(ISSN 0023-6667) Solutions to rampant wage theft getting the attention of Congress and courts By Barb Kucera pin County District Court project at Interstate 35W and Workday Minnesota Judge Tamara Garcia found Interstate 694. The project was The growing problem of Laura Plzak of Loretto, the co- covered by the state law requir- wage theft is gaining attention owner of an electrical compa- ing workers be paid the pre- in the U.S. Congress and Min- ny, guilty of 16 counts of theft vailing wage. An investigation nesota courts, where a compa- by swindle for failing to pay found Plzak falsified records, ny owner was recently convict- workers the prevailing wage. resulting in 22 employees An Injury to One is an Injury to All! ed of stealing tens of thousands Sentencing was set for May 13. shortchanged a total of WEDNESDAY VOL. 122 of dollars from workers. “This is a good decision, $242,000 for their work from MARCH 23, 2016 NO. 18 Earlier this month, Henne- based on the enormous amount 2010 through 2012, court of evidence gathered by the records show. FBI and the Minnesota Depart- Last year, Laura Plzak’s Duluth Central Body passes Sanders for ment of Transportation and husband, Jeffrey, co-owner of president resolution, asks others to join in presented by our prosecutor to the company, pleaded guilty to Judge Garcia,” said Hennepin similar charges in U.S. District DULUTH, Minn. (PAI)—In CIO nod. percolate up to leadership County Attorney Mike Free- Court and was sentenced to 22 a notable dissent from national The Duluth CLB stated that rather than having leadership man, who has made prosecut- months in prison. AFL-CIO mandates, the “many of our delegates and dictate policy and have it trick- ing wage theft a priority. “Ms. Such criminal charges Duluth, Minnesota Central members never had a chance to le down on the rank and file,” Plzak’s actions were driven by remain rare in wage theft cases, Labor Body is urging other even express their opinion on Sillanpa added. greed, pure and simple, and it however. As a Workday CLBs in Minnesota, Wiscon- the presidential race to their The Duluth CLC admits was the hardworking electri- Minnesota investigation has sin, and the national labor fed- national unions prior to them” that “central labor bodies do cians who suffered.” found, many workers are eration to formally endorse – the national unions – “mak- not endorse candidates for In 2010, Plzak’s company, unaware that their wages are Bernie Sanders for the ing their endorsements.” president but are free to make Honda Electric, was a subcon- being stolen – or that they have Democratic presidential nomi- That complaint first sur- recommendations,” and it’s tractor on a Minnesota nation. faced when the American doing so for Sanders because it Department of Transportation See Wage theft...page 8 Its resolution came after the Federation of Teachers, last “favors Sanders’ platform, independent Vermont U.S. sen- July, became the first union to especially as it relates to Central Body will screen some ator defeated former Secretary back Clinton. Thousands of wages, labor rights, health care of State Hillary Clinton in rank-and-file members said and international trade.” legislative contests April 14 Minnesota’s Democratic cau- they were never polled or con- Sanders has voted and Duluth Central Labor Body delegates voted to hold Minne- cuses on March 1, by a 61 per- sulted about the decision. It has denounced every so-called sota legislative district screenings Thursday, April 14 prior to cent-38 percent margin. since arisen among union “free trade” pact. their monthly meeting. The races would include Duluth’s Senate Sanders won all eight state locals, according to a list from The CLB also said the District 7 and House of Representatives Districts 7A, 7B, and 3B congressional districts, the Sanders’ campaign. Five enthusiasm of Sanders’ sup- but not all of them may be screened. Central Body resolution noted. unions, four of them in the porters can be translated to Because the legislature is in session, North East Area Labor “It is obvious that Senator AFL-CIO, endorse Sanders. races down the ticket. In Council President Alan Netland said Labor-endorsed incum- Sanders’ candidacy is energiz- The Communication Workers Minnesota’s case, that means bents Mary Murphy (3B) and Jennifer Schultz (7A) may not be ing the democratic base and of America actually had their the fight to retake the state able to attend. If those races are screened that night, they proba- drawing people to his presiden- members vote in an online bal- House from Republicans. The bly would be on the Thursday, May 12 meeting night. tial campaign,” the Duluth res- loting that endorsed Sanders. Democratic-Farmer-Labor The 7B seat will be open as Rep. Erik Simonson is running olution, passed March 10, said. “While some delegates felt party holds the senate and the for the Senate 7 seat so that House seat will be screened April 14. The Duluth resolution is the need to abide by any governorship. Netland said he also expects the Senate seat, open with Roger important for two reasons. One endorsement their national After making the Sanders Reinert’s retirement, will be screened April 14. is the national AFL-CIO, at the union may have already made, recommendation – in a heavily The official candidate filing period for candidates this year is behest of federation President it was obvious that (Duluth) Democratic area that the Tuesday, May 17 to Tuesday, May 31. Richard Trumka, has asked its delegates did not always vote Vermonter overwhelmingly In the March 10 discussions about holding screenings and state federations and local cen- that way last night,” Duluth’s carried -- the Duluth body possible endorsements April 14, delegates said bona fide candi- tral labor councils to not make Recording Secretary Larry decided to go up the line for dates should be committed long before the filing period. The presidential endorsements. In Sillanpa, who is also editor of further backing for Sanders. It point was also made that if labor wants to be a player in elections 2015, the national federation the Duluth Labor World, said made a formal request “that the it should get out early in front of the DFL. The 7th Senate DFL even ordered at least one state in a cover letter to other central North East Area Labor Council convention is April 23. fed to withdraw a Sanders labor councils. take up a similar discussion Central Body screenings will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. in the endorsement. “An important point made and urge the Minnesota AFL- Duluth Labor Temple’s Wellstone Hall Thursday, April 14. They The other is that most in discussions was that any CIO to do the same and make are open to any affiliated union member. national unions that have credible grassroots organiza- their recommendations for Endorsements will discussed at the Central Body meeting announced endorsements so far tion would allow opinions and endorsement known to the scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. April 14. Only delegates from back Clinton, though she has beliefs of the rank and file to national AFL-CIO.” affiliated unions will be allowed in the meeting to discuss and yet to achieve the supermajori- vote on any possible Labor-endorsements. ty needed for the national AFL- Unions can send a list of their delegates on their letterhead Remembering Martin Sabo: signed by an officer to Duluth Central Labor Body, Room 110, Inequality Fighter 2002 London Road, Duluth, MN 55812. The number of delegates a union can have is based on how By Chuck Collins many members they pay per capita taxes on to the North East A champion of fairness, Representative Martin Sabo fought Area Labor Council. Unions must be in good standing and no for working people to reduce inequality. We’re proud to have more than two months in arrears in their payments. worked alongside him. Minnesota Congressman Martin Olav Here is the breakdown of members to delegates: Sabo died March 13, after retiring from Congress in 2006. 50 members or less = 2 delegates; Rep. Sabo was lead sponsor of legislation called the Income- 51 to 100 members = 3 delegates; Equity Act, which he championed for almost a decade. Sabo’s 101 to 200 members = 4 delegates; Act would have eliminated the tax deductibility of excessive 201 to 400 members = 5 delegates; CEO pay if it exceeded 25 times the average worker pay in a 401 to 700 members = 6 delegates; firm. If, for example, the lowest paid worker in a firm was paid 701 to 1,100 members = 7 delegates; and, $13,000, the corporation would not be able to deduct more than one additional delegate for each additional 500 members or See Martin Sabo...page 5 any fraction thereof above 1,100. Fair focuses on healthy living for unionists April 15 tax day actions on By Barb Kucera numbers each year. The 2016 at the CDI Mammogram Truck The Duluth Central Labor Body joins Workday Minnesota event will feature over 85,000 in the back of the hall other labor and social advocacy groups MINNEAPOLIS~Learn sq. ft. of information, education • Walk through the inflat- in supporting actions being planned for about and embrace lifestyle and activities focused on able heart, lung, or brain Tax Day Friday, April 15. choices that lead to healthier, improving the health and lives • Stop by Our Bodies: The A rally and parade will be held at more satisfying lives at the of labor health fund members Universe Within to see actual noon at Duluth’s Gerald Heaney Federal 2016 Health & Benefit Fair, a and their families. plastinated organs you can Building. Following speakers a parade free event on Saturday, April 2. Most labor health and wel- touch and hold will proceed to Lake Avenue and The fair runs from 8 a.m. to fare funds will have a special • Learn emergency and field Superior Street. 2 p.m. on April 2 at the area set aside, where you can first aid at on-going demo area The popular “How Would You Spend Minneapolis Convention meet friends and representa- • Talk with Minnesota $1 Trillion?” “bean” survey is also ready Center. Admission is free. tives from your local union. Highway Trooper Dellwao and to go again this year. People can “vote” The Health & Benefit Fair is Everyone is welcome, see the Mothers Against for their priorities using a small cup of a collaborative effort of the including family members. Distracted Driving (MADD) beans. It’s fun, hands on, and a good way Labor/Management Health Activities include: crashed car to engage the public. Care Coalition of the Upper • Attend cooking demon- • Visit the Gillette Child- The survey, including a handout, will Midwest and its member funds. strations and informational ses- ren’s Hospital Kidz Zone for to be taken to public places and organi- Since its start in 2007, the sions by Cooks of Crocus Hill education and fun zation meetings all through April. You Fair has increased in size and • Sign up for a mammogram • Rest and visit with friends can help staff the display, find places to in the Blue Cross Blue Shield take it, and get the display on the agen- sponsored Central Park da of groups you belong to by contacting Shannon Haaser at You Tubeing for activists Tax Day 2010 The Minnesota State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO has devel- • Donate blood at the Donna Howard at 218-341-2464. oped and filed some new You Tube sites for active and retired Bloodmobile Also a PowerPoint presentation will be available to go with union activists. One group of segments features Minnesota Remember to bring non- the display. It gives a quick overview of the budget and the Secretary of State Steve Simon on “Voter Know How and Voter perishable food for the emer- issues. There is a script so ANYONE can make the presentation. Know Why.” Among them are: gency food shelf. Bring three It takes about 5-10 minutes. It is designed to help take the Tax 1. No Excuse Absentee Voting or more items and receive a Day/Budget message TO the public at various meetings. 2. Early Voting in Minnesota ticket to the Sportsman’s Show. The 2016 online survey is ready. The results from the “bean” 3. Online Voting Registration For more visit healthand and online surveys provide a stark contrast to the actual budget 4. Election Day Voting Registration benefitfair.org/index.html or priorities. This gives a powerful message with a local flavor, but 5. Promoting Minnesota Voter Participation facebook.com/ take the survey and pass it on to your contacts wherever they 6. Our Vote Is Our Voice LaborHealthandBenefitFair may be. 7. The Next Generation of Voting Officials The survey, with the help of the National Priorities Project is Other You Tube segments explain the how and why of retiree Union training at surveymonkey.com/r/ KLFPW9P activism: 8. Why Do We Phone Bank? with Kera Peterson in Superior WISCONSIN VOTERS... 9. Retirees and Organizing with Todd Dahlstrom The Wisconsin State AFL- 10. State Retiree Council Fun(d) Raiser with Bill Moore and CIO is working to build a Vote “LABOR” Tuesday, April 5th Lois Wendt stronger labor movement from You can access the info produced by Rodney Anderson and the ground up with their WISCONSIN SUPREME COURT Dan Mikel at www.youtube.com/MNRetired/videos “Every Member an Organizer” (EMO) training series. At this JOANNE KLOPPENBURG TAMN training for Vision Duluth new and improved training, DOUGLAS COUNTY BOARD Take Action Minnesota’s Duluth office has launched a train- they will cover building a cul- District 15 JERRY PAINE ing series focusing on achieving the changes citizens said they ture of unionism, how best to seek for the community during the Vision Duluth process. Next talk about economic issues fac- District 20 DAVID CONLEY up will be on Boards & Commissions, Tuesday March 29, 5-7 ing working families, and dif- p.m. at their office, 25 North 21st Ave. W. Child care is provid- ferent methods to better engage SUPERIOR CITY COUNCIL ed as requested, and food is offered at each meeting. rank-and-file union workers. District 1 DAN OLSON Labor has always sought to get more union members on You don’t need to have District 3 WARREN BENDER boards and commissions in order to get their message heard and attended an EMO training in to allow workers to have advocates for their positions. Helping the past in order to take part. District 5 DENISE MCDONALD union members understand what it means to serve and how to This is a great training for District 7 RUTH LUDWIG prepare to take the step is an important part of that process. apprentices and students to District 9 KEITH KERN Get educated on what local boards and commissions are, how learn about organized labor. to apply, and how to be the best leader possible as a member. This training is Thursday, SUPERIOR SCHOOL BOARD Register online at: https://www3.thedata bank.com/dpg/256/ April 7, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m., All At-Large CHRISTINA KINTOP mtglistproc.asp?formid=meeting&caleven tid=26100 Thursday, April 7, VIP Pizza, 1201 Tower Avenue. RSVP to ROB MOREHOUSE Judy Hack, (218) 391-6116 I.U.O.E. Local 70 [email protected] Vote “YES”“YES” on Superior’s Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 5:00 P.M. IBEWIBEW 3131 &242242 School Referendum(back of ballot) Duluth Labor Center, Hall B Retirees’Retirees’ Labor also supports the Dave Monsour, Business Manager, (651) 646-4566 LuncheonLuncheon Solon Springs school referendum PLEASE VOTE Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 10 Tues., March 29 Retirees’ Luncheon 1:00 p.m. LABOR-ENDORSED Gannucci’s Tuesday April 5th Tuesday, April 5, 1:00 p.m. Central Ave. West Duluth Members & Their (just past Fond du Lac) THANK YOU! Wabegon Guests Welcome! Paid for by Superior Federation of Labor Janice Terry, President PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 Superior Labor supports April 5 schools’ referendum Editor: Matt Johnson is a little irate. On March 2, 2016 the Superior Federation of Labor had a He can’t understand how such presentation from Superior School District officials concerning a large majority of Minnesota’s the need for its Tuesday, April 5th referendum. Since the incep- Democratic SuperDelegates to tion of Act 10 by the State of Wisconsin many school districts, their national convention can including Superior, have been suffering with many budget con- be Hillary Clinton supporters cerns that have adversely affected buildings and staff. when the state presidential The member unions of the SFL voted to support the referen- preference poll March 1 had dum since it will: 61% of the DFL voters pulling •Improve safety and security for all buildings. for Bernie Sanders. Clinton got •Improve the High School with newer, more modern class 38% of the vote. rooms. Johnson, a member of Fire •Replace the badly outdated Cooper Elementary that has Fighters Local 101 which pass- many safety, space, and health concerns. ed a resolution recommending •Replace leaky roofs at Great Lakes Elementary and Bryant Sanders for endorsement, has any of them will change their House District 11A delegates Elementary. sunk his teeth into SuperDele- commitment in spite of the got into SuperDelegate Gate •Replace pavement, in very poor condition, at Lake Superior gate Gate on his own as a good vote by the people.” when they passed a motion Elementary and Four Corners Elementary. DFLer. Here are the SuperDele- asking SuperDs to honor the •Have a Project Labor Agreement that will benefit the local “I just don’t understand how gates Johnson thinks are com- precinct caucus preference vote building trades. This PLA will guarantee that the projects are those SuperDelegates can just mitted to Hillary Clinton: for Sanders, who they say will done on time, on budget, and have no work stoppages. ignore the voters and the will of Governor Mark Dayton defeat any Republican candi- •Will only cost about $5 per month for a home valued at the people, and commit to Senator Al Franken date for president. $100,000. A very modest investment for our children’s educa- Hillary,” a fired up Johnson Senator Amy Klobuchar Seems folks around here tion and future. said last week. “I don’t know if U.S. Rep. Tim Walz aren’t taking this presidential •Eventually free up funds currently used for maintenance to U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum race as they are being told to be used for numerous other school district needs. DFL Party Chair Ken Martin from those on high in their Please visit the website superiorreferendum.com to learn ~NOTICE~ Walter Mondale leadership ranks. Duluth more. THANK YOU! Labor World 2016 issues: Marge Hoffa Central Labor Body delegates Warren Bender-SFL corresponding secretary April 13 Javier Morillo-Aicea passed a motion asking that the Workers’ Memorial Day issue; Nancy Schumacher National AFL-CIO endorse Lori Sellner Sanders. All Labor candidates May 4, 25; June 22 Rick Stafford You have to like a line in the 120th Anniversary issue; The only SuperDelegate 11A resolution (that wants the deserve to be recognized July 6, 20; Aug. 3, 24 committed to Bernie Sanders is radical one person, one vote Editor: Labor Day issue; U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison. concept upheld) that states: I am writing in response to the February 24, 2016 Labor Sept. 14, 28; Oct. 12, 26 Uncommitted SuperDele- WHEREAS, Minnesota’s World article titled “Central Body Will Screen legislative con- General Election issue; gates include our own U.S. superdelegates who will call tests on April 14.” It was stated “Representative Erik Simonson Nov. 16, 30; Dec. 14 Rep. Rick Nolan, U.S. Rep. for party unity AFTER the of House District 7A (sic: should have been 7B) who has carried Holiday issue. Collin Peterson, and R.T. national convention should the labor Endorsement has announced for that Senate Seat (refer- Rybak, a DNC member. lead the nation now by exam- ring to the now open 7th Senate District Seat) accounting for two LABOR WORLD Johnson thinks the whole ple, as we have always done as open contests. In addition to Simonson’s move a number of other (ISSN#0023-6667) is published Superdelegate process is a state and a party; candidates have announced in those Senate and House Races. semi-monthly except one issue in April, June, December (21 issues). flawed, if not rigged, for a “sta- Johnson is a fan of that old Simonson is a member of Firefighters local 101.” The known office of publication is tus quo” candidate. He would “we the people” phrase and I wondered why Sharla Gardner, who was a Labor-endorsed Labor World, 2002 London Road, like to see it changed. isn’t too excited either that the Duluth City Councilor for two terms, and a tireless advocate for Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. He plans to bring the ques- DFL Party’s elite are willing to all working people as a City Councilor, and proud AFSCME Periodicals postage is paid at tion to the floor of Duluth’s stifle and ignore the votes of member, activist, and leader, was not identified as one of the can- Duluth MN 55806. POSTMASTER: DFL 7th Senate District 126,229 Minnesotans who didates for the 7th Senate District seat? Send address changes to: Convention on April 23. That voted for Sanders. Clinton got The House of Labor is an inclusive body that values all mem- Labor World, 2002 London Rd., will keep delegates busy as 78,381 votes March 1. bers. We need to be mindful that a handful of people who are Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 their numbers will probably be It’s nice to see some aren’t insiders and fashion themselves as kingmakers don’t disengage S-70 7 more pro-Hillary than the 27% rolling over in these presiden- rank and file members who are the backbone of our beloved T W I N C I T I E S DULUTH she got in Duluth’s caucus tial debates. Some of us are old labor movement. The action of the scheduled and unprecedented (218) 728-4469 vote. It should be an exciting enough to remember when res- early endorsement on April14 could result in that disengagement FAX: (218) 724-1413 convention if you like that sort olutions, debates, and floor of the rank and file members and create divisiveness. [email protected] www.laborworld.org of thing because Sanders sup- fights were important parts of The screenings on April 14 prior to the DFL convention on ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ porters are active and engaged. political and union conven- April 23 are unprecedented and could be very destructive to Owned by Unions affiliated with the Oh, and then there’s that tions. Now we’re told to take labor unity. I don’t recall labor endorsing prior to the DFL con- Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body issue of who they will endorse our cod liver or castor oil and vention before and I don’t understand what would be gained. Subscriptions: $25 Annually to fill the seat of retiring state like it because leadership Remember, it’s at that convention the DFl endorsed candidate is Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager Senator Roger Reinert in the knows what’s good for us. I say actually decided. Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper 7th District. Reinert has given it’s Castrol oil they’re feeding. Mary Joan E. Connolly, Education MN, Retired Board of Directors his endorsement to Rep. Erik Pres/Treas Dan Leslie, IBEW 31; Simonson (DFL-7B). Sharla “Quote, Unquote” VP Stacy Spexet, USW 9460; Gardner, who chose not to seek Sec Kathleen Adee, Education re-election as a Duluth City "We liberals bear some of the blame for its emergence, for the frustration of the working- MN; Mikael Sundin, Painters & Councilor, has also announced. class millions, for their blighted cities and their downward spiraling lives. So much easier Allied Trades 106; Dan O’Neill, In a strange twist, Simonson to scold them for their twisted racist souls, to close our eyes to the obvious reality of Plumbers & Steamfitters 11; which Trumpism is just a crude and ugly expression: that neoliberalism has well and truly Al LaFrenier, Workers’ United; supports Clinton, Gardner sup- Steve Risacher, Carpenters 361; ports Sanders, and Reinert is failed." ~Thomas Frank, author of What's the matter with Kansas? on why so Tom Cvar, UFCW 1189 still Purple. many ordinary Americans support Donald Trump from The Guardian Scott Dulas, NALC 114 Last Saturday Minnesota http://gu.com/p/4hc6m/sbl (Thanks to Dick Hudelson) LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 PAGE 3 Second Construct Tomorrow event draws 900 students to Trades’ careers The Duluth Building & DECC’s old hockey arena as dents that came in the morning education in their training and apprenticeship programs. Construction Trades Council’s well as Paulucci Hall, which is went back to school and told that’s one of the first messages You can access more about second Construct Tomorrow where it was held last year. classmates who asked to be we get out,” Olson said. “And Construct Tomorrow at training for area high school “I don’t know how this can released to come in the after- when we tell students they can www.constructioncareers.org. students March 9 and 10 was get any bigger but I think it noon.” actually start earning a living an even bigger success than the will,” said DBCTC President The Trades Council works while getting trained in an inaugural event last year. Craig Olson. “The students are with Duluth Public Schools as apprenticeship program you This year 900 students really interested in all the well as all other area school really get their attention. For a attended after last year found Trade’s booths and seeing what districts, the City of Duluth’s lot of students the icing on the 350 taking part. Anticipating a their scope of work is. We Workforce Center, and the cake is that our members earn much larger turnout, this year knew we had a good thing state’s Department of Employ- good wages and benefits for the event took over the working last year because stu- ment and Economic Develop- their families. Construct ment to make the event so suc- Tomorrow is giving our indus- cessful. Similar Construction try great exposure to the next Tomorrow events are held generation of union construc- throughout Minnesota after the tion workers.” first event at one high school in This year the event targeted the Metro showed student’s all sophomores in Duluth’s interest. public schools but students The students can do every- from all grade levels attended. thing from virtual welding to Participating students were actually laying brick and set- surveyed at the end of their ses- ting tile, wiring circuits, pound- sion to determine their interest ing nails, walking iron, knock- in learning more about specific ing tin, and everything else trades. required in the 17 construction In addition to high school trades. 13 of which had booths students, time was set aside for at the DECC. adults interested in working the Olson said the program is so Trades to meet with union rep- IBEW 242 apprentice Tyler successful because many stu- resentatives one afternoon. It Radke shows a student the dents have learned about the was a great opportunity for finer points of creating high cost of a four year college someone re-careering or re- At the Duluth Building & Construction Trades’ second wiring circuits. Trades use degree and many decide that entering the workforce to their apprentices at the annual Construct Tomorrow event that showed their skills may not have a career path they check out construction oppor- to 900 students March 9 and 10 at the DECC, Roofers training because they relate are interested in. tunities. Many Trades are find- so well to students, who Local 96’s Vance Anderson explains hot air welding skills “Our members get a good ing older workers entering their required for “green” roofs to an interested group. aren’t much younger than they are generally.

PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 $325,000 of salary as a Electric CEO Jack Welch’s pay business expense. After Sabo’s Martin Sabo: Inequality Fighter...from page 1 was represented by the full-size retirement, Congresswoman downsizing. In September, we In 1997, if the Washington bounced up and down. In 2014, Washington monument, aver- Barbara Lee (D-CA) picked up will release our 23rd annual monument represented average according to Executive age worker pay at GE was the baton and has continued to report. CEO pay, the average worker Paywatch at the AFL-CIO, the equivalent to a sideways introduce the legislation. John is holding a clever pay was equal to 21 inches tall, gap was 373 to one, which LifeSaver. Rep. Sabo was motivated prop to dramatize the pay gap the size of our mini-monument. means the Workers Washington IPS did dozens of educa- by a deep sensibility about fair- between average worker and At the press event, Monument would be under 18 tional events with ness for working people. He CEO pay. Andrew Boyd, my Congressman Sabo pointed out inches tall. Congressman Sabo, both in believed companies should not colleague at the time at United how the ratio was growing and The mini-Washington mon- Minnesota and in Washington, be encouraged, through the tax for a Fair Economy, construct- the “Workers Washington ument made several other 2008 DC. Rep. Martin Sabo saw the code, to undervalue their work- ed a small portable Washington Monument” was shrinking. In appearances, including the dangers of inequality emerging ers and overvalue top manage- Monument, something I could 1970, the Workers Washington annual shareholder meeting of decades before other political ment. He saw the legislation as disassemble and carry on an Monument was 13 feet, six General Electric. I testified in leaders. We will miss him. a catalyst, in the late 1990s, for airplane. inches tall, representing a 41 to favor of shareholder resolution Chuck Collins is a senior a discussion about growing The actual Washington one pay ratio. In 1996, it was to limit excessive pay at G.E. scholar at the Institute for Pol- income inequality. Monument, visible from our 32 inches tall, representing a and lifted up our mini-monu- icy Studies, where he coordi- One fond memory we have press event, is 555 feet tall. In pay gap of 209 to one. ment to illustrate the national nates the Program on Inequal- of working with Congressman 1997, if the Washington monu- Since 1998 the annual pay gap. As part of my testimo- ity and the Common Good. Sabo is captured in this 1998 ment represented average CEO CEO-worker pay ratio has ny, I pointed out that if General photo of IPS Director John pay, the average worker pay Cavanagh and I at a Capital was equal to 21 inches tall, the Hill Press Conference with size of our mini-monument. Rep. Sabo. We were releasing This comparison illustrated our fifth annual Executive how CEOs were paid over 326 Excess report on CEO pay and times average worker pay.

Many Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council unions have been picketing non- union work being done at the new Hampton Inn being built next to the Texas Roadhouse, which also saw a lot of pickets during its construction. (Photo by Darik Carlson, IBEW #242)

Minnesota Congressman Martin Sabo is on the right here. Thanks, Whole Foods Coop for building UNION! PLEASE MENTION THIS LABOR WORLD AD The Twin Ports Construction Liaison Committee We meet regularly to ensure that customers who use our services are getting the best bang for their construction dollar. A Project Labor Agreement is a great way to do it! • Amendola Builders • Associated General Contractors of MN • Bricklayers #1 • Carpenters #361 • Cement Masons #633 • Chris Jensen & Son • Duluth Builders Exchange • Four Star • Hunt Electric • IBEW #242 • Insulators #49 • Iron Workers #512 • Jamar • J.R. Jensen • Johnson-Wilson • Kraus-Anderson • Laborers #1091 • Lakehead Constructors • Minnesota LECET • NECA Twin Ports Arrowhead • Northern Mechanical/Plumbing Contractors • Northland Constructors • Operating Engineers #49 • Operating Engineers #139 • Oscar J. Boldt • Painters #106 • Parsons Electric • Plumbers & Steamfitters #11 • Ray Riihiluoma • Sheet Metal Workers #10 • Swanson & Youngdale • Teamsters #346 • Veit

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LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 PAGE 5 Wisconsin voters will get their chance to vote in Presidential Primary 4/5 Wisconsin voters will final- ruled on Act 10, Voter ID, and In Douglas County Board WI State ID ci.superior.wi.us/ ly get a chance to weigh in on other issues important to work- races Labor Endorsements • Unexpired tribal ID card DocumentCenter/View/ 7247 the U.S. presidential race in ing families you’ll realize that were earned by District 15’s for a federally-recognized http://www.ci.superior.wi. their 2016 Spring Election on Joanne Kloppenburg is the best Jerry Paine and District 20’s Wisconsin Tribe us/index.aspx?nid=758 has Tuesday, April 5. choice for workers. Her oppo- David Conley. • College ID & Proof of information on voting. If you On the backside of that bal- nent being pushed by Repub- Voter ID is now required in Enrollment (POE): would like more information lot there will also be a very lican Gov. Scott Walker is all Wisconsin. These are accept- • ID not expired on voting by absentee ballot, important School District of trade unionists need to know. able IDS (Not expired before • Wisconsin Accredited call (715) 395-7200 or (715) Superior bond referendum to In Superior City Council 11/4/2014): • With Issuance Date 395-7383, or send an email to rebuild their crumbling races incumbents Dan Olson • Wisconsin driver license • With Student Signature [email protected] schools. That referendum has and Warren Bender are • WI DOT photo ID card • With Expiration Date the support of the Superior endorsed by the Superior • U.S. passport • POE varies with each col- Federation of Labor and the Federation of Labor. Neither • Military ID Card lege — ask your college. Northern Wisconsin Building has an opponent. Other SFL • Certificate of naturaliza- You will not be able to vote and Construction Trades City Council endorsements tion issued within last 2 years in Wisconsin by using a Council, which has secured a include District 5 Denise • Unexpired receipt for a Minnesota drivers license. Project Labor Agreement for McDonald, District 7 Ruth Wisconsin Driver License or a Free voter IDs are at the $92.5 million in work. Ludwig, and District 9 Keith There is also an important Kern. Wisconsin Supreme Court con- For Superior School Board FRA calls for two-person train crews test on that ballot. If you think Christina Kintop and Rob By Mark Gruenberg In July 2013, a crash and tive studies back two-person back to how that court has Morehouse are SFL-endorsed. PAI Staff Writer resulting explosion caused 47 crews, adding the studies show deaths in Lac-Megantic, that “positive train control” – Saying safety requires it, the an automatic train-slowing and Federal Railroad Administra- Quebec. Only the engineer was VOTE YES Tuesday, April 5 on the train, which came loose braking system many freight VOTE YES tion is proposing to mandate railroads have yet to install – two-person crews in all but a from the tracks and careened into downtown Lac-Megantic, “does not substitute for all the for STRONG SCHOOLS few instances on the nation’s tasks performed by properly STRONG SCHOOLS freight railroads. If FRA’s pro- where it exploded. FRA said a two-person crew could have trained conductors.” That’s posed rule makes it all the way also been the rail unions’ rea- and a STRONGSTRONG COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY! through the convoluted federal avoided the devastation by splitting the train onto two sid- soning for two-person crews. rulemaking process, it would Arguing that extra The NORTHERN WISCONSIN BUILDING TRADES be a big win for rank-and-file ings and checking its brakes. In December 2013, near crewmembers would cost them are supporting the School District of Superior’s rail workers and their unions, a lot of money, the nation’s big who have agitated, lobbied for Casselton, N.D., an east- referendum and have a Project Labor Agreement bound,104-car oil train collid- railroads are lobbying FRA for and even gotten state legisla- one-person crews. They got for the work. tures to mandate two-person ed with a car from a westbound grain train “that had derailed them in areas such as local rail crews. Last year, such a meas- yards. But FRA discounted IT’S ure was before the Minnesota less than two minutes earlier You can learn more about the School ABOUT from an adjacent main track.” those cost claims. It said keep- Legislature. ing a second crew member, or District of Superior’s needs at THE FRA cited the contrast While a fire broke out among STUDENTS! 475,000 gallons of oil from 18 adding one where needed, between two recent dangerous would cost railroads between SUPERIORREFERENDUM.COM railroad accidents. derailed cars and 1,500 people were evacuated, nobody was $5 million and $27.7 million killed and there was little area over a decade, “Preventing a single fatal damage. Because there were three injury would exceed the   ƒ†  crewmembers on the 112-car breakeven point” for costs and grain train – an engineer, a con- benefits “in the low range and ductor and a student engineer preventing five fatalities would   trainee – the impact was limit- exceed the break-even point at ǤǤƒ”—’– ›Œ—†‰‡•Šƒ˜‡•‡–‘˜‡”̈́ͳͺ„‹ŽŽ‹‘†‘ŽŽƒ”•–‘’ƒ› ed, the FRA said. The oil train the high range” of costs, FRA said. ’”‡•‡–ƒ†ˆ—–—”‡ƒ•„‡•–‘• Žƒ‹•ǫ had two crewmembers. “Many members of the gen- John Previsich, president of the United Transportation     eral public who viewed the news accounts of burning Union, a division of SMART, x ‹ ‡ͳͻͺ͸ǡ‘—”’”‹ƒ”›Žƒ™’”ƒ –‹ ‡‹•ƒ•„‡•–‘•Ž‹–‹‰ƒ–‹‘ wreckage may not be aware the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and x Š‡Žƒ™›‡”•‘‘—”Ž‡––‡”Š‡ƒ†Šƒ˜‡‘˜‡”ͻͲ›‡ƒ”•‘ˆ ‘„‹‡†ƒ•„‡•–‘• that heroic actions of the grain Transportation Union, praised ‡š’‡”‹‡ ‡ train’s crewmembers potential- the FRA’s action. “Our view is that one-per- x ‡Šƒ˜‡ ‘ŽŽ‡ –‡†ƒͳ–‡”ƒ„›–‡†ƒ–ƒ„ƒ•‡‘ˆ‡˜‹†‡ ‡–‘ƒ••‹•–‹ ly prevented the environmental son operations are unsafe under ’”‘•‡ —–‹‰›‘—” ƒ•‡ and property damages from any circumstances and we being much worse, in addition to potentially shortening the believe issuing this proposed ˆ›‘—™‘—Ž†Ž‹‡–‘•‡‡‹ˆ›‘—“—ƒŽ‹ˆ›ˆ‘”ƒ•„‡•–‘• ‘’‡•ƒ–‹‘ǡ ƒŽŽ–‘†ƒ›ˆ‘” rule is a critical first step in evacuation period,” the FRA ƒˆ”‡‡ƒ† ‘ϐ‹†‡–‹ƒŽ ‘•—Ž–ƒ–‹‘Ǥ‘ˆ‡‡•—Ž‡••™‡”‡ ‘˜‡”‘‡›Ǥ said. helping to ensure that our The two oil train crewmem- nation’s trains are operated    bers “worked as a team in an fully staffed with two qualified emergency situation to divide crewmembers,” Previsich said.  ǡ–†Ǥ up tasks, warn the dispatcher “Airplanes are not allowed to and local emergency respon- fly with just one pilot, and for ders, and protect each other’s sound safety reasons trains – ሺͶͳͶሻʹʹ͸-ͲʹͶͳ safety,” and they also got the many hauling hazardous mate- ሺͺͲͲሻ͹ͺ͵-ͲͲͺͳ local deputy sheriff to get area rials – should be no different.”

residents away, preventing The FRA is now taking ͳͳͳͲŽ†‘”Ž†Š‹”†–”‡‡–—‹–‡ͶͲͷ deaths among them, FRA said. comments on the proposed ‹ Šƒ‡ŽǤƒ• ‹‘ǡ•“Ǥ ‹Ž™ƒ—‡‡‹• ‘•‹ͷ͵ʹͲ͵ ŽŽ‡Ǥƒ—‰Šƒǡ•“Ǥ The agency says quantita- rule.

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 House passes “poison” unemployment benefit relief for laid off Rangers The Republican majority in only allow it if business gets Tomassoni was “livid” they the Republicans control the maneuvering, and they need us the Minnesota House displayed kick backs from the $16 billion were arguing over two issues agenda, and you have dug in to get on with doing the work their love for working families employment trust fund surplus. that should be separate. your heels, and because of that, of the people.” by passing a bill to help some The House passed their bill, Rep. Jason Metsa (DFL- this is the pill we have been Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL- 2,000 laid off Iron Range HF180, 104-25. Virginia) called the House bill given to swallow.” International Falls) said, “I am workers who have run out of The Senate had passed Sen. “a poison pill” and criticized Rep. Tom Anzelc (DFL- glad we passed unemployment unemployment benefits David Tomassoni’s clean bill, Republicans for holding laid Balsam Township) said, “I am extension for workers on the because of foreign steel SF209, without the business off workers hostage to benefit urging a green vote on the bill, Iron Range...Hopefully, we are dumped in the U.S. While their breaks. The House and Senate business. and let the process continue on closer to providing these work- bill would provide 26 more will now need to haggle over Rep. Carly Melin, DFL- its own. Yes, it will come back; ers some relief...” weeks of unemployment insur- their differences on an issue Hibbing, voted for the bill, but yes there is more work to do. Lee Ann Schutz of the MN ance to someone laid off after that was to be resolved two was disappointed in the … We need to quit the rancor House’s Session Daily con- March 1, 2015, they would weeks ago. process. “I recognize the fact … people need us to stop the tributed much of this story. MNA on single payer health care: No one should profit from suffering The Minnesota Nurses bodies in the U.S. to support Duluth’s Metropolitan Statis- U.S. is one of them, don’t view She said in order to start Association represents 20,000 Rep. Conyers H.R. 776, when tical Area is #2. health care as a right and offer working on that kind of legisla- Registered Nurses so they he first introduced it in January “Nurses see every day on it to all citizens. tion, which Senator John Marty know a lot about health care. 2009. Duluth delegates passed the job how poorly patients are She said the U.S. ranks 87th has been doing for years, the They’re not happy with the a resolution on behalf of HR served by our health care sys- according to the World Health legislature must fund a study current system where they 676 on May 14, 2009 that orig- tem,” Roach told the attentive Organization in cost of health for long term payment options work. They would much rather inated in Troy, NY’s central gathering. She said not only are care delivery. Our life for health care delivery. That is the American health care sys- body. That area has the #1 individual outcomes from expectancy ranks very low and in the mix with a grant being tem was more concerned with union density in the nation. health events turning out poor- so do our visits to the doctor, considered for the University curing patients and less con- ly for patients because of the though we’re told we’re over- of Minnesota Economics Dept. cerned with profits, denying influence of insurance compa- consuming health care. Other states are in the game coverage, and the business end nies, but even people with Americans average 4.1 physi- as well. New York, Connec- of health care delivery. insurance have trouble paying cian visits per year to Germans ticut, Oklahoma, are working MNA and their National their bills. 9.7, and Japanese 13.1. on solutions. Colorado is look- Nurses United organization are Roach said 66% of bank- “If co-pays get to be $20 ing at a ballot initiative on outspoken supporters of a sin- ruptcies in the U.S. are the people re-think going to the health care. Montana is looking gle payer system that can be result of a medical condition. doctor,” she said, and our at free primary care, and also called “Medicare for All.” “In seventy five percent of infant and maternal mortality for state employees, their MNA’s Executive Director those cases the person filing for rates are higher than almost all dependents, and retirees. Rose Roach and Geri Katz, bankruptcy had health care other industrial nations. “If we let the private sector MNA’s Single Payer Specialist, coverage,” Roach said. “We “We are good at research into our public health care sys- came to Wellstone Hall March spent 33 percent of our health and technology,” Roach said. tems there is no accountability 10 to educate people about sin- Minnesota Nurses Associa- care costs on administration... “We need to work in the for how our tax dollars are gle payer. The event took place tion Executive Director Rose the United Healthcare CEO labor movement on this,” said spent,” said Roach. She said prior to the Duluth Central Roach said nurses see the gets $66 million a year and he Katz. “The 2009 AFL-CIO we need a single payer system Labor Body meeting. That deficiencies in our health doesn’t heal one person. convention declared health where everyone is in, no one is body was among the first labor care system every day Insurance companies make care a human right. If health out, that’s universal and equal, their money by denying care coverage wasn’t on the and one payer covers every- claims!” negotiating table think what thing including mental health Roach said LPNs and RNs that would do for us.” and dental. are being hired now that don’t While Congress isn’t in for Roach said it can be pro- even touch a patient. “They’re big ideas, Katz said labor must gressively funded through a tax hired to push paper,” she said. continue to push for Medicare like social security and And industry officials are for All, HR 676, and Senator medicare are now. getting more clever every year Bernie Sanders American “No premiums, no co-pays, in learning how to skirt regula- Health Security Act. no deductibles,” said Roach. tions and not focus on care all She said the Affordable “We can save lives and save in the name of what they want Care Act will allow for state money. No one should profit to call “cost containment.” innovation waivers as of from suffering. No one should “Someone’s making a January 2017. “They must go bankrupt because of ill- whole lot of money off the sys- cover as many people as the ness.” tem,” Roach said. “There’s no ACA does and not add to the She said MNA is proud to such thing as ‘non-profit’ in federal deficit,” Katz said. be an active partner in rebuild- health care. And we’re being “The only way to do that is ing the coalition pushing for told we’re old, fat, and have with single payer health care.” single payer health care. bad life styles and so our pre- miums, co-pays and deductibles have to go up.” Roach said workers know the system isn’t sustainable at the negotiating table as they see

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ContactContact one of our creditcredit union serviceservice you’re being told you’re get- representativerepresentative forfor additional information,information, details, restrictions,restrictions, processingprocessing ting she said. The United States limitationslimitations and enrollmentenrollment instructions.instructions. FFederallyederally insuredinsured bbyy NCUA.NCUA. ranks poorly on every quality scale with other industrialized KasasaKasasa is a trademarktrademark of BancVue,BancVue, LLtd.,td., rregisteredegistered in the UU.S.A..S.A. nation. Only three, yes, the LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016 PAGE 7 Lunda fined $150,000 for Bong Bridge fatality, has bad safety record The U.S. Department of Hagenson was killed when time ahead of him,” said Mark • Vehicles were not inspect- Health Review Commission. Labor’s Occupational Safety a compressor and bags of Hysell, OSHA’s area director in ed prior to being placed in serv- To ask questions, obtain and Health Administration has cement were reportedly being Eau Claire. “His family and ice. compliance assistance, file a proposed penalties totalling moved on a skid by a forklift friends are left with pain and • Workers drove vehicles at complaint, or report workplace $105,000 against Lunda when the compressor fell off grief because this man’s unsafe speeds and too close to hospitalizations, fatalities or Construction Company after and landed on Hagenson and employer failed to keep him employees standing in front of situations posing imminent their investigation of a fatal another worker, who was and his co-workers safe. Lunda fixed objects. danger to workers, the public work accident on the Bong injured. A third worker was has a dismal safety record. The agency also found should call OSHA’s toll-free Bridge last fall. operating the forklift and OSHA will continue to monitor Lunda failed to include plans hotline at 800-321-OSHA Kelsey Hagenson and the injured and inspect Lunda sites until for prompt medical attention in (6742) or the agency’s Eau Hagenson, 18, worker were walking alongside the company does the right case of serious injury prior to Claire office at (715) 832- was killed in a it. OSHA said the forklift oper- thing and makes worker safety starting the project. 9019. construction ator had a physical restriction a priority on its job sites.” In 2012, two workers died Under the Occupational accident on specifying no use of his right While investigating Hagen- on U.S. Route 41 construction Safety and Health Act of 1970, the huge hand and lacked adequate son’s death, federal investiga- sites managed by Lunda near employers are responsible for bridge project training. He should not have tors found several violations of De Pere and Oshkosh. providing safe and healthful about 7 a.m. been operating the forklift. powered industrial vehicle Lunda employs about 920 workplaces for their employ- on Monday, OSHA cited Lunda for one standards including: workers. The company has 15 ees. OSHA's role is to ensure Kelsey Sept. 21. He • Workers had no specific business days from receipt of these conditions for America's Hagenson willful and five serious safety was a first violations on March 14 after its training on a rough-terrain its citations and penalties to working men and women by year apprentice of Laborers investigation into the Sept. 21, forklift. comply, request an informal setting and enforcing stan- Local 140 in Lacrosse, Wis., 2015 death. The company has • Workers lacked training to conference with OSHA’s area dards, and providing training, just having graduated from also been placed in the Severe recognize hazards and unsafe director, or contest the findings education and assistance. For Stanley-Boyd High School. Violator Enforcement Program conditions while operating before the independent more information, visit Hagenson’s death was that focuses resources on vehicles. Occupational Safety and http://www.osha.gov. Lunda’s third fatality since employers who show indiffer- 2012. A large bridge building ence toward safety standards and rehabilitation contractor by committing willful, repeat- from Black River Falls, Wis., ed, or failure-to-abate viola- Lunda has been cited nine tions. times for a number of OSHA “This young man was fresh violations since 2011. out of high school with a life- 2016 WORKERS' COMPENSATION SEMINAR Wage theft solutions...from page 1 FOR UNION OFFICIALS legal recourse. Federal legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Al Franken and WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016 co-sponsored by Congressman Keith Ellison of Minnesota would reduce the possibilities for wage theft. HOLIDAY INN ~ GREAT LAKES BALLROOM [200 West 1st St, Duluth, MN] The Pay Stub Disclosure Act would require employers to pro- vide pay stubs to employees, enabling them to monitor their 8:30-9:00 am REGISTRATION/Complimentary Continental Breakfast compensation and give them the physical proof needed to chal- 9:00-10:00 am I’ve Been Laid Off and The Plant May Close! Now What? lenge wage theft. The legislation would apply to all workers not • Robert Falsani, Eric Beyer, Stephanie Balmer ~ Moderator Sean Quinn consider exempt from federal minimum wage and overtime requirements. 10:00-10:15 am LTD, SS, Pensions and Other Benefits When Not Working Earlier this month, members of CTUL, Centro de Trabaja- • Sean Quinn dores Unidos en la Lucha/ Center of Workers United in Struggle, 10:15-10:30 am Can My Employer Really Treat Me This Way? a Twin Cities worker center, spoke in Washington, D.C., at a new • Eric Beyer and Guest Speaker Jane Poole, ATTORNEY AT LAW, ANDREW & BRANSKY LAW FIRM conference to announce the legislation. Retail cleaners Leticia Zuniga and Abraham Quevedo were 10:30-10:45 am BREAK part of a class action lawsuit 10:45-11:00 am When A Prescription Isn’t Enough: over wage theft that recently Increased Efforts To Reduce Injured Employees’ Opioid Use was settled for $425,000. • Paula Polasky “While a majority of employers are playing by the 11:00-11:30 am Car Crashes and other Third-Party Claims rules, wage theft is a real prob- • James Balmer lem that’s causing workers to 11:30-12:00 pm OAH Past, Present & Future: A Conversation With The Chief not receive the money they • Guest Speaker Honorable Tammy L. Pust, CHIEF JUDGE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS, OAH have earned,” Franken said. 12:00-12:15 pm QUESTION & ANSWER “Every worker should be paid for every hour they work and 12:15-1:00 pm COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH no less. Our bill will combat 1:00-1:30 pm Injured At Work, But Not A Work Injury…Huh? this crooked tactic by giving • James Peterson each employee a pay stub, allowing them to make sure 1:30-2:00 pm Intervention – Not That Type of Intervention, that employers aren’t short- But You Still Have A Problem changing their hours, wages, or • Stephanie Balmer overtime pay.” 2:00-2:15 pm BREAK Right now, 42 states, includ- ing Minnesota, require employ- 2:15-3:00 pm Medical Guest Speaker - TBA ers to provide some form of 3:00-3:15 pm Getting Compensated For PTSD: Legal & Medical Changes Working for you pay stub to employees. But • Robert Falsani these standards vary in strength Because of you! from state to state, Franken 3:15-3:30 pm QUESTION & ANSWER simonsonforsenate.com said.

PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 2016