(ISSN 0023-6667) HEY!HEY! Elections start next Tuesday! VOTE!VOTE! You might not know it but running hard for a long time in of a long list of unions and there’s an election you need to that race. Nolan won the DFL Democrats, including vote in next Tuesday, August endorsement but Anderson and Rukavina. After 26 years in the 14. Both Minnesota and Clark had said they were going legislature, Rukavina became Wisconsin will have state to run with or without it any- an iconic representative of the Primary Elections that day. way so Nolan was the only one Iron Range. The Metsa name is Primary Elections always to show up at the DFL conven- well known as well as Jason’s have low voter turn out but tion at Spirit Mountain May 5. grandfather, Elder, was mayor next Tuesday’s could be worse All three candidates have of Virginia. His uncle Paul is a An Injury to One is an Injury to All! than usual. Both states general- supporters from the labor and well known musician who will ly have primaries in September political circles. The AFL-CIO perform at the Bayfront Blues WEDNESDAY VOL. 119 but have moved them to has stayed out of the race and Festival this weekend. AUGUST 8, 2012 NO. 4 August 14, a date when a lot of will undoubtedly endorse Metsa is on Facebook at folks are not thinking of the whomever wins the Demo- facebook.com/jason.metsa “fall” elections. cratic Primary. Duluth AFL- In Duluth’s House District With Republicans control- CIO Central Labor Body dele- 7A, Rep. Tom Huntley has a ling both states’ legislatures, gates, however, voted in July to Democratic opponent. Huntley labor can’t afford to lose any address the race at their meet- has served in the House since more ground but that could ing Thursday night. They could 1992. happen if you don’t get out to make a recommendation in the Redistricting made a lot of vote. There won’t be any prob- race but an endorsement would changes in the state including lem getting people to the polls have to come from the creating a new House District for the General Election Nov. 6 Minnesota AFL-CIO, which 11A. Representatives Bill Hilty as this is a presidential election has jurisdiction over state and and Mary Murphy both had year, which always draws a federal contests. parts of that area in the past but crowd and even young voters. The North East Area Labor they were redistricted out and But if you have a candidate you Council has endorsed six the seat is open. Mike Sundin, want to see win in November, Democratic candidates who a longtime DFL activist from you’d better make sure you get have primaries Tuesday. Esko and a member of Painters them through August 14’s Senator Tom Saxhaug in & Allied Trades Local 106 Primary Election if they have Senate District 5 seeks re-elec- jumped into the race as soon as one. tion in the Grand Rapids area. redistricting was announced The big ticket on the ballot He has served in the state sen- early this year. He has secured August 14 in this region will be ate since 2002. both the DFL and AFL-CIO the three Democrats vying for In Minnesota House of endorsements for the district the opportunity to face Repub- Representatives District 6B, that includes all of Carlton UAW Local 241 members Greg Rian, Jason Lawrence, and lican Congressman Chip NEALC field coordinator County, the Pine County town- Josh Shovein did picket duty at Krenzen Honda Saturday. Cravaack in November. Jason Metsa is endorsed in his ships of Kerrick and Winde- The strike against Duluth Automobile Dealers Assn. mem- Jeff Anderson, Tarryl Clark, bid for Rep. Tom Rukavina’s mere, and St. bers continues into its third month as UAW members have and Rick Nolan have all been seat as he is retiring. Metsa of Louis County voted down two final offers. No negotiations are scheduled Virginia has two opponents in townships of the Primary. Arrowhead, The DFL con- Brevator, Is Pete Kolar forcing the UAW strike? vention for the Culver, and Members of United Auto other dealers. The union has filed Unfair district did not Stony Brook. Workers Local 241 continue to Pete Kolar, listed owner of Labor Practice charges with the produce an You can picket members of the Duluth all the Kolar dealerships, is the NLRB over fraudulent docu- endorsed candi- learn more at Automobile Dealers Associa- controlling influence in ments submitted by DADA in date in the con- Sundin www.mike tion (DADA) into the third DADA’s unwillingness to bar- the negotiations, as part of the test, but Metsa sundin.com. month of their strike. gain with the UAW. failure to bargain in good faith. has the support District 11B would be the Union members continue to “We hear that Pete Kolar Wages are not an issue in Metsa new district for Rep. Hilty, but picket Kolar (Toyota/Hyundai/ has told their attorney Steve the negotiations. he announced his retirement. Scion and Chevrolet/Buick/ Burton to tell the mediator that Nathan Johnson is the GMC), Krenzen Honda/ the dealers aren’t interested in NEALC-endorsed candidate in Nissan/Lincoln, and Duluth talking to us,” said UAW 241 that district, which has moved Chrysler/Doge/Jeep/Ram president Del Soiney, a south and west. He is a city facilities during hours that mechanic at Duluth Chrysler. planner for Pine City where he service facilities would be open “We’ve let the mediator know resides. Monday through Saturday. we’ll meet anytime.” You can learn more about The strike began June 15 at Soiney said the UAW will him at www.nathanjohnsonfor Kolar Toyota and spread to the increase their pickets at Kolar’s house.com. dealerships this week. The NEALC also supports “We’d appreciate any help labor in northwest Wisconsin. we can get to get the dealers to The Superior Federation of the table,” Soiney said. Labor has endorsed Gayle If you can help the UAW Wahner in her re-election bid with picket duty contact Jay for Douglas County Register of Jakubek at 393-0182. Deeds. The race is actually a UAW 241 members have Chief Steward Tony Rechichi of USW Local 11-63 got his partisan race so with two overwhelming rejected DADA Democrats running for the seat, final offers in May and July. fellow union members to show solidarity with striking UAW Local 241 members at Kolar Chevrolet/Buick/GMC last the winner of the Primary will The contract expired April 31. be Register of Deeds. Dealers want to pass 100% Friday. As important as the refreshments were that the Steelworkers from SAPPI and Specialty Minerals brought, Information about voting in of any health care increases on Minnesota, including what you to the workers, and want to showing up and supporting the strike means a lot more to the UAW, which has endured a long two months on the line. may need for identification, speed up repair times for tech- can be found on page 6 of this nicians. Stop by any of the sites at Kolar, Krenzen, and Duluth Chrysler when you can. (Submitted photo) issue. David Cobb to address corporate personhood in Duluth and Sandstone As part of a Midwest barn- cracy and Challenging Corpor- African-Americans, immi- ment against corporate person- storming tour, David Cobb of ate Rule.” A fiery speaker and grants, natives, or women,” hood. Cobb will provide infor- the Move to Amend campaign passionate advocate, Cobb was states Cobb. “We are inspired mation and facilitate a discus- will visit Duluth and Sandstone the Green Party candidate for by historic social movements sion about action in our area to talk about the 125 year U.S. U.S. president in 2004. He is a that recognized the necessity of and across the U.S. to win the history of giving corporations legal scholar whose programs altering fundamental power amendment campaign through the same powers it bestows will be part history lesson and relationships. America has pro- grassroots mobilization. upon citizens. part heart-felt call to action. gressed through ordinary peo- “We recognize that amend- Cobb will be in Duluth It’s a program that everyone ple joining together—from the ing the Constitution to restore Thursday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. who wants a real, working and David Cobb Revolutionaries to Abolition- the power of the people over at Unitarian Universalist vibrant democracy for “We the ists, Suffragists, and Civil corporations will not be easy, Congregation, 835 College St. People...” will appreciate. can work to abolish “Corporate Rights activists...Move to but we know correcting the He will be at the Old School The recent U.S. Supreme Personhood” and reestablish a Amend is a long-term effort to Supreme Court is imperative to Arts Center in Sandstone, on Court’s ruling in Citizens government of, by, and for the make the U.S. Constitution the progress of our nation,” Friday, August 17 at 7 p.m., United v. FEC opened the people. “Corporate Person- more democratic.” stated Cobb. hosted by Rep. Bill and Laurie floodgates to unlimited corpo- hood” commonly refers to The forum will focus on To learn more visit Hilty at the former Sandstone rate spending on elections. court-created precedent that how to join the national move- www.MovetoAmend.org High School, 214 Eagle Drive. Cobb will help citizens under- gives corporations constitu- tional rights intended solely for Duluth AFL-CIO Central Cobb will lead community stand the history behind the Labor Movie Night Labor Body delegates will forums on “Creating Demo- recent decision and how they human beings. “Corporate personhood is Labor Movie Night is Thur., discuss Minnesota’s 8th We Are Wisconsin here 8/20 not an inconsequential legal Aug. 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the Congressional District U.S. technicality. The Supreme Duluth Labor Temple’s Well- House of Representatives The We Are Wisconsin coalition has scheduled a strategy ses- stone Hall. “Brother Outsider” Court ruled that a corporation race at their monthly meet- sion for Aces on 29th in Superior for Monday, August 20 from was a ‘legal person’ with 14th is a film on Bayard Rustin 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Amendment protections before shown in honor of Labor Day ing Thursday, August 9, 7:00 Through its voter education and mobilization program, We they granted full personhood to and the PRIDE weekend that is p.m., Wellstone Hall, Labor Are Wisconsin, Inc. works to educate and assist disconnected part of the holiday. Temple, 2002 London Road. and underrepresented populations on voting and election partic- Ironworker Retirees ipation in a nonpartisan manner. We Are Wisconsin, Inc., also DOL official here Thursday engages and empowers state residents to act on important public Monthly Breakfast What a difference a Democrat in the White House makes. policy issues. It’s political action committee and fund work to Thursday, Aug. 16 Well, at least it seems that way. This doesn’t happen: elect candidates who support progressive public policies impor- The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body phone rang late tant to working families all across Wisconsin. 9:00 a.m. last Wednesday. Joe McNearney was calling on behalf of Jane You are asked to RSVP at wearewisconsin.org. Scroll down West Duluth Perkin’s Oates, Assistant Secretary of Employment and Training at the under EVENTS until you find the Superior one. U.S. Department of Labor, to see if there would be an opportu- IBEWIBEW 3131 &242242 nity to have a labor roundtable with her in Duluth. Attention Sheet Metal Central Body president Dan O’Neill jumped at the opportu- Retirees’Retirees’ nity and the event will be held Thursday, August 9 in Wellstone Workers Local #10 Hall at 11:30 a.m. for about an hour. I want to thank all our members, especially our LuncheonLuncheon “This is pretty neat and unusual,” said O’Neill. He would like anyone that reads this in time or hears about retirees, that voted for me in our election. I’ll Tues., Aug. 28 the event to RSVP to him at 1-651-260-4245. work hard to uphold the great tradition of serv- 1:00 p.m. Oates will be at a Workforce Development conference in ice to our entire membership and their families Duluth that day. McNearney says she tries to hold labor round- that was established by those before me. Dixie’s tables whenever she can as she travels. McNearney is a Shakopee native and is looking forward to visiting Duluth again. Paid for ~Doug Christy, Business Representative (Hwy.. 22 NW of by Doug Christie Duluth/Superior/Iron Range/Bemidji Two Harbors) I.U.O.E. Local 70 Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 14 Tuesday, August 14, 2012, 5:00 P.M. Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Please vote! Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 Extreme Republican legislators caused last year’s state government shutdown. This fall, we must send these Attention: Unions & Members extreme legislators packing. Come Join The Cloquet Let’s elect a labor friendly, pro-middle class Labor Day Parade! OHJLVODWLYHPDMRULW\LQ0LQQHVRWD2XU¿QDQFLDOVHFXULW\ This Labor Day show your solidarity by participating depends on it! in the largest, longest running, Labor Day Parade in MAPE members are proud Minnesota! Show your union pride and your passion for your trade. Come to Cloquet and take part in to work for Minnesota. our 93rd Parade, which starts at 11 a.m. Last year, out of our 70 parade units, 9 represented local What would Labor Day be without unions? To register, contact: Mike Kuitu (218) 391-6367 or [email protected]
PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 Clark ad attacks on Nolan are shameful lies, distortions Editor: With less than two weeks to go before the 8th District DFL If you’re Jeff Anderson, Congressional primary, some outsiders are filling our mailboxes Tarryl Clark, or Rick Nolan, with lies and distortions about Rick Nolan’s record on women’s you’re probably glad the issues. Primary Election is next Shame on Tarryl Clark and her outside Washington support- Tuesday. That is unless you ers. With outside money and distorted, negative attacks, they are lose. All three have been run- attempting to tear down Rick Nolan’s well-earned reputation as ning for too long against oppo- a 30-plus year champion for women’s rights, for Planned nents that they basically agree Parenthood and for civil rights and human rights for all with. Pretty hard to separate Americans. This is wrong. yourself from the others. Not being from the district, Tarryl is obviously unaware that Others will do that for you as this is not the way to do politics in the 8th Congressional District the letter to the right attests. and in our DFL Party. Tearing down a good friend and Democrat Whoever wins will have a is not the way to advance the cause of women’s health and much easier campaign to Nov. women’s reproductive rights here in Minnesota and across our 6. I’ll take any of the three nation. Nor is it the way to beat Chip Cravaack and the instead of Chip Cravaack. Republicans in Congress. Hard telling what percent- We are deeply disappointed Tarryl Clark and her allies have age of a low Primary Election become so desperate as to go negative. Rick Nolan has never voter turnout the winner will strayed from running a positive and uplifting campaign focusing come up. Will anyone hit 50%? on the core issues that unite us: creating jobs, protecting This would be a good elec- Medicare, ending the partisan gridlock in Washington and ensur- tion to do a ranked choice, World, capitalist I am. See one? ing equal and fair treatment for all. This is why he won the DFL instant run-off election voting, endorsement and this is why he is the best candidate to beat Chip even though the winner doesn’t The Duluth Central Labor This Day In History Body meeting Thursday night Cravaack. have to get 50%. I’d take Rick www.workdayminnesota.org We must reject these negative campaign tactics. We are con- Nolan as my #1, Jeff Anderson will include a discussion of the race. Maybe we should have a August 7, 1890 - Elizabeth fident that 8th District primary voters will respond by resound- as my #2, and Tarryl Clark as ingly confirming that our DFL endorsed candidate, Rick Nolan, my #3. Those rankings may ranked choice straw poll then Gurley Flynn, a founding so we could stay there until member of the Industrial will win on August 14th. He will represent us all in a manner we change if one of the candidates can be proud of. decides to advertise with Labor after the 10:00 news is over. Workers of the World, was You do watch TV all the time born. Sincerely, Women for Nolan Co-Chairs: don’t you? That’s what the can- August 8, 1902 - About 100 Becky Lourey – former State Senator, Kerrick ~NOTICE~ didates think with how they men and women -- delegates Tina Welsh – Founding Director, Women’s Health Center 2012 Labor World Issues budget their advertising. to the St. Paul Trades and Cordy Strand – Aitkin County DFL Vice Chair Aug. 29, Labor Day issue; The Central Body discus- Labor Assembly -- met in Cathy Daniels – 8th CD DFL Treasurer, Hibbing Sept. 12, 26; Oct. 10 31; sion could be pretty good as the downtown St. Paul for the Lynette Swanberg – Senate District 7 DFL Board, Duluth Nov. 14, 28; Dec. 19. meeting will have people from semi-monthly meeting of the Tessa Hill – Senate District 32 DFL Director all three camps in attendance. 20-year-old labor organiza- Twyla Ring – Former State Senator, North Branch LABOR WORLD Central Body president Dan tion. They elected 35-year-old (ISSN#0023-6667) is published O’Neill says he will have a sign Charles James, a skilled We’ve forgotten a job creation semi-monthly except one issue in in sheet for delegates who wish leather cutter and a leader of December (23 issues). strategy that actually works The known office of publication is to speak on the race. He says the Boot and Shoe Workers Labor World, 2002 London Road, only delegates will be allowed Union, as Assembly president. by Senator John Marty, DFL-Roseville, MN Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. to speak, once each, with a time He was the first African- Politicians talk incessantly about creating jobs. Unfortunate- Periodicals postage is paid at limit. He will also make a spe- American elected to that ly, most of the proposals for doing so, whether cutting taxes and Duluth MN 55806. cific length of time that the dis- leadership post in St. Paul, spending (allegedly creating private sector jobs), or the alterna- POSTMASTER: cussion will take place. That’s tive of subsidizing private business projects, simply don’t help. Send address changes to: perhaps the first in the Labor World, 2002 London Rd., good. I can’t imagine that nation. Remember how the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy were going Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 many people who are going to August 9, 1972 - The to stimulate private sector jobs? It didn’t work. Across the coun- 6 7 vote Tuesday haven’t already United Paperworkers try, the push to cut government spending results in tens of thou- made up their mind about their International Union was sands of laid off teachers, firefighters, road maintenance work- (218) 728-4469 choice in the race. founded. It later merged with ers, and other public employees. During the painfully slow FAX: (218) 724-1413 There are a lot of other good the OCAW to become recovery from the recession, it is not uncommon to hear eco- [email protected] reasons to vote Tuesday for PACE, the Paper, Allied nomic reports about a gain in private sector jobs being offset by www.laborworld.org ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ people in other areas. Industrial, Chemical and a decrease in public sector ones. Many politicians seem to won- Owned by Unions affiliated with the Painters & Allied Trades Energy Workers union, and is der why employment levels remain stagnant, even as they vote Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Local 106’s Mike Sundin needs now part of the United to lay off more public servants. Subscriptions: $22 Annually a lot of votes in District 11A Steelworkers. Public subsidies for private businesses are no more effective. Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager (Carlton County, parts of Pine August 11, 1919 - Andrew Instead of creating new jobs, these subsidies largely replace pri- Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper and St. Louis counties) to Carnegie, the wealthiest and vate investment with public money. As a result, these expensive Board of Directors defeat an opponent who looks most successful late-19th See This job strategy ...page 4 Pres./Treas. Mikael Sundin, good on paper, but has you century capitalist, died in Painters & Allied Trades 106; scratching your head about New York. He worked his “Quote, Unquote” V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED what he’s actually done. employees ruthlessly and “What the Supreme Court did in Citizens United is to say 1710; Sec. Jayme McKenna, NEALC’s Jason Metsa has crushed unionizing efforts AFSCME 66; Al LaFrenier, his hands full against two such as the Homestead strike to these same billionaires and the corporations they control: Workers’ United Midwest Bd; opponents for Rep. Rukavina’s of 1892. By the beginning of ‘You own and control the economy; you own Wall Street; you Mike Kuitu, Operating seat. the 20th century, Carnegie own the coal companies; you own the oil companies. Now, for Engineers 49; Dan O’Neill, a very small percentage of your wealth, we’re going to give you Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; Go vote. The beauty of an mills produced one-quarter Steve Risacher, Carpenters August Primary is that we get a of the nation's steel and he the opportunity to own the United States government.’” 361; Dan Leslie, IBEW 31; three month break before the pocketed an annual profit of ~Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), in Senate Judiciary Stacy Spexet, USW 9460 Nov. 6 election. Yeah, right. $25 million. subcommittee testimony, July 24, 2012 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 PAGE 3 This job strategy actually works...from page 3 Now that’s a run – 35 years! projects net few jobs, and sion, the federal government in public housing for seniors No one has worked as a full time employee in the Labor taxpayer money goes primarily wisely addressed high unem- and low income Minnesotans. Temple longer than Diane Rosendahl. She started in 1977. for the benefit of wealthy busi- ployment by building public The failure to properly main- Unions had purchased the old Coca-Cola bottling plant in 1969. ness owners. Private investors infrastructure, putting jobless tain this housing will cost more Diane was all smiles at her retirement party hosted by United gladly hang on to their money workers to the task of con- in the future if the buildings Food & Commercial Workers Local 1189 for their office man- when they can lobby politi- structing roads, bridges, deteriorate to the point where ager July 30th. The next day was her last day at work. cians to make taxpayers foot schools, parks and recreational they need to be demolished and “I told them if no one came to the party, I wasn’t showing up the bill. facilities, courthouses, hospi- replaced. the next day because I’d be so embarrassed,” Rosendahl said. There is a better answer. It tals, dams, and sewage treat- Our schools and higher edu- “This is really nice” she said in the crowded office. starts with an honest recogni- ment plants. cation institutions also have She came to work here as tion that a worker, whether The Civilian Conservation great infrastructure needs. The the secretary for UFCW Local employed by a public school or Corps (CCC) and Works University of Minnesota cur- 12-A. a private accounting firm, con- Progress Administration rently has $900 million in “Before that I had done a lot tributes to the economy - by (WPA) showed what could be deferred maintenance and asset of icky stuff,” she said, includ- doing productive work, sup- done when we have the politi- preservation projects, and the ing sewing pockets into snow- porting their family, buying cal will. In 1938, the WPA pro- Minnesota State Colleges and mobile suits at North Shore goods and services, and paying vided jobs for 3 million of Universities have a backlog of Manufac-turing, bad waitress- taxes. Laying off public unemployed Americans. at least $300 million. Senate ing jobs, and working at Garon employees to shrink govern- Seventy years later we still see File 2619 would provide the Knitting Mills. ment spending so we can pro- the results of their work at funds to address those needs “A Garon co-worker said Vi vide tax cuts, in the hope that countless places such as now, when the interest rates Miller was retiring in the Meat- this will create private sector Minnehaha Falls Park in and other costs are lower and Diane Rosendahl received a cutters’ office and I should jobs, is foolish. History shows Minneapolis. We have not construction workers are seek- plant from Tim Andrew at apply,” Diane said. “Here I that the economy doesn’t work made that kind of investment in ing work. her retirement July 30. am.” That’s as in “35 years that way. our public infrastructure since For job creation, govern- later.” When asked what one of her best work experiences was, The reality is that if we use those days when we could least ment subsidies of private busi- she replied with a laugh, “Retiring bosses!” public funds to address public afford to do so. nesses have been a failure. UFCW 12-A was the last Meatcutters union in America, hold- needs, we create jobs. This Minnesota could learn from Likewise, huge tax cuts for the ing out for 25 years after other such locals had started merging holds true for public employ- history. Making these invest- wealthy have resulted in lay- in 1979. “We were the last to merge and the last ones to be closed ees, such as teachers, hired to ments at this time of low inter- offs of teachers and other pub- on Sundays (until 1988) in the whole country,” she said. “We meet the educational needs of est rates and high unemploy- lic employees, reducing, not finally merged with UFCW 1116 in 2004.” society. Likewise, when we ment would cost less now than creating, jobs. Both 12-A and 1116 have passed into history as all UFCW address public infrastructure in the future, and it would stim- There are so many people locals have merged into Local 1189 out of St. Paul. A Duluth needs, we create construction ulate the state economy and put looking for work, and so many Labor Temple 1189 office is still open and busy. jobs. Certainly there is great thousands of construction tasks to be done; let’s put the Rosendahl said there have been many good changes in unions need. Investments in Minne- workers back to work. two together. As we could learn in her work years but it seems negotiations have become much sota’s infrastructure have been Earlier this year, I intro- from the 1930s, now is a great more difficult. Governmental, political and law changes have inadequate, and the state has an duced Senate File 2619 to time to start. also had great impacts on how unions operate. enormous backlog of unmet address our growing infrastruc- Apple Pie Alliance. “Health and welfare and retirement plan improvements have maintenance and repair of ture needs. Currently, there is www.apple-pie.org. Copyright been great and allowed me to raise my family as a single mom existing facilities. $350 million in unmet rehabili- © Apple Pie Alliance and live a decent life,” she said. The greatest pleasure she has During the Great Depres- tation and maintenance needs gotten out of her job was seeing members get their pensions, especially early disability and surviving spouse pensions. “Unions are good for workers,” Rosendahl said, “and work- Working together to give you our best efforts! ers have to fight to keep unions working.” For Diane setting the alarm clock will mostly be behind her. Let us help you take the stress out of your building plans! That is until she gets her ducks in a retirement row. “We’re look- ing forward to traveling to the Black Hills and Colorado to see family and friends, especially the grandkids,” she said. The Twin Ports Construction LACOURSE Liaison Committee TPCLC UNION MEMBERS: meets regularly to ensure • Bricklayers Local 1 that customers who use • Carpenters Local 361 our services are getting • Cement Masons Local 633 the best bang for their • IBEW Local 242 construction dollar. ENVALL • Iron Workers Local 512 Our Project Labor • Laborers Local 1091 Agreements have proven • Minnesota LECET to be incredibly effective Our Success Is No Accident! • Operating Engineers Local 49 • Operating Engineers Local 139 for businesses, govern- • Painters Local 106 ment, and developers + Serious Personal Injury • Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 who want their projects • Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 to come in on time * Workers’ Compensation • Teamsters Local 346 and on budget. % Social Security Disability Contact the Twin Ports Construction www.lacourseandenvall.com Liaison Committee at 218-727-2199 800-535-1665 • 218-727-5384 The Cost Is Less When You Use the Best! Free Consultation • No Recovery, No Fee
PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 North East Area Labor Council hires Zach Sias as field coordinator The North East Area Labor “The program does a poor delegate. people in St. Louis County “I have been eager to apply Council hired Zach Sias for job of providing services to Sias has also gotten down,” he says. for a position with your organ- their open field coordinator those households,” Sias said. involved in community organ- Beside being Rep. ization for quite some time,” he position August 2nd from a “The program is made to be izing and political campaigns Gauthier’s campaign manager, wrote in his cover letter to group of qualified candidates. ineffective by the administra- in his short time in Duluth. He Sias is managing first time can- Netland. “I look forward to working tion and commissioners.” takes on the task of trying to didate Debbie Isabell-Nelson’s more closely with Zach,” said That’s quite an indictment change society for the better run for county commissioner. NEALC president Alan of social service programs with vigor. Sias says he’s drawn to candi- Netland. “I have collaborated here, which many others criti- “If we can empower work- dates who work to reach out to with him a bit on local cam- cize for being too generous. ers more, the labor movement people and who will represent paigns, most recently for “I’ve been telling that to can get the number of poor everyone. He does his political Representative Kerry anyone who will listen just work on his own time he said. Gauthier’s reelection efforts. I about since I got that job,” Sias As he finishes up at the am impressed by his commit- said. county after putting in his ment and passion. Zach will be Even before he was selected notice, he is learning more a great addition to our team.” for the NEALC job, he put in about the NEALC, before start- A Sartell, MN native, Sias his notice at the county. ing full time on August 20. said he’s moved around a lot in “I was planning on leaving Like Jason Metsa, the his life but has called Duluth anyway,” he said. NEALC’s other field coordina- home since 2006 when he That county job meant he tor, Sias, at 24 years of age, is came here to attend UMD. would be a member of excited about engaging young That’s where he met his wife, AFSCME Local 66, which he workers into this region’s labor Brynn, who is Duluth field readily joined and got active in, movement. Metsa, who is run- coordinator for Rick Nolan, a spurred on by government cuts. ning for the Minnesota House Democratic candidate in the He became a worksite steward, of Representatives for Tom 8th Congressional District race. got involved in AFSCME’s Rukavina’s seat, now District Sias got a job with St. Louis Next Wave effort for young 6B, is 32. County as a financial worker activists, joined their political Sias knows Metsa’s work- administering public assistant PEOPLE campaign, and Zach Sias addressed a large load has been enormous for grants for the 24,000 low became a volunteer organizer. crowd last November at a quite some time and he’s look- income households in the He became a delegate to the jobs rally that took Wall St. ing forward to taking his share county. He knew right away he Duluth AFL-CIO Central to task for its greed that of the work load. hated the work. Labor Body and is an active destroyed our economy. These North East Area Labor Council-endorsed candidates deserve your vote in their low rates. free hat with a fast approvals. recreational loan Primary Elections August 14! no hassle Sen. Tom Saxhaug 8 lending. Minnesota Senate District 5 218-729-7733 • Hermantownfcu.org Jason Metsa Member eligibility required. Member NCUA. 8 Minnesota House District 6B Rep. Tom Huntley 8 Minnesota House District 7A Mike Sundin 8 Minnesota House District 11A Nathan Johnson 8 Minnesota House District 11B Gayle Wahner 8 Douglas County (Wis.) Register of Deeds Please Vote Tuesday, August 14 in your state primary election Please Vote in the PRIMARY ELECTION, Tuesday, August 14! Paid for by the North East Area Labor Council Paid for by the Superior Federation of Labor Committee On Political Education (COPE)
LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 PAGE 5 Here’s voting info for Tuesday, Aug. 14’s Primary Election Judge refuses You need to vote on Tues- In Wisconsin and Minne- To vote in Minnesota, you precinct) can vouch that the to make union day, August 14 in the Primary sota you are able to register to must register as a voter. You person lives in the district IF Election no matter where you vote on election day. Pre-regis- may register to vote by mail or the facility provided the county elections easier live in this region. There is an tration deadlines have passed. in-person at your county court- with a list of employees 20 (PAI)—A federal district important Democratic Primary Voter Eligibility house (at least 20 days before days before the election. judge has turned down the Election to see who will run for You may vote in Minnesota the election to appear on the A bill for electric, gas, National Labor Relations Congress against Rep. Chip on election day if you: roster) or you may register at water, solid waste, sewer, tele- Board’s request to reconsider Cravaack. * will be at least 18 years your polling place on election phone or cable television serv- and reverse his prior ruling You can vote absentee if old on election day; day. ice with a due date within 30 killing – for now – the board’s you can’t vote election day at * are a citizen of the United Election Day Registration: days of election day that con- planned rule to make union your city clerk, county auditor, States; Registration at your polling tains the voter's name and cur- recognition elections fairer and or township clerk. * will have resided in site on election day is available rent address AND one of the more efficient. Extended hours for walk-in Minnesota for 20 days immedi- by presenting one of the fol- following that contains the District Judge James Boas- absentee voting are available at ately preceding election day; lowing: voter's name and photograph: berg’s rejection was cheered by the Duluth City Clerk’s office, * are not under court- A valid Minnesota driver's Minnesota driver's license the Radical Right, the Chamber Room 330, City Hall this ordered guardianship in which license, learner's permit or or Minnesota I.D. card. of Commerce – which sued to Saturday, August 11 from the court order revokes your Minnesota I.D. card (or receipt Tribal I.D. card. stop the rule – and anti-worker 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and right to vote; for any of these) that contains U.S. passport. House Education and the Monday, August 13 from 8:00 * have not been found by a the voter's current address. U.S. military I.D. card. Workforce Committee Chair a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can vote court to be legally incompetent A tribal I.D. card that con- Identification card of a post- John Kline, R-Minn. It left the Monday though Friday 8 to to vote; and tains the name, current address secondary educational institu- board pondering its next move. 4:30. * have the right to vote (must be in the precinct where tion in Minnesota. Boasberg threw out the rule You have to be registered to because, if you have been con- registering), signature and pic- College students may use this year because he said the vote and you are if you have victed of a felony, your felony ture of the tribal member. one of the following docu- NLRB lacked a quorum when voted in the last four years and sentence has expired (been A "Notice of Late ments: it passed the measure Dec. 16. not moved. If your name has completed) or you have been Registration" postcard. A student photo I.D., if the Two Democratic members changed you need to show your discharged from your sentence. A prior valid registration at educational institution has cer- voted for the rule, but its sole new identification. Registering to Vote another address in the same tified a list of students to the Republican, Brian Hayes nei- precinct. county auditor. ther opposed it nor abstained. MOAN GROAN GRIPE DENY GROUSE A registered voter of that A current student fee state- He didn’t vote at all. CRITICIZE DENOUNCE DELAY CONDEMN precinct who will sign an oath ment that contains the student's The NLRB’s rule would vouching that the person regis- valid address in the precinct FUSS CURSE BELLYACHE COMPLAIN deprive businesses of some of tering is a resident of that with a photo I.D. card. procedural tricks they use to WHIMPER GRUMBLE RENOUNCE PROTEST precinct. Registered voters Many of your voting ques- delay and deny workers the OBJECT NEGLECT DEFER REFUSE IGNORE may vouch for up to 15 people tions and a sample ballot for right to vote on whether to TOLERATE WITHDRAW SUFFER ENDURE... (this limit does not apply to Duluth can be found at www. unionize. It would consolidate employees of residential facili- duluthmn.gov/clerk/voting/ hearings, mandate hearings on Or, Take a little time and VOTE! ties). index.cfm. eligibility be after the vote, and You’re More Powerful Than You Think! For residential facility resi- The Minnesota Secretary of set a time limit for objecting to dents, an employee at the facil- State’s website has everything election procedures. On Tues., Aug. 14 GO VOTE! ity (even if that employee is not you need to know at www.sos. Hayes’ non-vote deprived registered to vote in that state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=4 the NLRB of its needed 3- member quorum. That’s despite new evidence the NLRB introduced at the rehearing about how its elec- tronic “voting room,” involv- Fixing Up? Look Up! ing all three board members, works – and showing that Hayes voted on everything else tay clear of power lines when using ladders and other electronically on Dec. 16. S The board even noted that long equipment while working on outdoor projects. The Hayes wrote a dissent against first rule is to keep looking up and remember the 10-FOOT the rule when it was sent for RULE – equipment needs to clear power lines by ten feet in official publication. every direction. The NLRB can still pass the rule, Boasberg reiterated, if it Electric energy is a powerful friend, but if your equipment can find a quorum to do so. comes in contact with a power line, follow the rules, or you could receive a harmful, fatal shock. Treat Yourself A safety message from Minnesota Power.
Greg Rindal Minnesota Power Safety Manager
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DIAL 811Damage Prevention Center an company Full Circle Massage in the Labor Temple 218-428-2858 Call Gopher State One Call before you DIG: 1-800-252-1166 www.fullcircleduluth.net PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 SAG-AFTRA receives AFL-CIO charter AFL-CIO stands with BCTGM On August 1, SAG-AFTRA tor David White said, “As the provide voices and perform- Calling American Crystal Sugar “a poster child for corporate received a new, national charter union that represents the ance capture for video games. greed,” national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka announced from the AFL-CIO. SAG- world’s most recognizable SAG organized in 1933 for the labor movement will escalate the campaign to push for an AFTRA joins 55 other unions, faces, it’s easy to forget that our the protection of motion pic- end to the company’s year-long lockout of 1,300 workers. comprising more than 12 mil- main focus is to ensure that ture actors and better working “Generations of families have worked here to make lion working men and women. middle-class working perform- conditions. Some of the biggest American Crystal Sugar a profitable and productive producer of “With workers’ rights under ers are provided fair compensa- Hollywood stars of the day sugar,” Trumka said at a St. Paul news conference July 25. “This attack nationwide, this charter tion and safe working condi- were supporting the new union, abysmal display shows total disregard for those employees and represents a bright spot in the tions. Only a small fraction of including James Cagney, Eddie the community who have made Crystal Sugar a well renowned union movement and we are our 165,000 members are high- Cantor, Joan Crawford, brand and a leader in sugar production in this country.” proud to add our new, unified profile stars, the rest are dedi- Edward G. Robinson and For decades, members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco voice in support of all workers cated professionals who work Fredric March. Over the years, and Grain Millers locals across the Red River Valley worked in this country,” said SAG- hard to feed their families and SAG expanded coverage to hand in hand with farmers and management to help the industry AFTRA Co-President Roberta pay their mortgages. As work- scripted primetime television prosper and thrive. But on Aug. 1, 2011, the company locked out Reardon. ers in any other industry, they and commercial actors as well workers at seven Crystal Sugar production plants and other facil- National Executive Direc- deserve the rights and protec- as non-broadcast, videogame ities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Iowa. BCTGM members tions that only a labor union and new media performers. had rejected a contract offer that Proud to use provides.” SAG-AFTRA represents they said threatened the future For decades, Screen Actors more than 165,000 actors, of jobs in their communities. Union Labor Guild and the American announcers, broadcast journal- Trumka pledged the ongoing Federation of Television and ists, dancers, DJs, news writ- support and coordination of Radio Artists have been fight- ers, news editors, program efforts with the union to put a ing for workplace protections hosts, puppeteers, recording spotlight on the company’s for actors, stunt performers, artists, singers, stunt perform- actions. He said they will make broadcasters and all entertain- ers, voiceover artists and other American Crystal Sugar a ment and media performers entertainment and media pro- poster child for corporate greed working in front of a camera or fessionals. Its members are the and profit above employees. behind a microphone. faces and voices that entertain “This misguided campaign AFTRA was created (as and inform the U.S. and world. undertaken by this company is AFRA) in August 1937 with Visit SAG-AFTRA online doing grave damage to not only the support of top radio stars. at SAGAFTRA.org. its locked out employees and Sunrise Memorial The union began with 400 their families but also to Cemetery members in two Locals, and by American Crystal Sugar’s Funeral Home December of that year, the cooperative farmers and the Funeral Home ranks had swelled to 2,000 and community of the Red River & Cremation the union covered 90 percent of Valley,” he said. “We stand with all radio artists in key broadcast Boat Insurance the workers at (ACS) and com- 218-727-6869218-727-6869 cities. In 1952, AFRA merged makes it more fun! munity who are trying to get a 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy. with the Television Authority fair shake and prevent the cor- Hermantown, MN 55811 to create AFTRA, now cover- Wade Smith porate management from driv- ing performers on scripted dra- ing this company into the Free Graves for Veterans mas and comedies in both radio (218) 724-4507 ground.” and television to those who
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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012 PAGE 7 Scranton’s mayor backtracks on cutting workers to minimum wage SCRANTON, Pa. (PAI)— that sued – the Fire Fighters ty. But other actions, especial- workers. wage scales, had given the city Facing legal problems, includ- and the Machinists – dropped ly in states, are part of a war on The cuts violated Scranton’s workers their first raises in ing a potential contempt-of- their case. workers and the middle class, contracts with the unions, fol- years, due to city stalling in court order, Scranton, Pa., “This is a step in the right orchestrated by Big Business, lowing an arbitrator’s ruling bargaining. Mayor Thomas Doherty back- direction, so hopefully my the Radical Right and their last December, and also broke A federal judge had banned tracked on his month-old uni- members and their families GOP allies. a state law banning municipali- Doherty’s cuts, but the mayor lateral decision to cut the will be able to make their mort- Doherty had unilaterally cut ties from breaking collective defied the ban. He said the city wages of all 398 unionized city gage payments and their car the pay of the Fire Fighters, the bargaining agreements. The could not afford to pay the workers to the federal mini- payments,” said Fire Fighters police and the city’s 92 Public arbitrator’s ruling, with new workers their full salaries. mum of $7.25 an hour. Local President John Judge. Works Department employees In an agreement reached Scranton’s cuts are among – represented by IAM – effec- July 30, the city will retroac- the most extreme actions cities tive with their July 5 paychecks tively pay $750,000 in back and states nationwide took for the previous two weeks. He wages to the workers by the against their unionized work- blamed a lack of cash and the end of August, plus $5,100 in ers. In many cases, as in city council’s refusal to find interest. In return, the unions Scranton, officials plead pover- new revenue sources to pay the
UFCW Local 1189 held a fundraiser for this region’s flood victims in their St. Paul offices July 26 and raised $3000 that was put in the North East Area Labor Council’s Flood Relief Fund. President Don Seaquist and Secretary Treasurer Jennifer Christensen presented the donation to NEALC bookkeeper Deborah Skoglund July 30th. Donʼt know where to turn? Dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709 or visit www.211unitedway.org A Get connected to resources throughout Minnesota! n accident can rip apart the fabric of your life. Not only do you For services provided by the Community Services Program have to suffer the painful effects of the injury, but there are financial sponsored by the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body and pressures, too. Then, there's the concern for the family situation. the United Way of Greater Duluth...Call 218-726-4775 Help is needed in many ways. Community Services Program Director As one of Minnesota's busiest and most successful injury law firms, Lynette Swanberg, 424 West Superior Street we've helped thousands of accident victims get fair compensation for Suite 402, Duluth, MN 55802 their injuries, pain and suffering. It is only when these worries are relieved that a person can start VOTE4Mike Sundin stitching their life back together. Tuesday, August 14 Call our Experienced Team for a FREE consultation! State DFL Primary Election Labor and DFL Endorsed MIKEMIKE BOB FALSANI JIM BALMER JIM PETERSON SEAN QUINN ERIC BEYER STEPHANIE BALMER SUNDINSUNDIN Minnesota House of Representatives District 11A Mike will continue this region’s strong tradition of representing people before profits in St. Paul. He’s worked for the people, the DFL and Labor for decades. Let him work for you now at the Capitol! Contact Mike Sundin: 218-391-5911 [email protected] www.mikesundin.com Prepared & Paid for by Sundin Vol. Comm. PO Box 193 Esko MN 55733
PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2012