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Volume 109 Number 15 August 1, 2008 Portland, Oregon Caregivers of migrant children join Laborers #320 Employees at the Oregon Child De - $8 an hour with no benefits. from the U.S. Department of Health velopment Coalition in Washington Guzman said he was initially con - and Human Services, U.S. Department County voted July 23 to join Laborers tacted by an employee who had been of Education, U.S. Department of Agri - Local 320. The vote, conducted by the fired without cause. culture, Oregon Department of Educa - National Labor Relations Board, was “Because I spoke Spanish, she asked tion, Oregon Child Care Division, 124-17 in a bargaining unit of 170 me to represent her,” Guzman said. Washington County Commission on mostly Hispanic women. Thirteen bal - Guzman told the Labor Press that he Children and Families, and the Hills - lots were challenged by management. and the woman met with an OCDC ad - boro and Forest Grove school districts, “For a unit of this size, it is one of ministrator, who told them he didn’t as well as from private donations. the widest margins of victory I’ve seen have to explain the firing to anyone. ERB told the union that it would in - in my 30 years doing this,” said John Three months passed before a group vestigate, but that it would take some Seaton, organizing director for the La - of employees from OCDC called Guz - time and the results probably wouldn’t borers Northwest Region. man and asked about joining the union. be in their favor. The only other option Local 320, headquartered in Port - “I laid it out to them,” he recalled. “ I was to file for an election through the land, represents 1,100 workers in heavy told them they had to unite, hold hands National Labor Relations Board. and highway construction, at industrial and work together.” “Once we found this out, we knew it plants, as well as in the public sector. A full-fledged organizing campaign would be more difficult going through OCDC is a non-profit pre-school ensued, with picnics, house visits and the NLRB,” Tischer said. childhood care and education network authorization cards signed. But pushed by employees, the cam - that works primarily with families of At first, Local 320 filed for card- paign forged ahead. the state’s migrant farm workers. check recognition with the Oregon Em - Seaton, from the international union, Statewide, it employs 1,100 workers at ployment Relations Board, but were praised Guzman and Tischer for their operations in 12 counties, serving about told OCDC was a private, non-profit or - work coordinating the campaign, but he 3,000 children and families. Employees from the Oregon Child Development Coalition in Washington ganization. was especially proud of the employees. The Washington County bargaining County celebrate after ballots were counted in favor of union representation “Because there was state and federal “This was worker-driven. I have to hand unit consists of teachers, teacher assis - by Laborers Local 320. funding, we thought we were dealing it to them, it was one of the best cam - tants, cooks, bus drivers, custodians and with public employees,” said Local 320 paigns I’ve seen,” he said. other workers at locations in Cornelius, union representation, and they knew it,” ers — some with more than 10 years of Business Manager Dave Tischer. Tischer said the goal now is to get a Forest Grove and Banks, Oregon. said Local 320 organizer Ben Guzman. service — had been fired for no appar - OCDC operates on a budget of al - first contract ratified. The wide margin “These are truly people that need As “at-will” employees, several teach - ent reason. Many employees were paid most $35 million a year. It gets funding of victory should help smooth the way. Sizemore operation faces new forgery allegations Trickey. A 2005 complaint by Our Oregon resulted in fines for sometimes that handwriting was different than that of the circula - Union-backed group finds Trickey, Sizemore, and two Democracy Direct subcontractors for tors who’d signed below swearing they’d witnessed the signa - violating the voter-approved ban on the pay-by-the-signature tures. On many sheets, it was clear that carbon paper had been evidence of fraud in campaigns bounty. Sizemore himself has a history of initiative abuses — a used to copy addresses and dates from one signature sheet to oth - for measures that are headed for jury found two of his groups had engaged in a pattern of fraud ers; the signatures were always in ink, but on some sheets, they and forgery during several 2000 ballot measure campaigns. were written on top of the carbon. Sometimes, the same individ - the ballot Democracy Direct ran the 2007-2008 paid signature-gathering ual’s name appeared on several measures, but with fundamentally operations for nine initiatives aimed at the November 2008 ballot. different signatures. By DON Mc INTOSH Five of the initiatives were sponsored by Sizemore and two by Lebwohl and Weller made copies, and used voter registration Associate Editor former state Republican Party chair Kevin Mannix. The other two databases to locate some of the people whose names appeared on Staff at a labor-supported watchdog group found what they initiatives, which didn’t make it to the ballot, were sponsored by the suspicious signature sheets. Moore said they called as many think is evidence of forgery on initiative petitions sponsored by Russ Walker, current vice chair of the Oregon Republican Party. as 200 individuals and spoke with about 70. Though most didn’t anti-union activist Bill Sizemore — after less than 40 hours of [Walker also co-sponsored three of the Sizemore measures.] remember whether they’d signed or not, and some were suspi - staff time spent combing through petition sheets. The current forgery allegations stem from a two-day visit in cious or uncooperative, seven said they were certain they hadn’t The group, Our Oregon, shared its early findings with Oregon June by two Our Oregon staff members to the Elections Division signed the petition on which their names appeared. And four of Secretary of State Bill Bradbury June 16. Then, after it appeared offices in Salem. Rachel Lebwohl and Maggie Weller looked for those agreed to go public. nothing was being done with the information, the group filed a irregularities in a small sample of the initiative petition sheets. Keizer resident Ellen Clay confirmed to the NW Labor Press formal complaint July 15 with the state Elections Division, which They tried to match up sheets for different measures that were that she was approached in Salem outside a Kohl’s store — and Bradbury oversees. circulated by the same paid petitioner on the same day. That was - signed several petitions. Clay specifically declined to sign a peti - The Elections Division is certifying eight measures for the n’t easy: A single ballot measure can easily require more than tion eliminating seniority pay for teachers — there are several November ballot, despite indications that election law was vio - 15,000 signature sheets. But Our Oregon spokesperson Scott teachers in her family. But her name appears on a sheet for that lated by paid signature gatherers who worked on seven of the Moore, formerly of Bradbury’s office, said it didn’t take long to initiative, and paid petitioner Joseph Yearby, who lists a Flint, campaigns. find rather obvious evidence to confirm their suspicions. Michigan, home address, signed below swearing he witnessed all Those signature gatherers are employees of Democracy Di - A very high proportion of pages had all the signers’ address the signatures. Clay wonders: Did Yearby trick her into signing a rect, Inc., a for-profit company owned by Sizemore associate Tim and date information filled out in the same handwriting, and (Turn to Page 8) WSLC to convene in Vancouver VANCOUVER, Wash — About ers just ratified their first union con - as will British Columbia Labour Fed - 500 delegates from unions across tract after a two-year campaign. eration President Jim Sinclair. Washington are expected in Vancouver Highlights of the convention in - Delegates will debate and pass res - Aug. 4-7 for the annual convention of clude a Monday morning address by olutions, and take part in trainings and the Washington State Labor Council, Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire policy discussions on trade, health AFL-CIO. The state labor council is and a Tuesday visit from U.S. Sen. care, immigration, global warming, considered the voice of labor in Wash - Patty Murray. Delegates will also hear and worker safety. ington, and represents 500 local from U.S. Congressman Brian Baird, The day before the convention be - unions with a combined membership Washington House Speaker Frank gins, arrivees and local volunteers will of about 400,000 workers. Chopp, and State Treasurer candidate take part in a “Labor Neighbor” walk The event will take place at the Jim McIntire. to help a union-endorsed candidate for Vancouver Hilton Hotel, where work - Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom State House in Washington’s 17th leg - Chamberlain will speak to delegates, islative district.

Holliday named general vice president Lewis gets labor council of Operating Engineers Mark Holliday has been appointed a nod in Portland election general vice president of the International Union of Operating Charles Lewis has been endorsed former Carpenters Union representa - Engineers. Holliday is business by the Northwest Oregon Labor tive finished fourth. manager of Gladstone, Oregon- Council in his race for an open seat on Lewis is making his first run at po - based Operating Engineers Local the Portland City Council. litical office. He is the founder of 701. He is the first business manager Lewis is in a November runoff Ethos Music Center, a non-profit or - from that local to serve on the against Amanda Fritz for Position 1. ganization that teaches music and pro - international union’s 14-person The seat is currently held by Mayor- vides instruments to children. Executive Board. The term of office elect Sam Adams. Adams didn’t seek During an interview with the labor is for five years. Prior to the ap- re-election, in order to run for mayor. council’s Executive Board on July 28, pointment last month, Holliday was He takes office Jan. 1, 2009. Lewis said he is a former member of chair of the international union’s Fritz, a member of the Oregon the Teamsters Union and that his fa - five-person Board of Trustees. The Nurses Association, was the top vote- ther was a Teamster throughout his International Union of Operating getter in the primary, capturing 44 working career. Engineers has 400,000 members in Bennett Hartman percent of the vote in a field of six “I will be the strongest advocate 170 locals throughout the United b h candidates. She was endorsed by sev - you have on City Council,” he told Morris & Kaplan, llp States and Canada. It is head- eral unions, including United Food board members. Attorneys at Law quartered in Washington, D.C. and Commercial Workers Local 555, In other political action, the North - m k Laborers Local 483, AFSCME Local west Oregon Labor Council endorsed 189, Letter Carriers Branch 82, Fire the re-election of Tony Hyde for Co - Fighters Local 43, and Carpenters Lo - lumbia County commissioner, Posi - Oregon’s Full Service Union Law Firm cal 247. tion 3. Hyde ran unopposed in the Re - Representing Workers Since 1960 Lewis received 13 percent of the publican primary. vote in the primary. He did not have He faces a challenge from Democ - Rain Forest Boots any union endorsements. rat Pat Zimmerman in November. Made in America! The Northwest Oregon Labor Zimmerman ran unopposed in the Serious Injury and Death Cases Council’s endorsed candidate in the May primary. Try a pair on, you’ll like them. May primary was Mike Fahey. The Tough boots for the Northwest. • Construction Injuries AL’S SHOES • Automobile Accidents 5811 SE 82nd, Portland 503-771-2130 %HHVRQ &KLURSUDFWLF Mon-Fri 10-7:30 Sat 10-5:30 Sun 12-6 • Medical, Dental, and Legal Malpractice 7LUHG KHOSV EULQJ WKH • Bicycle and Motorcycle Accidents • Pedestrian Accidents RI UHOLHI \RX QHHG • Premises Liability (injuries on premises) Š 7UHDWPHQW IRU SDLQ GXH WR :RUNLQJ (International Standard Serial Number 0894-444X) RYHUXVH DQG UHSHWLWLYH PRWLRQ Established in 1900 at Portland, Oregon • Workers’ Compensation Injuries Š &KLURSUDFWLF DGMXVWPHQWV as a voice of the labor movement. 4275 NE Halsey St., P.O. Box 13150, • Social Security Claims LQ Š 7UHDWPHQW IRU DFFLGHQW DQG Portland, Ore. 97213 VSRUWVUHODWHG LQMXULHV Telephone: (503) 288-3311 Editor: Michael Gutwig Staff: Don McIntosh, Cheri Rice Š 5HKDELOLWDWLRQ H[HUFLVHV Published on a semi-monthly basis on the first and third Fridays of each month by the Oregon Labor Press Publishing Co. Inc., a non- Š 7KHUDSHXWLF PDVVDJH profit corporation owned by 20 unions and councils including the We Work Hard for Hard-Working People! 3$,1" Oregon AFL-CIO. Serving more than 120 union organizations in Ore - gon and SW Washington. Subscriptions $13.75 per year for union Š ,QWHUQDO GLDJQRVLV DQG WUHDWPHQW members. Group rates available to trade union organizations. Š /DE WHVWV DQG [UD\V PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID 111 SW Fifth Avenue, Suite 1650 AT PORTLAND, OREGON. 0RVW ,QVXUDQFH CHANGE OF ADDRESS NOTICE: Three weeks are required for a change of address. When ordering a change, please give your old Portland, Oregon 97204 and new addresses and the name and number of your local union. 3ODQV $FFHSWHG POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS, P.O. BOX 13150, (503) 227-4600 PORTLAND, OR 97213-0150 www.bennetthartman.com 3528'/< 6(59,1* 'U 'DQ %HHVRQ &KLURSUDFWRU  6( 7KLUWHHQWK $YH LQ 6HOOZRRG 3257/$1' :25.(56 Our Legal Staff are Proud Members of UFCW Local 555 )25 29(5  <($56 &$// 

PAGE 2 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS AUGUST 1, 2008 AFL-CIO engaged in Washington’s ‘Top-2’ primary

OLYMPIA — Ballots are due to be CONGRESS nomic issues and workplace rights. Aug. 1 and must be postmarked or de - to working families. The next Labor mailed out Aug. 1 to most Washington U.S. Congress, Dist. 3 - Brian Baird Democrats tend to have the best posited at a designated location before Neighbor solidarity walk in Southwest voters and are due back Aug. 19. records on those issues, but WSLC 8 p.m. Aug. 19. [This is different from Washington will be Sunday, Aug. 3 Washingtonians made their picks STATEWIDE backs Republicans as well, including, Oregon’s vote-by-mail system, in from 1 to 5 p.m.; volunteers will meet for president already, in a special Feb - Governor - Chris Gregoire in this primary, incumbent Secretary which postmarks don’t count.] at the Vancouver Fire Fighters Hall, ruary caucus and primary, and backed Lieutenant Governor - Brad Owen of State Sam Reed and 17th district WSLC is looking for volunteers to 2807 Fruit Valley Road. To sign up or the eventual winners — Barack Attorney General - John Ladenburg State Sen. Don Benton. Benton had a take part in “Labor Neighbor” walks, get more information, call Lori Obama and John McCain. Now voters Secretary of State - Sam Reed 40 percent rating in 2007, but voted in in which union members call or visit Province of the WSLC at 206-351- will narrow the field in state and local State Treasurer - Jim McIntire accord with the WSLC on some key other union households to educate 2956 or visit the federation Web site at wslc.org races. Auditor - Brian Sonntag legislation expanding the right of pub - them about election issues important . It’s the first try-out of the state’s Insurance Commissioner lic employees to unionize. new “Top 2” primary, in which the top Mike Kreidler In the tinted box to the left are can - two vote-getters advance to the No - Public Lands Commissioner didates endorsed by WSLC for state- vember general election, regardless of Peter Goldmark wide races and for local legislative and A HARD RAIN FELL: which party they belong to. Top 2 congressional races in Southwest Supreme Court Position 3 Struggles for civil rights in the 1960s passed via ballot measure in 2004, but Washington. Washington has 49 state Mary Fairhurst and their meaning today was delayed by a court challenge that Supreme Court Position 4 legislative districts, each of which has went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Charles Johnson two representatives and one senator. Court. Supreme Court Position 7 The Top 2 method applies only to A forum on Friday, August 8, at 7:00 pm The Top Two primary may shift elections for partisan offices; non-par - Debra Stephens 6401 SE Foster Rd, Portland, Oregon politics the most in areas like Seattle tisan offices like judgeships and city State Court of Appeals 3 (SEIU Hall) or Eastern Washington that are Kevin M. Korsmo offices are unaffected. Candidates for strongly dominated by one political each partisan office state a preference Sponsored by SEIU Local 503 party. In the past, candidates who won LEGISLATIVE for a political party, but that preference the primary in such areas expected to 17th Legislative District: does not imply that the party approves Civil & Human Rights Committee coast to victory in the general election. House Seat 1 - Tim Probst of or associates with that candidate. Now voters in some cases may decide Voters do not have to declare a party House Seat 2 - Deb Wallace Panel Speakers: in November between two candidates Senate - Don Benton affiliation or select one party’s ballot to of the same party. vote in the primary. Union activist Ann Montague on Bayard Rustin Organized labor’s highest priority 18th Legislative District: A similar proposal will go before & Gay Liberation race won’t be decided in the primary, House Seat 1 - VaNessa Duplessie Oregon voters as a ballot measure this because the rematch between Republi - House Seat 2 - Jonathan Fant November. Union organizer Bob Novick on the legacy of the 1960s Senate - Jon Haugen can Dino Rossi and Democratic in - The deadline for registering online Civil rights leader Jarvis Tyner on cumbent Christine Gregoire will al - or by mail is past, but new voters can connecting the 1960s to now most certainly go to November. Four eration. register in person through Aug. 4. In years ago, Gregoire won the gover - all but King and Pierce counties, the WSLC is non-partisan, and in its Info: Contact Bob Rossi, 503 581-1505 X 141 nor’s race only on the second recount, political work stays focused on eco - election will be conducted entirely by and by a small margin — 133 votes. A mail. Ballots will be mailed to voters Chelan County judge rejected a legal

challenge by Rossi to the results. , s r

e Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers, Family r C

Rossi, a commercial real estate broker e t a s r a p l and two-term former state senator, has e P n , t s e r r been campaigning ever since. o s t , a E

v 'RQ·W OHW WKH SOHDVXUH RI 6XPPHU l e e Rossi has been portraying himself l c E t , r s i c as a moderate, said David Groves, r i e a t n n i s a spokesperson for the Washington State VOLS DZD\ \RXU ´8QLRQµ &UHGLW 8QLRQ , L P a , s b t

Labor Council (WSLC), AFL-CIO. o h r g e i r r s

But his record in the state senate was - w , l l G i

has plenty of money to lend. l M a ,

n’t moderate when it came to work - z s i e r r e s k

place issues, Groves said. Rossi’s , r S o h W votes earned him a 6 percent rating e e s t o m t s e

from the WSLC, putting him in the e t b a s Low variable rate l A company of the most hardline anti- W , o

s Home r r k e f union Republicans from Eastern e o r s o Convenient terms , R F

Washington. For example, he voted in , Equity l o s o n r o c 2003 to cut unemployment benefits up s o

a Interest may be tax deductible v e M Loans r t

to $200 a week. Unemployed con - e n r e s , m struction workers were hit especially B e r C i c , k s l hard. r a e y y e a r l

Labor is pushing for a high turnout Very low rates s k , c i C r e B for Gregoire in the primary. Auto m , s e r

Both New and Used Autos n e t “The better she looks as an incum - r M e v a

o Loans s bent in the primary, the better it’ll be c o r n o Financing up to 84 months s o l ,

going into final vote in November,” F R , o s r o e said Mike Carnahan, secretary-treas - f e k r r s o , W urer of the Clark, Skamania, West A l s a b t e

Klickitat Counties Central Labor e Very competitive rates s t m o t s e

Council. e RV W h o S Both New and Used RVs r , After conducting interviews, re - k s e r r e i Loans s z viewing candidate questionnaires and , a M l Financing up to 144 months i G l l , w considering candidate records, the s r r i e g r h o state labor council announced endorse - t b s , a P L , ments in May. Candidates have to have a s i n n t a e i r two-thirds support of affiliates to get c i s

r 9955 SE Washington Street (503) 253-8193 * (800) 356-6507 , t E c l e e the WSLC endorsement. Through l v E a , Portland, OR 97216 www.ibewuwfcu.com t s o “solidarity charter” arrangements, r r e s t , n

WSLC includes several locals of e p r a unions of the Change to Win labor fed - C Carpenters, Electricians, Laborers, Glaziers, Sheetmetal Workers, Floorcoverers, Bricklayers, Cement Masons, Roofers, Asbestos Workers, Millwrights, Painters, Elevators, Plasterers, Family

AUGUST 1, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 3 For Multnomah County Commission AFSCME Local 88 endorses Shiprack Multnomah County Employees Lo - Shiprack, who is married to Bob ney, and she served for 10 years as di - The Marco Consulting Group cal 88 has endorsed Judy Shiprack for Shiprack, executive director of the rector of the non-profit affordable INVESTMENT CONSULTANTS TO county commissioner in District 3. Oregon State Building and Construc - housing group, LINK Community De - MULTI-EMPLOYER BENEFIT FUNDS The district’s boundaries are I-84 on tion Trades Council, had strong labor velopment Corporation. the North and Clackamas County on backing in the primary. She most re - Piluso will face Diane McKeel, ex - the South. It extends as far west as NE cently worked as director of the Public ecutive director of the West Columbia Please call Jason Zenk at 253-376-3391 33rd Avenue, and east as far as 148th. Safety Coordinating Council of Mult - Chamber of Commerce, in November. Local 88 is an affiliate of the Amer - nomah County. She is a former Mult - Piluso is running with strong support ican Federation of State, County and nomah County deputy district attor - from organized labor. Municipal Employees. It represents the largest bloc of union workers at the Midwest Office East Coast Office county, with about 2,700 members. 550 W Washington Blvd 1220 Adams St The union also reaffirmed its en - Ninth Floor First Floor Portland area grocery pacts Chicago, IL 60661 Boston, MA 02124 dorsement of Carla Piluso in District p: 312-575-9000 p: 617-298-0967 4, which covers east Multnomah F:312-575-9840 F: 617-298-0966 County, including Gresham, Troutdale expire, UFCW braces for war and Wood Village. www.marcoconsulting.com Grocery and meat contracts in the son wage increases of $1 an hour for The union endorsed Piluso in the Portland metropolitan area expired each year of the contract, card-check May primary, but not Shiprack. In - July 26, but workers — members of recognition, and more. stead, members opted for Rob United Food and Commercial Work - “They seemed shocked,” McDon - Milesnick. ers Local 555 — are still on the job ald told the NW Labor Press. “They Shiprack and Piluso, who is Gre - under contract extensions. somehow think that the Eugene settle - sham’s chief of police, were the top Local 555 represents about 6,000 ment should be the pattern agreement vote getters in the May primary, but workers at Kroger, Albertsons and for Portland. Well, a lot has changed neither was able to get the necessary Safeway stores in the Portland metro - since that settlement. Food is more ex - 50 percent-plus-one to avoid a runoff. politan area. Kroger is the parent pensive. Gas is more expensive. It Shiprack, a former state legislator company of Fred Meyer and QFC. costs a lot more just to get to work.” (her maiden name was Judy Bauman), “We’re expecting a war, and we Since the Eugene area ratification will face runner-up Mike Delman in will need your help,” Jeff McDonald, in January, contracts have been rati - District 3. Delman is public affairs di - secretary-treasurer of the union, told fied in Salem, Newport, Lincoln City, rector of Portland Habilitation Center, delegates at the monthly meeting of Astoria, Tillamook, Coos Bay, Flo - and a former chief of staff to ex- the Northwest Oregon Labor Council. rence, Vancouver, Medford, Rose - County Commissioner Gary Hansen. The first bargaining session was burg, Brookings, McMinnville, Hood He received several labor endorse - held July 16, at which Local 555 pro - River, and Lakeview. ments in the primary, including one posed full maintenance of benefits, an The next bargaining session for from United Food and Commercial increase in pension contributions, a Portland is Aug. 28. Workers Local 555. three-year contract with journeyper -

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PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS AUGUST 1, 2008 Wal-Mart violated workers’ rights more than 2 million times, judge says By BARB KUCERA plaintiffs. “There was just too much awards the full $1,000 penalty for each Workdayminnesota.org work to do and never enough time to of the 2 million violations, the award HASTINGS, Minn. (PAI) — In do it. There just wasn’t enough time in could be in excess of $2 billion. what may well be a world record, Wal- the day to take the breaks we were enti - “This first award from Judge King Mart, the world’s largest retailer, known tled to.” is just the beginning,” said William for its anti-worker and anti-union Judge King found Wal-Mart repeat - Sieben, one of the attorneys represent - stands, broke labor law more than 2 edly and willfully violated Minnesota ing the workers. “This award only re - million times over a six-year period by labor laws or its contract with its em - imburses these employees for compen - denying workers time for breaks and ployees on the issues of contractual rest sation they should have already re- forcing them to work “off the clock” breaks, statutory meal breaks, shaving ceived from Wal-Mart. The next phase for no pay, a Minnesota judge ruled. time from paid rest breaks, and failure of the trial will be to punish and penal - Dakota County District Judge Rob- to maintain accurate records. ize Wal-Mart for willfully violating the ert King ordered the retailer to pay He also found Wal-Mart was aware rights of these 56,000 people whose wronged workers $6.5 million in back its employees were not receiving average wage was under $10 an hour.” pay. In addition, Wal-Mart faces fines breaks to which they were entitled. “In In testimony that began last Sep - as high as $2 billion for the wage-and- essence, they (Wal-Mart) put their tember, attorneys presented mountains Carpenters throw area standards picket hour violations. heads in the sand,” King stated. of evidence — everything from payroll The Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters conducted an area King’s ruling culminated a seven- Minnesota law requires every em - records, tax records, and company re - standards picket against general contractor Gray Purcell July 24 at SE 28th year legal battle by four former Wal- ployer to provide its employees with a ports to memos and e-mails. Wal-Mart and Ankeny in Portland. The condo project is the same site where a nonunion Mart workers who filed a class-action sufficient time to eat a meal. Wal-Mart keeps voluminous records on all its crane operator damaged an electrical line, knocking out power to about 8,000 lawsuit on behalf of 56,000 current and wouldn’t let them eat. King stated: “No stores on a computer larger than the homes and businesses in the neighborhood. Police were called to the July 24 former employees who worked at Min - time to eat a meal is not a sufficient one in the Pentagon. Attorneys for the picket with threats of arrest for trespassing. Carpenters organizer Cliff nesota Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club time to eat a meal.” workers were able to use the com - Puckett said the general contractor has set up chain link fences and entrance stores between Sept. 11, 1998, and Jan. He found Wal-Mart violated the pany’s own records against it. gates for the project right to the street line, leaving no room for pickets. 31, 2004. His ruling echoes similar meal break law alone 73,864 times. The United Food and Commercial “Purcell says we can’t be on their property, and the police say they’ll cite us judgments against Wal-Mart for break - The judge ordered a second phase Workers, which has been trying for for being in the street. It’s a tactic they’re using to make it more difficult for ing wage-and-hour laws in other states, of the trial to begin Oct. 20 to allow a years to organize Wal-Mart, lauded us to picket,” Puckett said. The Carpenters stood their ground when police including Oregon, California, Col - jury to determine the amount of puni - Judge King’s ruling. “Wal-Mart’s vio - suggested they picket across the street from the jobsite. “That’s not fair to the orado and Pennsylvania. Those work - tive damages and the amount of statu - lation of wage-and-hour laws is part of homes and businesses. We could get sued,” Puckett said. “If Purcell puts a ers have also won millions in back pay. tory penalties to be imposed against a pattern that includes union-busting, gate in the street, that’s where we have to be. They can’t take away our federal “I was treated like so many of my Wal-Mart. Minnesota’s wage-and- employment discrimination and child rights to picket a jobsite.” After much discussion, a compromise was reached co-workers,” said Nancy Braun of hour laws allow for a penalty of up to labor infractions,” said UFCW Local as to where pickets could and couldn’t be. Rochester, Minn., one of the four $1,000 for each violation. If the jury 879 of South St. Paul.

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AUGUST 1, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 5 Aug. 7, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Official Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. Pile Drivers, Divers 7, at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Eugene area members meet 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, & Shipwrights 2416 at 1174 Gateway Loop, Springfield. Members meet 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, preceded by a Salem area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 2205 N Lombard, Candalaria Terrace, Suite 204, 2659 Commercial St. SE, Notices Portland. Salem. Insulators 36 Plasterers 82 Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 12812 Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6. Boilermakers 500 NE Marx St., Portland. Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at 2515 NE Members meet 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8. Columbia Blvd., Portland. Meetings are at 11145 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Bricklayers and Allied Iron Workers 29 Portland City & Members meet 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 7, preceded by Metropolitan Employees Craftworkers 1 a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 11620 NE The Aug. 19 meeting has been canceled. Ainsworth Cir., #200, Portland. 189 General membership meetings will resume in Sep - tember. Carpenters 1388 Iron Workers Executive Board meets 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 276 6025 E. Burnside St., Portland. Warner-Milne Rd., Oregon City. Shopmen 516 Executive Board meets 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Carpenters 1715 11620 NE Ainsworth Cir., #300, Portland Roofers & Waterproofers Members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, preceded by a 5 p.m. Executive Board meeting at 612 E. 49 McLoughlin, Vancouver, Wash. Labor Roundtable of ceded by a 7 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 1400 Executive Board meets 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7. Salem Ave., Albany. Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. Southwest Washington Molders 139 Meetings are at 5032 SE 26th Ave, Portland. (Phone: Cement Masons 555 Delegates meet 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at HomeTown Members meet 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, preceded 503 232-4807) Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at 12812 Buffet, 7809-B Vancouver Plaza Dr., Vancouver, Wash. Linoleum Layers 1236 by a 6 p.m. Executive Board meeting at the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. NE Marx St., Portland. Executive Board meets 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Laborers 320 PLEASE NOTE: The August Portland meeting will Sheet Metal Clark, Skamania & Members meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Joe Edgar be “Special Call” to take proposals for the wage alloca - Northwest Oregon Hall, Teamsters’ Complex, 1850 NE 162nd Ave., Port - tion ballot; voting in September for the Oct. 1 increase. Workers 16 W. Klickitat Counties land. Portland area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. Labor Council Portland area VOC meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, 28, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. at the Sheet Metal Training Center, 2379 NE 178th Ave., Labor Council Delegates meet 7 p.m. Mondays, Aug. 25, at IBEW Portland. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, preceded Laborers 483 Local 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. Portland meeting canceled for August. by an Executive Board meeting, at the ILWU Local 4 Medford area members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. Hall, 1205 Ingalls St., Vancouver, Wash. Municipal Employees Marion-Polk-Yamhill 13, at Wild River Pizza, 2684 N. Pacific Hwy., Medford. Members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Eugene area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, Musicians Hall, 325 NE 20th Ave., Portland. Labor Council Operating Engineers 701 at the Local 16 Hall, 4748 Franklin Blvd., Eugene. District 5 members meet 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Columbia-Pacific Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, Coos Bay meeting canceled for August. Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E. First St., Gladstone. followed by a 7 p.m. General Meeting at SEIU Local District 1 members meet 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Building Trades Laborers/Vancouver 335 503, 1730 Commercial St. SE, Salem. Delegates meet 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 5 and Aug. Members meet 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, preceded by a Gladstone Union Hall, 555 E. First St., Gladstone. Sign Painters & 12, at Kirkland Union Manor II, 3535 SE 86th, Portland. 6:15 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at the Vancouver District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Labor Center, 2212 NE Andresen Rd., Vanc., Wash. Metal Trades Council North Bend/Coos Bay Labor Center, 3427 Ash St., North Paint Makers 1094 Bend. Executive Board meets 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Members meet 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, in the District 3 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. Electrical Workers 48 NOLC board room, 1125 SE Madison, Portland. District Office, at 11105 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. 6, at Rogue Regency Inn, 2300 Biddle Rd., Medford. Executive Board meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 6 Lane County Delegates meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at IBEW Lo - District 2 members meet 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, and Aug. 13, in the Executive Boardroom. cal 48 Hall, 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland. Coast Unit meets 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at As - Labor Council at the Comfort Suites, 969 Kruse Way, Springfield. Southern Oregon toria Labor Temple, 926 Duane St., Astoria. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, at District 1 members meet 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, Electrical Workers Minority Caucus meets 6 p.m. 1116 South A St., Springfield. at Longview Electricians Hall, 1145 Commerce Ave., Central Labor Council Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the Executive Boardroom. Mid-Columbia Longview. Delegates meet 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Labor Residential Unit meets 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, Temple, 4480 Rogue Valley Hwy. #3, Central Point. in the Dispatch Lobby. Lane, Coos, Curry & Labor Council at Cousin’s Restaurant, 2115 W. 6th, The Dalles. District 4 members meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. Sound and Communication Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Delegates meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 3313 W. 14, at DTC Office, 148 Main St., Hermiston. Wednesday, Aug. 13, in the Meeting Hall. Douglas Building Trades 2nd, The Dalles. Vancouver Meeting, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug 13, at Delegates meet at noon Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Southwestern Oregon Round Table Pizza, 5016 NE Thurston, Vancouver. Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Parkway, Central Labor Council Wasco Unit meets 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Springfield. Painters & Drywall the Northern Wasco PUD, 2345 River Rd., The Dalles. Millwrights & Machinery Delegates meet 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at the Bay Electrical Women of Local 48 meets 6 p.m. Tuesday, Finishers 10 Area Labor Center, 3427 Ash, North Bend. Aug. 19, at 5th Quadrant, 3901b N. Williams, Portland. Linn-Benton-Lincoln Erectors 711 Members meet 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 11105 Marine Unit meets 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, in the Members meet 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, preceded NE Sandy Blvd., Portland. Meeting Hall. Labor Council by a 9 a.m. Executive Committee meeting, at the Car - Bylaws Committee meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. Delegates meet 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, pre - penters Local 247 Hall, 2205 N. Lombard St., Portland. United Association 290 26, in the Executive Boardroom. Portland area members meet 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. General Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, 15, at 20210 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin. Aug. 27, in the Meeting Hall. Show-up early for free Astoria area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, sandwiches and specifically designed tee-shirts. Doors at the Astoria Labor Temple, 926 Duane, Astoria. open at 5:30pm.. Retiree Meeting Notices Bend area members meet 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, Meetings are at 15937 NE Airport Way, Portland, un - at the Local 290 Training Center, 2161 SW First, Red - less otherwise noted. mond. DEATH ASSESSMENTS: The following death as - Brookings area members meet 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, sessments have been declared for August and are payable ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED ELECTRICAL WORKERS 280 board room, at 1125 SE Madison, Aug. 26, at Curry County Search and Rescue, 417 Rail - at 50 cents each: No. 2181, Wayne E. Schwartz; No. AMERICANS OREGON CHAPTER Retirees meet between 11:45 a.m. #103G, Portland. road St., Brookings. 2182, Keith Bice; No. 2183, Kenneth R. Runyan; No. Coos Bay area members meet 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2184, Richard L. Jensen; and No. 2185, Frank Hicks. Executive Board meets 10 a.m. and noon Monday, Aug. 11, at Home - 19, at the Coos Bay Training Center, 2nd & Kruse, Coos Thursday, Aug. 14, in the Northwest town Buffet on Lancaster in Salem, OREGON AFSCME Bay. Eugene area members meet 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. Electrical Workers 280 Oregon Labor Council board room, at which is next to Michael’s Craft Retirees meet 10 a.m. Tuesday, 18, at the Springfield Training Center, 2861 Pierce Park - Executive Board meets 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 1125 SE Madison, Portland. Store. If you have questions, please Aug. 19, at the AFSCME office, at the way, Springfield. 32969 Hwy. 99E, Tangent. Klamath Falls area members meet 5 p.m. Tuesday, Bend Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Retirees meet 10 a.m. Thursday, give Don Ball a call at 541-327-3388. AFSCME office, 6025 E Burnside, Aug. 19, 4816 S. 6th St., Klamath Falls. IBEW/UA Training Center, 2161 SW First St., Red - Aug. 28, at Westmoreland Union Portland. Call Michael Arken for in - Medford area members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at 650A Industrial Cir., White City. mond. LASS ORKERS Joint Unit meets 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Manor, 6404 SE 23rd Ave., Portland. G W 740 formation at 503-239-9858, ext. 124. Roseburg meetings have been canceled for Aug. 33309 Hwy 99E, Tangent. Retirees meet 11 a.m. Tuesday, Salem area members meet 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, at 1810 Hawthorne Ave. NE, Salem. CARPENTERS Aug. 19, at JJ North’s Grand Buffet, TRANSIT 757 The Dalles meetings have been canceled for August. Elevator Constructors 23 Retired Carpenters meet for lunch 10520 NE Halsey, Portland. Retirees meet 9:30 a.m. Wednes - Humboldt-Del Norte Co. area members meet 5:30 Members meet 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, preceded 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at JJ day, Aug. 6, at Westmoreland Union p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Eureka Training Center, by a 5:30 p.m. Executive Board meeting, at 12779 NE 832 E St., Eureka, Calif. Whitaker Way, Portland. North’s Grand Buffet, 10520 NE INSULATORS 36 Manor, 6404 SE 23rd, Portland. Halsey, Portland. Retiree breakfast 9:30 a.m. Thurs - USW 1097 Exterior & Interior day, Aug. 7, at the Dockside Restau - UNITED ASSOCIATION 290 Members meet 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, pre - ELECTRICAL WORKERS 48 rant, 2047 NW Front Ave., Portland. Retiree meetings have been can - ceded by a 5:45 p.m. Executive Board meeting, in the Specialists 2154 union office building, Westport. Members meet 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 1125 All Retired Electricians of Local celed for August in Portland and Eu - SE Madison, Suite 207, Portland. 48, wives and friends meet Tuesday, NORTHWEST OREGON LABOR gene. Aug. 12. The place and time will be RETIREES COUNCIL USW 8378 Fire Fighters 1660 determined at a later date. For more Business meeting from 10 a.m. to NOTE: The August meeting is canceled. Meetings in July and August have been canceled. The September meeting will be at the Labor Day pic - information, please call Vera Larson 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, in the nic. The October meeting is canceled. Glass Workers 740 at 503 252-2296. Northwest Oregon Labor Council Executive Board members meet 5 p.m. Thursday,

PAGE 6 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS AUGUST 1, 2008 Group presses Oregon to ‘Unity Team’ enact ‘sweat-free’ policy goal is to aid Anti-sweatshop activists are hop - of lower wages. While there are some ing to persuade Oregon Gov. Ted Ku - garment sweatshops in the United in organizing longoski to enact a “sweat-free” pol - States, by far the worst abuses are in The Oregon AFL-CIO is trying to icy by executive order. the poorer countries. find ways to help affiliated unions or - Since April, representatives of the Uniforms have been one of the last group Sweatfree Northwest have been bastions of U.S. apparel manufac - ganize nonunion workplaces. meeting monthly with the governor’s tures, owing to the small, quick turn - In April, the state labor federation labor liaison and the state’s chief pro - around nature of the market — and to brought Graham Trainor on staff to curement officer to discuss such a pol - the Berry Amendment, which requires coordinate the effort, which was man - icy. Sweatfree Northwest coordinator the U.S. military to buy products man - dated by a September 2007 conven - Elizabeth Swager said her group ufactured domestically whenever pos - tion resolution. Prior to that, Trainor wants Oregon to require uniform ven - sible. But Roger Heldman, co-owner headed up the Oregon chapter of the dors to disclose which factories are of Seattle-based Blumenthal Uni - AFL-CIO’s community affiliate, making the uniforms, and to declare forms, thinks a majority of the uni - Working America. His new position is that to the best of their knowledge, no forms sold in the United States may funded by a grant from the national local labor laws are being violated in now be supplied by foreign factories. AFL-CIO. those factories. Heldman said the police and fire uni - The effort — dubbed the Unity The campaign has been endorsed forms his company sells to Portland Team — brings together unions that by about a dozen labor organizations, and the state of Oregon are still made A delegation from Oregon attended the National SweatFree Summit in are interested in organizing, so that including Oregon AFSCME and Ore - by union workers in several U.S. Philadelphia July 11-13. The summit coincided with a meeting of the National they can share resources. gon State Fire Fighters Council. states. Governors Association. Participants at the SweatFree Summit rallied across In June, about two dozen union de - The State of Oregon buys uniforms Sweatfree Northwest is part of the the street from the governors’ gathering to urge the elected officials to join cision-makers met to talk about ways for all sorts of workers, from snow national group Sweatfree Communi - the sweatfree consortium. Pictured from left to right are Wes Brain of SEIU to collaborate. The group voted to un - plow operators to state police officers. ties. A July 1 report by Sweatfree Local 503, Les Jones of Elevator Constructors Local 23, Deborah Schwartz dertake six projects of varying sizes. Activists have yet to demonstrate that Communities faults Cintas, one of the of SEIU Local 503, Arthur Stamoulis of the Oregon Fair Trade Campaign, Those include helping recruit a ‘salt’ any of the clothing purchased by the vendors that sells uniforms to Oregon, and Al Bradbury of SEIU Local 49. for one campaign, lending organizers state was made in sweatshops, but in - for abuses at a Honduras factory it to help visit workers in their homes on dustry trends make that increasingly does business with. The abuses in - likely. Sweatshops — factories that clude unpaid overtime, illegally low York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. So year in combined purchasing power. several campaigns, and turning out violate international labor standards wages, and lack of safety equipment. far, the state commitments are largely So far, just three local jurisdictions members for a rally to highlight unfair and local labor laws — are the norm If Oregon adopts the sweatfree pur - symbolic, said Liana Foxvog, Sweat - have made the financial commitment, labor practices of a large corporation in the garment industry, in which chasing rules, it would become the free Communities national organizer. pledging a small percentage of the that is being targeted by an affiliate. companies shifted production abroad eighth state to do so, joining Califor - The next step would be to launch purchasing budget. Other ideas were floated. If a union in the last 40 years to take advantage nia, Illinois, Maine, New Jersey, New the Sweatfree Consortium, which One of them is the City of Port - tries to organize in a remote part of would hire independent monitors to land, which passed a “sweatfree” res - the state where it has no office, other visit factories where uniforms are olution last year. A Portland city coun - unions could make meeting or office made. The consortium will be cil resolution created a committee space available. The Working Amer - launched when the group gets finan - that’s crafting an ordinance to go back ica member list — citizens signed up cial commitments from participating for the council’s approval this fall. by paid canvassers as supporters of la - governments that have $100 million a bor movement goals — could be lent out as needed. And the AFL-CIO would help smaller affiliates train Steelworkers team with Britain’s their organizers. The decision-makers will continue Unite to establish global union to meet quarterly. Trainor is also helping to resurrect The United Steelworkers signed a Under terms of the agreement, the the Oregon AFL-CIO Organizing pact July 1 with Britain’s largest Steelworkers and Unite will keep their Committee, a kind of roundtable for union, Unite, creating a global union headquarters in Pittsburgh and in Lon - professional organizers to share ideas that will have 3.2 million members in don, respectively. four countries. Much of the new union’s business and strategy. They’ll meet six times a The new global union is called will be carried out by teleconferenc - year, the second Tuesday of every Workers Uniting. It will engage in ing. And the merger itself will not be other month. Sept. 9 is the next meet - joint bargaining and organizing across fully consummated until union attor - ing. And the third Wednesday of each the Atlantic Ocean with such multi- neys on both sides of the Atlantic pore month, union organizers will meet for national employers as ArcelorMittal over the agreement and adjust provi - a happy hour event. “We want to build — the world’s largest steel firm, Shell, sions to conform to the labor laws of a federation-wide culture of organiz - British Petroleum and Alcoa. the four nations involved. ing,” Trainor said. ‘Bush Legacy’ bus tour stops in Oregon Unite General Secretary Derek Ariel Brantley-Dalgish checks out the Bush Legacy bus July 23 at Portland’s Simpson and Steelworkers President Waterfront Park. The union-backed Bush Legacy Tour kicked off June 24 in Leo Gerard made it clear the new Washington, D.C., and is traveling to 150 cities this summer. Portland was the union would be aggressive against Zachary 29th stop on the tour. The State Capitol in Salem was stop number 30 the multi-national firms that try to cut following day. Using video and guide-by-cell-technology, the bus is an workers’ wages and conditions. Zabinsky interactive museum on wheels that encapsulates how Bush Administration “Globalization is a man-made disas - • Social Security policies and conservative ideology have harmed workers and the economy. ter,” Simpson said. “We mustn’t forget that Bush didn’t do this alone,” said Julie Blust of “This union is crucial for challeng - • SSI - Disability Claims Americans United for Change. “He had the help of Congress — members like ing the growing power of global capi - Personal Attention To Every Case (Oregon U.S. Senator) Gordon Smith, who rubber-stamped his most tal,” Gerard said. “Globalization has disastrous policies.” Blust and the tour bus pointed to “reckless tax cuts” for given financiers license to exploit Working For Disability Rights millionaires and big corporations, and an energy bill written by and for big workers in developing countries at the Since 1983 oil companies who are now raking in record profits while gas and food prices expense of our members in the devel - NO FEE WITHOUT RECOVERY skyrocket. “Gordon Smith voted with Bush 81 percent of the time,” Blust said. oped world. Only global solidarity 621 SW Morrison, Portland Americans United for Change was founded in 2005 to help stop Bush’s plan among workers can overcome this to privatize Social Security. Oregon Action and several community leaders sort of global exploitation wherever it hosted the tour bus stop in Portland. occurs.” 223-8517

AUGUST 1, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 7 ... Forged signatures propel anti-union ballot measures (From Page 1) teacher pay initiative. Hood told Our Then he would ask them to sign other signatures for at (Editor’s Note: Look to the Aug. 15 measure she said she opposes, or did Oregon that although he signed several sheets, onto which he would copy the least nine initia - issue of the Northwest Labor Press for he copy her signature from other of the petitions, he disagrees with and other information. [That practice was tive petition more details about the initiatives that sheets? did not sign the teacher pay initiative. legal until January 2008, when a new campaigns. make it to the ballot. Unions are gear - Rachel Ashmun of Northeast Port - Marilyn Dale of Southwest Port - law aimed at initiative abuse took ef - “We be - ing up to fight the measures, and are land says she only signs petitions that land told the NW Labor Press she did - fect.] lieve that be - joining with other constituencies tar - pertain to environmental causes. But n’t remember signing anything about “Typically I’ll say, ‘there’s a couple cause the same geted by the measures to form a her name and address appear on a teacher pay. Yet her name appears on more items that require your signa - circulators group, Defend Oregon, that will wage measure to limit attorneys fees. Shown Justin Schoenleber’s petition sheet for ture,’” Schoenleber said, “and the con - were collect - a unified campaign against them.) the sheet with her signature on it, she the initiative, dated Dec. 21. All the stituents may not even ask what they ing signatures says she doesn’t recognize it as her addresses on the page are in the same are signing.” for [other] own. Due to illness, her hand shakes, person’s handwriting. Dale said that The Our Oregon complaint also in - initiative peti - giving her signature a distinct appear - though the signature resembles hers, at cluded an affidavit from a lawyer in tions …,” the ance that the signature on the sheet least three details prove it’s not her real Bend who believes he witnessed a group wrote in doesn’t have. But someone named signature. Dale said she may have paid petitioner violating the new law. the complaint “Cairo” listing an address in Los signed another petition when she was On June 20, Tim Williams saw a man “you will Alamitos, California, signed at the bot - approached outside the Beaverton li - and a woman outside the downtown upon investi - tom of the page swearing he/she wit - brary. Was it traced onto another Bend post office gathering signatures gation, nessed the signature. sheet? Reached by the NW Labor for a measure that would limit attor - Frank Hood of Southeast Portland Press, Schoenleber said he worked that neys fees. He asked frequently rides the MAX to pick up library in November and December, the woman her name, but vigorously denied any wrongdo - and she said “Angela his granddaughter, and says he re - Rachel Lebwohl of Our members being approached on the ing. Schoenleber explained his method White.” When he to the Labor Press. He would start with asked the man his Oregon shows irregularities train by a circulator, presumably Ver - in signatures that she an a non Van. Van, who has a Long Beach, the most popular initiative, and ask the name, it was the signer to print their name and write out woman who an - co-worker found in a small California, address, signed swearing sample of anti-union he witnessed Hood’s signature on the their address next to their signature. swered — “Brian Schrier.” Williams initiative petitions said the two seemed sponsored by Bill Sizemore. nervous about the interac - The organization has filed a tion. complaint with the Oregon The law now requires paid petition - Elections Division. ers to register with the state, provide a discover San i t a photo, and swear they have no recent the same violations on other sheets.” clogs convictions for fraud or identity theft. “We want to hold all of these peo - Back at his office, Williams checked it ple criminally accountable for what LEGAL PROBLEMS ?? out. The man with White looked noth - they’ve done,” said Moore, the Our ing like the photo on file for Schrier. Oregon spokesperson. For $16 a month The next day, Williams saw White On July 17, the Elections Division coverage includes: gathering signatures, this time with the assigned compliance specialist Norma O Unlimited toll-free phone real Schrier. Buckno to investigate the complaint. A consultation with attorneys. Altogether, the circulators named in week later, none of the named individ - O A comprehensive will with the Our Oregon complaint gathered uals interviewed by the NW Labor yearly updates is included. Press had been called. O Representation for traffic tickets, If the results of the Our Oregon accidents, criminal, and civil suits. Paid for by Brian Baird for Congress probe prove to be examples of forgery, O Coverage on IRS tax audits. the practice may well have made the O Divorce, child custody, bank- difference in getting several measures ruptcy and many more benefits.* Brian Baird, Our Congressman on the ballot this year. When county THESE LEGAL SERVICES $PNNPO 4FOTF t -FBEFSTIJQ t 1SPWFO 3FTVMUT elections clerks performed the re - ARE PROVIDED BY THE quired validity check of signatures, VERY BEST LAW FIRMS they found over a third were invalid. IN OREGON & WASHINGTON.  Three of Sizemore’s five measures * Some services not 100% covered Lowering energy prices, ending qualified for the ballot by fewer than a For more speculation, increasing domestic thousand signatures. If even 1 percent information, of the signatures on those petitions call 503-760-2456 production were forgeries, that would be enough or toll-free at to have made the difference in getting them on the ballot. (888) 252-7930  Controlling health care costs and www.prepaidlegal.com/info/randallnix improving access  Fighting to strengthen our economy  HEMORRHOIDS Combating meth and keeping our The Non-Surgical Treatment communities safe We specialize in the non-surgical treatment of hemorrhoids. For over 40 years people throughout the region have turned to the Sandy Blvd. Clinic for  Making government accountable fast and effective relief. For more information, FREE consultation and/or a FREE informative booklet call: Brian Baird, Democrat for Congress (503) 232-7609 Write or call for THE SANDY BLVD. RECTAL a FREE Insurance   ‡ 32 %R[  9DQFRXYHU :$  information CLINIC PORTLAND booklet and/or a accepted/pre ZZZ%ULDQ%DLUGFRP FREE Steven G. Cranford, DC, ND authorization consultation. FORMERLY THE BEAL-OLIVER CLINIC required. CHIROPRACTIC/NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS Paid for by Brian Baird for Congress 2026 NE SANDY BLVD., PORTLAND, OR 97232

PAGE 8 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS AUGUST 1, 2008 Are closures and and wage cuts coming? Teamsters worried about foreign buyout of Anheuser-Busch By KEVIN MADDEN no impact on union jobs. tiree health care could be a cost-cut - and drastic cuts in staffing levels. At hundreds of workers in plants in Eu - The St. Louis Labor Tribune But the Teamsters are skeptical. ting target. the three Teamster-represented Miller rope and Canada, and has rocky rela - and Press Associates “After closely studying InBev’s “Consumers and the public see breweries, we successfully fought tions with employees and unions ST. LOUIS — The Teamsters corporate history and buyout offer,” Budweiser as the last of the great back those demands during contract there. Union — which represents 7,000 the Teamsters are concerned with American beers,” the Teamsters negotiations. But those demands were “Belgian workers struck over at - workers at St. Louis-based Anheuser- safeguarding “the unique legacy of Union said. The Wall Street Journal implemented at the non-Teamster tempts to force longer work hours, Busch’s 12 breweries nationwide — Anheuser-Busch, a proud union com - calls Anheuser-Busch “a potent sym - breweries. We don’t want that to hap - close breweries and lay off hundreds. fear a buyout by pany and bol of Americana.” pen at Anheuser,” the union noted. In - When workers at its Newfoundland Belgian brewer American “But it’s more than patriotism that Bev has adopted the management Labatt plant struck, InBev hired an InBev will take ‘(InBev’s) management icon, built gives people pause about the InBev style of its Brazilian subsidiary, Am - outside security force.” the company techniques are partly by genera - buyout. Workers don’t always fare Bev, of extensive cost-cutting and in - InBev closed Labatt’s Toronto deep into debt, tions of well when outside conglomerates buy centive-based employee compensa - brewery, wiping out 265 jobs. resulting in lay - borrowed from corporations Teamster breweries,” the Teamsters warned. tion, the Teamsters noted. Roger Van Vlasselaer, national co - offs and an ero - such as Wal-Mart.” workers,” The union pointed to the buyout of “It operates under a system that ordinator of the largest InBev union in sion of working said Vice Miller Brewing’s U.S. operations by stresses raising efficiency and cutting Belgium, says InBev is pushing work - conditions. President South Africa Breweries. costs — including labor costs,” the ers harder and harder: “They practice A deal to buy Anheuser-Busch — Jack Cipriani, director of its Brewery “Since then, SAB has demanded union said. “The company’s manage - a brutal form of capitalism where only maker of Budweiser beer — for $52 and Soft Drink Workers Conference. hikes in workers’ health care costs, ment techniques are partly borrowed profit counts and everything else is billion was approved by its board in Cipriani said the union assigned a elimination of overtime after eight from corporations such as Wal-Mart.” disposable,” he says. mid-July, after they first rejected the team of experts to examine the pro - hours, elimination of seniority rules The Teamsters said InBev laid off offer and lobbied some congressmen posed takeover. to help block it. After the deal was announced, Cip- The board’s reversal upset the riani asked to meet InBev’s CEO to Teamsters. get an explanation of the huge debt In - Roger G. Worthington, P.C. leads the ght to nd a cure Anheuser-Busch-produced beers Bev would take on and how it would make up 46 percent of all U.S. beer be paid for without layoffs, closures, consumption. If a takeover is success - and cuts in pay and benefits. ful, the merged companies are ex - The consensus on Wall Street is pected to control about 25 percent of that InBev is offering an exorbitantly the world beer market. high price for A-B, which would put it for Mesothelioma cancer Teamsters are telling workers to under heavy pressure to service the expect possible layoffs, wage cuts, debt by selling assets and slashing caused by asbestos exposure higher worker health care costs, infe - costs. Speculation already abounds rior health benefits, and decreases in that the first thing to go will be the future pensions if the deal goes company’s other divisions, which are Since 1989, we have been dedicated to helping asbestos cancer patients through. not directly beer-producing, such as get justice in the courtrooms and help in the hospitals. In the last ten years, Almost 1,000 of the 7,000 Team - its Entertainment Division, theme sters’ members work at the corpora - parks, and can manufacturing plant. we have recovered over $725 million for our clients. tion’s flagship St. Louis brewery as “If the pattern InBev management bottlers, brewers, oilers, security has followed overseas is any clue, la - $34 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and carpenter guards and Clydesdale horse drivers bor costs will likely be one of the first $20 Million: 54 year-old engineer and handlers, said Teamsters Local 6 places it will seek to make cuts,” the $12.6 Million: 69 year-old psychiatrist exposed at home President Bob Gartner. Teamsters said. But it isn’t the only union facing One analyst told MarketWatch that $10 Million: 54 year-old woman exposed via father’s clothes the InBev takeover. “InBev is run by a bunch of machete- $8.4 Million: 60 year-old Navy veteran and crane operator Other union employees at the St. wielding investment bankers who go Louis complex are represented by the around and cut costs wherever they Machinists, the Electrical Workers, can.” Painters, Carpenters, Sheet Metal The Teamsters say such an ap - Workers, the Iron Workers and proach “could leave the new owners Plumbers and Fitters unions, Gartner with a ‘demoralized work force and 800-831-9399 said. tarnished brands.’ ” For a free booklet of medical/legal information, including medical experts, In addition, building trades work - The union also says that Anheuser- patient proles, clinical trials and asbestos products, call us or visit our website. ers employed by outside contractors Busch retirees could be unprotected in work on projects at the brewery. the takeover. Workers’ current retiree InBev said it would maintain all health care protections are worth www.mesothel.com Busch breweries, predicted no signifi - thousands of dollars per year. If InBev cant job losses, and expected little or needs to service billions in loans, re -

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AUGUST 1, 2008 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS PAGE 9 EE BARGAIN COUNTER Open FR Thanks, Labor Press, NLRB Free classified ads to subscribers Forum To The Editor: to be most professional and helpful. DEADLINE: Friday prior to publication Bakery, Confectionery Tobacco Working within the parameters of the Workers and Grain Millers Local 114 law, the NLRB has advised us with clear Published 1st and 3rd Fridays wishes to express our “Thank You” to explanations whether we had merit in a Now accepting e-mails the NW Labor Press and Don McIntosh case or not. When we did have merit, the NAFTA article is for the outstanding article in the June 20 NLRB pursued those issues aggres - Send to: [email protected] edition regarding our organizing efforts sively on our behalf. Mail to: NWLP, PO Box 13150, Portland OR 97213 helpful, more free at Bread Song Bakery. Local 114 has high praise for all the We also appreciation the diligence work done at Subregion 36, and espe - (Please include union affiliation) trade bills abound and hard work of the National Labor cially for achieving the settlement that Relations Board, Subregion 36, for up - returned our organizer to employment at • 15-20 words • No commercial or business ads • 1 ad per issue To The Editor: holding the laws and achieving this set - Bread Song Bakery. • All lower case ( NO CAPITAL LETTERS, PLEASE ) • Thanks for the article about the bill tlement that protects the rights of union Terry Lansing to review existing “free” trade agree - organizers. Secretary Treasurer Ads MUST include area code or they will not be published ments. (“U.S. lawmakers unveil bill to Local 114 has had many opportuni - Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco review all free trade agreements,” July ties to work with the Portland NLRB of - Workers & Grain Millers Local 114 TANDEM BICYCLE, reasonable. 503 654- 4, NW Labor Press.) fice. We have found the officers and staff Portland Automotive 3045 Readers should also be aware of ’03 FORD CR CAB, 7.3, tow package, ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR lift for 1990 House Congressional Resolution 22 transferable 100,000 mile warranty, very Ford 150 Econoline van, also chair locking good cond, true blue & silver. 541 869- holder. 503 786-5976 or 503 810-2243 that would repeal the North American Use solar energy on construction jobs JUNK CARS, REMOVAL of unwanted Free Trade Agreement completely. And 2023 To The Editor: stalled. Two or more electricians would ’80 CADILLAC SEVILLE, 4 dr, V8, 4.5, cars and pickups. 503 314 8600 House Congressional resolution 40 that I read the story “Unionists tapped by have been paid well to do the work. It 105k miles, ivory, runs well, diesel. 503 MOTORCYCLES, running or not, cash would block construction of the pro - 232-3624 paid; also musical instruments. 503 880- LERC to study global warming crisis” may have cost less to install hard wire 8183 posed NAFTA super-highway. in the July 4 Labor Press and I realized over the cost of fuel, and the emissions ’75 ROLLS ROYCE Silver Shadow, yellow w/black hard top, tinted windows, new .32 H&R MAG revolver. 360 896-6077 Dean Wolf that it pertains to the bigger picture of would be zero. brakes/tires, $15,000 OBO. 503 657-0491 IBEW Local 48 the construction industry. However, I I also notice that many delivery ’56 CHEV used heater water valve, $25, Retired feel compelled to mention a couple trucks are left with engines running dur - Briggs & Stratton 8 hp engine, manual Sporting Goods Portland things that we can do now on a local ing loading and unloading. It would be start, horiz shaft, $75. 503 658-6108 WATER SKI, 67” HO graphite, full forward ALUM DIA plate under door trim for CJ5 boot, like new w/case and rope, $200. 360 level dealing with individual jobsites. easy to implement an “engines off” pol - Jeep, $45. 503 254-1087 213-9540 I am currently employed at the So - icy for each site in specific areas for cer - BANKS SIX GUN diesel tuner for a 2004- S & W 617-4 8 3/4” barrel 22 LR w/Bianchi larWorld jobsite in Hillsboro. There are tain procedures. 2005 Chevrolet Duramax diesel, complete, holster, target hammer and trigger, 1 several office trailers in one area that are I feel good about being a part of solar $200 OBO. Call Josh@ 541 990-8035 owner, $700. 503 347-4594 ‘08 Jayco 28' Travel trailer, slide out, 2 receiving their 110-volt power from a collector manufacturing, especially af - doors, queen bed, 2-yr. warranty! $16,500, portable generator that I believe runs ter working at an ethanol plant. Let’s see Housing with tow vehicle $35,000. 503 491-5181 Broadway Floral 24/7 for office equipment. There are if SolarWorld will step up. ’05YAMAHA, Royal Stat, tour deluxe, less ROCKAWAY BEACH house, 3 bed, 2 than13,500mi, factory warranty, $9,750 e- for the BEST flowers call three other trailers in a different location Thomas “Twisty” Edwards bath, sleeps 9, great amenities, minutes to that are receiving power from another Plumbers and Fitters Local 290 mail pics. 541 300-0140 503-288-5537 beach or shops. 503 355-2136 or 503 709- .45 CAL. 1911 CHARLES DALY, $450; generator. Temporary, or even perma - Portland 6018 1638 NE Broadway, Portland Taurus pt 1911 .45 cal.nib $500; Colt mk iv nent hard wire could have been in - FISH, HUNT, ride ATV’s, 2 bed, 1 bath on series 80 .380 cal.mustang $550. 503 657- lake, Wasco County, $112k. 541 544-3499 5662 ROCKAWAY BEACH vacation home, 3 WIN MOD 70 SAFARI GRADE , 416 Rem bed, sleeps 8, beachfront, all amenities, cal. NIB condition, ammo, dies, bullet, cas - $175 nite. 503 842-9607 ings. book & box. $1,700 OBO. 503 366- KINGMAN ARIZONA, 16x170 mobile on 0218 a fenced lot w/shed, 2 bed, 2 bath, pantry, PISTOL MAGS , 5 Ruger p-85 9mm 15rnd, nice. 541 926-6643 new $50; 4 Browning hi-power 9mm Swanson, Tho mas & Coon 380 ACRES, can be divided, hayfield, pas - 13rnd, new $40; USA brand. 360 213- ture, juniper trees, asking $380,000, terms. 9540 ATTORN EYS AT L AW 541-468-2961 (Spray, Oregon) Since 1981 Miscellaneous Wanted MACHINIST TOOLS, Boeing employee James Coon Ray Thomas Kimberly Tucker foreman leaves 30+ years of tools., sell all OLD WOODWORKING TOOLS, planes, or part for reasonable offer. Arlene 503 Chris Frost Cynthia F. Newton levels, chisels, handsaws, slicks, adzes, 805-4008 wrenches, folding rulers, old leather tools, SINGER MAPLE CABINET $100. Pfaltz - tool chests. 503-659-0009 graff Snow Bear dishes; new, over 200 CROSS CUT log saws, slicks, double bit pieces, $325. 503 771-1570. axes, blacksmith hammers, planes, wood - ROADMASTER STOWMASTER 5000lb Tip of the Week: If your Social Security claim is working hand tools. 503 819-3736 tow bar made w/ stainless steel, excellent CASH FOR any older toys, American art condition, $300, 503-669-0510 denied, don’t give up! Most claims are granted at the pottery and older oil paintings. 503 653- administrative law judge hearing level. 1506

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PAGE 10 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS AUGUST 1, 2008 Labor at table in U.S. plans to slow global warming

By DON McINTOSH to convert atmospheric CO2 into oxy - Government can limit greenhouse had not capped emissions after the income Americans. Associate Editor gen. Higher temperatures could also gas emissions by regulation, or dis - United States begins the program Above all, union leaders approach Global warming isn’t coming. It’s speed up the already melting Alaskan courage emissions indirectly by tax - would need to buy allowances in order cap-and-trade as a way to revitalize already here. permafrost and the vast Siberian peat ing them (the so-called “carbon tax” to sell energy-intensive goods in the America’s manufacturing and support From floods to forest fires, bogs, which could result in further re - proposal). But a third approach is the U.S. market. good-paying jobs in the shift to a low- droughts to melting permafrost, rising lease of CO2 and methane, a more one that is gaining the most political And answering concerns labor carbon economy. global average temperature is having potent greenhouse gas. support. It’s known as “cap and trade.” leaders raised about potential for spec - “Solving the climate change crisis an impact. The scientific consensus is There’s a lot of scientific uncer - Under a cap-and-trade system, the ulative abuse in the market for per - is an opportunity to address the manu - that human activity is contributing by tainty about when a tipping point government sets a limit or “cap” on mits, Lieberman-Warner would set up facturing crisis,” said AFL-CIO En - increasing the amounts of so-called would be reached, but the interna - the volume of greenhouse gases that a working group to propose regula - ergy Task Force co-chair Bob Baugh “greenhouse gases” in the atmos - tional community is hoping that by certain sectors of the economy would tions to protect the market from fraud at a House Energy subcommittee in phere. Greenhouse gases exist in limiting CO2 concentration to below be allowed to emit, and issues a per - and manipulation. June. small concentrations in the atmos - 500 ppm (and temperature increase to mit for each unit of those emissions. Unions also wanted benefits for In a statement released in March, phere but have big impacts on temper - 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit over current Each year, the number of permits — workers who end up losing jobs be - the AFL-CIO Executive Council out - ature. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the levels), it can be averted. and thus allowable greenhouse gas cause of cap-and-trade. Under Lieber - lined some potentially bountiful best-known greenhouse gas, but there The reason you’re reading about emissions — would be ratcheted man-Warner, companies wouldn’t get sources of green-collar jobs: modern - are others, including methane and ni - this in a labor union newspaper is that down. The government would give or permits if they achieve reductions ization of high-voltage transmission trous oxide. there are a lot of measures societies auction off the permits to emitters, simply by closing down operations lines to increase energy efficiency; ex - The Intergovernmental Panel on can take to achieve the targeted reduc - and emitters could trade the permits to and laying off workers. But some pansion of mass transit and passenger Climate Change, a scientific body, was tions in greenhouse gas emissions, each other in a regulated marketplace. workers are likely to be displaced, rail; energy efficiency retrofits of pub - formed by the United Nations in 1988 and which ones, and how, will have Companies that can make reductions particularly in the extraction and lic, industrial and commercial build - to study the risk of human-caused cli - major impacts on workers throughout cheaply would sell their unused per - transport of coal and at coal-burning ings; weatherization of homes; and mate change. Its latest report, in 2007, the economy. Some industries will be mits to companies that had a tougher electricity plants. Lieberman-Warner development of new automotive tech - notes the observed increase in global endangered, some will be trans - time cutting emissions. Thus, the mar - would use revenues from the auction nologies, not to mention wind, solar temperatures in the last half century, formed, and some will see tremen - ket in permits would allow the neces - of permits to provide a bridge to re - and geothermal. parallelling the increase in greenhouse dous growth. sary reductions to be made as cheaply tirement for older workers and retrain - The Lieberman-Warner cap-and- gas concentrations in the atmosphere. The United States is the world’s as possible. ing benefits for younger workers. The trade program would cover almost Temperatures have risen about 1 de - largest emitter of greenhouse gases, Both presidential hopefuls Barack revenues would also fund: nine-tenths of the sources of U.S. gree Fahrenheit since the mid-20th adding an estimated 7.2 billion tons of Obama and John McCain support the • Major investments in technology greenhouse gas emissions and would century, while CO2 concentrations CO2 equivalent to the atmosphere in cap-and-trade idea; Obama would to contain and store carbon dioxide be projected to reduce total U.S. have risen to 380 parts per million 2005 — about 22 percent of the auction the permits, while McCain produced at the coal-burning plants; greenhouse-gas emissions to roughly (ppm) from 315 ppm in 1960. world’s total. Part of it is driving: The proposes giving them away. Giving • Research and development of re - 5.8 billion tons a year by 2020 and 2.7 There’s a special urgency to reduce average American uses 500 gallons of them away limits industries’ economic newable energy, including cellulosic billion tons by 2050. the amount of greenhouse gases being gas a year to drive 12,000 miles, pro - pain. Auctioning generates resources biomass; “Our nation can lead a new techno - added to the atmosphere because of ducing five tons of carbon dioxide. that can be used to speed the transition • Grants and other incentives for logical revolution in the way energy is concern about a possible tipping But electricity generation, industry, and cushion the hardships. conversion to renewable energy and generated and used,” Baugh told the point, where increased temperatures farming, and residential use of fossil So far, the cap-and-trade proposal increases in the energy efficiency of House subcommittee. “That can be of themselves lead to additional releases fuels also contribute. U.S. greenhouse that came closest to passing as the Cli - buildings, appliances, and manufac - benefit to the world as a whole, and of greenhouse gases. For instance, gas emissions are on track to increase mate Security Act of 2008, a bill in - turing; serve as a foundation for the revival of hotter, drier forests would be more one-third by 2030, but that trend will troduced by Senators Joseph Lieber - • Utility relief for low and middle- the middle class in the United States.” likely to burn, releasing even more have to turn around if the world is to man (I-Conn.), John Warner (R-Va.) CO2 and reducing the forests’ ability limit CO2 to 500 ppm. and Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.). The Lieberman-Warner bill would start by giving three-quarters of the permits away and auctioning the remainder, SEIU Local 49 finalizes contracts but the percentage auctioned would Labor Day Picnics go up each year. The Senate debated Monday, Sept. 1, 2008 covering 1,900 Portland janitors the bill in June, but failed to get enough votes to shut off debate and Service Employees (SEIU) Local ers eight janitorial contractors, plus Astoria – 50th annual picnic at Cullaby Lake Park (8.5 miles south of As - move to a vote. No one expected the toria). Noon – 4 p.m. Sponsored by International Longshore and Warehouse 49 in July finalized two contracts cov - the non-profit Portland Habilitation bill to become law, because it didn’t ering about 1,900 of the Portland- Center. Union Local 50. Call 503-325-2271 for more information. (This will be their have enough support to overcome a last one.) area’s 2,300 union janitors. A master The contract with the ServiceMas - filibuster, much less override a threat - agreement with nine employers cov - ter franchise brings to a close a three- ened presidential veto. The debate Bend – Picnic at Pioneer Park in Bend. Noon–5 p.m. Sponsored by the ers 1,700 workers, and a first-ever year union recognition campaign. was seen as an airing of the issues contract with a local ServiceMaster During the campaign, janitors and Central Oregon Central Labor Council. Contact Fernando Gapasin at 503- likely to come up when the proposal 701-6701 or Jerry Fletcher at 541-350-0265 for more information. franchise covers about 200 employ - their supporters held frequent pickets comes back next year. ees. outside offices cleaned by the contrac - Organized labor was involved in Eugene/Springfield – Picnic at Jasper Park in Jasper. Noon. Sponsored by The four-year master agreement in - tor, including buildings owned by the behind-the-scenes debate over the cludes employer-provided health in - Melvin Mark Companies. In the end, the Lane County Central labor Council. Contact Pat Riggs-Henson, 541-746- bill, and was able to get the bill’s 5905 or 541 915-3100 for more information. surance for janitors’ children, for the the employer agreed to grant union sponsors to incorporate a number of first-time, with employees paying $40 recognition on the basis of majority union proposals, including a major ex - Medford – Picnic at TouVelle State Park in White City. 11 a.m. – dusk. of the monthly premium. The em - sign-up, and negotiated a contract that pansion of the Davis-Bacon prevailing ployee-only portion of the insurance is similar to the master agreement, ex - Sponsored by the Southern Oregon Central Labor Council. Call Carol Bennett wage requirement to non-federal alter - at 541-664-0804 for more information. is fully-paid by the employer. Top cept that it starts with lower wages native energy projects. The AFL- hourly wages will rise $1.85 over the and benefits, catching up over the first CIO’s Building and Construction four years, from $10.60 to $12.45. three years. At that point the two sides North Bend – Picnic at Ferry Street Park in North Bend. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Trades Department, and the Laborers Sponsored by the Southwestern Oregon Central Labor Council. Call Robert Newly hired janitors start at 40 cents will negotiate over wages in the final and Operating Engineers unions sup - above minimum wage and reach the year. Westerman at 541-756-3907 or Shawn Jennings at 541-396-3244 for more port the bill. information. top of the scale after two years. The Union contractors are in the higher Labor unions wanted assurance starting wage was 20 cents above end of the building services market — that increasing costs for U.S. manu - Portland – Labor Day Picnic at Oaks Amusement Park in Southeast Port - minimum in the previous contract, Class A commercial office buildings facturers won’t drive production to which expired June 30. Workers also in downtown Portland and Vancouver, land. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Northwest Oregon Labor Council. countries that don’t have the climate Call 503-235-9444 for more information. get one new paid “personal day” a plus Intel in Hillsboro. Local 49 esti - controls. So the Lieberman-Warner year besides the seven paid holidays mates that union contractors have 76 bill included steps the United States Salem – Oregon State Fair. The Oregon AFL-CIO labor booth in the Cen - they had. percent, by square footage, of the could take if countries like China Members voted 542-16 to approve downtown Portland Class A market, tral Canopy area continues to be staffed with union volunteers during the en - don’t also adopt restrictions on green - tire two weeks of the fair, including Labor Day. the new master agreement, which cov - said organizer Maggie Long. house gas emissions. Any country that

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