IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH
RATION O DE F E L F A B A O
W R
O I AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO
D e a s ow Moines I NEWS IOWAVolume 15, Issue 2 Official Publication of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO December 2015 The Secretary-Treasurer's Notes . . . It's Long Past Due To Make Iowa's Labor Laws Reflect Modern Society few families can now be supported wages that can sustain a family. families to get ahead without going by one person’s income alone. In a The same goes with other working broke. different era, many families were families as well, as our minimum While past legislative sessions able to have one person stay in the wage isn’t just an embarrassingly have proven that Governor Brans- home, and therefore didn’t have to low poverty wage, it is an outdat- tad and some House Republicans worry about the cost of caring for a are satisfied with the status quo, IFL Secretary-Treasurer child. That’s not the case anymore. Iowans are not. Polling indicates Charlie Wishman Especially in this very rapidly ag- strong support for these common- ing state, many people have the re- sense working family initiatives, We are fast approaching the 2016 sponsibility of being their parents’ and candidates of all stripes need to legislative session, but unfortunate- primary caregiver as well. pay attention. ly the mentality of many in the Iowa It is long past time that our labor Often times in election years there Legislature is stuck in the 1950s. laws reflect modern society. Work- is a rush to conclude the session in Simply put, we live in a “Modern ing families need paid sick time a timely manner and move on to Family” world but have “Leave it to and family leave laws. Working “elections.” There’s a good reason Beaver” laws that need updated. families need our state to invest in ed starvation wage. With so many for that in legislators’ minds. It’s be- We’re now 16 years into this cen- child care and pre-K opportunities students graduating college with cause they are prohibited from rais- tury, yet we have many labor laws in a major way. The people doing crushing debt and no wage growth ing money from PACs and lobbyists that are designed for a mid-20th some of the most important work to make up for it, we need to bet- while the session is going on. There century society. Because wages have imaginable, the caregivers who are ter promote apprenticeship oppor- are big issues that again will need to been stagnant for four decades, very taking care of our seniors, need tunities and find a way for young continued on page 2 WIN Supports Working Families Working Iowa Neighbors (WIN) miliar with and supportive of labor AFL-CIO. “This non-partisan ef- develop education agendas, sup- was established in 2009 with the and working family issues. fort is intended to make local poli- port and shore up incumbent elect- intent to lay the groundwork for To date, the WIN program has tics more responsive to working by ed officials who support working future legislative candidates and help elect 103 candidates (54 were electing working family represen- family’s issues, and developed an develop a “farm team” of activists union member’s retirees or union tatives.” effective opposition to elected of- and community leaders who are fa- household). In The most recent Tracy Leone and Ben Murry are ficials who oppose working family issues. The WIN statewide committee is made up of the IFL Executive Board, CLC presidents (or designee) a rep- resentative from each WIN commit- WIN tee, the IFL state political director and the two WIN organizers. PAID WORKING IOWA NEIGHBORS There are regular WIN commit- U.S. POSTAGE U.S. PRESORT INC PRESORT tee meetings set up in most Central
NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT Labor Councils (CLC). elections in November there were the two Iowa Federation of labor The WIN organizers will work 32 races on Iowa where WIN can- (IFL) WIN organizers in Iowa. Le- on recruiting candidates, maintain didates were running. WIN can- one works the eastern part of the communication with the commit- didates won 24 of those races with state and Murry the central and tees, plan and coordinate events in one more pending a run off. western. their WIN districts. “The WIN program keeps the The goals of WIN committees You can contact the WIN organizers labor political program running all are to develop WIN candidates, at: Tracy Leone: Tracy@iowaaflcio. year round, and makes better use identify future WIN candidates, org, 309-738-3196; Ben Murry 515-232- of our WIN organizers and other secure funding to continue the 0827; [email protected], or you can activists” said Ken Sagar, President program with an established per- contact the Iowa Federation of Labor of the Iowa Federation of Labor manent political infrastructure, at 515-262-9571 or [email protected].
The President’s View 1st In The Nation Restructuring Of CLCs The Iowa Caucus Inside This Underway A How-To Guide For Participants Issue ...... Page 3 ...... Pages 4 & 5 Iowa AFL-CIO Iowa News AFL-CIO Federation of Labor, Iowa A St., Suite 2000 Walker 50317 Des Moines, Iowa Page 2 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS December 2015 It's Long Past Due To Make Iowa's Labor Laws Reflect Modern Society continued from page 1 turn the entire Medicaid system idea what company they should mess from beginning to end. be dealt with and there is no indica- over to “managed care.” He claims sign up with because their provid- Evidence has mounted that Iowa tion this session will be short. there is $51 million in savings by ers aren’t contracted to work with isn’t ready for this transition, and it The Governor and House Repub- going with his plan, but has nev- these companies. Branstad’s target seems as though the Obama Admin- licans are likely to stay entrenched er showed his math as to how the date for this to go in effect is just istration might be putting the brakes in their position to underfund the state will do that. If you look at oth- a few weeks away, on January 1, on the transition for the time being. K-12 system. Last year if you re- er states that chose to do this, you’ll 2016. We all need to keep up the pressure member, K-12 education was un- see they never “saved” money, and Privatization could make it hard- for the Federal Government to deny derfunded, and what little extra costs for Medicaid only go down er for almost 600,000 Iowans to get this “waiver” that would allow this money was provided was vetoed by because they provide less services the health care they need. scheme to move ahead. Please con- Governor Branstad. Along with the care. Remember as these are cor- In addition to not being ready, it tact Centers for Medicare and Med- education funding dispute there is a porate entities they need to make appears as though representatives icaid Services (CMS) and tell them march toward the further privatiza- a profit for their shareholders. That of these companies had improper “Please block the State of Iowa’s at- tion of our education system though is their primary concern, not care communication with the Branstad tempts to outsource Medicaid man- online education, charter schools, of patients. There are hardly any Administration during a “blackout” agement in Iowa.” You can contact and more. providers signed up because these period when bids from managed CMS in Kansas City by phone at Speaking of privatization four companies haven’t negotiated care companies were being evalu- 816-426-5925 and by e-mail at rokc- schemes, the Governor is still with them, and patients have no ated. This whole scheme has been a [email protected]. pressing forward with his plan to
IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH
RATION O DE F E L F A B A O
W R
O I AFL-CIO
AFL-CIO
The Iowa Federation Of Labor Executive Board
D e a s ow IOWAMoines I NEWS
The Iowa AFL-CIO News is the official publication of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO 2000 Walker St., Suite A Des Moines, Iowa 50317 and is published quarterly.
(515) 262-9571 iowaaflcio.org Officers & Staff
President KEN D. SAGAR [email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer CHARLIE WISHMAN Back Row: Marty Hathaway (AFSCME); Danny Homan (AFSCME); John Herrig (IAMAW); Jerry Nowadzky [email protected] (IAMAW); Bruce Clark (APWU); Dan Prymek (LiUNA); Bill Hanes (IBEW); Front Row: Ken Larson (AFGE); Stacey Andersen (GMP); Jan Laue (BCTGM); Ken Sagar (IFL); Charlie Wishman (IFL); Brandon Greve (USW); State Political Director Steve Abbott (CWA) and Eric Brenneman (IAFF). Not Pictured: Bill Gerhard (LiUNA); Mark Fallis (NALC) BETTY BRIM-HUNTER Robert Gilmore (IUPAT) and Jeff Liske (UA). [email protected]
Communications Director LANCE COLES [email protected] Iowa Federation Of Labor Elected Two New Board Members At the August IFL convention, run for that position this year, and board member and President of Lo- Political Organizer Eric Brenneman was sworn in as she recommend that Slater be ap- cal 7102. In 1995 she became staff BEN MURRY a member of the IFL’s Executive pointed to the IFL board in her place. rep for CWA. In 2009 she was hired [email protected] Board. Brenneman is a member of Slater started working for North- by the IFL to be the staff organizer the International Association of Fire western Bell in 1977 and became ac- for the Iowa Alliance for Retired Political Organizer Fighters Local 3586. He has served tive with CWA. She was steward, Americans. TRACY LEONE as Secretary and Vice President of [email protected] that local. In 2014 he was elected to the Iowa Professional Fire Fighters Bookkeeper Executive Board as a Trustee. JAMIE MILLER Brenneman was elected to the IFL 2016 [email protected] board to replace Wayne Sawtelle, who chose to not continue on the Iowa ARA Organizer board as Vice President at Large. SUE DINSDALE COPE Convention [email protected] Midge Slater was appointed to the IFL Executive Board at a meet- ing in October. Midge was elected April 16 president of the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans this year. The IFL Executive board has a position for USW 310 Hall (812) 923-1111 the ARA. Jan Laue was the past pres- ident of the Iowa ARA and did not December 2015 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 3
The President's View . . . Restructuring Of CLCs Underway By Ken Sagar, IFL President and have another meeting sched- what option they wish to pursue but ready have so much. Government The national AFL-CIO has com- uled this month. They have been will be meeting in the near future to used to be a reliable counter balance mitted to making changes in the using interest bargaining principles begin charting their path forward. to the excesses of the wealthy and structure of the Central Labor to formulate an agreement. A num- While change is always a dif- their greed but the Supreme Court Councils (CLC) in Iowa and across ber of affiliates have been involved ficult thing to adopt and adapt to, rulings opening the flood gates for this country. Many states from New in this process. Iowa City may be we must retool our movement to be the dark money to influence our York starting in 1999-2000 through considering this area as an option. successful advocates for workers in government is working. The deck Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Flori- North Central, Northwest, South this trying time. The 1% are busy is stacked. Help us become more da have restructured their state and Central, Southwest and Southern buying a government to change the effective. Engage in our reorganiza- central labor councils. Recognizing Iowa CLCs have not yet indicated rules to advantage those who al- tion process. that one size does not fit all, the na- tional AFL-CIO has afforded each state the opportunity to engage in the re-organizing efforts. Currently this is going on in a number of states (Oregon, Georgia, and Michigan) IFL Organizing — By City and the process will continue until all of the states have been restruc- The Iowa Federation of Labor is Ben Murry is Organizing Direc- can Federation of State, County tured. taking a different approach to orga- tor and is staffing the Ames Orga- and Municipal Employees, (AF- There is no single way for this re- nizing – by city. nizing office. Murry said they are SCME) local has taken up the offer structuring to occur. It has run the Earlier this year, the Iowa Fed- working on building committees and has set up an office there, as gamut from CLCs merging to form eration of Labor opened the Ames and relationships with allies in the has The Iowa Alliance for Retired an Area Labor Federation (ALF) Organizing office, with the intent to community, such as with the Iowa Americans and Iowa Citizen Action (Minnesota) to CLCs merging into organize workers in Network. Labors In- an existing CLC to CLCs becom- the Ames area. The ternational Union of ing chapters of the State Federa- IFL wants to increase North America (Li- tion (Georgia). Ideally, CLCs need union density and UNA) is planning to take the initiative to decide what help elect working on using an office direction is best for them and begin family friendly can- and other Building meeting to negotiate an agreement didates to local and Trades unions will with other CLCs. state offices. be using the space as Several points worth noting: Union organizing well. Reorganization is not option- is done by a work The Ames Project al, the intent is to become more ef- area, employer or offers office space ficient and effective advocates for work type, but the as well as a meet- working families in this country, Reorganization is going to IFL has opened the ing room, tables, happen under the guidance and ap- Ames office to pro- chairs, internet and proval of the AFL-CIO vide unions space to telephone services. How Central Labor Councils hold meetings, plan The space will hold reorganize is a choice that the CLCs strategy and work 40 – 50 people. Use and their affiliates have a say in. with allies in the of the meeting room There are certain things that community. Others in the commu- State University, students and em- is open to local unions and union the AFL-CIO cannot allow due to nity can use the space for student, ployers who are labor friendly. friendly community groups. IRS code community or political organizing. Murry said the IFL office will be For more information on this There are certain things that After researching, data indicated here for the “long haul”. Murry said program and the office call Ben the AFL-CIO cannot allow due to there was a potential to grow the “Organizing doesn’t happen over- Murry at 515-232-0827 or email at ethical practices labor movement, both via internal night”. [email protected], or the Iowa Most options are available and organizing and organizing new bar- Affiliated unions are welcome Federation of Labor 515-262-9571, many good ideas have been brought gaining units in the Ames area. to use the Ames office. An Ameri- [email protected]. forth by the many CLCs who have gone and are going through this process Names, representation, gover- nance, per capita, staffing and bud- 2016 Iowa Federation Of Labor geting are but a few of the impor- tant issues that are being discussed There are a number of meetings Legislative Conference that have taken place to move this The 2016 IFL Legislative Conference will be held at process forward. National AFL-CIO Prairie Meadows – Skinner Ballroom, February 8 – 9. representatives have made contacts and talked to many CLC and affili- The Conference registration will begin at 9 am, with the general session ate members. You need to make an beginning at 10. There will be a hospitality (cash bar) and dinner effort to be involved and have a say with Legislators starting at 5:30 on Monday the 8th. in charting the future course of the Tuesday will begin at 8:30 with the busses leaving for the capitol Iowa labor movement. at 10 to lobby. Busses will return at 12:45 for lunch and wrap up. North East Iowa area CLCs (Black Hotel information: call 515-957-3000 or 1-800-325-9015 or online at Hawk Union Council, Dubuque www.prairiemeadows.com. Group reservation code is 02142016AFL. Federation of Labor, Hawkeye La- Rates are $103 per night. Deadline for special room rate bor Council and North Iowa Nine) have been meeting for months are is 5 PM on Monday January 15, 2016. nearing the completion of their Conference registration deadline is Monday January 15, 2016. unity agreement. Dubuque is also Form have been sent, but you can download a form from the meeting with the South East area IFL webpage. www.iowaaflcio.org. (Conventions & CLCs too, in an effort to explore Conferences). Registration cost is $150 which includes all which option is best for their mem- materials, transportation to and from the Capitol, two bers. lunches and one dinner. Lunch is provided on both days. South East area CLCs (Clinton Labor Congress, Des Moines and For more information call 515-262-9571 or [email protected]. Henry County Labor Council, Lee County Labor Council and the Quad Plan Now To Attend! City Federation of Labor) have met Page 4 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS December 2015
1st in The Iowa Caucus the Nation A How To Guide for Participants of the Iowa Presidential Caucus DEFINITION OF THE moved the Iowa caucus to the beginning of the REPUBLICAN CAUCUS year before the state of New Hampshire which WORD CAUCUS had been first in the nation with a presidential PROCESS Caucus [kawkuh s] primary. The attention the Democrats received There is a different caucus process for- Re from moving their caucus was great enough that publicans and Democrats. noun, plural caucuses. The Republicans caucus typically uses a se- 1. U.S. Politics. the Republican Party also made Iowa first in the 1976 election, and since then, Iowa’s importance cret ballot voting system. A. a meeting of party leaders to select candi- has grown each election cycle. There may be some voters that make brief dates, elect convention delegates, etc. speeches in favor of their candidate, then every- B. a meeting of party members within a Since the caucus wasn’t considered as impor- tant as a primary there wasn’t much attention one votes. legislative body to select leaders and determine After voting, the caucus elects delegates to strategy. given to moving Iowa before New Hampshire. After Jimmy Carter won the Democratic caucus go to the county convention. C. a faction within a legislative body that in Iowa and went on to become the Democrat- Delegates selected at the precinct caucuses pursues its interests through the legislative pro- go on to the county conventions, which choose cess: the Women’s Caucus; the Black Caucus. ic Presidential nominee the Republican party moved their caucus. delegates to the district conventions, which in 2. group or meeting organized to further a turn selects delegates to the Iowa State Conven- special interest or cause. “Cycles after that candidates flocked to Iowa looking for the same thing: an opportunity to tion. verb (used without object) get known by the media, and to level the play- It is the Republican Iowa State Convention, 3. to hold or meet in a caucus. ing field so lesser known candidate might have not the precinct caucuses, which selects the ulti- mate delegates from Iowa to the Republican Na- verb (used with object) a shot,” said David Redlawsk, Rutgers professor tional Convention. 4. to bring up or hold for discussion in a cau- and co-author of: “Why Iowa? How Caucuses All delegates are officially unbound from the cus: The subject was caucused. The group caucused and Sequential Elections Improve the Presiden- results of the precinct caucus. the meeting. tial Nominating Process.” Iowa has held it’s first in the nation status for over 40 years. Every election cycle other states WHAT IS A PRESIDENTIAL try to move ahead of Iowa with their caucuses CAUCUS? and primaries but have not been successful. The A meeting that allows for community dis- two parties rules maintain that Iowa will be first cussion about the candidates and the issues be- in the nominating process but there is no legal fore a vote is taken at a precinct caucus. way to enforce this rule. Both parties have im- It is a process for each political party to let posed a penalty on states that try to move their voters select their party’s presidential nominee. primaries before Iowa by reducing the number Instead of voting at the polls, registered Re- of delegates that state is entitled to send to the publicans and Democrats meet from each of Io- national convention. wa’s precincts in all 99 counties. “Unless the parties come up with a completely Meeting locations could include schools, different approach than they have now, then Io- churches, libraries or even in someone’s home. wa’s likely to be first because there’s no agreement In both parties, the caucus is where the del- someone else should be first,” Redlawsk said. egates for county convention are selected. The county convention begins the process of select- ing delegates for district, state and eventually WHO CAN PARTICIPATE Only registered Republicans and Democrats national convention. can participate in the caucus. In addition to the voting and the presidential Voters registered as Independents/No Party During the Republican Caucus participants preference choices, caucus-goers begin the pro- participate in the caucuses. vote by a secret ballot to show support for their cess of writing their parties’ platforms by intro- CANNOT To qualify to register to vote in Iowa you candidate. ducing resolutions. must be: A U.S. Citizen An Iowa resident DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS At least 18 years old by the general elec- PROCESS tion on November 8, 2016 There is a different caucus process for Demo- To qualify to register to vote in Iowa you crats and Republicans. cannot: First order of business at a Democratic Cau- Be a convicted felon (unless your voting cus is to count off so that it can be determined rights have been restored) how many individuals are participating in your Be judged mentally incompetent to vote precinct caucus. by a court In Democratic caucuses, participants physi- Claim the right to vote in any other place cally move into a designated area of the room to You can register to vote or change your party show which candidate they support (forming a HISTORY OF THE affiliation the night of the caucuses. preference group). IOWA CAUCUS Only registered Republicans can participate An area may also be designated for unde- The caucus process first took place in 1796 in the Republican caucus. cided participants. when the American political parties emerged. Only registered Democrats can participate in Then the negotiating begins—members of Since then not much has changed within the the Democratic caucus. the non-viable groups can try to attract more caucus system but most states have moved to a There is not a fee charged to attend the cau- people, or join other groups. primary. Cary Covingtion, University of Iowa cus. Then, for approximately 30 minutes, partici- political science professor, told the Daily News Observers are allowed to attend as long as pants try to convince their neighbors to support that “It’s a historical accident,” that the Iowa cau- they do not become involved in the discussion their candidates. cuses became first in the nation. or voting (observers could include: youth who will Each preference group might ask a few mem- Iowa has always chosen its presidential can- not be eligible to vote by the general election, press, bers to recruit supporters from the other groups didates using caucuses. However, because of campaign staff, volunteers and individuals not reg- especially people in the undecided group. scheduling issues in 1972, the Democratic party istered to vote). Undecided participants might visit each December 2015 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 5 The Iowa Caucus A How To Guide for Participants of the Iowa Presidential Caucus
preference group to ask its members about their DELEGATE CHART REFERENCES candidate. Serving as a delegate for your party at one or http://www.iowacaucus.biz/ After the 30 minutes has passed the groups more of the conventions is truly a unique and http://m.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ stop recruiting members and the size of each interesting experience. Becoming a delegate is iowa-caucus-work-important-article- group is counted. available to all Precinct Caucus attendees. Dur- 1.998846#bmb=1 Normally the viability threshold (number of ing a Presidential year in the Democratic and Re- http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/ individuals you need in your group) is usually publican Parties you can be elected to serve as a caucus-history-past-years-results/ 15% of attendees. delegate at the levels in the flow chart below. http://people.howstuffworks.com/iowa- Candidates who don’t have enough support caucus.htm are deemed non-viable. Attend Your Precinct Caucus http://www.iptv.org/iowapathways/artifact_ Members of non-viable groups can try to at- detail.cfm?aid=a_000930&oid=ob_000176 tract more people or may abandon their group County Convention Delegate http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iowa_ join another preference group. caucuses#Republican_Party_process An uncommitted preference group if viable District Convention Delegate http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/how- can stay together and eventually be part of the to-caucus/ delegate selection process for their group. State Convention Delegate “Why Iowa? How Caucuses and Sequential Once viability is determined, participants Elections Improve the Presidential Nominating have roughly another 30 minutes to realign: the National Convention Delegate Process” | David Redlawsk, Caroline Tolbert, supporters of non-viable candidates may find a and Todd Donovan viable candidate to support, join together with CONTACTS What Is A Caucus? How The Iowa Caucus supporters of another non-viable candidate to Works | The Huffington Post | By Dean Praetorius secure a delegate for one of the two, or choose to Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO abstain. 2000 Walker Street, Suite A This realignment is a crucial distinction of Des Moines, IA 50317 caucuses in that (unlike a primary) being a vot- Phone: 515.262.9571 er’s second candidate of choice can help a candi- www.iowaaflcio.org date. Iowa Democratic Party The number of votes (individuals in a pref- 5661 Fleur Drive erence group) each candidate gets determines Des Moines, IA 50321 what percentage of that precinct’s delegates Phone: 515.244.7292 2016 CAUCUS DATES will represent that person at the county conven- www.iowademocrats.org Iowa Caucus - Feb 1 tion. Iowa Republican Party County Conventions - March 12 After 30 minutes the realignment is closed, 621 E. 9th Street Republican District Convention - April 9 a final head count is conducted, and each pre- Des Moines, IA 50309 Democrats District Convention - April 30 cinct apportions delegates to the county con- Phone: 515-282-8105 Republican State Convention - May 21 vention. www.iowagop.org Democrats State Convention - June 18 After the numbers are reported to the state party the attendees will finish the business of the caucus: each preference group elects its del- egates, and then the groups reconvene to elect lo- cal party officers and discuss resolutions for the party platform. The delegates chosen by the precinct then go to their county convention, to choose delegates CAUCUS RESOLUTIONS to the district convention and state convention. The Caucuses provide more than an opportunity to vote for a political candidate – it Most of the delegates to the Democratic National also provides a venue where you can offer issues that you want the candidate to make Convention are selected at the district conven- law or policy. tion, with the remaining ones selected at the state The delegates at the Iowa Federation of Labor Convention, in August, voted on sev- convention. eral issues/resolutions that would make good caucus platform issues. Delegates selected at caucuses to go to One much debated issue is the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and other related trade county convention are initially bound to sup- deals. The AFL-CIO is very much against the TPP and would welcome a caucus resolu- port their chosen candidate. However, they may tions asking for the stopping of the TPP and similar trade deals. later switch in a process very similar to what A resolution that supports adequate funding for schools was passed. This is currently was used at the precinct caucuses. While major a state issue, but education is also under attack at the federal level shifts in delegate support are rare, the media The postal workers asked for support with Postal Banking, vote by mail and to op- declares the candidate with the most delegates pose the privatization of the USPS and any hindrance of mail delivery. on the precinct caucus night the winner. Raise the wage – Iowa, was a uniramous resolution by the delegates. The $7.25 mini- mum wage is not enough and the wage needs to be raised considerably. Social security is essential to older and disable Iowan’s. The Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans proposed a resolution to protect Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, and a resolution to help protect older adults from elder abuse. A resolution was passed that called for a corporate tax system that holds corporations accountable to government shareholders and the public. One that keeps jobs and profits here and provides transparency. The Building Trades Committee offered a resolution calling for incentivizing or re- quiring contractors to use Apprenticeship training. Each of this issues can easily be a resolution for a caucus. If you want a copy of any of these resolutions or would like some assistance on preparing one for your caucus, call During the Democratic Caucus participants 515-262-9571 or send an email to [email protected]. physically move into groups to show support for their candidate. Page 6 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS December 2015 Local Coalition Building Emerges After Local Summit Dubuque Federation of Labor to turn away impoverished families Services; Ikponwonsa Oriaikhi, Ex- Lagging wages for all workers and the Quad City Federation of for whom state services are drying ecutive Director, QC Alliance for in Dubuque make it difficult for Labor answered the call to hold lo- up. Immigrants and Refugees; Mike working families to afford housing, cally based summits after the First Chris Rootes discussed the aging Carberry, Johnson County Supervi- healthcare, and other basic needs. Working Families Summit was held infrastructure needs in Iowa like sor; Carlene Erno, President, Illinois The estimated average wage among in Ames in May. the I74 Bridge, road, sewers, and DHS worker; Mike Malmstrom, renters in Dubuque is about $22,000 rail projects, which would create QC Alliance for Retired Americans per year. But to afford a two-bed- COMMUNITIES UNDER and Veterans Activist; Toby Pa- room apartment at fair market ATTACK one, ISEA; Chris Rootes, Ironwork- rent, a person needs to earn about The Quad Cities held “Commu- ers International Union; Dakota $29,000 per year. And in Dubuque, nities Under Attack” program Upshaw, Striking HyBrand if you earn the minimum wage, you October 5th at the MLK Construction Worker; and need to work 77 hours per week to Community Center in Mickey Sloat, Davenport afford a two-bedroom apartment at Rock Island. The event School student leader a fair market value of $725.00. began with open- of “I am Worth-Less” These are some of the findings ing testimony from campaign. from Inclusive Dubuque’s Equity Dakota Upshaw, Profile, one of the co-sponsors of Striking Hy- DUBUQUE the Dubuque Working Families Brand Worker WORKING Summit. The summit brought to- in Muscatine, FAMILIES gether a coalition of progressive or- Mickey Sloat, SUMMIT ganizations for a day of discussion Davenport High Another com- and action to work together to help School Student munity getting strengthen working families, de- leader of the together to move termine a road map to change, and “I’m Worth-less a positive agenda work toward effective legislative Campaign”, and for working fami- remedies is a step in the right direc- IK Oriaikha, Exec- lies is Dubuque tion. utive Director QC which held its first The program included a day of Alliance for Immi- Working Families action, break-out sessions, and in- grants and Refugees. Summit on Novem- teractive discussions that examine Each one explained ber 7th at Northeast ways to create coalitions to work what motivated them Iowa Community Col- on issues like raising family wag- to get off the sidelines and lege. es, health and education, and civil become activists. For Dakota For one out of every five rights & immigration. it was dangerous working condi- Dubuque residents who do not During the Keynote, The Nation tions he and his co-workers faced at have a high school diploma, living Magazine contributing writer John pay so low some qualified for food below the poverty line means mak- Nichols narrated the links between stamps. For IK it was the desire to thousands of jobs and stimulate the ing decisions between medicine the fights for labor and civil rights help immigrants like herself to re- economy. But again, he lamented and food. by detailing the life of A. Philip settle in a new country. For Mickey that the state leadership is priori- Though Dubuque residents with Randolph. These are not separate Sloat, it was the thought that even tizing tax cuts to corporations over a bachelor’s degree are able to earn struggles, but linked by the desire though she is an honor student and jobs for Iowa workers. a higher wage ($42K on average), of all for basic human dignity. nationally recognized for student Participants also learned from a Vet- gaining access to higher educa- Other community, labor, and debate, according to Terry Brans- erans Advocate Mike Malmstrom tion is out of reach for many young policy experts spoke during panel tad and the Iowa Legislature, she what life is like for discussions and break- is “worthless” because they reim- veterans and senior out sessions, includ- burse her school at a lower rate than citizens in Illinois un- ing Pam Jochum, Iowa neighboring school districts. der the Rauner Ad- Senate President; Mike Their presentation was followed ministration and how Owen, Iowa Policy Proj- by experts from the Iowa Policy the budget impasse ect; Tammy Wawro, Project and the Illinois Economic and cuts are affecting ISEA president; Katrina Policy Institute who focused on the programs designed to Farren-Eller Inclusive cause and consequences of devas- help deal with the is- Dubuque, Anthony Al- tating budget cuts in Illinois and sues of homelessness, len, NAACP; Luis Ro- Iowa. hunger, and poverty jas, LULAC, Rod Sul- Finally, Dr. Christopher Whitt, amongst our elderly livan, Johsnon County Political Science Professor at Augus- and veterans. Supervisors, Jesse Case, tana College, led a panel discussion About eighty peo- Iowa City Federation of about raising wages and organiz- ple attended Commu- Labor. ing. This included how cities and nities Under Attack Explaining his rea- states can pass a local minimum with a renewed com- sons for hosting the wage increases, and how the recent mitment to build co- summit, Bruce Clark, cuts to state subsidized childcare in alitions to see change president of the Illinois resulted in a shocking nine- and a better future Dubuque Federation of Keynote speaker John Nichols addresses the participants. ty percent no longer being eligible for the 90 percent of Labor, AFL-CIO, said “I for child care assistance under Gov- Iowans who are not positively af- adults who do not wish to be crip- want to see broader understanding ernor Bruce Rauner. fected by the economic gains since pled with enormous student loan of the number of issues from raising AFSCME member Carlene Erno the “end” of the recession. debt. wages, to supporting families, to pointed out that the average pension FULL LIST OF SPEAKERS: Dr. For women and people of color, protecting civil rights, so that we all for Illinois public workers – who are Christopher Whitt, Augustana Polit- the situation is even more challeng- understand each other’s issues and getting lionized in so much of the ical Science professor; Mike Owen, ing. African Americans in Dubuque can support each other.” press for causing budget shortfalls Executive Director, Iowa Policy have the highest unemployment The summit ended with par- – is barely above poverty wages. Project; Frank Manzo IV, Policy Di- rates at 52%. Latinos in Dubuque ticipants filling out a “Call to Ac- She also detailed the unmanageable rector, Illinois Economic Policy In- have a 10.5% unemployment rate, tion” card committing to working case load and stress on DHS work- stitute; Marcy Mendenhall, CEO, but due to low wages, almost 40% on one of the issues raised at the ers who, more and more, are having Skip-a-Long Child Development still live below the poverty line. summit. December 2015 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS Page 7 Enough Is Enough What is Friedrichs vs Califor- economy has swung out of balance, According to America Works hand-in-hand with a strong mid- nia Teachers Association and why and everyday Americans are work- Together, “Everyone who works dle class. Organizing give workers should I care? ing more, yet have less to spend. should be able to make ends meet, the power to lift themselves out of Because it could change the labor The economic rules currently favor have a say about their futures and poverty and build a better futures. movement forever! corporate CEOs and the rich. have the right to negotiate togeth- The Supreme Court should follow The U.S. Supreme Court will settled precedent and allow states soon be hearing the case: Friedrichs like New York to manage our own vs California Teachers Association labor relations to achieve labor which is challenging a 1977 Unani- peace and government efficiency mous Supreme Court Decision, and to continue our long tradition called Abood v. Detroit Board of of support for workers.” (Quote Education. taken from We Party Patriots blog In the Abood case, the court af- page.) firmed that it is constitutional for In a joint statement, Maria Ci- public sector unions to collect Fair lento, President of the New York Share Fees (also sometime called State AFL-CO said, “The corporate representation fees or agency fees) CEOs behind Friedrichs want noth- from employees who choose not to ing more than to silence working join a union. Nothing has changed people and break the scales which since 1977 that would make this case are already tilted in their favor. any different. No one is required to They know when working people join the union, no one is required to Unions are legally required to er for better wages and benefits join together, they have the power pay any fees that go to politics or represent and negotiate for all em- that can sustain their family.” This to improve their wages, benefits, political candidates. ployees, even those that are not Supreme Court case threatens to and working conditions and that Well, one thing has changed, the paying union dues. In non-right to make things worse for everyday scares them deeply.” Iowa Attor- Supreme Court ruled in Citizens work states, where fair share agree- working Americans. ney General Tom Miller has signed United that it is ok to dump massive ments are legal, employees that do Several states have files briefs onto this brief. amounts of money into the political not want to belong to a union only supporting unions regarding this A petition is available at http:// arena. This case is being financed by have to contribute to the costs of case. Attorney General Schneider- americaworkstogether.us/petition/. the Koch Brothers and the Center the representation they receive. man of New York said, “The right America Works Together has more for Individual Rights. Their main These are the only fees being ad- to organize is a fundamental right information and action tools on this goal is to break unions. America’s dressed in this new case. for American workers. Unions go case. Organizers’ Roundtable Mark your calendars! The next tees that can sustain and lead the about ““inoculation” –anticipating building committees. As always, Organizers’ Roundtable work- campaign to a successful election? the opposition in an election cam- we will also ask participants to shop will be held Friday, January How do you build lists, databases, paign, and preparing committees consider giving brief reports on 15th from 10am to Noon at the and communication networks? to respond. Thanks to the Boiler- recent and current organizing ef- Ames Organizing Project office Our October workshop was makers organizers for distributing forts in our state. (546 Main Street, Ames). This pro- well-attended and packed with an example of your written cam- To RSVP or get more informa- gram is free. great updates and information paign materials, and discussing tion call 319-335-4144 or email the The Organizers’ Roundtable from union staff and members your recent election experiences. University of Iowa Labor Center at is intended to be a place where who are running or planning new In January, we will talk about [email protected]. Registra- union staff and leaders who are organizing campaigns. We talked “charting” a bargaining unit, and tion deadline is January 11. actually doing new organizing, or will soon be involved in new organizing, “talk shop” about or- ganizing. It meets quarterly, to discuss question such as: What barriers and opposition are you facing on organizing campaigns? What are the best tools unions are using to prepare workers for the opposition they will face? How do you build strong in-shop commit-
January 15 Organizers’ Roundtable Page 8 IOWA AFL-CIO NEWS December 2015 21 Judicial Nominees Held Up 21 judicial nominees are being Grassley is by far the least effective held up by Senator Chuck Grass- Judiciary Chair in the modern era, ley, and it’s time to set them free. and unless those numbers increase, After promising to move judg- his legacy will be one of delaying es forward in a timely fashion as justice for Americans. Chair of the Judiciary Committee, At present there are 21 pending Senator Grassley has done the op- judicial nominees. 17 have been posite. Senator Grassley has also nominated but are awaiting a com- repeatedly and falsely stated the mittee hearing, and 4 have had a Senate has confirmed more judges hearing but have not been sched- during President Obama’s time in uled for a vote. 6 have been de- office compared to the same point clared judicial emergencies, with in President George W. Bush’s ten- thousands of cases delayed and ure. In reality, Senator Grassley’s Americans awaiting their day in obstruction has slowed confirma- court. tions to a snail’s pace -- the Senate Senator Grassley has the author- is on track to confirm the fewest ity to set these nominees free and number of judges since 1953, ac- keep his promise to move judges cording to the Center for Ameri- forward in a timely fashion. Join can Progress. Approving just seven the Why Courts Matter Iowa coali- The Iowa Why Courts Matter group meets every Wednesday at noon in judges since the beginning of his tion in advocating for their swift front of the Federal Building in Des Moines. The group wore robes to chairmanship means that Senator approval. symbolize judges – or rather the obstruction of judge appointments. Johnson Becomes 1st Iowa County To Pass Minimum Wage Increase City of Solon becomes 1st City in US History to Lower the Minimum Wage After failures by the US Con- Policy Project. It is also one of the targeted to help that underclass, by the Solon city council whose gress and Iowa State legislature to fastest growing in the state. many of whom are immigrants and attorney already had a local or- raise the minimum wage, Johnson Yet several of Iowa City schools refugees, and many of whom are dinance drafted and presented to County Supervisors voted unani- the council for a first reading on mously to raise minimum wage September 12th, only two days for its residents September 10th. after Johnson County passed the The increase would be phased in increase. Dozens of people testi- over three stages until it reaches fied against lowering the wage $10.10 per hour by 2017. at the second reading at the Sep- But before the first wage in- tember 16th meeting– both from crease ($8.20/hour) could take the community and surrounding effect on November 1st, the City areas. Fewer than five testified in Council members of Solon in favor of it, most of them restau- Johnson County voted unani- rant owners who provided anec- mously to “opt-out” of the wage dotal evidence, but no hard facts increase. about how this would hurt busi- According to Johnson County ness. resident Paul Iverson who testi- Normally, such an ordinance fied before the Solon city council, would have three readings be- in taking this action, Solon has fore a vote, but perhaps because become the first city in US his- Solon did not want to give the tory that has decided to lower its community enough time to orga- minimum wage. nize, they motioned to waive this With high demand for housing requirement and combine it into from the student population, and two readings. After public testi- a large population of professionals have extraordinarily high percent working two jobs or are victims of mony ended, without any discus- and academics, Johnson County is enrollment of students who qual- wage theft. sion by the city council members, one of the most expensive places ify for free and reduced lunch. The county wrote the law so they voted 5-0 to lower the wage. to live in Iowa according to Iowa The minimum wage increase was cities could “opt-out” according The City of Swisher is next in to requirements of State law. This line to consider opting-out of the provision clearly was examined wage increase.
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