(ISSN 0023-6667) It’s Franken v. Coleman for Senate When Al Franken came to endorsement process. with Jack.” the Duluth Labor Temple on Franken had been endorsed Duluth was a good town to short notice Feb. 16, 2007, to by the Minnesota AFL-CIO on make that statement in as many announce he was running for April 3. DFL delegates from here actu- the U.S. Senate, well over 800 Surrounded by members of ally favored Nelson-Pallmeyer people turned up in Wellstone the Minnesota Legislature and over Franken. Nelson- Hall, the largest gathering that Duluth City Council June 9, Pallmeyer had appeared with room has ever seen. Franken said he was honored to Franken earlier in the day in the Franken returned to Well- compete for the endorsement Twin Cities but did not make An Injury to One is an Injury to All! stone Hall to a much smaller with Nelson-Pallmeyer. the Duluth trip because he was WEDNESDAY VOL. 114 gathering in the middle of the “I was asked this morning attending his daughter’s high JUNE 25, 2008 NO. 1 afternoon June 9th but the why I was I Democrat,” Frank- school graduation. stakes were raised. He was on a en related about an earlier stop Duluth City Council Presi- “Unity Tour” after securing the in the Twin Cities. “I said dent Roger Reinert said their Democratic Farmer Labor because only the DFL would contest showed why the DFL is Party’s endorsement two days have someone like Jack more vibrant than the earlier at their convention in Nelson-Pallmeyer, someone Republican Party. Rochester. Franken secured 62 with that heart, compassion, “It’s more dynamic and percent of the delegates on the wisdom, strength, and energy.” maybe ‘messier’ but we put out first ballot, and his opponent, Franken said he and a better product,” he said. Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, with- Nelson-Pallmeyer remained In a letter read on his behalf, drew and threw his support to friends throughout the “hotly Congressman Jim Oberstar Franken. Both candidates had contested” campaign and that said, “We stand united with Al promised to abide by the he was “honored to compete Franken...He understands the issues, and knows that we need Obama gains unions quickly to invest in the future of (PAI)--Barack Obama finally got Hillary Clinton to say America. He will fight for the “uncle” in their fight for the Democratic endorsement for presi- needs of working families; he dent, and unions have quickly jumped on his campaign wagon. will invest in good paying jobs, Even some who supported Clinton and spent big money deni- universal health care, afford- grating Obama in advertising. able education, and he will sup- AFSCME’s pro-Clinton campaign included criticism of port our troops by bringing Obama’s health care plans as incomplete and of Obama as inex- them home with the honor they perienced. But Gerald McEntee, AFSCME’s President and deserve.” Chair of the AFL-CIO’s Committee On Political Education, said Franken visited those issues the labor federation may endorse Obama within two weeks. in Wellstone Hall. “We need McEntee said conditions changed and that union leaders were an economy that works for Al Franken, the Minnesota AFL-CIO’s endorsed candidate particularly satisfied by intensive meetings on June 17-18 with everyone, that will rebuild the for U.S. Senate, celebrated his June 7 DFL endorsement in Obama, where they quizzed him and exchanged views on edu- middle class, that will rebuild the Duluth Labor Temple’s Wellstone Hall, June 9. cation, trade, health care and other issues. the labor movement in this Minnesota Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon, was one of “He said we’ve got to be tough and hard in negotiating” country,” he said. “It’s great to many DFL politicians at the “Unity Rally.” trade treaties “and that labor rights are the key to endorsement of be here again in your Labor any of them,” McEntee quoted Obama as saying. “Same thing Temple. I have to thank my City workers disappointed in with environmental standards; he wants to toughen those up.” friends in labor who have Change to Win has been behind Obama all along. helped me through.” He said there is a lot of Ness budget cut decisions work to be done to defeat While Mayor Don Ness is trying to say all the right things Per cap increase on agenda Norm Coleman, who he said about his plans to tackle the City of Duluth’s $4.4 million budg- At the Thursday, July 10 Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor has sold people out to get et deficit, union workers employed by the city aren’t buying it. Body meeting that begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Duluth Labor ahead. “We know we have a lot Ness says citizens will feel only minimal impacts from his Temple’s Wellstone Hall, a second reading of a motion to of work to do,” Franken said. long list of cuts, and he says staff reductions won’t result in lay- increase per capita tax payment from the Central Body to the “We have to get up early, stay offs but workers still feel like they’re in the crosshairs. Labor World will be read and possibly voted on. Currently the up late, canvas until our feet “On July 1 we’ll lose one rig and the number of fire fighters per capita tax is 52 cents. The motion at the June 12 meeting was hurt, then pick up the phone.” on duty will go from 36 to 34,” said Fire Fighters Local 101 to increase it to 58 cents. “A View from the Ditch” on page 3 Franken has received criti- President Erik Simonson. “By January 1 he wants another gives more information on that situation. cism for things he has done in $600,000 dropped out of our budget, which is one station. He his distant and recent past such told the Chief (John Strongitharm) to pick one and have an WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? as late tax payments and bawdy answer by July 25.” writings for Playboy magazine. That shouldn’t bother any citizens that don’t have a fire. Barton Sutter’s play get labor sponsorship....page 2 “I’m not a perfect person,” Simonson said Fire Fighters are disappointed with Ness. Letter: Carol Valentini shows true colors....page 3 he said referencing those “We know the budget needs a solution, but we need to be a Rukavina praises start of mesothelioma study....page 5 charges. “I don’t pretend to part of talking about any solution, and he hasn’t been receptive,” TRADE Act shows great promise....page 6 have all the answers, but I will said Simonson. City councilors have a different view of public Taiwan uses Medicare as single payer model....page 8 tell the truth, I will keep my safety and the role of fire fighters and Local 101 members say spine, I will work for you, and they know why. Every year the union and department puts on National Conf. for Media Reform growing....page 12 I will be a senator you can be Fire Ops 101, a full day of fire fighting training for elected offi- Study shows media ignores workers....page 13 proud of.” cials and the media to learn what fire fighters go through in their Mondale Drive dedicated....page 14 work. Anti-union ABC loves McCain....page 18 “We’ve offered it to Don Ness three times and he’s never par- ticipated so he hasn’t learned what we do, how we do it, and Cal. neutrality law overturned by Supremes....page 19 what we’re up against,” said Simonson. “The majority of city Trades, IBEW 31 name scholars....pages 20, 21 councilors have taken Fire Ops and you can see the difference in Corporations can be socially responsible....page 22 how they view our jobs.” Kucera wraps up legislative session....page 23 See City workers...page 4 Gas price protests popular....page 24 1896--OUR 112th YEAR!--2008 Labor jumps in as first sponsors of Barton Sutter’s play “Bushed” Barton Sutter, who recently The Duluth AFL-CIO Cen- formances in October. the-vote campaign. It’s hoped Wellstone Hall. Over 120 peo- ended his “term” as Duluth’s tral Labor Body committed “We still have to iron out a more labor unions will make ple attended that event. first Poet Laureate, has written $500 to the production at their few small details, but it’s hap- donations to sponsor the play. Matuszak is also a huge part a stage play about President June 12 meeting. A motion for pening in October, in large part If you would like to help of the Twin Ports art scene. He George W. Bush and those another $500 will be made at to labor’s early support,” said sponsor the play or hear more received a Bachelor in Fine around him. He got Brian the July 10 meeting. Matuszak. about it contact Rubber Arts from UWS in 1987, and a Matuszak interested in staging The Duluth Building & In discussions at the Central Chicken Theater at 213-2780, Masters of Arts in 1997. In Bushed as the first major effort Construction Trades Council Body meeting it was brought [email protected]. 1991 Matuszak co-founded of his new Rubber Chicken also passed a motion to help up that the play’s content aligns “I am extremely proud to be Renegade Comedy Theater. Theater. Then came the hard sponsor the play with $500 at perfectly with Labor 2008, the working with Bart on his first Over 16 years he wrote, direct- part of figuring out how to fund its June 17 meeting. AFL-CIO’s political program full-length play,” said ed, performed and produced it. Sutter and Matuszak came to Matuszak estimates that this year. October performanc- Matuszak. “The support of over 140 productions for Duluth’s labor community and about $6,000 to $7,000 will be es of Bushed would dovetail labor is much appreciated.” Renegade. He started Rubber found their first sponsors. needed for three weekend per- perfectly with labor’s get-out- Sutter had a 50-minute Chicken Theater in March verse, one-act play, Small Town 2008. Triumphs, that ran for 16 per- The full title of Sutter’s formances by St. Paul’s Great work is Bushed: A Poetical, American History Theater in Political, Partly Musical 1992. Bushed will be about 90 Tragicomedy in Two Acts. The minutes with over three dozen musical part is being handled scenes, 8 to 10 actors, and by Minneapolis composer many musical numbers. Marya Hart, winner of two An English professor at Minnesota Music Awards UW-Superior, Sutter is an among her many credits. She is award-winning author of six a pianist, composer, music books. He is the only writer to director, and arranger. She has win the Minnesota Book appeared on A Prairie Home Award in three different cate- Companion and main-stage at gories: for poetry with The the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Book of Names: New and Sutter said he felt compelled Selected Poems, for fiction to write something about with My Father’s War and President Bush and thoughts Other Stories, and for creative just kept coming to him. non-fiction with Cold Comfort: “I’d have to pull over in the Life at the Top of the Map. His car because Karl Rove, or Members of the United Auto Workers held a BBQ and rally with a huge turnout Saturday most recent poetry collection is Laura or Barbara Bush, or at Duluth Dodge to protest the Duluth Auto Dealers Assn.’s failure to negotiate in good Farewell to the Starlight in someone else from his life faith on their contract that expired April 30. Whiskey. would come at me,” Sutter As Poet Laureate of Duluth said. “It was like I couldn’t turn Sutter put together a hugely it off. Eventually I had so much successful “Poets Go To Work” material I thought ‘this is a ~~ATTENTION: ~~ reading in the Labor Temple’s play’ and it is.” IRON RANGE RESIDENTS & CONTRACTORS If you live in the Virginia, Hibbing, Bovey, Calumet, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 or Grand Rapids areas and need concrete or concrete Retirees’ Luncheon products, please use these unionized firms: Tuesday, July 1, 1:00 p.m. Hawkinson Ready Mix...218-326-6681 Spirits(left on Hwy 210 @ Black Bear) 3000 Rangeline Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Schwartz Redi-Mix...218-245-2165 I.U.O.E. Local 70 34882 Scenic Hwy., Bovey, MN 55709 Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Tuesday, July 8, 2008, 5:00 P.M. Seppi Brothers...218-741-7007 Duluth Labor Center, Hall B 718-4th Street North, Virginia, MN 55792 Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 All three have been very supportive of working families, and deserve your support in return. If you have legal questions concerning • Small Business or Non-Profit Organizations ~~OUR MEMBERS THANK YOU!~~ • Real Estate • Wills, Trusts, or Probate Building Cement • Bankruptcy or Business Workouts & General Mason, • Municipal Law Laborers Plasterers & You know Greg Gilbert can help you! Local Shophands GGilberilbertt LawLaw OOfficeffice 1097 Local 633 (218) 625-8777 [email protected] Suite 563 Duluth Technology Village 11 E. Superior St.

PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Meeting shows Carol Valentini’s position on labor Editor: I recently contacted Carol Valentini in an effort to bring labor At the June 12 meeting of peace to her restaurant and try and build a positive relationship the Duluth AFL-CIO Central with her so we can move forward on this dispute that has gone Labor Body a motion was on many months. I told her that working together we could made to increase the per capita accomplish great things, both for her business and her workers. tax the CLB pays to the Labor I had an interesting conversation and I thought I would share World by 6 cents per member some of her thoughts about labor in Duluth with you. per month. Because such a Carol Valentini stated to me that she has the right or the “free- change would require a change dom to choose” how she operates her business; that this is the in the constitution it requires American way. She believes the picket lines outside her restau- being read at two meetings. It rant were anti-American. She also stated to me that her employ- will undoubtedly be debated at ees have the right to be union but she would not go as far as sign- the Thursday, July 10 meeting. ing a card check and neutrality agreement to allow the organiz- Currently if you are affiliat- ing process to proceed smoothly. She then stated that all her ed with the Central Body your employees are adamantly against the union because of all the union pays 80 cents per month From 2001 to through 2007 Virginia. Their union represen- intimidation and bullying that she alleges went on during the for your affiliation. Of that, 52 Labor World mailing costs tative Wayne Nordin said in opening of her restaurant, to which my reply was that I and my cents goes to support the Labor have increased over 36%. looking to reduce expenses, at members have been nothing but respectful to her, her employees, World. That’s the equivalent of Printing costs have risen even a recent union meeting they and her customers as I picketed as a representative of Local 99, getting each paper for 26 cents more at 45%. Payroll has gone asked how many members read and that is the kind of standard and vision that my union lives by. an issue. A First Class postage up 9.6%, health and welfare their Labor World. Wayne said She stated that labor in Duluth has a poor track record and stamp now costs 42 cents. 74%. I pay $100 off the top of a good majority of hands went people should not put up with the power that labor has over this It costs us 6 cents just to my pay check every week for up. Their 400 members still get community. She went on to state that the Duluth Central Labor mail a Labor World in St. Louis my health care coverage. the paper. Body has completely lost the values and idea of what purpose County, but 18 cents to mail it Recessions dry up advertis- I hope you are as supportive unions should serve. She said that she supports spending money across that county line by US ing revenue in a hurry. During of this 112 year old publication. on schools that teach children not to have so much of the “self Postal Service regulations. We those years display advertising If you are and you are a dele- imposed power” that unions apparently have. are fortunate St. Louis County increased only 2.8% , while gate to the Duluth AFL-CIO I know that Ms. Valentini has been very frustrated with this is as big as it is. union advertising increased Central Labor Body, please whole situation as it has dragged on for over a year. Unite Here As you know from your 22%. In order for the paper to attend the Thursday, July 10 Local 99 has reached out to her and asked to meet twice to help personal life, expenses have have enough advertising to meeting in the Duluth Labor resole this matter. We were told she will not take any steps with gone crazy and are eating up break even every issue, each 8 Temple’s Wellstone Hall and her employees’ organizing. She thanked me for my time and your take home pay. Gas prices page paper would have to have use your voice and your vote to invited me in for a meal and conversation, but I assume the con- have gone from $1.47 a gallon 12 pages of solid advertising, help the paper. Thank you. versation will not be about employees rights in the workplace. in 2001 to the $4 mark today. not an easy concept to get your This dispute is just another reminder that we must all unify I’m the paper’s truck driver. head around is it? We can’t This Day In History behind the Employee Free Choice Act if we are to ever have eco- exist on advertising alone with from nomic and social justice for working people in our country. We ~NOTICE~ the way expenses have gone. www.workdayminnesota.org should not have to boycott a business in order to allow workers Next issues of Labor World Subscription numbers have JUNE 25, 1893 - The to make a choice to organize without fear; these kinds of rights are: July 9, 23; Aug. 6, 27; gone from 14,700 in 2001 to Haymarket Martyrs ought to be inherent and put into law. These matters of equality Sept. 17; Oct. 1, 15, 29; 18,100 in that time period. Monument was dedicated at and economic justice should be in the hands of the masses of Nov. 12, 25; Dec. 17. When I took over managing the Forest Home Cemetery in working people, and the EFCA would help to restore a true dem- Labor World in 1989 we were Chicago to honor those ocratic choice to organize without the usual intimidation and LABOR WORLD mailing just over 11,000. framed and executed for the misinformation that most employers engage in. But for now, the (ISSN#0023-6667) is published The last time the Labor Duluth Central Labor Body calls upon you to continue to boy- semi-monthly except one issue in bombing at Haymarket December (23 issues). World got a per cap increase Square on May 4, 1886. More cott Valentini’s Vicino Lago until such time as Ms. Valentini The known office of publication is was in 2004 when it went up than 8,000 people attended agrees to quit working against labor and step out of the role she Labor World, 2002 London Road, two cents from 50 to 52 cents. the dedication ceremony.At has assumed in hampering efforts to level the playing field for Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. In 1988, the last year the CLB’s the base of the monument working people. She has no place in that position. Periodicals postage is paid at constitution was printed, per Duluth MN 55806. are the last words of Todd Erickson, President, Unite Here Local 99 POSTMASTER: caps were 44 cents. In Feb. Haymarket martyr August Send address changes to: 1991 they went to 47 cents, Spies:“The day will come Labor World, 2002 London Rd., May 1998 to 50 cents, then when our silence will be Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 March 2004 to 52 cents. more powerful than the voic- It was a bold, courageous venture for a 29- 6 7 How do those increases es you are throttling today.” compare with your life’s year old woman, Sabrie Akin, to found the (218) 728-4469 expenses and/or revenue? JUNE 25, 1938 - The Wages FAX: (218) 724-1413 Many unions have been and Hours (later Fair Labor Labor World Newspaper in 1896. [email protected] paying 60 cents per member Standards) act was passed, www.laborworld.org banning child labor and set- ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ per month for quite some time A tip of the cap to this area’s working men Owned by Unions affiliated with the as non-affiliated unions of the ting the 40-hour work week. Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Central Body. One of them is The act went into effect in and women that it is still in existence today. Subscriptions: $22 Annually Millwrights Local 1348 in October 1940 and was Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager upheld by the U.S. Supreme Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper The non-profit Labor World, Inc. Court on Feb. 3, 1941. is the official publication of the & Board of Directors JUNE 25, 1941 - At the Andrew Bransky PA President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body. It is an educational, advo- urging of black labor and civil Painters & Allied Trades 106; rights leader A. Philip V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; cacy newspaper for workers and ~ unions. The views and opinions Randolph, who saw jobs Tim Andrew Aaron Bransky Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; opening up in defense plants Tom Selinski, IBEW 242; Mike submitted and expressed in the Representing Unions and their Members Kuitu, Operating Engineers 49; Labor World do not necessarily but not being offered to Al LaFrenier, UNITE HERE!; reflect the views of the paper, its blacks, President Franklin D. 302 W. Superior St. Suite 300 Shane Sweeney, BCTWGM 167G; Board of Directors, the Duluth Roosevelt issued an execu- Larry Anderson, Laborers 1091; Central Labor Body, its affiliated tive order barring discrimina- Duluth, MN 55802 218-722-1764 Susan Jussila, MN Nurses Assn. unions, their officers or staff. tion in defense industries. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 3 City workers frustrated...from page 1 Rep. Mike Jaros announces retirement At the Lake Superior Zoo AFSCME Local 66 has 10 mem- Rep. Mike Jaros (DFL- he did in 1990. With redistrict- resentative for AFSCME bers working there. Ness proposes turning the facility over to Duluth District 7B) says he is ing in 2000, Duluth lost a Council 5 is expected to the Zoological Society in a money-saving move. Discussions retiring this year before the fall House seat and Jaros was chal- announce for the seat when fil- are taking place between the administration and union, but for elections. After 32 years in the lenged by his former colleague ings open July 1. City Council union steward Wendy Wohlwend she feels like she may lose the Minnesota Legislature, Jaros Dale Swapinski in an acrimo- DFLer Brandon Clokey says job she loves and always wanted. has said he is tired of the stress nious race. he will file as has Republican “We were all surprised when Mayor Ness said flat out that of campaigning and living so He has stated that he needs Allan Kehr. he wanted to turn it over to the Society,” Wohlwend said, “and much of his life in St. Paul to do a better job of taking care the Society says they need to have their own staff. Nothing’s away from his family. of his health. At 64 years of age been said specifically, but many of us feel we’re probably out Jaros never lost an election he will probably be able to Marsh of a job.” and ran unopposed in 2006, as COBRA his current health care Wohlwend has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from coverage until he is Medicare- Stenersen UMD. While attending college she volunteered as a docent at eligible. He has been a long- the zoo. It’s the job she’s always wanted to do. After graduating INTERSTATE time frustrated critic of how we for there were no openings at the zoo so she worked at the Hayward SPUR deliver health care in the U.S. Game Park until she got hired as a temporary worker in 1998. Jaros has carried the AFL- Minnesota “I’m third from the bottom in seniority here,” she said. CIO endorsement in all his House of We’ve got people who have worked here over 30 years. This is election campaigns since he Representatives what we want to do, this is why I went to school. There are no first ran in 1972. (He opted not other zookeeper jobs in Duluth.” to run in 1980 and 1982.) But District 7B Wohlwend says there has been talk and discussions about Jaros has always been his own their zoo jobs before Ness became mayor, and workers felt vul- man on the issues. In this year’s Strong for Labor session he was in direct opposi- nerable without specific scenarios being addressed. 2700 W. Michigan St. Strong for “Now things are being addressed and it is very frustrating on tion to Duluth’s labor commu- our end because we believe in what we do,” she said. GAS - DIESEL nity in trying to stop the Duluth the DFL While no lay-offs are proposed for the Duluth Police Dept., GROCERIES Public Schools Long Range Paid for by the Marsh Stenersen four positions will not be refilled following retirements. Facilities Plan with state legis- Volunteer Committee You’ll really like lation. He said at the time that our car wash! whenever the Chamber of Commerce and Labor agree on Summer an issue it’s usually a bad idea. SAVINGS! Jaros couldn’t have been a Ship it union, better advocate for the less for- tunate in society. His support of minimum wage increases, pub- lic education, lower property taxes, and health care for all Ship it were trademarks of his time in politics. He retires as one of three most senior House members. by rail! With his DFL Party having Purchase One Pair of Vision Pro Glasses made great gains in recent elec- and Get the Second Pair FREE!* tions to win control of the UP TO A House, Jaros retires as chair of $258.95 VALUE! United Transportation Union Minnesota Legislative Board the Minnesota Heritage P. J. Qualy, UTU State Legislative Director, 411 Main Street, St. Paul MN 55102 Finance Division committee. Sale Includes: Jaros speaks six languages Single Vision • Bifocals • Trifocals Rx Sunglasses • Progressive No-Line and has traveled extensively and Computer Glasses! and led tours in eastern Europe and his homeland of Bosnia. When he came to America at the age of 17, he did not speak OPTICAL English, but became a college DULUTH • SUPERIOR • MOOSE LAKE graduate, and a school teacher. GRAND RAPIDS • CLOQUET • AURORA President Roger Reinert has *Must be of equal or lesser value: select from special collection of frames and plastic lenses. Up said he will run for Jaros’ seat. to a $258.95 value. See store for details. Marsh Stenersen, a union rep- HOME & 24 HOUR BUSINESS SERVICE HEATING INSTALLATION FREE & ESTIMATES SETUP Harbor City Oil & PROPANE 3020 West Superior Street • 624-3633 Warming the Northland for over 40 years

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Minnesota’s mesothelioma study: Now the hard work begins By Rep. Tom Rukavina health study, shared an aggres- sample, and probably be con- the Natural Resources Re- important effort. The Minnesota Taconite sive timeline, which is already ducted locally at Virginia search Institute (NRRI) are We have taken steps to Workers Lung Health Partner- underway. The legislature pro- Regional Medical Center, start- working together on this por- ensure this study will be trans- ship met (the second week of vided full funding for the ing in 2009. tion of the air sampling tests. parent and effective. A June) to discuss progress on the study, and current plans are to People in the community Additionally, geologists from Scientific Advisory Board University of Minnesota study complete the study in 3 years. who are not selected will have the NRRI are sampling at vari- comprised of world-renowned into the cause of mesothelioma Researchers at the Univer- access to information through a ous sites from east to west public health experts will over- amongst Minnesota taconite sity will study death records toll-free health information line across the Iron Range to gain see the study. In addition, the workers, their spouses, and from more than 70,000 former to answer health-related ques- background information on Minnesota Taconite Workers others who have worked in miners and their family mem- tions and give referrals (1-888- dust that is transported into the Lung Health Partnership and taconite mines. bers to look for abnormalities, 840-7590). It’s important to communities. This sampling is the public will be continually At the meeting, the Minne- or higher than usual occur- note that the study will focus currently being done in updated on the progress of the sota Department of Health rences of mesothelioma or not only on mine workers, but Coleraine, Hibbing, Virginia, study throughout the next few reported they have now con- other lung diseases. They will also contracted workers such as Babbitt, Ely, and Silver Bay. years. A website is available at firmed that 59 Iron Range also look extensively into plumbers, pipefitters, and con- The Commissioner of Pub- www.sph.umn.edu/lunghealth workers have died from the known mesothelioma cases, struction workers who have lic Health, Dr. Sanne Magnan, for the public to stay engaged. incurable lung cancer mesothe- searching for links or similari- spent considerable time in the attended the hearing and spoke After securing the $5 mil- lioma. That toll will continue to ties between each case. mines. about her background in chem- lion at the legislature this year rise if we don’t figure out why The researchers will also The major focus of expo- istry and medicine, as well as for the completion of this and how our mine workers are conduct respiratory health sure assessment is on the min- the commitment of the MDH to study, Dr. Finnegan said, “The contracting this killer disease. screenings of randomly select- ers, and the majority of air work cooperatively with the hard work begins now. This is After participating in an ed current and former mine sampling resources are being University of Minnesota. I am the end of the beginning.” For informative meeting, I am con- workers and their spouses spent on testing the air quality encouraged by the participation all the Minnesota taconite fident we are moving forward (about 2000 total) in efforts to for dust particles in the mine we have seen from the new workers - past, present, and with a diligent, transparent determine respiratory health plants and pits. The U of M and Health Commissioner in this future – that is good news. I study that will deliver the effects of exposure to dust gen- Staying in touch with the mesothelioma study: will continue to actively work answers we need. erated by taconite mining and with the Minnesota Taconite Dr. John Finnegan, Dean of to relate health findings to www.sph.umn.edu/lunghealth Workers Lung Health Partner- the University of Minnesota exposure levels. Screening will 1-888-840-7590 toll free health/referral line ship to provide information to School of Public Health, and include a lung function test, Rep. Tom Rukavina 651-296-0170 you as we move closer to get- former State Senator Ron chest x-ray, health and work ting the answers and results. Dicklich, co-chairs of the histories, physical exam, blood [email protected] We need to get to the bottom of this once and for all. Please call or e-mail me if you have questions or sugges- Congratulations on 111111122 years of doing a great job tions on this important study at (651) 296- 0170 or for the working people of Northern Minnesota [email protected]. Sen. David TOMASSONI Rep. Tom RUKAVINA Labor World Rep. Tony SERTICH Labors’ Paper Paid for by the Rukavina Campaign Committee, 6930 Hwy 169, Virginia, MN 55792; the Citizens for Anthony “Tony” Sertich Committee; Rick Puhek, Chair, 1210 NW 9th Avenue, Chisholm, MN 55710 Since 1896 and the Tomassoni Campaign Committee; P.O. Box 29, Chisholm, MN 55719 International Association of Heat & Frost Insulators & [ work injury ] Allied Workers

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 5 Finally--A new vision for trade By Barb Kucera all existing trade pacts, estab- • Eliminate the use of “fast Congratulations Workday editor lish labor, environmental and track” – under which Congress MINNEAPOLIS - For public safety standards, protect is prohibited from amending Labor World years, fair trade advocates have workers in developing nations trade agreements – and restore fought unfair deals that shipped and help restore Congressional Congressional oversight of From the Officers and Membership of U.S. jobs abroad and under- oversight of future trade agree- trade deals. mined worker rights and the ments. Stemming the loss of jobs Cement Masons environment. Now, for the first “The TRADE Act will help Sponsors said the legisla- time, they are putting forth Congress and the White House tion is needed to end the out- Plasterers & Shophands comprehensive legislation to craft a trade agreement that sourcing of thousands of jobs overhaul U.S. trade policy and benefits workers, business and the growing U.S. trade create a new vision for the owners, and our country,” said deficit, which now stands at Local 633 global economy. Senator Sherrod Brown, D- $800 billion. An estimated Ohio, chief sponsor in the 13,000 jobs are lost for every Minnesota During a telephone confer- ence call June 4, key members Senate. “We want trade, and $1 billion in the deficit, trans- North Dakota of Congress announced they we want more of it. The lating to more than 10 million Northwest Wisconsin have introduced the Trade TRADE Act is a critical first jobs, they said. Reform, Accountability, Devel- step on a new path for trade.” Under the TRADE Act, the 1-218-724-2323 opment, and Employment Added Rep. Mike Michaud, United States would have (TRADE) Act. The landmark D-Maine, chief House sponsor: “trade agreements not written America’s Oldest Building Trades Union • Est. 1864 bill would mandate reviews of “We’re not opposed to trade. for multinational investors” but We’re for trade, but we want to instead “written for working change the model.” families and for our communi- The TRADE Act would: ties,” said Michaud. • Require a comprehensive Rep. Phil Hare, D-Ill., one review of existing trade agree- of 52 House co-sponsors, said ments with an emphasis on he was acting on behalf of economic results, enforcement 1,600 workers in his district and compliance, and an analy- who lost their jobs when sis of non-tariff provisions in Maytag moved its largest man- trade agreements; ufacturing plant from Illinois to • Spell out standards for Mexico. State Rep. David Dill is endorsed by: labor and environmental pro- “I’ve seen good-paying jobs 4 tections, food and product safe- leave this country for no reason DuluthIron RangeBuilding Building and Construction & Construction Trades Trades ty, national security exceptions, other than corporate greed,” 4 IronDuluth Range Building Building &and Construction Construction TradesTrades and remedies that must be Hare said. 4 Iron Range Labor Assembly 4 USWA District 11 included in new trade pacts; So far two members of the Iron Range Labor Assembly - MN AFL-CIO • Set requirements with Minnesota Congressional dele- 4 Minnesota Association of Professional Employees U.S. Steelworkers of America, District 11 respect to public services, farm gation – Democrats Keith 4 Minnesota Farmers Union - PAC policy, investment, government Ellison and Collin Peterson – 4 DFL HousePaid for Caucus by David Dill Endorsed for 6A Committee; JoAnne 4 Pagel,Associated Treasurer, P.O.Contract Box 293, Orr, Loggers MN 55771 and Truckers procurement, and affordable have signed on as co-sponsors 4 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers 633 medicines that have been of the TRADE Act (HR 6180). 4 incorporated in trade agree- Wisconsin Senator Russ Minnesota School Board Association "House Legislator of Year 2004" ments; Feingold is the only area sena- Paid for by the David Dill for 6A Committee, Terrie Hoff, Treasurer, P.O. Box 293, Orr, MN 55771 • Set up commissions for tor to sign on to S. 3083 monitoring and enforcing the A pro-trade movement standards in new trade agree- While workers in other ments. countries have fought for fair • Require the president to trade for decades, the fair trade submit plans for renegotiating movement did not really take current trade pacts such as off in the United States until NAFTA (the North American the debate over NAFTA in the Free Trade Agreement) and early 1990s. Since then, fair GATT (the General Agreement trade advocates have tried, with on Tariffs and Trade) to put some success, to stop a succes- them in line with standards out- sion of trade deals that ensure lined in the act. See TRADE...next page

Carpenter’s Local 361 and the many other unions ne of the best things about being in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin are fortunate Oaffiliated with the Duluth AFL- to have such a strong voice on Labor’s issues. CIO Central Labor Body is that our members receive the Labor World in the mail at home. Keep up the good work! CarpentersCarpenters USW Local 1028 Affiliated with: LocalLocal 361361 ME Electmetal 5238 Miller Trunk Highway Lerch Bros. (Allouez) Hermantown, MN 55811 Duluth Steel Fabricators 1-218-724-3297 Cutler-Magner Salt Township of Duluth Police

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 TRADE Act has hope...from page 6 By popular demand corporate profits but do nothing to help workers or the envi- ronment. The pinnacle of the movement may have been the 1999 A credit union for East Duluth protests that disrupted the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. Union members and environmentalists (“Teamsters and EXPERIENCE THE turtles”) came together from around the world to demand a new CREDIT UNION vision for the global economy. DIFFERENCE In the process, fair trade advocates have been unfairly labeled as “anti-trade” and “anti-globalization,” said Lori Wallach, Open your account today! director of Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch division. The Details: 218-729-7733 proposed TRADE Act is pro-trade and marks a “concrete new way forward” for the movement, she said. The plan resulted from discussions among a broad coalition that included organized labor, environmentalists, faith and com- 2008 Golf at 2007 Rates! munity groups, human rights organizations, farmers, small busi- ness people, consumer advocates and others, Brown said. New members of Congress elected in 2006 on a fair trade platform You’re invited to the also played a significant role. “Any new idea as big as this won’t pass this year,” Brown noted. “It takes a while.” He said he had discussed the TRADE 19th Annual LSALMA Act with Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and “He’s clearly on board on many elements of this.” For more information visit the Citizens Trade Campaign web- Labor-Management site, www.citizenstrade.org Statement by AFL-CIO President Golf Outing John Sweeney on the TRADE Act “The AFL-CIO commends Senator Brown and Congressman Four-person Team “Scramble” • Shotgun Start Michaud for introducing the Trade Reform, Accountability, Wednesday, July 9, 2008 • Begins 11:00 a.m. Development and Employment (TRADE) Act. “Nobody needs to tell America’s workers that the economy is Nemadji Golf Club • Superior, Wisconsin in a downturn. America’s workers are struggling with stagnant wages, eroding workplace protections, a collapsing housing GOLF market, tight credit and rising prices for everyday essentials. In $75/player - $300/team for LSALMA members this economic environment, it is all the more urgent that we reform our flawed trade policies to put good jobs and domestic $80/person - $320/team for non-members growth at the center of a meaningful global economic strategy. Contact our office about details (218) 727-4565 or FAX: (218) 726-6338 “The TRADE Act calls for a strategic pause on trade agree- ments and a long overdue comprehensive review of U.S. trade ~~~Visit www.LSALMA.org for more~~~ policy. This bill also outlines a new U.S. trade strategy—one that puts a priority on the interests of working class Americans, farmers, the environment, and domestic manufacturers, not just th multinational corporations. Happy 112 Anniversary Labor World “The AFL-CIO is proud to support the TRADE Act. It is past time to restructure U.S. trade policy to work for working fami- Twin Ports-Arrowhead Chapter of the lies – here at home and around the world.” NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION With Best Wishes APi Electric DECO, Inc on our Labor World’s Hibbing, MN Baxter, MN APi Electric Duluth Electrical Kantor Electric 112th Anniversary! Duluth, MN Contracting Inc. International Falls, MN APi Technologies Duluth, MN Laveau Electric Duluth, MN Electric Systems Wrenshall, MN Agate Electric Duluth, MN M. J. Electric Two Harbors, MN Electrical Systems Iron Mountain, MI Alarm & Technology Brainerd, MN North Country Systems, LLC Energy & Air Systems Electrical Services Duluth, MN Superior, WI Laporte, MN Belknap Electric Great Lakes Energy Nylund Electric Superior, WI Duluth, MN Duluth, MN “Thank You” to all our members and the many Belknap Tel-Com Hart Electric Polyphase Electric Superior, WI Hibbing, MN Duluth, MN volunteers who helped us with another success- ful Food Drive May 10th! Locally, 158,254 Benson Electric Hoffmann Electric Seppala Electric Superior, WI Brainerd, MN Hibbing, MN pounds of food were added to area food shelves. Benson Electric Holden Electric Service Electric National Association of Letter Carriers Virginia MN Baxter, MN Superior, WI NALC Zenith Branch 114 Merged Bergstrom Electric Johanson Electric Superior, WI Cloquet, MN Duluth, Two Harbors & Silver Bay

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 7 Imported from America, Unions have improved the work lives of all Americans Taiwan’s single-payer health Congratulations, Labor World, on 112 years of system beats ours badly being the voice for our Unions and Members by Ian Williams www.washingtonspectator.com From your friends in the 19 affiliates of the IF YOU HEARD OF A COUNTRY that in 1995 introduced single-payer universal health care, with complete freedom of Iron Range Building & Trades Council choice of doctors and no waiting lists, you would expect all the presidential contenders to be beating a path there to find out Call us, we’ll direct you to high quality what was happening. After all, this is not Shangri-la. It is Taiwan, which also offers dental and prescription-drug cover- contractors who use skilled, area workers age, and the choice between Chinese traditional or modern med- President John Grahek, 1-218-741-2482 icine, all for just over a third of the proportion of the GDP that the U.S. “system” costs. Recording Secretary Dennis Marchetti But none of the last three remaining major presidential can- Financial-Secretary Michael Syversrud, 107 S. 15th Ave. W., Virginia, MN. 55792 didates mentioned this highly successful Taiwanese experiment. Indeed, all of them ruled out any single-payer system. To sharp- en the irony, the designers of the Taiwanese system scoured the globe for a model, and in the end adopted what they thought was Congratulations, Labor World the most promising system to emulate—Medicare in the U.S.A.! The reason for this political omerta is that all the presidential candidates want to appease the health insurance companies, Labor’s Voice under whose lobbying aegis the U.S. spends 16 percent of GDP on a health-care “system” that leaves 45 million uninsured and For 112 Years countless millions more underinsured. What’s more, with a system that ties health insurance to increasingly precarious job security, almost any American work- Happy ing- or middle-class person may have to decide whether to pay the mortgage or pay the health insurance premiums. If someone is too ill to work, he can lose his job and medical coverage in one fell swoop. Birthday! A COVERAGE CRISIS—When Hillary Clinton was over- seeing the last attempt to reform health care, in 1993-94, the Clinton administration's efforts were defeated by an advertising Say “NO!” to Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, & Sav-A-Lot! campaign, with actors “Harry and Louise” complaining about the complexity of Clinton’s plan and a new “billion-dollar Visit www.ufcw1116.org & Where We Work bureaucracy.” Her opponents had a point: her plan was unneces- sarily complex because she pre-emptively discounted any sin- United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1116 gle-payer system, ensuring another level of private sector bureaucracy. Steven Gilbertson, President Ironically, since then the insurers themselves have moved to HMOs, breeding an even larger bureaucracy that devours as much as a third of premium income while chiseling down doc- tors' fees and denying clients coverage. Yet even most advocates Thanks, Labor World, of universal health care have now put the single-payer option on the shelf, not because it does not make sense, but because they 112112 YearsYears of support! See Medicare...next page From your Friends at the Northern Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council President Norm Voorhees, Ironworkers Local 512, (218) 724-5073 Vice President Dan Westlund, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer Larry Anderson Boilermakers Lodge 107 Laborers Local 1091 (262) 798-1267 (218) 728-5151 Bricklayers Local 2 Millwrights & Machinery Erectors (715) 392-8708 or (715) 835-5164 Local 1348--(218) 741-6314 Carpenters Local 361 Operating Engineers Local 139 (218) 724-3297 (715) 838-0139 Cement Masons, Plasterers & Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 Shophands Local 633-- (218) 724-6466 from the Members, Officers and Staff of (218) 724-2323 Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 Electrical Workers Local 14 (218) 727-2199 Operating Engineers (715) 878-4068 Roofers, Waterproofers Local 96 Electrical Workers Local 242 (218) 644-1096 Local 49 (218) 728-6895 Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 Pulling Our Weight Insulators Local 49 (218) 724-6873 (218) 724-3223 In Minnesota, North & South Dakota Teamsters Local 346 Iron Workers Local 512 (218) 628-1034 www.local49.org (218) 724-5073

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Medicare a good single payer plan...from page 8 Many things have come and gone assume that health insur- afford coverage for the chil- seem like a bureaucracy-free in the last 112 years. Thankfully ance companies have such a dren. dream to anyone who uses lock on the political class that Our government’s failure to American medical care. Each the Labor World isn’t one of them. they are guaranteed priority provide coverage creates an citizen has a smart card that consideration. The insurance enormous gap in coverage automatically bills the NHI for Happy Anniversary! companies are in fact a major between public and private sec- treatment, while at the same part of the problem. tors. After all, American health time giving access to medical One of the important differ- insurers have no ambition to records. SuperiorSuperior ences between the U.S. and insure everybody. They have The card provides access to Taiwan is the way in which been working to get rid of details of serious illness and they approach health care. In inconvenient clients—because injury and major medical FFederationederation Taiwan, the government set out they are self-employed or, per- examinations, CT, PET and to include everyone, even those ish the thought, might actually MRI scans, avoiding unneces- who could not afford the stun- need medical attention. sary and expensive repeat tests ofof LaborLabor ningly low premiums being “We will not sacrifice prof- done so frequently in the U.S. Meets the first Wednesday of each month, except charged for health care. Here, itability for membership,” pres- It also stores records of pre- July, at 6:30 p.m., at the Superior Public Library George W. Bush vetoed an ident and CEO of WellPoint scriptions and drug allergies, President Janice Terry, 394-2896 SCHIP bill that would have Angela Braly told financial averting the problems of provided coverage for nine analysts, while she emphasized adverse interactions between million children, because the her company's ability to lean different medicines, and dupli- Looks like an “Atta Boy” is in order... parents of a tiny minority of hard on its network doctors to cation of prescriptions in a dan- them might have been able to accept lower reimbursement. gerous or expensive manner. Congratulations, Labor World She is not alone. Standing up to the pharma- PREMIUM SERVICE—In ceutical industry allows the Taiwan, workers and employ- single-payer system to control It’s all just hanks ers pay premiums in the same costs, while the technology of raw dirt, T way Social Security deductions the NHI card provides a system steel, wood, are paid in the U.S.—on an that controls overcharging and income-based scale. The maxi- encourages best practices. The brick and Labor mum premium is approximate- 29 million monthly claims concrete ly $20 per month, per person, going through the system allow until it with a maximum of three effective analysis of costs and World dependents to be paid for. billing patterns. gets shaped Employers pay an average sum From the doctors’ point of by skilled for helping for dependents, reducing the view, rapid, paper-free pay- hands and temptation to penalize workers ment reduces their costs and us stay who have “too many” children. frustrations. Doctors do not minds. There are exemptions for have to spend time arguing those who cannot pay, loan bills with petty HMO clerks LABORERS LOCAL 1097 on top packages to pay premiums, and who get bonuses for denying referral to charitable organiza- coverage. It helps the doctors' IRON RANGE & NORTHERN MINNESOTA of things! tions for payment if the loans bedside manner considerably fail. In addition, by the end of that patients are not tied to any 2004 the Bureau of National particular doctor, clinic or hos- Health Insurance (NHI) had pital and can go “doctor-shop- Now, that’s a issued 750,000 Catastrophic ping.” Illness cards, whose holders’ Taiwan has provided excel- co-payments are either reduced lent coverage for considerably big-time birthday! or eliminated entirely, relieving less than the U.S. pays for bad the financial burden of chronic coverage. Taiwan’s health care Everyone that believes illness for the class of people costs ran at 6.2 percent of gross in improving the lives most American insurers would domestic product (GDP) in be trying to drop. 2005, compared with 16.2 per- of citizens can be Far from being offered cent for the U.S. In absolute “socialized” medicine by an terms, the difference is even proud of the fact that uncaring bureaucratic state, the starker. In 2003, Taiwan spent Roofers Taiwanese get their medical less than $800 per person, com- the Labor World has services from a mix of private pared with the U.S. level of and public hospitals and clin- approximately $5,500. In fact, been supported by Local 96 ics—of their choice. What by 2005, U.S. health care unions since 1896. www.rooferslocal96.com Taiwan has created would See Medicare...next page We’d be better off as a Congratulations, Labor World society if more voices advocated for the people first. on your 112th Anniversary! Well done, Labor! Senator ZENITH ADMINISTRATORS, INC. Tony Lourey 2520 Pilot Knob Road 750 Torrey Building Minnesota Senate u District 8 Suite 325 Duluth, MN 55802 AFL-CIO & DFL Endorsed Mendota Heights, MN 55120 218-727-6668 Paid for by Tony Lourey for Senate, 651-256-1900 Tony Bundschuh, Treasurer, Bruno, MN 55712

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 9 miums. We have Medicare, ally. His Wall Street–style solu- Medicare a good single payer plan...from page 9 Medicaid, the Veterans tion was global free trade in spending had increased 6.9 who chooses to go to an portional basis with a ceiling of Administration, and a network health care. Rather than con- percent from two years earlier, Academic Medical Center. For approximately $6 per prescrip- of public and not-for-profit tacting a call center in to almost $2 trillion, or $6,697 anyone who took the hint and tion. Once again, there are hospitals already in existence. Bangalore for pre-authoriza- per person. went first to a clinic, referred or many exemptions for the American industry now tion, surely an operation that THE ART OF CAPPING un-referred, the co-payment is needy. Some of the cost for complains about the costs of would cut the Gordian Knot COSTS—Much of the cost— $1.50. such social provision comes the old, employer-provided and do away with those waste- and cost increase—in the U.S. For some expensive high- from a lottery and tobacco health care system, and many ful overheads is what any sane is driven by the industry into tech and experimental proce- taxes, which are useful models companies are straining under doctor, or indeed patient, whose hands our presidential dures pre-authorization is for a U.S. system. the burden of employee health should want. candidates want to place required, but it would appear Of course, there are differ- care costs. General Motors has The health insurers have health-care solutions. The that this is less onerous than ences in scale between dumped its health care system confessed that they do not want industry's prescription is dealing with an American Taiwan’s 23 million people and onto the United Auto Workers to provide universal coverage, always the same: higher premi- HMO. Counterbalancing the the 300 million in the United Union, and it is difficult to and are inefficient, callous and ums, lower fees for doctors, co-payments are ceilings on in- States. However, bearing in avoid the conclusion that the charge high overheads. The and reduced coverage. treatment liabilities—for mind that Taiwan only recently UAW has taken a poisoned insurers are clearly an unneces- Of course, any health sys- example, an annual cumulative raised itself from an agrarian chalice. sary part of the system; they tem faces escalating costs, and ceiling of approximately Third World status, surely the U.S. health insurance com- should be invited to confine a “free” system does tend to $1,300, or 10 percent, of per world’s only superpower can panies spend approximately 20 themselves to special addition- create more demand. To con- capita income for co-payments. join the rest of the industrial- percent of their premium al care services, long-term tain costs, in 2005 Taiwan There are many exceptions to ized world in creating universal income on administrative over- nursing care and similar more- introduced a referral system, co-payments—for serious ill- health care. head, as opposed to a 2 percent profitable activities. aimed at dissuading the insured ness, childbirth, people in rural THE 2 PERCENT SOLU- cost for Taiwan’s NHI. If you Apart from the savings from from racing to the most presti- and outlying areas, and low- TION—Not only does Taiwan add in the cost to American rationalizing the system, just gious hospital or specialist with income families—to ensure show what is possible; it has medical professionals and hos- think about the master settle- every headache. Patients can that people are not deterred based its success on U.S. pitals of dealing with insurance ment between the tobacco still do that, but now they face from seeking the help they examples. All the elements are claims, the numbers become companies and the states, an increased co-payment if need. here at home already. We have mind-boggling. In a Wall Street which has paid out $250 billion they skip the referral stage. The The NHI manages prescrip- a Social Security system that is Journal op-ed in May, a so far in what state legislatures co-payments should not dis- tion costs in a similar way. possibly the most efficient part Columbia University professor have treated like walking- suade anyone genuinely ill First, it bargains down drug of the federal government, with lamented that administrative around money. Appropriate from seeking help—it is a mere prices and, second, co-pay- very low overheads that could costs of U.S. health care that money for the health care $12 for an un-referred patient ments are determined on a pro- be adapted for health care pre- amounted to $500 billion annu- system, not to mention some of the money spent in Iraq, and universal coverage should be a WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE SUCH A LONG TRADITION cinch. If Chiang Kai-shek’s heirs, the Kuo Ming Tang, OF SUPPORTING A NEWSPAPER THAT ADVOCATES FOR could find the political will to do it at the beginning of Taiwanese democracy, the U.S.A. should be able to emu- PPEOPLEEOPLE BBEFOREEFORE PPROFITSROFITS!! late it 220 years or so after rat- ifying the Constitution. Obama, McCain—return th those health care lobby checks 112 and get to work.

“Ten thousand times has the labor movement stumbled and fallen and bruised itself, and risen again; been seized by the throat and choked into insensibility; enjoined by the courts, assaulted by thugs, charged by e appreciate area the militia, shot down by regulars, traduced by the Press, frowned upon Wworkers, your by public opinion, deceived by politicians, threatened by priests, repudi- commitment to this ated by renegades, preyed upon by grafters, infested by spies, deserted by region and share your cowards, betrayed by traitors, bled by leeches, and sold out by leaders, dedication to quality! but, notwithstanding all this, and all these, it is today the most vital and Ⅲ Quality 4-Color Printing potential power this planet has ever known, and its historic mission of Ⅲ In-House Creative Design Ⅲ Computer Forms & Checks emancipating the workers of the world from the thralldom of the ages is Ⅲ Union Contracts as certain of ultimate realization as the setting of the sun.” Ⅲ Letterheads & Envelopes Ⅲ Color & High Speed Copies ~ Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926), American Labor Leader Ⅲ Gathering & Stitching Ⅲ Laminating

114 West Superior St. • Duluth, MN 55802 DULUTHDULUTH AFLAFL--CIOCIO CENTRALCENTRAL LABORLABOR BODYBODY 218-722-4421 • Fax 218-722-3211 Representing 63 affiliated unions with 16,000 members

PAGE 10 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 UNIVERSAL COVERAGE A Man, a Plan, a Mandate? by Lou Dubose, Editor, The Washington Spectator THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HILLARY CLINTON’S health care plan and the health care plan that would serve as a President Barack Obama’s opening hand with what will certain- ly be a Democratic Congress comes down to the idea of individ- ual mandates. Keep up the Great Work on behalf The Clinton plan would force everyone into a pool of the insured, as state governments force drivers to insure their cars. of Working Men and Women Obama’s plan provides a mandate for children only. M.I.T. health care economist Jonathan Gruber predicts that a plan such as Obama proposes, without individual mandates, would cover 23 million of the country’s uninsured and cost approximately $102 billion per year (roughly the cost of a year of Bush’s Iraq War). Add the Clinton mandates and all 45 million of the unin- sured would be covered at an annual taxpayer cost of $124 bil- lion. Mandates are a policy distinction that make a difference. Yet they are unlikely to be shoehorned into reform legislation by a Greater Northland Area Local reluctant Democratic Congress. If the Democrats who control the Congress were resolved to fix the system, they would have AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION supported the single-payer bill introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) back in 2006 (HR 676). They didn't. Adding the individual mandate to a plan that is essentially “Clinton Lite” would put Obama in a better position to approach the Congress, at a moment when constituents are way ahead of their elected officials regarding health care reform. Health care polls as the number one issue of concern among Democrats, number two among Independents, and number four among 1RUWKHUQ&RPPXQLWLHV&UHGLW8QLRQ Republicans. The fundamental flaw of both plans is dependence on private insurers. Created and funded to provide a service, Medicare pays )RXQGHGLQE\'XOXWK&LW\  out 98 percent of the money it collects to cover its clients’ med- ical needs. Yet private insurers, according to journalist Jonathan 6W/RXLV&RXQW\(PSOR\HHV Cohn, describe the cost of paying for their clients’ medical needs as a “medical-loss ratio.” In other words, to health insurers the money they spend on their clients’ health care is a “loss.” (Cohn is the author of Sick: The Untold Story of America’s Health Care Crisis—And the People Who Pay the Price.) Compare Medicare’s 98 percent payout with the private carriers’ medical- loss ratio, which according to Cohn rarely climbs above 90 per- cent and for the big carriers is often held to 60 or 70 percent, and the brutal mathematics of health care controlled by private insur- ance companies is evident. In the speech he made in St. Paul, after he had enough dele- gates to claim the Democratic nomination, Obama reiterated his goal to provide universal health care. Mandates and a govern- ment-run program that would provide a competitive alternative to private, for-profit insurance companies would move the coun- try in the direction of a “single-payer” system that would be inevitable but for the power of private insurers. “What is going on to a very large extent, I’m sorry to say, is a belief that the public doesn’t need to know, limiting access, limiting information to cover the backsides of those who are in charge. . .There was a time in South Africa that people would put flaming tires around people’s necks if they dissented. And in some ways the fear is that you will be necklaced here in America, you 3OHDVHVXSSRUWWKH will have a flaming tire of lack of patriotism put around RQO\8QLRQL]HGILQDQFLDO your neck. Now it is that fear that keeps journalists from asking the toughest of the tough questions.” LQVWLWXWLRQLQ'XOXWKDQG9LUJLQLD ~Dan Rather quoted in “Armed Madhouse” /RFDO$)6&0( Thanks, Labor World, for 112 years of being one of the exceptions. Keep on 'XOXWK$UHD asking the tough questions. 9LUJLQLD$UHD 7ROO)UHH BILL HILTY State Representative•District 8B ZZZQRUWKHUQFRPPXQLWLHVFXFRP Paid for by Hilty Volunteer Committee, 6421 Co. Rd. 36, Finlayson, MN 55735 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 11 National Conference for Media Reform links democracy, independent media By Steve Share, Editor, activists who are pioneering nation. With the internet and have had JFK without televi- Among the many organiza- Minneapolis Labor Review new digital media. the explosive popularity of new sion. You wouldn’t have the tions with booths in an exhibit MINNEAPOLIS - The Many of the conference media like You Tube, “we now next president, whose name I hall at the conference, only two National Conference for Media speeches and workshops were have the chance to be our own cannot say, without the inter- represented labor — The Reform came to Minneapolis filmed and/or recorded and media.” net.” National Writers Guild and June 6-8, attracting more than may be found on-line at “We really need to go on the Robert McChesney, one of CWA-NABET. 3,500 participants from across www.freepress.net. offensive," said FCC commis- the founders of Free Press, cel- The absence of organized the nation. The conference, One workshop focused on sioner Jonathan Adelstein, one ebrated the growth of the labor at the conference was hosted by the advocacy group media and the 2008 elections. of the final speakers at the con- media reform movement from frustrating, said John See, from Free Press, celebrated recent “We want a media that ference. “We need to battle the its first conference five years the Labor Education Service at victories in the fight to oppose makes democracy function, ever-growing commercializa- ago. At that time, he said, his the University of Minnesota, increasing corporate consolida- rather than a media that makes tion of the American media.” ideas seemed like “science fic- who served on a local planning tion in media ownership while us want to run away from elec- Adelstein emphasized the key tion.” Now, he said, “we’re committee for the conference. at the same time highlighting tions,” said journalist John fight to maintain internet neu- going to win.” Labor’s absence, he said, “was- continuing threats to a free and Nichols, editorial page editor trality and preserve open Labor media long have been n’t for lack of trying.” independent media. for the Capital Times in access to the internet. one of the counterweights to The next National “A strong, independent, Madison, Wisconsin and a fre- The 2008 elections will be a corporate media, but this writer Conference for Media Reform diverse media is the key to a quent contributor to The historic moment when media is saw little sign of labor at the will be coming up in 18 strong, vibrant democracy,” Nation. “The passion for per- driving politics, said another three-day conference. months. The conference plan- said Congressman Keith sonality journalism causes the one of the final speakers, Van The only labor speaker ners choose workshops and Ellison, D-Minn., one of the major media to dismiss major Jones, president of Green-for- appeared to be Linda Foley, speakers from submitted pro- keynote speakers. “It’s not a issues.” He added: “We’re not All, a national organization president of the Newspaper posals. “There’s plenty of time mistake that the First just seeing bad media. We’re promoting “green collar” jobs. Guild, who spoke on a panel for us to get our ideas on the Amendment has in it freedom seeing a daily assault and bat- “You wouldn’t have had FDR about the challenges facing tra- table,” See said. of the press. Who else has a job tery on democracy.” without radio. You wouldn’t ditional big city newspapers. in the Bill of Rights?” “Media is the ability for us The conference featured to talk to one another,” said speeches by media legends Bill author David Sirota, whose Moyers and Dan Rather, as new book, The Uprising, well as workshops highlighting chronicles a new wave of citi- the work of grassroots media zen activism sweeping the We are 4,500 strong, passionate, dedicated people— from nurses and clerical staff to maintenance personnel.

Working 24/7, to bring world-class care to 1 person—you. We are union workers, representing 7 different unions, with active labor management committees functioning in 10 of our 22 ThankThank you,you, collective bargaining agreements.

We're healers, teachers, leaders and builders, and we're LaborLabor World,World, forfor proud to work at the Duluth Clinic, Miller-Dwan Medical Center, helpinghelping workingworking Polinsky Rehabilitation Center and St. Mary's Medical Center. peoplepeople forfor 112112 years!years! Congratulations, Labor World for 112 years of publication, and for doing such a good job of serving working people in our area.

Twin Ports V Twin Cities V Virginia, Minnesota Over 92 Years of Service V 1916 - 2008 General Contractors, Engineers and Equipment Rental Specialists

PAGE 12 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Study shows how mainstream media ignores ordinary people in news By David Madland Americans and the businesses economic issues—employ- frequently as were workers or tive journalism calls for Center for American Progress and companies they work for ment, minimum wage, trade, their union representatives. sources, not journalists, to give The mainstream media has and sometimes invest in. and credit card debt—in the • In coverage of both the opinions about news, quota- a profound impact on politics, Specifically, in its coverage of leading newspaper and televi- minimum wage and trade, the tions and citations are the way helping everyday Americans economic issues, does the sion outlets in 2007. views of businesses were journalists tell their stories. determine what topics people media provide a balanced dis- Included in this analysis is sourced more than one-and-a- Who journalists choose to think are important, shape how cussion of who gets what and coverage by the Los Angeles half times as frequently as include in their stories sets the they feel about issues, and even why? Or instead is coverage Times, New York Times, U.S.A. those of workers. range of debate, and deter- how they vote. biased toward a particular Today, Wall Street Journal, and • In coverage about employ- mines the kinds of perspectives Alternative media outlets interest group? Washington Post—the five ment, businesses were quoted the public is allowed to hear. such as blogs and social net- Based on a unique, quantita- papers with the largest circula- or cited over six times as fre- The mainstream media repre- working sites have proliferated tive study, this report finds that tion nationwide—alongside the quently as were workers. sented in those surveyed for in recent years, yet most people media coverage of economic three major TV broadcast net- • On only one issue that we this report serves as a gatekeep- still receive their news from the issues is biased and consistent- works, ABC News, CBS News, examined, credit card debt, was er, amplifying the voices of mainstream media, which is ly fails to live up to expecta- and NBC News, as well as the coverage more balanced, pre- some while making it more dif- especially true for economic tions of balance and fairness. three leading cable news net- senting the perspectives of ficult for others to reach mass news. This report focuses on On a range of economic issues, works, CNN, FOX News, and ordinary citizens in the same audience. how the mainstream media the perspective of workers is CNBC. proportion as those of business. Although the media cannot covers the economy, a subject largely missing from media Following is a highlight of Biased coverage matters for and should not give equal cre- where fundamental political coverage, while the views of the report’s findings: three primary reasons. Our dence to each and every per- questions arise about how business are frequently pre- • Overall, representatives of belief in democratic debate spective, both journalistic stan- income is generated and allo- sented. The findings are based business were quoted or cited demands informed citizens, dards and our expectations for cated among individual on analysis of coverage of four nearly two-and-a-half times as and requires that different democratic debate call for the points of view are allowed to media to accurately represent be heard. Journalistic standards all sides of a story and allow of objectivity call for balanced the major players to have a Happy 112th Anniversary... coverage. And, perhaps most voice. We should expect, for importantly, media coverage example, that balanced cover- to the voice for working men and women in influences people’s opinions age of economic issues would and behavior. commonly include the perspec- northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin Critics often claim that the tives of business and workers. media has a political bias, with After all, these groups repre- most of the debate focusing on sent primary actors in the econ- whether the media is liberal or omy. Each has a significant Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 conservative, and whether cov- interest in the topic, and each erage favors Democrats or group often, not always, has a Republicans. This debate, defined point of view. while important, ignores a The full report is at http:// more fundamental question www.americanprogress.org/ Duluth-Superior about which points of view are issues/2008/06/world_ allowed to be heard at all. without_workers.html Iron Range Because the model of objec- © Center for American Progress Bemidji HappyHappy AnniversaryAnniversary PLEASE DO NOT PATRONIZE LaborLabor World!World! WAYSIDE CORNER STORE The expansion of the Wayside Corner Store at the Wilson-McShane proudly provides stable, high quality, and responsible Independence (Hwys. 53 & 47, Swan Lake Road) intersection third-party administration services for was built by a non-union general contractor, who Taft-Hartley negotiated benefit funds. used primarily non-union sub-contractors. Have a Safe & Happy Fourth of July! The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council asks that you remember that WWiillssoonn--MMccSShhaannee when you are buying gas, CCoorrppoorraattiioonn other fuel, bait, grocery items, Matt Winkel - President Bloomington, Minnesota and, in the future, liquor. 1-800-535-6373 Duluth, Minnesota Kansas City, Missouri Our job is to get 1-800-570-1012 1-866-756-3313 Louisville, Kentucky Omaha, Nebraska jobs for our members! 1-888-522-3701 1-402-593-7565

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 13 Mondale Drive dedicated in Duluth Some towns have streets “Duluth has always been spe- ful. Thank you.” named only with a letter, cial to me, and I’ve used every Jackie Morris of Congress- Cloquet and Washington DC excuse to get here,” he added, man Jim Oberstar’s Duluth come to mind. In Duluth some calling Duluth “his favorite office, told the gathering that have multiple names. A new town.” Mondale Drive symbolizes one of those was added June 12 The two-term U.S. Senator how government and citizens when “Walter F. Mondale and former Ambassador to can work together to solve Drive” was dedicated. The Japan recalled his many friends problems, a trademark of 42nd Vice President of the in the labor movement in Mondale’s legacy. United States was in town for Duluth and good friends like “This was a major thor- the dedication ceremony in his Jerry Heaney in his comments. oughfare until the mall was honor on Trinity Road. “I love the Mondale Drive,” built and it became too residen- “I’m tickled and appreciate he said in closing. “You’ve tial for heavy trucks,” Morris what you’ve done,” Mondale pleased and thrilled an old said. “A truck took out a gas said before a small gathering. politician and I’m very grate- station years ago. The question was how to build a road with- out destroying a neighborhood, and we did that.” The Minnesota Legislature, Furthering Our Cause Since 1896 under the leadership of Rep Mike Jaros and Sen. Yvonne Keep up the good work! Prettner Solon, named U.S. Highway 53 from Superior Street to Central Entrance (Piedmont Avenue and Trinity Road) as “Walter F. Mondale Drive” during the 2008 ses- sion. If you can believe it, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty actually vetoed the naming two years ago, but relented in the recently com- pleted session. “Rebuilding Piedmont was Brent Pykkonen (Operators 49), Steve Risacher (Carpenters the last construction job I 361), Larry Anderson (Laborers 1091), and Norm Voorhees worked as a member of (Ironworkers 512), were among the folks who attended the Laborers Local 1091,” said opening of Walter F. Mondale Drive June 12, much to the Larry “The Laborer” Ander- delight of our 42nd Vice President, second from left. son, now an Organizer for the Laborers District Council. “Rebuilding both Piedmont Support your local pharmacy and Trinity were huge needs in Tell your union, health fund, and employer from the Members & Officers of Duluth that turned out great and were good union projects. you want local pharmacy services IRON WORKERS Local 512 We can be almost as proud of www.ironworkers512.com Mondale Drive as we are of It’s Better...Keep It Local! Fritz Mondale.” Your Local vs Mail Order White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do 112 you get questions answered? 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing accurately product that has been returned 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders new prescriptions 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE Refills) authorizations 3Free in town prescription Do you want your meds sitting in delivery a 110 degree mailbox? 3We contact doctors for refills Some require you to get your own refill authorizations 3Monthly health screenings Why trust your health & safety to 3Free blood pressure checks a nameless, faceless person? Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable than mail order. We are always available to answer your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. For a listing of locations visit www.thriftywhite.com Pinetree Plaza Inside Super One Foods Cloquet, MN 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm

PAGE 14 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 House votes for 4-8 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers WASHINGTON (PAI)--By stay unpaid, as all 12 weeks of the lobbying for it. does not currently provide any longer have a stay-at-home a 278-146 vote, the leave are now. If it eventually becomes paid parental leave for its parent to care for a new child Democratic-run House June 20 The legislation HR 5781) law, the bill would be the first employees. Employees must and they can't afford to forgo voted for between four and drew praise from the National nationwide paid family leave cobble together accrued annual pay for any length of time.” eight weeks of paid family Partnership for Women and law, even though it would and sick leave if they want to Testifying for the bill earlier leave for the nation’s 2.7 mil- Families and other working apply only to one group of receive a paycheck while they this year, NTEU President lion federal workers. The paid womens’ groups. The National workers. California, New are out,” said the lead sponsor, Colleen Kelley said “It is time leave bill says the remaining Treasury Employees Union Jersey and Washington state Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D- for the government, as the four weeks of annual family and the American Federation of have paid family leave laws for N.Y.). “With over 2.7 million largest employer in the country, leave for those workers would Government Employees led private sector workers. employees all over the country, to make family leave real and Passage of the paid leave the federal government should not a mirage few can use.” She Happy Anniversary, Labor World bill is the second major change be a leader in family-friendly reiterated the point that many in family leave law the workplace policy. Right now, workers--private and public-- Democratic-run Congress has we're lagging behind. can’t use unpaid family leave considered. The first extended “The current practice of because they can’t afford to I’ve always appreciated the present Family and Medical saving unused vacation time lose paychecks. As an exam- Leave Act--which gives work- and sick days may work for the ple, “we applaud the law giving Labor’s support in my ers 12 weeks of unpaid leave to lucky family who never gets families 26 weeks to care for past election campaigns, care for family members or sick or takes a vacation, but it is their wounded soldiers, but 26 newborns and says companies unrealistic for most families,” weeks is a long time to be with- and look forward to it must return them to their prior she added. “Most families no out paychecks,” Kelley said. again this year as I seek jobs--to military families. GOP President George W. re-election. Together we Bush signed a bill including have helped government military leave. work better for all the But Bush’s position on the paid leave bill is unknown. citizens of St. Louis The anti-worker president’s County. Thank you! Labor Department is trying to weaken the present unpaid leave law by rewriting its rules to make it tougher for workers Peg Sweeney to take leave. St. Louis County Commissioner F District 5 “Most people would be sur- Paid for by Peg Sweeney Volunteer Committee prised to learn the government

HappyHappy 112112thth Congratulations Anniversary,Anniversary, LaborLabor WWorldorld Representing Railway Labor and LABOR WORLD their families for injuries on and off on 112110 years of the job for over a half century! educating agitating & organizing

your readers. HUNEGS, LENEAVE & KVA S Attorneys at Law Write On! 900 Second Avenue South, Suite 1650 Minneapolis, MN 55402 612-339-4511 1-800-328-4340 An Anniversary salute from the members of the Minnesota AFL-CIO ~Investigators~ Arnie Flagstad Clyde Larson Ray Waldron, President Steve Hunter, Secretary Treasurer Superior, WI. Duluth, MN 715-394-5876 218-348-3091 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 15 GAO ruling overturns Air Force tanker deal Congratulations on your 112th Anniversary (PAI)--Machinists cheered a split the work between a pro- manufacturing sector and pro- Government Accountability posed U.S. plant in Mobile, vide real economic stimulus for Office ruling--unusual in feder- Ala., and existing plants in Boeing workers, vendors and al contracting--to overturn the Toulouse, France. After the Air communities in at least 30 U.S. Air Force’s award of a $35 bil- Force awarded the contract to states,” said IAM President lion contract to build 179 refu- Northrop and Airbus, Boeing Thomas Buffenbarger. Boeing eling tankers to a combination filed the formal GAO protest. would have based its tankers of Northrop-Grumman and Chicago-based Boeing, on the 767 jet frame, while European Airbus Industrie, which would build the tankers Northrop-Airbus had “an un- rather than Boeing. in its plants in Seattle, Wichita proven design” and they have United Steelworkers District #11 The GAO said the Air Force and elsewhere, also launched a never designed USAF tankers. 2929 University Avenue SE, Suite #150 messed up the bidding by large public relations campaign The contract may be a polit- changing rules in mid-stream, pointing out the Air Force’s ical football: Boeing originally Minneapolis, MN 55414 to Airbus-Northrop’s advan- errors. The Machinists joined had it several years ago, but tage, and miscounted overall in and lobbied lawmakers to only because Bush’s top Air costs and savings of the two review the deal. And the union Force procurement official was Anniversary Greetings bids, giving the European- launched a mass grass-roots negotiating a Boeing executive American combo an unearned campaign against the deal, job for herself at the same time. to Labor World in edge over Boeing. which the Air Force unveiled in That scandal was uncovered by Boeing’s bid would have February. IAM represents Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), our 75th anniversary year union workers--most of them 35,000 Boeing workers, thou- now the presumed GOP presi- It should be the aim of every union member, Machinists, but also Profes- sands of whom would be work- dential nominee. He forced sional and Technical Engineers ing to build the new tankers. the Air Force to pull the origi- as well as every sympathizer with our great --construct the tankers in the “Awarding this contract to nal contract. The Air Force cause, to be helpful in every way, to extend U.S. The other bid would have Boeing would preserve a key procurement official is in jail. the beneficent influence of the labor press. ~Samuel Gompers, Founding President, ThankThanks,s, LaboLaborr WoWorldrld American Federation of Labor For 112 years of helping us communicate on our issues In 1933, we Remember to do it electrically were the with a Union, Trained, second News Guild ever Licensed Electrician, and use chartered. our Signatory Contractors! Electrical Contractors: Twin Ports area Representing Labor World’s editor since 1989 Absolute Electric Electric Builders Inc. Meints Electric 1-612-789-0044 (218) 522-0101 (218) 722-1073 (218) 728-6014 API Electric Inc. Electric Systems of Duluth MK Electric [email protected] (218) 628-3323 (218) 722-0764 (218) 624-0836 www.mnguild.org Agate Electric Energy & Air Systems Nylund Electric (218) 834-9226 (715) 392-9115 (218) 624-5706 Bachand Electric Gilbert Electric Park Electric (715) 392-5580 (218) 729-7874 (218) 721-3500 Beacon Electric Great Lakes Energy Pine Lake Electric W e A p p r e c i a t e Y o u r (218) 591-7163 (218) 349-5218 (800) 997-5751 Belknap Electric Hill Electric Polyphase Electric P a t r o n a g e ! (715) 394-7769 (218) 644-3629 (218) 723-1413 The only Reef Benson Electric Johanson Electric Service Electric (715) 394-5547 (218) 879-5736 (715) 392-8771 worth steering Bergstrom Electric Lake City Electric TM Automation (715) 392-2427 (715) 394-3873 (715) 244-3727 into has... Duluth Electrical Contracting Laveau Electric Dave Twining Electric (218) 390-2819 (218) 384-4001 (218) 721-3833 Happy Hour 4-7 p.m. Yax Electrical (218) 724-8450 7 Days a week Electrical Contractors: Brainerd area Tuesday is Karaoke Night API of Brainerd (218) 829-5859 Electrical Systems of Brainerd (218) 825-0549 Wednesday has Live Music Hoffman Electric (218) 829-9533 Holden Electric Company (218) 829-4759 Live bands Friday & Saturday, Limited Energy Contracts from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. API Technology (218) 628-3323 Alarm & Technology Systems (218) 390-3493 Belknap Tel-Com (715) 394-5929 Electrical Systems of Brainerd (218) 825-0549 The largest game room in town! Megcom (218) 723-1413 North Star Cabling (218) 591-0705 We can set-up employee Yax Technologies (218) 724-1313 parties of up to 80 people! Other Contracts Benson Motor Repair (715) 394-5547 Business Music, Inc. (218) 525-5991 THE REEF KBJR TV-6 (218) 733-0303 In the Labor Temple, 2002 London Road, Duluth

PAGE 16 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Do we blame state taxes as Marvin Windows moves to North Dakota? By Charlie Quimby quartered in Warroad, has lower taxes for the owners. The Grafton, with a population Tax Foundation Communication Fellow announced plans to nearly dou- Marvin family is staying put in of 4,600, is roughly the size of State Business Growth & Justice ble the size of its facility in Minnesota, and most of the 475 those two cities combined and A valued, long-time Min- Grafton, ND, adding up to 50 jobs created at the Grafton is located in farm country, Tax Index Rankings nesota business announces it’s new jobs over the next five plan, which opened in 1997, where skills, work ethic, and Overall Rank: expanding across the border. Is years. Marvin’s Warroad loca- have been filled by local resi- the lagging farm economy Minnesota, 42 this more fodder for those who tion employs about 2,500. dents. offer a ready source of work- North Dakota, 30 claim corporate taxes are driv- But lo and behold, North Let’s look at some of the ers. South Dakota, 2 ing business to lower-tax Dakota isn’t quite a low-tax likely reasons figuring in Labor costs were lower in Corporate taxes: neighbors? Or does it illustrate haven of the sort we’re told is Marvin’s decision. 2003, with the average job in Minnesota, 44 how business expansion plans going to strip Minnesota of its Labor. The labor supply the county paying $22.2k v. North Dakota, 27 respond to a complex mix of economic growth. In fact, it has to be a concern for Marvin, $27.9k in Roseau County. South Dakota, 1 factors? ranks just above Minnesota in with its major manufacturing Location and infrastruc- total state and local taxes as a facility located in remote ture. Though like Warroad, Individual income tax: South Dakota is usually Minnesota, 39 cited as the destination for percentage of income and two Warroad. Polaris Industries has Grafton is relatively isolated, places higher in corporate a large plant in Roseau, the it’s near the major north-south North Dakota, 36 migrating Minnesota business- South Dakota, 1 es - typically without naming income tax rankings percent- next nearest town. With two freeway artery I-29, which any specific companies. But in age of income. large employers drawing work- meets east-west I-94 at Fargo. Sales tax: this case, it’s North Dakota that It’s true North Dakota is a ers from the thinly populated Grafton is also connected east- Minnesota, 40 will benefit from an expanding comparatively low personal region, at some point as they west to Warroad. Marvin North Dakota, 29 Minnesota company. income tax state, but the com- grow, they’d likely look else- undoubtedly saw the infra- South Dakota, 38 Marvin Windows, head- pany isn’t moving there to where for labor. structure as an advantage when Unemployment it originally located there. And insurance tax: having a plant already in that Minnesota, 39 location meant the company North Dakota, 6 was more likely to expand South Dakota, 33 ,KO1DGTUVCT there than in a new place. Property tax: Also, as an energy produc- Minnesota, 19 ing state, North Dakota has North Dakota, 34 lower industrial power costs South Dakota, 11 KU¿IJVKPI than Minnesota or South Dakota. Let’s pause here to make Incentives. Rolling out the our general disclaimers about green carpet might have a mod- all tax rankings. HQT/KPPGUQVC¶U est attraction-getting effect - if Numeric rankings can dis- the financial incentives are tort small differences; they’re coupled with other positives in based on averages or rates that a community. Grafton was not don’t necessarily apply to actu- *QOGVQYP8CNWGU one of the locations originally al taxes in individual cases; considered back in 1996 when they may not measure what Marvin was looking to expand, they claim or even measure the but it did put together an incen- right things in the first place. GFWECVKPIQWTEJKNFTGP tives package that included a And just about any state or new industrial park and a spec advocacy group can find a building to help interest site ranking that either rankles or selectors. reinforces, as shown in This time, Marvin already “Grading Places: What do ECTKPIHQTQWTUGPKQTU announced its plans to expand business rankings really tell before the city votes on a possi- us?” ble 10-year tax exemption for “Thirty-four of the 50 states the addition and sponsoring an claim that they are in the top 10 interest buy down on a loan. As in terms of business climate or FGHGPFKPIQWTKPFWUVT[ we’ve noted before on subsi- competitiveness; they just have dies, they make the less sense to pick which of the five index- when a company is already in es they want to point to,” states the region. It’s unlikely, given the article. “Business interests the current housing construc- in just about any state can find RTQVGEVKPIQWTJGCNVJ tion market, that Marvin would at least one ranking to support be very interested in breaking an argument for cutting busi- ground in an entirely new loca- ness taxes to make the state tion. more competitive. In all but RTGUGTXKPIQWTGPXKTQPOGPV Business taxes. Lest any- eight states, one can find at one think I’m gaming the num- least one index that puts the bers, here is the low-tax-advo- state in the bottom half of all cating Tax Foundation’s rank- states.” ing of the states. Although Bottom line? While tax con- North Dakota generally scores siderations may be part of a better than Minnesota on the business expansion equation, “business friendly” indexes, it’s never as simple as the low- it’s nowhere close to South tax advocates would like you to Dakota. believe. To see the graphs and

*IM/BERSTAR charts that accompany this

FORYOU the Labor World piece, go to www.growthand-

rence on the pages of justice click on “Blog” and

FORMINNESOTA space, a rare occur- click on Quimby’s entry. 2CKFHQTD[(TKGPFUQH,KO1DGTUVCT Note: This is white

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 17 John McCain: Poster boy for anti-union Associated Builders & Contractors The Associated Builders & flyer. It says McCain supports: abuse legislation. ous lives. universal coverage. It will send Contractors, a group of anti- Open Competition: John Association Health Plans Regulatory Reform: John working families out into the union construction companies McCain opposes union-only (AHP’s): John McCain spon- McCain has long supported private market for health care in the U.S., proudly announced Project Labor Agreements sored Association Health Plan deregulation to unburden to fend for themselves. It will themselves as the first business (PLAs) and will expand trans- legislation in the Senate. His American business and chip away at employer-based group to endorse Republican parency and competition in plan would allow individuals to improve our competitiveness. plans, making it harder for presidential candidate John government contracting. obtain insurance through any unions to maintain high quality McCain. Rights of Employees: John organization or association that You may have to read health plans in their collective “That’s because Senator McCain supports the rights of they choose. These policies between the lines a bit to get bargaining agreements. McCain best represents the free employees to vote for union would be available to small the full flavor of what those The ABC’s apprenticeship enterprise values of ABC,” representation using a secret businesses and the self- policy positions actually mean. programs fail to graduate Chairman Bill Fairchild, said ballot and will veto any legisla- employed, portable across all Salting has been an organiz- almost three-fourths of their on their flyer. tion taking away this right. jobs, and meet rigorous stan- ing technique used by Building apprentice trainees, an analysis When you look at why the Davis-Bacon Act: John dards and certification. Trades unions where their of federal construction appren- ABC endorses McCain, you McCain believes the Davis- Tax Policy: John McCain members go to work for a non- ticeship data showed in 2006. can see why you shouldn’t vote Bacon Act should be repealed. opposes the Democrats’ crip- union contractor and organize Overall, their programs gradu- for him. The following infor- Salting Abuse: John pling plans for a tax increase in from within. It has been around ated 29 percent of enrollees mation is verbatim from the McCain supports anti-salting 2011. He has consistently sup- for decades, and in and out of nationwide, half the union rate. ported permanent and immedi- courts because the ABC does- The data covered apprentices ate reform of the estate n’t want union members on enrolled in 1995-99, and who (“death”) tax as well as cutting their jobs. graduated by 2004. You can see The Labor World...112 Years the corporate tax rate from McCain’s health plan will why ABC wants more leeway 35% to 25%. not help America work towards to run their shabby program. of Work Worker Safety: John McCain believes that the for our Labor Occupational Safety and Championing Labor Since 1896! Health Administration (OSHA) Movement! policies must be thoroughly reviewed to ensure it does not Congratulations, Bricklayers overburden American employ- ers while striking the appropri- Labor World and Allied ate balance with respect to worker safety. CWA Local 7214 Craftworkers Job Training and Appren- ticeship: John McCain sup- Representing workers at: Local Union 1 ports improvements in job AT&T training by reforming programs Minnesota making it easier for users to AVAYA meet their financial obliga- Qwest & North Dakota tions, pay for training, and get back to work. He also supports Dex Media East, LLC the strengthening of communi- Paul Bunyan Telephone 2002 London Road, (218) 724-8374 ty college and technical train- ing programs enabling workers Paw Communications, Inc. to lead productive and prosper- Labor World~~A Voice for Laborers Since 1896! Your Friends at Minnesota LECET Skilled Construction Laborers and Union Contractors Working Together Contact us at 651-429-1600 www.minnesotalaborers.org

PAGE 18 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 Supreme Court kills Cal. law on company neutrality on taxpayers’ dime By Mark Gruenberg union,” said Executive said the California law entering into, or carrying out a Associate Justices Stephen PAI Staff Writer Secretary-Treasurer Art infringed on employer free voluntary recognition agree- Breyer and Ruth Bader WASHINGTON (PAI)-- Pulaski. “The notion that speech during organizing ment with a labor organiza- Ginsburg dissented. Breyer Labor’s campaign to ensure Congress did this without say- drives and thus violated the tion,’” Stevens wrote. pointed out that firms could company neutrality in ing it, as the court majority Constitution. The Bush NLRB Although the NLRA itself still use their own money Californian organizing drives found, seems ridiculous. The said California’s law interfered contains no express preemption against union organizing, and died June 19 in the U.S. fundamental right to join in an area left to federal law, provision” that would outlaw said the regulatory burden of Supreme Court. By a 7-2 mar- unions exists only on paper.” labor relations. The Supreme the California law, “We have the California law was not gin, the justices killed an 8- California justified the law, Court majority agreed with held that Congress implicitly large. year-old company neutrality Assembly Bill 1889, by saying both points. mandated two types of pre- “California’s statute…does law passed by the Democratic- it governs the use of state tax- Associate Justice John Paul emption as necessary to imple- not seek to compel labor-relat- run state legislature and signed payers’ dollars. It said such Stevens, writing the majority ment federal labor policy. The ed activity. Nor does it seek to by then-Gov. Gray Davis (D). dollars and their use must be opinion, said the California law first…is intended to preclude forbid labor-related activity. It They said the law ran afoul of strictly neutral. But the U.S. wasn’t really neutral at all. state interference with the permits all employers who the National Labor Relations Chamber of Commerce “Despite (its) neutral state- National Labor Relations receive state funds to ‘assist, Act and that it infringes upon promptly sued to stop the law-- ment of policy, AB 1889 Board’s interpretation and promote, or deter union organ- employers’ free speech rights and won lower court orders expressly exempts ‘activities active enforcement of the ‘inte- izing.’ It simply says to those by letting virtually anyone sue doing so until the issue could performed’ or ‘expenses grated scheme of regulation’” employers: ‘Do not do so on for its enforcement. be decided for good. The incurred’ in connection with of federal labor law. States our dime,’” Breyer wrote. The ruling disappointed the chamber was joined by the certain undertakings that pro- can’t “regulate activity the “I concede that a federal law state AFL-CIO. Bush regime’s National Labor mote unionization, including NLRA protects, prohibits, or that forces states to pay for “Congress never intended to Relations Board. The law never ‘allowing a labor organization arguably protects or prohibits.’ labor-related speech from pub- force the states to allow taxpay- took effect. or its representatives access to “The second, known as lic funds would encourage er dollars to be used to fight The business lobby, which the employer’s facilities or Machinists preemption, forbids more of that speech. But no one workers trying to have a crowed over the court’s ruling, property,’ and ‘negotiating, both the NLRB and states from can claim the NLRA is such a regulating conduct Congress law. And without such a law, a intended “be unregulated state’s refusal to pay for labor- because it was left ‘to be con- related speech does not imper- trolled by the free play of eco- missibly discourage that activi- nomic forces,’” Stevens ty. To refuse to pay for an activ- added. ity --as here-- is not the same as Reviewing labor law histo- to compel others to engage in (APPY ry, Stevens said Congress, in that activity,” Breyer said. the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act-- Chicago labor law attorney which, though he did not say Craig Becker, who worked on so, was approved by a GOP- the case with the AFL-CIO, RUN Congress over Demo- was not surprised by the ruling THŸ!NNIVERSARY112 cratic President Truman’s veto- “given the composition of the -“struck a balance of protec- court...But the decision should- tion, prohibition, and laissez- n’t be read too broadly. The faire in respect to union organ- court strikes the law down ization, collective bargaining, based on facts peculiar to it,” ,ABORŸ7ORLD and labor disputes.’ “The he explained. One was that “the California law broke that sec- enforcement scheme is onerous ond pre-emption, Stevens said, and could chill use of non-state because it regulated “a zone funds” in organizing drives. protected and reserved for mar- The other reason was the lack ket freedom” by Congress. of neutrality Stevens cited. A -EDICA
IS
PROUD “What Congress left unregulat- similar state law without those ed is as important as the regula- defects could pass muster, TO
SERVE
THE
NEEDS
OF
LABOR tions it imposed.” Becker added. Congratulations LLABORABOR WWORLDORLD Thank you for keeping us so well informed for 112 years. *IM
7ARD  The 20,000 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association

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©2008¹-EDICA-EDICA¸ISAREGISTEREDSERVICEMARKOF-EDICA(EALTH0LANS-EDICAREFERSTOTHEFAMILYOFHEALTHPLANBUSINESSESTHATINCLUDES-EDICA(EALTH 0LANS -EDICA(EALTH0LANSOF7ISCONSIN -EDICA)NSURANCE#OMPANYAND-EDICA3ELF )NSURED Uniting Nurses in Vision and Voice

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 19 Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council’s 2008 scholars chosen The Duluth Building & Kearsty, who graduated this fall to study in medical related ing what being in a union fam- have applications, which have Construction Trades Council year from Cloquet High fields. ily has meant to the student. a Jan. 15 deadline. They can has awarded two, $2,500 schol- School, ranked in the top ten The one-time $2,500 schol- “Giving out these scholar- also be downloaded at www. arships for 2008. Kearsty percent of her class throughout arships were established in ships is one of the best things dsacommunityfoundation.com. Cordle and Brianna Davis were her four years of high school. 1999 from the sale of the we do to help young people in Contact DSACF’s David selected by the Duluth Superior Her father, Jason Cordle, is a Shoreview House of Hope, a the region,” said DBCTC Hammer at 726-0232, dham- Area Community Foundation, member of Plumbers & Steam- non-profit temporary housing President Craig Olson. “Our mer@dsacommunity founda- which administers the scholar- fitters Local 11. She plans to facility for cancer patients and unions are really proud of this tion.com for more information. ship fund, from a field of 18 attend Lake Superior College their families that DBCTC program.” Tax deductible donations to applicants. to study Health Science. unions created to fill a need in The scholarships are admin- the scholarship fund can be Davis’s father, the community. When other istered by the Duluth Superior sent to: Duluth Building & Rick, is a member options were made available by Area Community Foundation. Construction Trades Scholar- of Laborers Local the private sector Shoreview They process the applications ship Fund, Room 106, 2002 1091 and Opera- was sold and the scholarship and select the winners. High London Road, Duluth, MN 558 ting Engineers fund created. school guidance counselors 12. Local 49. A The scholarships are award- straight “A” stu- ed to the children of any of the dent throughout 17 unions affiliated with the her four years at council. Students must be plan- Congratulations, Hermantown ning careers in the medical High School, field. Competition is based Labor World! Brianna will upon grade point averages, enroll at UW- overall scholastic experience University of Minnesota Kearsty Cordle Brianna Davis Superior in the and a 100-word essay describ- Labor Education Service Pour it on, Labor World! 3Training for unions and workers 3Labor Studies Certificate program 3Award-winning video production 3Minnesota at Work cable TV show 3Workday Minnesota website 612-624-5020 www.laboreducation.org

Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Craig Olson President Affiliates (218) 724-6466 Boilermakers Lodge 647 Laborers Local 1091 724-6999 728-5151 Bricklayers & Allied Millwrights & Machinery Craftworkers Local 1 Erectors Local 1348 724-8374 741-6314 Carpenters Local 361 Operating Engineers 724-3297 Local 49, 724-3840 Cement Masons, Plasterers & Painters & Allied Trades Shophands Local 633 Local 106, 724-6466 724-2323 Plumbers & Steamfitters Electrical Workers Local 11, 727-2199 Local 242, 728-6895 Roofers, Waterproofers Elevator Constructors Local 96, 218-644-1096 Local 9, (612) 379-2709 Sheet Metal Workers Insulators Local 49 Local 10, 724-6873 724-3223 Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Iron Workers Local 512 (701) 281-1514 724-5073 Teamsters Local 346 628-1034 Watch for our new Directory of Union Contractors later this year!

PAGE 20 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 IBEW 31 awards scholarships for 20th consecutive year For the 20th consecutive year the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 31 has awarded four, $500 John W. Johnson Scholarships to children of their members. Tia Bissonette is the daughter of Thomas Bissonette, a Lake Country Power employee and union member since 1997. Tia, a Babbitt-Embarrass High School graduate, will be attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth to pursue an Art History major. Katie Bressler’s father, Glenn, is a Minnesota Power-Herbert Service Center employee. He has been in the IBEW since 1980. Katie graduated from Duluth East High School and is currently attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities studying Biochemistry and Spanish. Tia Bissonette Katie Bressler Ryan Finch Ricky Konerza Ryan Finch, a graduate of Brainerd High School, is the son of Kimberly Finch, an employee of City of Brainerd Administra- tion and a union member since 2004. Ryan will attend North Congratulations! Dakota State University. He is undecided about a field of study. Hill City High School graduate Ricky Konerza’s father, Richard, works for Minnesota Power-Boswell and has been in Local 31 since 2004. Ricky will attend the University of St. The Labor World Thomas and will study either Business or Journalism. The scholarships were established in 1988 by John Johnson, a former president of IBEW Local 31 and an international vice Anniversary Edition president. With this year’s awards, 80 children of IBEW 31 members have received one of the non-renewable scholarships. Students must meet a minimal qualification requirement and From the Blue Cross Organized Labor Department all qualifiers’ names are entered into a pool. Winners are chosen by lot. Applications are available each February by calling (651) 662-1523 IBEW Local 31 at (218) 728-4248. Applicants must be ready to enroll in a higher education institution or can be already enrolled in higher education. IBEW 31 represents 969 active members employed in 20 bar- gaining units in northwest Wisconsin and northern Minnesota. Local 31 has 391 retirees. Thanks, Labor World for 112 Years of Service! From Lutsen to International Falls to Park Rapids to Little Falls to Kettle River to the Twin Ports...... Our 969 active and 391 retired members from 20 bargaining units would like to say how proud we are of being able to help carry on such a fine tradition as the one the Labor World has established in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Our History ~~ Our Heritage ~~ Our Voice IBEWIBEW LLOCOCALAL 3131 Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Representing Workers At: Itasca Mantrap Cooperative Electric Assn. Lutsen, MN Park Rapids, MN Bayfield Electric Co-op Lake Country Power Iron River, Wl Grand Rapids, Kettle River & Virginia City of Brainerd - Administrative Support Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative Brainerd, MN Aitkin, MN City of Brainerd - Fire Department Minnesota Energy Resources Brainerd, MN (formerly Aquila) Cloquet, MN City of Brainerd - Water & Light Dept. Minnesota Power Brainerd, MN Duluth, MN City of Moose - Lake Water & Light Public Utility Commission of Aitkin Moose Lake, MN Aitkin, MN City of Staples - Water & Light Commission Public Utility Commission of Proctor Staples, MN Proctor, MN City of Two Harbors - Water & Light Dept. Cooperative Light & Power Assn. of Lake County Superior Water, Light & Power Two Harbors, MN Two Harbors, MN Superior, WI City of Wadena - Electric Water Dept. Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Todd-Wadena Electric Co-op Wadena, MN Brainerd, MN Wadena, MN

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 21 Minnesota Responsible Business Corporation Act step in right direction by Senator John Marty the best interests of the people, responsible corporations is might, in the short term, reduce ates loyal customers. (DFL-Roseville) not the best interests of power- spelled out in Senate File 1153, their profits. Businesses cannot survive if In the drive to please Wall ful corporations, is urgently the Minnesota Responsible Most businesses would con- they cannot make money. They Street investors, some corpora- needed. Business Corporation Act. tinue to use the traditional cor- need to generate a fair return tions have shortchanged their However, this is not a prob- The main advantage of porate structure, but some for their shareholders, but they customers and workers and lem to be solved solely with incorporating as a socially would choose to incorporate can do that without trampling polluted the air we breathe. government regulation and responsible business is that a under the socially responsible on the rights and interests of Corporate scandals fill the enforcement. Our corporate corporation’s board and execu- option instead. the community. news media. design needs change too. tives would be protected from Being socially responsible Our current corporate struc- Producing a good return on Corporate laws should enable lawsuits for failing to maxi- does not mean being unprof- tures were designed in an earli- investment for business owners business owners to profit, but mize stockholder profits as a itable. Traditional businesses er era, captive to investors’ (shareholders) is an important not to maximize profits regard- result of their actions to protect often recognize that they can desire for short-term profits. In function of any for-profit cor- less of the impact on others. the interests of other stakehold- create “green” jobs in renew- this new millennium, we need poration. But society is ill Unfortunately, current law ers. For business people who able energy. Many employers corporate structures that pro- served when we let profit makes it difficult for corporate want “to do the right thing,” recognize that good compensa- tect the environment, ensure trump fair treatment for the leaders to focus on the well this would enable them to do so tion for their employees results public health and safety, and community. being of the community. without fear of being punished. in happier, more productive treat workers fairly. The It is unethical for businesses There are business people In addition, the legislation workers. Many businesses rec- Minnesota Responsible of our generation to use up nat- who want to look out for the would bring worker and public ognize that it is a very real asset Business Corporation Act is a ural resources at an unsustain- public interest, but who are interest representation onto the to have a positive reputation, to step in that direction. able rate, destroying the planet concerned that their fiduciary corporate board, and would have built public trust. It cre- we leave for our children. It is responsibility to stockholders ensure that corporate leader- not OK for a business to make precludes them from paying ship regularly considers its more money by paying their better wages or protecting the impact on the public. We Install Peace of Mind! employees so little that the environment if profit margins This legislation is only a workers’ families end up in are affected. partial answer to the problem. Ask about our Discount for poverty. It is not acceptable for To address this fundamental It would assist people who a business to profit from selling problem, we should give busi- want to create a “for-profit” Union Households! toys containing lead that poi- nesses the option of incorporat- corporation to produce goods sons unsuspecting children. ing under an alternative struc- or services for the purpose of (218) 624-5650 The public wants corporations ture that acknowledges their making money, but who also to be responsible for more than responsibility to the stockhold- have sincere concern for other just making money. ers as well as to other “stake- stakeholders. It would assist Unfortunately, in today’s holders.” Others who have a corporate leaders who treat Affiliated with IBEW Local 242 political climate, profit usually stake in a corporation’s actions their employees and the envi- wins out. Corporations have include the employees, the cus- ronment well even if doing so the lobbyists, campaign contri- tomers, the suppliers, the com- butions, and the clout to block munities they are in, as well as Congratulations, government from interfering in the general public interest such their drive to make more as public health, the environ- Thank You money. Reform of the political ment, and public safety. One Labor World! system so government serves means of facilitating socially Labor World And to our brothers and sisters... We must tell Labor’s story. for being there Have a safe and enjoyable summer! for workers... We’re proud to be a union contractor It’s part of our heritage. It LAKEHEAD Painting Co. Since 1896! “Serving the Upper Midwest Since 1965” will guide us into the future. Free Estimates Superior, Wis. (715) 394-5799 Hey, Labor World, AFSCME that’s a helluva history Local 3801 of supporting workers! REMEMBER UMD Clerical & Paid for by the Mary Murphy Volunteer Committee, 5180 Arrowhead Rd. Hermantown, MN 55811 Technical Employees KOLAR 733-0100 A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com Local 1091~Duluth Area When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will From the Officers and Members of LABORERS LOCAL 1091 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN Duluth, MN/Superior, WI/Surrounding Counties

PAGE 22 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 A good start, but much left undone, say union members about session By Barb Kucera years. The legislation provides sored MinnesotaCare program. maintain vital public services left taxpayers in every school Workday editor $6.6 billion for roads, bridges Lawmakers also found a and avoid some job losses. district extremely vulnerable ST. PAUL - In the 2008 leg- and mass transit over the next small amount of money to help Property tax relief – with this veto.” islative session, lawmakers 10 years. schools around the state that Lawmakers allocated an addi- Pay increases for long-term made significant progress in Citing poor management are facing program cuts and tional $25 million in direct care workers – Workers addressing problems such as and lack of oversight, lawmak- staff layoffs, allocating an refunds for homeowners. employed at long-term care gridlock on the roads, but fell ers booted Lieutenant Gover- across-the-board increase of 1 Mall of America expansion facilities across Minnesota will short in fixing others. Governor nor Carol Molnau out of her percent, or $51 per pupil, for project – Legislators rejected a see a wage increase of 1%, plus Tim Pawlenty unraveled some dual role as commissioner of the 2008-09 school year. labor-backed proposal to pro- a one-time, 1% bonus, after of their work by vetoing legis- transportation, a move widely Pawlenty vetoed legislation vide bonding for a major mall unions and other members of lation to deal with the mort- applauded by unions. to impose a one-year moratori- expansion, opting instead to "Seniors and Workers for gage foreclosure crisis and Lawmakers made another um on foreclosures, giving allow local taxes to be used. Quality" pushed hard against raise the minimum wage. key investment by approving homeowners time to renegoti- The mall said it would study Pawlenty's plan to provide no That’s the analysis by $925 million in bonding for ate loans. The law would have the proposal before deciding increase. unions and pro-worker organi- construction projects, includ- helped some 12,000 Minnesota whether to move ahead on the “A 1% increase -- that’s not zations that urged lawmakers ing expansion of the Duluth families who will lose their project, which would create the true cost of living, given to act on a number of issues, Entertainment and Convention homes this year due to predato- thousands of jobs. how the price of food and fuel including education, health Center and buildings at state ry lending practices and rapidly Statewide health insurance have gone up for folks,” noted care, transportation and jobs. colleges and universities escalating subprime loans. pool for school districts – For Tara Widner, staff representa- “The 2008 legislative ses- around the state. Pawlenty Low-income workers were the second year in a row, tive for the United sion brought progress for vetoed some of the projects, hit with Pawlenty’s veto pen Pawlenty vetoed the pool, Steelworkers, who represent working families,” said Ray including $70 million for the when he struck down legisla- which Education Minnesota many long-term care workers. Waldron, president of the Central Corridor light rail line, tion to raise the minimum wage supports as a way to cut health Future budget deficits – Minnesota AFL-CIO, the but the light rail funding was to $7.75 an hour next year. The care costs and maintain quality. Lawmakers from both parties state’s largest labor federation. restored in legislation passed JOBS NOW Coalition said “Larger pools save money. acknowledged they will face “It was great to see legislators just before adjournment. Pawlenty lost an opportunity to They mitigate the effects of more tough decisions next putting people before parties.” The country's deepening put more money in the pockets unforeseen catastrophic care. year. Senate Majority Leader Waldron thanked lawmak- economic recession overshad- of working families and give They spread the risk. They do Larry Pogemiller, DFL- ers for passing a strong bond- owed the legislative debate, as the economy a boost. everything a good insurance Minneapolis, said the projected ing bill, securing property tax lawmakers struggled to close a Pawlenty also vetoed a non- pool should do,” said Mary 2010-11 biennial deficit is relief for working families and projected $1 billion gap in the binding legislative resolution Cathryn Ricker, president of somewhere between $1 billion negotiating with Pawlenty to state budget. They did so supporting the Employee Free the St. Paul Federation of and $2 billion. make health care available to through a combination of Choice Act, federal legislation Teachers. “Tim Pawlenty has 12,000 more Minnesotans. spending budget reserves, clos- that would make it easier for In all, Pawlenty vetoed 34 ing a corporate tax loophole workers to join unions. See bills – the most by any and making cuts. Programs in related story Minnesota governor since health and human services Other key actions of the Congratulations World War II. But his veto of were hardest hit. 2008 session: the transportation bill early in However, Pawlenty’s Local Government Aid – the session did not stand. attempt to raid the Heath Care DFLers pushed hard for more Labor World Lawmakers, including both Access Fund of $250 million state aid to support local gov- DFLers and Republicans, over- was negotiated down to $50 ernment services; they got $42 rode the veto and approved the million, allowing 12,000 more million more for cities, plus on your 112th! first gas tax increase in 20 families to receive health insur- $22 million more for counties. ance through the state-spon- AFSCME said the aid will help Carlton County Central Labor Body How much do you want to spend on heart disease? 27,000 people in Duluth $85 are working poor... Walking shoes 42% of jobs in our area don’t pay a living wage... $94,200 Heart bypass surgery SUPPORT Unhealthy lifestyle choices are a big reason health care ORGANIZING! costs are rising. These costs are reflected in higher insurance premiums, copayments and deductibles for everyone. When it comes to the cost of health care, your choices make a difference. UNITE HERE! LOCAL 99 (218) 728-6861 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008 PAGE 23 Labor gets huge support for gas price protest on London Road When members of unions breaks for Big Oil” said billion in tax cuts to the five at home,” said Alan Netland, Like Bush, McCain protects affiliated with the Duluth AFL- NEALC Organizer Chad largest American oil compa- President of the Duluth Central Big Oil’s profits. Last year, CIO Central Labor took to the McKenna. “We feel Bush and nies. Last year, ExxonMobil Labor Body. “Big oil is mak- McCain was the only senator to corner of London Road and McCain need to work to boost made $40 billion in profits— ing record profits, and it’s com- miss a vote on the energy bill 21st Avenue East for a protest the economy and invest in jobs the largest single-year profits ing out of our pockets.” repealing tax subsidies for oil rally at noon Friday, June 13, and energy independence ever made by a U.S. company, The AFL-CIO has a companies. In 2005, he voted they got more approving rather than spending billions on so the tax breaks are hardly “McCain Revealed” campaign against a temporary windfall honks, waves, and yells of sup- the Iraq war.” needed. When Congress ques- available off their website at profits tax on oil companies to port than perhaps any labor The average price of gas hit tioned oil executives and sug- www.aflcio.org that gives solu- fund tax credits for working rally in Duluth’s history. $4 per gallon at the pump in gested windfall profit taxes tions to record high gas prices. families. Previously, he op- “I was only flipped off by early June, up from $1.47 a gal- may be levied against them, Linkage is also available at posed ending depletion and three people and they probably lon the week President Bush they said they’d just raise www.nealc.org. drilling tax breaks for oil and knew me,” said Larry “The took office. prices at the pump. The site reveals McCain’s natural gas companies. Laborer” Anderson. Union members held signs “It’s time for Bush and economic record and plans to McCain has taken $723,777 For heaven’s sake even the asking to “Turn Around McCain to stop the give-aways continue the failed Bush eco- in campaign contributions from media showed up. America,” the AFL-CIO’s to their friends in Big Oil and nomic agenda. McCain oppo- oil and gas industry PACs and Nearly everyone could theme for its Labor 2008 polit- stop spending $10 billion a nents are saying if he is elected employees—almost twice as relate to the protest: the price of ical program. Other signs read month in Iraq, and instead start it will be equivalent to a third much as Barack Obama or gasoline, which many say is “Bush & McCain love Big Oil” sticking up for working people term for George W. Bush. Hillary Clinton. devastating family budgets and and “Tell McCain Not Tax Cuts stifling the American Dream. For Big Oil.” The AFL-CIO held similar Across 21st Avenue from protests around the nation the large group of protesters against record high gas prices, stood a silent Grim Reaper which now average $4 a gallon. with his own homemade Labor added a political twist to reversible sign that stated, their protests calling on Pres. “Way to Go BIG OIL, Make a Bush and Sen. John McCain, Killing,” and, “Let’s Have the Republican presidential Another War for Oil: Vote John candidate, to McCain & Norm denounce their sup- Coleman.” port of Big Oil. McKenna said “President Bush is McCain should too cozy with big oil honor working peo- companies and has ple’s interests, not done nothing to those of the oil check soaring gas industry. McCain's Recently, some construction trades unions and their members prices, but they con- tax plan would give tinue to support tax an additional $3.8 have been forced to give up rights under the Minnesota workers compensation system and adopt the Union Construction Workers Compensation Program (UCWCP). The Program includes strict limits on the rights of workers to choose doctors, rehabilitation consultants, and to petition a judge to decide disputes. HOWEVER, INJURED WORKERS STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO AN ATTORNEY. If you have questions about your claim UNITE HERE 99’s Todd and Shaun Erickson, and IBEW under the UCWCP, call us. We'll listen. 31’s Dick Sackett were among London Road gas price pro- testers. Shaun, 8, has a long history on picket lines already, and he won’t shop at Wal-Mart or drink Pepsi. An uniden- Don’t let the UCWCP be tified Grim Reaper at the rally “praised” the killing for oil. a barrier to fair benefits for your injury. Low on fuel? We deliver! If the price of gas has got you staying home, you can still treat yourself to a great meal and never leave the house. Call in an order and we’ll get it to you hot! Your body needs fuel too, and we’ll fill your tank! 2531 West Superior Street 727-0020 Grill 727-9582 Bar “You bet we’re a Union House” Affiliated with UNITE HERE Local 99

PAGE 24 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008