Who's Best for Workers: Merkley Or Smith?

SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:45 AM Page 1

See Inside MEETING NOTICES Page 4

Volume 109 Number 18 September 19, 2008 Portland, Oregon

Who’s best for workers: Merkley or Smith? By DON McINTOSH Habitat for Humanity, then the World of her union, the Oregon Nurses As - Associate Editor Affairs Council, and then worked as sociation. Democratic Oregon House speaker an affordable housing advocate. He Smith, 56, is one of the richest Jeff Merkley is challenging two-term was elected to the Oregon House in members of the U.S. Senate, with a Republican incumbent Gordon Smith 1998, served five terms, and was net worth of $23 million. He owns for U.S. Senate. It could end up a elected House speaker in 2006. As Smith Frozen Foods, a food-process - close race, in which votes from union speaker, he led passage of more pro- ing business founded by his grandfa - households make the difference. labor bills in one session than had ther, which today processes about Smith has tried to cultivate an im - passed in the previous decade. one-tenth of the frozen peas, corn and age as a moderate, but he has opposed Merkley got the Oregon AFL- diced carrots in the United States. a labor agenda often enough that most CIO’s second highest ranking among Smith grew up in Maryland and went unions are backing Merkley. A few all lawmakers in 2007 —and its en - to college at Brigham Young and labor organizations are staying out of dorsement in the Senate race. His life - Southwestern University Law School. the race. Just one union has endorsed time average for the four previous His father was assistant U.S. secretary Smith. legislative sessions is 97 percent. In of agriculture under President Dwight Merkley, 51, is the son of a ma - 10 years in office, Merkley disagreed Eisenhower. His brother was ap - chinist, and a graduate of David Dou - with the labor federation on only two pointed by President George W. Bush glas High School in outer Southeast recorded votes — a tax break for to a judge seat on the Ninth Circuit Portland. He earned degrees from Nike and funding for Jobs Plus. U. S. Court of Appeals. Smith moved GORDON SMITH Stanford and Princeton, went to work Merkley is a member of the AFL- to Oregon in the 1980s to take over JEFF MERKLEY for the Pentagon and the Congres - CIO’s community affiliate, Working the family business. He was elected to sional Budget Office, and returned to America, and his wife, Mary Sorte - Portland in 1991, where he headed berg, is a nurse and an active member (Turn to Page 7) Job security key issue in Machinists strike at Boeing Nearly 27,000 Machinists who as - members. We have filed several unfair The charges were filed with the leging that Boeing tried to circumvent $2,496 per employee — almost the semble commercial airplanes and labor practice charges against them.” National Labor Relations Board, al - the union’s bargainers through “direct exact amount of the “bonus” offered components at Boeing plants in Wash - dealing” one-on-one negotiations with in their last proposal. ington, Oregon and Kansas walked off workers — which is illegal. Local 63 members on the picket the job Sept. 6 after voting by an 87 Because it is an unfair labor prac - line in Gresham told the NW Labor percent margin to reject the com - tice strike, Boeing cannot hang over Press that they have not received a pany’s “last, best and final” offer and workers’ heads the threat of hiring wage increase (other than COLAs) to strike. permanent replacements if the dispute over the last two contract periods (six Approximately 1,244 workers are lingers on. years). “Now, the company is making members of Portland-based Machin - Talks broke down over a variety of record profits and they still want to ists Lodge 63 employed at the Boeing issues, including contracting out work take away from us,” said Steve Gentry, plant at 19000 NE Sandy Blvd., Gre - to nonunion shops and overseas, elim - a 22-year employee. “They really sham. Another 24,500 workers are ination of spousal survivor pension have no respect for what we do.” members of Machinists District Lodge benefits, plus higher out-of-pocket Petroff said the Machinists pro - 751 in the Everett, Washington area, health care and prescription drug posal penciled out at a cost of $94.3 and 1,000 belong to District Lodge 70 costs, most of which would have off - million over three years. “Boeing has in Wichita, Kansas. set the proposed raises and bonuses. back orders and stands to lose $100 The strike is an unfair labor prac - On the table at the time of the strike, million a day every day we are not tice strike, and not an economic strike, Boeing had offered an 11 percent pay working. How much sense does that although economics were certainly a hike over three years, a pension in - make?” he said. reason workers voted to walk out. crease, plus a signing bonus of $2,500. According to the New York Times, “Boeing treated this almost like an However, due to the way the last Boeing earned a record $4.1 billion in organizing campaign,” said Bob Pet- contract was structured, Boeing didn’t 2007. The newspaper also reported the roff, directing business representative cover a 40 cent cost-of-living-adjust - company has a backlog of more than of District Lodge 24 in Portland. ment that was due in September to all 3,600 orders valued at $263 billion. “They held captive audience meetings. Machinists Lodge 63 members (from left to right) Ed Garcia, Mark Goins workers. That COLA, according to The majority of those aircraft are ver - They attempted to negotiate with our and Steve Gentry walk picket line at the Boeing plant in Gresham. union officials, calculates out to about (Turn To Page 5) SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:45 AM Page 2

Healthy Labor group steps up campaign Washington HWCCoalition to counter anti-union TV ads After months of anti-union televi - recognize a union if a majority of nothing to do with this issue. We’re The Washington Health Care Caucuses: sion commercials, the union-sup - workers signed union cards. Right trying to switch focus to what unions ported group American Rights at now, employers get to decide whether can do for you in making a better life.” Speak Up for Quality, Affordable Health Care Work has launched a $5 million na - they want to recognize the union that “CEO salaries and benefits are get - Presented by: The Healthy Washington Coalition tionwide ad campaign aimed at build - way, or force a government-run elec - ting fatter and fatter,” a female voice- ing public support for the Employee tion. If unions get to make that choice, over says in the Oregon version of the Lend your voice to the effort to achieve quality, affordable Free Choice Act. The ads started air - they might opt for the “card-check” ad, “while workers face soaring gas health care for all Washingtonians. ing on Labor Day and will run several method, which would make a “secret- prices, foreclosures, and rising health times a day through Sept. 28. ballot” union election unnecessary. care costs.” The visual at this point is Learn what steps we have taken and what the next steps will be. The Employee Free Choice Act — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is an expensively-dressed “CEO” sitting a bill in Congress that would make it silent about intimidation by employers at one end of a see-saw. He laughs un - You’re invited to participate and help shape the principles and easier for workers to unionize — is opposing unionization, but says it’s controllably as the see-saw tilts in his values we want in Washington’s health care system. the U.S. labor movement’s top legisla - concerned that union organizers will favor. On the other side of the see-saw tive priority. Anti-union groups, in - intimidate workers into signing cards. is a “worker” wearing a toolbelt. Be part of the community that is committed to changing cluding the U.S. Chamber of Com - The new American Rights at Work But the ad continues: “The Em - the health care system in Washington State. merce and the corporate-funded ad, on the other hand, paints the bill in ployee Free Choice Act gives workers Employee Freedom Action Commit - a positive light. The ad says the Em - the freedom to form a union so they tee, are campaigning against the bill ployee Free Choice Act helps workers can earn better wages, retirement se - rd DATE September 23 TIME 6:30 - 8:30 pm this election season, and trying to tar - get a union — so they can improve curity, and health care coverage,” the nish Democratic candidates who sup - their lives. narrator says. The CEO stops laugh - PLACE Clark PUD Community Room port it. “We’re not trying to respond to ing, and now the camera shows the 1200 Fort Vancouver Way VANCOUVER “Some union bosses and their their misleading message frames,” worker with a tool belt has been politician friends want to do away said American Rights at Work joined by four other workers. The see- For more information visit with privacy when it comes to join a spokesperson Josh Goldstein. saw now tilts their way. www.healthywacoalition.org union,” says one such ad. The anti- “They’ve crafted their message to be The ad closes with a Web address Employee Free Choice Act campaign about secret ballots and intimidation. — FreeChoiceact.org — and a pitch: hammers away on one feature of the Those images of intimidation strike a “Call Gordon Smith. Tell him to sup - bill — it would require employers to nerve, regardless of the fact that it has port the Employee Free Choice Act and stop siding with wealthy CEOs over working families.” Identical ads naming other oppo - nents of the Employee Free Choice Bennett Hartman Act are running in Alaska, Maine, b h Minnesota and New Hampshire. And Morris & Kaplan, llp a version of the ad without the pitch Attorneys at Law airs on nationwide television, includ - ing CNN Headline News and m k MSNBC. The Oregon version of the ad can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/ Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm watch?v=DNBWogN840M. Representing Workers Since 1960

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Union leaders from Oregon paper mill travel to Minnesota, denied a meeting with new owners

Investment firm buys “Do they have any idea what’s go - Wayzata Investment Partners has ing on out there?” asked Leon C. dragged out negotiations for a new A rally supporting workers at the Halsey mill will bankrupt Pope & Talbot, Harlson, president of Local 1189. contract with USW Local 1189, bring - USW Local 1189 represents about ing Harlson and Local 1189 negotiator be held Sunday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. at the forces workers to ‘re- 120 workers at Cascade Pacific Pulp. Randy Besaw to Minnesota to request Steelworkers Local 1189 union hall, 1125 W. First Previous owner Pope & Talbot a meeting in-person with managing apply’ for jobs, then cuts filed for bankruptcy last November partner Halloran. Street, Halsey, Oregon. For more information, wages and benefits and shut down the mill May 9, 2008. Harlson has worked at the plant for contact Jim Gourley at 541-206-9544. The plant — and workers — sat idle 20 years, Besaw for 25 years. for seven weeks until Minnesota- “The mill started in 1969 and there By STEVE SHARE based Wayzata Investment Partners, a are some people who started there ing on, horns honked from a passing rate attorney. WAYZATA — Oregon’s Willam- private equity group, purchased the who are still working there,” Besaw U.S. Postal Service letter carrier’s Satisfied that at least the letter was ette Valley is a long way from the paper mill for $31.2 million and re - said. truck and from a semi-trailer truck. A delivered, Harlson, Besaw and their shores of Lake Minnetonka, lined by sumed operations under a new name. “The workers are devastated by the reporter and photographer from the supporters dispersed, as the chant the palatial homes of Minnesota’s Restarting the plant should have rehiring process they’ve put everyone Lakeshore Weekly News were on the “we’ll be back” echoed in downtown wealthiest business leaders. Nonethe - been good news for the workers, but through,” Harlson reported. scene. A dozen police stood watch. Wayzata. less, two union leaders from United the mill’s new Minnesota owners fired A certified letter that Local 1189 Despite the fact that Harlson and Backed by their international Steelworkers Local 1189 from Halsey, all the workers. Workers who wanted sent Aug. 15 to Wayzata Investment Besaw had come all the way from union, USW Local 1189 promises a Oregon traveled all the way to Min - to return to the plant had to “re-apply” Partners was signed for but never an - Oregon, no one from Wayzata Invest - continuing campaign to seek justice nesota last week seeking a meeting for their jobs — and take pay cuts of swered, so Harlson and Besaw made ment Partners would meet with them. for the workers at Cascade Pacific with Patrick C. Halloran, head of 12-28 percent. The new owners also the trip to Minnesota. In fact, the door to the building was Pulp. Wayzata Investment Partners, a private eliminated pensions and tripled health Sept. 8 they found themselves on locked, with a local police officer USW Local 1189 is asking Min - equity firm that purchased their plant care costs. the sidewalk outside the offices of standing guard, and the two visiting nesota union members to contact in June. Wayzata Investment Partners in down - union leaders weren’t allowed inside Wayzata Investment Partners to urge town Wayzata — joined by 50 Min - to deliver a letter requesting a meet - them to settle a fair contract at Cas - nesota union members who turned out ing. cade Pacific Pulp. Contact: Patrick C. in a show of solidarity, chanting and As Harlson, Besaw and supporters Halloran, Wayzata Investment Part - IN MEMORIAM waving signs. waited, Lt. Mike Murphy of the ners, 701 East Lake Street, Suite 300, To be sure, a union demonstration Wayzata Police Department offered to Wayzata, MN 55391. Phone: (952) on Lake Street in posh downtown help and took the letter inside. He re - 345-0700. Fax: (952) 345-8901. Leo G. Ly - Howard; son Jim; and six grandchil - Wayzata is not your everyday sight: turned to announce that he had man, a 55-year dren. Traffic slowed to observe, curious by - “served” the letter, presenting it to (Editor’s Note: Steve Share is editor member and re - Remembrances can be sent to the standers inquired about what was go - Wayzata Investment Partners’ corpo - of the Minneapolis Labor Review.) tired business American Heart Association. agent of Sheet

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:45 AM Page 4

General membership meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. Official EXTERIOR & I NTERIOR LANE COUNTY 15, preceded by a 6 p.m. stewards’ meeting. ROOFERS & W ATERPROOFERS Meetings are held at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. SPECIALISTS 2154 LABOR COUNCIL 49 Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 1125 Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2. SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. 1116 South A St., Springfield. NORTHWEST OREGON Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Notices Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave., Portland. (503 LABOR COUNCIL 232-4807) FIRE FIGHTERS 452 LANE , C OOS , C URRY & Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, at IBEW Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 2807 Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. DOUGLAS BUILDING TRADES Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the SALEM BCTC AUTO MECHANICS 1005 Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway, FFICE ROFESSIONAL Executive Board meets 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. O & P Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the FIRE FIGHTERS 1660 Springfield. IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. 15. Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at 4411 SW EMPLOYEES 11 Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, preceded Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. NOTICE: Members will have their dues adjusted by by a 9 a.m. shop stewards’ training session. LINN -B ENTON -L INCOLN $1.50 per month, as mandated by the OPEIU Interna - ALL MEMBERS are invited to shop stewards’ train - tional Constitution. The calculations will be based on SHEET METAL ing. Stewards must attend steward meeting to be com - GLASS WORKERS 740 LABOR COUNCIL wage rates in effect for September 2008 and are effective pensated. Executive Board members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, pre - Oct. 1, 2008. If you have any questions, please call the WORKERS 16 All meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Oct. 2, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 Union Office at 1-800-547-8902 or 503-257-6691. Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, PLEASE NOTE: Rachel Conrad will be available Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, Salem Ave., Albany. at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., from 8 a.m. to noon during the Regular Lodge meeting at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Portland. to answer any questions you may have about Health and Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6 at Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Welfare and Pension plans. Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, Spring - LINOLEUM LAYERS 1236 OPERATING ENGINEERS 701 the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., field. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. District 1 members meet 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Portland. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 25, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. PLEASE Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E First St., Gladstone. Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. SE, NOTE: The meeting will be “Special Call” to vote on District 5 members meet 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at 8, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., Medford. Salem. the wage allocation effective Oct. 1, 2008. Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E First St., Gladstone. Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, CRAFTWORKERS 1 Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, at District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Eugene. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 12812 NE 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. North Bend/Coos Bay Labor Center, 3427 Ash St., Marx St., Portland. Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. IRON WORKERS 29 Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. North Bend. 16, at Abby’s Pizza, 997 First St., Coos Bay. Members meet 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, preceded by 23, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. ARPENTERS a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NE 8, at Rogue Regency Inn, 2300 Biddle Rd, Medford. C 247 Ainsworth Cir., #200, Portland. District 2 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, SIGN PAINTERS & Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. MACHINISTS 63 at Comfort Suites, 969 Kruse Way, Springfield. 23, at the Carpenters Hall, 2215 N. Lombard, Portland. Executive Board meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. District 1 members meet 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, PAINT MAKERS 1094 IRON WORKERS Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, preceded at Longview Electricians Hall, 1145 Commerce Ave., Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, in the ARPENTERS by a 9 a.m. stewards’ meeting. Longview. District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. C 1388 SHOPMEN 516 Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 276 Members meet 6 p. m. Thursday, Sept. 25, at 11620 Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. at Cousin’s Restaurant, 2115 W 6th, The Dalles. NE Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, MACHINISTS 1432 at DTC Office, 148 Main St., Hermiston. SOUTHERN OREGON Swing and graveyard shift members meet at noon CARPENTERS 1715 Wednesday, Oct. 8. CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, preceded LABOR ROUNDTABLE OF Regular membership meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at the Labor by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. Oct. 8. PAINTERS & D RYWALL Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy.#3, Central Point. McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON Shop stewards training session 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at Hometown 20. FINISHERS 10 CEMENT MASONS 555 Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 11105 Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at 12812 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. SOUTHWESTERN OREGON NE Marx St., Portland. T-shirts, sweatshirts and coveralls are for sale in the LABORERS 320 METAL TRADES COUNCIL office. CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at Joe Edgar Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 1, at the Bay LARK KAMANIA Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd Ave., Port - Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 9. Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. C , S & land. Meetings are at the IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE PLASTERERS 82 LICKITAT OUNTIES Airport Way, Portland. Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 12812 W. K C NE Marx St., Portland. LABOR COUNCIL LABORERS /V ANCOUVER 335 TRANSIT 757 Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, preceded Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, preceded by a MOLDERS 139 Vancouver members meet 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, :15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancouver t the Laborers Hall, 2232 NE Andresen, Vancouver, by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 6 Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, preceded PORTLAND CITY & a Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Carpenters Washington. Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. METROPOLITAN EMPLOYEES Tillamook members meet 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Odd Fellows Hall, next door to the Bay City Fire COLUMBIA -P ACIFIC LABORERS 483 189 Hall in Bay City. MULTNOMAH COUNTY General membership meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. AMR Northwest Josephine County, LAMAR Adver - MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES 23. tising and Valley Transit See your liaison officers. BUILDING TRADES embers meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Mu - Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 23 and Sept. M EMPLOYEES 88 Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. PLEASE NOTE: ATU members are invited to attend icians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. 30, in Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. s Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Meetings are at 6025 E Burnside, Portland. any of the above- listed meetings.

ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, in the UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Meeting Hall. Retiree Meeting Notices Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. 23, in the Executive Boardroom. Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. General Membership meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 25, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane, Astoria. Sept. 24, in the Meeting Hall. Show-up early for free Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. sandwiches and specifically designed tee-shirts. Doors ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED and noon Monday, Oct. 13, at Home - Ave., Portland, followed by a no-host 25, at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, open at 5:30 p.m. AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER town Buffet on Lancaster in Salem, lunch at a restaurant to be determined Redmond. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 1 Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and Oct. 15, in the Executive Boardroom. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, which is next to Michael’s Craft at the meeting. Sept. 30, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 517 Rail - Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Asto - Sept. 25, at Westmoreland Union Store. If you have any questions, call road St., Brookings. ria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets 6 p.m. Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., Portland. Don Ball at 541-327-3388. 23, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse, Coos Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Executive Boardroom. All retirees are welcome to attend. RETIREES COUNCIL Bay. Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Executive Board meets 10 a.m. ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS 23 Business meeting from 10 a.m. to Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. the Dispatch Lobby. 22, at the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Park - Sound and Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in the Northwest Retirees meet 12 noon Tuesday, 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in the way, Springfield. Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Meeting Hall. Oregon Labor Council board room, at Oct. 14, at Kirkland Union Manor, Northwest Oregon Labor Council Klamath Falls area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Vancouver Meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 3530 SE 84th, Portland. Sept. 23, at 4816 S 6th St., Klamath Falls. Round Table Pizza, 5016 NE Thurston, Vancouver 1125 SE Madison, Portland. board room, at 1125 SE Madison, Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. Wasco Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, at #103G, Portland. 25, at 950A Industrial Cir., White City. Roseburg area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. the Northern Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The Dalles. CARPENTERS FLOOR COVERERS 1236 Electrical Women of Local 48 meets 6 p.m. Tuesday, 25, at the Roseburg Labor Temple, 742 SE Roberts, Oct. 21, at 5th Quadrant, 3901B N. Williams, Portland. Retired Carpenters meet for lunch Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Friday, OREGON AFSCME Roseburg. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un - 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at Home - Oct. 10, at Izzy’s Pizza Bar & Buffet, Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, less otherwise noted. at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as - town Buffet, (by Mall 205) 10542A 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Portland. 21, at the AFSCME office, 6025 E. The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. sessments have been declared for September and are SE Washington, Portland. Burnside, Portland. Call Michael 23, at the United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union Hall, The Dalles. payable at 50 cents each: No. 2186, Dennis F. Marl; No. GLASS WORKERS 740 2187, Irwin C. Fandrey, and No. 2188, Kurt P. Mettie. Arken for information at 503-239- Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Retirees meet 11 a.m. Thursday, 9858, ext. 124. p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Eureka Training Center, 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 Retiree, wives and friends meet Oct. 16, at Izzy’s Pizza Bar & Buffet, Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, at Rus - 1307 NE 102nd Ave., Portland. TRANSIT 757 the 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the sellville Park Plaza, 20 SE 103rd Ave., USW 1097 IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red - (Burnside St.) Portland. Lunch will be INSULATORS 36 Oct. 1, at Westmoreland Union Members meet 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, pre - mond. Retiree breakfast 9:30 a.m. Thurs - Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. ceded by a 5:45 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Joint Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, at served in the main dining room at 11 union office building, Westport. 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. a.m. for $6.50 each, gratuity included. day, Oct. 2, at the Dockside Restau - For more information and reserva - rant, 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS tions, call Vera at 503 252-2296. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, USW 8378 MACHINISTS October meeting has been canceled. 23 ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 Oct. 16, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tu - Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, preceded by Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. Retired Machinists meet 10 a.m. alatin. a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 3645 SE 32nd Whitaker Way, Portland.

PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:46 AM Page 5

...Machinists brace for long strike

(From Page 1) voted to strike. Machinists District Lodge 24 “I came back for one more contract. sions of the popular Boeing 737. has scheduled a rally for strik - Now they want to take my retirement Boeing plants will remain open ing Boeing workers in Gre - away,” he said. “We watch them gut during the strike, but nothing will be sham on Saturday, Sept. 20, the contract year after year. We don’t manufactured. Under the terms of its starting at noon. Hamburgers trust them. They don’t walk their talk.” collective bargaining agreement with At the union’s international con - Boeing, members of the Society of and hot dogs will be on the bar - vention in Florida held earlier this Professional Engineering Employees becue. Several politicians, in - month, Machinists Western Territory in Aerospace (SPEEA) are prohibited cluding Jeff Merkley, a candi - Vice President Lee Pearson told dele - from honoring another union’s picket date for U.S. Senate, have been gates that Boeing came to the table line. But the union is distributing “I invited to speak. with takeaways, “just like they did in Support IAM” signs for employees to 2005.” display in vehicles and at work. The As an example, Boeing again tried union also is telling members to de - was implemented. It was that contract cutting Wichita members out of the cline management requests to per - that opened the door for more con - bargaining process, and the company form Machinists work and to notify tracting out of work. introduced a “two-tiered” fringe bene - the union if it does. SPEEA repre - This year, workers voted by an 80 Union baker becomes U.S. citizen fits package for new hires. Both items sents 21,515 Boeing employees in percent margin to reject the contract Mario Aldaco, a member of Portland-based Bakers Local 114, was sworn in were bargained out of the deal. Washington, Oregon, Utah, Kansas — and by an 87 percent margin to as a U.S. citizen Aug. 28. Following the ceremony, the 24-year-old native of Pearson said the move this year and California. Its labor contracts ex - strike. Mexico went with Local 114 Financial Secretary Terry Lansing to the “was both unnecessary and arrogant in pire Dec. 1, 2008. Some members were upset when Elections Division to register to vote. Aldaco is employed at Richmond Baking lieu of their record profits and remark - In Oregon, Teamsters Joint Council the union — at the request of federal in McMinnville, where he is a lead sanitation worker responsible for the able backlog” of orders for the 787 No. 37 has sanctioned the strike and mediators and Washington State Gov. cleaning of all the baking equipment and machines. He was instrumental in Dreamliner. will not deliver to the Gresham plant, Chris Gregoire — agreed to extend helping the union win an organizing campaign there in 2006. Aldaco is now Pearson said the company “tried to which manufactures landing gear the contract for 48 hours to try to a shop steward and an elected member of Local 114’s Executive Board. circumvent our negotiators and bar - beams, flight control columns, and reach a settlement. That failed and the Aldaco came to the U.S. as a legal permanent resident in 1999 to be with his gained themselves into a strike instead gear boxes, among other parts. The strike began Sept. 6. family. He graduated from McMinnville High School in 2004 while working of what could have been an industry- Northwest Oregon Labor Council also Pickets in Gresham told the Labor full-time at Richmond Baking. To be naturalized, a person must be at least leading agreement that would have has sanctioned the strike and called for Press that the regressive contract lan - 18 years old, have lived in the United States for at least five years, be able to propelled both Boeing and our mem - a boycott. guage “has made us a whole lot read, write, speak and understand basic English, and have basic knowledge bers forward for the next three years.” At the Machinists convention in stronger. We’re ready to stay out three, and understanding of U.S. history, government structure and the IAM President Tom Buffenbarger Florida earlier this month, American four, five months. One day longer than Constitution. “Mario has worked hard for this union and to become a U.S. says the issue of job security is critical Federation of State, County and Mu - Boeing.” citizen. We’re very proud of him,” Lansing said. For his part, Aldaco said it to workers. He told the Wall Street nicipal Employees (AFSCME) Presi - “Corporate America is sticking it to made him happy that Lansing could be with him when he took the oath. “It Journal: “It’s time for Boeing to listen dent Gerald McEntee said his union the working man. We’re taking a stand meant a lot,” Aldaco told the NW Labor Press.. to us on this. The union just wants to would send $100,000 to help strikers. for all workers,” Gentry said. be able to have a shot at making the Strike benefits are $150 a week. Tom Gobel, a 20-year employee, case that our workers can do those Machinists struck for 24 days in said elimination of the spousal sur - jobs competitively before Boeing 2005 before getting a contract. A labor vivor benefit and the reduction in re - ships them out.” Radical Women National Conference dispute in 1995 lasted for 69 days and tiree medical were the reasons he affected 32,000 employees. The Persistent Power In 2002, workers took major con - of cessions because of 9-11 and the eco - Socialist Feminism nomic impact it had on the United States. The Machinists actually voted October 3-6, 2008 down the contract, but then failed to Local Motion San Francisco, Women’s Building M muster a two-thirds majority that the union’s constitution requires in order Registration: $15/day, $7.50 low income to strike. When the strike vote failed, August 2008 Contact 206-722-6057 • www.RadicalWomen.org the rejected contract automatically Union activity in Oregon and Southwest Washington, according to the National Labor Relations Board Are you in pain? and the Oregon Employment Relations Board We can help! Quest Pine Street Election results Results: Community Acupuncture Employer Union No Investment 215 SE 9th Ave, Portland Oregon Date Union Location Union Q 503-233-1800 www.pinestreetneedles.com Providence Medford Medical Center Management, Inc. 121 79 8/7 Oregon Nurses Assoc. Medford Sliding Scale $15-35 Lay’s Construction } S•eSrevrivninggMMuullttii--EEmmpployeer r Acupuncture can treat ANY pain! 32 TTrursutstfsorfoOrvTewr TewnteyntYyeYaeras rs 8/21 Carpenters Portland Rainbow Adult Living 15 11 CCam Joohhnnssoonn GGreg Sherwwoooodd 8/29 Oregon AFSCME Portland AAddriannHHaammilitlotonn MMonte Joohhnnssoonn DDoouug GGoebel BBiillllZZennk Rain Forest Boots Made in America! Representation petitions Garth Nisbet Pat Worley Employer Location Try a pair on, you’ll like them. Union # of employees OOnnee SSWW CCoolluummbbiiaa St., Suite 1100,PPoorrttllaanndd,, OR 97258 Tough boots for the Northwest. 550033--222211--00115588 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan NW Portland AL’S SHOES Service Employees International Union Local 49 9 wwwwww..QuestIInveessttmmeennt.tc.coomm 5811 SE 82nd, Portland 503-771-2130 Mon-Fri 10-7:30 Sat 10-5:30 Sun 12-6

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:46 AM Page 6

EE BARGAIN COUNTER Open FR Free classified ads to subscribers Forum ‘It’s deja vu DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication Published 1st and 3rd Fridays Get behind all over again’ Now accepting e-mails To The Editor: I would also remind you of the Send to: [email protected] T.R.A.D.E. Act I watched a lot ot both the Demo - words of President Eisenhower, when Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 cratic and Republican conventions. I he said: “Beware of the military indus - (Please include union affiliation) To The Editor: watched on C-Span, CNN, CNBC, trial complex.” In his letter in the Sept. 5 issue, OPB and yes, I even watched some on We have just suffered through eight • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • 1 ad per issue Tom Wenning identified an issue that FOX. C-Span 1 and C-Span 2 didn’t years of “Big Oil Cheney & Bush” • All lower case ( NO CAPITAL LETTERS, PLEASE ) • is at least as old as the U.S. labor have commercials. running the White House, and a war movement: immigrants taking jobs. In C-Span1 ran the Democratic con - that has cost over 4,000 American many cases economic and/or political vention and C-Span 2 ran some Re - lives. Now the country is considering Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published conditions in their home country are publican pre-convention committee “change.” Both parties are offering forcing people to make the dangerous FREE REMOVAL of unwanted cars and pickups. 503 meetings. In one, the major argument change. 314-8600 choice of migrating to the U.S. was to change all references to the Changing what, exactly? Automotive CLEAR TITLE and serial number plate for ’57 Chevy We can help solve one of the root Democratic Party to the “Democrat” The Republican Party offers a Viet - PU, $350 or trade for guns. 503 658-6108 economic problems driving this mass Party. After mu-u-u-u-u-ch discus - nam war hero who is solidly against ’72 CHEV TRUCK, 3/4T, LWB, Cheyenne camper pack - Sporting Goods migration to the U.S. by supporting age, AC, PB, PS, canopy, rear slider, $4,900. 503 245- DILLON B-SQUARE reloader w/380, 9mm, .38 special sion, someone finally pointed out that the current anti-war movement and 6714 dies, $250 OBO. 541 332-0163 the Trade Reform, Accountability, De - the legal and registered name of the whose bones most certainly would ’96 BEAVER MONTEREY motor home, 36’, CAT diesel. 2 PAIR SKIS and boots, 1 each man’s and woman’s, velopment and Employment Act and party is the Democratic Party. still be in Vietnam if not for the anti- 503 286-1464 come see and make offer. 360 687-2644 urging our unions to endorse it. ’78 CHEV PU, 3/4 T, 4wd, $2,800; ’95 Chev PU, 1/2 T, HEALTH TRAINER elliptical 2007 model, never used, Eventually, the motion failed. war movement of the ’60s and ’70s. V6, auto, low miles, new tires, $3,800. 503 625-6864 paid over $500, sell for $300. 360 892-7443 or 360 798- The T.R.A.D.E. Act would require I also had some bets that on the He’s an oil lackey whose mantra is TIRE CHAINS, new, 1 pair fits 225/75R14 thru 6.50-16lt. 3270 that countries party to trade agree - commercial networks, every adver - drill, drill, drill. lug reinforced, USA made; 1 pair fits 12.50-15, 12.50- 2008 JAYCO Jay Flight travel trailer 28', $15,500, slide- 16.5, $50 per pair. 360-213-9540 out, 2 doors, tow vehicle also for sale. 503.491.5181 ments with the U.S. adopt into law tisement before or after the coverage I agree with both party’s themes — HARLEY CUSTOM TRIKE, in great shape, $30K in - HUNTING RIFLE, Ruger model 77, 270 clbr with 3 x 9 and actually enforce the International would be either a Wal-Mart ad, one of it’s time for a change ... again. vested, asking $16,500. 503-657-4489 Leupold scope, $300.503 258-0315 Labor Organization’s core labor stan - RIFLE, HUSKY H5000 bolt action 30-06 with Simmons those anti-union ads, or an oil com - I remember the Yogi Berra quote 1029 3x9x40 scope, sling, 80 rounds ammo, very clean, dards (freedom of association, collec - pany T. Boone Pickens’ ad. I lost that about “de ja vu.” And, although I’ve $500 cash. 503 236-1329 tive bargaining and the elimination of bet. It wasn’t 100 percent, but I think never seen this quote fromYogi, I'm Housing forced and child labor are among the it was somewhere between 33 to 80 sure he made it somewhere: “Keep ROCKAWAY BEACH house, 3 bed, 2 bath, sleeps 10, most important). great amenities, minutes to beach or shops. 503 355- Miscellaneous percent. your eye on the ball.” 2136 or 503 709-6018 ELECTRIC MORTAR mixer, 2hp, towable hitch, great Ask your U.S. representative to co- To those family and friends out And to all you hockey fans: “Keep FISH, HUNT, ride ATV’s, 2 bed, 1 bath w/garage on lake, cond, $700. 503 774-1780 sponsor H.R. 6180. Ask your U.S. there (and I know you’re out there) your eye on the puck.” Wasco County, $112k. 541 544-2030 TWO SETS of glass towel rods, three rods per set, $35; senator to co-sponsor S.3083. To see 200 ACRES, juniper trees, scenic, secluded, $200,000, two octagon chrome rods, $12.50 each, all about 80 who voted for Ronald Reagan because God love ya. terms. 541-468-2961 (Spray, Oregon) years old. 503 656-2502 more about the T.R.A.D.E. Act., go to: they hated Jimmy Carter and/or they Wally Mehrens CLATSKANIE, 2 bed fixer-upper, 1.5 bath, double WELDING SUPPLIES, compressed gas, welding rods, www.citizenstrade.org/pdf2/ TRADE - wanted the hostages home, I hope you UA Local 290 garage, nice location, possible owner finance, $75,000. esab welder 350mpi 503-557-1136 503 630-3690 VINTAGE DURO JOINTER, 26.5" bed, USA, needs mo - Act.pdf . remember, as Yogi Berra said, “It’s Retired ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 bed, sleeps 8, tor, $55; for pix or questions: [email protected] or Stuart Fishman deja vu all over again.” Clackamas, OR. beachfront, all amenities, fall special $160/night. 503 call eves 503-253-2671 UFCW 555 842-9607 TRACTORS: Farmall Super A's, 1 in running condition $1,000; 1 for parts $200; tillage tool $150; all OBO. 503- Portland 520-8627 Wanted OLD WOODWORKING Tools, Planes, Levels, Chisels, The Handsaws, Slicks, Adzes, Wrenches, Folding Rulers, Old Leather Tools, Tool Chests. 503-659-0009 deadline to LOG CROSS cut timber saws, log saw handles & hard - Register ware, anything logging, woodworking hand tools. 503 819-3736 to Vote in the CASH FOR older toys and older American art pottery. 503 653-1506 November General Election CORRECTION is James Coon Raymond Thomas Cynthia Newton Kimberly Tucker Chris Frost Tuesday, Oct. 14 An e-mail address in the article, “Union electrician speaks out about un - The team at SWANSON, THOMAS&COON safe work in Iraq” (NW Labor Press, Sept. 5, 2008) included an extra hy - Get Workers’ Compensation beneﬁts can help you: phen. The correct e-mail address is: Apprenticeship for on-the-job injuries or illness. [email protected] . Opening Workers Compensation The Labor Press regrets the error. Masonry Trades Union Get Social Security benefits Construction Injuries Tile, Terrazzo, if you can’t work. Brick & Tile Finisher Death Claims Recover damages if you are injured Must be at least 18 years old by someone’s negligence. Personal Injury /Product Liability at time of application. Social Security Disability Applications being taken Helping injured people Tuesday, Oct. 28, for over 25 years. Call us today at 503-228-5222 Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Straight answers. No cost for consultation. Thursday, Oct. 30 from 8 a.m. to noon and

SWANSON, THOMAS & COON ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 820 S.W. Second Avenue, Suite 200 Portland, Oregon 97204 12812 NE Marx St. www.stc-law.com Portland, Ore. 97230

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:46 AM Page 7

...Over a dozen unions endorse Merkley’s Senate campaign

(From Page 1) Teamsters Local 839, Lehrbach said. nate the Bush tax cuts for citizens tion to choose from and not be forced “For the last 30 years, the standard of And Joint Council 37 backed Smith earning more than 250,000 a year.] to choose among profit-making insur - living has been flat or declining for 80 the Oregon Senate in 1992 and be - for re-election in 2002. This year the Smith told Northwest Oregon La - ance companies. percent of Americans. We need two came Senate president in 1995. Dur - union has endorsed Merkley. bor Council delegates at an August When it comes to trade policy, senators representing Oregon work - ing his two terms in the State Senate, Merkley is a strong supporter of 2007 breakfast that he would work Smith has a perfect record of support ing together to fight for our workers Smith voted with the Oregon AFL- the Employee Free Choice Act, and with labor to reform national labor for NAFTA-style treaties, “fast track” and our families rather than doing fa - CIO 25 percent of the time. has taken flak for it from voters be - law so that it’s not so stacked against and normalizing trade relations with vors and giving away funds to power - In January 1996, Smith lost a close cause national anti-union groups are workers. Nothing appears to have China and Vietnam. Even in the Ore - ful special interests.” race against Democrat Ron Wyden in running television ads criticizing him come of that pledge. gon Senate in 1993, Smith voted a bruising special election to fill the for it, saying the bill would strip When Bush tried to privatize So - against a symbolic resolution asking (Editor’s Note: U.S. Sen. Ron U.S. Senate seat of Republican Bob workers of the “secret ballot” in union cial Security in 2005, Smith, who was Congress not to ratify NAFTA (North Wyden has endorsed Merkley’s cam - Packwood, who resigned following a then the chair of the Senate Special American Free Trade Agreement). paign. In a press statement, Wyden highly publicized sex scandal. Committee on Aging, took no public Merkley, on the other hand, is a pointed to the Democratic Party’s slim When Republican U.S. Sen. Mark When it comes to trade position, but echoed Bush Adminis - vocal critic of NAFTA, and not just in 51-49 margin in the Senate. “We have Hatfield retired later that year, Smith tration talking points about Social Se - front of union audiences. seen more successful filibusters from ran again. This time he defeated polit - policy, Smith has a curity being in dire need of a fix. “They call it free trade,” Merkley the Republicans in the Senate than we ical newcomer Tom Bruggere. perfect record of Merkley says he would never sup - says in a television ad. “Problem is have ever seen in the history of our Smith easily won re-election in port Social Security privatization. He there’s nothing free about it, and Ore - country,” Wyden said. “You’ve got to 2002, defeating Oregon Secretary of support for NAFTA-style downplays the urgency of Social Se - gon has paid a very heavy price, with have 60 votes to move ahead — to State Bill Bradbury. treaties, ‘fast track’ and curity insolvency, and says he would nearly 70,000 jobs shipped overseas.” break a filibuster to move on ... .” As a U.S. senator, Smith has voted not vote to raise the cap on Social Se - “Imagine that in Oregon the re was in agreement with the national AFL- normalizing trade curity taxes — currently individuals one city that had no environmental Two debates are scheduled between CIO 24 percent of the time: In 11 relations with China pay no Social Security tax on income rules and no labor rules,” Merkley told Smith and Merkley: One in Portland years of tracked votes, Smith agreed over $102,000. the Labor Press. “Where would all the Oct. 10 will be aired on KGW-TV Port - with the labor federation 31 times and and Vietnam. Merkley is Merkley’s Senate campaign is en - manufacturing go? They’d be sucked land, and one in Medford Oct. 13 will disagreed 100 times. About two-thirds a vocal critic of NAFTA. dorsed by over a dozen labor organi - out of every other city in the state.” air on KOBI-TV Medford, KOTI-TV of the pro-labor votes were cast in an zations, including the state’s largest “Workers have been getting the Klamath Falls, KLSR-TV Eugene and election year or the year before, public and private sector unions. They short end of the stick,” Merkley said. KEVU-TV Eugene.) whereas in the years immediately after elections. include Oregon AFSCME Council his two election wins he voted against “The Employee Free Choice Act 75, United Food and Commercial the AFL-CIO 100 percent of the time. doesn’t take away any right to a bal - Workers Local 555, the International Occasions on which Smith agreed lot,” Merkley told the Labor Press. Longshore and Warehouse Union, with labor included a 2007 ‘no’ vote “Since about 1935 there’ve been two the Oregon Machinists Council, and on a bill that would have banned ways for workers to form unions. One the Oregon State Police Officers As - San i t a “card check” as a method of union - is through a majority of folks signing sociation. clogs ization. He also voted for bills that a card. And the other is through an Just one union is endorsing Smith would have allowed Medicare to bar - election. But it’s the employer who — the Oregon State Fire Fighters gain over drug prices, and would have has control of that choice. And I think Council. legalized importation of prescription workers should have control of the “Gordon Smith has a great track drugs. Several times, Smith has voted choice. It’s that simple.” record on our issues,” said Bob Liv - to preserve the requirement that con - When the Oregon AFL-CIO began ingston, IAFF’s Oregon state council struction workers on federal projects pro-Merkley mailings to union mem - legislative director. Livingston said be paid the prevailing wage. bers, Smith campaign spokesperson Smith co-sponsored IAFF’s top prior - Partly in gratitude for that, the Lindsay Gilbride told the Oregonian ity, a bill that would require all states Oregon State Building and Construc - that “Jeff Merkley’s union bosses” to give collective bargaining rights to tion Trades Council endorsed Smith’s were distorting Gordon Smith’s re- public safety workers. Smith also sup - re-election bid in 2002. This year, cord. ported increased federal funding for however, the council is staying out of Despite multiple requests, the local fire departments, favorable tax the race, and two building trades or - Smith campaign did not agree to an treatment for retired public safety of - ramers/metro ganizations have endorsed Merkley interview in which he could have de - ficers, and making it easier for surviv - K — the Oregon State Association of fended his record in the eyes of the ing spouses to get public safety pen - mailing service Electrical Workers, and Exterior and Labor Press’ 50,000-plus union mem - sions. 3201 N.W. YEON Interior Specialists Local 2154 of the ber readers. Nor did Gilbride respond, Of course, Merkley, too, is “a great PORTLAND, OREGON 97210 Carpenters Union. as promised, to e-mailed questions friend and supporter of working fami - (503) 274-1638 FAX (503) 227-1245 That may be because on so many about trade, workers’ rights and retire - lies,” Livingston said. Last year, key issues — trade policy, workers’ ment security. Merkley led passage of a state law THE ONLY UNION MAILER rights, tax fairness — Smith is a labor The record is left to speak for it - that restored the right of public safety IN OREGON opponent. self. unions to bargain over safety condi - Visit our Web site at www.kramersmailing.com When the union movement’s top Smith voted against allowing air - tions. That right had been stripped MEMBERS OF TEAMSTERS LOCAL 223 priority, the Employee Free Choice port screeners to unionize. He voted from police and fire unions in 1995 — Eric Brending, Owner — Act, made it to the Senate floor in against increasing the federal mini - — by a law Smith helped pass when 2007 with majority support, Smith mum wage when that proposal had no he was Oregon Senate president. joined a handful of Republican sena - other provisions attached. He voted to But Smith is the incumbent, and he tors to block it. On a vote of 51-48, stop a requirement that employers try backed IAFF in the Senate, Liv - the Senate voted for cloture — to shut to prevent ergonomic injuries (the ingston said: “Our mantra is that we Zachary off debate. Sixty votes are needed to first time Congress had ever stepped support those that support us.” invoke cloture and end the debate and in to nullify an Occupational Safety Health care is a big issue for union Zabinsky move to a vote on the bill. So even and Health Administration rule). voters. Smith is a co-sponsor of a bill • Social Security though a majority of the Senate voted Smith voted for the 2001 and 2003 authored by Sen. Wyden, which would • SSI - Disability Claims for cloture (and supported the bill), Bush tax cuts, in which most of the replace employer-sponsored health Personal Attention To Every Case Smith and a few others wouldn’t let it tax savings went to the wealthiest tax - coverage with a requirement that indi - happen. payers. Thanks to the 2001 cut, in - viduals buy insurance. Merkley says Working For Disability Rights That vote is one of the things that come from capital gains and divi - he also supports Wyden’s plan, but Since 1983 cost Smith the support of the Interna - dends is now taxed at a lower rate with some reservations: It should not NO FEE WITHOUT RECOVERY tional Brotherhood of Teamsters, said than income earned from wages. And end existing health care plans that 621 SW Morrison, Portland Joint Council 37 Representative Lynn the Bush tax cuts sent the federal workers have negotiated with their Lehrbach. Smith’s company has had a budget from surplus to deficit. employers, and individuals would decent working relationship with [Merkley says he would vote to elimi - need to have a public insurance op - 223-8517

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 SEPT. 19, 2008:NWLP 9/16/08 10:46 AM Page 8

AFSCME leaders help break ground on new State Hospital

By DON LOVING long overdue,” said Dr. Bruce Goldberg, director SALEM – “Overdue” was the word of the of the Oregon Department of Human Services, day on Sept. 3 as over 100 people gathered for in greeting those in attendance on Sept. 3. the groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Ore - Salem Mayor Janet Taylor, Kulongoski, and gon State Hospital (OHS). Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney all used The history of OSH is well-chronicled. As similar phrases during their speeches. noted by several speakers, the now ancient facil - Among the 20 or so dignitaries on the podium ity on Center Street NE in central Salem was dais were Oregon AFSCME Executive Director both state-of-the-art and located well outside of Ken Allen, Local 3295 President Joe Thurman, town when it was constructed in 1883. Origi - and Local 3327 President Dr. Lorraine Skatch. nally known as the Oregon Insane Asylum, it Both Thurman and Skatch, who work at OSH, was renamed in 1907. were cautiously optimistic about the future. Unfortunately, the facility is perhaps best “It’s long overdue, and hopefully we’ve begun known for hosting the 1973 film “One Flew some momentum that doesn’t stop,” said Thur - Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” starring Jack Nichol - man, an OSH employee for 11 years. “This is all son. OSH was chosen for the movie because it well and good, but a new facility doesn’t solve all looked old and out-of-date then; indeed, a 1978 the problems here. It will help, but there are still governor’s task force concluded that OSH was safety concerns due to lack of staffing. We can “aged, obsolete, unsafe and visibly deteriorating build a shiny new hospital, but if we don’t staff it from years of neglect.” Again, that report was is - properly, we’ll inherit many of the old problems. sued in 1978, and improvements in the interven - We need to make sure that both staff and patients ing 30 years have been few and far between. are safe at OSH day in and day out.” The ongoing situation at OSH has long been a Amongst those posing for the ceremonial groundbreaking at Oregon State Hospital are (left to Skatch echoed Thurman’s comments. concern for Oregon AFSCME Council 75, as the right) state Sen. Peter Courtney, DHS Director Dr. Bruce Goldberg, AFSCME Local 3295 “It’s very exciting, and a great day for Ore - union has two locals within the facility. Local President Joe Thurman, AFSCME Local 3327 President Dr. Lorraine Skatch, and Oregon gon and for Oregonians with mental illnesses,” 3295 represents registered nurses at the hospital, AFSCME Council 75 Executive Director Ken Allen. said Skatch, who’s been at OSH for 22 years. “I while Local 3327 represents OSH doctors. A hope this change leads to better living situations combination of the deteriorating physical facility Shortly after taking office in 2003, Gov. Ted current OSH grounds in Salem, plus an addi - and better treatment for the patients of Oregon and chronic understaffing has made OSH an ex - Kulongoski established a 21-member Mental tional 360-bed satellite facility to be constructed State Hospital and those who work with them tremely dangerous place to work; there are fre - Health Task Force to study and identify the key in Junction City. There are about 800 beds at the day-to-day.” quent patient-on-staff and patient-on-patient as - problems in Oregon’s overall mental health sys - current OSH site in Salem. If all goes as planned, saults and other situations that the union has tem. Quickly bubbling to the top was OSH. Fi - the new Salem OSH will open in 2011, with the (Editor’s Note: Don Loving is communications doggedly called to the attention of the Oregon nally, in 2007, the Legislature approved a pack - Junction City facility following in 2013. director for Oregon AFSCME Council 75.) Legislature session after session. age that includes a new 620-bed facility on the “Welcome to a ceremony that is exciting but

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