(ISSN 0023-6667) Public employees frustrated with Bergson Last week City of Duluth unions say he has done little. progress was being made. employees represented by He’s “admired the problem” is All the ranglings over the AFSCME Local 66 and the how Theurer phrased it. health care issue are affecting Duluth Police Union held a “The mayor passed the negotiations on the contracts press conference to again take buck,” Joe Griffiths, a member that expired Dec. 31. Police issue with Mayor Herb Berg- of AFSCME’s negotiating and Fire unions have tentative son’s claims that he is working team said. “We’ve all heard agreements but those may be to clear up the city’s projected him blast past administrations difficult to get members to pass $309 million liability for for ignoring the problem. Now in light of the administration’s An Injury to One is an Injury to All! retired employees’ health care. he’s the one passing the debt unwillingness to even follow The week before Bergson onto future city leaders. His recommendations of the Post- WEDNESDAY VOL. 112 had line item vetoed a actions are irresponsible and he Employment Health Care JANUARY 10, 2007 NO. 13 $600,000 property tax levy for should be ashamed.” Benefits Task Force. a trust fund to offset that liabil- On Dec. 14 AFSCME, Jon Haataja, President of ity. The fund sits empty in spite Police, and Fire Fighters Local the DPU, said the tentative of his promises two years ago 101 members held a press con- agreement his union negotiated to start the funding it. ference asking why Bergson has been a tough sell to rank- AFSCME Council 5 Area will not allow them to import and-file because of conces- Director Mary Theurer says Canadian prescription drugs to sions. He said Bergson’s veto that $600,000 could have save money. of the $600,000 came without saved taxpayers $6.5 million “If Mayor Bergson is truly any discussion, review, expla- over 30 years. She said unions concerned about taxpayers, he nation or communication and want an irrevocable trust estab- should join city unions in sup- has “fired the distrust of the lished that is fully funded and porting cost-saving measures,” rank-and-file.” then administered by the said Griffiths.“Let’s fully fund Erik Simonson, President of State Board of the trust. Let’s re-import pre- FF 101 and Duluth’s Fire Investment. Such a fund could scription drugs. Let’s imple- Marshall, was recently named not be raided and would get a ment the audit to save on by Bergson to a half time posi- higher rate of return than other- health care expenses. It’s time tion to work on retiree health wise available, perhaps two to protect taxpayers and city care issues. While not at last percentage points better. She retirees.” Friday’s press conference he said Sen. Yvonne Prettner In his 4th State of the City said Local 101 is supportive of Solon was to introduce a bill address Monday Bergson said a fully funded solution. “While At a Pickwick Labor Lunch Dec. 28, Larry Anderson got a last Monday so it could happen labor negotiations and resolv- I do not agree with the veto on chance to make a point with his state Rep. Mary Murphy. While Bergson has talked a ing health care “problems” the property tax levy, our Fire Fighters Legislative Director Tom Marshall and Sen. good game about taking steps were his greatest priorities. He membership will not jeopard- Tom Bakk are to at right. Murphy’s a retired Education to resolve the liability the made it sound like good ize their tentative contract by Minnesota member, Bakk’s a Carpenter. letting that action influence Stover to lead city council their vote,” Simonson wrote to Optimism abounds in DFL Two friends of labor, Russ Stover and Laurie Johnson, a field the Labor World. “I am confi- representative for AFSCME Council 5, were elected to leader- Oh what a difference an election makes. A Duluth AFL-CIO dent that we will solidify and ship positions on the Duluth City Council Monday night. Stover implement a fully funded solu- Central Labor Body lunch with state legislators at the Pickwick will be president, and Johnson was elected vice president. Dec. 28 had a far different tone than in past years. tion in the near future.” Both were narrowly elected on 5-4 votes with Garry Krause, He said he is “anticipating a “Expectations are high,” said Senator Tom Bakk, “but as an IBEW Local 242 member, being the deciding vote in each Democrats we have to be careful not to overreach.” contract vote in early February, case. Voting against them were Jim Stauber, Tim Little, Don but that hinges on getting final Instead of having to hear from former Republican Speaker of Ness, and Roger Reinert. Greg Gilbert and Russ Stewart joined the House, Steve Sviggum, about the need to starve starve gov- contract language from the Stover, Johnson, and Krause in voting for them. administration soon.” ernment because taxes can’t be raised, and then finding your “I’d like to thank Councilor Krause for supporting this lead- property taxes being raised, Bakk says the budget looks good for The Supervisors Union has ership team,” said Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body a tentative agreement as well more aid to counties and cities. President Alan Netland, “particularly since his support of Those bodies have had to raise taxes as the state abdicated its but AFSCME negotiations Johnson over Little provides such a difference for the labor com- aren’t going well. The next responsibility under Republican leadership. Citizens weren’t munity. Laurie Johnson is as supportive of labor as can be, and fooled as November’s election results proved out finally. mediation session was sched- Councilor Little has a lot to learn. We look forward to Councilor uled for Jan. 9. The last talks See DFL...page 6 Stover as president since he is a very strong labor supporter.” were held Dec. 13. Fear remains in wake of immigration raid at Worthington Swift plant By Barb Kucera, Editor transported them hundreds of of the raids on local communi- a disaster, people are trying to tolerated if these were citi- www.workdayminnesota.org miles away from their homes ties, and especially on families, find their families.” Keller zens.” WORTHINGTON, Minn. and families. All but a few of was devastating. said most of those arrested in In Worthington, members (PAI)--Fearful family mem- the 230 workers in Worthing- Scores of people gathered at Worthington were sent to of the Minnesota Immigrant bers continue to seek informa- ton and the others elsewhere St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Camp Dodge in Johnston, Freedom Network staffed tion on their loved ones, while had Hispanic last names. Worthington to talk to immi- . Natives of El Salvador phones at the UFCW office the Minnesota town of ICE claimed it was trying to gration lawyers and a represen- were held in Worthington and and visited families of those Worthington copes with the find “no-match” workers: tative of the Mexican con- would be sent to the Twin who were arrested. They said sudden loss of hundreds of res- Those whose Social Security sulate. United Food & Cities for processing. Guate- some residents–fearful of idents following the Dec. 12 numbers and data given to Commercial Workers Local malan natives were also sent See Raid...page 7 raid by immigration officers at Swift did not match data the 1161, the union representing elsewhere, as were the occa- the Swift Co. meatpacking Social Security Administration Swift workers, made phone sional Southeast Asians round- plant there. had. But it found only 65 such calls and knocked on doors to ed up in Worthington. Worthington is not the only “no match” workers, and determine the fate of many its “The processing of immi- community going through immigrants and their allies, members. UFCW nationwide grants both here in such hell. Agents from the including their allies in the scrambled to do the same thing Worthington and in other Bush administration’s Immi- union movement, suspect ICE for its other members caught in places and the treatment of gration and Customs Enforce- had other motives. On Dec. the sweep. immigrants is that of people ment (ICE) agency raided six 29, ICE proposed new rules “The common theme is one who have less constitutional Swift meatpacking plants that would increase its crack- of fear and confusion,” said rights than citizens,” Keller nationwide Dec. 12 and round- down on workers and firms. John Keller, an attorney with said. “They can basically be ed up 1,282 workers. ICE But regardless of the the Immigration Law Center. unable to be located for days agency’s motives, the impact “Just like anyone caught up in and days. That would not be Learn how to be a citizen in action Jan. 27 Anti-war bus trip to D.C. Don’t think that because of positive change at the local, Sponsored by the League of On Saturday, Jan. 27 busloads of activists from this region the election you can sit back state and national levels. Women Voters and 30 other will join thousands from around the country for a massive anti- while other good folks take Keynote speaker is Sen. local organizations, all events war march in Washington, D.C. They hope to send a strong mes- care of your future. Now’s the Scott Dibble (DFL/South are free and open to the public. sage to Congress and the Bush Administration: They want the time to hammer on people who MPLS). Clean energy, hous- For more info contact Rosie war/occupation to end and the troops brought home now! may actually listen. There’s a ing, smoke free public places, Loeffler-Kemp at 722-8557, Last election day voters delivered an unmistakable mandate way to learn how to work them and civil rights are some of the [email protected]. for peace. Yet the Bush Administration is on the verge of more The 9th Annual Citizens in issues he has championed serv- troop deployments. Congress has the power to end this war Action workshop will be held ing in the House for one term Jim Klobuchar through legislation and cutting off funding. The march, organ- Saturday, Jan. 27 at UMD’s beginning in 2000 and the ized by United for Peace and Justice, will demand that Congress Rafters (Kirby Center) from 9 Senate since 2002. The third to say “thanks” exercise that power, the sentiment of the majority of Americans. a.m. to 2 p.m. It will educate openly gay legislator ever During ’s All are welcome and encouraged to attend the protest. To get citizens about the process of elected, Dibble finds himself successful campaign for the on the bus to Washington from Duluth or anywhere in northern government and how to effect part of ’ powerful U.S. Senate played an Wisconsin, or for more information, visit www.peacenorth.org, elected officials, with Rep. important part. Her father, Jim or call (715) 398-6554. The cost is $125 per person. Sustainability Margaret Anderson Kelliher Klobuchar, who was an incred- Reservations must be made by Friday, Jan. 19. The bus will conference now the Speaker of the House, ible asset to his daughter’s leave Friday morning, Jan 26, and return Sunday evening. UAW Local 879 is hosting and Sen. Larry Pogemiller campaign, will come to Well- a St. Paul conference on labor Senate Majority Leader. stone Hall, Friday, Jan. 19 and a sustainable economy, a The first workshops will be from 5-7 p.m. to thank every- I.U.O.E. Local 70 chance for people to talk about steps to involvement and one who helped. Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting issues ranging from the future advanced advocacy. Later He’ll be at Hibbing VFW Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, 5:00 P.M. of the Ford Plant, mass transit, workshops will address specif- from 6 to 9 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 20 green manufacturing and sus- ic issues. A topic roundtable Don’t miss him. His talks Duluth Labor Center, Hall B tainability in life. The confer- will be held with elected offi- are always worth hearing. Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 ence is free and open to the cials that will give an opportu- public. For details--651-699- nity to network. 4246, info@laborandsustain- Closing remarks for the In Memory of ability.org, or www.laborand- event will be given by Duluth sustainability.org Senator Yvonne Prettner Solon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Camp Wellstones starting Last fall’s elections found many more graduates of Camp "I'M NOT A RACIST, BUT...." Wellstone winning their races. Minnesota’s Secretary of State Mark Ritchie was among them and said after beating the incum- e've all heard this line before, maybe bent, “It all started at Camp Wellstone for me. I learned what it even used it ourselves. What usually takes to run a winning race while staying true to your beliefs.” W Camp Wellstone, Camp Sheila Wellstone and Campus Camp follows is a racist remark––either a derogatory Wellstone training teach grassroots organizing, electoral organ- comment or a sweeping generalization about izing, progressive public policy and ethical leadership. Tracks people's racial or ethnic backgrounds. are designed for candidates, campaigns, and citizen activists. Camp Wellstone’s 2007 training schedule opens in Madison January 26 - 28 and in St. Paul February 2 - 4. The cost of reg- acist remarks divide us, and make us istration is $100. Students, low-income, or unemployed partici- Rfocus on differences instead of the things pants pay $50. Fees pay for three meals, materials, space rental that bring us together––like shared concerns and the cost of trainers. Learn more at www.wellstone.org. about our families, decent wages, safe working Community service nominees conditions and fairness at work. sought for Wiesinger awards Since 1985 the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body’s nionism and racism don't mix. Racism Community Services Program has been recognizing union mem- Useeks to degrade people and insult their bers and employers for their efforts at making this a better commu- dignity. Unionism, however, seeks equality and January 15, 1929 nity in which to live and work. Nominees are being sought for April 4, 1968 2007’s Joe Wiesinger Community Services Awards. justice for everyone–in the workplace and in the Wiesinger, a leader in Brewery Workers Local Union 133, was community. So, next time you hear a racist president of the Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body from 1963- 1971. His long list of community service found him elected to the remark, explain that racism is anti-union. Say NO to racism! Duluth Hall of Fame in 1972. He is the only member of the labor community ever named to that Hall of Fame. We remember that Martin Luther King, Jr. was the civil rights leader who If you know of a individual that is affiliated with a Duluth Central Body union or a firm (it can be an individual at a union led the Montgomery bus boycott. We remember that in 1963, 100 years business) that you think is a worthy recipient now is the time to after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Dr. King nominate them. Their commitment can be for volunteer service in an organization, church, youth group or anything else you feel delivered his “I Have A Dream” speech which defined civil rights for all. improves our quality of life. As public employees, we remember that Dr. King was standing with More than one nomination may be submitted. The deadline for striking AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis on the day he was slain. nominations is Wednesday, Feb. 7. For forms or more information contact Yvonne Harvey, Community Services director at 728-1779. Join us for a free community breakfast Monday, Jan. 15 beginning at Labor Temple Annual Meeting 7:00 a.m. at the Coppertop Church. A memorial march in Dr. King’s honor will leave from the corner of 4th St. and Lake Ave. at 11:00 a.m. The Annual Shareholders Meeting for the Duluth Labor A memorial rally will be held at the DECC Auditorium about 11:30. Temple Association will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 1:30 p.m. in Wellstone Hall.The meeting is open only to Labor AFSCME Local 66 Temple Association stockholders.The financial books will be reviewed and an election of officers will take place. AFSCME Council 5 PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 Addressing people’s concerns By Alan Netland, President Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body Positive changes have provided opportunities to move ahead A lot of my life falls in the on an agenda that deals with real people’s concerns, not just the “I want to be let alone” sector wishes of the wealthy and corporations. Here’s what I consider made famous by Greta Garbo to be Labor’s agenda this year in St.Paul and Washington D.C. in the 1932 Oscar winning film Minnesota should: “Grand Hotel.” • Improve health care access~~We can start by providing Driving really hits home universal health care for all children and seriously explore how there for me. I’m so bad I go to to provide coverage for all Minnesotans. The number one issue and from work so as to miss at every bargaining table needs legislative solutions. Duluth’s rush hour traffic. It’s • Increase funding for education~~After years of being terrible for those ten minutes shortchanged and cheated, our schools and higher education I’m on I-35 fighting off the institutions need additional funding so educational opportunities NASCAR mentality of van are as good and as available in Duluth as in Eagan and Edina. driving young dads and moms, to go 46 “flying” by in the real- drop, 750 feet, as there is from • Restore and enhance local government aid to cities and cell phone operators, and ly bad left lane. the Twin Cities to New Or- counties~~Basic services should not be reduced by an over- young kids driving too fast for “Where the hell are the leans. But that’s a hill I don’t reliance on property taxes to fund these services. the conditions and their ability. plows,” Liz Claiborne asked in have to climb, I’ve got Thomp- • Provide property tax relief~~The above two items will Being a curmudgeon is the other seat. She doesn’t son Hill. Conditions do change. help reduce the reliance on property taxes, but restoring cuts almost as healthy as wearing a swear as well as her mother but Eliot Seide, director of made for wealthy Minnesotans can help fund additional relief seat belt. Put me into winter she can make her point. AFSCME Council 5, says 135 for property owners. Over the past 20 years our tax system has driving and the Greta in me Was it last year that plows will be parked in the become more reliant on property taxes rather than income taxes. really comes out. MnDOT Commissioner Carol state for lack of drivers. “Be- This must be reversed. Income taxes are based on ability to pay Take returning from Minne- Molnau, also our Lt. Gov. and cause of short staffing, (Mn- and therefore more progressive. The legitimate concerns about apolis New Year’s Eve day. I maybe State Treasurer too DOT) is requiring employees our over reliance on property taxes is that there is no considera- had precious cargo--The Wife since we don’t need one of to drive plows for shifts of up tion of the income of those who own property. Retirees and with Tangerfatigue, and my those either, said she wanted to 16 straight hours. Exhausted fixed income folks are unfairly affected by high property taxes. best friend, Yarde Conteras, the all MnDOT employees, cleri- plow drivers endanger them- Returning to a greater reliance on income taxes is needed. first time I’d ever taken a dog cal staff included, capable of selves and motorists,” he said. • Pass a gas tax increase~~Funding for road maintenance of mine to the Big City. So I’m driving the big rig snowplows? Good, clean roads make and construction along with expanding commuter opportunities a wreck driving home, mid- And I was worried about the paying taxes worth it. are needed, including light rail from Duluth to St.Paul. day of course because I’m too Jefferson Lines bus that nearly We kept driving, trying to • Pass funding for the DECC expansion~~Everyone says old to drive at night, as put us in a beaver lodge. find a break in the traffic where they want this to pass so let’s not talk about it, let’s get it done. snow/sleet/ice/slush make I-35 Couldn’t see if it had a “How’s no one was on our bumper and • Pass legislation to establish an irrevocable trust fund nasty. SUVS in the ditch didn’t my driving you dumb SOB?” we had room to steer away invested with the State Board of Investments for City of Duluth even cheer me up. 40-mph, sticker and an 800 number. from an accident. Didn’t hap- retiree health care~~Another issue that everyone says they bumper to bumper heading Couldn’t see for his slushwake. pen for many minutes of the agree with, but hasn’t gotten done. Let’s do this immediately. north of all things, sometimes Does Molnau scab on bargain- four hour trip from Tanger. I Washington D.C. should: one lane, some idiots needing ing unit snowplowing I won- kept telling The Wife the cars • Change course in Iraq~~We need to recognize a tragic dered. Where the hell is she? passing our long line must be mistake and establish a plan to bring our troops home. We need ~NOTICE~ Then I remembered what AWD--Attentive While Dri- these billions of dollars to fund solutions for our domestic trou- Next issues of Labor World AFSCME #695 (MnDOT) ving--to make her feel safe. bles and we need our brave soldiers back home. are Jan. 24; Feb. 7, 21; President John McGovern said Then we got passed by a blue • Raise the minimum wage~~After ten years it’s long over- LABOR WORLD at a Central Body meeting. station wagon that looked like due. Opposition is indefensible. Simple greed has blocked pas- Known office of publication Budget cutbacks will result in a Pinto. She told me to stay sage in the past. An increase needs passing with no amendments. 2002 London Road, Room 110 more difficult winter driving right where I was. I was getting • Enact tough ethics rules and reform campaign financ- Duluth, MN 55812 conditions in areas of the state. macho. She knows best. ing~~As long as big corporate money can unduly buy and influ- (218) 728-4469 Staffing and something about It’s a good thing we’re hav- ence Congress, fairness for workers will never occur. FAX: (218) 724-1413 locking-in sand/salt applicators ing a “snow event”-free winter. • Move towards a universal single-payer health care sys- [email protected] at a certain number of pounds When it does change please tem~~H.R.676 sponsored by Rep. John Conyers will provide www.laborworld.org per mile to save money rather “medicare for all.” Why does the U.S. have to be the last ESTABLISHED 1896 don’t honk if you see me on I- Owned by Unions affiliated with the than allowing the operator to 35. I’ll be a sweatin’ wreck, “developed” country with no national health care system? Yes, Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body do it according to conditions. have a death grip on the wheel we want to empower medicare to negotiate lower drug prices, And I remembered #695’s but that is only the beginning. 6 7 and won’t be able to look your Dave Anderson telling me his way with my bug eyes. I’ll • Pass the Employee Free Choice Act~~Originally drafted Periodical Postage Paid Piedmont run from the mall to want to be alone anyway. by Sen. Paul Wellstone for labor law reform, EFCA would Duluth, MN the bay has the same amount of ensure fairness for workers seeking to join our unions. While the Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager public overwhelmingly opposes employer efforts to stop work- Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper Labor World Pages from our Past ers from forming unions, only half the people think employers Published 23 times per year Jan. 4, 1979-- The $12 million invested in the Arena fight workers’ efforts to form unions! Subscriptions: $22 Annually Auditorium over its first 12 years has returned $10 million a • Roll back tax cuts and subsidies for big oil~~Record prof- POSTMASTER: year to the citizens of Duluth. its and out of sight prices suggest these fat cats can get by with Send address changes to: Dec. 26, 1936--Diamond Caulk Horseshoe employees are smaller profit margins and we can fund renewable energy. 2002 London Rd., Room 110 on strike seeking 53¢ for unskilled and 75¢ for mechanics • Strengthen retirement security and pension legislation~~ Duluth, MN 55812 We’ve seen too many examples locally of corporations avoiding Dec, 26, 1946--Duluth AFL labor now totals over 13,000 their “legacy” costs at the expense of workers and their families. Board of Directors after regaining losses caused by the windups of war plants. President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, • Increase funding for education and cut interest rates for Painters & Allied Trades 106; Dec, 27, 1956--Charles Lyons, a leader in the development student loans~~Last year’s giveaway to investment firms needs V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; of Duluth labor and an Electrical Workers member since to be reversed and its time to invest more in our future. Sec. Marlys Wisch, CWA 7214; 1909, retired as a line foreman from MP&L after 43 years.--- • Stop the renewal of “fast track” trade authority~~This Jim Walters, Plumbers & Steam- ---UMD has received a $214,000 federal loan to construct a has only resulted in the shipping of our jobs and capital abroad. fitters 11; Tom Selinski, IBEW dormitory for 60 women students. 242; Laurie Johnson, AFSCME While there are many more issues to cover, these are some of Co. 5; Lynette Swanberg, MN Dec. 9, 1976--Workers currently getting a $2.20 federal what I see as our initial priorities. Are they only priorities of the Nurses; Mike Kuitu, Operating minimum wage will see it increase to $2.30 Jan. 1. Some labor community? I believe they are the priorities of the wider Engineers 49; Al LaFrenier, who were brought under protection of the Fair Labor populace as well and it is time for labor, once again, to step up UNITE HERE! Joint Board Standards Act in 1967 or later already get the $2.30 an hour. and be more of an advocate for the common good. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 PAGE 3 It’s up to the American people to stop the , curb executive power By Molly Ivins our will. Polls consistently gone? How did we let these ers trying to occupy countries, viewers, saw the square being (Austin, TX, Jan. 4) show that less than 30 percent people take us there? How did take their resources and take presented as though the people The president of of the people want to maintain we let them fool us? over the administration of their of Iraq had gone into a frenzy, the current troop levels. It is It’s a monstrous idea to put people -- and failing. mobbed the square and sponta- does not have the obscene and wrong for the people in prison and keep them The sectarian bloodbath neously pulled down the stat- sense God gave a president to go against the peo- there. Since 1215, civil author- we see daily completely ue. Fake images and claims duck -- so it’s up to ple in this fashion. And it’s ities have been obligated to tell refutes Wolfowitz. And now have been a part of this fiasco us. You and me, Bubba. doubly wrong for him to send people with what they are Bush has given him the World from the beginning. I don’t know why Bush is 20,0000 more soldiers into this charged if they’re arrested. Bank to run. Wonder what We need to cut through all just standing there like a frozen hellhole, as he reportedly will This administration has done he’ll do there. this smoke and mirrors and rabbit, but it’s time we found announce next week. away with rights first And let’s keep in mind that come up with an exit strategy, out. The fact is WE have to do What happened to the enshrined in the Magna Carta when the Army arrived in forthwith. The Democrats have something about it. This coun- nation that never tortured? The nearly 800 years ago, and Baghdad, we, the television yet to offer a cohesive plan to try is being torn apart by an nation that wasn’t supposed to we’ve let them do it. viewers, watched footage of a get us out of this mess. Of evil and unnecessary war, and start wars of choice? The This will be a regular fea- bunch of enraged and joyous course, it’s not their fault -- but it has to be stopped NOW. nation that respected human ture of mine, like an old-fash- Iraqis pulling down the statue the fact is we need leaders who This war is being prosecut- rights and life? A nation that ioned newspaper campaign. of Saddam Hussein, their are grown-ups and who are ed in our names, with our from the beginning was against Every column, I’ll write about repulsive dictator, in Firdos willing to try to fix it. Bush has money, with our blood, against tyranny? Where have we this war until we find some Square. Only one thing was ignored the actual grown-ups way to end it. STOP IT NOW. wrong. The event was staged. from the Iraq Study Group and BAM! Every day, we will Taking down the statue was the generals and all other review some factor we should instigated by a Marine colonel, experts who are nearly unani- have gotten right. and a PSYOP (psychological mous in the opinion that more So let’s take a step back and operations) unit made it appear troops will not help. note, for example, that before to be a spontaneous show of So, like I said, it’s up to the war one of the architects of Iraqi joy. you and me, Bubba. We need the entire policy, Paul Wolfo- When we later saw the to make sure that the new Con- witz, testified to Congress that whole square where the statue gress curbs executive power, Iraq had no history of ethnic was located, only 30 to 40 peo- which has been so misused, strife. Sectarian and ethnic ple were there (U.S. soldiers, and asserts its own power to strife is a part of the region. press and some Iraqis -- and make this situation change. And the region is full of exam- one of several U.S. tanks pres- Now. ples of Western colonial pow- ent pulled the statue down with © 2007 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC. a cable). We, the television www.creators.com Iraqi workers situations worsens WASHINGTON (PAI)-- “Creation of good jobs is a “under false pretenses.” The conditions facing Iraqi critical first step toward stabi- Contractors, many of whom workers, and especially Iraqi lizing the country—and asserts used political connections to As this issue goes to press we are receiving word that three unionists, are worse than any- that to date this has been neg- get no-bid contracts from the UAW Local 349 members employed at Eichorn Motors in one realizes, the AFL-CIO lected,” the center added in Bush administration, house and Grand Rapids, Minnesota as service technicians were fired reports. mid-December. employ workers in “substan- last week by the dealerships new owners who bought the Citing findings from the spe- Center director Ellie Larson dard, exploitative and danger- company last year. Efforts to contact the workers, who have cial Iraq Study Commission reports U.S.-hired contractors ous conditions.” Those workers set up pickets were unsuccessful prior to this issue going to report in December--it on reconstruction projects in “are akin to forced labor,” the press Tuesday. The union contract was expected to run until demanded a change of course Iraq do not hire Iraqis but center says. it expired this summer according to the purchase agree- in Iraq--the center says Iraqi employ thousands of foreign On top of those conditions, ment. “This is a big deal here in Rapids since we are a unemployment ranges from 20 workers who were imported there have been escalating huge union town,” said Kevin Masurka, a member of percent and 60 percent, by sec- attacks against day laborers, Millwrights Local 1348. “It’s not right what they did to those tor, inflation is more than 50 New Year! New Look! which “represent continued guys.” The General Motors dealership sells Chevrolet, percent annually and almost repression and violence against Cadillac, Buick, and Pontiac vehicles. 5,000 Iraqis, many of them BUY ONE GET ONE workers and unions,” said (Photo courtesy of Kevin Masurka) skilled workers, flee each Larson. “For many workers, month. * workplaces do not represent a www.middleclassunionmade.com FREE safe haven but rather a site of (That’s up to a kidnappings and assassina- Check out SGI at 4911 Matterhorn Drive! $258.95 Value!) tions.” She pointed out that union leaders are targeted for When you need Any Type of Glass Work call this Top Designers! torture and murder. area’s only UNION, AUTO GLASS COMPANY! Hottest Styles! We’ll handle your insurance claim and do the Latest Looks! repair at your site or in our service centers. I want to help Buy One Pair of Glasses $$ you save money. 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NA-16942 PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 Wisconsin’s fundamental health care reform within reach with your help by David Newby, President payer” health care bill (similar that could also get manage- AARP, the Alliance for Retired ing the WHCPP as a bill in the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO to Canada’s very successful ment support and have a sig- Americans, the Coalition of Legislature in January. We’ll For more than fourteen health care system). nificantly better chance of Wisconsin Aging Groups, be asking you to call your local years, the Wisconsin State We still support that pro- being passed by the Wisconsin Citizen Action Action of state legislators to become AFL-CIO has been pushing posal, but as the health care Legislature. Wisconsin, and others. sponsors (1-800-362-9472). hard for fundamental health cost crisis deepened at the end Over five years ago we So where are we today with Senate Democrats as a group care reform in Wisconsin. In of the last decade, we realized established a Wisconsin State this proposal? We’re within ran on comprehensive health the early 1990s we helped that we needed to develop a AFL-CIO Health Care Com- shooting distance of success. care reform in the November form the Coalition for Wiscon- new plan--a plan that would mittee to see if we could come As a result of the November elections. sin Health and drafted a path- meet many of our goals in the up with a proposal that would elections, we now have a We need every single one of breaking state-level “single- single-payer proposal, but one control health care costs and Senate with a Democratic them as a sponsor of the take the cost of health care off majority that is committed to Wisconsin Health Care the bargaining table for all our fundamental health care Partnership Plan. We need unions. The result, after many reform. The Assembly still has Assembly Democrats to make discussions and consultations a Republican majority, but we the same commitment. with other groups and health have some support among But we also need care professionals, was the Republicans as well (for exam- Republican support. Union Wisconsin Health Care ple, Republican Rep. Terry members who have Repub- Partnership Plan (WHCPP). Musser was our co-sponsor in lican Senate and Assembly You can read more detail the WHCPP bill that was intro- representatives have a special about that plan at our website duced last April). Every poll responsibility--and opportuni- (www.wisaflcio.org). before the November elections ty--to get their legislators to The basic idea is that all had fundamental health care support the WHCPP, the most workers and their dependents reform as the first or second innovative and practical health in Wisconsin would be covered most important issue for vot- care reform proposal in the Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle came to Superior’s Bong Heri- by a common, totally compre- ers. Many candidates, especial- entire country. tage Center Jan. 2 for an Inauguration Celebration and hensive, health care plan. It ly successful Senate Democra- If our elected officials act in Labor was there to greet him. Right to left are Norm Voor- would be financed in a fair tic challengers, had compre- the interests of working fami- hees (President, Northern Wisconsin Building & Construc- fashion by affordable copays hensive health care reform as lies, Wisconsin could lead the tion Trades Council), Janice Terry, (President, Superior and deductibles by workers, their number one issue. country in fundamental health Federation of Labor), and Retired Ironworker Paul Heaslip. and a flat per worker per We are now asking Gover- care reform and Governor Jim month fee by employers. Our nor Jim Doyle to include the Doyle could go down in histo- Doyle celebrates in Superior actuary determined that in WHCPP in his 2007-2008 ry as the leader of health care Wisconsin’s Democratic- and AFL-CIO-endorsed Governor, 2003 the employer would have Budget--and we urge you to reform in the United States. Jim Doyle, included Superior in his inauguration celebration Jan. to pay considerably less than call his office (608-266-1212) But it’s up to us to create 2nd, one day before it was to be made official in Madison. $300 per month per employee and urge him to do that. It’s a the grass-roots pressure to Milwaukee, Superior, LaCrosse, and Beloit were included in his to provide this comprehensive long shot, but one we have to make our elected representa- one-day tour to bring his enthusiasm for the future to health care (estimated at about take. tives do the right thing. Let’s Wisconsin’s perimeter cities and let others enjoy it as well. $330--$340 in 2006). We will also be reintroduc- do it! A packed Richard I. Bong WWII Heritage Center greeted the The cost is so low for two second term governor, the first Democrat re-elected to the post reasons: we would drastically in 30 years, with affection after the region had voted for him at cut the unnecessary adminis- a 65 percent clip in November’s election. Many trade unionists trative costs in our current :H¶UH5DLVLQ¶5DWHV were part of the gathering. health care system; and, with In his address Doyle said he looked forward to the next four all employers both in the pri- years “to focus on the opportunities before us. Our investment in vate and public sectors paying our children will determine the kind of state Wisconsin will be in their fair share, the per- the future,” Doyle said. employee cost would be He expressed his pleasure at the election results for the reduced dramatically. Wisconsin Legislature saying he was “really looking forward to All our unions endorsed the new Democratic majority in the Senate.” But while the this plan, as well as a number  “political landscape has changed quite a bit in Madison,” Doyle of private sector corporations,  cautioned that Democrats had not been handed a mandate, rather the associations that represent PRQWKV an opportunity. He promised to use that opportunity to help the management in the public sec- PRQ0LQLPXPWKV 0LQLPXP state’s working families on education, health care, economic tor, as well as family farm growth and job issues that will help them buy homes and support groups such as the Wisconsin DW DW their families. He said his will be an ambitious agenda that will Farmers Union, the National also include ethics reform. Farmers Union, and advocacy “Wisconsin will supply the world with ideas for the future,” organizations such as the   Doyle said. Stem cell research and renewable energy will be  $3<  $3< among them “but it all starts with the kids and getting them ready to compete in the global marketplace.” Making sure each of INTERSTATE them has health care will be among his primary goals. SPUR

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 PAGE 5 DFL optimistic...from page 1 Directory “We should see additional (state) funding for schools so we “ The world is run by those who show up!” don’t have to have the excess levies we’ve been seeing,” Bakk AFSCME COUNCIL 5— President Mike CARPENTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 361— INTL. ASSOCIATION OF HEAT & FROST said to those who found the time to attend during the holidays. Buesing, Local 1011; VP Deb Bloom, Local Meets 2nd Tues. of the month at 6:30 p.m. INSULATORS AND ASBESTOS 66; Treas. Clifford Poehler, Local 2938; at Training Center, 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., WORKERS LOCAL NO. 49—Meets 2nd Even Republican Gov. is “sliding across the Sec. Mary Falk, Local 4001; Director Eliot 724-3297. President Steve Risacher, Friday each month, 8 p.m., Duluth Labor aisle” to embrace the Democratic agenda that will serve people Seide; Area office, 211 West 2nd St., VP Michael Lowry, Rec. Sec. Chris Hill, Fin. Temple. Business Manager Dick Webber, Duluth, MN 55802; 722-0577 Sec. Larry Nesgoda; Treas. Chuck Aspoas, 2002 London Rd., Room 210, Duluth after his first administration served those with deepest pockets. Field Reps. Tony Radzak, Steve Risacher, 55812, 724-3223; Pres. Wade Lee; VP But Bakk said it won’t be easy. He said legislators could be in AFSCME Co. 5—LOCAL 66—Meets 1st Chris Hill Garth Lee; Rec.Sec. Randy Neumann; Tues. at 7:00 p.m. in the AFSCME Hall, Fin. Sec./Treas. Gerry Nervick session “until July” if the antagonistic history between Senate Arrowhead Place, 211 W. 2nd St. CEMENT MASONS, PLASTERERS & Pres. Alan Netland; VP Deb Bloom; Treas. SHOPHANDS LOCAL 633—Duluth Area NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER Majority Leader Larry Pogemiller and Pawlenty resurfaces. Joe Griffiths, Rec. Sec. Kathy Stevens. Office: Denny White, 2002 London Road, CARRIERS, BRANCH 114 MERGED— Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon would prefer to be optimistic Union office, 211 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN #100, Duluth 55812; 218-724-2323; Iron Meets 1st Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Reef Bar 55802, 722-0577 Range Area Office: Mike Syversrud, 606 (back room) President Robert Marshall, about Pawlenty “turning to our direction” as he’s shown in even 1/2 15th St. N., Virginia 55792; 218-741- 727-4327 (office), P.O. Box 16583, Duluth calling for universal health care. “We’ve got a chance to work AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1123—City of 2300; Meetings to be announced 55816; VP Don McMillin; Recording Secre- Two Harbors workers. Meets 1st Wed. of tary Paul Oikarinen; Financial Secretary. together to get things done,” she said, and all elected officials each month at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall, Two COMMUNICATION WORKERS OF Scott Dulas; Treasurer Karl Pettersen Harbors. Pres. Dale Wick, 1512 12th Ave. AMERICA LOCAL 7214 — Meets 3rd have heard loud and clear from constituents that our health care Two Harbors 55616; VP Mitch Ekstrom; Thurs., 7:15 p.m. Duluth Labor Temple, NATIONAL CONF. FIREMEN & OILERS system is out of control and something must be done. “Pawlenty Sec. Karrie Seeber; Treas. Paul J. Johnson 2002 London Rd.; President Terri Newman SEIU 956—Meets 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m. 723-4225; VP (Qwest and others) Ken Meetings held at Central High School. has said 68,000 Minnesota children don’t have health insurance,” AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1934— Cusick; Sec.-Treas. Rawn Nilsen, 723-4225 Pres. Jerome DeRosier, 315 W. 5th St. St. Louis Co. Essential Jail Employees. Duluth 55806; Treas. Dennis McDonald, she said. “By the end of the decade many at the legislature expect Meets 3rd Wed., 3:15 at Foster’s Bar & DULUTH AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR 4007 N. 21st., Superior, 54880, 628-4863; we’ll have some kind of a universal plan.” Grill. Pres. Dan Marchetti, 726-2345, BODY —Meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00 p.m., Sec. Steve Lundberg, 8304 Grand Ave, VP Glen Peterson, Sec. Robert Parker, Wellstone Hall, 2002 London Rd., (218) Duluth 55807, 624-0915 Rep. Mike Jaros said he hopes Minnesota can show the whole Treas. Heather Ninefeldt 724-1413, President Alan Netland, AF- SCME 66; VP Beth McCuskey, Duluth Fed. NORTHERN WISCONSIN BUILDING & country how to reform health care and it starts by changing the AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 3558 - Non-profit of Teachers; Rec. Sec. Ellen Hanson, CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL— 40 percent in costs for administration. “Medicare has only a three employees. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 5:30 AFSCME 3801; Treas. Sheldon Christo- Meets the 3rd Wednesdays, Old Towne p.m.. AFSCME Hall, 211 W. 2nd St. Pres. pherson, Operators 70; Clerk Larry Bar. President Norm Voorhees, (218) 724- percent administrative fee,” Jaros said. Michelle Fremling ; VP Todd Kneebone; Sillanpa, MN News Guild/Typos 37002 5073, 2002 London Rd., Duluth, MN 55812; Prettner Solon said renewable energy standards are possible Sec. Susan Cook; Treas. Yvonne Harvey V-P Dan Westlund Jr., Sec.-Treas. Larry DULUTH BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION Anderson, (218) 428-2722 early and she expects many hearings on global warming, a diffi- AFSCME LOCAL 695 - Meets 4th Tuesday TRADES COUNCIL—Meets 3rd Tuesday, of even numbered months at Council 5 3:00 p.m., Freeman Hall, Labor Temple. OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49 — cult subject for Pawlenty’s leader, President Bush. Duluth offices and odd numbered months Pres. Craig Olson, Painters & Allied Trades Meets 2nd Tues. of month at 7:30 p.m., Rep. Mary Murphy said she and her DFL House colleagues at Gampers in Moose Lake. 106, 724-6466; Treas. Jim Brown, IBEW Hall B, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London President John McGovern, 393-5718 242, 728-6895; Rec. Sec. Don Watkins, Rd., Bus. Rep. Brent Pykkonen, 724-3840, are pleased with being the majority after nearly a decade in the AFSCME LOCAL 3801 - Representing Laborers 1091, 728-5151 Room. 112, Duluth Labor Temple. minority. “We campaigned on education, health care, decreased All members attend each meeting. UMD Clerical & Technical employees, DULUTH MAILERS UNION LOCAL ML-62 property taxes, stabilizing the economy, jobs and that’s what Room 106 Kirby Student Center. Meets 2nd Meets 3rd Monday, Duluth Labor Temple, OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 70— Wed., 12:00 pm, KSC, 3rd Floor; 2002 London Rd., Pres. Wm. Stafford: Sec- Union office, 2417 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. we’ll do,” said Murphy. She invited all citizens to go to St. Paul President Denise Osterholm, 726-6312 Treas. Keith Delfosse, 4215 W. 4th St. Paul, MN 55113, 651-646-4566. Bus. Mgr. and testify to the legislature about what it is they want because in Duluth, MN 55807, 218-628-3017. Dick Lally. Meets 2nd Tues. at 5 p.m. in the AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd. spite of rosy projects about a $2 billion surplus, there’s not a lot AFL-CIO Greater Northland Area Local— IBEW LOCAL 31 (UTILITY WORKERS)— P.O. Box 16321, Duluth, MN 55816. Rm.105, Duluth Labor Temple, 728-4248. PAINTERS & ALLIED TRADES LOCAL of money that is available for spending. Membership meetings held monthly in Officers: Pres. Tim Ryan; VP Mike Arezzo; 106 Meets 1st Wed., 6:00 p.m., Duluth La- “We’re getting calls from many (people and programs) that Duluth, bi-monthly on Iron Range (in odd Rec. Sec. Bob Fonger; Treas. Dan Leslie; bor Temple. President Dennis Setter, 4015 numbered months), 218-722-3350 Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Robert F. Kasper; Grand Ave., Duluth, MN, 55807; VP Ron haven’t been funded,” Murphy said. “We’ll need to bring former Asst. Bus. Mgr. Tim Laeupple. Folkestad; Rec. Sec. Mikael Sundin; Fin. ARROWHEAD CHAPTER, COALITION Monthly Meetings: Duluth: 1st Wednes- Sec. Brian Koyle; Bus. Rep. Craig Olson, cuts back to where they should be.” She’s looking forward to OF LABOR UNION WOMEN - For info days, 7:00 pm, Labor Temple; Iron Range: Duluth Labor Temple, Room 106, 2002 doing the people’s work again. contact Pres. Lorraine Reinke, 628-2111, Gilbert VFW, 2nd Tuesdays, 7:15 pm; London Rd. Duluth, MN 55812, 724-6466. VP Yvonne Harvey, Sec Janet Nelson Grand Rapids Blandin Workers Hall, 2nd Jaros reminded everyone that in 1998, the last time the DFL PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS BRlCKLAYERS & ALLIED Wednesdays, 7:30 pm; was in the majority in the House, there was a $5 billion surplus Western Area: 3rd Wednesdays, all at 7:30 LOCAL 11, U.A.— Meets 1st Thursdays at CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL NO. 1—Chap- union office, 4402 Airpark Blvd. (218) 727- and it was basically squandered. “Gov. rebated it, ter #3, Duluth & Hibbing meetings are listed pm: Jan., Brainerd Legion; Feb., Park Rapids Legion; March, Nisswa Tasty Pizza 2199; President Dan O’Neill; VP Scott in the quarterly update newsletter. Chair- Randall; Rec. Sec. Butch Liebaert; and in 1999 and 2000 we had income tax cuts of $1 billion, in man Jim Stebe, Recording Secretary Stan North; April, Little Falls Cabin Fever; May, Ironton Legion; June, Jenkins VFW; July, Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Mike Rydberg, 2001 we had property tax reform, which I was for, but by 2003 Paczynski, Sergeant at Arms Jerry Lund, Ass’t Bus. Mgr. Dave Carlson Field Rep. Jim Stebe, 218-724-8374 Park Rapids Legion; Aug., Little Falls Cabin we were back to a huge deficit again,” Jaros said. Fever; Sept./Oct. Brainerd Legion; Nov., SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10— BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL Nisswa Tasty Pizza N.; Dec., Wadena Duluth-Superior area meets 2nd Mondays Jaros said he sent a card to Pawlenty congratulating him on AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS Superior:, all meetings at Shamrock Pizza at 5:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall, Duluth La- his re-election and wrote that we don’t need to raise taxes to keep LOCAL 512—Duluth, MN sub-office and 4th Tuesdays, 7 pm bor Temple, 2002 London Rd. meeting place, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 Iron Range meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. healthy, “just repeal the mistakes of cutting income taxes.” London Rd., (218) 724-5073. IBEW LOCAL 242 (CONST., R.T.V., MFG., MAINT.)—Rm.111, Labor Temple, 728- Regency Inn, Beltline/Howard, Hibbing. He said property taxes are sky high because the state has taken Pres. Frank Vento, B.M./F.S.-T. Charlie Witt, Bemidji area meets 3rd Thursday Jan., B.A. Darrell Godbout, Rec. Sec. Al Greyson 6895. Pres. Dennis Tammen; Rec. Sec. Dale Carlson; Treas. Stan Nordwall; Bus April, July & Oct., 6:00 pm, Carpenters Hall funding from school districts, counties and cities, which have had BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jim Brown. Meetings 4th Bus. Mgr. Craig Sandberg, 1681 E Cope to raise their portion on property taxes. WAY EMPLOYES DIVISION LODGE Wed. of every month at Duluth Labor Tem- Ave., St Paul, MN 55109, 612-770-2388- 1710—Meets 1st Mon. of each month at 7 ple. Unit meetings - Brainerd, American 89. Duluth-Superior-lron Range area. Bus. Bakk said Republicans are trying to play to the public on that p.m., Pit Stop, Boundary Ave.; Gen. Legion, 7:30 p.m., 1st Wed. each month. Rep. Dennis Marchetti, 2002 London Rd., issue now after having created the problem. Chair/Sec. Treas. Mike Nagle, 6049 Seville Duluth 55812, 724-6873. Rd. Duluth, MN 55811, 729-9786; INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL “Of all the taxes, people hate property taxes the most,” Bakk WORKERS, LOCAL 294 - Meets 4th UNITE HERE! LOCAL 99 — Executive Pres. Frank Malec; 1st Vice Chair Alan Board meetings are held on the 2nd Mon. said. “Democrats have always won when they’ve talked on prop- Caple; 2nd Vice Chair Jim Sonneson Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Local 294 Building lo- cated at 503 E. 16th St., Hibbing, MN. Busi- of each month: 1:30 p.m. in Mar., June, erty taxes. I think the Senate will try to fund Local Government BUILDING & GENERAL LABORERS ness Management Scott Weappa, (218) Oct., & Dec., 9:30 a.m. in all other months. LOCAL 1091—Meets 3rd Thursdays, 8 pm 263-6895, Hibbing. I.B.E.W. Local 294 Unit Quarterly regular membership meetings are Aids and I think the Republicans will try for one time rebates.” Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall. Presi- Bemidji, meets 3rd Thursdays of the month held on the 2nd Mon. of Mar., June, Oct., & Murphy said she’d like to see a linkage between a person’s dent Larry Anderson, V.P. Bill Cox, Rec. at 7 p.m. in Carpenters Hall. Dec. at 2:30 p.m. Meetings are held at the Sec. Dan Olson, Bus.Mgr./Fin.Sec./ Treas. Duluth Labor Temple. income taxes and the property taxes they pay. Don Watkins; (218) 728-5151 INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL President Todd Erickson, 728-6861 WORKERS, LOCAL 366—(Electrical, Sig- The legislators said the Transportation Amendment is proving CARLTON COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR nal & Communication Workers of C/N) - LOCAL 241 — to be what they had feared: a $300 million hole created in the BODY—Meets 1st Monday of month ex- Meets 3rd Thursdays, Proctor American Le- Meets Ist Tues. of the month, 7:30 p.m., cept Sept. which meets last Monday in Au- gion. President/Local Chairman Greg Arras, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd., P. state budget that will benefit only the Metro’s transit needs. gust. Meeting 7:00 pm 2nd floor of Labor 745 Laurel St. Cloquet MN 55720, 879- Del Soiney; Fin. Officer Eric Sparring, 259 Temple, 1403 Ave C, Cloquet 55720; Presi- 6129; VP David Winek; Fin. Sec. David Canosia Rd., Esko, MN 55733 “It was a state Chamber of Commerce plan to starve govern- dent Bob Oswold, VP Tom Beltt, Treas Dan Ostby, 303 Park Ave. Cloquet, MN 55720, UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL ment and the general fund,” said Bakk. “Amendment supporters Swanson, Sec. Diane Firkus, 390-9560 879-0941; Rec. Sec. Brian Johnson; Treas. WORKERS LOCAL 1116—Duluth Labor have given their ideas on using the funding and all 13 proposals Richard Swenson. Temple, 2002 London Rd., Rm. 211, P.O. Box 16388, Duluth 55816-0388. President are in the Metro. There won’t be any work up here.” Steve Gilbertson; Sec. Treas. Joyce Berglund, 218-728-5174. Prettner Solon said a bill is ready for the DECC expansion and Retirees' Club meets 2nd Monday, 1:30 “all the big players say they support it.” Even though it is the p.m., Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall largest community project that has ever come before the legisla- LOCAL 1028 - Meets 2nd Tues., Room 212, 2002 London ture for funding she said she is very hopeful it will pass. Bakk Rd., Duluth 55812, 728-9534. Pres. Bruce said he met with Pawlenty who said we will get the DECC Lotti, VP, Fin. Sec. Tim Levens, Treas. Lee Popovich, Rec. Sec. Dave Lubbesmeyer expansion this year. Hope and ideas come from all corners as the session begins-- UNITED STEELWORKERS 1028 RETIREES ASSOCIATION—Meets 3rd the Minnesota Business Partnership even suggested a tax on Wed., West Duluth Evergreen Center, clothing said Bakk--but Murphy said ways have to be found to 5830 Grand Ave. at 3 p.m. All retirees from USWA 1028 welcome. President Robert keep promises while keeping things fair to all communities Jones, Treasurer Mary S. Petrich, Secretary Lois Pelander around the state, not just the largest ones. For St. Louis County Commissioner Peg Sweeney, Carlton County commissioners Attend your meetings... Dick Brenner and Marv Bodie, and Duluth City Councilor Laurie Plan for your future! Johnson, who all attended the lunch, that was good news. PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 Raid has left community in fear...from page 1 Next on Minnesota At Work another raid--have left the the woman’s behalf. Report- of U.S. immigration policy, or UM-Labor Education Service's “Minnesota At Work” can be area, while others remain in edly as many as 17 children in lack of it. The raid and its dev- seen on: Duluth, Channel 20-Th/9:30pm, F/12:30am, Sat/5:30pm hiding. Worthington alone were left on astating effect “may be a valu- Proctor, Ch7-M/9:30a.m., 3:30pm; Hermantown, HTV7-M/9pm Mariano Espinoza, an their own, with both parents able lesson for us all, including Th/10am, Sat/5pm; Cloquet, Ch7-Tu/6pm, Th/varies, Sat/7pm; organizer for the network, said having been arrested. the government, that immigra- Hibbing, Ch12-Tu/5pm, W/3pm, altM/5:15 pm; Iron Range rights advocates are uncover- In actions repeated by both tion reform is needed,” Potter Ch13-Sa/7pm,Su/8pm; St. Cloud, Ch12-M/9pm. Duluth listings: ing more and more stories, other unionists and other said. Jan 11--Voices of Worthington and Houston--In December neighbors nationwide, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raided Swift packing plants such as the case of a young Churches responded to help in six states, including Worthington, MN. About 1,300 immigrant mother still being held. “She 12,000-person city of the workers and their families, workers were detained and hundreds arrested, leaving their families has a baby and the baby has Worthington rallied around the said Hector Andrade, pastor at not knowing what happened to them, including children home been living with a babysitter workers and especially around Christian Community Church. alone. MAW presents workers, their friends, union officials, reli- for the last four days,” he said their deprived families. Volun- He called it “a really sad gious leaders, attorneys and others to convey the raid’s impact. in the wake of the raid. The teers delivered more than 7 Christmas for the Hispanic In the second segment, Houston janitors wage a campaign to network and immigration tons of food and other dona- community…A lot of families gain livable wages and access to health care, supported by other attorneys tried to intercede on tions, raised in the Twin Cities have been separated. Kids unions across America, including Minneapolis Local 26. in just several days with the have been left behind. A lot of Jan. 18, 25--U.S. Mail Service in Jeopardy?--During a 2006 help of the Latino Communi- moms have been taken, dads hearing, the U.S. Postal Service revealed a list of 149 mail process- cations Network, to distressed have been taken, brothers, rela- ing plants across the country potentially slated for closure or con- families. The local United Way tives. Christmas is supposed to solidation, including in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato and collected cash donations to be a day to gather together.” It Rochester. The American Postal Workers Union, having seen the help families pay rent and wasn’t. results of consolidations in places like Philadelphia, was concerned heating bills. Meanwhile, at The raid took place Dec. 12, mergers could hurt the quality of service. Members held informa- the meatpacking plant, produc- the feast day of the Virgin of tion rallies across the country, including Minneapolis. This show tion resumed after a brief shut- Guadalupe, a major religious presents their concerns as well as the views of the Minneapolis down, but many workers are holiday in many countries of USPS administration on consolidation and its possible impact. missing. Latin America. “In St. Mary’s “For me it was sad to go Church on Sunday (before the 83% didn’t get a lump of coal through every department, see raid), they had over 1,000 peo- Tula Connell reports that while bonuses on Wall St. averaged that nobody’s there, only three ple celebrating," noted $137,580, nearly two-and-a-half times the average annual salary or four people on a line,” said Espinoza. "Today, people are for the city’s nonfinancial jobs, 83% of U.S. workers reported ONE 1161’s Secretary-Treasurer in the same church who are receiving no holiday bonus in 2006. At www.aflcio.org/blog, Jose Pedro Lira. “These are suffering. How ironic it is. It Connell writes “A study by human resources consultancy Hewitt people I used to see everyday. is just sad.” Associates of more than 300 organizations finds that two-thirds MAN’S Good people, good workers.” of companies said they would not award holiday bonuses in Surrounded by high piles of Raid on Pact-TV 2006. More than half had never offered a holiday bonus, while DREAM: packages of canned food and Minnesota at Work will air 14 percent had discontinued their programs. Of those that can- disposable diapers, flanking a program about the ICE raid celed, nearly two-thirds did so in the past six years.” NYC secu- MLK his desk in the union hall, in Worthington on PACT-TV. rities-industry employees were slated to receive $23.9 billion in Local 1161 President Mike (See box at top right.) bonuses, surpassing last year’s record by 17 percent. That all men and women Potter said the ICE raids would one day be treated brought home the issue of Fund set up for equally, regardless of creed immigration to the entire com- Swift workers Holidays knock a or color. Martin Luther munity--and the country. “I never would have UFCW 1161 has a fund to King, Jr. was a person who dreamed that this would hap- aid the workers and families hole in your budget? truly believed in his dream pen, not at this magnitude,” affected by the Worthington and worked to make it Potter said in an interview at Swift plant raid. Contributions come true. Today, let us the union office. “I don’t think will provide direct relief for remember to keep his anybody was prepared for those families and support dream alive by paying it…It was just total chaos.” efforts to help them locate their tribute to this great man. Since the raid, the phone calls loved ones. Donations payable have been nonstop. So has the to “Local 1161 ICE Victims MLK stream of people into the Relief Fund” can be sent to: A Message Brought to You by: office--seeking help or infor- UFCW Local 1161 mation, or bearing donations of P.O. Box 183 IBEW Local 242 food or cash. Worthington, MN “We’ve been bombarded,” 56187-0183 he said. “I can honestly tell you Local 1161 has served as a that. My primary concern is clearinghouse for information those families out there that are since the raid and is coordinat- in need right now.” Because of ing relief efforts with churches, the raid, his local union and its community groups and other Open a Holiday Club Account members are living the reality organizations. now and you can be ready to pay-off the holidays before you KOLAR 733-0100 start shopping next December! A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P www.kolarnet.com

When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will www.hermantownfcu.org Hermantown Office Duluth Office 4477 LaVaque Road 2002 London Road 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN 729-7733 728-3850

LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007 PAGE 7 USW actions, including Duluth, lead to quick agreement with Goodyear PITTSBURGH (PAI)-- away from obligations earned tion.” USW also represents Public pressure and protests through a lifetime of hard work Goodyear workers in Canada. from coast to coast, including and loyalty,” added Gerard. Their contract was not up, but Duluth, forced Goodyear Tire “We owe gratitude to the labor they also left in October, to Co. back to bargaining and and activist communities, refuse to have their tires substi- produced a new 3-year con- which rose with unprecedented tuted for tires ordinarily made tract Dec. 22. USW members solidarity to challenge Good- by their U.S. colleagues. ratified it by more than 2-to-1 year’s assault.” • Puts off the closure of the Dec. 28, among more than USW said in organizing the Tyler plant until the end of 10,000 voters. It won majori- protests that “Workers came to 2007. Instead, there will be a ties at all 12 Goodyear locals. Goodyear’s aid several years one-year transition period to The pact ended the strike ago by taking wage and benefit give Tyler’s workers the Goodyear forced USW to call freezes when the company chance to take “sizable retire- in October. USW pressure to experienced financial hard- ment buyouts,” the union said. bargaining came when tens of ship. Now that Goodyear is And even though the plant will thousands of supporters making a profit, Goodyear is eventually close, tires now Operating Engineers #49’s Dale Kilby, and UNITE HERE’s demonstrated Dec. 16 at 168 walking away from its promis- made there will have to be pro- Todd Erickson and Laura Laaksonen supported a USW retail tire outlets, letting con- es--never mind the company duced at USW-represented action against Goodyear Tire in Duluth Saturday, Dec. 16. sumers know how workers and achieved profitability in part plants in the U.S.,” Conway Free workers’ comp seminar retirees were being mistreated. through workers’ givebacks.” said. “The company simply Goodyear’s key demands USW also took its case to won’t be able to outsource that The Falsani, Balmer, Peterson, Quinn & Beyer law firm will were that they could close the Wall Street, Gerard said, when work or service this market hold it’s free 2007 Workers’ Compensation Seminar Friday, Feb. Tyler, Texas, plant--firing Goodyear tried to get a $1 bil- segment with imports from 2 at the Holiday Inn. The agenda includes cutting edge topics 1,100 USW members--while lion loan to see it through the China or anywhere other than a and a panel of state senators and representatives, and a free con- shifting production to China, strike. Meanwhile, USW said USW facility.” tinental breakfast and lunch. Please call Carla at 723-1990 to and eliminate health insurance even the military doubted the RSVP no later than Monday, Jan. 29. for retirees and their families. quality of tires produced by It backed down on both. managers and “replacement USW President Leo Gerard workers” in U.S. plants. said just before the protests USW Vice President Thom- that Goodyear’s demands as Conway, said the pact also: “were at the heart of what’s • Sets up a company- wrong with America today: financed trust of more than $1 Global corporations running billion to secure medical and away” from the U.S. and from prescription drug benefits for their commitments to workers current and future retirees.” and the middle class. • Commits Goodyear to “This agreement validates tripling capital invested in the solidarity of our members USW-represented plants to at and their families, who would- least $550 million, to “meet the n’t allow the company to walk challenges of global competi- Will Dems bring ethics reform? from January 1, 2007 www.washingtonspectator.com The arrival of a new Democratic Congress may bring an end to business as usual on Capitol Hill for big business. But it’s not really the end. Lobbyists on Washington’s K Street corridor are working overtime to convert old enemies into new friends. In the last days before the election, business PACs shifted campaign contributions to Democratic candidates. In the days IIn Minnesota, Workers’ Compensation laws are after the Democratic victories, major corporations began aggres- very complex and are subject to frequent changes by the sively hiring Democratic lobbyists in good standing with the incoming majority. Senior Democratic aides in Congress were legislature. Filing a claim requires you to follow exacting offered $600,000 salaries to move across town, ten times what procedures and may create large volumes of paperwork. they earned on the Hill. One Medicare expert for the House Democrats received three If you have a job-related injury or chronic illness job offers from different pharmaceutical companies in one day. (such as lung disease), call our office for experienced legal Democratic lobbyists have been snatched up by the likes of Wal- Mart, Exxon Mobil, British Petroleum, Shell Oil, Merck and the help. Because, before you can get your benefits, you have to Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. get through the Workers’ Compensation system. The new hires include the former chiefs of staff to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Finance Committee We’ve helped thousands of injured workers find their way. Chairman Max Baucus and former members of Congress such as Louisiana Senator John Breaux. Big business is betting that their new allies can convince fellow Democrats not to follow through on their economic-populist campaign promises. As an e- mail from executives at the drug company Glaxo-SmithKline put it, “These relationships should help us moderate proposals offered by Senate Democrats.” The pharmaceutical industry, which spends $100 million a year on lobbying, fears legislation that would push the government to negotiate lower drug prices under Medicare. Oil companies want to preserve billions in tax breaks. Behemoths like Wal-Mart shudder at the prospect of workers winning the right to organize unions. Democrats have vowed to pass a package of ethics and lob- bying reforms in their first one hundred hours. How they respond to the insatiable appetite of K Street could be the more important test. PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007