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Volume 116 Number 2 January 16, 2015 Portland, Oregon

Labor-backed alliance to push bold agenda in Salem 2015 could be a breakthrough year for pro-worker legislation By DON McINTOSH Associate Editor Oregon’s five biggest labor organizations have united with civil rights and community groups in a new formal coalition to back a bold agenda in this year’s session of the Oregon Legislature. The coalition, known as Fair Shot for All, will cam - paign for a big minimum wage increase, a paid sick leave law, “ban the box” and racial profiling laws, and legislation to create a publicly-spon - sored retirement plan for workers. gon AFL-CIO, the American Federation of State, may consider at least two proposals to increase go farther than the ordinances passed in Portland The package is an attempt to make the most of County and Municipal Employees (Oregon AF - Oregon’s minimum wage, which is currently and Eugene in that it would apply to all employ - November 2014 electoral gains: Democrats now SCME), United Food and Commercial Workers $9.25 an hour. One would raise it to $15 over ers, and would allow workers to take up to seven have 18 of 30 seats in the state senate and 35 of 60 (UFCW) Local 555, Oregon Education Associa - three years. Another would raise it to around $12. paid sick days per year. Workers would accrue the in the state house, so they’re in a position to do tion, Service Employees International Union Either way, it would represent a big increase for paid sick leave at the rate of one hour for every 30 something about worsening economic inequality. (SEIU), PCUN, Urban League of Portland, Fam - more than a quarter of Oregon workers. Advo - hours worked, and could use it to recover at home The groups in Fair Shot for All laid out their ily Forward Oregon, Center for Intercultural Or - cates also want to repeal a state law that prevents from a contagious illness, for a doctors appoint - agenda publicly at a press conference Jan. 10, the ganizing, CAUSA, Basic Rights Oregon, Planned local jurisdictions from setting a minimum wage ment, or care for a sick child. Union construction same day University of Oregon released a report Parenthood Advocates of Oregon, Asian Pacific higher than the statewide minimum. To show sup - firms would be exempt from the mandate, be - that shows a rapid increase in the number of low- American Network of Oregon, Oregon Action, port for the campaign, the group 15 Now is or - cause they employ workers through a hiring hall wage jobs in Oregon. The report, “The High Cost and the Rural Organizing Project. And each mem - ganizing a rally at the Capitol Jan. 24 at noon, co- for typically short periods, and because their paid of Low Wages in Oregon,” found that one fourth ber of the coalition is committing to helping pass sponsored by the Oregon AFL-CIO and over a leave benefits are administered by a labor-man - of Oregon’s workforce — 412,000 workers — all parts of a package of five proposals that are in - dozen unions. The rally will be followed by a agement trust, not by the employers themselves. are in “low-wage” occupations with a median an - tended to counter growing inequality: statewide gathering of minimum wage advocates. nual income of under $12 an hour. The report also RETIREMENT SAVINGS. Employer-pro - found that 197,000 working adults were receiv - MINIMUM WAGE. Oregon AFL-CIO is PAID SICK DAYS. Family Forward Oregon vided pensions are in steep decline, and around ing food stamps as of January 2014. playing the role of lead convener in efforts to get will spearhead a campaign for a statewide paid the country SEIU is taking the lead on a proposal The Fair Shot for All coalition consists of Ore - a big raise for low-wage Oregonians. Lawmakers sick days law. As introduced, the proposal would (Turn to Page 2) U.S. Sen. Warren tells union crowd: ‘The game is rigged’ against workers WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. “When all the varnish is removed, to the wealthiest 10 percent. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) told a trickle-down just means helping the “Overall, as the economic pie got large union audience that despite work - biggest corporations and the richest bigger, pretty much everyone was get - ing harder than ever, U.S. workers people in this country, and claiming ting a little more,” Warren said. “As our aren’t seeing the fruits of their labor. that those big corporations and rich economy got richer, our families got “I see evidence everywhere of the people could be counted to create an richer; and as our families got richer, pounding working people are taking,” economy that would work for every - our country got richer. That is how we said Warren, the keynote speaker at the one else,” Warren said. built a great middle class in America.” national AFL-CIO’s Raising Wages That didn’t happen. But by the early 1980s, wages had Summit Jan. 7 in Washington, D.C. Warren said that over the last 32 flattened out, while expenses kept go - “These families are working harder years, literally 100 percent of the ing up. The squeeze was terrible, she “These families are working harder than than ever, but they can’t get ahead. growth in the U.S. Gross Domestic said. By the early 2000s, families were Many feel that the game is rigged Product has gone to the top 10 percent. spending twice as much, adjusted for ever, but they can’t get ahead. Many feel against them, and they are right. The “All of it,” she said. inflation, on mortgages than they had a game is rigged against them.” Prior to that — from 1935 to 1980 generation earlier. They were spending that the game is rigged against them, Warren blamed supply side — or — 90 percent of all workers — middle more on health insurance, more to send and they are right. The game is rigged trickle down — economics for the class, working class, the poor — shared their kids to college, and both parents downslide of the American middle 70 percent of all the new income had to work, creating new expenses. against them.” class. growth, while the other 30 percent went (Turn to Page 7) Willy Myers ...Labor-backed alliance to re-elected to push bold agenda in Salem lead Columbia (From Page 1) big barrier to going straight — the “have you ever been convicted” box on for states to set up a kind of “public op - so many housing and employment ap - Pacific BCTC tion” retirement plan. All employers plications. The box is blind to circum - that don’t offer a retirement plan would Willy Myers was re-elected execu - stances, takes no account of reform, be required to give employees the op - tive secretary-treasurer of the Colum - and because it makes it harder to get a tion of contributing by payroll deduc - bia Pacific Building job, it makes re-offending more likely. tion to a state-sponsored retirement and Construction Urban League of Portland will lead a savings plan. To encourage saving, a Trades Council. The campaign for a law to ban the box from default contribution rate would be set CPBCTC repre - initial applications. Employers and at maybe 3 or 6 percent, but employ - sents approximately landlords could still do criminal back - ees could also set their own contribu - 20,000 construction ground checks and discriminate based tion rate or opt out entirely. To mini - workers employed on convictions that are relevant to the mize administrative costs and thereby by more than 2,000 job being applied for. But ex-offenders maximize returns, funds would be signatory employ - WILLY MYERS would at least get an opportunity to ex - pooled, and investment decisions ers, representing 25 plain their record, and make a case for would be made by a state board along crafts. giving them a second chance. Myers was first elected to head the the lines of the Oregon Investment Board, with the goal of assuring work - council in December 2013 to finish out RACIAL PROFILING. Data ers a lifetime stream of income when the term of Jodi Guetzloe Parker, who from Portland and Eugene show some - they retire. The plan would have lower stepped down. A former business agent thing disturbing: African-Americans fees than an IRA, and unlike a 401(k), for Sheet Metal Workers Local 16, and Latinos are as much as three times wouldn’t be tied to a particular em - Myers, 45, served as president of the as likely as Whites to be stopped and ployer. The proposal has passed in sev - Building Trades Council from 2010 searched by police while driving or eral states thus far, and is backed by until his election as executive secretary. walking, but they’re no more likely to AARP and a variety of other groups. In other election results, Robert Ca - be found with contraband. The Center Quote of the Month In Oregon, the Fair Shot for All coali - marillo, a business rep for Iron Work - for Intercultural Organizing, an immi - “That someone who labors all year to gross $80,000 bears the tion will campaign for the bill, with ers Local 29, was re-elected president; grant civil rights group, will head up a SEIU Local 503 taking point. Matt Eleazer of Bricklayers Local 1 same federal income tax burden as someone making $5 million per campaign for legislation to address was tapped for vice president; and week illustrates how much the tax cuts signed into law by Presidents that, first by defining racial profiling BAN THE BOX. Crime knows no Steven Purdy of Sprinkler Fitters Lo - Bill Clinton, a Democrat, and George W. Bush, a Republican, bene - and beginning to collect more compre - class or color, but prisons and jails cal 669 was newly elected sergeant-at- hensive data on it, and then by giving fited investors rather than workers.” overwhelmingly house the poor and arms. the state attorney general the ability to DAVID CAY JOHNSTON , PULITZER PRIZE -WINNING TAX JOURNALIST minorities. Upon release, they face a Brett Hinsley, business manager of analyze the data. Cement Masons Local 555, Russ Gar - ON AN IRS ANALYSIS OF AMERICA ’S 400 HIGHEST -INCOME TAX RETURNS nett, business manager of Roofers Lo - cal 49, and Gary Moore, business agent for Laborers Local 296, were elected trustees. Garnett and Moore are serving for the first time. All candidates ran unopposed. Terms are for three years.

2-1-1 can be a lifesaver 2-1-1 is an easy to remember tele - phone number that connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their com - munities. In Oregon, it is run by 211info, in partnership with United Way. It can be accessed online at www.211info. org .

(International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon as a voice of the labor movement. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, Portland, Ore. 97213 Telephone: (503) 288-3311

Editor: Michael Gutwig Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- profit corporation owned by 19 unions and councils including the Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 80 union organizations in Ore - gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union members. Group rates available to trade union organizations. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT PORTLAND, OREGON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150, PORTLAND, OR 97213-0150

PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 16, 2015 Labor gets ready for an action-packed session of the Oregon Legislature The five proposals from the new penters. employees as “independent contrac - tery bonds to fund a new round of in - first group graduated in four years. Fair Shot for All coalition [see related Here are some of the labor-related tors,” because the employees don’t get vestment in “multimodal” transporta - story on Page 1] may end up being proposals lawmakers will consider: workers compensation or unemploy - tion infrastructure, including air, rail, FUSION VOTING. Oregon Work - some of the marquee issues consid - ment insurance, and must pay the em - marine, transit, bicycle and pedestrian ing Families Party will also push a pro - ered by Oregon lawmakers this year, APPRENTICE UTILIZATION. ployers and their own Social Security facilities. The Building Trades Coun - posal for full-fledged fusion voting, but labor and workers’ rights organi - A bill supported by the United Broth - and Medicare taxes. cil will also support increasing bond along the lines of the system that pre - zations will be campaigning for erhood of Carpenters would require authority for the Oregon University vails in New York, where the union- dozens of other important bills when large public construction projects to MAKING COLLECTIVE BAR - System, both for new construction and backed minor party is strongest. Under the Legislature convenes Feb. 2. meet certain minimum targets for uti - GAINING AGREEMENTS STICK. for needed energy and seismic retrofits fusion voting, candidates can be en - With increased Democratic ma - lizing apprentices. Not only would it To combat a growing tendency by pub - of existing buildings. dorsed by more than one political jorities in both legislative chambers open up pathways for more young, lic employers to push through changes party. Oregon Working Families Party outside of normal contract bargaining, CONTRACTING OUT. Oregon was able to pass “partial fusion” in — and key committees led by law - women and minority workers to gain Oregon AFSCME will back a bill to AFSCME, together with other public 2009, so Oregon candidates today can maker who are actually union mem - entry into high-skill, high-wage build - ing trades, but it could also mean more require mediation and binding arbitra - sector unions, will also be promoting run with the endorsement of more than bers — the mood is optimistic. business for “high-road” construction tion before management can impose bills to bring greater transparency and one political party, but all the endorse - “There were some clear messages employers — those that are already new changes during the life of a col - accountability — and fairness — to ments are listed together next to the that came out of the November elec - making investments in apprenticeship lective bargaining agreement — when public contracting. One bill would re - candidate’s name. Under “full fusion,” tion,” says State Sen. Michael Dem - training, as union contractors do. those changes are mandatory subjects quire that contract negotiations be open each party can list the candidate’s brow (D-Portland). “Voters are con - of bargaining. to the public, and that contracts be name on their own ballot line. As a re - cerned about economic inequality, WAGE THEFT. Oregon Coalition posted on a state transparency web site. sult, candidates know how many votes and they see that the fruits of the re - to Stop Wage Theft, a broad labor- INFRASTRUCTURE JOBS. For Another bill would make it harder for each party delivered, giving minor par - covery are not being shared.” community alliance initiated by the the Oregon State Building and Con - governments to outsource if that in - ties more potential influence. The Ore - Dembrow — a community college nonprofit Northwest Workers’ Justice struction Trades Council, the number volves chopping worker pay and bene - gon Working Families Party sees fu - instructor who’s also a longtime Project, will be backing a bill to crack one priority will be robust infrastruc - fits. sion voting as key to its strategy of union leader in American Federation down on wage theft. Wage theft is a ture funding, including roads and delivering votes to candidates who of Teachers-Oregon — is now chair catch-all term for when employers bridges. State gas taxes fund roads, but SINGLE PAYER HEALTH commit to and deliver on a pro-worker of the newly formed Senate Work - cheat workers out of wages or benefits haven’t kept up with increased costs. CARE. Last year, advocates of creat - agenda. force Committee, where many of the they’re lawfully entitled to. Besides The Building Trades Council — in a ing a universal public health insurance labor-related bills will go to be outright non-payment or under-pay - coalition with three dozen other stake - system were able to pass a law author - CANNABIS WORKERS RIS - worked on. And its counterpart House ment of wages, wage theft includes holders called the Oregon Transporta - izing a study of how such a thing could ING. Last November, Oregon voters Business and Labor Committee will cases where employees don’t get paid tion Forum — is calling for the state be set up in Oregon. But the study was legalized recreational marijuana effec - also be led by a trade unionist: state rest breaks, don’t get time-and-a-half gas tax to be increased and then in - to be funded with private money, and tive next January, but many of the reg - representative Paul Holvey (D-Eu - for overtime, or work off-the-clock be - dexed to offset the loss of road repair supporters so far have raised only ulatory details about retail sales will be gene), a union rep at the Pacific fore or after shifts. It also includes funds as cars become more fuel effi - about $50,000 of the $200,000 needed. worked out this year by the Oregon cient. And they’ll support plans for lot - This year, the union-backed coalition Legislature. UFCW Local 555, which Northwest Regional Council of Car - cases where employers falsely classify Health Care for All Oregon will seek backed Ballot Measure 91, will be pay - to extend authorization for the study, ing close attention. If lawmakers place and seek a state match for private dol - limits on the number of retailers, the lars raised. union will advocate that the state issue permits not by lottery but with a merit- PAY IT FORWARD. Oregon based system that would favor respon - Working Families Party will advocate sible applicants, giving credit for good further development of a plan that was labor practices, for example. UFCW conceived by students in former party represents the workers at medical mar - co-chair Barb Dudley’s Portland State ijuana dispensaries and other legal University class. Under the “Pay it For - cannabis operations in several other ward” proposal, students at public col - states. leges and universities in Oregon could opt to attend tuition-free in return for CAREER AND TECHNICAL an agreement to pay 2 to 4 percent of EDUCATION. Career and Technical their income for the next 20 years, after Education — which includes things graduation. In 2013, legislators author - like shop classes and computerized ized a work group which met in 2014 drafting — has atrophied during Ore - to design a pilot program. Its pilot pro - gon’s perennial budget crises, and is in gram proposal — starting with 1,000 need of reinvestment. Labor Commis - students a year — would need at least sioner Brad Avakian, with labor sup - $56 million in funds by the time the port, will call for further restoration of CTE in high schools and middle schools. The governor is asking for a $25 million increase, and trades unions Low Prices! would like to see even more.

“Working people did a lot of work during this election cycle to make sure candidates were running on issues that matter, and it paid off,” says Graham Trainor, Oregon AFL-CIO political and legislative director. “Now the Leg - islature has an incredible opportunity to move the ball forward for working Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 12-6 Oregonians.”

JANUARY 16, 2015 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 Springfield. 98665 for the following positions: President (3 year NE Marx St., Portland. Official Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. LINOLEUM LAYERS 1236 term); Vice President (2 year term); 10, at Best Western Plus, Mill Creek Inn, 3125 Ryan Recording Secretary (2 year term); Sergeant-at- Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. Drive SE, Salem. Arms (2 year term); PORTLAND CITY & 22. Utilities (2 year term); Public Employees (2 year Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2. term);At Large (2 year term); METROPOLITAN EMPLOYEES Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. INSULATORS 36 At Large (2 year term); and Trustee (3 year term). Notices 26. 189 Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. Nominees must be present to accept, or have writ - Meeting are at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. ten acceptance of nomination submitted at this meet - General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. ing. Jan. 27. MACHINISTS 63 Nominations will be held in accordance with Arti - Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10. UTO ECHANICS cle VII, Sections 1-4 of the Constitution of the Office Meetings are at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. A M 1005 Executive Board meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11. IRON WORKERS 29 & Professional Employees International Union, Lo - Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Members meet 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 5, preceded cal No. 11 which states the following: Executive Board meets Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Meetings are at 25 Cornell, Gladstone. ROOFERS & W ATERPROOFERS 4:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend Executive by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS Board meetings. NE Ainsworth Cir., #200, Portland. Section 1. Nomination of officers shall take place 49 All meetings are at 25 Cornell, Gladstone. MACHINISTS 1432 on the second Tuesday in March at the General Mem - bership meeting of each year. No person may be Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. PLEASE NOTE: Rochelle Conrad will be avail - Swing and graveyard shift members meet at 11 IRON WORKERS nominated, appointed or elected, or in any way rep - Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. able from 8 a.m. to noon during the regular lodge a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. resent the members of this Union unless he or she has Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. meeting to answer any questions you have concern - Regular membership meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, SHOPMEN 516 been a member of this Union in continuous good (Phone: 503 232-4807) ing health, welfare and pension plans. Feb. 11. SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE: Members standing for at least twelve (12) months preceding the Meetings are at 25 Cornell, Gladstone. meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. Purpose of meeting: election. SALEM BUILDING TRADES BAKERY , C ONFECTIONERY , in the event a quorum is not present, to conduct local Section 2. No member shall be a candidate for union business and first reading of proposed changes MARION -P OLK -Y AMHILL more than one (1) office. Delegates meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at the TOBACCO WORKERS AND to by-laws. Section 3. Members need not be present to be IBEW 280 Training Center, 33309 Hwy 99E, Tan - Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. LABOR COUNCIL nominated for any union office. Those members, who gent. RAIN ILLERS 12. by virtue of geography are unable to either attend or G M 114 Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, Meeting are at 11620 NE Ainsworth Circle #200, have other members from their area attend to place Executive Board meets 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in followed by a 7 p.m. general meeting at 4735 Liberty SHEET METAL WORKERS 16 Portland. their name in nomination, may notify the Union of - the meeting room at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 300, Port - Rd., S, Salem. PLEASE NOTE NEW LOCATION. fice of their desire to be nominated. The Executive Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. land. PLEASE NOTE: Swearing in of officers will 4, at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th take place at this meeting. Secretary Treasurer shall nominate or cause to be LABORERS 320 METAL TRADES COUNCIL nominated those same members. The members, who Ave., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Joe are not present at the nomination meeting to accept Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27. EMENT ASONS Edgar Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd the nomination, must have their acceptance of the the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th C M 555 Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Ave., Portland. nomination in writing, available at the nomination Ave., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at 12812 Meetings are at the IBEW Local 48 Hall, 15937 meeting. Only those candidates who accept the nom - Medford area members meet 4 p.m. Wednesday, NE Marx St., Portland. NE Airport Way, Portland. ination shall be considered valid candidates. Feb. 11, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., LABORERS 483 Section 4. Except as provided for in Section 3 Medford. CENTRAL OREGON MOLDERS 139B above, write-in nominations or nominations by proxy Eugene area members meet 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES shall not be allowed. 12, at 1887 Laura St., Springfield. Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, pre - ABOR OUNCIL Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the ***only members that reside outside of Mult - Coos Bay area members meet 4 p.m. Thursday, L C ceded by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Musicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. nomah, Clackamas and Washington counties in Ore - Feb. 19, at Abby’s Pizza, 997 First St., Coos Bay. Delegates meet 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. Women of Sheet Metal meet 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. Social Justice Center, 155 NE Irving, Bend. gon, and Clark County in Washington may utilize the geographical exception in Section 3. 20, at Beulahland, 118 NE 28th Ave., Portland. Chil - LABORERS /V ANCOUVER 335 MULTNOMAH COUNTY dren are welcome. COLUMBIA -P ACIFIC Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, preceded by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Van - EMPLOYEES 88 OPERATING ENGINEERS 701 SIGN PAINTERS & UILDING RADES couver Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. B T General membership and stewards meet 7 p.m. 3, at Pheasant Café, 149 E Main St. Hermiston. The Jan. 20 meeting has been canceled. Wednesday, Jan. 21. Meeting agendas may be PAINT MAKERS 1094 District 1 & 5 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Delegates meet 10 am. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 2212 viewed on the AFSCME Local 88 webpage on the LANE COUNTY Feb. 5, at 555 E. First St., Gladstone. Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in the NE Andresen Rd., Vancouver. Monday prior to the Wednesday meeting. District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4. LABOR COUNCIL 10, at North Bend/Coos Bay Labor Center, 3427 Ash Any member in good standing may attend as a non- LECTRICAL ORKERS Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at St., North Bend. E W 48 voting visitor. SOUTHEASTERN OREGON 1116 South A St., Springfield. District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. Meetings are held at 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. 19, in the Executive Boardroom. Feb. 11, at Holiday Inn Express, 285 Peninger Rd., LABOR COUNCIL Central Point. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. ANE OOS URRY Delegates meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the 21, in the Executive Boardroom. L , C , C & NORTHWEST OREGON District 2 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Comfort Suites, 969 Kruse Way, Spring - Woodworkers Hall, 3836 Altamont Drive, Klamath Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the OUGLAS Falls. Dispatch Lobby. D BCTC LABOR COUNCIL field. Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the General Membership Meeting meets 6:30 p.m. Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Jan.26, at IBEW Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Pkwy., Wednesday, Jan. 28, in the Meeting Hall. Doors open Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. SOUTHERN OREGON at 5:30 p.m. Springfield. PAINTERS & D RYWALL RENEW meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, in the FINISHERS 10 CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL Executive Boardroom. OFFICE & P ROFESSIONAL Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the La - Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. LINN -B ENTON -L INCOLN Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Website: www.iu - bor Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Central 4, in the Executive Boardroom. EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL Point. Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Asto - LABOR COUNCIL patlocal10.org. ria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. Delegates meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, pre - UNION LOCAL 11 ceded by a 6:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at Wasco Unit meets 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at Nominations to be accepted 7 p.m. Tuesday, SOUTHWESTERN OREGON 1400 Salem Ave., Albany. PLASTERERS 82 Northern Wasco County PUD, 2345 River Road, The March 10, at the OPEIU LOCAL 11 meeting hall, Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 12812 Dalles. *Please note that the Wasco Unit meetings 3815 Columbia Street, Vancouver, Washington, CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL have changed from the 2nd Wednesday of the month Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at the Bay to the 2nd Thursday of the month. Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, unless otherwise noted DEATH ASSESSMENT: No. 2418, Glendon Retiree Meeting Notices SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON Bane. The Jan. 2015 assessment is $1.50. CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL Delegates meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, pre - ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED please contact Glenn Hodgkinson at 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. IBEW 280 ceded by an Executive Board meeting, at Laborers Hall, 2212 NE Andresen, Vancouver. Executive Board meets 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER 503-656-0028. 4, at 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. MACHINISTS Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Thursday, Feb. 12, followed by an ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 Retirees meet 10 a.m. Wednesday, UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 the IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. Redmond. 11 a.m. General Membership meet - Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. Feb. 4, at 25 Cornell, Gladstone. 16, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. The following Joint Union meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at ing, in the Labor Services board and noon Monday, Feb. 9, at Home - locations will be able to participate remotely in the 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. room, at AFL-CIO Boardroom, town Buffet on Lancaster in Salem, OREGON AFSCME Regular Business Meeting at 7:30 on the 3rd Friday of every month: Bend, Eugene/Springfield, Eureka, 3642 SE 32nd, Portland. All retirees in Lancaster Mall. If you have any Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Medford, and Salem. ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS are welcome to attend. questions, please give Don Ball a Jan. 20, at the AFSCME office, Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., As - 23 PLEASE NOTE: The 2015 call at 541-327-3388. 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Call toria. Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, preceded State Convention will be held 9:30 Michael Arken for information at 1- Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 Jan. 20. Please contact agent Craig Spjut at 707-496- NE Whitaker Way, Portland. a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 800-521-5954 ext. 226. 1767 for location confirmation. at the Madison Banquet Room, ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS 23 Coos Bay area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse, FIRE FIGHTERS 452 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Regis - Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Wednes - TRANSIT 757 Coos Bay. Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 2807 tration is $12.50, which includes day, Feb. 11, at Hometown Buffet, Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Klamath Falls area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. Jan. 20, at 4816 S., 6th St., Klamath Falls. lunch. For additional information, 10542 SE Washington St., Portland. Feb. 5, at Westmoreland Union The Dalles area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, please call 503-675-7764 or go to Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. Jan. 20, at the United Steelworkers Local 9170 Union FIRE FIGHTERS 1660 Hall, The Dalles. orara.org. GLASS WORKERS 740 Members meet 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at 4411 SW Sunset Dr., Lake Oswego. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thurs - ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 day, Feb. 19, at Izzy’s Pizza, 1307 UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 GLASS WORKERS 740 Retired Electricians of Local 48, NE 102nd Ave, Portland. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, Executive Board members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, wives and friends meet 11 a.m. Feb. 19, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Broadway Floral Feb. 5, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. for the BEST flowers call Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Kings Omelets, INSULATORS 36 Tualatin. 5 at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 10711 NE Weidler, Portland. For Retiree breakfast 9 a.m. Thursday, 503-288-5537 Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, reservations and more information, Feb. 5, at the Dockside Restaurant, 1638 NE Broadway, Portland

PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 16, 2015 Business groups sue to stop new NLRB rule that streamlines union elections WASHINGTON, D.C. — Several cause they “impermissibly limit the by employers to undermine employee business groups are suing the National right of all parties to engage in pro - choice. It gives them time to hold Labor Relations Board (NLRB) over a tected speech at precisely the time meetings to intimidate workers and de - new rule it finalized in December that when their free speech rights are most nounce the union. modernizes and streamlines union cer - important.” Research shows that during organ - tification elections. The five-member These same business groups in 2011 izing campaigns, more than one-third NLRB —an independent government went to court to overturn the union of companies fire pro-union workers. agency charged with conducting elec - election rule. They won on the grounds Studies also show that the longer a tions for labor union representation and that the Board didn’t have a proper quo - company draws out the election with investigating and remedying un - rum to pass the rule. In 2012 the busi - process, the better chance they have of fair labor practices — adopted the rule ness groups also successfully sued to defeating a union organizing campaign. Dec. 12 on a 3-2 vote. block an NLRB rule that simply re - Data from the NLRB’s own case On Jan. 5, the U.S. Chamber of quired employers to post a notice files show instances of employer intim - Commerce, the National Association of telling workers that they have a legal idation, spying, firings, harassment, and Manufacturers, the National Retail right to form a union. threats to close or move, among other Federation, and others filed suit in the “Union avoidance” consulting is a methods of labor law-breaking. U.S. District Court for the District of billion-dollar business in the U.S. De - The new NLRB rule seeks to reduce Columbia. The plaintiffs argue that the laying elections and challenging bar - unnecessary litigation and delay in the NLRB illegally imposed the rules be - gaining units are common tactics used union certification process, and to en - sure that workers, employers and BULL Session delivers $330k to 8 charities unions receive timely information via electronic filing of election petitions Miss Oregon Teen USA has union ties Eight children’s charities in Oregon Last year’s activities were held Sept. and other documents. Kenna Sloy (center), the daughter of Ken (right) and Leslie (left) Sloy, will were recently presented with the per - 8-9 at the Oregon Convention Center “While the NLRB’s new rules will represent Oregon at the Miss Teen USA pageant to be held this August in the fect holiday gift — cash donations to - and The Reserve Vineyards and Golf address the most egregious delaying Bahamas. Leslie is president of Teamsters Local 223 in Portland, and a 35- taling $330,000. Checks were distrib - Club in Aloha. More than 400 golfers practices, they will not prevent em - year member of the union. Kenna, 17, is a senior at Barlow High School in uted during a ceremony at the Benson participated. ployers from communicating their anti- Gresham, where she is active in volleyball and cross country running. She Hotel on Dec. 4. The gift was from the Organizations that received a dona - union message to workers and will wants to study criminal justice in college and work as a forensic scientist. BULL Session, a coalition of business, tion included Albertina Kerr’s Chil - likely make scant difference to the bal - Kenna was one of 16 girls competing for the 2015 Miss Oregon Teen USA union, and labor leaders who gather an - dren’s Developmental Health Services, ance of power in certification cam - crown last November in Portland. She was 1st runner-up in 2014 and 3rd nually for a golf tournament and auc - Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, paigns,” John Logan, professor and di - runner-up in 2013. The competition is judged on personal interview, evening tion to raise money for local charities. Gales Creek Camp, March of Dimes, rector of labor and employment studies wear and swimwear. Oregon has produced three Miss Teen USA title Since its inception in 1991, the Swindells Resource Center of Provi - at San Francisco State University, winners, the most in the nation. Mindy Duncan won the crown in 1988; BULL Session has grown into one of dence Child Center, Randall Children’s wrote in The Hill newspaper. Bridgette Wilson won in 1990; and Tami Farrell won in 2003. The labor Oregon’s largest charity events, having Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Shriners The new union election rule is community can support Kenna’s pursuit of the crown by following her on raised more than $5.2 million to help Hospitals for Children-Portland, and scheduled to go into effect on April 14, either Facebook: Miss Oregon Teen USA , or Instagram: missorteenusa. provide support services for children. the Wheel to Walk Foundation. 2015. Charges dropped against ‘postal defenders’ — again For the fifth time in two years, self- Oct. 29, 2013 action where 15 activists quently arrested. 2013, five protesters went to jail for a name of a “financial emergency.” Since described “postal defenders” have won had gathered in the third floor lobby of Despite the arrests, “postal defend - civil disobedience action at the Salem 2006 the USPS has been forced to a reprieve. The latest came on Jan. 7 the Main Post Office in downtown ers” continued their attempts through - mail plant, which has since been dis - spend nearly 10 percent of its budget when Multnomah County Circuit Portland, holding signs and carrying a out 2014 to meet with postal managers, mantled, with mail processing ma - pre-funding retiree health benefits 75 Judge Eric Bergstrom dismissed petition with over a thousand signatures including a visit to the home of the dis - chines moving to Portland. The same years in advance. No other U.S. agency charges of second-degree criminal tres - of people opposed to the cutbacks at the trict manager last June. group was arrested in July after occu - or private business faces such a crush - pass against seven people protesting the post office. The protesters wanted to Portland Communities and Postal pying the private Matheson mail han - ing financial burden. Not only would privatization of the United States Post meet with the USPS district manager Workers United (PCPWU), organizers dling plant. They also have blockaded the postal service have been profitable Office (USPS). The judge said the de - and hand-deliver the signatures. When of the action, have been fighting cuts Dill Star Route, Inc. trucks multiple without the mandate, but the USPS has fendants’ constitutional right to a that didn’t happen, seven protesters re - and closures to the postal service for the times, demanding those companies also overpaid tens of billions into two speedy trial had been violated. The fused to leave. Michael Meo, Bennett past several years. In May of 2012, 10 stop taking family-wage union postal pension funds. case, which was scheduled to go to trial Poe, Kent Spring, Michael Colvin, activists were arrested occupying Port - jobs. In December of 2013, the postal Union officials and PCPWU main - Jan. 14, was over a year old. Jamie Partridge, John H. Herbert and land’s University Station post office, defenders occupied the Eugene/ tain the postal service isn’t broke. The trespass charges involved an Rev. John T. Schwiebert were subse - which has since been closed. In April, Springfield mail processing facility, PCPWU says the agenda of corporate which had been slated for closure the America and their friends in Congress following month. is to cripple the USPS, to soften it up None of the cases went to trial, and for union busting and privatization. all charges eventually were dropped. The USPS is a $65 billion annual busi - The USPS has slashed hours at half ness with over $100 billion surplus in the nation’s post offices — mostly rural its pension and retiree health benefit — putting retail postal services out of funds, over 30,000 post offices and reach for most working people. And as 200,000 vehicles. Postal activists claim public post offices are being cut and that America is being confronted with a closed, postal retail counters are being huge transfer of public wealth to for- set up in Staples and Walmart, run by profit, private corporations. low-paid, poorly trained store clerks. Eighty-two mail processing plants, CLARIFICATION: including three in Oregon, are due for A photo in the Jan. 2, 2015 issue of closure this year. In anticipation of the the Labor Press of a large postcard be - closures, USPS changed its service ing mailed to Postmaster General standards starting in 2015, delaying Patrick Donahoe to notify him that he every class of mail and virtually elimi - had been named “Scrooge of the Year” ‘Postal defenders’ protest Oct. 29, 2013, in the 3rd floor lobby of the Main Post Office in Northwest Portland. Shortly nating overnight First Class delivery. was taken by Jamie Partridge, a retired after this photo was taken, seven people — Michael Meo, Bennett Poe, Kent Spring, Michael Colvin, Jamie Partridge, All the USPS cuts, closures, and member of the National Association of John Herbert and Rev. John T. Schwiebert — were arrested for trespassing. (Photo by Michael Hastie) contracting out have been done in the Letter Carrier Branch 82. JANUARY 16, 2015 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 The high cost of low wages In Oregon, an estimated 412,000 The figures are worse for women and to work part-time. workers (25 percent of the workforce) and minorities: 45 percent of Latino Low-wage jobs are concentrated in a make $12 an hour or less, and 9 percent workers and 50 percent of African- handful of occupations, including retail, make minimum wage (which is cur - American workers are in low-wage in - restaurant, janitorial and landscaping, rently $9.10 an hour), according to a dustries. And those at the bottom of the personal care, and health care support. study released Jan. 8 by the University barrel for hourly wages are also more The report argues that many low- of Oregon’s Labor Education and Re - likely to have little or no health or re - wage workers rely on publicly-funded search Center (LERC), “The High Cost tirement benefit, less predictable work safety net programs to meet basic needs of Low Wages in Oregon.” schedules, more volatile paychecks, — particularly food stamps, Medicaid, and employment-related day care as - sistance — and thus that those pro - Illinois to sponsor public retirement for private sector grams are being taken advantage of by Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed a is intended to address inadequate re - big corporations. bill into law Jan. 4 that’s predicted to tirement savings by workers. Many em - The report was funded by six labor help around two million workers save ployers don’t offer retirement plans be - organizations and authored by LERC for retirement. Starting in 2017, em - cause of the administrative and cost faculty members Raahi Reddy and Bob ployers with at least 25 employees will burden. In this case, the employer bur - Bussell, along with UO sociology pro - have to start deducting 3 percent of den will be limited to administering a fessor Ellen Scott and Ph.D. student workers’ paychecks into the program. payroll deduction, which they’re al - Shauna Dyer, and Daniel Morris, re - Workers can opt out manually, or may ready doing for taxes. President Obama search director Our Oregon. choose to deduct more than 3 percent. has advocated a similar program at the The full report is available online at The program, known as Secure Choice, federal level. http://bit.ly/1xVK6r7 .

EE BARGAIN COUNTER FR Who’s On Our Side? Free classified ads to subscribers By Tom Chamberlain DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication Published 1st and 3rd Fridays regon ended 2014 by bucking 40 hours per week. This is the first Now accepting e-mails Othe national trend in the No - step in the attempt to systematically vember general election, giving dismantle the ACA. Never mind Send to: [email protected] worker Newt Gingrich is advocat - progressive, pro-worker candidates the fact that almost 10 million Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 a decisive win. This was due to the Americans, including 240,000 in ing for passage of the Employee coordination, determination and Oregon, now have healthcare cov - Rights Act, a sweeping piece of (Please include union affiliation) dogged dedication of like-minded erage under ObamaCare. Never legislation that, if passed, would people and organizations. mind that the ranks of the unin - upend labor law in the United • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • 1 ad per issue While Oregon workers look for - sured have dropped by almost 14 States. The Employee Rights Act • All lower case ( NO CAPITAL LETTERS, PLEASE ) • ward to a 2015 legislative session percent, or that the Congressional would impose greater barriers to workers who are trying to form a that could increase the minimum Budget Office predicts over the Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published wage, implement paid sick leave next four years Americans will see union and make it more difficult for and move toward universal retire - $500 billion in health care savings. unions to participate in the political ment security, one thing is clear: The Affordable Care Act is process — and that’s just two com - AUTOMOTIVE WANTED we are not immune to what hap - working. After voting 50 times for ponents of this proposed law. pens in Washington, D.C. an outright appeal of the ACA in Elections have ramifications, ’13 ToyoTa Prius 3, dark blue metallic, oLd WoodWorkiNG tools, planes, lev - For the first time in eight years, the House and failing to get rid of and the result of the 2014 election 21,000 mi, backup camera/nav, one els, chisels, handsaws, slicks, adzes, is a frontal assault on the men, owner, $17,500. 971-219-3746 wrenches, folding rulers, axes, hatchets, Republicans hold majorities in the it, Republican leadership is now Ford TirEs, W ild Country radial XTX leather tools, tool chests. 503-659-0009 United States Senate and House of rolling out a strategy to kill Obama women and children who are not a part of the privileged class. We live sport, 275/70r18, 10-ply, 8-hole, matched BuyiNG us & world coins to add to col - Representatives. We are beginning Care by a thousand small cuts. set, 90%, $550 obo. 503-799-1715 lection, paying fairly, any amount wel - to see, in bits and pieces, the for - Also in the crosshairs of the in a nation where the 1% controls ’00 BuiCk Park avENuE ultra, 114 k, come. 503-939-8835 mation of their agenda. Right are overturning President both the Congress and the Supreme loaded with extras, good cond, $3,450. CoLLECTor, cash paid, old fishing On the first day of the 2015 Obama’s Executive Order to ease Court. The 99 percent has but one 503-875-3978 (Bruce) tackle, wood plugs, reels, creels, salmon Congress, House Republicans the threat of deportation of millions check in this unbalanced system: a ’64 Ford FaLCoN ventura, 4 dr, rebuilt fishing photos, etc. 503-775-4166 eng and trans, $5,500. 503-679-0017 (Ed) passed legislation establishing par - of undocumented workers, as well presidential veto stamp. CoLLECTor Pays cash for older toys, But we can’t just sit back and oil paintings, american art pottery, and liamentary rules for the year. The as easing regulations on Wall Street HOUSING costume jewelry. 503 703-5952 rules include a little-noticed provi - and large financial institutions. wait for that to happen. We have to organize and take action. 1947 FraNkLiN High school yearbook. sion that blocks Congress from These financial regulations were roCkaWay BEaCH rental, 3 bed, 2 bth, 503-522-6542 Our challenge will be to push shifting funds to prevent a 2016 put in place to end racketeering sleeps 10, Jacuzzi, 5 min to beach/ MoTorCyCLEs, boat, tractors, trailers, shortfall in Social Security’s dis - banking practices that resulted in back against anti-worker, pro-cor - shops.vacationhomerentals.com/43026 cars, trucks, riding lawn mowers, guitars ability insurance programs. The the worst financial meltdown since porate bills in Congress and under - roCkaWay ocean front, 503-777-5076, cash paid. 503-880-8183 stand that defeating bad legislation 5 bdrms/2 bath, book now for summer! Social Security Administration has the Great Depression, and the sub - http://rockawaybeachfrontrental.com projected that, without a transfer of sequent bailout of financial profi - may very well be our greatest vic - tories over these next 24 months. funds from other Social Security teers. SPORTING GOODS accounts, 11 million Americans Thinly veiled in the cloak of job We must take every opportunity to expose the corporate agenda of the IRS PROBLEMS? will see their disability benefits re - creation, Republican leadership aMMuNiTioN, .22 Lr, .22 Magnum, 7.62 duced by 20 percent. Keep in mind will attempt to roll back environ - 1%, and hold accountable those X 39 HP russian, 30-06 FMJ, 7.63 elected leaders who advocate it, re - Mauser. 360-891-5889 • Haven’t filed for ... years? that the maximum month disability mental standards, along with • Lost records? benefit is just under $1,300 per worker and consumer protections, gardless of what political party they belong to. ISCELLANEOUS • Liens - Levies - Garnishments? month. and reduce the power of the Na - M • Negotiate settlements. The second day of the 114th tional Labor Relations Board, as We must prepare for 2016 and TriMLiNE TrEadMiLL, Model 7600 with • Prepare offer in Compromise. Congress, the U.S. House passed well as to repeal the Davis-Bacon take back America for working Americans. heart monitor, 1 owner, used but not Call Nancy D. Anderson legislation that would increase the Act, which requires contractors to abused, $200. 503-926-3253 Enrolled Agent NPTI Fellow/America’s Tax Expert number of hours necessary to qual - pay prevailing construction wages aNTiquE TruNk, dome top, great con - LTC-1807 ify for healthcare under the Afford - for federally-funded projects. Tom Chamberlain is president of dition, $150. 503-628-1939 www.nancydanderson.com able Care Act (ACA); from 30 to Finally, the outspoken anti- the Oregon AFL-CIO. draFTiNG Board/parallel rule device for 1st year architecture student. 503-667- 503-244-2577 1093

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS JANUARY 16, 2015 The ‘last war’ rages on against same-old trade agreements By STAN SORSCHER If a deal is finished, advocates for ers and encourages offshoring. Biparti - the environment, labor rights, human us to trust him, I hear Chico Marx’ joke The other day, President Obama these failing trade policies want an ex - san letters signed by 230 House mem - rights, public health, food security, in - from Duck Soup; “Who are you going spoke to 100 top CEOs from the Busi - pedited Congressional approval bers and 60 Senators sought action on ternet freedom and financial regulation. to believe, me or your own eyes?” My ness Roundtable. He was asked about process, with no time to explain the currency manipulation. But they will base their decisions on the eyes see the lived experience from two huge new trade deals favored by terms of the deal, no realistic public These deals will have illusory and corporate values and corporate-friendly every deal since NAFTA. global companies, known as TPP and hearings or political engagement to ed - ineffective options for environmental language in the trade deals. They will I’m not sure what the 21st Century TTIP. The President taunted critics of ucate the public and no opportunity to and labor protections and human rights. take no account of the Constitutions or looks like to President Obama. Maybe our failing trade policy, telling them, modify the deal. Putting the deal on a Another letter from 153 House De - legal traditions of the U.S., Canada, he has wonderful new 21st Century lan - “Stop fighting the last war.” “Fast Track” to railroad it through mocrats asked for stronger labor rights. Australia, Japan or any other country. guage in the deals that everyone will That sounds patronizing. Is it true doesn’t inspire trust. The deals will restrict access to Language in these “trade” deals be - love. If so, he should show it! He that companies trying to manufacture Leaks to date show that these new medicines for millions in developing comes the new governance standard for should publish it tomorrow and boast in America, workers, communities and deals follow the NAFTA template in countries and will limit prudent finan - the world. about it. Repeatedly. environmentalists need the President to their basic features — expanded corpo - cial regulation. Patent rights could be These deals consolidate power rela - I’m 100 percent in favor of trade. explain their interests to them, as if 25 rate rights; special corporate-friendly expanded to include surgical proce - tionships that favor global investors. My job depends on trade. We should years of lived experience with tribunals to settle disputes without ac - dures. The values and priorities in these deals have a good trade policy, which would NAFTA-style trade deals haven’t been countability to any national govern - In the American legal tradition, our bring more wealth and power to those be very different from our current fail - sufficiently clear? ment; the interests of global investors threshold for regulation is that it must who already have plenty. ing trade policy. Another interpretation is that the will take priority over public interests; serve a public good and have a rational These deals will determine how life It’s completely appropriate to fight President believes his huge new trade and global businesses will be free to basis. Multinational companies prefer is organized in 2050. the last war on trade policy. Thea Lee at deals really are different — that they seek the lowest wages and weakest civil a “necessity” test, where national and Every President since Gerald Ford the AFL-CIO put it this way in the are the 21st century agreements he has society protections around the world. state governments would need to prove has promised prosperity from each new Washington Post, “We promise not to been promising. In this interpretation, These provisions are opposed by the to a corporate-friendly trade tribunal trade deal. In our lived experience, fight the last war, if he promises not to his message is, “Trust me! These deals libertarian Cato Institute, the governor that no other option is possible. we’ve lost millions of jobs, de-industri - put the last [flawed] version of the trade will be great.” of Washington — arguably the most Opposition has been raised on alized our economy, weakened bar - deal on the table.” Let’s consider that. He is negotiat - pro-trade state in the union — five key many issues important to regular peo - gaining power for every worker in It is ironic that President Obama, ing these deals in secret. He spoke in a members of the House Ways and ple. Those objections have been America, run a cumulative trade debt speaking to CEOs from the Business room of 100 top CEOs, defending their Means Committee that deals with trade, brushed aside. approaching $10 trillion and we’ve lost Roundtable, tells the rest of America to interests. The precise language is be - and hundreds of civil society organiza - Clearly, these aren’t “trade” deals. our strategic advantage in manufactur - trust him. It makes much more sense ing written under the guidance of le - tions in America and Europe. They are really about global gover - ing to Korea, Japan, Singapore, Ger - for him to speak to environmentalists, gions of corporate lobbyists, who ad - Multinational companies have other nance. Corporate lawyers will sit on many, Denmark and China. workers, communities and companies vise the U.S. Trade Representative. interests in play. The deals say nothing shadowy tribunals and hear cases about When President Obama pleads with trying to manufacture in the U.S. Show Congress and a few non-business spe - about currency manipulation, which is us why these deals will be good for us, cialists have very limited access, but al - great for global companies already pro - when the opposite has been true up to most no influence, and they are sworn ducing in China. However, currency now. not to reveal what they see. manipulation hurts American produc - AFL-CIO to take ‘Raising Wages’ (Editor’s Note: Stan Sorscher is la - bor representative at the Society of Pro - campaign to key states, cities fessional Engineering Employees in At the AFL-CIO’s National Summit entire raising wages platform and es - Aerospace, IFPTE 2001. This column on Raising Wages Jan. 7, President tablish state-based standards of ac - originally appeared in Huffington Post, Richard Trumka announced new cam - count- ability. and was reprinted in the Washington paigns to expand the raising wages The AFL-CIO identified the seven State Labor Council’s The Stand.) agenda. cities for raising wages campaigns This spring, the federation will where they could have the most im - sponsor Raising Wages summits in pact. The cities are Atlanta, Columbus, four states. Additionally, the AFL-CIO District of Columbia (Metro), St. ...Warren tells will organize projects in seven cities to Louis, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and focus on raising wages in those locales. San Diego. unionists, ‘the AFL-CIO state labor federations in “Raising wages is the single stan - the first four presidential primary states dard by which leadership will be game is rigged’ — Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and judged,” Trumka said. “That means ac - South Carolina — will take place in countability, and it starts with some - (From Page 1) the spring. These summits will bring thing we all understand — presidential “Instead of building an economy for together diverse voices to lay out the politics.” all Americans, this country has grown an economy that works for some Amer - icans,” Warren said. “That is a huge structural change in this country,” she continued. Warren told union members, “If we’re ever going to un-rig the system, then we need to make some important political changes.” She said the best place to start is the Wall Street banks, and those responsi - ble for causing the crash of 2008. “We know that democracy doesn’t work when congressmen and regula - tors bow down to Wall Street’s politi - cal power — and that means it’s time to break up the Wall Street banks and remind politicians that they don’t work for the big banks, they work for us!” she said. “Changes like this aren’t easy,” she continued. “But we know they are pos - sible. We know they are possible be - cause we have seen David beat Goliath before ... Change is difficult, but it is possible.”

JANUARY 16, 2015 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 Mass rally Jan. 24: ROGUE UBER CAB Oregon Needs a Raise The union-endorsed group 15 Now Salem at 3 p.m. STEAMROLLS INTO PORTLAND will hold a rally Saturday, Jan. 24, on Rally cosponsors include Oregon the steps of the Oregon Capitol in AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice, Oregon Salem to call for an increase in the School Employees Association, Amer - minimum wage to $15 an hour. The ican Federation of Teachers-Oregon, noon rally will be followed by a SEIU Locals 49 and 503, AFSCME statewide gathering at the IKE Box Locals 328 and 88, Laborers Local meeting space, 299 Cottage Street 483, Oregon Education Association, Northeast at 1 p.m. Oregon Federation of Nurses and Free bus transportation is being pro - Health Professionals, International vided from locations all over the state, Longshore and Warehouse Union, but riders are asked to sign up at Portland Association of Teachers, Ore - http://bit.ly/ 1w4naC3 . From Portland, buses will leave at 10:30 a.m. from the gon State Association of Letter Carri - parking lot of Service Employees In - ers, Communications Workers of ternational Union (SEIU) Local 49, America Local 7901, and Musicians ... After law-abiding Union Cab 3536 SE 26th Ave., departing from Local 99. waited 22 months for permits Rally for universal health care By DON McINTOSH Broadway Cab general manager meeting Jan. 14 (after this issue went Health Care for All Oregon is or - ing supporter of universal health care Associate Editor Raye Miles voiced frustration that the to press). But every feature of existing ganizing a rally on the Capitol steps in — will headline the Feb. 11 rally, Those pro-union cabbies were so City had a backlog of over 100 new regulations will be up for reconsidera - Salem Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 11 which will also feature jazz musician polite and law-abiding. They asked the permit requests, and yet promised an tion: whether the City should regulate a.m. to 1 p.m., to call on state legisla - Norm Sylvester, the Raging Grannies, City of Portland for permission to form illegal operator to change the rules in fares or limit the number of taxi per - tors to create a universal health care and “Mad As Hell Minutes,” an oppor - a new driver-owned co-op, Union Cab, 90 days. mits, whether it should require insur - system for Oregon. tunity for participants to share their and then waited 22 months for the City “Would that have worked for Broad - ance, inspections and background State Sen. Michael Dembrow was own health care stories. to say yes. way?” Miles asked Hockaday. “If we checks, whether it should require com - able to pass legislation in 2013 author - Health Care for All-Oregon is a Uber, by contrast, didn’t bother ap - just started operating more vehicles, panies to be accessible to the handi - izing a privately-funded study of how grassroots coalition of over 100 organ - plying for permits. The app-based ride would we be getting the attention?” capped. to best fund a universal health care sys - izations, including unions, businesses, company launched operations in Port - “I want to make it really clear,” “I don’t know what the City’s going tem in Oregon, but it would take non-profits and church groups. The land on Dec. 5 in flagrant violation of Hockaday replied. “We have not made to do,” said Union Cab president Kedir $200,000 to fund the study, and the group is organizing bus transportation City code. Thirteen days later, Mayor any sort of commitment with Uber or Wako, a member of Communications group has raised just $50,000 so far. and car pools from Portland, Corvallis, Charlie Hales announced that the City any other company on any specific ob - Workers of America Local 7901. Another bill will be submitted in 2015 Eugene, Ashland, LaGrande and the will develop a completely new regula - ligations.” “We’re watching it closely. It’s going to fund the remainder. Oregon Coast. Visit hcao.org to regis - tory framework by April 9, 2015, to al - The new task force held its first to be a big issue in our life.” Dembrow — the Legislature’s lead - ter. low companies like Uber to operate legally. Uber — facing a City lawsuit and $67,750 in fines — graciously sus - pended its illegal operation while the City works to make it legal. To develop the new rules, the City snubbed its existing advisory board — the Private for-Hire Transportation Board of Review — and instead ap - pointed a task force chaired by Mike Greenfield, former director of the State of Oregon Department of Administra - tive Services. The City needed a “fresh look,” explained Brian Hockaday, aide to Commissioner Steve Novick, at the Private for-Hire Board’s Jan. 7 meet - ing. Taxi drivers and company represen - tatives grilled Hockaday at the two- hour meeting, but got few answers as to how the rules will be changed. “I’m really not trying to be evasive,” Hockaday said. “I have no idea what it’s going to look like.”

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