(ISSN 0023-6667) If EFCA becomes law, unions would be 22% By Mark Gruenberg million would receive pensions range from statutes that are PAI Staff Writer It based those calculations similar to U.S. law to those that Union density in the U.S. on present data, which show are even more pro-worker than would rise from its present 12.4 union members are 28 percent EFCA. percent of all workers to 22 more likely than non-unionists Citing a Canadian study, percent--over a period of years- to get employer-paid health Lotke explained “mandatory -if the Employee Free Choice care, and 22.5 percent more votes” on whether to unionize Act (EFCA) were to become likely to have traditional “had a negative effect on law, two analysts of the mea- employer-based pensions. (union) certifications.” U.S. An Injury to One is an Injury to All! sure’s impact said. Eisenbrey and Lotke labor law now makes such Speaking at an April 30 tele- explained there are several rea- votes the prime way unions are WEDNESDAY VOL. 112 sons the Employee Free Choice certified in workplaces. But MAY 9, 2007 NO. 21 phone press conference organ- ized by the Institute for Ameri- Act would lead to a 10 percent- the U.S. votes usually follow ca’s Future--a Democratic-ori- age-point increase in union employers’ extreme anti-union ented think tank--Ross density. Polls for the AFL-CIO campaigns, harassment, intimi- Eisenbrey of the Economic have shown more than 60 per- dation and firings. Policy Institute and Eric Lotke, cent of non-union, non-super- “Comparing Canadian co-author of a report on the visory workers, given the provinces with different certifi- measure’s impact, said that chance to unionize free of cation rules, mandatory votes increase is a minimum figure. employer coercion and intimi- reduce the certification success The report, released by the dation, would opt to do so. rate by approximately 9 per- institute, also said if EFCA One reason is that their centage points below what it becomes law, an additional study compared U.S. union would be under card check,” 3.54 million people nationwide densities, under weak U.S. the union recognition method would receive health care ben- labor law, with those in Cana- at the center of EFCA, the efits and an additional 2.77 da, where provincial labor laws report said. Other reasons union density in the U.S. would rise by 10 Mayoral screening May 10 percentage points if the law is The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body will con- changed include “the length of duct screenings for this year’s Duluth mayor’s race at time before elections,” and the 6:00 p.m., Thursday, May 10, in Wellstone Hall of the fact that, as Eisenbrey put it, Colten Danelski was among those who enjoyed the Workers Duluth Labor Temple. Possible endorsements in the “60 million people want to Memorial Day Solidarity Breakfast in Wellstone Hall, hon- unionize, but that doesn’t guar- race could be brought up at the regular monthly meet- antee they’d actually be able to est. He was with his Dad, Corey, right, a member of Fire ing that will immediately follow the screenings. Fighters Local 101’s Honor Guard that was part of the do so. Unions would have to Screenings are open to anyone interested in attend- come to their workplaces.” Workers’ Memorial Day observance, and Grandpa Ken ing, but only delegates to the Central Body or invited Danelski, a retired member of FF101. The speakers said the report guests are allowed to be part of the endorsing meeting. provides another piece of evi- Fallen workers’ remembered An endorsement requires a two-thirds majority of vot- dence for passage of EFCA, ing delegates. which faces a planned GOP fil- Just a week before the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body ibuster--an attempt to talk it to and unions worldwide observed Workers’ Memorial Day, anoth- death--in the Senate. er miner died near Eveleth, Minnesota. Dean Driscoll, 50, a Democrats and their allies need member of United Steelworkers Local 6860 at Cleveland Cliff’s 60 votes to stop such a talka- United Taconite for 31 years, died when his rotary drill tipped thon. It passed the House on over. The drill was a leased piece of equipment. March 1, 241-185. At Duluth’s Workers’ Memorial Day observance April 23rd, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), Minnesota AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Steve Hunter said it who joined the conference call, will be a sad remembrance with so many deaths but those vic- called prospects for Senate pas- tims memories can be honored also whenever unions or individ- sage “pretty good,” but admit- uals work to make their workplaces safer. He asked those in ted “the 60 votes might be attendance to continue to pressure their elected officials to work problematic.” Even if the fili- to improve the Occupational Safety and Health Act. buster is overcome, anti-work- Mayor Herb Bergson asked that everyone remember and pray er GOP President Bush plans to for Shelby Adolphson, a member of USW Local 9460, who “is veto the bill, Vice President fighting for her life” after being shot by her husband as she Richard Cheney says. returned to work from lunch March 21st. Bergson had procla- That got Harkin’s back up. mations on behalf of Ironworkers Local 512’s Arne Fliginger “We shouldn’t not act just and Mike Rathjen, and Andrew Reed, who all lost their lives on because the president said he the job last year. Reed also worked for Cleveland Cliffs at Forbes plans to veto it, or just because An apple tree was planted behind the Labor Temple “sym- the National Association of bolic of hope for the future” on behalf of those fallen workers Manufacturers opposes it,” he said Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body President Alan said. Netland. “We always hope this observance will be easier next year,” Netland said. See how to contact Senator Norm Coleman and ask him Chris Luecken remembered to support EFCA on page 7 In the April 18 Workers Memorial Day issue of the Labor World, Chris Luecken should have been remembered as a union member who lost his life on the job last year. Chris Luecken was a member of Operating Engineers Local 49 from Angora, MN. He died November 10, 2006 when a con- Remember to leave non-perishable food items near veyor collapsed on him while working for Seppi Brothers Concrete Products of Virginia, MN at their Jammer Lake Pit. your mailbox this Saturday for the NALC Annual The rock conveyor had been modified from being a stationery Food Drive. Your carrier and many volunteers will be conveyor. It was to be moved to another section of the pit. In dis- filling this area’s food shelves, which are hit hard in the mantling it, the 1,800 pound head pulley fell on Luecken. summer months since children don’t eat meals at The Labor World regrets not including Chris Luecken in school. Volunteers are always welcome. Show up at the those who were remembered for Workers Memorial Day 2007. Main Post Office’s back entrance off 29th Ave. West. Trades’ 17th DADS Golf Outing June 9th Carpenters to hold open The Duluth Building & Lester Park Golf Course in raised over $20 million,” said Construction Trades Council Duluth has been the home for Jerry Alander, Duluth’s Tour- fishing tournaments June 2, 16 will continue their successful the event every year, rain or nament Founder/Chair. “We’ve You can get into an All Carpenters Fishing Tournament on Dollars Against Diabetes shine, beginning at 10 a.m. had really good support here Saturday, June 2nd at Fortune Bay Casino, Lake Vermillion just (DADS) Golf Outing Saturday, “Since 1986, Trades Coun- every year. Last year we raised by fishing with a Carpenter. June 9 for the 17th year. cils across the country have about $9,000 for diabetes Only two people can be in a boat and one has to be a Carpen- research and local charities.” ter, Millwright, Piledriver, Lather, or Floor Coverer. The person Speak out on Duluth’s gov’t Alander works with the can be a union member or work non-union. Organized fishing, With all the complaining that goes on over city government, Community Services Program you could call it, or “Reel ’Em In” as the tournament is called. you’d expect considerable public input when it’s requested. The and the United Way of Greater “We’ll have a great time and look forward to meeting as City of Duluth Charter Commission is studying the strengths and Duluth to make sure the money many folks as we can,” said Wayne Nordin of the Lakes and weaknesses of the existing strong mayor/weak council system. ends up where it is needed. Plains Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners. “Anyone It’s comparing it to the city manager/council and other systems, DADS money was used to interested can call me at 724-6364 and we’ll get you into a and wondering if it should recommend a change. build the Diabetes Research boat.” The Charter Commission will be meeting today and again at Institute at the University of Pre-registration entry fee is $50 per person if postmarked by 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 17 in the City Council Chambers, 3rd Miami (Florida). Proceeds are May 21, $65 after May 21. Floor, City Hall, 411 West First Street. and will accept written now being used to retire the Hotel reservations for Fortune Bay can be made for only $79 and oral comments from the public. Comments can also be sent debt and to fund research. plus tax prior to May 21 by calling 1-800-555-1714. Tell them to [email protected] or c/o City Clerks Alander, a member of you’re in the Reel ’Em In fishing tournament. Office, 330 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth, MN. 55802. Visit Carpenter’s Local 361, came Food will be provided during the weigh-in and you must be www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/clerk/chartercomm.htm for more. up with the idea for the event present to win one of the many door prizes, which include a and has run it every year. A Polaris 4X4. First place in the fishing contest will pay $500. golfer, he knows people want Second pays $250, then 3-$100 prizes and 5-$50 prizes. I.U.O.E. Local 70 to participate in the 4-person Specific rules apply to fish for the weigh in, which will be held Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting scramble, have lunch, check to at 3 p.m. The contest starts at 9 a.m. see if they’ve won door prizes Nordin said information and registration forms are available Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 5:00 P.M. and get back to their families. It at www.mncarpenter.org under “Up Coming Events.” He said Duluth Labor Center, Hall B is the most efficiently run golf there is also another fishing contest June 16 at Mille Lacs for Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 tournament anywhere, taking people living in that area. only half a day. Cost remains $100 per indi- vidual, $400 per team. Golf Labor Bowl For Kids,Too IBEW Local 242 Members carts, greens fees and lunch are Make up a team & go bowling to Nominations & Election Notice included in entry fees. Tee times are made when you enter. aid area children’s programs! Nominations for officers will be held Weds., May 23, 2007 If you are unable to attend $25/person includes 3 games, at our regular membership meeting at 7:00 p.m. in Well- the event a donation would be stone Hall, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Road. greatly appreciated. Donating shoes, pizza, prizes and more! The 3-year offices to be filled include: door prizes ore being a hole president, vice-president, recording secretary, treasurer, sponsor are fine ways to help. Saturday, May 19 business manager/financial secretary, executive board, and Make checks to Duluth examining board. Building and Construction 4-7 pm Trades, DADS Golf Outing, Ballots must be RECEIVED prior to 9 a.m., Weds., June and mail them to DADS Day Incline Station 27, 2007 to be counted at 10 a.m. in the Duluth Labor Event, c/o Carpenters Local Call Yvonne, 728-1779 601 W. Superior St. Temple. 361, 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., If a run-off election is necessary it will be July 18, 2007. Hermantown, MN 55811. Any member who does not receive a ballot For info call 218-724-3297. Heat & Frost Insulators Local 49 by mail, or misplaces it, may request another ~Notice of Nomination~ from Local 242 by calling 1-218-728-6895. At our next regularly scheduled meeting, Friday, May 11, we will accept nominations for one Joint LUMP SUM DISTRIBUTIONS Apprenticeship Committee member. If an election Are you planning for retirement income? is necessary it will be held at our Friday, June 8 meeting. Jeff Anderson ~Dick Webber, Business Manager ■ Pensions ■ Distributions Supports Duluth’s 16,000+ ■ Annuities ■ Retirement Income Hard-Working Men & Women ■ ■ Rollovers Self-employed of Organized Labor. retirement plans A New Hotel Is Opening

Your future depends on the decisions you make today. And We Need Good Jobs If you need guidance—-we’re here to help The Sheraton will be opening in Downtown Duluth in May. They are now hiring staff for their full service James H. Proctor, CFP® Michele Wakefield hotel. UNITE HERE, the Hotel and Restaurant work- Senior Vice President and Financial Consultant ers’ union, will be asking the hotel to allow their workers Assistant Branch Manager – OTE to freely and openly choose to become union members. (218) 728-8437 Private Client Group To apply for a job at the Sheraton go to the MN (218) 728-8402 Jeff Anderson Workforce Center, 320 W. 2nd St., Suite 205, Duluth. Duluth City Council At Large Keep in mind union members have average wages and On November 6th, 2007! 1420 London Road benefits 33% greater than their non-union counterparts. Suite 201 Visit Duluth Duluth, MN 55805 UNITE HERE! MEMBER NYSE/SIPC www.votejeffanderson.com for more information! 2027 W. Superior St. 218-728-6861 © Copyright 2007 RBC Dain Rauscher Inc. All rights reserved. Prepared and paid for by Jeff Anderson for Duluth, P.O. Box 385, Duluth, MN 55801 William Leino, Treasurer [email protected] www.unitehere.org PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 Hello, from your NEALC By Chad McKenna, Field Organizer, Minnesota’s Northeast Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO Fresh from four days in Washington Being the warm, loving guy D.C. at the National Labor College for that I am I’m going to take the AFL-CIO training, I moved into the next few minutes to save you NEALC office in the Labor Temple April some face and other body parts 30th. It’s a cozy space Operating Engi- in case you should ever happen neers Local 49 has graciously provided. to call a telephone number and The D.C. training gave me a chance I pick up on the other end. to meet with central labor councils that Welcome to Phone Eti- have been operating area labor councils quette 101 from Mr. Manners. and other regions, like us, that are getting We’ll start by giving you the started. Our Minnesota delegation benefit of the doubt in that hav- included nine of us from Rochester, St. ing more spendable income Paul, the Northeast and Western areas. than us poor folk you probably We’ve registered an NEALC.org have Caller ID and think every- domain and I am working to get a web- state legislator and a mayoral be their huckleberry. I tell them site up. Among our NEALC goals is to one else does too. We don’t. candidate. They’re just notches I’m in charge of everything and We’re not the type that needs to utilize existing technology and develop on my gun. you just got hung up on. Click. our own to build the labor movement’s run and hide from things, espe- Here’s the most important Being Mr. Manners, I never Chad McKenna cially a dork on the phone. capacity to mobilize and to be more phone tip I can give you in a slam the phone down. That effective when we do. I will be setting up an online database that Here’s what we do. We family publication like I’m would be rude, and those answer the phone when it rings can help the Iron Range, Duluth, and Carlton County CLCs, wont to run: Never, ever call sweet, succulent moments of a their affiliates, and other areas in our seven county region, reach like a 19-year old quick draw somewhere and ask “Who’s scathing response are worth cowboy in 1870 who takes on members online and keep them up to date with the happenings this?” when someone answers. much more. A straight whisky in their areas. Our NEALC is large, covering Carlton, Cook, all comers that think they’re That is unless you are an arro- thrown back after a gun fight as faster. Bring it on, see how long Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Pine and St. Louis counties. We gant SOB and feel the number Mr. Manners teaches another have close to 40,000 union members in it and we need to work you last. We’re really pleasant you have called is beneath your class about class. The mental to people we like, however. together to help each other. station in life and power level. equivalent of blowing smoke The AFL-CIO’s most important issue at this time is the Getting older and slower on My response...no I don’t from the barrel’s end before I the draw I’ve taken to shooting Employee Free Choice Act, which has passed the U.S. House of count to 10...is always a quick, get up and sharpen my pencil Representatives. Senator Amy Klobuchar has been a supporter first and asking questions, or “You called here, identify your- again. Tougher than Don names, later. My phone eti- of the Senate version, but Senator Norm Coleman is not a big self, and I’ll decide whether or Knotts on this end of the line. fan of this legislation. I have been communicating with labor quette in the past weeks has not you get any more of my You can find my phone gotten me in trouble with a leaders and community members asking them to contact Sen. time.” Think how much easier, number on this page. Be nice Coleman at 1-800-774-8941 and urge him to vote for it once it quicker, and more polite it’d be now, a little like me if you can. makes it to the Senate floor. (See page 7 for more information.) as a caller to say, “Hi, this is If you have a problem with I will be working to get email addresses from all labor lead- ~NOTICE~ Todd Fedora and I think your my gun and shooting mixed ers out there so that we can begin to jump start our e-activism on Next issues of Labor World publication stinks” or whatev- metaphors, just substitute wrist this and other issues. are May 23; June 6, 27; er. rocket if your wrist is strong Recently I’ve been joining the Laborers, Bricklayers and July 11, 25; Aug. 8, 29; If you can believe it, people enough. other Building Trades unions as they picket the Kitchee Gammi Sept. 12, 26; Oct. 10, 31; criticize me for my phone eti- Gotta go, phone’s ringing. Club in Duluth in protest of the hiring of a non-union contractor Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 19 quette after they start out like This could be fun. from the Twin Cities. Highly qualified local union contractors that. And I’m supposed to be weren’t even given an opportunity to bid on the job. embarrassed for being crass? LABOR WORLD This Day In History If you have any questions or would like to help out, my cell Do you have any idea how phone number is 218.310.8412. Until the NEALC website and (ISSN#0023-6667) is published many bad phone calls I’ve from semi-monthly except one issue in www.workdayminnesota.org email are up you can email me at [email protected]. December (23 issues). received in my long life? I’m Stop in and say hello if you’re in the Duluth Labor Temple. The known office of publication is supposed to suffer arrogant May 9, 1934 Thanks to all who have been showing me the ropes thus far. Labor World, 2002 London Road, fools when I pick up the phone, Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. West Coast longshoremen I’m looking forward to our NEALC Executive Board meeting a delay is evident, then I hear, walked off their jobs, with May 15th at the Steelworkers Hall in Eveleth so we can get our Periodicals postage is paid at “Could you connect me with Duluth MN 55806. the action eventually culmi- programs up and running. POSTMASTER: the person in charge of making nating in a four-day general Send address changes to: decisions about your” (fill in strike in San Francisco.The Labor World, 2002 London Rd., anything but hemorrhoids, so ranks of the workers held Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 far). firm, despite police violence Light them up buttercup, I’ll 6 7 and attempts by national union leadership to cave into (218) 728-4469 The non-profit Labor World, Inc. FAX: (218) 724-1413 is the official publication of the employer demands.The strik- [email protected] Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor ers responded by electing www.laborworld.org Body. It is an educational, advo- new leaders. Prominent ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ cacy newspaper for workers and among the new faces was San Owned by Unions affiliated with the Francisco longshoreman Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body unions. The views and opinions Subscriptions: $22 Annually submitted and expressed in the Harry Bridges, who later became president of the Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager Labor World do not necessarily International Longshoremen Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper reflect the views of the paper, its Board of Directors, the Duluth and Warehousemen’s Union Board of Directors AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, and for decades was a President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, its affiliated unions, their staff or militant voice for the Painters & Allied Trades 106; officers. V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; movement. Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; As referenced in Chad McKenna’s piece above, the Building Tom Selinski, IBEW 242; “Quote, Unquote” Trades are picketing the Kitchee Gammi Club, where anti- Laurie Johnson, AFSCME Co. 5; Lynette Swanberg, MN Nurses; “Four years ago it was mission accomplished. Now it union Building Restoration Corp. of Minneapolis is doing Mike Kuitu, Operating Engineers is the never-ending, ever-changing mission.” ~U.S. Rep. tuck pointing. Discussions have started but pickets are up including these Laborers 1091 members: Brad Bukovich, 49; Al LaFrenier, UNITE HERE! Keith Ellison (D-MN CD-5) on the floor of the U.S. House. Shane Sweeney, BCTWGM 167G Jim Gagnon, Bill Riggio, and Tom Rogers. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 PAGE 3 Judge Heaney’s Chambers dedicated in Labor Temple Don’t go looking for Hall fought and succeeded at that.” for employers. Everything said he had but one “C” in the Labor Temple any- Three plaques on The worked out perfectly.” rule for The more. Or maybe you called the Chambers walls have photo- After being part of the first Chambers, no room next to Union Optical graphs with text under them troops to hit Omaha beach with Republicans could be tucked beneath the stairway the that reflect on Gerald Heaney’s the Second Ranger Battalion in allowed in. Building Trades Conference three incredible careers. The World War II and then being in Olson said dozens Room. On May Day, which is plaques tell short stories of his some of the worst battles of the of members of his 16 also Law Day, it was dedicated service to his country in World war, Captain Heaney was affiliated unions as Judge Gerald W. Heaney War II, his career as a labor asked to stay in Europe after should be thanked for Chambers. lawyer, and his 40 years as a the war and served under volunteering to re- “I can’t believe you did this federal judge. General George Patton again. model the beautiful for me,” said the retired federal For his efforts on behalf of “Hitler’s decrees had Chambers. Many judge, who walked into a room the area’s labor movement, changed Bavarian labor law businesses also con- full of admirers. “I thank you Heaney received the only life- and I worked on rewriting tributed materials to from the bottom of my heart.” time membership ever awarded them,” Heaney related. Prior to the project. That from a man who in the by the Duluth Central Body. He joining the Army he had gradu- “It was built 100 near future will undoubtedly was also similarly recognized ated from the University of percent union and have the Duluth Federal by the International Brother- Minne-sota with a law degree. came in on time and Building named in his honor. hood of Electrical Workers. “There was not one union under budget,” a smil- Retired Judge Gerald Heaney was member in Goodhue (Minne- ing Olson said. “Well, escorted by Building Trades Presi- sota), a town of 500, where I maybe Labor Temple dent Craig Olson into his new was born,” Heaney related. “I President Jim Stebe “Chambers” that were dedicated in had no relations that were will have a different the Labor Temple on May Day. union members, but I learned opinion on that last part.” Labor Temple to be named for in Germany about unions after Olson thanked Carpenter’s someone. They had been Hitler eliminated a free trade Local 361 Apprentice known as Halls A, B, and C. union movement.” Coordinator Keith Olafson for Hall A in the basement is Heaney also had a storied being the project’s volunteer now Wellstone Hall. career in Minnesota politics. superintendent and bringing his Hall B is actually Freeman With his friends Hubert apprentices down for many Hall and should be referred to Humphrey, Orville Freeman, hours of work. as such. Jerry Freeman was the Walter Mondale and others, Stebe presented Judge Business Manager of Laborers Heaney has been a moving Heaney with a key to The Local 1091, who died while force behind the state’s Chambers, and he said he volunteering on the remodeling Democratic-Farmer-Labor looked forward to coming of the Labor Temple after Judge Heaney reads one of the plaques in his Chambers, Party after it was founded fol- down and talking politics with unions purchased the former this one referencing his career as a Labor Lawyer. With him lowing World War II. He loves his friends. Coca-Cola bottling plant in are Attorney Aaron Bransky and his wife, Barb Parks, who electoral politics and no one Other photos and memora- 1969. were among dozens who showed up for the dedication. has been better at it from bilia of Judge Heaney will be Now Hall C shall forever- Retired Sheet Metal Worker Heaney created the first self behind the scenes than Gerald added to the room’s walls in the more be known as Judge and former Duluth AFL-CIO funded health and welfare pro- Heaney. Even in the short time future. Heaney’s Chambers. Oh, the Central Labor Body President gram in the area, perhaps the during The Chambers dedica- The Chambers is the last of stories that will be told. George said The Chambers is a state, for IBEW Local 31. tion, he recognized Tony three meeting halls in the fitting tribute to a man who has “I came to Duluth on Cuneo, a young candidate for done so much not only for January 1, 1946 and Henry the Duluth City Council. working families, but for chil- Paull was the only labor attor- “We were known as the dia- dren, education, and women. ney in Duluth,” Judge Heaney per brigade after World War Proven leadership for “I remember the Judge say- related to the gathering. “He II,” he said of his DFL friends. ing at UMD’s dinner honoring was a CIO attorney, so I went “Now it is up to you and your our Union’s future! him that this country’s greatest to the Labor Temple and intro- generation.” achievement in his lifetime duced myself to Elmer Foster, Craig Olson, President of isn’t putting a man on the moon Tom MacDonald and the others the Duluth Building & ELECT or computers, but that every and told them I’m here and Construction Trades Council, child deserves the same educa- want to do work for the labor said at lunch prior to the dedi- tion,” Sundstrom said. “He movement and I won’t work cation, that Judge Heaney had Mike Check out SGI at 4911 Matterhorn Drive! Arezzo When you need Any Type of Glass Work call this Business Manager area’s only UNION, AUTO GLASS COMPANY! We’ll handle your insurance claim and do the IBEW Local 31 repair at your site or in our service centers. As a 20-year member of our local union I realize what But auto glass repair/replacement is only part of needs to be done to improve the lives of all our members. what we do. Residential and commercial glass work Nate Kiminski I’m hardworking and will be accessible to all members. Painters & Allied are a large part of our expanding business. Trades Local 106 + IBEW Local 31 Vice President RESIDENTIAL~~Thermopane Replacement~ Storm Sash/ IBEW Local 31 Job Steward Screen Repair ~Patio Doors ~Glass Tub Enclosures/Shower + Doors ~Tables/Desktops ~Glass Beveling ~Mirrors + Completed U-W Madison ~Entrance Doors ~Vinyl Replacement Windows SGISGI Business Manager Training School ~H-Windows ~Glass Handrails/Replacement SUPERIOR GLASS INC. 4911 Matterhorn Drive,Duluth I’d appreciate your vote in our mail-in ballot COMMERCIAL~~Store Front Design/Fabrication 823 Belknap, Superior election that will be held in May. Thank You! ~Besam Entrance Doors ~Automated Door Systems 722-7400 F394-5588 Paid for by Mike Arezzo on his own behalf Serving the area for over 60 years! 1-888-899-6369 PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 Unions condemn Pawlenty’s veto of bonding bill, including DECC ST. PAUL - The federation “The governor vetoed the ging economy. Minnesotans costs, and trying to provide for ful that the 2007 Legislature representing 300,000 union bonding bill (May 1) to serve from International Falls to their local schools by paying will pass a Packinghouse members condemned Gov. Tim his national political ambitions Albert Lea could have safer higher property taxes,” the fed- Workers Bill of Rights. The Pawlenty’s veto of a bonding — not to serve Minnesotans,” communities, better roads and eration said. “ . . . Now is the measure was approved as part bill to fund roads, bridges and said Ray Waldron, president of bridges, and good jobs making time to vote to provide some of the jobs and economic other important construction the 300,000-member Minne- the repairs that this governor relief to the middle class.” development bill and sent to projects, including the expan- sota AFL-CIO. Waldron said has put off for too long.” The AFL-CIO praised law- both the House and Senate sion of Duluth’s DECC. his phone has been ringing “off Legislators will now con- makers for passing an omnibus floors. Unions lauded provisions in the hook” with calls from sider whether to try to override environment and energy fund- “While we are encouraged other bills that will help restore union members upset about the the Pawlenty veto. ing bill that includes $4 million by the support we have tax fairness and aid workers at veto that may have killed any The AFL-CIO urged legis- for preliminary work for a bio- received from members of the the Rock-Tenn plant in St. Paul hopes of a substantial bonding lators to support the omnibus mass plant at Rock-Tenn, House and Senate who stand and in meatpacking plants bill for another year. tax bill that restores some fair- Minnesota’s largest paper recy- up for working families, we across the state. Waldron said the vetoed ness to the state income tax. cling plant. The decision could have a long way to go to estab- And on Monday the House $334 billion bonding bill The bill would create a new top help preserve hundreds of lish safe and fair conditions for and Senate came to a compro- would have been, “a real income tax rate of 9 percent for good-paying jobs at the St. all workers in the meatpacking mise on a budget bill that Paw- investment in our state’s future. married couples filing joint Paul facility, where workers are industry,” said Don Seaquist, lenty says he can’t wait to veto. We could jump-start our lag- returns who earn more than represented by the United president of UFCW Local 789. $400,000 a year and for single Steelworkers. UFCW Locals 789, 1116, 6 Rep. Jaros votes for first tax taxpayers with incomes above Rock-Tenn is losing its and 9, along with Jewish $226,000. The current top rate decades-old fuel source Community Action, Workers bill in last 30 years in House is 7.85 percent. because Xcel Energy is con- Interfaith Network, Midwest Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL-Duluth), first elected to the legislature “The middle class has been verting its St. Paul High Bridge Coalition for Human Rights, in 1972, has not voted for a tax bill since 1977. On April 27 feeling the squeeze in recent plant from coal to natural gas. St. Paul Trades & Labor Jaros broke his streak and voted for the House Omnibus Tax Bill. years, paying for an increasing- United Food & Commercial Assembly, Minnesota Indus- “I haven’t voted for a tax bill in thirty years,” Rep. Jaros said. ly congested transportation Workers Local 789 and a coali- 0trial Union Council and the “Session after session, year after year, I’ve voted ‘no’ because system, state cuts in local gov- tion of organizations support- Change to Win Federation all each tax bill has been regressive, shortsighted and unfair. Today, ernment aid, higher health care ing worker rights remain hope- contributed to work on the bill. I am proud to vote for a tax bill for the first time since 1977. “I am voting for this tax bill because it provides over a half billion dollars in property tax relief - relief that is especially essential after Governor Pawlenty and the Republicans raised property taxes over $1.7 billion dollars in the five short years since he took office. “I am voting for this tax bill because it shifts the tax burden from the poor and middle class, who currently pay over 12 per- cent of their income in state and local taxes according to the Department of Revenue, to high-income individuals who cur- rently pay less than 9 percent. But most of all, I am voting for this bill because it is the first tax bill in my 30 years in the legis- lature that actually is fair for the people I represent.” All Thrifty White and White Drug Pharmacies are participating pharmacies for your prescription health plan. We can fill your 90 day supply and for convenience we offer our Ready refill™ program for automated refills. We can fill People just kept showing up at the “Keep the Miracles Coming” fundraiser for USW your medication order in 3 or 4 days instead of 10 to 14 as Local 9460’s Shelby Adolphson April 22 at the Billing Park Civic Club. Over 950 people you are accustomed to seeing using traditional mail order. were served from 1 to 5 p.m. in an effort to raise funds for her and her children. She is recovering in the hospital after being shot by her husband as she returned to work March WE ALSO OFFER: 21. Visit www.caringbridge.com and visit her site at shelby1. A Shelby Adolphson Benefit • Free mail out service Account has been set up at Wells Fargo banks. Donations can be dropped off at any branch • Free in town delivery or mailed to Wells Fargo, 230 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802. • 30 day private charge accounts • Free blood pressure checks Serving you in the Labor Temple • Order your prescriptions by phone, 24 hours a day Pharmacists Lowell Jaques and UNIONUNION BARBERSBARBERS • Many convenient locations in Cindy Doe and Manager Debbie Stop in and see our beautiful, new shop! Minnesota and North Dakota Isakson are ready to help. We feature a full-range of family cuts! • 122 years of pharmacy service in the upper Midwest C’mon in, grab a cup of coffee and a chair! Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable than mail order. We are always available to answer $$ COUPON $$ Union Barbers your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. $2 Off 2002 London Road For a listing of all locations visit www.thriftywhite.com Your Next Haircut Use 20th Avenue East entrance, With This Ad! then left down the hall Pinetree Plaza Master Barber/Stylists Inside Super One Foods $$ COUPON $$ 728-0336 Robert and Jeff will G i f t C e r t i f i c a t e s A v a i l a b l e ! give you your cut. Ask Cloquet, MN Shop Hours: Tammy Miskovich. 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 Tues-Fri 9-5 / Sat. 9-1 Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm By appointment or walk-in LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 PAGE 5 Skilled jobs next to be shipped By Froma Harrop The master plan, it seems, is to move per- haps 40 million high-skill American jobs to other countries. U.S. workers have not been consulted. Princeton economist Alan Blinder predicts that these choice jobs could be lost in a mere decade or two. We speak of computer program- ming, bookkeeping, graphic design and other careers once thought firmly planted in American soil. For per- spective, 40 million is more than twice the total number of peo- ple now employed in manufacturing. Blinder was taken aback when, sitting in at the business sum- mit in Davos, Switzerland, he heard U.S. executives talk enthu- siastically about all the professional jobs they could outsource to lower-wage countries. And he’s a free trader. What America can do to stop this is unclear, but it certainly doesn’t have to speed up the process through a government pro- gram. We refer to the H-1B visa program, which allows educat- ed foreigners to work in the United States, usually for three years. Many in Congress want to nearly double the number of H-1B visas, to 115,000 a year. To the extent that the program helps talented foreign gradu- ates of U.S. universities stay in this country while they await their green cards, it performs a useful service. But for many companies, the visa has become just a tool for transferring American jobs offshore. Ron Hira has studied the dark side of the H-1B program. A professor of public policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology, he notes that the top applicants for visas are out- sourcing companies, such as Wipro Technologies of India and Bermuda-based Accenture. The companies bring recruits in from, say, India to learn about American business. After three years here, the workers go home better able to interact with their U.S. customers. In other cases, companies ask their U.S. employees to train H-1B workers who then replace them at lower pay. “This is euphemistically called, ‘knowledge transfer,’” says Hira. “I call it, ‘knowledge extraction.’” Another rap against the program is that it’s used to depress the wages of American workers. The program’s defenders argue that the law requires companies to pay “the prevailing wage.” But “prevailing wage” is a legalism, Hira says. It does not translate into “market wage.” The median pay for H-1B computing professionals in fiscal 2005 was $50,000, which means half earn less than that. An American information technology worker with a bachelor’s degree makes more than $50,000 in an entry-level job. Businesses bemoan the alleged shortage of Americans trained to do the work. But wait a second -- the law of supply and demand states that a shortage of something causes its price OPTICAL to rise. Wages in information technology have been flat. The The companies fret that not enough young Americans are studying science and technology. Well, cutting the pay in those USED CAR LOANS AT Savings Are Clear! fields isn’t much of an incentive, is it? The threat that they will outsource if they can’t bring in for- NEW CAR RATES eign temps is a hollow one. “There’s nothing stopping those Buy One companies from working offshore anyway,” Hira says. “They’re Get One not patriotic.” * This vision for a competitive America seems to be a few rich U.S. executives commandeering armies of foreign workers. FREE! They don’t have to train their domestic workforce. They don’t Purchase one pair have to raise pay to American standards. of Vision Pro A provision for revving up the H-1B program is contained in Glasses, get the the immigration bill that last year passed the Senate. The co- second pair FREE! sponsors, Democrat Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts and Single Vision • Bifocals Republican John McCain of Arizona have contended that their Trifocals • Rx Sunglasses legislation requires employers to search for U.S. workers first. It • 1997 and newer vehicles • As low as 5.95% APR* Even Progressive No-Line does not. and Flat Tops! Skilled U.S. workers had better start looking out for their • 48-month term • Ask about 1996 and older financing. interests. No one else is. To find out more about Froma Harrop, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the OPTICAL Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com. Your neighborhood credit union DULUTH • SUPERIOR • MOOSE LAKE COPYRIGHT 2007 The Providence Journal Co., Hermantown: 218-729-7733 • Duluth: 218-728-3850 www.hermantownfcu.org GRAND RAPIDS • CLOQUET • AURORA Distributed by Creators Syndicate, Inc. *Must be of equal or lesser value: select from * A.P.R = annual percentage rate, rates based on past credit history, includes HFCU Auto Pay Discount. special collection of frames and plastic lenses. Up © 2007 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. to a $258.95 value. See store for details. PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 NLRB makes decert petitions even easier Call Sen. Coleman on EFCA SAN FRANCISCO (PAI)-- organized security screeners at where screeners are organiz- Pressure is still being put on Minnesota’s Republican By a 2-1 vote along party lines, San Francisco Airport, the able under labor law. At all U.S. Senator Norm Coleman to let him know his con- the GOP Bush-named majority board majority of chairman other airports, the Bush regime on the National Labor Rela- Robert Battista and GOP mem- has barred unions from organ- stituents want to see the Employee Free Choice Act pass tions Board has opened the ber Peter Kirsanow told its izing screeners on “national in the Senate. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and way for early decertification regional director to accept the security” grounds--a ruling Wisconsin’s senators Russ Feingold and Herb Kohl are petitions against unions by dis- decertification petition dissent- congressional Democrats have signed on as supporters. gruntled workers, even before ing workers filed. voted to overturn. Chad McKenna, Field Organizer for the AFL-CIO’s the ink dries on the contracts. San Francisco is one of five But the impact of the case Northeast Area Labor Council in this region said, In a case involving Service U.S. airports where a private goes far beyond San Francisco. “Everyone should call 1-800-774-8941 and tell Senator Employees Local 790, which firm runs the screening, and The board majority said in its Coleman to vote for working families, vote for the March 30 ruling that this is “an Employee Free Choice Act.” Bush vetoes minimum hike issue of first impression”--the He said his call took less than two minutes. After reg- WASHINGTON (PAI)--For the record, anti-worker GOP first such case ever handled by ular business hours you usually just leave a message. President George W. Bush vetoed the proposed increase in the the board--“whether the show- For more information go to http://www.aflcio.org/join federal minimum wage. ing of interest supporting a de- authorization petition may pre- aunion/voiceatwork/efca/ The hike, in three stages over two years and two months, was McKenna gave this a basic script you can follow. in the $124 billion Iraq and Afghanistan military spending bill date the execution of a contract Bush rejected. He bounced the bill because it included a containing a union-security Hi, My name is ______from (city/town). I am calling timetable, crafted by the Democratic-run Congress, for with- provision.” to ask Sen. Coleman to co-sponsor the Employee Free drawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq. The board majority’s an- Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041. This bill is very important The federal minimum wage hike, to $7.25 an hour from the swer to that question is “yes.” to working families like mine because as a union member, present $5.15, was accompanied by $4.8 billion in “small busi- Covenant Aviation Security, I know a fair bargaining process protects wages, working ness” tax breaks. Bush demanded even more than that as his which employs San Francisco conditions, and benefits. Please ask the Senator to sup- price for the minimum wage increase. screeners, recognized Local port the Employee Free Choice Act. Thank you. Neither Bush nor the minimum wage hike’s sponsors, Rep. 790 in October 2005 by card- George Miller (D-Calif.) and Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D- check, after the local presented Mass.), discussed it after the veto. The AFL-CIO did and said it cards from 555 out of the 1,010 Pickwick receives prestigious should be passed again. workers, including screeners, national culinary award “Republicans for 112 days have held hostage a minimum baggage handlers and special- wage increase. While minimum wage workers have not had a ists. Bargaining began just The Pickwick Restaurant, one of the Duluth’s fine establish- pay raise since 1997, Congress gave itself nine pay hikes, total- before Thanksgiving. Local ments affiliated with UNITE HERE Local 99, was recognized ly more than $36,000,” the fed wrote in its blog. 790 and Covenant reached a with the nation’s most prestigious culinary prize, the James Meanwhile, on May 3, New Hampshire became at least the tentative contract on Dec. 28. Beard Foundation Award, on Monday. 33rd state to raise its own minimum wage without waiting for It was ratified 378-229 and Steve Wisocki and his son, Chris attended the award ceremo- the feds to do so. The Granite State’s minimum wage will rise took effect Jan. 13, 2006, run- ny at the Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Only six Beard from $5.15 hourly now to $6.50 on Sept. 1 and $7.25 an hour the ning through the end of 2008. “America’s Classics” awards were presented. year after that. It last rose in 1997, the same year the federal But two days before the Steve’s grandfather, Joseph, a bartender at the establishment minimum rose. contract took effect, dissenting 100 years ago, purchased it from the Fitger Brewing Co. in 1919 “Many of our families are working hard just to get by,” Gov. employee Stephen J. Burke Sr., for $200. It is the most historic fixture in the Duluth dining scene John Lynch (D) said. “ They are struggling to pay for gas, rent, filed the decert petition. “The having been established in 1888. Steve’s son, Chris, is the fourth childcare and groceries. The cost of all these things has increased signed showing-of-interest generation of Wisockis to run the restaurant. significantly in the last 10 years, but New Hampshire’s mini- statements” Burke “collected “The Pickwick has been union for over 70 years and has pro- mum wage has not.” explicitly affirmed the signing vided good jobs and benefits for our members for a long time,” employees wished to de- said UNITE HERE Local 99 President Todd Erickson. “Many authorize a ‘proposed union generations of the Wisocki Family have worked hard in that INTERSTATE security clause,’” Battista and restaurant and they really deserve this award. I encourage my I want to help Kirsanow noted. union brothers and sisters to patronize the Pickwick, as most of $$ you save money. SPUR “About 92 percent of the you have, and see for yourself.” Erickson said the Pickwick cur- $ signatures predate the Dec. 28- rently employes about 70 UNITE HERE members. 31, 2006 ratification vote. All (218) 728-6803 of the signatures predate the contract’s execution,” it added. Call me today! The NLRB’s regional direc- You may qualify for money-saving auto tor said it was too early and insurance discounts. Jerome E Siljendahl Agency tossed it. Battista and Kirsa- 2002 London Rd Ste 200 (218) 728-6803 Bus now said it’s legal and stands. Duluth, MN 55812 2700 W. Michigan St. The board majority also bounced the argument that the GAS - DIESEL decert petition should be GROCERIES thrown out because the work- © 2000 American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries ers did not know what benefits Home Office - Madison, WI 53783 z www.amfam.com OPEN 24 HOURS NA-16942 the contract would provide. KOLAR 733-0100 Need Help? Concerned about personal relationships, emotional A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com difficulties, alcohol or drug abuse, or other problems? The Community Services Program sponsored by the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and the United Way of When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will Greater Duluth can help. If you need to talk Call 728-1779. Community Services Program Duluth Labor Temple 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN 2002 London Road, Room 94 Yvonne Harvey, Director LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007 PAGE 7 These snowbirds worked their way home By Larry Sillanpa For the next three months Back home now its time for Jean and Clarence Whelan the Whelans found out how gardening, fishing, and, okay, attended the Workers Memor- much help is still needed from the garage needs a roof and sid- ial Day observance at the Katrina’s devastation of the ing. Labor Temple April 23rd as Gulf Coast. So what about next winter? always. It would have been a “We (the Whelans and the “Everywhere we volun- perfect time to corner the CAW members) got a shotgun teered they asked if we’d be retired snowbirds about their apartment, two 12 foot by 80 back and we told them we just winter down south, but it was- foot side by side apartments, might be,” said Clarence. n’t going to happen. Jean had that had been under 8 to 9 feet “There’s still such a big need to get to the Used-a-Bit store of water in the 9th Ward, that for help down there and there where she volunteers. That’s took Katrina’s worst hit,” said still will be next winter. I’d be how it goes with the Whelans. Clarence. “Around here we too hot to be down there now.” Clarence, who retired as would have probably just The Whelans said it’s a Business Manager of IBEW knocked it down but people good way for retirees to spend Local 242 in March 1994, and need housing bad so we gutted their winter helping others. Jean returned from Alabama, it for three days, then repaired “Anyone interested can call Florida, Louisiana, and Texas floor joists, jacked the ceiling us and we can help them get in their motorhome April 1st. up and redid the whole thing.” involved,” said Clarence. Their Sounds like an American suc- The Whelans parked their number is (218) 525-1689. cess story doesn’t it? Retirees motorhome in a state park, “In Alabama we got to park enjoying the good life, roaming packed a lunch box in the behind the fire hall and got free hook-ups and they fed us,” said Jean and Clarence Whelan spent their snowbirding time the warm southern states, while mornings and drove to “work” doing volunteer work for Hurricane Katrina recovery they wait for it to warm up often six days a week. Soon Clarence. Try to beat that, snowbirds. efforts in New Orleans and Alabama. (Photo by Daphne back home. The truth is, the they were at ACORN’s new German, Bayou Recovery Project) world would be a much better home construction projects. place if more retirees were the One night upon returning Whelan variety of snowbird. home from work they found a “Jean and Clarence are note on their motorhome ask- wonderful people,” said Daph- ing if they could help some col- INJURED ON-THE-JOB? ne German, Relief Director of lege students on a St. Bernard the Bayou Recovery Project in Project (www.StBernardPro Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Two ject.org) that needed some years after Hurricane Katrina adult supervision. Don’t let an the Gulf Coast is still in desper- “Then we ended up helping ate need of people with the a widow on her house in skills and work ethic the Violet,” said Clarence. inexperienced attorney Whelans possess to help with Soon it was time to meet up recovery efforts German said. with their own family for a real experiment Just before the Whelans left Whelan vacation in Corpus their North Shore home after Christi, Texas. They drove the holidays for their trip down there for a week, and returned with your south, they were watching Jay to help on the widow’s project. Leno’s show and former “We did any and everything President Jimmie Carter was on the projects,” said Clarence. claim! the guest. About the end of February “Carter made an appeal for the Whelans figured they volunteers to help Habitat for should move on to some more ou have one chance to get sufficient Humanity and ACORN with vacationing and so they headed YY recovery efforts,” said to Florida as they’d planned. compensation for your on-the-job injuries. Clarence, who has a relative “We like to drive the back Make certain an experienced Workers’ that works for ACORN, a roads and ended up stopping at national coalition of communi- a feed store in Alabama,” said Compensation attorney handles your claim. Clarence. “I asked a guy in line ty groups that helps low Otherwise, it may go up in smoke. income people with housing for directions and he asked me and other issues (www.acorn. where we’d been after he gave At this law firm, we have helped thousands of injured workers us directions. Turns out he org). “Jean and I decided we receive fair compensation to cover pain, suffering, financial hardship, should do that.” worked with the Bayou By January 5th they had Recovery Project in Bayou La and possible future complications. And we can help you. driven to New Orleans and Batre, Alabama (www.bayou found the ACORN office. Half recovery.org) and he asked if Our experience will ensure that your on-the-job injury a dozen Canadian Auto we could help them for a cou- claim is not a case of trial and error. Workers (CAW) were there ple of days. We stayed three also ready to help. weeks doing the same stuff we “I found out where IBEW had done in New Orleans.” Local 130’s offices were in By the end of March it was New Orleans, drove over there, time to come home...and rest. told them what we wanted to “We had fun and worked do, and they were happy to hard, Jean worked really hard give me a letter saying they the whole time too, and we met approved of any work we were a lot of fine people,” said volunteering to do,” said Clarence. “Those Canadians Clarence. “We wanted to be were plant maintenance Auto sure we weren’t stepping on Workers and had a lot of skills, anybody’s toes.” and we met other Canadians too that felt they needed to go Labor World ads reach down there to help, just like the 18,300 union households college kids had.” PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 2007