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Volume 107 Number 22 November 17, 2006 Portland, Oregon

Labor Celebrates Election Night Victories

Ken Allen (photo right), executive director of Oregon AFSCME Council 75, was among the throng of people celebrating at the Benson Hotel on Election Day.

Labor enjoyed one of its most successful elections in more than a decade — in Oregon, Washington, and nationally — on Nov. 7. Labor-endorsed candidates captured a majority in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for the first time since 1994. In Oregon, union members helped re-elect Democratic Governor Ted Kulon- goski (pictured above during his victory speech) and also helped elect a worker- friendly Democratic House and Senate for the first time since 1991. Kulongoski captured nearly 51 percent of the vote next to Republican challenger Ron Sax- ton’s dismal 43 percent. Saxton outspent Kulongoski 2-to-1 —disposing of a whopping $8 million, mostly on negative advertising. Labor also played a major role in resoundingly defeating several ballot meas- ures that would have hamstrung state government, and winning a measure that will expand access to lower-cost prescription drugs to more Oregonians. In Oregon Senate races, 92 percent of candidates endorsed by the AFL-CIO were elected. The AFL’s only loss was Democrat Paul Evans’ bid to unseat in- cumbent Republican Jackie Winters in Senate District 10. Winters, however, had several the endorsement of several AFL-affiliated unions. The count in the Sen- ate will be 17 Democrats, 11 Republicans and two Independents — Ben West- lund (a former Republican who endorsed Kulongoski) and Avel Gordly (a former Democrat). In Oregon House races, 82.5 percent of AFL-CIO-endorsed candidates won, including six union members — Diane Rosenbaum of Communications Workers of America Local 7901; Brad Witt, former secretary-treasurer of the Oregon AFL- CIO and a business rep for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555; Jeff Oregon Senate Majority Leader Kate Brown (right) and State Senators Margaret Carter and Rick Metsger (behind (Turn to Page 3) Brown), rejoice in election-night victories for Democrats. Also celebrating is Secretary of State Bill Bradbury (left). Let me say this about that —By Gene Klare AFT readies long union drive among 3,000 nurses at Legacy Health Systems A unionizing campaign has been legal avenues to limit the size of the unit If the Legacy nurses end up winning quietly under way for about two years at and delay the election, getting more union recognition, they would form a Legacy Health System. time to persuade workers to reject the new autonomous local within the health Portland-headquartered Legacy has union. That’s what happened in an AFT care division of AFT, which represents five hospitals and various other facili- campaign at Legacy Mt. Hood Medical an estimated 70,000 nurses and health ties in Oregon and Southwest Washing- Center in the early ‘90s, says UNL care workers in 18 states and territories. ton, and employs 3,000 registered spokesperson Matthew Rae. And a AFT has another health care local in nurses; none are represented by a union. campaign to unionize nurses at Good Oregon — Oregon Federation of But the American Federation of Samaritan in the late ‘70s also failed. Nurses and Health Professionals— with Teachers (AFT) wants Legacy to join So AFT is looking to create an ac- 2,500 members at Kaiser Sunnyside the growing roster of unionized hospital tual organization of nurses well before Medical Center and Providence Mil- chains. AFT has formed a group, seeking certification as an exclusive waukie Hospital. “Collectively, we’re United Nurses of Legacy (UNL), as the bargaining agent. not used to standing up and speaking embryo of a new union local. With local “We’re not asking permission to be a with one voice,” Gailey said. “But the and national AFT bodies providing or- union; we already are a union,” said bottom line for me is nurses have to ganizational support, nurses at Legacy Jeannette Gailey, an RN at Legacy have more say.” have been working slowly to build a Good Samaritan Hospital. Applause for Allen union organization within the work- Spokesperson Rae says so far UNL S. Eugene Allen was the youngest editor of the Labor Press. When he was place. has helped nurses get results in several Evergreen State appointed to the job of editor on March 3, 1939, he was a 24-year-old busi- That’s a slightly unconventional cases, and has been offering profes- ness agent for Portland Teamsters Local 255 and was a 1936 graduate of the strategy. Traditionally, unions blitz sional development workshops. College faculty University of Oregon at Eugene where he majored in economics. workers, collecting signatures in a rush. At the cardiology department at Allen is being profiled in this issue of They then use those signatures to file Legacy Emanuel Hospital, nurses and votes for union the newspaper he once edited because for a government-run election; if a ma- several cardiologists signed a petition it’s time to spotlight him for the Labor jority of workers vote “union yes,” the protesting a decision to increase the OLYMPIA — Faculty members at Honor Roll. The Labor Press started the employer, legally, has to recognize and workload and number of patients per The Evergreen State College have Labor Honor Roll to posthumously bargain with the union. nurse, and management rescinded the voted to form a union. salute labor figures of bygone years. The But often, management is able to use decision, Rae said. The United Faculty of Evergreen, Labor Hall of Fame sponsored by the announced Nov. 1, will represent ap- Northwest Oregon Labor Retirees proximately 260 faculty members. Council provides recognition to retired It is the fourth faculty union among unionists who are still living. Washington’s public colleges and GENE ALLEN took over as the ed- universities following enactment of a itor and manager of the then-weekly Bennett Hartman Washington state law in 2002 that al- Oregon Labor Press as the successor to b h lows professors and instructors to or- C.M. Rynerson, who had been the editor Morris & Kaplan, llp ganize. Faculty members at Central and manager for more than 25 years. Attorneys at Law and Eastern Washington universities Rynerson, a printer and an editor, was a m k recently negotiated the first collective member of Multnomah Typographical bargaining agreements. Union No. 58. He left the Labor Press in Central Washington University is in the midst of bargaining a first con- EUGENE ALLEN 1939 to accept an appointment by Gov. Charles Sprague to the Oregon State In- Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm tract. dustrial Accident Commission which UFE is affiliated with the Wash- was in charge of the workers’ compensation insurance system. Representing Workers Since 1960 ington Education Association, Na- Allen was born in Bisbee, Arizona, but grew up in Oregon. His father, tional Education Association, Ameri- C.A. Allen, was elected a Deschutes County judge, serving in Bend, the can Federation of Teachers and AFT county seat, in a job that later was renamed county commissioner. Washington, AFL-CIO. The United AFTER GRADUATING from the U of O in the Great Depression, Allen SeriousInjuryandDeathCases Faculty of Washington State is the found a job in the Portland parts warehouse of the Allis-Chalmers tractor and statewide organization for faculty farm equipment company. He organized the warehouse workers as members • Construction Injuries unions, representing approximately of Teamsters Local 255. Allen was later transferred to a job in the Allis- 2,200 faculty members statewide and Chalmers office where he became a member of Office and Professional Em- • Automobile Accidents educating 34,000 students. ployees Local 11 and was elected as its president, presiding at the union’s meetings. His next career move was being hired as a business agent for Lo- • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice cal 255. • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents As editor of the Labor Press, Allen reported on the efforts of Communists to infiltrate unions he noted in a 1975 interview with Frank Flori for the 75th • Pedestrian Accidents anniversary edition of the Labor Press. Allen also chronicled the fast and • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) (International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) enormous expansion of employment, particularly in shipbuilding, as the U.S. Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon geared up for World War II, with many jobs available for workers who’d been • Workers’ Compensation Injuries as a voice of the labor movement. beat down by the Great Depression. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, Portland, Ore. 97213 “THERE WERE SUDDENLY lots of jobs and lots of overtime,” Allen • Social Security Claims Telephone: (503) 288-3311 told Flori. “There was a vast influx of people into the area and unions were Fax Number: (503) 288-3320 Editor: Michael Gutwig trying to assimilate them all,” Allen said. Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of In the World War II years, Allen was active in U.S. War Bond drives and each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the served on an advisory panel to the federal government’s War Labor Board. We Work Hard for Hard-Working People! Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore- gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union ALLEN PUBLISHED investigative reports in the Labor Press on people members. and companies that caused problems for unions and their members. (I recall Group rates available to trade union organizations. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID that as a reporter for the pre-strike Oregonian going with another reporter to 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650 AT PORTLAND, OREGON. CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a interview Allen at a drive-in restaurant he then owned because we wanted change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old Portland, Oregon 97204 and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. background about a man he did an exposé on who had surfaced in a story the POSTMASTER: Send address changes to (503) 227-4600 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150-0150, other reporter and I were working on.) PORTLAND, OR 97213 ALLEN WAS ELECTED to the Portland School Board in 1942 at age 27 www.bennetthartman.com Member Press Associates Inc. and is thought to be the youngest person ever elected to the board. He said he ran for the office because the board had barred him as Labor Press editor Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555 (Turn to Page 11)

PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006 ...Union member vote drove shift in balance of power (From Page 1) 47, which limits how Barker, a retired president of the Port- much money people, land Police Association; Paul Holvey, a groups and candidates representative with the Pacific North- can give to political west Regional Council of Carpenters; candidates. It passed Larry Galizio of the American Federa- with more than 53 tion of Teachers; and Mike Schaufler, a percent of the vote. former member of the Laborers Union. In Washington With Democrats now in charge of State, labor-backed the House (31-29 in unofficial results), Democrats extended their majorities in several of the “labor” lawmakers are in Jeff Barker Larry Galizio Diane Rosenbaum Brad Witt Paul Holvey Mike Caudle prime positions to become committee both the State Senate chairs. Rosenbaum told the Northwest (32-17 unofficially) expected to head the surface transporta- affiliated union members either at work, unions: Pass the Employee Free Choice Labor Press she was interested in chair- and State House (57-41 unofficially). tion subcommittee, where he’s likely to at home, through newsletters or through Act and reverse the National Labor Re- ing the Revenue Committee. Witt said Among the winners were Deb Wallace, be even more effective in procuring worksite fliers. lations Board’s ruling that allows em- Trade and Economic Development Bill Fromhold and Jim Moeller repre- funds for investment in Oregon’s trans- “The key to victory was rank-and- ployers to deny workers’ union rights would be his choice, given the fact that senting Clark County in the House. portation infrastructure. file volunteers contacting fellow mem- by classifying them as supervisors. his district (District 31 in Columbia and In Congressional races, all of the la- In the U.S. Senate, Democrats will bers comparing candidates and spread- • Overturn the ban prohibiting Clatsop counties) is experiencing bil- bor-endorsed U.S. representatives in lead by a much narrower 51-49 margin. ing the message one-on-one about our Medicare from negotiating with drug lions of dollars in building investments, Oregon and Southwest Washington Helping to create that majority was the issues — good jobs, health care, high- companies for more affordable pre- much of it on ethanol plants. won re-election easily, including Ore- re-election of labor-backed Washington quality schools, and safe pensions,” said scription drugs. On statewide ballot measures, 85 gon Democrats Earl Blumenauer, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, who eas- Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom • Stop sending jobs overseas: Re- percent of those backed by the Oregon David Wu, Darlene Hooley and Peter ily defeated well-financed Republican Chamberlain, “Now we can get on with ward companies that create jobs at AFL-CIO passed. The state labor fed- DeFazio; and Washington Democrat challenger Mike McGavick. our legislative agenda.” home instead of giving tax dollars to eration helped defeat Measure 40 Brian Baird. In Oregon’s Second Dis- Union voters drove home the victory National AFL-CIO President John companies that export jobs. (electing judges by district); Measure trict, long-shot challenger Carol Voisin for most of the labor-endorsed politi- Sweeney said just electing a new Con- • Reverse the cuts in student loans 41 (Bill Sizemore’s insurance and credit lost to Republican incumbent Greg cians. According to exit polling and a gress won’t be enough to turn the coun- made by the Republican Congress. scores); Measure 45 (term limits); Walden. Walden was endorsed by the national election night survey, union try around for workers. “Now we’re de- DeFazio told the Labor Press much Measure 46 (campaign finance consti- Oregon State Building and Construc- households accounted for roughly 1 out termined to work together to move an of that labor agenda has a decent chance tutional amendment) and Measure 48 tion Trades Council. of 4 voters nationwide, and three-quar- agenda, on Capitol Hill and in our of passage now. (state spending limits based on popula- For the next two years, Democrats ters of those union votes went to labor- states, to change America and renew “There should be some beer being tion growth plus inflation). Labor will control the U.S. House. The mar- backed candidates for the U.S. House economic opportunity for all,” he said. poured in the house of labor,” DeFazio helped pass Measure 44, expansion of gin at press time was 230-196, with and U.S. Senate. The national AFL-CIO will call on said, “whereas I think a lot of corks the Oregon Prescription Drug Program nine still undecided at press time. The Oregon AFL-CIO was recog- the 100th Congress to accomplish five stayed in the bottles in corporate offices to allow all Oregonians with no medical Of the four Oregon Democrats, only nized by the national labor federa- items in their first days in office: on election night.” insurance to get lower-cost prescription Peter DeFazio was in office when the tion as a leader in statewide voter out- • Raise the federal minimum wage The minimum wage increase is ex- drugs. Democrats last held a majority in the reach, with 900 active volunteers con- to $7.25 an hour. pected to come first when the new Con- The AFL’s only loss was Measure House. Given his seniority, DeFazio is tacting more than 76 percent of its • Restore workers’ freedom to form gress takes office in January, and De- Fazio said backers may be able to get enough Republican support to reach a veto-proof majority. The federal minimum wage has been frozen at $5.15 an hour for so long — nine years — that 22 states now have IBEW & United Workers F.C.U. is proud to partner minimum wage laws superceding the federal minimum; and on election with Albertina Kerr’s Holiday Giving Program to help night, voters in six more states raised their minimum wages: Arizona (to $6.75), Colorado ($6.85), Missouri strengthen the holiday spirit of giving. ($6.50), Montana and Nevada ($6.15 each) and Ohio ($6.85). As for the Employee Free Choice Act — originally drafted by the late Throughout the month of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) — labor is in for the fight of its life. The bill November the Credit Union would rewrite the nation’s labor law, making it harder for employers to will be accepting non- squash unionization. The bill’s prime House sponsor is perishable food items in our Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), who will chair the House Education and Work- branch. force Committee. Its prime Senate sponsor is veteran Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who will chair the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Com- mittee. Both will undoubtedly pass their bills out of committee. And passage in the House is likely. Even in the current Congress, the labor movement was able to get 215 of the 435 House members to co-sponsor the bill. PO Box 16877 The Senate is the hurdle for the Em- 9955 SE Washington St ployee Free Choice Act. That’s because Portland, OR 97292 the GOP would still have enough votes, www.ibewuwfcu.com 49, to filibuster the legislation. 800-356-6507 or 503-253-8193 Even if it passed the Senate, the bill would face certain veto at the hands of President Bush.

NOVEMBER 17, 2006 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 L ABOR AND P OLITICAL NEWS FROM AROUND THE PACIFIC N ORTHWEST What’s of all ages to the NOLC office at 1125 sellers, publishers and political organi- SE Madison, Suite 100-D, Portland, zations will participate. All donations no later than Friday, Dec. 15. collected will be used to help establish Gifts will be distributed Saturday, the Glaberman Memorial Library. Happening Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. at Genesis Commu- Consisting of over 5,000 books, pam- nity Center, 5425 NE 27th off phlets and papers, the Glaberman Li- Killingsworth. brary is the largest independent Labor Library in the United States. Now in Union Food Bank storage, the Glaberman Library will asks for funds to PDC to decide on soon be a resource for activists. For more information, about Joe feed less fortunate construction wages Hill Night, call Jim Cook at 503-703- 1693. For more information about the The holiday season is here and at Dec. 6 meeting book fair, contact Nick Neumann at once again the Carpenters Food Bank The Portland Development Com- 503-282-0863. is appealing for cash donations to help mission held its third and final work feed those in need. session Nov. 9 to consider whether or The all-volunteer food bank, now not it should set wage standards on 2007 labor history in its 24th year, is housed in the base- public-private construction projects ment of the union hall at 2205 N. that it helps finance. conference will be Lombard, Portland. The food bank The PDC Board has heard testi- feeds 450 to 500 families the third Fri- held in Portland mony from workers, contractors, day each month, said Mike Fahey, union officials, apprenticeship coordi- The 2007 Pacific Northwest Labor who along with his wife Sandy, coor- nators and bureaucrats over the past History Association conference will be dinates the program. three months. Small explosion stops Macy’s renovation held in Portland May 4-5 at the Electri- “Regardless of what we hear in the The board will announce its plans Construction workers at Macy’s downtown Portland department store were cal Workers Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE news, things are not getting better for at its regularly-scheduled board meet- evacuated from the job Nov. 7 after an electrical switch gear in the basement Airport Way. everyone, especially our seniors on ing Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 8 a.m. The exploded, setting off a small fire and cutting electricity to the century-old The theme will be “A New Look at fixed income and the unemployed,” wage study will be combined with building. Formerly the Meier & Frank flagship store, the building was sold Solidarity: International Connections.” said Mike Fahey, a former executive regular PDC business, plus a report on and is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation. The first five floors will The organization is looking for pro- secretary-treasurer of the Portland diversity and contracting performance be Macy’s. The general contractor is S.D. Deacon. The upper 10 stories will posals for academic research, panels, Metal Trades Council and member of on PDC projects. be a $117 million luxury hotel. The contractor on that portion of the project individual presentations, interactive Pile Drivers, Divers and Shipwrights is Hoffman Construction. Both projects are a mix of union and nonunion workshops, drama, music, video, art Local 2416. subcontractors.The Portland Development Commission provided $15.5 and memorabilia related to the confer- The November food boxes will be Health care forum million in historic preservation tax credits and a $13.9 million low interest ence theme. distributed Nov. 17. The Christmas loan for the project, which later was determined not to fall under state “We prefer interactive sessions and food box distribution will take place in Portland Nov. 29 prevailing wage laws. Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 picketed the Macy’s discourage the reading of papers,” said Friday, Dec. 15. portion of the project Nov. 3 for area standard wage violations. The union Ross Rieder, president. “We encourage Fahey is hoping for cash donations The second “Health Care Forum was targeting plumbing contractor JRT Mechanical of Battle Ground, proposals that link history with current to help purchase food items — includ- for Labor Leaders” is scheduled for Washington, said Local 290 Organizer Don Kool. Kool was checking on issues, and especially welcome sub- ing meat and turkeys — at bulk rate Wednesday, Nov. 29, from 2-5 p.m. at Macy’s Nov. 7 when workers began pouring out of the building. He grabbed missions that address immigrant work- prices. the headquarters of Oregon AFSCME his camera and took the photo above. ers, organizing strategies, contributions The food bank started in 1983 with Council 75, 6025 E. Burnside, Port- to the advancement of labor through the intent of operating for three or four land. Unionists will look at goals for conference or to register, call Oregon U.S. Supreme Court and remanded the arts, broadcast media, and journal- months to weather strikes in the com- changing the health care system and OSHA’s Conference Section at 503- back to the NLRB, which last month ism, and more,” he said. munity. It continues to this day. Con- discuss health care reforms they 378-3272 or 888-292-5247 option ruled that nurses can be supervisors. Proposals should include a short tributions can be sent to: Food Bank, might pursue in the 2007 Oregon one, or visit the Web page at For more information about the summary and a list of all presenters P.O. Box 17358, Portland OR 97217. Legislature. For more information, contact Laurie or Eliana at 503-236- www.orosha.org/conferences. conference or to register, call Donna and be sent to Rieder by Jan. 13, 2007, 5573 or email [email protected]. Marshall at 503-889-3660 . at the abovementioned e-mail address. Free ‘Holiday Party for Children’ slated Portland hosts pulp 11th annual labor Joe Hill Night, book Union delegation Dec. 2 in Salem and paper industry law conference fair Nov. 19 in on mission in SALEM — The 66th annual “Holi- safety conference scheduled Jan. 19 North Portland South America day Party for Children” will be held at Mark your calendars for the 11th A delegation of eight union ac- 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Elsi- The 16th annual Western Pulp and The 17th annual Joe Hill Night will annual Oregon Labor Law Conference tivists from Oregon and Washington is nor Theatre, 170 High St. SE, Salem. Paper Workers Safety and Health Con- be held at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Friday, Jan. 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A traveling in Venezuela and Colombia The free event sponsored by the ference will be held Tuesday, Nov. 28 Liberty Hall, 311 N. Ivy, Portland (one location has not yet been determined. Nov. 9-20, meeting with workers, ac- Marion, Polk, Yamhill Counties Labor through Friday, Dec. 1 at the Red Lion block South of Fremont, two blocks The conference is sponsored by the tivists and government officials to hear Council will feature Santa Claus, holi- Hotel on the River-Jantzen Beach in West of Vancouver St.). The suggested Oregon AFL-CIO, Electrical Workers about the lethal threats Colombian day songs with the Patrick Lamb Portland. donation is $3 to $10. Local 48 and the Columbia-Pacific union organizers face, and find out Band, a showing of “Garfield, A Tail Leadership consultant and safety Local bands “General Strike” and Building Trades Council and is de- how Venezuelan workers and the labor of Two Kitties,” and goody bags. professional Steve Williams will give “The Joe Hillbillies” will perform rab- signed for business managers, business movement have fared since the 1998 Doors open at 9:45 a.m. the keynote speech on Nov. 28. In his ble-rousing songs interspersed with address, “Keeping Negative Emotion agents, organizers and union officers to dramatic readings of action inspiring election of President Hugo Chavez. and Poor Morale from Damaging Your get the latest information to avoid legal stories of Joe Hill and the Industrial The mission is sponsored by the Labor’s Yuletide Safety Process,” Williams will explain liability and to better serve members, Workers of the World (IWW). Portland Central America Solidarity how negative emotion and poor said organizer Norman Malbin, general A Portland tradition since 1990, Committee. The delegation — which toy drive needs morale have a direct impact on safety. counsel for Local 48. Joe Hill Night celebrates the world-fa- includes members of the Interna- Registration for the conference is This year’s conference will feature a mous IWW organizer and songwriter. tional Longshore and Warehouse gifts by Dec. 15 $185. The single day rate is $75 or at panel on the recent Kentucky River de- Hill, well known for his many labor Union Locals 4 and 8, AFSCME Lo- tend the Friday general session meet- cision by the National Labor Relations songs, was organizing miners in Utah cal 88, Service Employees Local 503, Labor’s Community Service Board. On that panel will be Richard Carpenters Local 1065, the Oregon Agency and the Northwest Oregon ing for $15. An awards banquet on when bosses had him framed for mur- Wednesday, Nov. 29, will honor sig- Ahearn, regional director of the NLRB der. He was executed by firing squad Education Association and the Associ- Labor Council, AFL-CIO, will hold in Seattle. Ahearn was one of the board ation of Western Pulp and Paper their 10th annual Presents from Part- nificant contributions to safety and on Nov. 19, 1915. health in the pulp, paper, and convert- members who ruled initially that IWW also is hosting a Radical Workers — will report its findings at 7 ners Holiday Toy Drive for underprivi- nurses are employees and not supervi- p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Carpenters leged children. ing industries. Tickets are $20. Book Fair at Liberty Hall starting at 2 For more information about the sors. That ruling was appealed to the p.m. Twenty new and used book- Local 247, 2215 N. Lombard St., Port- Bring unwrapped gifts for children land.

PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006 Cement Masons’ Del French to retire after 36 years Del French, a general vice presi- completely broken down,” French Executive Board came to Portland to dent of the Operative Plasterers and said. wish French well. Cement Masons International Associ- For the next nine years French Masters of ceremonies for the ation of the United States and Canada, worked closely with leaders of the event were Roger Bettermann, a for- will retire at the end of the year. building trades crafts as president of mer business manager of Seattle Ce- A 36-year member and former the Oregon State Building and Con- ment Masons Local 528, who will business manager of Portland-based struction Trades Council and as presi- succeed French as an international Cement Masons Local 555, French dent of the Five-Craft Heavy and representative; and Calvin McKinnis, went to work for the international Highway Construction Division. business manager of Portland Plaster- union in 1990 where he covered Ore- “I’ve met a lot of great people and ers Local 82. gon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, made a lot of lifelong friends,” French Other speakers included Bob Montana and Hawaii. He was ap- told the Northwest Labor Press. Shiprack, executive secretary-treas- pointed as a general vice president to A number of building trades col- urer of the Oregon State Building the Executive Board in 1995. leagues attended his retirement party Trades Council; Byron Loney, a for- French, 57, is a native Washington- Oct. 28 in Portland. They included mer superintendent with Hoffman ian, born in Vancouver and raised in LeRoy Worley, retired general secre- Construction; Scott Gardner of Gard- Hazel Dell. He joined the Navy after tary of the International Iron Workers; ner Financial Group; and Billy graduating from Columbia River High Tom Worley, retired business manager Mitchell, a retired business manager School. He served in Vietnam on the of Portland Iron Workers Local 29; of Iron Workers Local 29. USS Kitty Hawk. Jim McNanny, retired business man- Family members in attendance He began his career as a union ce- ager of Bricklayers Local 1; Bruce were French’s wife of 36 years, Sh- ment mason in Alaska. He returned to Temple, retired business manager of Washington in 1970, joining Local Local 555; Jerry Krahn, retired busi- eryl, his mother, Maxine, and two 555 — the same local of which his ness agent for the Carpenters Union, sons, identical twins Doni and Deni. father, Lyle, was a member. and Walt LaChappelle, a retired busi- Both are members of Plumbers and Cement Masons International Rep Del French (seated) gets a pat on the back Fitters Local 290. Five years later he was elected from his son Doni and from Byron Loney (left), a former superintendent for ness agent for the Teamsters. president of the local, and in 1982 he Operative Plasterers and Cement The Frenches live in Ridgefield, Hoffman Construction, during a retirement party held Oct. 28 in Portland. Wash. In retirement, they plan to fish, was elected business manager, suc- French is retiring after 36 years with the union. Masons General President John ceeding Al Christianson, who retired. Dougherty and General Secretary- attend auto shows and dote on their It was under French’s leadership Treasurer Patrick Finley spoke at the grandchildren. Together they have re- that the union negotiated one of the event, praising French for his commit- stored a 1940 Ford two-door sedan sons. This allowed cement finishers to “It’s a physically demanding job. West Coast’s first “30-years-and-out” ment to the labor movement. and a custom 1946 International retire at any age without a reduction Finishers take a lot of abuse. This al- retirement policies for cement ma- The entire International Union’s pickup. of their pension. lowed them to retire before they were

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NOVEMBER 17, 2006 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 the Dispatch Lobby. Regular membership meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. Official Sound & Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Iron Workers 13. Roofers & Waterproofers Wednesday, Dec. 20. Shop stewards meet 9 a.m. Saturday Nov. 18. Shop PLEASE NOTE: All other meetings have been can- Shopmen 516 stewards must attend training class and regular meeting 49 celed for the month of Dec. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, and Satur- to be compensated. Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7. Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un- day, Dec. 16, at 11620 NE Ainsworth Circle #200, Port- Meetings are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. Notices less otherwise noted. land. PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGES. Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave., Portland. (Phone: DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as- 503 232-4807) sessments have been declared for Nov. and are payable at 50 cents: No. 2123, Raymond L. Teach; No. 2124, Wal- Labor Roundtable of Metal Trades Council lace G. Card; No. 2125, Steven J. Weichbrodt; and No. Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at IBEW #48 Auto Mechanics 1005 2126, Glenn C. Brooks. Southwest Washington Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. Sheet Metal Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 8, at Home Town Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Executive Board meets 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Workers 16 13. Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. Electrical Workers 280 PLEASE NOTE: The Dec. 22 meeting has been can- Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday Nov. 18, preceded Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at by a 9 a.m. Shop steward training class. Shop stewards celed. at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Portland. must attend training class and regular meeting to be Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Molders 139 compensated. Portland members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red- Laborers 483 Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, preceded the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., All meetings and elections are held at our Union Hall, mond. by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Carpenters 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland, Oregon. Portland. PLEASE NOTE: There will be a Special Or- Joint Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Municipal Employees Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. der of Business at this meeting for the approval of the PLEASE NOTE: Rochelle Conrad will be available Central Electrical Training Center, Tangent. from 8 a.m. to noon during the regular lodge meeting to Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Mu- Local 16 bylaws, as recommended by the Bylaw Com- answer any questions you have concerning health, wel- sicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. mittee. Only members in good standing are allowed to fare and pension plans. Northwest Oregon attend and vote at the meeting. NOMINATIONS & ELECTIONS: Nominations Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. Elevator Constructors 23 Laborers/Vancouver 335 13, at Abby’s Pizza, 7480 Crater Lake Hwy., White City. for all Local Lodge Officers and Delegates except Dele- Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, preceded Labor Council gates to District Lodge 24, will be at our regular meeting Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, preceded by a Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancouver La- Delegates meet 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27, at IBEW #48 at UA #290 Hall, 2861 Pierce Parkway, Springfield, pre- Nov. 18, 2006. The election will be Dec. 16, 2006, the Whitaker Way, Portland. Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. same day as our regular meeting. The polls will open at bor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. ceded by a 5 p.m. VOC meeting. 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. IAM Constitution, Article B, Coos Bay area members meet 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. Sec 4, reads: Absentee ballots shall be issued and voted Exterior & Interior Lane County Office & Professional 21, at the Bay Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash St., North in accordance with the provisions set forth in Sec. 3 Art. Bend. II, in compliance with the following provisions: (1) the Specialists 2154 Labor Council Workers 11 written request for an absentee ballot must be received by Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Labor- Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 1125 Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Sign Painters & the R.S. not later than 30 days before the election; (2) the SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. ers/Teamsters Hall, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vancouver. request must contain the members full, current address: 1116 South A St., Springfield. Paint Makers 1094 (3) if the records of the L.L. indicate that the applicant is eligible to vote in the election, the R.S. and S.T. shall, Fire Fighters 452 Linn-Benton-Lincoln Operating Engineers 701 Members meet 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, within 5 days of the close of nominations, mail the ab- Members meet 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Glad- in the District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Port- Members meet 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 2807 land. sentee ballot: (4) if, in the judgment of the R.S. and S.T., NW Fruit Valley Rd., Vancouver, Wash. Labor Council stone Union Hall, 555 East First St., Gladstone, for the the member is not entitled to vote by absentee ballot, the Semi-Annual Meeting. member will be notified, in writing, within 10 days of Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, pre- Southern Oregon the receipt of the request for absentee ballot. Ballots cast ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 for candidates not nominated in conformity with these Glass Workers 740 Salem Ave., Albany. Painters & Drywall Central Labor Council provisions (write-ins) shall not be tabulated. PLEASE NOTE: December meetings will be Spe- Finishers 10 Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the Labor cial Call to vote on monthly dues increases. Eugene and Linoleum Layers 1236 Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy.#3, Central Point. Salem meetings will be held the first week in Dec. Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, at 11105 Bakery, Confectionery, Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Executive Board members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, 30, preceded by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at Dec. 7, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. PLEASE NOTE: Effective Dec. 1, Local 10 will be Tobacco Workers and 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Portland area members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, PLEASE NOTE: Due to Thanksgiving, the Novem- Southwestern Oregon Grain Millers 114 at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. ber meeting will be held on the last Thursday. Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at Central Labor Council Executive Board meets 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, in Plasterers 82 Best Western Grand Manor Inn, 971 Kruse Way, Spring- Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 4, at the Bay the meeting room at 7931 NE Halsey, Suite 205, Port- field. Machinists 63 Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 12812 land. NE Marx St., Portland. Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Executive Board meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. SE, Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, preceded by Bricklayers and Allied Salem. a 9 a.m. stewards’meeting. PLEASE NOTE: Election Portland City & of officers and Executive Board will be held Dec. 9. Polls Transit 757 Craftworkers 1 are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Metropolitan Employees Vancouver members meet 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Meetings and the election are at 3645 SE 32nd Ave., the Laborers Hall, 2232 NE Andresen, Vancouver, WA. Members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 12812 NE Iron Workers 29 Portland. 189 Tillamook members meet 1:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, Marx St., Portland. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, preceded by General membership meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. at the Odd Fellows Hall, next door to the Bay City Fire a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NE 28, 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. Hall in Bay City. Carpenters 247 Ainsworth Circle #200, Portland. Machinists 1432 Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, at AMR Northwest Josephine County, LAMAR Adver- tising and Valley Transit- See your liaison officers. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at Swing and graveyard shift members meet at noon 6025 E. Burnside, Portland. PLEASE NOTE: ATU members are invited to attend the Carpenters Hall, 2215 N. Lombard, Portland. Wednesday, Dec. 13. any of the above-listed meetings. Carpenters 1388 Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 276 Retiree Meeting Notices United Association 290 Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Carpenters 1715 ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane, Astoria. Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, preceded AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER Retirees, wives and friends are wel- MACHINISTS Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, Red- McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. come at our holiday luncheon Tues- Retired Machinists meet 10 a.m. mond. Thursday, Dec. 14, in the Northwest day, Dec. 12, at Sayler’s Old Country Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 3645 SE 32nd Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Clark, Skamania & Oregon Labor Council board room, at Kitchen, 10519 SE Stark, Portland. Ave., Portland for bingo, a brief busi- Nov. 28, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 517 Rail- 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Social hour from noon until 12:45 ness meeting and lunch at a restaurant road St., Brookings. W. Klickitat Counties Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thursday, p.m., when lunch will be served. A to be determined at the meeting. 21, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse, Coos Labor Council Bay. Dec. 28, at Steamers Restaurant, NE brief business meeting and drawing Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, preceded ORTHWEST REGON ABOR 20, at the Springfield Training Center. by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 82nd and Sandy Blvd., Portland, for a for gift certificates and table decora- N O L Klamath Falls area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. PLEASE holiday luncheon. All retirees are wel- tions will follow. Lunch costs will be RETIREES COUNCIL NOTE DATE CHANGE DUE TO THE CHRIST- Nov. 21, at the Moose Lodge, 1577 Oak Ave., Klamath MAS HOLIDAYS. come to attend. partially subsidized for paid members. Business meeting from 10 a.m. to Falls. Dues are due for the new year. Re- 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, in the Medford area meeting is canceled for Nov. Roseburg area meeting is canceled for Nov. Columbia-Pacific ASBESTOS WORKERS 36 member to wear your name tags and Northwest Oregon Labor Council, at Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20, at Retiree breakfast 9:30 a.m. Thurs- bring a Sunshine Division donation. 1125 SE Madison #100G, Portland. 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. Building Trades The Dalles area meeting is canceled for Nov. and Dec. day, Dec. 7, at the Dockside Restau- For reservations and choice of entrée Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Delegates meet 10 a.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 21 and Nov. p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at the Eureka Training Center, 28, in Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. rant, 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. (steak, chicken or fish), telephone Vera OREGON AFSCME Larson at (503) 252-2296. Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Communications BAKERS 114 21, at the AFSCME office, 6025 E. Workers 7901 Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Thursday GLASS WORKERS 740 Burnside, Portland. Call Michael USW 1097 General membership meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Dec. 21, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, Retirees meet 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. Arken for information at 503-239- Members meet 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, pre- for a combined Nov/Dec meeting. 10520 NE Halsey, Portland, for the 19, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 9858, ext. 124. ceded by a 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14. union office building, 91237 Old Mill Town Rd., West- Meetings are at the CWA Office, 2950 SE Stark, Port- annual Christmas meeting. NE Halsey, Portland. port. land. UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 CARPENTERS Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, United Steelworkers L&E Electrical Workers 48 Retired Carpenters meet for lunch LINOLEUM LAYERS 1236 Dec. 21, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., General Membership Holiday Meeting & Party meets The December United Steelworkers L&E Committee 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Holiday Inn at the Air- 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at JJ Retirees meet 11:30 a.m. Friday, Portland. meeting for District 12 is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. port, Columbia Conference Center Bldg. North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 NE Dec. 8, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, at the United Paperworkers International Union Hall in Halsey, Ore. This is the blue corrugated building on the Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 6 Halsey, Portland. 10520 NE Halsey, Portland. & Jan. 3. South end of Halsey on the West side of Hwy. 99E. Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27. Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, in

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006 Carpenters organizer faces prison, deportation By DON McINTOSH But he was determined to stay. ter, Alexis. A son, Dante, followed Associate Editor Every day he made a point to con- four years later. In a case that has brought immi- verse in English with someone, and By then, Cobián had become an gration controversy to the heart of a every night he locked himself in his active union supporter. When a call local union, a Portland-area labor or- room for two hours reading English came for Spanish-speaking organiz- ganizer is facing prison and deporta- books, listening to English audio- ers in 2001, he responded. The union tion, stemming from the fact that he tapes, and watching English language had decided to try to unionize the was in the United States illegally. television. Within a few years, he was mostly-immigrant nonunion workers José Alfredo Cobián, 36, known to a fluent English speaker. flooding the construction industry. local union members as Jose Luis Missing his family, he went home Cobián, fully bilingual and by all ac- Mendoza, or simply Luis, spent the and came back again in 1994, cross- counts gutsy and hard-working, was last five years working for the Pacific ing the border clandestinely. a natural fit. Northwest Regional Council of Car- Then in 1996, visiting family in He helped construction workers penters. Compton, California, he says he met press pay claims, and held nonunion As an organizer, Cobián visited some men on the street who offered contractors to account. He was part of non-union construction sites to tout to sell him a valid U.S. birth certifi- a drive to organize general contractor the benefits of joining the union — cate and Social Security number for Swinerton of Oregon, and he helped and fight for the rights of non-union $800. It would mean fewer hardships campaign against Sideco in the resi- workers when their employers broke finding work — employers would dential sector and drywall contractors labor and safety laws or failed to pay have the documentation they were Ron Rust and Ramon Tapia. When wages. seeking, and wouldn’t have to risk the Carpenters Union took a stand in Many of the workers on whose be- breaking the law to hire him. favor of federal immigration reform, half he advocated were illegal immi- The name on the birth certificate Cobián became an activist, speaking grants. was Jose Luis Mendoza. Mendoza at immigration rallies and even at a “He was fighting for people in the had been born a year after Cobián, in press conference outside the Portland same situation as him, and we didn’t Willows, California, and had died at immigration office. realize it,” said Pete Savage, regional the age of four, without obtaining a Meanwhile Cobián had saved his manager of the Pacific Northwest Re- Social Security number. pennies, and in 2002 was able to real- gional Council of Carpenters. “He To make it work, Cobián would ize his lifelong goal of buying a home was taking a great risk.” have to take on a new name, and forge — a tidy ranch house in Molalla, a Cobián says his journey began at a new identity. Now that he had pa- Portland suburb in Clackamas the age of 19, when he left his native pers, he could put his skills to work County. Colima, Mexico, and made his way to on the union side, and he joined Car- Lucio stayed home to care for the the Portland area. He found under- penters Local 2154 in March 1997. kids. Alexis enrolled in Mulino Ele- the-table work doing carpentry for Later that year, while taking com- mentary School. construction contractors, putting up puter classes at Clackamas Commu- Despite a rough start, it seemed new houses in suburban develop- nity College, he met Maria de Rosario Cobián, as Mendoza, had achieved ments. Once, he returned from lunch Lucio, a native of Tampico, Mexico. the American dream. Carpenters organizer Jose Cobián (aka José Luis Mendoza) awaits to find that most of his co-workers Lucio was in the country legally, vis- It was all about to unravel. deportation and a prison term on immigration-related charges. Cobián had been arrested in an immigration iting relatives in the United States. and his wife Maria de Rosario Lucio, both 36, are Mexican nationals, raid. They soon married, and had a daugh- (Turn to Page 8) while their U.S. born daughter Alexis, 8, and son Dante, 4, are U.S. citizens.

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NOVEMBER 17, 2006 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 … Law catches up to union rep Local Motion (From Page 7) 20 years later? He had lived in fear of the visit. By late 2004, it had been 10 years On July 27, 2006, Cobián got a Now, in a way, it was a relief to have October 2006 since Cobián had seen his mother. He house visit from two employees of the it over with. Union election activity in Oregon and SW Washington, wanted to go home to visit his family Department of State, the agency that A month passed. He called the in Colima — a medium-sized city according to the National Labor Relations Board handles passport violations. He knew agents on the cell phone numbers 300 miles west of Mexico City. why they were there, and invited them they’d given him, to inquire about the and the Oregon Employment Relations Board Would a birth certificate be enough to in, admitting what he’d done. status of his case. get him back into the United States Then they left, and he waited. He On Sept. 8, the answer came: a legally? He wasn’t sure, and decided wanted to know what to expect. telephone call from the authorities on Elections held in January 2005 to use his false docu- Cobián is mystified by the process. his union cell phone. Would he be at Results: ments to apply for a U.S. passport. A Why would the government let him home later? They wanted to refund Company Union No passport was issued, and he flew to know they knew, and then leave him his passport application fee, in person, Date Union Location Union Colima, returning to the United States be? Did they want him to run? he was told. Cobián knew the jig was in December. But the road is no place to raise a up. Cove School District ICE, as the INS is now known, family, and if he ran, he’d lose all that Lucio cried when she heard the 10/3 OSEA Cove 51 stands for Immigration and Customs he’d put into their home. news. Enforcement. ICE won’t reveal how He decided to stay: The time had “I didn’t want my kids to see me Canteen Vending Services it gets information, but a government come to face the music. arrested,” Cobián said. “So I sent 10/18 Teamsters Local 223 Vancouver 33 9 spokesperson told the NW Labor “I always knew it was a risk,” Co- them to a cousin’s house and waited Press that Cobián’s false identity was bián said. “I made a mistake. I lied. I at home alone.” exposed in a routine check of death have to pay the price.” (Turn to Page 12) records, which may have been Elections requested prompted by his use of the passport on return from Mexico. If Luis Men- Company Location doza had died in 1975, the federal Call Union # of employees government wanted to know, how had 503-288-3311 he acquired such a solid work record Lifeline Connections (a detox facility) Vancouver Teamsters Local 58 16 Subscribe for only $7.20 a year!! Camas Valley School District (classified employees) Camas Valley Receive 24 issues of the latest labor news and views Oregon School Employees Association 5 from Oregon and Southwest Washington. Beaverton Quarry 8” Maryville Nursing Home Safety toe or reg. Union Group rate is $7.20 a year for 50 or more subscriptions Service Employees International Union Local 503 150 Gortex/Vibram. Black Pacific Specialty Health Care (nursing home) Vancouver Try a pair on, you’ll like them. Service Employees International Union Local 775 10 Tough boots for the Northwest. Douglas Electric Cooperative Roseburg AL’S SHOES ramers/metro International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 659 19 5811 SE 82nd, Portland 503-771-2130 Mon-Fri 10-7:30 Sat 10-5:30 Sun 12-6 K mailing service

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PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006 Union stops plan to send worker to India for low-cost surgery The United Steelworkers Union de- services, there can be no doubt that the nounced a shocking new approach that U.S. health care system is in immedi- employers are considering to limit ate need of massive reform,” said PROTECTING UNION MEMBERS’ SMILES AND WALLETS. health care expenses — sending em- Steelworkers General President Leo ployees to low-cost countries overseas Gerard in a letter to Senate and House Orthodontics Available for expensive medical procedures. committees with jurisdiction over Quality, Affordable Family Dental Care Dubbed “medical tourism” by the health care issues. • General, cosmetic, and specialty care media, the idea of outsourcing medical No U.S. citizen should be exposed • Most insurance and union plans accepted care to low-cost countries is finding its to the risks involved in traveling inter- • Easy credit and low monthly payments, O.A.C. way into corporate agendas as a way nationally for health care services, said • Evening and Saturday appointments to cut health care costs. Gerard, who described the willingness • Ask about our Dental Discount Program Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc. of of employers to offer incentives for Grants Pass Portland Canton, N.C., proposed sending one of employees to assume those risks as 1021 NE 6th St. 3580 SE 82nd Ave. Grants Pass, OR 97526 Portland, OR 97266 its employees, a member of the Steel- “frightening.” 541-479-6696 503-777-0761 workers Union, to India for surgery — “The right to safe, secure and de- Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. a move that would have saved the self- pendable health care in one’s own Gresham Salem 443 NW Burnside Road 831 Lancaster Mall Dr. NE insured company tens of thousands of country should not be surrendered for Gresham, OR 97030 Salem, OR 97301 503-492-8487 503-362-8359 dollars. any reason — certainly not to fatten Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. The union, however, intervened and the profit margins of corporate in- Wilsonville Salmon Creek the company withdrew the proposal. vestors,” he added. 25700 SW Argyle Ave. 2101 NE 129th St. Wilsonville, OR 97070 Vancouver, WA 98686 Both sides agreed to work together to “The off-shoring of family and “I CAN GO TO ONE PLACE TO FIX IT ALL?” 503-682-8552 360-574-4574 find an alternative within the United community-supportive jobs is bad Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. Chau Ngo, D.D.S., M.S. Phong Bui, D.M.D. States for the employee, who had vol- enough,” Gerard continued. “Exacer- Klamath Falls Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. 4052 S. 6th St. Stirewalt, P.C. unteered to undergo surgery in India in bating this crisis by attempting to out- Klamath Falls, OR 97603 return for a share of the savings. source health care is not only shame- 541-883-7706 Fisher’s Landing Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. 3250 SE 164th Ave. “With companies now proposing to less; it does nothing to solve the Vancouver, WA 98683 send their own American employees nation’s skyrocketing health care Milwaukie 360-891-1999 17186 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Peter Vu, D.M.D. abroad for less expensive health care costs.” Milwaukie, OR 97267 Chau Ngo, D.D.S. 503-659-2525 Charles Stirewalt, D.D.S. Northwest Dental Associates, P.C. 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NOVEMBER 17, 2006 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 9 Bush puts twice rejected mine Think Again • By Tim Nesbitt executive in federal safety post WASHINGTON, D.C. — President ate confirmation reflects a strong lack Bush named former coal industry exec- of confidence in the president’s choice utive Richard Stickler to head the fed- for this critical position. By continuing Unions helped to turn eral Mine Safety and Health Adminis- to insist on a nominee with a weak tration (MSHA) — a job the U.S. safety record, the White House is play- the tide of Oregon politics Senate twice refused to grant him. ing political games with mine safety. Because Bush couldn’t get his ap- We must not let them win.” That wasn’t a political sneaker Measure 41 (a deceptive tax cut that Second, the political landscape pointment through Congress, he gave Bush’s recess appointment is an af- wave that hit Oregon on Nov. 7 this would have decimated state re- has changed. When anti-govern- Stickler a “recess appointment” while front to all working people, the national year. It was the cresting of a new sources), Measure 45 (term limits) ment Republicans controlled both members of Congress are out of town. AFL-CIO said. tide. and Measure 48 (a spending limit chambers of the legislature, they The Senate sent Stickler’s nomina- It comes in a year that has seen at Think back to 1990, when we last designed to cash out the revenue were able to bypass gubernatorial tion back to the White House twice be- least 39 coal miners killed on the job, saw a sea change of this magnitude dividends of a rebounding econ- vetoes and go straight to the voters cause of his troubling mine safety more than in any full year since 2001. in Oregon politics. Voters approved omy) would have passed in the with proposals that built bulwarks record — the mines he managed from Bush has made more than 120 recess Measure 5 and drove Democrats 1990s. Two of their predecessors against the tide they knew would 1989 to 1996 incurred injury rates dou- appointments since taking office in from power in the State House of did. But, this year, they were eventually turn against them. As a ble the national average. 2000. Many of them have been contro- Representatives. swamped by voters who saw result, we now have a constitution Back in late September after the sec- versial. Four years later, that political tide through their false promises. that requires a three-fifths vote of the ond time the Senate refused to confirm The most recent prior to this was broke through the east wing of the Then there’s the shipwrecked Re- legislature to raise revenues and a Stickler’s nomination, Sen. Robert C. Paul DeCamp, a former attorney for Capitol when Republicans took con- publican candidate for governor two-thirds vote to suspend the cor- Byrd (D-W.Va.) said: Wal-Mart, to head the Wage and Hour trol of the State Senate, and a sena- who outspent his opponent two-to- porate kicker. “We’re again sending a message to Division of the U.S. Department of La- tor from Burns announced, “It’s one but ran aground with a recycled This new landscape puts the gov- the Administration that America’s min- bor. He also appointed three of the five- time to go after the unions.” anti-government agenda which ernor’s proposals for raising corpo- ers deserve better, and we hope that this person National Labor Relations Board That tide never quite reached the promised more tax cuts for the rate taxes beyond the reach of time it will listen. The fact that the nom- while Congress was on break. governor’s office, but it continued to wealthy and more “efficiencies” for strictly partisan votes in the legisla- ination has twice failed to receive Sen- surge through the sluice gates of bal- working people. His campaign be- ture. He’ll have to stay in campaign lot measures in the years that fol- came a ghost ship of old, failed mode year-round, reach out to mod- lowed. One wave of initiatives after ideas. erate Republicans and use the tools another eroded state resources, There are no tide tables in poli- of previous legislatures — going di- BARGAIN COUNTER forced the state to bail out schools tics. Shifts happen, but they are hard rectly to the voters — in order to FREE and almost sank the Oregon Health to predict. Still, the waves of this make our tax system more fair for Free ads to subscribers • 15 words or less Plan. year’s tidal shift in Oregon gained working families and provide the re- • Include address label from front Other initiatives threatened to momentum from a decade-long po- sources we’ll need to fulfill the DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication page and telephone number sweep unions off the political land- litical organizing campaign by a promise of what he calls our “era of Published 1st and 3rd Fridays • Sorry, we cannot accept ads over scape. But our unions fought back fighting union movement. We didn’t great possibilities.” the telephone and began to stem the rising tide at just surf the waves in Oregon this Also, there is danger in getting Send to: • No commercial or business ads the ballot box. year; we helped to create them. ahead of the tide. Progressives rid- NW Labor Press, PO Box 13150, 1 ad per issue By 2002, the tide began to turn. As a result, we have re-estab- ing this year’s blue wave will have • With labor’s help, Ted Kulongoski lished a pro-worker direction for to navigate carefully. There is still Portland, OR 97213 • Type or print legibly retained the governor’s office for state government at a time when our great skepticism about govern- Classified ads MUST include area code on all phone numbers or they will Democrats, who fought back to gain economy is rebounding and state ment’s ability to make life better for not be published a 15-15 tie in the Senate. That was revenues are rising. We are well po- its citizens, especially when it comes also the year that we — Oregon’s sitioned now to reverse the damage to tax reform. union movement — took back the done to our grade schools since the Still, I think this tide has a lot of musical instruments, cash paid. 503 880-8183 ballot from Bill Sizemore. passage of Measure 5 and to jump- staying power. We’ve gone from a Automotive In 2004, Democrats gained con- start our entry into the renewable en- “time to go after the unions” to a ‘91 CHINOOK CONCOURSE, 18 plus MH, com- For the Home trol of the Senate. ergy/alternative fuels economy. But time when unions will be major pletely self-contained, plus all RV hookups, like new, $16,950. 503 246-4144 3 COLONIAL STYLE tables, solid maple, 2 step- Then, last week, they regained we are not going to reverse 16 years players in shaping a progressive MUSTANG 1996 HUBCAPS, new 3, $75 each, end, oval coffee, $175. 503 356-8370 majorities in both chambers of the of erosion in a single election cycle agenda for working families. new wheel, $150. 503 645-2813 Neil or Mary. KIRBY VACUUM, used very little, many attach- legislature under a pro-worker De- — for two reasons. If you were part of Labor ‘98, STUDDED TIRES, 2 P225/75R15 used once, ments, like new, paid over $1,600, sell $800. 503- mocratic governor. And we — Ore- First, we’ve become a state with L2K, Labor 2002, 2004 or 2006 or like new, $30 OBO. 503 257-7390 590-7809 ‘00 FORD 4.0 Ranger muffler and stock exhaust, gon’s union movement — finally low business taxes. Even with an the Defend Oregon coalition this new, $50. 503 761-0003 stopped the waves of anti-govern- improving economy, we won’t have year, congratulations. You helped to ‘99 VOLVO FREIGHT tractor; Detroit, full cabin, Sporting Goods ment and anti-worker ballot meas- the resources to do much of what the turn the tide. Now let’s make sure nice, $20,000 or trade for ?? 503 771-8823 3 ULTRA LIGHTS, 2 single, 1 tandem, partial ures that had pounded the shores of governor wants to do, from expand- that we channel that tide to an ever 77 GMC 1 TON welding rig, low mileage, work kits, 1 experimental, complete w/radio, package Oregon politics for 16 years. ing Head Start to making college af- better Oregon. ready, 200 AMP Lincoln welder, $7,000. 503 708- deal, $8,000. 503 824-3653 8758 12 GAUGE PUMP, 32” full C, Browning paten, Sixteen years is a long time. And fordable for working families, with- $165; 30-30 Win w/case, $225. 503 774-0181 it’s hard not to gloat as we survey out more tax effort from Oregon Tim Nesbitt is a former president WINCHESTER 22 CAL, mdl, 150 lever action; the battered hulks of a spent agenda. businesses. of the Oregon AFL-CIO. surfcasting outfit, rod, reels, tackle; carbide can- Housing non w/ammo. 503 929-0372 OREGON COASTAL living, Tillamook, 1088 sq ‘84 PACE ARROW MH body parts, hood, doors, ft, 2 bed, garage, 1/3 acre, no flood zone, etc. 503 630-4177 $169,000. 503 442-1892 16’ ALUMNA DRIFTER, 15 hp Evinrude, trailer, IRS PROBLEMS? ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 bed, oars, 2 anchor systems, all relayed equipment, Zachary sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, $160 nite. $4,400. 503 674-8693 ‘88 BIGFOOT CAMPER, 9.5’, excellent condi- •Haven’t filed for...years? 503 842-9607 tion, kept under cover, $6,500. 541 746-1928 Zabinsky • Lost records? ROCKAWAY BEACH house, Jacuzzi tub, pet friendly, 3 bd. 503 355-2136 or 503 709-6018 • Social Security •Liens-Levies-Garnishments? • SSI - Disability Claims •Fees are affordable Miscellaneous • Appointments available Wanted Personal Attention To Every Case evenings & weekends OLD WOODWORKING tools, planes, levels, PRESSURE WASHER, telescoping wand, 6’-12’ • Working with union members chisels, folding rulers, handsaws, spoke shaves, length, hot or cold, 3500 psi, used once, $60. 503 Working For Disability Rights for over 20 years slicks, adzes, tool chests. 503 659-0009 669-7668 Since 1983 BOOKS, JONATHAN TROY, any Thoreau older TREASURES OF the past, 1959 M & F Oregon Lewis & Clark plates, four colors, one plate or the NO FEE WITHOUT RECOVERY Call Nancy D. Anderson than 1877. 360 263-8930 or MUNGBEAN2U @YAHOO.COM. set, dif prices. 503 965-6073 621 SW Morrison, Portland Enrolled Agent/Tax Practitioner PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL wants older military rifles, UGLY HEAVY-DUTYx 8 utility trailer, needs paint Smith & Wesson or Colt revolvers, cash paid. 503 job, first $300 takes it. 503 625-2701 503-697-7757 539-0288 PRO-FORM TAILWIND II, dual action electronic 223-8517 MOTORCYCLES, MOPEDS, scooters, trailers, ergometer, $55 OBO. 503 281-0181

PAGE 10 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006 Kentucky River decision Let me say this about that AFL-CIO complains to United Nations ...IWW’s Joe Hill recalled that new supervisor rule violates rights WASHINGTON, D.C. — Claiming professionals and other workers could The AFL-CIO complaint cited ear- (From Page 2) the recent decisions by the National fall under the new definition of super- lier rulings by the ILO’s Committee on from closed sessions that daily newspaper reporters were allowed to attend. He Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in a trio visor, “who by 2012 could number al- Freedom of Association in cases from was on the board for 12 years. of cases destroy workers’ collective most 34 million, accounting for 23.3 other countries involving supervisory Within the labor movement, Allen was appointed as the reading clerk of the power by denying their freedom to form percent of the workforce.” The Repub- status of employees. In those cases, the Multnomah County Labor Council and chaired the Oregon State Federation unions and bargain collectively, the na- lican majority did not follow what Con- committee declared that “the expression of Labor’s Law and Legislation Committee at conventions. (The Oregon AFL- tional AFL-CIO last month filed a gress intended in applying the National ‘supervisors’should be limited to cover CIO was not formed until 1956, five years after Allen had moved on.) complaint with the International Labor Labor Relations Act, Liebman and only those persons who genuinely rep- ALLEN LEFT the Labor Press in 1951 to become secretary and man- Organization (ILO), an arm of the Walsh said: resent the interests of employers,” and ager of the Associated Restaurants of Oregon. He later operated several union- United Nations. “Congress cared about the precise that changing employees’ status to un- ized restaurants. He served for many years as chairman of the Hotel and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney scope of the Act’s definition of ‘super- dermine the membership of workers’ Restaurant and Beverage Employees Health & Welfare Trust Fund and the said the NLRB ruling strips millions of visor,’and so should the Board. Instead, trade unions is contrary to the principle Oregon Hospitality Service Pension Trust Fund. America’s workers of a fundamental the majority’s decision reflects an un- of freedom of association. Active in politics first as a Democrat and later as a Republican, Gene Allen human right recognized all over the fortunate failure to engage in the sort of Although the ILO committee does was elected as a state senator in the Oregon Legislature in 1952 and served one globe — the freedom to bargain collec- reasoned decision-making that Con- not have enforcement power to change four-year term. Later he was appointed to the Multnomah County Civil Ser- tively and have a voice on job. gress expected from the Board, which national labor laws, the AFL-CIO asked vice Commission. Another activity in his career after the Labor Press was The complaint to the ILO’s Com- has the primary responsibility for de- the body to add its “authoritative voice teaching economics at Multnomah College where he also held the office of mittee on Freedom of Association al- veloping and applying national labor and moral weight in the international dean. Another job he held was executive secretary of Downtown Portland Inc. leges the decisions violate the funda- policy.” community” in a push for legislation to HIS LAST occupational pursuit was dealing in real estate and business mental internationally recognized labor In the ILO complaint, the AFL-CIO restore the traditional, more balanced test opportunities. He died in 1991 at age 76. rights of freedom to form and join said the Board’s ruling violates ILO for supervisory status, limiting it to gen- Allen’s successor as Labor Press editor was James W. Goodsell. unions and engage in collective bar- standards specifying that all workers uine supervisors and managers. gaining. “without distinction whatsoever” have The federation also asked the ### In the Oct. 3 ruling, the Bush-ap- the right to freedom of association, in- Geneva, Switzerland-based committee LABOR MARTYR Joe Hill’s execution by a State of Utah firing squad pointed majority on the NLRB broad- cluding the right to join a union and bar- to send a special delegation to the took place on Nov. 19, 1915 — 91 years ago. Hill, an organizer and trouba- ened the definition of supervisor, open- gain collectively. All ILO member United States to investigate the effects dour for the Industrial Workers of the ing the door for workers, including countries, including the United States, of the NLRB’s decision. World (IWW), was shot to death be- nurses, building trades workers, news- are bound to respect these principles. cause he’d been convicted of murder paper and television employees and in the case of a Salt Lake City grocer others to be barred from joining unions. and his son who were killed by gun- The 3-2 party-line vote gave employers fire in a night-time robbery on Jan. the ability to transform workers with 10, 1914. The crime was said to have sporadic oversight over co-workers into BENNETT HARTMAN been committed by two men whose “supervisors” even when they lack gen- faces were covered by red kerchiefs. uine managerial or supervisory author- MORRIS & KAPLAN, LLP A fired handgun was found by the ity, the AFL-CIO said. son’s body, causing police to think he In their dissent, NLRB members Attorneys at Law had wounded one or both of the rob- Wilma Liebman and Dennis Walsh said bers. The storekeeper was a former the decision “threatens to create a new policeman who had voiced fear that class of workers under federal labor law someone he’d once arrested might — workers who have neither the genuine one day seek revenge. prerogatives of management, nor the Representing Unions and Workers Since 1960 HILL WAS ARRESTED and statutory rights of ordinary employees.” charged with the crime after a doctor Liebman and Walsh wrote that most JOE HILL told police he had treated him for a bullet wound the night of the shoot- ings. Hill’s alibi was that he’d been shot by a man in a dispute over a woman, but he refused to identify either of NOLC picks SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH CASES them. To avoid involving his union, known as the Wobblies, Hill told police his • CONSTRUCTION INJURIES name was Joseph Hillstrom. That was a name he’d used in an attempt to hood- winners wink an employer blacklist of Wobblies. Bosses in the West, where the IWW Most of the candidates and ballot • AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS was strong, thought they could starve out the militant IWW if they could deny measures endorsed by the Northwest them employment. Joe later adopted the name Joe Hill and it was under that Oregon Labor Council won on Nov. • MEDICAL, DENTAL AND LEGAL MALPRACTICE name that he became known for his singing of songs he’d written and ac- 7. The labor-backed Portland Public companying his singing with his guitar playing. Joe’s real name was Joel Hag- School Levy, Measure 26-84, passed • UNSAFE PRODUCTS glund, given him by his Swedish parents when he was born in the Scandina- easily, and a bond levy for the Hills- vian country on Oct. 7, 1879. He had left home for life in the United States in boro School District also was ap- • BICYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS 1902. proved. • PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS JOE’S NAME RUSE was discovered by a Salt Lake newspaper, which re- Cheryl Albrecht was elected Cir- sulted in attracting worldwide attention to his trial. A labor historian wrote: cuit Court judge for Position 31; Lynn • PREMISES LIABILITY (INJURIES ON PROPERTY) “Despite the flimsy evidence, a hostile judge, a vengeful prosecutor and an en- Peterson was elected Clackamas flamed press succeeded in securing a conviction.” County commissioner in a three-per- • WORKERS’COMPENSATION INJURIES Worldwide protests criticized the trial’s outcome and the subsequent death son race; Dick Strathern was elected sentence. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, the Swedish government, AFL to the Gresham City Council; and President Sam Gompers and many others sent protesting telegrams and letters Kathryn Harrington was tapped for to Utah’s anti-union Republican governor. But he didn’t budge. Metro councilor in District 4. “DON’T WASTE any time mourning. Organize!” was Joe Hill’s message 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650, The only NOLC-endorsed candi- to his IWW colleagues. Displaying his sense of humor, Hill wrote to IWW Portland, Oregon 97204 leader “Big Bill” Haywood to ask that he arrange for his body to be moved date to lose was Mary Overgaard, from Utah to neighboring Wyoming “because I don’t want to be caught dead who placed second in a nine-person 503 227-4600 in Utah.” race for Circuit Judge in Position 28. www.bennetthartman.com The IWW shipped Hill’s body to Chicago, site of the union’s headquar- Winner Judith Hudson Matarazzo ters,where 30,000 mourners attended his funeral. His ashes were later scat- captured 21.48 percent of the vote to tered in every state but Utah. Overgaard’s 20.71, in unofficial re- turns. (Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555)

NOVEMBER 17, 2006 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 11 … Case brings home immigrant predicament (From Page 8) out in Congress earlier this year, the the expected prison term. And what Cobián said he’s always worked, withdrawal card from his union, and At 7 p.m., several vehicles pulled Carpenters Union was among a num- weighs heaviest, he says, is the likeli- and is already making plans for what doesn’t know whether or when he’ll up, and eight agents from at least four ber of unions that took a position sup- hood of reduced life chances for his to do upon return. He would like to be able to return to the Carpenters. agencies, in bullet-proof vests with porting a “path to citizenship” and full children — education and economic apply his union organizing skills in But he says he’ll never forget his time badges, got out — ICE, Department civil rights for law-abiding immi- opportunity. Because they were born his native land, he said, but he’s put in the union, or the help they gave of State, Social Security, and federal grants who are already working here. in the United States, Alexis and Dante off by the rampant corruption of the when he needed it most. marshals. That stand provoked some contro- are citizens, but with their father fac- traditional Mexican unions and the “The union is, truly, a brother- They searched the house, and took versy within the labor movement, and ing deportation and their mother’s le- long odds faced by more independent hood,” Cobián said. “You don’t know Cobián to an office, interrogated him was the subject of heated debates in gal residency consequently revoked, unions. it until you’re living it.” there for several hours, then placed local union halls. But Cobián’s case they’ll be starting over in Mexico. “Here you hold pickets,” Cobián him under arrest. has shifted the views of some local Cobián is trying to sell his house. said. “There you hold machetes.” Supporters have set up a fund to He was held at the downtown Port- Carpenters, including Savage. To prep it for sale, a crew of a dozen So instead, Cobián said he hopes help “Luis Mendoza” and his family. land Justice Center over the weekend, “Right-wing radio talks about all union workers from several trades to work as a translator, or apply his Contributions can be made at any US and indicted Sept. 11 on three felony of them coming here, mooching off came out to help him paint and land- construction skills in one of Mexico’s Bank branch or mailed to U.S. Bank, charges: making a false statement on government services, their kids going scape. But Cobián has been up front growth industries — building retire- 636 SE Grand Ave., Portland OR a passport application, using someone to school for free,” Savage says. “The about his status, and no real estate ment communities for American pen- 97214. Checks should be made out to else’s birth certificate to obtain a So- reality is he’s paid into 15 years of So- agent has been willing to represent sioners. the Luis Mendoza Solidarity Fund. cial Security number, and making cial Security he’ll never see. And we him so far. Cobián, or Mendoza, obtained a false statements on a 2004 immigra- don’t even know if we’ll be legally tion petition to allow his wife to re- able to give him his pension. He’s not main in the country. about mooching. He’s a hard-work- Cobián spent the next two weeks ing guy.” at Multnomah County Inverness Jail. Carpenters contacted for this story His arrest hit co-workers hard. described “Luis” as a quiet pillar of “We were all shocked,” said Sav- strength, a courageous and dedicated age. “It was like, ‘Luis has been ar- organizer, a stand-up guy who never rested. What do we do?’ ” shirked any task, a union true-believer Co-workers in Portland and Seattle who could always be counted on, part Cancer caused by asbestos exposure knew he had a family to support. of the fabric of his community. In They reached into their pockets. It short, a model citizen. Except he’s not was enough to pay the family’s bills, a citizen. but not enough to pay for an attorney. “This is a great country,” Cobián • Shipyards* • Construction Cobián was assigned public de- said. “In my heart,” he adds, “I am an • Refineries • Home Remodel fender Thomas J. Hester, who worked American.” out a deal. He pled guilty to the pass- In the eyes of the law, on the other • Steel and Paper Mills • Brake Repair port charge, on the assurance the gov- hand, Cobián is an illegal alien, sub- ernment would drop the other two ject to removal. • Powerhouses • Railroads charges, and was released Sept. 28 on As of press time, Cobián’s sen- bond to await his sentencing hearing, tencing hearing was set for Dec. 21 at scheduled for Dec. 21. 2 p.m. That date could change. *32% of 3,000 Americans diagnosed every year It’s a three-month limbo: Cobián is The passport charge carries a not allowed to leave Oregon, but he’s penalty of up to 10 years imprison- with Mesothelioma were exposed during also not allowed to work, and he has ment and a fine of up to $250,000. Navy service or working in Navy shipyards. kids to feed. But since Cobián has a clean record Union co-workers began deliver- and no prior deportations, federal sen- Find out more by calling: ing boxes of food; individuals set up tencing guidelines call for a prison direct deposit donations that now total sentence of six to 12 months. After- $450 a week. ward, he faces an ICE administrative “It’s pretty tough for me to even proceeding on deportation. accept donations,” Cobián said, “I am going to be deported,” Co- “coming from a country where men bián said. “I’m going to be going For information on treatment options, settlements and verdicts, are supposed to be the sole provider. back to my country.” asbestos products and patient profiles, please visit www.mesothel.com But in the end you have to show hu- Cobián admits to mixed emotions mility.” about the situation. On the one hand, As many as 12 million illegal im- he’s relieved at coming clean about migrants are believed to be living in the deception, using his real name the United States, and illegal immi- again, and the prospect of living in the grants make up an estimated 5 percent same city as his mother and three of the U.S. workforce. When the de- younger brothers and sisters. He’s re- bate over immigration reform broke signed to deportation but dreads be- ing separated from his family during

Since 2000, Roger G. Worthington, P.C. has donated over $2,500,000 towards medical research into finding a cure for mesothelioma. See: www.phlbi.org Offices in Los Angeles, Orange County and Dallas, Texas. Lawyers licensed in California, Oregon and Texas.

PAGE 12 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 17, 2006