U.S. Supremes Have 3 Critical Labor Cases by Mark Gruenberg Are Trying to Get the U.S

(ISSN 0023-6667) U.S. Supremes have 3 critical labor cases By Mark Gruenberg are trying to get the U.S. on their opening day, Oct. 2, in PAI Staff Writer Supreme Court to rig the sys- a decision that will impact 1-Janus v. AFSCME tem even more in favor of workers nationwide. those already at the top,” says Lawyer Daniel Ortiz told The state and local workers AFSCME Council 31, which union, the target of the right the court that 55% of employ- represents some 40,000 gov- ment contracts covering non- wing’s pro-free rider case, said ernment workers in Illinois. the right “aims to take away the union workers force individu- The Supreme Court decided als to take disputes to arbitra- freedom of working people to Sept. 27 to hear Janus v join together in strong unions tion and 23% of those pacts AFSCME Council 31, but set ban class actions. That means An Injury to One is an Injury to All! to speak up for themselves and no date for the hearing. The WEDNESDAY VOL. 124 their communities.” 60 million workers who have National Right to Work Com- individual disputes with their OCTOBER 11, 2017 NO. 8 2-Mandatory Arbitration mittee found dissident union- bosses have mandatory arbitra- When a company forces a represented worker Mark Janus tion as their only avenue. 25 worker into mandatory arbitra- to be its front man. They had to million of them can’t even sue tion of everything from unsafe bring Janus in after lower as class members Ortiz told conditions to unpaid overtime, courts ruled that anti-worker Chief Justice John Roberts and does that trump worker’s rights GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner was Justice Anthony Kennedy, the under federal labor law? And not personally hurt by the law court’s “swing vote.” how about a group of workers? that lets AFSCME collect The three cases involving 3-Gerrymandering and “agency fees,” which are less arbitration and labor law, called Voters’ Rights than union dues, from non- the Murphy Oil case are impor- Since the early 1800s, member workers it represents. tant to workers for two reasons. politicians have practiced ger- The fees cover the costs of col- One is workers are more rymandering, the dishonorable lective bargaining and contract likely to win class action suits – practice of drawing crazily enforcement, but that’s all. and get higher damages – than shaped legislative districts to The right-to-work crowd in arbitration. The other is if the entrench their party in power. argue the fees violate dissident court says the 1925 Federal Since the mid-1900s, the workers’ rights of free speech. See Court decisions...page 6 Supreme Court has ducked the If the court rules for Janus, all issue unless it was racially seven million state and local motivated. The Wisconsin case workers nationwide would now won’t let it. become “free riders” and wouldn’t have to pay one red Whenever AFSCME Council 5 holds a state convention 1-Janus v. AFSCME cent to unions representing they have an action to give back to a community. In Duluth “The billionaires and corpo- them – even though federal law Saturday Deb Strom (Local 66) and Chris St. Germaine rate special interests funding bars unions from not doing so. (Local 1092) were among the 700 delegates that raised close this case view unions as a AFSCME Local 2081’s to $12,000 and truckloads of supplies for Safe Haven. threat to their power, so they Stephen Mittons is arguing the case for the fees. “This court AFSCME delegates donate to Safe Haven case is yet another political AFSCME Council 5 dele- domestic abuse, often with no ly and worldwide. Resources attack on the freedom of my gates at their state convention personal belongings. were created to aid victims of colleagues and I to speak up to Duluth in Duluth last week continued Niki Whittet, an AFSCME domestic abuse and provide ensure we can safely and ade- City Council their great tradition of taking Local 3558 member who assistance to legally protect quately manage our caseloads, action to support a local effort. works as a youth program them from their assailants. Safe which reflects our commitment At-Large This year they chose Safe coordinator at Haven has been just that for to safety and public service to Zack Filipovich Haven to honor Domestic Safe Haven, said thousands of women and chil- our communities.” Barb Russ Violence Awareness Month. the 39 beds at the dren ever since. Council 31 Executive Di- Opening in 1978 it was one of shelter are almost Besides the shelter Safe rector Roberta Lynch said, District 4 America’s first shelters for always full. Haven has a 24-hour crisis hot- “The forces behind this case Renee Van Nett women and children who have “We’re on the line, community education, know that by joining together been victimized by domestic busline, have a legal advocacy, resource and in strong unions, working peo- VOTE “YES” abuse. More than 700 delegates legal advocate, volunteer programs. Their mis- ple have the voice they need to on the Street raised close to $12,000 and and mentoring sion is to provide safety, space level the economic and politi- donated truckloads of blankets, for youth,” to heal, and empowerment for cal playing field. Billionaires Improvement personal hygiene items, linens, Whittet Whittet said. women, children and all sur- like Bruce Rauner are trying to Referendum gift cards, kid’s toys and little Jennifer Storm, a former vivors of domestic abuse. rig the rules to take more power luxuries like cosmetics and client at Safe Haven, said, “We The 24 HOUR CRISIS and influence for themselves. Duluth chocolates. They assembled escaped from LINE is (218) 728-6481, but if Working people joined togeth- School Board “care packages” for women Michigan and you are in danger, call 911. er in unions have a different and children who escape from three months later You can access everything vision: One in which we have At-Large my husband took Safe Haven has to offer at the freedom to form strong Josh Gorham his life but Safe Josh Gorham safehavenshelter.org unions, helping to foster pros- Haven saved perity that’s shared by all, in Sally Trnka ours,” she said of BY THE NUMBERS which public employees are District 1 herself and her able to continue to provide the • 1 in 3 women in Minnesota Rosie Loeffler-Kemp child. “Get out the will be subjected to physical vital services that our commu- door and call the violence, sexual violence or nities rely on, and in which the District 4 police,” she urged Storm stalking by an intimate tax system is truly reformed to Jill Lofald victims, saying “Thanks Safe partner in their lifetime. ensure the wealthy pay their Haven, we have a beautiful life share. This attempt to manipu- here in Duluth.” • Every 15 seconds a woman late the court against working PleasePlease VoteVote In Duluth in the late 1970s a is battered in the U.S. people should be rejected.” in Tuesday, local group created the model • 1,876 victims and 2-Mandatory Arbitration November 7ʼs for responding to domestic vio- survivors were assisted by The Supreme Court wres- lence that is used both national- Safe Haven in 2016. tled with mandatory arbitration General Election Construction apprenticeship open house Apprenticeship grants open Building on the successful Industry to find apprentices ticeships is that workers earn a The state Dept. of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship pilot program recently com- from underrepresented sectors living while they are learning Minnesota program has announced $210,000 in grants available pleted by the North Central Re- of the population. the skills for a lifelong career. for the operation of Labor Education Advancement Programs gional Council of Carpenters Attendees will learn about Monday’s sessions are (LEAP). The purpose of LEAP is to help community-based (NCRCC) through Department exciting, rewarding opportuni- sponsored by the Construction organizations increase the participation of women and minorities of Labor grants, another initia- ties in the construction industry Careers Foundation in partner- in registered apprenticeship. There are currently more than tive will be undertaken to help from union, employer, and ship with DLI, McGough 11,000 active apprentices in Minnesota. However, women and people enter construction government perspectives. Construction, Project SOAR, minorities are underrepresented. apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs are Duluth Workforce Center, Learn more and apply for a grant at http://www.dli.mn.gov/ Women and minorities are run by joint union and employ- Head of the Lakes United Way ApprGrants.asp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery strongly encouraged to attend er committees and overseen by and Carpenters Local 361. Interested community-based programs that will serve the tar- Construction Information Ses- DLI’s Apprenticeship Program. Participating panelists will geted population must apply by 4:30 p.m. CST, Nov. 13, 2017. sions Monday, Oct.16 at the Apprenticeship programs include members from a num- Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Carpenters Training Center, are always looking for motivat- ber of unions, construction Questions about the program can be submitted via email 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy. A ses- ed people who are interested in companies, and DLI. An through Oct. 23, 2017, to [email protected]. sion will be held from 1:00- highly skilled, high tech overview of construction and Responses to questions will be posted on DLI’s website above. 4:00 p.m., and an evening ses- careers with competitive wage apprenticeships will be fol- sion from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and benefit packages. By lowed by particulars on specif- This program is again fund- attending one of these sessions ic trades’ apprenticeships. Warren to lead Wellstone event ed in part (80%) by a grant participants will hear from This is a good time to get U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) will be the featured from the federal Dept. of industry professionals on how into an apprenticeship as many speaker Sunday, Oct. 22 in Minneapolis at “The Democratic Labor’s Employment & Train- to access training and work unions have aging workforces Party at a Crossroads: The Wellstone Way and Economic ing Administration, through experience in the construction looking at retirement that will Populism.” Writer Thomas Frank (What’s the Matter with Minnesota’s Dept. of Labor & industry. The beauty of appren- open the door for others. Kansas?), Harvard professor Theda Skocpol, and many analysts and activists will help explore the theme. Holiday donations sought for union families The event runs 12:30 – 5 p.m. at the Ted Mann Concert Hall, In order for the AFL-CIO ing to be successful they have “Unions let us know which 2128 4th St. South, MPLS. Registration is $10, $5 for students. Community Services commit- to start early to solicit dona- of their members are experi- Call 612-624-2345 or visit https://tickets.umn.edu. tee’s annual Holiday program- tions. encing hardships during the Oct. 25 will be the 15th anniversary of Senator Paul holiday season and we use Wellstone’s fatal airplane crash near Eveleth. The symposium IBEW collecting holiday gift donations to help them and will focus on his grassroots organizing and politics as a strategy donations for area families their families,” said Rachel for rebuilding the Democratic Party. After his death the country Loeffler-Kemp, Community took a hard turn to the right and now Republicans control the The IBEW Locals 31 and 242 Retirees’ group will be collect- Services Director. “We coordi- federal government and two thirds of the states. ing gifts for area families in need again this holiday season. nate the Thanksgiving and “This is always a great event that makes us feel good going Christmas Dinner Food into the Holiday Season knowing we’ve helped others,” said Baskets and our Holiday Kid’s Retiree Club President Darrel Granquist who helps organize the Party at the Labor Temple.” annual effort. “We have two retiree luncheons left before The food baskets are filled Christmas which members can bring gifts to.” with fresh, nutritious items IBEW Retirees will meet Tuesday, Oct. 31 at 1:00 p.m. at the from union grocery stores in Epic Restaurant, 3223 Tower Avenue in Superior. the area. The Tuesday, Nov. 28 luncheon at 1:00 is at the Cast Iron The Family Holiday event Grill, 5906 Old Miller Trunk Hwy, (the former LeGrande). will be Saturday, Dec. 16. Donated gifts allow children to have a better holiday and give a gift to their parents/guardians. “This is always a fun event with food, family activities, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Santa,” said Loeffler-Kemp. “It takes a lot of donations and great volunteers.” Donations to either of the programs can be sent to: Duluth Central Labor Body Community Services Holiday Food Baskets Experience. Knowledge. Leadership. Room 110 2002 London Road Relationships. Passion. Commitment. Duluth, MN 55812 "I am proud to be endorsed by labor! For more info or to help with the effort contact Rachel I bring 23 years of involvement with at 726-4775 or email rloeffler- the Duluth Public Schools, as a highly kemp@hlunitedway. org engaged parent of four children and a Ironworker Retirees strong advocate for public education. Monthly Breakfast I will continue to work hard for our Thursday, Oct. 19 students, our staﬀ, and our schools." 9:00 a.m. Re-Elect Rosie Loeﬄer-Kemp Bridgeman’s (Mall) Duluth School Board • District 1 Mt. Shadow Drive Paid for Duluth Central Labor Body COPE PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 DFL gubernatorial candidates speak out at AFSCME forum DULUTH~ Six DFL candidates for governor all vowed Friday, Oct 6 to support union rights, public pensions and make With all due respect to our sure everybody gets a fair shake at the AFSCME Council 5 con- fine field of Labor-endorsed vention in Duluth. candidates running for Duluth The event was held before hundreds of delegates, alternates city council and school board and guests and streamed live online. The candidates included: Nov. 7, next year’s governor’s St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Rep. Tina Liebling (District race has gotten a lot of atten- 26A, Rochester), Rep. Erin Murphy (District 64A, St. Paul), tion locally in the last two State Auditor Rebecca Otto, Rep. Paul Thissen (District 61B, weeks. I spent no less than five Minneapolis), and Congressman Tim Walz (First District, south- hours listening to the candi- ern Minnesota). dates. Well four for three hours, Council 5 President Judy Wahlberg of northern Minnesota’s all six for about two more Local 66 told the gathering at the Duluth Entertainment and hours. Did I mention they were Convention Center that labor must elect a worker-friendly gov- all from the Democratic crowded on their Democratic sonalities that will influence ernor. Farmer Labor Party? side next year. My guy so far others but for now I can let “Our survival depends on it,” she says. “Nobody knows it In Cloquet Sept. 27 state there is Superintendent of those go. We’ll find out soon better than our labor movement. We have zero-tolerance for were reps. Erin Murphy (St. Schools Tony Evers. That’s a enough. politicians like Scott Walker who want to take away our rights.” Paul) and Tina Liebling (Roch- statewide post that he’s won a Never have liked the old The candidates largely agreed about the need for access to ester), State Auditor Rebecca few times in spite of being a “but can they win?” question affordable, quality health care for all; the importance of public Otto, and Congressman Tim favorite of teachers and Demo- about throwing support to a service and public workers; and the crucial nature of unions in Walz. At the AFSCME Council crats in a non-partisan race in candidate, but in this field that protecting worker rights and our larger democracy as a safeguard 5 convention in Duluth last an increasingly red state. Spent may be what it comes down to. against rule by the wealthy few. Friday Rep. Paul Thissen some time with Evers at the If the mood of voters is similar “There is a war against state employees, against public (MPLS) and St. Paul Mayor Plumbers & Steamfitters train- to last November’s Walz may employees, not just in this state, but in this country,” says Chris Coleman joined the other ing center here and he gets it. have a jump start on the others. Coleman. He says he’d shut down government for a while if four. (Access the AFSCME In Minnesota I’m not so The way people voted then needed rather than balance a budget on the backs of workers. “I forum at theuptake.org/ and at sure even after hours of listen- they may like the highest rank- want to lead the war against people who don’t respect you, who afscmemn.org) ing as opposed to no ears on in ing enlisted man ever elected to don’t value you for what you do.” There are only six now and Zero Hour Wisconsin. Congress, a football coach with Otto says she’s running against the politics of “unfettered there may be more before fil- Minnesota DFLers were all a state title, a school teacher, greed” that’s threatening our quality of life, fueled by propagan- ings close next year. pretty close on the issues from and a guy that comes across da, dark money and a view that all taxes and governmental pro- Wisconsin may be as right to work, health care, pri- really well as a personable, tections are inherently bad. “That’s nonsense,” she says. vatization, you name it. But normal dude. He may have lost “There’s a better way, the politics of the common good.” when they started talking non- some folks he could have Thissen made mention of the Janus case before the Supreme ~NOTICE~ ferrous mining and pipelines in counted on by naming state Labor World 2017 issues: Court, which will likely make the entire nation “right to work” Cloquet things changed. You Rep. Peggy Flanagan (46A-St. for the public sector. “We need you to be there, and we should- Oct. 25 (General Election); can lose Otto right there in her Louis Park) as his running n’t be undermining your ability to protect the people you serve. Nov. 15, 29; governor bid and send Liebling mate. He is the first candidate I will be right there with you,” he says. Dec. 13 (Holiday). with her. Or that may be why to name one. Some will call her The candidates expressed alarm about the budget tricks you’d gravitate to them as we too much a “Greenie.” That LABOR WORLD played by the Minnesota GOP-controlled House and Senate in sure all aren’t on the same will bring others to the ticket. If the last legislative session, including tax breaks for big tobacco, (ISSN#0023-6667) is published page. Both are very good else- semi-monthly except one issue in their ticket wins she would be giant corporations and the estates of multi-millionaires. Those April, June, December (21 issues). where with Otto against unfet- the highest ranking Native tax breaks could quickly bring Minnesota back into a deficit and The known office of publication is tered greed and for the com- American woman office holder require cuts to public services. Labor World, 2002 London Road, mon good (an often used in history. It’d be an added Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. “You can’t cut the taxes of the wealthy and shift the burden phrase of hers) and Liebling bonus that she has a child psy- onto lower income folks,” Liebling says. She suggests including Periodicals postage is paid at going to Bernie Sanders’ “the Duluth MN 55806. chology degree from our U the cost of inflation in budget forecasts and better informing the POSTMASTER: economy is rigged” mantra. I when you consider Corker public about the services their taxes provide, such as a sign Send address changes to: liked Tina (“There Is No called the White House an thanking taxpayers for the gas tax that fixed the road they’re Labor World, 2002 London Rd., Alternative” another catchy adult day care center. driving on. “We need to find better ways to let Minnesotans Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 phrase of hers) saying one way Minnesota Nice is already know how important their taxes are and the wonderful things S-70 7 to try single payer health care is starting to leave the gov’s race T W I N C I T I E S they pay for.” DULUTH to start by having it used uni- and it’s just getting started, and (218) 728-4469 The DFL candidates agreed that they’d roll back those tax versally for dental coverage. It on a good note in Cloquet at breaks for the rich to ensure fiscal stability. Before DFL Gov. FAX: (218) 724-1413 would lighten the load on those [email protected] that. But there have been some www.laborworld.org beleaguered emergency room See Ditchview, Mn...page 7 See Candidatess speak out...page 7 ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ workers. Let’s work on mental Owned by Unions affiliated with the health delivery too to lighten Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body their load a little more. Subscriptions: $25 Annually I really can’t find anything Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager wrong with Murphy, Walz, Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper Coleman, or Thissen. Murphy Board of Directors has great labor credentials as a Pres/Treas Al LaFrenier, Workers Registered Nurse and leader in United; VP Stacy Spexet, USW her Minnesota Nurses Assn. 9460; Sec Kathleen Adee, union, which has endorsed her. Education MN; Mikael Sundin, She’s the most fun of the bunch Painters & Allied Trades 106; and this early it is nice to not Dan O’Neill, Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; have to take this whole thing as Dan Leslie, IBEW 31; serious as a heart attack. Steve Risacher, Carpenters 361; There are undoubtedly Tom Cvar, UFCW 1189 many things I don’t know DFL candidates for governor in Cloquet Sept. 27 and Duluth Oct. 6 include (L to R) Tim Scott Dulas, NALC 114 about their histories and per- Walz, Paul Thissen, Erin Murphy, Chris Coleman, Rebecca Otto, and Tina Liebling. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 PAGE 3 IBEW (Electrical Workers) Locals 31 and 242 held their joint Retirees’ and Scott Richardson is a 31-year member. In the photo on the right IBEW Pin Party Sept. 23 at the Holiday Inn and awarded long time members #31 Business Mgr. Will Keyes presented Bob Prytz and Warren High with with years of service pins. IBEW #242 Business Mgr. Don Smith, left, 65-year pins. IBEW #242 was chartered on April 1, 1977 when inside wire- presented Carl Ruhanen with a 70-year pin. 65-year members Dale men (construction workers) were separated out from the IBEW #31 utility Nordwall and Ernest Richardson, center, were given their pins by their workers, which was chartered August 20, 1899. The IBEW was organized sons who are 242 members. Stanley Nordwall, left, is a 36-year member in St. Louis in 1891 before homes and businesses even had electricity. NLRB gets another GOP – Trump names PATCO buster as top enforcer (PAI)—By a strict 49-47 days before Trump nominated Los Angeles law firm, Little Medicare withholding taxes, Robb “has been critical of the party-line vote – all Repub- former federal management- Mendelson, is notorious for unemployment benefits, or board’s ‘tendency to find neu- licans for, all Dems against – side labor lawyer Peter Robb to union-busting. She quoted his workers comp for independent tral (labor) policies unlawful.’” the GOP-run Senate approved be NLRB’s general counsel, its extensive academic writings contractors. He denied the Those policies include pro- management labor lawyer top enforcement officer. against worker rights. Emanuel problem is widespread, even tecting workers’ rights to use William Emanuel to the open Robb wrote the briefs and argued for limiting picketing, though one of the highest-pro- social media, the board’s fifth seat on the National Labor made the arguments to get for mandatory arbitration over- file misclassification cases – recently enacted rules remov- Relations Board. Emanuel GOP President Ronald Reagan riding labor law and against with the bosses losing every ing some employer roadblocks gives the board, which governs to fire the Professional Air unions organizing a group of time – is right in his home, Los to union representation elec- labor-management relations in Traffic Controllers Organiza- workers in a workplace, rather Angeles, involving port truck- tions and a policy, pushed by the private sector and in some tion (PATCO) members forced than the whole plant. He said ers who want to be Teamsters. Griffin, to hold both franchise parts of the public sector, a 3-2 to strike on safety grounds in he believes federal conflict of Nominee Robb, even with- holders – your local GOP majority. Board Chair 1981. If confirmed, Robb, an interest rules do not apply to out his involvement in PATCO McDonald’s – and parent firms Philip Miscimarra, a Republi- attorney in Vermont, would issues his academic writings firings, draws support from – McDonald’s headquarters – can leaves at year’s end. succeed Richard Griffin, whose cover. Warren said he’s pre- management and the radical jointly responsible for obeying The right wing and business term expires in November. judged those issues and added right. An attorney for the noto- or breaking labor law. anticipate Miscimarra and Before entering the NLRB post “I believe the American people rious union-busting Jackson No hearing date has been set Trump-named Emanuel and during the Obama administra- deserve better.” Lewis law firm wrote that yet for the Robb nomination. Marvin Kaplan – noted in his tion, Griffin was Operating Sen. Maggie Hassan, D- Capitol Hill service for GOP- Engineers general counsel. N.H., quizzed Emanuel on how run committees for hating Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D- he would deal with the problem unions -- will reverse prior pro- Mass., aggressively questioned of misclassification “indepen- worker NLRB rulings. Emanuel July 13 and chal- dent contractors,” stripped of Business interests may have lenged his ability to objectively worker rights. Employers don’t even more reason to cheer as enforce labor law noting his have to pay Social Security and

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PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 State fed President Neuenfeldt gets, gives an update on Wisconsin labor If a union lost 15% of its and working with administra- IBEW Local 242 Appren- neighbors about the economy in Wisconsin since 1986, and members there would be a lot tion, but working conditions tice Instructor Eric Barnard and jobs, show the anxiety over beat former Governor Tommy of soul searching, and changes, are still not good,” said Lund. spoke about their efforts at get- wages going down and health Thompson in her first Senate happening. In Wisconsin if a Superior Mayor Jim Paine ting younger members involv- care going up, they start to vote race in 2012 by 167,000 votes. union has retained 85% of its was at the meeting and his vic- ed. He said having an opportu- on our issues,” Neuenfeldt Neuenfeldt decried the members it can bring a round tory is another positive story nity to get all those apprentices said. But when it comes down influence of dark money, voter of applause as it did in Superior about Democrats and labor in one place and get them excit- to Republican or Democratic suppression, and gerrymander- Oct. 4 when Wisconsin State candidates winning in spite of ed is too good to pass up. partisan issues people tend to ing of districts on elections. AFL-CIO President Phil Neu- the Walker regime. A labor “We have to get them to ask vote on party loyalty and that The U.S. Supreme Court is enfeldt and 40 members of the friendly Democrat had not what can I do for the union,” has to be overcome. Serious now hearing Gill v. Whitford, Superior Federation of Labor been elected mayor for 30 Barnard said. “They really like elections are coming in 2018 which contends Republicans met. Given what has happened years Paine said. He admitted hearing our history and don’t and 2020 that need answers. rigged Wisconsin’s voting dis- in Wisconsin under GOP Gov. he didn’t think he’d win in want to be lectured to and Already a strong field of tricts to keep them from losing. Scott Walker you couldn’t help April’s special election but we’re building a stronger Democratic opponents has sur- “We hope Kennedy (Justice but join in the cheers. hard work won for him. workforce culture.” faced to run against Walker and Anthony Kennedy) goes our Even better news about the “It’s not just enough to put Butch Liebaert, long time Neuenfeldt thinks that’s good. way and Wisconsin can get 85% retained by the Superior in the work, though, you have Recording Secretary of Plumb- “On Walker’s best day he remapped,” Neuenfeldt said. Federation of Teachers (SFT) to know what you’re fighting ers & Steamfitters Local 11, can’t get 50% approval and a The work that can be under Walker’s union busting for and work for it,” Paine told warned everyone about efforts Democratic primary will focused on by labor is regroup- ACT 10, is that all 28 new the audience. He said rather in the Walker administration to encourage debates and forums ing, organizing, and building teaching hires in the Superior than train his doorknockers on take away apprentice programs that will get the issues out and solidarity he said. Meetings school district this year joined his platform, they told voters and occupation licensing. bring voters to our candidate,” like the one in Superior are SFT. With Walker abolishing why they were involved, what “They say anyone can do it! Neuenfeldt said. That should important because people from dues check off, SFT got cre- they cared about, and asked Write to elected officials and put Walker on the defensive, different unions are talking, ative and worked with their voters what mattered to them. then vote the bad ones out!” especially if the media ques- including on the issues after credit union, and other options, If taxes came up at a door, vol- He said he found out about tions him on the issues. election victories. The next to collect dues. They also won unteers would talk about how the licensing battle on the state He expressed concern over step is to build unity with coali- the annual certification votes they improve the quality of life fed’s website. That made U.S. Senator Tammy Bald- tion partners in communities. required by Act 10. Then they in the city and improve Neuenfeldt happy and so did win’s re-election. She is Re- “We’ve developed a new went about electing candidates prospects for their children. hearing the success stories in publicans’ number one target in curriculum for Every Member to create a more labor friendly “We learned to speak with Superior. He said in the past the nation he said. He fears if an Organizer trainings that school board. people, not try to win argu- two local election cycles out of she loses Wisconsin’s move to we’ll be bringing here,” he “This is a positive story ments, try to win the person,” 158 contests in the state, labor being a red state will be com- said. “We need to support each about getting our members Paine said. “We talked to endorsed candidates won 136. plete. She has served as an other, and stay focused on what involved,” said Judy Haack. enough people and found our “That shows when people elected official on every level unites us” he said to applause. “Our union is still strong values aligned with theirs.” talk to their co-workers and As spouses and family of Union Members we know how hard you work. Let us work for you! Licensed in MN & WI Lynn Marie Nephew • 218-310-7790 Elyse Strapple • 218-348-6190 Candy E. Lee • 218-591-6452 (MN) RE/MAX RESULTS • 218-722-2810 2520 Maple Grove Rd., Duluth MN 55811 LakeSuperiorRealEstateTeam.com

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 PAGE 5 Solicitor General – the govern- the law where agencies can’t or Five of the eight U.S. represen- result when the individual citi- Court decisions ment’s top lawyer – under GOP won’t. California already has tatives are Republicans. zen says: ‘I have no choice, I'm huge for labor administrations. “What it pro- that private right of action in “What the state is asking for in this district, and we know tects is their right in the work- several areas of law, Greenberg here is a free pass to continue how this district is going to ...from page 1 place to decide they want to get said – including employment using an Assembly map that is come out.’ I think that’s some- Arbitration Act overrides to the courthouse, but once law. so extreme it effectively nulli- thing this society should be the 1935 National Labor they get to the courthouse…” 3-Gerrymandering and fies democracy,” said attorney concerned about.” Relations Act’s protection of he said before Justice Ruth Voters’ Rights Paul Smith for Democratic vot- Murphy replied there will “concerted action” labor law Bader Ginsburg cut him off. The justices heard argu- ers. “As this case illustrates, it's always be voters in districts won’t cover individuals or “The courthouse is not an ments on October 4 in Gill v now possible even in a 50/50 “where they know what the worker groups. issue here, as I understand it,” Whitford, involving whether state like Wisconsin to draw a result is going to be. And that The National Labor said Ginsburg, who kept the extremely gerrymandered district map that is so reliably has nothing to do with partisan Relations Board has been toss- emphasizing the practical Wisconsin legislature deprives and extremely biased that it gerrymandering. It has to do ing out mandatory arbitration impact of imposing mandatory voters – specifically those of effectively decides in advance with the geography of politics” clauses ever since a Supreme arbitration. “These employees the disadvantaged Democratic who’s going to control the leg- where Democrats are overly Court ruling, D.R. Horton, five say ‘We don’t object to the Party –- of their constitutional islative body for the entire concentrated in urban areas. years ago, NLRB General arbitration, but what we 3.84do rights. But questions from sev- decade…Their party has been Sotomayor was skeptical. Counsel Richard Griffin told object to is the one-on-one, the eral Republican-named jurists punished by the law of the state “Could you tell me what the the justices. He said the clauses employee against the employ- showed them seeking to pre- of Wisconsin,” Smith said. value is to democracy from break labor law. The four er.’...So that’s why they said in serve political gerrymanders. Lower courts had agreed. political gerrymandering? How Democratic-named justices the NLRA (that) concerted The four Democratic- Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia does that help our system of agreed with him. That even activity is to be protected named justices said gerryman- Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Gins- government?” she asked. She applies in cases where only one against employer interference.” dering deprives voters of their burg and Stephen Breyer told Murphy her clients’ own worker sues, and others join to Justice Stephen Breyer said right to vote and their right to appeared to agree with Demo- brief admitted if the legislature make a class later, Griffin told putting mandatory arbitration freely associate with elected cratic voters. Chief Justice openly wrote partisan political Justice Elena Kagan. ahead of labor law “is over- officials whom they favor. John Roberts and Justice advantage into state election But lawyers for the compa- turning labor law that, for FDR The case is important Samuel Alito didn’t, while law or constitution, that might nies and Trump’s Justice Dept. at least, goes back to the entire nationwide because gerryman- Justices Anthony Kennedy and violate the U.S. Constitution. – which reversed course from heart of the New Deal.” dered legislatures entrench not Neil Gorsuch didn’t show their Roberts raised the specter of the Obama administration and Trump’s new appointee just themselves but members of hands, but quizzed both sides. having the courts draw legisla- left the NLRB and the workers Neil Gorsuch asked no ques- the U.S. House along highly As usual, Justice Clarence tive and congressional district to fend for themselves – said tions, but is considered to be a partisan lines for a decade or Thomas said nothing at all. lines every decade, and didn’t the law ordering mandatory reliable vote against workers, more. State Republican law- Ginsburg told Erin Murphy, like that. “We will have to arbitration overrides virtually in fact, very pro-arbitration. makers who benefit from ger- the lawyer for the GOP-run decide in every case whether everything. The only excep- Anticipating workers will rymanders then pass anti-work- State Senate: “If you can stack the Democrats win or the tion, they conceded, is if anoth- lose the Murphy Oil case, four er and anti-consumer laws. a legislature in this way, what Republicans win. The intelli- er federal law explicitly says it state legislatures are looking at Wisconsin’s GOP-dominat- incentive is there for a voter to gent man on the street is going takes precedence over arbitra- giving workers another route to ed legislature and right-wing exercise his vote? Whether it’s to say that’s a bunch of tion. They contend the NLRA justice, Harvard law professor GOP Gov. Scott Walker virtu- a Democratic district or a baloney.” doesn’t say that. Melissa Greenberg reported in ally emasculated public worker Republican district, using this Smith replied the cases are Labor law’s protections are Harvard’s On Labor blog: unions in 2011. It happened in map, the result is preordained being brought in state after “directed to the workplace, not Allowing workers to sue indi- Iowa this year, and gerryman- in most of the districts. What state on those grounds now. the courthouse,” said attorney vidually, as if they are private dered GOP-run legislatures in becomes of the precious right The justices will hand down Paul Clement, a former attorneys general, to enforce Michigan and Missouri enact- to vote? Would we have that a decision by June 30. ed right-to-work legislation as PLEASE MENTION THIS LABOR WORLD AD a way to defund, degrade and destroy unions. A 2018 referendum delayed Missouri’s law. In Wisconsin Democratic voters argued the districts are so skewed they are effectively denied their voting rights and their 1st Amendment freedom of association. In the last two state legislative elections, the GOP won 48 percent, then 50 percent of the votes – and 63 of the 99 State Assembly seats. KEEP DEMOCRACY Formerly STRONG – DIVORCE • PATERNITY CUSTODY/PARENTING TIME EXERCISE IT GRANDPARENTING RIGHTS BY VOTING! STEP PARENT ADOPTIONS 218-729-7733 FELONIES • DUI/DWI Failure to vote is not MISDEMEANORS • OFPS/HROS www.centricity.org an act of rebellion, it’s an act of surrender. in Got voting questions? mnvotes.org can answer them!

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 Candidates speak out in Duluth...from page 3 Dayton was elected and bal- people without dignity.” with 43,000 members. The AFL-CIO anced the budget, GOP leaders Most of the candidates forum began AFSCME’s Community Services ran up huge deficits. Murphy pledged to honor whoever screening and endorsement says cutting taxes for the rich eventually wins the DFL process. AFSCME members News From Your Partnership Program and funding transportation endorsement for governor. will continue one-on-one con- from the General Fund like the “We all need to work versations about issues that Rachel Loeffler-Kemp, Director GOP did last session takes together,” Liebling says. “We matter to working people. At a funding from schools and other must have a DFL governor. If later date, the union Executive GIVE to the Head of the public services, now and in the we don’t, it’s game over for Board will screen and endorse future. worker rights.” a candidate for governor. Lakes United Way Campaign “Retirement security is AFSCME Council 5 is one This article is reprinted from Please support the Head of the Lakes United Way campaign. something we earn,” Murphy of Minnesota’s largest and the AFSCME Council 5 web- The United Way campaign is well under way, with many union says. “Under my watch, we most politically active unions endorsements! You may see, or have already seen, your union will not, you will not, lose your or the company you work for deliver campaign pledge forms, retirement security, you will Ditchview, MN...from page 3 host campaign kick-off events, or have Head of the Lakes not lose your pension." aspersions cast Walz’s way by other candidates, which one United Way staff present at a staff meeting. AFSCME believes all wise source said may show he’s the frontrunner. He was accused The Head of the Lakes United Way is a network of local workers have the freedom to of taking campaign contributions from the NRA, but he donated community-based agencies that serves Ashland-Bayfield, join together and negotiate a them to a veteran’s group. He was accused of voting for a bill Greater Duluth, the North Shore and Superior-Douglas County. fair return on their work, a that could undermine public employees but it was in a bill more Your financial gifts stay in our community and are invested in principle all the candidates addressed to protecting veterans. This ain’t gonna be easy. programs where they will create the greatest positive change: agreed with. When asked how The question of who will abide by next June’s DFL Party • $25 provides 20 domestic/sexual abuse victims advocate to stop the CEOs and the endorsement was asked at both forums. If you care about that, assistance. wealthiest few who are trying Mark Dayton didn’t and won, go to your precinct caucus Feb. 6 • $100 provides 300 hot meals to hungry at-risk youth in our to take those rights away, Otto and the rest of the party conventions up to the state crowning cer- community. replied simply, “Veto.” emony and change the world. As a state delegate don’t be at all • $5/week helps keep a family in their home, instead of fac- “That is right, the governor surprised if some folks say a small group of party activists are ing eviction. can just say no,” says Thissen, trying to call the shots. And no one will be surprised if there is a • $15/week covers the cost of a 30-day shelter stay. who also called for transparen- DFL Primary for governor. United we fight for safety for victims, enrichment for youth, cy in government. “I will not Let’s see...Murphy will abide and expects to win the Primary life-enhancing opportunities for seniors, help for those in crisis sign a single bill when gover- with it, Otto plans to abide but is concerned some might not, and more. nor that is not negotiated in Thissen will abide, Walz intends to win with the endorsement, Through your support of the Head of the Lakes United Way public and done in a legislative Liebling was not promising to in Cloquet and said it wasn’t campaign you help support the AFL-CIO Community Services process so people know what about her in Duluth, Coleman says he will abide. Hope that program. The Community Services program, a partnership they’re voting on.” makes you feel better but things will change. Hope you can abide between the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and Head of Walz says the gubernatorial So why not use ranked choice voting, avoid a primary and let the Lakes United Way, has provided services to Duluth and the candidate must win across the the voters rank the candidates on a 1- 6 scale? Yeah, it’s too late surrounding areas for more than 50 years. state, and pick up DFL legisla- for that. Minneapolis and St. Paul will elect their next mayors in Giving back is a union tradition, and important to this part- tive seats across Greater November using the system. Get this, St. Paul has 10 candidates, nership is the contribution of time, talent and resources. This Minnesota. Part of that is help- MPLS has 15! Sorry, but they need a primary to at least cut those program helps union members and their families with trans- ing the public understand how numbers in half. They won’t though. portation, utilities, rent, eviction avoidance, foreclosures, home much public workers and I’d have trouble doing that now with the guvna’ guys and gals repairs, food assistance and much more through the Member unions do to improve their but why wouldn’t I with all the time I have invested in this: Low Emergency Assistance Fund and referrals. lives. He points to people going score wins: 1-Walz, 2-Thissen, 3-Murphy, 4-Coleman, 5-Otto, 6- Events and programs carried out by the Community Services out to campaign against union Liebling, 7-The rest of the field (probably). Where is Tom Bakk? committee and union volunteers include; the Duluth AFL-CIO rights. I’m writing the first draft of this on Saturday and you won’t Labor Day Picnic children’s area, Workers’ Memorial Day “The damned weekend you get it until Friday. Please stay tuned for any changes that may events, United Way’s Day of Caring, National Association of gave them by collectively bar- have occurred in the past week. Letter Carriers Food Drive, holiday food basket and gift pro- gaining, they are using our So get to work for your local labor candidates! Their election grams, Kid’s Holiday Party at the Labor Temple, tax site prepa- weekends against us,” he says. day is less than a month away! I will not mention the governor’s ration, cold weather clothing drives, services to the unem- All the lawmakers vowed to race again until Thanksgiving. Can I get a “Thank God” on that? ployed, and emergency assistance administration to name a few. protect defined-benefit pen- Union members serve on community boards, volunteer their sions: “A pension is a sacred time and talent, and GIVE to the Head of the Lakes United Way promise that can’t be broken,” campaign that supports agencies our union families and com- Walz says. “You’ve earned munity members need. this, and it’s your money.” For more information on the Community Services program The candidates also spoke or the Head of the Lakes United Way campaign, please email out in united opposition to pri- Rachel Loeffler-Kemp, [email protected] or call vatization, especially the ongo- 218-726-4775. ing GOP attempt to give private prison companies a toe- hold in Minnesota. Coleman points out that for privatization to work, corporations have to either pay workers less money or provide fewer services so they can make a profit. “Privatization only works when you strip away people’s wages, when you strip away people’s benefits, their hard- earned pensions,” he says. “Privatization is a sham … It doesn’t work unless you treat

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017 PAGE 7 OSHA silica standard finally becoming rule The U.S. Occupational rule to curb lung cancer, silico- ease in America’s workers by Safety and Health Administra- sis, chronic obstructive pul- limiting their exposure to res- tion (OSHA) has issued a final monary disease and kidney dis- pirable crystalline silica. The rule has one standard for construction and one for general industry and maritime. This has been a 90-year fight for a standard by the labor movement. OSHA estimates that the -Lanny Wade rule will save over 600 lives Safety and Health Consultant and prevent more than 900 new describing the progression of silicosis cases of silicosis each year, and guidance for employer. tertop fabrication and hydraulic once its effects are fully real- General Industry/Maritime - fracturing. ized. The Final Rule is project- June 23, 2018, two years after A full review of scientific ed to provide net benefits of the effective date. evidence, industry consensus about $7.7 billion, annually. Hydraulic Fracturing - June standards, and extensive stake- About 2.3 million workers 23, 2018, two years after the holder input provide the basis are exposed to respirable crys- effective date for all provisions for the final rule, which was talline silica in their work- except Engineering Controls, proposed in September 2013. places, including 2 million con- which have a compliance date The rule-making process struction workers who drill, of June 23, 2021. allowed OSHA to solicit input cut, crush, or grind silica-con- OSHA has released a Small in various forms for nearly a taining materials such as con- Entity Compliance Guide for full year. The agency held 14 crete and stone, and 300,000 Construction that is intended to days of public hearings, during workers in general industry help small business employers which more than 200 stake- operations such as brick manu- comply with the rule. holders presented testimony, facturing, foundries, and Background and accepted over 2,000 com- hydraulic fracturing (fracking). ments, amounting to about Responsible employers The U.S. Department of 34,000 pages of material. In have been protecting workers Labor first highlighted the haz- response OSHA made substan- from harmful exposure for ards of respirable crystalline tial changes, including years, using widely-available silica in the 1930s, after a wave enhanced employer flexibility equipment that controls dust of worker deaths. The depart- in choosing how to reduce lev- with water or a vacuum system. ment set standards to limit els while maintaining or Key Rule Provisions worker exposure in 1971, when improving worker protection. OSHA was created. Those • Reduces the permissible OSHA approved State Plans standards are outdated and do have six months to adopt stan- exposure limit (PEL) for res- not adequately protect workers pirable crystalline silica to 50 dards that are at least as effec- from silica-related diseases. tive as federal standards. You micrograms per cubic meter of Workers are being exposed to air, averaged over 8-hours. can get more information at silica in new industries such as https://www.osha.gov/ • Requires employers to: stone or artificial stone coun- use engineering controls (such silica/index.html as water or ventilation) to limit worker exposure to the PEL; provide respirators when engineering controls cannot ade- Jim quately limit exposure; limit Balmer worker access to high exposure Bob areas; develop a written expo- Falsani sure control plan, offer medical exams to highly exposed workers, and train workers on silica risks and limiting exposures. • Provides medical exams to monitor highly exposed work- Jim Peterson Sean ers and gives them information Quinn about their lung health. • Provides flexibility to help employers — especially small businesses — protect workers from silica exposure. Compliance Schedule Both standards contained in the final rule were to take effect on June 23, 2016, after which industries have one to five years to comply with most requirements, based on the fol- lowing schedule: Construction - September 23, 2017. OSHA delayed enforcement in order to con- duct additional outreach and provide educational materials PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2017