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Have You Moved Notify your local union financial secretary, or ?clip out this form with your old address label and send your new address to: USW@Work USW Membership Department, 3340 Perimeter Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37211

Name New Address City State Zip STEELWORKER STORE INSIDEUSW@WORK Visit www.usw.org or Check for new items! 2008 Convention www.usw.ca today! The 2008 Constitutional Convention takes bold steps to chal- lenge the global assault on workers and their families. Visit the USW web site and select the 04 SpeakingSpeaking OutOut USW active and retired members and their families are invited to "Steelworker Store" button. “speak out” on these pages. Letters should be short and to the point. We Order online, download reserve the right to edit for length. Mail to USW@Work, Five Gateway an order form to mail in Center, Pittsburgh PA 15222 or e-mail to [email protected]. OR Call 1-888-SAY-USW2 (1-888-729-8792) Obama Supports Military Vets Free Us from Foreign Oil Global Union USW officers sign agreement creating the world’s first truly John McCain often expresses how In this election, remember that in Watch out, fellow Americans, you international labor union. deeply engrained the military is in his order for us to produce steel and support may be next! There’s an old saying that 08 life, which makes it difficult to under- our families, we need an abundance of I grew up with, “After me, you come stand why he was one of only 13 oil, coal and natural gas. first!” Don’t be the one who can’t see Republicans who didn’t vote for a new We are now seeing the effects of the forest for the trees. The Steelworker Store is OPEN! Visit the USW online store! Our GI Bill, but instead remained AWOL dependence on foreign oil. The utility inventory contains union-made products from the U.S. and Canada. from the Senate vote. companies say natural gas prices could George M. C. Thompson Purchase shirts, hats, jackets, gifts and miscellaneous items showing your Retired, Local 2603 Steelworker pride. The bill, which eventually passed by double this winter. Gasoline is beyond a veto-proof majority in the House, $4 a gallon, and using our food as a gas Lackawanna, N.Y. International Dangers of Racial Prejudice AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Richard Trumka challenges the ensures tuition and other expenses at a substitute is no answer to the immediate Crucial Battle Executive Board labor movement to reject the divisive politics of race and support four-year public university for anyone problem. Leo W. Gerard When fewer workers 10 Barack Obama for president. We must defeat the Republicans at International President who has served in the military for at We hear that we have more oil, coal, the polls, or they will continue to hurt James D. English have unions, the standard least three years since the 2001 terrorist and natural gas reserves in the United working people and poor seniors. Let’s Int’l. Secretary-Treasurer of living falls for everyone attacks. States than all of the Middle East com- wake up and get involved before it’s too Thomas M. Conway “ Barack Obama has come to know the bined. We also have the ability to late. Surely we should know that most Int’l. Vice President and the gap between the stories of people from all walks of life, retrieve these resources, with no adverse (Administration) Republicans favor and appease the rich. including our men and women in uni- effects on the planet. Fred Redmond rich and poor grows. Will they send more jobs across the Int’l. Vice President Landry Named International Vice President form and that is why he voted YES to I’m sure we will eventually find alter- pond? Can we afford more leaders like (Human Affairs) John Sweeney Canadian activist Carol Landry is named International Vice the GI Bill which will help provide a native energy sources and solve global President at Large. She is the first woman to serve on the we have now? Ken Neumann AFL-CIO President better life for our 250,000 homeless vet- warming. But in the meantime we, steel- Nat’l. Dir. for Canada ” 11 USW’s International Executive Board. Clyde Rush erans. workers, will need oil, coal and natural Carol Landry McCain talks about supporting our gas to produce our steel. Munford, Tenn. Vice President at Large troops and veterans on the campaign We have the resources, the knowl- Jon Geenen FEATURES: trail, yet his indifference to this bill is a edge and the workers to make us inde- No Respect for Working Class Int’l. Vice President Speaking Out 03 sign of disrespect and negligence to the pendent of foreign oil. Step aside and There is much talk about how foreign Gary Beevers Trade Watch 26 countries are buying up American busi- Int’l. Vice President wishes of the men and women of armed let the American worker solve this prob- CAPITOL LETTERS 31 service. lem. nesses. But what about American com- James H. Dunn News Bytes Get Connected Associate Secretary-Treasurer 34 The USW unveils a redesigned Web site and launches a new panies buying up other assets in the We need to elect Senator Barack Daniel E. Kelly II Ron Hoover program to spread the word directly to cell phones. Obama as commander-in-chief to ensure United States, including the paper indus- Exec. Vice President (R/PIC) 16 Local 1014 try. those veterans get the support and Gary, Ind. Lewis Peacock ON COVER We’re being set up to fail. These Vice President (Organizing) THE opportunity they deserve. Democrat Barack Obama speaks by satellite to Sad State of Disrepair investors don’t give a hoot about whose James K. Phillips, Jr. the 2008 Constitutional Convention while Jerry Laycak, Local 1557 lives they play with and change forever, Vice President at Large International President Leo W. Gerard applauds. Former U.S. Marine Why a working man, especially a Photo by Steve Dietz. mostly for the worse. People are just a Directors West Mifflin, Pa. union working man, would ever vote number. There is no respect for the David R. McCall, District 1 Republican is beyond me. It is a sad working class in America. Michael Bolton, District 2 Importance of Regulations state of affairs when a steelworker single We need to clean up the “good old Stephen Hunt, District 3 Union people are victims of the later mother must decide between feeding her boy” network that we call our govern- William J. Pienta, District 4 Communications Staff: Volume 03/No.4 Labor Day 2008 stages of capitalism without rules. The children breakfast and putting gas in her Daniel Roy, District 5 Marco Trbovich, Assistant to the President Official publication of the United Steelworkers ment and stand up for all working Gary Hubbard, Director of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. solution to our country’s crisis is an car to go to work. I’m retired. I have a Wayne Fraser, District 6 Direct Inquiries and articles for USW@Work to: Americans, even though it is a little late Wayne Ranick, Director of Communications economy that follows sound rules, social choice, at times, about whether I want or Jim Robinson, District 7 United Steelworkers for papermakers whose lives have been Jim McKay, Editor Ernest R. “Billy” Thompson, District 8 Communications Department morality and the natural and revealed have to go out for groceries, appoint- Aaron Hudson and Kenny Carlisle, Designers altered forever. Are we next? Stan Johnson, District 9 Five Gateway Center law. Just as vehicular traffic on our ments or any other engagements. You Lynne Baker, Kelly Barr, Jim Coleman, Deb Davidek, Gerald Dickey, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 John DeFazio, District 10 Connie Mabin, Tony Montana, Joanne Powers, phone 412-562-2400 roads must have enforced rules and laws still have to go to work every day, and Joe DeGroot Robert Bratulich, District 11 Frank Romano, Scott Weaver, Barbara White Stack fax 412-562-2445 Local 2-009 online: www.usw.org to avoid disaster, our economy and soci- you still have to take your kids to prac- Terry L. Bonds, District 12 Contributors: Christopher Diana, Meghan McClincy, Kristen Strickland, Bill Yund ety needs rules to avoid an even greater tices and events. As long as this war Appleton, Wis. J.M. “Mickey” Breaux, District 13 USW@Work (ISSN 0883-3141) is published five times a year by the United Steelworkers AFL-CIO•CLC Five Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, PA disaster. goes on, the economy is going to stay in Co-Directors 15222. Subscriptions to non-members: $12 for one year; $20 for two years. Periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh, PA and additional mailing offices. a state of disrepair. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: USW@Work, USW Membership Department, 3340 Perimeter Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 Joe Kretschmer Gerald P. Johnston, District 1 General Motors is closing four plants Lloyd Walters, District 9 Retired, Local 12775 Copyright 2008 by United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO•CLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written – one in Mexico! Kenneth O. Test consent of the United Steelworkers. Fort Wayne, Ind.

2 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 3 he convention attracted 3,178 registered delegates from local unions all across Tthe United States and Canada. All told, the event drew 4,500 delegates and observers, includ- rged by International President exploit labor worldwide. the first time in the union’s history, by a financiers in New York, London and challenging rotten trade deals at every turn, ing 77 international guests from Leo W. Gerard to “seize the The convention also passed a modest woman, Canadian activist Carol Landry. Toronto will have no choice but to reckon in more and more innovative ways.” more than 20 countries. increase in dues to build the union’s with,” Gerard said. “And that’s a reckoning moment” to secure better lives Together, the USW and the London- Edwards backs Obama The final day of the conven- Ufor our children and grandchildren, dele- Strike and Defense Fund to provide bet- based Unite the Union will represent 3.2 that’s long overdue.” tion started with a few unusual gates to the USW’s 2008 Constitutional ter bargaining clout with employers and million workers and retirees in the Gerard called globalization the driving Delegates also heard from prominent moments of silence as delegates Convention took bold steps to challenge better benefits to members on strike or in United States, Canada, the United force behind a New Age of Robber Barons, politicians including former U.S. Senator posed for a panoramic photo- the global assault on workers and their contract struggles. Kingdom and Ireland. The new organi- Wall Street and Bay Street financiers who John Edwards, our union’s first endorsed graph of the huge convention families. zation, Workers Uniting – the Global export jobs, gut health care coverage and rob candidate for president. Edwards urged dele- hall in Las Vegas. (See page 35 New Vice President Top among the achievements Union, is expected to attract other indus- us of pensions. gates to reject John McCain’s bid for a third for details on how to order a of a convention filled with Delegates also trial unions from other countries to its “Now is the time for us to go on the George Bush term and to support the pre- copy.) historic firsts was the sign- approved the creation membership. offensive,” Gerard said. “It’s time to take sumed Democratic nominee, Barack Obama. Delegates also stood in ing of an agreement to of a new executive “United in global solidar- back every job they’ve contracted out, every Obama, speaking to the convention by silence as they watched a video create the world’s first position of ity – three million strong job they’ve outsourced. It’s time to restore satellite feed, pledged support to labor and scroll of the names of our broth- global union to face International – we’ll be a force every right they’ve managed to diminish.” condemned the Bush administration for its ers and sisters killed on the job off against the unreg- Vice President at that global It’s time, he said, to challenge the new blatantly anti-worker values. since the last convention three ulated multinational Large, which corporations global system of finance and trade, to devel- In 2006, the USW’s activists helped years earlier. corporations that was filled, for and their op a trade agenda that is fair and to fight for Democrats take back the Congress with wins Rank-and-file speakers told of an Employee Free Choice Act that restores a in both the House and the Senate. Our work shop floor accidents and the life- worker’s right to choose a union and bargain helped to wipe out 22 Republican incum- long impact these losses have on with employers. bents in the House and eight more in the co-workers and family members. “Globalization has given financiers Senate. Heartfelt thanks were offered to license to exploit workers in developing If we help to elect Obama president, our Emergency Response Team countries at the expense of our members in Gerard predicted that, at some point next for their help with accident the developed world,” Gerard said. “Only year, we’ll be able to feel the world is finally investigations and aid to the fam- global solidarity among workers can over- changing, moving toward a better society for ilies of members injured or come this sort of exploitation wherever it our children. killed. occurs.” “This is no longer about us. This is about A fund-raising raffle of a Building the kind of power to prevail in the kind of future our generation wants to Harley Davidson motorcycle the global economy means fighting on more pass on,” Gerard told the delegates during owned by late International fronts than just bargaining. impromptu comments made on the conven- President George Becker raised “It means taking the fight wherever we tion’s last day. “We cannot fail. We cannot $350,000 to benefit the George must to protect our members and grow our falter. Your kids, your community and your Becker Leadership Development numbers,’’ Gerard said. “It means planet are counting on you.” Fund.

International President Leo W. Gerard addresses convention delegates. Photos by Steve Dietz

4 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 5 aying President Bush has been a them,’’ he said. “It’s not the Department people. Make no mistake about it. This disaster for workers and we can’t of Management; it’s the Department of election is about tearing down these let John McCain serve out his Labor, and we’re going to take it back.” walls and ending this war on working Sthird term, Democrat Barack Obama Obama said he would be a president people. asked for and received support from del- who “wakes up every day thinking “McCain with every fiber of his egates to the USW’s 2008 Constitutional about you, determined to make life bet- being will let that wall grow taller. It is Convention. ter for working people in this country.” our responsibility, our responsibility to Speaking to the convention by satel- He concluded by declaring that he our children, our responsibility to our lite broadcast, Obama said McCain, the and the Steelworkers share a common grandchildren, to take that wall down. presumptive Republican nominee, has vision for our nation; the belief that we Barack Obama will take it down. been in virtual lockstep with President rise and fall together, and that we must “Barack Obama understands this to Bush. seize this moment to build a better his core,” Edwards explained. “He’s “It’s not change,” Obama asserted, future for working people and all lived it. He knows what it’s like to fight “when John McCain decides to stand for Americans. for everything in his life. Sometimes George Bush 95 percent of the time as when times were tough, his mother he did last year. Edwards supports Obama needed food stamps to get by.” “Let me tell you what change is. It is Obama was introduced to the con- Edwards asked rhetorically, “Why understanding the struggles of working vention by former Senator John has this war on workers gone on for so people. It means giving the middle class Edwards of North Carolina, who long? It’s not an accident. It is by a tax cut and putting a college degree received the union’s first endorsement design. within reach,” he said. during the early stages of the primaries. “This is what happens when the “There’s a wall around Washington,” leader in the Oval Office doesn’t know a Supports right to unionize Edwards said. “The American people thing about how regular people go about Obama promised to support the are on the outside and on the inside are their lives. This is what happens when Employee Free Choice Act, which the big corporations, the lobbyists, and our leaders don’t respect and honor hard would help restore to workers the free- the special interests that want to protect work. This is what happens when corpo- dom to choose for themselves whether a broken system that works for them. rate profits come at the expense of peo- to join a union without employer inter- “Our job come January 2009 is to ple who work for a living every day.” ference. tear that wall down and give this It really is time for change. “Change is a president who wel- government back to the American comes you into the White House, who’s walked with you on that picket line, who doesn’t choke on the word ‘union’ and lets unions do what they do best and organize our workers,” he said. Following his speech, delegates adopted a resolution vowing to play a key role in electing Obama and a strong pro-labor majority in the House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Delegates pledged to turn out more than 10,000 union volunteers to help get workers to vote in the upcoming November election. Obama was again greeted with thun- dering applause when he said flatly: “This is the most anti-labor administra- tion in our memory.” He condemned President Bush’s call for an “ownership society,” declaring the president really meant: “You’re on your own. If you lose your job, tough luck, you’re on your own. If you lose your pension, tough luck, you’re on your own.” “They don’t believe in unions, they don’t believe in organizing, and they Barack Obama speaks to the padded the labor board with their corpo- convention by satellite feed. rate buddies. Well, we have news for Photo by Steve Dietz John Edwards endorses Barack Obama. 6 labor day 2008 • USW@Work Photo by Steve Dietz USW@Work • labor day 2008 7 boundaries and no national allegiance. Sending strong message “In the last 20 years more and more of the Gerard said the name of the new union, Workers global economy has moved beyond borders, Uniting – the Global Union, “sends a very strong message beyond loyalty to any country,” Gerard said. “So, that really we’re tired of taking it and we’re now putting if we don’t create an institution that can respond the tools in place to fight back.” he genesis of Workers Uniting came in April 2007 when to that, that carries loyalty to workers and to their The agreement was the first step in creating a structure the USW, Amicus, the largest manufacturing union in the dreams and aspirations, then we’ll get run over.” that can grow to accommodate the inclusion of other United Kingdom, and the U.K.’s Transport and General Globalization, he said, has given financiers unions around the globe. Unions from Australia, Eastern TWorkers’ Union (T&G), agreed to set up joint committees to license to exploit workers in developing countries Europe and Latin America have already expressed interest. move toward forming a global union. In May 2007, Amicus and at the expense of our members in the developed “It could well be the start of a much wider development T&G merged to form Unite. world. involving unions around the world because at the end of The USW and Unite will remain largely autonomous entities, “It’s well past time to challenge the power of the day that’s got to be the objective – how we fight back but the new organization will be directed by an umbrella leader- today’s global capitol – before it does any more against global capital, multinational global companies,” ship that will coordinate common policy and actions. damage to the lives of working people," Gerard Simpson said. Workers Uniting will be a fully functional and registered labor said. Gerard added: “We’re taking the steps to create the organization in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland Derek Simpson, general secretary of Unite the world’s first global response that can be action oriented and Canada, with the ability to fully represent all of the members t was an electric moment when more than 4,000 delegates Union (Amicus section), repeatedly brought dele- and I believe if we succeed, it will be like the Field of of its founding unions. It will be governed by a steering commit- and observers to the 2008 Constitutional Convention jumped gates to their feet with ringing denunciations of globalization. Dreams, others will come.” tee with equal membership from each participating union. to their feet and roundly applauded the birth of the world’s “Globalization is not a hurricane,’’ he declared. “It’s not a Recounting his own experience as an activist, steward An executive director will oversee an initial budget of several first truly international union. typhoon. It’s not a natural disaster. It’s a disaster forged in the and local officer, doing work that often puts trade union- million dollars, and a staff that includes research, international I board rooms to exploit the rest of us.” The applause grew to a roar as International President Leo ists “between the devil and the deep blue sea” trying affairs and communications specialists. W. Gerard and other International Officers signed an agreement Multinational companies have formidable political and eco- simultaneously to combat employers and satisfy members, Both participating unions have pledged to have Workers combining the USW, the largest private sector union in North nomic power and are able to play off one nation’s workers Simpson asked: “Why do we do it? Uniting "challenge exploitation anywhere in the global economy, America, with Unite the Union, the largest trade union in the against another to maximize profits, Simpson said. “It’s not just what’s in it for us. It’s what’s in it for us since it is fundamentally unjust and is destructive of decent living United Kingdom and Ireland. “They do the same with governments, hence the growing as workers, for us as a class. It isn’t for the money. You standards everywhere." The new union, Workers Uniting – the Global Union, will gap between the rich and the rest of us,’’ he said. “With this want to make a difference. You want to make things better Toward this end, the new union, in conjunction with the New initially draw on the energies of more than three million active agreement, we can finally begin the process of closing that for you, for your wife, your kids, and your grand kids. York-based National Labor Committee, is creating a Global and retired workers from the United States, Canada, Great gap.” “Make a difference,” he declared. “Workers Uniting!” Labor Rights Network that will have allied staff on the ground in Britain and the Republic of Ireland who work in virtually every He called the United States and the United Kingdom the Central America, the Middle East, Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa sector of the economy including manufacturing, service, mining “two most unregulated labor markets in the world, run by the and other regions. and transportation. most experienced capitalist exploiters that the world has ever Tony Woodley, general secretary of Unite's T&G section, said seen. Workers Uniting will "match our words with action and Confronting global capital “What we need to tackle is not the immigrants, it’s not the resources, utilizing our collective expertise and knowledge The rationale behind creating such a super union is the need Chinese workers,” he said. “What we have to fight are the through collective bargaining, organizing, global political action to confront out-of-control global capital. It’s more difficult than multinational companies that are using them to destroy our and international solidarity." ever for workers to take on multinational corporations with no lives.” Joint efforts underway During the past year while discussions about the creation of a new global union have been ongoing, the two unions have been The new alliance, you have to recognize, is a brand new initiative and a bold decision. It’s actively engaged in joint efforts to advance global union something that’s never been tried before. I think it’s important it’s being done now because activism, including: “when you look at the issues facing workers in the world today, the need for something like this • Extensive discussions about strategies that each of the has never been greater. The situation is deteriorating across the globe. Both unions are strong unions has adopted for saving manufacturing capacity in unions and I think it can make an impact on the way workers are treated. their respective countries. Rob Johnson • Joint collective bargaining efforts with common Dir ector of Steel and Non-Ferrous Metals, International Metalworkers Federation employers in the paper, chemical and titanium industries. ” • International solidarity projects, such as efforts to pro- Just imagine having a union that can speak on behalf of all workers around the world for the same tect the rights and safety of trade unionists in Colombia company. I dare to dream, but I would love to see Steelworkers in Australia, Brazil and Canada all and Mexico. negotiate the same contract at the same time. Imagine all of the power we would have as a union. • Participation by rank-and-file delegations of “ activists in each other's education, rapid response, Marc Ayotte health and safety, civil rights and women's con- Local Union 2020, Unit 13, District 6 ” ferences. • Exposure to the political processes in The company where I work has now gone global. It’s one of the biggest mining companies each other's countries, including Democratic in the world, so it’s certainly inspiring to know that we as a union have gone global. Party primaries in the United States and Leo W. Gerard and Derek Les Ellsworth Labour Party conferences in the United “ Simpson sign accord. Kingdom. Lo cal Union 6166, District 3 ” Photo by Steve Dietz

8 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 9 he appointment of Canadian activist Carol Landry as the first woman to serve on the USW’s TInternational Executive Board was met with wide acclaim from convention del- egates. “I think it’s a wonderful thing,’’ dele- gate Andrew Harkulich, of Local 1660 in District 10, said of Landry’s appoint- n one of the most important speeches their homes; if they care about creating “Nemacolin is a dying town. There are Trumka said Obama, as a Senator ment as the new International Vice of the 2008 presidential campaign, good jobs with clean energy, child care, no jobs here. Kids are moving away from Illinois, has voted with labor 98 President at Large. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer pay equity for women workers, there’s because there’s no future here. And percent of the time, is committed to “Our union’s going in different direc- IRichard Trumka challenged only one candidate who’s going to stand here’s a man, Barack Obama, who’s restoring the right to collective bargain- tions. We need young people. We need Steelworkers at the 2008 Constitutional up for their families, and his name is going to fight for people like us and you ing, and, when his career first started, women. We need people of color,” he Convention to reject the divisive politics Barack Obama.” won’t vote for him because of the color worked full time helping laid-off said. of race. Trumka experienced the effects of of his skin.” Steelworkers in Chicago. Kim Smith, an activist with Local “There’s no evil that has inflicted racism during the Pennsylvania primary Contrast that, Trumka said, with the Challenge racism 508 in District 9, said she is pleased that more pain and more suffering than when he went back home to Nemacolin, record of Republican John McCain, who Landry got her start in the union as an racism – and it’s something we in the a small mining community, to vote. Union activists, Trumka said, must be “helped pass the trade laws that resulted activist and officer of her local union at Carol Landry labor movement have a special responsi- A woman who was active in in the forefront of fighting against in laid-off steelworkers in Chicago” and a Canadian copper mine. Photo by Steve Dietz bility to challenge,’’ Trumka said in a Democratic politics when Trumka was efforts to divide working Americans has promised to promote more free trade “What makes it important to me is speech that moved a packed hall of dele- in grade school told him she couldn’t against themselves in this election. agreements if elected. she is rank and file,” Smith said of gates to rise, shout and applaud. bring herself to vote for Obama. She It’s our special responsibility to chal- Hanging by fingernails Landry. “So, she knows where we come In a fiery style of oratory he honed as went through a litany of excuses includ- lenge the use of racism as a dividing tac- from as women out there in the work president of the United Mine Workers of ing religion and patriotism before admit- tic, he said, because union members Income inequality – the gap between force. She’s going to be a voice for us at America, Trumka cautioned that trade ting the real reason was race. know better than anyone else how the rich and the rest of us – is at a level every level in the International.” unionists cannot afford to “tap dance “Look around,” racism is used to divide working people. unseen since the 1870s. Corporate prof- around the fact that there are a lot of Trumka told her. “We’ve seen how companies set its are surging. Worker productivity is Committed union activist folks out there” who may not vote for worker against worker – how they throw growing but wages are not, leaving A totally committed union activist, Democrat Barack Obama because he is whites a few extra crumbs off the table workers hanging by their fingernails. Landry held virtually every position in African-American. and how we all end up losing,’’ he “We see men and women who’ve Local 7619 at Highland Valley Copper “A lot of them are good union peo- said. “But we’ve seen some- spent their entire working lives doing – shop steward, treasurer, vice president mostly clerical workers with a separate ple,” he averred. “They just can’t get thing else too... when we exactly what they were supposed to. and president. She is battle-tested in wage scale lower than men, different job past this idea that there’s something cross that color line and Working hard. Bringing home a pay- tough strikes and bargaining situations. classifications and lines of career pro- ‘wrong’ with voting for a black man. stand together no one can check. Trying to put a little aside for Elizabeth Shymko, of Local 898 in gression. The new agreement contained “Well, those of us who know bet- keep us down.” their kids. Paying the mortgage. Hoping District 3, has watched Landry come up one wage scale and gave every worker ter can’t afford to look the other that, maybe someday, they could retire through the ranks of the union. the right to bid on all jobs. way,” he asserted, quoting 18th and move to Florida. “Every job that she took on, she did Standing firm “What do they do when their compa- century British political leader very well,” Shymko said. “She works A decade later, Landry led negotia- ny tanks? Or packs up and leaves? What Edmund Burke who said: “All hard. She has a tremendous amount of tions as the local union president and are they supposed to do for health insur- that is necessary for evil to tri- credibility and a lot of support.” stood firm against company demands ance if they’re too young for Medicare? umph is for good people to do While the promotion of a woman is a for massive concessions and a threat of How are they supposed to get by when nothing.” welcome sign of progress, International permanent closure. The contract she the pensions they were counting on are President Leo W. Gerard said Landry’s won tied wages to the price of copper, Union principles worth pennies on the dollar?” appointment is more a result of her dedi- producing five years of stellar wage and Trumka reminded delegates that Why then did the media criticize cation to the cause than her gender. pension increases for her co-workers. the Steel Workers Organizing Obama for saying that working people “While she will become the first Appointed to the USW’s Canadian Committee, the forerunner to our union, in America are angry? woman International USW officer, staff in 1999, Landry serviced more than was founded on the principle of organiz- “I don’t know about you,” Trumka Carol is becoming a vice president not 90 collective bargaining agreements in ing all workers without regard to race. told the delegates, “but I happen to think because of gender, but because of her the lower mainland of British Columbia He is aware, however, that there are that was one of the most honest things passion, skills and dedication to eco- and led negotiations in a variety of people who are committed to the labor I’ve heard a presidential candidate say in nomic and social justice for working industries. She has served as education movement but cautious about backing a a long time. people everywhere,” Gerard said. coordinator for the USW’s District 3 in person of color for president. “And come November we’re going to In 1989, when she was the only Western Canada. “I don’t think we should be pointing elect him President,” he concluded to woman on a 13-member bargaining Her international experience started fingers in people’s faces and calling thunderous applause. Then, “we’ll be committee, Landry helped lead a 107- with a local union exchange program them racist,” he cautioned. “Instead, we able to say that 2008 was the year we day strike that did away with inferior with miners in Chile. Today she sits on need to educate [working people] that if took our country back from the corpora- wages and opportunities for women. the board of directors of the they care about holding on to their jobs, tions and had a government that Richard Trumka addresses convention. Prior to that strike, women were International Metalworkers Federation. their health care, their pensions, and Photo by Steve Dietz believed in unions again!” 10 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 11 Delegates support union taxi drivers in Las Vegas. Photo by Steve Dietz

aking on the tough fights. Medical benefits emergency medical coverage for worker and Local 6346-25 delegate, Having the financial strength Emergency medical benefits for members and their families to avoid said her daughter, a former PACE to stand up to big, multina- members and their families will be catastrophic losses during strikes. member, was on strike two years ago. tionalT corporations. Being able to improved to provide coverage at a The fund also enables our “If it hadn’t been for the Strike take care of our brothers and sis- lower price with no deductibles and Strategic Campaign Department to and Defense Fund, a lot of them ters in their toughest times and no pre-existing medical condition better prepare the membership for would have been in dire straits as far having peace of mind because exclusions. contract campaigns, significantly as paying their bills. And (the fund) future generations of Steelworkers “We will show multinational increasing the likelihood of reaching strengthens our union when we help will be able to do the same. employers that they can’t push you or satisfactory settlements without work our brothers and sisters whenever These are just a few of the goals me or any of our members around,” stoppages. Its Building Power train- they are on strike,” Six said. accomplished when delegates at International President Leo W. ing programs helps to develop effec- Robert Lofton of Local 7-001 the USW’s 2008 Constitutional Gerard said. tive communication networks among agreed. He’s been through several Convention overwhelmingly Since its creation 40 years ago, the our membership and our allies as well strikes and said the fund is invalu- approved a resolution to bolster the Strike and Defense Fund has paid supporting effective public informa- able. Strike and Defense Fund. $1.1 billion to local unions to help tion and corporate campaigns against “Strikes are traumatic because A 3 cents-an-hour dues increase members during labor struggles. Over difficult employers. when you don’t have income and passed by a strong margin after the last decade, some 115,000 mem- you’re out there walking the picket Legal representation delegates from around the country bers have shared in more than $300 line you still have to pay your utili- stood in support of the proposal. million in For those who can’t legally strike, ties, your house note,” he said. “You “We have to fight the battles benefits. such as public sector employees, the have to have some sort of kitty and housands of USW members turned “We are coming together to show the that employers force upon us,’’ The constitutional change will fund helps to provide legal help for the only one we know is the Strike up the heat in Las Vegas to sup- membership what solidarity stands for,’’ said International Vice President raise dues by either fifteen- interest arbitration, mediation and and Defense Fund.” port union taxi-cab drivers who said T. Ruthie Jones, vice president of Fred Redmond, who chaired the hundredths of one percent (0.15 per- labor board hearings. It also pays for Richard Thomas, a District 9 staff haveT been working without a labor con- ITPE Local 4873, an affiliate of OPEIU. floor discussion. “We have no cent) of a member’s total monthly legal representation in lawsuits, representative, said delegates under- tract since late last year. “If we all stand together there are no option but to give our members on earnings, or, by local union option, including those that attempt to stood that it wasn’t a question of Waving placards and chanting “No losers, we are all winners.” the picket lines the resources they three cents per hour until Dec. 31, restrain our right to picket. whether members could afford to Justice, No Peace,” delegates lined Las About 2,200 ITPE members at need so employers will never be 2012, and thereafter 0.15 percent. “Even though we have a no-strike boost the fund. They couldn’t afford Vegas Boulevard outside the convention Yellow, Checker and Star Cabs have able to starve us out.” The vote came as strikes are get- clause, the Strike and Defense Fund not to do it. hall to show support for the 4,500 mem- been working without a new labor con- With the approval, the weekly ting harder and longer – an average is beneficial to us as it makes us a “It’s time to turn the tables and get ber Alliance for Taxi and Limousine tract since December. Their issues strike payments to locals will of 26 weeks. stronger union, a stronger local,” said a fair shake when you go into bar- Drivers in Las Vegas and to turn up the include livable wages, long hours and increase from the current maxi- The fund, created at a special con- Ilene Buzin, an LPN at a New Jersey gaining - to stop begging, and start pressure in stalled contract negotiations. targeted terminations of union drivers. mum of $115 per striker to $150. vention in 1968, provides locals with nursing home and delegate represent- bargaining for our benefits,” Thomas “We think it is vitally important that The USW represents 2,800 drivers in In two years, the benefit will rise weekly cash to be used to help mem- ing Local 10-1426. said. we show our brothers and sisters that we seven other cab companies with con- to a maximum of $200 per week. bers in time of need. It provides Cinda Six, an Indspec Chemical support them in getting a fair contract,” tracts expiring next year. said delegate Edwin Francis, of Local “Everybody has to have a good wage 8248 in District 9. so they can afford a family without hav- The alliance was formed in 2005 as a ing two or three jobs,’’ said Dario Llano, partnership between the USW and the of Local 2003 in District 7. Office and Professional Employees Working families visiting Las Vegas International Union (OPEIU) to build expect the corporate owners of these cab Secretary-Treasurer James D. English membership bargaining power with the companies to provide drivers a fair describes Strike and Defense Fund options. Photo by Steve Dietz numerous taxi companies that serve Las agreement with paycheck equity, Vegas. International President Leo W. Gerard The USW and OPEIU together repre- said. sent 4,500 drivers at 11 organized taxi “Driving a taxi is one of the most dan- companies. The goal of the alliance is to gerous jobs in America,’’ Gerard said. organize another 3,000 drivers who work “They deserve a decent contract with for six non-union companies. decent pay and decent benefits.” 12 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 13 When he was 11 years old and grow- won the Reebok Human Rights Award ing up in an African slum, Samuel Kofi and received the Pope's human rights Woods organized other children into an medal. association to clean up their neighbor- Today, Woods is working for justice Liberian union leaders react to applause from convention delegates. plantation are running their own union On one of his first visits to Liberia hood. inside Liberia’s establishment as Labor Photo by Steve Dietz for the first time in 82 years. to conduct training and other support “I was challenged by the conditions Minister in the government of Liberian International Vice President Fred activities, the USW’s Mike Zielinski around me,” Woods recalled. “I lived in President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Redmond, who supported the plantation said a plantation manager erupted in a zinc shack. When it rained, the water Africa’s first female president. workers in their struggle to gain a union, a string of curses when he found out would come into it. The mosquitoes As Minister of Labor, Woods snuck called the men and women he met in the USW was there to assist the plan- would swarm up. It was a ghetto.” into the Firestone rubber plantation in Liberia “some of the bravest people I tation workers – a display that only Organizing the Logantown Youth Liberia to document the company’s have ever known.” raised the union’s stature in the eyes Development Association cleanup was abuses against workers. He accompa- Workers on the plantation typically of the plantation employees. the start of a distinguished career as a nied union leaders from Liberia to the work from dawn to dusk tapping trees Workers have already begun to Liberian human rights activist, journal- USW convention in Las Vegas. for latex, which they carry in two 70- see positive gains. Redmond said the ist, politician and academic. Woods called the establishment of pound buckets yoked to their shoulders. USW is proud to have contributed to Over the years, as a student and later the Firestone Agricultural Workers In order to meet steep daily quotas, chil- the establishment of a democratic full-time activist, Woods’ crusade for Union of Liberia (FAWUL) a landmark dren are often conscripted to help their union in Liberia. human rights put him at odds with bru- achievement for his country and the parents. After a year of recognition battles tal dictators and led to repeated arrests USW, which is supporting the workers. To gain an independent voice on the and four months of intense negotia- and forced exile from his homeland. “It is a remarkable success because job, plantation workers staged several tions, the Liberian rubber workers In 1994, Woods founded the now we have an African workers union strikes, which succeeded in getting the union achieved a landmark tentative Forefront Organization, which docu- that has visibility and a big partner- government of Liberia to require new agreement with Firestone manage- mented many human rights abuses dur- ship,’’ he said. “It is a practical achieve- ne of the most moving the outpouring of support. elections at the plantation. During the ment. ing the Second Liberian Civil War. He ment, a response to globalization.” moments of the 2008 Winning the award gives hope to all strikes, workers were intimidated and The agreement reached in late Constitutional Convention Liberian workers, said Austin Natee, beaten. Several, tragically, were killed. July reduces the daily quota of rubber came when the AFL-CIO awarded its president of the Firestone Agricultural trees a worker must tap by 20 per- O Election ruled legitimate 2007 George Meany-Lane Kirkland Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL). cent, or 150 trees, and provides Human Rights Award to the Firestone “From here to Africa is 5,000 miles,” Last December, in a huge victory for mechanized transportation to weigh Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia. he said. “For you to care about workers the union, the Liberian Supreme Court stations, eliminating the need for ruled that a July election that threw out workers to carry the latex long dis- Samuel Kofi Woods at the convention. The convention’s 4,500 delegates and on a farm so many miles away is amaz- Photo by Steve Dietz observers rose to their feet and gave a ing. We will take the message back to officials of the long time company-con- tances in heavy metal buckets bal- sustained standing ovation to a small workers that we are not alone.” trolled union was a legitimate election. anced on their shoulders. group of Liberian leaders who brought a The convention again erupted in The USW, which represents some The agreement includes a 24 per- Democratically-elected labor union to applause when the Liberians said 5,000 Bridgestone-Firestone workers in cent wage increase for rubber tappers more than 4,000 workers at the solidarity is a two-way street and that the United States, did not take sides in and a 21 percent increase for all other Firestone Rubber Plantation, Liberia’s they would take collective action, if ever the election but took up gate collections workers, with the increases retroac- largest employer. necessary, to support their brothers and to support the Liberian workers. tive to January 2007. The agreement The Liberians, who were among a sisters at tire factories in the United Redmond, along with USW staff and must be ratified by the membership large contingent of 77 international States and Canada. local union volunteers, traveled to of the Firestone Agricultural Workers guests from more than 20 countries Thanks to help from the USW and Liberia to offer assistance. Union- Union of Liberia (FAWUL) and sub- attending the convention, appeared to be the AFL-CIO’s Solidarity Center, the building training was conducted for mitted to the Ministry of Labor stunned by the attention and grateful for 4,000 workers at Liberia’s largest rubber FAWUL leadership and shop stewards. before it becomes official.

mineworkers union, expressed his deep- deadly explosion. Their bodies were left “We have resisted them all, because est gratitude to the USW for our demand behind. we have committed no crime,” he said. that he be returned to his legitimate role In his address, Gomez said that fol- Noting that some 2,000 of his mem- as the elected president of his union. lowing his remarks about the explosion, bers have been on strike for nearly a Gomez was illegally removed from the union’s financial accounts were year at Grupo Mexico’s Cananea mine, office more than three years ago on frozen. The government assassinated, Gomez asked the USW to support the trumped up charges after accusing the kidnapped and beat union members. Mexican miners morally and financially. government of colluding with Grupo Gomez, who is being given asylum International President Leo W. n the same day the agreement hand how our international solidarity can Mexico in committing what he called by the USW in Vancouver, Canada, Gerard said he would ask a number of was signed to create the new make a difference. “industrial homicide,” after it shut down called the assault on his union “one of global labor organizations, as well as global union, delegates to the Napoleon Urrutia Gomez, president of a mine only six days after 65 miners the worst political persecutions and USW members, each to adopt one fami- OConstitutional Convention heard first the Los Mineros, the Mexican steel and were trapped below ground following a abuses of powers. ly until the strike is won. 14 labor day 2008 • USW@Work Napoleon Urrutia Gomez expresses gratitude to the USW. USW@Work • labor day 2008 15 Photo by Steve Dietz elegates to the 2008 olution renewing the union’s commit- Fair trade standards Constitutional Convention voted ment to reforming a system that has left Delegates pledged the union would to play a key role in electing millions of Americans with no health continue to advocate for fair trade stan- Barack Obama as president of the care coverage and no access to neces- hen John Edwards made a the real problems in the toxic trade crisis, Web presence while also using the latest D dards around the world that include pro- United States and vowed to lead the sary prescription drugs. surprise appearance at the he blogged about it. The blog was quick- technology to help spread our message – tections for human rights, labor rights fight for a publicly funded health care In the same resolution, delegates also 2008 USW Constitutional ly picked up by other Web sites, spread- tools such as blogging, photo slideshows, and environmental values with the goal plan that would cover all Americans. vowed to lead the fight in Canada to Convention, members around the world ing the union’s important point of view. videos and RSS feeds showcasing the of reducing the incentives corporations W Over the four days of the convention, maintain and expand its public health were able to watch live on Our new site, designed and developed latest news important to working families have to move production to countries delegates debated and passed resolutions care system, which is now under attack. www.usw.org. by Chicago-based Articulated Man and and much more. where labor standards are the lowest. on a wide variety of topics that essen- Following a video presentation listing When the Steelworkers lost a brother the USW Communications staff, brings A hallmark of the new site is interac- Challenges, goals for the future tially reflect the union’s challenges and in an unfortunate workplace accident ear- the United Steelworkers into the age of tivity. It invites members and others to more than 135 USW members who goals for the future. In one key resolution, the USW lier this summer, the union was able to Web 2.0. That’s the term used to become involved and to help us tell the have been killed on the job since the last Their work touched on important renewed its commitment to fight for let the world know by posting an imme- describe the latest online tools that USW story. Social networking sites such convention in 2005, delegates approved public issues of fair trade, the embattled passage of the Employee Free Choice diate tribute online. engage Internet users and help communi- as Facebook, myspace and flickr are a resolution pledging to campaign and right to join a labor union, health and Act (EFCA) in the United States and to When International President Leo W. cate quickly and effectively. some examples, all of which can be easi- vote for political candidates who support safety, the 2008 elections and building preserve laws in Canada that facilitate Gerard had something to say about a The redesigned www.usw.org stream- ly reached by clicking on the appropriate the cause of health and safety and who worker power for bargaining and politi- organizing and collective bargaining. Bush administration gathering of lobby- lines and enhances the union’s icon on the home page. In the members will insist that government agencies cal action. The delegates vowed to engage all ists who have ignored section, accessed at the very top of the serve the best interests of workers. Delegates committed all of the members of the union to work for pas- home page, you’ll find instructions on Delegates vowed to oppose corporate USW’s locals to participating in the sage of EFCA, which would, among how to use these exciting tools. and legislative efforts that weaken occu- election through member-to-member other things, require employers to recog- Another popular feature is the multi- pational health and safety laws, regula- walks, phone banks, work-site leafleting nize unions if a majority of employees media section, where videos, podcasts, tion and enforcement and work for pas- and other communication efforts. sign authorization cards. back issues of USW@Work and other sage of legislation to better protect Recognizing that Republican candi- In addition, they voted to refuse to information are showcased. workers on the job. date John McCain would continue the endorse any candidate for public office In addition, the union plans to contin- failed economic policies of the Bush who does not support EFCA or any can- ue its efforts to negotiate new language administration, delegates voted for the didate who supports right-to-work legis- and improve existing language in collec- USW to lead the labor movement’s lation. tive bargaining agreements, including efforts to get out the vote among work- On trade, the union reaffirmed its the right to refuse unsafe work, immedi- ing Americans, including turning out commitment to leading the fight against ate arbitration of health and safety dis- over 10,000 union volunteers. the unfair trade policies and agreements putes and an increased role for union Declaring that the U.S. health care that have harmed workers in North health and safety committees. system is broken, delegates passed a res- America and around the globe. Photos by Scott Weaver

Delegates during an open-mike session at the 2008 Constitutional Convention. Photo by Steve Dietz

SW members can now receive updates The program, first announced at the USW anytime, anyplace with a new program 2008 Convention, has a survey feature that that sends notifications directly to cell allows the USW political team to better under- Uphones. stand members’ concerns. These survey/polling The Mobile Activist Corps, also known as features can be used at district meetings and MAC, will send text message alerts no more than other events. twice a month to participating members, inform- Faster than e-mail and telephone, the text ing them of news and events that are related to messaging program is available for all areas of local and state politicians. the United States and Canada. To gain access to A text message could, for example, the latest USW news via cell phone, text your alert members about a political campaign state abbreviation and name (example NY Joe event if it is close to his or her area. Smith) to 412-427-8430.

16 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 17 he United Steelworkers Press Pasholk Wins McCartney Award Association closed its 22nd Biennial The USPA presented the 2008 Howard Conference with an awards presenta- J. McCartney Award to Shirley Pasholk of Ttion honoring the best work of local union Local 979 in Cleveland, Ohio, for her newsletter editors, webmasters and com- work in encouraging and inspiring mem- municators. bers and activists. Highlights were presentations of awards Pasholk, a Steelworker for 32 years, is a oeing has received a second contracting rules to give this illegally “The economic impact of this con- honoring Raymond W. Pasnick, the former tireless and dedicated local union leader chance to win a controversial $35 subsidized foreign company unfair tract on employment and job growth USW public relations director who con- and an important voice in District 1. She is billion military contract to build advantages, handing it a plum U.S. should be a major consideration in the vened the first USPA conference, and the local union recording secretary, chair- Bthe next generation of aerial refueling defense contract funded by American U.S., as it would be for any country con- Michael R. Enos, the union’s first Web person of the local’s Women of Steel com- tankers that had been awarded in taxpayers, and outsourcing 44,000 good templating a contract of this magnitude,” designer. mittee and editor of the local’s member- February to a consortium led by the manufacturing jobs in the process, is Scott said. The Pasnick award is presented for edi- ship publication, “She’s 100 percent union European parent of Airbus. beyond any American’s comprehen- Boeing, a U.S. company that has torial excellence in three circulation cate- and 100 percent committed to our mem- The earlier decision to award the con- sion,’’ said Paul Shearon, secretary trea- supplied the Air Force with refueling Tenpenny gories. bers and their families,’’ said Dan Boone, tract to the European Aeronautic surer of the International Federation of tankers for nearly 50 years, filed a for- The Steeldrum, published by Local the local’s vice president. Defence and Space Co. (EADS) and Professional & Technical Engineers mal protest with the Government 1998 in District 6, won the Pasnick award Howard McCartney, one of the first Northrop Grumman led to widespread (IFPTE). Accountability Office (GAO). The GAO for publications with circulation over journalists employed by the Steel Workers calls for congressional action on behalf The IFPTE, which is engaged in a found that the Air Force’s decision- 2,000. The Warren Steelworker, published Organizing Committee (SWOC), played a of many American workers whose jobs political alliance with the USW, the making process was flawed and said the by Local 1375 in District 1, won for the key role in the advancement of labor jour- at Boeing were put in jeopardy. United Auto Workers and the Com- tanker contract should be reopened. 1,000 to 2,000 circulation category. The nalism and in helping develop local union In July, Defense Secretary Robert M. munications Workers of America, repre- Pasnick award for circulations less than publications. Gates said the contract bidding would be sents more than 20,000 Boeing workers. Air Force rebuked 1,000 went to 3657 Borders to Borders, reopened, giving Boeing and its U.S. McCain, a proponent of free trade Gates’ announcement was a rebuke of published by Local 3657 in District 10. Tenpenny Re-elected work force a chance to wrest back the agreements, was seen by many as favor- the Air Force. He said a special commit- Local 3657 also won the Michael Enos Delegates to the USPA Conference re- business from the EADS-led group. ing a European company over an tee operating out of his office and head- Award for its Web site, elected Van Tenpenny from Local 1155L Hanging in the balance are 44,000 American firm. That impression was bol- ed by the Pentagon Acquisitions www.uswlocal3657.org. The award recog- in District 9 to a second term as the associ- American jobs that could be outsourced stered by the fact that several of his top Undersecretary John J. Young Jr., would nizes outstanding achievement in local ation’s president. The three-day conference if the work goes to the EADS consor- campaign advisers had worked as lobby- make the final contract selection, not the union Web site design. is held every two years to provide training tium. The contract is the largest ever to ists for Airbus. Air Force. Visit www. uspainfonet.org for more to USPA and USW members who wish to be awarded by the Air Force and could In letters to Undersecretary of “I’ve concluded that the contract can- information on other awards and the enhance their communication skills. grow to $100 billion over time. Defense Gordon England and Secretary not be awarded at present,’’ said Gates, United Steelworkers Press Association. Guest speakers at this year’s conference of Defense Gates, McCain also pushed who cited “significant issues” outlined in included Robert Borosage, president of the McCain a central player the GAO study. Pasholk Institute for Americas Future; Celinda for modifications and exemptions to the One of the central players in the contract that allowed EADS to bypass In its first phase alone, the contract Lake, president of Lake Research Partners; tanker contract is Senator John McCain, would provide for 179 aerial refueling Michael Byrne, senior advisor for Tricom restrictions that prevent domestic compa- the presumptive Republican presidential nies including Boeing from selling mili- tankers to replace the Air Force’s aging Associates and Charles Kernaghan, execu- nominee. Several years ago McCain fleet. The fleet, which includes some tive director of the National Labor tary technologies like missile defense stopped the contract from being granted systems to enemy states such as Iran. Eisenhower-era planes, is currently Committee. to Boeing after the terms of a tanker strained by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. “This year the delegates presented us lease arrangement between the Air Force We need every job “Buy America” sentiment fueled out- with a mandate to improve services for and Boeing were publicized. “Especially now, with the economy in rage in Congress at the initial selection local union communicators,” Tenpenny Under pressure from McCain, the Air a slowdown, we need every good job we of Airbus. But that was tempered by a said. “The goals they have set may be Force made changes to the original can get, and these are very good jobs,’’ fierce political battle on behalf of the tough to meet but we’re confident this request for proposal that allowed EADS said Robert Scott, an economist with the European supplier by delegations from executive board will be able to provide it.” to use billions in anti-competitive subsi- Economic Policy Institute, a Washington Alabama and Mississippi, where EADS Tenpenny and the six elected communi- dies from the European Union to finance think tank. promised to do final assembly on planes cation coordinators will work to provide the development of their tanker aircraft. Scott analyzed the employment that would mostly be built in Europe. tools and training to the 800 editors, web- The U.S. Trade Representative has impact of the two proposals and con- The Pentagon will not reopen the masters and communicators. filed the largest lawsuit ever before the cluded that awarding the contract to entire contracting process, but will focus World Trade Organization, claiming the Boeing would generate at least twice as on eight problem areas cited in the 2008 USPA Executive Board (l-r) Jason Miller, Ucinda Sims, PC Choo, Andrew Harkulich, Jim subsidies violate international trade laws. much job growth in the United States as G.A.O. report. Gates said the final deci- Coleman, Van Tenpenny, Tim Sweeney, Jeff Fuhrer “Why the Air Force changed its own the EADS proposal. sion might be made by December. 18 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 19 creating them. Inflation and unemploy- Inflation, fueled by gas prices that have jumped 35 percent ment are rising. Consumer confidence in the past year, rose 1.1 percent in June, a rate seen by some and the stock market are falling. experts as threatening the stability of the U.S. economy. The Labor Department’s Consumer Price Index, the government’s The issue of economics In step with Bush primary inflation yardstick, has risen five percent, the largest The president and the policies that annual increase since May 1991. is something that I’ve put us in this economic pre-cession – Inflation, of course, bites into wages, which for the bottom since the experts refuse to call it a 80 percent of the blue collar work force grew at only 3.4 per- “ recession – have been supported 100 cent since January of 2006. really never understood percent this year by Republican pre- Bush’s solution for difficult economic times was to sustain sumptive nominee Sen. John his tax breaks for the rich. McCain, who initially opposed as well as I should. McCain. Last year, according to a those breaks, changed his mind, supported them, and now John McCain Congressional Quarterly voting wants to make permanent cuts in taxes for the richest study, this candidate who wants to Americans while millions of other Americans face foreclosure, Sen. McCain does not support this plan. And that’s interest- frame himself as a “maverick” unemployment and lack of health insurance. ing because another of McCain’s economic advisers, Mark” voted in lock step with the president In addition, McCain wants to cut corporate taxes. Those Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Economy.com., deter- 95 percent of the time. that would benefit include oil companies making windfall mined it is fiscally sound. Earlier this year, Zandi wrote a McCain, without a doubt, served profits on historic gas prices and the banks that the Federal paper that concluded that increasing infrastructure spending – this country valiantly 40 years ago Reserve says engaged in “deceptive mortgage lending prac- like the $10 billion Obama is proposing for the states – would as a Navy pilot in Vietnam. But tices.” generate roughly four times as much economic growth as he’s the first to admit he’s no For regular Americans, McCain has something significantly McCain’s proposals – cutting corporate taxes or instituting expert on the economy. This is the less valuable in mind: a holiday from federal gas taxes from those tax cuts for the rich. way he put it last December: “The Memorial Day to Labor Day. For the average driver it adds up “Everyone agrees that we need jobs, and everyone also issue of economics is something to $30. agrees that infrastructure is one of our most pressing needs,” that I’ve really never understood For years, McCain has depended on former Senator Phil Zandi told The New York Times in July. “If we can combine as well as I should.” Gramm of Texas for economic advice. Gramm, who left the stimulus with infrastructure, I think that’s great.” And that’s The question every working Senate to become a vice president of the Swiss bank UBS, McCain’s fiscal advisor talking. Too bad the Republican is not American must ask then is this: served as co-chairman of McCain’s presidential campaign listening. Can we afford John McCain as until resigning in mid-July after a series of remarks about the president for the next four years? troubled economy being nothing but a “mental recession.” The economic legacy Bush McCain tried to disavow these remarks. But he never said will leave will be daunting. The that he would throw out the economic plans Gramm outlined news this summer provided for his campaign. The multimillionaire banker was the princi- some disquieting examples. pal author of the 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which broke Frightened depositors lined up down the walls among banking, insurance and securities, leav- for days in July around ing them largely unregulated and, many believe, setting the IndyMac Bankcorp in stage for the subprime mortgage crisis, among other banking Pasadena, Calif., trying to withdraw fiascos. their savings after the second largest bank failure in U.S. histo- ry. Bush’s Treasury secretary and Federal Reserve chairman Stimulate the economy ince George W. Bush is a Ronald Reagan devotee, it scrambled over a weekend to recommend to Congress a $25 By contrast, Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive seems fair to ask the question “The Gipper” did during billion rescue package for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, insti- Democratic nominee, does not support the gas tax holiday, the 1980 presidential election: Are you better off today tutions that own or guarantee nearly half of the nation’s $12 extension of the tax breaks for the rich or corporate tax breaks. Sthan you were four years ago? trillion in outstanding mortgages. Instead, his proposals for stimulating the economy include a How about eight years ago, when George W. Bush took $50 billion package with $30 billion in tax rebates for the mid- over? Remember those halcyon days, when Democrat Bill Home evictions soar dle class and the poor, $10 billion to help families stave off the Clinton was leaving office, giving Bush a budget surplus to On a more personal level, tens of thousands of families con- loss of their homes to foreclosure and $10 billion in aid to play with, unemployment at a record low, job creation at record tinued to face foreclosure or eviction because of the subprime states. The state money could finance infrastructure projects high, the Dow Jones Industrial Average booming? mortgage crisis. Only in July did the Federal Reserve adopt that would create new jobs, and thus further stimulate the In Bush’s two terms, he has converted that surplus into a regulations to bar abusive and deceptive mortgage lending economy. record deficit. His administration destroyed jobs instead of practices.

20 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 21 teelmaking is hazardous no matter for Local 6787 in Burns Harbor, Ind. gloves and safety glasses. The company where it is done. Yet safety equip- “Some places have never had any input claims that they buy them but some of ment and standards for workers from the work force, the hourly people, these countries are so crooked that they Swho put their lives on the line vary wide- and now that’s going to happen.” get sold on the black market or stolen ly even within a single employer like before they get to the employees.” ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel- Rank-and-file representation The need for the agreement was clear- maker. Hargrove, Long and Crowder repre- ly articulated last year in Montreal during he USW and trade union federa- agreement into a reality,’’ Arouca, vice president of labor relations “The work is dangerous everywhere,’’ sented USW rank-and-file leadership in the first ArcelorMittal World Conference, tions representing workers around Peter Scherrer, the EMF’s general secre- for ArcelorMittal USA. said Al Long, the USW’s representative negotiating the agreement, which estab- hosted by the USW and the IMF at the globe have signed a unique tary, said. “Social dialogue and mutual Mittal, the owner and president of on ArcelorMittal’s U.S. safety program. lishes minimum safety standards and joint International President Leo W. Gerard’s Tagreement with ArcelorMittal to respect are the foundations to any suc- ArcelorMittal, said the agreement will “The equipment is big and hot metal is safety committees at ArcelorMittal facili- urging. improve health and safety conditions at cessful initiative and this agreement build on work already underway with explosive. When something happens, it’s ties worldwide. the world’s largest steel company. contains those principles.” the company’s union partners to never nice, it’s never pretty.” “We are really proud to be part of this Complainers are fired A first in the international steel Signing ceremonies were held simul- improve safety conditions. Union officers from dozens of loca- industry, the agreement recognizes the taneously on June 3 at locations around “Health and safety is our number one tions discussed safety conditions at their vital role trade unions play in improving the world. Gerard signed the internation- priority and in signing this agreement respective plants including a representa- safety and health conditions for workers al agreement in Washington D.C. with we hope to set a new benchmark for the tive from Macedonia, who decried the on the job. “Signing this agreement CEO Lakshmi N. Mittal sitting in industry,’’ Mittal said. lack of minimum standards around the should act as a signal to other compa- Luxembourg, where ArcelorMittal is The agreement had its origins at a world. When workers in his Balkan coun- nies in the industry that unions are the based. Other signatories included EMF 2007 global conference in Montreal, try complain, he said, they are fired. solution to health and safety concerns, Deputy General Secretary Bart Samyn Canada, that was organized by Gerard In 2006, the most recent year for not the cause,’’ said International and Rob Johnston, the IMF’s director of and hosted jointly by the USW and the which data is available, there were 5,480 President Leo W. Gerard. Steel, Shipbuilding, Non-ferrous Metals, International Metalworkers’ Federation. fatal workplace injuries in the United “Health and safety is the single most and Health and Safety. At that conference, participating States. Each year, 30 USW members on important issue for workers,” Gerard The agreement signals labor’s com- unions from the United States, Canada average die at work while trying to make added. “It is satisfying that we have mitment to make a meaningful impact and 21 other countries committed to a a living. Last year’s preliminary count delivered this approach in the world’s on the health and safety standards at joint program of education and training was 42. number one steel company.” ArcelorMittal, said Marcello to raise health and safety standards The reasons vary, but there’s no dis- The agreement’s unprecedented pro- Malentacchi, the IMF’s general secre- throughout the company. pute that fewer workers are putting in visions include the establishment of uni- tary. Created in 2006 through the merger more hours and longer shifts in a relent- versal minimum safety standards at “The success or failure of the agree- of Mittal Steel and Arcelor, the compa- less push for higher productivity. every site the company operates. ment will depend on our continuing ny reported revenues last year of $105.2 “The truth of the matter is as much as ArcelorMittal employs 310,000 people efforts to achieve our goal of every billion. Its crude steel production totaled we try, we still have problems,” Long in more than 60 countries around the worker, whatever their position in the 116 million tons, or about 10 percent of added. “Safety is an everyday thing, 24/7, world. company, returning home safely at the the world output. and you can’t let up. Accidents happen in end of each day,” he said. “ArcelorMittal is one of the world’s Safety measures standardized a split second.” The agreement covering North most profitable steel companies,’’ It took less than a year to complete the Many safety improvement measures American operations was signed in Gerard said, “but the true test of any negotiations and get approvals from the are standardized in the agreement, Pittsburgh by District 1 Director David great company is not only on the bal- participating unions including IMF and including the establishment of joint McCall, who leads the union’s bargain- ance sheet but the way it treats its Long and fellow union activists Tom because raising the standards around the EMF sections and chapters in Europe. management and union health and safe- ing with the company, and Dennis workers.” Hargrove and Sherman Crowder have world will help ensure that our standards The next big task is setting up safety ty committees at each individual plant. seen ArcelorMittal plants around the here are kept,’’ said Hargrove, president committees at both the local and interna- A global joint management and world where workers do their jobs with- of Local 1010 in South Chicago. tional levels and making the agreement union health and safety committee will out the safety protections typically taken Crowder, contract coordinator for work to the benefit of the company’s target plants in the group for dramatic for granted in the United States and some Local 979 in Cleveland, Ohio, saw the employees. A grievance procedure was improvement. Training and education European countries. need for standards during visits to facili- included to deal with problems. programs will be introduced to immedi- That should change with implementa- ties in North America, South America, Long gave credit to Gerard for being ately address current health and safety tion of an unprecedented international Europe and Africa. the catalyst behind the precedent-setting issues in North America and elsewhere. safety agreement negotiated with In Mexico, Crowder said employees agreement and he acknowledged the In addition to the 850,000-member ArcelorMittal by the USW and two inter- had trouble getting safety glasses, respira- involvement of company CEO Lakshmi USW, the agreement was signed by the national labor organizations – the tors and other basics. Coke plant contrac- Mittal. European Metalworkers’ Federation International Metalworkers Federation tors wore short sleeve shirts and had even “Mittal came into the meeting in (EMF), an umbrella organization of 72 (IMF) and the European Metalworkers less protective equipment than regular Montreal, took the tough questions, said unions with 6.5 million members, and Federation (EMF). employees. he was going to do this and held to it,” the International Metalworkers’ “It’s really about giving the workers on “Romania was pretty bad, Macedonia Long said. “I don’t know how many Federation (IMF), a 25 million-member the floor a voice in safety issues,” said too. Poland was decent,” said Crowder. “I CEOs around the world would do that. So federation of more than 200 unions in Long, who is also the contract coordinator couldn’t believe the difficulty in getting give him credit, too.” 100 countries worldwide. “We look forward to turning this (right to left sitting) Jerry Fernandez, Tom Hargrove, Al Long, David McCall of the USW, and Dennis Arouca of ArcelorMittal (right to left standing) Sherman Crowder and Jim Frederick of the USW; Jim Michaud and Bill Boehler of ArcelorMittal International President Leo W. Gerard signs safety agreement 22 labor day 2008 • USW@Work with Lakshmi N. Mittal, shown in monitor from Luxembourg. USW@Work • labor day 2008 23 Page One Photo The USW and many local politicians the bankruptcy that began in 2005 Now that Grupo Mexico is seeking to are, however, supporting an alternative when ASARCO was sued over regain control of ASARCO, the USW has acquisition bid by Sterlite Industries, one environmental cleanup and asbestos released a report and created a web page of India’s largest mining companies and claims. to educate the public about Grupo Mexico a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources PLC. When ASARCO was controlled by and the potential impact on workers and The AFL-CIO urged the Justice Grupo Mexico, the company unilaterally their communities in the United States Department and attorneys general from cut health care benefits for hundreds of were Grupo Mexico to succeed. 22 states to select the Vedanta Resources retirees, imposing changes which caused For more information visit: bid over Grupo Mexico. “There are two substantial hardship for many hard- www.therecordspeaksforitself.com competing business plans to bring copper working people who had given the com- company ASARCO out of bankruptcy, pany long and loyal service. but only one of them serves the interest ASARCO also halted disability bene- of the company’s many employees and fits for over 100 current and former their families,’’ said AFL-CIO President employees, threatening their eligibility for orkers and state politicians in copper producer’s locations in Arizona in John Sweeney. continued health care benefits. copper mining regions are July in response to visits by representa- Headquartered in London, Vedanta In addition, Grupo Mexico stripped urging a federal bankruptcy tives of Grupo Mexico. Resources is a diversified and integrated ASARCO of its most valuable assets in Arizona State Rep. Pete courtW to reject efforts by Grupo Mexico to For the six years that Grupo Mexico metals and mining group with its princi- order to favor other Grupo Mexico mines Rios was among a group of reacquire the U.S. company ASARCO. controlled ASARCO beginning in 1999 pal operations located in India. in other countries and starved ASARCO local legislators who com- “We don’t want Grupo back,’’ said through 2005, labor relations were Sterlite and the USW have agreed on of the cash needed to maintain equipment plained that Grupo Mexcio Celestino Flores, who has worked at marked by almost constant strife. a three-year contract extension should the like haul trucks that were essential to con- failed to pay its taxes when it ASARCO’s Ray mine near Kearny, Grupo Mexico, pushed aside during company succeed in its $2.6 billion bid tinued operations. operated ASARCO. Ariz., for some 30 years. “It’s not good the bankruptcy process, is seeking to for the bankrupt copper producer. The USW-represented copper miners “I clearly know Grupo Mexico,” Rios for the company. It’s not good for the regain control of ASARCO by A July ruling by the bankruptcy court had no choice but to strike the company in told reporters. “I don’t want them back in workers, and it’s not good for Arizona.” submitting to the bankruptcy court its allows Sterlite and Grupo Mexico to 2005. They returned to work after the court the community. I would rather take my Workers demonstrated at four of the own plan to reorganize the business. compete against one another to resolve removed Grupo Mexico from control. chances with an unknown commodity.

“They have gone as much as 12 days have contacted each miner’s spouse to without running water and are forced to explain the importance of not pressuring collect water sometimes as early as 4:30 their partner to return to work. Their a.m. Then the water is cut off,” said many other actions included distributing Local 1010 member Rosa Maria informational flyers to the entire town, Rodriguez. shutting down the schools with teacher Grupo Mexico closed the Ronquillo support and taking their message to local trong. Courageous. Focused. Articulate. “As I sat there and listened to the hospital in Cananea on May 10, leaving radio stations, neighboring communities Passionate. many stories and struggles these women the miners, retirees and their families and even to the United States. without health care. In 1999, the com- This is how Women of Steel members have gone through to support their loved Future activities Sdescribed the women of Cananea, Mexico who are ones and the cause they strongly believe pany stopped funding a clinic that the The Women of Steel committed to supporting their men – miners who have been on in, I realized that we were talking to workers built even though their contract getting the word out about the miners’ strike for one year at a Grupo Mexico copper very strong women,” said District 12 required the company to pay its costs. struggle. At the convention, members mine. Women of Steel Coordinator Rosie The Cananean women have also sold T-shirts and buttons to raise funds At press time, Grupo Mexico, the world’s third- Gonzalez. received verbal threats. and asked delegates to sign a petition of largest copper producer, was in bankruptcy court When Martha Villeda, an El Salvador “There was talk of the ‘policia’ com- support for the miners. trying to regain control of the U.S. company native and Local 8694 member in ing into homes to intimidate and threaten “Coming back just left me with a ASARCO, where the USW represents workers in Canada’s District 6, asked what could them while helicopters shined their deep feeling of responsibility toward Arizona and Texas. they do to help, a woman stood up and lights into their windows,” Rodriguez these people that motivates me to contin- Women of Steel representatives from Districts said, “All we really want is for you to said. ue bringing this message to our local 4, 6, 7 and 12 traveled across the border in May to tell the world what is happening in Frente Femenil Cananense union meetings, Internet friends and by support the strikers and meet the women who have Cananea, what they’re doing to us. Tell The Cananea women organized writing letters,” said Local 1210 member taken the lead in providing support to the strike. them we need our jobs back. These peo- Frente Femenil Cananense, the Cananea Maria Moreno. The miners began their strike July 30, 2007 ple are killing us slowly.” Women’s Front, in response to violence Added Gonzalez: “Even though there over poor health and safety conditions, the survival Intimidation tactics perpetrated by 1,000 police and soldiers is so much distance between both coun- of their independent union and the reopening of against the miners and their families tries and unions, we must do best what their health clinic. The visitors were told that miners’ children are being discriminated against while picketing in January. Police and unions do and that is to support our Strong and outspoken in their school because they are charged soldiers used tear gas and pellet guns to brothers and sisters in the struggles we Once in Cananea, the Women of Steel sat down more for school supplies than their break up a worker blockade of the all fight for every day.” Women of Steel meet the women of Cananea, Mexico with the Mexican women and miners to discuss peers. The town water supply is also Cananea mine. the challenges confronting them and their families. manipulated. In the seven months since, the women

24 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 25 Demonstrators protest outside Occidental Petroleum headquarters in Los Angeles. Worries About Globalization Justified Free Trade Exposed in Street Theater Photo by Maria Somma oters are increasingly anxious about globalization and its o visually illustrate the dangers of unrestrained trade, the Veffect on their jobs and neighborhoods. Yet economists, TUSW’s gigantic “Toxic Trader” puppet has appeared this year Trade policy makers and pundits frequently dismiss those concerns in Pittsburgh, Portland, Ore., Washington, D.C. and Fort Wayne, as misguided and argue that all trade is good for the Ind. economy. The oversized puppet appears in a street theater performance Who is right? Is it the man on the street or the economists designed to bring attention to how so-called free trade agree- Watch and talking heads who believe globalization is good for the ments have destroyed jobs and poisoned American families and Watch vast majority of American workers? the environment. L. Josh Bivens, an economist and international trade In Washington, D.C., it appeared at the Bush administration- expert with the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), comes backed Import Safety Summit where corporate lobbyists, CEOs USW, Community Activists Picket down on the side of the average man in this debate. In a and Bush administration officials met to discuss eliminating trade Occidental Petroleum recent briefing paper, he considered whether the general barriers and implementing voluntary standards for safety instead SW members and community activists demonstrated public’s worries about globalization are justified and con- of instituting government outside the Occidental Petroleum headquarters in Los cluded that they are. inspections for consumer pro- UAngeles on July 22 to support a people's tribunal in There are two issues that should worry American workers tection against unsafe imports. Bogota, Colombia, that is reviewing evidence of murders about globalization: job losses stemming from trade deficits On that same day, the and death threats against union activists. and downward pressure on wages for tens of millions of USW released the report, The Permanent Peoples Tribunal is exposing transna- American workers. “The Toxic Truth: Unfair tional corporations like Occidental, British Petroleum, “American workers are perfectly rational to worry about Trade Kills,” showing exactly Coca-Cola, Nestle, and Chiquita Brands International for what globalization means for their living standards, and how toxic trade kills and their alleged participation with the Colombian security actually have a much better grasp of the underlying econom- injures American consumers, forces and right-wing paramilitary groups in silencing and In the letter, the USW expressed concern over Occidental’s ics than the elite policy-making class who routinely tell them workers, communities, securi- sometimes killing trade unionists and community activists. alleged complicity in human rights abuses in Colombia. otherwise,’’ Bivens said. ty and the environment. Protests were also held at the corporate headquarters of The union expressed concern about Occidental’s reported Taken simply, trade can create new jobs in exporting The “Toxic Trader” pup- Coca-Cola in Atlanta and Chiquita Brands in Cincinnati. financial and logistical support for the Colombian 18th Army industries and it destroys jobs when imports in the market- pet, created by artist Tavia La In Los Angeles, demonstrators held picket signs and chant- Brigade, which has committed numerous human rights abuses place replace products made by domestic firms. Folette, also has protested at ed slogans including “Enough Violence.” They collected sig- including the August 2004 murder of three union leaders. But because trade deficits have risen over the past the offices of free traders natures for a petition to Congress and delivered a letter to Dr. Over 2,300 trade unionists have been murdered in decade, more jobs have been displaced by imports than have U.S. Rep. Mark Souder in Ray R. Irani, chairman, president and CEO of Occidental Colombia since 1991. The lack of prosecution of those respon- been created by exports. U.S. manufacturing industries have Fort Wayne and U.S. Sen. Petroleum. sible is one reason why Democratic congressional leaders have shed 3.5 million jobs, or one in five, in the nearly eight years Gordon Smith in Portland, held up a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. since the Bush administration has been in power. Ore.

pipe workers recalled so we can deliver U.S. made pipe at Wheatland Tube. pipe at fair prices at the cost of produc- Photo by Sharon Herald/ Michael Roknick tion. Future customers will no longer be able to buy pipe imports illegally subsi- dized by the Chinese communist govern- ix U.S. pipe makers and the USW been permanently eliminated, while Standard pipe or circular welded steel ment.” commended the U.S. International China pipe imports have skyrocketed pipe is used in plumbing applications, The USW is aggressively supporting Trade Commission (ITC) for its from 10,000 tons in 2002 to more than HVAC systems, sprinkler systems, fenc- other trade cases filed against China for Saffirmative June 20 decision against 750,000 tons,” Gerard said. ing and construction. unfairly traded imports including off-the- unfair imports of circular welded steel In the ITC order imposing an anti- The union’s trade counsel, Roger B. road (OTR) tires, thermal paper, welded pipe from China. dumping duty on Chinese exports of cir- Schagrin, said the welded steel pipe case stainless steel pipe and circular welded International President Leo W. cular welded steel pipe, tariffs will range is the first of four cases involving steel carbon steel line pipe. All of those cases Even though the markets have Gerard called the final order against from 69.20 to 85.55 percent. The order pipe and tube. impact union jobs. seen strong demand, Hoover said, government subsidized standard pipe will also impose anti-subsidy duties “The evidence demonstrates how Executive Vice President Ron Hoover, “Our members have not been able imports from China “a tremendous vic- ranging from 29.57 to 615.92 percent, China has become the largest pipe and who leads the Rubber/Plastic Industry to reap the benefits of that strong tory.” meaning most China pipe imports will tube exporter to the U.S. at a volume of Conference, testified before the ITC on demand, such as an increase in It was the first time a countervailing no longer be able to illegally under-cut nearly 3 million tons in 2007 through July 8. He was joined by 24 USW mem- employment.” duty (CVD), or anti-subsidy tariff has domestic products with unfair pricing. government subsidies,” Schagrin said. bers from off-the-road (OTR) production The USW represents about 3,800 been imposed on a steel product from The trade case was filed June 7, 2007 Bill Alston, Sr., unit chair at USW facilities. workers employed at eight OTR tire China following a 2006 change in U.S. by the USW and a coalition of six pipe Local 9777 representing about 400 “Imports of dumped and subsidized locations of Titan Tire, Bridgestone- government policy allowing such inves- companies: Allied Tube & Conduit, workers at Allied Tube & Conduit in OTR tires from China have increased Firestone, Goodyear Tire and Denman tigations. IPSCO Tubulars Inc., Northwest Pipe Harvey, Ill., spoke plainly about the rapidly over recent years, and have Tires. “More than 20 percent of the USW Co., Sharon Tube Co., Western Tube & affirmative pipe import order: entered at prices far below U.S. The ITC is expected to make a deci- work force producing standard pipe has Conduit Corp. and Wheatland Tube Co. “Now maybe we can get our laid off producers’ OTR prices,” Hoover said. sion on the OTR case by Aug. 15.

26 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 27 Connie Nielsen

“Battle in Seattle,” a dramatized account of “And then there is our victory; we shut down that WTO Townsend said one reason he wanted to make the movie was expansion. The WTO still has not recovered from the damage because he felt the “anti-globalization movement… had their the 1999 protests that paralyzed the World we inflicted.” hand on the pulse of what was going wrong in this world. Trade Organization and rocked the world, is a “And what they were against was the corporatization of the movie major Hollywood studios didn’t want Protestors filled streets world, and I could see that happening,” he said. “And when I to make. Over the period of a week, as many as 75,000 people turned started to bring to light these institutions like the WTO, the IMF out on the streets of Seattle to protest the WTO meeting, the (International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank, I started … Starring Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, result of months of planning and organization. to realize they were really behind a lot of the misery that exists Michele Rodriguez, Martin Henderson, Andre Benjamin and The USW contingent, swelled by 1,100 Rapid Response on this planet.” Channing Tatum, the film is a rare celebration of how ordi- activists and led by former International President George Six years in the making, the movie got rave reviews at a nary people, union members and activists can trounce the Becker and Gerard, was a formidable presence on the streets. screening in Toronto, but there were no distribution offers from world’s largest corporations. “I was never more proud of our union than I was at Seattle,’’ major film companies. Ultimately, Townsend decided to distrib- “The film is riveting – worth seeing just for entertainment said Rapid Response Director Tim Waters. “The streets of ute the film independently. purposes. But it is more than a great movie,’’ said Seattle really hurt the WTO. It was like lifting the rock up.” “None of the corporations wanted to buy. It’s a movie with International President Leo W. Gerard. On the morning of Nov. 30, demonstrators did what few had stars. It’s a movie they normally would buy in a heart beat,’’ thought possible. They shut down the WTO proceedings with Making a difference Townsend said in a telephone interview. “Not to get too conspir- civil disobedience. atorial, but it hasn’t been an easy ride making a movie like this. Based on the historic events of nearly a decade ago, the Several thousand union members continued to demonstrate I’d have been better off making a comedy.” full-length drama tells the story of a group of fictional charac- for days, marching along side environmentalists and others for “Battle in Seattle” will be released in select cities nationwide ters over the five days of protests conducted against the WTO the right to protest in the face of police assaults. Many union beginning Sept. 19. For ticket and group sales information call as it tried to hold its first ministerial conference ever on members were tear-gassed and some were among the 500-plus (866) 758-1258, e-mail: [email protected] or United States soil. protestors who were arrested and jailed for taking part in peace- visit www.battleinseattlemovie.com. Both entertaining and informative, the movie reminds us ful demonstrations. How the movie fares in its first two weeks of limited distribu- that when working people unite, we can successfully stand up The demonstrations had a profound impact on public opinion tion will determine whether or not the film – and our story – against greedy corporate interests and change our world. and awareness of the WTO, a forum for governments around the goes to full national distribution. Stuart Townsend, an actor and first-time director, blended world to negotiate and settle trade agreements and disputes. “That is where we can help,” said Gerard, who did a post- fiction with actual film footage from 1999, when a deluge of Like many of us, Townsend watched the events in Seattle production interview with Townsend for the publicity effort. people converged on Seattle including union activists, stu- unfold across the globe from his home in Ireland. It sparked his “Just like we organized turnout at the Seattle protests – dents, environmentalists and consumer advocates. interest in the anti-globalization movement and started him telling our friends, posting information in our union “The film transports you right back to those historic days: thinking about Seattle as a subject for a film. halls, sending out e-mails and flyers – we can create our signs, our chants and the power of so many people com- another Seattle surprise!” ing together from across the nation and around the world,” Gerard added.

AP Photo

“Battle in Seattle” will be released in select cities nationwide beginning Sept. 19. For tickets and group sales information call (866) 758-1258, e-mail: [email protected] or visit www.battleinseattlemovie.com. Charlize Theron

28 labor day 2008 • USW@Work Andre Benjamin and Michele Rodriquez USW@Work • labor day 2008 29 ometimes a small fish can lead to a big surprise. A couple of trout caught separately by USW members Terry Davidek and Pat Kowalski on Pennsylvania’s Clarion River CAPITOL LETTERS Swere too small to keep but were winners nonetheless. CAPITOL LETTERS Both Steelworkers had hooked tagged trout released by a fish The inside scoop on what's going down in D.C. hatchery located in a very unlikely place – the middle of a USW-represented paper mill. effect July 1. Congress decided to reduce The award-winning hatchery, located Overriding Bush vetoes Finally, this past spring, after eight the reimbursement to insurance compa- in a Domtar paper mill in Johnsonburg, nies that serve Medicare beneficiaries Pa., has the distinction of being the state’s only fish hatchery long years of submission, Congress reasserted its rightful role in the govern- under its managed-care program instead. located on an industrial site. That will cost the insurers $14 billion It was created in 1992 by volunteers from the plant¸ many of ment process based on checks-and-bal- ances. Twice, within two months, over five years and postpone the pay cut whom belong to USW Local 10-701. Formerly part of the for the doctors by 18 months. United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU), the local Congress overrode George W. Bush ’ vetoes. And a third time it passed a bill Bush opposed the switch, calling it McCain didn t show became USW in the 2005 merger with PACE. fiscally irresponsible. He also said he So many Republicans voted with the There is plenty of work for the volunteer members of the with a veto-proof margin. In May, Congress overrode Bush vetoed it because “taking choices away Democrats that there was no point in Domtar Fish and Game Club. Local President Joe Calla said he from seniors to pay physicians is Bush vetoing the measure. What’s inter- appreciates all that they do. within hours after he vetoed the Farm Bill. Bush contended the bill violated his wrong.” esting, however, is that again a key Fish feeders are checked regularly by six or seven USW Terry Davidek, left, and Pat Kowalski pose with bigger fish than the Democrats said, however, that mov- Republican, John McCain, didn’t bother members and retirees. Others tasks include monitoring and ones they caught from the Domtar hatchery. duty to be a steward of Americans’ hard- earned tax dollars. This from a president ing the costs to insurers would prevent to show up for the vote. Though he is maintaining water conditions, cleaning the raceway and stock- receive gift cards and free Domtar Fish and Game club hats. “It who sent billions in no-bid contracts in doctors from fleeing the traditional treat- running his campaign on his support for ing fish during season. happened to be a better catch than I thought,” Kowalski said. Iraq to the former corporation of his vice ment practices that are used by more the war in Iraq, he failed to vote for the “Without the hard work of our volunteers, we wouldn’t have Once construction was completed, the state Fish Commission president, which then turned around and than 80 percent of Medicare patients, funding necessary to sustain it. this fish hatchery,” Calla said. delivered the first batch of 7,000 fingerlings to the hatchery. cheated the American people – accord- who are mostly elderly. House Speaker By contrast, Obama, who has said he The hatchery’s stocking coordinator, Paul Klink, leads a Since the operation began, the hatchery has stocked 180,000 ing to the U.S. Government Account- Nancy Pelosi said Bush was standing will pull out the troops as soon as it is group of volunteers on tri-weekly stocking trips to designated trout and today handles about 12,000 fingerlings a year. ability Office. with big-business insurers, not with the practical and safe and focus instead on streams and creeks. Klink is a past steward, trustee and mem- The dedication of volunteer club members to environmental Like Bush, the presumptive nation’s elderly, when he vetoed the bill. Afghanistan, where the Taliban is resur- ber of the local’s grievance and bargaining committee. responsibility and their contribution to outdoor recreation has Republican nominee for President, John gent and more troops have died in recent An avid fisherman of 50 years, Klink said he really enjoys not gone unnoticed. Republicans switch sides McCain, also objected to the Farm Bill, months, voted in favor of the bill. being involved in the hatchery’s contributions to the communi- In 2004, the American Forest and Paper Association Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, the calling it wasteful. If those three votes – Medicare, war ty, particularly an annual children’s fishing derby. (AFPA), a national trade association for forest and paper prod- Massachusetts Democrat, recuperating The vast majority in Congress dis- funding, and the Farm Bill – are any “The smiles on the faces of the kids and their parents are ucts industries, presented the hatchery with its forestry manage- from surgery to remove a cancerous agreed, however, including lots of indication, the Democrats in Congress something to see,’’ he said. ment award. The award promotes the coexistence of sound busi- brain tumor, left Boston after a morning Republicans. “The principal purpose of have finally realized they are in the In addition to the derby and tagged trout prize program, the ness management and environmental responsibility. treatment of chemotherapy and radia- agriculture policy in the United States is majority. hatchery also hosts tours for schools and organizations such as Despite the awards and recognition from the community, the tion, to be present. Once his vote assured to guarantee we’re not as dependent on That being the case, let’s hope they the Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boy main focus of the fish and game club members is the fish, that there would be the crucial 60 essen- other countries for our food as we are for take some action on the Trade Scouts and Girl Scouts. which grow from three-inch fingerlings to 11-inch trout. tial for passage, nine Republicans our fuel,” said House Republican Enforcement Act of 2008, which is a “Although we have automatic feeders now, I still like to switched sides and joined the majority to Community appreciates Conference Chairman Adam H. Putnam reasonable first step forward on import hand feed the fish and see them come up to eat,” Klink, the override Bush. regulation. This legislation would apply The community is appreciative of the volunteers’ efforts. of Florida. stocking coordinator, said. Sen. Obama accompanied Kennedy the anti-subsidy law to Chinese imports Klink said people stop him on the streets of Johnsonburg, a Sen. Barack Obama, the presumptive Rick Zelehoski, then a maintenance mechanic for Domtar’s onto the Senate floor and voted with him improperly subsidized by the govern- rural community, to ask him how the fish are doing. Democratic nominee, supported the bill, Norwood Water Filter Building and a former USW safety com- for the Medicare measure. ment. It would require the U.S. president “People want to thank us for our work with the hatchery,” he which in addition to farm subsidies pro- mittee chairperson, claims the idea for the hatchery. The only senator to miss the vote that to provide relief from surging Chinese said. “We’ve even had a couple of dinner offers.” vides billions of dollars for anti-hunger, “The building was no longer in use, but still required mainte- day was McCain, who, like Bush, had imports under a special safeguard provi- The tagged trout program lasts 11 months every year. conservation, biofuels, food stamps and nance, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ ” Zelehoski said, adding that expressed opposition to the bill. sion. And it would give Congress power Davidek caught his fish in Belltown, about 32 miles from the school nutrition programs. the project has been an extraordinary experience. In between those two overrides, to reverse decisions by the White House stocking point three weeks after release. Kowalski’s fish trav- “Seeing the fish that were small before going into the water Congress passed a veto-proof bill in that China is not a non-market economy. eled ten miles in a week before he caught it from his brother’s Medicare veto flipped as adult trout, and knowing that a small child might have the joy June extending unemployment benefits Clearly more needs to be done, but pontoon boat at a secret fishing spot he declined to reveal. The second override came two of catching it is the most rewarding experience of this pro- 13 weeks and providing new higher edu- this bill would be a first step in protect- Both fish were too small to keep. But program winners months later in July when Congress easi- gram,” he said. ly flipped Bush’s veto of a Medicare cation benefits for veterans. These two ing American families against unsafe bill. Again, Republicans broke and ran benefits were attached to the bill contin- imports and American workers against from the White House. A total of 153 uing funding for the wars in Iraq and unfair global trade practices. House and 21 Senate Repubicans voted Afghanistan. Bush had demanded a war for the bill that shifts costs from doctors funding bill with no attachments. to insurers. Instead, Congress used this year’s bill to The bill was designed to deal with a secure other measures it wanted, namely, 10.6 percent reduction in Medicare doc- the veterans and unemployment benefits.

The award-winning hatchery, located in a tors’ fees that were originally to take Domtar paper mill in Johnsonburg, Pa. 30 labor day 2008 • USW@Work Photo by Steve Dietz USW@Work • labor day 2008 31 AP Photo

omehow, the first president of the United Steelworkers, deaths. Dubofsky noted that it would take 22 years after Shortly afterward, Murray began supporting Lewis, first as though a great labor leader in his own right, is a nearly Clemente perished in a 1972 humanitarian mission until “a vice president of the UMWA in 1917, and then as president in forgotten man outside the union and his adopted home- decent biography” was written about the Hall of Famer. 1920. Lewis then supported Murray for vice president. Stown of Pittsburgh. Biographies have been written for nearly every one of Dubofsky described the two as extremely close and depen- There’s a bust of Philip Murray in the lobby of the Murray’s contemporaries. But the man who created the USW dent, with Lewis giving Murray control of the union when International headquarters in Pittsburgh. His portrait is among has been skipped over. Dubofsky speculated that Murray and Lewis would go on vacation. Lewis would socialize with those of the other presidents on the 12th floor of the building Clemente suffered from the same problem – both worked in a prominent people and depend on Murray to speak with and and Pittsburgh last year renamed its 10th Street Bridge after small media market – Pittsburgh – and would have fared better understand the rank and file. him. had their base been New York or Los Angeles. In that way, they differed politically as well, with Lewis But the history of Murray’s many accomplishments is And, Dubofsky said, it’s possible that Murray has been early in his career supporting Republicans. Murray backed unrecorded in a major biography. ignored because he and the Steelworkers were not then per- Franklin D. Roosevelt, and his effort to enter the war in ceived to be closely enough tied to national politics. Europe from the outset. Labor’s odd couple These political differences caused some friction between the Melvyn Dubofsky, one of the premier labor historians in the Coal miner beginning two, as did their interaction over the Steel Worker Organizing United States, discussed the complicated relationship between Dubofsky, who with Warren Van Tine, wrote what is con- Committee (SWOC). Murray and his colleague, John L. Lewis, president of the sidered the definitive biography of Lewis, provided rich bio- Lewis, president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations United Mine Workers of America, in a talk entitled, “Phil graphical detail about both Lewis and Murray in his lecture. (CIO), formed SWOC at a CIO convention in 1936 and placed Murray and John L. Lewis – Labor’s Odd Couple” on July 13. Murray, the oldest son of Irish Catholic parents, left school Murray in charge. It was the second annual Bernie Kleiman Lecture, a series at the age of 10 to join his father, William Murray, in the coal Murray continued to serve as vice president of the UMWA honoring the late USW general counsel. mines. Philip Murray’s mother had died when he was two and while trying to organize the steel industry from a headquarters Dubofsky, the Bartle Distinguished Professor of History William moved the family to Scotland to find higher paying in Pittsburgh. His first victory was at U.S. Steel, but Dubofsky and Sociology at the State University of New York at work in unionized mines. said Lewis stole some of the luster by negotiating this contract Binghamton, compared Murray to the great Pittsburgh Pirates William and Philip Murray moved to Westmoreland instead of allowing Murray to do it. Murray felt this was an baseball star Roberto Clemente. County, just east of Pittsburgh, in 1902, when Philip was 16. affront, Dubofsky said, and it contributed to a rift between the Both remained relatively obscure for years after their They continued laboring as miners and within a year were able two men. to bring other family members over to the United States. William had remarried and had eight more children. Rift grows Murray on trial Photo courtesy United Mine Workers of America In 1904, Philip punched a company boss in a dispute over That dispute also grew over Murray’s support for involve- Lewis responded be placing Murray on trial at the UMWA, the amount he was to be paid. The mining company fired him. ment in World War II and for FDR. Their differences were contending Murray could not serve both unions simultaneous- His fellow workers struck, demanding his reinstatement. The clear when Lewis called for UMWA members to vote against ly. The tribunal expelled Murray, something that pained him company responded by evicting his family, his father, step- Roosevelt and said if he were re-elected in 1940, Lewis would for the remainder of his life because the UMWA was his first mother and seven siblings, from their company-owned home. resign as president of the CIO. union and a union he loved, Dubofsky said. This was a defining moment for Philip, one in which he decid- When FDR was re-elected, Lewis was true to his word. He Lewis had another rival William Green, a former secretary ed unions were the only way workers could defend themselves recommended Murray as his successor at the CIO, although to the UMWA, expelled, but later reinstated. Lewis never gave against unfair treatment by companies. the two were far from buddies at that point. Murray was elect- that same grace to Murray. A year later, Murray was elected president of a UMWA ed president in 1940 and served until his death in 1952. Dubofsky said Murray was deeply injured by the passage of local in Horning, Pa. In 1912, UMWA President John White Both men suffered heart attacks in 1941 and met later that the Taft-Hartley Act during the Truman administration, then appointed him to the UMWA Executive Board and three years year in what was to be a summit to settle their differences, by the election of Republican Dwight Eisenhower as president, later, White supported him for election as president of UMWA Dubofsky said. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. It ended, he said, despite union support for Henry Wallace of the Progressive District 5 in Western Pennsylvania. with Lewis saying to Murray, “It was nice to have known you, Party. It was only months after the election that Murray died of Phil.” a heart attack. Murray, Lewis rise together After Murray succeeded in organizing “Little Steel,” the Other union leaders, like Walter Reuther, president of the Dubofsky said, “Lewis and Murray rose together in the smaller companies that included Republic, Bethlehem, United Auto Workers, got much more press for their plans to ranks of the mine workers union. Lewis made it possible for Youngstown Sheet and Tube, National, and Inland, he called a aid wartime efforts than Murray’s no strike pledge did. Maybe Murray to be president of District 5. Lewis placed Murray on constitutional convention to form the United Steelworkers of that too, is among the reasons there’s a biography of Reuther the union executive board and Murray defended Lewis there.” America in 1942. He was elected the first president. but not of the Steelworker’s Murray.

32 labor day 2008 • USW@Work USW@Work • labor day 2008 33 Rapid Response Achievement Awards Innovation Awards went to Local 7248 of Bryan, Ohio, in District 1; Local 261 of Bucksport, Maine, in District 4; Local he achievement awards for Rapid Response, the USW’s 715 Woodburn, Ind., in District 7 and the congressional district nonpartisan grassroots education, communication and action coordinators for District 10. Tprogram, are in. Local 7248 members pressed their employer to fund an edu- The Top District award overall went to District 9, led by News Bytes cational seminar on USW issues. This spring, the local union News Bytes Director Stan Johnson. The district achieved a new marker in tripled participation in actions aimed at stopping the Colombia the Rapid Response program when every local participated in a Free Trade Agreement. letter-writing campaign endorsing anti-sweatshop legislation. Local 715 educates the public on USW issues through PAC Awards Announced Districts 9 and 10 shared the Top District performance award parades, county fairs and other community events. Recent olitical Action Committees and the funds they raise play a key role in the USW’s for 100 percent local participation in petition actions on behalf efforts include a petition drive supporting employee free choice. ongoing activism on behalf of working people and their families. of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Districts 9 and 10 P Local 261 has shown a creative approach to legislative Several districts and locals have been singled out for their exemplary participation Rapid Response coordinators Greg England and Bob McAuliffe activism by engaging media and the community with street by International PAC Coordinator Michael Scarver. provided strong direction. demonstrations of “EFCA Man” and other activities. Michael Martin, president of Local 602 in Malvern, Ark., and the local’s other offi- The Top Local award went to Local 878L of Union City, District 10 was honored for the work of its congressional cers decided to lead by example and contribute $20 a week each to their local’s PAC. Tenn., which has over 100 members participating in the Rapid district coordinators, volunteers who are responsible for reach- “They understand that the main competition for the product they make is China Response team. Led by President Harry Alford and Coordinator ing out to other locals to raise participation and increase the U.S. Job Loss to and that issue can only be resolved through the legislative process,’’ Scarver said. Mike McKenzie, the team shows continuous dedication. Local 753-L, of Opelika, Ala., conducts a yearly PAC drive among the member- connection between union members and their elected officials. China Soars ship of a BF Goodrich plant. Local President William Hart asks every local leader to nbalanced U.S. trade with China has sign up 10 new members. Illegal Wood Imports Banned Convention Photo New Willingness to Fight had a devastating effect on U.S. Local 746-L in Tyler, Texas, asks each member to contribute $5 a week to their U he USW was part of an unusual coalition he panoramic 2008 conven- he conclusion of a labor dispute involving workers. PAC. The $5 goal was begun by former Local President Jim Wansley and continued of environmental and corporate groups tion photograph is available a lockout at Latrobe Specialty Steel in An estimated 2.3 million jobs were lost by President Harold Sweat. Tthat successfully supported passage this Tfor purchase from the photog- TPennsylvania marks a new willingness to to our trade deficit with China from 2001 Local 831 in Danville, Va., Michael Martin spring of landmark federal legislation to rapher. Cost of the unmounted fight back against the tide of corporate give- to 2007, including 366,000 last year alone, has signed up two-thirds of the curb illegal wood imports. color photo, which measures back demands. according to a new study, “The China membership to contribute a min- In addition to the USW, the legislation to approximately 10 x 50 inches, “Employers everywhere should take note Trade Toll” by the Economic Policy imum of $1 a week. Local reduce illegal logging was backed by the is $70 each plus $5 shipping that the United Steelworkers are in no mood Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank. President Danny Barber pushes American Forest & Paper Association and and handling. Orders can be to be pushed around at the bargaining table,” In addition, the trade deficit with China PAC and voter registration. the Center for International Environmental made by mail, phone or said International Vice President Tom has deflated wages for displaced American Scarver also cited District 8 Internet. Law and Conservation International. Conway, who leads the union’s steel sector. workers by an average of $8,146 for a Director Billy Thompson, who The new law provides a comprehensive “The Latrobe Steel dispute shows that total of $19.4 billion in 2007. The trade promotes PAC drives among his ban on illegal wood imports and applies not working people have had enough of employ- deficit with China rose from $84 billion in local union leadership, District 9 just to logs but to other plants and plant ers demanding more and more. Working peo- 2001 to $262 billion in 2007. Director Stan Johnson, who reg- products, ranging from paper to furniture. It ple are ready and willing to fight back.” More than half, 55.6 percent, of the dis- ularly hosts local union presi- will protect our members from unfair com- The Latrobe Specialty Steel dispute began placed jobs were in the top half of dents meetings where PAC and petition from products produced from stolen To order, contact: May 1 as a strike but was converted to a American wage earners. Nearly one-third Rapid Response are on the agen- lumber. Hank deLespinasse Studios, Inc. lockout May 9 when workers made an offer of the displaced workers had a college da, and District 13 Director This measure puts trees and plants under P.O. Box 93261 to return to work that was rejected. A new degree and more than two-thirds of the Mickey Breaux, for his help in the protection of the Lacey Act, first signed Las Vegas, NV 89193 five-year contract was agreed to in July. jobs lost were in manufacturing, including promoting PAC to petroleum or by phone: 703-361-4872 into law by President William McKinley The union’s campaign included building computers, electronics and advanced and paper plant workers in 100 years ago. The act makes it a violation The Web site address is alliances with church and community groups technologies. Louisiana. of U.S. law to import, export, transport, sell, www.callmehank.com and communicating the union’s message to receive, acquire or purchase any plant that Check, Mastercard or Visa political leaders, company customers and Steelworker Wins Silver Medal in Transplant Games has been possessed or sold in violation of accepted. suppliers. Yard signs and billboards raised SW retiree and transplant patient Domenic A. DiPilato won a silver medal in golf foreign law. visibility. competition at the National Kidney Federation’s Transplant Games in Pittsburgh Uthis summer. Young USW Activist Honored Deal with PCA DiPilato, 73, retired assistant director of District 4, received a “second chance at life” manda Boulden, daughter of a Local he USW and Packaging Corporation of with a kidney transplant two years ago. His donor was a 17-year-old boy who had died. 9448 active member in Texarkana, Ark., America (PCA) reached a tentative agree- “I keep his picture in my wallet, between my two grandsons, and I carry him in my wasA awarded the Jeffery Ledbetter Young Tment on a five-year master economic and heart everywhere I go,” said DiPilato. Democrat of the Year Award for her activism. security umbrella agreement for 1,200 workers DiPilato was among 23 golfers who represented Team Pittsburgh in the games. He Boulden, a second-year USW political intern, at paper mills in Valdosta, Ga., Counce, Tenn., won the silver medal for individual play in the 70 and older group. has volunteered her time to take a group of Filer City, Mich., and Tomahawk, Wis. He is thankful for the support he received from his friends and New England Locals young people to Baton Rouge to canvass dur- The master agreement for the mills paves 2936, 5296, 9358, 12004, 12026 and 13507. ing a special election. During her Christmas the way for the USW’s discussions with PCA DiPilato finds time to get involved in political elections and volunteers with the break, Boulden also drove to Iowa to cam- toward a settlement covering the company’s Transplant Recipient International Organization. “I’m extremely grateful to be alive, to paign on two separate occasions. Boulden is 20-plus USW-represented converting opera- be able to enjoy the normal things that healthy people enjoy, especially my wife (Anna) president of the Henderson State University Domenic DiPilato tions. and my family,” he said. Young Democrats. Amanda Boulden and District 13 34 labor day 2008 • USW@Work Director Mickey Breaux USW@Work • labor day 2008 35