INSIDEUSW@WORK Putting Workers in Danger fraction of U.S. citizen wage and benefit expecta- INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD tions. We stand without apology for the principle of China can make and sell products cheaper by Leo W. Gerard putting its workers in danger. We need a bigger economic pie, not a bigger International President paying people well … That is both morally right, and we Look at the photograph at the bottom of page piece of the remaining economic pie that is shrink- believe the right way to organize an economy. ing daily. The U.S. government is selling title to Stan Johnson “ 18 in the spring issue of USW@Work. The man has everything of value in our country to foreign manu- Int’l. Secretary-Treasurer Ron Bloom no face protection, no eye protection, does have former assistant to the USW International President, in a 2008 speech to a Campaign for America’s Future gloves, but they are short and badly worn. facturers and their governments. The U.S. govern- Thomas M. Conway conference. Bloom now heads the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry. (see ”page 30) He looks bone tired. He is an accident waiting ment is calling this “Investing in America.” Int’l. Vice President to happen. Why? Gerald Spencer (Administration) No one represents him or cares about his safety Houston, Texas Fred Redmond and welfare, and no one makes sure he is paid Int’l. Vice President fairly or that he works a reasonable shift. He is (Human Affairs) obviously not a member of the United Steelworkers Make It in America union. If he tried to organize a union, he would be Jobs and quality are two good reasons why Ken Neumann in prison. North American-made products should be used in Nat’l. Dir. for Canada 04 06 our own bridge, highway and other infrastructure Jane C. Donnelly, Associate Member projects. Carol Landry Make it Here Fighting the Wave Fletcher, N.C. One good example of this is the $6.3 billion Vice President at Large As the economy continues to sputter, The USW stands up for tire industry reconstruction of the San Francisco Oakland Bay more people are beginning to realize workers whose jobs are jeopardized by Jon Geenen Bridge, now delayed by welding problems at a that manufacturing matters to the United a wave of cheap Chinese imports. China’s Aluminum Industry Int’l. Vice President China-based steel fabricator. States and Canada. I just finished reading the article on China’s steel industry and the pollution they cause as It was bad enough that California circumvented Gary Beevers Buy American requirements to purchase fabricated Int’l. Vice President well as how much they produce. I have worked at an aluminum smelter for the past 33 years and steel bridge parts from the Zenhau Port Machine James H. Dunn have heard many stories about China’s aluminum Co. of Shanghai. Associate Secretary-Treasurer industry and similar statistics on production and Now welding problems have halted delivery pollution in their aluminum smelters. (I once heard from Shanghai of the Chinese-made steel ordered Ron Hoover to reconstruct the bridge’s eastern span, which col- Exec. Vice President (R/PIC) that the average life expectancy of an aluminum 12 20 worker in China was only 45 years because of the lapsed in a 1989 earthquake. Lewis Peacock Safety Matters Keep Up the Pressure unhealthy work environment.) In fact, our plant The welding problems were first discovered last Vice President (Organizing) A pilot safety training program in Dis- USW activists continue to press for the is shutting down partly because we can no longer year, and executives said they had been corrected. trict 2 honors the life of USW member Employee Free Choice Act as potential compete with places like China. Now the problems seem to be more serious than James K. Phillips, Jr. originally thought. Kevin Wilson, who was killed at work compromises are discussed in Wash- Tom Wiley, Local 320 Vice President at Large two years ago. ington, D.C. Once again safety has become an issue with Columbia Falls, Mont. products from China. Everything from tires to toxic

DIRECTORS FEATURES ON THE COVER toys to toothpaste produced in China has been subject to recalls. David R. McCall, District 1 Speaking Out 03 Labor Day illustration by Daniel Marsula Union Made is Hard to Find This issue is particularly relevant to Local 6966 CAPITOL LETTERS 18 I’ll try to keep this letter short, but it will be Michael Bolton, District 2 at PDM Strocal Inc. here in California. We have News Bytes 32 hard. I’ve been a union member for over 40 years, Stephen Hunt, District 3 and I used to buy union-made clothing, cars and skilled workers experienced in bridge welding who are now laid off. William J. Pienta, District 4 whatever. But it now is hard to find American- made goods, let alone union made. Why are we importing faulty products to repair Daniel Roy, District 5 an earthquake-damaged bridge span when our Wayne Fraser, District 6 Ron Boileau, Local 1279, retired domestic steel industry is running at 40 percent of Larsen, Wis. Jim Robinson, District 7 capacity and thousands of our own steelworkers are Volume 04/No.3 Summer 2009 out of work? USW active and retired Ernest R. “Billy” Thompson, District 8 members and their C ommunications S taff : Official publication of the United Steelworkers Recreate Manufacturing Industries Jesus Modesto, Local 6966, President Daniel Flippo, District 9 families are invited to Jim McKay, Editor Direct inquiries and articles for USW@Work to: The USA needs to withdraw from all interna- Stockton, Calif. John DeFazio, District 10 Wayne Ranick, Director of Communications United Steelworkers Communications Department tional trade treaties and place a high import duty “speak out” on these Gary Hubbard, Director of Public Affairs, Washington, D.C. Five Gateway Center pages. Letters should be Robert Bratulich, District 11 tariff on all imported products in order to re-create Aaron Hudson and Kenny Carlisle, Designers Pittsburgh, PA 15222 the manufacturing industries and the jobs that these short and to the point. Robert LaVenture, District 12 Lynne Baker, Kelly Barr, Jim Coleman, Deb Davidek, phone 412-562-2400 trade treaties and our government destroyed over We reserve the right to Gerald Dickey, Connie Mabin, Tony Montana, fax 412-562-2445 J.M. “Mickey” Breaux, District 13 edit for length. Scott Weaver, Barbara White Stack online: www.usw.org the last few decades. Yes, everything will cost the consumer more. Mail to: CO-DIRECTORS Both political parties and the U.S. govern- USW@Work (ISSN 1931-6658) is published four times a year by the United Steelworkers AFL-CIO•CLC Five Gateway Center, Pittsburgh, ment have allowed and may have encouraged U.S. USW@Work Gerald P. Johnston, District 1 PA 15222. Subscriptions to non-members: $12 for one year; $20 for two years. Periodicals postage paid at Pittsburgh, PA and additional Five Gateway Center, mailing offices. importing companies, U.S. manufacturing corpo- Lloyd Walters, District 9 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: USW@Work, USW Membership Department, 3340 Perimeter Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 rations, Wall Street financial geniuses, business Pittsburgh PA 15222 or e-mail: Kenneth O. Test Copyright 2009 by United Steelworkers, AFL-CIO•CLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the manipulators, and others to outsource U.S. jobs written consent of the United Steelworkers. to foreign countries where labor costs are a small [email protected]

2 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 3 St. Louis Rally USW Photo by Scott Weaver

President Obama recently said, “The Moody’s Economy.com fight for American manufacturing is the founder and chief economist Mark Zandi, fight for America’s future.” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and He couldn’t have been more right. InterMedia Partners managing partner Every manufacturing job creates five Leo Hindery have also said a policy more jobs. That’s compared to just one that supports domestic manufacturing is job created for every service sector job needed. such as those in retail and restaurants. The auto sector alone is responsible Get involved for 7.2 million jobs in the United States As the call for investment in domestic – from teachers and small-business manufacturing heats up, it’s important owners to first responders and health care for USW members to remain leaders on workers. the issue. Talk about it outside the union In the United States and Canada, do- hall. Attend meetings with neighborhood mestic manufacturing provides a secure groups. Talk about manufacturing and tax-base that helps communities fund our campaign with your church, school health care for children and the elderly, or civic organizations. Work with local maintenance, schools and emergency officials and elected leaders, encouraging services. them to not only pass and implement our So it’s no wonder that the loss of Buy America resolution, but to put pres- more than 5 million manufacturing jobs sure on officials in every level of govern- since 2000 in the United States and mil- ment to make manufacturing a priority. lions more in Canada has devastated our Manufacturing isn’t an isolated issue economies as shaky financial bubbles and you shouldn’t talk about it that way. burst. For example, as we move towards a greener economy and energy, talk about Industrial policy needed why it’s important to make sure the wind Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson turbines, solar panels and other items wrote in a June 2009 column that needed are made locally. As the health revitalizing the auto industry and other care reform debate intensifies, be sure to manufacturing is a transition that “will talk about how providing coverage for require planning, an industrial policy and every American helps lower business government commitment.” costs and gives U.S. workers a more Jackson isn’t the only big name call- level playing field in the global market, ing for an industrial policy that helps which will encourage more investment in level the playing field for U.S. workers, domestic industries. who are among the most productive and Use this as an opportunity to talk his summer’s 11-city, four-day revitalize manufacturing and 75 percent than 500 pro-domestic manufacturing Web. Rebuilding the middle class is a efficient in the world working in some about key issues: How we need to push “Keep It Made in America” said they would support government in- resolutions passed nationwide, and in civil rights issue, a community issue, a of the most modern plants with the best, for fair trade, changes to tax laws, and bus tour made one thing crystal centives and financial support to increase May we co-sponsored the auto bus tour political issue, an education issue, a fam- high-tech equipment. General Electric penalties for countries like China that clear: Americans – no matter domestic manufacturing. and Washington, D.C., teach-in with ily issue and together we can achieve the Chief Executive Jeffrey Immelt and Ford manipulate currency to give themselves T change we need.” Motor Co. CEO Bill Ford Jr. have both an unfair edge when competing against what they do, where they live or whom “As the days pass, support grows for the Alliance for American Manufactur- they vote for – understand the importance manufacturing and the good, family- and ing. Now, we’re taking our campaign Similarly in Canada, our Ontario called for policies that renew American North American manufacturers. Our of manufacturing to their families and community-sustaining jobs they provide. to save jobs to the next level, using our Drive to Work [DRV2WK] caravan for manufacturing. workers are the most productive, effi- communities. Across North America, people realize thousands of activists and tapping into jobs showed there was grass-roots cient in the world and our As the economy continues to sputter, that the Wall Street and Bay Street Ponzi the growing network of manufacturing commitment for manufacturing businesses can compete joblessness continues to grow, budget schemes of the past will not support a supporters to help spread the message jobs as the basis of strong com- while providing good jobs deficits rise and the middle class contin- strong economy and they want a stable even further. munities. The USW has been at at home – when everyone ues to suffer, more people are beginning future for them, their children and their “We’re talking to audiences that may the forefront of the fight for greater plays by the rules. to realize that manufacturing matters to grandchildren,” said International Presi- not be as familiar with the topic but who Canadian stimulus spending, do- Visit the USW’s econo- the United States and Canada. dent Leo W. Gerard. understand the need for good jobs and mestic content requirements for all public “The industrial base is eroding and my renewal Web page, www.makeourfu- In a recent survey of 600 randomly- strong communities,” said International procurement, and the enforcement of prosperous nations don’t let their indus- turework.org, for more information and chosen voters in key congressional dis- Fighting in USA, Canada Vice President Tom Conway. corporate foreign investment agreements. tries erode,” Ford said during the Na- tips on how you can get involved, and for tricts conducted by the USW, 90 percent This is nothing new for the USW. “We’re talking about the importance And we have been fighting for a tional Summit in Detroit. “Government, the latest on what your union is doing to of the respondents said manufacturing Our “Make Our Future Work” economic of manufacturing with churches, youth Buy Canada policy from the Canadian industry and academia all have to be help save manufacturing, your jobs and was very important to the success of the education program kicked off in January, organizations, health care reform ad- government that would eventually allow on the same page. Too many times they your future. Work with your local union American economy, 91 percent said the our “Buy America” resolution campaign vocates, public officials, educators and the United States and Canada to develop throw bombs at each other rather than officers and staff. Let us know what United States should have a plan to that began in March has resulted in more others. We’re hitting the streets and the a Buy North American policy. working together.” you’ve tried and how it has worked.

4 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 5 bold push by the United Steelworkers “Despite our members making pain- data presented to it, the ITC has already sector is reeling from the recession and to save domestic tire industry jobs from ful concessions and the union bargaining found market disruption occurred. the restructuring of the domestic auto a wave of cheap Chinese imports is a hard to make sure our plants received the Congress approved Section 421 of the industry. Achance for President Obama to chart a capital investments to stay on the cutting trade law to ensure that rapidly increas- When the ITC finds market disruption new course for U.S. trade policy. edge of technology and innovation, with- ing imports from China did not result in to a domestic industry and its workers, Obama has until Sept. 17 to act on a U.S. out strong remedies from the president, market disruption, and, if such disruption as happened here, U.S. laws require International Trade Commission (ITC) recom- our work will be for naught and the occurred as it has in the tire industry, a the agency to recommend a remedy to mendation that he impose punitive duties of up to opportunity to build a stronger domestic rapid remedy would be available. address the disruption. The President 55 percent on Chinese tires that have disrupted the industry will be lost,” Conway said. China agreed to this temporary then has the discretion to decide whether U.S. market and destroyed thousands of good- Although the USW filed the trade country-specific safeguard as part of to implement temporary “safeguards” paying production jobs. case without corporate co-signers, every bilateral trade negotiations that led to its against the Chinese imported product. In filing the case, one of the most important U.S. tire company complied with the joining the World Trade Organization The USW initially asked the ITC to trade actions ever taken against China, the USW ITC’s request’s for data. (WTO) in 2001. recommend that Obama cut Chinese tire alone stood up for tire industry workers whose The data revealed that many of the Former President George W. Bush imports in half through market caps. The jobs are on the line because of rogue trading prac- well-known domestic brands have them- routinely ignored the interests of U.S. ITC instead voted 4-2 in favor of charg- tices. selves opened factories in China, where workers when confronted with similar ing additional duties on the imports. And the ITC agreed with the USW’s posi- they source one out of six tires they sell decisions. The ITC four times recom- Even though the decision called for tion. In a 4-2 vote, the agency recommended in the United States. mended that Bush impose tariffs or tariffs instead of caps, Gerard called the that Obama adopt a three-year tariff on Chinese It is another unmistakable example quotas on products unfairly surging into ITC’s remedy vote a great victory for the imports of consumer tires, starting at 55 percent that the interests of multinational com- our market from China. Each time, Bush USW, its members and for all U.S. tire the first year, 45 percent the second year and 35 panies are no longer in sync with the rejected relief for domestic industries and workers. percent the third. interests of American workers and their workers. “The tariffs voted by the commission- “Our domestic industries cannot survive unless communities. Gerard is optimistic that Obama will ers should remedy the market disruptive our government enforces the trade laws that are support the ITC’s recommendation for surge in Chinese tire imports that have designed to curb and dissuade anti-competitive Tests Obama’s campaign pledge tariffs even though that recommendation caused harm to the domestic industry,” practices that cause market disruptions,’’ said The case, initiated by the USW last is not binding. he said. International President Leo W. Gerard. April under Section 421 of the Trade “It is time for the promise of enforc- Economic analysis done by the USW The USW represents about 15,000 tire workers Act of 1974, is widely seen as a test of ing U.S. trade laws to be fulfilled,’’ he and the ITC shows that the proposed tar- at 13 plants in nine states, accounting for roughly Obama’s campaign pledge to strongly en- said. iffs will have significant beneficial effects half of the industry’s production capacity last year. force U.S. trade law and crack down on The case has implications beyond for the domestic industry. In its petition, the USW claimed that imports China’s unfair trade practices. the tire industry. It is a centerpiece of the “We applaud the commission’s deci- of consumer tires from China increased from 2004 Relief may be granted under Sec- USW’s drive for tougher enforcement of sion and look forward to working with to 2008 by 215 percent in volume and 295 percent tion 421 if a surge of imported products trade laws by the new administration and the Obama administration to see that it is by value. causes or threatens to cause market dis- comes at a time when the manufacturing fully implemented,’’ Conway said. In 2008 China exported nearly 46 million con- ruption to domestic producers. Based on sumer tires with a value of more than $1.7 billion to the United States, making it the largest source of consumer tire imports. group of 11 Democrat and Republican senators are calling work force so desperately need to bring back its capacity and While Chinese exports were rising, domestic on President Barack Obama to adopt the recommendations work force,” the senators wrote. They added that the Section production and jobs were declining. During the A of the U.S. International Trade Commission to impose safe- 421 case is also “an important step in regaining the public’s surge period domestic production of consumer guard tariffs on Chinese passenger and light truck tires. confidence in trade liberalization.” tires declined by more than 25 percent. In a letter to the president, nine Democrats and two Repub- The group was led by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.). The Nearly 5,100 U.S. tire workers lost their jobs licans argued that the safeguard recommendations would allow letter was also signed by Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), Sher- during the period covered by the complaint as a re- the U.S. industry to recover without imposing any significant rod Brown (D-Ohio), Robert Casey (D-Pa.), Kirsten Gillibrand sult of the massive erosion in domestic production. cost on consumers. (D-N.Y.), Kay Hagen (D-N.C.), Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), Debbie Another 3,000 more jobs could be lost by year’s “We firmly agree that adopting the ITC’s recommended Stabenow (D-Mich.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Richard Burr (R- end as three plants are under threat of closure. relief would provide the breathing room the industry and its N.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Workers getting crushed “The data makes clear that American workers are getting crushed by a surge in imports from pas- senger car and light-truck tires from China,’’ U.S. group of six U.S. tire importers – including two major pri- General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. also lobbied Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) told the ITC at a Avate branders – have joined forces to ally themselves with President Obama to exempt tires for new cars from proposed June hearing attended by 10 members of Congress China and battle efforts by the United Steelworkers to limit the tariffs on Chinese imports, a request International President Leo who supported the USW’s position. importation of Chinese-made passenger tires. W. Gerard called offensive. International Vice President Tom Conway, The group, which calls itself the American Coalition for Gerard said that Chinese tire imports put U.S. union jobs chairman of the USW’s bargaining committee at Free Trade in Tires, includes Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. and at risk, and auto companies that received billions of dollars in Goodyear, said the company has warned since Del-Nat Corp., as well as importers American Omni Trading government aid shouldn’t be intervening. “I find it offensive 2003 that low-cost imports were threatening its Co., Dunlap & Kyle Co. Inc., Orteck Global Supply & Distri- that the U.S. automakers, which just had their industry saved, operations in North America. bution Co. and Foreign Tire Sales Inc. are speaking against us,” Gerard said.

6 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 7 embers of USW Local 8-675 any standard because everybody got some- at MeadWestvaco (MWV) in thing,” said Franklin Tucker, an employee Covington, Va., negotiated in the oiler department. Mindustry-leading wage and The Covington local had been working benefit increases in a new contract that under its previous agreement, which ex- ur union is fighting to keep an fuel mixed in. The tax credit is refund- encourage the use of biofuels. The tax “Repeal isn’t a solution,” Geenen reflects the growing clout of the union’s pired December 2006. Prior to the restart alternative fuel mixture tax able, so companies without a tax liabil- break has caused mills to increase their said. “We believe the paper industry multi-plant MWV Council. of talks in June, negotiations were last held credit in place for the paper ity can receive direct payments from the generation of biomass-based electricity has significant expertise that could The six-year agreement raises the bar in August 2007. industry to create new jobs, federal government. and provides an incentive in the future jump start development of the sec- for the paper industry and should leave International Vice President Jon Geen- O ond generation of biofuels. We think maintain existing ones and increase the The IRS ruled the paper industry to do so, just as the law intended. no doubt that the USW is the union best en, who directs the union’s paper industry use of renewable fuel. could take the tax credit because it uses “This tax credit is encouraging the tax credit is playing a large role suited to represent the 900 hourly U.S. Senators Max Baucus (D- a by-product from the pulp-making paper companies to make greater use of in helping this happen, and we think production and maintenance work- Covington mill Mont.) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) process called black liquor to power biofuel, and in the case of one Maine any new legislation should create ers at the Covington plant, which in June proposed legislation that would operations. producer, Old Town Fuel & Fiber in targeted incentives to encourage this has been involved in a representa- prevent the paper industry from receiv- Sen. Baucus charged that the tax Old Town, it’s allowing this company behavior, not only with chemical tional dispute for almost three years. ing the tax credit, while leaving it intact break for the paper sector is costing to pursue a project to produce jet fuel pulp mills, but all across the paper The agreement features $2,600 for other sectors. the U.S. Treasury billions of dollars in addition to pulp,” said International industry.” in cash bonuses and 16.1 percent The current tax credit expires on and was not meant to provide a boon President Leo W. Gerard. The paper industry produces in general wage increases over the Dec. 31. The USW is working on ideas to companies from a process “they’ve The Old Town mill would not be almost 70 percent of its own power term, including 4.25 percent at rati- for long-term incentives to encourage already been doing for several decades.” operating without the tax credit. The and sells excess energy back to the fication and an additional 2 percent the use of biofuels and energy efficiency He acknowledged that the paper indus- credit also may be partly responsible for power grid. For every pulp mill that this December. in the industry. try is struggling, but said “taxpayers the restart of Tembec’s former pulp and is shut down, the energy generated The contract also raises the multiplier bargaining, said much has been learned in The union believes incentives should don’t want to see another billion-dollar paper mill in St. Francisville, La. from biofuel is replaced with fossil for the defined benefit pension plan from Covington over the past three years. not be limited, as they are now, to bailout.” International Vice President Jon fuel. $48 to $58 per month, setting a new high “Today everyone knows rifts within traditional pulp mills. They should be The tax credit is expected to generate Geenen, who oversees the union’s paper “It surely cannot be the intent watermark for this segment of the paper this or any other local union place barriers expanded to recycled paper plants, free- some $6 billion for the paper industry – industry sector, said the tax credit was of Congress to encourage a switch industry. in front of our success,” he said. standing paper mills that tap the clean money that could restart mills and gen- controversial because “no one knew by any significant user or class of “This contract lays the foundation for power of hydroelectric and converters to erate economic activity in areas where the massive size of the contribution the users from a viable source of biofuel Improving health care reunification of the membership and illus- use biofuels or to sell excess biomass to there is little or no other industry. paper industry is making to increase the to fossil fuels, and yet this is the To improve health care for members trates the resources, resolve and ability of be used as biofuels by others. Each operating pulp mill supports use of biofuel.” perverse effect the staff draft would and their families and to control medical the USW to deliver first-rate agreements, With these incentives, the paper in- 200 to 500 family-supporting jobs that have if it were to become law,” USW costs, the USW negotiated an option for even in difficult times, when a well disci- dustry could be a major force in increas- are the mainstay of many rural com- Renewable fuel leader Legislative Director Holly Hart a union-run health care plan and clinic at plined and coordinated approach is applied The paper industry is the leader in ing the use of alternative energy in the munities. When a mill shuts down, wrote to Baucus and Grassley. Covington. It will be similar to a success- to the collective bargaining process.” United States. locally-owned businesses hurt and more the use of renewable fuel and plays an ful plan and clinic for USW MeadWest- workers are laid off. integral role in this country’s transition USW on the offense vaco workers in Evadale, Texas, that has Call for elections Credit worth $6 billion to a clean-energy economy. Millions of The USW responded quickly af- improved results for participants. The National Labor Relations Board Companies receive a 50 cent tax Encourages biofuel use dollars have been invested in recovery ter Baucus and Grassley announced The agreement also contains additional recently dismissed claims by the Coving- break for every gallon of biofuel with The intent of the alternative boilers and other technologies that use that they were considering repealing wage increases for maintenance employees ton Paperworkers Union that MeadWest- a small amount of diesel or other fossil fuel mixture tax credit is to renewable fuel derived from biomass. the tax break for the paper industry. in exchange for those employees acquiring vaco illegally bargained with the USW and For three weeks in May, 26 USW second and third skills. that the company was obligated to bargain members traveled to Washington, While controversial, the additional with it instead. D.C. to lobby their legislators and skill training provides workers with more Geenen called for new elections in members of the Senate Finance and security and pay in a market threatened by Covington to “create a structure inclusive House Ways and Means commit- lower-skilled, non-union contractors, con- of all views from every area of the mill to tees to retain the alternative fuel tax tinuing unfair trade, industry consolidation build an even stronger local union.” break. Gerard wrote to President and reduced demand for paper. Glenn Allen Hinkle, a 22-year-veteran Obama and the Senate Finance The cross-training agreement helps of the mill, said many of his union broth- Committee opposing the repeal as MeadWestvaco run more efficiently, pro- ers and sisters are looking forward to the did local unions and individual union vides training in new, marketable skills at end of the strife within the local. Georgia Pacific Corp. members. company expense and helps keep inde- “We have waited a long time for a Monticello Mill, Mississippi “We made the point that the tax pendent contractors out of the plant, Local new contract because of the disaffiliation credit has turned out to be good for 8-675 President Bobby Harrison told local attempt that only hurt the community and both jobs and for America’s energy media. our members,” Hinkle said. “With the best future,” said USW Local 4-261 contract I’ve ever seen, it’s time to stop the Vice President Dan Lawson, one of Something for all infighting, quit looking backward and start the leaders of the group that visited “I’ve been working at the mill for 40 moving forward.” Capitol Hill. years, and this is an excellent contract by

8 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 9 Trade Repre- meeting of the world’s economic min- agreements. He said the administra- sentative Ron isters in Pittsburgh, where the president tion would not hesitate to litigate in the U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk talks with U.S. Steel Kirk chose is expected to lay out his positions on employees at the company’s Mon Valley Works. World Trade Organization or in other U.S.an audience trade. USTR Photo forums when violations are found. of steelworkers to announce the Obama Pittsburgh is also home to the USW, To help level the playing field, Kirk administration’s new get-tough policy which has been actively engaged in promised the United States would step of enforcing America’s trade laws. utilizing our nation’s trade laws and up monitoring of the trading practices of Speaking at U.S. Steel Corp.’s enforcement tools to combat foreign our partner countries and enforce labor Edgar Thomson plant, Kirk outlined unfair, predatory and protectionist trade provisions of their trade agreements. trade measures that he said would save practices. “If they know we are holding a American jobs and create new ones by magnifying glass up to their actions, better enforcing our nation’s trade rights USW pushing tire remedies they’ll be less likely to break the rules,’’ around the world. Currently, the USW is urging Presi- he said. Kirk said he chose Pittsburgh’s Mon dent Obama to adopt the International In addition to using the WTO to Valley for his address because “Ameri- Trade Commission’s recommendation eliminate unfair export restraints, Kirk can workers need to know that this that relief be provided to the domestic said his office would enforce intellectual administration has their backs in the consumer tire industry. property rights and fight to improve global trading system. Calling Kirk’s address an impor- market access for American products. “I can tell you with no reservations: tant move toward a “new era in trade The United States will also take on the Obama administration is both will- policy,” Gerard said the success of the what Kirk said is one of the biggest ing and able to enforce our trade agree- speech and the new policy will be mea- obstacles manufacturers face: technical ments,” Kirk said. “American workers sured in the days ahead by the number barriers to trade, or technical regulations deserve no less.” of jobs that are created. and standards that restrict U.S. exports “For our union enforcing the rules of safe, high quality products. Promises draw praise has been a constant fight that we will “Now we will seek out these barriers The promises made in the trade continue to wage,” Gerard said. “A and tackle them head-on,” he said. envoy’s speech drew praise from the clear and consistent approach to trade USW and the National Association of enforcement will help to retain and cre- Farm barriers confronted Manufacturing – organizations that are ate good, family-supportive jobs.” The United States will also confront often on opposite sides of the fence on The USW, Gerard said, looks barriers that other countries raise to issues. forward to working with Kirk and the prevent our farmers and ranchers from “As North America’s largest Obama administration to make sure that marketing their products abroad, he industrial union, the United Steelwork- the July 16 speech is followed by an said. ers have had to bear too much of the integrated action plan. As an example, Kirk noted the re- burden of foreign unfair, predatory and “Enforcing the rules is an essen- strictive regulations that some countries protectionist trade practices,’’ Interna- tial ingredient to ensure that our trade slapped on American pork because of tional President Leo W. Gerard said. policies actually work to create jobs, the H1NI flu scare. “Our government must ensure that opportunity and economic growth,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) the products of our manufacturers and Gerard said. “When America stands up, said he was pleased by Kirk’s state- farmers have access to foreign markets our trading partners open up. That’s the ments on enforcement, but that this and are not forced to compete with way it should be.” should not be confused with a new unfairly subsidized or dumped products direction in trade policy. here at home,’’ Gerard added. Target labor violations “Our trade strategy is broken,” Kirk’s speech may have been a Kirk said his office would partner Brown said. “Workers want President warm-up for President Obama’s re- with other government agencies and Obama to negotiate new and better trade marks to the September G-20 summit identify labor violations in trade deals.”

10 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 11 rank-and-file training coordinator of the members find out I run a pressure sensi- Nancy Smith, recording District 2 CATS team. tive label coater and am just a regular secretary and safety repre- Specific objectives include training coater operator from Local 1096.” sentative of Local 2-469 at workers to identify any hazards and Appleton Papers in Apple- other dangers and to locate areas where Hazard mapping ton, Wis., was first exposed to chemical spills, releases and handling Typically, a workshop breaks up hazard mapping in 2007 as a partici- occur. into small groups gathered around large pant in a “Train-the-Trainer” program. Workers also learn to proactively sheets of paper. They draw floor plans Smith shared her experience with address and report identified hazards of their work sites, marking health and union officers and management. Al- through the local union safety commit- safety hazards with color codes that though their initial reaction was posi- tee to management with recommenda- identify them as electrical, chemical, tive, there was no immediate movement tions on how to fix the hazards. physical, flammable or both. to institute the program. “Hazard mapping is training that can Hazard mapping is just one method Everything changed nearly a year reach every member,’’ Doherty said. for identifying occupational safety and later when a union member accidentally “It’s one thing that really hits home and health hazards. The point is to pool got an arm caught up to his shoulder gets people talking safety. It changes the knowledge from all of your co-workers in a machine where two rollers come culture of facilities and is an effective so that you can easily organize to iden- together. tool to make changes that will make the tify, control or eliminate the hazards. Eleven days later, hazard mapping workplace safer.” While hazards can be avoided with exercises began in earnest at Appleton. wo years ago on in this manner, and we will Worker-trainers act as facilitators personal protective equipment, mainte- The program has spread to several areas Sept. 21, USW Local not accept that attitude from and use workbooks as a resource or nance and inspection, training, mitiga- of the plant and has involved produc- 1900 member Kevin management in the workplaces guide to lead a class through activities tion and warning devices, generally tion employees, engineers, maintenance Wilson, a young bench where our members are em- designed to refresh and reinforce the better solution is to convince the workers and managers. Hourly workers T employer to design or engineer away operator at Michigan Seamless ployed.” safety guidelines. and management from other locals in Tube in South Lyon, Mich., On-the-job fatalities are a “I can speak to the benefit of the problem. the region were also invited to partici- went to work but never returned real and serious issue for all worker-to-worker training,’’ Over 1,400 members of NewPage pate. home. Steelworkers and other Ameri- said Doherty, a paper worker. Corp. Local 2-21, 2-359 and 2-116 At press time, Local 2-469 members While he and a co-worker can workers no matter their “It has broken down a lot in Michigan and Wisconsin are being had completed 50 hazard maps and were trying to get a balky tub- industry or service occupation. of barriers when the trained by rank-and-file trainers from were working to fix the hazards that ing machine to work, Wilson, In 2007, the most recent their own facilities. have been identified so far. Smith has 21, was accidentally caught be- year for which job fatality data “Hazard mapping has really empow- also helped to train other locals at sister tween the base of the machine is available, 5,657 ered people and gotten them involved plants. with safety,’’ said Wes Krause, a and a large moving carriage. Kevin Wilson U.S. workers Local 1-266 at the Appleton Papers The force killed him instantly. lost their lives on worker-trainer with Local 2-116. facility in West Carrollton, Ohio, for His family urged USW leadership to do the job as a result of traumatic Rick Bahr, president of Local 2-469, example, trained 19 members as certi- everything possible to make workplaces safer injuries. said hazard mapping in many areas of fied trainers and in June kicked off the so their pain and suffering would not be felt That same year more than his plant has helped identify and locate hazard mapping exercise. by any other families. 4 million work-related injuries hazards for elimination. “Mapping has had an amazing “Nobody should have to die while per- and illnesses were reported by “Using the USW’s Systems of impact on our work force,’’ Smith said. forming their job,” Steven W. Wilson, Kevin’s employers – a number that likely Safety, we send all of our employees “This process is supported by both father, wrote. “It is our deepest hope and our understates the problem. The safely home to their families at the end hourly and management.” sincerest wish that your stated resolve to cre- AFL-CIO estimates that the true of the workday,’’ Bahr said. ate safer workplaces for your membership will toll is two to three times greater, lead to more than words.” or 8 million to 12 million inju- As a result, District 2 has made workplace ries and illnesses a year. Photo by Earl Dotter safety education a top priority through a pilot program that has come to be known as the Partnership program Kevin Wilson Initiative. The training initiative is a partnership between the district and the USW’s Tony Leadership challenged Mazzocchi Center (TMC) grant program. It is District 2 Director Michael Bolton chal- driven by a rank-and file Coordination, Adap- lenged union leadership to make the priority a tation, Training and Support Team (CATS). reality and charged a newly-developed Safety The overall goal of the program is to Team with providing our members with the provide members with methods and tools that necessary training to make a positive differ- can help prevent workplace deaths and serious ence. injuries. “Companies viewing workers being killed “It’s never been done before on a district- at work as a matter of doing business have to wide level. We want to turn it into a model end,’’ Bolton said. for every other district to use,’’ said Steve “It is no longer acceptable for them to act Doherty, a member of Local 1096 and the

12 USW@Work • Summer 2009 Hazard mapping in District 2 USW@Work • Summer 2009 13 Photo courtesy of Steve Doherty il refiners are failing to lessons from prior incidents, even culture. The PSM standard was not follow CSB’s guidelines to learn from the leaks, fires though these accidents have been followed and the company did not pay include “diverse sectors such and process upsets that oc- thoroughly investigated and the results attention to or learn from its previous as industry, labor, government, Ocur on a regular basis and shared,” he added. safety investigations. public interest and environmental continue to repeat the types of errors API also contended that refiners organizations and experts from relevant that lead to those events. OSHA sees same problems strive to eliminate hazards through scientific organizations and disci- On Aug. 4, the USW withdrew OSHA inspection teams repeatedly process hazard analysis, investigation plines.” from talks with the American Petro- saw the same problems at refineries of accidents and near miss incidents, Instead, API gave one vote to each leum Institute and the oil industry during the first year of the national corrective action, maintenance and safe of the 22 oil companies on the commit- because of the lack of progress being emphasis program, Acting Assistant operation of process equipment and tees and one vote to each of the labor made over fatigue and process safety Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan safety training. representatives. Two labor representa- standards. Barab said in a June 10 statement. tives were on the fatigue committee Several relatively recent incidents This national emphasis program and three were on the process safety was announced in 2007 after the U.S. Bayer illustrate how oil and chemical com- committee. panies are failing to heed the lessons Chemical Safety Board (CSB) faulted “That totally went against the spirit learned from previous accidents in the the agency’s enforcement of safety of the CSB’s recommendations,” said rules at BP’s Texas City, Texas, refin- BP industry. International Vice President Gary A worker at the ExxonMobil ery. Beevers. “It would be difficult to get a refinery in Torrance, Calif., died OSHA issued nearly 350 Process fair standard on a consensus basis with two weeks after burns suffered Safety Management (PSM) citations a majority of the committee leaning while opening a coke drum, a pro- to 14 refiners in the first year of the toward the interests of employers. cess known as deheading. While inspection program. It also sent letters “The oil companies try to get by many facilities have installed remote to the management of more than 100 with as few regulations and mandates deheading devices and made other oil refineries, providing them with data as possible. All we wanted was a fair changes to the operation by learning on compliance issues and urging them playing field,” he said. from the Equilon coker fatalities of to comply with the PSM standard. 1998, other companies have chosen This standard requires employers Disputes will be resolved not to upgrade their equipment. They to develop and incorporate compre- OSHA found refineries that “failed “This industry will simply not get needlessly put operations personnel in hensive, site-specific safety manage- to address their own process safety serious about developing standards that harm’s way. ment systems to reduce risks of fatal or findings and recommendations, and have real meat in them and reflect a catastrophic incidents. true consensus,” Beevers said. Sunoco accidents failed to establish maintenance pro- In response to Barab’s remarks, the cedures for equipment such as pres- The industry fought the union over Valero Ten contract workers were sent American Petroleum Institute (API) specifics of the fatigue standard. It did to a hospital when some 22 pounds sure vessels and emergency shutdown issued a statement saying that “U.S. systems.” not want to say how many open sched- of hydrofluoric acid was released at refiners have maintained a strong safety ules would be reduced. An open sched- the Sunoco refinery in Philadelphia. In a 2007 USW survey of oil work- record….” and that a refinery worker ers, most thought the overall manage- ule occurs when a person is reassigned There are safer chemicals that can be is four to five times less likely to be to a temporary position like a trainer or used in the process but Sunoco has ment of process safety systems at their injured on the job than employees in sites was less than very effective. procedure writer or turnaround planner chosen not to change over. other manufacturing sectors. It said the and another employee has to replace An explosion and fire in the ethyl- injury rate has steadily decreased for Fair playing field sought them. This led to excessive overtime ene complex at Sunoco’s refinery in refinery employees. One of the 14 elements of PSM since no new employees were hired. Marcus Hook, Pa., did not hurt any- is the requirement that the company The oil companies also disagreed one. Sunoco, however did not repair Injury rate misleading consult with employees and their with the USW over the level of trans- or replace the damaged equipment The injury rate for refinery workers representatives on the development and parency and public reporting for is misleading, however, because it does Photos courtesy U.S. Chemical Safety Board and shut the complex down, throwing implementation of the PSM elements process safety performance indicators. 40 to 50 people out of work. not account for the injuries, illnesses and hazard assessments. The goal was to allow the companies to Last August, two workers lost and deaths of contract employees. “Consult means to work together learn from each other’s incidents and their lives in the wake of an explosion Refiners are not required to report what to develop, not tell the union and the near misses and force them to be more and fire at the Bayer CropScience happens to its contractors at work. So, employees what the company has de- accountable to their workers and the chemical facility in Institute, W. Va. the deaths of the 15 contract workers cided,” Nibarger said. communities in which they do busi- “What makes this worse is you in the March 2005 explosion and fire The USW insisted that it be treated ness. could change the name from Bayer at BP’s Texas City refinery were not as an equal stakeholder in discussions “Our union will either get the fa- and substitute Union Carbide, Bhopal; counted toward BP’s injury rate. with the API over creation of a fatigue tigue and PSM standards recommended BP, Texas City; or any of a dozen Also, a low injury rate does not standard and performance indicators by the CSB or we will work extremely facilities and the root or causal fac- reflect safe working conditions at for process safety. hard to get these standards done tors would read the same,” said Kim chemical, refining and gas operations. The union had been meeting with through federal legislation,” Beevers Nibarger of the USW’s Health, Safety BP’s Texas City refinery had a low the trade association for months and said. “We will consider the alternatives & Environment Department. injury rate at the time of the explosion telling the group that the two fatigue in order to accomplish our goal of a but was found to be lacking a safety Bayer “Companies are not learning the and process safety committees must safe workplace.”

14 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 15 that would make Other early endorsements came from it easier for the AFL-CIO affiliated unions of the workers to form Building and Construction Trades De- and join unions partment, AFSCME, the United Mine at their work. Workers of America, the New Jersey Collective and Ohio state federations and local bargaining, he labor councils.

Richard Trumka at USW convention argued, is needed Trumka would take over the 56 Photo by Steve Dietz more than ever union, 11-million-member federation at to counter corporate greed, to shrink a time of both promise and peril for the FL-CIO Secretary Treasurer 535,000 times on YouTube, an unusually America’s working families,” Interna- the expanding gap between the pay for nation’s labor movement. Richard Trumka raised the raf- large audience for a labor leader. tional President Leo W. Gerard said in executives and workers, and to lobby There has been more progress on ters at the USW’s constitutional “There’s no evil that has inflicted more announcing the USW’s endorsement. for tax and trade laws that would “level labor’s agenda in the opening months of convention last year with a fiery pain and more suffering than racism – and “We believe his life-long passion for the playing field” so multinational the Obama administration than the en- A helping workers, sparked by his own speech telling union members it would it’s something we in the labor movement companies stop migrating to low-wage tire previous eight years under Repub- be wrong to vote against Barack Obama have a special responsibility to challenge,’’ experiences as a third-generation coal countries. lican George Bush, a period when labor because of his race. Trumka said in the speech. miner, makes him the right person for “We’ll fight them on the political was under siege by Washington. The speech did more than drive “We’ve seen how companies set the job.” front. We’ll fight them on the legislative But the promise of Obama is convention delegates to their feet with worker against worker – how they throw Trumka’s slate includes Liz Shuler, front. We’ll fight them on the collective tempered by the peril of a recessionary applause. It raised Trumka’s profile after whites a few extra crumbs off the table and executive assistant to the president of bargaining front. We’ll fight them so economy that has lost millions of jobs, working 14 years with and in the shad- how we all end up losing,’’ he added. “But the International Brotherhood of Electri- that workers get a fair deal. That is what many in the manufacturing sector where ows of John J. Sweeney, the AFL-CIO’s we’ve seen something else too. We’ve cal Workers, as his running mate for I’m going to do,” Trumka said. the USW is strong. president. seen that when we cross that color line and secretary-treasurer. Arlene Holt, the At the AFL-CIO, Trumka has fo- Now Trumka, who turned 60 on July stand together no one can keep us down.” current executive vice president, is also Taking grandfather’s advice cused on creating investment programs 26, is running for president of the nation’s on the team. During a miners’ strike when he for union pension and benefit funds and largest union federation with the endorse- Performance helped Obama With no opposition announced so was a youngster, Trumka’s maternal fighting excessive corporate profits. ment of the USW’s International Executive His performance has been credited with far, Trumka could succeed Sweeney, grandfather, Attilio Bertugli, told him Board and other major labor unions. helping deliver working-class voters to who has announced his retirement, at he could help miners by getting a good Supports U.S. manufacturing His stemwinder of a speech at our Obama in battleground states. the AFL-CIO’s convention in Pittsburgh education and learning to represent He chairs the AFL-CIO Industrial convention has been watched more than Trumka officially announced his can- this September. them. Union Council, a consortium of manu- didacy in July with a vow to reunify labor He went to work as a coal miner facturing unions focusing on key issues to overcome a Wall Street-driven economy More aggressive style at 19 and alternated time underground in trade, health care and labor law that has enriched investors at the expense If elected, the former coal miner with college. After college, he received reform. He co-chairs the China Cur- of everyday Americans, and to better con- is likely to bring a more aggressive a law degree from Villanova University. rency Coalition, an alliance of industry, nect labor unions to a new generation of style than Sweeney to the leadership He was a staff attorney with the agriculture, services, and worker organi- workers. of the 11 million-member federation, United Mine Workers from 1974 to zations whose mission is to support U.S. “Not only does Richard have the expe- a coalition of 56 labor unions. 1979. He was first elected UMW Presi- manufacturing. rience and the intellectual capacity to “Rich will be aggressive, bold, dent in 1982. In his speeches, he has accused do the job, he brings great heart to militant and smart,’’ Rose Ann DeMoro, While UMW President, Trumka led companies of squeezing their workers the fight for issues that matter to executive director of the California a successful nine-month strike against and has condemned outsourcing and Nurses Association/National Nurses the Pittston Coal Co. over its refusal to unfair trade. Organizing Committee, said in her pay into a health and retirement fund. “For 30 years corporate America endorsement statement. He encouraged non-violent civil dis- has dominated the political scene, and Trumka promised to work “with obedience and a sophisticated campaign it has hurt this country,’’ Trumka said in employers who want to work with us” against corporate Wall Street investors. an interview on his candidacy. “Multi- and to oppose those who “want to abuse His leadership saved health care nationals do what they think is best for people, take benefits away, jettison benefits for workers “not just in the them even if it’s not in the interests of retirees.” coalfields, but in workplaces across the the country. One of our main objectives Immediate items on his agenda in- nation,” UMW President Cecil E. Rob- is to realign the interests of corporations clude pushing to reform the health care erts said in endorsing his predecessor. with the interests of the nation.” delivery system and to pass legislation

16 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 17 The Obama administration continued to hen Bob Lonsbrough of Obstructing needed change press for revamping the system with town hall Local 98 in Leavittsburg, From the very beginning, when Barack meetings and press conferences and to fight off Ohio, signed up for a Obama inherited an economy teetering on the attacks by Republicans, Big Pharma, and other Steelworkers credit card, second Great Depression and tried to respond W vested corporate interests spending untold tens he wasn’t thinking about getting lung with appropriately big change, Republicans of millions to defeat change. cancer, or about the difficult 18-month yelled, “Whoa, slow down.” battle that would follow. They repeatedly said the new administration But his wife Judy is thankful that had taken on too many challenges and should Costly status quo Similar to the health care reform, several he did sign up because when the Lons- downsize its dreams. They wanted a smaller other bills important to the pocketbooks of steel- brough family needed help the most, stimulus package. They didn’t want to provide workers remained in limbo when Congress took their union credit card lessened the finan- auto companies the kind of help they’d handed its recess. cial stress of a serious illness. to Wall Street banks. The climate protection legislation known as The Warren, Ohio family received a This might be attributed to deep political the cap-and-trade bill passed the House in June $1,250 disability grant that does not need policy differences. But that’s not it. It’s really an 219 to 212, but is not expected to move in the to be repaid through the USW Union attempt by Republicans to thwart accomplish- Senate before September. The Blue Green Al- Plus credit card, which offers special ment of Democratic goals, so Republicans can liance has been working to ensure that the final benefits to members in the case of dis- proclaim them failures in mid-term Congressio- legislation doesn’t create incentives that encour- ability, disaster, strike or lockout. nal elections and regain power. Judy Lonsbrough age energy-intensive industries to leave the “It helped us out a lot,’’ Mrs. Lons- What Republican Sen. Jim DeMint said United States and set up shop in less expensive brough said. as is dealing with a strike or lockout. their parents and children. about health care reform is the perfect illustra- countries where they will be permitted to pollute. A fourth generation Steelworker, That’s why it’s helpful to have a mort- Those who have had a Union Plus tion. He didn’t talk about philosophical differ- Lawmakers have expressed support for Lonsbrough was proud of being a union gage that comes with special protections mortgage for more than a year may ences. He didn’t say the GOP should be offering cap-and-trade because of the jobs the bill could member, especially after the help his fel- during union-sanctioned strikes. qualify for assistance. Interest-free loans its own solutions to resolve the crisis. He said create. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) has said it low members gave him as he struggled After more than 28 years of working are available in the event of a layoff, dis- the issue should be used to destroy Obama. “If could reduce the country’s dependency on for- with the lung cancer. at an Ormet Corp. aluminum facility in ability, or a short-term strike or lockout. we’re able to stop Obama on this, it will be his eign oil, create millions of clean energy jobs and A tire inspector, Lonsbrough had the Ohio Valley, Dan Snyder, of New In case of a lockout or a union- Waterloo. It will break him,” he said. protect the next generation from pollution. worked 25 years for Denman Tire when Martinsville, W.Va., found himself on a sanctioned strike lasting longer than one In a time when unemployment is at its high- chest pains sent him to the hospital. He picket line in 2004 when the company month, the mortgage program provides est in decades, when health care costs have thought he might have pulled a muscle at filed for bankruptcy protection. Some 15 up to six months of payments which do doubled in a decade, when the price of two wars Labor law reform Many of those new jobs could be union jobs work, but it turned out to be cancer. months later, after the company sold and not ever need to be repaid. is overwhelming, Obama has said he can’t settle if the path to collective bargaining weren’t so In the end, Lonsbrough hoped that by closed the rolling mill where he worked, If you are buying a home or looking for piddling solutions. fraught with danger for organizers. The Employ- raising his voice in support of unions and he was out of a job. to refinance, call 1-800-848-6466 or visit ee Free Choice Act would solve many of those for increased awareness of lung cancer, Snyder’s burden was eased somewhat UnionPlus.org/Mortgage for details. No alternatives presented problems, but, like health care and cap-and- he would have a positive impact. by knowing that he wouldn’t lose his “This program is the greatest for a No solution is what the Republicans offered trade, it got stuck before the August recess. “Without unions, we just wouldn’t house. He was able to keep his home and union man. You have to get it,” Snyder for health care. They presented no comprehen- Democrats were unable to get the legisla- have the benefits that are available to make his payments because his Union said. “People need to realize that there sive alternative to what the Democrats drafted tion passed in the Senate even though they have us,’’ Lonsbrough said before he passed Plus mortgage provided more than are real benefits to being union. The in House and Senate committees that actually a filibuster-proof 60-vote super majority with away last September. $4,300 in assistance. Union Plus mort- Union Plus mortgage program is a prime included a few Republicans like Sen. Olympia Pa. Sen. Arlen Specter having switched to the Grants like the one the Lonsbrough gages are available to union members, example.” Snowe of Maine. Democratic Party and Democrat Al Franken ulti- family received are part of a compre- In the end, it was Democrats, Blue Dogs, mately seated as the senator from Minnesota. hensive package of benefits from Union who held up a vote on health care reform that redit counseling: All USW families can get free credit counseling services, bud- The problem is that Specter, once a sponsor Plus called Union SAFE. The $3 mil- the administration wanted to occur before the geting advice and no-fee debt management and bankruptcy counseling benefits. of the bill, turned his back on it before switch- lion initiative is designed to help union C August recess. Call 1-877-833-1745. ing parties and would not commit to it after he members make ends meet during today’s The Blue Dogs, claiming they were trying to College Grants: College savings grants of $500 are available to USW members did. In addition, several conservative Democrats, climate of economic crisis. hold down the cost of the reform measure, at the who open a new 529 tax-free college savings or pre-tuition account and contribute at like Sen. Blanche Lincoln from Arkansas, also “While we’re fighting for economic same time demanded changes that increased its least $1,000. Visit UnionPlus.org/College Savings for information. reneged on their commitments to the bill. renewal, it’s essential that we give costs. Most of the Blue Dogs are from the South, Eldercare resources: The Union Plus Eldercare program offers help for finding Activists responded with a huge Employee working families the help they need to like the group’s key health care negotiator, Rep. resources and referrals to geriatric care managers, independent living/assisted living Free Choice rally on Lincoln’s doorstep in Little recover, and Union SAFE does that with Mike Ross (D-Ark.), but they also include Reps. facilities, Alzheimer’s care options, in-home care, adult day care, senior relocation Rock in July. And an Employee Free Choice Act financial support and education,” Inter- Patrick Murphy, Jason Altmire, and Kathy Dahl- specialists, and community-based resources. Call 1-866-570-8588 or visit Union- Lobby Day was conducted Sept. 10 with faith national President Leo W. Gerard said. kemper, all of Pennsylvania, all Democrats the Plus.org/Eldercare leaders, environmentalists, civil rights leaders, USW families who need to build a USW helped elect over incumbent Republicans. Prescription discount: USW members can get a free online prescription discount women’s advocates and others joining labor budget, deal with debt, avoid foreclosure A bill did pass the House Committee on card to save on out-of-pocket prescription costs at UnionPlus.org/RXcard. leaders pressing for passage this year. or save for college, can turn to Union Energy and Commerce before the August recess, Financial education: Union Plus offers a host of resources with tips, tools and Cap-and-trade would create jobs; the Em- SAFE for help. Help is often available if including a public option, requirements that calculators to get you on the right track. They include UnionDebtHelp.org and ployee Free Choice Act would ensure they were you are facing hardship due to large hos- insurers accept all applicants and prohibitions UnionPlusRetirement.org good-paying jobs and health reform would pital bills or a recent job loss, disability against charging higher premiums based on Foreclosure prevention: If you’re worried you might lose your home, call the assure that all Americans have health insurance. or natural disaster. medical history. Both the House and Senate were Union Plus Save My Home Hotline at 1-866-490-5361. The country needs big change and can’t afford to A medical crisis is one key cause of expected to resume work on health care reform Scholarships: Visit UnionPlus.org/Scholarships to see how Union Plus helps you slow down. financial hardship for working families, in September. afford education and training.

18 USW@Work • Summ e r 2 0 0 9 USW@Work • Summer 2009 19 for African-Americans, the Employee No Wal-Mart Democrats Free Choice Act will open the door International President Leo W. for workers to freely form unions and Gerard urged Lincoln, a Democrat and bargain collectively. former co-sponsor who withdrew her The Rev. Wendell Griffin, a Bap- support, to once again back the rights of tist pastor and judge on the Arkansas workers to join a union of their choice. of cars. Organizers estimated the crowd Court of Appeals, told the story of how “We don’t need Wal-Mart Demo- size swelled to 1,500. his family’s life changed for the better crats,” Gerard said. “We need worker raving 100 degree heat, activ- when his father’s job at a non-union Democrats.” ists from the USW and other Civil rights link sawmill became union. He got a raise, a Gerard kicked off a mile-long march unions joined civil rights and The demonstration was the lat- pension and a safer place to work. to the State Capital by linking the rights community leaders in Little est in a series of actions that are more “My father had what every worker of workers to the American civil rights B reminiscent of the modern civil rights ought to have in Arkansas,’’ Griffin told Rock, Ark., to demand that Senator movement that long ago made its mark Blanche Lincoln vote for and support the movement than a typical legislative the crowd. “Every worker ought to have on Little Rock. Employee Free Choice Act. campaign. The campaign has included the right to join a union. Every worker “Today we say to the people of The July rally came as Democratic a statewide 24-hour candlelight prayer ought to have a right to a safe place to Arkansas, stand with us for civil rights and Republican legislators were discuss- vigil, a previous march and rally, work and every worker’s family ought because workers’ rights are civil rights,” ing potential compromises to the legisla- mobilization of faith leaders, and other to have a pension. Gerard said to applause. tion behind closed doors in Washington. creative activities. “But that will not happen if every At the Capital, AFL-CIO Secretary While those discussions were un- The event began at Little Rock’s worker doesn’t have the right to demand Treasurer Richard Trumka spoke pas- derway, activists engaged in the USW’s historic Central High School, the 1957 a union. Start serving notice that Arkan- sionately about how the Employee Free Rapid Response program continued to site of an important first test of school sas is going Free Choice!” Choice Act will bring justice to Ameri- lead the charge and keep up the pres- desegregation. Nine African-American State Senator Joyce Elliott wel- ca’s middle class. He urged Lincoln to sure for real and meaningful labor law students, the Little Rock Nine, were de- comed protestors to her Little Rock do the right thing and vote for change. reform. nied entrance to the school in defiance district and talked about the fight to “Do what’s right by working people. In places like Arkansas, Colorado, of a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision restore the freedom to form unions and Do what’s right by the middle class. Do Louisiana, Maine and Pennsylvania, ordering integration of public schools. to bargain collectively. what’s right by our economy,” Trumka the USW has repeatedly targeted those Just as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 AFL-CIO Executive Vice President said. “Let American workers, Arkansan Senators who had not yet given their and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 Arlene Holt Baker said the freedom workers, negotiate their way into the support to the reform bill. opened the doors to greater freedoms struggle of the workers’ rights move- middle class, rather than borrow their In Little Rock, the protestors poured ment is an extension of the freedom way into the middle class.” into the city from Texarkana, Ft. Smith, struggle of the civil rights movement. Pine Bluff and other locations around the state on eight buses and in hundreds Little Rock rally photos by Thomas Hudson wages and benefits. eak labor laws and a hostile In 63 percent of the campaigns, supervisors met fter 24 years of making the company fought back with misinformation and intimida- environment have embold- with workers one on one and interrogated them airplane parts at an Alcoa tion. ened employers to step up about their union activity or whether they or others were supporting the union. More than half the time, factory in Hampton, Va., At the beginning of each shift, Mason said management the use of legal and illegal supervisors threatened workers. Billy Mason brings home held stand-up meetings bashing the union. As the election W A tactics to interfere with the rights of work- Bronfenbrenner has studied employer behavior less money for his family today than neared, captive sit-down meetings were held every other ers to organize and join a union. in organizing campaigns for many years. This latest when he started. day. It has become routine for U.S. com- study, “No Holds Barred: The Intensification of “Our pay just hasn’t kept up with “Probably the biggest advantage that the company had panies to rely on threats, harassment and Employer Opposition to Bargaining,” is her fourth rising costs of food, services and was they could make us go to their meetings, look at their other intimidation tactics to stop union survey over 20 years. utilities,” he said. “Every week your slides, listen to everybody,’’ he said. “A lie is almost as pow- drives, concludes a new Cornell University Employer harassment in union elections is not money just keeps running out before erful as the truth if I can get you to believe it.” Billy Mason study of more than 1,000 randomly-chosen new. So what distinguishes the current organizing Friday gets back around.” Although two-thirds of the workers had signed union organizing elections. climate from previous decades of employer opposi- Mason earned about $6,000 less last year grinding and cards, the company’s long scare campaign was successful “For the vast majority of workers who tion to unions? polishing metal castings than he did in 1985 when combin- and the election was lost. want to join unions today, the right to organize The primary difference, Bronfenbrenner found, ing a $2 an hour drop in pay with increased health care After the vote, Mason was suspended for two weeks. The and bargain collectively – free from coercion, is that the most intense and aggressive anti-union costs. union took his case to the National Labor Relations Board intimidation and retaliation – is at best a prom- campaign strategies are no longer reserved for ex- In hopes of gaining freedom to bargain for a better and he was awarded back pay. ise indefinitely deferred,’’ said Kate Bronfen- treme anti-union employers such as Wal-Mart. future, Mason joined an in-plant organizing committee and Despite the company’s opposition, Mason said he is still brenner, the study’s author. “We’ve found a climate of employer opposition started talking with co-workers about joining the United an advocate of the union and is waiting to see if Congress Bronfenbrenner, director of labor education that revealed a clear pattern of interrogation and Steelworkers. The initial response was positive. reforms labor law by passing the Employee Free Choice Act. research at Cornell, said workers were fired for surveillance …followed by threats and harassment “If it does pass, I’m ready to go to work the next day on Once workers signed authorization cards and filed a peti- union activity in 34 percent of the elections. to make sure that workers who pursue a union do so tion for an election with the National Labor Relations Board, a level playing field.” In 57 percent of the reviewed elections, employ- at clear personal risk,” Bronfenbrenner said. ers threatened to shut down all or part of their facili- 20 USW@Work • Summer 2009 ties, and, in 47 percent, employers threatened to cut USW@Work • Summer 2009 21 hat do Kokomo, Ind., ust as sure as death and taxes, you that a group called the Coalition for a The CDW and its allies have spent of our taxpayer bailout money should will spend $100 million to stem what it Mayor Greg Goodnight, can count on the U.S. Chamber of Democratic Workplace (CDW) would tens of millions of dollars on TV and be invested in American-made products calls the “rapidly growing influence of Iowa State Rep. Jerry Commerce to defend the interests be dedicated to promoting the needs and radio advertisements, talk-show appear- if we are to stimulate our economy, the government over private sector activity.” WKearns, Maine Congress- of big business against those of desires of America’s workers. ances and “independent’ studies oppos- Chamber sided with foreign embassies It said the national advocacy campaign man Mike Michaud and Allegheny J ordinary working people. Nothing could be further from the ing employees right to choose a union. against the Buy America provision in the will be sweeping and involve advertising, County, Pa., Councilwoman Amanda For nearly a century, the nation’s truth. The CDW is a corporate front Then there is the Workforce Freedom economic stimulus package. education, political activities, new media Green have in common? most powerful business group has been group funded by the Chamber of Com- Initiative. Again a pro-worker sounding The Chamber’s argument that Buy and grass-roots organizing. Besides being elected officials, they campaigning against increases in the merce, the Associated Builders and name belies the organization’s intentions America provisions would start a trade The Chamber, of course, didn’t com- are all proud Steelworkers. minimum wage, legal protections for Contractors, and the Wal-Mart dominat- to block the economic initiatives of labor war is a tired one. The stimulus bill plain about government influence last fall And, it appears, they are part of an America’s workers, fair labor practices ed Retail Industry Leaders Association. unions. requires that U.S. materials be used in when it lobbied hard for the $700 billion emerging trend of USW members run- and unions. The CDW does the dirty work for In its own words, the Chamber de- funded projects, but it also states that the plus bailout package for Wall Street. ning for – and winning – local and state All told, the Chamber has spent corporate interests through TV ads and scribes the Workforce Freedom Initiative clause not override U.S. international The new efforts come as the govern- offices. an estimated $447 million in the last public relations campaigns meant to as a “multimillion-dollar grass-roots trade commitments. ment is expanding its influence in the It makes sense as USW members decade opposing labor issues including block the Employee Free Choice Act mobilization and advocacy campaign” automobile and banking industries and have spent many hours fighting to the Employee Free Choice Act, univer- and other pro-worker policies. It is to “preserve democracy in the American $100 million buys a lot reform is on the horizon for the health protect workers’ rights by educating and sal health care, efforts to curb global behind those television ads that falsely work place, restrain abusive union pen- And that’s not all folks. The Cham- care and energy sectors. mobilizing. warming and even pay restrictions for claim the Employee Free Choice Act sion fund activism, and block the anti- ber’s most recent initiative supposes to In a nutshell, the Chamber is spend- Who better to help shape policy and the CEOs of bailed-out banks. would take away secret ballot elections competitive agenda advocated by many protect nothing other than America’s free ing $100 million to roll us back to the old drive our communities’ agendas than Its opposition to pro-worker leg- when the proposed bill would instead labor unions.” market system and counter the Obama failed policies of the Bush administration hard-working activists who understand islation has included the Family Time ensure that workers can choose their Earlier this year, ignoring the com- administration’s regulatory agenda. when we need new policies to revive the the importance of manufacturing, health and Workplace Flexibility Act, the Fair own union formation process, either mon sense reasoning that at least some The Chamber in June announced it middle class and working families. care reform, a clean, healthy environ- Minimum Wage Act and expanding the through majority sign up or a National ment, fair trade and other issues impor- Family and Medical Leave Act. Labor Relations Board Election. tant to working families? And the Chamber does all this while Community volunteers making you think its policies would n a small Ohio town, the Chamber of Commerce – that’s because businesses would not support it with organized labor’s “The USW is in many places syn- benefit not just the business elite but the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – proved once again how strong involvement. Mayor Sehnert said the city will hold a onymous with the community. We’re everyone – just like mom, apple pie anti-American and anti-worker it can be when it comes to similar event next year without the participation of unions in the community activists, the volunteers, and the American flag. Isupporting U.S. industry. organizing it. the coaches and people folks turn to for Wolves in sheep’s clothing The Chamber affiliate in Findlay, Ohio, forced Mayor Pete “Findlay’s a non-union, Republican area and mostly what information and action,” said Kyle Mc- Beware of wolves in sheep’s cloth- Sehnert to cancel a union-organized parade that was to feature we had were Democratic speakers and union people,” Sehnert Dermott, the USW’s national political ing. You would think, for example, American-made classic cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles told The Courier newspaper in Findlay. “It’s not what I had in field director. “It’s only natural for our simply because of union involvement. mind.” union leaders to become local and state Greater Findlay Inc., the local Chamber arm, “did every- Someone could infer from Sehnert’s statement that a pro- leaders and help change our country thing they could to sabotage us,” said Donnie Blatt, the USW’s America, Buy-America celebration isn’t supported by Repub- from the ground up.” Rapid Response coordinator for District 1. “They told business licans. The event would have opened with a parade of U.S.- The USW wants to grow this not to cooperate with us.” made, union-made Harley-Davidsons and classic American effort called Walk to Run by identify- autos driving down Main Street, alongside floats showcasing ing members interested in running for Community event planned American-made products. The program was being organized by USW Local 270L at office or currently holding office in their Speakers would have included U.S. Reps. Marcy Kaptur the Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. plant in Findlay as a commu- communities. and Betty Sutton, the state attorney general and state treasurer. nity function for the last Saturday in July. The union sought to Our hope is to provide a variety of Blatt says Gov. Ted Strickland was thinking of speaking as get business leaders involved and spent months meeting with resources to those USW-endorsed mem- well. Sehnert, the city’s Republican mayor, who initially supported bers running for office based on avail- The state’s oldest manufacturing firm planned to join the the plans. ability, need and a commitment to our festivities, with its owner speaking about the importance of Union leaders said they were clear issues. This is by no means an endorse- keeping manufacturing in Ohio. USW District 1 planned to from the start that they did not want ment mechanism of the union. Endorse- give away free hot dogs and hamburgers. the event to be seen solely as a union ment should still be sought through the “This is a great event, and for them to bypass it just because program. “We said we wanted it to USW district structure. we pay union dues is terrible, just terrible,’’ said Rod Nelson, be a community event,” Blatt said. If you are considering running for president of USW Local 270L. “We were just trying to do good local, state, or federal office, or if you Blatt said union officials told the mayor: “We don’t want things for the community.” are already an elected official, please this to be a union event. We want this to be a celebration of The “Greater Findlay, the take an online survey to help us shape American manufacturing, a celebration of American workers. Heart of Commerce and Community the program. You can go to www.usw. We want this to be a community celebration highlighting the Celebration” event was cancelled org/walktorun for more information. need to keep good jobs in the U.S. and in Ohio.”

22 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 23 ocal union leaders and district members in Kentucky but only 500 are non-union competitors work in the same staff representing some 5,000 working according to Gypsy Cantrell, region and offer little or no benefits. USW members in the Heavy vice president of the local. The union reps heard a presentation Land Highway Construction “There’s no work anywhere in the on what insurance options may be avail- he United States cannot revive its economy without Conference met in Pittsburgh July 27 private sector. Out-of-state contrac- able to their members. The possibility first rebuilding the nation’s manufacturing base. to share information and discuss their tors are coming in to bid on jobs,” said of joining together to form a larger few decades, policy makers have systematically dismantled our industry’s problems. Cantrell who is from Elkhorn City, Ky. group that would benefit all workers in While most of us understand how devastating manufacturing base through bad tax policies and short-sighted the loss of a plant can be to a community and to the District 8 Director Billy Thompson, “When we try to organize a company, the conference was greeted with strong T trade agreements that encourage consumption of cheap imports who chairs the conference, recognized they lawyer-up right away. And they’re interest. The conference agreed to study economy, policy makers don’t always seem to get it. and provide incentives for U.S.-based companies to export that employment levels are still down high-dollar lawyers.” the matter further and review proposals With unemployment so high, skyrocketing debt, state jobs. budgets collapsing, and tough times for nearly everyone, it’s in spite of the federal stimulus package Cantrell said labor law reform would before deciding how to move forward. As a result, some 40,000 U.S. manufacturing plants closed designated for shovel-ready projects. make a tremendous difference in orga- The USW Heavy Highway Con- important to understand why the engine of our economy has between 2001 and 2008, resulting in the loss of millions of sputtered. “The Obama administration and nizing. “That would help us eliminate struction Conference was established family-supporting jobs. From 2001 to 2007, some 2.3 million Congress have done everything they can the fear of rival contractors coming out more than 30 years ago following the A new book, Manufacturing a Better Future for America, jobs were lost just from the nation’s huge trade deficit with advances our understanding. It explains the current state of by appropriating the funds but several of the woodwork,’’ she said. 1972 merger into the USW of District China alone. states are operating at a deficit and 50 of the Allied & Technical Workers. manufacturing in the United States, how we got to where we The book makes the case for a new U.S. industrial policy. Health insurance are and why it’s essential to revitalize our manufacturing base. have been unable to approve a budget,” Today, local unions belonging to the “The failure of our domestic and international trade policies Thompson said. “A lot of the money is Each local negotiates health care for conference are headquartered in Penn- There has never been a more critical time to rebuild the to support manufacturing must be reversed,’’ says Scott Paul, its members in its own geographic area. foundation of America’s economy. Rebuilding manufacturing tied up by state governments.” sylvania, West Virginia, New Jersey and the AAM’s executive director. “We urgently need a national Local 14581 has more than 1,000 Some are having difficulty sustaining Kentucky. would create more jobs, reduce harmful global trade imbal- manufacturing strategy.” the benefits, particularly when ances and strengthen the American economy. Industrial policy is not a new or radical concept. Alexander Manufacturing in decline Hamilton constructed the America’s first industrial policy in But it is easier said than done. Manufacturing in America 1791. President Reagan, spurred on by a Democratic Congress, is in serious decline with 40,000 factory closures and more adopted measures to counter a grossly imbalanced trade rela- than five million jobs lost over the last decade alone. tionship with Europe and Japan in the 1980s. To create the book, the Alliance for American Manufactur- The Plaza Accords, which raised the value of currencies in ing – an innovative partnership of the USW and leading U.S. Japan and Europe relative to the dollar in a managed way, had manufacturers (AAM) – asked some of the brightest minds in a positive effect on lowering our trade deficit. Key government America for their ideas. investments in the semiconductor industry and other technolo- The resulting nine essays touch on international trade, skills gies spurred their development and commercialization. Presi- and training, innovation, the social costs of deindustrialization, dent Reagan signed into law enhanced Buy American require- the intersection of manufacturing and national security, indus- ments for infrastructure projects to boost domestic jobs. trial policies in nations that compete with us, and the globaliza- Those same principles could form the foundation of a new tion of supply chains. industrial policy today. Paul suggested raising For nearly 300 years, the United States invested in the value of China’s currency to market-based producing goods and, as a result, became levels, investing in value-added manufacturing the richest nation in history. such as clean energy and engage in serious bi- But for the past lateral talks with China to make sure it honors the commitments it made upon entry to the World Trade Organization in 2001 to elimi- nate its own protectionist policies. Finally, keep domestic purchasing requirements in place so that tax dollars are re-invested in our economy. Paul also urged Congress to provide access to much-needed capital for small and mid-sized manufacturers to capture new clean energy markets here and Photo by Jennifer Jurek abroad. “Unless we want green manu- facturing jobs created in Shanghai instead of Cincinnati, or Dusseldorf Book cover courtesy of instead of Denver, we must support Alliance for American domestic development of these Manufacturing industries,” Paul said.

24 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 25 Jillberto Rios Ramirez (right) describes rescue effort. Photo by Scott Weaver

rade union and government the Mexican union and its exiled leader, member Juan Linares Montufar, who leaders from 13 countries trav- Napoleon Gomez, was unusual and very has been held in a Mexico City jail since eled to Mexico this summer to powerful. returning from Vancouver, British Tsupport Los Mineros, the na- “The delegation included trade union Columbia, Canada in December 2008. tional miner’s union that has been under leaders from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Linares had been meeting with Gomez, attack by the Mexican government and Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, Peru, who is living in exile in Canada. He the conglomerate Grupo Mexico. Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, moved there with help from the USW. “Workers around the world are and the United States, and government Los Mineros is one of the few unions outraged at Mexico’s attacks on the leaders from Australia, Canada and Peru. in Mexico that continues to strike for Mineworkers union,” said International In addition to declaring that Los higher wages. The union has won a se- President Leo W. Gerard. Mineros strikes are illegal, the govern- ries of strikes with wage increases above The delegation, organized by the ment has jailed union leaders, frozen 8 percent, exceeding the 4.5 percent USW, the International Metalworkers’ union bank accounts and repeatedly limit imposed by the government. The Federation (IMF) and the International failed to prosecute those who have as- union has also criticized the govern- Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine sassinated four Los Mineros members. ment’s labor law reform proposals and n the 3 ½ years since an explosion accident, infuriating the families of the abandoned us here,” said Aida Gonzalez and General Workers’ Unions (ICEM), “During our meeting it became the lack of health and safety protections ripped through the Pasta de Con- miners who were angry at not being able Farias, whose husband Elias died in the sought but was denied a meeting with painfully obvious that the Mexican for workers. President Felipe Calderón to discuss government cannot defend itself over its chos coal mine in Mexico, killing to bury their dead. disaster. Government harassment 65 men, Jillberto Rios Ramirez has Why did Ramirez get involved? They used their own resources and his government’s handling of the mine terrible record of trade union repression I workers conflict. and violation of human rights,’’ said Ken In response, the government twice gone underground almost daily to dig ‘Because I was a miner and they are collected donations to continue the Neumann, the USW national director for removed Gomez from office and has through rubble in hopes of finding the our brothers,’’ he told the visiting labor rescue operation. Grupo Mexico has de- Unbridled interference repeatedly filed criminal charges against bodies of his son and other lost miners. delegation. “And not just for my son, but clined to help pay for any of the recov- Canada. The delegation, led by Canada’s Following the 2006 coal mine explo- the union leadership, although these The rescue operation, financially for all of the miners who were there.” ery operations. National Democratic Party leader Jack have been thrown out by the courts. supported by a group of miners’ widows The rescue team members, paid a Women who did not know each other sion at the Grupo Mexico-owned Pasta Layton, instead confronted Mexican de Conchos, Gomez accused the com- The government also tried repeatedly who occupied the site, was shut down on small amount through bucket collections on the day the accident happened now Labor Secretary Javier Lozano Alarcon to declare illegal a strike at three Grupo July 31 by 100 members of the Coahuila and other donations, removed rocks, act together like family with the shared pany and the Mexican government of over the government’s meddling with committing “industrial homicide.” Mexico mines which has run for nearly state police. gravel and dust caused by the explosion goal of recovering remains of their loved Los Mineros. two years, but the courts have rebuffed Until the police assault, Ramirez was and tried to reinforce walls and ceilings ones. The government removed Gomez During the meeting, Layton informed from office by fabricating charges that those efforts. The government has also part of a 13-man volunteer rescue team with posts and arches. Juanita Carrera Rodriquez, whose the Labor Secretary that the Mexican supported Grupo Mexico in establish- that was scratching through the earth to The union leaders from Argentina, husband is among the dead, said the he defrauded Los Mineros of $55 mil- government’s unbridled interference lion. Mexico continues to conceal an ing company-dominated unions at eight uncover 63 bodies abandoned after the Canada, Peru, South Africa and the widows received support from the min- into the internal affairs of Los Mineros other facilities. February 2006 explosion by the owner, United States met with family members ers’ union and international sympathiz- audit by the country’s National Bank- constitutes “serious and unacceptable ing and Securities Commission, which Four union members have been Grupo Mexico, and the Mexican govern- of the victims and with the rescue team ers. violations of human rights.” killed in the conflict. The government ment. that is working to recover miners’ bod- “We feel strengthened. We have even cleareds Gomez. Afterwards, Layton said the expres- The delegation also met with Los has not investigated or prosecuted their The police, accompanied by Grupo ies. At the entrance to the mine, they more energy to keep fighting and to get sion of global solidarity in support of cases. Mexico security guards, forcibly dis- placed wreaths in memory of the work- our husbands out of a place where they Mineros national Executive Committee lodged the miners and family members, ers who died. have been buried because, unfortunately, who vowed to somehow continue their Grupo Mexico, blamed by a special the company hasn’t done anything and it relief efforts. prosecutor for allowing a deadly mix of won’t do anything.” Among the injured was Rosa Maria methane, dust and oxygen to build up in Rodriquez said she stayed at the Mejia, who heads the Widows of Pasta the mine, has abandoned the site and left mine site for months after the accident, de Conchos group that organized the behind expensive equipment. too stricken to properly care for her chil- recovery operation. She had met just two dren who were too young to understand weeks earlier with an international labor Widows control rescue the tragedy. delegation led by the USW, the Interna- The widows created by the worst “It was just because of the depth of tional Federation of Chemical, Energy coal mining disaster in Mexico in a my pain and at that time my children Mine and General Workers’ Unions generation, are still waiting for their weren’t enough for me to fill that hole, (ICEM) and the International Metal- husbands to come home. that empty hole that was created when I workers Federation (IMF). Before the police moved in, the lost my husband,” she said. “All of my Only two bodies were recovered in miners’ widows had taken control of the feelings and energy was the immediate aftermath of the accident rescue operation and moved onto the focused here.” before Grupo Mexico called off the abandoned mine site. They lived in a search less than a week after the makeshift community near the entrance. “The company basically

Union members march to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Los Mineros. 26 USW@Work • Spring 2009 Photo by Scott Weaver USW@Work • Spring 2009 27 he global financial crisis could push an increasing number of children, particularly girls, into Tchild labor, according to a new International Labor Organization report. While recent global estimates indi- cate the number of children involved in ust over a year ago, the USW and trade unions around sure proposals are being implemented and are working. child labor has been falling, the finan- the globe signed a groundbreaking agreement with the Union members and their management counterparts from cial crisis threatens to erode this prog- world’s largest steelmaker, ArcelorMittal, to improve other countries have also been asked to participate in quarterly ress, the report, “Give Girls a Chance,” health and safety standards throughout the company. joint safety conferences in the United States. concluded. J “In the recession and with declin- Since then, a number of important steps have been taken In addition, ArcelorMittal and its employees worldwide toward fulfilling the promise of a truly global commitment to marked their first-ever “Global Health and Safety Day,” which ing household income, children are put safer and healthier workplaces. coincided with Workers Memorial Day and focused on educa- out of school and put into work. And “Occupational health and safety is the single most impor- tion and training to raise health and safety standards through- girls are often among the first,” said tant issue for working people, wherever they live,” said global out the company. Frank Hagemann, the ILO’s director of committee participant Al Long, a member of Local 6787 at the ArcelorMittal workers worldwide spent the day learning research and policy. ArcelorMittal plant in Burns Harbor, Ind. “We all understand about health and safety and received practical training specific Hagemann said he fears that that union workplaces are safer workplaces, and our goal is to to the equipment they work with every day. the current global economic crisis make all workplaces safer, one step at a time.” The events included a video presentation featuring many of with its declining commodity One of the main goals of the agreement is to establish joint the principal employee representatives, including International prices and credit constraints will union and management safety committees at all of the Arce- President Leo W. Gerard and ArcelorMittal President and CEO reverse the generally positive lorMittal operations, a process that is underway. The company Lakshmi Mittal. decline in child labor. operates more than 60 plants in 21 countries. As the realities of the global economy dictate, the USW’s Trend threatened strategic alliances have already paved the way for In its most recent survey, the progress in making workplaces safer in many coun- ILO reported in 2006 that there tries. were 218 million child laborers around creates particular dangers. Girls make In cultures where a higher value is We must continue to push for basic workplace the world, a significant decrease from health and safety standards with all of our multi- up the overwhelming number of chil- placed on education of male children, the 246 million child laborers reported dren in domestic work in third party girls risk being taken out of school and national employers to raise the bar for workers four years earlier. everywhere. households and there are regular reports are then likely to enter the work force at ILO Director-General Juan Somavia of the abuse of child domestic workers. an early age. The USW and global allies’ partnership with said the policies chosen in the present ArcelorMittal in the world’s first global health and More than half of the girls are forced to Other factors which could push up economic crisis will be a test of national work in prostitution and pornography or the numbers in child labor include cuts Other first actions included the creation of a joint global safety agreement is important for USW members and working and global commitments to ban child health and safety committee to target specific plants for dra- men and women – not just in the United States and Canada, in bonded labor in agriculture, mining in national education budgets, and a de- labor. and quarrying, the report said. cline in remittances of migrant workers matic improvements in safety performance. The group has met and not just in the steel industry – but everywhere. In order to “Protecting girls – and all children this year in Mexico and the Czech Republic with Romania on take advantage of this opportunity to create more awareness All children are vulnerable, but girls abroad, as these remittances often help – from child labor calls for integrated run particular risks, said study co-author to keep children in school. the agenda. around the issue of occupational health and safety in the age of responses that include jobs for parents globalization, we must create more global workers’ alliances to Patrick Quinn. Girls are very often Safety audits and training and social protection measures that help entrapped in hidden work situations, Working in 90 countries work with management to take on this important task. them to keep both girls and boys in The ILO’s International Program on In the past year, the committee has conducted an extensive We must also work to make sure all employees and their which can leave them open to abuse. safety audit with Mexican union members, scheduled safety school,’’ Somavia said. the Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC) supervisors are trained properly. We must do whatever we can Children as young as five years old Double burden has activities in almost 90 countries training at a mill in Kazakhstan to be taught by union members to minimize unsafe working conditions in all of our work- from Spain and is working to get Brazilian union members to work long hours for little or no pay. In their own homes, girls take on worldwide. places. And girls are just as likely as boys to be household chores to a much greater The program works at the policy be allowed to participate in accident investigations. Finally, in this time of global economic crisis, we cannot The committee is sharing information about successful forced into some of the most hazardous extent than boys. Combined with eco- level, supporting development of fall into the trap of allowing the pressures of the market impact forms of labor. nomic activity outside the household, legislative and policy frameworks to health and safety practices between plants and across conti- decisions on the shop floor that would endanger any worker. nents, and is following up at some of the worst areas to make Nearly half of the 218 million child this imposes a “double burden” that tackle child labor, as well as through laborers around the world are girls, increases the risk of girls dropping out programs aimed at preventing and according to the report, which was of school. withdrawing children from child labor, released to coincide with this year’s In many societies girls are in an in- and has developed a global action plan World Day Against Child Labor. ferior and vulnerable position compared to eliminate its worst forms – includ- to boys and are more likely to lack basic ing hazardous work, commercial sexual 100 million girls education. This seriously restricts their exploitation, trafficking and all forms of More than 100 million girls are future opportunities. slavery – by 2016. involved in child labor, according to the As the financial crisis increases Many of ILO-IPEC’s local pro- ILO’s estimates. And many girls face poverty, poor families with a number grams are working with girls, provid- the worst forms of child labor. of children may have to make choices ing them with a chance of education or Much work undertaken by girls is about which children stay in school and training as an alternative to child labor. hidden from public view, which which work.

28 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 29 Photos courtesy National Labor Committee

Worker Asking for Maternity Leave Dismissed ess than two months before she was to give birth, a 21-year old woman worker was Lthrown out of the R.L, Denim factory when she asked for her legal right to maternity leave with pay. When the NLC met the young Fatema Akter Fatema and child woman, also named Fatema, she was coughing and wheezing, just having and ordered her to continue working. left on the pants. She was assigned a been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Workers Cursed and Beaten Under the law in Bangladesh, Factory Worker Dies Several days later, Fatema became mandatory production goal of cleaning he NLC interviewed a factory helper identified only as e all enjoy a bargain. But so violently ill at about 10 a.m. that she 90 to 100 pairs of jeans each hour, or pregnant women are guaranteed 16 how would you feel if you Mrs. Parvin, who said she was terminated in 2009 after weeks of maternity leave with pay. was allowed to lie down on a piece of an average of one pair of jeans every 38 requesting maternity leave. knew that the cheap jeans you cardboard on the factory floor. Manage- seconds. T The pay is based on the average wage W Mrs. Parvin told the NLC that the plant’s general manager bought were made by an overworked ment left her lying there apparently un- The pace was frantic and relentless. earned over the previous three months young woman who died after collapsing and two supervisors routinely cursed at, slapped and beat her including regular and overtime wages conscious, not lifting a finger to arrange In a typical 13-hour shift, Fatema had to and other women workers if they moved too slowly. They also on the job. for treatment. clean 1,235 pairs of pants. She was paid and bonuses. For three days in early December pulled the women’s hair and even kicked them. When they Despite the law, the women was After an hour or so, the workers one-tenth of a U.S. cent for each pair cursed at the young women, they used the most vile language. 2008, Fatema Akter, 18, begged her demanded that Fatema be taken to a cleaned. let go in July 2008 when she was 7 supervisor at the R.L. Denim factory Mrs. Parvin said she was tired and often sick during her dif- ½ months pregnant. She was asked hospital and management arranged If Fatema fell behind, she was cursed ficult pregnancy and pleaded with management to allow her to in Bangladesh for a day off. Forced to for a co-worker to take her on a small and slapped – an event that the National to leave without receiving any of work 13 to 15 hours a day, seven days go on maternity leave. But her request was always denied. the benefits legally due to her. motorcycle rickshaw to the Al-Amin Labor Committee (NLC) says happened Less than three weeks before she was to give birth, Mrs. a week, Fatema was sick and exhausted Hospital in Chittagong, where she was frequently. She was paid just 11 ½ cents Her average wage at the R.L. with pains in her chest and arms. She Parvin could no longer make her assigned production goal. The Denim plant was the equivalent pronounced dead at 5 p.m. an hour, 93 cents a day and $5.60 U.S. general manger angrily told her to leave the factory. also had dysentery, which may have Fatema was a helper on the Line D a week. of $51.09 for a seven-day week resulted from the factory’s filthy drink- After working seven-day, 80-hour work weeks for four including regular and overtime at the denim factory. Her identify card Fatema’s family had no money to years, Mrs. Parvin was kicked out of the factory with less than ing water. number was 532. bury their daughter and has asked man- wages and a production bonus. At Rather than grant her a sick day, the 10 percent of the legal maternity benefits due to her. that rate, honoring her legal right As a helper, her job was to clean the agement to pay a life insurance benefit The manager gave her the equivalent of $21.90 and said she supervisor, identified only as Mr. Monir, finished jeans, which meant she used of approximately $1,460 and a death to maternity leave with pay would slapped Fatema in the face very hard could reapply for her job in two months. The NLC calculated have cost the factory $189. a small scissor to cut off loose threads benefit of $4,380. that she was instead owed $230.08. Mrs. Parvin

women – is perhaps the biggest victory guarantee that human and worker rights profiting from their exploitation. return all of its orders to the R.L. Denim for workers in the developing world to are respected at the factory, where work- At that time, Workers Uniting was factory, institute significant changes date,” said International President Leo ers are paid an estimated 13 U.S. cents joined by the German union Verdi in throughout its worldwide supply chain W. Gerard. for each pair of jeans they sew. signing an unprecedented Joint Interna- to guarantee that human and worker “The workers will no longer be Gerard said the settlement is a “big tional Solidarity statement in support of rights standards are finally respected and beaten at work. They will be paid for win in the fight against the global race to the Bangladeshi workers. Together, the open the factory to the respected Bangla- overtime and maternity leave. They now the bottom – not only for the workers in unions represent some 5.5 million work- desh Center for Workers Solidarity and have toilet paper and other basic needs.” Bangladesh, but for Workers Uniting as ers. National Garment Workers Federation to The inhuman conditions that led to we take on battles from a global perspec- “Our solidarity sent a clear message push for continued improvements. the campaign were uncovered by the tive.” that our unions are not only dedicated Abusive supervisors were fired and National Labor Committee (NLC), a When the factory workers – more to protecting and growing the rights of pay was corrected, the NLC told its sup- U.S. based activist organization that has than 650 mostly young women who sew our own members, but that we will fight porters. The factory also now has child long been supported by the USW. clothing for Metro and its Macro Cash & to protect the rights of workers across and health care centers, purified drink- For years, hundreds of young women Carry stores – asked for their most basic the developing world,’’ said Unite Joint ing water, a dining area, toilet paper and employed at the R.L. Denim factory legal rights, they were attacked, fired and General Secretary Derek Simpson. soap. orkers Uniting, the world’s the R.L. Denim factory in Bangladesh were trapped under prison-like condi- thrown out on the street with nothing. Added Unite Joint General Secre- “This campaign is so significant in first global union, helped was one of the first global solidarity tions, forced to work seven days a week, For too many workers in the developing tary Tony Woodley: “Our efforts helped that it has broken through the isolation to correct abuses at a projects undertaken by Workers Uniting beaten, denied maternity leave and paid world, this is the only choice they have – hold a corporate exploiter accountable, to reach out to some of the poorest and Wsweatshop in Bangladesh after its formation last summer by the just pennies an hour, NLC Director be exploited or starve. showed what’s possible when workers most abused workers in the global sweat- where young woman were routinely United Steelworkers and Unite, the larg- Charles Kernaghan uncovered. In May, just when the factory’s work- around the world stand together.” shop economy, proving that with the help beaten, denied maternity leave and est labor union in the United Kingdom Metro Group, the world’s third-larg- ers were on the verge of winning legal According to the NLC, Metro Group of international solidarity, workers can forced to work grueling hours while be- and Ireland. est retailer with outlets across Europe, rights to a democratic voice in the work admitted its failure to monitor and now ask for their rights and win,” the ing shortchanged of their wages. “The victory for R.L. Denim work- ultimately pledged to make significant place, Metro announced it was pulling its protect the factory’s workers. In a state- NLC said. Standing up for exploited workers at ers in Bangladesh – hundreds of young changes in its worldwide supply chain to work from the factory following years of ment, Metro said it would immediately

30 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 31 Rubber Workers Address Landry Named DPE VP ASARCO Strike Authorization Gerard Receives Honorary Degree Economic Crisis eaders representing the 24 national opper workers represented by the Steelworkers and other nternational President Leo W. Gerard received an ubber workers and trade union leaders from unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO’s unions employed by ASARCO LLC have unanimously honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of around the world met in Nashville to discuss LDepartment of Professional Employ- Capproved a strike if the USW determines the action IGuelph in Ontario, Canada in recognition of his con- Rthe impact of the global recession on the rub- ees (DPE) have elected USW International necessary. Employees at all ASARCO locations could strike if tributions to social justice. The university cited Gerard’s ber industry and its labor relations and to develop a Vice President Carol Landry as a new DPE Grupo Mexico, the corporate parent of bankrupt ASARCO, goes leadership in fighting for workers’ rights in the United plan of action. general vice president. The DPE repre- forward with a plan of reorganization without first reaching an States and Canada. sents more than 4 million professional and agreement with the union. The International Federation of Chemical, University of Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Unions technical workers. Landry was elected to a By contrast, Sterlite Inc., which has agreed to purchase as- Guelph Photo (ICEM) World Rubber Conference held in four-year term at the DPE, where she filled sets under a debtors’ plan of reorganization, has reached a labor May drew nearly 90 trade unionists from a board seat vacated by retired Secretary- agreement with the USW in the event that plan is approved. throughout the world. Treasurer Jim English. Grupo Mexico has not reached an agreement with the union despite many negotiating sessions over the past two years. The conference centered primarily on the global Carol Landry economic crisis with panelists speaking of shut- A hearing to consider the competing plans for bankruptcy downs, layoffs, wage freezes, reductions in pay and reorganization is scheduled to begin on August 14 in federal hours worked, contract labor and lack of investment bankruptcy court in Corpus Christi, Texas. at plants around the world. The USW was the conference host. International Women of Steel Raise Funds Secretary-Treasurer Stan Johnson, who leads the omen of Steel (WOS) in Southern Illinois have ac- USW’s Rubber/Plastics Industry Conference (R/PIC), tively supported the fight against domestic violence in was unanimously elected as the ICEM’s permanent Wrecent years through financial support of the Phoenix New Home for Flint Archives chairman for the rubber industry. Crisis Center in Granite City, Ill. Their activities have raised merican Flint Glass Workers Union (AFGWU) “Our opportunity lies in making sure that work over $50,000 in six years. archives dating back to the union’s formation and the value of workers is once again important,” This year, the WOS chose as its beneficiary the Susan G. Ko- Ain 1878 have been relocated to the Museum of Johnson said. “It is our responsibility, individually men Breast Cancer Foundation to honor the late Mary Jo Hollen- American Glass in Weston, W.Va., following the sale of and collectively, to step forward and change our beck, the sister of Local 1899 WOS activist Joyce Hayden. the union’s former headquarters in Toledo. future.” Local businesses and individuals gave generously and the The AFGWU was one of the oldest union movements For more conference details, visit www.icem.org. members of the Polish Hall in Madison, Ill., donated their facil- in the United States, predating the Steelworkers, the Auto ity. In the photo, Hayden (left) and Norma Gaines, Local 68 re- Workers and the Rubber Workers. George M. Parker, pres- IEB Supports Strikers cording secretary and WOS co-coordinator for District 7, present ident of the Flints from 1961 until 1989, was instrumental he International Executive Board on July 8 showed support for 217 USW members who are a plaque to Polish Hall President Tom Gordon Jr., in recognition in establishing a museum and archives to commemorate on strike at Prysmian Cable and Systems in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. of the organization’s support. the history of this significant organization. T Prysmian broke off talks In 2003, the union merged with the United Steelwork- Joyce Hayden, Tom Gordon, Jr., and ers. Flint’s glassworkers and former members of the even before the monetary issues Norma Gaines of the contract were discussed. Aluminum, Brick and Glass (ABG) union are now part of After more than twenty meetings, the USW Glass Conference. members of Locals 7016 and 8428 The archives, accepted by the museum in February, are went on strike April 1. an invaluable asset to those who seek to understand the The company, formerly Pirelly historical context of the development and growth of the Cables, is majority owned by the labor movement in the United States. investment house Goldman Sachs, which participated in the U.S. Arbitrator Rules for USW government’s Troubled Asset Re- n independent arbitrator ordered AK Steel to lief Program (TARP). It produces abandon plans to shut down its Ashland, Ky., plant electric cables and operates four Aand lay off about 750 USW-represented workers plants in North America. because the USW’s contract prevents members from being laid off while other plants are operating. International President Leo W. Gerard warned other Bloom Leads Auto Task Force employers that the USW will continue to enforce its con- on Bloom, a former special assistant to International Presi- $1.4 Million “Lunch Money” Settlement tractual protections, no matter what market conditions are dent Leo W. Gerard, is the new leader of the Presidential he USW reached a settlement in a lawsuit against Riverside or how difficult economic times become. RTask Force on the Auto Industry. Cement of California and its parent company, TXI, requir- “We promised job and earnings security in Ashland Bloom, who left the USW in February to become a senior advi- Ting the company to pay $1.4 million to all of its represent- and delivered,” said Gerard. “We promised to fight for sor to the task force, was tapped in July to succeed Steven Rattner, ed employees at facilities in Oro Grande and Crestmore, Calif. fairness and dignity for our members and we’re true to our a former New York investment banker who oversaw the task force The payments will compensate employees for missed and word.” and has returned to private life. on-duty meal and rest periods. Some former employees are also Local 1865 President Doug Campbell thanked inter- A Harvard trained banker before he joined the USW, Bloom eligible for compensation. The money will be distributed accord- national representatives who assisted in the arbitration assumed leadership of the task force’s activities at the request of Ron Bloom ing to a court-approved formula. TXI is a major cement producer efforts. “Our members need to know that our grievance Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. operating in Texas and California. procedure works, even if it seems slow at times,” he said.

32 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 33 William E. Jones

he Women of Steel Committee at Local 1000 in Corning, N.Y., rolled up their sleeves for the ocal 7655 President William TUnited Way and perked up a E. Jones knows how important women’s domestic violence shelter inside it is for labor to be active in and out. politics and he puts his money The local’s WOS Committee was L one of eight teams from Corning Inc. where it matters. “Having labor-friendly candidates that participated in all-day community means a lot to the future and the very the political arena, particularly in the projects as part of the United Way Day of existence of organized labor from our 2006 Senate race here in Tennessee Caring in Corning on June 24. local city and county officials all the and, of course, the presidential race last “This was a fun way to team build for way to the president of the United year,’’ Jones said. our women’s committee and a great help States,’’ Jones said. “I know PAC is important because to the women’s shelter as well,’’ said Local 7655, which represents it gives labor an opportunity to develop team leader Rebecca Price, chair of the employees at the Carrier Air Condition- resources to help get pro-labor candi- WOS Committee. ing plant in Collierville, Tenn., urges dates elected. Corporations outspend Local 1000 represents more than members to get involved in local, state labor many times over, but thanks to 1,500 workers at Corning’s headquarters and federal elections and participate in PAC we were able to pull members out and business locations in Corning and payroll check-off for the Steelworkers’ of the local to get the job done.” around the region. Political Action Fund. Because of its consistent activism in The Day of Caring, a tangible way for PACs and the funds they raise play a politics, Scarver honored the local by volunteers to support United Way agen- key role in the USW’s ongoing activ- naming Jones the PAC Member of the cies and activities, is sponsored annually ism on behalf of working people and Quarter. by the United Way of the Southern Tier. their families. USW PAC Coordinator “They are one of the top contributors Typically, the projects involve physi- Michael Scarver notes that most corpo- in District 9,” Scarver said of the local’s cal labor and are tasks that the agencies rations have well-funded PACs to push members. “They are at the forefront of involved can’t get done during their day- their causes in Washington, D.C., and at every important election that can impact to-day operations. state and local governments. employees at that plant.” The WOS group cleaned and orga- nized the shelter’s common kitchen in- Voluntary support important Actively involved cluding walls, floor, cabinets, appliances “Politics has an effect on everything Jones, 34, started working at Carrier and its messy pantry. They also cleaned that this union does for our members when he was 19 and quickly joined and sanitized the shelter’s play room and from negotiating labor agreements to the union once his probationary period all of its children’s toys fighting for issues that pertain to the ended. He has been actively involved “We went from the top down and running of the facilities where our mem- since 1997, serving as shop steward cleaned everything,” Price said. “And bers work,’’ Scarver said. and chief steward before being elected when we were done we went outside and Federal Election Commission rules president of the local in 2006, when he cleaned up the garden beds, too.” prohibit the use of union dues money was 31. All of the teams that ventured into the for political purposes, making it impera- He has served on the local’s Rapid community for service projects received tive that members voluntarily support Response, organizing and bargaining support from both Local 1000 and Corn- PAC. committees as well as the Tennessee ing, Price said. Scarver said it is easier than you Labor Management Foundation, the ex- One team of Local 1000 board mem- might think to get a PAC started in your ecutive committee of the Shelby County bers cleaned up the streets and alleyways local and arrange for the company to Democratic Party and the United Way around the local union hall, clearing trash allow payroll check-off. “Once we take advisory committee representing labor. and pulling weeds. that first step and talk to our members, it “There is always room for improve- The staff and clients of the shelter ap- becomes pretty easy,’’ he said. ment. We as working people should peared to be overwhelmed by the efforts Members at Local 7655 are asked always hold our elected officials ac- and generosity of the volunteers, and to support the fund through voluntary countable and true to their word,’’ Jones more projects are planned. donations of at least $1 a week or $52 said. “There is nothing better for a “We established a great relationship a year. This year’s drive was conducted working person than a union and PAC is with these other women in our commu- by local Chairperson Debra Daniel. a major contributor to the very existence nity and look forward to serving them “This local has been very active in of organized labor.” again,’’ Price said.

34 USW@Work • Summer 2009 USW@Work • Summer 2009 35 Have You Moved? Notify your local union financial secretary, or clip out this form with your old address label and send your new address to: USW@Work USW Membership Department, 3340 Perimeter Hill Drive, Nashville, TN 37211 Name ______New Address ______City ______State ______Zip ______

Go inside USW@Work for stories on safety in the oil and steel industries and on how to eliminate hazards where you work. See pages 12,14 and 28.