United Way relies on labor United Way’s veteran leader Vince Martin (left) presents the prestigious community service award to letter carrier Scott Van Derven, leader of the annual food drive, at the Labor Kick-Off Rally Sept. 17. Story and Sen. Russ Feingold found Voces de la Frontera more photos supporters at Zeidler Park before the parade. The on Page 13. Pirates, strolling musicians, puppets and more workers rights center will hold a gala Oct. 22 with joined the parade this year. Enjoy photos and an AFL-CIO national figure as keynote speaker. stories in a special section pages 7-11. See Voces story on Page 6.

Vol. 69, No. 9 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Truthout scores a union first By Dominique Paul Noth, Editor, Labor Press ble. ne of my favorite websites, and a must for It's quality, dedication to issues and, as of Aug. citizens who want to stay up with national 27, a decision to become the first online-only news Oand world news and even labor essayists site to unionize. such as David Bacon, is truthout.org. It rounds up Through another first --a virtual card-check some of the most interesting and important stories of signup -- Truthout employees signed a recognition the world's newspapers and magazines, always offer- statement, granting membership in The Newspaper ing you pointers to the original, adding a search Guild/Communication Workers of America. The engine, encouraging your own browsing, organizing union cards in this case were verified Faxed PDF stories into a front page and categories, and it also files with each employee's signature. The bargain- encourages its own reporting. ing committee for Truthout existed in New York, It survives, much like public radio and TV, on Sacramento, Los Angeles and Chicago. donations from users. It is currently in a crucial Noted Truthout's union representative, Shannon fund-raising drive, but that isn't what makes it nota- Duffy, of the St. Louis Newspaper Guild: "For other Online continued Page 3

New National President Richard Trumka introduced his leader- ship team to the AFL-CIO convention, including re-elected Journey into mock future Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker (left) and , By Dominique Paul Noth Ridicule is still a powerful Other revelations by Walker: the first woman elected as secretary-treasurer and, at 39, the Editor, Labor Press weapon. First posted as online • Twenty city parks as well youngest AFL-CIO top officer in history. The Year: 2012 satire, this vision of an imagi- as the school properties will be nary political future under a The Place: Milwaukee sold to commercial developers. mayoral takeover of the schools • Land sales and swaps n a rambling but revealing What’s truly afoot has already stirred a fuss. will allow less cost in expanding interview with Wisconsin's I-94 to 14 freeway lanes from largest newspaper, the new I the Waukesha county line not mayor for the city of Milwaukee, Comment just to Miller Park but also to a within AFL-CIO Scott Walker, discussed in great- Metropolitan Milwaukee new jump south at the stadium here will be a lot of news aggression reflected by Richard er detail his mayoral takeover of Association of Commerce "to cut 20 minutes off the travel and resolutions pouring Trumka and his team of officers. public education. "because we have to get our time for Chicago baseball fans Tout over the next few Even outgoing AFL-CIO First, Walker said, he would schools operating again on the by bypassing downtown," as weeks from the AFL-CIO con- President John Sweeney now sell 40 public school properties business models that served the Walker has proposed. vention Sept. 13-17 in suggests that some unions con- to condominium developers from nation so well in the Tommy • Kindergarten will be Pittsburgh, but one of the biggest cerned about his more cautious Waukesha and Burnett counties Thompson and George W. Bush eliminated, as will extracurricu- stories might be a very quiet and approach had some understand- he has worked with before. eras," he said. lar music and theater. "Not sports disjointed one that emerged in a able reasons to leave in the first Included was the valuable "The MMAC opposition to or forensics," said Walker. "I did serious of discussions and was place. They have ample reason to Riverside High School building paid sick-days also confirms well at forensics. But I'm still only glimpsed at in the resolu- come back given the strategy and its nearby environmental these business leaders understand looking at cutting science fairs." tions passed. being outlined and a new mutual center. caution in expecting education to • Since there will be fewer This involves a series of respect reflected in the leader- In a meeting with the edito- change the future for our young schools and tighter costs, class moves and commentary by major ship. rial board for the Sinclair Journal people. This is the kind of dutiful sizes would be allowed "to natu- unions to rejoin the AFL-CIO The unions who left wanted Sentinel, the recently acquired debate-free school board we rally rise to a very manageable under the new enthusiasm and newspaper flagship for a national AFL-CIO continued Page 5 need." threshold of 35 students." media chain that supported He also revealed his pick for • Teacher certification Walker in the recent city elec- superintendent of schools -- the requirements will be eliminated tion, Walker also revealed his recently retired president of the to let voucher schools expand choices for the newly appointed Bradley Foundation "who will county wide and cover any fami- Milwaukee Public Schools return test results and tough fis- ly making under $300,000 a Board. cal discipline to our relationship year. Walker has asked defeated His selections would dupli- with both teachers and the cate the current board of the minority populations," he said. Future continued Page 15 Page 2 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Demand halts training funds at Milwaukee, other job boards he sheer number of job temporarily shut off the valve of For 2009, in fact, requests by losses, union and non, training for companies and work- current participants exceeded Tkeeps confounding the ers seeking entry, it affects cur- training money by a half million experts even while evidence rent participants in the dollars, and it's only September. mounts that the economy is Workforce Investment Act funds So the scramble is on, to recovering. (WIA, administered by the state) meet the existing needs with an This was evident Sept. 16 and those who had applied for expanded number of casework- when the Milwaukee Area ARRA (the federal American ers, to rethink how the money is Workforce Investment Board, Recovery and Reinvestment Act being employed and how it can which has no control of how the passed in 2009) and SRR (the be stretched, whether any rapid federal government allocates State Rapid Response system for or emergency training money Workforce Investment Act train- distributing such funds). can be found and how to rebuild ing funds, revealed that it had This exhaustion of funding and maybe down the road restart HIRE Center workers could be found marching with LCLAA (above), not been allocated enough train- affects all the Wisconsin local the vouchers for training. machinists and other unions during the Labor Day Parade. ing funds to handle a surge in boards helping dislocated work- -- Dominique Paul Noth demand. So the board has been ers, so this is an issue much larg- forced to temporarily suspend er than what is facing Social Security is also for the young vouchers for new training money Milwaukee. It reflects the enor- By Karyl Richson page insert tailored specifically into 2010. So many vouchers for mity of the problem, and looking Special to the Labor Press to workers ages 25 to 35. training have been submitted that at the numbers you can hardly inancial planning is not Pay close attention to the the available resource of state blame the under-allocation on just for people nearing information provided, including and federal money was simply the experts at MAWIB (though Fretirement. In fact, it's a tips on saving, getting your tapped out. the board's initials now do sound good idea to begin planning for a employer to help with matching CEO Donald Sykes did tell even more like a sighing bird). comfortable and secure retire- contributions to retirement plans, his staff in the Sept. 16 memo For just half of 2009 (July to ment when you're young. and how much of a difference that applications in process - December) the board had sought Social Security has a new beginning to save early can about 300 stretching to January - and received $1.5 million in financial planning tool especially make. There's even a graph would be handled. For any new WIA and ARRA training money for the 25 to 35 crowd. It's a showing the significant differ- ones now deluging the HIRE for dislocated workers, a notable special mailer with information ence saving over time can make, Center and related facilities, only amount for programs that had about Social Security, savings, even if it's just $25 or $50 a "intensive" (read absolutely suffered under the previous and other items of interest to week. emergency situations) would administration. But job losses young workers. If you're or more of pre-retirement earn- The insert also includes even be considered. will clearly continue though the between the ages of 25 and 35 ings to live comfortably. Even helpful links to outside websites The suspension doesn't just overall economy is improving. and you work and pay Social with a pension, you will still that can help you. For example, Security taxes, you'll get this need to save. If you will not you can go to www.mymoney. automatically with your next have a private pension, you will gov for information on getting Social Security Statement. need to save more - and start credit, paying for education, buy- Social Security is the foun- saving sooner. Today's young ing a home, creating a budget, dation for a secure retirement, workers can expect to spend 20, starting a business as well as but was never intended to be the 30 or even more years in retire- financial calculators and plan- only source of income when you ment, so saving is critical. ning tools. Or, visit www.feder- retire. While Social Security Take a look at Your Social alreserve.gov for a worksheet replaces about 40 percent of the Security Statement, which you'll that will help you establish a average worker's pre-retirement receive in the mail about two to budget to meet your financial earnings, most financial advisors three months before your birth- goals. These and other financial say that you will need 70 percent day, as well as the helpful two- links on the insert will help you become the master of your own financial future. Don't forget that Social Security coverage is not just for retirement, but also for disability and survivors benefits in the event that you are unable to Drive safely. But if you are work, or you leave behind a fam- ily that depends on your income in an accident, put years of when you die. Read more about retirement, disability and survi- vors benefits at www.socialsecu- legal experience on your side. rity.gov. Karyl Richson, the Social Security public affairs specialist Accidents can happen to even the best drivers. Fortunately, the in Milwaukee, provides informa- Previant Law Firm has a well-earned reputation for assisting people tion in story form for the commu- nity. involved in auto accidents. Receive the settlement you deserve. If you have been in a car, motorcycle or truck accident, call for a free consultation.

Car, truck & motorcycle accidents. Call 414-271-4500.

1555 N. RiverCenter Drive, Suite 202, Milwaukee, WI 414-271-4500 • 800-841-5232 • www.previant.com www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 3 AFSCME OKs city contract n September 17, city unions tend to follow, it 2% pay raises in each of 2007, AFSCME's city of assured that jobs and benefits are 2008 and 2009 (less than the city Milwaukee workers rati- O secure. And, without going had offered and less than two- fied almost two to one an unusu- through legal costs and likely thirds of what the union was al deal where they traded pay successful arbitration, that seeking in arbitration) while increases in 2010 and 2011 for unpaid vacation days (furloughs) freezing those higher wages for guarantees of no layoffs. and similar concerns are indeed the next two years. The contract, which still established as issues for the bar- n exchange, the city will hold required some city committee gaining table, not autocratic health premium costs to 2009 approval, is a balancing act by executive demands as had Ilevels - though new research both sides. It threads the needle occurred at Milwaukee County indicates that in Wisconsin such on helping the city contain pre- (and were rejected by the courts). premiums could climb 20% for dictable costs in a difficult eco- The union agreed to aban- the city in the next two years. (In Seen chatting early Labor Day at Zeidler Park were Common nomic environment and gain don its challenge to the two fact, Citizen Action of Wisconsin Council President Willie Hines (left) and James K. Fields the flexibility (granted by AFSCME) unpaid furlough days imposed just released a report indicating board member of MALC and veteran city worker who also han- in how and where workers are this year and the city agreed at that in Wisconsin health insur- dles the Milwaukee contract for AFSCME District Council 48. assigned. the bargaining table to a limit of ance premiums have increased shifted more of the costs on to bonus year) to encourage early For AFSCME District four unpaid furlough days a year 4.6 times faster than wages since them and away from businesses.) retirements. New hires would Council 48, which represents a in 2010 and 2011. In what is in 2000 - and workers' share of that Both sides in the agreement have to kick in more than triple quarter of the city workers in a effect a five year agreement ret- has risen even more, given how are clearly banking that health the current wage load on pen- contract that most of the smaller roactively, the union agreed to private insurance plans have care legislation working through sions starting in 2010 -- though Congress will lessen such costs without some such deal, veteran employers of online-based employees often claim in a few years and make future workers pointed out to the Labor Online that unionization isn't feasible since there's no cen- negotiations less painful. Press, the likelihood of new hir- From Page 1 tral location where employees can meet - and since The city is also expected to ing by the city was pretty slim. employee groups who are scattered around the coun- many web sites are small start-up operations. It's sweeten its pension rules (includ- -- Dominique Paul Noth try, this is a model that organizers may want to been easy to this point to claim that budgetary woes ing higher costs of living and a attempt. It made the Internet a tool of organization make union benefits an unrealistic luxury. However, telecommuting employees often that it had never been before." American Income Life Insurance Company "We've certainly represented wire services for need a union just as much as on-site workers. Truthout hopes to continue to survive through a pub- N88 W17015 Main Street years that were far-flung," noted Bernie Luzer, presi- Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 dent of the Newspaper Guild/CWA. "But we've lic that appreciates its work, both as a collector of never done any organizing where the group never existing reports and a creator of new ones. It has Phone (262) 502-9777 saw each other or the organizers face to face." survived for years on such appreciation and has Patric Verrone, president of the Writers Guild emerged as one of the online journalistic organiza- WHY NOT WORK WITH A 100% UNION COMPANY? of America, served as the "third party neutral" dur- tions serving as a model for the industry. Now it's developed a model for union organiz- We offer unions and their members a no cost benefit ing the card check, counting employees' union cards package and supplemental benefits. to verify a majority. This made "a theoretical prac- ing. tice into a reality," said Verrone. He noted that For a career opportunity call Cindy Vogel at 1-888-502-8777

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

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

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the www.Aurora.org/Summit quality of health care.

X37212 (07/09) ©AHC Page 4 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Luggage piling up for foster kids he unused luggage is no CIO Community Services pro- can call their own as luggage. Calendar longer sitting around. It's gram, was touched by a story Usually they dump the belong- Tpiling up for transit in from the Legal Aid Society ings into garbage bags and travel For updated master list of events, rooms at the labor council - and (LAS) about its encounters with that way. visit www.milwaukeelabor.org there's still room for more. children caught in our foster care Reinke was moved by the Almost everyone has some system. comments of one girl who said Wednesday, October 7 forgotten luggage -- suitcases, These children are constant- she felt like garbage having to OWL Informational Meeting duffel bags, backpacks. Now ly moved from place to play, carry belongings this way. 12:30 p.m., Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St. they are being put to better use with representatives from the Workers at LAS have begun Expert discusses statewide Agency on Aging Resources for hundreds and hundreds of LAS providing legal guardian- collecting luggage for those kids, for Older Women’s League meeting. foster youngsters. ship. But they have no way to soon joined by Potawatomi and Jay Reinke, a field mobilizer carry their goods from place to the United Way. Now the MALC attached to the Milwaukee Area place - only a few items they can is stepping in to add to the lug- Wednesday, October 7 Labor Council through the AFL- call their own and nothing they gage already gathered. MALC Delegate Meeting Reinke's office is already 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. buried but he has called on the labor community to rifle their Friday, October 11 closets and attics and donate still more working luggage of all LERA Lunch Features WERC sizes -- even the bags they are Peter Davis, general counsel, employment relations commission sometimes given attending con- Noon, Aliota’s, 3041 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa ferences. He will ship them to $15 members, $10 students and retirees the Legal Aid Society to be Call (414) 297-3883 for reservations given to the children. It will help establish some dignity and sense Thursday, October 22 of property and permanence. Voces de la Frontera Celebratory Fund-Raiser Call Reinke at (414) 771- "Reaching for the American Dream" 9828 to arrange a pick-up or Keynote speaker: AFL-CIO email him at jayaflcio@sbcglob- immigration issues director Atty. Ana Avendaño. al.net for further information. Potawatomi Woodland Dreams Ballroom, 1721 W. Canal St. He will also keep a running 5:30 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner and 8 p.m. awards. count of the number of luggage Tickets $50. Sponsor a low-income worker! items collected and report back Contact (414) 643-1620 or www.vdlf.org to the labor council on the suc- cess. The community needs to get Wednesday, October 28 a handle on helping these chil- MALC Executive Board Meeting dren. 2 p.m., 633 S. Hawley Rd. Wednesday, November 4 MALC Delegate Meeting 6:30 p.m., Serb Hall, 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave.

Sick-leave ordinance alive as major public issue olumnist Ted DoBrow has provided a comprehensive dissection Cof why the 9to5 organization - and for that matter nearly 70% of city voters - feel abandoned and betrayed by their mayor, as 9to5 is left to its own lawyers to conduct a court campaign for the paid sick- leave ordinance that passed overwhelmingly last November. The arti- cle is at thirdcoastdigest.com Labor’s own commentary on the issues remains available at www.milwaukeelabor.org

Milwaukee area labor council, aFl-cio

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

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

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

THE MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS (USPS 350-360) is published once a month by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council AFL-CIO, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53214, and is also available by subscription for $12 a year. Periodical postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the AFL-CIO MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS, 633 S. Hawley Rd., Suite 110, Milwaukee, WI 53214. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse or discontinue any advertisement which is deemed objectionable. Publication of advertisements is not to be construed as a personal endorsement nor are all ads necessarily from unionized companies or services of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council or any of its affiliates. COPY DEADLINE: Usually by noon 3rd Monday of each month except December (2nd Monday). www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 5 LEFT: Labor Day turned into just the tip of a 10-day marathon for AFL-CIO Sheila Cochran, secretary treasurer. Early at Zeidler Park, she From Page 1 not only greeted such appropriately dressed public officials as more dues money put into orga- Rep. Josh Zepnick (left) and Milwaukee County Supervisor Willie nizing to expand union member- Johnson. She also sent stray union members to the right spots, ship and less money put into kept the parade marshals hopping, charged off to the grounds political pressure, to oversimpli- in a classic pickup truck at the head of the parade, ran the fy the issue. The loss of John event -- and then headed off to Pittsburgh, where delegates sent Kerry added weight to such her to represent the Milwaukee labor council thinking as several unions joined Andy Stern and SEIU to form the Change to Win federation. State helps approval The long view suggests they were wrong, and it is reflected in of Iraqi labor resolution a report in a newspaper often major event at the AFL- sympathetic to Stern, the CIO convention Sept. 17 Washington Post. Rather than A was approval of Resolution leading labor out of the wilder- unions, such as the carpenters 16. It called on both the Iraqi ness, the Post suggests bluntly, about the wisdom of the division and even independents such as and US governments to end the opposite happened: and looking to patch things up the NEA teachers and the UE, their silence on rights for "Four years later, it is before the moment slips away." have been supporters of MALC's unions and workers in that unclear what was gained from nderlying that new issues and protests -- and vice country by finally passing the formation of Change to Win . thinking has been Stern's versa. promised modern labor laws . . The unionized share of the Ucontroversial entry into Still, it's not just the guy in and rejecting the holdover private-sector workforce has kept the UNITE HERE money dis- the White House who would find denials of public service falling, to 7.5%, down from pute, his raiding and leadership life a lot easier, as Obama has unions imposed in 1987 by the one-third in the 1950s. issues in and the often suggested, to deal with one Saddam Hussein regime. “The SEIU has grown, but tricky decision to support Wal- united labor federation rather The resolution confirms some of its gains were the result Mart's newly found conscience than many on key issues. Such the "fundamental building of political deals with leaders on health care while side-step- unity would add strength, clout blocks of a democratic soci- State AFL-CIO’s David Newby like former Illinois governor Rod ping the company's refusal to -- and size -- for Milwaukee's ety" as the right of workers to Blagojevich. Change to Win was unionize. labor council as well. join "unions of their choice free of government interference, domina- helpful in electing Obama, but So no wonder the Pittsburgh Today, the AFL-CIO tion, harassment or repression." no more so than the AFL-CIO, gathering was abuzz with the approach -- political and legisla- Singled out by USLAW for special thanks in passing the resolu- which played a decisive role in departure from Change to Win of tive victory first and then we can tions were David Newby, president of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, and key Rust Belt states." the carpenters union and the really organize -- looks like the Jos William, president of the Metropolitan Washington D.C. Labor It is not just all this, as the overtures being made to re-affili- winner. The quiet national ques- Council, both of whom served on the committee pushing the resolu- Post noted, that "has left leaders ate with the AFL-CIO. It is an tion: How will organized labor's tion. in both coalitions wondering open secret that there are similar leanings back to the AFL-CIO dissident rivals agree to make Leaders of five of Iraq's labor federations attended the convention among the Teamsters and the unity happen? to witness this success and were then honored with a luncheon hosted Trapshooting Laborers. -- Dominique Paul Noth by the United Steel Workers. Several had previously participated in fter 20 weeks of shooting Underscoring that move speaking tours of the United States sponsored by USLAW. Ain the Milwaukee Area Labor Council league at Lakev- Wednesday: Trumka welcomed iew gun club, here are the sea- the troubled UNITE HERE back If You Have Been Thinking About Joining A Fitness Center.... son’s final results, reflecting into the fold and announced the wins, losses and ties: executive council had given the Class AA W-L-T union's president, John Wilhelm, 1. Pipers a seat on the AFL-CIO board. NOW IS THE TIME! Plumbers Local 75...... 14-4-2 This union still represents 2. 6 volts to lightning 250,000 workers in the hospitali- IBEW 494...... 11-6-3 ty, gaming, food service, manu- 10TH 3. Blind...... 7-10-3 facturing, textile, laundry and & 4. Wire & Fire airport industries, though all its CWA 4603...... 3-15-2 original Wisconsin locals have LAYTON Class A left to be part of the new 1.Wirenuts Workers United. IBEW 494...... 19-1-0 or Milwaukee, the issue is 2. Pipe Dopes more modest than the con- On 10th and Layton is Offering The Best Value Of The Year! Plumbers Local 75...... 14-6-0 cerns nationally because 3. Team #2 F "we all get along," as one leader CWA 4603...... 5-15-0 of the AFL-CIO Milwaukee 1. 24 hour access for no additional fee to all 950+ in the world 4. Sparkeys Building & Construction Trades 2. No contracts-EVER IBEW 494...... 2-18-0 Council put it. LEAGUE HIGH GUNS Change to Win unions -- 3. First month FREE when you sign up John Kling 485 SEIU, Laborers, UFCW, Workers 4. An additional month FREE when you sign up for 6 months or an additional 2 Ron Wahl 474 United -- have been active and months FREE for 12 month sign up Scott Kruck 470 full members of the Milwaukee Submitted by 5. Individual TV’s with 75 cable channels on all cardio equipment Area Labor Council through Ron Wahl, League Secretary 6. Rates as low as $28.95 monthly for a single person Solidarity Charters. And other 7. Unlimited tanning for $15.00 monthly 8. A FREE week with our partner SQUEEZE Studio Fitness which includes classes and a health assessment (valued at over $800.00) Office Space Available AND If you are one of the first 25 to sign up you will also get Call for details a $5.00 Starbucks Gift Card! 414-476-1577 633 S. Hawley Road Milwaukee, WI 53214 To redeem this most incredible offer you must bring this coupon in to ● Newly Renovated Snap Fitness on 10th and Layton! Offer only good when signing up at Suites. Snap Fitness on 10th and Layton in Milwaukee. Offer expires October 15th. Please go to www.snapfitness.com/milwaukeewi for business hours or call 414-483-1300 to ● Secured Building. schedule a time that is convenient for you. ● Meeting Rooms. ● Free Parking. Page 6 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Voces’ positive gala drive oces de la Frontera, the gration reform. responding with positive vibra- workers rights center This fund-raiser for Voces tions to a new round of hatred Vthat has actively sup- includes a 5:30 p.m. reception being generated against immi- ported labor legislation, marched and silent auction, 7 p.m. dinner grant workers, those legally in the Laborfest parade and and 8 p.m. awards program. here, those who illegally entered helped with the puppet parade Tickets are $50 a person or $500 and those simply caught in the and pageant that day, is inviting for a table of 10. bizarre system. the community to turn a major The celebration builds on uch of the excessive fund-raiser into a celebration, other events, such as a Sept. 17 new hatred came as a not just by buying a ticket but by celebration of the founding of Mbelated defense of sponsoring a low-income student the Constitution and a day for South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson or worker to attend the party. American citizens to express and his fact-less as well as And quite a party is pride in their citizenship. On unprecedented rude interruption planned: Called "Reaching for that day, Voces held a press con- of President Obama's speech the American Dream," it will be ference highlighting reflections before a joint session of held Thursday, October 22, at from newly naturalized US citi- Congress. Voces de la Frontera director Christine Neumann-Ortiz arrived at Potawatomi Woodland Dreams zens, such as Vicente Esquevada, Obama correctly stated that Zeidler Park on Labor Day to greet friends, plan campaigns, help Ballroom (located above the a prominent local Racine busi- the health care reform bill care- with puppets and get ready to march in the parade. casino) at 1721 W. Canal Street, nessman, and those preparing for fully excluded illegal immigrants Milwaukee. their citizenship exam. from benefiting, but in a desper- emergency prove citizenship or and attitudes. Voces de la Keynote speaker for the The rights center also sup- ate effort to justify Wilson's out- go without treatment, that illegal Frontera is calling on the com- event will be Ana Avendaño, the ported that day's National Day burst, a number of groups sought workers still can get health care munity instead to celebrate the associate general counsel and of Civic Engagement in to renew anger about immigrants they don't pay for. Which strikes diversity that has long been director of the Immigrant Washington. D.C., when hun- (even though hospitals, physi- many Americans as basic America's real economic Worker Program at the national dreds of people from throughout cians and health insurance com- humanity. strength. AFL-CIO. In that capacity, she the country lobbied Congress to panies confirmed that the real The atmosphere has For tickets or more informa- advises national and local union speak on behalf of undocument- fraudulent behavior came from renewed fringe behavior that tion on the event, contact 414- leaders on immigration policy, ed persons who live in the shad- citizens). seeks to flip the realities of the 643-1620 or visit www.vdlf.org. provides legal and technical ows of citizenship with the Wilson's defenders now current economy and create a -- Dominique Paul Noth assistance on organizing and threat of deportation and separa- claim that simply because physi- scapegoat for society's problems representational campaigns, and tion from their families. cians must follow their oaths and works closely with coalition Through such actions and treat the sick, as opposed to partners such as Voces on the the October gala, Voces is insisting that every victim of quest for comprehensive immi-

EmployEEs arE rEprEsEntEd By: Workers United LocaL 122 (414) 271-0290 www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 7

Union members and youngsters were among the volunteers to don masks and perform in the parade and pageant. The assembled material strewn around Zeidler Union Square Park (below) caused a few startled gazes as locals gathered early Labor Day morning.

IT WAS LIKE A CHILDREN’S PARK BEFORE THE PARADE. The painters of Local 781 brought enough families to stock a suburb (above) while Operating Engineers Local 139 piled its families onto the boat that was going to hauled along the parade route (below right).

Milwaukee Public Theatre director Barbara Leigh (left) steered vol- unteers at a signup table while AFT Local 212 President Michael Rosen (right) passed out T-shirts and flyers protesting the may- or’s plan to rule the public schools. See Page One commentary. All around the park, children were being prepared for the parade by donning hats or try- ing out carts and strollers.

Teamsters began lining up trucks and riders down Michigan St. (above) while UFCW prepared a balloon float for kids to ride.

Various unions gathered early along 4th St. south and north of the parade route. Here District 2 leader Ernie Dex (center) was greeting the steelworkers and their families. Page 8 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 9

Slideshows of the event are also available at www.milwaukeelabor.org

A COLOR GUARD assembled from Iraqi and Afghan war veterans lead union trucks at the head of the parade -- right after (below) a roaring collection of Harley Davidson motorcycles and (next) a remarkable collection of vintage American-made cars and trucks. BOTTOM: Right after that, AFSCME trucks saluted parade watch- ers by raising their shovels in tribute at they turned onto Chicago Avenue for the Laborfest party. ABOVE: Among the notable performers and crafts experts riding in the front of the orchestra flatbed was (center) one of the com- munity’s most admired actors and a founder of the Milwaukee Chamber Theater, Ruth Schudson. Musicians, stagehands and Actors Equity combine to create this MASH entertainment unit.

FROM THE VERY TOP RIGHT AND BELOW: The smiles AFSCME District Council 48, the of the young and retirees domi- largest collection of locals in the nated the parade whether riding Milwaukee labor council, pre- the route as in the carpenters pares to run over the camera- unit or helping prepare the pup- man, while units of laborers petry and the pageant. gave the thumbs up as they TOP TO BOTTOM: The plumbers were on the march. Se were mem- passed and the nurses promot- BOTTOM: Even young marchers bers of various SEIU locals, including 150. And another enthusias- ed (what else?) good health. were being educated into the tic contingent was provided by the MTEA, Milwaukee’s public ABOVE and RIGHT: The building- importance of the union label, school teachers, who were heading back to the classrooms. trades council headed a mighty though it is most effective when assortment of unions with its not promoted upside down. banner while Operating Engineers Local 139 and MALC President Willie D. Ellis guided a huge number of trucks carrying children, retirees and musicians along with its own workers.

In a parade full of slogans, some signs told the entire story. Laborfest photos in this issue by editor Dominique Paul Noth, ABOVE: Included in a parade that was certainly the longest in memory and might have been the biggest in years AFT Local 212 photographer were sizable numbers of participants from the United Food and Commercial Workers (top) and the United Steel Sue Ruggles and such friends Workers. How long? The front locals in the parade were already on the Summerfest grounds dancing to live as retiree Ken Greening. music before the building and construction trades had started off from Zeidler Park. Page 10 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org

HELPFUL FLIPS: They stopped practicing their slams Sunday afternoon before Labor Day to help unload three trailers full of puppet parts for the theater groups. And then (right) the professional wrestlers, several members of Milwaukee unions, put on quite a show of thuds and throws Monday afternoon. BELOW: Bingo was again a popular feature, and car own- ers (next photo) noted a livelier interest than usual in the vin- tage American-made cars parked in rows along the northern walkways of Maier Festival Park.

Enormous creatures with civic messages attracted a crowd to Miller Stage at Laborfest. Guiding his pageant troops (elephants?) at far right was puppet creator Max Samson. The other photos reflect the range of citizens, students and unions preparing for and performing in the event.

LEFT: Sheila Cochran applaud- ed the final Spider George band set. The first set of dance music at the Miller Stage was (bottom left) by Nightlife. TOP: The water fountain greeted the marchers coming through the gate, but the children didn’t wait, splashing into the waiting water for hours after their arriv- al at Laborfest LEFT: Stiltwalker Debra Davis, a veteran presence at Laborfest, this time adopted her Rosie the Riveter persona. She not only stiltwalked the parade route, bridging the space between union units and the closing parade of puppets, she then tirelessly conducted impromptu performances on the grounds, here unspooling ribbons in a spontaneous tribute to the con- cluding pageant. www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 11 FAR LEFT ROW: The Harley bike model was visible up-close in a Laborfest union tent, but winner Nick Matthes (top far left) All sizes won wasn’t around to hear his name called. BELOW: Organizer he annual wish to win a Doreen Reske (right) held the raffle pail at the children’s stage Harley Davidson motor- while Pocket Lady Kathleen Mohr makes the picks and was Tcycle -- and this one a swarmed (circle of photos) by winners, many face-painted. 2009 Dyna FSDX -- had chanc- es selling like hotcakes (or more accurately like raffle tickets, which is what they were), from the Wisconsin State Fair onward. Curiously, the winning ticket was not sold until the day of the drawing, Labor Day, and it was bought by a union member, Nick Matthes of IBEW Local 494. Matthes has now already arranged to get his bike, but he was not at the Miller Stage for the drawing. Neither, typically, were the winners of the sizable cash prizes. The winners were Mark Crogan (the $500 prize winner) and $100 winners Janet Jante, Jean Kiepert, Tom Sayler, Bob Juarez, Al Angle, Rae Morley, Dave Serseh and Brian Peyer. For the free raffles, prizes for names drawn from boxes on the grounds, the rules are differ- ent. Winners have to be there to collect when their names are announced. The adult prizes -- a range of restaurant and hotel combined into one to win a base- vouchers contributed by busi- ball autographed by Bob Uecker. nesses cooperating with Workers That was won by Marquise Pele United Local 122 -- created (guest of Bryant Johnson of some confusion with names OPEIU Local 9). Many of the drawn for people not there and children wore faces professional- uncertainty about IDs presented. ly painted by artists in the chil- At press time there was no offi- dren's area. cial list. The provided list of other But there was for the chil- winners and prizes: dren's prizes, given out an hour Isaiah Corera (guest of earlier at the children's stage by Nadia Rivera, OPEIU Local 9), $ Disposable Contact $ the area's organizer, Doreen Zaniah Armstead (Daniale includes Lens Package dilation Armstead, CWA Local 4603), FREE 99 37 Reske, with help from one of the Price includes: professional clowns who had just Alex Meyer (guest of Amy 1. Comprehensive Eye Exam 3. Instruction Class Comprehensive Lenses 2. Three Month Supply (6 pr.) 4. Starter Kit of Solutions finished entertaining at the event, O'Neal of Briggs & Stratton), of Select Soft, Spherical 5. Follow-up Care with Nevaeh Silverman, Sam Seegart FREE single vision standard Disposable Contacts the Doctors Eye Exam Pocket Lady Kathleen Mohr. lenses with the purchase of Performed By A Many of the winners were chil- (guest of Teamsters Local 200), any frame with a minimum $ or Licensed Doctor of Optometry. dren of union families or guests Ivory Taylor (guest of Karen retail value of $129. 35 Off Discount can be applied to the Call Today to of union members. Swift), Jeremy Clover (Keith Complete Contact Lens Package Schedule Your Appointment. upgrade of multi-focal lenses. Exam, Fitting & Lenses Clover of Carpenters), and Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Boys and girls ages 2 to 16 Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Offer Not Valid With Other Offers or Discounts. Excludes Contact Lens Examination. won these prizes, and the super- Nicole Scaffidi (John James, Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/09. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/09. Some Restrictions May Apply. Offer Expires 12/31/09. raffle, when all the boxes were Teamsters Local 200). Time For A Change?… HAWKS QUINDEL, S.C. We’ve Got Your Style

It’s never too early to start utilizing your Flex Plans

MILWAUKEE 1920 W. Layton Ave. 414-325-8600 • MILWAUKEE 7528 W. Burleigh St. 414-873-9090 ELM GROVE 12876 W. Bluemound Rd. 262-432-0052 • FRANKLIN 8225 S. 27th St. 414-761-2269 GRAFTON 1260 N. Port Washington Rd. 262-546-0234 • GREENFIELD 4818 S. 76th St., Suite 1 414-431-0385 KENOSHA 5725 75th St. 262-694-5553 • MENOMONEE FALLS N85 W16033 Appleton Ave. 262-251-1900 RACINE 3905 Douglas Ave. 262-639-5360 • RACINE 6035 Durand Ave. 262-554-8600 WAUKESHA 203 A East Sunset 262-524-1130 • WAUKESHA 1921 Silvernail Rd., Suite D 262-436-0884 WEST ALLIS 1401 S. 108th St. 414-476-0200 www.wisconsinvision.com Page 12 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Workers the victim of stimulus politics ome $3.1 billion in unemployment benefits Emsellem points out that the facts dispute included in the federal economic recovery are those Republican governors who claim that chang- Snot being spent, robbing some 350,000 out- ing the laws would lead to tax increases down the of-work Americans of benefits because of states road. that have either refused, failed to revamp or are ot really true, he said. The economic crisis moving too slowly to change state rules covering has severely stretched state unemployment jobless benefits. Ntrust funds, and several states have laws that In 11 of the states - reflecting more than half require tax hikes when the trust funds run low. So that stimulus money, some $1.7 billion -- these stimulus funds would go into the state coffers Republican governors or legislatures have refused to immediately, preventing mandated tax increases. modify the rules governing unemployment insur- The federal funds could pay for about seven ance to qualify. years of expanded benefits, he says. His analysis In some, "politics is in play," noted Maurice decries the attempted demonization: This increase Emsellem of the National Employment Law Project in benefits is not going to be the straw that breaks (NELP). Governors such as Rick Perry of and the camel's back to determine whether taxes are KIDS, PARADE AND UNITED WAY -- Were the children riding under former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin refused to accept going up. the UFCW sign among the 4,500 fed by MALC and United Way at the funds. Emsellem adds that once state lawmakers and its food pantry after the devastating fire at the plant? Some in the The other 12 states are looking at the required employers look carefully at the program, they real- parade were. The story of that effort was shared by Bucyrus changes, but have either not applied for the funds or ize that everyone would benefit from the changes. International CEO Tim Sullivan, one the speakers at the Labor Kick- have not taken legislative votes on the necessary He credits AFL-CIO state federations for playing a Off Rally. See story facing page. The event drew both the labor changes. Under the rules, these states have until key role in building coalitions to push through the community and business leaders. Below, Tony Rainey, the UAW 2011 to change the laws, though the reality is that changes in several states. member who heads the community service committee and Journal many states need the money now and the workers States can get one-third of the money by relax- Sentinel’s president and publisher, Betsy Brenner, chatted with the really need it now. ing their rules on the length of employment needed head of Milwaukee’s United Way (back to camera), Sue Dragisic. ther states that had to change their system to qualify for jobless benefits. They can get the rest have moved faster. In late August, the US by providing just two of four kinds of unemploy- OLabor Department agreed to release $89.2 ment benefits: extra money for the workers' depen- million in unemployment insurance funds to dents, for part-time workers, for those in training Wisconsin after the state updated its UI program to programs or for those who quit because of "compel- reflect the 21st century workforce. ling family circumstances" -- such as fleeing domes- Noted Hilda Solis, the labor secretary, tic violence or caring for a sick relative. Wisconsin's legal updates "not only help workers, The five states with the largest number of job- but will contribute to the state's overall economic less workers eligible for the expanded unemploy- recovery." The changes, she added, "make it easier ment insurance are Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, for workers who become unemployed for compel- Missouri and Indiana. There are more than 169,000 ling family reasons and workers who are upgrading people in those states alone who are missing out on their skills to be eligible for benefits." nearly $1.6 billion in benefits.

Orthopedic Institute of Wisconsin Thomas J. Perlewitz, MD Orthopedic Surgeon Spine Specialist Fellowship Trained

2901 Kinnickinnic River Parkway Suite 102 Milwaukee, WI 53215 414-384-6700 2323 N. Mayfair Road Suite 310 Milwaukee, WI 53226 414-771-5080

“I offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of all spinal conditions by utilizing state-of-the-art techniques, procedures and instrumentation. My ultimate goal is improved quality of life for the patient through both operative and non-operative measures.”

Specialty Procedures and Professional Achievements � Fellowship trained in spinal surgery at Harvard with emphasis on treatment of conditions of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine � Compassionate care focused on the whole individual � Selected as Chief Resident in Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin � Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society

Medical Education Fellowship – Orthopedic Medical College of Wisconsin Spine Surgery Milwaukee, WI Harvard Medical School Boston, MA Residency Board Certified Medical College of Wisconsin American Board of Milwaukee, WI Orthopedic Surgery For more information or scheduling, please call 414-384-6700. w w w. T h e O r t h o I n s t i t u t e . c o m www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 13 Labor hailed as crucial to the United Way t's really your campaign. The of public policy of the Wisconsin As presenter Vince Martin lis- speakers reminded unions of Federation of Nurses and Health tened, Scott Van Derven (right) Ithat September 17 during the Professionals (AFT), and Labor spoke of the personal reward Labor Kick-off Rally for the Participation Co-Chairs Anthony of charity work Other speakers United Way. And they had both Rainey, president of (Master included Tim Sullivan (below) facts and anecdotes to prove it. Lock) UAW Local 469, and Scott and Stephanie Bloomingdale Betsy Brenner, president and Redman, business representative (bottom). publisher of Journal Sentinel and for Plumbers Local 75. this year a co-chair of the com- But the crowd saved its munity campaign, reminded the highest emotion for the joy and crowded room that, while high sadness reflected in a brief rollers were always welcome, speech by the winner of the more than half the donations Labor/United Way community were under $100. So again and service award. again over a century, it has been Scott Van Derven has served the citizens with the least who in various offices over the years give the most. In 2009, putting its for Pioneer Branch 2, National goal where its belief in the com- Association of Letter Carriers, munity is and where it knows the and also as top safety representa- need is, United Way is seeking tive and coordinator of the com- $45 million, some $700,000 more bined federal campaign. than last year. But he is probably best Brenner emphasized that known in the community over six belief with a story about Cargill years as organizer, newsletter Meats, where the workers this columnist, media spokesman and year met an amazing 99% of tireless go-to guy for the annual their goal even though the cam- "Stamp Out Hunger" NALC food paign came a week after the com- drive. Nationally this year the pany had frozen wages because NALC collected 70 million Ave., for this festive launch, spe- of the economic turndown. pounds of food and in Milwaukee cially catered and decorated. im Sullivan, CEO of the door-by-door collection by Guests also received the MALC Bucyrus International and letter carriers in the spring carries anniversary logo shopping bags a longtime United Way the Hunger Task Force deep into T and souvenir booklet. The event leader serving this year as board the summer. was organized and promoted by chair, recounted how amazed the an Derven was ecstatic AFL-CIO field mobilizers Annie leaders of the Patrick Cudahy in thanking his union and Wacker (also Vice-President of plant were in the aftermath of his wife, Mary, for put- V the MALC), Jay Reinke and that devastating fire. They almost ting up with his enthusiasm for Mike Balistriere. didn't believe that United Way charitable work and promoting Catered snacks drew a constant crowd at the Center of was not just a place with its hand him to win the Werner J. Excellence Labor Kick-Off Rally. out, but "a place that gives as Schaefer Award (a labor mem- well as receives." ber's highest honor; it is named One example was that the after a legendary labor and Milwaukee Area Labor Council United Way leader). and United Way agencies such as But he suggested quietly that the AFL-CIO Community maybe it took actually going out Services created a food pantry into the neighborhoods every that fed 9,000 Cudahy family day, as he and his fellow letter members, half that number chil- carriers do, to understand the dren. depth of the pain and the need. "The people in this commu- "We've seen these people nity are extraordinarily gener- daily through hurt and tragedy," ous," Sullivan said, but he he said. "We've delivered, I'm sad offered the union leaders the to say, more foreclosures this most important component in year than in the 26 years I've getting donations. "Just remem- been on the job. Maybe that's ber, the key to success is that you why we feel we have to help." have to ask." The sponsors also thanked Other speakers with exam- WRTP/Big Step for donating its ples and passion included training facility, the Center of Stephanie Bloomingdale, director Excellence, 3841 W. Wisconsin

“We are Setting New Standards for Funeral Services in our Community” Let us remember in our prayers the families of: Mrs. Elvira Broaden, Milwaukee County Mr. Robert Hayes, Milwaukee County Mr. Garry Ingram, City of Milwaukee Mr. Rod Jackson, A.O. Smith Mr. Ronald McNealy Sr., A.O. Smith Mr. Algene Moreland, A.O. Smith Mrs. Luebirtha Talley, University of Milwaukee Mr. J.T. Walton, Milwaukee County Transit System Page 14 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org Inside the Tenther silliness merican Progress has federal powers in the schemes that "substantially affect taken apart the latest Constitution, and the federal ban interstate commerce" easily Asideshow surrounding on whites-only lunch counters is encompasses laws like the feder- the health debate and, in fact, a an unlawful encroachment on al minimum wage and the lot of other long-established local business. requirement that businesses do operations by the government -- ndeed, nearly every single not discriminate. As Roosevelt from Social Security to interstate law that Americans cherish -- chided tenther-like conservatives highways to Internet protocols -- Ifrom protecting workers' from his era, "The Constitution not specifically addressed in the right to organize to forbidding of 1787 did not make our US Constitution. race and gender discrimination -- democracy impotent." This is the largely laughable could be eliminated overnight if adly, as the American Tenther Agenda, in which a con- such contortions ever became Progress research outlines, stitutional amendment dismissed law. One prominent tenther, a Stentherism's assault on over the decades by even conser- Texas official charged with democracy is nothing new; vative Supreme Court decisions rewriting that state's public indeed, retreat to outlandish con- is being offered as a control, school textbooks, even includes stitutional theories is a favorite Annie Wacker was sworn in as new commissioner of the Social rather than as the intended state- the federal highway system. tactic of the right during times of Development Commission (SDC) Sept. 10 by Milwaukee County ment of the obvious, by those Tenthers derive their narrow historic upheaval. Tenther "state Clerk Joseph Czarnezki. She is also the vice-president of the who don't like any government vision from a strained reading of sovereignty resolutions" are little Milwaukee Area Labor Council. involvement in society decisions. the Tenth Amendment, stretching more than new names for the In a nutshell, as American the language about federal pow- resolutions enacted by Southern A Bush ‘secret rule’ dies Progress historians and research- ers to say that anything not item- States in the immediate wake of t's no secret now. The Bush administration's clandestine move to es point out, tenthers think that ized in the Constitution is Brown v. Board of Education. loosen the rules on how much toxin or dangerous chemicals to President Franklin Delano beyond Congress' authority and Tenther claims that health which workers can be exposed -- and to make it more difficult to Roosevelt led an illegal coup should be decided by the states. reform is unconstitutional -- I issue new worker protection rules -- is now officially dead. against the US Constitution. In Even stuff invented after the 18th because the Constitution does The US Department of Labor announced the first week of that view, FDR wasn't trying to century! not specifically use the words September that the proposed rule was unnecessary and withdrew it. get the country out of a financial However, the tenther consti- "health care" -- echo the infa- The rule came to be known as the “secret rule” because of the Bush mess. All they see is expanded tution bears little resemblance to mous Southern Manifesto's argu- administration's attempt to keep it off the media's radar screen last federal power. the words of the document itself. ment that Brown was wrong year. Killing health reform is only Contrary to tenther claims because the "Constitution does In January, as one of its first official acts, the Obama administra- the beginning of this tenther that federal spending programs not mention education." Indeed, tion ordered work halted on the chemical exposure rule and other last- agenda. Under the tenther consti- like Medicare or Social Security conservative "tenthers" even jus- minute regulatory changes the Bush administration tried to ram tution, Medicare, Medicaid, are unconstitutional, Article I of tified the greatest act of treason through before leaving office. Social Security, federal education the Constitution empowers in American history, the Civil The secret rule could have led to increased exposure of workers funding, the Veterans Affairs Congress to "lay and collect War, by claiming that each state to dangerous chemicals and toxins by changing the way worker expo- health system and the GI Bill are taxes" and to "provide for...the can leave the union at will. sure is measured. The rule was pushed by Bush political appointees all illegal. The minimum wage, general welfare of the United Now that America is slowly over the objections of career health and safety professionals and kept the requirement that employers States," which unambiguously emerging from its most recent secret until media reports in July 2008 revealed the plan. pay overtime wages, and the ban authorizes it to spend money in crisis, tenthers once again hope When the rule became public knowledge, it unleashed a firestorm on child labor are all beyond ways that benefit the nation. to exploit the nation's fears to of criticism from workplace safety advocates who pointed out that for Congress' power to enact Similarly, Congress' broad fuel a radical constitutional agen- the eight years the Bush administration had been in office, it had not because they are not named as authority to enact regulatory da. developed any significant new worker safety rules -- but with the clock running out, the administration was rushing to weaken protec- tions. Last September, Dr. Celeste Monforton, from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University, told the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee that our nation's system for protecting workers from harmful substances that cause injuries, illnesses and deaths was paralyzed. It struck other testifying experts as “shameful” that after refusing to take action to protect workers, the Bush administration spent its last months “and taxpayer money to lock in place rules that would When Accidents or Injuries Happen prevent the next administration from taking prompt action." to Someone You Love Our Family of Lawyers Will Protect Your Family.

Why Choose Anyone Else? ® Injuries From Accidents Contingent Fee Available Automobile & Truck Accidents � Motorcycle Accidents � Product Defects � Fires & Explosions Farm Accidents Boat & Air Accidents � Medical Malpractice � Workplace Injury Construction Accidents � Machinery Accidents � Nursing Home Negligence & Elder Care Abuse Our Reputation, Experience & Honesty Result In Most Of Our Cases Settling Without a Lawsuit or Trial Helping Injured People For Over 75 Years � Wisconsin’s Largest Personal Injury Law Firm Free Consultation � No Fees or Costs Unless We Are Successful � 100’s of Millions in Settlements and Verdicts Collected For Our Clients � More Lawyers Named in the Best Lawyers in America Publication Than Any Other Personal Injury Law Firm in Wisconsin 1-800-2-HABUSH 1-800-242-2874 Milwaukee Office - US Bank Center 1-800-242-7205 777 E. Wisconsin Ave. Suite 2300 � Milwaukee, WI 53202 Waukesha Appleton Sheboygan 1-800-559-5599 1-800-472-9334 1-866-888-3620 Racine Green Bay Stevens Point 1-800-682-3434 1-800-757-8644 1-800-248-0171 Kenosha Lake Geneva Rhinelander 1-800-388-8222 1-800-275-1729 1-800-369-5990 Madison West Bend Wausau 1-800-822-1690 1-800-242-7205 1-800-248-0171 Visit us on the web at www.habush.com

ART ID: 059322000XXXXX VERSION: (v1) lb 050709 DIRECTORY NO.: 081067 STATE/DIRECTORY: MILWAUKEE LABOR PRESS CLIENT NAME: HABUSH,HABUSH & ROTTIER SC CMR CLIENT NO.: 059-3220 HEADING: ATTORNEYS AD SIZE: FP 6” X 7”

BVK JOB NO.: ks 1092 AR NAME/LOCATION: Megan-Milwaukee SHIPPED: DISK TO AR www.milwaukeelabor.org AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday, September 30, 2009 — Page 15 Me Worry?) Neumann, who then nother stunning develop- also lost. "I think we underesti- ment came from Barrett, Future mated the popularity of Obama's who had clearly lost pro- From Page 1 A health care reform," admitted Joe gressive backing in the city but state Senate candidate Leah Wilson, the newly emigrated was still expected fight for his Vukmir to lobby for that effort in South Carolinian who became job. Unexpectedly he accepted Madison. the chairman of the Wisconsin an offer from the Obama admin- • Private companies will Republican Party, in explaining istration and took a federal develop coffee shops open to the the remarkable 2010 Democratic judgeship in Oregon. public to replace 14 high school sweep of federal and statewide Walker then resigned as cafeterias around the city and offices. county executive, moved from Walker will let students 12 and he ever resourceful GOP Wauwatosa to Milwaukee and up work in these facilities in rebounded, however, in reversed his opposition to federal exchange for education credits Tthe final months of the stimulus money by pledging to that can be used as part of gradu- outgoing Democratic governor's use his new school powers to ation requirements. At a salary of tenure. Jim Doyle had announced "virtually eliminate property $200,000 a year, he put recently in 2009 that he would not seek taxes for city homeowners." defeated legislator Jeff Stone in re-election but, despite opposi- His only notable opposition charge of this privatization initia- tion from many Milwaukee was the acting mayor and former tive. Democrats, he atypically kept a head of the Common Council, "We have to put schools on campaign pledge - this one to Willie Hines, who had also sup- a responsible management foot- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. ported mayoral takeover of the ing and prepare students through He introduced legislation to schools. Easily defeated in the practical experience with the change the state laws and state April 2012 election, Hines mut- Union members were among hundreds sending Congress back to hardships awaiting them in the Constitution to allow a direct tered something about "chickens pass health care reform at a major rally run by union groups and real world," said the mayor. mayoral takeover of MPS, elimi- coming home to roost" and Organizing for America on August 29 in the parking lot outside "Milwaukee needs an image as a nating the voters' historic direct "unintended consequences of Summerfest. Among the speakers were Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton cheap place to work." elections of the public school political maneuvering." and Rep. Gwen Moore. See story at www.milwaukeelabor.org. e also spoke candidly board. ow facing a gathering snow off the streets, lighting the about the political turn- GOP members of the Senate storm of organized That's why there was such low holiday tree and keeping arounds that helped him and Assembly surprisingly opponents, Walker dis- voter turnout in school board H N races. The public wants action, Summerfest inexpensive." win office and confound even reversed ideology and switched misses calls that he should work "Somewhere on that list will conservative pundits. sides to give Doyle enough with all sides of the school issue less spending and to heck with always be a proportionate con- The seeds were planted in votes. They were bolstered by a - parents, students, teachers and what works." cern for public education. Let's 2010 when Walker sought the supportive legal opinion from the professional educators as well as "That's why I won," Walker just keep it in perspective." Republican primary endorsement outgoing GOP attorney general, the business community. "That's assured the editorial board. "The Asked if he saw any irony in in the race for governor. He ran Van Hollen. like trying to put lipstick on a mayor has all these issues that a Marquette University dropout under the slogan: Even more important was pig," he said. "The electorate are at the front of public concern now being in charge of the strong indications from the decided they want mayoral dicta- -- property taxes, clean drinking Milwaukee public schools, BIRTHERS AND BIRCHERS UNITE now conservative-dominated torship, not leadership." water, fighting all that inner city Walker grinned: "Life's a funny IN MY ANTI-ANY-TAX CAMPAIGN! Wisconsin Supreme Court, "The truth is, the public crime and lawlessness, garbage old dog, isn't it?" whose Annette Ziegler and doesn't want any debate among pickup, holding wages down so That didn't gain the neces- Michael Gableman were largely rival ideas on the school board. business can thrive, clearing sary traction in northern elected by big money from Wisconsin, leading the candidate Wisconsin Manufacturers & to fire the high-priced PR firms Commerce and race-tinged ads recommended by Michael Steele from rightwing groups. and Sarah Palin. hrough back channels, the "I thought rather naively that court indicated to the what I had done to Milwaukee TGOP that a majority WORKWEAR would have an appeal in the rest would allow property tax relief of the state," Walker later admit- as a mayoral prerogative in ted, "but what I learned was that Milwaukee, so that not just whatever you did to Milwaukee improved classroom performance didn't amount to a hill of beans would be used to measure gov- in getting votes from the out- ernment "Race to the Top" stim- side." ulus funding for public schools. So he lost to Mark (What

BRINGING WORKWEAR TO YOU

Regular Sizes $40.00 Your Price: $32.00 Big & Tall Sizes $44.00 Your Price: $35.20 Jeffrey Butler, MD William Pennington, MD James Stone, MD Jamie Edwards, MD Daniel Guehlstorf, MD Thomas Perlewitz, MD Steven Trinkl, MD Eric Pifel, MD Joshua Neubauer, MD Page 16 — AFL-CIO Milwaukee Labor Press, Wednesday September 30, 2009 www.milwaukeelabor.org

United way BUiLds independence

We gratefully acknowledge

the sponsor of this ad: reasonstogive.org

Minnie isn’t proud of everything in her past. Choices she made left her without a job and no postsecondary education. That’s why she turned to United Way-supported Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/BIG STEP. Job training classes provided her with the tools to succeed. She completed the road construction program and has worked as the only woman on an all-male work crew. Minnie enjoys BeinG a roLe ModeL for others who want to chanGe their Lives. She mentors institutionalized women and feels proud that her three grown children can look up to their mother again.

Live United Give.