(ISSN 0023-6667) Greg Gilbert endorsed for Mayor Delegates to the May 10 wide ranging support from 60 also ensured that taxpayers’ Duluth AFL-CIO Central delegates from 26 unions, dollars are wisely used by Labor Body meeting gave including public employees, pushing Duluth Economic Duluth mayoral candidate building trades, and others such Development Association and Greg Gilbert’s campaign a as UNITE HERE Local 99, for JOBZ regulations that will hold resounding vote of confidence. his history of supporting all developers more accountable With a difficult two-thirds labor issues. to taxpayers. Yet he’s tried to of voting delegates required for A member of Education ensure that low wage workers, an endorsement, Gilbert came Minnesota and the Duluth City who are often employed at An Injury to One is an Injury to All! away with 73 percent of the Council’s longest serving those developments once WEDNESDAY VOL. 112 vote, which was counted by per member at 10 years, Gilbert they’re built, are not just pawns MAY 23, 2007 NO. 22 capita. The motion that was authored and carried Duluth’s in the process for someone’s voted on was either a “yes” for living wage ordinance in 1997, profits. endorsing Gilbert, or a “no” to which he called “a model for His support for UNITE endorsing him. the nation.” That from an attor- HERE’s organizing of low “I’m proud to receive the ney with 22 years of experi- wage workers is characteristic Central Labor Body’s endorse- ence working in the business of his hope for a better life for ment for mayor,” Gilbert said world, and representing the all working poor. Gilbert led in a press release that night. least likely labor district on the the effort to make card “With my background in busi- council, east Duluth’s District 2 check/neutrality labor peace ness, this endorsement sends in the Congdon area. agreements part of public sub- the message that people in The cornerstone of the sidy discussions for develop- Duluth want to work together.” Central Body’s criteria for ments. Gilbert went on to say the endorsement is their Working He also has been the leader endorsement puts him in the Families’ Agenda and no elect- in making Duluth’s eating and “unique position of being able ed official has covered it better drinking establishments to bring together business than Gilbert. He said this will smoke-free. interests and working families be his sixth electoral campaign Gilbert said the city’s obli- across the community for the and he has always had a histo- gation to its active and retired betterment of Duluth.” ry of support for the WFA. employees health care cover- Gilbert, Meg Bye, Don “I stand up and say so and age must be fully funded. That Ness, Charlie Bell, and Jim work at it in the city council,” issue came up repeatedly dur- Pratt, the five mayoral candi- Gilbert said during the screen- ing the screenings. Gilbert said Greg Gilbert answers a question from the audience during dates who have announced, ing. “I’ve been with you every the city must sit down with the the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s mayoral screen- attended the Central Body step of the way and will be in unions and settle their contracts ing May 10th. He went on to receive their endorsement with screening. At the regular the future.” first. 73 percent of the vote. monthly meeting, which fol- A strong supporter of eco- “The basic unit (AFSCME) lowed the screening, the nomic development, Gilbert hasn’t had a meeting since DFLers: Session a success endorsement was considered has been steadfast in his sup- January,” Gilbert said. He said with much discussion and port of project labor agree- another positive step would be in spite of shortcomings vigor. ments and is working on PLA to clean up the administration Gilbert’s endorsement had language for the city. Yet he has of the plan, which he said the In spite of what he called “missed opportunities” Democratic city is trying to do. Farmer Labor House Majority Leader Tony Sertich (Chisholm) “When the people in this called the recently completed Minnesota legislative session very Screenings for council room stick together in solidari- productive for northeastern Minnesota and the state as a whole. ty, we can change the world,” The glaring missed opportunities included funding for the district races June 14 he told delegates in his opening DECC expansion in Duluth and an Iron Range steel plant. remarks. Sertich and Senate Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller The Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body will screen the three city council district races that will be up for election this It was evident early on in (Minneapolis), House Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher the evening that no candidate (Minneapolis), and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl year. Districts 1, 3, and 5 are up as are two at-large seats that will be screened this summer. other than Gilbert stood a Clark (St. Cloud) held news conferences in Duluth, Bemidji, chance of receiving an Moorhead, St. Cloud, Mankato, and Rochester in a DFL fly Candidates in districts 1, 3, and 5 will be screened at 6:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall of the Duluth Labor Temple prior to the endorsement. The question was around the state to discuss the session, which ended Monday at whether or not he could midnight. regular monthly meeting on Thursday, June 14.. Central Body endorsed incumbents Laurie Johnson in far achieve the necessary two- The DFL controlled both the House and Senate for the first thirds. A Gilbert campaign time in ten years, but they still had trouble getting their agenda eastern District 1, and Russ Stover in far western District 5 will seek re-election. staffer handed out a “10 home because of Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty and his Reasons to Endorse Greg allies. Minnesota has not had a DFL governor for 20 years. The District 3 seat is open with Central Body endorsed incumbent Russ Stewart not seeking re-election. He has given Gilbert for Mayor” flyer to The DFL contingent said the session’s good news was that for arriving delegates that laid out the first time in more than eight years a special session will not his support to AFSCME Local 66 member, and Central Body delegate, Sharla Gardner. his years of supporting labor. be necessary to complete a budget. Gilbert said “in this day and Clark said the budget, which is about $35 billion to cover the Also announcing his candidacy for the District 3 seat is Dan Hartman, a recent UMD graduate and former Student age the job of the mayor is to next two years, isn’t “sexy, but is honest and balanced with no improve the lives of working See Session...page 2 Association president. Possible endorsements will be considered at the regular families” and he promised to monthly meeting of the Central Body following screenings. not enter into contracts for city Chicago unionists win See Gilbert endorsed...page 7 CHICAGO (PAI)--Unionists scored another big win in Chicago’s April 17 aldermanic runoffs, the Chicago Federation of Labor and the People’s Weekly World reported. Five union- ists won city council seats and eight of the 12 CFL-backed can- didates triumphed. The key issue was Democratic Mayor Richard M. Daley’s prior veto--which the council narrowly upheld--of a “big box living wage ordinance” aimed mostly at Wal-Mart, or keeping it from town. AFSCME member Joanne DFL leaders Sen. Pogemiller, Rep. Anderson Kelliher, Rep. Thompson defeated incumbent Shirley Coleman, who--with Sertich, and Sen. Clark were in Duluth Tuesday to talk Daley--boasted of low-cost housing being built non-union. about the legislative session, which ended Monday night. Session successful with shortcomings...from page 1 gimmicks and will count increases for nursing home critical needs in state infra- inflation in the future.” workers. structure were again ignored. “Democrats have succeeded “We got our work done and Pawlenty had vetoed a 5 in producing a reasonable and we got it done on time,” said cent gas tax increase that responsible budget that stabi- Pogemiller. “Not everyone got would have provided funding lizes schools, reforms health everything they wanted, but we for transportation needs. He care and cleans up Minnesota made real progress on a num- prefers to borrow money to pay waters,” said Speaker ber of important issues. Our for projects, which will put the Anderson Kelliher. “This hope is that we can use the payments on the backs of budget invests in Minnesota’s momentum from this positive future taxpayers. A DFL chart future by covering more kids session to continue to work showed by 2017 it would take a who have no health insurance across party lines to achieve 7.5 cent gas tax to pay off the and making sure all-day our goals of property tax relief, interest on borrowing for trans- kindergarten is an option at all affordable health care, and a portation projects. of our schools.” transportation system that will Anderson Kelliher said The education bill invests help spur economic develop- “House Republicans threw a nearly $800 million into K-12 ment all around the state.” tantrum” to keep important leg- AFSCME 3558’s Marlene Hart and 66’s Vi Peterson help and early education. It contains Clark said the DFL led leg- islation like the bonding bill Kermit Nelson and his son, Phil, unload during the increases to the basic education islature helped ensure an hon- from being passed. She said if National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive May 12. formula, one-time funds total- est conversation about the session could have gone In this area over 146,000 pounds were collected in the one ing $90 to help defray the costs Minnesota’s future continues. until 12:10 a.m. Duluth would day volunteer effort, 8,000 pounds over last year. Numbers of technology, energy, text- “The Governor’s own have gotten its DECC expan- are being tabulated nationally. (Photo by Yvonne Harvey) books, and other operating Revenue Department says our sion. Pogemiller said the expenses, and addresses the state tax system is becoming DECC and the steel plant are education “cap gap” that has regressive,” said Sen. Clark. not viewed as regional projects Study the working class/2007 been accumulating the past five “We need the Governor and in St. Paul but have statewide The 2007 Conference of the Working Class Studies Assn. is years and is owed to districts Republicans to work with us to importance. June 14-17 at Macalester College in St. Paul. Join academics, by the state. For Duluth that provide tax fairness.” Pawlenty and Republicans artists, activists, and others for sessions covering labor history, means an additional $964/stu- DFL leaders remain disap- mouth support for those proj- classroom pedagogy, working class experiences on campus and dent for 2008-2009. pointed that the Governor ects but will take the necessary in the world, labor and grassroots activism, representations of This year a health insurance vetoed larger property tax cuts steps to bring them in. workers and self-representations by workers, and culture from pool for school districts was for 90% of Minnesotans, the Pawlenty could have line item bowling and baseball to poetry and music. Presenters will come also allowed to finally happen, bonding bill, and a transporta- vetoed projects he didn’t want from across the U.S., plus Canada, Great Britain, France, South which should reduce costs. tion bill to fix the state’s roads in the bonding bill but scuttled Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, and Australia. Clark said more children and bridges. the entire bill. Republicans can Topics include: working class history in film; deindustrial- will have health insurance, “Our state budgets have continue to crow that govern- ization, culture, and resistance; class in the classroom; Wob- which is another step on the been balanced on the backs of ment doesn’t work. blies’ Big Red Songbook; American Indian history/working road to universal health care the middle-class taxpayers,” The Senate passed the class history; working class literature. coverage. said Sertich. “By ignoring the bonding bill 58-7 but Cost is $100 for academics employed full-time, $90 for Pogemiller believes the ses- Revenue Department report, Republicans blocked it in the WCSA members, and $50 for others. sion will be remembered for the Governor sends a message House with their tantrum. Info: www.macalester.edu/history/workingclass/index.html the many important bills signed that he’s okay with the inequity Sertich said he had never seen a into law. Those included the of our tax system.” Republican filibuster in the NWis gets help for workers boldest renewable energy stan- Sertich said not only were House but that’s what it was. Wisconsin State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) announced dard in the country, the smok- hundreds of construction jobs The DFL legislative leaders May 10 that the successful Skills Enhancement Program would ing ban “Freedom to Breathe lost in the vetoes of the bond- credited this area’s elected offi- be expanded into the northwest part of the state as a result of the Act,” and a cost of living ing and transportation bills, but cials for being instrumental in Joint Finance Committee’s adoption of a $2.34 million budget the successes of the session. amendment authored by Jauch and two other Democrats. Forum to strategize on poverty Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon put “The Committee’s action represents a victory for low wage Community Action Duluth will finish their “Duluth’s blue- together the renewable energy workers seeking a way out of low-wage jobs,” said Jauch. “Not print to end poverty” forum series with “Strategies to End coalition and bill. Rep. Tom only is this program beneficial to the people it serves, but it is Poverty in Duluth” on Wednesday, June 13 from 5;30-8:30 p.m. Huntley brought the smoking also an important factor in ensuring Wisconsin businesses are in the Great Hall of The Depot, 506 W. Michigan St. ban home and made Minnesota able to hire skilled workers.” Previous sessions had focused on a community forum and the first state to pass the Great The Skills Enhancement Program is designed to create career visioning a Duluth without poverty. Lakes Compact that will pro- ladders, build job skills and increase access to new, higher-pay- Nearly 1 in 3 people who live in Duluth struggle to get by on tect the lakes and watershed. ing occupations for low-income workers. The program targets a daily basis. Of those,12,600 meet the federal definition of All four leaders agree that people who are working at least 20 hours a week and are at or poverty. Another 14,500 are eligible for government assistance. more work needs to be done below 150% of poverty. An estimated 27,000 have jobs but are part of the working poor. next year to continue to “It is well-known that northwest Wisconsin’s per capita For more information visit www.communityactionduluth.org. improve schools, provide per- wages have struggled to keep pace with the rest of the state,” manent property tax relief, and commented Jauch. “This funding will go to successful organi- ensure that all children have zations such as the Northwest CSA to provide meaningful skills- I.U.O.E. Local 70 access to health care coverage. and self-sufficiency training.” There has been no talk of a The program, which began as a pilot program, has expanded Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting special session being called. to include 49 counties throughout the state. Despite the near Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 5:00 P.M. statewide coverage, three regions, including the northwest, were IIBBEEWW 3311&224422 not funded due to federal budget cuts. Last year, the Bush Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Administration cut funding by $608 million to the Workforce Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 RReettiirreeeess’’ Investment Act, the program which funded the original pilot LLuunncchheeoonn program and which was scheduled to fund statewide expansion. Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 Over the past year, more than 500 people have enrolled in the Tues., May 29 Skills Enhancement Program. Those who have graduated from Retirees’ Luncheon the program have seen their annual income increase by nearly 1:00 p.m. $12,000 and 79% of those graduates had employer-sponsored Tuesday, June 5, 1:00 p.m. Upper Deck health insurance. Members & Their After the Joint Finance Committee finishes its deliberations Hong Kong (Sunnyside, Cloquet) on the budget, it must be passed by both the full Senate and Guests Welcome! Assembly before being signed into law by the Governor. PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 (Note: This April 25 email and others were lost for a while in the Labor World’s email system. We apologize for the delay.) Offense taken at USW Shelby Adolphson being victim of job About the time this paper Editor: was founded the Olympics On April 18 you published an article on Workers Memorial were revived. Back then they Day, and included our employee, Shelby Adolphson, as one of gave sprinters strychnine to the workers to be remembered. By now, your entire readership make them run faster. It was must be aware of the violence Shelby suffered at the hands of her finally banned and settled in as estranged husband. rat poison since it has passed My initial reaction was one of disappointment. I can appre- the human test so well. Rodent- ciate the desire to mention Shelby in such an article, written so icide got so sophisticated it soon after the incident in which she was injured. Nevertheless, became warfarin and marketed I believe it would have been more appropriate, in commemorat- as human blood thinner. You ing those area workers who died in tragic accidents while at may be taking it as coumadin. bought smokes there. Used to parched throat, after not smok- work, to acknowledge that Shelby was not a victim of her work- It passed the test for rats and smoke in the apartment ing. I’ll be glad when October place. Rather, she was the victim of domestic violence that was back to humans. Life is so upstairs while using that comes and the smoking ban migrated to the parking lot adjacent to her workplace. full of hope and refreshing. Mom’s ironing board as an air- kicks in. Lots of communities Upon further reading of this issue of the Labor World, I came Lasix has been outlawed in craft carrier, her son on the have refused to do it because across the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body advertisement some states for race horses but other side, flying his planes, an they used that great business on page four of the paper. That ad went further, identifying is an important part of some ashtray at each end of the carri- line about “wanting a level Shelby among “workers who have been victimized by their human’s meds. We don’t want er, taking puffs like ace pilots. playing field.” Here it comes. employment”. I was offended, and am writing this letter to valuable thoroughbreds hemor- The Mrs., doing chores, didn’t And rather than whine about express the offense I feel. This was an unfair and inaccurate rhaging to death, or having an care as the boys were playing the losses to be felt in border characterization of what happened to Shelby. unfair advantage in a race. quietly. My folks didn’t know. communities, just cross the As Manager of Employee and Labor Relations for the SMDC After those terrible World Carried my own pack of border and enjoy. We’re all in Health System, I, along with my colleagues, have worked hard War I gases that were so effec- cigs through the 4th grade until this together aren’t we, region- to establish and maintain collaborative relations with the various tive were “outlawed” those we moved to West Duluth and alism and all that? unions representing approximately two-thirds of our 6,700 val- companies needed to keep rev- kids didn’t smoke there. I guess As we’ve crept closer to a ued employees (my coworkers). Shelby is one of them. We enues up so they reconfigured I forgot. James Dean was more smoking ban over the years, have several active labor-management committees in this organ- the chemical equation and sold popular on the Hillside in the I’ve gotten a kick out of seeing ization, all of which regularly address workplace safety con- them for lawns if my memory ’50s. Tobacco companies fell smokers huddled outside their cerns. I also serve on the Board of the Lake Superior Area serves. You have a nice lawn? asleep for awhile, their bed so places of employment, burning Labor-Management Association. I believe the Central Labor We don’t, but we can roll in it. soft from profit. “Have a cold? one. Been one of them. Often- Body’s advertisement does a disservice not only to SMDC but In the second grade I could Smoke a Kool!” times a visual of that great also to the unions with which we work in our joint efforts to go over to the store on 7th A lot of bad ideas have 1963 movie, “Irma la Dolce,” improve the work environment here and to continue to make Street on the Central Hillside come and gone in this world comes to mind of Shirley SMDC successful. and buy a pack of Winstons for after we found out they were MacLaine and her fellow a quarter, no questions asked, no good for us, no matter how working girls smoking in door- Jerry Zanko, SMDC Manager of Employee/Labor Relations even though my parents never well they were marketed. ways, waiting for work. High cost to Pawlenty vetoes I still have an nicotine Hopefully life will be better ~NOTICE~ addiction hole burned in my for all workers now, even those Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty talks a lot about saving brain. My empty, last pack of who are making a living stand- the taxpayers’ money—on his radio show and in his veto mes- Next issues of Labor World sages to the legislature and the media. And you’ve got to give the are June 6, 27; July 11, 25; Lucky Strikes, the greatest cig- ing in doorways. For sure for arette ever made, is hung by a the ones stuck in smoky rooms. guy credit— he’s saved a lot of money for taxpayers who earn LABOR WORLD paper clip in my office, Andy I’ll agree with Gov. TPaw for upwards of $260,000 a year. (ISSN#0023-6667) is published Warhol perfect yet. I hung it once who said years from now But the rest of us are paying—a lot—for those savings. semi-monthly except one issue in with pride and reverence, like we’ll wonder why it took us so Vetoed tax bills mean that middle income Minnesotans will keep December (23 issues). spending about 12.8 cents on each taxable dollar to keep the state The known office of publication is you look at your lawn perhaps. long to pass a state ban like 19 Labor World, 2002 London Road, Beating tobacco was hard other states had the guts to do. limping along; high income Minnesotans will keep spending Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. but it was time for it to go. Another bad idea from my about 9 cents on each taxable dollar. And here’s a partial tally of Periodicals postage is paid at Created a manta, “NTT” that past cleaned up. People today what we’ve lost as a result. Duluth MN 55806. worked, no tobacco today. Stop even use designated drivers for Health care: over 70,000 Minnesotans will go without health POSTMASTER: insurance—half of them children Send address changes to: in, I may have herbal chew you booze cruises. can try. You know you need to My, we’re getting smart! Hope: 63,000 Minnesota children will be left in deep poverty Labor World, 2002 London Rd., Tax dollars: Minnesotans will spend up to 26 million of their Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 quit. An unhealthy retirement is a debilitating prospect that can This Day In History tax dollars to pay federal penalties on welfare to work pro- 6 7 lead to bad behaviors. www.workdayminnesota.org grams scuttled by the Governor’s vetoes (218) 728-4469 If we need to find a way to May 23, 1933 More of your tax dollars: we’ll spend $859 million on interest FAX: (218) 724-1413 on transportation loans help those poor tobacco com- The “Battle of Toledo” erupt- [email protected] panies survive how about they Your federal tax dollars: $66 million in federal transit funds www.laborworld.org ed when sheriffs’ deputies may not be spent in Minnesota; $544 million in trunk high- ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ grow medical marijuana? Get arrested several picket lead- us all rolling in the grass again. way funds are at risk Owned by Unions affiliated with the ers at the Auto-Lite plant and 40 nursing homes will close regardless of access or geograph- Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body When Minnesota banned beat an old man. For seven Subscriptions: $22 Annually cigarette machines, and you ic concerns hours, a crowd of 10,000 Hundreds of seniors and disabled individuals won’t receive Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager had to be 18 to buy them over blockaded the plant and pre- Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper the counter cigarette sales went waivers letting them stay in their own homes vented strikebreakers from ~Minnesota AFL-CIO Just the Fax Board of Directors nuts. They became street con- leaving.The crowd was dis- President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, traband for 18 year olds who persed with tear gas and Painters & Allied Trades 106; bought cartons and sold packs water hoses and the next day “Quote, Unquote” V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; to kids, making a nice profit. the National Guard was "Companies that treat their workers as assets to be Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; It’s been many years since Tom Selinski, IBEW 242; called in. Despite the killing developed do better over the long term than compa- I’ve eaten out in a restaurant of two protesters by the Laurie Johnson, AFSCME Co. 5; and been bothered by second nies that treat their workers as costs to be cut. Lynette Swanberg, MN Nurses; Guard, the strikers held firm. Mike Kuitu, Operating Engineers hand smoke. But it was just a After two weeks, they won Consumers, investors and CEOs should take note." 49; Al LaFrenier, UNITE HERE! week or so ago that I came recognition of their union ~Robert B. Reich, Professor of Public Policy, University of Shane Sweeney, BCTWGM 167G home reeking of it, with a and a 5 percent pay hike. California at Berkeley, and Pres. Clinton’s Secretary of Labor . LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 PAGE 3 Wisconsin Senate latest government body to endorse EFCA With passage of a resolution elected leaders know that a now pending before the U.S. faith. Ohio. With the Wisconsin supporting the Employee Free union contract is the best eco- Senate, also creates real penal- To date, similar resolutions Resolution, there are now 36 Choice Act, the Wisconsin nomic uplift program for work- ties for employers who illegal- supporting the Employee Free that have received official sup- Senate May 16th became the ing people in our nation’s his- ly interfere with organizing Choice Act have been passed in port from their local govern- 36th state, local or municipal tory and are brave enough to efforts and sets up a system to cities, states and counties coast ments. Nearly 40 more are government body to call on the tell the U.S. Congress that it’s ensure that workers get a first to coast, ranging from Boston pending in places ranging from U.S. Congress to protect the time to take action.” contract even if their employ- to Portland, the Alabama Los Angeles to Buffalo. The rights of working people to Approved overwhelmingly ers refuse to bargain in good House of Representatives to Wisconsin resolution passed by form unions and bargain for a in the U.S. House of Miami, to Summit County, a vote of 23-10. better life. Representatives in March, the “We are grateful for the Employee Free Choice Act efforts of the Senators who restores balance to the system Tell Your Senators to Support have shown their crucial sup- of forming unions and bargain- port of America’s workers, and ing. The legislation gives for the energy, hard work and employees - not employers - THE EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT passion of Wisconsin union the option of deciding how members and their families, they will choose whether to whose dedication made this a form a union. The workers reality,” AFL-CIO President may choose either of the John Sweeney said. “Local options that exist today - ballot officials see firsthand the com- elections or majority sign-up, munity-wide harm done by which enables people to form stagnant wages, skyrocketing unions when a majority of Call personal debt and out-of-con- employees indicate in writing trol health care costs. These they want one. The legislation, 1-800-774-8941 TODAY Tell your U.S. senators to co-sponsor the Tell your U.S. senators to co-sponsor the EmployeeEmployee Free Choice Choice Act (S.Act 1041) (S. to1041) restore to restore workers’workers’ freedom to bargainto bargain for a better for alife. better life. The Employee Free Choice Act will: The Employee Free Choice Act will: Create stronger penalties against companies that Create stronger penalties against companies that violateviolate workers’ workers’ freedom freedom to form unions.to form unions. Provide Provide mediation mediation and arbitration and arbitration when workers when and workers and One of the more enjoyable projects Carpenters Local 361 the employer cannot agree on a fi rst contract. the employer cannot agree on a fi rst contract. apprentices get offered up for each year is a trip over to Allow workers to form unions and bargain for a better Hermantown Elementary where they help students build Allow life once workers a majority to signs form union unions authorization and bargaincards. for a better birdhouses with donated materials. You can kind of tell from this photo that first year apprentice Mark Johnson life once a majority signs union authorization cards. and second grader Cade McEwen are enjoying the project. So did the photographer, Cade’s Mom, Michelle, who just happens to be office manager for the Carpenters. For more information, contact your union or USED CAR LOANS AT visit www.EmployeeFreeChoiceAct.org. NEW CAR RATES

• 1997 and newer vehicles • As low as 5.95% APR* • 48-month term • Ask about 1996 and older financing.

Your neighborhood credit union Hermantown: 218-729-7733 • Duluth: 218-728-3850 www.hermantownfcu.org * A.P.R = annual percentage rate, rates based on past credit history, includes HFCU Auto Pay Discount.

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 Public buying into ISD 709’s “Red Option” The Duluth Public Schools, created a new western high ings and areas for new rev- will propose its long range school with Denfeld becoming enues, so that almost 50% of facilities plan to the School a middle school. Ordean would that total is, in effect, already Board tomorrow. Their vote on be the eastern high school, with paid for. Based on the it is expected in June. East the middle school. $125,100 median cost for a After nearly a year of dis- “Blue” ($270,398,592) has home in Duluth, implementing cussion by a Citizens Group Central as the only high school. the chosen plan would cost that included labor representa- Duluth’s linear geography each Duluth homeowner $8 - tives, a survey of public opin- seems to require a west/east $11 per month.” ion, public hearings, 100 meet- division that Denfeld and Johnson Controls served as ings, and 10,000 hours of Ordean would provide. The the district’s advisor on its expert analysis, it appears that newer Central is by far the aging infrastructure. They used Central High School and 7 most marketable as well, sitting 40 analysts from 18 firms over other schools will be closed on top of the middle of town. six months and 500 hours of without too much hand wring- Other changes in the Red inspection and found 1,600 ing. Public meetings this week, Option are a reduction in the needs in air/water quality, however, are bringing out con- number of middle schools from accessibility, and building code cerns now that an actual plan four to two. A new western compliance issues. The average seems to be in place. middle school would be built at school is 54 years old. The survey found 81% of a site to be determined. Declining enrollments of 25 Business is slow at the London Road Kentucky Fried citizens preferred two high Elementary schools would percent in K-12 in the past Chicken since non-union Wacker Stucco of Big Lake show- schools rather than one. Of the be reduced from 12 to 9, and decade have found the district ed up last week. Pickets by Cement Masons, Plasterers, & three option packages, 57% include Grant, Lowell, Cong- operating buildings with 38% Shophands Local 633 have had great support said Business preferred the “Red” option, don, Homecroft, Lakewood, more space than is needed. Agent Mike Syversrud, far left. KFC owner Al Watland has with “Blue” getting 12%, and Stowe, and a new Laura “This was a real time con- hired non-union Kueppers Construction of Brainerd as his “White” 10%. Such clear cut MacArthur (existing site), suming and intense process,” general contractor. Kueppers also has a big project at numbers should make the Lincoln/Piedmont (site to be said Craig Olson, President of Burlington Bay near Superior Shores, north of Two Harbors School Board’s job much easi- determined), and Lester Park the Duluth Building & er. The process employed by (existing site) schools. Construction Trades Council Border Patrol arrests 3 at KFC Superintendent Keith Dixon Besides Central, schools and a member of the Citizens The U.S. Border Patrol arrested three illegal immigrants has taken an issue that has been that would close under Red are Group. “It was the right thing working for Wacker Stucco at the London Road Kentucky Fried incredibly divisive in the past Morgan Park, Woodland, to do, though, because no mat- Chicken Monday night said Cement Masons, Plasterers and and allowed the community to Nettleton, Rockridge, existing ter where you live, schools are Shophands Local 633 Business Agent Darrell Lende. The union take ownership and buy into Piedmont, and Lincoln, which always controversial because has been picketing the non-union company for over a week. decision making and results. could be the new middle school not everyone uses them but “One of them evidently was the foreman and has worked for Denfeld and Ordean would Dixon says all schools everyone needs to pay for Wacker for 15 years,” said Lende, who was picketing at the site become the two high schools, would see some change such as them. Duluth’s changes will until about 7:30 p.m. He said he noticed a Border Patrol vehicle with East High School being remodeling, expansion, or require a lot of construction parked on London Road and thinks the workers were arrested at made into a middle school refurbishing so they all would work, which is good for our their motel. Lende said he has spoken with other union leaders under the Red option, which have a new look. members.” around the state who have told him that Wacker has had “van- has a budget of $257,412,370. The Solutions Options Public information is at loads” of illegal immigrant employees arrested at its jobsites. “White” ($271,260,820) report states “a variety of sav- www.duluth.k12.mn.us or by “Our members need work, that’s why we’re out there picket- All Thrifty White and White Drug calling 218-336-8735. ing,” said Lende, who is second from the right in the photo above Pharmacies are participating pharmacies 733-0100 for your prescription health plan. KOLAR We can fill your 90 day supply and for convenience we offer our Ready refill™ program for automated refills. We can fill www.kolarnet.com your medication order in 3 or 4 days instead of 10 to 14 as A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P you are accustomed to seeing using traditional mail order. WE ALSO OFFER: When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will • Free mail out service • Free in town delivery • 30 day private charge accounts 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN • Free blood pressure checks • Order your prescriptions by phone, 24 hours a day THE EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP YOU DESERVE! Pharmacists Lowell Jaques and • Many convenient locations in Cindy Doe and Manager Debbie Minnesota and North Dakota Isakson are ready to help. Re-Elect • 122 years of pharmacy service in the upper Midwest Mike Rydberg Your local White Drug Pharmacy is more reliable than mail order. We are always available to answer Business Manager your questions face to face with a local pharmacist. For a listing of all locations visit www.thriftywhite.com Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 11 • Current Business Manager Pinetree Plaza • Served as Assistant Business Manager for 5 years Inside Super One Foods • Over 21 years service to Local 11 in various capacities Paid for by Cloquet, MN • A member of Local 11 for 30 years Mike Rydberg 218-879-6768 • 1-800-967-3421 on his own behalf Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm Please VOTE at the Union Hall Sat., June 2, Noon--3 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 PAGE 5 The working class isn’t stupid about immigration, so what’s SEIU thinking? by Froma Harrop 400,000 two-year ers "a ready pool of labor they have been crashing through the they are in Texas. visas would be can exploit to drive down floor. Or hasn't the SEIU And there are other low- The American work- issued a year to wages, benefits, health and noticed that its contract "victo- income groups who fancy their ing class has few friends, unskilled foreign- safety protections, and other ries" are not that fabulous? interests matter. T. William and that sad situation is ers. The visas workplace standards." It's hard to believe that the Fair, head of the Miami Urban never more apparent than could be renewed There are temporary jobs - SEIU's leaders are dumb. League, appears in ads calling when the issue is immi- two times, but to - for example, harvesting Rather, they ignore the law of amnesty for illegal workers "a gration. The fat cats want ensure that the crops. But these new visas are supply and demand to cover slap in the face to black unlimited supplies of guest labor is truly designed to provide cut-rate another agenda. Thus, one can't Americans" and "an economic cheap labor. It makes temporary, workers would labor to fill permanent posi- be sure whether the SEIU disaster." Some predict a new sense. That a giant union pur- have to leave the country for a tions in such businesses as aspires to be a union represent- coalition of working-class portedly serving low-skilled year between each stint. The meat processing, restaurants ing workers or an arm of the blacks, whites and not a few workers would further that end SEIU apparently has a problem and motels. National Council of La Raza, a Latinos questioning certain does not. with the part about the workers The SEIU covers many of group that claims to further the Democrats' loyalty to their The Service Employees being temporary. the very people who take these interests of Hispanics -- and cause. (Cheap-labor Republi- International Union is backing First off, any self-respect- jobs. It seems curious that the does a lousy job of it. cans are already on notice.) a proposal to greatly expand ing union would blow its top at union does not mind adding Democrats who think they Controlled immigration is the supply of low-cost labor the very suggestion of a mas- another half million workers a can get away with throwing a good thing, and a little wage pouring into the United States. sive new guest-worker pro- year to compete with its own blue-collar America to the competition is an acceptable The reason why is close to gram. The AFL-CIO adamant- members. Its Website contends wolves in return for new immi- price for bringing new blood crazy. ly opposes the idea. Its presi- that America has a shortage of grants' votes should think and energy into the country. Under the Senate immigra- dent, John Sweeney, complains 10 million workers and that again. Many Latinos who are But the numbers really do mat- tion compromise, at least that the program gives employ- "nearly half of all jobs created native-born or legal immi- ter. If some unions and from now until 2012 will be grants -- however sympathetic Democrats choose to deny the held by workers with a high to fellow Hispanics who want economic realities, they should school diploma or less." to come here -- do understand at least be open about their Duh -- but don't worker how the labor market has been motives. It would be highly shortages cause wages to rise? rigged against them. The open risky to assume that everyone The wages of "workers with a border is why median wages else is stupid. high school diploma or less" are higher in Alabama than To find out more about Froma Harrop, and read fea- IMAGINE tures by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoon- WWW. ists, visit the Creators UNIVERSALLIVINGWAGE Syndicate web page at .ORG www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2007 The Providence LOG ON & VOTE Journal Co., Distributed by Creators Syndicate, Inc. © 2007 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.

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© 2000 American Family Mutual Insurance Company and its Subsidiaries Call Gopher State One Call before you DIG: 1-800-252-1166 Home Office - Madison, WI 53783 z www.amfam.com NA-16942 PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007 Al Franken USW-endorsed Al Franken’s campaign to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate received the endorsement of the United Steelworkers District 11 May 17. The endorsement is Franken’s first labor endorsement in the race to unseat Sen. Norm Coleman. Twin Cities Attorney Mike Ciresi has also announced as a Democrat. The USW screened AFL-CIO Community Services and United Way Partnership the Democratic candidates May 16. In a release announcing the endorsement, Bob Bratulich, Liaison Program by Yvonne Harvey Director of USW District 11, cited Franken’s support of univer- For the past 11 years, Day of Caring starting at 9:00 sal health care, early childhood education, retirement security, Duluth and surrounding com- a.m. at the YWCA, as well as and “fair trade,” as well as his strong support for the Employee munities have made United collecting items needed by sev- Free Choice Act. Way’s Day of Caring a huge eral of the agencies. Bratulich also noted that Al “is the only candidate running an success. This special day is Volunteering for one of aggressive, statewide grassroots campaign that has the capabili- when community volunteer these projects is a great way to AFSCME 3801’s Paul Han- ty of mobilizing working families in November 2008.” teams help out area organiza- kick-off the summer while son gets dirty every year as Franken is an associate member of the Steelworkers, as well tions with a variety of activi- making a positive impact in the part of the Duluth Central as a full member of four unions: the American Federation of ties. This year Day of Caring is life of someone less fortunate. Body’s Day of Caring team. Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG), the Writers’ Guild, and the Directors’ Guild. Wednesday, June 27. Assemble a group of co- To find out more about Day of Last year over 400 volun- workers for United Way’s Day “The Steelworkers have a long and storied tradition of fight- Caring and to sign-up, go to: ing for greater job and retirement security, fair trade agreements teers participated in projects of Caring on Wednesday, June www.unitedwayduluth.org/day that ranged from painting and 27. There are over 60 commu- that enforce real labor and environmental standards, and afford- ofcaring.shtml able health care and education for everyone,” Franken said. landscaping to a trip to the zoo nity projects that need your Contact Anita Gille with with children. Project times help. So please sign-up now to “Minne-sota’s working families need a Senator who’ll join that questions at 726-4772 or fight. Norm Coleman hasn’t done that in the past, and he sure ranged from a few hours to a get the project of your choice. [email protected] full day. won’t do it in the future. I will. In the Senate, I’ll be proud to The Duluth AFL-CIO Duluth’s federal building named stand for the things the Steelworkers have fought for all along, Central Labor Body has a team and I’m honored that they’ve chosen to stand with me in this every year. Last year we did a in honor of Judge Gerald Heaney campaign.” staining project at Safe Haven. Washington DC – With the stroke of President Bush’s pen on For more information on Franken’s campaign visit This year we have adopted May 8, the Duluth federal building was named to honor retired www.alfranken.com. projects at the YWCA’s West federal Judge Gerald W. Heaney. Congressman Jim Oberstar Duluth facility that will include and Senator Amy Klobuchar sponsored the legislation. The Gilbert endorsed...from page 1 gardening, painting, and build- name change is effective immediately. services, to increase the living wage, to require project labor ing a small building. If you can “Gerry Heaney has dedicated his life to public service,” said agreements for city contracts, and to support the effort to organ- help call Yvonne Harvey at Oberstar. “It’s my hope that people will look at his name on this ize hotels. 728-1779. building and reflect on the ideals that he has championed. Giving Gilbert is taking this election so seriously that he has resigned Each year many non-profits his name to the building where he worked so tirelessly is only a as a member of the Johnson Killen & Seiler PA law firm to have projects such as those that small token of appreciation. Eventually all buildings crumble devote full time to the mayor’s race. they lack the financing or and are replaced, but the freedoms he secured for this country on He said Duluthians need a culture and management change in staffing to accomplish. This the beaches of Normandy and on the bench of the 8th Circuit city hall. It has been dysfunctional and created a culture of divi- year there are many of the Court of Appeals will endure as long as our republic.” sion in the community. He can bring cooperation to replace con- same types of projects that “Judge Heaney served on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals frontation he said. need to be done. for over forty years, served as an Army Ranger in World War II, Filings for local elections don’t actually open until July 3rd In addition there are plenty and has served Minnesota in various capacities his entire life- so the Central Body’s early endorsement is very rare, and very of “stay put” projects for those time,” said Klobuchar, “It is only fitting that we honor his con- important in an early, crowded, mayoral field. who are unable to leave their tribution to both our legal system and our community with this Gilbert has said he would probably seek no endorsements business or home for the day. building.” other than from individual unions. In answer to a question he These include helping to put On May Day this year Judge Gerald W. Heaney’s Chambers said he would not run against a literacy packets together for were dedicated in the Duluth Labor Temple. Three plaques on labor endorsed candidate. The Early Child Development on the wall tell of his military, labor lawyer, and judicial careers. other four said they would. OPTICAL The Savings Are Clear! Buy One Get One [ repetitive injury ] FREE!*

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Painters & Allied Trades 106’s Bryce Sjoquist had a great time with school children in Guatemala last winter. He was part a delegation that used their skills to improve educa- tional opportunities and infrastructure for poor families.

Sharla IIn Minnesota, Workers’ Compensation laws are very complex and are subject to frequent changes by the legislature. Filing a claim requires you to follow exacting GARDNER procedures and may create large volumes of paperwork. 3rd District City Council If you have a job-related injury or chronic illness (such as lung disease), call our office for experienced legal A Progressive help. Because, before you can get your benefits, you have to get through the Workers’ Compensation system. Voice for Labor We’ve helped thousands of injured workers find their way. “As your councilor I will continue to fight for jobs, justice, and dignity for all working people, as I have my whole life.” DFL Endorsed

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PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 23, 2007