation promoted by the Ness from her Portman Parks Nov. 12, 25; Dec. 17. City of Duluth. and Rec job. Portman and Got to be a city champ at Merritt are exact replicas of LABOR WORLD ping pong for my age group each other in similar neighbor- (ISSN#0023-6667) is published semi-monthly except one issue in one year by beating the intimi- hoods. Tears welled up in her December (23 issues). dating Bernadette Ryan (I eyes as she explained how The known office of publication is think) from dreaded Memorial. much it will hurt her to not be Labor World, 2002 London Road, Later a full, black top bas- there for the kids. It hurt me Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. Periodicals postage is paid at ketball court was put in at too, like a Hicks’ wedge. Duluth MN 55806. POSTMASTER: From the Labor World Send address changes to: Labor World, 2002 London Rd., The Labor Day Holiday... August 29, 1896 Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 Before another issue Labor Day will have come and gone. 6 7 Another one of those great improvements September 7th will see a greater demonstration of organized (218) 728-4469 labor than has ever been witnessed in the annals of this coun- FAX: (218) 724-1413 in all workers’ lives, like the 8-hour day, try. The hosts are marching steadily on. The tramp of their feet [email protected] can be heard in every land. www.laborworld.org ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ overtime pay, and vacations to name a few, Labor Day 1896 shines forth with a brighter light than ’95. Owned by Unions affiliated with the The masses will celebrate this day with lighter hearts than ever Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body brought to us by the Labor movement. before. The clouds in their sky are shifting and the rifts of sil- Subscriptions: $22 Annually very gleams light up the horizon. Deliverance seems near at Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper hand. Let us hope that the goal which has cost so many hero- Board of Directors Andrew & Bransky PA ic sacrifices is within our reach. President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, Labor Day September 2, 1895 saw Eugene V. Debs behind Painters & Allied Trades 106; prison bars, Labor Day September 7, 1896 sees him up and V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; Tim Andrew ~ Aaron Bransky doing, marshaling the army of employed and unemployed Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; under one banner, the Brotherhood of Man. Tom Selinski, IBEW 242; Mike Representing Unions and their Members Throughout the civilized world there is great activity in Kuitu, Operating Engineers 49; organized labor’s ranks. Men and women are heroically striv- Al LaFrenier, UNITE HERE!; 302 W. Superior St. Suite 300 Shane Sweeney, BCTWGM 167G; ing to bring about a New Day. A day when the down-trodden, Larry Anderson, Laborers 1091; Duluth, MN 55802 218-722-1764 oppressed, despised can arise and shake off the old faiths and Susan Jussila, MN Nurses Assn. superstitions and breath the breath of freedom. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 5 AFL-CIO’s Lee: Democratic Party’s platform is strong on workers’ issues By Mark Gruenberg tions include a ringing endorse- technology--so our economy in the current economy. which Lee served and the PAI Staff Writer ment of paid family and med- can generate the good, high- Democrats are committed to an Obama campaign. DENVER--The Democratic ical leave and advocacy of up paying jobs of the future.” It economic policy that produces The platform included at platform is a strong document to seven days of paid sick leave promises to “end the outrage of good jobs with good pay and least one major policy bow to on workers’ issues, including for all workers. unaffordable, unavailable benefits. That is why we sup- Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), the Employee Free Choice Act, The 51-page platform opens health care, protect Social port the right to organize. on health care. The platform says an AFL-CIO staffer who with a lengthy blast at the anti- Security and help Americans “We know that when unions advocates universal coverage, served on the subcommittee worker GOP Bush regime, save for retirement.” are allowed to do their job of though without her require- that drafted it. faulting it for mismanagement- Pro-worker stands are a big making sure that workers get ment that everyone buy insur- Unionists are one-fourth of -and worse--in both foreign part of the Democratic promis- their fair share, they pull peo- ance. Obama advocated only convention delegates and alter- and domestic policy. It says es, and right up front, in the ple out of poverty and create a universal coverage for kids. nates. And dozens of union Bush made the U.S. less safe platform’s section on restoring stronger middle class,” the The labor movement agrees on staffers will also be in Denver. with his war in Iraq and good jobs, Lee says. Ways to platform declares. achieving universal health care, AFL-CIO Policy Director skewed government towards do so include flat-out endorse- “We will restore pro-worker but is split on how to do it. Thea Lee--the federation’s liai- the rich and away from work- ment of the EFCA, an end to voices to the National Labor Increasing numbers of son with Democratic platform ers and the American dream. business’ “independent con- Relations Board and the union groups advocate govern- drafters--said unionists should “We will provide immediate tractor” dodge, opposition to National Mediation Board and ment-run single-payer univer- prefer the party’s stands on relief to working people who “paycheck protection,” right- we support overturning the sal health care, abolishing the renegotiating trade treaties to lost their jobs, families who to-work laws and favoring a NLRB’s and NMB’s many insurance companies and their include worker rights, and on lost their homes, and people ban on scabs. harmful decisions that under- high premiums, rising co-pays labor rights for various work- who have lost their way,” the “In the platform hearings, mine the collective bargaining and fatal denials of care. (See ers. Among them are collective platform declares. “We will Americans expressed dismay rights of millions of workers.” story on page 8.) bargaining rights for all federal invest in America again–in that people who are willing to The platform also coincides While platforms usually workers and first responders world-class public education, study and work cannot get a with what Sen. Barack Obama gather dust after conventions, nationwide. She said other sec- in infrastructure, and in green job that pays enough to live on (D-Ill.), the party’s presumed Lee predicted this one would nominee, says on the campaign not. One reason is that it coin- trail. In his latest speech to a cides with Obama’s stands. labor audience, Obama told a Another is that “we can use it ONON DIGNITYDIGNITY group of 1,000 Laborers, by to show our members the dif- significance lies in one word. Dignity. Without teleconference on Aug. 21, that ference with (presumed GOP Labor Day's he would actively be “the infra- nominee John) McCain.” And question, it is the single most important accomplishment trade unionism structure president.” if all else fails, “We can wave it has brought forth onto our American culture. Dignity is realized in The confluence with in their faces afterwards” and Obama’s stands was worked insist Democrats--from Obama better wages, and in livable, safe working conditions... in an attitude that out in meetings between the on down--abide by what their is better suited to cope with retirement or ill health. Regardless of one's platform subcommittee on party pledges to stand for. station in life—worker, manager or boss, union or non-union—each Have a safe and happy Labor Day! individual and family lives a better life because of American trade unions. By organizing and uniting, we've set standards, wages and Labor never quits. We never give up conditions that we are continually improving. By insuring the the fight – no matter how tough the survivability of collective bargaining, we've spread America's wealth to odds, no matter how long it takes. a broader populace which, in turn, has provided more purchasing power, George Meany allowing industry opportunities to also thrive and prosper. Peg DuluthDuluth BuildingBuilding && ConstructionConstruction TTradesrades CouncilCouncil SweeneySt. Louis County Commissioner- District 5 Affiliates Boilermakers Lodge 647 Laborers Local 1091 ~~ 728-5151 Duluth AFLCIO Central Labor Body Endorsed 724-6999 Operating Engineers Local 49 Paid for by the Sweeney Volunteer Committee, 826 Almac Drive, Proctor, MN 55810 Bricklayers & Allied Crafts 724-3840 Local 1 ~~ 724-8374 Painters & Allied Trades Cement Masons, Plasterers Local 106 ~~ 724-6466 Ahhhhh, & Shophands Local 633 Plumbers & Steamfitters 724-2323 Local 11 ~~ 727-2199 Labor Day... Electrical Workers Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 Local 242 ~~ 728-6895 218-644-1096 One last gasp, Elevator Constructors Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Local 9 then we welcome 724-6873 (612) 379-2709 Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 the students, and Insulators Local 49 (701) 281-1514 724-3223 another school year. Teamsters Local 346 Iron Workers Local 512 628-1034 AFSCME 724-5073 Local 3801 Call Us When You’re Thinking Construction! Craig Olson, President, 1-218-724-6466 UMD Clerical & Technical Employees

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Democrats duck plank on top-heavy distribution of income and wealth GM, Toyota strategies concentrate on undoing this the same exact time, enhances That money, simply put, interests “would best be served show greed and concentration. “income stagnation for the went to making the rich richer, if Toyota plowed its cash into Unchallenged, this concen- working poor and middle through maneuvers to reward research and development for preparing for the future tration just continues merrily class.” both shareholders and compa- hybrids and other long-term By Sam Pizzigati, along. America’s most affluent Last week, in The Chicago ny executives flush with stock improvements.” Editor, Too Much 400 took home an average Tribune, Jacoby explored a options. From 1996 to 2000, Toyota made investments in WASHINGTON (PAI)-- $214 million in 2005, the most concrete example of this GM spent $13 billion buying the future. GM put smiles on Ready for the Democratic recent year with figures avail- extraction process, at General back its shares of stock on the rich people’s faces. National Convention? Just able. A half-century ago, in Motors, once the single most open market, a move that The next occupant of the click your way online to the 1955, the top 400 averaged, important corporation in the increases “demand” for a com- White House, to have any hope draft 2008 party platform. after adjusting for inflation, a United States, the mighty pany’s shares and jacks up the of restoring American prosper- You’ll find, stuck inside, some mere $12 million. engine of post-World War II price. GM spent $7 billion ity, is going to have to stop that stirring passages that make an What have the rich been American prosperity. “As GM more on dividends to share- grinning. eloquent case for change. But doing to advance so handsome- goes,” the old saw went, “so holders. Veteran labor journalist you won’t find, unfortunately, a ly? “The standard explanation goes the nation.” On the other side, Jacoby Sam Pizzigati is editor of Too single explicit line about what has to do with market forces,” GM these days, daily head- points out, Toyota “successful- Much, a newsletter about the most needs changing in the UCLA economist Sanford lines remind us, is not going ly demands--chiefly from maldistribution of wealth, pub- United States today: our Jacoby noted this past spring in particularly well. The compa- American investors--to raise its lished by the Council on nation’s alarmingly top-heavy an insightful analysis of the ny’s low-mileage Yukon and payout ratio” to shareholders. International and Public distribution of income and dynamics that left the United Suburban SUVs are piling up Toyota’s top executive in the Affairs, 777 UN Plaza, Suite wealth. States so dangerously unequal. unsold on lots across the U.S. late 1990s, the UCLA econo- 3C, New York, NY 10017. What difference does this The market is rewarding GM workers are losing jobs mist adds, believed shareholder top-heavy distribution make? America’s corporate and finan- and benefits to buyouts and Let’s take a look at the conse- cial elites, the story goes, for permanent layoffs. Rumors quences of concentrated wealth the economic value their about a GM bankruptcy have on General Motors, the compa- smarts and skills create. even started circulating. ny that once stood tall as But these corporate and The conventional wisdom Corporate America’s signature financial elites, Jacoby’s analy- from conservative circles enterprise but now reels under sis shows, haven’t really been blames GM’s current woes on debt and deficits. creating value. They’ve been high wages and pensions for The examination of the extracting it. “Executives and workers. More perceptive crit- maldistribution of wealth is a shareholders take resources ics, Jacoby notes, blame GM’s sadly missing party platform that otherwise would have been “overreliance on gas-guzzlers, plank in the 51-page Demo- reinvested or returned to other mediocre product quality, and cratic document. Over the past factors of production”--such as unimpressive design.” But that quarter-century, America’s research and development-- overreliance didn’t have to be. richest 0.1% have tripled--and and, in the process, leave com- In the 1990s, GM was the richest 0.01% have quadru- panies less competitive in glob- swimming in cash, more than pled--their share of the nation’s al market, he notes. enough to match Toyota, or any income. Over this remarkable This extraction of value other competitor, in innovative span of time, not one enriches executives and breakthroughs. Democratic platform suggested America’s already wealthy-- “So what in the world,” asks American politics ought to who own the overwhelming Jacoby, “did the company do bulk of corporate stock--and, at with all its money?” When Labor Votes,Brother Labor Debs Wins Have a Great Holiday! From the members of Be sure151st to volunteerBirthday! and vote in 2008! HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE LABOR DAY! International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 242 Please Remember To Vote in the Sept. 9 Primary Election and in Nov. 4’s General Election! Missabe Road) “Bad officials are the ones elected by good citizens who do not vote.” ~George Jean Nathan LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 7 New York is 37th state fed to endorse HR 676, AFSCME added to list On August 18th, the New IFPTE, OPEIU, UTU, SEIU, brochure also includes a list of Healthcare Act, and state legis- Wisconsin reps Tammy York State AFL-CIO conven- USW, California School “Ten Problems with the Private lation such as the Healthy Baldwin (CD2) and Gwen tion unanimously endorsed HR Employees Association, and Health Insurance System.” Wisconsin initiative.” Moore (CD4) continue to be 676 and called upon the nation- AFT. Many supporters call HR HR 676 would institute a the only congressional repre- al AFL-CIO to support the sin- HR 676 has been endorsed 676 a “Medicare for all” bill single payer health care system sentatives from those two gle payer legislation introduced by 455 union organizations in and point to insurance compa- in the U.S. by expanding a states to have signed on. by Congressman John Conyers 49 states including 112 Central nies and other business-orient- greatly improved Medicare Co-sponsors and bill text (D-MI). The 2.5 million mem- Labor Councils, the Duluth ed aspects of our health care system to every resident. are here: ber NY State AFL-CIO is the AFL-CIO Central Labor Body system as root causes for its HR 676 would cover every http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi- 37th state federation to endorse was one of the first, Area Labor inability to provide health care. person in the U. S. for all nec- bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.00676: HR 676. Federations and 37 state AFL- AFSCME’s Resolution 19, essary medical care including Copies of the NYS AFL- In San Francisco July 31st CIO’s (KY, PA, CT, OH, DE, adopted after a vigorous prescription drugs, hospital, CIO Resolution and the Capital at its International Convention, ND, WA, SC, WY, VT, FL, WI, debate, states: surgical, outpatient services, District ALF brochure are the American Federation of WV, SD, NC, MO, MN, ME, “…RESOLVED: That primary and preventive care, available at: State, County and Municipal AR, MD-DC, TX, IA, AZ, TN, AFSCME initiate a concerted emergency services, dental, http://www.pefencon.info/HR6 Employees (AFSCME) also OR, GA, OK, KS, CO, IN, AL, campaign … beginning with mental health, home health, 76/NYS_AFL- endorsed HR 676. CA, AK, MI, MT, NE & NY). endorsing existing and future physical therapy, rehabilitation CIO_Endorses_HR676.htm AFSCME is the 18th inter- While the national AFL- legislation that calls for univer- (including for substance For further information, a national union to endorse HR CIO is unable to show the sal, affordable, quality health abuse), vision care, chiroprac- list of union endorsers, or a 676. Other international unions courage to endorse HR 676, its care such as Congressman John tic and long term care. sample endorsement resolu- that have endorsed HR 676 are March 2007 Executive Council Conyers’ bill, H.R. 676, HR 676 ends deductibles tion, contact: UAW, NEA, ILWU, NALC, statement cited Medicare as Expanded and Improved and co-payments. HR 676 Kay Tillow IAM, Plumbers & Pipefitters “One concrete plan that meets Medicare for All and would save billions annually All Unions Committee For (UA), Musicians (AFM), UE, the test of comprehensive, uni- Congressman Pete Stark’s bill, by eliminating the high over- Single Payer Health Care--HR CNA/NNOC, SMWIA, versal health coverage….” The H.R. 1841, Americare head and profits of the private 676, c/o Nurses Professional health insurance industry and Organization (NPO) HMOs. 1169 Eastern Parkway, HR 676 currently has 91 co- Suite 2218 sponsors in addition to Louisville, KY 40217 Conyers. Minnesota’s Rep. (502) 636 1551 *IM/BERSTARlGHTS Keith Ellison (CD5), and Email: [email protected] HOME & 24 HOUR BUSINESS SERVICE HEATING tokfX[mXeZ\cXYfii`^_kj advance labor rights INSTALLATION Xe[Zi\Xk\e\nafYj FREE & and create new jobs ESTIMATES SETUP throughk_ifl^__`je\n his new leadershipc\X[\ij_`gifc\ role `e:fe^i\jj%In Congress. Harbor City Oil & PROPANE A`d_fefijflinfib\ij 3020 West Superior Street • 624-3633 Jim honors our workers Warming the Northland for over 40 years k_`jCXYfi;Xp#this Labor Day, SeptemberJ\gk\dY\i*% 1. *IM/BERSTARIS WORKINGFOR9OU

*IM/BERSTARFORYOU FORMINNESOTA

!UTHORIZEDAND0AIDFORBY&RIENDSOF*IM/BERSTAR

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Labor’s goal for November’s election is filibuster-proof U.S. Senate By Mark Gruenberg and to kill progressive legisla- Sweeney listed races in contracts” steered to favored, Free Choice Act, Bensford said PAI Staff Writer tion, including pro-worker Minnesota, Oregon, Maine and non-union, bidders, Berkley He did not mention that Ken- CHICAGO--The AFL-CIO laws and attempts to start with- Kentucky--against Minority said. He wants to bring the tucky has not elected a Demo- has set a political goal, second drawal of U.S. forces from Leader Mitch McConnell, the same progressive record to the cratic U.S. Senator in years. only to helping presumed GOP President George W. filibuster orchestrator. He U.S. Senate. * Popular ex-New Hamp- Democratic nominee Barack Bush’s war in Iraq. added New Hampshire, North * Kentucky industrialist shire Gov. Shaheen (D), who Obama win the White House, The Senate Republicans Carolina, Alaska, Colorado, Bruce Bensford can finance his lost a close race to then-Rep. of achieving a filibuster-proof have launched at least 86 suc- New Mexico, Virginia and own race against McConnell, John Sununu (R) in an open- 60-vote pro-worker Senate cessful filibusters--an all-time Mississippi. In a later talk, but was not the first choice of seat contest in 2002, vowed the majority in the fall elections. record--against Democratic ini- AFL-CIO Political Committee several unions due to his past outcome would be different To do so may be an uphill tiatives, including the Chair Gerald McEntee told PAI business practices. McConnell, this year. New Hampshire has battle, as it would require Employee Free Choice Act, to the federation realistically Bensford said, has already been trending Democratic. Democrats to win at least nine help level the playing field expects a net gain of “six or spent $1.5 million on ads, and She’s “in a tough race” of 11 targeted U.S. Senate between workers and bosses in seven” seats. He listed those in none have touted McConnell’s where Sununu “has $3 million races and not lose a single seat organizing and bargaining. Virginia (Democrat Mark own 24-year Senate record. more in the bank than I do, and of their own. And even several In another case, on legisla- Warner), New Hampshire “They’re all attacking me” and they’ve spent $5 million in of the hopefuls described the tion important to the Fire (Jeanne Shaheen), “a good shot his support of the Employee independent expenditures.” problems they face on the cam- Fighters to order states to give in Alaska” (Tom Begich), paign trail. collective bargaining rights to Colorado and New Mexico. Democrats and Republicans public safety workers, the fili- He also thinks they’ll pick up are currently tied at 49 seats buster failed. But the GOP 25 more U.S. House seats. each in the Senate. Two inde- talked that bill to death by Hopefuls who spoke in pendents, who vote with work- launching 20 amendments and Chicago at an Executive Board Enjoy Labor Day ers on their issues, caucus with discussing them endlessly. meeting had varying messages: It’s brought to you by unionists the Democrats. The GOP is defending 23 of * Oregon House Speaker who had to fight to get it for you! The GOP needs only 41 the 35 Senate seats up this year. Jeff Berkley (D) touted his leg- votes to keep filibusters going Federation President John J. islature’s pro-labor record and the flip-flips of his foe, incum- bent Gordon Smith (R). Smith, Berkley said, is busy changing positions to flee a voting record that is 90% supportive of Bush- -because polls show Bush is more unpopular in Oregon than in any other state. Bricklayers and Allied “Workers couldn’t get bene- Saluting fits, but we changed that in the Craftworkers Local The Labor Movement... state legislature. We adopted the Employee Free Choice Act Union #1 of Minnesota Duluth, Superior, Northern for public employees,” guaran- teeing card-check recognition and North Dakota Minnesota, Northern Wisconsin for them, he added. “And we 2002 London Road • 724-8374 ended the use of non-compete KOLAR 733-0100 A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will

4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN

PAINTERS, GLAZIERS and Working For & Building A Better America DRYWALL FINISHERS Have A Great IUPAT LOCAL 106 Labor Day Holiday Call The Members of Painters & Allied Trades IRONIRON Local 106 for a List of WORKERSWORKERS Our Union Contractors LOCALLOCAL 512512 3752 Midway Road, Hermantown, MN 55810 (218) 724-6466 www.ironworkers512.com

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 9 Support your local pharmacy Enjoy a safe, well-deserved holiday from your labors, Tell your union, health fund, and employer but get yourself prepared to vote in this fall’s elections you want local pharmacy services from your friends It’s Better...Keep It Local! in the 19 affiliates of the Your Local vs Mail Order White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies Iron Range Building & Trades Council 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer Call us, we’ll direct you to high quality 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do you get questions answered? contractors who use skilled, area workers 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing accurately product that has been returned President John Grahek, 1-218-741-2482 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders Recording Secretary Dennis Marchetti new prescriptions Financial-Secretary Michael Syversrud, 107 S. 15th Ave. W., Virginia, MN. 55792 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE Refills) authorizations 3Free in town prescription Do you want your meds sitting in delivery a 110 degree mailbox? CCeelleebbrraattee LLaabboorr DDaayy 3We contact doctors for refills Some require you to get your own refill authorizations and America’s Workers! 3Monthly health screenings and America’s Workers! Why trust your health & safety to 3Free blood pressure checks a nameless, faceless person? LSALMA was incorporated by Labor and Management in 1982. On Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable behalf of our Board of Directors we thank our Member/Investors. than mail order. We are always available to answer your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. Tony Orman For a listing of locations visit www.thriftywhite.com Executive Director Pinetree Plaza [email protected] Inside Super One Foods Visit us at www.LSALMA.org Cloquet, MN Visit us at www.lsalma.org 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 LAKE SUPERIOR AREA LABOR MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm 11 East Superior, Suite 210, Duluth, MN 55802 Government Center, 1316 N. 14th St., Superior, WI 54880 LaborLabor DayDay (218) 727-4565 FAX: (218) 726-6338 GreetingsGreetings to our Union Friends We Are Labor HUNEGS, LENEAVE & KVA S Attorneys at Law - & Delivery & ER & ICU Representing Railway Labor and their families for injuries on and off Celebrating the work and skill of the the job for over a half century! 20,000 members of the

HUNEGS, LENEAVE & KVA S 900 Second Avenue South, Suite 1650 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-339-4511 1-800-328-4340 ~Investigators~ Arnie Flagstad Clyde Larson the largest and most powerful union Superior, WI. Duluth, MN 715-394-5876 218-348-3091 for Registered Nurses in the Midwest PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Unions seek probe of Wal-Mart’s actions to oppose Obama for president By Mark Gruenberg date Barack Obama. supervisors in seven states to would not only outlaw those ing conditions,” Wal-Mart PAI Staff Writer The AFL-CIO, American tell them to oppose Obama sessions, but it would give Watch said. Calling Wal-Mart’s actions Rights at Work, Change to Win because of his support of the workers the choice of a card- Michael Whitney of illegal under federal election and WakeUp Wal-Mart filed Employee Free Choice Act check or an election when American Rights at Work: law, the two major labor feder- the request August 14 with the (EFCA), legislation that would choosing a union. It also would “Unfortunately for Wal-Mart ations and other organizations Federal Election Commission. make it easier to join unions. make it easier to get court workers, this kind of intimida- have asked the government to They said Wal-Mart broke The meetings were first report- orders against companies such tion is nothing new. It’s actual- investigate the retail giant for federal election law by holding ed in the Wall Street Journal. as Wal-Mart that routinely vio- ly part and parcel for Wal- telling employees to oppose mandatory meetings with its The meetings were confirmed late worker rights. Mart’s business plan. When Democratic presidential candi- store managers and department by other Wal-Mart workers, Wal-Mart, which with 1.4 Wal-Mart employees stand up who spoke on condition of million workers is the world’s for themselves and try to form anonymity, fearing retaliation, largest private company, says it a union, they face threats, prop- but who nevertheless called talks with workers about EFCA aganda, discrimination, intimi- another organization that but does not pressure them how dation, and even firings in probes the retailer, Wal-Mart to vote on candidates. retaliation. Watch, to discuss the sessions. But one Missouri supervisor “What Wal-Mart is doing Federal law lets corpora- who called flatly said Wal-Mart for November’s election is tions “communicate express was ordering them how to vote. what it, and hundreds of other advocacy about federal candi- “In one case, a worker said anti-union companies, do all dates,” such as Obama only to they were shown a slide that the time when workers say they salaried, not hourly, workers said “Obama = union” and then want an union: Intimidating and it is only “employees who were told why unions were bad them to go against their own have policy making, manageri- . . . All of these tactics seem to self-interests.” al, professional or supervisory be designed to keep workers EFCA, beaten by a Senate responsibilities.” from demanding better wages, GOP filibuster this year, will Wal-Mart store managers decent benefits or fairer work- come up again next year. and supervisors, summoned to the meetings about Obama and EFCA, are hourly workers. Even Wal-Mart’s spokesman A great Labor Day calls them “associates” – the corporation’s name for rank- Holiday to all. and-file workers. EFCA would level the playing field between workers and We’ve earned it! bosses in organizing and bar- from gaining, including the very Fire Fighters Local 101’s David Anderson accepts a $100 “captive audience” meetings USW Local 1028 check from UNITE HERE Local 99’s John “Mouse” Wal-Mart held to preach Serving: Montera for the Fire Fighter’s “Fill the Boot” Muscular against Obama. Firms hold those with workers in almost ME Electmetal Dystrophy fundraiser. Montera was making the donation on Lerch Bros.(Allouez) behalf of his employer, Tony Grandi of T-Bonz Bar & Grill. all organizing drives, featuring Fire fighters collected about $30,000 at all 4 corners of 5 anti-union harangues with no Duluth Steel Fabricators intersections for 4 hours on 3 days last week in Duluth as rebuttals. Workers must attend Cutler-Magner(Salt) part of their union’s national effort. or face discipline. The act Township of Duluth(Police) Have a Great Holiday! Proud to be part of the Annual Labor Day Picnic! Teamsters Local 346 ~Minnesota and Wisconsin~ Patrick Radzak Secretary-Treasurer Colin Hayes Roderick Alstead President Vice President David LaBorde Les Kundo Recording Secretary Business Agent/Trustee Wilhelmus Bothma Gary Bauers Trustee Trustee

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 11 Rep. Dave Obey says Congress has accomplished a lot in spite of reports You don’t have to ever was a little upset in addressing unless we get into fights,” agents were added as was a Obey said he doesn’t recognize guess about how Wisconsin’s the Northern Wisconsin Build- Obey said. He said their is program to identify, track, and the guy who is running as the District 7 Congressman Dave ing & Construction Trades actually a lengthy list of major deport all illegal felons; and, Republican candidate though Obey is feeling. He’ll tell you Council’s meeting in Superior accomplishments in this year’s • the milk program was he’s worked with Sen. John straight out what’s on his mind last week. Congress. With no thanks to increased to protect family McCain for years. and why. One of the most He’s tired of hearing in President George W. Bush, dairy farmers. “He’s lying through his important people in Congress media reports that Congress who threatened to veto most of “People say not a dime’s teeth on Obama’s tax plan,” as chair of the House of hasn’t done anything. these efforts, here are some worth of difference has been said Obey. “No one making Representatives Appropri- “The press is too focused on Obey listed for the Trades: made in this Congress, but below $200,000 will get a tax ations Committee that disburs- the glitz of the presidential • largest expansion of edu- there’s a $40 billion difference increase. I’ve got nothing es money for projects, Obey campaign to notice Congress cation benefits under the GI in what has moved out of my against rich people but since Bill since 1945; committee to meet the priori- Bush came in 95 percent of the • largest increase in veterans ties of this county,” Obey said. nation’s income growth went to health care benefits ever of About all the President has the top 10 percent. So 90 per- $7B; done is for America’s middle cent of us had to fight for 5 per- • a $750 million Pell Grant class is say “take this tax rebate cent of the take. That’s just out- expansion, while cutting stu- and go shopping” Obey said. rageous! Obama will put peo- dent loan interest rates in half, Yet Bush has done a lot of ple in front of the train again, that will do more to send kids damage to other important pro- not in the caboose. If people to college than any legislation grams such as a 50% reduction don’t understand the difference since 1965; in vocational education, and they’ll get what they deserve. I • unemployment insurance cut 1100 medical research can’t defend people who won’t was extended 13 weeks; grants that work on Alz- fight for themselves.” • the State Children’s Health heimers, diabetes, and cancer. NWBCTC unanimously Insurance Program (SCHIP) On the presidential race endorsed Obey at the meeting. was renewed over Bush’s objections; Obama picks Biden as VP • state high risk insurance Labor’s presidential candidate Barack Obama chose one of pools were created; his U.S. Senate colleagues for his vice presidential running mate • a 50% increase in funding last Saturday. Senator Joe Biden of Delaware had been among for low income dental clinics, the early candidates who had sought the Democratic presidential including 7 in Obey’s district; nomination. He had never received any major union endorse- • senior care programs were ments in his bid. It was Biden’s second bid for the presidency, expanded; but he dropped out early after the Iowa caucuses. • genetic information was Though he comes from a small state with few electoral votes, banned to keep insurance com- Biden, 65, is a 30-year member of the Senate with a strong his- Wisconsin Congressman Dave Obey signed a petition in panies from discriminating; tory in foreign policy and defense, which counters accusations support of the Employee Free Choice Act at a meeting with • the first new fuel efficien- thrown at Obama about his “lack of experience.” Biden is chair the Northern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades cy standards were passed in 32 of the Foreign Relations Committee. Council last Wednesday. Obey said “I don’t want any more years; Biden also covers Obama by being a blue-collar Catholic, a Lieberman Democrats, be a true Democrat, and support • toxic toys from China voting block Obama had trouble with in his battle with Hillary workers’ rights to organize.” Seated next to him is were caught and prohibited; Clinton for the nomination. Wisconsin State Senator Bob Jauch, who also gladly signed. • 3000 new Border Patrol AFL-CIO President John Sweeney says Obama’s selection of Biden “has affirmed the judgment it takes to be president of the United States and an understanding of the team it will take to turn around America.” He called Biden “an eloquent defender of working families and opponent of the Bush administration’s war Have a Safe Labor Day on workers. He’s a man of great faith and modest means who has lived his life in direct contrast to those who support Bush and his would-be successor, John McCain. He’s honest and outspoken ZENITH ADMINISTRATORS, INC. and he’s never forgotten his working-class roots.” 2520 Pilot Knob Road 750 Torrey Building Suite 325 Duluth, MN 55802 With best wishes for a safe and Mendota Heights, MN 55120 218-727-6668 relaxing Labor Day holiday! 651-256-1900 Please take time to vote.

“What does labor want? We want more schoolhouses and less jails, more books and less arsenals, more learning and less vice, more constant work and less crime, more leisure and less greed, more justice and less revenge.” – Samuel Gompers, 1894 MaryMurphy State Representative National Association of Letter Carriers Zenith Branch 114 Merged Prepared and paid for by the Mary Murphy Vol. Comm., Jean McDonald Treasurer, 5180 West Arrowhead Road, Hermantown, MN 55811 Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay

PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 In Wisconsin District 73, the real election is Tuesday, Sept. 9--Vote Milroy! If you live in northern Make sure you don’t get Superior being the largest area can National Convention in St. opponent is actually endorsed Wisconsin don’t fool yourself Tripped up. and town. It votes heavily Paul next week. Obey’s refer- by Mayor Dave Ross. Obey into thinking that you don’t The true Democrat that de- Democratic and thus you will ence was to Milroy’s oppo- said to look at the Mayor’s have to pay attention to this serves your vote in AS73 is find people running as nents. He said such candidates record and you’ll find he is no fall’s elections until November Nick Milroy, who has been Democrats who really don’t have surfaced in the past, Dan friend of unions or the Demo- 4th. The candidate that will endorsed by the Superior believe in the party’s platform. Theno for example, and they cratic Party. Jauch said if represent you in the Wisconsin Federation of Labor, the North- But they are smart enough to always find a reason to vote Milroy doesn’t win, Mayor Assembly, and replace retiring ern Wisconsin Building & know that they will not be for “the big boys” against Ross will take credit for beat- Rep. Frank Boyle, will Construction Trades Council, elected as a Republican. working people. ing him and Obey. undoubtedly be the Democrat and the Wisconsin State AFL- The scary part is that “Douglas County needs Others at the meeting point- that makes it through the Tues- CIO. Republicans know who their help more than all the other ed to contributions to Milroy’s day, Sept. 9th Primary District 73 covers a huge people are and will cross over counties in the state and you opponent’s campaign from Election. area with Douglas County and to vote for them in a Primary, won’t get it without Nick Republicans as evidence that regardless of which party’s Milroy,” Obey said. Milroy is the real, only, and label they are running under. Both Obey and Jauch said best choice for working fami- One way of finding out Milroy’s chief Democratic lies in northwest Wisconsin. who’s who is to look at who is endorsing the candidates and who is contributing to their campaign treasury. Please Keep Northern Wisconsin has been blessed with some incred- your Labor Day ible elected officials: Congress- man Dave Obey, State Senator Holiday a Safe one Bob Jauch, and Rep. Frank Boyle. Like all the unions, they all support Nick Milroy. Wilson-McShane proudly provides Jauch told the NWBCTC last week that if they can do for stable, high quality, and responsible Milroy what they’ve done for him and Obey, who was sitting third-party administration services for Nick Milroy the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO’s endorsed can- next to him, there is a chance Taft-Hartley negotiated benefit funds. didate for Assembly District 73 signed a petition in support that gains can be made for of the Employee Free Choice Act at a meeting with the working families in Madison. Northern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades “The state and federal capi- Council last Wednesday at their meeting. The Council was tols are not Mr. Roger’s neigh- an early supporter of Milroy, who is in a tough Primary borhood,” Jauch said. “It’s a WWiillssoonn--MMccSShhaannee Election Sept. 9 for retiring Rep. Frank Boyle’s seat. fight for those of us who work for working families. Nick will be someone who will do that CCoorrppoorraattiioonn for you.” Matt Winkel - President Obey told the Trades he was tired of Lieberman Demo- Bloomington, Minnesota 1-800-535-6373 crats, Al Gore’s vice presiden- Duluth, Minnesota 1-800-570-1012 tial running mate in 2000, who has since been become an Wilson-McShane also has offices in Kansas City, Independent in the U.S. Senate MO, Louisville, KY, Omaha, NE & Des Moines, IA. and will address the Republi- A Great Holiday To All Who Labor! from your friends in the NorthernNorthern WWisconsinisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council President Norm Voorhees, Ironworkers Local 512, (218) 724-5073 Vice President Dan Westlund, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer Larry Anderson School opens next week, Boilermakers Lodge 107 Laborers Local 1091 Please Dri ve Safely! (262) 798-1267 728-5151 Bricklayers Local 2 Operating Engineers Local 139 Laborabor Dayay Greetingsreetings 392-8708 or (715) 835-5164 (715) 838-0139 L D G Cement Masons, Plasterers & Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 from the Shophands Local 633--724-2323 724-6466 Electrical Workers Local 14 Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 Duluth (715) 878-4068 727-2199 Electrical Workers Local 242 Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 Federation 728-6895 218-644-1096 Insulators Local 49 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 of Teachers 724-3223 724-6873 Local 692 Iron Workers Local 512 Teamsters Local 346 724-5073 628-1034

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 13 Laborers recognize 3 safe area contractors (Lino Lakes) - Construction of each year, where one Union is a dangerous profession and Laborer will be randomly without diligent attention to drawn for the annual recogni- safety it can be life threatening. tion award. At its 2nd Annual Contractor “We are very pleased with Appreciation BBQ and 1st the significant response by Annual Safety Driven Awards union contractors to become day, Minnesota Laborers- part of Safety Driven,” said Employers Cooperation and Ron Thornburg, chairman of Education Trust (LECET), a Minnesota LECET. “Safety is joint non-profit labor and man- important to both the Union agement organization, present- members and contractors to ed the Safety Driven Award of Safety on construction ensure the health of workers Excellence to 22 signatory con- worksites is an increasingly and in building high quality tractors who exemplify con- important priority and LECET construction.” struction site safety. has created Safety Driven to Currently, there are more Three area contractors were recognize contractors and than 11,000 Skilled Construc- LLabor DDay... among those recognized for Union Laborers who exemplify tion Laborers working on high- their commitment to safety. worksite safety. way and commercial construc- A good time to reflect on how Unions have Lakehead Constructors, JR Safety Driven is a safety tion, environmental and public improved the lives of all working Americans: Jensen, and Oscar Boldt are all incentive program created by works projects throughout familiar names to area union- Minnesota LECET that offers Minnesota and North Dakota. 8-Hour Day...Paid Sick Leave...Higher Wages... ized construction workers. quarterly and annual award For more information about Health Insurance...Overtime Pay...Pensions... Their outstanding safety recognition throughout the year Minnesota’s Skilled Construc- records and practices in 2007 culminating in the Annual tion Laborers or Safety Driven Paid Holidays...Safer Working Conditions... made them award winners. Laborers Award during the fall visit www.mnlecet.org Paid Vacations...Maternity Leave... LAKEHEAD 1RUWKHUQ&RPPXQLWLHV&UHGLW8QLRQ CONSTRUCTORS INC. )RXQGHGLQE\'XOXWK&LW\ Twin Ports Twin Cities 6W/RXLV&RXQW\(PSOR\HHV Virginia, MN Over 93 Years of Service 1916 - 2008 General Contractors, Engineers and Equipment Rental Specialists

The Great American Labor Force has been the vital sector in making the good life even better for all of us. BBuildinguilding AAmerica...merica... with all the skill and energy characteristic of America Labor. We salute the men and women 3OHDVHVXSSRUWWKH who make up our task force for progress --- who work today for a better tomorrow for all. RQO\8QLRQL]HGILQDQFLDO LaborersLaborers LocalLocal 10911091 LQVWLWXWLRQLQ'XOXWKDQG9LUJLQLD Duluth, MN/Superior, WI & Surrounding Counties Dan Olson /RFDO$)6&0( Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Larry Anderson Brad Bukovich President Vice President 'XOXWK$UHD Zac Hanson Bill Cox 9LUJLQLD$UHD Sgt.-at-Arms Recording Secretary John Schneider Kyle Koller 7ROO)UHH Ed Pfankuch Jim Gagnon Chris Thacker Mark Maki ZZZQRUWKHUQFRPPXQLWLHVFXFRP Auditors Executive Board PAGE 14 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Tomassoni: Challenges, opportunities ahead as students go back to school As Minnesota schoolchild- purchase technology, and hold- to provide the needed flexibili- of dollars to Minnesota school be determined by how much is ren head back to the classroom, the-line on fee increases. ty, we may have to take strong districts, was the main feature being generated by the state Senator David Tomassoni “However, the economic measures at the state level.” of the Senate’s K-12 Education Permanent School Trust Fund, noted that Minnesota elected downturn, rising energy costs, Congress is currently work- Budget Bill in 2008. With the which is estimated to be $60 officials, education leaders, and continued state deficits are ing to “reauthorize” NCLB. change, which comes in 2010, million by 2011. The School parents, and teachers have both taking a toll on quality educa- A policy change to Minne- all school districts will receive Trust Fund dollars currently challenges and opportunities tion,” Tomassoni said. The sota’s Permanent School Fund additional permanent per stu- flow to the General Fund, but ahead for the school year. recent report that half of state law, which will direct millions dent funding. The amount will will now add new money to “Minnesota has a tradition schools did not make Adequate school districts’ budgets. of quality education and our Yearly Progress under No School figures don’t add up Tomassoni said the 2009 schools have long been the Child Left Behind require- ST. PAUL - The “Adequately Yearly Progress” data Legislative Session, which envy of the nation,” Sen. ments is a serious trend he said. announced by the Minnesota Department of Education doesn’t begins in January, will be piv- Tomassoni, DFL-Chisholm, In 2004, the Legislative give a true picture of the performance of the state’s public otal in what happens in state said. “Our high-school stu- Auditor’s report predicted that schools, Education Minnesota President Tom Dooher said. schools, as the Legislature sets dents routinely score the high- as proficiency targets increased The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires schools to the state’s two-year budget. est average scores on the ACT. and as the state implemented measure “Adequate Yearly Progress.” Recently released figures For 2006 Education Week Minnesota fourth and eighth- more grade-level assessments indicate the number of Minnesota schools that did not make AYP magazine gave Minnesota a grade students have also scored in more grades, more schools in 2008 was 937, up from 727 in 2007. “D” in access to technology. near the top on the National would fail to make AYP. By AYP attempts to measure schools’ overall proficiency based The state was ranked second- Assessment of Educational the 2013-14 school year, on the results of standardized testing and assessments. The goal to-last nationwide. In 10 years, Progress (NAEP) science test.” NCLB will require 100 percent of NCLB is to have schools be 100 percent proficient by 2014. Minnesota’s technology educa- All good news but everyone of students to be proficient on “All we get from No Child Left Behind is an annual list that tion funding dropped to zero. with an interest in public edu- the state tests. tells us nothing about student growth, nothing about the effec- “Our schools are not cation knows there are chal- “If we want our schools and tiveness of instruction and nothing about how our schools are immune to the cost-drivers that lenges ahead. our students to move forward, really performing,” said Dooher. “Minnesotans deserve a real we as families face,” Tomas- Minnesota schools did we need to build in more flexi- accountability system that includes meaningful measurements, soni said. “Between 2000 and receive a funding boost during bility to AYP, while still hold- incentives for improvement and research-based solutions.” 2004, health care costs for the 2008 session and a major ing schools accountable. Con- The federal No Child Left Behind Act has sweeping account- schools increased 32 percent, funding policy change was gress has failed to reform ability requirements that affect every school in Minnesota. Many the major cost-driver in educa- passed. A 1% increase comes NCLB, despite repeated educators believe the law must be fundamentally changed to tion. Fuel and energy costs are on top of 2007’s 3% increase requests by legislators, parents, make it more responsive to the actual needs of students, and it increasing in the double-dig- passed that helped lower class and educators,” Tomassoni also must be properly funded. its.” sizes, rehire laid-off teachers, said. “If Congress is unwilling The American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association have stepped up their campaign for It’s all just raw dirt, steel, wood, changes in law as it comes up for reauthorization. Short-comings In Solidarity of the law include the fact that it measures schools solely on the brick and concrete until it gets basis of two test scores and the AYP is an “all-or-nothing” mech- anism. shaped by skilled hands and minds. AFT and NEA said a sound educational policy should use more than test scores to measure student learning and school performance, reduce class size to help students learn and increase September 1, 2008 the number of highly qualified teachers in public schools. Labor Day: Let’s Celebrate the Worker! Have a Safe and Happy Holiday... And Enjoy It! International Have an enjoyable Labor Day break Association of United Steelworkers District #11 LABORERS LOCAL 1097 2929 University Avenue SE, Suite #150 Heat & Frost IRON RANGE & NORTHERN MINNESOTA Minneapolis, MN 55414 Insulators Thank You to Organized Labor for bringing & Allied Congratulations to Labor World on your 107th Anniversary! Workers recognitionKeep up the go otod wallor kWorkers fighting fo rthis the wLabororkers oDay!f the See you ins tVirginia’sate and ke Olcotteping t hPark,em in Sunday,formed. Aug. 31! David TOMASSONI Tom RUKAVINA Tony SERTICH LOCAL 49 Paid for by the Rukavina Campaign Committee, Mary Anderson, Chair; the Citizens for Anthony “Tony” Sertich; Rick Puhek, Chair, 1210 NW 9th Avenue, Chisholm, MN 55710 Chartered in 1937 and the Tomassoni Campaign; P.O. Box 29, Chisholm, MN 55719 Chartered in 1937 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 15 Douglas Co. Historical Society receives award for exhibit The Douglas County Making of a Labor Town” comprehensive exhibition of Wisconsin history in down- Historical Society will received looks at three historic phases of since the organization moved town Madison plus a statewide the Wisconsin Historical Superior’s labor movement and to its new location,” Director, network of 10 historic sites. It Society’s 2008 exhibit award the people involved and Kathy Laakso said. is also Wisconsin’s oldest pub- for its new exhibit, “Superior: attempts to unify the ideas of Dr. Brown assumed his post lisher of scholarly and popular The Making of a Labor Town” the past with current labor con- as director of the Wisconsin history. yesterday at its Superior loca- ditions and puts a face to those Historical Society in July 2004. You can access the Wis- tion, 1101 John Ave. who protested inequality. He holds a doctorate in consin Historical Society at Dr. Elsworth Brown, The contents of the labor American and Canadian histo- www.wisconsinhistory.org. President of the Wisconsin exhibit were developed by ry from Michigan State The Wisconsin Labor Historical Society was in U.W. - Superior professors, University. Dr. Brown has been History Society has a website Superior to present the award. Drs. Joel Sipress and Richard affiliated with numerous his- at www.wisconsinlabor Each year, the Wisconsin Hudelson, and it was designed torical organizations in an advi- history.org. Historical Society recognizes and produced by Carnita sory or leadership capacity, The Wisconsin State AFL- outstanding historical work Tuomela and Allen Noska of including service on the CIO also has a labor history that helps connect people to the “Venture Exhibits.” Smithsonian Institution’s link off its website at www. past. Two awards for historical “The DCHS’s board of Council. The Wisconsin wisaflcio.org. exhibits on Wisconsin themes directors, staff, and many Historical Society’s library and The photo to the right is are voted on by the Wisconsin members are very proud to archives hold major historical from the DCHS exhibit that Historical Society’s Board of have been a part of the prepara- research collections of national chronicles “Superior: The Curators. “Superior: The tion and opening of this first scope and operates a museum Making of a Labor Town” LLaabboorr DDaayy 22000088...... aa ssmmaallll rreewwaarrdd LLabor DDay GGreetings Working men and women are the greatest resource this country To All Union Members and Area Contractors has. They are the reason for the incredible progress America has from made. We’re working to see that they’re rewarded for their efforts. Cement Masons “A good from the contract with a Plasterers membership good union is & Shophands of good business.” Local 633 ~John Dunlop IBEWIBEW Former U.S. Labor Minnesota Secretary North Dakota LocalLocal 3131 Northwest Wisconsin 1-218-724-2323 Proud to be celebrating over a century of supporting workers America’s Oldest Building Trades Union uEst. 1864 Representing workers at: Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light W e A p p r e c i a t e Y o u r Lutsen, MN Brainerd, MN P a t r o n a g e ! Bayfield Electric Co-op Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric Assn. Iron River, Wl Park Rapids, MN The only Reef City of Brainerd - Administrative Support Lake Country Power worth steering Brainerd, MN Grand Rapids, Kettle River & Virginia into has... City of Brainerd - Fire Department Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Brainerd, MN Aitkin, MN Happy Hour 4-7 p.m.

City of Brainerd - Water & Light Dept. Minnesota Energy Resources 7 Days a week Brainerd, MN (formerly Aquila) Cloquet, MN Tuesday is Karaoke Night City of Moose Lake - Water & Light Minnesota Power Moose Lake, MN Duluth, MN Wednesday has Live Music

City of Staples - Water & Light Commission Public Utility Commission of Aitkin Live bands Friday & Saturday, Staples, MN Aitkin, MN from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. City of Two Harbors - Water & Light Dept. Public Utility Commission of Proctor The largest game room in town! Two Harbors, MN Proctor, MN We can set-up employee City of Wadena - Electric Water Dept. Superior Water, Light & Power parties of up to 80 people! Wadena, MN Superior, WI Cooperative Light & Power Assn. of Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op THE REEF Lake County ~~ Two Harbors, MN Wadena, MN In the Labor Temple, 2002 London Road, Duluth

PAGE 16 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PEOPLE NOT POLITICS! n Labor Day as we honor working women and Elect Marsh Stenersen to the men for the gains America has made, let us Minnesota House in District 7-B O Are you as angered by the evil, misleading, union- remember that a quality workforce, well educated and busting ads for Norm Coleman as I am? The Union movement is under well trained, is what is needed to keep America attack -- big time! Let's send a powerful, passionate, pro-labor voice to St. moving forward toward a prosperous future for all. Paul in legislative District 7-B! Project Labor Agreements - YES! Card Check/Neutrality - YES! Living Wages - YES! Sisters and Brothers, You know where I stand on the issues we care about! Paid for by the Stenersen Volunteer Committee, Terri Griffiths, Treasurer -Duluth Labor Day Greetings University of Minnesota Teamsters Joint Council 32 Labor Education Service “The state is our campus” Minnesota • Iowa 3Training for unions and workers North and South Dakota 3Labor Studies Certificate program 3Award-winning video production 3Minnesota at Work cable TV show 3Workday Minnesota website LaborLabor DayDay GreetingsGreetings Call 612-624-5020 for more information

EXECUTIVE BOARD THE VOICE OF LABOR - DANIEL L. FORTIER President may it ring loud and

SUSAN E. MAUREN AFFILIATED LOCAL UNIONS clear in November Secretary-Treasurer Local 90 Claudia Pettit, Secretary-Treasurer PATRICK M. RADZAK Vice President Local 120 Brad Slawson, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer Local 160 Wayne Perleberg, Secretary-Treasurer MARK C. RIME Recording Secretary Local 238 Gary Dunham, Secretary-Treasurer Local 289 Dan Bartholomew, Secretary-Treasurer DANIEL BARTHOLOMEW Trustee Local 320 Sue Mauren, Secretary-Treasurer Local 346 Pat Radzak, Secretary-Treasurer LAWRENCE YOSWA Local 471 Dave Laxen, Secretary-Treasurer Trustee Best Wishes for a Happy Local 638 Mark Rime, Secretary-Treasurer and Enjoyable Labor Day! BRADLEY SLAWSON, SR. Local 749 Randy Knudtson, Secretary-Treasurer Trustee Local 792 Larry Yoswa, Secretary-Treasurer Local 970 Scott Gelhar, Secretary-Treasurer Local 974 Tom Tweet, Secretary-Treasurer Local 1145 Milt Nordmeyer., Trustee

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 17 LABOR DAY 2008 27 Classic Labor Songs on CD Classic Labor Songs This Labor Day let us reflect on those who withheld their labor in order to win Smithsonian Folkways an 8-hour work day for us, on those who demanded and won a “Union Shop” SFW CD 40166 contract, paid vacations, health care coverage, pensions, and improved safety. Reviewed by These election days--Sept. 9 and Nov. 4--let’s remember how devastated our Michael G Matejka economy has been by two recessions in the past eight years as great surpluses be- Editor Grand Prairie (Illinois) came record deficits in record time. Healthy economies bring us work. VOTE! Union News "All that serves labor serves the Nation. All that harms is treason. If a man Whether from a blues, tells you that he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If a man tells you folk or country tradition, he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without the workplace is a dynam- ic inspiration for American labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other." ~Abraham Lincoln music. People don’t just sing about lost love, but We cannot allow those who wrap also about their jobs. The Smithsonian recently gathered 27 topical workplace and labor themselves in the flag and say they love songs in a new collection, “Classic Labor Songs.” this country, but vote against Labor on In 1987, the Smithsonian obtained the musical archives of Moses Asch, who founded Folkway records in 1948, collecting issue after issue, to receive our vote. music from a wide variety of American and international sources. Tapping those old discs, plus contemporary recordings, weaves a rich tapestry of music that is pro-union, telling tales of SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10 worker triumph, defeat and poignant dismay. There are classic voices here who helped define new musical styles in the 1930s and 1940s, like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Paul Robeson. There are workers like Arkansas tenant farmer John Handcox and West Virginia miner’s wife Florence Reese, who musically tell a very direct story of the conditions they faced. Finally, there are contemporary voices like Anne Feeney, Tom Juravich, Baldemar Valesquez, Larry Penn, and late Illinoisan Eddie Starr, who sing about video screens, OSHA and a truck driver’s long haul lament. This collection was put together with the late Joe Glazer’s 7EAPPRECIATE leadership. Joe died in September after a long illness. In the 1950s and 1960s Joe kept labor music alive, singing at union ral- lies and conventions and recording long lost union songs. Those are combined here with contemporary styles and performers in a YOURHARDWORK compact package that any contemporary worker will find both entertaining and inspiring. It’s your holiday! (APPY,ABOR$AY Labor’s well-deserved holiday is a time to pay tribute to the quote: “Labor creates all wealth,” which is so true. The Labor Day holiday is also a tipping point on the calendar, this year especially, as *IM7ARD we prepare for a major election that will hopefully elect candidates that respect workers all year long. Please, vote accordingly. Sen. Tony Lourey WWWMEDICACOM Minnesota Senate u District 8 AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed Paid for by Tony Lourey for Senate, ¹-EDICA-EDICA¸ISAREGISTEREDSERVICEMARKOF-EDICA(EALTH0LANS-EDICAREFERSTOTHEFAMILYOFHEALTHPLANBUSINESSESTHATINCLUDES-EDICA(EALTH0LANS Tony Bundschuh, Treasurer, Bruno, MN 55712 -EDICA(EALTH0LANSOF7ISCONSIN -EDICA)NSURANCE#OMPANYAND-EDICA3ELF )NSURED

PAGE 18 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Another report shouts the praises of defined benefit pension plans As more employers seek to findings serve as a myth buster The model makes an the DC plan requires contribu- sel downshifting from higher sell their workers on the bene- with respect to the costs of “apples to apples” calculation tions of 22.9% of payroll each risk/higher return investments fits of defined contribution defined benefit pension plans. of the actual dollar contribu- year. The less-efficient DC to lower risk/lower return pension plans so they can Specifically, the embedded tions required for a DB and DC plan will need to have investments as they get older. pocket more themselves, work- economic efficiencies of DB plan to achieve the same target $550,000 set aside for each This protects individuals ers have to realize the risk is plans make them nearly half retirement benefit. The target in participant by 62. The DB plan from the risk of a stock market being placed on them. Another the cost of DC plans, or a 46 the model is $26,684. Together can do more with less provid- crash, but progressively study shows it’s a bad idea. percent cost savings. with Social Security benefits, ing the same benefit for nearly reduces the investment returns The National Institute on Policy and decision makers this retirement benefit allows a $200,000 less per participant. that can be earned in retirement Retirement Security has can utilize these findings to retiree to replace 83% of pre- DB plans have certain piggybanks. However, a DB released a new report, “A make informed decisions about retirement income, which embedded characteristics that plan exists across generations Better Bang for the Buck: The retirement security issues and meets accepted standards of drive economic efficiencies: and therefore can always main- Economic Efficiencies of to evaluate claims that DC retirement income adequacy. 1. DB Plans Avoid “Over- tain the most optimal asset allo- Defined Benefit Pension plans save money. The report Under the DB plan, contri- Saving.” We won’t all live to cation. There isn’t a need to be Plans” that presents an original concludes that DB plans should butions of 12.5% of payroll be one hundred, but many of us overly weighted in lower analysis on the efficiencies and remain a centerpiece of retire- each year are required to fund will want to save enough to last return/risk bonds or cash. costs of defined benefit pen- ment income policy and prac- the target retirement benefit. until very old age to avoid the This results in a 5% cost sion (DB) plans as compared to tice, especially in light of cur- The DB plan will need to have risk of running out of money. savings over the DC plan. 401(k)-type individual defined rent fiscal and economic con- $355,000 set aside for each However, a DB plan only has 3. DB Plans Achieve Higher contribution (DC) plans. straints facing corporate and participant by the time the to save for the AVERAGE life Investment Returns. The high- The report’s analysis and government retirement plans. worker turns 62. In contrast, expectancy, which is much er returns of DB plans as com- lower and which actuaries can pared to individual accounts calculate with a high degree of can be attributed a combination Have a Safe and Happy Labor Day accuracy. By saving for a real- of professional asset manage- istic average life expectancy, ment and lower fees. A retire- from your friends at the DB plan realizes a 15% ment plan that earns greater cost savings over the DC plan. investment returns will require 2. DB Plans Stay Forever less money in contributions. Young. Individuals age. Even seemingly small differ- Therefore, those in individual ences in annual returns com- retirement plans must adjust pound over time. A 1% differ- their asset allocation to ensure ence in annual investment sufficient cash is on hand to returns results in a 26% cost last throughout retirement. savings over a career. Most financial advisors coun- August 2008, www.nirsonline.org Greater Northland Area Local Vote November 4th American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO Count On Peg For: Duluth, MN Experience Civility www.pegsweeney.com Common Sense Re-elect Involvement We’ll All Enjoy Our Labor Day Holiday! Compassion Twin Ports-Arrowhead Chapter of the Peg NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION SweeneySt. Louis County Commissioner- District 5 APi Electric Benson Electric Hibbing, MN Virginia MN A Commissioner We Can Count On APi Electric Bergstrom Electric Johanson Electric Paid for by the Sweeney Volunteer Committee, 826 Almac Drive, Proctor, MN 55810 Duluth, MN Superior, WI Cloquet, MN APi Technologies DECO, Inc Kantor Electric Duluth, MN Baxter, MN International Falls, MN Agate Electric Duluth Electrical Laveau Electric Two Harbors, MN Contracting Inc. Wrenshall, MN Alarm & Technology Duluth, MN M. J. Electric Systems, LLC Electric Systems Iron Mountain, MI Duluth, MN Duluth, MN North Country B & B Electrical Electrical Systems Electrical Services Contractors Brainerd, MN Laporte, MN Iron Mountain, MI Energy & Air Systems Nylund Electric Belknap Electric Superior, WI Duluth, MN Superior, WI Hart Electric Polyphase Electric Belknap Tel-Com Hibbing, MN Duluth, MN Superior, WI Hoffmann Electric Seppala Electric Benson Electric Brainerd, MN Hibbing, MN Superior, WI Holden Electric Service Electric Baxter, MN Superior, WI

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 19 A major form of gasoline Beating the Oil Barons... storage is the tanks in By Thomas I. Palley reduce purchases, airlines cut oil consumption only by can- cars. If people would Special to PAI stop filling up and instead WASHINGTON (PAI)-- celing flights. This illustrates a fundamen- make do with half a tank, Over the past eighteen months, they would immediately oil prices have more than dou- tal point: In the short run, bled, inflicting huge costs on reduced economic activity is lower gasoline demand. the global economy. Strong the principal way of lowering Given lack of storage global demand, owing to oil demand. Thus, absent a capacity, this could emerging economies like recession, demand has quickly lower prices China, has undoubtedly fueled remained largely unchanged and burn speculators. over the past year. some of the price increase. 10% higher than five years ago. But the scale of the price Moreover, it is relatively easy to postpone lowering oil Furthermore, with oil prices up spike exceeds normal demand so much, inventories should and supply factors, pointing to consumption. Consumers can reduce spending on other dis- have fallen, owing to strong the role of speculation, and incentives to reduce holdings. underscoring the need for poli- cretionary items and use the savings to pay higher gasoline Meanwhile, The Wall Street cy action to clean up the oil Journal has reported financial market. prices. Credit can also tem- Thus, economic fundamentals uphill struggle. porarily fill consumer budget firms are increasingly involved Reflecting their faith in in leasing oil storage capacity. will eventually trump specula- But some unilateral populist markets, most economists dis- gaps. tion, but in the meantime soci- action is possible. A major Although the housing boom The root problem is that miss the idea speculation is financial markets can now ety will pay a high price. form of gasoline storage is the responsible for the price rise. If in the United States, which Whereas oil speculators tanks in cars. If people would helped in this regard, ended in mobilize tens of billions of dol- speculation were really the lars for speculative purposes. gained, both the U.S. and glob- stop filling up and instead cause, they argue, there should 2006, consumer debt continues al economies suffered and been make do with half a tank, they to grow, and the Federal This enabled traders collective- be an increase in oil invento- ly to hit upon a strategy of buy- pushed closer to recession. In would immediately lower ries, because higher prices Reserve has been doing every- the U.S., heavy dependence on gasoline demand. Given lack thing it can to encourage this ing oil and quickly re-selling it would reduce consumption, when end users accommodate imported oil worsened the of storage capacity, this could forcing speculators to accumu- debt growth. Consequently, for trade deficit and further weak- quickly lower prices and burn the time being the U.S. econo- higher prices. late oil. The situation is aggravated ened the dollar. speculators. The fact that inventories my has been able to pay the oil This sobering picture calls tax imposed by oil speculators. by the GOP Bush government, Thomas Palley is the former have not risen supposedly which has persistently added for new licensing regulations chief economist of the AFL- exonerates oil speculators. Unfortunately, proving that limiting oil-market participa- speculation is responsible for oil supplies to the U.S. strategic CIO and former chief econo- But the picture is far more reserve, driving up demand-- tion, limits on permissible trad- mist of the U.S.-China Com- complicated: Oil demand is not rising prices--as some congres- ing positions, and high margin sional Democrats contend--is and crude oil prices--and pro- mission, a congressionally cre- very sensitive to price. viding additional storage requirements where feasible. ated panel that monitors U.S.- In the short run, it is techni- difficult, because speculation Sadly, given the conventional tends to occur in booms, so capacity. China trade and economic cally difficult to adjust oil con- Absent a change in trader economic wisdom, implement- relations. His work is available sumption. For instance, the price rises easily masquerade ing such measures will be an as a reflection of economic beliefs, the current oil price at www.thomaspalley.com fuel efficiency of every auto- spike will be broken only by a mobile and truck is fixed, and fundamentals. But, contrary to economists’ claims, oil inven- recession that exhausts con- most vehicle travel is absolute- sumers’ capacity to buffer ly needed, such as say, to, from tories reveal a footprint of speculation. higher prices, or when the slow Happy Labor Day or on the job. And though high- process of substitution of other er airline ticket prices may Inventories are actually at historically normal levels and energy sources for oil kicks in. Celebrating 75 years representing Media & Communications How much do you want workers in Minnesota to spend on heart disease? The members of the Minnesota Newspaper Guild Typographical Union $85 stand in solidarity with their brothers Walking shoes and sisters in the Labor Movement

$94,200 Heart bypass surgery

Unhealthy lifestyle choices are a big reason health care 1-612-789-0044 costs are rising. These costs are reflected in higher insurance premiums, copayments and deductibles for everyone. When it www.mnguild.org comes to the cost of health care, your choices make a difference. [email protected] Proud to represent the Labor World editor since 1989

PAGE 20 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 State Fair has new, green, House of Labor On August 21, the Min- from U.S. Senator Amy building designed to meet nesota AFL-CIO hosted a rib- Klobuchar. “green” building standards. bon cutting ceremony at its Located at Dan Patch and Built union, of course, at a cost new green, eco-friendly State Cooper, the new House of of about $1 million by Fair pavilion featuring a visit Labor is the first State Fair McGough Construction, the new building replaces the old The G.W. Bush Presidential Libary House of Labor that has been Please consider a contribution to the U.S. President’s new standing at the fairgrounds library with locations in Crawford, Texas and satellite facilities since the 1950s. in Baghdad and Dubai. The George W. Bush Presidential Throughout the day, jour- Library is now in the planning stages. The Library will include: nalists and members of the The Hurricane Katrina Room is still under construction. public toured the facility and The Alberto Gonzales Room (you won’t remember any- took part in the following activ- thing) ities: The Texas Air National Guard Room, where you don’t even * Learned about Working have to show up. America, the fastest growing The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don’t let you organization for workers in the in. country Carpenters Local 361 is picketing an almost 100 percent The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don’t let you out. * Videotaped messages on non-union project in Cloquet at the corner of Big Lake The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has what they expected from the Road and Prospect Avenue. President Steve Risacher, sec- been able to find. next president and saw them- ond from left, who is also a field rep, said the City of The National Debt room which is huge and has no ceiling. selves on the Minnesota AFL- Cloquet gave TIFF financing to a “who’s who” of non- The Tax Cut Room with entry only to the wealthy. CIO Pavilion Media Wall union contractors out of the St. Cloud corridor. The project The Economy Room which is in the toilet. * Talked with union mem- by Creative Custom Builders, aka Gohman Const., is 29 The Iraq War Room. After you complete your first tour, they bers about their work wood frame apartments at a time when the city has a lot of make you to go back for a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and sometimes 5th tour. Duluth’s first Poet Laureate empty rental units. Risacher said he has been working on The Dick Cheney Room, in the famous undisclosed location, Barton Sutter was one of the getting the project to go union for almost three years but the complete with shotgun gallery. attractions at the new building original developer signed off to Gohman. “It’s projects like The Environmental Conservation Room, still empty. last week doing readings from this that make you realize how important it is for labor folks The Supreme Court Gift Shop where you can buy an elec- his play “Bushed” that will to get elected to local office, such as in Cloquet,” he said. tion. have performances in Duluth in The Airport Men’s Room, where you can meet some of your October sponsored by the favorite Republican Senators. Duluth AFL-CIO Central P The Decider Room complete with dart board, magic 8-ball, Labor Body, the Duluth P We Salute Ouija board, dice, coins, and straws. Building & Construction The museum will have an electron microscope to help you Trades Council and others. locate the President’s accomplishments. The Minnesota AFL-CIO Our The Nancy Pelosi Room where impeachment is off the table. House of Labor is open daily, 9 P P The Signing Statement Room where you let the public know a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Labor that you didn’t really mean what you signed. Day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Members, The My Pet Goat Room which memorializes the seven min- For a full list of activities, P P utes when the President learned that the Twin Towers were hit. visit www.mnaflcio.org. America’s Admission: Republicans--free; Democrats--$1000 or 3 Euros P P Workers! P Have a P AND TO ALL AMERICAN P P MILITARY PERSONNEL! Safe & Happy SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! P P P Carpenters Local 361, serving northern Minnesota and north- L BOR western Wisconsin, salutes the working men and women of P P America who have made this nation such a great one. DAY! We also send our thanks to all U.S. Military Personnel and their families who work so hard to perserve this Great Nation!

Our credit union covers all of St. Louis County and all of your family! Carpenters Local 361 Visit www.hermantownfcu.org Carpenters, Millwrights, Pile Drivers, Floor Coverers MAIN OFFICE EAST DULUTH BRANCH 5238 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN 55811 729-7733 728-3850 1-218-724-3297 1-888-765-3683 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 21 Ness cuts union jobs, more to come...from page 1 Screenings...from page 23 options,” he said. “We need to in the neighborhoods, working seniors’ food programs. He has CIO Central Labor Body. She is not a union member now but get together to generate solu- with troubled youth, teaching proposed street lighting fees as spent time as a member of HERE, the Duluth Federation of tions. We’ll meet any place, kids, remolding behavior,” said a way to increase revenue. Teachers, and lost her job at Shopper’s City for trying to organ- any time. The need is urgent.” an emotional Bates as she As Ness supporters talk of ize a union. Another sticking point for recounted all the 19 communi- privatizing almost all city oper- “My dad always said ‘never forget where you came from’ and AFSCME is that some of their ty centers she had worked at. ations and making the Fire labor is always on my mind when I do the work of the county,” full time city employees may Schumacher said many Department a volunteer serv- she told delegates. That advice has also found her on many pick- be laid off while part time or studies have shown that for ice, he has left many other et lines over the years, making donations to strikers she said. temporary workers continue on each dollar spent on early options off the table. Sweeney, the only woman of the 7 county board members, the city payroll. Westmoreland childhood education, a $12 The need for professional, has served District 5 for three terms, almost 12 years. District 5 said the union won a court case return is seen. Motor and social trained staff can also be heard covers parts of Duluth, Proctor, Hermantown and 17 townships 15 years ago including a “per- skills of children are enhanced from members of Fire Fighters surrounding those towns. It’s a large district that’s predominate- manently enjoined court order” by library and recreation pro- Local 101, who stand to lose an ly rural but Sweeney doesn’t think her constituents concerns are that prohibited the city from grams. “Half of our children engine company at the main much different than other county residents. laying off bargaining unit aren’t prepared for kinder- fire hall downtown that servic- “No one wants to see their taxes go up,” she told delegates. employees while keeping tem- garten,” said Schumacher. es the city west to east. “Public safety is important, and things like the drug court, but the porary workers. The union is “That’s what we’re working on Erik Simonson, president of federal and state governments have moved away from their investigating that possibility. at the library.” FF Local 101, said Mayor Ness responsibilities. There no longer is that partnership, and the The two branch libraries in Bates said, “ Either we can has until Labor Day to change county is in it by themselves.” She said the state pays only about Duluth will be closed and the invest in our future or invest in his mind on that public safety $9 out of every $107 in mandates it passes on to the county. hours at the main library down- our foreclosure.” issue and he hopes Ness does. Sweeney said she has a good record with labor in her service town have been reduced. With AFSCME 66’s Deb Strohm, No cuts have been planned to the county. She is most proud of the Project Labor Agreement about one-third of full time an employment counselor for for the Police Department. law she helped bring forth. She and Bill Kron recently sent a let- staffers cut at the library, the city, said lay-offs may Netland said the city is ter to the Superior City Council and Mayor Dave Ross about the remaining staff will be hard- mean there will be no ice skat- already short-staffed with 194 success PLAs have been for the county. Superior is considering pressed to do anything but ing rinks this winter, garbage fewer employees than in 1999. such a law. “We were able to talk about the numerous bids that shelve books. may not get emptied, and grass “It’s irresponsible to cut anoth- came in under engineers’ budgets, about the good work done, Deb Schumacher is a 10- may not get mowed, “all good er 169 employees. It’s time for and decreased injuries. We told them it’s a win, win. I will con- year employee of the library jobs that fuel the local econo- citizens to create the political tinue to be supportive and do what I can to help workers.” working in youth services with my.” will to protect the services they Sweeney addressed the “tumultuous year we’ve had” in the a Masters Degree. “Libraries Ness has asked citizens to want and need. It’s a matter of county and said it “is behind us. Bill (Kron) and I worked hard are what make America great,” compensate for the lack of city priorities. You can save core for an ethics policy, even though we didn’t think we needed one, she said at the press confer- services because of the lay-offs city services, or you can be a we thought we had one.” ence. “You have to have a good by picking up garbage and vol- city that’s open to tourists and She said she is an employee of St. Louis County and doesn’t library system to make democ- unteering more, including with closed to residents.” expect to be treated any different than other employees. racy work for all.” She said “If you do wrong, you take the punishment. Myself, Bill, and volunteers are a huge part of Steve (O’Neil) weren’t involved in the problems but are being the library’s success but they Have a great Labor Day held to others’ affairs because we’re running for re-election...We can’t take the place of full time, have an ethics policy and it will be followed. Don’t punish us, trained professional staff. Holiday! We’ve earned it! who tried to resolve the issue.” Program cuts have Erin Ethical practices of commissioners Dennis Fink and Steve Bates, who was laid off at Raukar were involved in the “tumultuous” occurrences. Neither Portman Recreation Center, is up for election this year. worried for kids. Bates is one LAKEHEADLAKEHEAD The only other legislative race the Duluth Central Body has of six lay-offs so far in that jurisdiction over does not have a Primary. District 7A Rep. Tom department. PaintingPainting CoCo Huntley has carried a labor endorsement since he was first elect- “We are the city employees Serving the Upper Midwest since 1965 ed in 1992. He did not show up for the screening. St. Louis County Commissioner Steve O’Neil (District 2) is running “Quality and Job Safety” unopposed and did not screen. He carried the Central Body’s Back to School endorsement when he first ran in 2004. Netland said those two Free Estimates Superior, Wisconsin (715) 394-5799 races will be considered at a later date. Complete pair of Kids Glasses† Single Vision Poly-Carbonate Lenses and Special Edition Frames

One Pair starting at $89..95 Two Pair [ work injury ] starting at $1149..95

It happens in an instant. One minute you’re Visit One Of Our working—earning a wage. Next minute you’re 7 Locally Owned standing around wondering what to do next. Locations! Statistics show that in Minnesota more than 150,000 workers are injured on the job each year. And that’s only the ones we hear about. If OPTICAL you’re injured on the job you need proven 130 W. Superior St. statistics working for you. We have over 35 Duluth, MN 55802 DULUTH • SUPERIOR • MOOSE LAKE 218-727-5384 GRAND RAPIDS • CLOQUET • AURORA years of trial experience and a team approach 800-535-1665 † Ages 18 and under. Both frame and single-vision lenses required. Valid to personal injury cases. Fact is, OUR SUCCESS cuzzo.com on multiple pairs. Lenses may be upgraded for the difference in price. Cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any vision care or insur- IS NO ACCIDENT. ance benefits or plans, discount or sale or a previous purchase. Valid prescription required. Void where prohibited. PAGE 22 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 Screenings find Murphy, Kron, Sweeney getting CLB endorsements...from page 1 Murphy also hit on the she strongly supports and In fact one of his opponents years, and you have someone nomic development,” he said. health care crisis, which she hopes the state goes forward took issue with Kron’s age and with a deep understanding of “I’ve been supported by busi- said is forcing retirees to look with a 100 mph train. She said long term service in calling for the needs of the region and ness also because I bring a bal- for jobs again in order to pay the tracks are there and if it his defeat. Kron, 61, said he how to fulfill them. ance, but it’s more than just their health care expenses. She would stop in Hinckley it has a never thought he’d be old Kron has been at the fore- being pro-business in the eco- said she wasn’t optimistic of chance to be profitable. enough to face age discrimina- front of many public battles to nomic development puzzle.” major health care reform in the Rep. Murphy said Minne- tion, “but here I am. I’ve been improve of the lives of the He cited the success of his near future because of a lack of sota is at a turning point in its going to my doctor for 35 years county’s working families. initiatives in bringing Cirrus to money. She likes ideas coming history. In closing she said: and I like going to see him “I’ve been supportive of the area and the 1000 jobs cre- up for single-payer health care “You listen to people and because he knows his work.” Project Labor Agreements and ated while he’s been president but until there are more believ- they’re scared about what will Kron said later that his keeping our nursing homes of the Seaway Port Authority. ers she said she will take happen, there’s no hope. The opponent that made that open,” Kron told delegates. Kron said public safety improvements in little chunks. legislature isn’t the answer for remark must be a supporter of “Now we have to try to save issues have also changed over Murphy said more money is everything but we are responsi- Barack Obama for president Chris Jensen.” He said his sup- his years of service and contin- needed in the Health & Human ble for infrastructure, public because of the age factor. It’d port of workers made him take ue to be important to residents. Services budget to move education and the well being of be a shock if he were. a beating from the press and his “We’re dealing with gangs towards universal health care. our citizens. We’ve always Like his doctor, Kron also opponents, but that’s who he is. and methamphetamine issues “I voted for an increase in been a state to do that but not knows his work and who he’s He was a leader in the effort and having success,” Kron taxes on the rich, who have now. We don’t even have working for--the citizens of St. to create a PLA law for projects said, in part because of citizen seen their taxes go from 17 per- enough employees for public Louis County and District 3. over $150,000. The St. Louis input and commissioners being cent down to 8 percent,” she safety. Let’s work together to He is a lifelong resident of that County Jail project was one of accessible. “My door is always said. “We’re all at 11 or 12 per- give people hope and invest in western Duluth district that he the first public projects in the open to continue our good cent.” the future.” represents, which also includes state to use a PLA. working relationship,” he said. The slow economy is also Comm. Bill Kron Hermantown’s Precinct 3. “It’s all part of using public Comm. Peg Sweeney hurting the state’s need to After his years of service, money intelligently,” he said. repair its crumbling infrastruc- Like Rep. Murphy, District Kron knows how the county At the same time Kron Peg Sweeney grew up as a ture, she said, something that is 3 St. Louis County Commis- works and how to get things understands the need for a bal- United Steel Worker “Local also needed by construction sioner Bill Kron faces a done. Couple that work with 12 ance between the public and 1028 brat” as the daughter of workers facing unemployment tougher re-election campaign years of non-paying service on private sectors. “If you follow Morgan Blankush, one of that in the 20 percent range. than he has been accustomed to the Duluth Seaway Port the St. Louis County long union’s leaders. He was also a With 10 years on the bond- in his 32 years and 8 terms on Authority, he has been presi- range plans you’ll recognize president of the Duluth AFL- ing committee, Murphy said the county board. dent of that board for the past 8 the role and importance of eco- See Screenings page 22 To All Our Affiliated Union Members: Come enjoy your Labor Day Picnic with your family at Bayfront Festival Park Monday, Sept. 1, Noon-4 TheThe DuluthDuluth AFL-CIOAFL-CIO CCentralentral LaborLabor BodyBody Please remember to vote in the Sept. 9 Primary Election and the Nov. 4 General Election. Bring someone with you to the polls, especially a child, and show them how important and easy voting is! Call your city clerk (Duluth, 723-3340) or county auditor (St. Louis Co., 726-2385) for voting requirements and locations. Politics begin at your dinner table, in your neighborhood and at your worksite. Help others realize how important politics and voting are in the lives of working families.

These are our endorsed candidates as of Tuesday, September 9’s Primary Election. More endorsements will be considered at our meeting on Sept. 11. The graphics on page one can be handy voting aides when you go to the polls. Mary Murphy Bill Kron Peg Sweeney MN House 6B St. Louis Co 3 St. Louis Co 5

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 PAGE 23 received presents and a brate their efforts. INTERSTATE Christmas Dinner-Thanks to Menu selections are: stuffed the help of WLSSD’s pork loin or vegetarian pasta SPUR Community Services Commit- for $18 inclusive with a tee dessert. Please call United Way *And, during WLSSD’s at 726-4770 or Yvonne Harvey United Way Campaign they are at 728-1779 to register by the labor side of the Campaign September 12. AFL-CIO Community Services and United Way Partnership Committee. The luncheon is the annual Please join us in our cele- kick-off to the United Way of Liaison Program by Yvonne Harvey bration and in honoring Greater Duluth’s fall campaign 2700 W. Michigan St. raise funds and presents for the WLSSD’s Community Ser- to raise funds for the many GAS - DIESEL Labor and Duluth AFL-CIO Community vices Committee. agencies and programs they GROCERIES United Way’s Service’s “Operation Toy and Also, this year the City of help support. A huge part of the Gift Drop.” This program pro- Duluth’s United Way Labor/ kick-off is the large annual You’ll really like partnership vides Christmas presents to Management campaign teams donation to the campaign made our car wash! The Duluth AFL-CIO Cen- working families having finan- will be recognized for their out- by the Duluth Building & tral Labor Body and the United cial difficulties during the standing efforts in the Construction Trades Council Way of Greater Duluth will be Holiday Season. Last year 2007/2008 campaign period. and its affiliated unions from celebrating over 50 years of alone over 119 children Please come and help us cele- their DADS golf fundraiser. partnership at their 31th Annual Labor Partnership Labor Luncheon, Wednesday, Sep- tember 17, from noon-1:30 pm at the Radisson Hotel Duluth- Day... Harborview. Instead of a keynote speaker this year, a short video honor- A chance for ing the Western Lake Superior ALL workers Sanitary District’s Community Services Committee, all of to again them are AFSCME Local 66 members, will be shown. This Thank group will be receiving the Minnesota State AFL-CIO’s Bea Kirsten Community Unions! Services Award Tuesday, September 16 at this year’s state federation convention This time for which is being held at the DECC September 14, 15 and a holiday. 16. The WLSSD Community Services committee is very dedicated to their community and demonstrate it through vol- unteering and fundraising for numerous nonprofit programs. Following are only a few examples: *Volunteer a least one night a month at the Union Gospel mission serving food to those in need. *Hold a fundraiser every Roofers summer to raise funds to purchase fresh fruit to serve when they are at the Mission. Local 96 *Hold a fundraiser on the first Friday in December to We’re ready for some football! Labor Day is great for all workers, but if you work in the NFL your work year really takes off. Can you believe the Vikes and the Packers open on Monday Night Sept. 8? Make plans to join us for the 2008 kick-off! 2531 West Superior St. 727-0020 Grill Happy Hour M-F 3-6, $1 off drinks, 1/2 off apps

Oh yah, we deliver! Affiliated with UNITE HERE Local 99

PAGE 24 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008