(ISSN 0023-6667) Labor working for election wins Tuesday In this last week before Romney? What do you think not worked as promised, they election day, area labor is labor’s prospects would be did not produce good paying focused on getting out the vote under that administration. jobs, but they did help the rich for its endorsed candidates Especially if he has a get richer,” said Kuitu. “The from the presidential top of the Republican-controlled House wealthy, banks, and corpora- ticket to school board races and Senate to destroy the mid- tions are literally sitting on tril- near the bottom. After many dle class and unions. lions of dollars in cash. The months of work, and in spite of Somehow conservative richest 400 Americans have the wide difference between interests have wormed their more wealth now than the candidates, no one is willing to way into the thinking of even An Injury to One is an Injury to All! See Labor works...page 2 WEDNESDAY VOL. 119 place bets on who the winners middle class trade unionists. will be in many big contests. “I can’t believe some of the OCTOBER 31, 2012 NO. 9 Think of it. President phone calls I’ve had,” said Mary Jo Connolly, a retired AFL-CIO teacher who volunteers for Endorsed labor’s political campaigns every year. Too many union Candidates members don’t understand that www.mnaflcio.org Republican elected officials www.wisaflcio.org don’t want to protect the mid- dle class, they want to destroy U.S. President it to help their friends. Pres. Barack Obama “Is anyone seriously expect- VP Joe Biden ing a member of the 1% to work for the interests of the U.S. Senate 99% as our president,” asks Amy Klobuchar - MN Carlton County Central Labor Tammy Baldwin - WI Body president Mike Kuitu about Romney. “Friends don’t U.S. House let friends vote Republican. We - MN 8 have great DFL candidates. Pat Kreitlow - WI 7 Vote for them!” The rest of this week the Over 100 people turned out in Wellstone Hall Oct. 25 for a pancake breakfast rally with whirlwind will continue until No Rick Nolan, and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tom Harkin, and as labor voters get their say next Voter photo ID- went into the last stage of its Get Out The Vote drive on the 10th anniversary of the air- Tuesday. President Bill Clinton Anti-marriage- No plane crash that took the lives of Senator , his wife Sheila, and six others. was in Duluth yesterday. A tour District 3 Wellstone anniversary adds energy to election bus with Senator Amy Klobuchar, Governor Mark Senator Tom Bakk October 25th marked the anniversary observances have solemn.” Rep. David Dill - 3A 10-year anniversary of the and will be held at Carleton With Harkin were Senators Dayton and others is circling the region today and tomorrow. Rep. Mary Murphy - 3B Eveleth airplane crash that took College, in the Twin Cities, and Amy Klobuchar, who is up for District 5 the life of U.S. Senator Paul in Washington DC. election, and Al Franken. Rick Vice President Joe Biden is Wellstone, his wife, Sheila, his Attending the events in Nolan completed the impres- expected in Superior Friday. Senator Tom Saxhaug daughter, three campaign staff, Duluth and on the Iron Range sive foursome as he seeks to There’s no doubt the stakes Rep. Tom Anzelc - 5B and two pilots. Solemn memo- was Wellstone’s closest friend unseat Republican Chip are high and no one knows how District 6 the 9% of undecided voters rial events were held in the in the Senate, Iowa Senator Cravaack as northeast Minne- Senator David Tomassoni region, but they also generated Tom Harkin. sota’s 8th Congressional Dis- will decide the election. With the Supreme Court’s Rep. Carly Melin - 6A energy for the November 6 Over 100 people joined trict representative after he Jason Metsa - 6B presidential general election. Harkin early that morning for upset two years Citizens United ruling, money Many said that’s just the the pancake breakfast/memori- ago. A dozen elected officials, has poisoned our elections. District 7 way Wellstone would have al/rally in Wellstone Hall in the and some who are running for Republicans and their Super Senator Roger Reinert wanted it. Duluth Labor Temple. office for the first time had the PAC allies have outspent Dem- Rep. Tom Huntley - 7A The day started at 7:00 a.m. “Paul was the happiest war- room buzzing. It was get out ocrats by $131.6 million, and Erik Simonson - 7B in the Duluth Labor Temple’s rior I ever met,” Harkin said. the vote time with just 12 days they’ve got $169 million in the bank to use before the election. District 11 Wellstone Hall, continued with “He had the joy of life. He to the election. Senator Tony Lourey a 1:00 observance at the wouldn’t want us to be overly After eating Nolan, Harkin, Money talks, unfortunately. Wellstone Memorial site, fol- Klobuchar, and Franken Getting the rich richer is Mike Sundin - 11A lowed by a rally at the Clinton walked the room talking to as plank number one of the GOP Tim Faust - 11B Town Hall, and ended at 9:30 many people as possible before platform. Cutting taxes for St. Louis County p.m. in Wellstone Hall again. addressing the entire gathering. them is still their easy way as Bush tax cuts are still in place. Commissioner Other Wellstone 10th Klobuchar is considered a Steve O’Neil - Dist. 2 safe bet to win her race. In fact, “The Bush Tax cuts have she spent none of her time talk- Debbie Isabell-Nelson -D3 ing about her campaign. Nor Peg Sweeney - Dist. 5 did her colleague Senator Al Lake County Franken. Everyone was more Commissioner concerned with helping get Brad Jones - Dist. 2 President Barack Obama re- elected and having Nolan defeat Cravaack. “I believe this is our year,” Assembly Franken said. “Let’s end the Rep. Nick Milroy - 73 Cravaack era.” Rep. Janet Bewley - 74 USW Local 1028’s Lee Popo- Klobuchar said the energy vich took a vacation day Oct. in the room was what it takes to PLEASE VOTE 25 in order to get a plate of VOTE NEXT TUESDAY! his favorite kind of pancakes See Wellstone still...page 11 Voting info on page 8 Tuesday, Nov. 6 Selinski, Rangers create their own pol ad Labor working election...from page 1 If you see Tom Selinski run- vative candidates and fill the tired of all of the super PAC poorest 150 million Americans. To put that another way, ning around with a orange five air waves with attack ads. money from billionaires that is imagine that the population of Wrenshall, MN has more wealth gallon pail, drop a few bucks in Now most of us would only trying to buy the re-election of than the population of the 42 lowest populated states.” it. A number of folks did just be able to shrug our shoulders Republican Rep. Chip Cra- One Republican strategy is to make citizens so disgusted with that last Thursday at Labor and do our best to ignore the vaack in northern Minnesota’s politics and government that they won’t even vote. That worked Movie Night in Wellstone Hall. TV ads. But Selinski, a mem- 8th Congressional District. two years ago when Jim Oberstar lost. Earlier this month Tom had ber of IBEW Local 242, hap- With his equipment in tow, “All the races are too close to call, even with Obama doing enough of the Koch Brothers pens to have all the equipment Selinski headed north from his well in Wisconsin last time,” said Warren Bender, Superior and Sheldon Adelson using needed to create his own ads. Duluth home to video friends Federation of Labor Corresponding Secretary. “We won’t know their billions to support conser- You’ll remember him as the on the Iron Range. who won until late election night, so every eligible voter has to producer of the acclaimed film His 30-second ad addresses get out and vote.” “Spies In Steel.” He taught Cravaack as the hated “compa- While everyone could agree that nothing matters if Obama himself how to be a filmmaker ny man” that many on the Iron isn’t re-elected, many are still upset at tea party wins in 2010 that so he could tell his family’s Range view him as. saw icons like Oberstar toppled. story of being blackballed on “What really got us was that Rick Nolan has energized many with his campaign against the Iron Range for union activ- BS ad about how Cravaack is a Republican Rep. in Minnesota’s 8th ity. He next did a documentary union guy,” said Tom Selinski, Congressional District. That contest is the most expensive U.S. on the Tyomies Eteenpain the chairman of the Regular House of Representatives race in the nation. Nolan served in the newspaper, “For The Common Folks Committee. “Real work- House from 1975-1981 and has Democratic big hitters coming Good.” ing people don’t have a chance to the region on his behalf. Energetic, very smart, and very good “Some of the ads I was see- to tell their story when every on his feet addressing a crowd, Nolan’s platform fits labor’s per- ing were just terrible and some minute of TV time is swamped fectly. But he is just ahead of Cravaack in polling. were being pulled off the air, so with special interests ads. So But North East Area Labor Council president Alan Netland is I thought why not,” Selinski we shot our own commercial feeling pretty good about the work labor has done in his seven said. The Chisholm native and raised the money to show county region. decided he’d help create his it. It might not be slick and it “I feel like we in the labor community have been better Tom Selinski’s Regular Folks group and Regular Folks of the might not have a million dol- organized for this election than in years past,” Netland said. “I of the Iron Range donation Iron Range was born. lars behind it, but it tells it like am optimistic about our local and regional candidates. bucket got some business Regular Folks is a grass it is.” Nationally is someone else’s call. It will be good to have a num- from Education Minnesota’s roots group of people that is The ad was shown in ber of newly elected union members from our area in the legis- Kathleen Adee. Wellstone Hall as part of Labor lature.” Movie Night and was a hit with They would be Fire Fighter Erik Simonson in Duluth’s 7B, Retired, about to? Watch this the 80 people in attendance. Painter’s Mike Sundin in 11A, and NEALC field coordinator A video discussion of major financial issues confronting cur- “The people in the ads are Jason Metsa in 6B. rent and future retirees has been produced by the Minnesota real Rangers, not actors,” Have you heard you need to get out and vote? Early if you’re State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO in collaboration with the Labor Selinski said. “We had fun deer hunting on Tuesday. Education Service, University of Minnesota. doing it, and we might not be http://mediamill.cla.umn.edu/mediamill/display/173515 is done yet.” the website for the 7-part video which examines problems affect- You won’t find the ad on I.U.O.E. Local 70 ing Social Security, pensions and affordable health care - includ- network TV stations locally. ing Medicare - and suggests solutions to assure that all The cost was prohibitive. But Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Americans retire with dignity and security. with a friend in the business, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, 5:00 P.M. Groups and organizations can arrange for a facilitated pres- Selinski will have their ad air Duluth Labor Center, Hall B entation of the video, with discussion and printed materials, by 1,600 times on cable and satel- emailing Dan Mikel at [email protected]. You can also lite channels including FOX Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 leave a message on the Retiree Council phone 1-800-652-9004. News and Sports, ESPN, Golf, Discovery, and many others. MANY MEDICARE OPTIONS. The group has a website up Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 ONE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU. at regularfolks.org that has the Retirees’ Luncheon video and other short outtakes of Cravaack that can be down- Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1:00 p.m. As your local licensed agent, I can help you make a plan for Medicare. Just want loaded or viewed. health coverage? Need a prescription drug plan? A plan that covers both? You Sammy’s Pizza-West Duluth have options with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus: HELP Blue Essentials (HMO-POS) combines health and drug coverage in one Mark Your Ballot Tuesday, Nov. 6 for low-cost plan with no deductibles Platinum BlueSM (Cost) has three plan options, including our lowest-priced Laborers Local 1091 option for health coverage only meet their Food Drive 8 Senior GoldSM lets you build the most comprehensive health coverage available Erik Simonson SM goal of 500 pounds! MedicareBlue Rx (PDP) gives you two options for stand-alone prescription MN House of Representatives • District 7B drug coverage Labor & DFL Endorsed! Contact me today Wade Agency to learn more. [ logo/Agent ] Duluth Agency Erik is President of Fire Fighters Local photo TTY 711 218-724-4507[agent/agency e-mail address] 101 and Assistant Fire Chief for the [ ] TTY[agent/agency 711 website URL] City of Duluth. He will continue the strong labor voice western Duluth has Blue Cross and Blue Plus are health plans with Medicare contracts. Blue Cross is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Plans are available to residents of the had in our State Legislature and work service area. You can also contact Blue Cross or Blue Plus for plan information or to enroll: 1-877-662-2583, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central time, daily. to strengthen the middle class. Erik’s H2425-002_092112_N07 CMS Accepted 09/26/2012 name will be on the ballot November 6. H2461_092112_N08 CMS Accepted 09/26/2012 S5743_ 092112_K04_MN CMS Accepted 09/26/2012 See Lynette Swanberg’s Find out more at www.erikfor7b.com Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota and Blue Plus®, Paid for by Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body COPE nonprofit independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. column on page10 PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 Voting GOP is union busting By Dan O’Neill, President Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body A vote for any Republican is a vote to continue the right-wing agenda to destroy unions and our effort to make life better for all There was a lot of fun, and working families. Do you believe in collective bargaining? good times remembered, at Goodbye to those agreements if you vote Republican. A voice in events October 25 in spite of it the workplace instead begging for a raise or benefits? Bye bye. being the 10th anniversary of Jobsite safety, good OSHA standards? They will be hollowed the Wellstone tragedy. (It’s out as employers are allowed to regulate themselves. Union Halloween so please forgive organizing efforts that still need to be more fair? I don’t think my poor taste again in the mask so. Like the Davis Bacon Act? Forget it, it’s gone. for my mast.) Paul had a great It really bothers me that right wingers have been asking Labor laugh, loved to use it, and Unions for their endorsements and having some luck in getting behaved like a cartoon charac- them, even though it’s a very few. It usually comes down to sup- ter when he was having fun. He porting Project Labor Agreements, but who in northeast could be all over the place in a Minnesota fights PLAs? It’d be political suicide! Or Oberstar second. One of a kind. For the was not around here enough? Guess what? Chip’s home is in past ten years I think most of us Iowa Senator Tom Harkin of the venerable, Madison, WI New Hampshire, after he attacked Oberstar for living in DC. have resigned ourselves to the The Progressive Republicans have never had any concern for working fami- fact that we’d never see anoth- said the morning of Oct. 25 at magazine the pancake memorial rally that ended his Oct. 10, 2002 eulogy lies, but all of a sudden we hear their great concern for the mid- er like him, human being and dle class. What a joke. Those same folks are now calling for bi- especially elected official. “no one embodies more the to Wellstone using that quote spirit of Paul Wellstone, what from Wellstone’s autobiogra- partisanship after spending four years obstructing every issue Rick Nolan has changed my President Obama and the Democrats walked to address. mind. His political positions, he stands for, and stands up phy “The Conscience of a for” than Nolan. Harkin said Liberal” with Wellstone stating The Union movement is why America has a middle class. his fire, his energy, are posi- Please look at the big picture when you go to the polls and not tively Wellstonian. I was taken there’s something about some- “So do we.” Those mountains one who sticks up for values. of ice have only gotten bigger just one issue. Let’s not let conservative interests win their in by Nolan the first time I met divide and conquer strategy. Solidarity now, solidarity forever. him and he has continued to That’s high praise coming from since Wellstone was murdered. buoy my spirits and hope every Wellstone’s best friend in the Thank for time since. That’s rare ground. U.S. Senate. being willing to step in in 2002 Chip voted to cut RR benefits I’m really glad Nolan decided In 1968 Harkin married a to run and lose to Republican Editor: to run for Congress again after rural Redwood County, Minne- Norm Coleman after Wellstone sota girl from a Republican appeared to have a third senate On March 29, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to serving in the U.S. House of adopt Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposal for 2013. The vote was Representatives from 1975 to family. “I never got to change victory in his grasp. Funny, but them into Democrats, but they that loss by the Dems gave 228 Republicans voting aye to 191 Democrats and 10 1981 and leaving on his own Republicans voting nay. U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack of accord. I’m not the only one. met Rick Nolan and he turned control of the Senate to the them into Democrats” right GOP. The senate lost its con- Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District voted aye. away, Harkin said. “Anyone science in Wellstone, and this There are more than 5,200 railroad families in the 8th with that ability can win any country has veered far to the Congressional District. Cravaack voted to cut their retirement ~NOTICE~ annuities. His vote would drastically cut current pensions by up 2012 Labor World Issues election anywhere.” right ever since. As part of the Oct. 25 Yes, Wellstone voted for the to half of current annuities, reduce disability benefits and totally Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 19. memorial events we watched USA Patriot Act and the abolish the 60/30 retirement program for all railroad employees. LABOR WORLD the 2005 film Wellstone! by Defense of Marriage Act for Ryan’s budget assumes taxpayer money supplements railroad retirement annuities as it falsely states his plan would save tax- (ISSN#0023-6667) is published Laurie Stern and others. It’s the his two worst votes. But he was semi-monthly except one issue in fourth time I’ve seen it but I’m so much more and so strong at payers several billion dollars. This is far from the truth. Ryan December (23 issues). always amazed at how much holding Congress and America proposes to conform Railroad Retirement Tier 1 (Social Security The known office of publication is I’ve forgotten upon rewatching back from the self interest that equivalent) to Social Security recipients. Under current law, Labor World, 2002 London Road, Railroad Retirement Tier 2 benefits, funded by the railroads and Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. At the memorial on the Iron now defines us and alienates us Periodicals postage is paid at Range earlier that day a num- from the rest of the world. employees, absorb any costs by which railroad retirement bene- Duluth MN 55806. ber of folks took the mic to Rick Nolan will melt some fits exceed what Social Security would pay. POSTMASTER: recite famous Wellstone of that ice. He did it in Con- There are more than 1 million U.S. railroad families who Send address changes to: quotes, including the “we all do gress before. He will work on depend on railroad retirement. Railroad families in the 8th Con- Labor World, 2002 London Rd., better, when we all do better” the mountains of ice that define gressional District should know how Cravaack voted to cut ben- Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 one that wasn’t an original of us because that’s where his val- efits. Your vote Nov. 6 could affect future railroad pensions. 6 7 his. Jim Hightower’s daddy ues are. The world will be a Thomas J. Dwyer, Coon Rapids, MN, President, National (218) 728-4469 used it. Wellstone did have a lot better place for it, and so will Association of Retired & Veteran Railway Employees Inc. FAX: (218) 724-1413 of great ones of his own. America. Glen M. Nelson, Duluth, MN, National Legislative [email protected] In Wellstone! he tells a gath- Committeeman, NARVRE (www.narvre.org) www.laborworld.org ering about his favorite quote. ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ It’s from abolitionist Wendell This Day In History Owned by Unions affiliated with the www.workdayminnesota.org Vote to turn us around ! Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Phillips from the 1850s who Subscriptions: $22 Annually was asked why he was so agi- October 29, 1929 - This Next Tuesday friends of working Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager tated that he seemed to be on day became known as "Black Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper fire. Wellstone says Phillips Tuesday," as a massive Stock families have an opportunity to Board of Directors responded, “I’m on fire Market crash marked the regain control of our legislature. Pres./Treas. Mikael Sundin, because I have mountains of start of the Great Please encourage every eligible Painters & Allied Trades 106; ice before me to melt.” Depression, the most severe V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED Editor Matthew Rothschild financial crisis in the history voter you know to join you in 1710; Sec. Jayme McKenna, The non-profit Labor World, Inc. is the of the United States. voting for Labor’s candidates! AFSCME 66; Al LaFrenier, official publication of the Duluth AFL- October 31, 2002 - The Workers’ United Midwest Bd; CIO Central Labor Body. It is an educa- Mike Kuitu, Operating tional, advocacy newspaper for workers Minnesota AFL-CIO endor- Senator Roger Engineers 49; Dan O’Neill, and unions. The views and opinions sub- sed Walter Mondale for U.S. District 7-Duluth Reinert Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; mitted and expressed in the Labor World Senate, to run in place of do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paul Wellstone, who was Steve Risacher, Carpenters paper, its Board of Directors or staff, the AFL-CIO and DFL Endorsed! 361; Dan Leslie, IBEW 31; killed six days earlier in a Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, its Paid for by the Roger for Duluth Volunteer Committee Stacy Spexet, USW 9460 affiliated unions, their officers, or staff. plane crash. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 PAGE 3 Voting is very important, but solidarity created by mobilizing is lasting “When too many Ameri- (for less) in January. dates is not the end goal. As a paths available during this erned.” Let’s send these cans don’t vote or participate, We can read the headlines movement, our focus is on election cycle at all levels of extremists a message by collec- some see apathy and despair. and find that we are represent- working toward and facilitating government, we can make sure tively working to remove them I see disappointment and ed in Congress by Rick Nolan, effective and lasting change. A that our cause does not lose from office. Look at your cal- even outrage. And I believe a champion for working fami- key tactic that we have readily ground. endars and set aside at least that out of this frustration lies, or we will continue to be available to us is through mobi- Tea Partiers are attacking three hours to volunteer for can come hope and action.” represented by Chip Cravaack, lizing working families into our rights as union members, GOTV. - Senator Paul Wellstone the Tea Party extremist that participating at every level. women, students, and citizens. Get Out the Vote is under- By Zach Sias, Field fights for more tax cuts for the While voting is important, the Now is the time for us to act in way, but the focus is on the Coordinator, North East 1% and is a staunch supporter relationships that are devel- solidarity to send the message days immediately preceding Area Labor Council of the draconian Ryan Budget. oped through volunteering for to these anti-worker politicians the election: November 3rd – The choices are clear and Get-Out-The-Vote and other and corporations that we do not November 6th. Please contact Those Paul Wellstone com- we must continue to do every- political involvement are bene- consent to their governance. As me to sign up: Zach Sias, (218) ments are indicative of the situ- thing we can to reach out to fel- ficial for advancing true soli- Noam Chomsky said, “force is 409-246, [email protected]. ation that we are in this election low union members at work, at darity. always on the side of the gov- Thank you. cycle. We are at a turning their doors, and on the phone. The goals of the NEALC point. On the morning of When union members take are to improve the lives of and Women waited 144 years for the right to vote November 7th, we can wake up the time to participate in our increase power for working to a pro-worker majority in our electoral process, we win. Not families, bring fairness and state legislature or it will only must we stand together as dignity to the workplace, and African-Americans waited 94 years for the right remain in the control of the working women and men; we secure social equity. Consid- to vote, another 94 years to make it meaningful state GOP legislators who have must move to action together. ering the incredibly divergent vowed to double-down on It should go without saying All you probably had to do was turn 18 efforts to pass “Right to Work” that electing pro-labor candi- Proud to use Make your voice heard. Vote Tuesday Nov. 6 Cathy Erickson Union Labor Two Harbors City Council DEBBIE ISABELL – NELSON Ward 3 3rd District St. Louis County Commissioner City government should provide a community: Labor & DFL Endorsed Safety – police and fire departments Accessibility – streets, sidewalks, utilities Debbie is a Builder: Opportunity – development and growth Of Initiatives & Partnerships: Quality of Life – social, recreational, economic Sunrise Memorial • City-wide crime prevention initiative and do it while being good stewards of the Cemetery • Morgan Park sewer/infrastructure project revenue generated by its taxpayers. Funeral Home Of Community and Energy: Two Harbors– Please Vote Nov. 6! & Cremation • New $60,000 playground in Morgan Park ELECT • Riverfront Communities Collaborative A great place to call home Cathy 218-727-6869218-727-6869 I will be honored to serve as your full-time St. Louis Endorsed by the Duluth 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy. County commissioner. That’s what the job requires. Building & Construction Erickson Hermantown, MN 55811 Thanks for your support and your vote Nov. 6! Trades Council OOOOOOOOOOOO Free Graves for Veterans www.debbieforduluth.com Paid for by the candidate City Council • Ward 3 Paid for by Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body COPE Re-Elect RandyBolen MayorofTwoHarbors • 17-year member BMWE #1710 • DM&IR/CN Structures Carpenter on the Two Harbors Docks • Endorsed by the 17 unions of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council • Family: Wife, Tara (11-year member United Steelworkers, St Marys Hospital), and Son, Zach I'll work hard every day to bring jobs and prosperity to our community – that is job one of a mayor. Without jobs and economic development, you have no sustainability. Paid for by Randy Bolen Campaign Committee, PO Box 205, Two Harbors, MN 55616

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 Should corporations be able to control speech? They do now in America. By Larry Cohen campaigns. deficits and social programs Money and economic power rights can be threatened as President, Communication Mitt Romney made that per- (including Obamacare), which are not speech and cannot sub- well. We need to build a polit- Workers of America fectly clear during a conference require bigger government." stitute for the rights of every ical movement for democracy Picture this: A multibillion call with the National White may be running into member of our society to be that makes it clear that money dollar company wants to influ- Federation of Independent some trouble in because more engaged in their own is not speech and that in our ence the opinions and actions Business, in which he encour- Wisconsin law prohibits decision making. 21st century democracy, the of its employees. Executives aged employers to persuade employers from making For decades workplace rights of all of us to participate hold mandatory town hall workers how to vote in the “threats intended to influence rights have been attacked. Now effectively must be cherished. meetings where they imply that presidential election. “I hope the political opinions or actions no limits means our political workers better toe the company you make it very clear to your of the employees.” But so far, line or risk being fired. On the employees what you believe is Citizens United has had a job, supervisors push the com- in the best interest of your broad reach; a challenge to pany’s views on their subordi- enterprise and therefore their “Citizens United” by the state nates. The corporation starts job and their future in the of Montana was struck down monitoring employees’ conver- upcoming elections,” he said this summer. sations on Facebook and on the call, brought to light by The Koch Brothers mailed Twitter. Dissenters are threat- reporting in “In These Times.” 45,000 employees a flyer ened, and moles are planted. Romney even went out of endorsing Romney and a letter It’s just another day at too his way to reassure business warning that their livelihood many U.S. companies, where owners that there’s nothing depends on how they vote. workers who want a voice in wrong with this strong arming. Westgate Resorts CEO David their workplace face cam- “Nothing illegal about you Siegel sent an email to thou- paigns of harassment, intimida- talking to your employees sands of employees, strongly tion and worse. But increasing- about what you believe is best suggesting that if Barack ly, we’re hearing that it’s hap- for the business, because I Obama is reelected it “means pening at workplaces across think that will figure into their fewer jobs, less benefits and the country when it comes to election decision, their voting certainly less opportunity for workers’ participation in our decision and of course doing everyone." ASG Software democracy, thanks to the that with your family and your Solutions CEO Arthur Allen Supreme Court’s Citizens kids as well,” he said. also forecasted massive cuts United ruling. CEOs are already on it. and layoffs in an Obama sec- Citizens United opened the Mike White, the CEO of ond term in an email to his floodgates to limitless corpo- Rite-Hite industries, a major workers. rate money in elections, but in employer in Milwaukee, sent Unfortunately, the labor an email to employees stating movement knows the dangers a lesser known move, it also Since he was first elected state legislator overturned laws prohibiting that they “should understand of this culture of fear all too S employers from forcing their the personal consequences to well. 20 years ago, Tom has championed Labor's employees to listen to their them of having our tax rates But corporate campaigning Causes. He has fought the forces seeking to political views – legalizing the increase dramatically if at work is not free speech, President Obama is re-elected, whether directed against col- weaken unions, and served as a tireless one-sided, on-the-clock propa- advocate for more living wage jobs, ganda tactics that have long forcing taxpayers to fund lective bargaining rights or in been a hallmark of anti-union President Obama’s future favor of a political candidate. a fairer, more equitable tax system, universal access to health care, and a more affordable educational system. In fact, MESOTHELIOMA and LUNG CANCER Tom had a 93% PRO-LABOR voting record last session in the Minnesota House. Why choose Cascino Vaughan to handle your SOME OF THE ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING TOM: • United Transportation Union • IBEW Local 949 Asbestos Claim? • Minnesota Business Partnership PAC • Minnesota Physical Therapy PAC The lawyers on our letterhead have over 75 years of combined • NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota • Minnesota AFL-CIO asbestos experience. • North Central States Carpenters • AFSCME Council 65 • Minnesota Farmers Union PAC • Duluth Fire PAC - ‹–Šƒ‡’–‡„‡”ʹͲͳͲ–”‹ƒŽ†ƒ–‡ǡƒˆƒ –‘”›™‘”‡”ǯ• ƒ•‡™ƒ• • Minnesota Psychiatric Society PAC

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Michael P. Cascino, Esq. (800)783-0081 Allen D. Vaughan, Esq.

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 PAGE 5 Baldwin, Kreitlow in Congress will be voices for Wisconsin’s middle class Wisconsin voters seem to be That can begin to change recent elections have found Wisconsin has been leaning American auto industry. Her in a perpetual election voting next Tuesday when voters go some very conservative you’d better do something to vote saved nearly 1 million mode with all that’s happened the polls in the Presidential Republicans winning. help, and Hack knows what to American jobs and 28,000 jobs in the Dairy State in the past General Election. Wisconsin is In Superior, retired Superior have you do. in Wisconsin. two years. Unfortunately the considered one of the swing Federation of Teachers Local Not only is Wisconsin a crit- “Tammy is honest, hard- results of those elections states in the re-election chances 202 member Judy Hack has ical state for Obama’s re-elec- working and trustworthy. We haven’t been good for the mid- of President Obama and Vice been leading the get out the tion, but the U.S. Senate race to can count on her to get the job dle class, public education, President Biden. There will vote efforts on behalf of labor- fill the seat of retiring Senator done and get the job done health care, public services, have to be a huge shift in how endorsed candidates from the Herb Kohl is critical for right.” unions, or working families in voters are feeling for them to top to the ticket on down to Democrats nationally. Pat Kreitlow of Chippewa general. vote Democratic after so many Nick Milroy, who is running Tammy Baldwin is the Falls is the AFL-CIO-endorsed unopposed in his re-election to AFL-CIO endorsed candidate. candidate in Wisconsin’s 7th the State Assembly. She has served Wisconsin’s Congressional District. He “We really need bodies in 2nd Congressional District in served in the Wisconsin State this final week for doorknocks the U.S. House since 1999. Senate from 2007 through and phone banks to bring “On November 6th we have 2010, when he was defeated for Wisconsin back,” Hack said. the great opportunity to send a re-election. He was very well “It’s head to head in Wisconsin, true Wisconsin progressive to thought of by his senate col- and Iowa, and we need to offset Washington,” says Wisconsin leagues who voted him their the Republicans.” She said State AFL-CIO president Phil president pro tempore and had Republicans not only have a Neuenfeldt. “A vote for him give their response to a huge financial advantage but Tammy Baldwin for U.S. State of the State address of have gotten much better at Senate is a vote to help Gov. . grassroots politics like door- Wisconsinites across the state. Retired Congressman knocks and phone banks. It is a vote for job creation and David Obey recruited Kreitlow Labor activity in Superior is a vote to stop the outsourcing to run against Republican Sean being coordinated out of the of American manufacturing. Duffy for his old seat. International Longshoremen’s “Tammy will be a voice for Kreitlow, a former TV journal- Local 1037 union hall, 424 the middle class. She will ist, has been running full time Tower Avenue, 715-817-8130. stand up to special interests and since April 2011. Hack said anyone is wel- fight to preserve Medicare and The Douglas County come to come help. The office Medicaid. She is a sponsor of Democrats are staffing an will be open Thursday and the Buffet Rule which states office at 1810 Belknap in Friday from noon to 8 p.m., that millionaires and billion- Superior and could also use Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., aires pay the same tax rate as help in their get out the vote Pat Kreitlow, left, has been running full time to defeat Sunday noon to 8 p.m., and all hard-working, middle class efforts. Their phone number is Republican Rep. in Wisconsin’s 7th Congres- day Monday. Americans. 715-204-4053. sional District. The Chippewa Falls resident was a state If you don’t like the way “Tammy voted to save the senator from 2006–2010 and has earned the AFL-CIO endorsement. He said former Congressman urged him to run for his old seat against the heavily fund- ed Duffy. This Labor World photo is from a sign painting party in Superior August 3. ATTN: WISCONSIN VOTERS Labor endorsements aren’t easy to come by. These are the candidates that we know will work to improve the lives of all working families: President Barack Obama Vice President Joe Biden Tammy Baldwin US Senate –Wisconsin Pat Kreitlow Vote Labor. Vote for Rick Nolan Wisconsin 7th CD Congressman Tuesday, November 6th Nick Milroy Thank you to my friends in Labor for your Support. PleasePlease VoteVote InIn SoliSolidarity,darity, RickRick NolanNolan Tuesday,Tuesday, Nov.Nov. 6!6! Paid for by the Superior Federation of Labor, Paid for by Nolan for Congress Volunteer Committee Marlene Case-Treasurer PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 Target sugar added to Crystal Sugar boycott The National AFL-CIO “Market Pantry” sugar sold at American food manufacturers. boycott of American Crystal stores in Minnesota, Wiscon- The best way to know that you Sugar that began October 15, sin, Iowa, and North Dakota. are not supporting ACS is to 2012 has been expanded to There are some sugar beet buy cane sugar, such as the include other sugar products processors that are not affiliat- C&H variety sold in stores. made by ACS. The boycott ed with American Crystal 1,300 American Crystal extends to brands that package Sugar, including in Michigan. Sugar workers, members of a American Crystal Sugar prod- But ACS is the big dog in the number of local unions of the uct under different names. This industry and supplies sugar in Bakery, Confectionery, would include Target’s many forms for many Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers, in Minnesota, North Sign the Crystal Sugar pledge Dakota and Iowa have been You can Stand Up to American Crystal Sugar Greed locked out for over 14 months. by signing the AFL-CIO’s online boycott pledge and letting American Crystal Sugar CEO Dave Berg, ACS board members and shareholders know management refused to budge you won’t stand for their corporate greed. on its demands to include lan- Visit http://go.aflcio.org/StopCrystalSugarGreed or the guage in the contract that Al LaFrenier of Workers United and Letter Carriers #114’s Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers would restrict seniority rights Shawn Hansen joined trade unionists in the region Oct. 19 union website at http://bctgm.org and add your name, email and increase the use of contract asking Target shoppers to boycott the Market Pantry sugar address, and zip code to the thousands that have already been workers. When workers reject- sold there but made by American Crystal Sugar, which has submitted. The goal is to get to 50,000 signers ASAP. ed that language, the company locked out 1,300 BCTGM members for 15 months. Call Here’s what the pledge says: locked the workers out and CEO Dave Berg, 218-236-4400, tell him you’re boycotting. hired replacements. I pledge to boycott American Crystal Sugar The lock out has devastated Locked out kids tell their story products until CEO David Berg and the company’s families in the three states. EAST GRAND FORKS - As the AFL-CIO launches a Some locked out workers have national boycott of American Crystal Sugar, the children of board members end the lockout and come back to family members that are beet locked-out workers appear in a new video that shows their strug- the table with workers to negotiate a fair contract. growers. The corporate greed gles in the 15 months since employees have been shut out of American Crystal Sugar products being boycotted include of a hugely successful compa- their jobs. American Crystal Sugar bags of sugar labeled Crystal Sugar ny is willing to destroy families Some 1,300 members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco and “Market Pantry” sugar sold in Target stores in Iowa, to improve their bottom line & Grain Millers union have been locked out since Aug. 1, 2011, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. even more. at facilities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa. American The CEO and board members of American Crystal Sugar Crystal Sugar is the nation’s largest producer of sugar from (ACS)—the nation’s largest sugar beet processor—have beets. On Oct. 2, the AFL-CIO endorsed a nationwide consumer blocked 1,300 workers from their jobs for more than a year, boycott of American Crystal Sugar products to begin Monday, denying them incomes and health care benefits. Oct. 15. What’s worse, ACS made record profits last year and paid http://www.workdayminnesota.org/index.php?news_6_5356 CEO David Berg $2.4 million in compensation. All this while has the kids story as does http://bctgm.org. workers and families struggle to make ends meet, small busi- nesses—that rely on workers to keep the doors open—have been forced to close, and sugar beet farmers are making less and Mike being forced to “turn under” their crops. Sundin Minnesota House of Representatives District 11A Mike will vote to improve the lives of working families. Mike will vote... 4 to create family sustaining jobs 4 to restore our Homestead Credit 4 to restore Local Government Aid 4 to restore public education funding 4 for a more progressive tax system 4 for health care for all 4 to improve state transportation VVOOTTEE!! MIKE Tuesday, November 6 SUNDIN Endorsed by Democrats, Farmers, & Labor! Prepared/paid for by Sundin Volunteer Comm., PO Box 193, Esko, MN 55733

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 PAGE 7 Here’s voting information for Tues., Nov. 6 MOAN GROAN GRIPE DENY GROUSE Election campaign season is sota you are able to register to roster) or you may register at CRITICIZE DENOUNCE DELAY CONDEMN thankfully almost over and vote on election day if you are your polling place on election FUSS CURSE BELLYACHE COMPLAIN now you get to have your say. at your correct polling site. day. WHIMPER GRUMBLE RENOUNCE PROTEST You need to vote one way or For Duluth polling site Election Day Registration: OBJECT NEGLECT DEFER REFUSE IGNORE another in next Tuesday, Nov information call 730-5500 or Registration at your polling 6’s Presidential General visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us. site on election day is available TOLERATE WITHDRAW SUFFER ENDURE... Election and help make a deci- Voter Eligibility by presenting one of the fol- sion on America’s future over You may vote in Minnesota lowing: Or, Take a little time and VOTE! the next four years. on election day if you: A valid Minnesota driver's You’re More Powerful Than You Think! You can vote absentee if * will be at least 18 years license, learner's permit or you can’t vote election day at old on election day; Minnesota I.D. card (or receipt On Tues., Nov. 6 GO VOTE! your city clerk, county auditor, * are a citizen of the USA; for any of these) that contains or township clerk. * will have resided in the voter's current address. Remember how much of a pain recounts Most offices are open Minnesota for 20 days immedi- A tribal I.D. card that con- Monday though Friday 8:00 ately preceding election day; tains the name, current address are! Al Franken won by only 312 votes! a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact your * are not under court- (must be in the precinct where township clerk to find out how ordered guardianship in which registering), signature and pic- to vote with that office. the court order revokes your ture of the tribal member. Extended hours for walk-in right to vote; A “Notice of Late absentee voting are available at * have not been found by a Registration” postcard. the Duluth City Clerk’s office, court to be legally incompetent A prior valid registration at ELECTELECT Room 330, City Hall this to vote; and another address in the same ELECT Saturday, Nov. 3 from 10:00 * have the right to vote precinct. a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Monday, because, if you have been con- A registered voter of that LEE DAVIS DAVIS Nov. 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 victed of a felony, your felony precinct who will sign an oath Lake County Lake County p.m. sentence has expired (been vouching that the person regis- Commissioner, District 1 You have to be registered to completed) or you have been tering is a resident of that Commissioner, District 1 vote and you are if you have discharged from your sentence. precinct. Registered voters • 23• 23years years at North at Shore North Mining Shore Mining voted in the last four years and Registering to Vote may vouch for up to 15 people • 6• years 6 years as Crystal Crystal Bay Township Bay Township Supervisor Supervisor not moved. If your name has To vote in Minnesota, you (this limit does not apply to • Desert Storm Veteran changed you need to show your must register as a voter. You employees of residential facili- • Lake• Desert County StormTower Committee Veteran new identification. may register to vote by mail or ties). For residential facility • Lake• Lake County County Hwy 61 Tower Corridor Committee Committee Pre-registration deadlines in-person at your county court- residents, an employee at the • Small• Lake Business County Owner HWY 61 Corridor Committee have passed. facility (even if that employee house (at least 20 days before • Labor• Small Endorsed Business Owner In Wisconsin and Minne- the election to appear on the is not registered to vote in that Committed & Experienced Leadership precinct) can vouch that the • Labor Endorsed person lives in the district IF or Efficient & Effective County Government A Proven Leader Fighting for YOU! the facility provided the county Committed & Experienced Leadership for with a list of employees 20 Efficient & Effective County Government Council Trades Paid for by Duluth Building & Construction days before the election. Peg is your full-time County A bill for electric, gas, Commissioner and will continue to serve water, solid waste, sewer, tele- your needs full-time as your accessible, phone or cable television serv- ice with a due date within 30 responsive representative on the St. Louis County Board. days of election day that con- -(('*,0'-*$'$(!*%0' tains the voter's name and cur- $$0'-*%($'0*0'-/&,$'$(!*%0+*."+' rent address AND one of the Peg following that contains the ,3+,,*'''#(",$'$3 voter's name and photograph: Minnesota driver's license or Minnesota I.D. card.  ! SweeneySt. Louis County Commissioner- District 5 Tribal I.D. card.    U.S. passport. DFL, AFLCIO Central Labor Body and AFSCME Endorsed U.S. military I.D. card.    Identification card of a post- Paid for by the Sweeney Volunteer Committee, 826 Almac Drive, Proctor, MN 55810 TM secondary educational institu- tion in Minnesota. HealthyPack Labors’ Choice, Your Voice College students may use Multi-Dose Packaging one of the following:        FREE Even though I’m unopposed this year, A student photo I.D., if the Mail Out Service as a lifelong Union Member I’m proud educational institution has cer- • Rx Savings Club Plus • Free In Town Delivery to be endorsed by Labor. I’ll continue tified a list of students to the • Ready Refill • Participation in most 3rd Party and county auditor. to represent and advocate for working • Medication Synchronization Program Medicare Part D Insurance Plans A current student fee state- families as I always have in my work ment that contains the student's • Shopper Rewards Program • Vaccination Administration life and service to my community. valid address in the precinct • Automated Voice Response • Pharmaceutical Care & Counseling Proud to be Labor-endorsed! with a photo I.D. card. • Automated Prescription Dispensing • Fast and Friendly Service Many questions and a sam- '*$"+,"& ' $$$',"'&+."+",///',!*" ,0/!",''% I'll appreciate your vote Tuesday, Nov. 6! ple ballot for Duluth are at www.duluthmn.gov/clerk/ "&,*$1 BRAD JONES voting/ index.cfm. &+"-(*&''+ Vote The Minnesota Secretary of Lake County Commissioner Dist. 3 State’s website has everything $')-, you need to know at www.sos.    2 "" #$ Paid for by the Brad Jones Volunteer Committee state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=4 ,'*'-*+'&'*"'% (%2,'% #"(%2-&'% (%

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 40th Anniversary of Clean Water Act validates green technology = jobs To listen to Republican structure improvements. not because the feds said so, more than 20,000 new jobs. presidential nominee Mitt “It wasn’t realized by many because it was the right thing to “About seven billion gal- Romney, you’d think American at the time in the 1950s, 60s, do,” Ness said. lons of clean drinking water a efforts at a green economy are and 70s that our fresh water The federal government did day are lost through leaking wasted money. You’d have got- resources were at risk,” said supply $20 million in grant pipes,” said BlueGreen ten a different read if you’d Duluth mayor Don Ness. “The money to move the projects to Alliance Jobs21! National Co- been on the new water storage Clean Water Act established a completion. Chair Tarryl Clark. tank overlooking Lake standard to protect our fresh- “Water infrastructure sys- Dave Zentner, past national Superior October 16. water.” tems are critical and offer sig- president of the Izaak Walton Local leaders, including Ness said in the past five nificant opportunities to create League of America and repre- Plumbers & Steamfitters Local years Duluth signed a consent good jobs that strengthen our senting the National Wildlife 11 business manager Jeff decree for having violated the economy and our communities Federation, said in the late Daveau, Sr., were recognizing Clean Water Act for allowing and safeguard our communi- 1960s and 70s the political par- the 40th Anniversary of the untreated sewage to enter Lake ty’s health,” said Daveau, Sr. ties reached across the aisle in federal Clean Water Act. Superior. Now storage tanks “The reality is that we must Congress to level the playing Protecting America’s fresh like the one under the new park make significant investments field for all with the same water water for 40 years has paid div- next to Endion Station are con- and upgrades in order to adapt quality standards for the entire idends for everyone and its cre- taining those “spills.” to the effects of climate nation. He said Congress saw ated a lot of jobs and infra- “It was our responsibility, change, maintain access to safe that small communities like drinking water, and adequately Duluth can have a huge impact treat storm and wastewater. on our national treasures like And, while doing so, we can Lake Superior and so facilities Jeff Daveau, Business Re-Elect create good jobs, using like the $100 million Western Manager of Plumbers & American-made steel, iron and Lake Superior Sanitary District Steamfitters Local 11, joined Dick manufactured goods.” could get built to protect our BlueGreen Alliance Jobs21! Much of the water pipe fresh water supply. WLSSD National Co-Chair Tarryl around the country is between turned the St. Louis River from Clark and others on the 40th Brenner 40 and 100 years old. The a tarry mess to a fishing river anniversary of the Clean American Society of Civil again. Much of that can be Water Act to talk about jobs District 1 Engineers (ASCE) gave both attributed to Cloquet’s Potlatch “going green” has created. the nation’s drinking water and plant being retrofitted for Carlton County Commissioner wastewater a D- on the 2009 cleaner emissions. Thousands Report Card for America’s of jobs were created and are keep moving forward.” Infrastructure — a dangerous still being created in that effort The event also served as a Dick Brenner knows Carlton County combination. However, fixing at what is now SAPPI. state release for the BlueGreen inside and out. He knows where it this problem is an opportunity “Too much of our infra- Alliance’s policy platform on to create jobs for American structure is 100 years old,” said clean water entitled Clean needs to go and how to get it there! workers. The benefit of meet- Daveau. “Our flood in June Water, Good Jobs — a policy ing this need is that it can cre- opened the eyes of many to guideline that focuses on the That’s why he’s ate thousands of jobs. Every $1 that. And some of us remember public health, environmental Labor-Endorsed! billion invested in water infra- the asbestosis in our water. Paid for by Brenner Volunteer Committee protection and job creation structure is estimated to create This good technology needs to potential in rebuilding America’s water and sewer infrastructure. “Investing in water infra- structure has the potential to stimulate and support many LOOK UP AND LIVE. economic sectors including construction, manufacturing, transport, and tourism,” said Clark. “It’s important that domestic sourcing provisions tay clear of power lines on the work site when using cranes, booms, be part of plans to reinforce our S water infrastructure. If we’re buckets, ladders, loaders or any tall equipment. The first rule is to using tax dollars to rebuild our keep looking up. Equipment needs to have ample room in every direction infrastructure, we should use to avoid the risk of contact with power lines. Plan ahead when operating American products made by tall equipment and have a spotter on the ground to watch for potential American workers.” The BlueGreen Alliance is a hazards. national partnership of labor Electric energy is a powerful tool, but if your equipment comes in unions and environmental contact with a power line you could receive an injurious or fatal shock. organizations dedicated to Call Minnesota Power if you have any questions regarding power lines expanding the number and quality of jobs in the green on the job. We are more than willing to assist at any job site to ensure economy. Launched in 2006, the safety of everyone. the strategic partnership now brings together major U.S. labor unions and America's most influential environmental ® organizations and unites more Gopher State One Call than 15 million members and an company

DIAL 811Damage Prevention Center supporters in pursuit of good jobs, a clean environment and a green economy. Visit A SAFETY MESSAGE FROM MINNESOTA POWER. www.bluegreenalliance.org. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 PAGE 9 Vote “No” on Voter ID ballot question By Senator Tom Bakk forced to cast a “provisional absolutely no excuse for com- (DFL-Cook), Minority Leader ballot” that would not be plicating the voting rights of Like you, I believe in elec- counted until they can prove our military men and women tion integrity, but setting up their change of address to the on active-duty. barriers between voters and the government. It’s outrageous Other northern Minnesota Liaison Program News ballot box is not the way to that the amendment fails to voters will face similar obsta- improve our elections in protect the votes of our most cles. For instance, roughly 75% from Lynette Swanberg, Director vulnerable seniors. of Cook County residents liv- Minnesota. By ending same AFL-CIO Community Services and United Way Partnership day registration and absentee The same problem applies ing outside of Grand Marais voting as we know it, the voter to Minnesotans that go off to rely on mail-in ballots to cast restriction amendment does not college or join the armed serv- their votes. If passed, the pro- Helping as we head to holidays protect our right to vote, it ices. Most college students posed constitutional amend- With approximately 20,000 pounds of food distributed per threatens it. hold a driver’s license that does ment would require those not month through the food programs it supports, CHUM finds I recently visited the nursing not match their campus voting in person to “be subject itself needing to re-stock shelves, frequently via food drives, home near my home in the City address, and their student ID to substantially equivalent about every two months. Local food shelves found the items of Cook, and I discovered that card may not qualify as “gov- identity and eligibility verifica- collected from the National Association of Letter Carriers Food only one of the 28 residents had ernment-issued” under the tion prior to a ballot being cast Drive in May lasted only into August this year. Since basic a government-issued photo ID amendment. Worse, since mili- or counted.” That’s it—the foods are often not available through government commodity with their current nursing home tary IDs do not include amendment gives no further programs, and the cost for purchasing these items has risen address. Under the voter addresses, Minnesotans serv- direction on what sort of hoops greatly. In the first half of 2012, the food shelf spent 82% more restriction amendment, 27 of ing in the armed forces could law-abiding citizens will have than in 2011 for needed food. these senior citizens would be be subject to the same “provi- to jump though to mail in their Laborers Local 1091 is now collecting food to assist the hun- sional ballot.” There is ballots, but you can bet it will gry. Last week, they dropped off 160 pounds, with a goal of 500 involve a pile of paper work pounds before the holidays. Items the CHUM food shelves are and a trip to wait in line at the desperate for are: peanut butter, tuna, canned fruit, peas, corn, Cook County Court House. chicken soup, and macaroni and cheese. If you are heading near It should also concern tax the Duluth Labor Temple, you’ll find the collection table locat- payers that the cost of imple- ed outside the Laborers’ Room 117 office at the end of the hall- menting new statewide voting way. procedures, including the print- As part of the United Way and AFL-CIO Central Labor ing of “free” photo IDs, have Body partnership, the Community Services member assistance not been accounted for. This program is again this year working with local unions to identi- makes for the worst kind of fy families who are eligible for participation in the Holiday unfunded mandate, and esti- Food Basket and “Santa Sack” programs. As this has been a mates put the cost to state and challenging year with plant closures, strikes and layoffs, a little local governments upwards of help to make the holidays a less stressful time financially is why $50 million. No matter the your member assistance program is reaching out. The deadline price tag, with local govern- for requests through your union for the Thanksgiving dinner ments already struggling with basket is Thursday, November 1, and Friday, November 30 for budget shortfalls, the bill will the Christmas basket. USW Local 11-63 members, their families, and other sup- no doubt be passed along to The “Santa Sack” family gift program and event will be held porters put up an informational picket in Cloquet Oct. 23 property tax payers. again this year on Saturday, December 15 at the Labor Temple over frustration with concessionary bargaining by SAPPI. Voting is the foundation of from 12 noon – 3 pm. The Committee looks at this afternoon as The parties returned to the bargaining table yesterday. democracy. Minnesota must do an opportunity to show children how union brothers and sisters everything in its power to pro- work together to help one another by giving our time, talents, Donʼt know where to turn? tect the integrity of our elec- and financial support, and to make what may be a trying holi- tions and ensure that every vote day a happier one for needy families. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709 or visit is counted. But the voter The Community Services Committee is looking for locals www.211unitedway.org restriction amendment is mis- and/or individuals who would be willing to adopt the children leading, and Minnesotans of one of our union families by fulfilling a child’s wish list. Get connected to resources throughout Minnesota! deserve to know all of the con- If you are interested in participating as a volunteer for the For services provided by the Community Services Program sequences before we overhaul Santa Sack event or would be willing to sponsor a family, please sponsored by the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and our voting system. The cost to contact Lynette Swanberg at 218-726-4775, commservices@ the United Way of Greater Duluth...Call 218-726-4775 tax payers is too high; the risk unitedwayduluth.org by Saturday, December 1. Community Services Program to our democracy is too great. We know union members and locals are already generous Director Reject this amendment, and givers to this community. In times of need, we pull together and Lynette Swanberg, ensure your vote is counted in show our strength and caring. Thank you! 424 West Superior Street future elections. Suite 402, Duluth, MN 55802 Write-In ROBIN GLASER Re-Elect Steve O’Neil Two Harbors City Council At-Large St. Louis County Board, District 2 Experience You Can Trust Proud to be Robin has been the mayor of Two Harbors and a city Labor Endorsed council member. She is a 34-year member of UFCW I will continue to work hard Local 1189, and she’s Labor Endorsed by the Duluth Steve listens to on behalf of all working a delegate at his Building & Construction Trades Council! Central Body families. That’s who I am. endorsement Please Mark your Ballot and Thursday, Sept. 13. Paid for by the Glaser I need your vote Nov. 6th! Election Committee Write in Robin Glaser. Thank you! Paid for by Duluth Central Labor Body COPE

PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 Wellstone still energizing elections...from page 1 win elections the way The memorial had a distinct events. He said Wellstone Wellstone did. She spoke of Native American feel to it with would jump out of the car at concerns people had in 2010 pleasant, burning sage and red lights if a couple of people that Oberstar wasn’t engaged white cedar smoke, songs, were standing on the corner to enough in his campaign. drums, and poetry. Speaker greet and talk to them. Nolan’s learned the lesson and after speaker took the podium Sundstrom ended by saying has been doing “an incredible without talking electoral poli- unless you have a dressage job and will win this race. Let’s tics until retired Sheet Metal horse in your barn or an eleva- take back the 8th District” she Worker Local 10 member tor in your garage, you’d better said to cheers. George Sundstrom spoke. He vote for Rick Nolan. He was Harkin said it was his third was a close friend of Wellstone, greeted with cheers and time to the region and thanked who cleared his schedule to applause that would have fired everyone who had been so sup- attend Sundstrom’s retirement up Wellstone. portive of his presidential bid party, and often drove him to in 1992. He had been an early frontrunner but dropped out to support Arkansas Gov. Bill Sutter reads for Wellstone Clinton. Duluth’s first Poet Laureate Barton Sutter attended the “The Republican platform memorial observance of the 10th anniversary of the Wellstone LeAnn Littlewolf recites her poem Oct. 25 at the Wellstone is scary folks,” Harkin said. airplane crash in the Duluth Labor Temple on the night of Oct. Memorial. It is inscribed on a rock at the entry plaza. “The only thing scary is their 25. He selected two poems to read. One was “A Circle of candidates, it’s like an early Pitchforks” by Bill Holm about the powerline protests in south- Wellstone legacy connects us Halloween.” ern Minnesota in the 1970s that Wellstone was involved in and wrote a book, “Powerline,” about in 1981. Following is the poem LeAnn Littlewolf wrote for the 2005 He said he was a freshman in Congress with Rick Nolan The second poem Sutter read was by Thomas R. Smith, “Yard dedication of the Wellstone Memorial and Historic Site. When Signs,” that he wrote after Wellstone’s death in 2002. the Wellstones’ chartered airplane went down on October 25, (in 1975) and Nolan, who 2002, five eagles circled above the crash site. Littlewolf read her served three terms, hasn’t lost YARD SIGNS poem at the 10th anniversary of the tragedy Oct. 25 at the the fire he had then. For Paul and Sheila Wellstone “You listen to Rick and you Memorial. That night in the Duluth Labor Temple’s Wellstone The yard signs with their black ribbons Hall’s memorial, she asked Jayme McKenna to read it for her. feel his fire for social and eco- She had never met McKenna, but she said Wellstone’s work is nomic justice as he stands up look bereaved, each a green requiem for carried on by the connections made between people. for the middle class,” Harkin a future that has ended before its time. said. They make this whole city a spontaneous The eagles circle Nolan said Wellstone was a shrine to the dream that rode with your small In a ceremony leader of great courage. “He’d always do the right plane downed the week before the elections. To guide their kind friends home. thing and disregard the politi- I felt safer knowing you were alive. Though our time here is brief, cal consequences and he was An ancient truth circles with the eagles: incredibly effective,” Nolan “Well” –– it was refreshing. And “stone” –– solid. Your name evoked replenishment and strength, That spirits never die. marveled. “People with integri- ty, passion, and vision had a exclamatory with excitement your compact They stay alive champion. Paul, we’ll be forev- fighter’s body fired into action and speech, In love, in hope, er grateful.” Wellstone! one of our code words for hope. In eagles’ wings touching the sky. Nolan nor any of the three In people extending hands to one another senators spoke at the Wellstone You walked the road with us, and for us. Memorial that afternoon. They The black-ribboned signs say your passion To circle like an eagle all stood in the crowd with the And bring everyone home. other 200 in attendance on a lives on past the shadows of October. –LeAnn Littlewolf, Ojibwe day when the weather was They are not hope’s graves but its reminders. much worse than when Some darkness wrestled you to earth near Eveleth, Wellstone’s plane went down but your vision will rise again from these yards. ten years earlier. After the hour –Thomas R. Smith WOW! and a half observance they met a gathering at the Clinton Town Reprinted from WAKING BEFORE DAWN, Red Dragonfly Hall for another political rally. Press, Northfield, MN, 2007. Copyright 2007 Thomas R. Simply Lower Smith. Used with his permission. Loan Rates! Visit Us Today! HERMANTOWNFCU.ORG 7XTVg\iX7YUWh]jY be safe Be smart BuyBuy One – 4477 LaVaque Road • 2516 London Road GGetet OneOn Free* *Second*Second ppair fromfro our Select Collection. 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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012 PAGE 11 Operating Engineers 49 Retirees vote Nolan Much has been said about made a motion for a straw vote infrastructure and building Operating Engineers Local 49 and it could have died for a projects in the region. Oberstar endorsing Republican Chip lack of a second or my motion was the Congressional leader Cravaack’s re-election bid to could have been voted down.” on transportation and infra- the U.S. House of Representa- The members in attendance structure and chaired that tives from Minnesota’s 8th voted to have a straw poll and House committee in fact. Congressional District. Most of then 13 voted for Nolan, 2 for You have to look hard to it hasn’t been good within Cravaack, and 3 votes were find anything to point to in labor’s ranks as his opponent, considered to be “unclear” as Cravaack’s two years in office. Rick Nolan, has the AFL-CIO to who they were for. Well, there was a road in Grand endorsement. “I’m proud of my group,” Marais he backed. It really Very few IUOE 49 mem- said Kilby, who isn’t an officer. makes IUOE Retirees feel bad bers attended the meeting at “They wanted to do it.” to see their union’s training which Cravaack was endorsed. Like Kilby, who describes center in Cravaack’s TV ads In fact it was about the same his work life as an Operating and on his billboards. They number as attended a monthly Engineer as a “dirt worker,” know their history too well to America’s Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, came to a packed Duluth meeting luncheon for many heavy equipment opera- fall for that advertising. Wellstone Hall Saturday morning Oct. 20 to stump for IUOE 49 Retirees here Oct. 10. tors know who brought the jobs “Rick Nolan is a very Rick Nolan, left, and his effort to win back the 8th Con- Dale Kilby said he’s heard a home that supported their fam- impressive candidate and will gressional District for Democrats. Biden is a full time lot about his union’s Cravaack ilies. “I got four years of work be a great Congressman for all teacher at a community college after teaching in public endorsement since it happened on the freeway and tunnels working families,” said Kilby. schools for 13 years. She said even if her husband was not in early July. alone,” he said. “I’m looking forward to voting on the ballot as Obama’s VP she would be working in this “I brought it up at our Former Congressman Jim for him and I think a lot of election to make sure America continues to invest in quali- retiree’s meeting because we’re Oberstar and his Democratic other ’49ers are too. Some of ty education, and it’s Democrats like Nolan who will make taking a lot of heat for endors- Party were the leaders for us know the Democrats are the that happen. The Bidens have a son in the Delaware Army ing Cravaack,” Kilby said. “I decades for transportation, real builders.” National Guard who spent a year in Iraq. Jill Biden said they worried every day about him and are so proud Obama kept his promise by ending that war and bringing Osama bin Laden to justice. Falsani, Balmer Best Lawyers Jim Balmer and Bob Falsani were recently selected for inclu- ON THIRD PARTY COMP CLAIMS: sion in The Best Lawyers in America, 19th Edition. Their selec- tion is based upon an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review sur- vey comprising nearly 4 million confidential evaluations by the nation’s top lawyers. It has been called by American Lawyer, Victims of work injuries frequently ask “the most respected referral list of attorneys in practice.” Balmer is honored for his work in Personal Injury Litigation if they are limited under worker's comp law (defendant and plaintiff). He been included every year since 2005. Certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by National Board of solely to medical costs and wage law Trial Advocacy (NBTA), Balmer currently serves as the NBTA’s Minnesota Coordinator. He is also a Minnesota Super Lawyer reimbursement. Not necessarily. and member of the American Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2010 Balmer was named Volunteer Attorney of the Year in the 6th If someone other than their employer Judicial District by the Volunteer Attorney Program. Falsani received recognition in the practice area of Worker’s is responsible for the harm that they Compensation law. A Minnesota Super Lawyer, he also is certi- fied as a Civil Trial Specialist by the NBTA and the Minnesota suffered, then they can proceed against Bar Association and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocacy. In 2009 he was awarded the Minnesota Association that third party to receive for Justice’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1975, the two attorneys founded the law firm of Falsani, Balmer Peterson, Quinn & Beyer, which today has an extensive additional compensation practice in personal injury, worker’s compensation and social for their loss. security disability in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Bob Falsani and Jim Balmer serve up the sweet corn their firm purchases and serves every year at Duluth’s Labor Day Picnic. (Labor World 2009 file photo) PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012