Published By AMERICAN INCOME LIFE & NATIONAL INCOME LIFE LETTER LABOR ADVISORY BOARD DECEMBER 2013 Vol. 45 No. 7

NEWS FROM THE Act proves “Congress can both build Ameri- “Raiding pension plans and robbing seniors AFL-CIO, CTW, ca and create jobs when they discard extrem- of retirement benefits is not the way to solve INTERNATIONAL & ism that led to the shutdown.” “LIUNA is any financial crisis, whether it’s in Detroit, hopeful that coming jobs reports will reflect state houses or the latest ‘solution’ to fix a NATIONAL UNIONS future bipartisan efforts to take care of the small number of troubled multi-employer basics of our country — our transportation plans,” IAM International President R. AFL-CIO last month an- systems, energy systems and other critical Thomas Buffenbarger told the House Sub- nounced the release of what was described infrastructure. A good place for Congress to committee on Health, Employment, Labor, as “new, hard-hitting television ads that call start is with the federal Highway Bill reau- and Pensions October 29. “The proposals out Republicans for obstructing compre- thorization for which is now less than a year being considered by Congress ask our na- hensive immigration reform, citing anti- from expiring,” he said. tion’s most vulnerable citizens to pay for a immigrant statements by Republican law- problem created by Wall Street, the very makers.” In addition to the ads, the AFL- International Association of ones who have taken billions in taxpayer CIO launched in-district mobilizations to Machinists and Aerospace Workers voiced bailouts.” Under proposals to fix some trou- increase pressure on House Republicans to opposition to any new federal legislation bled multi-employer plans, trustees would support immigration reform that will lead that would allow “deeply troubled” multi- be allowed to reduce benefits to current re- to citizenship and protection of workers’ employer defined benefit pension plans to tirees down to 110 percent of the Pension rights. “The time for acting on immigra- reduce benefits to current retirees, a prac- Benefit Guarantee Corporation’s (PBGC) tion reform is now, and the labor movement tice that is not permitted by the Employee maximum of $1,072.50 per month, a sig- has decided to throw down in a big way to Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). nificant reduction for many retirees. make it happen,” said AFL-CIO President . “Every day, over 1,000 people are deported, while House Repub- licans refuse to act on immigration reform with a roadmap to citizenship and workers’ rights. We won’t stop until the deportation crisis ends and aspiring Americans have the roadmap to citizenship they deserve.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics October jobs report showing the construc- tion unemployment rate worsening to 9 per- cent from 8.5 percent in September demon- strates the impact of congressional gridlock and the government shutdown, said Labor- ers’ International Union of North America General President Terry O’Sullivan. Sulli- van also said the bipartisan passage of the IAM International President R. Thomas Buffenbarger. Flickr.com photo used under Creative Water Resources Reform and Development Commons from wisaflcio.

JAMES WILLIAMS, General President Emeritus - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Chairman - AIL Labour Advisory Board VICTOR KAMBER, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Executive Director - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board ROGER SMITH, Chief Executive Officer - American Income Life Insurance Company, President - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board DENISE BOWYER, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Secretary - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board Pg 2 LABOR LETTER

INTERNATIONAL up to 64 hours when he worked a Saturday, A new International Labor driving more than an hour each way. She Organization report found a marked rise LABOR NEWS said the 300 contractors in the industry were in inclusion of labor provisions in bilat- being squeezed by the nine big forest owners eral and related free trade agreements More than 80 Canadian com- by being allocated work too late to make a (FTA’s). The report, ‘Social Dimensions munity, student and labor groups signed safety plan and they faced increasing pres- of Free Trade Agreement’, also noted that a national jointed statement opposing sures over productivity requirements. FTAs now govern 5.5 percent of global changes to Canada’s Employment Insur- trade compared with 0.6 percent in 1995. ance system made by the Harper govern- More than 1.5 million workers It found that 58 trade agreements in- ment that would “dangerously” cut benefits waged a two-day national strike in Indone- cluded labor provisions in June 2013, up for more than a million workers. The state- sia, October 31-November 1, to demand an from 21 in 2005 and four in 1995. “The ment was announced in news conferences increase in the minimum wage, among other increasing number of trade agreements held simultaneously across the nation in issues. Violent clashes marred the protests as which include provisions with respect Charlottetown, Moncton, Montreal and 17 protestors were injured with one still in to labor standards is a reflection of the Toronto. Among other proposed changes, critical condition. “We wanted safe demon- growing awareness that trade liberaliza- new EI job search rules require that claim- strations, but paramilitary forces attacked tion should go hand-in-hand with prog- ants classified as ‘occasional’ or ‘frequent’, workers with beams and knifes. They were al- ress on the employment and social front,” after just six weeks of searching for a job, legedly paid by the government and employ- said Raymond Torres, director of the accept work with up to a 20 to 30 per cent ers,” said Said Iqbal, president of FSPMI, an ILO Research Department. The report is pay cut and take positions outside their usu- affiliate of the global union IndustriALL. significant at a time when New Zealand al occupation. He also serves as president of the Indonesian is negotiating several FTAs, such as with Confederation (KSPI). The the Customs Union where talks are now New Zealand union leaders Governor and employer’s association agreed taking place in Moscow. continued to press for stronger safety and upon a nine percent minimum wage increase health protections, particularly in the for- for Jakarta after the two-day strike. Accord- estry industry where eight deaths have al- ing to the trade unions, however, the new NATIONAL & ready been recorded. The unions’ campaign minimum wage is still too low; arguing that POLITICAL EVENTS was a major focus of the speech by Council the hike is lower than the inflation. Industri- of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly No- ALL Global Union General Secretary Jyrki Long-time labor leader Martin vember 2 to the Labor conference in Christ- Raina declared, “We support our members J. Walsh was elected mayor of Boston, the church. She discussed CTU’s forestry indus- in Indonesia and their struggle. They have city’s first union mayor. The 46-year old try safety and health campaign by noting our relentless support in continuing to build Walsh captured 52 percent of the vote to the latest death of forestry worker Charles unity among trade unions and stopping the defeat Councilor at Large John R. Con- Finlay. She said that he regularly worked be- government and employers from using this nolly, who garnered 48 percent. With less tween 55 and 60 hours in a 5-day week and division against workers.” than 5,000 votes separating the two can- didates, the result was the closest mayor’s contest in decades. Walsh, president of La- borers Local 223, received unprecedented support from organized labor across the nation. He also was the general agent for the Metropolitan Boston Building Trades Council until last April when he an- nounced his run for mayor. In addition, Walsh served 16 years in the Massachu- setts House of Representatives. “Boston’s union members from all backgrounds and all economic sectors came together to sup- port a champion of working families in Martin J. Walsh,” said Rich Rogers, ex- ecutive secretary-treasurer of the Greater Boston Labor Council. “A united labor movement in Boston led to victories in all of Boston’s working-class communities, including critical wins in Boston’s com- Striking workers in Indonesia. Flickr.com photo used under Creative Commons from iambents. munities of color.” LABOR LETTER Pg 3

Employers steal the earnings people died in a factory fire at a facility that unwarranted tension between employees,” of low-wage workers far more often than made cardigans for H&M, and in April the said Bradshaw. The company has restruc- robbers at banks, gas stations and conve- Rana Plaza factory, a supplier for H&M, tured the plant in recent months and laid nience stores combined, according to a new collapsed, killing more than 1,100. off 70 employees in August. But the union study released last month by the Economic said the company is profitable and doing Policy Institute. Citing a 2009 survey, the well. “They bought Pringles for $2.8 bil- report found more than 60 percent of low- REGIONAL & lion cash. This is just corporate greed,” said wage workers have some pay illegally with- LOCAL LABOR Bradshaw. Kellogg, meanwhile, announced held by their employer each week. The re- NEWS plans to consolidate facilities and cut about port stated that many employers don’t pay 2,200 employees around the world. Observ- overtime or follow minimum wage and Approximately 100 Super ers wonder if those cuts have already begun hour requirements. On average, low-paid Shuttle/Blue Van bus drivers recently in Memphis. workers lose $2,634 annually, about 15 per- staged a protest against unfair working con- cent of their income. “The country suffers ditions at Baltimore’s BWI Thurgood Mar- More than 400 union members an epidemic of wage theft, as large numbers shall Airport by driving around the airport’s and supporters rallied outside Schuylkill of employers violate minimum-wage, over- traffic loop “en masse.” United Food and County Courthouse in Pottsville, PA last time, and other wage and hour laws with Commercial Workers Local 1994 said it is month to protest Pottsville beer maker virtual impunity,” University of Oregon “standing with” the drivers despite their not Dick Yuengling, who publicly favors right- economist Gordon Lafer wrote in the re- being members. The union said the protest to-work laws. Sponsors of the rally included port. According to the latest U.S. Depart- was about “giving drivers the basic tools to the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, Penn- ment of Labor data, wage theft topped $185 earn a living and do their jobs.” According sylvania AFL-CIO, the Schuylkill County million in 2008. Justice Department figures to the union, Super Shuttle/Blue Van is Building and Construction Trades Council show the amount was three times more than owned by Veolia, a profitable, multinational and the Schuylkill County Labor Coun- all the money lost in bank, gas-station and transportation conglomerate. The drivers, on cil. According to the unions, the rally was convenience-store robberies that same year. the other hand, earn very little per ride and held in Pottsville because Yuengling presi- are subject to massive fees per week. Driv- dent and owner of D.G. Yuengling and Son At least 14 major North Ameri- ers must work 16-17 hours per day to cover Inc., reportedly announced his support for can retailers refused to sign an agreement their fees, gas and vehicle maintenance. The a “right-to-work” law in August. Yuengling, on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh, drivers recently attempted to unionize, but one of the country’s richest Americans, reports the Worker Rights Consortium, an were not allowed by the National Labor operates the oldest and biggest American- international labor monitoring group. The Relations Board because they are not con- owned brewery, which was established in agreement demands a five-year commit- sidered employees but franchises. Pottsville in 1829. ment from participating retailers to conduct independent safety inspections of factories Bakery, Confectionery, Tobac- Teamsters Local 776 members and pay up to $500,000 per year toward co Workers and Grain Millers’ Interna- recently approved a new three-year contract safety improvements. Most major Euro- tional Union’s (BCTGM) 226 members at with the Hershey (PA) Medical Center. pean retailers, including Marks & Spencer Kellogg Company’s Memphis plant were The union reported the agreement includes and Carrefour, joined the accord. Compa- recently locked out after weeks of bargain- wage increases for all job classifications, an- nies that were involved with the factory di- ing. BCTGM Memphis president Kevin nual incentive pay bonuses, more money for sasters in Bangladesh, such as Swedish re- Bradshaw said the main issue is manage- overtime and meal allowances, and higher tailer H&M and Italian fashion house Ben- ment demands to use temporary work- premium pay for those working on the eve- etton, also signed on to the pact. In 2010, 21 ers. “It would create a lot of unruly and ning and night shifts. The pact covers 900

Hershey, Medical Center. Flickr.com photo used under Creative Commons from pennstatenews. Pg 4 LABOR LETTER workers employed as clinical, supportive IN THE PUBLIC decide the legality of voluntary employer services and skilled trade workers at the neutrality agreements. Many unions over medical facility. The employees at Hershey SECTOR the past decade have turned to the tactic of Medical Center are part of the Public Ser- neutrality agreements as a way to organize vices Division of the International Brother- Newly elected American Postal in order to avoid National Labor relations hood of Teamsters. The Division represents Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein Board procedures and the weaknesses of more than 250,000 federal, state and local called for a “grand alliance” with allies and U.S. labor law. The strategy involves pres- employees across the country. supporters to save the USPS as a public ser- suring an employer to promise not to op- vice and to protect postal jobs. Dimondstein pose organizing campaigns and to recog- Fifty-four Walmart workers was sworn-in as president on November 7 nize unions based on the majority of work- and community, faith and union support- along with 79 other APWU national officers. ers signing authorization cards. The case ers were arrested during a sit-down protest In his swearing-in remarks, he declared postal was brought by an employee of Mardi Gras in Los Angeles in a major demonstration workers must “build a movement” to succeed. Gaming in Florida who challenged a neu- November 9 over the company’s low wages “Writing to Congress is important, but it is trality agreement the employer entered into and anti-worker policies. They were jailed not enough. Lobbying for legislation is im- with Unite Here Local 355. The U.S. Court after sitting down in an intersection out- portant, but it is not enough,” he said. “His- of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled in side a Chinatown Walmart before more tory shows that movements move Congress. 2012 that a neutrality agreement is a “thing than 500 cheering and chanting Walmart Movements create legislative victories, not of value” given to the union by the employer workers and their supporters. Among those the other way around.” Dimondstein defeated which is barred by federal labor law. taken into custody was María Elena Du- incumbent President Cliff Guffey in a hotly- razo, executive secretary-treasurer of the contested mail-ballot race that ended Octo- Senate confirmed Richard Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. ber 7. His “Members First” team won most of Griffin to serve as General Counsel. For The action followed a day of strikes by the offices they sought, defeating incumbents. the first time in more than a decade, the Walmart workers at several Southern Cali- The exceptions were incumbents Liz Powell, National Labor Relations Board has a full fornia stores. A nationwide protest against who was re-elected Secretary-Treasurer in a complement of members and general coun- Walmart was held on Black Friday, the day three-way race, and William Kaczor, who was sel. “A functioning NLRB is good news after Thanksgiving which has become one re-elected Health Plan Director. for all workers — whether they belong to of the biggest retail sales days in the U.S. a union or not — seeking to exercise the Walmart workers and their supporters held U.S. Transportation Security rights they are guaranteed by law. These es- rallies and walkouts at the retail’s major fa- Administration workers, represented by the sential rights include the right of workers to cilities across the nation. American Federation of Government Em- stand together and bargain for fair wages, ployees, mourned the first death of a worker safe workplaces, and other improvements in the line of duty since the agency was cre- on the job. America’s working families ap- ated in the aftermath of the September 11 plaud the Senate for taking much needed attacks. TSA behavior-detection officer, Ge- action on all NLRB nominees,” declared rardo Hernandez, 39, was shot to death at AFL-CIO head Richard Trumka. Earlier Los Angeles International Airport by a gun- this year, Griffin lost a nomination to the man authorities identified as Paul Ciancia, full board as part of the Senate compromise 23. Ciancia was later shot and is being held in to overcome GOP opposition to a number custody. “We are sickened by reports of [the] of President Obama’s nominations. shooting,” said AFGE President David Cox. “Our sincerest thoughts and prayers go out to the passengers and Transportation Security Officers killed or injured in this heinous act. Thank you to all of our brave TSOs who put their lives on the line every day to keep the flying public safe.” LABOR LETTER provided through SIGNIFICANT LEGAL AND NLRB RULINGS

Walmart Protestors. Flickr.com photo used under U.S. Supreme Court heard oral Protecting Working Families Creative Commons from Brave New Films. arguments last month on a case which could www.ailife.com AGENDA DECEMBER 2013

eyes became no longer safe for driving. Too requirements were not rude, nor unpleas- bad. Not current. My TCU faculty photo ant, but just doggedly insistent on enforcing ID was “current” but not governmental. the new voting laws to the letter. But it took Okay! I’ll just go by and get one of several days and was doggone exasperating. those photo IDs the Public Safety Depart- Joyously, I voted. But I discovered ment issues to non-drivers. that others also had experienced a pile of Not so simple, I learned. Although the petty details. Jim Wright folks who issue these IDs knew exactly who The two leading candidates for Gov- Former Speaker of I was, they insisted the new law requires ernor of — Democratic State Sena- the U.S. House of them to demand proof. My old U.S. pass- tor Wendy Davis and Republican Attorney Representatives port wouldn’t do. It, too, had expired. General Greg Abbott — both had their Do I carry my Birth Certificate? Well, ballots put in a “provisional” pile because of HOW HARD IS IT no — but I have a photographic copy at petty discrepancies in the printing of their the office. Won’t do, they say. No copy. The names on their voter registration cards and TO VOTE? real thing. their photo ID cards. Wendy had used her My assistant, Norma Ritchson, rum- maiden name on one of these documents The first indispensable test of a “de- maged through old boxes and files of family but not the other; while Greg (his abbrevi- mocracy” is equal inclusion of every adult treasures and found a certified copy of my ated middle name) had written “Gregory” citizen in the fundamental act of voting. birth certificate. That, happily, sufficed. on one of the two cards. Happily, they both Here in the USA, the past century has But now, I had to prove that I actu- finally managed to vote. seen enormous progress, beginning with ally live at the home address I’d given. I was Lest all of this be but a foretaste of women’s suffrage and hastened by the Su- stumped. “Want to come out there with things to come in next November’s nation- preme Court’s ruling that opened all public me,” I asked, “and I’ll show ya through my wide Congressional races, I plead that all of schools to students previously denied be- house?” Not necessary, I was told, “Just show us who value highly the rights of working cause of race. us an envelope mailed to you at that address men and women, and who want once again In my state, too, there’s been hearten- from a company sending you a utility, auto to see a Congress that is responsive to aver- ing progress. In the late 1940s, Bernard insurance or property tax bill.” age Americans — will make certain that we Rapoport and I were branded as dangerous Well, I found something that satisfied, learn the local rules in advance and persist radicals because we wanted to abolish the them, and walked away with a printed copy in making sure that each of our individual poll tax, let women serve on juries, and ad- of my new “government-issued” photo ID. votes is counted. mit black students to the U.T. law school. The folks who administered all these For that is the price of a free country! Each of these things has long since been ac- complished and nobody thinks of them as “radical” today. This month, however, I experienced the unexpected effects of Texas’ new voter identification law. Other states have made similar changes. Texas voters this month were consid- ering several amendments to our state’s somewhat antiquated Constitution, and we in Fort Worth were voting on three local bond issues. A new law passed by our Legislature was in effect for the first time. On the sur- face it seemed innocuous. We’d always been expected to have a current voter registration certificate. Now, in addition, we must show a current, governmental-issued photo. That seemed fairly simple. I’d always carried my Texas driver license even after voluntarily letting it expire when my aging Amercians voting. Flickr.com photo used under Creative Commons from Big Dubya. Pg 2 AGENDA

Colorado AFL-CIO Scholarship AFL-CIO Convention AIL/NILICO recently donated a $250 scholarship in support of the Colorado AFL-CIO convention. AIL representatives had a visible presence at the AFL-CIO convention in September. Shown Colorado AFL-CIO Executive Director Mike Cerbo participating in the Round Table discussions at the Convention’s Diversity Conference are (from right) (third from left) meets with AIL representatives AIL’s Michelle Baxter and Susan Fuldauer. attending the convention.

West Virginia AFL-CIO Scholarship AIL PR Manager Tami Williams and PR Rep Ken Altizer recently participated in the West Virginia AFL-CIO convention where AIL donated a $250 scholarship.

SEIU 121 RN Scholarship Rhode Island AFL-CIO AIL representative Alina Latinsky (left) presents a AIL recently participated in the Rhode Island AFL-CIO convention, reports AIL/NILICO Public scholarship check to Everly Canaria, a registered Relations Manager Patrena Smith. Shown in the photo are (left to right) Patrena Smith, George H. nurse represented by Service Employees Nee, President of Rhode Island AFL-CIO, Armand E. Sabatoni, International General Secretary- International Union 121 in . Canaria works Treasurer of Rhode Island AFL-CIO and Robin Andrade AIL Public Relations. at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank. AGENDA Pg 3

News from Ireland Wisconsin Labor Day Representatives from Union Heritage Life, AIL's wholly-owned subsidisry in the Republic of Ireland, AIL/NILICO representatives participated in recently attended a Sinn Fein event to commemorate the 100-Year anniversary of the 1913 Lock Out. Labor Day celebrations around the nation. In a Several U.S. labor leaders attended the event, including AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board members Wisconsin Labor Day event, AIL representatives Terry O’Sullivan, president of Laborers International Union (background, left) and Mail Handlers did face painting for the children, reports AIL’s President John Hegarty (front left). With Hegarty is UHL representative Susan Kelleher. Laurie Gruber.

AIL Officers Detained During Immigration Rally Two American Income Life Insurance Company Vice Presidents, Susan Fuldauer (left) and Denise Stop the Shutdown Bowyer, were among 200 people arrested Tuesday, October 8, after blocking a main street near the Capitol during a rally seeking to push Republicans to move forward on an immigration reform bill AIL’s Tim O'Connor (left) and Jason Ihle join a already passed by the Senate. Fuldauer and Bowyer were detained alongside labor union leaders, rally at Congressman Joe Heck's office protesting Congressional leaders and other supporters. AIL, a 100% Union Label Company, was the only for- government shutdown with other unions. In the profit corporation that stood with 198 other advocates willing to risk arrest on behalf of immigration bottom photo, O’Connor (right) participates in a rally reform. Unfortunately, U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) recently ruled out House with AFGE 916 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma negotiations with the Senate on its immigration bill, cutting off one of the last remaining avenues that rally against the shutdown with local President Carl reform advocates had seen for enacting comprehensive legislation in this Congress. Dahm (left) and Vice President Jim Bligh. Pg 4 AGENDA

HUGHES APPOINTED TO YTD CONTRIBUTIONS Listed below is a partial list of contributions made between June and December 2013 NILICO BOARD on behalf of AIL/NILICO, its State General Agents, and directed by the Labor Advisory OF DIRECTORS Board. Year to date donations for labor related causes total over $1.6 Million dollars. • A. PHILIP RANDOLPH INSTITUTE - • INTERFAITH WORKER JUSTICE 44th National Education Conference • JOBS WITH JUSTICE EDUCATION • AFL-CIO - Convention FUND - • AMERICAN FRIENDS OF YITZHAK Awards Celebration RABIN CENTER - Joseph T. Hansen • JULES O. PAGANO MEMORIAL Dinner SCHOLARSHIP FUND •  FUND FOR • LABOR COUNCIL FOR LATIN Denis M. Hughes SOCIAL JUSTICE AMERICAN ADVANCEMENT • ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN LABOR • LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS Denis M. Hughes, former President of ALLIANCE - Convention RELIEF FUND the New York State AFL-CIO, has been • BAKERY, CONFECTIONERY, • LCLAA - National Latino Labor Summit appointed to the Board of Directors of TOBACCO WORKERS & GRAIN National Income Life Insurance Company, • METAL TRADES DEPARTMENT MILLERS announced AIL/NILICO Chief Executive • MLK JR. DC SUPPORT GROUP - Officer, Roger Smith. • BAYARD RUSTIN FUND - APRI 50th Anniversary March on Washington Dinner and Gala honoring Norman Hill Hughes joined the New York State AFL- • NATIONAL CONSUMERS LEAGUE - • BC NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY - NCL Trumpeter Awards CIO staff as Political Director and Assistant Convention to the President in 1985 and served as • NEW YORK STATE AFL-CIO • CASA DE MARYLAND - Immigration an Executive Assistant to the President • ONTARIO FEDERATION OF Rally since 1990. He was responsible for the LABOUR - OFL 12th Biennial coordination of the Committee on Political • CENTER FOR MILITARY Convention RECRUITMENT, ASSESSMENT Education and legislative programs, as • ONTARIO TEAMSTERS JOINT AND VETERANS EMPLOYMENT - well as the overall policy and development COUNCIL 52 of the staff departments within the state Helmets to Hardhats • SAG-AFTRA - Convention federation. He served as New York AFL- • CHILDREN'S NATIONAL MEDICAL CIO president from 1999 through 2011 CENTER - Dr. Bear's Closet • SASKATCHEWAN FEDERATION OF LABOUR - Scholarship and was seen as a key figure in keeping • COALITION OF LABOR UNION the labor movement unified after the 2008 WOMEN • SHEET METAL WORKERS financial collapse battered both private- INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION - • COUNCIL FOR A LIVABLE WORLD sector and public-sector unions. Edward F. Carlough Golf Tournament - Robert F. Drinan National Peace & Hughes also served as Chairman of Human Rights Award Event • TEXAS AFL-CIO - Scholarship Fund the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank • DC LABOR FILMFEST • UNITED UNION OF ROOFERS, WATERPROOFERS AND ALLIED of New York, and was appointed to a • ECONOMIC POLICY INSTITUTE three-year term as Commissioner of the WORKERS - Convention • EMPLOYMENT JUSTICE CENTER New York State Insurance Fund. He has • US ACTION - Progressive Leadership participated in multiple commissions, • FARM LABOR ORGANIZING Awards COMMITTEE - Convention including the New York State Commission • VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL on State Asset Maximization, as well as • GUIDE DOGS OF AMERICA - 65th FUND EDUCATION CENTER the Governor’s Spending and Government Anniversary Event •  10TH Efficiency Commission. He serves as a • IATSE - Convention ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Trustee of Cornell University. Mr. Hughes • IBEW - 2014 Convention and holds a Bachelor of Science degree • WORKING FAMILIES UNITED FOR Maintenance Conference in Labor and Industrial Relations from NEW JERSEY - New Jersey AFL-CIO the Harry Van Arsdale School of Labor • INSTITUTE FOR AMERICA'S Raise the Wage Campaign Studies at Empire State College. FUTURE - Campaign for America's Future 2013 Awards Gala “Mr. Hughes’ experience is a perfect fit • INSTITUTE FOR POLICY STUDIES - and we are very pleased to welcome 50th Celebration Event him to the NILICO Board of Directors,” said Smith.