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Volume 108 Number 3 February 2, 2007 Portland FFacingacing thethe comingcoming laborlabor shortageshortage same time require that remaining Unions say they want workers have higher-level skills. to train younger “New technologies are really changing the workplace,” said Lita workers, but often- Colligan, workforce policy adviser to times feel ignored Governor Ted Kulongoski, “and with baby boomers retiring in the next few Attorney Jim Egan of Albany leads a workshop on Oregon’s workers’compensation insurance system. By DON McINTOSH years, we don’t have a pipeline of Associate Editor skilled workers to take those jobs.” Oregon’s business community is That’s the message State Rep. Brad ANNUAL OREGON LABOR LAW CONFERENCE sounding an alarm about a looming Witt has been hearing, loudly. Witt, shortage in skilled labor, but it’s not who served 14 years as secretary-treas- clear to what extent government efforts urer of the Oregon AFL-CIO, became BLOSSOMS INTO A CROWD OF NEARLY 250 in “workforce development” will be chair of the House Workforce and Eco- What started 11 years ago as an intimate gath- panel for that discussion featured Richard Ahearn, regional able to solve the problem. Oregon nomic Development Committee at the ering of about 30 union leaders eager to learn more director of the NLRB for Region 19, and attorneys from unions, for their part, have been eager beginning of the year. His committee about state and federal labor laws has blossomed both labor and management. and willing to partner in efforts to im- held several weeks of hearings in Janu- into a conference of nearly 250 union leaders, Malbin said the goal is to keep registration affordable prove worker skills, but feel like they ary to listen to business and labor about business agents, shop stewards and organizers who while offering useful information that union staffers can uti- too often get left out of plans for work- what the Legislature could do to in- have overflowed the venue. lize at work. force training. crease family-wage jobs in Oregon. “We may be looking at moving to the conven- Demographics is the number one “Not one witness didn’t say we’re tion center next year,” said Norman Malbin, in- reason a labor shortage is expected — headed for a train wreck in 10 or 15 house attorney for Electrical Workers Local 48 and the baby boom generation becomes eli- years,” Witt said. founder of the Oregon Labor Law Conference. gible to retire in the next five to 15 The culprits most often fingered are The day-long conference was held Jan. 19 at years. That will likely mean greater culture and school: A shift in culture Local 48’s union hall and training center in North- competition for skilled workers by em- has made young people less interested east Portland. ployers throughout the economy — in technical occupations, and the K-12 This year’s confab featured a plenary session construction, high tech, health care, the school system isn’t steering students on “Employment and Labor Law Overview” pre- public sector, even manufacturing. toward skilled trades careers. sented by management attorney Rick Liebman. That last, the notion of a labor short- Some labor leaders expect to see the Twenty workshops are offered — ranging from age in manufacturing, seems to go business community clamor for more “corporate campaigns” to “union discipline” to a against conventional wisdom: Hasn’t tax dollars to pay for their workforce panel on the impacts of last year’s Kentucky River manufacturing taken a beating in Ore- training needs. That’s the chorus Bob decision by the National Labor Relations Board Shiprack, executive secretary of the that redefined the definition of a supervisor. The gon and the rest of the country, losing RICHARD AHEARN NORMAN MALBIN jobs to foreign competition and corpo- Oregon State Building and Construc- rate outsourcing? tion Trades Council, says he’s heard The short answer is, “Yes.” from business leaders. According to the Oregon Employ- “The people that complain the most ment Department, statewide manufac- about not being able to find skilled turing employment peaked in 1998 at people are the ones who don’t pay 227,000, declined in the 2000-2003 re- them what they’re worth,” Shiprack cession, and has been flat since then. said. “What drives me crazy is that State economists think it will ac- they’re doing nothing about this sup- count for 205,500 jobs in 2014, about posed labor shortage except asking the the same number as the end of 2006. taxpayer to give them subsidies to train But such numbers hide the reality of their workers.” turnover and changing skills require- Meanwhile, union training pro- ments. Even in an industry with a de- grams, which operate without tax dol- clining workforce, workers retire or lars, struggle for recognition. Oregon change jobs and need to be replaced. AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain And computerization and mechaniza- says the state workforce training sys- tion, which contribute to job loss, at the (Turn to Page 7) Let me say this about that —By Gene Klare PDC Board wants more time to amend new construction wage policy Plans to amend a two-week-old economic sanctions, but didn’t set spe- Francesconi said that bringing own- Portland Development Commission cific dollar figures. Wilhoite said any ership back into the equation is what construction wage policy were pushed fines should be pooled and earmarked caused so many problems in the first back by the PDC Board at its Jan. 24 for “diversity organizations.” place. “Ownership injects a whole lot meeting. During public testimony, attorney of confusion,” he said. “I think you’re On Jan. 10, the PDC Board adopted Jim Francesconi, speaking on behalf setting yourself up for a whole lot of a policy to pay construction workers of the Carpenters, Operating Engi- controversy.” state prevailing wage rates on private neers and Laborers, said the unions Francesconi, a former city commis- projects that receive more than $1 mil- support the wage policy in general, but sioner and mayoral candidate, said the lion in funding form the quasi-public he pointed to a couple of “loopholes” Operating Engineers also would like to agency, which serves as the develop- in the policy that “will certainly cause see demolition included in the $1 mil- ment arm of the City of Portland. controversy down the road.” lion threshold. As it stands, the wage In addition to wage rates, the new One provision states that: “when policy states that demolition and envi- policy also calls for specific hiring the total floor area of publicly-owned ronmental remediation will be consis- goals for women and minorities on a space is less than 50 percent of the to- tent with rules under the Oregon Bu- project-by-project basis. tal floor area of the combined public- reau of Labor and Industries. Fast enters Hall of Fame At the Jan. 10 meeting, Commis- private space, the policy shall not ap- Other suggestions the Board heard BILL FAST, 88, a retired port agent for the Marine Engineers Beneficial Asso- sioner Charles Wilhoite expressed ply to the construction of the for amending the construction wage ciation (MEBA), stands in the spotlight as the newest member of the Labor Hall of concern that the policy didn’t include privately-owned space unless this por- policy included adding incentives as Fame. He was given that honor by the sponsoring Northwest Oregon Labor Retirees language that gave PDC the ability to tion of the project receives $1 million well as sanctions to hiring goals; man- Council, which is affiliated with the Portland-based Northwest Oregon Labor Coun- levy economic sanctions on develop- or more in PDC resources.” dating apprenticeship training on proj- cil (NOLC) of the AFL-CIO. ers who failed to meet stated hiring The other provision says: “if proj- ects; requiring nonunion contractors Fast retired in 1988 after serving as MEBA’s Portland port agent for 22 years. He goals. After discussing the issue, the ects constructed privately include pub- and training programs to submit an- and his wife, Beverly, live in Lake Oswego in Clackamas County. Board directed PDC staff to amend the lic and private ownership portions that nual affirmative action reports (the IN HIS CAREER running the MEBA office, Fast was active in a number of or- policy to include enforcement actions can be separated for construction pur- policy instructs only affiliates of the ganizations. He served as president of and to bring it back for a vote on Jan. poses, the public portion of the project Building Trades Council to file re- the Portland Maritime Trades Council 24. shall be subject to the policy and the ports); and exempting certain trades and of the Multnomah County Labor At the Jan. 24 meeting, the revised private portion shall be exempt from from working on projects if they don’t Council, which has since become part wage policy included language for the policy.” meet affirmative action goals. of NOLC. He was president of Port- PDC Chairman Mark Rosenbaum land-based Labor’s Community Ser- asked, and the Board agreed, to delay vice Agency and was president of the a vote on amending the policy until its Willamette Democratic Society. His next meeting on Feb. 14. “I think that civic service included eight years as a Bennett Hartman after the discussion today, we need to b h bring it back,” he said. governor-appointed member of the Morris & Kaplan, llp Port of Portland Commission. Another NOTE: facet of his work was serving as a con- Attorneys at Law John Mohlis, executive sultant to the the Marine Cooks and m k secretary-treasurer of the Columbia- Stewards Union in the Portland area. Pacific Building Trades Council at- William Martin Fast was born on tended his first meeting as a commis- sioner of the PDC on Jan. 24. He was Oct. 4, 1918 in Kingston, Idaho, west Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm of Kellogg in the metals mining district appointed to the Board by Portland of the Gem State’s Panhandle. After Representing Workers Since 1960 Mayor Tom Potter and confirmed by a graduating from high school, he fol- unanimous vote of City Council on Jan. 17. BILL FAST lowed his father into the lead and silver mines, working for the Bunker Hill Co. Bill moved to Seattle in 1941 and SeriousInjuryandDeathCases joined the U.S. Merchant Marine, becoming a member of MEBA. He shipped out Broadway Floral of West Coast and East Coast ports in World War II and served on ships transport- • Construction Injuries for the BEST flowers call ing supplies to U.S. military forces in various war zones. After the war, Fast made 503-288-5537 Seattle his home port. When he was not at sea, he became active in politics and • Automobile Accidents worked on election campaigns of Washington’s Democratic U.S. Senators Warren 1638 NE Broadway, Portland Magnuson and Henry (Scoop) Jackson. Later, in Portland. Fast was a labor co- • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice chairman for Jackson when Scoop tried for the Democratic presidential nomination. AFTER BECOMING MEBA’S man in Portland, Fast traveled Oregon with • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents Democratic U.S. Senator Wayne Morse in his 1962 re-election campaign. Although • Pedestrian Accidents he’s a Democrat, he supported several MEBA-endorsed Republicans for public of- fice, including Mark Hatfield and Bob Packwood, who became U.S. senators in the • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) (International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) latter 1960s, and Vic Atiyeh, elected governor in the 1970s. Fast helped Democrat Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon • Workers’ Compensation Injuries as a voice of the labor movement. Les AuCoin get elected to Congress and supported Aaron Brown and Tom Moul- 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, trie in their elections to judgeships at the Multnomah County Courthouse; both had Portland, Ore. 97213 • Social Security Claims Telephone: (503) 288-3311 worked as union members before becoming lawyers. Atiyeh appointed Fast to the Fax Number: (503) 288-3320 Port Commission and also appointed two other union leaders to the Port; he’s the Editor: Michael Gutwig Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice only governor ever to name three unionists to the Port’s governing board. Fast’s po- Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- litical activity also included being the Oregon labor chairman for Richard M. profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the We Work Hard for Hard-Working People! Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore- Nixon’s successful 1968 presidential run because Nixon had promised to support gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union members. increased construction of ships in the U.S. In 1976, MEBA and Fast supported De- Group rates available to trade union organizations. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID mocratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter in his successful run for the White 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650 AT PORTLAND, OREGON. House. Fast and his wife Beverly attended Carter’s inauguration. Fast also sup- CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a Portland, Oregon 97204 change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old ported Congressman Peter DeFazio, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and others, includ- and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ing Congressman Wendell Wyatt. (503) 227-4600 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150-0150, PORTLAND, OR 97213 As a longtime Merchant Mariner, Fast was among those who campaigned for www.bennetthartman.com Congressional approval of veterans’ benefits for the merchant seamen of World Member Press Associates Inc. War II. He still serves on the board of directors of the United States Merchant Ma- rine Veterans League. He told the NW Labor Press that the League has only 80 Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555 (Turn to Page 11) PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 2, 2007 First U.S.-made streetcars will carry union label

The nation’s first U.S.-manufac- lene Hooley and Earl Blumenauer, for Portland’s streetcar system. company, means the streetcar would tured modern streetcars will be union- Portland Mayor Tom Potter, Portland If interest in streetcars develops, comply with all federal Buy American built at Oregon Iron Works. City Commissioner Sam Adams, United Streetcar could be supplying rules. At a press conference Jan. 26 at the Clackamas County commissioners, them to cities across North America. “This project is a shining example company’s headquarters in Clacka- and TriMet General Manager Fred “We believe there are 80 cities in- of how when we come together across mas, company officials, politicians and Hansen for the announcement. terested in streetcar systems,” said De- public and private sector lines, that we union leaders announced that Oregon Funding for the project was secured Fazio, chairman of the House Sub- can deliver economic benefits for busi- Iron Works, through its subsidiary as a $4 million line-item in the 2005 committee on Transportation. “The nesses, individual Oregonians and our United Streetcar, LLC, had secured a Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient resurgence of streetcars throughout the communities,” Kulongoski said. $4 million contract to manufacture a Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy United States will play an increasing When the prototype streetcar is com- prototype streetcar for the City of Port- for Users (SAFETEA-LU) bill, which role in urban transit.” pleted it will be added to the Portland land. authorizes the federal surface trans- According to Chandra Brown, vice Streetcar fleet, increasing capacity and “It will create dozens of good union portation programs for highways, president of Oregon Iron Works, the working towards the expansion of jobs,” said Mike Lappier, business highway safety, and transit for the five- project will create 20 new jobs, with streetcar service to the Eastside, Lake manager of Iron Workers Shopmen’s year period 2005-2009. the potential for hundreds more as na- Oswego, and city-wide. TOM GUNN Local 516, which represents workers United Streetcar LLC will build a tional demand increases. Oregon Iron Works is a specialized at Oregon Iron Works. prototype streetcar based on the model “We intend to provide modern, effi- fabrication and manufacturing company School District hires Lappier joined Gov. Ted Kulon- currently manufactured in the Czech cient American-produced streetcars, that produces components for the U.S. goski, U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio, Dar- Republic by Skoda, which makes cars and to be a pioneering force in increas- and foreign governments, as well as former union official ing urban transit options throughout dams, bridges and other civil engineer- the United States,” Brown said. ing and commercial projects. The com- for labor relations job Using United Streetcar, a domestic pany employs over 400. Tom Gunn, a former grievance di- Kaiser gets okay to build new hospital rector for United Food and Commercial Kaiser Permanente has received approval from Oregon state regulators to Workers Local 555 and a business agent build a $285 million hospital on a 15-acre site in the Tanasbourne area of Wash- for Oregon Council 75 of the American ington County. Federation of State, County and Mu- Kaiser has historically used union contractors and workers on its construction nicipal Employees, has been hired as projects. director of labor relations for Portland The 138-bed, 380,000-square-foot facility will house surgical suites, an inten- Public Schools. sive care unit, an emergency department, a labor and delivery unit and a phar- Gunn worked for AFSCME during macy. The campus will also include a specialty care medical office and outpatient the 1980s, leaving in 1991 to accept a surgery center. governor’s appointment to the Oregon State law charges the Oregon Department of Human Services with reviewing Workers Compensation Board. He proposals for new hospitals and nursing facilities to ensure health-care con- served there until 1996. He then joined sumers don’t pay for the cost of unnecessary facilities. Tel: 503-643-6635 the Local 555 staff before leaving to The hospital is projected to be complete in 2011. www.wademccarthy.com take a job as employment relations manager for Marion County in Salem. Gunn has a full agenda at the school district, where the 15-union District Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Family, Mill Wrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers Council of Unions has been working Famil Workers, Asbestos Roofer, Masons, Cement Bricklayers, Floorcoverers, Workers, Sheetmetal Glaziers, Laborers, Carpenters, Electricians, under the terms of a contract that ex- pired in 2006. Negotiations also are on- Our new enhanced online banking has arrived! going with classified employees and cafeteria workers. The Oregon Educa- tion Association contract doesn’t open until 2008, and bargaining has yet to be- We have increased security and added gin for school custodians, who were re- individual preferences to our internet instated last year by order of the Ore- gon Supreme Court. y, Mill Wrights, Painters, Elevators,banking Plasterers website to give you more peace of “People at the School District are in- terested in solving problems, not creat- mind. ing them,” Gunn said. “The direction for me is to build a collaborative rela- tionship with the unions.” With multiple sign-on verification and the Gunn, 58, lives in Hillsboro with his wife, Pearl, a retired school teacher. selection of your own personal settings you can be assured that all online transactions Southgate Mobile & RV Park are safe and secure. 7911 SE 82nd Ave. Portland, Oregon Spaces Available up to 35’ To register your account and take 503-771-5262 advantage of all of the increased options please visit us at ibewuwfcu.com and click on the New Security Internet Banking

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FEBRUARY 2, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 Carpenter organizer gets reprieve before deportation

José Cobián, better known to local As reported in the Nov. 17 NW La- United States illegally. Cobián, 36, left build a life resembling that every point in the gov- Carpenters as union organizer José bor Press, staff at the Pacific North- his native Colima, Mexico in 1989 to of a citizen. He joined the ernment’s investigation, Luis Mendoza, won temporary free- west Regional Council of Carpenters take under-the-table construction jobs union, became an organ- recommended the low- dom Jan. 23 when Federal Judge Anna were taken by surprise last August in the Portland area. He taught himself izer, married, had two est sentence within the Brown declined to impose house arrest when “Luis” was arrested and it came to speak fluent English, and in 1996 children, and bought a federal guidelines — in the weeks before his Feb. 13 immi- to light that their co-worker of five was able to obtain false documents, home in Molalla. All that house arrest. Judge gration hearing. years had entered and worked in the which he used as the foundation to unraveled last year when Brown went further, federal agents showed up questioning what useful at his house. purpose house arrest Cobián pled guilty in would serve if Cobián is September to passport due to be deported any- fraud and was released on way. She sentenced Co- bail pending sentencing. JOSÉ COBIÁN bián to three years pro- PROTECTING UNION MEMBERS’ SMILES AND WALLETS. Because he was legally un- bation instead. Orthodontics Available able to work, his union co- It was an emotional workers stepped forward with dona- moment for Cobián and two dozen Quality, Affordable Family Dental Care tions to support him and his family. supporters from the Carpenters who • General, cosmetic, and specialty care His wife Maria de Rosario Lucio, who filled the courtroom. Brown said she’d • Most insurance and union plans accepted was visiting from Mexico on a tempo- watched the DVD, and told Cobián he • Easy credit and low monthly payments, O.A.C. rary visa when they met, had been able was fortunate to have so many people • Evening and Saturday appointments to remain in the United States because standing by him. • Ask about our Dental Discount Program of his supposed citizenship status; now The judge asked Cobián if he had Grants Pass Portland that is due to be cancelled as well. anything to say. 1021 NE 6th St. 3580 SE 82nd Ave. Grants Pass, OR 97526 Portland, OR 97266 Leading up to his sentencing, Co- “I did something wrong,” Cobián 541-479-6696 503-777-0761 bián’s supporters in the union appealed said, “and I’m deeply sorry for that, Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. to Judge Brown for leniency, with let- especially because it hurt so many Gresham Salem 443 NW Burnside Road 831 Lancaster Mall Dr. NE ters and a DVD of videotaped testimo- people, including my family and co- Gresham, OR 97030 Salem, OR 97301 nials. workers. It’s something I want to teach 503-492-8487 503-362-8359 Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. “I have found him to be a dedi- my kids: If you lie, you’ve got to ac- Wilsonville Salmon Creek cated, loyal and hardworking advocate cept the consequences.” 25700 SW Argyle Ave. 2101 NE 129th St. for the working class … [who] stood For Cobián, the consequences will Wilsonville, OR 97070 Vancouver, WA 98686 “I CAN GO TO ONE PLACE TO FIX IT ALL?” 503-682-8552 360-574-4574 up against the exploitation of workers almost certainly be a return to Mexico Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Chau Ngo, D.D.S., M.S. Phong Bui, D.M.D. in a very public way,” wrote Pacific and ban from ever coming back to the Klamath Falls Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. Northwest Regional Council of Car- United States. Cobián and his union 4052 S. 6th St. Stirewalt, P.C. Klamath Falls, OR 97603 penters President Bruce Dennis. supporters hope he will be allowed to 541-883-7706 Fisher’s Landing “While he may have violated some of depart voluntarily with his family Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. 3250 SE 164th Ave. Vancouver, WA 98683 the laws of this country, I feel he has rather than be deported under custody. Milwaukie 360-891-1999 17186 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Peter Vu, D.M.D. embraced the democratic spirit of Eight-year-old Alexis Mendoza and Milwaukie, OR 97267 Chau Ngo, D.D.S. America.” her four-year-old brother Dante are 503-659-2525 Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Stirewalt, P.C. Cobián could have been sentenced U.S. citizens by birthright, and have to a prison term of six months to two never been to Mexico. Cobián is trying 1-888-BRIGHT NOW years for the passport violation. But to sell his home, and hopes to use the www.brightnow.com Assistant U.S. Attorney Kemp Strick- proceeds to repay his co-workers for Serving unions for over 25 years land, saying Cobián was not consid- their support. ered a flight risk and had cooperated at Unlike the federal civil case against him, Cobián’s Feb. 13 immigration hearing won’t be open to the public.

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PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 2, 2007 Union card is still a good investment Union membership in U.S. falls by 326,000 • In almost every occupation and Washington State bucks lower in manufacturing (11.7 percent) and salary workers who were union • 49 percent will threaten to close a demographic, union members in- than in the rest of the economy (12.0 members in 2006 had median weekly worksite, but only 2 percent actually do. creased their advantage in earnings the trend with a 26,000- percent), reported the Center for Eco- earnings of $833, compared with a • 51 percent will coerce workers over their nonunion colleagues in member increase nomic and Policy Research. median of $642 for wage and salary into opposing unions with bribery or 2006. The median weekly earnings The national unionization rate has workers who were not represented by favoritism. figure for union members nation- The number of workers in the steadily declined from a high of 20.1 unions. Unionized workers also are • 82 percent will hire high-priced wide — that point at which half are United States belonging to a union fell percent in 1983, the first year for more likely to have better employer- union-busting consultants to fight above and half are below — was by 326,000 in 2006 to 15.4 million — which comparable union data are paid health insurance and pensions. union organizing drives. $833 in 2006, up by $32 (3.85 per- or 12 percent of the workforce — ac- available. The biggest obstacle, Bender said, • 91 percent will force employees cent) in one year. The median for cording to the latest statistics released “While I’m very encouraged that is that “too many unscrupulous em- to attend one-on-one anti-union meet- nonunion workers rose by $20 to by the U.S. Department of Labor. more workers in Washington State ployers routinely fire, harass and in- ings with their supervisors. $642 in 2006. The median for all In Oregon, union membership fell have organized to gain a voice at work timidate workers who express interest To combat this, unions are lobbying workers also rose by $20, to $671. from 213,000 in 2005 to an estimated and win strong union contracts, this in joining unions — even though for legislation at both federal and state 211,000 last year. That’s 13.8 percent news about declining national mem- that’s supposed to be illegal.” levels that would allow workers to • Union members had an edge in of the workforce. bership is another troubling sign that Weak labor laws have allowed form a union by simply signing au- median weekly earnings in factories Washington State bucked the trend, America’s middle class is struggling,” union-busting consultants to make the thorization cards. ($755 to $692 for nonunion), con- increasing its ranks by 26,000 mem- said Rick Bender, president of the union election process a virtual mine- The Employee Free Choice Act struction ($969 to $610), retail bers last year to an estimated 549,000 Washington State Labor Council, field. Studies have found that among will be re-introduced in Congress later ($583 to $518) and almost every- members, or 19.8 percent of the work- AFL-CIO. “It’s bad news for all employers faced with union organiz- this year. where else in 2006. Retail trade was force. workers, not just union members, ing campaigns: Last year, the EFCA was co-spon- the sole occupation where the me- Washington now ranks fifth-highest when fewer of us have a contract to • 30 percent will fire pro-union sored by 215 U.S. representatives and dian for union members slid ($7), in the nation in terms of union density, protect our living standards from being workers. 44 senators. while the median for nonunion trailing only Hawaii (24.7 percent), eroded away.” workers rose ($5). New York (24.4 percent), Alaska (22.2 He said the factors that have con- percent), and New Jersey (20.1 per- tributed to the national decline include • In 2006, the union membership cent). the outsourcing of jobs, the decline of HEMORRHOIDS rate was higher for men (13 percent) Among the five states reporting America’s once-powerful manufactur- than for women (10.9 percent). The union membership rates below 5 per- ing sector and the enormous difficulty The Non-Surgical Treatment gap between their rates has nar- cent in 2006, North Carolina and workers face when trying to form or We specialize in the non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids. For over 40 rowed considerably since 1983, South Carolina continued to post the join unions to improve their lives. when the rate for men was about 10 lowest rates (3.3 percent each). The A recent survey by Peter D. Hart years people throughout the region have turned to the Sandy Blvd. Clinic for percentage points higher than the next lowest rates were recorded in Vir- Research Associates shows that the fast and effective relief. For more information, FREE consultation and/or a rate for women. This narrowing oc- ginia (4 percent), Georgia (4.4 per- public support of unions is at a 25-year FREE informative booklet call: curred because the union member- high — 65 percent approve of unions cent), and Texas (4.9 percent). (503) 232-7609 ship rate for men declined more rap- Nationally, the public sector still while only 25 percent disapprove. idly than the rate for women. More than half of all workers say they Write or call for THE SANDY BLVD. RECTAL has the highest number of organized a FREE Insurance information workers, at 36.2 percent. In the private would join a union today if given the CLINIC PORTLAND accepted/pre • Black workers were more likely booklet and/or a sectors only 7.4 percent of workers are chance. FREE Steven G. Cranford, DC, ND authorization to be union members (14.5 percent) According to last week’s Depart- consultation. FORMERLY THE BEAL-OLIVER CLINIC required. represented. CHIROPRACTIC/NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS than were whites (11.7 percent), ment of Labor report, full-time wage Asians (10.4 percent), or Hispanics The largest decrease in union mem- 2026 NE SANDY BLVD., PORTLAND, OR 97232 (9.8 percent). bership rates occurred in manufactur- ing, where union membership dropped • Among age groups, union 1.3 percentage points to just 11.7 per- membership rates were highest cent of manufacturing workers. For the among workers 45 to 64 years old first time since the Bureau of Labor (16 percent) and were lowest among Statistics began tracking these trends, those ages 16 to 24 (4.4 percent). and likely for the first time in U.S. his- tory, union membership rates were Oregon Governor’s Occupational Quest Safety & Health Conference Q Investment MARCH 12-15, 2007 Management, Inc. 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FEBRUARY 2, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 OfficialOfficial Exterior & Interior Portland City & Specialists 2154 Metropolitan Employees Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 1125 189 SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. NoticesNotices Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6025 E. Burnside Portland. Fire Fighters 452 General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 2807 27, 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Asbestos Workers 36 NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. Members meet 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Roofers & Waterproofers Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Fire Fighters 1660 49 Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at 4411 SW Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8. Bakery, Confectionery, Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1. Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave., Portland. (503 Tobacco Workers and Glass Workers 740 232-4807) Grain Millers 114 Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, fol- at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, Sheet Metal lowed by a 10:30 a.m. General Meeting, in the meeting Springfield. room at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 205, Portland. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Workers 16 PLEASE NOTE: There is an opening for an Execu- Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. SE, Salem. Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at tive Board position to be filled at the next meeting. the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., Please call the union if you are interested. Iron Workers 29 Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11620 NE Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Ainsworth Cir, #200, Portland. the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., Boilermakers 500 Portland. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at 2515 NE Marion-Polk-Yamhill Northwest Oregon Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, Columbia Blvd., Portland. at UA 290 Hall, 2861 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, pre- Iron Workers Labor Council Labor Council ceded by a 5 p.m. VOC meeting. Bricklayers and Allied Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in at IBEW Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. Shopmen 516 followed by a 7 p.m. general meeting at SEIU Local 503, Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. 14, at Abby’s Pizza, 7480 Crater Lake Hwy., White City. Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 1730 Commercial St. SE, Salem. Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Craftworkers 1 15, at the Labor Center, 3427 Ash St., North Bend. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 12812 NE 11620 NE Ainsworth Cir, #300, Portland. Operating Engineers 701 Marx St., Portland. Metal Trades Council District 1 members meet 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E. First St., Gladstone. Sign Painters & Carpenters 1388 Labor Roundtable of NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. District 5 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at IBEW Lo- Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E. First St., Gladstone. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 276 Southwest Washington cal 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, Paint Makers 1094 Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Old Country at Cousin’s Restaurant, 2115 W. 6th, The Dalles. Members meet 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 19, in the District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Port- Carpenters 1715 at DTC Office, 148 Main St., Hermiston. land. Mid-Columbia District 1 members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, preceded Laborers 483 Longview Electricians Hall, 1145 Commerce Ave., by a 5 p.m. Executive board meeting at 612 E. McLough- Labor Council Longview. lin, Vancouver, Wash. Municipal Employees Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 3313 W. District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, Southern Oregon Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Mu- 2nd, The Dalles. at North Bend/Coos Bay Labor Center, 3427 Ash St., Central Labor Council Cement Masons 555 sicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. North Bend. District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the South- Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at 12812 NE 14, at Courtyard Marriott, 600 Airport Rd., Medford. ern Oregon Labor Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Marx St., Portland. Millwrights & Machinery District 2 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, Central Point. Laborers/Vancouver 335 at the Comfort Suites, 969 Kruse Way, Springfield. Clark, Skamania & Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, preceded by a Erectors 711 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancouver La- Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, preceded Southwestern Oregon W. Klickitat Counties bor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. by a 9 a.m. Executive Committee meeting, at the Car- Painters & Drywall penters Local 247 Hall, 2205 N. Lombard St., Portland. Labor Council Finishers 10 Central Labor Council PLEASE NOTE: The following meeting is “Special Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at the Bay Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, preceded by Linn-Benton-Lincoln Call.” All members are requested to attend. Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 Hall, Molders 139 Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 11105 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. Labor Council Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, preceded NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, pre- by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Carpenters New Hours: Effective Dec. 1, 2006, Local 10 will be United Association 290 Columbia-Pacific ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. open from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- Salem Ave., Albany. day through Friday. Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Building Trades Multnomah County Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, Pile Drivers, Divers at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, Red- at Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. Linoleum Layers 1236 Employees 88 mond. Executive Board meets 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 5, at Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, & Shipwrights 2416 Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Electrical Workers 48 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, preceded by a Feb. 27, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 417 Rail- General membership meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 2205 N. Lombard, road St., Brookings. Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 21, preceded by a 6 p.m. stewards’ meeting, at 6025 E. Portland. Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, Burnside, Portland. 20, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse, Coos in the Executive Boardroom. Bay. Residential Unit meets 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. in the Dispatch Lobby 19, at the Eugene #290 Hall. General Membership meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Klamath Falls area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, preceded by a 5:30 p.m. pre-meeting buffet. RetireeRetiree MeetingMeeting NoticesNotices Feb. 20, at 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The Dalles. 22, at 650A Industrial Circle, White City. Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Asto- Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. ria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at Steam- land. 22, at the Roseburg Labor Temple, 742 SE Roberts, EWMC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in the Ex- AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER ers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd., OREGON AFSCME Roseburg. ecutive Boardroom. Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, Sound & Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Portland. A brief business meeting and Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Northwest drawing will follow. For more infor- 20, at the AFSCME office, 6025 E. The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Electrical Women of Local 48 meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oregon Labor Council, at 1125 SE mation and reservations, call Vera at Burnside, Portland. Call Michael 22, at the United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union Hall, Feb. 20, at NIETC, 16021 NE Airport Way. The Dalles. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 7 Madison, Portland. 503 252-2296. Arken for information at 503-239- Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 6 p.m. and Feb. 21 in the Executive Boardroom. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, 9858, ext. 124. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Eureka Training Center, 832 Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un- GLASS WORKERS 740 E St., Eureka, Calif. less otherwise noted. Feb. 22, at Westmoreland Union Retirees meet 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as- Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., Portland. SHEET METAL WORKERS 16 sessments have been declared for Feb. and are payable at 20, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 50 cents each: No. 2132, Bernard E. McNamee, and No. Retirees meet at 11:30 a.m. Thurs- United Steel Workers 2133, Denzil Smith, Jr. BAKERS 114 NE Halsey, Portland. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thursday, day, Feb. 8, at JJ North’s Grand Buf- 1097 LINOLEUM LAYERS1236 fet, 10520 NE Halsey, Portland Members meet 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, pre- Feb. 22, at JJ Norths Grand Buffet, Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Friday, ceded by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Electrical Workers 280 10520 NE Halsey, Portland. union office, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., Westport. Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, at Feb. 9, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, TRANSIT 757 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent, OR. CARPENTERS 10520 NE Halsey, Portland. Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Retired Carpenters meet for lunch United Steelworkers IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red- NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR Feb. 7, at Westmoreland Union mond. 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at JJ North’s RETIREES COUNCIL Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. L&E Committee Dist. 12 Joint Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Grand Buffet, 10520 NE Halsey, Port- Central Electrical Training Center, Tangent. Business meeting from 10 a.m. to Members meet 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 23, in Salem at land. UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 the Oregon AFL-CIO office, 2110 State St. For more in- 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at the formation call 503-585-6320 Elevator Constructors 23 ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Northwest Oregon Labor Council at Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, The committee will be lobbying legislators following Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, preceded by Feb. 15, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., the meeting. a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE Retirees, wives and friends meet 1125 SE Madison, Suite 100G, Port- Whitaker Way, Portland. Portland.

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 2, 2007 ...Schools focus on college prep, not blue-collar careers

(From Page 1) • Helping to create industry consor- Tualatin-based Plumbers and That’s one of the themes Witt heard tiums (clusters of businesses in the Steamfitters Local 290, foreseeing ris- from Bob Baugh, head of the national tem too often overlooks union appren- same overall market that require work- ing demand for their trade as new en- AFL-CIO’s Industrial Union Council, ticeship programs, and invests in re- ers with similar skills) that could fore- ergy facilities break ground in coming who came to testify at a Jan. 19 hearing dundant programs at community col- cast their collective workforce needs years, wrote to the superintendents of of Witt’s Workforce Committee. leges. instead of waiting and then raiding the Wilsonville, Tigard-Tualatin and “Neoconservative economists want And sometimes, the shortage is each other’s workers; Sherwood school districts and offered to tell you, ‘Don’t worry about job loss, quite plainly due to a lack of employer • Identifying high-skill, high-de- them the use of their multimillion-dol- don’t worry about what’s happening in commitment to train the workers mand occupations, and then giving lar state-of-the-art training center, to manufacturing,’ ” said Baugh, a former they’ll later need. training grants to individuals willing to help students understand how the math secretary-treasurer of the Oregon AFL- At some local electric utilities, work in those jobs, with those currently and science and grammar they study CIO. “It’s really the fault of the worker. heavy overtime — in some cases over on public assistance getting priority; could help them win entry into lucra- They just need to get smarter. They just 600 hours a year — is an early symp- • Making it easier to get information tive and worthwhile careers. There need more training and education.’” tom of a labor shortage among jour- about the necessary pathways to high- would be no charge to the district, and “I support training and education,” neyman linemen. Travis Eri, business the union would even pay for the “con- Baugh continued. “I want our work- manager of IBEW sumables” — acetylene oxygen, etc. force to have the greatest skills in the Local 125, says “Our journeymen make over $30 an world. But it’s like giving your kid over 40 percent of UA Local 290 got no response to its hour on the check, and have a total swimming lessons, getting their swim- his membership invitation to Wilsonville, Tigard-Tualatin and wage and benefit package of $50 an suit on and saying ‘Now go jump in the BOB BAUGH — mostly utility Sherwood school districts offering them the hour,” said Local 290 Business Man- pool,’ but nobody’s paying attention to workers — will be ager John Endicott. “That’s not a bad see that the drains are unplugged and eligible to retire in use of their state-of-the-art training center kind of labor, and don’t necessarily tell living. And our apprenticeship program students that there are fabulous careers the water’s going down.” the next five years. to help students understand how the math means they earn while they learn.” Oregon may be an exception, Eder It takes three and a in the skilled trades.” and science and grammar they study could Local 290 got no response to its in- Eder’s group hopes to change that, says, with a stronger, more competitive half years of ap- vitation. The union followed up with manufacturing sector than many states. prenticeship to be- and last year kicked off a pilot project help them win entry into careers in the pipe letters to the board members of the dis- in Clackamas County called “Manu- But either way, if there’s one thing all come a journey- trades. tricts, with the same offer. Still no re- sides can agree on, it’s that relentless man lineman, but facturing Road Trip.” Teachers and sponse. The union is pretty steamed counselors were given tours of local hype about the “information economy” journeymen aver- about the brush-off, but union officials has drowned out voices arguing for the age $33 an hour, manufacturing operations, and heard are trying to stay positive and plan to from human resources people about continued importance of building and so for many apprentice openings, over wage careers; and attend board meetings in the near fu- making things. a hundred people apply. the growing skills shortage. • Better linking K-12 education to ture to continue the outreach. Eder acknowledges there’s another Makers and builders hope to regain In the past, utilities didn’t skimp on workforce needs. “Skilled labor has sort of fallen out their voice this legislative session, and training, but Eri thinks this has changed side to the culture shift: Manufacturing That last idea is something unions of fashion in school,” said Norm Eder, has a serious image problem. Young may work with organized labor to pro- at large investor-owned utilities, where have been asking for for years. executive director of Manufacturing duce the needed cultural shift. understaffing may be a strategy to people don’t think manufacturing is a “There is a lack of vocational edu- 21, a workforce training advocacy stable and rewarding career direction, “There’s this impression that if it’s boost short-term profits. The worst of- cation in high schools today,” Shiprack group made up of manufacturers, com- not college track, it’s second class,” fender is currently PacifiCorp, which and mass layoffs like the 800 an- said. “I had shop class in grade school, munity colleges and the Oregon AFL- nounced by Freightliner Jan. 26 only Witt said. “But we need to have the cut its apprentice training program af- and four years of it in Marshall [High CIO. “Teachers and high school coun- highest level of skills for tradespeople ter it was bought by Warren Buffett’s add to the perception it’s a doomed, School].” selors are themselves doing a different shrinking sector. as well.” Mid-American Energy Holdings Com- “There was a real tie between blue- pany. Previously-hired apprentices will collar jobs and education when I was in continue in their training, but Pacifi- school,” Chamberlain, a firefighter, Corp said it will hire no new appren- adds. “Now, we know that there’s an tices in 2007. attitude in our K-12 system that pushes But Witt said he hears from many kids toward college, whether they end good employers who are planning for up there or not.” the future and are willing to commit And the problem is, union officials their own resources, and still want gov- say, an exclusive focus on college prep ernment to help, at least by maximiz- doesn’t well serve the three-quarters of ing the use of resources already being high school graduates who don’t go on spent. to college. Witt expects his committee will Witt calls it the lost decade: “Union support a set of ideas being proposed apprentice programs say the average by the governor. age of their applicants is late 20s. Those include: These young people banged around in • Making an Oregon high school low-skilled jobs for 10 years before diploma a thing of value to employers, finding their way to a career track.” by ensuring that it means competence Last October, one local union made in core skills like reading, math and its own attempt to expose young peo- science, as well as problem solving, ple to the skilled trades “pipeline.” communication ability and teamwork;

Gradine Storms Real Estate Broker Member of CWA 7886 SE 13th Ave. Local 7901 Portland, Oregon 97202 Direct: 503-495-4932 Branch: 503-233-8883 E-Mail: [email protected] www.equitygroup.com/gstorms Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

FEBRUARY 2, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 L.A. lab works to improve odds against asbestos cancer When Olympic Gold medalist quickly surround the victim’s lungs early detection through breath and pipefitters, admirals in the Navy, Hol- of early disease and improved cure Terry McCann began having chest and heart sac with a concrete-like blood tests. The Lab’s Mesothelioma lywood icons, insulators, young rates. Early detection for mesothe- pains, he knew something was wrong. sheath, and crush the patient to death. and Asbestosis Treatment Program is women college students, painters, in- lioma could lead to similar benefits. He never drank or smoked. He People with mesothelioma still seeking to improve therapies for peo- terior decorators, boilermakers and One promising test under study at worked out daily in the gym and was face a tremendous struggle, but in Los ple with already existing disease. everyone in between,” said Roger the PWR Lab involves identifying ev- a member of the San Clemente morn- Angeles cutting-edge research and Mesothelioma is caused by inhala- Worthington, an attorney and board idence of mesothelioma and even as- ing surf “dawn patrol” in California. treatment to detect and manage the ill- tion of asbestos fibers. It has a long la- member of the Pacific Heart, Lung & bestos exposure through markers in a The chest pain went away, but ness is is being conducted at the non- tency period (the time between first Blood Institute. The Punch Worthing- person’s exhaled breath or blood. mesothelioma, the deadly cancer profit Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood In- exposure to asbestos and the diagnosis ton Laboratory was named in the The Institute is recruiting volun- within his chest wall, did not. Before stitute and its Punch Worthington of the disease). In rare cases the la- memory of Roger’s father, David teers — particularly workers and Terry passed away last year at age 72 Research Laboratory (PWR), in col- tency period has been as short as 10 to “Punch” Worthington of Salem, a their families residing on the West — more than two years after his laboration with the David Geffen 15 years. Typically, however, union organizer and Ph.D. in genetics Coast — for the early detection breath symptoms had surfaced — he had al- School of Medicine at UCLA. mesothelioma occurs 20, 30, 40 or who died last year from asbestos-re- and blood screenings, although the ready beaten the odds. Ten years ago, Dr. Robert Cameron, a surgeon and more years after the first exposure. lated cancer. start date has not been finalized, the men and women with mesothelioma scientist who directs the PWR Lab, Workers in the construction trades The Portland area is considered a Lab is taking names and will contact faced a certain and swift death. The has put together an aggressive agenda are particularly vulnerable to expo- hotspot for mesothelioma due to its volunteers once the trials begin. cancer, which kills 2,000 to 4,000 to tackle mesothelioma head-on. The sure, but the illness itself doesn’t dis- historic shipbuilding and paper mill Since asbestos inflames the lining men and women a year, oftentimes lab’s Risk Reduction Program is fo- criminate based on the color of the industries, yet the closest treatment of the chest (pleura), the lab’s preven- misdiagnosed as pneumonia or as an cusing on prevention of mesothelioma collar. “This disease affects Olympic centers with doctors who specialize in tion program also is testing agents that inflamed lining of the lungs, would in workers exposed to asbestos and athletes, drywallers, congressmen, mesothelioma are in Seattle (at the inhibit inflammation as a means of Swedish Cancer Institute) and Los preventing the disease. Doctors be- Angeles, Worthington said. lieve that interrupting the long cycle “It’s too bad the local doctors of inflammation could break the pro- haven’t responded to the asbestos epi- gression of changes that lead to can- Roger G. Worthington, P.C. leads the fight to find a cure demic here in Oregon,” said Greg De- cer. Indomethacin, celecoxib, aspirin block, a retired business manager of and other agents may hold the key. Portland-based Steamfitters Local The PWR Lab is testing celecoxib 235, which later merged to become right now. This trial is for people who the United Association of Plumbers have been exposed to asbestos and Mesothelioma and Steamfitters Local 290. In No- who have a history of smoking. (The for cancer vember, Deblock was diagnosed with testing is free, but participants will malignant mesothelioma. He is strug- have to go to Los Angeles to partici- caused by asbestos exposure gling to find specialized care in Port- pate.) land. Worthington says too many doctors Since 1989, we have been dedicated to helping asbestos cancer patients are resigned to “doomsday” with as- For more information about get justice in the courtrooms and help in the hospitals. In the last ten years, bestos cancers. “They assume that the celecoxib test, call Jessica mesothelioma cannot be cured,” he we have recovered over $725 million for our clients. continued, “ but the sad truth is nei- Like, executive director of the ther industry nor the government has Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood $34 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and carpenter invested in finding cures for this or- Institute, at 310-622-4960. $20 Million: 54 year-old engineer phan cancer. How do we know it’s ‘incurable’ if we don’t try to cure it?” $12.6 Million: 69 year-old psychiatrist exposed at home For more information about To date, there isn’t a reliable test to the early detection program, $10 Million: 54 year-old woman exposed via father’s clothes detect mesothelioma at an early stage. or for information about meso $8.4 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and crane operator Imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, are not satisfactory. Screening treatment options, contact tests exist for breast cancer, colon can- Dr. Cameron at 310-622-4960. cer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, 800-831-9399 and have resulted in better diagnosis For a free booklet of medical/legal information, including medical experts, patient profiles, clinical trials and asbestos products, call us or visit our website. Gacek Insurance is www.mesothel.com pro-union...

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PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 2, 2007 Movie fictionalizing 1999 WTO protest films for 3 days in Seattle “Battle In Seattle,” a film about the brought the same signs they carried testers were peaceful, including many police tactics were repressive and in- reers of Seattle’s mayor and police 1999 World Trade Organization during the week of massive protests. hundreds who committed acts of civil discriminate, as amply documented in chief. (WTO) protests, ended up filming for “It brought back a lot of memo- disobedience that prevented delegates later lawsuits. That, and a weeklong Townsend’s fictionalized take on three days in Seattle, and 28 days in ries,” said Keblas, who took part in the from getting to the meeting on the first suspension of civil liberties, produced those events is expected to be released Vancouver, British Columbia. In ef- largest of the WTO protest events, the day of the summit. On the other hand, a political reaction that ended the ca- later this year. fect, most of the filming and all of the 35,000-strong union march. post-film production work was”glob- “Battle in Seattle” stars Charlize alized,” for budget reasons, to Vancou- Theron, Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, ver, British Columbia. Andre Benjamin, Martin Henderson, The movie’s producers also sought Channing Tatum, Michelle Rodriguez, Westmoreland's Kirkland initially to shoot nonunion in Seattle, Jennifer Carpenter, Connie Neilson, Union Manor Union Manors but Seattle Film Commission director and Joshua Jackson. 6404 SE 23rd Avenue 3530 SE 84th Avenue James Keblas was able to broker a deal Writer-director Stuart Townsend with local unions — including Team- appears to have viewed the events of Portland, Oregon 97202 Portland, OR 97266 sters and the International Alliance of late 1999 through his own lens. Thou- 503•233•5671 503•777•8101 Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) sands of union members remember — that enabled the production to use taking part in huge and well-organized union film crews. [The production protests against corporate-led global- Marshall Kirkland used a mix of union and nonunion ization, but “Battle in Seattle” looks Union Manor Manors Make Union Plaza workers in Vancouver, where filming set to emphasize street battles with po- took place Nov. 4 to Dec. 14.] lice — production spokesperson Anna 2020 NW Northrup the 1414 Kauffman Avenue Dec. 9-11 was an odd kind of deja Dupas referred to the event as a “riot” Portland, Oregon 97209 Vancouver, WA 98660 vu for downtown Seattle, as several and to participants as “rioters.” 503•225•0677 Difference 360•694•4314 hundred extras played “protester.” Few union members are likely to Many extras had been real protesters agree with that characterization: While the first time around, and some some vandalism occurred, most pro- • Planned Events, • Studio and One-Bedroom Apartments • No Costly Buy-In or Clubs, and Activities • Affordable Rent includes Utilities Application Fees Union invites young members • Ideal Locations offer (except phone and cable) • Federal Rent easy access to Bus www.theunionmanors.org Subsidies Available Lines, Shopping, and (Must Qualify) to ‘Bowl-A-Rama on Feb. 10 TDD 503•771•0912 The American Federation of State, more information, call Lydia Hallay at Entertainment County & Municipal Employees Ore- AFSCME’s Portland office, 503-239- gon Council 75 is inviting its younger 9858. members to take an interest in union- ism with a Feb. 10 “Bowl-A-Rama.” The social event starts at 4 p.m. at THE UNION PLUS® MORTGAGE PROGRAM Hollywood Bowl, 4030 NE Halsey Provided Exclusively by Chase Home Finance St., Portland, and is open to young AFSCME members and their fami- lies. Several younger members of the Oregon Legislature are also expected to attend. Bowl-a-rama organizers are ex- pecting to see a wave of strikes, but will also settle for spares. The event is sponsored by Next Wave, a new group of young mem- bers promoting involvement in the statewide public sector union. For When it comes to mortgages, we’re %HHVRQ &KLURSUDFWLF taking a stand for Union members. 7LUHG Chase is backing union members with the Union Plus® Mortgage Program — a home KHOSVEULQJWKH purchase and refinancing program exclusively for union members, their parents and children. • FREE Mortgage Assistance Benefit RI UHOLHI\RXQHHG If you are unemployed or disabled. • A wide variety of mortgages Š 7UHDWPHQWIRUSDLQGXHWR Choose from fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and low- or no-closing costs options. :RUNLQJ RYHUXVHDQGUHSHWLWLYHPRWLRQ • Special Lending First-time homebuyer and less-than-perfect credit programs. 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FEBRUARY 2, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 9 Oregon senator helps scuttle wage bill BARGAIN COUNTER FREE WASHINGTON, D.C. — Oregon “I’ve learned in 10 years around endments. We will continue to work U.S. Senator Gordon Smith helped this place that if you want something hard to prevent any amendments from Free ads to subscribers • 15 words or less sink a bill in the U.S. Senate Jan. 24 to move, you better hook it onto any being added to the bill that would hurt • Include address label from front that would have raised the federal min- train that’s moving,” Smith said on the workers.” DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication page and telephone number imum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per Senate floor Jan. 24. “This is moving. Sweeney says, in the past 10 years, Published 1st and 3rd Fridays • Sorry, we cannot accept ads over hour in three steps in slightly over two And yes, I want to vote to raise the the Republican-controlled Congress the telephone Send to: years. minimum wage. But I also want to put showered corporations with $276 bil- • No commercial or business ads A majority of senators — 54 — on it such things that actually help lion in tax breaks, plus another $36 NW Labor Press, PO Box 13150, • 1 ad per issue voted to raise the minimum wage folks that we’re trying to help.” billion aimed exclusively at small Portland, OR 97213 • Type or print legibly without any attachments, but oppo- U.S. senators — who make businesses. nents threatened to filibuster the bill. It $165,200 a year — almost annually “It's just plain wrong to ask these Classified ads MUST include area code on all phone numbers or they will takes 60 votes to end debate (invoke vote to give themselves a pay raise working families to wait even longer not be published cloture). without including any attachments. to receive a minimum wage increase “With their amendments and de- Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), a while many of our nation’s leaders axes, old hard hats, blacksmith hammers, lays, Republican senators tied up a leading Senate proponent of a “clean” shower big business with additional Automotive anything w/logging. 503 819-3736 minimum wage increase in more knots minimum wage bill, said Republicans tax perks,” Sweeney said. VERY RESTORABLE ‘64 Cad coupe, ‘68 CEMENT BUILDING blocks, 16x8x8”. 503 than you can find in a scouting hand- have 70 more amendments to attach to President Bush has signaled that he Cad sedan DeVille, undercover for years, 656-5971 book,” wrote national AFL-CIO blog- the bill. would sign a bill providing for a wage make offer. 503 637-6246 CASH FOR older oil paintings, older toys, and older art pottery. 503 653-1506 ger Mike Hall. “For 10 years when There were indications senators increase with related tax breaks. CHEV 454 BLOCK, crank, STD, cleaned, magnafluxed, pan-timing cover, new parts COLLECTOR LOOKING for WWII Ger- they controlled the agenda, Republi- would attach $8 billion worth of new In a statement on its Web site, the to assemble, $800. 503 658-6108 man, US and Japanese helmets, military can leaders used all their power to tax breaks for small business, ap- Oregon AFL-CIO said, “Senator 4 MICHELIN STUDLESS snowtires, related items. 503 852-6791 block a raise in the minimum wage. proved in mid-January by the Democ- Smith is the only one of Oregon’s con- P235/75R15, mounted on Toyota alloy rims, MOTORCYCLES, running or part, street, Now, after the new Democratic-con- ratic-run Senate Finance Committee, gressional delegates who is out of sync $250. 503 658-5380 dirt, mini-bike, scooters, quads, will pay ’97 BUICK LESABRE LTD, new brakes, cash. 503 880-8183 trolled House passed — with biparti- as a price to get the 60 votes needed to with Oregon voters on this minimum $4,900 OBO; ’99 Dodge 2500 V-10, 4x4, INT SCOUT, prefer 1 owner or good cond, san support — a simple $2.10-an-hour shut off debate and pass the bill. But wage bill. We salute the others — in- $15,000; both 1 owner. 503 654-0726 plus 14’ alum boat, Gregor, Klamath, etc. increase, out-of-power Republican attaching the tax breaks would kick cluding Sen. Ron Wyden, and Repre- ’91 AEROSTAR van, doesn’t run, $250 503 257-1082 Senate leaders are running a guerrilla the bill back to the House, causing sentatives Earl Blumenauer, Peter De- OBO or trade. 503 231-1208 war of delay with filibusters and more delay. Fazio, Darlene Hooley, David Wu, and ’94 CHEV SILVERADO 2500, 4x4, 350 V8, For the Home 100k miles, $5,000. 503 762-1336 amendments to deny minimum wage And attaching the tax breaks an- even Smith’s Republican colleague FREE MAGIC Chef gas clothes dryer, ’88 TOYOTA SUPRA, turbo SP, 120k, dou- works good. 503 657-8379 (leave mes- workers a raise. They even tried to re- gered both Change to Win Chair Anna Rep. Greg Walden — who supported ble wishbone susp, Targa top, $950 OBO. sage) peal the federal minimum wage alto- Burger and AFL-CIO President John this long-overdue raise.” 503 286-4394 CHINA HUTCH, nice, $225; dining table gether on Jan. 24.” Sweeney. The federal minimum wage has no ’88 MAZDA 323, 4 spd, 152k, $500. 503 w/2 chairs, $125; antique high chair, $175. Smith told the Oregonian newspa- “The fight for a ‘clean’ (minimum impact on Oregonians, as they have 786-3588 503 642-1380 ’79 CHEV CAPRICE Classic, 4 dr, ELECTRIC BED, 1/4 size, good cond. 541 per that he voted against the minimum wage) bill is over, but the fight to give twice voted in favor of raising the min- black/gray, 350 V8, auto, PB, PS, PW, AC, 963-6216 wage bill because it didn’t include an America a raise is not,” Burger said. imum wage at the state level. Oregon new tires, 76k, $1000. 503 524-5147 WINDOW MILGARD 8L x 4H two 24 inch education tax provision that he “The minimum wage increase is not has the second highest minimum wage BIG BLOCK Chevy parts, 1974 new muf- end sliders, $100. 503 793-7535 wanted attached. dead — it is simply open now to am- in the nation at $7.80 an hour. fler system, new intake manifold, heads. 509 773-8018 Paul 1989 – 1993 TOYOTA EXT cab pickup parts for sale. 541 468-2961 Sporting Goods 1994 15HP JOHNSON, LS, electric start, low hours, excellent shape, $1,200. 503 543-2184 NLRB to hear case on use of employer e-mail Housing ’03 PASTIME CAMPER, 8.5’, FSC, queen LINCOLN CITY, nice 2-level beach house, bed, wired for cable, excellent condition, EUGENE, Ore. (PAI) — Can tion department. If so, what restrictions may an sleeps 6, $350/wk, $175/wkend. 503 351- $9,000. 503 632-2283 unions use company e-mail to com- The paper’s management says its employer place on the e-mails and if 1408 (Chris) or 503 762-4816 (Dan) SNOWSHOES, wood w/leather straps, 2 municate with workers? The Na- policy bans using its e-mail “to so- not, can the paper permit non-job- ROCKAWY BEACH house, just minutes to pair, $100. 503 659-6579 tional Labor Relations Board will licit or proselytize for commercial related e-mails but not those related beach, sleeps 9, 3 bd. 503 355-2136 or 503 ’88 PACE ARROW MH, 34’, needs lots of 709-6018 work, $5,500 or trade. 503 771-8823 take on this question in a case this ventures, religious or political to the union? Another question be- ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 ’05 PROWLER AX6 Fifth-wheel, four slides, spring. causes, outside organizations or fore the Board is whether e-mail ac- bed, sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, w/d, theater, 50 amp, fireplace, loaded, war- The case involves The Newspa- other non-job-related solicitations.” cess is a mandatory subject for bar- $175 nite. 503 842-9607 ranty, $39,950. 360 494-7890 per Guild’s Local 37194, which rep- The paper says the ban covers the gaining, just like wages and hours. QUIET COASTAL living, Tillamook, 1088 sq ft, 2 bed, garage, 1/3 acre, generous resents 150 staffers at the Eugene, union. The Guild, an affiliate of the A hearing is scheduled for March paved driveway, $169,000. 503 442-1892 Ore., Register-Guard. The paper is Communications Workers of Amer- 27. MANUFACTURED HOME, 3 bed, 2 bath, Miscellaneous challenging the union’s rights, ica, says it doesn’t. The union filed an unfair labor fenced yard, country kitchen, Oregon City, DELUXE WEIGHT bench w/lat bar tower, upscale park, $39,950. 503 775-7808 arm curl and leg extensions, $50; Marcy across the board, to use e-mail in Among the issues the board will practice charge against the newspa- weight set, $40. 503 292-0722 communicating with its 150 mem- tackle is whether union members per while negotiating a successor ENSONIQ ESQ keyboard (66 keys) w/ca- bers there. The bargaining unit con- can use the e-mail system to discuss contract in 2000 after the union’s Wanted bles and pedals, $200 OBO. 503 617-4907 sists of reporters, photographers, “union or other concerted, protected president was reprimanded in writ- NIKON 35mm camera #N65, 28-80mm OLD WOODWORKING tools, planes, lev- lens, filters, case, ex cond, $250 cash. 503 copy editors, secretaries, clerks, ad- matters” — such as wages, hours ing for corresponding union busi- els, chisels, folding rulers, handsaws, spoke 653-0162 vertising department employees, and working conditions — defined ness with employees on their work shaves, slicks, adzes, tool chests. 503 659- USED ROLLERS for HD-11-EP and inside and district managers in the circula- by labor law. computers via e-mail. 0009 bellows seals, make offer. 503 647-2153 COLLECTING OLD log saws, double bit

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PAGE 10 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS FEBRUARY 2, 2007 Let me say this about that It’s time to repeal Open ...Career of Dan Faddis the ‘double majority’ Forum (From Page 2) By KEN ALLEN members still living. While the 2007 Oregon Legislature Once that ballot is in your hand, it’s Fast’s activity beyond the labor movement includes 54 years of membership in is just beginning to pick up steam, al- your responsibility to participate. In- the Masonic Lodge. ready there’s one measure introduced deed, as mentioned, the biggest argu- BILL AND BEVERLY FAST were married in 1962 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; that I believe deserves support. It’s ment against the double majority is the both had been married previously. They have two daughters, two sons, seven grand- Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 10, and fact that people who don’t vote are in children, eight great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and two adopted it would eliminate most of the ‘dou- essence counted as “No” votes. That daughters who are granddaughters whose parents were unable to care for them. ble- majority’ requirements that plague includes people who have moved, peo- ONE SON, William Lloyd Fast, followed his father into the Merchant Marine, Oregon election law. ple who have died or others who, for but later worked as a member of the Boilermakers Union and is now retired and liv- Before I speak to the merits of the whatever reason, aren’t off each ing in Portland. measure, let’s make one point clear: county’s election rolls. Another son, Phil Fast, lives in Arizona. Daughter Margery Ellen Grieve lives in SJR 10 doesn’t itself change the law. The double majority has a history Portland, and daughter Frances LuAnn Prixley lives in Gresham. The adopted Instead, if passed, SJR 10 would call now, and it’s not a good one. We’ve daughters are LaVonna Fast and Angeliquie Grass, who live in the Portland area. on Oregonians to once again consider seen proposed levies for countless fire the issue at the ballot box. After sev- districts, libraries, water districts and ### eral years of dealing with the conse- others easily pass a majority of those DANIEL L. FADDIS of Portland, a longtime member of International Broth- quences of the double majority, we be- who voted only to be vetoed by those erhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 48, died Nov. 25, 2006 at age 81, and lieve that’s an opportunity most Ore- KEN ALLEN who didn’t. The double majority is a his obituary was published in the Northwest Labor Press. However, his family re- gonians would welcome. slap in the face at the fundamental cently compiled a detailed account of his career, and information from it follows. Here’s a quick history lesson. The love to compare the double majority to tenets of democracy, and again, Ore- Dan Faddis was the director of training at the Metro Electrical Training Center, double majority was the brainchild of the concept of a “quorum.” If a quo- gon’s unique vote-by-mail system a facility in Portland at one time operated by IBEW Local 48, but under Faddis’s anti-taxes, anti-union, pretty much rum of a city council isn’t seated, they erases its proponents biggest sound leadership was brought under the joint sponsorship of the union and the National anti-everything Bill Sizemore. (This argue, that body can’t conduct busi- bite. Electrical Contractors Association occurred several years before a jury ness. That argument may even sound Please note SJR 10 doesn’t change (NECA). A native Portlander and a found Sizemore liable of election-re- OK at first blush, but then you have to everything. If you’re concerned about World War II veteran, he spent many lated fraud and racketeering in a civil consider where we live. jurisdictions trying to “sneak” levies years shaping the Metro Training Center lawsuit.) The double-majority law says Because in 2007, if there’s any state and such in off-cycle elections, that into the highest-ranked in the nation for that any property tax increase must in the country where the “quorum con- part of the law wouldn’t change. Prop- schooling apprentices and for keeping both be approved by a 50 percent ma- cept” doesn’t hold water, it’s vote-by- erty tax elections would still have to be journeymen and journeywomen edu- jority of those voting and that at least mail Oregon. Here, a full 100 percent held on regular primary and general cated about the newest developments in 50 percent of those registered to vote quorum is reached in every election, election dates. their trade. must cast a ballot. because every registered voter receives Nationally, Oregon has always been FADDIS GRADUATED in 1954 In other words, if there’s only a 49 a ballot and has over two weeks to re- seen as a leader, a place where we’re from the inside wiremen’s electrical ap- percent turnout, there’s no need to turn it. You don’t have to worry about willing to take chances and try new prenticeship program, but he had begun even count the ballots. It doesn’t mat- the difficulty of getting out to a polling ideas. Vote-by-mail was one such idea, working as an IBEW member years be- ter if 99 percent of those who took the place if you’re handicapped or dis- and it’s been a good one — several fore. He had earlier served as treasurer time to vote said “Yes.” In essence, abled, you don’t need to worry about states are now in the process of copy- and recording secretary of Local 48 and every single person in the 51 percent bad weather or having the flu on Elec- ing our law. as unit manager for the electricians who who didn’t vote is counted as a “No,” tion Day and so on. Every voter is “in The double majority has not been a worked on construction of The Dalles and that’s not right. the room” once he or she receives their good idea — and it’s OK for us to col- Dam. Sizemore and other proponents ballot. lectively admit that. At the very least, DAN FADDIS He was one of the first to earn an as- the concept deserves another round of sociate degree in vocational teacher ed- statewide debate, and that’s what SJR ucation from Portland Community College and later was involved in the industrial 10 would do. education program at Oregon State University, where he earned a bachelor’s de- Change to Win responds to I encourage you to contact your gree. He worked as an instructor in Local 48’s apprenticeship program for five years state legislators and urge them to make before being appointed director of training in 1964. He held the post for more than Bush’s State of Union speech SJR 10 a priority this session. We need 20 years before retiring. He became known throughout the country as the “Dean of (Following is a statement by Change need. to open the door for a full examination Training Directors.” to Win Chair Anna Burger regarding We are encouraged by the presi- of this important topic once again. FADDIS WAS INVOLVED in a multitude of activities over the years. He was President Bush’s State of the Union Ad- dent’s renewed call for Congress to (Editor’s Note: Ken Allen is the ex- an officer of the Oregon/SW Washington Apprenticeship Coordinators Group, an dress on Jan. 23.) pass meaningful immigration reform. ecutive director of Oregon Council 75 Oregon Building Congress Guildsman of the Year and received three Service to the The seven major unions in Change to of the American Federation of State, IBEW Awards. He also was presented with awards from NECA and from the Fed- In today’s rapidly changing global Win support a realistic and compre- County and Municipal Employees, eral Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. He was inducted into the Oregon Ap- economy, fewer and fewer workers be- hensive solution that provides a path- which represents over 27,000 workers prenticeship Hall of Fame by the Oregon State Department of Education. He was in- lieve they can achieve the American way to citizenship for the estimated 11 in Oregon.) stalled in the National Hall of Fame of the United States Apprenticeship Association. Dream, and they worry even more for million hardworking, taxpaying immi- Faddis also received other accolades for his contributions to apprenticeship training their children. But during tonight’s grants in this country. and to the electrical industry. ### state of the union, they didn’t hear However, we see the recent Immi- President Bush address their state of gration and Custom Enforcement MARY S. DIETZ, of Gladstone, a charter member of Portland-based Office concern on issues like stagnant wages (ICE) raids at meatpacking facilities and Professional Employees Local 11, died Jan. 21 of heart failure at the age of 89. and retirement security. across the country counter to the presi- She had worked as a bookkeeper for Operating Engineers Local 701, Waitresses The president acknowledged sky- dent’s words. And at a time when Local 305 and Egg & Poultry Workers Local 231. She often worked on the delegate rocketing health care costs, another Americans are engaged in a serious di- registration desk at Oregon AFL-CIO conventions. reason the Dream is slipping away for alogue about our broken immigration She was born on Sept. 5, 1917 in North Dakota and moved with her family to so many working families. But our system, the Bush Administration’s Portland in 1923. They later moved to Canby where she graduated from high school. health care system is broken. The pres- own trade policies would do nothing In 1940 she married Ralph R. Dietz, a member of Auto Mechanics Local 1005, and ident’s plan to penalize the shrinking to stem the flow of illegal immigra- they made their home in Gladstone. He died in 1980. number of Americans fortunate tion. A FUNERAL MASS was conducted for Mrs. Dietz on Jan. 26 at St. John The enough to have insurance won’t con- We urge President Bush and the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City. tain costs or expand coverage. We new Congress to get serious about Survivors include her sister, Jean Miller, a niece, Helen Gourde; and a nephew, need fundamental reform so every restoring the American Dream. That Rick Soderberg. man, woman and child has access to means forging real solutions on health Memorial contributions can be sent to St. Vincent dePaul Society. Funeral the quality, affordable health care they care, immigration, retirement and jobs. arrangements were by Holman, Hankins, Bowker & Waud.

FEBRUARY 2, 2007 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 11 Bus strike looms in Corvallis City transit and school city transit workers be based on the wage of a driver, and sick leave pay-out wages and benefits of other transit comparable to city employees. bus operators reject workers within a 100-mile radius. The “Laidlaw’s position is totally unac- Laidlaw’s final offer, prevailing wage law went into effect ceptable and to this point in time the July 1, 2000. city has done nothing to correct it,” he authorize strike The issue for city bus operators cen- said, adding that any increases on Laid- ters around a service contract between law could be directly passed though to CORVALLIS — Corvallis’s transit the City of Corvallis and Laidlaw. Ac- the city. and school bus drivers turned thumbs cording to Ron Heintzman, an interna- In the school bus driver dispute, af- down to a proposal by Laidlaw Transit, tional vice president for the ATU and a ter six years the union was finally able Inc. that, in effect, would rip up wage former president of Local 757, wages in to bargain a five-year step increase on gains attained over the past six years. the bus operators’ first contract were wages. That step increase was ratified More than 65 bus operators — 10 at patterned after the prevailing wage or- in the 2003 contract, but didn’t take ef- the city and 55 at the school district — dinance, and benefits mirrored those re- fect until the last day of the contract are represented by Amalgamated Tran- ceived by Corvallis city employees. (June 30, 2006). sit Union Local 757. Their contact ex- “We agreed to that because the city As a concession to get the step in- pired on June 30, 2006. was anticipating taking bus service in- creases, bus drivers agreed to take a On Jan. 23, bus operators voted house,” Heintzman said. wage increase on the last day of the overwhelmingly to reject Laidlaw’s That transition never happened. contract, instead of at the beginning, contract proposal and at the same time To further complicate matters, the which is typical in other contracts AFSCME rallies for new authorized a strike. city didn’t update the minimum wage In the proposal drivers rejected on Canadian-based Laidlaw Transit has and benefit requirements when it re- Jan. 23, Heintzman said Laidlaw had contracts to provide public transit and newed its service contract with Laidlaw. eliminated step increases and gone back contract at Clackamas Co. school bus service in Corvallis. It is the As a result, when the union came to the original wage structure, totally largest transportation company in North looking for wage and benefit increases discounting the past six-year bargaining About 100 people turned out in ing on a cap on its contribution, mean- America and is notorious for opposing comparable to those received by city history. Oregon City for a noontime rally Jan. ing Local 350 members would likely unions. employees, Laidlaw refused, taking the Additionally, Laidlaw applied the 23 in support of members of the see their percentage rise considerably Drivers from both the City of Cor- position that unless the city changed its June 30, 2006 raise to its new contract American Federation of State, County above 5 percent next year,” he said. vallis and the school district joined Lo- contract in regard to minimum wages proposal — meaning they didn’t offer and Municipal Employees Local 350 In mid-December a mediator was cal 757 in 1997, but ran into one road- and benefits, they wouldn’t agree to any any raises for the first year of the pro- locked in difficult contract talks with called in, but after three sessions there block after another trying to get a first changes. posed contract. their employer — Clackamas County. has been little movement. The Jan. 23 contract. They walked off the job sev- That position has caused the parties “These are strike issues,” Heintzman The union has filed an unfair labor rally coincided with the third round of eral times and filled City Council meet- to reach impasse, with the union con- warned, “and our guys have given au- practice complaint for unilaterally im- mediated talks. The next mediated ses- ings numerous times to protest shoddy tending that it will not be locked into a thorization to do so. plementing a new payroll schedule in sion is scheduled for Feb. 15. treatment. contract with no changes for life. “The question now is whether the the midst of the current contract nego- Local 350 President Rob Hunger- In fact, it was Laidlaw’s resistance to Heintzman said the union came to parents of Corvallis K-12 students are tiations. Local 350 represents about ford says his colleagues deserve re- the union that led to a 1999 ballot meas- the bargaining table with 14 items, but willing to jeopardize their children’s 350 county employees in the 911 cen- spect. “We are the employees who ure in which Corvallis voters — by a narrowed its requests to just three: a 3.5 safety to a Canadian corporation that is ter, transportation, development, water make this county run,” he said. “Man- wide margin — approved an ordinance percent annual raise, an increase in life only interested in profit.” and environmental services depart- agers are in line to get big bonuses, but stipulating that wages and benefits for insurance from $20,000 to the annual ments. The 911 employees are not al- they can’t find money for our wages lowed to strike and work under a sepa- and health insurance costs.” rate contract. AFSCME Oregon Council 75 Ex- The county employees have been ecutive Director Ken Allen told rally- working without a contract since June goers, “Clackamas County needs to 30, 2006. Bargaining on a new agree- understand who they’re picking a fight ment began May 11, but disagree- with. They’re not just going up against Swanson, Thomas & Coon ments over health insurance premiums Local 350. They’re about to get on the have bogged down talks. wrong side of a large, statewide union ATTORNEYS AT LAW According to union spokesman that has over $600,000 in its strike Since 1981 Don Loving, Clackamas County wants fund. They need to come to the table a 95-5 split on the cost of employee and settle, because we won’t be scared James Coon Ray Thomas Kimberly Tucker health insurance. “The county is insist- away.” Jacqueline Jacobson Margaret Weddell Cynthia F. Newton

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