(ISSN 0023-6667) MNA voting on tentative Metro agreement ST. PAUL - The Minnesota action shows that workers can the membership to vote “yes” Nurses Association and 14 and should stand up for them- in order to formally ratify the Metro-area hospitals announ- selves and the people they settlement. If members did not ced a contract settlement July serve.” ratify the contract, then MNA 1, averting a scheduled strike. An open-ended strike had would essentially be reverting The Minnesota Nurses been scheduled to begin at 7 back to where they previously Association released the fol- a.m. Tuesday, July 6. There is were in negotiations. If mem- lowing statement: no strike date now that a tenta- bers did not ratify the settle- “The registered nurses and tive contract has been reached. ment and wanted to strike An Injury to One is an Injury to All! the hospitals believe a settle- On June 10 , 12,000 RNs instead, then MNA would have WEDNESDAY VOL. 116 ment of the labor agreement at had walked off the job for 24 to go through the whole this time is in the best interests hours in the Metro. process of taking another strike JULY 7, 2010 NO. 2 of patients and our community. MNA nurses voted yester- vote, giving another 10-day “The Minnesota Nurses day on the July 1 contract set- strike notice, etc. Association and the 14 hospi- tlement but results were not You can visit the MNA tals that have been engaged in know as this issue went to website at www.mnnurses.org negotiations since March have press. Final voting results to find out how the voting went reached agreement with the weren’t expected until about and to learn more about how assistance of the Federal midnight. the MNA is working for its Mediation and Conciliation MNA needs 66 percent of membership statewide. Service on the terms for new collective bargaining agree- MNA to picket SMDC main ments. The contract settlement is subject to ratification by the hospital on Monday, July 12 registered nurses represented Last Friday the Minnesota Nurses Association served notice by the Union, but the Union's on the St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic Health System that they will negotiating committees cover- begin informational picketing at SMDC on Monday, July 12. By ing all 14 hospitals have agreed law the hospitals must be given a 10-day notice of any such to favorably recommend the action. settlement for ratification. In Duluth and northern Minnesota 1,400 MNA RNs are in “The Minnesota Nurses negotiations with both SMDC and the St. Luke’s hospital sys- Association and the hospitals tems. Those contracts expired July 1. Talks with SMDC began have agreed to a renewed com- May 6 and on May 14 with St. Luke’s. mitment to working through The Metro contract can be a baseline for northern contracts both parties’ staffing issues but frustration with talks in Duluth with SMDC have the RNs through the existing committee willing to take it to the streets. The next negotiation with SMDC systems at the various hospi- isn’t until Tuesday, July 20. tals.” “We’ll be picketing on second, third and fourth streets and Minnesota AFL-CIO Presi- around the avenues from noon to 5:00 p.m.,” said Marie Pechek, dent Shar Knutson said, Labor Specialist for the MNA in Duluth. Members of Duluth Building Trades unions, including “Metro area nurses made a his- The MNA would appreciate any support they can get on the IBEW 242’s Darik Carlson (inside) and Jim Brown are toric stand for patient care and line. In the Twin Cities they outpouring of support was phenom- helping Boy Scout Troop 25 build another playhouse for the dignity in the workplace. Their enal. Even patients came out of the hospitals to help, with one Miller Dwan Foundation to raffle off for their fundraiser. man in his gown pushing his intravenous tree along. Duluth and Iron Range MNA members had bussed to the Twin Cities to help Labor Day Picnic hurting for donations, their union sisters and brothers. The next negotiations with St. Luke’s are scheduled for needs some new volunteers to stay viable Tuesday, July 13. Fundraising for the Duluth solely by donations and volun- lar end of summer picnic For more information about the Twin Cities and Duluth nurs- AFL-CIO Central Labor teer labor, the most critical ele- requires substantial donations es’ situations, visit http://www.mnnurses.org Body’s 121st Annual Labor ments for the event’s success in terms of funds and volun- Day Picnic has started but isn’t and both are lacking for the teers said Peterson. Screenings Thursday, July 8 looking good. Two months out only official workers’ holiday “We’re looking for new vol- On Thursday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the Duluth Labor from the Monday, Sept. 7 event in the United States. Since unteers, new ideas, and new Temple’s Wellstone Hall, 2002 London Road, NEALC only $2,800 has been raised. moving to Bayfront Festival sources of donations and rev- screenings will be held in races for the 6th District Court judi- enue,” said Peterson. “We are Last year was a bad year for Park the picnic has become cial seat, and Lake County commissioner races. picnic donations and at this even more popular with thou- inviting everyone who cares point $4,025 had been raised. sands attending the free event. about this Duluth institution to The 6th District Court bench race is wide open. The picnic needs about $8,000 Some families make it a part of come forward and help it to not Candidates include Russ Conrow, Tim Costley, Mike Cuzzo, to pay all its bills. a reunion weekend. only survive, but to grow.” Juhl Halvorson, John Lind, Tim Little, James Ross, and The picnic is subsidized This year will be the first One of the ideas that came Lawrence Ulanowski. year that Community Services forward from last year’s event In Lake County districts 2 and 4 are up for election this Program Director Beth was to have more activities for year. Rick Goutermont of Silver Bay is seeking re-election in Peterson will be wearing the toddlers. District 2 and will be opposed by Patricia Taylor of Finland. Picnic Committee Chair hat. “There are always activities Paul Bergman holds the Two Harbors District 4 seat and will “I’m trying to learn how it for the bigger kids but we want run against Mark Broin, Judy Olson, and Mary Henjum all comes together, who the to have young families feel as Rosati. welcome and connect with our donors, volunteers and vendors Screenings are open to the public. When delegates meet to have been,” Peterson said. “I’m labor movement,” said trying to recruit new volunteers Peterson. “The picnic has discuss labor endorsements following screenings, everyone to help those who I know have changed for the better by being who isn’t a labor delegate from an affiliated union is asked to been giving of their time and more family-friendly in our leave. energy for so long.” wonderful location at Bayfront If you would like to screen candidates in a race in the With food, beverages, enter- with parking so available and NEALC, which covers Lake, Cook, St. Louis, Koochiching, tainment, and prizes being pro- close.” Itasca, Carlton and Pine counties, or for any other informa- vided free of charge, the popu- See Labor Day...page 2 tion please contact Chad McKenna at 218-728-1257. Stewart Acuff book signing here July 22 for Labor Movie Night By Chad McKenna, Field his message out the old fash- imbalance of power between brother’s and sister’s keepers, Brother Acuff will be on Coordinator, North East Area ioned way, with a booklet for ordinary working families and that you are on your own. hand to sign copies of his book Labor Council the masses that defines the the wealthy elite, the disinvest- “Enough is enough. It is and will also read excerpts for July’s Labor Movie Night challenges facing us and charts ment in public services, the time to choose,” it adds. The those in attendance. will be featuring a special a new course for our country to financial collapse, and many U.S. can continue down that Books will be for sale for a guest. As you read in the May follow. He has been traveling other topics. It succinctly – but road, aiding just “the financial meager $10. Considering the 5 issue of the Labor World, the country for book signings quite comprehensively – out- elite,” it warns. “Or we can wealth of information includ- Stewart Acuff – the longtime and was excited about return- lines the current situation we bargain our way out…and once ed, this is a deal that will be AFL-CIO Director of Organi- ing to Duluth, where he has find ourselves in. Even better, again have an economy that hard to pass up. zing, now the chief of staff for invigorated Labor Day Picnic he proposes solutions on how works for ordinary working Be there or be square: Utility Workers President Mike crowds twice in recent years. to get us back on track and true Americans,” it concludes. Duluth Labor Temple, Well- Langford – has written a new The 85 page, easy to read to his passion, organizing with- The book is published by stone Hall (enter via South book entitled “Getting America book was co-written with in and outside the labor move- Tasora Books of Minneapolis Street), 2002 London Road, Back to Work.” Richard Levins, Professor ment is a big part of it. and illustrated by Twin Cities Thursday, July 22, 6:00 p.m. Acuff will be joining us on Emeritus of Applied Econ- “We have suffered through artist Steve Sack. Thursday, July 22 at 6:00 p.m. omics at the University of a 30-year assault on our values, in Wellstone Hall for a book Minnesota. Levins wrote the on our society, on our people, Citizens Fed Picnic July 17 signing. In the age of social popular “Middle Class: Union on our institutions and on our The Citizens Federation is holding its annual Free Picnic on media, brother Acuff is getting Made” in 2006. standard of living,” the book Saturday, July 17 at Lincoln Park on 25th Avenue West in Acuff’s book chronicles the declares in Acuff’s preaching Duluth. It will feature a Meet & Greet with local candidates. cadence. “Contrary to 4,000 ...from page 1 People running for Minnesota State Senate District 7, and Labor Day Picnic hurting years of human history, wis- State House of Representatives districts 6B, 7A, and 7B will be Donations from unions, other labor bodies, businesses and dom and sacred teachings, we there, as well as candidates for St. Louis County Attorney. Both individuals are what keeps the picnic going. have been told that greed is Dennis Fink and Frank Jewell in the County Commissioner Donations can be send Labor Day Picnic, Duluth Central good, that you are not your District 1 race will be unable to attend. Body, 2002 London Road, Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. The The picnic goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the candidates phone number is 218-724-1413. addressing the group from 1 to 2 p.m. This year make a donation in honor of Judge Gerald Heaney, Everyone is welcome. who not only attended every Labor Day Picnic in Duluth from For more info call 727-0207, email [email protected] or 1948 to last year’s, but also made a nice donation every year. He visit http://citizensfed.org. passed away June 22. If you or your organization would like to volunteer for any aspect of the picnic contact Beth Peterson at 728-1779. Survey seeks injured workers Most unsafe working conditions and even injuries on the job are never reported, but we’ve seen what unsafe conditions can I.U.O.E. Local 70 lead to: 7 workers killed in the Tesoro refinery explosion in April Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting in Washington; 11 killed in BP’s Deepwater Horizon explosion; Stewart Acuff has been a hit 29 killed in the explosion at Massey Energy's Upper Big Branch Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 5:00 P.M. in his appearances at the coal mine in West Virginia. Those are the most attention-grab- Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Duluth Labor Day Picnic. bing workplace fatalities of 2010 (so far), but they weren’t the He’s returning July 22 on his only workers to die on the job this year. Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 book signing tour At http://www.workingamerica.org/oshasurvey.cfm Working America wants to know if you've been injured on the job or exposed to unsafe working ASBESTOSIS conditions. 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BadgerStateAsbestos.com ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT Duluth Grill PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 Invite to Retiree’s meeting TO: Northeast Minnesota Retiree Council Affiliates Other possibly interested individuals SUBJECT: Invitation to July 28 Meeting in Duluth That was some kind of Each year our Board of Directors of the Minnesota State funeral for our friend Judge Retiree Council, AFL-CIO holds one of our meetings outside of Gerald Heaney. What else the metropolitan area. This year we will be meeting in Duluth at would you expect for such a the Labor Temple on Wednesday, July 28 at 10 a.m. We would beloved, Irish Catholic? The like to especially invite you to attend that meeting as it is the only thing missing was a wake closest we will be to you (geographically) this year! and Red Breast Irish whisky. We will be conducting business that cannot be held over to The Judge’s home parish is August and we will have a speaker of special interest to St. Michael’s but everything Northeast Minnesota residents. After the meeting we will be was moved to Holy Rosary, to having a lunch, and an afternoon program too. accommodate the crowds. In the afternoon, for about an hour and a half, we will be hav- What a magnificent church. ing a discussion about union retiree clubs – how to create one Went early to the visitation and keep it active and vital. June 29 and got a chance to talk morning and people watching Holy Rosary and Calvary We hope that you can attend and bring some of your members to Eleanor, Bill, and Carol with was fantastic. Vice President Cemetery. His burial with full – it will be a chance to learn and socialize. If you do plan to few folks around. Started look- Walter Mondale, Congressman military honors was tight and attend lunch, could you please call and let us know by Friday, ing at photographs, turned Oberstar, Sec. of State Mark crisp. Bagpipes and taps kept July 23 – 1 800 652 9004. around, and the line to the cas- Ritchie, lots of politicians and everyone’s eyes well washed Thanks for your continued interest and support, and we hope ket was two, three deep the candidates, judges, secret ser- after the grins of seeing Carol to see you July 28. length of the church. I felt for vicemen, two Minnesota AFL- ride up on the back of a Harley In Solidarity, Eleanor, who held up amazing- CIO presidents, four Duluth with a tattooed Patriot Guarder. Martha Johnson, President ly for the two days. She sat Central Labor Body presidents, A luncheon followed at Minnesota AFL-CIO State Retiree Council next to the casket and greeted building trades, public employ- UMD and the sorrow of the everyone for over two hours. ees and probably 300 more. previous week, and especially This Day In History from www.workdayminnesota.org She teared up in thanking me “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” the previous two days, was for the nice things she said I’d even Duluth News Tribune and finally shed as Judge stories July 6, 1889 - Striking Duluth laborers were shot down by written about The Judge. I said Lake Superior News Guild were told. I remembered back the police. In the summer of 1889, construction crews - he was an easy person to write reporter Steve Kuchera had a to another occasion when he many of them immigrants - building Duluth's streets and nice things about. suit and tie on. The Judge had been honored and he said sewers went on strike when contractors reneged on an The funeral was the next commanded that kind of something like...“This is nice agreement reached the year before to pay $1.75 a day. When respect yet was buried in his but when I get home Eleanor Mayor John Sutphin ordered police to keep strikers away Viking sweat pants under his will still tell me to take out the from working men, fighting broke out between strikers and ~NOTICE~ robe with a UMD hockey jer- garbage.” police, resulting in an hour-long gun fight on the corner of Next issues of Labor World: sey alongside. George Sundstrom was one 20th Avenue West and Michigan Street that left two strikers July 21; Aug. 4, 18; The funeral started with a of six pall bearers and spoke at and one bystander dead and 30 strikers seriously wounded. cymbal clash from the balcony the luncheon giving everyone a The police eventually suppressed the strike through violence, Sept. 1, 22; Oct. 6, 27; but the immigrant laborers continued to organize politically Nov. 10, 23; Dec. 15. by members of the Duluth history of The Judge’s efforts Symphony Orchestra that near- on behalf of the labor move- and went on to win the 1890 mayoral election. LABOR WORLD ly gave us old folks a heart ment. Hennepin County Attor- July 7, 1882 - Striking longshoremen in New York City held (ISSN#0023-6667) is published a meeting to discuss ways to keep new immigrants from semi-monthly except one issue in attack. The music and singing ney Mike Freeman told me to December (23 issues). was a joy to hear. Meg Bye, in thank George for that. George scabbing. On July 14, 500 newly arrived Jews marched The known office of publication is the pew in front of me, really was thanked often for the good straight from the ship to the union hall. The next day, 250 Labor World, 2002 London Road, has a beautiful voice. care and friendship he had lov- Italian immigrants stopped scabbing on the railroad and Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. Sure, The Judge was 92 but ingly given to The Judge over joined the union. Periodicals postage is paid at Duluth MN 55806. his passing was still very emo- the years. Hockey games, fish- July 7, 1890 - The Minnesota Federation of Labor was POSTMASTER: tional for many, including ing, lunches, Central Body founded in St. Paul. UMD Chancellor Dr. Kathryn meetings, Labor Day Picnics... Send address changes to: July 8, 1862 - Labor organizer Ella Reeve Bloor was born. Labor World, 2002 London Rd., Martin, who fought back tears attending every event possible. and a choked voice in her eulo- I’ll want to hear any of She investigated child labor in glass factories and mines and Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 went undercover to verify for federal officials the conditions 6 7 gy. That’s something. She read George’s Judge stories he’s a letter from the Obamas. willing to share. Upton Sinclair revealed in The Jungle, his expose of immi- (218) 728-4469 Nothing from Gov. Pawlenty. Most funerals you are look- grants' exploitation by Chicago meatpackers. FAX: (218) 724-1413 Martin read a letter of the [email protected] ing to leave ASAP, especially “Quote, Unquote” www.laborworld.org love between The Judge and midweek, but not The Judge’s. Eleanor and the kids at the In re-reading this piece I real- "The people are becoming more and more aware that we ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ were hoodwinked, that the leaders of this country misrepre- Owned by Unions affiliated with the child care center in the federal ized I haven’t really spoken Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body building, now the Gerald W. much about The Judge himself. sented or exaggerated the necessity for invading Iraq." Subscriptions: $22 Annually Heaney Federal Building & I hope in observations of his ~West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd died June 28 at age 92, Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager U.S. Courthouse & Custom- visitation, funeral, burial, and after serving in the U.S. Senate 51 years, longer than anyone. Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper house, where his office was. luncheon I have given readers His political life started as a Ku Klux Klan member running for Board of Directors The Judge knew all the chil- an idea of the immense amount office, and ended as one considered a conscience of the Senate. Pres./Treas. Mikael Sundin, dren’s names, and donned a of respect that people have for He vowed to have his beloved West Virginia get $1 billion in Painters & Allied Trades 106; rubber mask for his Halloween him. He’ll be missed. We all federal aid and they got it, including a Coast Guard office as a V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED party with them in his cham- wish we had known him better landlocked state. 1710; Sec. Larry Anderson, bers. He loved children. and know our lives are better The non-profit Labor World, Inc. is the official publication of Laborers 1091; Al LaFrenier, Workers’ United Midwest Bd; A few pews in front of me for having known him. the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body. It is an education- Mike Kuitu, Operating Engi- was an African American I’m not sure if it’s an Irish al, advocacy newspaper for workers and unions. The views neers 49; Rick McDonald, female customs worker in her expression but “may the sod and opinions submitted and expressed in the Labor World do IBEW 31; Jayme McKenna, uniform. I bet she knew The rest lightly on you, Judge,” and not necessarily reflect the views of the paper, its Board of AFSCME 66; Dan O’Neill, Judge from the federal building thank you. Directors or staff, the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; and had to see her friend off. Steve Risacher, Carpenters 361 The Patriot Guard was at its affiliated unions, their officers, or staff. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 PAGE 3 Judge Heaney: “a man of the greatest heart” By George A. Sundstrom years of this democracy, the His color blindness served us The day following the barriers between colors were as a nation very well. Gerald December 7, 1941 Japanese sharply defined. Justice Heaney was again in the right attack on Pearl Harbor, Gerald Heaney was color blind, but he place at the right time to do Heaney and his law school was not blind to the injustice of important work that desperate- friend Orville Freeman went to racial prejudice. Not only did ly needed to be done. It wasn’t enlist in the Marine Corps. he recognize that injustice, he coincidence, it was a measure Freeman was accepted but had the wisdom and courage to of the man. Heaney was rejected because redress it wherever he could, Laura Underkuffler was a he was color blind. directly benefiting school chil- law clerk for Judge Heaney in Heaney enlisted in the dren in St. Louis, Missouri, 1978 and 1979. She is now Army, became an officer and Little Rock, Arkansas, Kansas Professor of Law at Duke led his Second Ranger Infantry City, Missouri, and eight other University. She said Judge Battalion from Omaha Beach school districts across his 8th Gerald W. Heaney is “one of at Normandy across Europe in Circuit bench’s federal juris- the greatest jurists of the past the horrific battles of Brest and diction. half century. The core of Hurtgen Forest until the end of In 2001, as speaker to the Heaney’s work has been the war. For his service and graduating class of UMD at the enforcing the rights of ordinary On U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Gerald W. valor, Captain Heaney received Duluth Arena Auditorium, people.” Heaney’s last day at work, August 31, 2006, he invited his the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Judge Heaney said, “Of all the That is what he did in the friend George Sundstrom and a few other friends in labor to and Five Battle Stars. accomplishments of man that I school desegregation cases his office to call it a career after 40 years. His legal expertise kept him have seen in my lifetime, the where he wrote the historic from being able to go home greatest was not that of putting opinion into case law and then Laborers Rick Cannata after the war with his troops. a man on the moon, or the monitored its enforcement. He was kept over to help revise invention of the computer chip, Underkuffler said “He endorsed for Hibbing mayor German labor law. it was rather, the recognition (was) a man of the greatest Rick Cannata, a member of Laborers Local 1097 since 1979, In 1966 Minnesota’s U.S. that all children, regardless of heart.” was endorsed June 17 by the Iron Range Labor Assembly in his Senator Eugene McCarthy race, religion, or economic In Duluth, Minnesota we bid to be the next mayor of Hibbing. would nominate color blind background are entitled to the concur. Cannata has been an organizer for the Laborer’s Great Lakes labor attorney Gerald Heaney same education - not a separate George Sundstrom is a Regional Organizing Committee since 2008. Prior to that he had for a seat on the U.S. 8th but equal education - but an retired business representative spent over 20 years as a mason tender for L&K, then Louhi & Circuit Court of Appeals. unqualified equal education.” of Sheet Metal Workers Local Kivela masonry contractors. Justice in this country was not As Justice Gerald W. 10, and a former president of “It was a unanimous vote,” said IRLA President Tom Cvar. always color blind. Indeed, for Heaney, he was a leader in the Duluth AFL-CIO Central “Delegates felt Rick Cannata would be the best candidate to the greatest part of the 234 making that “greatest accom- Labor Body and the Duluth fight for working families since he’s been a Laborer for 30 years. plishment of man” possible. Building and Construction He was born and raised in Hibbing. We know he’ll work hard to Trades Council. He served as bring new economic vitality to Hibbing and will fight to make Support your local pharmacy the spokesperson for the sure jobs created are good, union-paying jobs.” Tell your union, health fund, and employer Heaney family upon Judge Cannata said he has been thinking of running for mayor for a Heaney’s death on June 22nd, couple of years. you want local pharmacy services and was a pallbearer at his “We need a change in Hibbing,” Cannata, 49, said. “We’re funeral June. 29. the biggest town on the Range with 18,000 people but we don’t It’s Better...Keep It Local! have any development. It seems to be going to Virginia and Grand Rapids. If we get things moving maybe our young kids Your Local vs Mail Order won’t leave and never come back as seems to be happening now. White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies The mayor’s been in there for eight years and we need a 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer change.” Cannata will be involved in a Primary Election on Tuesday, 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do August 10 for the right to run for mayor in November’s General you get questions answered? Election. 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing Recording secretary of Laborers 1097 for 13 years, and a del- accurately product that has been returned egate to the Iron Range Building Trades Council and Labor Assembly, Cannata said the union movement runs deep in his 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders new prescriptions family tree. “My wife and Mom are both AFSCME, Dad was a Cement 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE Refills) authorizations Mason, and my grandparents were in public works or under- ground mines,” he said. “We know labor in our house.” 3Free in town prescription Do you want your meds sitting in a 110 degree mailbox? If you would like to help his campaign you can call him at delivery 218-841-2380, or mail donations to Cannata for Mayor, PO Box 3We contact doctors for refills Some require you to get your 354, Hibbing, MN 55746. own refill authorizations 3Monthly health screenings Why trust your health & safety to 3Free blood pressure checks a nameless, faceless person? Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable than mail order. We are always available to answer your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. low rates. free hat with a For a listing of locations visit www.thriftywhite.com fast approvals. recreational loan Pinetree Plaza no hassle Inside Super One Foods Cloquet, MN lending. 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 218-729-7733 • Hermantownfcu.org Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm Member eligibility required. Member NCUA.

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 Julie Lassa endorsed for Rep. Obey’s seat On June 9 the Wisconsin accountability is sorely needed State AFL-CIO Committee on in Washington.” Political Education unani- According to Newby, mously endorsed State Senator Lassa’s leadership will bolster Julie Lassa in her run to repre- our delicate economy. “As co- sent the state’s 7th Congres- author of the Green to Gold sional District. Rep. David Initiative and the C.O.R.E. Obey will retire this year Jobs Act, she has proven her- “Sen. Lassa’s record speaks self to be an innovative prob- for itself. She fights for work- lem solver who is committed to ing people,” says Wisconsin rebuilding the middle class.” State AFL-CIO President Newby noted Sen. Lassa’s David Newby. “Her dedication work on “truth in contracting” to job creation and government legislation as an important indicator of her priorities and abilities. “Lassa made sure that North central taxpayers are getting real value Wisconsin State Senator MN has 19-1 for their money, and that fami- Julie Lassa has been AFL- Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, NEALC and ly supporting jobs remain in CIO-endorsed for the U.S. Community Services Program volunteers took on projects job ratio our communities.” House of Representatives for the United Way of Greater Duluth’s Day of Caring June The latest Job Vacancy Newby concluded, “Wis- seat being vacated by retir- 23. The group above were painting and staining at Safe Survey from the Minnesota consin’s 7th District deserves a ing Rep. David Obey. Haven Shelter as they’ve done for a number of years. The Department of Employment relentless advocate who will group below harvested rhubarb for CHUM’s festival June and Economic Development serve in the proud tradition of one fifth of the votes in CD 7. 26. Every year there are more projects for the many United shows that in North Central Rep. Dave Obey. Sen. Lassa is She grew up on a dairy farm in Way agencies than volunteers. Plan on getting your group Minnesota there are 9,800 job right choice to guide us Portage County and currently to volunteer next June. seekers competing for 515 towards a robust economic lives in Stevens Point with her unfilled jobs. This means that recovery.” husband and two children. job seekers outnumber job Lassa, 39, represents the A Democrat, she was elect- openings by 19-to-1. The 24th Senate District which ed to the State Assembly in region consists of Cass, Crow includes Portage and Wood 1998 and the State Senate in Wing, Morrison, Todd and counties (Stevens Point, 2003, where she currently Wadena counties. Marshfield, and Wisconsin chairs the Senate Committee Two years ago, the ratio of Rapids) and comprises about on Economic Development. job seekers to job openings was 3-to-1, but job seekers went up 106%, openings down 64%: •Healthcare practitioners- technicians fell 75%; produc- tion fell 78%. •Food preparation-serving fell 84%; sales-related fell 96%. Other findings for North Central Minnesota include: •44% of openings are tem- porary or seasonal; 47% part- CHUM’s Food Shelf for Working Households time. •The median wage for all has switched to Wednesdays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., openings is $9.50 per hour. at 120 North 1st Avenue West. If you are unable JOBS NOW’s newly updat- ed Cost of Living research to access the food shelf during its regular, open shows that in a North Central hours, call 727-2391 for an appointment. Minnesota family of four with both parents working, each Community Services Program worker must earn $12.20 per Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Road, Room 99A hour to meet basic needs. Find Beth Peterson, Director the Cost of Living in Minnesota PDF at www.job- 218-728-1779 snowcoalition.org KOLAR 733-0100 A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 PAGE 5 U.S. Supreme Court tosses out as many as 600 NLRB 2-0 rulings By Mark Gruenberg - and possibly as many as 600. ting members, who had bers,’” Stevens wrote in New two” for shorter periods. PAI Staff Writer That’s because the U.S. received their authority to rule Process Steel vs. NLRB. “This The board also believed its WASHINGTON (PAI)-- Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, before the other members’ clause is best read to require stance for the 2-0 rulings Now the National Labor decided in mid-June that 27 terms ended. The court said the delegee group maintain a “served the public interest in Relations Board faces an months’ worth of 2-0 NLRB NLRB lacked its quorum of membership of three in order preventing a board shut- unhappy problem: Re-rule on rulings were wrong. Those rul- three. Since March, the NLRB for the delegation to remain down,” Liebman said. “We are at least 74 cases pitting man- ings occurred when the 5- has had four members. As of valid. of course disappointed with the agement against their workers - member panel had only two sit- June 21, it has its full five. “This reading is consonant outcome, but we will now do In a case involving New with the quorum requirement our best to rectify the situation Process Steel of Indiana and of three participating members in accordance with the Barb Kucera will lead the Machinists, Justice John ‘at all times,’ and it gives mate- Supreme Court’s decision.” Paul Stevens, writing for him- rial effect to the delegation AFL-CIO general counsel UM-Labor Education Service self and the High Court’s four clause’s 3-member rule,” Lynn Rhinehart said the court’s MINNEAPOLIS – The leadership of the University of most-conservative justices, Stevens continued. “It also ruling would delay justice for Minnesota Labor Education Service will change July 1 when said the board could not make permits the vacancy clause to thousands of workers. She said staff member Barb Kucera becomes director. any final rulings without a quo- operate to provide that vacan- the fed was “extremely disap- Kucera replaces Howard Kling, who is concluding nine years rum -- and that’s three mem- cies do not impair the board’s pointed.” as director. Kling will continue his videography work and return bers. The two remaining mem- ability to take action, so long as “As has become the norm, to being head of the LES media program. bers of the NLRB had ruled for the quorum is satisfied.” In workers are once again penal- Kucera will maintain her role as editor of the Workday the Machinists. other words, 2-0 is valid only if ized by corporate stall tactics. Minnesota website in addition to being director. Starting on the last day of member #3 is there but is dis- By the barest of majorities, five The change is in accordance with the program’s process of 2007 and running all the way qualified. justices rewarded New Process electing a director every three years. through this past March, the “The government’s contrary Steel and other corporations “Time to change things – and Barb will be a great director,” board, which rules on every- reading allows two members to who challenged the 2-member Kling said. “Meanwhile I’m looking forward to being more of a thing from labor law-breaking act as the board ad infinitum, NLRB decisions as a delay media activist again, doing more video, and stirring up trouble to which groups of workers can dramatically undercutting the method to avoid respecting with some writing as well.” unionize or not, had only chair- quorum requirement’s signifi- workers' rights. “I look forward to continuing many of the initiatives begun woman Wilma Liebman, a cance by allowing its perma- “Workers in these cases under Howard’s leadership, while also Democrat, and Peter nent circumvention. Had now face further delay as the helping LES address new financial and Schaumber, a Republican. Congress intended to authorize NLRB is forced to sort out and programmatic challenges,” Kucera said. They had the power to rule two members to act on an deal with the impact of the Kucera is a former reporter for the on cases, according to the ongoing basis, it could have court's decision...As a result of Duluth News-Tribune and editor of the board, the Obama administra- used straightforward lan- the decision, workers in these St. Paul Union Advocate. tion and the AFL-CIO, because guage,” Stevens declared. cases will have to wait longer The Labor Education Service is the the other departing members -- The board quorum require- still for justice,” Rhinehart only educational entity in the state when the board had a quorum - ment, Stevens concluded, “as it said. In those cases, the board specifically focused on the needs of - delegated it to them in late currently exists, does not said, appealing the 2-0 rulings Minnesota workers and their organiza- December 2007. Stevens said authorize the board to create a is up to the unions and compa- tions. It has nine staff members and is “no.” tail that would not only wag the nies involved. based on the Minneapolis campus of the “The so-called delegation dog, but would continue to wag But the NLRB will be able university. Learn more at the LES web- clause authorizes the board to after the dog died.” to decide any appeals with a site, www.les.csom.umn.edu delegate its powers only to a The court’s ruling disap- quorum. By voice vote on June Barb Kucera ‘group of three or more mem- pointed Liebman, Schaumber, 21, the Senate confirmed the AFL-CIO and various Obama nominees Mark Pearce, unions, all of whom said the a Democrat and a labor lawyer board needed the authority in from Buffalo, and Brian Hayes, the last 27 months to keep rul- top labor aide to Sen. Mike ing on labor cases -- and this Enzi, R-Wyo., to two seats on U.S.U.S. bankruptcy bankruptcy judges judges have sethave over set $30 over billion $30 dollarsbillion todollars pay to to present pay to and decision throws a monkey the board. They join Liebman, future asbestos claimants. In order to qualify claimants must have been wrench into the works. Schaumber and Chicago labor present and future asbestos claimants. In order to qualify claimants must “When the board went to lawyer Craig Becker -- an havediagnosed been diagnosed with mesothelioma, with mesothelioma, a lung cancer a lung or lung cancer disease or lungafter disease 1997*. . two members in January 2008, Obama recess appointee, along member Schaumber and I with Pearce. Schaumber’s If you’ve worked with asbestos or taconite and you’ve developed a lung made a difficult decision in dif- term ends just before Labor condition,If you’ve you worked may qualify with asbestos for financial or taconite compensation. and you’ve If you developed would like a tolung see if ficult circumstances,” said Day, but the other terms run condition, you may qualify for financial compensation. Liebman. “In proceeding to through at least mid-2011. you qualify for asbestos compensation, give us a call for a free, confidential issue decisions in nearly 600 If you would like to see if youconsultation. qualify for asbestos compensation, cases where we were able to give us a call for a free, confidential consultation. reach agreement, we brought INTERSTATE *Good till only 1/2010, for example specifically Babcock & Wilcox, finality to labor disputes and under Bankruptcy Court rules. remedies to individuals whose SPUR rights under our statute may Cascino Vaughan Law Offices, Ltd. have been violated,” Liebman said. “Representing asbestos victims since 1986” “We believed our position was legally correct,” she con- Toll Free: 1-800-783-0082 tinued, since it was based on Local: 414-226-0241 reading the law, past prece- dents, and a memo from the 2700 W. Michigan St. www.dairylandlaw.com Bush Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. GAS - DIESEL Stevens dryly replied that “it GROCERIES Allen D. Vaughan, Esq., Michael P. Cascino, Esq. has not been the board’s past You’ll really like 1110 N Old World Third Street Suite 405 practice to issue rulings when Milwaukee, WI 53203 its membership has fallen to our car wash!

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010 Chicago labor, extracting concessions, finally let’s Wal-Mart enter city By Mark Gruenberg That’s in the South Side com- Wal-Mart, of course, is more from the world’s most ration has routinely mistreated PAI Staff Writer munity, now predominantly known for its often-illegal profitable retailer, we have its employees and violated CHICAGO (PAI)-- African-American working resistance to unionization, its reached a point where we have labor laws. We won’t let that Extracting concessions of lots poor, that became world- extreme anti-worker bias, its received more guarantees over happen here in Chicago.” of jobs for union construction famous for oppression of work- low wages and skimpy benefits wages, community benefits * Project labor agreements, workers and wages that will be ers in the 1890s. -- and its always-low prices and construction than any other setting union wages, grievance at least a dollar an hour higher WakeUp Wal-Mart, a that, due to its size, lets Wal- place in the world,” said CFL procedures, work rules and than the retail monster Wal- national campaign by the Mart force its suppliers to President Dennis Gannon. safety rules not just at the Mart wanted to pay, Chicago United Food and Commercial impoverish their workers, too. “The time is right to bring retail Pullman Wal-Mart, but at any unions and their political and Workers -- the union trying to Against all that, the Chicago and construction jobs to the other store it wants to erect in community allies finally organize the violently anti- Federation of Labor, the people of Chicago. We will be 20 Northern Illinois counties. agreed, after a 6-year cam- union retailer’s workers -- Chicago Building and vigilant about holding Wal- That includes any other poten- paign, to let the behemoth build hailed the Chicago pact as a Construction Trades Council Mart accountable for the prom- tial Wal-Marts in Chicago, a store in Chicago. first step towards national stan- and United Food and ises it has made to us and to the besides the one in Pullman and The pact, announced June dards for other Wal-Mart proj- Commercial Workers Local community.” The agreement’s a present small one on the 24, calls for a Wal-Mart to be ects. Those standards could 881 won concessions from the details include: North Side. erected at Pullman Plaza. bring living wages to Wal-Mart mega-retailer. * Wages of $9.15-$9.35 per The Pullman PLA, negotiat- workers, it said. “After years of demanding hour for workers after the first ed by Chicago Building Trades year the store is open. Illinois’ President Tom Villanova, man- Trumka remembers West Virginia Sen. Byrd minimum wage is scheduled to dates “increased employment By AFL-CIO President worked beside him and hum- for health and safety laws that increase to $8.25 hourly in opportunities for minority July. Wal-Mart offered 50 workers and provision of Richard Trumka bled to call him a friend. protected workers, opposed job killing trade deals and when it cents more, but the unions, minority apprenticeship oppor- America’s workers mourn Senator Byrd’s record in the Senate was unabashedly and came to standing up to the coal groups and aldermen called tunities,” the CFL said. the loss of one of their greatest companies, a miner never had a that too low. The final agree- * A $20 million Wal-Mart champions. Senator Byrd was unapologetically on the side of working families – as Majority stronger ally. ment, Local 881 says, starts contribution to community a son of the Appalachian coal I will always cherish the wages at $8.75 hourly, then has economic development. fields who never forgot where Leader he helped lead the fight against the Republican fili- memories of the long hours we 40-cent, 50-cent and 60-cent WakeUp Wal-Mart called he was from and dedicated his spent together working to pro- yearly raises. the Chicago pact “an important life to improving the lot of oth- buster of labor law reform in the 1970s. He tirelessly fought tect benefits for victims of “Considering what the cor- first step in establishing work- ers. I am honored to have black lung and passing land- poration is capable of paying place standards for Wal-Mart mark legislation guaranteeing and its long, tarnished record of operations in new markets” and Got Reinert lawn sign spot? the health benefits for retired mistreating employees and “a starting point for future dis- coal miners, like so many in communities, we demanded cussions that will establish Lawn signs are popping up already because the Primary better” than it first offered, the retail jobs that can sustain a Election is only a month away on Tuesday, August 10. Roger my own family. While it is with great sad- CFL said. career, pay wages that can sup- Reinert, the AFL-CIO-endorsed candidate for the Minnesota “We are committed to port a family and rebuild Senate District 7 seat vacated by Yvonne Prettner Solon, is look- ness we mourn his death, it is with great joy we remember his ensuring that Wal-Mart will not America’s middle class.” Both ing for locations to place his new signs. deny its workers in Chicago the group and the union “look If you would like a lawn sign–District 7 covers almost all of life and his work. His legacy will live on in the annals of their rights,” said Local 881 forward to further discussions Duluth–or would like to volunteer for his campaign in any way President Ron Powell. with the company to establish visit www.rogerforduluth.com. American history that he cher- ished so dearly. “Around the world, this corpo- middle class working standards and guarantees for Wal-Mart associates in Chicago and other Fixing Up? Look Up! markets.” OPTICAL

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“Haven’t Republicans in upon his expertise. Without his than Bill Thompson.

Keith Gagnon, owner/opera- Congress cost enough tor of Union Harbor Hair in assistance these clients would have If the truth be known, he “ Americans their jobs already?” “ the Duluth Labor Temple, he asked. no income for food, shelter could have received the award collects and sends the hair he After pointing out GOP or medical care. in quite a few years. cuts to the Hair Boom policies during the Bush gov- Program in Florida. They ernment caused the current put the hair in pantyhose to crash, and the GOP opposed help soak up the Deep Water past recovery efforts, too, oil spill in the Gulf of McMahon warned that failure Mexico. They have collected of this bill will cause immedi- enough for over 25 miles of ate hurt. The GOP wants to cut hair boom so far. More infor- the deficit, instead. mation on the program is at “Interestingly, the same http://excessaccess.com/ Republicans who are drawing this illogical line in the sand on the short-term deficit had no problem coming up with the money to bail out the Wall Street banks,” McMahon said. We provide 1500 clients with volunteer attorneys. Every year

Next door to the “They had no problems throw- “

ing Bush’s prescription drug we recognize the local law firm that gives the most free assistance Labor Temple! program or the war in Iraq on to this low income community. For two years in a row, “ the nation’s credit card.” Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer received the award. Wade Smith He also said killing the jobs (218) 724-4507 bill would really increase, not

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2010