(ISSN 0023-6667) Help NALC Food Drive pass 1 billion pound milestone this Saturday with your donation (PAI)--The National Asso- But there’s another record Superior, Cloquet, Two ciation of Letter Carriers’ NALC President Fredric Harbors and Silver Bay join Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, Rolando hopes generous givers 10,000 communities nation- readying its 18th campaign this will set, for annual donations. wide in filling food shelves. If Saturday, May 8, is also prepar- Last year they gave a record you would like to help call ing to pass a milestone: collect- 73.4 million pounds of food. Community Services Program ing its billionth pound of food. That food, like the 982 mil- Director Beth Peterson at 728- An Injury to One is an Injury to All! lion pounds NALC members 1779. You can also just show Pres. Obama have cumulatively collected up at the main post office in WEDNESDAY VOL. 115 since the union’s drive began, your community and be put to MAY 5, 2010 NO. 21 praises unions goes to local pantries, soup work feeding the hungry. When By Mark Gruenberg kitchens, shelters and other the day is over in Duluth every- PAI Staff Writer organizations that feed the one that helped is treated to OTTUMWA, Iowa--In one needy and the homeless. And Bernie’s Bar-B-Que thanks to of his strongest pro-union with the Great Recession now Paul Schweiger and the Sieben statements since entering the in its third year, the need for Grose Von Holtum & Carey White House Democratic Pres- donated food has spiraled. law firm, which is held behind ident Barack Obama declared “Millions of families need Duluth’s main post office. “I am a pro-union guy” to a our help this year,” Rolando If you can, please volunteer, townhall meeting here April 27 said. “Even though the econo- and please leave non-perish- After touring a “clean ener- my is starting to turn up, the able food items (no glass, gy” wind turbine blade factory, recovery has not done much for please) in a strong bag out for Obama took questions from the the record number of men, your letter carrier on Saturday, crowd -- including one from a women and children who des- May 8. These items are cur- Laborer. “We supported you perately need help putting food rently low on CHUM’s Food when you ran. My question is: on the table. Food banks, Shelf: spaghetti sauce in cans, How are you going to continue pantries and shelters need our canned fruit, fruit juice, veg- to support us?” she asked. help more than ever. As fami- etable & cream soups, tuna, “Well, first of all, I’m grate- lies count on them for support, spam, and whole corn. ful for the support. And, sec- they’re counting on us and we Food drive partners include ond of all, I’ve said this before will not back off on our com- the Rural Letter Carriers, AFL- publicly and I’ll say it again, I mitment.” CIO, the Feeding America make no apologies for it. I am Rolando noted food dona- national network of food Dan Olson, left, and Warren Bender, both members of the a pro-union guy,” the president tions now are particularly valu- banks, Campbell Soup, USPS, Superior Federation of Labor and the Superior City replied, to applause. “Our able because schools close for Val-Pak, Pictorial Offset -- an Council, led that city’s first Workers’ Memorial Day obser- unions helped build our middle the summer, depriving many unionized New Jersey printer vance April 28. Bender read a letter from Senator Herb class. We take for granted so needy and hungry kids of the that printed 125 million Kohl. Behind them is the Superior Police Honor Guard. much stuff -- minimum wage one guaranteed square meal reminder postcards to be sent laws, 40-hour work week, they get each day -- the school nationwide -- and cartoonists Fallen workers remembered overtime, child labor laws. lunch. Bil and Jeff Keane of The Trees were planted last week in Duluth and Superior as part Those things wouldn’t have Locally Letter Carriers and Family Circus (graphic below). of Workers Memorial Day observances to remember workers happened if it hadn’t been for volunteers in Duluth, Proctor, and soldiers who died last year on the job or in the line of duty. unions fighting for those rights. In Duluth over 120 people came out Monday, April 26 for a So even if you’re not a member Solidarity Breakfast and observance that included Duluth Mayor of a union, you’ve got to be Don Ness and Superior Mayor Dave Ross. A large number of appreciative of what unions family, friends and co-workers of Randy Robertson were in have done,” he declared. attendance. A Superior resident, Robertson, 51, died of a heart A month after his inaugura- attack Sept. 8, 2009 while at work for the Duluth Public Schools. tion Obama called unions “part He was a 23-year member of SEIU Firemen & Oilers Local 956. of the solution” to the nation’s Also remembered were Robert Gotschall Jr., a non-union economic ills, not part of the painter from Mentor, Ohio who died on the picketed Texas problem. But that was just Roadhouse project Oct. 31., Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Aaron inside the White House. This Taylor and Spc. George Cauley, who both died in Afghanistan, statement was out in public. 29 non-union coal miners who died at Massey’s Upper Big In Ottumwa, Obama men- Branch mine in Montcoal, West Virginia, and 5 USW members tioned his support for the who died at Anacortes, Washington in a fire and explosion. Employee Free Choice Act. A Duluth labor has been observing Workers Memorial Day planned Senate GOP filibuster since 1988. The Superior Federation of Labor and City of stalled the bill; House passage Superior held their first, well-attended observance April 28 at is assumed. Bear Creek Park. Dan Olson, “A lot of things that we do Business Manager of Laborers don’t get a lot of notice. We Local 1091 and a Superior City don’t always generate head- Councilor, has been pushing for lines,” he explained. “But a lot the event. of things that we’re doing have “We will continue to hold to do with how is the these observances to help us all Department of Labor operating with our pain and loss,” he said to make sure that workplace in remembering his friends in safety rules are enforced, to the Kimmes family, who died in make sure that if the federal a tragic accident Nov. 1, 2007. government is helping to Letters were read from U.S. finance a” construction “pro- Senators Herb Kohl and Russ gram, that we’ve got a project Feingold in honor of the event. labor agreement in place that (More on pages 4 and 5.) See Obama praises...page 6 Film to address inequality in health care Netland re-elected at NEALC Your street address is a the Portman Community sands of organizations around At its meeting Monday night in Cloquet the North East Area strong predictor of your health. Center, 4601 McCulloch Street the country to tackle the root Labor Council (NEALC) re-elected it officers. Alan Netland, There’s a reason the rich in Duluth’s Lakeside neighbor- causes of our alarming socio- who was president of the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body live longer in America. hood, that will address those economic and racial inequities for 12 years prior to giving up that position last year, was re- Poor smokers are at higher assertions. in health. elected to a second term as NEALC president. He is the first per- risk of disease than rich smok- “UNNATURAL CAUSES The four-hour series criss- son to hold that position. He is also president of his AFSCME ers. ...is inequality making us crosses the nation uncovering Local 66. Why aren’t fresh fruits and sick?” is a documentary series startling new findings that sug- Brent Pykkonen and John Rebrovich were also re-elected to vegetables as available, espe- exploring America’s racial and gest there is much more to our their posts as Executive Vice President and Financial Recording cially to children, as candy and socioeconomic inequities in health than bad habits, health Secretary, respectively. Pykkonen is an Operating Engineer fries? health. The 7-part acclaimed care, or unlucky genes. The Local 49 member from Esko. Rebrovich is a United Steelworker On Tuesday, May 18 a film documentary series broadcast social circumstances in which staff representative from Eveleth. will be shown at 6:30 p.m. at by PBS is now used by thou- we are born, live, and work can “I am proud to serve the labor community once again as actually get under our skin and President of the Labor Council,” said Netland of his re-election. Organizing Institute training disrupt our physiology as much “We have come a long way in our work to build a stronger, more ST. PAUL - The AFL-CIO Organizing Institute will host a as germs and viruses. cohesive labor movement in Minnesota and I look forward to three-day training for union members the weekend of May 21- The free event is being continuing that work.” 23 in St. Paul. Organizing Institute trainings are designed to sponsored by St. Louis County The NEALC is the largest labor organization in northeastern equip member activists and organizers with the basic skills of Commissioner Steve O’Neil Minnesota representing 40,000 union members and 90 local union organizing. Skills covered include: and the St. Louis County unions in Pine, Carlton, St. Louis, Lake, Cook, Itasca, and • One-on-one communication; Public Health & Human Koochiching counties. • Moving workers to take action; Services Department. The North East Area Labor Council formally became the • Leadership identification and development; “This award winning film governing body for the central labor bodies in Duluth, Carlton • Basic elements of a union organizing campaign. gives us a unique perspective County, and the Iron Range last year as part of the statewide Any union, state federation or central labor council affiliated on health care issues in our “New Alliance” initiative of the AFL-CIO. The New Alliance is with the national AFL-CIO may sponsor a participant in the country and community,” said an effort by unions nationwide and in Minnesota to build on its Organizing Institute training. Sponsorship forms are due by May O’Neil. “It’s a must see.” capacity to help organize more workers into unions, elect pro- 12. The registration fee is $125 per participant, which includes For more visit the website at worker candidates to every level of public office, and advocate training materials and meals for the weekend. Personal checks www.unnaturalcauses.org for legislation that benefits working families. will not be accepted. All participants must be pre-registered. All fees must be paid Did You Dad It? Labor 2010 Kickoff May 25 by the start of the training, unless other arrangements are made The Duluth Building & Labor’s effort to elect a governor in Minnesota who has sym- in advance. The training will take place at the offices of the Construction Trades Council’s pathy for working families will begin with a kickoff on Tuesday, Minnesota AFL-CIO, 175 Aurora Ave., St. Paul. Dollars Against Diabetes Golf May 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London For registration information, contact Carol Edelson at the Outing is Saturday, June 12 Road. It has been almost 20 years since a Democratic Farmer AFL-CIO at 202-320-1410 or [email protected]. with a shotgun start at 9:00 Labor party governor last led Minnesota. Rudy Perpich walked a.m. at Lester Park. out of the Governor’s Mansion in January 1991. To spike your spot or to “After a bite to eat, we will be going door to door with infor- donate in any number of other mation about labor’s issues and how our opponents feel about ways, such as being a hole our positions,” said Chad McKenna, North East Area Labor sponsor, prize donator, or cash Council Field Coordinator. “Labor 2010 will also try to make donation to the fundraiser call sure we have pro-labor majorities in the House and Senate.” Dana Marciniak at 724-6466. While some U.S. Senate, like Wisconsin Russ Feingold’s, seats are up this year, all U.S. House of Representative’s seats Calling all are up. With the U.S. Census being counted this year, redistrict- ing will undoubtedly occur and those decisions will be made by retirees people who are elected this year. The Duluth AFL-CIO The AFL-CIO has set a goal of recruiting enough members Central Labor Body Retiree and volunteers to have a minimum of 11 contacts with each Group that has been trying to prospective voter it targets this year. get organized will be meeting “This will be the hardest election of our lives,” David Carpio again on Thursday, May 13, told the Utility Workers on April 28. That’s because of the sour 2010 at 5:30 in Wellstone Hall “economic climate and political climate,” and the GOP decision of the Duluth Labor Temple, to oppose everything the Obama administration proposes. 2002 London Road. “The Republicans want to make you scared. The Democrats, Their meeting will be held God bless ‘em, want to take you to school and teach you things” just before the Central Labor about policies, Carpio explained. That leaves union members Body’s monthly meeting. talking to their friends, neighbors and colleagues in their homes There are a lot of important and workplaces with a credibility the two parties’ operatives issues and events that affect all lack, he pointed out. citizens that retirees can get “We tell people, ‘I’m not smarter than you are. I’m in the involved in. If you don’t like same boat as you are, and here’s how I’m thinking about the way things are going please things,’” like health care and the economy, and candidates’ stand plan on attending. on each, Carpio explained. “Politics is like an organizing drive.” For more information con- To RSVP for Labor 2010 call Chad McKenna at 310-8412. tact Deborah Bloom at Anyone that shares labor’s concerns is welcome. [email protected]. Ironworker Retirees I.U.O.E. Local 70 Monthly Breakfast Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Thursday, May 20 Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 5:00 P.M. 9:00 a.m. Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Duluth Grill Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 Health care law is huge win Editor: Congress has passed health care reform and the president has signed it into law. For the first time as a country, we have said The Parade section of the that everyone in America should have access to the health care Duluth News Tribune Sunday they need. The bill that was ultimately enacted wasn’t the bill said the U. S. has more million- we in the labor community would have written, but that’s okay. aires than any other country. The bill still does some important things – both in terms of the It’s not cuz we share the wealth policy it laws out, and in how the plan is funded. California had the most of First of all, the bill outlaws the ridiculous practice of denying our states at 663,000. I thought people care due to pre-existing conditions – immediately for California was in such bad children and by 2014 for adults. It also allows our children to shape. They must take good stay on their parents’ health care plans until they are 26. It elim- care of those 663,000--they inates lifetime coverage limits. It requires that insurance com- haven’t had to move off shore. panies report how much of our premiums are actually going to The state with the most mil- medical care and caps the amount that can be used for “adminis- lionaires per number of house- trative expenses.” It provides small businesses with tax credits to holds, making it the richest help offset the cost of providing coverage – 35% at first, then only about 25% of households 4th quarter 2008 and 2nd quar- 50% in 2014. Also by 2014, it caps out-of-pocket expenses for state, is Hawaii. It has 28,000 having school age children, it’s ter 2009 were at the lowest millionaires among its 1.3 mil- families at $12,000 and helps families making less than 400% of tough for the other 75% to care level since 2002, when they the poverty level pay for coverage. The list goes on and on, but lion people, and a lot of visiting much about them, or pay. Min- first asked the question. Only rich folks who own condos. lastly I’ll mention that it finely ends industry practices of dis- nesota has abdicated its respon- 49% of job openings had health criminating against women. But Hawaii is so broke it had to sibility to education and push- benefits here 2nd quarter 2009. shut down its schools on On the funding side the bill has some good components. A ed it on homeowners under Let’s keep everyone down. big issue for labor was the proposal to tax existing benefits. I’m Fridays this year. Think that “No New Taxes” Pawlenty. In street fighting code you affected rich folks? No child happy to say that because of the efforts of thousands of citizen Funny, but teachers are get- never let them get up once lobbyist throughout the country, that 85% of the excise tax was care worries for them on TGIF. ting a lot of the blame in you’ve got them down. No TGIF for parents with kids taken out of the bill. What the bill does do is ask wealthier Hawaii under Republican Gov. Before you start whining Americans to pay a higher percentage in Medicare tax, it taxes in public schools. Property Linda Lingle for schools being about me whining about class taxes are incredibly low in health insurance providers, and penalizes employers who do not closed Fridays. All together warfare, this just in from offer coverage to their employers. Hawaii for market value. Lots now: NO NEW TAXES! WHO Huffington Post: “Wall Street of rich folks being taken care of On March 24, the New York Times stated that, “The bill that CARES ABOUT KIDS! NO Reportedly Circulates Class President Obama signed on Tuesday was the federal govern- while kids can’t go to school. NEW TAXES! Warfare Email...For anyone Property taxes are no way to ment’s biggest attack on income inequality since inequality We hear it here in the land with even a scintilla of knowl- began rising more than three decades ago.” fund education but they’re part of 10,000+ lakes. We’ll hear it edge of Wall Street's excesses of the revenue formula. With Some progressives and labor folks are disappointed by the even more now that Sarah in the past decade or so, the bill. To them I say, it could be better, but let’s not call this win a Palin’s choice, Rep. Tom email itself is hard to stomach. defeat because everyone didn’t get what they wanted. The pas- ~NOTICE~ Emmer, is the Republican’s By turns, it takes shot at union- Next issues of Labor World: sage of health care is something no other president has been able choice for governor. NO NEW ized teachers, the Obama to do. And he couldn’t have done it without the help of many of May 19; TAXES! I NEED TO BUY A administration and ‘average you. Continue your hard work, it’s time to take on the banks. June 2, 23 (114th Anniversary) LAKE! NO NEW TAXES! Joes:’” ...It's our job to make LABOR WORLD If I remember correctly if money. Whether it's a commod- Alan Netland, President, North East Area Labor Council (ISSN#0023-6667) is published you took all the people in ity, stock, bond, or some hypo- This Day In History from www.workdayminnesota.org semi-monthly except one issue in Alaska, the state that Palin quit thetical piece of fake paper, it December (23 issues). governing so she could tell us doesn't matter...I didn't hear May 5, 1886 –The day after the Haymarket mas- The known office of publication is how bad government is, and America complaining when the sacre in Chicago, the Bay View massacre took place in Labor World, 2002 London Road, Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. spread them out, there would market was roaring to 14,000 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After three days of parades and Periodicals postage is paid at be one person for every 20 and everyone's 401k doubled strikes by factory, brewery and building trades workers in Duluth MN 55806. square miles. No wonder she every 3 years. Just like gam- support of the eight-hour day, the mayor issued a warning POSTMASTER: needs so much attention. bling, its not a problem until against further demonstrations. On May 5, a crowd of 1,500 Send address changes to: Conservative interests are you lose. I've never heard of marched nonetheless to the Bay View Rolling Mill. The state Labor World, 2002 London Rd., getting a lot of play in their anyone going to Gamblers militia was called out and troops fired in the crowd, killing Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 quick backlash against possible Anonymous because they won seven people. No one who fired the shots was ever indicted, 6 7 gains that could be made for too much in Vegas... Go ahead but 50 strikers were sentenced to several months of hard (218) 728-4469 people by Obama and Demo- and continue to take us down, labor on rioting and conspiracy charges. FAX: (218) 724-1413 cratic control of government. but you're only going to hurt May 5, 1920–Two Italian-born anarchists, Nicola [email protected] Employers are doing the same yourselves. What's going to Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, were arrested in Brockton, www.laborworld.org ...hammering on employees happen when we can't find jobs Massachusetts, and charged with killing two people in an ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ before they get a chance to on the Street anymore?...We're Owned by Unions affiliated with the armed robbery. The Sacco-Vanzetti case became a cause Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body improve stagnant wage and going to take yours. We get up celebre that drew attention to the oppression of working Subscriptions: $22 Annually benefit packages. at 5am & work till 10pm or people, particularly immigrants, in the United States. Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager Dig your last Labor World later. We're used to not getting May 5, 1934–John Sweeney was born. As president, Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper from the bird cage (www.labor up to pee when we have a posi- Board of Directors world.org – Issues) and look at tion. We aren't dinosaurs. We he built the membership of the Service Employees the tax breakdown on page 4. are smarter and more vicious International Union with an aggressive organizing program. Pres./Treas. Mikael Sundin, Or go see “Unnatural Causes” than that, and we are going to In 1995, he was elected president of the AFL-CIO in the Painters & Allied Trades 106; federation’s first contested election. V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED written about on page 2. Or survive...Our money was your 1710; Sec. Larry Anderson, read Minnesota Economic money. You spent it. When our Laborers 1091; Al LaFrenier, Trends, the Dept. of Employ- money dries up, so does The non-profit Labor World, Inc. is the official publication of the Workers’ United Midwest Bd; ment and Economic Develop- yours.” Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body. It is an educational, Mike Kuitu, Operating Engi- ment publication, article by No wonder they’re worried neers 49; Rick McDonald, advocacy newspaper for workers and unions. The views and Oriane Casale “Recession about reform. Trouble is things opinions submitted and expressed in the Labor World do not IBEW 31; Jayme McKenna, Takes a Toll on Health Care have been the same way for a AFSCME 66; Dan O’Neill, necessarily reflect the views of the paper, its Board of Directors Benefits.” It states employer- long time. Go ahead tell me or staff, the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body, its affiliated Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; offered health benefits during they’ll be different. Steve Risacher, Carpenters 361 unions, their officers, or staff. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 PAGE 3 National Workers Memorial dedicated Oil rig explosion, fire show SILVER SPRING, Md. March 25, 1911, to Jeanice deaths in 2008 “are real peo- (PAI)--With a pledge for more McMillan of Amalgamated ple,” said Dr. David Michaels, industry’s safety problems enforcement from OSHA, a Transit Union Local 689, the Obama’s Occupational Safety PITTSBURGH (PAI)--The April 20 explosion and fire in an personal tale of the grief fami- driver of the Washington Metro and Health Administrator. “We oil rig off the Louisiana coast -- a blast which injured 15 work- lies suffer when miners are train who died as she slammed have a safety and health crisis ers, left 11 others missing and sank the rig -- again points up the killed from Mine Workers emergency brakes to try to pre- in this country.” Too many rampant safety problems in the oil industry, the Steelworkers say. President Cecil Roberts, and a vent a fatal 2009 2-train colli- companies, he said, “put profits And they are problems that, in past bargaining with USW, tolling of a bell for the dead, sion on the city subway system. before people.” which represents thousands of oil field and rig workers, industry the National Workers Mem- The bell tolled not only for Michaels said OSHA would reps adamantly refused to discuss. orial was dedicated April 28. those whose names will be fight for the living by revising The union again demanded an overhaul of oil industry health The National Labor College added, but for victims in April its penalty procedures to and safety practices. memorial here features inlaid alone: The 29 dead miners in increase fines against violators, Saying the union’s “thoughts and prayers are with the fami- bricks in a plaza -- bought by West Virginia, the seven rolling out a Severe Violators lies” of the missing, USW Vice President Gary Beevers declared individuals and unions -- hon- Steelworkers killed in the Enforcement Program to go that “while this is a dangerous industry, too many workers are oring dead workers, flanked by refinery blast in April in after the worst of the worst, losing their lives.” polished black granite benches Anacortes, Wash., and the 11 offering more protection to Transocean Ltd. owns and operates the Deepwater Horizon paid for by unions in memory men missing and presumed whistleblowers, hiring and rig, under contract to British Petroleum PLC, better known as of their dead over the years. dead when the oil well off the training more inspectors and BP. News reports quoted BP as saying Trans-ocean carries out The latest bricks memorial- Louisiana coast exploded, cracking down on employers the work on BP’s behalf and was responsible for safety on the ize workers killed on the job caught fire and sank. who offer incentives to hide rig. from Essie Bernstein, dead in “The names remind us that workplace injuries. The explosion and fire in the Gulf of Mexico also drew atten- the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of statistics” about 5,214 job tion from Democratic President Barack Obama, just days before he attended an April 25 memorial service for victims of another industrial accident: The Massey coal mine explosion in West Virginia, which killed 29 miners on April 5. The Obamas offered their thoughts and prayers to the fami- lies of the missing oil rig workers, but the president was also concerned about the environmental impact of the blast, fire and subsequent sinking of the rig. “The president made sure the entire government was offering all assistance needed in the rescue effort as well as in mitigating and responding to the environmental impact and this response was being treated as the number one priority,” his spokesman said. Obama asked agencies to “devote every resource needed” to probing the rig blast’s cause. Beevers said one cause is oil industry refusal to take safety seriously. “This is the oil industry’s fourth health and safety incident involving worker deaths or injuries in the past two-and-a-half weeks,” said Beevers, who heads the union’s oil and chemical sector, the old Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers. “How many Mayor Don Ness, left, along with family, friends, and co-workers of Randy Robertson, one more workers have to pay the price for the industry’s lack of a of those remembered on the Workers’ Memorial Day observance in Duluth April 26, watch safety culture? The industry is long overdue for a complete as a tree was planted behind the Labor Temple in his honor. overhaul of its health and safety provisions.” Before the Louisiana blast, six workers died after an April 2 explosion and fire at Tesoro’s Anacortes, Wash., refinery. Three workers were injured, two seriously, in an April 14 fire at ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge, La., refinery. One worker died U.S.U.S. bankruptcy bankruptcy judges judges have sethave over set $30 over billion $30 dollarsbillion todollars pay to to present pay to and April 19 in a crane incident on the Motiva Enterprises expansion project in Port Arthur, Texas. presentfuture and asbestos future claimants. asbestos claimants. In order to In qualify order claimants to qualify must claimants have been must diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer or lung disease after 1997*. Obama names two union have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer or lung disease. specialists to job safety panel If you’ve worked with asbestos or taconite and you’ve developed a lung WASHINGTON (PAI)--Democratic President Barack condition,If you’ve you worked may qualify with asbestos for financial or taconite compensation. and you’ve If you developed would like a tolung see if Obama named two union job safety and health specialists to a you qualifycondition, for asbestos you may compensation, qualify for give financial us a call compensation. for a free, confidential Labor Department committee on workplace safety. consultation. The unionists on the National Advisory Committee on If you would like to see if you qualify for asbestos compensation, Occupational Safety and Health are Peg Seminario, longtime give us a call for a free, confidential consultation. director of the AFL-CIO’s Occupational Safety and Health *Good till only 1/2010, for example specifically Babcock & Wilcox, Department, and Bill Borwegen, safety and health director for under Bankruptcy Court rules. the Service Employees. They will serve 2-year terms. “NACOSH has advised the Secretaries of Labor, and Health Cascino Vaughan Law Offices, Ltd. and Human Services for nearly 40 years on worker safety issues “Representing asbestos victims since 1986” such as Latino outreach, hazard communication, the whistle- blower program, and overall occupational safety and health pro- grams and policies,” an administration statement said. Toll Free: 1-800-783-0082 Local: 414-226-0241 INTERESTED...? www.dairylandlaw.com www.dairylandlaw.com in reaching over 18,000 union households & offices at a great ad rate? Contact Labor World Allen D. Vaughan, Esq., Michael P. Cascino, Esq. 1110 N Old World Third Street Suite 405 at (218) 728-4469, [email protected] Milwaukee, WI 53203 (An ad this size could cost as little as $27.50!) PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 Death on the Job study: We need enforcement Washington, April 27 – The only 2,218 OSHA inspectors workers and to deter employers nation’s workplace safety laws (885 federal and 1,333 state from violating the law. and penalties are too weak to inspectors) for the approxi- On April 28, the House effectively protect workers, mately 130 million workers in Workforce Protections Sub- according to the new AFL-CIO the United States today. At this committee of the Education annual report released April 27: rate, federal OSHA inspectors and Labor Committee held a Death on the Job: The Toll of are only able to inspect work- hearing on legislation to Neglect. As the country reels places, on average, once every strengthen the anti-discrimina- from the loss of the 29 miners 137 years, and state OSHA tion protections and victims at the Massey Upper Big inspectors on average once rights under the OSHAct. Branch coal mine in West every 63 years. And, as the AFL-CIO General Counsel Virginia, the report shows that recent wave of workplace Lynn Rhinehart testified at the there were a total of 5,214 fatal tragedies makes clear, the hearing. workplace injuries in 2008. Occupational Safety and AFL-CIO Secretary Treas- Because underreporting of Health Act and Mine Safety urer Liz Shuler spoke at the workplace-related injuries and and Health Act are still too dedication of the National illness remains a persistent weak to deter future violations. Labor College’s recently com- problem, the true toll is esti- “In less than 3 months time, pleted Workers Memorial on mated to be as many as three 42 workers have been killed in April 28. She was joined by times the 4.6 million reported 3 major industrial disasters – at David Michaels, Assistant incidents. Massey’s Upper Big Branch Secretary for Labor for On average, 14 workers Mine, the Tesoro Refinery in Occupational Safety and were fatally injured each day in Washington State and the Health at OSHA, and United 2008. This statistic does not Kleen Energy plant in Mine Workers President Cecil include death from occupation- Connecticut. And eleven Roberts Jr. al diseases, which claims the workers are missing and likely For a copy of the AFL-CIO lives of an estimated 50,000 - dead following last week’s cat- Death on the Job report, go to 60,000 more workers each astrophic explosion at the http://www.aflcio.org/issues/sa year. The report shows that Transocean oil rig off fety/memorial/doj_2010.cfm Latino and Hispanic workers Louisiana,” said AFL-CIO continue to face much higher President Richard Trumka. risks of death on the job. In “There’s no question that eight IBEW 31’s Alex Gruber connected a new Minnesota Power 2008, the fatality rate among years of neglect and inaction service to the Labor Temple last week that will supply the these workers was 4.2 per by the Bush Administration OPTICAL power for the building’s new central air conditioning sys- 100,000 workers, 13.5 percent seriously eroded safety and tem. What, in Duluth, Minnesota, air conditioning? higher than the fatal injury rate health protections, and put for all U.S. workers. workers’ lives in danger. Wall This year’s report also Street was allowed to do as it Dear Friend,Friend,Frien it time to Support your local pharmacy upon us.us. Is it time to examined job safety enforce- pleased with little oversight or Summer isis upon / funfun newnew / flirtyflirty Tell your union, health fund, and employer try ssomething ment in cases of worker deaths, accountability. And now, with le? finding that the median penalty 11 million jobs and thousands with your stystyle? you want local pharmacy services . in fatalities investigated by fed- of lives lost, we’re fighting to WeWe thougthoughtht soso. eral OSHA and the OSHA state create the jobs—good jobs, E. It’s Better...Keep It Local! T ONE. FREFREE. plans was just $5,000. Utah safe jobs—that America’s BUY ONEONE.ONE GE. 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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 PAGE 5 Ten NE MN job seekers for every job open Tax reciprocity bill still alive The latest Job Vacancy Survey from the sharply in some of the NE MN region’s largest ST. PAUL, MN – After helping build bipartisan, bicameral Minnesota Department of Employment and occupational groups: coalitions in Minnesota and Wisconsin, state Rep. Roger Economic Development shows that in north- • Sales/related fell 54 percent; healthcare Reinert’s (DFL – Duluth) efforts are paying off. Reinert’s bill east Minnesota there are 14,000 unemployed support fell 66 percent. (HF3370) requiring the Department of Revenue to conduct a workers competing for 1,400 unfilled jobs. • Community/social services fell 87 percent; study collecting reliable data about cross-border workers who (The Northeast Minnesota Economic Region transportation/material moving fell 93 percent. benefit from tax reciprocity has been included in this year’s consists of Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Other major findings for Northeast House Omnibus Tax Bill. Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties.) Minnesota include: “This study is crucial in moving us one step closer to rein- This means that job seekers now outnumber • More than half (53 percent) of all openings stating the reciprocity agreement that has benefited cross-border job openings by 10-to-1 in the northeast. are part-time. workers for over 40 years,” said Rep. Reinert. “I am very pleased Central Minnesota had the same ratio. • Of the six occupational groups with the that the House is moving my work forward, and that Just two years ago, the ratio of job seekers to most job openings, only one offers a median Commissioner of Revenue Ward Einess has partnered with me to job openings in Northeast Minnesota was less wage higher than $11.50 per hour. (A median is make this effort a top priority this session.” than 3-to-1. Since then, job seekers are up 55 a midway point; half of the jobs are above it, The current formula is based on a study more than 25 years percent; job openings are down 58 percent. half below.) old. Reinert’s bill would update data so an agreement that meets In the Metro Region job seekers outnumber JOBS NOW’s newly updated Cost of Living the modern demands of cross-border workers can be created. job openings by more than 7-to-1. Two years research shows that in a Northeast Minnesota “It would have been better had the Governor not eliminated ago, the ratio of Metro job seekers to job open- family of four with both parents working, each the reciprocity agreement in the first place,” Reinert said. “But ings was 2-to-1. Since then, job seekers went worker must earn $12.60 per hour to meet basic my legislation makes lemonade from lemons. This setback gives up 74 percent; job openings down 51 percent. needs. us an opportunity to redo the base reciprocity study, with the goal Over the last two years, job openings fell Go to www.jobsnowcoalition.org for a PDF. of putting reciprocity between Minnesota and Wisconsin back in place by January 1, 2012.” MN business taxes among lowest in nation In total, an estimated 22,500 Minnesotans work in Wisconsin. State Senator David Tomassoni (DFL- opment bill that, combined, are expected to cre- Eliminating the tax reciprocity agreement means 13,000 of those Chisholm) said he is confident about the future ate more than 30,000 new Minnesota jobs. Minnesota residents will have to file income taxes in both of the state’s economy after reviewing a study “We’ve taken important legislative steps in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Roughly 8,000 Minnesotans will pay released last week that proves Minnesota’s this session, passing things like the Angel higher taxes because of it – an average $340 tax increase per filer business climate to be among the best in the Investor Tax Credit, which provides tax incen- affected by the change. nation. tives for high-tech start-up companies to locate The Omnibus Tax Bill will come to a vote within two weeks. The Council on State Taxation’s 2010 study in Minnesota,” Sen. Tomassoni said. “Our eco- showed Minnesota’s business taxes are the 15th nomic development bill creates the Minnesota Obama praises unions...from page 1 lowest in the nation. Science and Technology Authority, which will assures that people are paid a decent wage and they’re getting “We’ve all heard the common rhetoric help implement economic development strate- a fair deal.” claiming that Minnesota is a high-tax state that gies that will be good for the state. By doing Obama reminded listeners of “who I am appointing to the is somehow unfriendly to business, but it sim- things like this, we’re building upon our National Labor Relations Board, so that when a union tries to ply is not true,” said Sen. Tomassoni. “In reali- already strong business climate by giving new organize, it doesn’t take five years before you can even get a rul- ty, we live in a place where innovative and suc- businesses incentives to locate in Minnesota.” ing, and then it turns out that the ruling somehow conveniently cessful businesses are born and thrive, and Sen. Tomassoni added that it is equally always is against the union.” Obama gave temporary NLRB these numbers show that we’re on the right path important to supplement tax policies with other appointments to pro-worker attorneys Mark Pearce and Craig to continuing that tradition as the nation’s eco- measures that support new and existing Becker, a former AFL-CIO and SEIU counsel. nomic recovery continues.” Minnesota businesses. That is why the Senate Obama admitted some people don’t want unions and he The study shows Minne-sota’s total state also has worked hard to progress a comprehen- respects that. “But one of the things that we stand for as and local taxes collected from businesses are sive bonding bill, economic development bill Americans is the freedom to decide I’m going to join with my far below other states – about $940 million less and other measures this session. brothers and sisters at that workplace to try to get a better deal - than the national average. The study cites gen- “We also need to supplement good tax poli- - not through force, not through coercion, but just by us agreeing erous tax deductions and credits as reasons why cies with real job-creation efforts, such as our to bargain. And we just want to make sure that there’s a level businesses are attracted to the state. Although bonding bill that became law last month,” Sen. playing field in that process. That’s something that I strongly Minnesota’s corporate income tax rate of 9.8 Tomassoni said. “This will create more than believe in, and it’s part of the American tradition.” percent is one of the higher in the nation, the 15,000 construction and on-going jobs, and The president also rejected the argument that union wages deductions and credits available to businesses could have created thousands more if not for make U.S. products uncompetitive. “Well, that’s just not true lower that burden significantly, by as much as the Governor’s vetoes. Bonding is key in our Unions are only, at this point in the private sector, probably less 70 percent. balanced approach to long-term economic than 10% of the economy. So the notion that somehow that’s Sen. Tomassoni said these figures support recovery and success.” what is creating competition with other countries that pay lower the focus Minnesota lawmakers have placed on The Council on State Taxation is an associ- wages, that’s not the case,” he said. “...what’s going to help us passing additional job-creating tax credits and ation of 600 corporate tax attorneys. become competitive is if we’ve got middle-class workers mak- policies this session. In the first two months of The group tallies all state and local taxes ing middle-class wages with middle-class benefits, who can then this legislative session, the Legislature passed a imposed on businesses each year, and measures go out and shop, and support a family, and buy a new car and pay considerable jobs bill that included tax credits taxes paid as a portion of private business activ- their mortgage, which will create more business opportunities for new and existing businesses, as well as a ity in each state. A full copy of their report is at and maintain America as the greatest market on Earth.” capital investment bill and an economic devel- http://www.cost.org/. And though Obama used much of the meeting to robustly defend and explain the health insurance revision law he pushed through Congress, he did not mention one key difference he had with unionists on it: Taxing “high-value” health insurance, worth 733-0100 more than $27,000 yearly, starting in 2018. KOLAR Obama did, however, allude to his differences with teachers unions. “I do think, for example, that it’s important for us to A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com reform our education system. And my sister is a teacher. I love teachers’ unions; I’ve been supportive of them ever since I got into politics. But I do want to partner with teachers to make sure that we are improving constantly how our kids perform. And When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will we’ve got to have accountability in terms of how we are making progress in school districts all across the country,” he said. Obama’s Education Department and the nation’s two teachers 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN unions differ over how to measure accountability -- and what should be done afterwards. PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 Minnesota Nurses Assn. gearing up for negotiations here and Metro Registered Nurses appear to bers will take to the streets of ment or else authorize a strike, breaks such as the H1N1 virus. • Pension: Twin Cities hos- be the next employee group to the Twin Cities Thursday, May which could begin on June 1. If • Technology: Nurses are pitals are proposing to slash the be placed in the crosshairs by 6, from 1:30-5:00 p.m. to con- nurses do vote to go on strike, asking for language that makes nurses’ pension fund by one their employers. duct informational picketing it would be the largest RN- sure technology enhances third, moving it back to 1968 RNs went out on strike at outside of three hospitals there. related work stoppage in U.S. patient care. economic levels. Temple University Hospital in On May 12 MNA members history in terms of the number Philadelphia on March 31. In from Duluth and northern of nurses involved. Equal pay fight continues the first week of the strike man- Minnesota have organized a May 6 is the beginning of WASHINGTON (PAI)--Lawmakers should do for equal pay agement spent $4.7 million to bus trip to the Twin Cities to National Nurses Week. for women what they did for health care for women -- end dis- bring in 850 scab strikebreak- add their voices to the rallies. Minnesota RNs will conduct a crimination -- a top advocate of equal pay says. ers. Scabs’ salaries average “Our nurses want the public second round of informational Speaking on April 20, Equal Pay Day, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, $5,500 but can be as high as to know that your safety as a picketing on May 12, which D-Conn., who has pushed the cause for at least 15 years, noted $10,000 per week. Bonuses patient and the quality of care marks the end of National the recent health care law banned insurers’ discrimination on the estimated to cost around you receive at the hospital is Nurses Week and is the birth- basis of conditions -- such as pregnancy -- related to sex. $100,000 will go to any scab the focal point of these contract day of Florence Nightingale, “Finally in America being a woman is no longer a pre-exist- staying past week one. negotiations,” said MNA the woman credited with laying ing condition,” DeLauro told her colleagues. “By bringing an Have you heard hospitals President Linda Hamilton, a the foundation for professional end to discriminatory policies like gender rating and lack of screaming they can’t make a Registered Nurse (RN) in the nursing during the 1800s. insurance coverage for maternity, preventive, and wellness care, profit? Children's Hospital system. Key MNA issues in the our legislation puts women's health on an equal footing at long The Minnesota Nurses “What happens in these negoti- Twin Cities are: last. It is time now to do the same for women's earnings.” Association, the AFL-CIO ations is going to impact any- • Safe RN Staffing Levels: Equal Pay Day marks when median yearly earnings of a affiliate that represents RNs one who will ever visit a Twin Nurses are asking for contract woman worker for the prior year plus several months equals statewide, is gearing up for Cities hospital. And while nurs- language that provides the median earnings for a male worker for the year alone. A their contract talks with various es are putting patients ahead of appropriate number of nurses woman’s median in 2009 was only 78 cents per dollar for a employers, including in hospital profits, our employers to care for patients. (Studies median man. Pay is more equal for union women, federal data Duluth. are unfortunately viewing show that more than 72,000 shows: 88 cents per dollar a man makes. Tough talks have started in things the other way around.” patients die needlessly each “A woman has to work for a year plus nearly four months in the Metro for the MNA and More than 12,000 Minne- year due to improper RN 2010 for her wages to equal to what a man was paid in 2009,” whatever happens there usually sota nurses are in the midst of staffing levels.) added Debra Ness of the National Partnership for Women and affects talks in Duluth where labor contract negotiations • Disaster Response: Nurses Families. “In this recession, with families facing crushing eco- negotiations start with St. with six different Twin Cities are asking for language that nomic pressure...women’s earnings are more vital than ever to Mary’s Duluth Clinic on May 6 hospital systems. The nurses ensures proper equipment and the economic security of their families. Nearly 4 in 10 mothers and St. Luke’s May 14. will vote on May 19, 2010 to planning are in place to protect are primary breadwinners.” Thousands of MNA mem- either ratify a new labor agree- patients in case of disease out- The AFL-CIO published 2009 annual median pay for men Stewart Acuff’s book and tour take off ($46,367) and women ($35,745). (PAI)--If you didn’t know ing among unionists. Now he’s labor movement. he has a new job, you’d think taking it, published by Tasora “We have suffered through Stewart Acuff was still exhort- Books of Minneapolis and a 30-year assault on our values, ing organizers to give their all. illustrated by Twin Cities artist on our society, on our people, Not quite. Instead, the long- Steve Sack, on the road. on our institutions and on our time AFL-CIO Director of Acuff’s travel schedule standard of living,” the book Organizing, now chief of staff between now and Labor Day declares in Acuff’s preaching for Utility Workers President reads like that of a man who’s cadence. “Contrary to 4,000 Mike Langford, is out on the still organizing -- which is what years of human history, wis- book-signing trail, talking up the book advocates as the solu- dom and sacred teachings, we his easy-to-read, kitchen-table tion to taking back the U.S. have been told that greed is language book about how we from the greed that’s consumed good, that you are not your got into the present economic it and eaten up the middle class brother’s and sister’s keepers, mess -- and how to use collec- for 30 years. Through it all, that you are on your own. tive action to get out of it. Acuff keeps to the theme of the “It is time to choose,” it Sales of the 85-page book: How the laissez-faire adds. The U.S. can continue “Getting America Back To policies starting in the 1980s, down that road, aiding just “the Work,” by Acuff and econo- abetted by both parties, drove financial elite,” it warns. “Or mist Richard Levins, known to the economy into the ditch, we can bargain our way many as the author of “Middle making it tough for workers to out…and once again have an Class – Union Made,” are ris- pay for their mortgages, their economy that works for ordi- rent, clothes and college for nary working Americans.” it their kids and for setting sav- INTERSTATE ings aside for old age -- if they SPUR have jobs at all. The solution: Organizing, both within and without the

Next door to the 2700 W. Michigan St. GAS - DIESEL Labor Temple! LOCALLY GROCERIES Wade Smith OWNED! You’ll really like Stewart Acuff was a big hit (218) 724-4507 when he addressed the our car wash! Duluth Labor Day Picnic in 2005 and again last year. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010 PAGE 7 DFL picks Margaret Anderson Kelliher as their gubernatorial candidate At their state convention in Kelliher went into the con- mittee of the National Confer- lieutenant governor running Duluth April 23–25, the Min- vention with the endorsement ence of State Legislatures. mate will hopefully solidify the nesota Democratic Farmer of the IBEW, Operating Before running for office she party’s chances of actually Labor party’s 1,400 delegates Engineers, UNITE HERE and had been a legislative staffer winning in August and made history by endorsing MAPE unions. Dayton has for House Speaker Bob November. Rukavina has been Margaret Anderson Kelliher as AFSCME’s endorsement. Vanasek and former Senate mentioned as has Rep. Tom their candidate for governor in “We had many good candi- President Allan Spear. She has Anzelc (DFL-Balsam). this fall’s elections. She is the dates running for governor and had a great education in prepar- Kelliher’s website is www. first woman to be endorsed for the delegates unanimously ing her to be a leader. margaretforgovernor.com. governor by the party. endorsed Margaret Anderson Kelliher grew up on a farm Three incumbent DFL con- She won late that Saturday Kelliher,” said Bill Heaney, outside Mankato that is still stitutional officers were also night after battling through a Legislative Director for the operated by her mother and endorsed for re-election: Secre- crowded field of candidates IBEW Minnesota State brothers. She has also connect- tary of State Mark Ritchie, and numerous ballots. Minne- Council that had endorsed her ed well with her big city con- Auditor Rebecca Otto, and apolis Mayor R.T. Rybak was early. “Margaret’s comprehen- stituents in Minneapolis. Attorney General Lori her last challenger standing sive jobs and economic devel- Who she will chose as her Swanson. Margaret Anderson Kelliher after five ballots and he con- opment plan frankly represents ceded to give her the endorse- the best chance of putting peo- ment. The tide had turned her ple back to work that I’ve ever way when Rep. Tom Rukavina seen. She has the plan, skills dropped out of the race and and tenacity to make it all hap- gave her a rousing endorse- pen and that’s what we need ment: “I was the best progres- now. Margaret believes in the sive in this race, and there’s no working people of Minnesota. damn doubt about it. But now I She has the vast statewide want you to vote for the second grassroots organization with best progressive left in this extensive citizen support that’s race. I want my floor leaders to needed to win the Primary and vote for Margaret. I want my General elections.” delegates to vote for Margaret Kelliher, 42, was elected to and I’m going to vote for Mar- the Minnesota House of garet... Margaret all the way!” Representatives in 1998 from Kelliher will face two deep Minneapolis District 60A. She pocketed DFL candidates in quickly rose through party August 10’s Primary Election ranks to be named Speaker of who will not abide by their the House in 2008 and 2010. party’s endorsement. Mark She is only the second woman Dayton and Matt Entenza said to ever hold that position, Dee in announcing their candidacy Long, who also represented that they would run in the 60A, was the first. Primary no matter what hap- Kelliher received 80 percent pened at the DFL convention. of the vote in her last two bids (Left-to-right) Firm partners, Sean Quinn and Jim Peterson, receive award from Al Netland Neither was allowed on the for re-election to the House. floor at the DFL convention at Married with two children, the DECC. Kelliher has a B.A. in Political It was January 1991 the last Science from Gustavus According to the AFL-CIO Central Labor Body's time a DFLer was in the Adolphus, and a Masters in Governor’s Mansion. That was Public Administration from Community Services Program, here's why: when Rudy Perpich’s last term Harvard. She was recently was completed. elected to the executive com- “Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer has a long history of GOP picks Emmer for gov. supporting the United Way of Greater Duluth, DADs Golf Tournament, the Duluth AFL-CIO Annual Labor Day Picnic (they not only pay St. Paul --- At their convention last Friday in St. Paul, Minnesota Republicans picked three term State Representative for the sweet corn, the lawyers attend the picnic and serve the corn Tom Emmer (R-Delano) as their choice for governor over Rep. to the picnic goers); they sponsor a free Worker's Compensation Marty Seifert (R-Marshall). Emmer had the blessing of Sarah Palin as well, but Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson Seminar every year, as well as, many other labor-related projects. called Emmer the wrong choice for middle class families. “Minnesotans deserve a Governor who reflects middle class Individuals at the firm also donate their time and talents values,” Knutson said. “Unfortunately, Tom Emmer's legislative to our community, helping in many ways: record is consistently against creating family-sustaining jobs, making health care affordable, investing in our schools, and • The Homeless Connect Program • Safe Haven Women’s Shelter rebuilding our infrastructure.” • The Women’s Expo • Lawyers-On-Line On key legislation that benefits middle class families, Knutson said Emmer has: fought legislation putting more than • Youth Coaching • Pro Bono Work 20,000 people back to work (SF 2700); voted against bipartisan And Much, Much More tax credits for angel investors to create jobs and strengthen small business (HF 2695); voted against preserving health care for the There is not enough room on this page to put into words the true extent that poorest Minnesotans and homeless veterans (SF 2168); voted against making taxes fairer for the middle class (HF 2323); voted FBPQ&B and its employees give back to their community. Therefore, let it against leveraging half a billion dollars in federal money for be said that the FBPQ&B Law Firm truly embodies the Spirit of Community“ school children (HF 2); and, voted against desperately needed investment in our roads and bridges (HF 2800). and knows the true meaning of Community Service. “Working Minnesotans don’t need a Governor who calls the weekend ‘just two work days before Monday,’” said Knutson. PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2010