(ISSN 0023-6667) AFL-CIO, DFL endorsing the same folks Last Friday the Minnesota al endorsement. need him as our state’s chief AFL-CIO joined the Demo- The AFL-CIO also finally executive.” cratic-Farmer-Labor Party in came around in the Secretary Ritchie is also well-quali- endorsing current Attorney of State’s race by endorsing fied for the office, Waldron General Mike Hatch for Mark Ritchie June 23rd. said. “Mark has worked for Governor. He will face Becky These two endorsements years to expand voter partici- Lourey in the September 12 give union volunteers a full pation in Minnesota elec- DFL Primary Election. slate of candidates and issues tions—and that work is the Lourey is being pressured to work on in Labor 2006. heart and soul of the Secretary from some quarters to drop out “With more than 300,000 of State’s job. It’s another An Injury To One Is An Injury To All! after losing at the June 10 DFL people in Minnesota’s AFL- good endorsement.” WEDNESDAY VOL. 112 convention. She maintains she CIO unions, we can mobilize a The DFL is also happy JUNE 28, 2006 NO. 1 will continue to run to keep lot of volunteers and reach a with the slate of candidates. her issues alive on the cam- lot of union voters during the “We stand united in offer- paign trail. coming months,” said Ray ing Minnesota voters a gov- Hatch has named former Waldron president of the erning agenda focused on State Auditor Judi Dutcher, a Minnesota AFL-CIO. quality public education, former Republican, as his run- An upbeat Waldron said, affordable and accessible ning mate. Lourey has named “Mike’s a committed candi- health care, safer roads, living- a former Minnesota Viking, date and he’s got a great track wage jobs, clean air and water Tim Baylor, now a successful record. He’s been advocating and middle-class tax justice,” businessman, as her Lieuten- for working people 24/7 for said Minnesota DFL Chair ant Governor choice. years. Mike’s a guy who can Brian Melendez. Four years ago Dutcher and go toe-to-toe with corpora- The AFL-CIO had previ- Lourey had lost out to Roger tions, insurance companies ously joined the DFL in Moe for the DFL gubernatori- and HMOs—and win. We endorsing Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar for WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? the open U.S. Senate seat up this fall vacated with Mark All’s quiet so far after News-Tribune sale...page 2 Dayton’s retirement. Ditchview, MN: Okay, so I have class envy....page 3 Other state constitutional Thanks for supporting DADS fundraiser.....page 3 officer endorsements have gone to Matt Entenza for attor- Molly Ivins.....page 4 ney general and Rebecca Otto Unionfacts.com in bed with your Dept. of Labor...page 7 for auditor from the two How about rewarding patriotic corporations...page 9 organizations. Health care is best organizing tool.....pages 10,11 In endorsements for the Author: Unions the solution, not the problem.....page 14 U.S. House of Represen- tatives Jim Oberstar (8th Dis- Ehrenreich: Go ahead say “class warfare”.....page 15 trict), Collin Peterson (7th), IBEW 31 awards four more scholarships.....page 16 and Betty McCollum (4th) Trades scholars named.....page 18 were endorsed for re-election. Labor/enviro group has headquarters in MPLS.....page 19 Tim Walz has been endorsed USW talks resume in Hibbing....page 20 for District 1 and Elwyn Tinklenberg in District 6. Diane (AFSCME 1092) and Jerry Firkus (AFSCME 3887) GOP pulls dirty deal on minimum wage.....page 20 drove from Moose Lake to help Labor kick off their politi- See Endorsements...page 8 cal campaign, Labor 2006. They doorknocked union households in the UMD area. Not finding anyone home Some rich willing to pay more in state taxes here, they left a note and a survey asking residents what You’d better sit down public infrastructure. They Their “Real Prosperity” issues were most important to them for the fall elections. before you read this. believe all state residents strategy says the two percent With a true Minnesota spir- should have access to high- of the most affluent Labor kicks off politics 2006 it more than 200 state residents quality opportunities at an Minnesotans should pay about The AFL-CIO’s political campaign for the important fall have stepped forward to say affordable price. two percent more than they’re elections got started in Duluth and the rest of Minnesota last they are able and willing to Their strategy worked as currently paying. week. About a dozen union members joined with a similar num- pay more in state taxes. In a more than 100 additional “And we believe in raising ber of volunteers of the America Votes! coalition for a kick-off full page Star Tribune ad and Minnesotans signed up on the the money fairly,” the ad stat- in Wellstone Hall June 20 that sent the groups out separately to at www.growthandjustice.org first day according to the web- ed. “It’s wrong that middle- doorknock. The union members knocked union households. the group, calling itself a pro- site. class families pay a bigger Wellstone Hall was sporting banners from unions, America gressive economic think tank, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, of proportion of their income in Votes!, Clean Water Action, and the Sierra Club. That was says the state is not investing course, invited the group to state and local taxes than encouraging to Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body President enough in the future success of start sending in their checks to upper-income families.” Alan Netland. “It’s great to see so many diverse groups coming all residents. state government, not under- You can support Growth together,” he told the gathering. “We’ve all known that’s the They say they support a standing that higher state taxes and Justice’s work by sending direction we need to go for success and it’s finally happening.” strategy of higher taxes on across the board for the rich donations to same at 2324 The tide appears to be turning in this country against the con- high earners to invest more in would generate a larger, more University Ave. West, Suite servative administrations that have shown an inability to lead the state’s future. Known as steady revenue stream. 201, St. Paul, MN 55114. the nation for the people and progressive groups have a great “Invest for Real Prosperity,” The full page ad says as a opportunity speakers said. the strategy defines real pros- share of personal income “Trade unionists joining with others for an early start on an perity as not just income we’re actually about $3 billion election that’s ours to win is a good thing,” said the Minnesota growth at the top but at all lev- behind what we invested a AFL-CIO’s Bill Moore, who helped coordinate the kick-off els, and not just wealth but decade ago. here. “But it won’t happen on its own.” civic health. Among things that need to In talking about the issues while doorknocking union house- The June 22 Star Tribune improve the ad signers said we holds the volunteers sought to make sure they’re registered and ad lists 203 names of those need more people able to get a intend to vote, and finding out if they want to get involved. whose taxes would rise the postsecondary degree, all kids “We’re talking issues not candidates,” said Moore. “That’s most. It invites others to sign need to have health insurance, not the way most activists think.” on to Invest for Real Prosper- and we need to do something Call the Central Body at 218-724-1413 to get involved. ity for education, health and about transportation options. 1896--110 YEARS!--2006 All quiet so far at the Duluth News-Tribune Following a few legal pro- 7, ends 70 years of K-R own- Forum, which has been a pri- cedures Monday with Knight- ership of Duluth’s only daily. vate corporation owned by the Ridder shareholders and gov- The K-R empire dissolved Black family since 1917. ernment anti-trust investiga- when a few shareholders Forum will actually buy the tors, the Duluth News-Tribune decided they weren’t getting DNT from McClatchy Co. of was sold to family-owned enough return on their invest- Sacramento, which bought K- Forum Communications Co. ment from the third largest R for $6.3 billion. Of the 32 of Fargo, North Dakota. newspaper chain in the nation. publications in the sale, The deal, announced June That shouldn’t happen under McClatchy decided to keep only 20, selling off 12 that it Next on Minnesota At Work considered to be in markets June 29--The Iraq-U.S. Labor Solidarity Tour--Iraqi labor that will not show growth. It leaders toured the U.S. talking about conditions in their homeland will sell off the St. Paul and answering questions from U.S. union members. While these Pioneer Press to avoid a con- leaders had opposed the Hussein regime, they also opposed U.S. flict with its ownership of the occupation and saw withdrawal as a precondition for peace and Minneapolis Star Tribune. economic progress in their country. Occupation forces and their All the DNT’s holding Iraqi allies have continued Saddam’s anti-union policies, putting were part of the sale including down labor protests by force. The tour contributed to a grassroots the Duluth Budgeteer, the resolution at the 2005 AFL-CIO national convention calling for the Superior Daily Telegram, Sheldon Christopherson (Operating Engineers 70) of the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq – the first time the labor body has Cloquet’s Pine Journal, Two Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s team prepares to ever officially opposed U.S. foreign policy during a war. Harbors Lake County News- make a putt in the DADS Golf Event June 10 at Lester July 6, 13--Labor News/Summer 2006--A wrap-up of the 2006 Park. “Beef” Glesner, left, (Laborers 1091) and Joe Whelan legislative session, Twin Cities May Day immigrant demonstra- Chronicle, and some Man- ney’s Shoppers. (Sheet Metal Workers 10) hope for an “atta boy.” The event tion, SEIU Justice for Janitors campaign, potential threat to the St. raised $8,000. (See Jerry Alander’s letter page 3) Paul Pioneer Press, Duluth News-Tribune and Grand Forks Herald Forum will also purchase newspapers and their workers as they change corporate ownership the Grand Forks Herald in the and a look at the new downtown Minneapolis Public Library. deal. The deal will give Forum PleasePlease HHeelplp UUss HHeelplp 30 newspapers in Minnesota, I.U.O.E. Local 70 Wisconsin, North and South Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Dakota. In North Dakota it DonDon OO’Br’Brienien’’ss FFamilyamily also has three television sta- Our AFSCME Local 66 Brother Tuesday, July 11, 2006, 5:00 P.M. tions and one radio station. of over 20 years, Don O’Brien, Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Other holdings include a com- was brutally beaten in a robbery Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 mercial printing company, as he walked home June 9. This Internet businesses, and web- good, quiet, caring Licensed sites. It will have more than Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 2,000 employees when the Practical Nurse died the next day deal is finalized, perhaps this of brain trauma injuries. Don Retirees’ Luncheon week. was the sole supporter of his Peter Passi reported in June family and provided the health Tuesday, July 11, 1:00 p.m. 8’s DNT that Forum CEO Bill insurance that Barbara, his wife Marcil spoke to DNT employ- Donald D. O’Brien Gopher Restaurant ees June 7 and told them that of 30 years, desperately needs for her incurable disease. Don June 23, 1956 things will not change radical- June 10, 2006 ly with the new ownership devoted his life to caring for SHEET METAL WORKERS group. There actually may be others and would give you the shirt off his back. Iron Range Meeting Cancelled an investment in equipment. Don O’Brien will be sadly missed by his family, his “We hire good people, give Gary New Duluth community, and his co-workers at The next regular meeting of the Iron Range Area of them authority to do their jobs Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 scheduled for and get the hell out of their the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center. Tuesday, July 11 has been cancelled. way,” Marcil was quoted as A benefit to help Don’s family will be held Friday, July saying by Passi. “We all have ~Dennis Marchetti, Business Representative 28 at the Buffalo House. Social hour from 5 to 6 p.m. printer’s ink in our blood.” will have a raffle and silent auction (winners about 8 The Construction Laborers and Contractors But Marcil acknowledges that his company has a conser- p.m.). A dinner ($8) will run from 6 to 8 p.m. There are accepting applications for the position of: vative bent when it comes to will be a live band. The benefit will hopefully ease a CONSTRUCTION MARKETING DIRECTOR politics. They also have little little of the financial burden for his family. Donations REPORT TO: Board of Trustees experience dealing with are being sought to help make the benefit a success. unions and a large number of PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: DNT and Superior Daily Donations of money or gift certificates can be The Director will be responsible for managing and expediting Telegram employees are cov- sent to Kelly Johnson, c/o Donald O’Brien all aspects of the promotional and marketing program. The ered by various union con- responsibilities include developing and updating strategic plan; tracts. Benefit Committee, 5166 W. Arrowhead preparing and managing financial budgets; communicating, Steve Kuchera, President Road, Hermantown, MN 55811. networking and developing relationships with employers, of the Lake Superior business owners, and with state and local governments and Items requiring pick up can be arranged by Newspaper Guild at the DNT, calling Stacey Kjoberg, 721-5358, Kelly John- agencies. The Director will work closely with Laborers says he is “guardedly opti- District Council of Minnesota and Contractor Associations. mistic about the sale” because son, 393-2557, or Allison Herrick, 625-6407. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Forum comes in with a good See you at the Buffalo House July 28! • Education in the marketing, administrative or related fields reputation but their but there is • Construction industry or affiliation preferred some concern over the fact • Travel and some overnight stays required that they don’t have much Thank you for your support! The office location is Little Canada, Minnesota. experience dealing with Competitive salary and benefit package provided. unions. Please visit www.Mnlecet.org for a job description. “We expect there may be If interested in this position, please provide a cover letter some problems at first as the and resume, postmarked on or before July 7, 2006 to: sides get to know one another, Mr. Rod Skoog, Zenith Administrators, 2520 Pilot Knob but we are willing to work Road, Suite 325, Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55120. with them to get past any prob- ~Equal Opportunity Employer~ lems,” Kuchera said. LLococalal 66,66, CouncilCouncil 55 PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 Thanks for DADS support To All Our Friends: The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council’s 16th Annual DADS (Dollars Against Diabetes) Day event was held Let me beat you to the on Saturday, June 10 at Duluth’s Lester Park Golf Course. punch. I don’t live in a gated While there was no rain at this year’s event, a brisk northeast community and I’m not a mil- breeze continually refreshed the 140 players in this year’s 4-per- lionaire so I’m rife with class son team scramble. We were down a few in team numbers from envy. Because I believe that past years but it appeared everyone at the event had a good time. this country has a history of Eighteen holes of golf, a good lunch, and with a majority of the class warfare to protect the participants winning prizes, it helped everyone have that warm rich at the expense of the poor, positive attitude. I’$ green with class envy. Here are the winning teams and their scores: Mine’s so bad it even fes- First: Johnson Wilson Builders, Captain Fred Strom, 62; ters over the salaries of fat cat Second: Carpenters Local 361, Captain Dusty Sorby, 64; union bureaucrats who are Third: Teamsters 346, Captain Doug Dunsmoor, 65. stealing their paychecks. I, of The affiliated members of the Duluth Building & course, apologize to all who Krane says half a million government are being plugged Construction Trades Council would like to thank everyone who hold my purse strings. new millionaires were found like Nero’s arteries. They’re participated and donated to our DADS Day Event. The pro- This being the 110th Anni- last year. Remember last year? just passing the burden on to ceeds, in excess of $8,000, will be used to help find a cure for versary issue of this publica- It wasn’t much different than those of us at the bottom of diabetes and also help those in need in our communities. tion, in the spirit of the robber this year. Government was the trough. A special thanks to Sieben, Gross, von Holtum & Carey, the baron days that spawned it, starved of revenue because of “When Duluth goes bank- “Know Your Rights” law firm, for donating shirts for the 14th we’ve filled it with reports on tax cuts to the rich and so we rupt it’ll be the unions fault” consecutive year for the event. minimum wages, millionaires, couldn’t expect the services fits perfectly in the scene that’s The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s Community and class warfare. If you’d like we figure a civilized society being created. Property taxes Services Committee, Michelle McEwen (Carpenter’s Local to be excused from this discus- should offer to its tax-paying doubling is the scare tactic that 361), Pam Baumgartner (Operating Engineers Local 49), Dana sion please send $1,000 to the citizens. Gas was going up. gets your attention. They’ve Marciniak (Painters & Allied Trades Local 106), Community Republican Party or another The 10th Annual World got you targeting middle-class Services Director Yvonne Harvey, Kathy Stevens (AFSCME repressive regime of choice. Wealth Report by Merrill wage earners as the problem. 66), Lori Doucette (NCFO/SEIU 956), and Brent Pykkonen But AP reporter Jim Krane Lynch and Capgemini “credit- It’s worked hasn’t it? (Operating Engineers 49) are also all to be thanked for their help says a study found there are ed strong world economic The scare tactics are com- with planning the event, registration, and prizes. now 8.7 million millionaires growth as well as solid market ing from many directions but A special “Thank You” is in order to these contributors to on the planet. Their combined performance but said they are being led by Minnesota Dad’s Day Golf 2006: Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & wealth is figured at $33.3 tril- expect some slowing of those Auditor Pat “Ah-Don’t Beyer • MN AFL-CIO • Sieben, Grose, von Holtum & Carey lion. With their ability to fly forces in coming years -- and Wanna” Anderson, whose • Johnson Wilson Builders • Associated General Contractors under the radar of public or thus lower growth of million- offices just had $4,000 in com- of MN • Painter’s & Allied Trades 106 • AFSCME 66 • governmental scrutiny I won- aire echelons.” puters stolen, and the Social Sundquist & Associates • NCOFO/SEIU 956 • Operating der if those numbers aren’t Really? How can we help? Security numbers and other Engineers 49 • Segal Company • IBEW 242 • Zenith underestimated. Did they My class envy has me feel- personal information on 500 Administrators • Sammy’s Pizza • Labor Superior Area Labor count the drug dealers? No, ing like I’m being kicked in state residents. Her re-election Management Assn • Wilson-McShane • Vista Fleet • Lakehead not just Pfizer and Merck. the teeth while being told to campaign probably had to jet- Constructors • Hermantown Federal Credit Union • Sheet run and grab a pillow so those tison it’s “Pat Anderson: Your Metal Workers 10 • Boilermakers 647 • Teamsters 346 • Reef ~NOTICE~ poor SOBs that fall short of a watchdog” media buy. Bar & Lounge • Great Lakes Aquarium • Carpenters 361 • Next issues of Labor World $1M can have a soft landing But she wowed ‘em in Duluth AFL-CIO Community Services Program • Carpenters 606 • Lakes & Plains Regional Council of Carpenters • Iron are July 12 & 26, Aug. 9 & for their crass asses. Duluth last week talking about I apologize for using Larry city retiree health care and Range Building & Construction Trades • IBEW 31 • Cement 30, Sept. 13 & 27, Oct. 11 the Cable Guy’s line but I bankruptcy. City Councilor Masons 633 • North Shore Bank • Iron Workers 512 • Iron & 25, Nov. 8 & 21, Dec. 6 apologize. But it is the 110th Don Ness told Howie Workers District Council • Insulators 49 • Minnesota State LABOR WORLD Anniversary issue of the paper Hanson’s eBlog she was Building & Construction Trades Council • Medica • Laborers Known office of publication and that’s how founding editor “straight-forward and bal- 1091 • Benna Ford • Bricklayers 1, Chapter 3 • Plumbers & 2002 London Road, Room 110 Sabrie Akin wrote (page 12). anced...We need the mayor, Steamfitters 11 • Duluth Building & Construction Trades Duluth, MN 55812 So we have proof the rich councilors, business leaders, Council • Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body • Union (218) 728-4469 Optical • Service Printers. FAX: (218) 724-1413 are getting richer while our community leaders and aver- [email protected] president worries about the age citizens to rally around the Respectfully, www.laborworld.org estate tax ruining our chances solution and ensure that action Jerry Alander, Event Chairman ESTABLISHED 1896 of creating an actual landed is taken this year,” Ness said. Owned by Unions affiliated with the aristocracy like in dear old How about the unions, their Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body England, bless his blue-blood. collective bargaining agree- We’re all working to improve... 6 7 The number of $M’s went ments and their members up 6% last year. Minimum Don? Remember them? No matter what your Periodical Postage wage earners have had a 0% Rather than go to all the Paid Duluth, MN raise each of the last nine trouble of starting a Conserva- job is, it ultimately Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager years. $Ms have doubled since tive Progressives Coalition makes someone’s Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper 1996, and they don’t even maybe Ness and the rest life better. Published 24 times per year count the person’s primary res- would further everyone’s Subscriptions: $22 Annually idence when figuring worth. health better by joining The Labor World POSTMASTER: In the U.S. a lot of them are Growth and Justice. The story works to improve Send address changes to: getting rich by not paying on page 1 made me want to everyone’s work life. 2002 London Rd., Room 110 taxes, legally as well as illegal- give someone a hug. I wonder Duluth, MN 55812 ly. So the revenue streams if me hugging the rich would We can all use Board of Directors coming to our various levels of make Sabrie roll in the grave? a little help there. President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, Painters & Allied Trades 106; “Quote, Unquote” Happy V.P. Paul Iverson, BMWED 1710; anniversary Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; “Without an estate tax, you in effect will have an Jim Walters, Plumbers & Steam- aristocracy of wealth, which means you pass down the abili- Labor world fitters 11; Tom Selinski, IBEW ty to command the resources of the nation based on heredi- 242; Laurie Johnson, AFSCME ty rather than merit...a terrible mistake...the equivalent of Co. 5; Lynette Swanberg, MN choosing the 2020 Olympic team by picking the eldest sons Peg Sweeney Nurses; Mike Kuitu, Operating St. Louis County Commissioner F District 5 Engineers 49; Al LaFrenier, of the Gold Medal winners in the 2000 Olympics.” UNITE HERE! Joint Board ~Warren Buffet, Nebraska billionaire (from a Molly Ivins column) Paid for by Peg Sweeney Volunteer Committee LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 3 A CEO administration? If you’re in charge of gov’t you should run it well By Molly Ivins run 5.5 miles from the Hastert House Appropriations Com- victed ex-Rep. Randy “Duke” Can Republicans run any- AUSTIN, Texas -- land. Went through in the fall mittee, the one that hands out Cunningham recommending thing right? Where is the CEO Gee, the Republi- of 2005. Three months later, the money. Lewis’ family and that the government use the administration that was sup- cans seem to have Hastert and his partners sold friends have profited nicely limo firm that allegedly ferried posed to straighten out govern- lost their moral the land for a $3 million total from contractors and lobbyists whores to the poker parties ment? It may be that Bush compass since Tom profit, $1.8 million to Hastert. who court his favor. Such cozy given by defense contractors deserves credit for having ini- DeLay quit. Who In a staggering display of arrangements. who were paying off tially opposed a DHS, know- knew it could get worse with- brass-faced gall, Hastert is Just for example, one Cunningham. ing that Republicans would out that pillar of rectitude from now claiming a freeway run- Lewis aide, who had gone to Don’t Democrats have make a giant new federal Texas? What a snakes’ nest of ning 5.5 miles from his land is work for the lobbying firm and scandals, too? Yes, Rep. agency. But he later changed corruption and nastiness. not close enough to affect the then returned to the congress- William Jefferson of his mind and supported the The latest involves Speaker price of the farm. Then what man’s staff, was paid $2 mil- Louisiana is in deep doo-doo. thing. The rest us thought we Denny Hastert and a land deal. did the developer pay the extra lion by the firm in 2004 while Among other things, the were getting an agency that Hastert had sold to a devel- $3 million for? Hastert is said on the public payroll. Fibbies found $90,000 in cash would provide homeland secu- oper a 69-acre portion of a to be furious with the Sunlight With a fine sense of ethical in his freezer. So the rity, but what an endless saga 195-acre farm that had been Foundation, which broke the behavior, members of the Democratic caucus kicked him of misspent money, stupid purchased in his wife’s name. story, and the Chicago news- House have voted to continue off his important seat on the decisions, waste, fraud, abuse The developer also purchased papers, which pounced on it earmarking, including Ways and Means Committee. and political logrolling -- and an adjacent plot of roughly gleefully. This is what I don’t $500,000 for a swimming pool Republicans just keep on still no port protection. equal size owned in trust by get about Republicans. Appar- in Lewis’ district (bringing the trucking. It seems to me there is a Hastert and two of his “long- ently they think they are gen- total federal money allotted for Meanwhile, the entire De- direct connection between the time supporters.” The area of uinely entitled to get these spe- this pool to $1 million). partment of Homeland Secur- Republicans’ inability to run west of Chicago is growing cial deals. Meanwhile, back on the ity is beginning to look like a anything governmental madly, and Hastert -- through Also making news is Cali- Jack Abramoff-and-related Republican playground. Ac- (“Heckuva job, Brownie”) and an earmark appropriation fornia Rep. Jerry Lewis, who fronts (lest we forget good old cording to The New York the fact that they don’t believe process -- dedicated $207 mil- is in deep with a lobbying firm Dusty Foggo, ex-No. 3 at the Times, over 90 former offi- in government. The simplest lion in taxpayer dollars as the that is El Stinko. This would- CIA), a letter had been found, cials at DHS or the White purposes of government have first appropriation on the n’t matter so much if Lewis despite initial denials by the House Office of Homeland long been defined for us -- to Prairie Parkway, which will were just another congress- Department of Homeland Security are now “executives, form a more perfect union, man, but he is chairman of the Security, from the now-con- consultants or lobbyists for establish justice, ensure companies that collectively do domestic tranquility, provide billions of dollars’ worth of for the common defense, pro- domestic security business.” mote the general welfare, and 733-0100 Now isn’t that a dainty dish to secure the blessings of liberty KOLAR set before the king? See Ivins...page 5 A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will

4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN Congratulations, Labor World on your 110th Anniversary! ZENITH ADMINISTRATORS, INC. 2520 Pilot Knob Road 750 Torrey Building Suite 325 Duluth, MN 55802 Mendota Heights, MN 55120 218-727-6668 651-256-1900 Congratulations, Labor World Labor’s voice for 110 years Happy Birthday! Say “NO!” to Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club! United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1116 Steven Gilbertson, President

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 Ivins...from page 4 to ourselves and our poster- ity. It is, or should be, a benign Congratulations enterprise, making life better for citizens. I carry no special brief for Labor World government -- many years of studying the Texas Legislature on your 110th! will disenchant anyone. But if you are put in charge of gov- ernment, the least you can do Carlton County is run it well. Bill Clinton took government seriously -- he was interested in how to make Central Labor Body it work better, interested in Congratulations to government policy. Clinton declared the era of Big The Labor World Championing Labor Since 1896! Government over and indeed pruned the federal structure and finished with a surplus. on your 110th Birthday! Congratulations, Bush is giving us fat, bloated, inefficient, corrupt govern- Labor World ment, all of it running on a AFSCME Council 5 huge deficit -- not counting the expense and growing body AFL-CIO CWA Local 7214 Representing workers at: count in Iraq. Mike Buesing, Council 5 President As the man said -- “2,500 is AT&T just a number.” Eliot Seide, Council 5 Executive Director © 2006 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. AVAYA www.creators.com Qwest Dex Media East, LLC Paul Bunyan Telephone Paw Communications, Inc.

Congratulations on 110 years of doing a great job for the working people of Northern Minnesota Sen. David TOMASSONI Rep. Tom RUKAVINA Rep. Tony SERTICH Paid for by the Rukavina Campaign Committee, 6930 Hwy 169, Virginia, MN 55792; the Citizens for Anthony “Tony” Sertich Committee; Rick Puhek, Chair, 1210 NW 9th Avenue, Chisholm, MN 55710 and the Tomassoni Campaign Committee; P.O. Box 29, Chisholm, MN 55719 Thank You Labor World for being there [ work injury ] for workers... Since 1896! It happens in an instant. One minute you’re working—earning a wage. Next minute you’re standing around wondering what to do next. Statistics show that in Minnesota more than 150,000 workers are injured on the job each AFSCME year. And that’s only the ones we hear about. If you’re injured on the job you need proven 130 W. Superior St. statistics working for you. We have over 35 Duluth, MN 55802 Local 3801 218-727-5384 years of trial experience and a team approach 800-535-1665 UMD Clerical & to personal injury cases. Fact is, OUR SUCCESS cuzzo.com Technical Employees IS NO ACCIDENT.

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 5 Bad boss horror stories mount WASHINGTON — Sexually harassed. Receiving death threats over the phone. Yelled and screamed at. Locked in an office. Details from police reports? No -- just some of the sto- ries told in Working America’s “My Bad Boss Contest.” The contest “is an opportunity for workers to speak out about the difficulties they face every day on the job,” Working America said in announcing the competition on its website, www.workingamerica.org Anyone can submit a story about a current boss or someone from a previous job. Stories are posted on the Working America website, where readers can vote for their favorites and write comments. The winner of the overall contest will receive a one-week vacation getaway. The first semifinalist voting period ends Wednesday, June 28. Each successive voting period will last for one week, until there are five finalists. The five semifinalists will become con- tenders for the grand prize. Finally, there will be a venue for workers to get some reward and recognition for the times they’ve ducked the flying stapler, brought an overnight bag- in addition to the midnight oil- to the office or lifted pens from hotels because the boss is too cheap to spring for supplies. Working America is a community affiliate of the AFL-CIO labor federation.

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5:30 pm

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PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 DOL forced to release Union-Facts info Anti-union commercials by DOL for all records related to Berman and his organizations. It was a bold, courageous venture for a 29- the Center for Union Facts Berman and his front groups. CREW says they will liti- have been airing in the Twin A March 13, 2006 column gate the issue and press for the year old woman, Sabrie Akin, to found the Ports market and nationwide by Al Kamen in The release of all documents. lately. The group is basically Washington Post reported that “These documents make it Labor World Newspaper in 1896. Richard Berman, who has Lynn Gibson, in DOL’s public clear that under the leadership acted as the attack dog for liaison office, sent an email to of Secretary Chao, the A tip of the cap to this area’s working men business interests against DOL employees identifying Department of Labor has unions, Mothers Against unionfacts.com as a website become anti-labor,” said and women that it is still in existence today. Drunk Driving, the Center for “dedicated to providing infor- Melanie Sloan, executive ~~ Disease Control, and as a shill mation on labor unions and director of CREW. “It is dis- for the tobacco lobby. their expenditures.” graceful that the very depart- Berman and Company DOL refused to comply ment designed to focus on Brown, Andrew, operate a number of front with CREW FOIA’s request, improving the lives of groups including the Center so on April 25 CREW sued American laborers is dissemi- for Consumer Freedom, The DOL, compelling DOL to pro- nating anti-union propaganda American Beverage Institute, vide the records. and developing relationships & Signorelli PA and the Employment Policies The email correspondence with anti-union organizations. Institute. He has been a labor between DOL and union- American workers deserve Tim Andrew~Aaron Bransky lawyer for Bethlehem Steel, facts.org staff show a close better.” Dana Corp., and the U.S. and supportive relationship A copy of the DOL docu- Representing Labor Unions and their Members Chamber of Commerce. between the two entities. The ments and CREW’s FOIA are 300 Alworth Building Duluth, MN 55802 His donation of $25,000 in documents include correspon- available on CREW’s website, 1995 to Newt Gingrich result- dence showing DOL Secretary www.citizensforethics.org 218-722-1764 ed in influence peddling Elaine Chao agreed to be pro- charges against the Speaker. filed for one of Berman’s Berman has now been many conservative organiza- Defending Labor at the Legislature found to be buried deep within tions, the First Jobs Institute. the U.S. Department of Labor An email indicated Gibson A 100% voting record on issues (DOL), which should be pro- set up a meeting between tecting workers. Berman and DOL staff. In supported by the Minnesota AFL-CIO Last Thursday Citizens for another, Gibson tells a CUF (Project Vote Smart, 2004 and 2005) Responsibility and Ethics in staff person that she will send Washington (CREW) released out emails related to CUF’s 108 pages of documents it website to her “network.” Re-elect received from DOL in Additional DOL staff e-mails response to a CREW Freedom include an op-ed drafted by of Information Act lawsuit Berman, anti-union newspaper Senator Yvonne over records DOL has regard- accounts as well as anti-union ing their contact with Berman. blogs and news releases. Last March CREW asked Claiming privilege, DOL Prettner Solon has withheld e-mail corre- Minnesota Senate District 7 F AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed spondence including corre- Paid for by the Prettner Solon Volunteer Committee, spondence from Secretary Thanks Chao, that directly refer to P.O. Box 16093, Duluth, MN 55816, Elaine Hansen, Treasurer Labor This is balance. World for helping us stay on top of things!

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 7 Endorsements ...from page 1 It’s a case of the usual sus- pects for many of the state leg- You Could Dig Up More islative seats. Rep. Irv Anderson has retired in District 3A. Tom Anzelc, who retired from being a Laborers Than You Bargained For Union lobbyist, got the DFL endorsement in that race Sunday. nderground electric, natural gas and phone lines need In House District 8B to be located at your work site before digging to avoid (Mora-area), Labor will try to U unseat Republican incumbent utility line accidents. If you’re landscaping or gardening on Judy Soderstrom, who has your property or clearing land at a construction lifetime AFL-CIO voting site, you must call Gopher State One Call before record of 15 percent. Tim you excavate. Faust carried the Labor endorsement against her two T h e y ’ re a state-wide center that notifies years ago losing by 74 votes. utilities of your dig site. Utility personnel visit the site and He is running again and will mark underground lines, wire or pipe with paint or flags. screen with the Carlton County Central Labor Body You need to call 48 hours prior to the start of digging. on July 10. It’s a FREE SERVICE that can save you time, trouble and In the Senate District 8 race perhaps your life. Tony Lourey, Becky’s son, will carry the Labor and DFL Greg Rindal endorsement for the seat his Minnesota Power Safety Manager mother has vacated to run for governor. ® All candidates endorsed by the Minnesota AFL-CIO thus far are from the DFL Party. The federation is working on having a political coordina- tor working in each of its six Area Labor Councils shortly. Some have operatives in place. Call Gopher State One Call before you DIG: 1-800-252-1166 An announcement is expected soon on who that person will be in the Northeast ALC. E RE ROUD TO HAVE SUCH A ONG RADITION (Find out more at www. W ’ P L T mnaflcio.org, www.dfl.org.) OF SUPPORTING A NEWSPAPER THAT ADVOCATES FOR PPEOPLEEOPLE BBEFOREEFORE PPROFITSROFITS!!

Greetings, Labor World Our Paper Since 1896 International Association of “Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and fallen and bruised itself, and risen again; been seized by the throat and choked Heat & Frost into insensibility; enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by Insulators and the militia, shot down by regulars, traduced by the Press, frowned upon by public opinion, deceived by politicians, threatened by priests, repudi- Asbestos ated by renegades, preyed upon by grafters, infested by spies, deserted by Workers cowards, betrayed by traitors, bled by leeches, and sold out by leaders, but, notwithstanding all this, and all these, it is today the most vital and potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission of emancipating the workers of the world from the thralldom of the ages is as certain of ultimate realization as the setting of the sun.” ~ Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926), American Labor Leader DULUTHDULUTH AFLAFL--CIOCIO CENTRALCENTRAL LABORLABOR BODYBODY Local 49 Representing 62 affiliated unions with 14,600 members

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 You want a real Patriot Act? Start by rewarding patriotic corporations By Bill Knight Accounting Office; and ten about their idea and has her nuclear power plants, chemi- end subsidies for fleeing Flag Day was last week and greedy manufacturers like staff writing language to intro- cal facilities and bio labs; pol- America have been defeated Independence Day a couple of Maytag, which followed its duce legislation on Capitol lute the air, land ,and water; by corporate lobbyists and weeks away - a perfect time to moving 1,600 Galesburg jobs Hill. refuse to research and develop President Bush,” Nader added. consider what it means to be to Reynosa, Mexico, by These days, subsidized cor- needed drugs when they can They “lose no sleep over such patriotic, for companies as announcing a few weeks ago porations sell weapons to for- promote existing medications callous behavior that hollows well as citizens. that it was closing its Herrin, eign governments -(including for higher profits, or just send our communities and leaves The companies include oil Ill., plant, where another 1,000 dictatorships); resist calls to jobs out of the country. families in desperate straits corporations in making record people work. upgrade security at seaports, “Attempts in Congress to See A real Patriot...page 12 profits yet convincing the “Has corporate globaliza- Federal Trade Commission tion ended our expectations to that no price gouging took demand allegiance to the place, energy conglomerates country that has bred and such as Enron with executives raised these large companies,” convicted of crimes but work- asked consumer advocate ers left broke, retail giants like Ralph Nader, “that subsidized Wal-Mart pushing wages and these companies, and has benefits so low that employees defended them abroad with the are forced onto welfare tax- lives of American soldiers for payers pay for; well connected over a century?” contractors such as Hallibur- In west-central Illinois, ton, found to be ripping off the another advocate is less rhetor- government by auditors from ical. “I think corporate the Pentagon and the General America finally figured out how to destroy the New Deal,” says Robin Johnson, a political consultant and part-time teacher at Monmouth College, “--by outsourcing. “Corporations are getting around child labor laws, over- time laws, health and safety rules, environmental regula- tions and on and on,” Johnson continues. “And government has the right to expect better behavior from its corporations, which only consider their shareholders and not the many other stakeholders in how they operate -- communities and workers, vendors and cus- tomers.” Johnson and associate Bill Edley proposed creating a “Patriot Corporation” designa- tion and caught the eye of U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat. She’s writ- THE MOST DIRECT WAY TO GET YOUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PRESCRIPTIONS. Furthering Our Cause Since 1896 Keep up the good work!

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 9 BuildingBuilding aa movementmovement forfor nationalnational single-payersingle-payer healthhealth carecare By Wayne Nealis The first period was during the terms, such a struggle would sured (up from 40 million in that would provide coverage 1930’s when basic social ben- constitute a spectacular ongo- 2000) and reduce costs to for all Americans (Lester he goal of today’s efits were won, including ing publicity and educational other citizens and businesses, 2003). Perhaps the most sur- T trade union move- social security, unemployment program directed at unorgan- without spending any more prising result is that eight of 10 mentT to organize millions of compensation and social wel- ized workers. than is currently spent on people surveyed said it was unorganized workers may fare services. Total union What is single-payer? health care from all public and important to provide health depend on labor’s ability to membership grew in just five The programmatic, finan- private sources (DeNavas, care for all, even if it meant initiate and lead a broad move- years from 3.6 million in 1935 Proctor, Mills 2004). increasing taxes. Selling sin- to 10 million by the end 1939. cial and legal framework for ment for social and economic NHI was developed by the According to a 2004 study gle-payer is not an uphill battle justice thereby creating the (Boyer 1955). by the Harvard Medical The second period of rapid Physicians Working Group on The market-based plan of political and social conditions National Health Insurance, a School and Public Citizen, 31 the Bush administration favorable to organizing the union growth was spurred by percent of the total U.S. health the struggle and victories of national blue ribbon commis- In contrast to NHI, the unorganized. In this article I sion convened by Congress- care dollar is spent on admin- present an analysis and evi- the civil rights movement in Bush administration’s pro- man John Conyers (D- istrative bureaucracy. The Ca- gram for health care reform is dence why the struggle for sin- the 1950s and 60s. The nadian health system, which is gle-payer national health momentum for social justice Michigan) during the 106th a hard sell, both in terms of Congress. Instrumental to the single-payer financed, spends public opinion and in regard to insurance (NHI) is the issue caused a spill over effect that only 16.7 percent. with the greatest potential to won labor legislation reform development of the group’s its shortfalls in coverage and spark such a movement and finding, which were released On a per capita basis, U.S. cost containment. Yet, accord- opening union membership for administrative costs were lead to millions of workers millions of federal, state and in May 2001, was the leader- ing to a January 2005 article in joining unions. History shows ship of Physicians for a $1,059 compared with Cana- the Los Angles Times, the local government workers. In da’s $307. This significant dif- that rapid growth in union the ten-year period from 1968 National Health Program Bush administration and membership coincided twice (PNHP), a member organiza- ference in U.S. administrative Republican Congressional to 1978 over two million pub- overhead go to insurance com- in the last century with great lic employees joined unions. tion of 14,000 physicians leaders aim is to make health social movements whose founded in 1987 to advocate pany profits, stockholder divi- See Building...page 11 (Dubofsky/Dulles 1999). dends, corporate overhead, top achievements improved the Although the historical and for single-payer insurance lives of all American workers. within the medical communi- executive salaries and costs This Day In History political contexts of the 1930s incurred by duplication of and the Civil Rights move- ty. Following the recommen- from dations of the group Conyers administration in dozens of www.workdayminnesota.org ment differ as much from each insurance companies. other as they do our own, the introduced single-payer legis- I want to help lation in the 107th Congress Assessing public opinion June 28, 1894 $ outcomes for unions suggest a President Grover Cleveland $ you save money. dynamic relationship exists and again in the 108th entitled The evidence and analysis $ the “The United States presented in the article demon- signed a bill making Labor between the emergence of Daya national holiday. massive social justice move- National Health Insurance strates that the health care cri- (218) 728-6803 ments and an upsurge of labor Act” (HR676). The act would sis has created an opening in June 28, 1969 create a comprehensive, pub- public opinion that can be cul- Call me today! organizing and growth in A police raid of the You may qualify for membership. In today’s polit- licly financed health insurance tivated and perhaps is even Stonewall Inn, a gay club in money-saving auto ical-historical context it may program, modeled after “waiting” for leadership that New York City, turned vio- insurance discounts. Jerome E Siljendahl Agency Medicare, to replace all pri- supports a bold, comprehen- lent as patrons and local 2002 London Rd Ste 200 be possible to create this syn- (218) 728-6803 Bus vate health insurance, but sive solution such a NHI. Polls sympathizers began rioting Duluth, MN 55812 ergy through a labor-led social movement for NHI that will would retain the privately and surveys show people are against the police. New give tens of millions of unor- delivered character of health fed up with the countless new York’s gay community had ganized workers a reason to care services. HR676 also con- health care programs, the grown weary of the police pay attention to the labor tains provisions for retraining incessant marketing, escalat- department’s targeting of © 2000 American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries workers in the insurance ing co-pays, and private health Home Office - Madison, WI 53783 z www.amfam.com movement. In public relations gay clubs and the protest NA-16942 industry and other health care care industry bureaucracy. soon expanding into neigh- administrative operations One of the most substantial boring streets.The whose jobs would be affected surveys done to date is an Stonewall Riot was followed Happy by NHI. ABC News-Washington Post by several days of demon- Happy The cost savings made pos- poll in October 2003, which strations in New York, and sible with the streamlined found that by almost a 2-1 was the impetus for the for- AnniversaryAnniversary administration of a single- margin, 62 to 32 percent, mation of the G ay payer system is estimated to be Americans supported the idea Liberation Front among LaborLabor World!World! sufficient to insure all of the of a government sponsored, other gay, lesbian, and bisex- estimated 45 million unin- universal insurance system ual civil rights organizations. Wilson-McShane employs over 150 professionals who administer funds Congratulations, Labor World throughout the Midwest. We provide stable, high quality and responsible for 110 years of publication, and for third-party administration services for doing such a good job of serving Taft-Hartley negotiated benefit funds. working people in our area. Have a Safe & Happy Fourth of July! 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PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 BuildingBuilding aa movementmovement forfor nationalnational single-payersingle-payer healthhealth carecare Continued from page 10 quate or no coverage. ing and grassroots organizing it did in the 1930’s and again bership will grow exponential- insurance on par with car A fight for NHI, like that of and educational outreach with in the 1960’s. The health care ly, is not guaranteed by histo- insurance, where individuals, the struggle for social security an electoral strategy to shift solutions and rhetoric of neo- ry. Yet, history tells us that not employers, would be and unemployment benefits in the power base in Congress. conservatives, insurance com- making this historical wager responsible for buying an the 1930s, and civil rights laws In early 1935, at hearings panies, HMO’s, obstructionist would be a pretty good bet. appropriate level of health in the 1960’s, can and should held before Congress, labor politicians or anyone else (Wayne Nealis is a former insurance in the marketplace, become a catalyst for labor leaders testifying in support of standing in the way of provid- toolmaker and executive board or choose not to. The plan is electoral activities and victo- unemployment and social ing meaningful relief to peo- member of Minnesota Inter- designed to expand insurance ries. Given the current political security insurance submitted a ple’s worries about health care national Union of Electrical, coverage by encouraging busi- alignment in Congress, an list of 3,000 union organiza- have lost all credibility with Radio and Machine Workers nesses to offer high-deductible electoral strategy to change the tions that had passed resolu- the vast majority of Ameri- (IUE) Locals 1042 and 1140, catastrophic insurance plans balance of power is essential tions endorsing these meas- cans. The time is ripe for now part of the CWA. He that would be coupled with to winning NHI. It is impor- ures (House Hearings 1935). igniting a movement for uni- earned a degree in journalism individual employee tax-shel- tant to note when making such These endorsements repre- versal health care. Whether at the University of Minnesota. tered, portable “health savings projections, however, that sented one-fourth of the mem- such a movement will create a Contact him via email at accounts” (HSA). The GOP there are now 68 co-sponsors bership of organized labor at climate in which union mem- [email protected]) health care agenda is set in the of HR676. One-fourth of the the time. Comparing this to context of the grand “owner- nation’s congressional districts official union support for ship society” mantra used to are not an insignificant starting HR676 today shows there is Wishing many more sell the partial privatization of point. A lesson that can be much work to be done. To date Social Security. learned from the 1930s and about 110 union organizations years of supporting Without a progressive alter- 1960s is fairly clear: a strate- have passed resolutions sup- native it is likely the country gy to enact single-payer legis- porting single-payer or the will drift toward such market- lation cannot just be a lobby- HR676 bill. The need for a workers and their families! based solutions leaving more ing campaign. A movement is massive educational campaign and more people with inade- needed that integrates lobby- to enlist rank and file support cannot be overstated. Ideally the fight for single- INTERESTED...? payer should be positioned as a leading issue that is part of a in reaching nearly 16,500 union larger political program, but even NHI by itself resonates households and local union offices beyond single-issue politics. at a great advertising rate? To begin such a struggle means saying no to the rheto- Contact Larry Sillanpa ric of making a scapegoat of Local 1091~Duluth Area at the Labor World “big government” programs that labor fought for and won; The membership of 2002 London Road it means saying no to tax give- LABORERS LOCAL 1091 Room 110 aways to the rich while more and more workers are without Duluth, MN/Superior, WI/Surrounding Counties Duluth, MN 55812 health care, it means saying no (218) 728-4469 to privatization schemes and social benefit cuts; and most [email protected] importantly it means saying ‘yes’ to the idea that collective :DWFK\RXU0RQH\*URZ (An ad this size would cost only $80 action and a pooling of resources through government :LWK6KDUH&HUWLILFDWHV camera-ready! For a small fee we can also can improve worker’s lives as create your ad for you. Give us a call!) Happy 110th Anniversary 

Labor World! PRQ0LQLPXPWKV Robert B. Reich Says Liberals DW Will Win e appreciate area The Battle Wworkers, your for America. commitment to this  region and share your  $3< Our Values and dedication to quality! Philosophy Are Ⅲ Quality 4-Color Printing Needed Now More Ⅲ In-House Creative Design Ⅲ Computer Forms & Checks Than Ever To Make Ⅲ Union Contracts Reich’s Prediction Ⅲ Letterheads & Envelopes Ⅲ Color & High Speed Copies a Reality. Ⅲ Gathering & Stitching Ⅲ Laminating 7KH2QO\/RFDO8QLRQL]HG)LQDQFLDO,QVWLWXWLRQ Senator Becky Lourey 1RZ2SHQWRDOORI6W/RXLV&RXQW\ 114 West Superior St. • Duluth, MN 55802 2ATES%FFECTIVEASOF!PRIL ANDARE 218-722-4421 • Fax 218-722-3211 'XOXWK AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed District 8 SUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHOUTNOTICE$IVIDEND 2ATESAREGIVENAS!NNUAL0ERCENTAGE9IELD 9LUJLQLD Paid for by Lourey for Senate, Rosanne Haynes, Treasurer, Holyoke, MN !09 2ESTRICTIONSMAYAPPLY 7ROO)UHH ZZZQRUWKHUQFRPPXQLWLHVFXFRP LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 11 Want patriotism? Put hope in Unions have improved the work lives of all Americans their hearts, not flags in hands Congratulations, Labor World, on 110 years of (Note: The following quote is from a work on Labor World founder and editor Sabrie Akin by Mary Pruitt, an instructor at being the voice for our Unions and Members Minneapolis Community College, who researched and wrote about Akin, who published the first issue of this paper in 1896.) From your friends in the 19 affiliates of the Patriotism was also a prominent theme in the Labor World. "In this great battle that we are waging for the rescue of our lib- Iron Range Building & Trades Council erties," Akin wrote, "we must look for real patriotism where it is to be found-that is, among the reform forces...." Akin Call us, we’ll direct you to high quality demanded action not sentiment. On the 4th of July 1896, she editorialized: Put flags in children's hands to make them patri- contractors who use skilled, area workers otic! Put flags on the schoolhouse to make them loyal to their country! What a farce! Put hope in their hearts; put opportuni- President John Grahek, 1-218-741-2482 ties within their reach; put Recording Secretary Dennis Marchetti prospects for progress before them and they will Financial-Secretary Michael Syversrud, 107 S. 15th Ave. W., Virginia, MN. 55792 be patriotic. ~Mary C. Pruitt, “Without Gloves and With Knife in Hand: Sabrie G. Akin and Duluth’s Labor World,” Communitas, Journal of Ideas and Letters, Volume II, Number 2, Spring, 1989 A real Patriot Act...from page 9 State Rep. David Dill is endorsed by: while some worry about their sons and daughters in the Iraq 4 Duluth Building and Construction Trades quagmire.” Iron Range Building & Construction Trades 4 For decades after World War II, working Americans largely IronDuluth Range Building Building &and Construction Construction TradesTrades shared in the progress enjoyed by the upper class. But in the 4 4 IronIron Range Range Labor Labor Assembly Assembly USWA- MN AFL-CIODistrict 11 1970s, that shared prosperity ended. 4 Minnesota Association of Professional Employees “Since the early ‘70s, the income of the top one percent of 4U.S. Steelworkers of America, District 11 households has doubled, [but] household incomes have stagnat- Minnesota Farmers Union - PAC ed or declined for 80 percent of the population,” according to 4 DFL HousePaid for Caucus by David Dill Endorsed for 6A Committee; JoAnne 4 Pagel,Associated Treasurer, P.O.Contract Box 293, Orr, Loggers MN 55771 and Truckers economist Richard Freeman of Harvard. 4 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 633 Such unfairness strikes a chord with regular Americans, 4 Minnesota School Board Association "House Legislator of Year 2004" Schakowsky wrote. “If you want to make Americans of all stripes mad, tell them Paid for by the David Dill for 6A Committee, JoAnne Pagel, Treasurer, P.O. Box 293, Orr, MN 55771 about the billions of dollars in subsidies and tax breaks our gov- ernment gives to companies that outsource jobs, exploit work- ers here and overseas, and dodge taxes,” she said in February. The alarm might be Johnson, Edley and Schakowsky’s call to true patriotism, a way to make corporations as committed to Congratulations the nation as they are to selling their products. Patriot-class corporations would get tax advantages, stock- holder incentives and special consideration for federal contracts if they: produce 90 percent of their U.S. sold goods and servic- es in the United States; remain in good standing with Environmental Protection Agency, National Labor Relations Board, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules; spend half their research and development budgets in the United States; limit executive salaries to 100 times the lowest- LABOR WORLD paid full-time worker; contribute to decent health-insurance, pension and profit-sharing plans; remain neutral when employ- on 110 years of ees unionize; and refrain from price gouging consumers. Repealing Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthy and closing cor- porate tax loopholes would fund the concept, says Johnson, who educating concedes that considerable power from voters would be required for a Congress cowed by the Radical Right. “As long as the fanatical Right Wing is still a force [in agitating Washington], a lot of pressure will have to be applied,” Johnson says. “But if we don’t, things in history keep recurring.” Schakowsky thinks Ameri-cans can build a patriotic ethos & organizing uniting leaders of business and labor, plus suppliers, customers and U.S. communities to build a stronger and more prosperous your readers. economy that’s competitive and just. “Our political leaders need to make a choice,” Johnson and Edley wrote. “Will they continue to defend economic policies, whereby 80 percent of Americans spend a lifetime upon a tread- mill, or will they shape economic policies and measure success Write On! so all Americans can fully exercise our Godgiven talents, culti- vate ourselves through increased leisure, and share in the eco- nomic bounty created by our efforts?” Wave the flag for economic justice -- a red-white-and-blue An Anniversary salute from the members of the Minnesota AFL-CIO ideal we can achieve. (Bill Knight’s column “Knight Shift” appears in Peoria, Ray Waldron, President Steve Hunter, Secretary Treasurer Illinois’ The LABOR Paper. He is a member of the National Writers’ Union, CWA and AFT.) PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 Join us for Personal Service… Join us for a Lending Hand… Join us Because You Can !

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HAPPY 110th ANNIVERSARY LABOR WORLD TEAMSTERS ,KO1DGTUVCT LOCAL 346 Minnesota/Wisconsin KU¿IJVKPI Patrick Radzak Secretary-Treasurer HQT/KPPGUQVC¶U Colin Hayes Roderick Alstead President Vice President David LaBorde Les Kundo *QOGVQYP8CNWGU Recording Secretary Business Agent Barry Johnson James McManigle Trustee Trustee Wilhelmus Bothma GFWECVKPIQWTEJKNFTGP Trustee ECTKPIHQTQWTUGPKQTU W e A p p r e c i a t e Y o u r P a t r o n a g e ! FGHGPFKPIQWTKPFWUVT[ The only Reef worth steering RTQVGEVKPIQWTJGCNVJ into has... Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. 7 Days a week RTGUGTXKPIQWTGPXKTQPOGPV Tuesday is Karaoke Night Wednesday has Live Music Live bands Friday & Saturday, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The largest game room in town! We can set-up employee *IM/BERSTARFORYOU parties of up to 80 people! FORMINNESOTA THE REEF 2CKFHQTD[(TKGPFUQH,KO1DGTUVCT In the Labor Temple, 2002 London Road, Duluth

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 13 Unions the solution, not the problem to America’s troubles Happy 110th, Labor World! By Richard A. Levins LAKE SUPERIOR AREA The process of devolving from a middle class society into a banana republic is well under way. The signs are everywhere. LABOR MANAGEMENT Wages, even for college graduates, are falling behind inflation. The number of families in poverty is growing. The middle class ASSOCIATION, INC. debt load is off the charts and the personal savings rate is below (www.LSALMA.org) zero. The costs of a college education, of health insurance, of energy for heating and driving, and of pharmaceuticals grow out Room 332, 411 West 1st Street Duluth, Minnesota 55802 / (218)727-4565 of reach for ever more Americans with each passing day. 1316 North 14th Street, Metro Center #301 Superior, Wisconsin 54880 What economists call the “income distribution” is, from a middle class perspective, as bad as it has been since the Great We’re celebrating our 24-year Anniversary! Depression. During the Roaring 20’s, the split between rich and (Incorporated June, 1982) poor grew exceptionally large, leaving relatively few in the middle class. In the decades following the Depression, things LSALMA is proud to be serving the region by began to change for the better as income and wealth became building labor-management trust and understanding. more evenly distributed. But now we are back to where we were as the nation stood on the brink of its greatest economic Contact our office about details concerning the: catastrophe ever. The very rich are richer than ever, but the rest of us are falling behind at an increasingly rapid pace. 16th Annual Labor Management Golf Championship What caused these changes in the balance between a middle Enger Park Golf Course, Duluth, Wednesday, July 12 class society and neo-Feudalism? The history of labor unions in America gives an important clue. Private-sector unionization Tee times Noon-1:30 p.m., $75/player, 4-person team scramble was legislated during the Depression. Union membership grew ~~~Visit www.LSALMA.org for a registration form!~~~ into the mid-twentieth century, then began a slow decline that continues today. Remember the income distribution numbers: a weak middle class in the Depression, a strong middle class in the decades following, and a weakening middle class now. The way these income distribution numbers generally track those for ThankThanks,s, LaboLaborr WoWorldrld union activity is no coincidence. For 110 years of helping us communicate on our issues Unions equalize power in the market place between those who work for a living and those who own something for a liv- ing. Those who work for a living are the stuff of which the mid- Remember to do it electrically dle class is made. Those who own something for a living fill the with a Union, Trained, ranks of the very wealthy. When the balance of power is with labor unions, the gains from production stay with the middle Licensed Electrician, and use class. When the balance shifts as it has today, the very wealthy take an ever-larger share from economic activity. our Signatory Contractors! As the very wealthy become even more so, they do not spend money in the way middle class people do. After all, how many Electrical Contractors houses and cars, no matter how fine, can one have? Once peo- ple have more money than they can possibly spend on goods Twin Ports Area and services, they no longer use it in ways that stimulate the Absolute Electric Energy & Air Systems Nylund Electric economy. Instead, they use the power their money brings to get (218) 522-0101 (715) 392-9115 (218) 624-5706 more tax breaks, less regulation, more support for globalization, API Electric Inc. Gilbert Electric Park Electric and policies that favor capital over labor. The middle class con- Lakehead/Thompson Division (218) 729-7874 (218) 721-3500 tinues to weaken. (218) 628-3323 Great Lakes Energy Pine Lake Electric In spite of all this, we are told not to worry, because the Agate Electric (218) 349-5218 (800) 997-5751 United States is becoming what some politicians call an “own- (218) 834-9226 Polyphase Electric ership society.” Instead of supporting unions that bring decent Hill Electric Belknap Electric (218) 644-3629 (218) 723-1413 wages to working people, we are advised to buy shares in the (715) 394-7769 corporations that profit when wages are falling. Meanwhile, we Johanson Electric Red-D Electric ignore the most important part of our economy—we are a great Benson Electric (218) 879-5736 (218) 628-1220 market for goods and services. (715) 394-5547 Lake City Electric Service Electric The trouble with all strategies that trade good jobs for cheap Bergstrom Electric (715) 394-3873 (715) 392-8771 toasters is that they eventually erode the market for the goods (715) 392-2427 Laveau Electric TM Automation and services being provided. A handful of hyper-wealthy indi- Duluth Electrical Contracting (218) 384-4001 (715) 244-3727 viduals along with millions of people living on the economic (218) 390-2819 Meints Electric Dave Twining Electric edge are not the sound, stable market needed for growth. Only Electric Builders Inc. (218) 728-6014 (218) 721-3833 the middle class, with buying power widely distributed, can (218) 722-1073 MK Electric Yax Electrical provide that. And that is what we are losing. Electric Systems of Duluth (218) 624-0836 (218) 724-8450 Rebalancing power in the economy is essential if the middle (218) 722-0764 class is to thrive. Doing this, INTERSTATE however, will require more Brainerd Area than our government alone can Apex Electric (218) 927-2739 API of Brainerd (218) 829-5859 SPUR reasonably be expected to deliver. We must act together Electrical Systems of Brainerd (218) 825-0549 Hoffman Electric (218) 829-9533 in the market place as well. Holden Electric Company (218) 829-4759 The way to do that is the way we have always done it—to Limited Energy Contracts join and support the unions that built the middle class in the API Technology (218) 628-3323 APS Technology Group (218) 390-3493 first place. Belknap Tel-Com (715) 394-5929 Electrical Systems of Brainerd (218) 825-0549 Levins taught Applied JayEn of Duluth, Inc. (218)729-9300 Megcom (218) 723-1413 2700 W. Michigan St. Economics at the University of North Star Cabling (218) 591-0705 Yax Technologies (218) 724-1313 Minnesota. His most recent GAS - DIESEL book Middle Class*Union Other Contracts GROCERIES Made is available at www. Benson Motor Repair (715) 394-5547 Business Music, Inc. (218) 525-5991 OPEN 24 HOURS itascabooks.com, or by calling 1-800-901-3480. KDLH TV-3 (218) 733-0303 PAGE 14 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 Ehrenreich: Class warfare alive in U.S. Looks like an “Atta Boy” is in order... WASHINGTON (PAI)-- but the rich are falling behind, percent is stagnant or declin- “There is a class war going on but contended such arguments ing, 46 million people without in the U.S.,” and workers are would not play well for pro- health care and millions more Congratulations, Labor World losing it, noted author Barbara gressives on this fall’s cam- underinsured, and--for good Ehrenreich says. Not only that paign trail. He advocated a measure--the GOP redefinition It’s all just but progressives should be “campaign for the common of poverty to blame the victim. raw dirt, unafraid to spell it out. good” that would showcase “I would say poverty, and Ehrenreich, writer of the progressives--including labor- the threat of it hanging over all steel, wood, best-selling Nickeled And -pushing to again lift all boats. of us, is a moral issue,” she brick and Dimed In America, advanced “Common good? We don’t declared. To fight back, she concrete her theme at a polite debate on even have common ground!” added, progressives have June 13 during the 2,000-per- Ehrenreich retorted. “We’re already won in more than 100 until it son “Take Back America” divided between gated com- cities by making the living gets shaped conference. munities on the one hand and wage a moral issue, too. by skilled “Talk about an asymetrical trailer parks and tenements on “In the long run, not even conflict,” she said after reeling the other.” Wal-Mart is going to have hands and off a mass of statistics of the Ehrenreich cited statistics anybody to sell things to if minds. problems affecting middle and on the widening wealth gap they don’t pay their workers a lower-class workers. between the rich and the rest living wage,” she said of the Opposing her was Ameri- of us, the rise in incomes for notoriously low-pay anti- LABORERS LOCAL 1097 can Prospect editor Michael the top 0.1 percent of the pop- worker retail behemoth. IRON RANGE & NORTHERN MINNESOTA Tomasky, who conceded all ulation while the bottom 80 “In a class war, we as liber- “What is going on to a very large extent, I’m sorry to say, als have a fight on our hands, and we have to hold up the is a belief that the public doesn’t need to know, limiting standards in that fight,” she access, limiting information to cover the backsides of contended. The Labor World...110 Years those who are in charge. . .There was a time in South Tomasky countered that “the shifting 12 percent” of the of Work Africa that people would put flaming tires around U.S. electorate that decides people’s necks if they dissented. And in some ways the presidential and congressional for our Labor fear is that you will be necklaced here in America, you elections “is not going to nec- essarily respond to class war.” Movement! will have a flaming tire of lack of patriotism put around He added “a different rhetoric Bricklayers your neck. Now it is that fear that keeps journalists from could be appealing to them.” asking the toughest of the tough questions.” He admitted, however, that and Allied ~Dan Rather quoted in “Armed Madhouse” “people don’t respond to calls for shared sacrifice because no Thanks, Labor World, one has submitted the idea to Craftworkers them.” for 110 years of being one “The class anger level has Local Union #1 of the exceptions. Keep on been rising since 2003 and Enron. They see an average of Minnesota asking the tough questions. CEO making $10 million a year and meanwhile it’s not & North Dakota just the uninsured that lack BILL HILTY health care, but the insured 2002 London Road, (218) 724-8374 State Representative•District 8B who can’t afford it,” Paid for by Hilty Volunteer Committee, 6421 Co. Rd. 36, Finlayson, MN 55735 Ehrenreich replied. Labor World~~A Voice for Laborers Since 1896! Your Friends at Minnesota LECET Skilled Construction Laborers and Union Contractors Working Together Contact us at 651-429-1600 www.minnesotalaborers.org

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 15 IBEW 31 names scholars The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 31 has awarded four more $500, John W. Johnson Scholarships to children of members. The scholarships were established in 1988 by Johnson, a former president of IBEW 31 and an inter- national vice president. With these awards, 72 students have received a non-renewable scholarship. 2006 winners were: Gwen Hellen, the daughter of Mark Hellen, a Minnesota Power-Nisswa employee and union member since 1980. Gwen, a Pine River Backus High School graduate, will be attend UMD Carrie Johnson’s father, Larry W., has been a MP-Herbert Service Center employee since 1976. Carrie graduated from Wrenshall and is attending Frontier School of the Bible. Teresa Kippley, a Mesabi East graduate, is the daughter of Adam Kippley, an Aquila employee and union member since Gwen Hellen Carrie Johnson Teresa Kippley Amber Moberg 1999. Teresa will attend UMD and pursue a Biology degree. Little Falls graduate Amber Moberg’s father, Andrew, works for MP-Little Falls since 1979. Amber will attend the College of St. Scholastica with Chemistry/Biology her field. Happy 110th Anniversary... Students must meet a qualification requirement and all qual- ifiers’ names are thrown into a pool. Winners are chosen by lot. to the voice for working men and women in Applications are available each February by calling IBEW Local 31 at (218) 728-4248. Applicants must be ready to enroll northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin in a higher education institution or can be a higher ed student. Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 Duluth-Superior Iron Range Bemidji

Thanks, Labor World for 110 Years of Service! From Lutsen to International Falls to Park Rapids to Little Falls to Kettle River to the Twin Ports...... Our 920 active and 325 retired members from 20 bargaining units would like to say how proud we are of being able to help carry on such a fine tradition as the one the Labor World has established in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our History ~~ Our Heritage ~~ Our Voice IBEWIBEW LLOCOCALAL 3131 Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Representing Workers At: Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric Assn. Lutsen, MN Park Rapids, MN Bayfield Electric Co-op Lake Country Power Iron River, Wl Grand Rapids, Kettle River & Virginia City of Brainerd - Administrative Support Mille Lacs Electric Cooperative Brainerd, MN Aitkin, MN City of Brainerd - Fire Department Minnesota Power Brainerd, MN Duluth, MN City of Brainerd - Water & Light Dept. Aquila Inc. Brainerd, MN Cloquet, MN City of Moose - Lake Water & Light Public Utility Commission of Aitkin Moose Lake, MN Aitkin, MN City of Staples - Water & Light Commission Public Utility Commission of Proctor Staples, MN Proctor, MN City of Two Harbors - Water & Light Dept. Cooperative Light & Power Assn. of Lake County Superior Water, Light & Power Two Harbors, MN Two Harbors, MN Superior, WI City of Wadena - Electric Water Dept. Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op Wadena, MN Brainerd, MN Wadena, MN

PAGE 16 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 110

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 17 Duluth Central grads are Trades scholars Duluth Building Trades Winners of 2006 Duluth 1999 from the sale of Shore- Painters & Allied Trades Local Building and Construction view House of Hope, a tempo- 106. Dena is planning to Health & Welfare Fund Members Trades Council Scholarships rary housing facility for cancer attend Hamline University and are Shayna Peterson and Dena patients and their families pursue pre-dentistry. All Thrifty White and White Drug Pharmacies are participating pharmacies for your new health plan. We can fill a 90 day supply for you and for convenience we offer our Hunter. Both are Duluth DBCTC unions created. In her essay on “Describe Ready refill ™ program for automated refills. Our mail order takes three or four days Central graduates. Dena Hunter is the daugh- what union membership has instead of 10 to 14 as you are accustomed to seeing! The one-time $2,500 schol- ter of Curt and Kim Davis. Her meant to you,” Dena wrote We also offer: arships were established in stepfather is a member of about the work ethic and qual- • Many convenient locations in • Order your prescriptions by phone, ity that she has seen in her Minnesota and North Dakota 24 hours a day father and his brother which • Free mail out service • Free daily blood pressure checks inspired her to work harder. • Free in town prescription delivery • 122 years of pharmacy service Shayna Peterson’s father, • 30 day private charge accounts in the upper Midwest Dennis, is a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local All of our pharmacies are ready to fill all of your family’s prescription needs. 11. Shayna is planning to Pinetree Plaza • Inside Super One Foods • Cloquet, MN attend UMD and work toward a degree in pharmacy. 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 Shayna’s essay addressed For a listing of all locations visit www.thriftywhite.com the opportunities for steady employment and the financial security which comes from Congratulations earning a decent wage. The scholarships are awarded to the children of any Labor World Dena Hunter Shayna Peterson of the 17 unions affiliated with the Trades Council. Students must be planning careers in the Cement Masons ne of the best things about medical field. Competition is being affiliated with the based upon grade point aver- Plasterers & Shophands O ages, overall scholastic experi- Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor ence and a 100-word essay Local 633 Body is that our members receive describing what being in a Minnesota the Labor World in the mail at union family has meant to the student. North Dakota home. Keep up the good work! The scholarships are Northwest Wisconsin administered by the Duluth Superior Area Community USW Local 1028 Foundation. They process the Affiliated with: applications and select the America’s Oldest Building Trades Union•Est. 1864 ME Electmetal winners. High school guidance Lerch Bros. (Allouez) counselors have applications, which have a Jan. 15 deadline. Duluth Steel Fabricators Contact DSACF’s Brenda Cutler-Magner (Salt) Sproat at 726-0232, bsproat@ Township of Duluth (Police) dsacommunityfoundation.com for information.

Carpenter’s Local 361 and the many other unions in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are fortunate to have such a strong voice on Labor’s issues. Carpenters Local 361 5238 Miller Trunk Highway Hermantown, MN 55811 1-218-724-3297 www.mncarpenter.org

PAGE 18 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 Labor/enviro group has MPLS headquarters The United Steelworkers global economy where we can Climate Protection Agree- Minneapolis offices will be the either use our planet’s ment, a movement of more headquarters for a new nation- resources for long-term sus- than 200 U.S. mayors who al labor/environmental organi- tainability or to create an ever have vowed to take action in zation pursuing “Good Jobs, A more dangerous polarization support of the Kyoto Treaty on Clean Environment, and A of wealth and poverty” global warming. Safer World” and will be “Good jobs and a clean Minneapolis Mayor R.T. headed by former USW Dist. environment are important to Rybak is one of those mayors 11 Director Dave Foster. American workers — we can- and said he looks forward to The USW, with 850,000 not have one without the the tour coming to his city. members and the Sierra Club, other,” said Leo Gerard, inter- USW and the Sierra Club with 750,000, announced the national president of USW. “In have worked together for formation of the Blue/Green fact, secure 21st century jobs many years on the Clean Air Alliance early in June. are those that will help solve Act, trade reform, and corpo- AFSCME 1934 members (St. Louis County Corrections “The Blue/Green Alliance the problem of global warm- rate responsibility. They have Deputies) have been holding solidarity informational pick- is one of the most important ing with energy efficiency and joint projects in 15 states. The ets at the Haines Road entrance to the jail. Their bargain- initiatives undertaken by the renewable energy.” new Alliance will build on ing unit, along with AFSCME 66’s Merit and Basic units, environmental movement in Gerard and Pope also these existing programs and and Teamsters 320, are having difficult negotiations on decades,” said Carl Pope, announced their intention to focus initially on three key their contracts that expired Dec. 31. Bob Parker, Catherine executive director of the Sierra launch a “New Vision for issues — global warming and Elder, and Phil Clement said they had received a lot of sup- Club. “We have reached a America” tour designed to clean energy, fair trade, and port from passing motorists on their shift. point in the development of a highlight the economic bene- reducing toxins. fits of dealing with global (Adapted from information warming. The tour will feature on www.uswa.org and by events in several cities whose Press Associates, Inc. by mayors have embraced the www.workdayminnesota.org.) Congratulations, On 110 years Labor World! And to our brothers and sisters... of advocating Have a safe and enjoyable summer! for the We’re proud to be a union contractor working families LAKEHEAD Painting Co. “Serving the upper midwest since 1965” of our region. Free Estimates Superior, Wis. (715) 394-5799 Happy 110th Anniversary, Happy 110th Anniversary, Labor World! Labor World Twin Ports-Arrowhead Chapter N ATIONAL E LECTRICAL HUNEGS, STONE, LENEAVE, KVAS & THORNTON C ONTRACTORS A SSOCIATION Attorneys at Law APi Electric Holden Electric Hibbing, MN Baxter, MN Representing Railway Labor APi Electric Johanson Electric and Practicing in All Aspects of Duluth, MN Cloquet, MN Labor Law for over a Half Century APi Technologies Kantor Electric Duluth, MN International Falls, MN AEC Electric Benson Electric Laveau Electric International Falls, MN Virginia MN Wrenshall, MN Agate Electric Bergstrom Electric M. J. Electric Two Harbors, MN Superior, WI Iron Mountain, MI APS Technology Group DECO, Inc North Country Duluth, MN Baxter, MN Electrical Services Belknap Electric Electric Systems Laporte, MN HUNEGS, STONE, LENEAVE, KVAS & THORNTON Superior, WI Duluth, MN Nylund Electric 1650 International Centre Belknap Tel-Com Electrical Systems Duluth, MN 900 Second Avenue South Superior, WI Brainerd, MN Polyphase Electric Minneapolis, MN 55402 Benson Electric Energy & Air Systems Duluth, MN 612-339-4511 1-800-328-4340 Superior, WI Superior, WI Seppala Electric Benson Electric Hoffmann Electric Hibbing, MN Arnie Flagstad, Investigator, Virginia MN Brainerd, MN Superior, Wisconsin, 715-394-5876 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006 PAGE 19 Minimum wage’s worth hits a 51-year low as GOP plays games Because of Congressional U.S. Senate acted last week, up the rules in advance so that mum wage peaked in 1968, inaction, the inflation-adjusted and actually passed, 52-46, a it would take a super majority when it was equivalent to a value of the minimum wage minimum wage increase push- of 60 votes to actually pass it. $7.71. During the 1970s, the has reached its lowest level ed by Sen. Edward Kennedy Now they can crow about their wage floor averaged $6.90 an FREE since 1955, according to a new (D-Mass.). He proposed rais- effort on the campaign trail. hour in today’s dollars. report from the Economic ing the minimum wage from Polls show 3-to-1 margins, The report’s authors Jared Policy Institute and Center on its $5.15 an hour to $7.25. or better, including most Bernstein (EPI) and Isaac GLASSES! Budget and Policy Priorities. Seven Republicans voted yes. Republicans, favor a raise. Shapiro (CBPP) warn another Up to a Well, the Republican-run Trouble is the GOP had set The value of the minimum negative landmark is on the $258.95 wage has fallen to a new low horizon. Unless Congress acts Value* compared to average workers’ before the year is out, we’ll pay: 31% of the average surpass the record for the hourly wage of nonsuperviso- longest period without a raise. ry workers ($16.59 in May). Since the minimum wage was first established in 1938, Bifocals • Trifocals • No Lines During the 1950s and 1960s, Prescription Sunglasses the minimum wage averaged Congress has typically acted to (even progressive no-line & flat tops) half that average wage. adjust it upward in a timely with purchase of glasses Since September 1997, fashion. The one exception Purchase one pair of when the last raise took effect was in the 1980s, as it Vision-Pro Glasses bringing the minimum wage to remained unchanged at $3.35 get the second pair FREE!* its current federal $5.15 an an hour from January 1981 to hour, the minimum wage has April 1990: 9 years and 3 lost 25% of its value to infla- months. Dec. 1, 2006 will be 9 OPTICAL tion. Now $5.15 won’t buy 2 years and 3 months again. gallons of gas to get to work. The full report is at www. DULUTH •SUPERIOR Worse yet, since 1997, Con- epinet.org/content.cfm/ib224. GRAND RAPIDS •CLOQUET gress has hiked it’s own pay by (Press Associates, Inc. con- *Must be of equal or lesser value: select from $31,000 a year. tributed to this report.) special collection of frames and plastic lenses. The real value of the mini- Things are looking up for Virginia Rewartz and Karen Pecchia who were staffing a lonely picket at Hibbing’s Guardian Angels June 7. Talks resumed yesterday. That orange cone had been thrown at USW 9349 picketers. “I’m sorry. USW Hibbing talks resume On May 5th, union workers represented by United Steel- workers Local 9349 were forced out on an unfair labor practice You don’t have a claim.” (ULP) strike at Guardian Angels nursing home in Hibbing. Approximately 100 workers from dietary, housekeeping, laun- dry, activities, maintenance and the nursing aids are in their f you are injured in an eighth week of the labor/management dispute. I Last week the Federal Mediator who has been involved with accident, the insurance adjuster negotiations since February called both parties, setting up a may tell you that you don’t have a return to the bargaining table for yesterday. This will be the first claim, or try to convince you to time the parties have meet since April. USW Staff Representative Tara Widner said, “We are hope- accept less compensation to ful that we can reach a fair and equitable settlement, which has settle your claim without legal been the goal the Union all along. The parties involved know what will bring an end to this strike.” advice. That is his job. Tammy Poppe, Unit Chair and member of the negotiating But you don’t have to take his committee was encouraged by the news. “We miss the resi- word for it. You have the legal dents. We miss our jobs. This strike has been hard on everyone in the community. The only way we can bring any resolution to right to hire an attorney and have this labor dispute is to be at the bargaining table.” fair compensation determined in The USW have won some of the ULP charges against the Morris, MN-based St. Francis Health Services, which is a court of law. employing scabs at the North 3rd Avenue facility. At Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, You can help support the strikers by sending contributions Quinn and Beyer, there is no to: USW 9349 Strike & Defense Fund, 302 E. Howard St., Hibbing, MN 55746. For information call 218-744-2757. charge for legal services unless St. Francis also owns Chisholm’s Heritage Manor Health we settle or win your case. That’s Center, and Duluth’s Franciscan Health Center, Viewcrest, Mount Royal Pines III, and Home Care Service Options. our job. Many things have come and gone in the past 110 years. Thankfully the Labor World isn’t one of them. Happy Anniversary! SuperiorSuperior FFederationederation ofof LaborLabor PAGE 20 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 2006