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At the 1986 International Convention in Montreal, Romeo Corbeit, as Secretary- neasurer, read the names of members who had died since the last Convention. In 1998 his name will be read to delegates.

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Scholarship Convention Coverage Officer Elections Union Launches Announcements and Begins The Models Guild 4 22 Winners

See Special Insert Honoring Romeo Corbeil Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Twenty-Three

"Now it's time we take our places in the career/workforce." Tara Shannon said that her primary concern was protection of minors in Debra Phillips, Local 35 the industry. "It's great we have the AFL-CIO behind us," she said, "It's the Beauty and the Beast, and it's very rireAdiftiow or ph empowering. It's very exciting to be in at the beginning." Donna Eller noted that she had worked as a model for 10 years. For her it was a career, but one which made her sad since there was no pro- °cal 3F') member Phillips mkiresses 1. he demon- vision for medical or life insurance, sslit-;:itttimr to 11 (..)ttlis) h!: pension, safety and health protections, etc. "People think it's only ajob linsiness Representativ Judy Barnick she wrote I:ti Follow for us for a few years, but many of us ing: work in it for many years." I luive the Inisliptune of havinq two totally disabled parents who regularly need my help with 'various health con- cens. Last fall, both, my parents were hospitalized. I al most lost my JUther to ongestive heart failure and al "Models are the s(ono time mother was ill with a contlaulay health problcay. They both nceacii lay attraction (cad care, and 1 same as other areilot timp.off bath( them. 'workers . . . just lily salary iS11' Twitvh. dial 1 im offind days (al 'villain,. more attractive." pay aria so alio) coiplorier iosislcil lake I/uIirraa of pay or UM' .1)(1 Ca C7 I (11;5COVele.(1 111 1''arrail.y

Loam 'was a. twitcht that would help roc oat since 1 /0(1.- 10 ha cc enough nocalion time to use either. 'With the Fam- Kristen Jensen thanked Arnie Bon- ily Lmee Act I was able to sabst i tale sick days for Iliac to gay for "doing what we waited for am/0r thew mat. still 1401 coml,romise rratl. fin ancial situa- someone else to do for us." She, too, tion. was upset by the lack of benefits, 1 was terribly distrrrur /tat ()per the possibility of losing counseling or training, and was happy lather, and your assisla ace in cleating with an employer that the time had come for a change. who owed ry little about my spccialiweds was a great Ir Carol Alt had questions about how aq to rate. Please JCel free to share marl story if it helps 00:41- the organization would be run, what 90q OYQ4 the structure would be, if all parts of the industry would participate (e.g., , clients and agents). Her personal agent Melanie Bonvicino congratti- lated everyone involved, saying that such a grassroots movement has been OPEIU Puts Family First; Fights sorely needed. Beauty and the Beast to Protect FMLA in Wisconsin Director of Organization Jay Por- caro said this was the birth of an en- oPEIU Wisconsin members tirely new labor organization. "The have been working non-stop to models came to us at OPEIU," he said, save that State's Family and "because we represent white collar Medical Leave Act. They've held professional expertise. But models demonstrations, candlelight vigils, cir- have the same needs as any workers, culated petitions, lobbied, written let- any professionals. They're just more ters to try to protect the rights of attractive." working people in Wisconsin to take Their photo shoots, he said, are paid time to be with family members often dangerous. Yet they have no in need. workers compensation or safety and Specifically, said Local 35 Business health protections. The union can see Representative Judy Burnick, the pro- that they are protected, he emphasized. posed legislation (AB200)would abolish the right of workers to substitute Same Needs As All Workers paid sick leave for unpaid leave in the Arnie Bongay, President of The event of a serious illness of a family Models Guild, said the organization member (spouse, child, parent). This was formed out of frustration and des- option was the only wage protection peration. "We want the same protec- workers had in the event of such an tions and benefits that other working emergency. people receive." She then outlined the Also it would raise the minimum an- many benefits and services that The nual hourly requirement which grants Models Guild hopes to eventually protection under the Family and Med- offer its members: relocation assis- ical Leave Act from 1,000 to 1,250. tance; day care; counseling centers; This means that employees who work benefits (see insert); seminars, classes 20 hours or less per week would not and training; newsletters and re- be eligible for protection because they sources; and much more. would not meet the minimum require- For those models interested in join- ment. ing or getting more information on "They are trying to force workers to The Models Guild, they can call (800) choose between being with their fami- 346-7348. lies in a time of need or getting a pay- The press conference took place at check," Burnick said, "and we won't B. Smith's, a restaurant owned and op- stand by and just let that happen. erated by fashion model Barbara OPEIU is going to fight this all the Smith. way." OPEIU members rally against cuts in the Wisconsin Family Leave Act. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR. Page Eleven John Kelly Honored with The 50th Anniversary Resolution and Scholarship

Convention's Following a heartbreaking video- dent Kelly's life and memory. The fam- tape honoring the life of departed In- ily made the first $8,000 contribution Ceremony ternationSI President John Kelly, the to that scholarship fund. Opening delegates passed a resolution in his The convention then voted an inter- memory, which concluded: nal transfer of 2 cents per capita for Now, therefore, be it resolved the Scholarship Fund. Therefore, as that the officers and members of the union grows, so will the fund. the union and the delegates gath- He then introduced Kelly's widow ered here at this 20th Triennial Louise Kelly and their daughter Julie Convention express our appreci- to make the scholarship presentation. ation and gratitude to him Mrs. Kelly very movingly thanked posthumously for all the contri- the delegates for honoring her hus- butions that he has made to this band. She said that the family wanted organization and to improving the scholarship to help OPEIU mem- the quality of life of its members. bers and for the union to reap the benefits of their education. "That's why Be it further resolved that all we favored a labor studies scholar- OPEIU local unions commit ship. It was important to me because themselves to carry out the legacy OPEIU was not just ajob for John. He of to John Kelly and follow the devoted and gave his life to the union. fine example he has set us all. for The union meant everything to him." Kelly Beth Schindler, scholarship winner John Scholarship from Local 8 in Seattle, accepted the President Michael Goodwin pointed scholarship on behalf of the winners. out that the union and Kelly family She was accompanied by another win- had created the John Kelly Labor ner, Bea Harrison of Local 209 in Studies Scholarship to honor Presi- Pascagoula, Mississippi. Susan Carey (Local 393, Flint, Michigan); International Vice President Carolyn Combs (Local 391, Chicago, Illinois); and Stephen Hancock (Local 106, Groton, Connecticut) sing national anthems of Canada and U.S. to open the convention.

President Goodwin presents a resolution honoring deceased President John Kelly to his wife Louise and daughter Julie.

The scouts presented the.flags at convention opening.

Beth Schendler 501h (Local 8, Seattle) oNivERsAR), accepts one of the first John Kelly Labor Celebrating Studies Scholarships on behalf of all 1 recipients from 50 Years of President 9 9 Michael Goodwin. Solidarity 4 9 5 411 5 AFL-CIO CLC WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 501,1- N,NNIVERSAla

1 1 9 9 4 9 5 5 Press AFL-CIO Speakers CLC

for change. He argued for political ac- with living standards way below those ment. Dick Armey from Texas plans to tion throughout our union to combat needed to sustain a family. And, al- repeal minimum wage legislation, for the "Contract With America" and though the standard of living is drop- example. He says he hates it with other attacks on working people and ping overall, executive bonuses, every fiber of his being; that's commit- their unions. salaries and profits are up. ment. We have to have just as much "We are still the largest and He urged creation of a "New Deal, commitment, he told the delegates. strongest labor movement in the Just Society", a society for people, not "Defending the rights of working world. Still the strongest democratic corporations. "We have to tell Gin- people for you and me is what it is all force in the U.S. We face complex and grich and Mulroney that they are liv- about. We don't expect gratitude." challenging decisions. . . . How we ing in the past, trying to take us back," "Just remember that it only took make the decisions is as important as he said. "Look at Mexico," he urged, 38,000 votes to get a Republican ma- what we decide. Consensus is essen- "there's proof that the market system jority into the U.S. House of Represen- tial; we have to work out our differ- doesn't work." tatives. If just 19,500 had voted the ences," Donahue said. We, White said, have to build on our other way, we would have won. So, If elected AFL-CIO President, he progress. We have to organize. "Our don't let anyone tell you their vote pledged to appoint a special commit- agenda," he concluded, "is that people doesn't count," he said. tee to investigate restructuring the. are more important than profits." "The election 'in 1996 will be won AFL-CIO. But, he noted, what will now We have to organize through the Calls for Solidarity, turn things around is the renewed ROCs," he said, referring to OPEIU's Donahue dedication and energy of the men and proposed regional organizing cooper- Innovation and Diversity women of the Federation. "Our oppor- atives. "We have to register people to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Thomas tunitities are endless," he concluded. vote and get them out to vote. Identifi- Donahue brought greetings from Presi- cation of voters - members and their dent Lane Kirkland and the 13 million families -is the key to victory," he members of the Federation. He thanked stressed. OPEIU delgates for his formal endorse- He finished with: "We need you. We ment for AFL-CIO President by a con- have to have you. We cannot make vention and said this was the best op- progress without the votes. Long live portunity to unite the labor movement OPEIU. Long live the labor movement -through solidarity, innovation and di- and working people." versity (see box on page 32). The impending change, he said, allows us to reassess where we are and where we are going. "We can't lose sight of our accomplishments. But we also need to do more to accelerate the pace of change . . Ultimately what holds us together is our solidarity and Congressman Abercrombie strength," Donahue said. Brings Delegates to Their Feet Our challenges, he said, are, "num- Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) brought ber one, to help unorganized workers delegates to their feet repeatedly to form and join unions while repre- throughout his spirited call to action. senting current members, and this is CLC President White "You see before you a politician no small task. Organizing is so fraught Urges a People Agenda grateful to working men and women with risks and difficulties; only the "I want to congratulate you on your of the U.S. and Canada for electing bravest, angriest or most desperate 50 years of struggle and building the him. We politicians owe everything to are willing to organize. No institution union and on the fact that you are now the people. Without the people, we're or individual, including the AFL-CIO, looking to the future," were the open- nothing, and you, represent the peo- is doing enough." ing remarks of Bob White, President of ple," he began. Donahue outlined the means of the Canadian Labour Congress. "Heroes," he said, "are the people achieving more organizing successes: The labor movement in Canada is who are organizing the workers in CLUW President Johnson "We have to recruit and train a new gen- constantly under attack from big busi- Florida, Alabama and Arkansas (citing eration of organizers." And one means, ness and is facing enormous challenges, OPEIU recent successes). These are Commends OPEIU's he noted, is the Organizing Institute - he said, in terms of legislation on unem- the real heroes. People would tell you Organizing Agenda "one of our great success stories." ployment insurance, social programs, that you can't organize in the South, Gloria Johnson, President of the We need to create a multi-million health care, fair (not free) trade. but the working people everywhere Coalition of Labor Union Women dollar organizing trust fund, he ar- The social agenda of international are realizing what's happening to (CLUW) applauded OPEIU's suc- gued. "We need to work on diversity competitiveness has determined that them; they're feeling the effects." cesses and wisdom in making organiz- at all levels of the labor movement, labor unions are too powerful, that we He told the delegates that they had ing the union's number one priority. which is just one reason, he said, that are making too much progress, White to back up the union's political action She wholeheartedly supported the Barbara Easterling from CWA is on said. "They are pushing privatization committees. "It takes money to fight union's program for using volunteer his ticket to lead the AFL-CIO. and free trade and deliberately in- the wealthy, to get on TV, to win cam- organizers: "Imagine what we could And, finally, we need to experiment creasing unemployment to attack in- paigns. It takes one-on-one organiz- accomplish if the trade union move- with "less than exclusive" bargaining flation. The conservative agenda has ing," he said. ment were to come together to use and recognition. changed ours. Workers are made to We have problems in the U.S., he the force and talents of all the mem- "Many employers would love noth- compete with each other for jobs," he continued, because there were union bers we represent to organize." ing more than to annihilate us. A good added. Striker replacement is now members who voted Republican. "Peo- "If ever that unity were needed it is example is striker replacements. As pushed in Canada. ple think that health care benefits have today. Too much is at stake," she said, Charles Dickens pointed out, the law White painted a grim picture when always come with the job. They don't referring to the mean-spirited U.S. is an ass.' It is legal to strike, but it is he noted that the major industrial realize that the union won this and Congress that "continues to eliminate also legal to replace strikers...Clinton countries have nearly 40 million un- more through long struggles," he said. programs for children and their fami- is doing what he can . .. but it is up to employed, that racism, nationalism "The objective of the "Contract On lies and that wants to scrap affirma- us whatever the law is," he said as he and violence are on the rise. The U.S., America" is the repeal of 75 years of tive action." She pointed backward to urged delegates to fight legislatively he said, is creating a working poor legislation won by the labor move- NAFTA and forward to the "Contract Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Thirteen Organizing Theme

With America" to make her point driquez is the President of the United and militancy," Georgetti said. "And, about the dangers we face. Farm Workers of America. the workers use their brains, not their "If these politicians have their way, "We recognize Cesar's legacy. Like brawn, against the bosses. We're we can say goodbye to our hard won John Kelly, he gave us the philosophy learning to create, as well as protect, right to organize...I see two paths. One and principles we have today. We, like our jobs." leading to a dismal future, if we sit you, are experiencing a sense of re- "I admire the work you've done," he back and do nothing. The other -rocky birth, a recommitment to our move- said, "in this province. Both OTEU lo- and rugged - but leading to a bright ment and to progress," he said cals play an exciting role in our Feder- future. We have a responsibility to "The spirits of Cesar Chavez and ation." working people. We can work toward John Kelly are here with us now, pro- "I wish you solidarity and good it through organizing," she said. viding inspiration," he added. luck." "Although trade union women earn He reported that since Cesar's death, 35% more than unorganized women, the UFW had held 11 organizing elec- the vast majority are not in unions. tions and won all of them, bringing Why?" Johnson asked. "We have a 4,000 new members into the union. challenge and work to do." She told More important, he said, they have set- delegates that we have to become in- tled two agreements: one for 300 wine volved in labor unions and politics. grape workers and another for Bear "We can't afford the luxury of say- Creek Productions' 1,400 rose growers. Minister Miller Extends ing it's their fault. We're the organiz- Additionally an independent group ers. We have to explain on a one-to- affiliated with UFW. Following a wine Hand of Partnership to one basis why the labor movement is boycott, the company agreed to neu- Unions important. We can't rely on the paid trality and the union ultimately won Dan Miller, Minister of Skill, Train- organizers to do it for us. It is us." the election. Now, because of the ing and Labour for British Columbia, "As women, we've fought to keep union's victory and pressure, that said that he takes politics very seri- families together. It's second nature to same company has agreed to arbitra- ously and "my experience with poli- us to extend our family spirit to our tion should the two parties not be tics comes out of the labor move- coworkers. Bring them into the labor able to agree on a contract settlement. ment." union family," she urged. In terms of pesticides, he reported Here in British Columbia, he said, that the union had been able to see we are facing the same 'issues as you that four of the five pesticides Cesar Thombani Calls for a are in other provinces and states. Resolution to Chavez fought against are either being United Union and Women's 'People on the shop floor need to un- Support CIAJW phased out or are already banned. Movement derstand the urgency of these is- "The grape boycott is working," Ro- sues." Sunera Thombani, President of the Following Gloria Johnson's ad- driquez said. Consumption of other We have to get our fiscal house in National Action Committee on the dress, delegates unanimously fruits and vegetables is up but grapes order. But there's a difference be- passed Status of Women, reported that in resolution recommitting is down more than 12 percent. tween us and the conservatives, he the imion to :work with and suph because mil- Canada young women, between 15 "This is all happening said. We want to control the rate of port the Coalition of Labor Union and 24, have the hardest time finding lions of Americans and Canadians growth and spending, but we also Women. The "resolved" of that have worked to bring about this full-time employment. So the OPEIU resolution specifically read: want to increase taxes for those change. I want to thank you for your Convention - Investing in Our Fu- - NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RE- who can most afford to pay. And we solidarity. It's paying off," he said. ture -is a timely one. We are talking SOLVED, that the 20th Conv'n- about it in very real terms, she said. want to eliminate medicare premiums tirltk qf the °PEW reaffirm its She put these questions to the dele- for those on fixed incomes. support for the Coalition of He said that the BC government be- Labor thtion Women,. gates: "What kind of society are we? What are our values? What kinds of lieves in partnerships - business, programs and entitlements will we government, labor, and environmen- fight for? What kind of future are we talists - working together on devel- building for our daughters and sons?" oping strategies in the forest industry, Corporations are holding our gov- for example. ernments hostage. The rights of "We in BC, too, have to invest in our women and racial minorities are being future," he said, alluding to the OPEIU trampled and destroyed, she told convention theme. We must develop them. We have to develop a strong an infrastructure and make BC a de- coalition to protect our rights - the sireable place to live. rights of women, minorities, immi- Miller noted that the BC govern- grants. ment believes strongly in a fair wage The only force that can create an for a fair day's work - unlike many equal society, she pointed out, is the conservatives. And the government women's movement. But the women's believes in job training, working with movement is under serious attack. the business community to create The women's movement and the jobs, providing medicare to everyone BC Pres Georgetti Welcomes labor movement have much in com- regardless of means, providing mini- Delegates mon. We both understand the threats mum employment standards to pro- Ken Georgetti, President of the of unemployment, she said. Neither of tect the unorganized workers and British Federation of Labor and a us is ready to sit back and let racism family leave to care for sick children UFW's Rodriquez Reaffirms good friend of OPEIU, welcomed del- and sexism flourish. or parents. Close lies Between Two Unions egates to the province. He pointed out "None of us can afford to sit back. "We reach out to the labor move- "Together the United Farm Workers that 41% of the workforce in BC is or- Every loss to the labor movement is a ment. We recognize the role of labour and OPEIU have accomplished much ganized and that because of BC's loss for the women's movement. and bring it in to be a partner. The over the years," Arturo Rodriquez beauty and liveability 90,000 people Every loss for the women's movement labor movement should be playing a began. "We're very similar, too, in that move to the province each year. is a loss for everyone fighting for key role in shaping our economy," he we also just held our first convention "The working people of British Co- equality. We must stand together for said. "We share many of the same is- since President Chavez's death." Ro- lumbia have a long history of struggle our common goals," she urged. sues." Page Fourteen WHITE COLLAR Isstie 3, 1995 Celebrating Voice of the Electorate

Voice of the Electorate, or VOTE, is the union's political Locals Honored action fund. Members contribute voluntarily, In addition, a number of OPEIU locals have consistently raised funds for VOTE proViding funds for the union's legislative and political -either from their members' contributions or through fundraising events. Conven- activities. With this money the union is able to fight for tion delegates celebrated those locals with certificate presentations and a standing or against legislation that affects our members and to support ovation. Below a representative from each of the locals accepted on behalf of the local union members of Locals 2 (Washington, DC); 6 (Boston, MA); 8 (Seattle, WA); candidates who will assist our members and their families. 11 (Portland, OR); 29 (Oakland, CA); 35 (Milwaukee, WI); 106 (Groton, CT); 153 J.B. Moss (New York, NY); 277 (Fort Worth, TX); 453 (Boston, MA); and 494 (Detroit, MI). Certain OPEIU members and locals are particularly committed to political action and have very successfully raised funds in that cause. The most notable is In- The FOBS Are Coming ternational Vice President J.B. Moss and his Local 277 in Fort Worth, Texas. They This was the rallying cry for a newly launched VOTE fundraising campaign, de- have raised more than $1 million in support of political candidates who share the vised by the VOTE Committee of the union. The chairman Walter Allen (Local 6, same goals and aspirations as the members of OPEIU. Boston) explained that FOBS stood for "For Our Brothers and Sisters." Actually For that reason the delegates honored Moss and his local with a special resolu- FOBS look much like the very popular POGS that are collected by children nation- tion, which concluded: "Now, therefore, be it resolved that it is the will of this con- wide. They can be bought to complete a collection, used for raffles and drawings, vention to express to J.B. Moss our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for all that etc. Many locals unions bought them by the armfuls to take back for FOBS cam- he has done to further and promote the Voice of the Electorate program." paigns in their hometowns. M Allen said, it is just one of many fun, effective ways In addition, he was presented a beautifully carved statue of an eagle in flight. to raise funds for Voice of the Electorate -a exceptionally worthy cause.

International Vice President Walter Allen, as chair of the OPEIU VOTE Committee, explains the new FOBS International Vice. President J.B. Moss (center) receives an eagle statue and framed resolution honoring his work on behalf program for raising additional VOTE of Voice of the Electorate from International Secretary-Treasurer Gilles Beauregard and President Michael Goodwin. Ands.

Local union representatives accept certificates honoring their local union's efforts on behalf of VOTE. Page Fifteen Issue 9, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Hard-Working Convention Committees OPEN Convention Committees make it all happen. Delegates onthe various committees meet regularly throughout the convention, sifting through resolutions, policy statements, rules and reports. They recommend policies to the convention delegates for debate and vote. They edit and merge resolutions. They amend and delete. In short, they work long hours to see that discussions and debates go smoothly and that the delegates' wishes become the official union policy. We officially thank them here and congratulate each and every one of them for a job well done. Committee Chair Carolyn Combs and Co-chair Michael Walker

Officers Report

Committee Chair Pam George,

Committee Chair Ron Thckwood and Co-chair L.J. Sheridan

The following committees did not have their photos available but these are Committee Chair Kathleen Kinnick their chairmen: and Co-chair Janice Best

Chairman Patrick Tully and Co-chair James Mahoney: Official Publications

Chairman J.B. Moss and Co-chair Richard Lanigan: Constitution and Laws Committee Chair Gary Kirkland and Co-chair Dave Miller

Thomas Babb: Rules Page Sixteen WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 U.S. Delegates Confer on Labor Law

niques. "It may take women longer to THE U.S. delegates met in conference Heart-to-Head become committed, but once com- Sunday afternoon, June 18, 1995, to discuss Organizing mitted they take more risks," she said research had shown. labor law from two perspectives: the need Attorney Lucinda Finley and "This taps us into what the labor for legislation to amend the law and protect OPEIU General Counsel Melvin movement was all about in the first Schwarzwald brought delegates up- place," Finley said. 'We focus more workers' rights to organize and bargaining to-date on developments in the on workers themselves than on the collectively without fear of reprisal, and the courts over the last three years, espe- employer." cially in the area of organizing. "The more empowered people feel in developments in the law legislatively and within Lucinda Finley pointed out what their work lives and more involved the courts over that past three years, i.e., since the others did throughout the week: in they are in their unions," she said, "the spite of the legal barriers, we can suc- more involved politically they become. last convention. ceed in organizing with a person-to- They feel they can make a difference. They were first greeted by International person grassroots approach and by The respect and dignity issue motivates using workers as organizers. people more than economic issues." President Michael Goodwin and then International Election success rates are higher in It may take longer, but time is not a Research & Education Director Gwen Wells, who clerical units, she said, because these factor in clerical campaigns, she said. are primarily women. The more More important is this person-to-per- introduced the speakers. women in a unit, the more likely the son connection and education, which win. Women organizers, she also generates greater commitment -a said, use different organizing tech- heart-to-head approach. Legislative 1. Minimum Wage 2. The Service Contract Act Agenda 3. The Davis-Bacon Act. 4. the 40-hour workweek OPEIU's new lobbyist Robert Mc- 5. the Occupational Safety and Glotten, partner in the firm McGlot- Health Act (OSHA) ten and Jarvis and former AFL-CIO He also detailed the attack on the Legislative Director, brought the dele- National Labor Relations Act gates up-to-date on OPEIU's legisla- (NLRA), specifically addressing the tive agenda. TEAM Act, which proposes establish- He outlined the Republican Con- ing company unions, and the Clinton gress' "Contract With America" - executive order prohibiting the hiring what it is and what has passed, as of striker replacements by any em- well as how the budget cuts pro- ployer receiving federal funding. And posed by the House and Senate will he summarized the health and affect the members. Medicare proposals of the Congress. He reviewed the various proposed McGlotten also discussed with del- changes in wage, health and safety egates a plan of action, i.e., what we laws in the Congress: can do to fight back. "We each have the responsibility to be involved in the union's VOTE program - an obligation to ourselves, our union, country. We com- Attorneys Lucinda Finley and Mel Schwarzwald describe recent develop- the future of the ments in the law on organizing, as well as successful organizing techniques. plain about the politicians or the legislation, yet too often we refuse to vote, contribute even a small amount, pick up a phone or a pen. We must be Local 8 (Seattle) contributes $2,000 to Voice of the Electorate - the unions political action fund. Left-to-right are Local 8 Business Manager Maureen Bo, involved in the union's legislative and OPEIU lobbyist Robert McGlotten, President Michael Goodwin, Local 8 Presi- political action program," McGlotten dent Norma Kelsey and Member Marie Cook. said. He concluded by encouraging locals to conduct voter registration drives and using retirees for mailings, phone banks, etc.

VOTE Contribution Following his presentation, Norma Kelsey, President of Local 8 in Seat- tle, Washington, made a contribution of $2,000 on behalf of the local to the VOTE (Voice of the Electorate) program. With her were Local 8 Business Robert McGlotten updates U.S. dele- Manager Maureen Bo and Member gates on OPER' legislative agendas. Marie Cook. Page Seventeen Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR

President Goodwin introduces the International representatives and organizers to the convention. Notable Convention Scenes

International Secretary-Treasurer Gilles Beauregard reads the names of International Vice President Ron Tuckwood (Local 378) welcomes delegates from OPEIU members who have died since the last convention, including the late across the United States and Canada to Vancouver. Tuckwood opens the conven- International President John Kelly, to a hushed convention delegation. The tion, turning the gavel over to President Goodwin. candlelight ceremony ended with a moment of silence and prayer for the departed brothers and sisters.

On behalf of all 130,000 OPEIU members President Goodwin (right) accepts a poster of the late United Farm Workers President Cesar Chavez from the current UFW The Canadian delegation. met in special session to discuss President Arturo Rodriquez. the upcoming convention. The meeting was chaired by Ca- nadian Director Michel Lojeunesse (seated), assisted by Canadian Counsel Pierre Gingras (at the podium). Page Eighteen WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995

for Conventio

Organizing, Women and AIDS, Labor Law are just a few of the topics which were addressed in depth at convention workshops. The convention business ended each day in the early afternoon to allow delegates the opportunity to interact with each other on these issues of vital concern and to obtain vital information from experts in the field. Most topics addressed organizing in one form or another, since that was our convention theme and our number one priority as a labor organization. Better representation of members for achieving organization, new and improved organizing structures, effective organizing techniques, how to use labor law for successful organizing results - these were just a few of the subjects delegates heard addressed. Specifically the schedule for workshops and speakers were:

Monday, June 19 Women and AIDS U.S. Regional Organizing Coop- William Roberts, OPEIU Local 80 erative Program Jay Porcaro, Director or Organi- Public Sector Organizing zation Jay Porcaro, Director of Organi- zation OPEIU Lawyers Conference Donald Slesnick, Esq., Slesnick & Delegates roll play in organizing workshops. Mel Schwarzwald, General Coun- Casey sel Pierre Gingras, Legal Counsel, Health Industry Meeting Canada Patricia Priloh, International Joseph Finley, General Counsel Representative Emeritus Wednesday, June 21 Tuesday, June 20 Organizing Techniques Local Union Secretary-Treasur- Mark Splain, Deputy Director, ers and Trustees Reports AFL-CIO Organizing Institute Peter Novak, CPA, Thomas Susan Sachen, West Coast Direc- Havey & Co., LLP tor, AFL-CIO Organizing Institute

Lawyers Conference: Pierre Gingras Director of Organization Jay Porcaro at the Regional Orga- Secretary-Treasurers Workshop: OPEIU International (Local 57, Montreal, Quebec). nizing Cooperatives Meeting. Secretary-Treasurer Gilles Beauregard.

Women and AIDS 1Vorkshop: Bill Robert:5 (Local 30, Los Angeles, California). Lawyers Conference: Lucinda Finley, Joseph Finley and Mel Schwarzwald. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Nineteen 'New Delegate Or

-1,0 ore the delegates who attended the new delegate orientation of the 20th triennial convention. They had just come .frota hearing

:.: an outline of the union's history by International Vice President Kathleen Kinnick, a convention over view front Canadian Director Michel Lajeunesse, and a deseription of Robert's Sales of Order from International Vice President Richard ,anigna,

first -time delegate .foAn Nelson from. Local 12 in Minneapolis St. Paul spoke the sentinten4; of many whea she said, "I came to this orientation and to the convention to learn 'i mach as 1 can, 1 want to oar new leadership is going and especially what our organizing plans are."

---4214.411P At new inentber orientation, International Vice President Kathleen Kinnick gave a brief history of the union. Industry Meetings Precede Convention on Saturday Kaiser This is the first time a Kaiser meet- OPEIU currently is allied with sev- ing has been held. We look forward to eral other international unions that hosting many more in the future. represent employees at Kaiser in a na- Insurance tionwide coalition. Kaiser has health maintenance organizations through- For many years the union has held out a number of states. OPEIU is addi- insurance industry meetings - origi- tionally conducting organizing drives nally as Blue Cross/Blue Shield meet- at several of these. ings, but later expanded to include the That was the focus of this industry many insurance members (health, life, meeting, led by Director of Organiza- etc.) OPEIU represents: Northwest tion Jay Porcaro and Local 30 (Los An- Mutual Life, Union Labor Life, geles) Business Manager Joe Beaver. Saskatchewan GoVernment Insur- Currently the following local unions ance, American Income Life, CUNA hold contracts with Kaiser covering Mutual, CUMIS Life, Insurance Corp. nearly 6,500 members: 2 (Washington, of British Columbia, Group Health As- Health care industry: International Representative Patricia Priloh and Joe DC), 17 (Cleveland, OH); 29 (Oakland, sociation, and many more. Marutiak (Local 459, Lansing, Michigan). CA); 30 (Los Angeles); and 153 (New Delegates from Canada and U.S. York). Representatives from these lo- met to discuss issues of mutual con- International Vice Presidents Michael unions with public sector and health cals attended the meeting, as well as cern and to share experiences and Walker and Patrick Tully. care units, or who are engaged in or- delegates from locals hoping to orga- ideas for solving common problems. Later during the convention indus- ganizing campaigns in these indus- nize additional Kaiser members. They were led in the deliberations by try meetings were also held for local tries. Page Two WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Cep ebrating a life: Itoink) Corbeil, Secretary- Treasurer Emeritus of the Office and Professional Employees International Union, has died. He leaves behind 130,000 grief-stricken members of OPEIU throughout Canada and the United States. His long-time co-worker, friend, and President John Kelly called him a visionary and dedicated trade unionist. We salute him here. The tributes of coworkers and friends in this special insert tell of a remarkable life that touched so many. Before retiring on May 1st, 1986, at age 62, Romeo Corbeil had been with the Office and Professional Employees International Union for more than 30 years, from January 1956 to May 1986. In May 1940, Romeo signed his first At the 1980 Convention in New York: President Howard Coughlin, Romeo, Fred Trotter and Marc Boulard. Below at that same convention, Romeo tries on one of "his many hats" presented to him union card with the Painters Association from the Canadian members. where he was a junior apprentice. It was in February 1943 at Dominion Glass in Montreal that he participated in what he said was his first experience of trade union organization with the Glass Bottle Blowers Association, AFL. "It cost me my job the day before my wedding February 18, 1943," Corbeil said. After receiving his army discharge in 1946, he worked at Sherwin Williams in Montreal. "It was then," he said, "that I became an active member in my local of the International Chemical Workers' Union. I acted as auditor, department Romeo signs a new agreement on behalf of representative, shop committee members at Quebec National Gaz in 1967. chairman, negotiating committee member and subsequently as a union representative in 1952." From May 1952 to January 1956 he worked as an organizer for the International Chemical Workers Union. From 1956 to 1969, he became an OPEIU organizer as well as a union representative. In 1969, he was appointed General Director for the Atlantic region. In 1971 he was elected Canadian Vice President, and in 1974 he was elected Canadian Director. In 1983 he became International Secretary- Treasurer. "Around 1965, with the setting-up of the Eastern Canada Council, our union had developed interchangeability of our representatives within the OPEIU. The Page 'Psveo WIIITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995

Again, we Union worker and Organizer, to the that have made this great union whose many officers, staff and rank - reprint let- fullest. Those 1,500 members that what it is today. But not to have and file activists we cannot honor in- ters from were in #10 weren't obtained by hav- mentioned Thelma O'Dell, indeed, dividually. Again, happy anniver- our mem- ing [no] one come knocking at the of- was a crime. We apologize to Local sary to all of you. bers on vari- fice door. She was out there FIGHT- 10 and to all other local unions -White Collar Editor ous issues. ING, even to a point of laying herself We invite in the street, so no "Scabs" could get our readers in. Wouldn't you consider that DEDI- to continue to CATION? share their opin- I've gone over the paper, three Convention newsletter ions with us, times, even with a magnifying glass, whether in sup- thinking that I had missed it. Nope, port of or in oppo- there is no mention of Local 10. There scores a hit sition to our own. is a saying "Gone but not forgotten". Debate is healthy OPEIU's saying I believe is "Gone and - - and welcome in Forgotten -Who Cares"... 1x11;N;TrR1, I .Ufa, IIn this union. Letters Hoping that this letter will be ti( are edited for printed so that Local 10 (who has ftretnnours sr, length only, not merged with 42), seasoned members ontneinr: newt, '".""'d content. Remem- will know that we all still care. moats& apd Ws ber: anonymous Dolores G. Jablonski getr'' letters will not be Livonia, Ml r I

printed. ,t iundW."` Point well taken. Thelma O'Dell Ztroo1,44tr,1.4 Juralk10. I and most active )4*ii",794 was appalled and I'm sure that was one of the first woo awa....""4" 44", r: .4. there are many others, who, while women trade unionists. She con- wow* L.. reading the history of the union and tributed not only in Detroit but to the this goes a long way back again, there union at the International level as 04. is no mention of Thelma O'Dell's con- well. We unfortunately do not have n44, 14.4,4 r...rzenu tribution to Local 10. No mention of the space or staff to cover all of the **'"*"""u Local 10 whatsoever. She was a hard many wonderful activists/pioneers

This delegate displays the union's daily convention Wins newsletter, written ()PEW Awards as and designed by Education & Re- Best Newspaper in Canada search Director Gwen Wells; type- Our Canadian paper, den Lazarus Prize for the Best Opin- setter and computer national specialist Juliette OPEIU White Collar-Canada, ion Piece. Fisher; proofread- won an award from the Cana- The latter is given for the best editor- ers Lana Sullivan dian Association of Labour Media ial, column or opinion piece that and Theresa For- care; with much as- (CALM) for the best newspaper by a thoughtfully argues labor's position on sistance from Paul national union. In addition, OPEIU an issue. OTEU's editorial was titled, Kelly ofKelly Press. Local 378's newspaper, OTEU News, "Corporate abuse means condoning de- also won two CALM awards this year. structive behaviour in the workplace." Both publications are produced by OPEIU's Best Overall Award for a Local 378 Communications Director national union newspaper is particu- Paula Stromberg in British ., Columbia. larly noteworthy since OPEIU com- OW"Rates Invent r, the Future. tt * S The Local 378 newspaper, distrib- peted against publications of far eleCt Now ' 5. uted to 9,000 union members in B.C., larger unions like the Teamsters, Ca- Officer, : 5Mh ** ',,t1.1 won a CLAM award for Excellence in nadian Auto Workers, and Canadian r, ,

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W CII1 t1SSN 0011,487u, ir. publihed quarterly ny ()flit, nod 11mdest,ional Employee.: Interturittutal Vinton, 815 ItnIt Stt -et. Is (V V., Ititt t. tt It s' 2000h. Second cla n. pr dene raid ni WInhinnton, 1)1! I)i INIAS'l 194: Send addtrys cliounet to tittle, to nrote,,,,,,,IFInitioe, loft tnatt,,,,a I !toll Stlyet. N (1/ , Wushittn.toti,lt.C. Local 878 Communications Director Paula Stromberg appears here with media nettitulticiton t.y the I nbor Press or any of all 111111.111111.61,011tallICII in not only pet-untied. hot nhollt, dettlable In the tnunew tti et111.-tutut awards from the Canadian Association of Labour Media for OPEIU White Col- Sith.scription J'rice $1 a Your lar-Canada and OTEU News. Page INventy WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Delegates "Invest in the Future" by Voting Organizing Support (Continued on page4). Two Locals Receive OPEIU Other changes were strictly to bring Charters the union into legal compliance, cor- International President Michael rect grammar or make language Goodwin presented two new OPEFU clearer. charters to two local unions: Strike Benefits Increased Local 40, composed of nurses at Mount Clemens Hospital in Michigan, Moss noted that the Strike and De- who are currently working with vol- fense Fund is exceptionally healthy. So unteer organizer Robert Garvin to or- with no need for additional increases ganize additional health care workers; in contributions, delegates voted to and raise strike benefits from $170 to $200 Local 2001, Arkansas Self-Help weekly, over the next three years. Local, which under the direction of All of the above constitutional Peter Gregan and Ricky Williams Nurses at Mount Clemens Hospital receive their charter as Local 40. changes were recommended by the plans to organize public sector work- International Union's Executive ers throughout Arkansas. Board. Delegates Reject Tw Amendments Delegates rejected two constitutional change proposals submitted by local unions. Since the Interna- tional Executive Board votes on policies affecting all the members, delegates voted against regional election of vice presidents. They also voted down a resolution calling for strict geo- graphic integrity of local unions. Numer- ous delegates made the case that they have industry-wide or nationwide agreements that make that concept unworkable. Or, small unions without the resources could- n't properly represent some larger units wanting to organize. Delegates voted instead to leave jurisdictional issues to the Interna- tional Union, that has expertise in this area, to decide jurisdictional questions on a case-by-case basis.

Delegates rise to applaud a speaker at the podium. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Twenty-One Policies Set for Union's Future (Continued on pttge 5) Social Security & Medicare gates voted to prevent passage of this To oppose reducing benefits or ex- misguided approach to fiscal manag- tending the retirement age - steps ment. OPEIU and its local unions, that would harm all but the richest therefore, pledge to begin a campaign families. Further, we opppose any at- to educate our members on the fallacy tempts to privatize the system or to of this approach, to have them call means-test benefits. Such measures their senators and representatives and would violate the social insurance tell them to oppose any resolutions principles that are the foundation of calling for a balanced budget. the system and would likely result in its unraveling. Fair Pay Act We believe the American people, Mahoney, and L.J. Sheridan on their To fight to insure that the Fair Pay given the facts about the strengths Revised Policy Statements Act is enacted by waging a petition and advantages of Social Security, retirement, and to honor South Africa Delegates also voted to revise sev- drive among our members at meet- would strongly support the system and Nelson Mandela. eral policy statements, primarily to ings, conferences and conventions; by and join in defending it from those A small sampling of resolutions, bring them up to date in terms of sta- submitted by locals, that passed in- lobbying the Congress and the Presi- who would weaken or dismantle it . . . tistics, but sometimes to expand and dent; and by educating and motivating We pledge to continue defending clude: clarify them. Just a few of those in- our members to contact their legisla- Social Security's critical role in pro- A commitment to organize various clude: tors as well. viding economic security to working groups (e.g., hynotherapists, health U.S. Health Care Reform. OPEIU and its local unions have vir- American families. care workers, law enforcement); Minimum Wage in the United tually eliminated any wage discrimina- Opposition to Quality Manage- States tion in contracts bargained for OPEIU Resolutions ment Programs; Electronic Monitoring members. We will continue the fight at Resolutions, recommended by the Regional Organizing Cooperative Needs of Working Families the bargaining table to prevent or executive board, were passed to Programs; Anti-Scab Legislation eliminate wage discrimination of any honor deceased OPEIU President Shorter Work Week and Benefits; Globalization, Free Trade & Union description. John Kelly, deceased Farm Worker Gender Equity; Solidarity Notify this office at (212) 675-3210 President Cesar Chavez, Vice Presi- Oklahoma Bombing Tragedy; and Political Action & Voice of the if your local union would like copies dent J.B. Moss for political action, Health and Safety in the Work- Electorate of the petition to circulate. Vice Presidents Gwen Newton, James place. Organizing Page l'wenty-Two WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Union Becomes High Fashion; OPEIU Founds The Models Guild

AGt a press conference in New across the country. The Models Guild York, August 18, The Models will become OPEIU Local 51. uild President Arnie Bongay Models Beverly Johnson, Tara and OPEIU International President Shannon, Kristen Jensen, Donna Eller Michael Goodwin announced The and Carol Alt were present to pro- Guild's formation and the national or- mote the organization, share their ex- ganizing drive to bring benefits, pro- periences in the industry and to ques- tection against discrimination, train- tion how the organization would ing and dignity to fashion models work. Dignity and Benefits Are Back In Style

" M ode) s sty tid with resp( d dignity," gaY, PreSick1111, ThO 1\4( JOS "fly ;10i9nnl; 100'il'''

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Arnie Bongay, President of The Models Guild, fields questions from the President Michael Goodwin introduces models (left-to-right) Kristen Jensen, Donna press. Listening behind her are OPEIU Director of Organization Jay Eller, Beverly Johnson and Tara Shannon. Porcaro and International President Michael Goodwin. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Twenty-Three

"Now it's time we take our places in the career/workforce." Tara Shannon said that her primary concern was protection of minors in Lociati,_ !: ) ) ) the industry. "It's great we have the AFL-CIO behind us," she said, "It's the Beauty and the Beast, and it's very lresL Wilogiks to the Benefits empowering. It's very exciting to be in at the beginning." Donna Eller noted that she had worked as a model for 10 years. For of Family Medical Leave her it was a career, but one which made her sad since there was no pro- °cal 35 member Debra Phillips addresses the detuon vision for medical or life insurance, stration to light Family atat Medical Lei-we cuts in the pension, safety and health protec- Statc.. of Wisconsin. to a flubik-yott letter to Loral r, tions, etc. "People think it's only a job fitisibess Representative jolly Piaritiel: She w'ro[.e (he foiIim for us for a few years, but many of us ileg: work in it for many years." I have the In 1.4,:tOrtune of lot ring two totally elisable(/ parents who regularly need 'en?/ lid)) wilt) Ca r%(1.c /OVUM C/A/-

cones. Last fall, both my parents were hospilolL'e(1. .1 al most lost my father to congestive heart ,f(tilure and at 1/u "Models are the same time mg mother was ill with a conti nuing health problein. They both needed no attentian alai rare, and I same as other ni,teded lime off to hell) them. workers . . . just 11,1y sulory ,isn't enough iiiu/ l eau ottani days gfir willtonl more attractive." pay mar s0 (111er lttfj ehl.p1f).1,1C1' inRisted / to/ter (tic thoe ,,/J. 'Without pay or use vacali.on lime, 1 (11,,"('''wererl. Ilic htnrity Leave Act 'was a benqiit. that ,wmtfil help me old since:, I (lid- JO haw onodyli 'nocation lime to use 'it /u With the l''am- Kristen Jensen thanked Arnie Bon- ily Lea ccAct 1 -was able to s'etbsittlitc rick (fails l'ia lime. to gay for "doing what we waited for care,for them mot still not compromise miLlinaprial slim,- someone else to do fort us." She, too, thm, was upset by the lad( of benefits, I was terribly (listra ugh] over the possibility of losing my counseling or training, and was happy father, and yoltr assistance in ticaliiig witil an employer that the time had come for a change. 'who eared very little about Mil Special (((((15 was a great re- Carol Alt had questions about how li(f to me. Please,leelfree to show my story it. it belles (tny--. the organization would be run, what one else to 01)01(1a siMilarpibbtem. the structure would be, if all parts of the industry would participate (e.g., clients and agents). Her personal agent Melanie Bonvicino congratt- lated everyone involved, saying that such a grassroots movement has been OPEIU Puts Family First; Fights sorely needed. Beauty and the Beast to Protect FMLA in Wisconsin Director of Organization Jay Por- caro said this was the birth of an en- OPEIU Wisconsin members tirely new labor organization. "The have been working non-stop to models came to us at OPEIU," he said, save that State's Family and "because we represent white collar Medical Leave Act. They've held professional expertise. But models demonstrations, candlelight vigils, cir- have the same needs as any workers, culated petitions, lobbied, written let- any professionals. They're just more ters to try to protect the rights of attractive." working people in Wisconsin to take Their photo shoots, he said, are paid time to be with family members often dangerous. Yet they have no in need. workers compensation or safety and Specifically, said Local 35 Business health protections. The union can see Representative Judy Burnick, the pro- that they are protected, he emphasized. posed legislation (AB200)would abolish the right of workers to substitute Same Needs As All Workers paid sick leave for unpaid leave in the Arnie Bongay, President of The event of a serious illness of a family Models Guild, said the organization member (spouse, child, parent). This was formed out of frustration and des- option was the only wage protection peration. "We want the same protec- workers had in the event of such an tions and benefits that other working emergency. people receive." She then outlined the Also it would raise the minimum an- many benefits and services that The nual hourly requirement which grants Models Guild hopes to eventually protection under the Family and Med- offer its members: relocation assis- ical Leave Act from 1,000 to 1,250. tance; day care; counseling centers; This means that employees who work benefits (see insert); seminars, classes 20 hours or less per week would not and training; newsletters and re- be eligible for protection because they sources; and much more. would not meet the minimum require- For those models interested in join- ment. ing or getting more information on "They are trying to force workers to The Models Guild, they can call (800) choose between being with their fami- need or getting a pay- 346-7348. - lies in a time of The press conference took place at check," Burnick said, "and we won't B. Smith's, a restaurant owned and op- stand by and just let that happen. erated by fashion model Barbara OPEIU is going to fight this all the Smith. way." OPEIU members rally against cuts in the Wisconsin Family Leave Act. Page Twenty-Four WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Health Care Paraprofessionals Ellis Island Medal Vote for Local 459 in Lansing " ontract, not policies" was was extremely well organized, well the rallying cry for 450 run and fairly administered both! Awarded to Goodwin paraprofessional employ- legally and morally," commented. ees at Michigan Capital Medical Cen- Cindy McRae, a pharmacy technician, ter (MCMC) Greenlawn Campus on who experienced firsthand the union- August 2. That's the day the parapro- bashing efforts. Richard "Fuzzy" Jas- fessional group voted 211 to 184 to trzebski, a cook in dietary, reiterated, join OPEIU Local 459 in Lansing, those feelings by saying, "We played Michigan. The successful election was chess, they played checkers." the culmination of intense organizing MCMC Greenlawn campus employ- efforts over the previous four months. ees were assisted by MCMC Pennsyl- "After the local narrowly lost an RN vania campus union members in the election at the same employer in Feb- organizing effort. MCMC Pennsylvania ruary 1995, this proved to be an espe- paraprofessionals have been orga- cially sweet victory for Local 459," nized with Local 459 since 1988. This proclaimed Local 459 President is the first group to organize at the Joseph Marutiak. The sweetness could Greenlawn campus. Paraprofessionals be seen in the faces and statements of at both the Greenlawn and Pennsylva7, the paraprofessionals themselves. nia campuses hope this sets a prece-, "I'm elated that the employees have dent for other groups at Greenlawn chosen to be unified," said Bobbie and gives them the strength to "speak Welling, a cytology for themselves." prep technician, They know that. who went on to Greenlawn em- say, "I'm relieved in ployees have lots the knowledge that "The to speak about, ac- we now have a cording to Interna- voice in the deci- organizing tional Representa: sions that affect live Bonnie Strauss, each of us and our campaign was who spearheaded families." Her feel- the organizing ings were echoed an exercise in drive. Inadequate by others. Nurse staffing, inconsis- Assistants Chris true tent management Noack, Karen policies, discontin-, Walker and Karen solidarity" uance of longevity Hess said it all bonuses and an with, "We're proud uncertain future in to be union!" health care were The paraprofessionals won in spite the major concerns during the cam- of the union-bashing efforts by paign, she said. MCMC. MCMC hired a well-known "The organizing campaign was an union-busting firm, Management Sci- exercise in true solidarity," according ence Associates (MSA), from Mis- to Marutiak. "Local and International Michael Goodwin, Interna- dustrial Union Department and souri. MCMC, in conjunction with staff, along with volunteer rank-and- tional President of the. the New York Hotel and Motel MSA, ran a campaign of false, mis- file members, made this effort suc- Office and Professional Trades Council, as well as on the leading information and threatening cessful." Local 459 staff included Employees International Union, New York City Central Labor behavior which created an atmos- Marutiak, Rick Ransom, Ann Flescher was among the recipients of the Council. phere of confusion and mistrust and Melanie Dalrymple, assisted by prestigious 1995 Ellis Island Other honorees include TV talk among MCMC's own employees. International staff members Bonnie Medals of Honor announcedby show hosts Kathie Lee Gifford "I felt the campaign put forth by the Strauss, Bob Simmons, Donna Shaffer William Denis Fugazy, Chairman and Sally Jessy Raphael, White union, unlike the hospital's campaign, and Steve Tully. of the National Ethnic Coalition House Chief of Staff Leon of Organizations (NECO). Panetta, Los Angeles Dodgers The award was presented to manager Tommy Lasorda, broad- Goodwin and other outstanding casters Diane Sawyer and Carol Americans during a gala cere- Iovanna, actors Eli Wallach and mony and reception in the Great Anne Jackson, and New York City Hall on Ellis Island in New York Comptroller Alan Hevesi. Harbor on Sunday, May 21. The United States Congress The Ellis Island Medals of sanctions the medals, and the Honor are given out annually to Congressional Record lists its re- have ethnic Americans from all back- cipients. Previous honorees MCMC grounds to recognize outstanding included Presidents Ronald Rea- EMPLOYEES professional and patriotic contri- gan, George Bush, Jimmy Carter, SAY butions. Goodwin is a recognized Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon; leader in the U.S. labor move- Governor Mario Cuomo, Arthur td141'' ment. In 1994 he was elected In- Ashe, Walter Cronkite, General ternational President of the Alexander Haig, Lee Iacocca, 130,000 clerical and professional Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, members of OPEIU, after many Eric Sevareid, General Norman Pictured here are just a few of the rank-and:file organizers responsible for the years leading its largest local Schwarzkopf, Frank Sinatra, Bar- MCMC victory. They are left-to-right first row, seated: Chris Noack, NA-5N; Chris Elie Wiesel, Blank, Cook-Dietary; Fred Aguirre, Dietary Aide; Karen Hess, NA-5S; Cindy union headquartered in New York bara Walters, Angie Perez, Hskp; Bonnie Justice Stephen Hilton, Clerk/Typist-Medical Records. Second row: City. Supreme Court Strauss, Int. Rep.; Dawn Davis, Hskp; Carole Nelson, Hskp; Fuzzy Jastrzebski, He is Vice President of the New Breyer, Terry Anderson and Dr. Cook-Dietary; Karen Walker, NA-6N; Rick Ransom, Service Rep-Local 459. Third McRae, Phar- York AFL-CIO, the AFL-CIO's In- Michael DeBakey. row: Mayann Harper, Hskp; Duke Carlisle, Dietary Aide; Cindy macy Tech; Carol Barnhart-Squires, Dietician's Asst; Mark Bauer, Baker-Di- etary; Bobbie Welling, Cytology Prep Tech. Page Twenty-Five Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Local 6 Bargaining Tangle in Boston by Paula Stromberg, Local 378 tatives and is now in the Senate. It's a curious situation. Bargaining "Local 6 members are frustrated. between the State of Massachu- They phone us and tell us. They're mad setts and OPEIU Local 6 Trial and some people forget it's the governor Court Employees concluded in the who is causing the problem. Members Fall of 1994 with agreement for a710 want their money," Mahoney explained. percent wage hike over three years. No one ever said union work would Members however, have not received be easy. Many members believe it is a cent of their raises which were bar- the union office's responsibility to gained over a year ago. take action. "Some members say that After members voted to accept the because they pay union dues, it is agreement, Local 6 and the Massachu- staff's job to solve the problem. Many setts Thal Court (MTC) official signed members don't agree with the trade the contract. Then, as was routinely union principle that collective action done, the contract was turned over to solves workplace problems." the state governor for funding. In an It is against State law for members unusual twist, Massachusetts Gover- to strike over this matter. "Even if we nor William Weld has refused to fund walk off the job, we may get a few min- the contract. utes in the media spotlight and still not "We negotiated a good collective accomplish anything. We face a big agreement but now where's the anti-public employee sentiment and money? State laws say certain con- workers are blamed for high taxes in tracts have to be recommended for the State," says Mahoney who works at funding by the state governor before the Massachusetts Trial Court (MTC). going to the Legislature. Our Gover- "Some members feel the union is nor Weld received the package in Sep- powerless but it's a very complicated tember 1994 and has done nothing. situation. Anger grows as time goes We have never had this problem with by. We're spending our time trying to a governor before," said OPEIU Local explain the political situation to mem- 6 Business Manager Walter Allen. bers and because the political process "This came as a rude shock. A refusal grinds slowly, members aren't seeing for funding has never happened before fast results. In fact, we're working full and members are upset. It wasn't tilt to deal with the situation and it's enough just to negotiate hard for a con- difficult for members to stay focused tract Now we have to file legislation to on the real source of the problem - change current laws so members can current legislation and the governor." receive their raises," added OPEIU One thing is certain. Frustration is OPEIU Local 6 President Mary Mahoney and Business Manager Walter Allen the biggest enemy and it will take visit one of 151 Trial Court locations in Massachusetts where our union members Local 6 President Mary Mahoney. have not received raises which were bargained over a year ago. The State of Local 6 has introduced a bill to strong leadership to prevent members Massachusetts and OPEIU Local 6 trial court employees concluded bargaining amend the regulations that force the from feeling so helpless they lose faith in the Fall of 1994 with agreement for a 10 percent wage hike over three years. trial court workers to go to the gover- finding a solution. With dedicated However, when the contract was routinely turned over to State Governor William Weld in September 1994, he rejlzsed to fund it. Local 6 officers and staff have nor for funding approval. "We are only labor leaders such as Allen, Mahoney been trying to deal with members'frustration, and are pursuing several avenues one of three agencies that has to wait and other Local 6 staff and officers, to find a solution including filing legislation to change State laws so members for the governor's approval. The major- that's not likely to happen. can receive their raises. The political process grinds slowly. ity of state workers go right to the State Legislature for funding their contracts. "We've been encouraging our mem- Where's money? bers to contact their state reps in the our House or Representatives to get the proposed bill onto the House floor for a vote," explained Mahoney. The effort has been all-consuming for Local 6 which represents members throughout Massachusetts. Local 6 staff and officers are working non- stop handling calls from irate members as well as talking to lobbyists and state representatives. "There is a suspicion that the problem has arisen because the OPEIU negotiated a superior contract that offers 10 percent over three years while other public service unions, with a total of 60,000 members, negotiated only 8 percent over three years but have a re- opener clause. If Local 6 members get their raises, other unions may insist on parity. The State doesn't want to face the extra costs," explained Allen, adding that the Local is exploring every Ite're waiting for our raises! Massachusetts Dial Court (MTC) workers who belong to °PEJO ocal 6 have not re- possible avenue to solve the impasse. ceived raises which. were bargained over a year ago. The problem has arisen because the OPEIU Local 6negotiated a For example, Local 6 also has other superior contract that offers 10 percent wage hike over three years while other public service unions, with a total of 60,000 members, negotiated only 8 percent over three years but have a re-opener clause. If Local 6 members get their legislation pending which might slash the raises, unions representing other state employees may insist on parity. The State is trying to avoid the extra wage Gordian knot delaying members' raises. costs. In what came as a rude shock, the governor delayed funding approval. Meanwhile, Local 6 members fume as One of these alternative legislative mea- ()PETIT ()Dicers and staff work eqrtvi(illy around tAe cloCk to find $01(dion sures has passed the House of Represen- Page Twenty-Six WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 OPEIU Announces 9th Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship Fourteen (14) scholarships will be awarded. Applica- tions are open to members in good standing, or associate members, or their children, all of whom must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the rules and procedures as established by the executive board. Each scholarship has a total maximum value of $4,000. These scholarships for members in the United States (Canada has its own scholarship program) are limited to at least one per region in the U.S. and one per family. Eligibility An applicant must be either: a member of OPEIU in good standing or an associate member; the son, daughter, stepchild or legally adopted child of an OPEIU member in good standing or an associate member; and An applicant must be either: a high school student or high school graduate en- tering college, university or a recognized technical or vocational post-secondary school as a full-time student; presently in college, university or a recognized technical or vocational post-secondary school as a full-time student. Procedures Each applicant must file an official OPEN scholarship program application. Application forms must be endorsed by the Local Union President or Secretary- Treasurer attesting that the member or parent of art applicant is in good standing or an associate member. Such endorsement must be obtained before the application is submitted. Forms Application forms may be obtained at your local union office or at the Secretary-Treasurer's office of the International Union. Applications All applications must be received at the Secretary- Treasurer's office of the International Union, 815 16th Street, N.W., Suite 606, Washington, D.C. 20006, no later than December 31, 1995. Requirements High School Transcript -All applicants are required to submit their high school transcript. 1. College Transcripts -If presently enrolled in a College, University or a recognized Technical or Voca- tional Post-Secondary School as a full-time student, applicant is required to submit transcript, along with their High School Transcript. 2. Test -All applicants are required to take a Schol- arship Aptitude Test -SAT -(the Admissions Testing SEND FOR OPEIU SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Program Examination of the College Entrance Exami- nation Board), American College. Testing Program - Application deadline - December 31, 1995 ACT - or equivalent examination by a recognized Technical or Vocational Post-Secondary School. If you Please send me the application for the 1996 Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship. have already taken the above tests, you should request your school to forward the results of your test to the Secretary-Treasurer's office of the International Union. Name All requirements are due at the Secretary- Treasurer's office no later than March 31, 1996. Address Selection of Scholarship The selections shall be based on recommendations City State Zip of an academic scholarship committee. Announcement of the winners will be made during the month of June OPEIU Local Union 1996. Send to: OPEIU Address all inquiries to: Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship Fund Employees Office of Professional 815 16th Street, NW, Suite 606 International Union Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholarship Fund Washington, D.C. 20006 815 16th Street, N.W., Suite 606 Call for Canadian Address (514) 288-6511. Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone (202) 393-4464 Page Twenty-Seven Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR

2nd Annual John. Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship Deadline: December 31, 1995

In memory of John Kelly, OPEIU International President since 1979 who died on March 10, 1994, the International Union Executive Board established a new scholarship fund in his name. "John Kelly was totally committed to education and training for working people, most particularly our own members," said his successor President Michael Goodwin. "It was during John's presidency that the union began the Howard Coughlin Scholarship Fund, added and expanded union training programs for members, officers and staff," Goodwin said. However, whereas that.fund is open to members and their children for any university/college study, the John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship Fund is dedicated strictly to OPEIU members who desire to pursue studies and a career in labor relations. This is the second year it will be awarded. See last year's winners on page 29. "We owe so much to John Kelly and are very pleased to memorialize him in this way," said Goodwin. The rules for that scholarship follow. Rules Ten (10) scholarships per year will be awarded on the basis of at least one (1) per region and not to exceed one (1) per family Applications are open to members or associate members in good standing for at least two (2) years. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and comply with the Rules and Procedures as established by the OPEIU Executive Board. Each scholarship has a total maximum value of $2,000. Eligibility The applicant must be:

a member of OPEIU in good standing or an associate member; and . The applicant must be either an undergraduate or graduate in one of the areas of study below: Labor Studies Industrial Relations Social Science or a related field Procedures Each applicant must file an official John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship Program application. Applica- tion forms must be endorsed by the local union president or secretary-treasurer attesting that the member or associate member is in good standing and has been a member for at least two (2) years. Such endorsement must be obtained before the application is submitted. Forms Application forms may be obtained at your local union office or at the Secretary-Treasurer's office of the International Union. Applications All applications must be received at the Secretary-Treasurer's office of the International Union, 816 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, no later than December 31, 1995. Requirements High School Transcript -All applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts. College Transcript -If presently enrolled in a college, university or a recognized technical or vocational post-secondary school as a full-time student, applicant is required to submit transcript, along with their high school transcript. Essay -All applicants are required to submit an essay on their occupational goals (300 to 500 words). Statement of Intent -All applicants shall be required to submit a statement of intent to remain within the OPEIU for a period of two (2) years. All requirements are due at the Secretary-Treasurer's office no later than January 31st of each year. Selection of Scholarship The selections shall be based on recommendations of an academic scholarship committee. Announce- ments of the winners will be made during the month of April of each year. Address all inquiries to: Office and Professional Employees International Union John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship Fund 815 16th Street, NW, Suite 606 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 393-4464 Page Twenty-Eight WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 1995 Howard Coughlin Scholarship Winners 14 United States, 6 Canadian

Vor the 8th year in a row OPEIU The scholarships represent a maxi- pursuit of further education. Times The Scholarship is named in honor is pleased to announce our 14 mum of a $4,000 financial contribution are difficult, and college expensive. of a now deceased past International scholarship winners from the over four years to each winning stu- For many this scholarship makes the Union President Howard Coughlin, United States and 6 from Canada. dent's college education. Based on difference in attending or not," said who served as the union's leader from Each is a recipient of the 1995 merit, the 14 awards are made annu- International President Michael Good- 1953 to 1979. Under his leadership the Howard Coughlin Memorial Scholar- ally to students within each of the six win. union grew to well over 100,000 mem- , ship. They were the winners selected regions of the United States and the "We are proud of each and every bers. from hundreds of other entrants - four regions of Canada. one of our winners. We wish them The 1995 Howard Coughlin Memo- the best and the brightest of their "We are delighted to assist our well in their academic studies and rial Scholarship winners are: graduating high school classes. members and their children in the later in their careers," he said.

777

Jennifer Halupt- Tasneem Babul el ean- Sebas- Steven Rawl- is enrolled in a nurs- zok, daughter of tien Cloutier, inson, son Of ing program at the Local 12 member son of Local 526 Barbara Rawlin- University of British Columbia, sched- Nancy Haluptzok in Minneapolis, Min- member Marius Cloutier, employed son, member of Local 550 in uled to graduate in 1998. She is the nesota, will attend Kalamazoo College. at Abitibi-Price in. Alma, Quebec. Toronto. Steven will be studying daughter of Al Babul, Local 378 mem- physics next fall at an Ontario uni- ber employed at Insurance Corpora- versity. tion of British Columbia.

Amanda Izzo, Nikki Cock- daughter of Donna rell has selected Izzo who is a member Allison Bauer Brown University of Local 459 in Lansing, Michigan, and Ryan Spice has chosen the Uni- to attend. She is the daughter of plans to attend. Columbia University. plans to attend. versity of Texas at Rachel Cockrell, Local 35 member the University of Austin for her college education. Her from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin in Madison. His father mother Mary Bauer is a member of Roger Spice is a member of Local Local 277 in Fort Worth, Texas. 95 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

James N. Kerel- chuk, son of Local 397 member John Brian Dunn, Kerelchuk. James plans to enroll in the son of Connie computer science program at Lakeland Jessica Bialkow- Dunn, a Local 8 Lloyclininis- ski, daughter of College in his home town of Chelsea Tan- member in Seattle, Washington, ter, Saskatchewan. James' Crown Dis- MaryAnn Bialkow- aka-Delgado, plans to attend Harvard University. ease caused him to start high school in a daughter of mem- ski, member of Local 2 in Washington, wheel chair, which obviously did not ber Anita, Tanaka from Local 30 in Los DC. She plans to attend Baylor Uni- slow him down much. Because of train- Angeles, California, will attend Har- versity. ing for the Special Olympics, he can now vard University. walk and has even entered remission.

PHOTO Jennifer Ezrow UNAVAILABLE plans to attend Melanie Brig- Michigan State anti, daughter of University. She is the daughter of Shawn Kolo se- Ramesh Thiy- Susan Briganti, Daniel Ezrow, member of Local 512. lected Ripon College agarajan plans member of Local 8 (Seattle, Washing- They live in Ishpeming, Michigan. for his college ca- to attend Am- ton), plans to attend New York Uni- reer. Leanne Kolo, his mother, is a herst College. He is the son of versity. member of Local 95 in Wisconsin Local 106 member Lakshmi Thiya- Rapids, Wisconsin. garajan in Groton, Connecticut.

PHOTO UNAVAILABLE Eric Gloutnay, son of Marie- Cas- Christine Claude Gloutnay, tellano, daughter of Lynda Lackey is member of Montreal-based Local Vladimir Tifu New York City Local the daughter of 434, will attend the Ecole Polytech- from Brossard, 153 member Dario Castellano, who Linda Lackey, mem- nique de Montreal. Local 434 repre- Quebec (Local works at the Industry Joint Board. ber of Local 119 in Chattanooga, Ten- sents employees of Laurentian 57), plans to attend the Universite Christine plans to' attend Cornell Uni- nessee. Her first choice fore school is Bank of Canada. de Sherbrooke. versity. Emory & Henry College. Page Twenty-Nine Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Nikki Jean 1995 John Kelly Cockrell Wins Union Labor Studies Winners MasterCard or the first time ever the union is able to announce winners of Scholarship created Johh Kelly the newly Harrison, Debbie Moy, Nikki Jean Labor Studies Scholarship. Follow- Bea Local 209 member Local 3 member Cockrell, ing the death of International Presi- from Mobile, Al- working for Com- daughter of John Kelly on March 10, 1994, dent abama, plans to at- munity Services Local 35 member the scholarship was created in his tend the University for I inited Way in Rachel R. Cockrell, honor. San Francisco, California, plans to won the $4,000 Michael of South Alabama. International President attend the George Meany Center for Union MasterCard Goodwin said, "John Kelly believed Labor Studies/Antioch University. Scholarship. A resi- strongly in education, establishing dent of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Cock- the Howard Coughlin Scholarship rell has won numerous awards and for members and their children, de-: honors, including the union's Howard veloping training programs for mem- Helen Hillman,. Coughlin Scholarship. She is also a bers, staff and officers, and offering Local 494 member Beth Schindler, National Merit Scholarship finalist and other incentives for activists to gain working at the Local 8 member Scholarship additional knowledge and skills. Plus United Auto Work- from Seattle, Wash- a National Achievement a finalist, and she achieved high school he dedicated his entire life to the ers International ington, works as honor roll all semesters. labor movement and OPEIU. It is ap- Union in Detroit, Michigan, plans to business represen- medical school propriate that we honor him with a attend Wayne State University. tative for that local She plans to attend scholarship aimed at educating union. She accepted the award on at Brown University in Providence, members to give back to others in behalf of all these winners at the In- RI, or the University of Wisconsin in their communities and in their ternational Convention. Madison, with the goal of becoming union." an obstetrician/gynecologist. The scholarship will be awarded The 1995 Union MasterCard Schol- S helly Moss, arship recipients are a diverse group, to up to 10 OPEIU members annu- Local 277 member ranging from high school valedictori- ally who desire to pursue studies working at Lock- Louis A. Yuri, in labor relations, or a 32 ans to union members who are under- and a career heed in Fort Worth, Local member will each receive going retraining for new careers to related field. They a Texas. Shelly will working at Blue total of $2,000. students with disabilities. However, pursue her studies at Tarrant County Cross/Blue Shield The winners for 1995 are of New Jersey. the qualities the recipients all have in Junior College. common include an outstanding academic track record and an understanding of and a commitment to the labor movement - factors that figured highly in determining who would be Tennessee Valley Authority chosen for the awards. In her application, Cockrell wrote about her goals and ambitions: "I have Employees Scholarship Program chosen this field because I enjoy helping people. I have observed a definite lack of quality, comprehensive health fight scholarships will be care available to working and lower E awarded each year to the em- class people. I hope to make a differ- ployees and families of OPEIU ence in their health care by making members of the Tennessee Valley Au- Lackey sure that I take enough time with my thority, with a limit of one per family. Lynda Hartman will attend Emory & patients to accurately diagnose and For the first time we are pleased to Daniel who plans to attend Henry College. She treat their illnesses. I hope to communi- announce the winners of this 1995 Tennessee Techno- is the daughter of cate effectively with my patients, ex- scholarship which carries a maximum logical University. He is the son of Linda Lackey, Local 119 member. plaining in detail what I am doing for value of $500. They are: can do them- Local 119 member Dureta Hartman. them and what they for selves. I think this communication will both eliminate the fear associated with doctor visits that stems from not understanding medical terms and techniques Brian McGhee, and promote a much healthier patient PHOTO index through preventative methods." UNAVAILABLE son of Local 268 Randall Barnes Cockrell graduated in May from Di- selected the Ten- Lon Hurley, member Mary Ann daughter of Local Prueitt, plans to at- vine Savior Holy Angels. Her mother nessee Technologi- Rachel has been an OPEIU member for his education. He is 268 member Linda tend the University of Tennessee. cal University since 1980. the son of Local 119 member T.J. Hurley, who plans to attend the Uni- Barnes. versity of Tennessee.

Brian Stans- berry plans to attend Tennessee Eric Evans, son Stephani John- Jlik Tech. State Univer- of Local 268 mem- son, daughter of sity. He is the son of Diane Rogers, ber Linda Evans, Local 119 member member of Local 268. of Ten- to attend Congratulations and best wishes to will attend the University Jacqueline Johnson, plans AFLC10 nessee. Wake Forest. all of our winners! CLC Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Three Romeo Corbel Eastern Canada Council, the OPEIU and Local 57 worked hand-in-hand, and around 1970 I was elected Secretary-General of Local 57 and Coordinator of the Eastern Canada Council as well. As the services, organization and education officer, I was able to centralize assignments of our representatives and services to membership. I believe this close collaboration between OPEIU, the Eastern Canada Council and Local 57 made our union progress in the East over all these years," he said in an interview in 1986. Always an Organizer Romeo Corbeil brought literally thousands of new members into OPEIU from groups as diverse as J.J. Toubert, Continental Can, Blue Cross, Consolidated Romeo poses with long-term friend, OPEIU General Counsel Joseph Finely, at the 1994 Bathurst, Gaz Metropolitan, District OPEIU International Executive Board meet- Savings Bank, Uniroyal, Canadian Car. ing. Under his direction, the Montreal membership continued to grow. By late 1974, Local 57 had passed the 3,000 member mark, standing as the second- largest OPEIU union in Canada and sixth in the entire International Union. In 1971 when he was appointed Canadian Director the membership in Canada stood at 12,530. At his retirement, because of his energy, vitality and leadership abilities, Canadian membership had grown to more than 25,000. Romeo Corbeil also trained and mentored numerous Canadian and U.S. representatives and organizers to carry on the OPEIU tradition of service to working people. Many of the labor leaders NADIAN CONVENTION CTC CLC found on both sides of the border owe their NORES CANADI EN philosophy and sense of dedication to the SSIONAL EMPLOY S INT UNION influence of Romeo. Largely because of his leadership, OPEIU Canadian members gained greater representation through additional officers and a Canadian Director and always retained their autonomy. It was because of leaders like Romeo Corbeil - now Michel Lajeunesse, Gilles Beauregard, Janice Best, Dave Miller and At a 1979 Canadian Convention, Romeo Corbeil (second from the left) laughs at a remark by Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lowe. With them on the dais are International President Howard Coughlin, Canadian Director Fred Trotter and Vice President Bill Wittal. Coughlin (Continued on page 6) and Trotter are now deceased. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Three

Washington Window Work and Health Medicaid Cuts Hurt Quick Action for Bleeding In 1968, Lester Thomas had a good But in their attempt to cut federal By Phillip L. Polakoff, M.D. job. Then a member of Steelwork- spending, the Republicans never sight of blood makes some people queasy. The following rules for han- ers Local 1612, he toiled at U.S. stopped to find out who Medicaid Tiedling a bleeding situation aren't likely to change that lifelong response. But Steel's Fairless Works in Philadelphia helps, and what it means to them. So they might give you a better understanding of what's happening when "and I had the best health insurance I Thomas, and Karen Higginbotham, appears and what you can do to stop it. ever had." and Faris, and Elkins stood up and bleeding First of all, remember that blood at any wound tends to clot. Clotting is one of Ten years later, Fairless closed told the world what the cuts mean. - your body's marvelous self-preservation mechanisms -it almost makes its own due to Japanese imports - and Elkins, after becoming unemployed, Thomas lost his job, and his health in- deserted by her husband and home- bandage. shelter Clotting begins when the continuity of the wall of a blood vessel is interrupted surance. . less, moved into a church-run of your blood for a lab test. Cellu- Thomas found another job, with with her daughter. She searched for a by an injury, or when the nurse takes a sample blood called platelets stick to damaged area and liberate health insurance, with a company that job while preparing for her second lar components of the makes computer cabinets. But that daughter. chemical substances. reaction which converts a soluble protein material in the company closed in 1991, again due to Just after the birth, she got a new This sets up a chain down in fine strands in competition from imports. Thomas job, paying $12 an hour. But without blood, fibrinogen, to insoluble fibrin. This fibrin is laid to form a clot. lost his health insurance. Medicaid transitional assistance - which the red and white blood cells become enmeshed After two years of searching, which gives people trying to get off However, this clever process needs help to work quickly. Bleeding must be is not constantly swept away. Thomas found another job, with PM welfare a year's worth of medical ben- stopped, or slowed so that the clot-in-the-making Manufacturing, a efits for their chil- Simple, slight bleeding will respond in this way if the area is treated like a maker of sterile dren - the job wound with a firmly bandaged pad over a dressing. medical supplies. "Medicaid has been would have been However, it is critical to determine quickly if the bleeding is manageable with His health insur- worth less than this technique. When bleeding is severe, stop the flow as best you can but get med- ance wasn't as good the difference between welfare. ical aid or call an ambulance immediately. Sterility or cleanliness, may have to be as it was when he Other welfare re- sacrificed for speed. l i e death o me . . . was a steelworkers' f and f r cipients trying to Here are some general rules for first aid in situations that can be handled on the union member but if Republicans have become workers spot until help arrives: though. But last would face the same Using fingers and thumb, pinch the wound edges together. Or use your whole year, a layoff came. their way . . . Medicaid dilemma, but with- hand to press hard over the bleeding area. This pressure must be kept up for 10 Last hired, first won't be there." out Medicaid, under minutes. fired, and Thomas, the GOP cuts. "I While doing this, lay the patient down. Whenever possible, elevate the bleed- by then a 50-year want to stand here ing area, since this helps a little to reduce the blood flow into it. Caution: be care- old married man -- and with health and tell families to try, but it gets frus- ful not to move a part which may be fractured. problems -was first to go. trating," Elkins said. As soon as possible, replace the hand pressure with that of a pad held down But private insurance was unavail- Higginbotham and her husband by a tight bandage. Chances are, there won't be any regular dressing and bandages able, or unaffordable. So Thomas work. Their daughter Alison, age 7, is close by. Use anything that's available - handkerchiefs, ties, belts, socks, stock- turned to Medicaid. It will pay the victim of an illness during infancy that ings. The key thing to remember is: never leave the wound without any pressure at $500 monthly cost to treat his high left her unable to care for herself and all. blood pressure and diabetes and his able to communicate only through This will be awkward if you are alone with the patient. It may mean keeping one wife's chronic sinus condition until cries, gestures and laughs. When both hand on the injured area while you use the other to reach for anything suitable, in- Thomas qualifies for health insurance the Higginbothams were jobless, Ali- cluding clothing. in his new job -with a very high de- son qualified for Supplemental Secu- Keep an eye on the bandage. If it shows blood still oozing through, do not re- ductible - in mid-July. rity Income -a federal program that move it but apply more pressure over it with additional padding and bandage. This Meanwhile, "Medicaid has been the gives a small monthly income to men- may have to be done several times in exceptionally difficult cases. The dressing difference between life and death for tally and physically disabled people.. can become bulky, but control of the bleeding will generally be achieved. me," former steelworker Thomas The GOP wants to cut SSI, and it The major concern in severe bleeding - the cases where immediate medical says. wants to cut Medicaid, which pays help is called for -is shock. In first aid terms, shock refers to a physical condi- But if Republicans have their way $30,000 a year for Alison's needed tion, not an emotional upset. It is a failure of the heart and circulation which fol- on Capitol Hill, Medicaid won't be care at home. The GOP's Medicaid lows severe injuries. there for people like Lester Thomas, cuts would kill payments for home First aid cannot fully treat shock. But you can prevent or minimize its develop- or Karen Higginbotham of Opelausas, health care. ment while help is on the way. LA, or Edna Faris of Alexandria, VA, The hard-working Higginbothams Stop the bleeding. Treat the victim in place, unless the area is hazardous (due to or Yvette Elkins of Columbus, OH. would have to put Alison in a nursing fire, fumes, a collapsing building, traffic, etc.). Keep the victim warm. Make the And it won't be there for the one mil- home, at a cost to taxpayers of victim comfortable. Never give the victim anything by mouth. lion additional Americans who will $60,000. "The bottom line is that Ali- If you have questions, or suggestions for future articles, write to me at IHMA, lose their health insurance this year, son would die. Before she would die 2200 Powell Street, Watergate Tower II, Suite 395, Emeryville, CA 94608. according to federal estimates. physically, she would die spiritually Medicaid cuts proposed by the GOP and emotionally," her mother says. - $182 billion over seven years - For Faris, Medicaid cuts may be the would hurt a worker who is laid off like difference between living indepen- Thomas. They would hurt working par- dently or giving up her house and her ents with a severely disabled child, like small Social Security check to pay for the Higginbothams. The cuts would her husband's nursing home bills. hurt an elderly woman whose husband Medicaid now bans states from forc- is in a nursing home, like Faris. The ing spouses of nursing home residents cuts would hurt mothers whose Medic- to spend themselves into poverty to aid pays for children's medical bills, pay for loved ones' care. A block grant thus letting them successfully leave would not ban such "asset-stripping." welfare for work, like Elkins. "I don't know what would happen" That's because the Republican ma- if the Republican Medicaid block jority in Congress pushed through a grant passes, Faris said. She seemed budget plan that not only cuts Medic- to speak for many people in repeating, aid but converts it into a block grant "I just don't know . .." to the states, with a spending limit. Let the states decide, the GOP says, What's your opinion? who gets Medicaid. Jobless workers, the disabled, welfare recipients seek- Write and tell us. ing work -all could lose. We'd like to know. Page Thirty WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 How the Counseling Registration Act Benefits Hypnotherapy in Washington State by C. Roy Hunter, M.S., C.Ht.

Following is the second of a three- promise to give written disclosure to having to go to the trouble and ex- The hypnotherapy profession bene- part editorial written by the head of clients disclosing education back- pense of creating licensing boards. fits by having legal recognition of the our new hypnotherapist group, ground (including training in the use This allows hypnotherapy the free- right to practice hypnotherapy. This pointing up the need for state legisla- of hypnosis) and experience, as well dom to become self-regulating. gives our profession far greater credi- tion on hypnotherapist registration. as displaying certificates of profes- Clients of hypnotherapy benefit bility in the eyes of the public. In the This is an important issue for our sional association. from this law by the fact that the hyp- minds of many, legal recognition is members who are hypnotherapists, Additionally, hypnotherapists must notherapist is legally required to ad- somehow perceived as an endorse- as well as any consumers and mem- promise to adhere to the Uniform Dis- here to certain codes of ethical con- ment of the profession, even though bers who wish to use hynotherapist ciplinary Code, which stipulates cer- duct. Valid client complaints may re- we are required to disclose to clients services. The conclusion will appear tain ethical standards of professional sult in registration being suspended or that registration does not constitute in the next issue of White Collar. conduct, and must inform clients of revoked, meaning loss of livelihood, an endorsement. that fact. (Also, they must pay a regis- and could result in prosecution, de- Now let me provide some addi- Overview of the Law tration fee to the state.) pending on the charges. This gives tional insights based on my profess-

NViul' e state law now sets guide- There is no educational require- clients greater recourse against any sional experience ... lines for state certification of ment for being a registered hyp- therapist or counselor guilty of uneth- counselors, as well as regis- notherapist. Although there are many ical professional conduct, even if such [Watch the next White Collar to tration of counselors, it also estab- of us who believe that some sort of conduct is nothing more than creating learn about Hunter's personal experi- lishes a separate registration for hyp- amendment to that effect might be ap- false or misleading ads. ence pre- and post-registration] notherapists. Let's look at the applica- propriate in the future, provided said tion to the practice of hypnotherapy. training standards are regulated by Those practicing hypnosis for com- the hypnotherapy profession rather pensation (or barter) in Washington than by other professions. State must register through the The Consumer Price Index for Health Department, Division of Pro- Benefits of Hypnotherapy fessional Licensing, as a hypnothera- Registration Canada and the U.S. pist. Applicants must sign a state- The state benefits by addressing the ment swearing that they are not ad- concerns expressed by outspoken citi- Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. dicted to substance. They must zens, and by collecting fees without 1994 Canada CPI (1986 = 100) 131.3 130.3 130.1 130.2 129.9 130.2 130.7 130.8 130.9 130.7 131.4 131.6 % Change from Prior Month 0.0 -0.8 -0.2 0.1 -0.2 0.0 0.4 0.1 0.1 -0.2 0.5 0.2 Richard Gephardt % Change from - Year Earlier 1.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 -0.2 0.2 0.2. 0.2 0.2 -0.2 0.5 0.2 1995 Canada CPI 132.1 132.7 133.0 133.4 133.7 133.7 134.0 133.8 A Friend of OPIEW % Change from Prior Month 0.4 0.5 0.2 0.3 0.2 0.0 0.2 -0.1 % Change from Year Earlier 0.6 1.8 2.2 2.5 2.9 2.7 2.5 2.3

427.7 428.8 430.2 430.9 431.7 433.2 434.3 438.4 437.5 437.8 438.6 438.6 1994 U.S. CPI-W "143.6 144.0 144.4 144.7 144.9 145.4 145.8 146.5 146.9 147.0 147.3 147.2 % Change from Prior Month 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.1 0.2 -0.1 % Change from Year Earlier 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.2 2.1 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.0 2.6 2.7 2.7

440.2 441.7 443.0 444.6 445.6 446.5 446.5 447.4 1995 U.S. CPI-W "147.8 148.3 148.7 149.3 149.6 149.9 149.9 150.2 % Change from Prior Month 0,4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 % Change from Year Earlier 2.9 3.0 3.0 3.2 3.2 3.1 2.8 2.5

CPI-W figured on a 1967 base " CPI-W figured on a 1982-84 base

50th\\ Celebrating NIVERSARf 50 Years of Solidarity Awreiramin "11/01t1WIr rib U.S. Representative Richard Gephardt (D-MO) has consistently been a good friend of labor and especially OPEIU. He regularly visits the Interna- AFL-CIO tional Union to confer with President Goodwin on the union's legiSlative CLC agenda. He appears here with Goodwin on a recent visit. Page Thirty-One Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR

OPEIU OPEIU Union Privilege Program Offers Free and Programs Benefit Members Discounted the program first That program also offers a schol- Legal Services Whenbegan in the late 1980s, arship to participants. In 1994 Igna- we offered only a legal cio Sanchez, Jr., son of our Local No Charge on Most services program and the OPEIU 174 (Hollywood) member Toni Cases; Complex Matters MasterCard. Today programs in- Sanchez, won a $1,000 MasterCard Handled for 30% Off clude these as well as a health scholarship. This year Nikki Jean needs program, a union member Cockrell, daughter of Local 35 ere are times when you mortgage program, loan pro- (Milwaukee) member Rachel ay need legal help or gram and driver and traveler/ Cockrell, won a $4,000 scholarship you simply have a legal shopper program. Michelle King (see separate article). question. Perhaps you've pur- from Union Privilege outlined chased a product that has turned for convention delegates the out to be a "lemon," are faced Legal Services with signing a complicated legal programs offered members document, or need expert advice today: Through the on a problem. legal services Where can you turn? program, mem- To the Office and Professional Mortgage and bers receive Employees International Union Real Estate free and dis- (OPEIU) Legal Service. counted legal Through this exclusive union- The union-mem- Michelle King advice from members-only program, you get ber only Mort- union-friendly lawyers. The benefit the legal advice you need at rates gage and Real includes free 30-minute consulta- you can afford -and most often Estate program MasterCard tion, free document review, 30% for free. In fact, according to sur- offers competi- discount on complex matters and veys, over 75 percent of the mat- Our no-fee, low- tive rates, down no enrollment fees. ters brought to lawyers through payments as interest OPEIU the Legal Service are handled low as 5%, strike protection and fi- MasterCard re- without charge. nancial assistance, a first-time buy- mains our most Prescription As an OPEIU member, the pro- ers program and more. Many popular program entitles you to a free 30- OPEIU members have bought new gram, taken ad- Drugs minute consultation with an attorney on any matter that is not homes and refinanced others vantage of by This discount, through this excellent benefit. thousands of OPEIU members. union-related. You may discuss mail-service the matter in person or .by Specifically 3,800 members have There are now 19,347 members pharmacy pro- taken advantage of this benefit. with OPEIU MasterCards. phone. If your attorney thinks a gram offers sav- letter or a phone call can resolve ings on pre- your problem, it will be done - scription med- for free. If you need more in- ications for depth legal assistance, you're eli- members and their families, includ- gible for a 30 percent discount Make A House ing relatives. on all services provided. The program also offers a free review of your personal doc- Loan Program uments - such as leases, insurance policies or sales contracts Call OPEIU's loan at no charge (some limita- program com- - Your union's mortgage and tions apply). And this represents bines lower program makes real savings, especially com- real estate rates with long- pared to similar legal programs, buying or selling a home as er terms to offer which can cost up to $100 in members afford- easy as picking up the phone. membership fees per year. able personal "The OPEIU Legal Service is loans - perfect for bill consolida- designed to meet the special This program provides you tion. Loans start at $2,500. So far, needs of the employees we rep- with expert counselors, 750 OPEIU members have taken out resent," said OPEIU President c) the loans, averaging $5,600. Michael Goodwin. "The program competitive mortgage rates offers free and discounted legal and discounted real estate assistance - without complica- services. You also receive Shoppers tions. And it helps members special help if you are a Union Member avoid the high cost of legal assistance while providing them with first-time home buyer, and Discounts helps its Cpl service from a lawyer they can protection if you are laid members and trust." off, disabled or on strike. their families The OPEIU Legal Service does save on all not cover matters involving kinds of prod- union-related organizations or For information call: ucts and ser- officials. Lawyers are not oblig- vices - from Hertz car rentals, to ated to take a case and may de- 1-800-848-6466 North American Van Lines moves, cline if they choose. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 8 a.m., to 9 p.m., to hearing healthcare and more. For more information on the Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Eastern Time. OFronlvin We look forward to greater par- OPEIU Legal Service or for the ticipation in the Union Privilege names of participating attorneys UNION MEMBER MORTGAGE Programs and to providing mem- in your area, contact your local ESTATE call AND REAL Se habla espatiol bers and their families more and or 1-800-452-9425. greatly improved benefits. Page Thirty-Two WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995

Rom4o Corbeil Le by Michael Goodwin, International President

,6a

The International Union suffered nadian council structure and saw the was a wonderful man, always cheerful the loss of a great labor leader building of the Eastern Canadian and willing to share a good laugh with and friend when Romeo Cor- Council, the Central Ontario Council all. He never stopped trying to get beil passed away in July. Romeo and the Mid-Canada Council as effec- close to people and never stopped served in many capacities during the tive vehicles for organizing and servic- helping the newer members under- years as International Representative, ing membership. The councils are par- stand the rich history and meaning of Canadian Director and International ticularly helpful to smaller locals who the labor movement in Canada. Secretary-Treasurer. He was a leader can pool resources. Romeo defined Although he was sick for quite in Local 57 in Montreal and a builder the Canadian identity from within the some time, he never complained to of the Canadian structure as we know union while at the same time increas- anyone about his suffering. On the it today. ing Canadian influence over Interna- contrary, he always had the hospital When the Office Employees In- tional Union affairs. He was the cen- staff in "stitches." ternational Union was born in 1945, tral spokesperson for Canadian iden- When I was first elected in March many local unions in Canada were op- tity and structure which led to four 1994, I informed the Executive Board erating as Federal Labor Unions char- Vice Presidents and the International that I intended to rely on Romeo's tered by the American Federation of Secretary-Treasurer on the Executive wisdom and experience. I was very Labor. Like so many other trade Board from Canada. He was a trade fortunate to be able to reach out to unions in the United States, they were unionist through and through. him for advice and counsel. Relying small and had limited resources. Over Romeo believed in the young mem- on his experience, he was a great help time, the FLU's became part of the bers and recognized that they would in planning this year's convention. He OPEIU as local unions. provide the energy and new ideas put together a nomination and elec- When Romeo was first hired in Romeo Corbeil needed to carry the union into the tion process for the convention which 1956, the International Union repre- 1924-1995 21st century. They loved him for his is unequalled in terms of safeguards sented 44,000 members including contributions to the union and his and democracy. We were very pleased 4,000 in Canada. There was no sepa- work in so many capacities, that they with all of his work and advice in con- rate structure for Canada and opera- respectfully called him the "Godfa- nection with the convention. tions were conducted out of the In- "I was very fortunate ther." In 1980, the Canadian conven- We are very grateful to Romeo for ternational Union office in New York. to be able to tion delegates presented him with nu- sharing most of his adult life with us Romeo began to organize and build reach merous hats indicating all of the vari- and appreciate all that he has done on membership in Canada and to guide out to him for advice ous positions that Romeo has held behalf of the membership. We will the Canadian sector toward a Cana- over the years. miss him greatly. dian identity. In 1957, Local 57 had and counsel." The union has been blessed with its Peace be with you, Romeo, and less than 200 members and the Cana- INI1 association with Romeo Corbeil. He thank you. dian membership was under 10% of the overall union. Romeo was later to see the fruits of his labor as the Cana- dian membership swelled to over 30,000 including nearly 9,000 mem- OPEIU Endorses Donahue & bers in Local 57. Romeo also saw the establishment of a Canadian Director to oversee Ca- nadian affairs, a:Canadian Consulta- Easterling for AFL-CIO Posts tive Committee, and a Canadian Con- onvention delegates unanimously passed a reso- The times call for strong and creative leadership at the vention to set policy on matters af- lution supporting Tom Donahue and Barbara head of a strong Federation, a leadership that can unite, fecting the Canadian membership. He Easterling for President and Secretary-Trea- challenge and motivate all of our unions. OPEIU believes was the driving force behind the Ca- surer of the AFL-CIO. Upon the convention's adjourn- that Tom Donahue and Barbara Easterling are exactly the ment, OPEIU International President Michael Goodwin candidates to meet this need. sent the two candidates the following message on behalf We strongly endorse the Donahue-Easterling ticket and of all OPEIU members: offer whatever assistance we can to make your election a The 130,000-member Office and Professional Employ- reality. e'es International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, CLC, wholeheartedly endorses the Donahue-Easterling ticket for AFL-CIO President and Secretary-Treasurer. Tom, we are proud that last month the delegates to our 20th Triennial Convention were the first to vote a unanimous endorsement of you for President of the AFL-CIO. The programs you initiated - the Organizing Institute, Labor Institute of Public Affairs, among others - your vision, personal integrity and values make you the only choice for President of the Federation. Additionally we are proud that you have the foresight a to join with an equally capable and qualified candidate for Secretary-Treasurer, Barbara Easterling from CWA. And it is certainly time that the women of the labor 5 movement took their rightful place as partners in the leadership of this great organization. Their recognition is long overdue. I commend you, Tom, for your foresight and your commitment to diversity and the full participa-

. tion of women and minorities at all levels of the trade union movement. Thomas P. Donahue and Barbara Easterling Page Four WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Five Tributes to Ito eo Corbe

- first heard of Romeo in 1956 when he joined the OEIU [Office Em- tional Union and became Local 434. pon his retirement: ant character, professional manner and tireless dedication to the ployes International Union] after working for. the. Chemical Work- We are proud to be OPEIU members and Romeo Corbeil's likeable Romeo; you deserve all the due honors for your active par- OPEIU. . ers. I had the good fortune to meet him at the last convention in personality helped to make this possible. ticipation in the labour movement. For the past 30 years you have Dave Miller, Region IX Montreal and, what I saw was a dedicated trade unionist with a sense of Romeo and I met in 1969 when I was an executive officer and, from proven that conscientious work is always rewarded. humor. Over the next ten years we continued to meet at staff confer- that moment on, the respect I have for this man, whom I consider quite In 1956 you were given great responsibility, and you met the challenge International ences and conventions, I saw that he continued to be a real trade union- exceptional, never stopped growing. and much more here in our province and in Canada. You were, and still Vice President ist, both idealistic and practical. The locals he was assigned to service Most of you, I am sure, will understand the words "spiritual adviser", are, I am sure, a great builder of the Office Employees Union. continued to grow. The reputation of the OEILT was no longer "a quill and I feel that Romeo Corbeil was mine in terms of unionism. Through multiple sacrifices and dedication, you have transmitted pusher union" but was now a part of the main stream of the Labour Romeo made us proud members of Local 434. In us, he brought out unity, good old-fashioned solidarity to those who want to build on solid 7hat started many years ago as a fraternal relationship between Movement. I was a little jealous of hint because of his bank organizing our strength, capabilities and independence. ground, for the betternient of working people and their families. Romeo and me quickly became a warm friendship. It was a but proud to be part of the organization that had done so much for these Local 434 would not have been what it is today, after almost 20 years "Meo," we wish to thank you for a job well done, and we wish you a privilege to have known him, and I will never forget his workers. of existence, without the close collaboration of Romeo Corbeil. He was great retirement. thoughtfulness and kindness. always encouraging with constructive criticism and guided us in any de- Romeo was loved by all who knew him. His wisdom provided com- cision we consequently made. Denis Frechete fort, and his humor cheered us all. President, Local 463 (in 1986) We consider ourselves lucky to have met Romeo Corbeil, a man who Ron Tuckwood, Region VIII had so much to offer, a man who was a born leader. International Vice President "I saw another side of Thank you, Romeo Corbeil, 1,134 times on behalf of the 1,134 members of Local 434, for the work we accomplished together. Romeo Corbeil was one of the first people I met when I began my OPEIU career. I had, from the beginning, the utmost respect and Romeo a visionary." Yvon Rivard admiration for him. he labor movement has been blessed over the years in having President, Local 434 (in 1986) Romeo truly was the father of OPEIU in Canada. Our very effective great labor leaders. OPEIU being one organization that has had Council structure in Eastern Canada and subsequent growth can be at- such a leader among them, which has Romeo Corbeil. He joined tributed to Romeo's efforts. OPEIU in 1956 at a time when our membership in Canada was only ha 1971 we established a relationship that was to grow, to where I am It was always easier to talk with Romeo than to try to describe him. 5,600 members and organizing white collar workers was very difficult. now proud to call him friend. Some of my fellow old timers will remem- A friendly and loving man, he always had the right word to bring Through his determination and his continuous youthful enthusiasm. ber we had a different system of election at the 1971 Convention. The discussions a little further. He had a questioning look, a positive at- today OPEIU represents more than 30,000 members in Canada. He al- International executive board was informed that at the Canadian caucus titude and words of cheer. Always concerned, he so often said, "Every ways felt that unorganized white collar workers were a continuous they had selected Romeo for vice president. I am proud to be able to say problem has its solution. It is up to you to find it!" "Romeo truly was the threat to our collective bargaining achievements. I was the first on the board to support him. Later that night we met and Nevertheless, he could not resist asking how things were going at the I had the privilege of working very closely with Romeo from 1958 until talked of his vision of how to bring thousands more into our ranks, both first opportunity he got. I do not know what we would have done with- of OPEIU in his death, he was warm, compassionate, unselfish and above all a thor- Canadian and U.S., and in this I saw another side of Romeo -a vision- out him! father ough friend. Wherever Romeo went-whoever he met, he was ex- ary. Over the next year, as vice president and Canadian Director, the tremely respected. He had a way of establishing a relationship that con- OPEIU continued to grow in numbers and respect. Romeo, in fact, was Canada." tinuously grew. Mister OPEIU in Canada. He fought with perseverance for the recognition of white collar work- Having seen this, when we had to fill the position of Secretary-Trea- "Every problem has ers. In the early sixties, he fought the concept of equal pay for equal surer, we all turned to Romeo. He resisted, not because of the inconve- value of work. nience to himself and his family, and that was great, but because deep He was one of the very rare people one meets in life who was loved He established educational programs and promoted greater Local down he is also a very humble man. After some time he came to the con- its solution. It is up to and respected by all who came to know him. Union participation in the decision making process. He lead the imple- clusion that it was not like him to refuse an assignment, and he became mentation of the Canadian autonomy within the International Union Janice Best, Region X our Secretary-Treasurer. Once again he came through for us, bringing a you to find it!" structure. Romeo was a visionary. youthful enthusiasm to the office that enabled him to work closely with International the staff to streamline our procedures. Vice President While writing these few words, I keep thinking how can I say what is really in my heart. for Romeo, Life was not always easy on him but he knew how to surround himself "Romeo had two We've worked together; with people with whom hard work and long hours did not count. A born Local 397 was saddened by the passing of Brother Romeo Corbeil. We've dreamed together; organizer, he took each challenge as it came, and the OPEIU always He was a tireless worker and was always there to assist in any other than to say: he will always be my friend, and I hope he can say the came out the stronger for it. way he could. passions, his family and 397 when we ran into difficulty with our provin- same for me. Since I became President of Local 57 in 1980, I have been enlightened Romeo assisted Local come to Regina to by Romeo's trust and solidarity which gave me the will to surpass my- cial structure. He took time from his busy schedule to John Kelly (now deceased) help us set up our present provincial council structure, which provides OPEIU." OPEIU self and communicate this determination to others. My pride in and commitment to my union is largely due to Romeo as well. representation for each of our offices in Saskatchewan. He was instru- changes which provided for a truly International President The sincerest way to pay him tribute is a simple "Thank You." Thank mental in making the constitutional you, Romeo, democratic process in the representation of our Local. Even though he retired in 1986, he was continuously involved with the for your tenacity Romeo was a dedicated trade unionist who recognized the impor- organization on special assignments from President Kelly and there- he Savings Bank Employees Union's first contact with Romeo for your collegial spirit tance of Canadian autonomy and fought hard to ensure that we were after, President Goodwin or the Canadian Director, his advice was con- Corbeil was in July 1967. for your straight forwardness successful to that end. Romeo always had the interests of Canada in tinuously sought. Romeo quickly won our founders' trust for they soon realized for your dedication mind when decisions or policies were made. He seemed to be a step His last few days with us, while we were celebrating our 50th Anniver- he was a born leader and had great skills in unionization and a thorough for your self sacrifice ahead of everyone and was never too busy to explain and resolve issues sary in Vancouver, were spent in the hospital, reviewing our convention interven- knowledge of the labour movement. Because of his prompt I would also like to say thank you to his wife Mado (now deceased) or assist on any matter. material. tions at various levels of the labour movement, we received our certifi- and his children for the patience and understanding they showed to a As a Vice President in Canada, I will especially miss Romeo's wealth Romeo had two passions, his family and OPEIU. cation in October 1967 and were finally recognized by our employer. man dedicated to his union... of knowledge. He was always there for us. At every meeting Romeo had Romeo will be deeply missed; however, we should be proud of the invaluable to the CCC Romeo provided us with valuable advice dm-ing the drafting of our You will always be one of us! another project completed or updated and was legacy he has left us. first contract and also during negotiations. Finally, in March 1968, we [Canadian Consultative Committee]. reached a settlement and signed our first collective agreement. We then Maurice LaPlante Romeo was a true friend to Local 397 and Region IX. We all carry our Gilles Beauregard became affiliated to the Office and Professional Employees Interna- President, Local 57 own fond memories of him and will always remember him for his pleas- Secretary-Treasurer Pnoth Four WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995

Delegates flInvest in the Future" by Voting Organizing Support Nearly 400 delegates and alter- Michael Goodwin to a three-year term Delegates also voted to transfer John Kelly Labor Studies Scholarship nates attended the 20th Trien- as International President, and re- $1.5 million from the General Fund to Fund; nial Convention of the Office elected Secretary-Treasurer Gilles a special Regional Organizing Cooper- raising the regional educational and Professional Employees Interna- Beaurgard and Canadian Director ative Fund. The delegates voted to conference subsidy from $300 to $400 tional Union, AFL-CIO, CLC, in Van- Michel. Lajeunesse. Eleven U.S. and earmark 15 cents per member per per local union; couver, British Columbia, from June four Canadian International Vice Pres- month of the per caps increase for raising the contribution to the Ca- 19 to 23, 1995. idents were elected or re-elected as this Fund in 1995. An additional 15 nadian Convention Fund from $15 to "Investing in Our Future" was the well. cents will be added in 1996 and 1997. $20 per local per month; convention theme, as delegates delib- You can read more in-depth reports This is the fust time in the history raising the contribution to the In- erated to establish policy to guide the on these elections, policy statements, of this union, said Moss, that we have ternational Convention Fund from $20 union over the next three years and Speakers, award winners within the constitutionally set aside resources to $25 per local per month; into the future. Organizing was the pages of this newspaper. And read to for organizing. "I think it demon- making the Canadian Director re- particular focus. Delegates celebrated see the course that delegates worked strates how truly committed we are to sponsible for administering the Cana- organizing victories over the last few long and hard to chart -a course in- organizing and bringing unrepre- dian Regional Organizing Cooperative years and throughout history. tended to lead this International sented workers the benefits of collec- Fund; and OPEIU, in fact, is celebrating its Union to even greater heights over the tive bargaining." raising local union dues $1 50th anniversary in 1995 as an affiliate next three years. Other constitutional changes monthly in each of the next three of the American Federation of Labor, passed by the delegates included: years and making $10 per month the now the AFL-CIO. Those festivities Organizng and committing 2 cents per member minimum dues allowable. continued with a special 36-page Constitutional Changes per month of per capita taxes to the (Continued on page 20) White Collar, containing an 18-page Recognizing that the historical calendar insert, historical union's general treasury pins and paraphenalia, and a special had declined due to inade- display of the founding of OPEIU quate per capita increases Local 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana. at previous conventions, as Policy statements and resolutions well as inflationary pres- on a wide variety of issues (e.g., affir- sures, the delegates voted mative action, fair pay act, labor law to increase the per capita reform, balanced budget amendment, paid by local unions to the the TEAM Act, welfare reform) were International Union in debated and voted. 1995 by 65 cents per mem- Nationally and internationally rec- ber on 1 to 500 members ognized experts and politicians and 40 cents per member brought the members up-to-date on on 501 or more members. these and other subjects of concern to In both 1996 and 1997 members, as well as the political and per caps will increase 40 economic climates of both countries cents and 30 cents respec- - Canada and the United States. tively. Educational workshops took place Vice President J.B. each afternoon following the close of Moss, making the report convention sessions. Issues of imme- for the Constitution and diate concern, but most particularly Laws Committee, said that organizing, were the focus: the re- this vote demonstrated the gional organizing cooperative pro- forward vision of the dele- gram, a lawyers conference, secre- gates. "Without this fund- tary-treasurer & trustees workshop, ing we could not pursue Women and AIDS, public sector orga- the aggressive organizing health care industry workshop plans we have discussed nizing, Local 2001 - Arkansas Serf-Help Local - receives their charter. Peter Gregan and Ricky and organizing techniques. here. I commend you on Williams accept the charter from Jay Porcaro, Director of Organization, and Michael Good- Delegates unanimously elected your action today." win, International President.' Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Five

Delegates Speak on the Issues

Poliefe,s Set for Union's Future Delegates debated the union's Delegates pledged the union to con- 8) the continued prohibition of Teamwork for Employees position on many issues -in tinue pressing for the addition and company unions and employer domi- and Managers Act of 1995 committees and on the con- strengthening of affirmative action nation of unions in the NLRA (see Recognizing that passage of the also vention floor. Ultimately, after long language in all of our union contracts, the policy statement "The Team- Teamwork for Employees and Man- discussions, even arguments, revi- with the objective to include, but not work for Employees Act"). agers Act would legalize employer sions and amendments, they crafted be limited to, the use of a goals and OPEIU pledged itself and its local creation and support of company policies and resolutions which will timetables program. unions to work to repeal and abolish unions in order to bust unions and guide the union over the next three any existing legislation which interferes Labor Law Reform deny workers their right to represen- years. Just a few of those progressive with our ability to achieve these goals. tation, delegates voted to oppose pas- policies and resolutions, in summa- To reform U.S. labor law to guaran- U.S. Welfare Reform sage of the "TEAM Act," introduced as rized form, follow: tee: H.R. 743 and S. 295. Delegates pledged 1) all workers the right to organize To oppose the "Contract With Affirmative Action the union to lobby our Congressional into unions and to bargain collec- America's" welfare reform. Instead we Representatives and Senators, and to To endorse the concept of affirma- tively, will fight for welfare reform that is educate our members to write or call tive action as vital to the preservation 2) union certification with majority part of a broader anti-poverty pro- their legislators to express opposition of the gains of organized labor, as well card check, gram which must include: to the Act. as advancing equality of opportunity 3) the right to go to binding arbitra- economic security for all children, for African Americans, Latinos, tion on a first contract after certifica- basic skills training for those who Balanced Budget Asians, Native Americans, women and tion, need it, Amendment others suffering discrimination. 4) the repeal of "right to work" economic policies to spur the cre- Noting that the Republicans plan to OPEIU reaffirmed strong support laws, ation of good, well-paying jobs, cut $1.3 trillion from the U.S. federal for affirmative action and pledged to 5) the right to organize and engage an increase in the minimum wage, budget, without offering any details to protect affir- in sympathy strikes and secondary further improvements press for legislation in the Earned on where they plan to make such cuts mative action programs under serious boycotts, Income Tax Credit, and better unem- (although they are looking greedily at challenge as a result of the Adarand 6) employers be prohibited from ployment insurance protection, Social Security and Medicare) and restore civil any involvement comprehensive decision and to fully in a worker's deci- national health with no consideration of the impact sion whether or not to join a union, care, and rights and affirmative action provi- on American citizens, OPEIU dele- sions that have been eroded by the 7) meaningful employer penalties improved access to high quality courts. for violation of labor laws, child care. (Continued on page 21) Page Six WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995

Ce 1 ebrating a life: Ro 6o Corbeil

(Continued from page 3) Ron Tuckwood - that Canadians have consistently played a major role in the International Union. The OPEIU Canadian membership has maintained its autonomy and identity, but also has participated in and contributed to a sense of solidarity with its United States counterpart. Together U.S. and Canadian members have directed the growth and progress of the union. Late International President John Kelly was correct that Romeo Corbeil was a visionary. The problems and solutions of which he spoke are as relevant today as they were in 1986. The vision At Local 57's 35th Anniversary, Romeo (secondfrom-the-right) celebrates with Francine Plante, loss of that for our union Claude Lamothe and Jacques Leboeuf in Montreal. and the labor movement is a tragedy. Out of our deep respect and love for this great labor leader and friend of working people, it is our responsibility to take the lessons he taught us and use them to strengthen and enlarge our union. It is the best memorial we can raise to him.

Romeo Corbeil attends a 1959 Canadian Conference with International Director of Organization Henderson B. Douglas (now deceased). The very young Gilles Beauregard (now Interna- tional Secretary-Treasurer) with Romeo Corbeil.

At a dinner honoring International President Romeo Corbeil and John Kelly, Romeo Corbeil sits at the dais Yvon Rivard in bank with then Vice President (now President) negotiations. Michael Goodwin. Page Six WIIITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 President Outlines Organizing Goals and the Path to Success

The theme of the 20th Triennial the General Fund to a specifically des- the 365 employees of Mount Rusich and Donna Shaffer. Convention was Organizing: ignated new ROC fund; Clemens Hospital in Michigan, orga- To assist in organizing workers and Investim in' Our Future. In- full-time ROC organizers whose nized by Robert Garvin, on leave from better representing members, Good- ternational President Michael Good- sole job will be to bring new members Local 494's Solidarity House unit; win stressed the need for education win pressed that theme and the criti- into participating ROC locals; an ongoing campaign conducted and said that to make attending re- cal need for organizing more mem- an army of volunteer rank-and-file by Northwest Locals 8, 11 and 23 for gional education conferences more af-, bers - for the sake of the members, organizers; 3,000 home health care workers, fordable, "we will increase the al, the union and the country. an increased organizing incentive, under the direction of Cindy Schu; lowance from $300 to $400 for all at- After speaking at, length about the "where recognition or certification is two new locals in Alabama of law tending locals." regressive policies imposed upon the obtained". enforcement offi- Also,. "our strike and defense fund American and Canadian citizens, the ". . . if you look cers, organized by remains strong," he said, and the ex- attacks on, the workers and labor at the side walls of Howard Turber- ecutive board will recommend in- movements of both nations, he said: this hall, you'll see Atte; creasing strike benefits from $170 to

". . . In the U.S. the labor movement lists of organizing a new Arkansas $200 per week, at no additional cost represents 14% of the eligible work- successes over the local seeking to or- for the local unions. force, compared with close to 40% in last three years. If ganize thousands In order to achieve the goals we've Canada. This difference shows up in you add up the of state public em- set out here, he noted, we have to many provinces in Canada where numbers, you'll ployees under the have the resources. The per cap in- labor laws are clearly more progres- find that the In- leadership of Peter crease passed at the last convention, sive than many of the states. This ternational and Gregan and he pointed out, was insufficient to broader protection is also evidenced local unions com- Charles Williams; keep pace with inflation and the Gen- on another level. bined have orga- new groups of eral Treasury fell by more than $4 mil- "There's no question that as union nized over 13,000 nontraditional em- lion. membership increases as a percent- workers. Yet, our ployees, like hyp- He thanked Secretary-Treasurer age of the workforce, the effective- union has grown notists, chiroprac- Gilles Beauregard and Canadian Di- ness of unions on the job and in the only slightly. tors, acupunctur- rector Michel Lajeunesse, as well as political process also increases. I can- "The rapid ad- ists and expressive all International officers and staff, for not overemphasize the need for us to vance of technol- arts therapists. invaluable support. make sure that our voices are heard in ogy, plant closings Goodwin wel- "With our limited resources, we Washington, Ottawa, state capitols and circumstances "The best years comed David Gay have made remarkable progress over and provincial governments. beyond our control and Alan Morrison the last three years. This union has "To assist us in this objective, we give truth to the are yet to come." representing the the talent and potential to become are recommending to this convention, old adage 'You 900 employees at bigger and stronger than ever . a new and innovative organizing pro- have to organize to the Massachusetts "President Kennedy in his inaugural gram to be known as 'The ROC'(re- keep even.' Well, Institute of Tech- address in 1961 said, 'Ask what you gional organizing cooperative), to in- we're not only going to keep even; nology, who are exploring affiliation can do for your country.' Our mem- sure that we do our part to build the we're going to move dramatically with our union. bers are asking what they can do for OPEIU into a larger and stronger ahead." "In Canada, 2,700 employees were the union. Let's tap into that strength union. All of us will be asked to par- He gave credit to new Director of organized by Locals 57 and 378, the and carry out the mission we were ticipate in the ROC, to be established Organization Jay Porcaro for much of Central Ontario Council and Locals 15 chartered to do 50 years ago: bring the in each region." the organizing success. And he cited and 521." benefits of collective bargaining and Important features for making the numerous other successfully con- He noted several individuals who an improved quality of life to our soci- ROC successful, he outlined as the cluded and on-going campaigns: will be honored for their organizing ety ... following: the 1,110 Dade County, Florida achievements later in the convention: "My friends, the best years of the sufficient resources, which in- government supervisors, organized by Vice President Janice Best; OPEIU are not behind us. The best clude a $1.5 million transfer of money Ed Darcy, Vince Menditto, Ron Hut- Vice President Patrick Tully; and years are yet to come," he concluded from the Strike and Defense Fund and son and Ed Darcy, Jr.; International Representatives Jeff to thunderous applause. Page Seven Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Potrunage Tortreil syndiealiste et ami

je revois mon anti Romeo, it y a Romeo, ces sobriquets avaient le ton A sa famille, a Ginette et a Lionel, a de cela pas tenement longtemps, du respect et de l'affection, le ton de Gaston et a Elisabeth ainsi qu'a leers marchant sur une plage des ramitie. C'etait notre facon a nous de enfants, je desire vous exprimer pour Etats-Unis. 11 est déjà malade. Je l'ac- nous relier a lui, en marquant notre nous toutes et tous notre tres grande compagne et it me pule avec ferveur degre d'intimite avec cet hornme que solidarite dans la peine qui vous af- de son voyage syndical dans les pays je n'hesite pas a qualifier de geant, flige et que nous partageons. Mais de l'Afrique francaise au debut des an- pour ses qualites exceptionnelles et aussi, je desire vous remercier de nous nees 1970, puis it enchain sans tran- par ses engagements jamais trahis. avoir permis de partager avec vous, sition sur des questions concernant Car Romeo, je ne l'apprends a per- toute sa vie durant, ce grand bon-. notre organisation et qu'il faut regler. sonne ici, etait un homme d'engage- homme qui est votre Ore et aussi un Les conseils alors qu'il m'adresse ont ment. Un homme de combat et de dig- peu le notre. la justesse de rexperience. Les con- nite. 11 etait genereux, mais capable de Je sais que Romeo avait un espoir seils, avec Romeo, sont toujours colere devant rinjustice. 11 etait bon, tenace, celui des jeunes, celui de voir brefs, car its ont la qualite de se trans- mais capable de severite devant les in- les jeunes prendre la releve, prendre le former tout de suite en solution evi- dividus qui abusaient des travailleuses baton du routier et poursuivre le dente. Nous nous dirigeons vers un et des travailleurs. Romeo a consacre chemin des batisseurs. D'ici quelque quaff, a une demi-heure de Motel, ob. toute sa vie au mouvement syndical, a temps, en hommage posthume a nous projetons de jeter nos lignes la promotion des conditions de vie Romeo, notre organisation mettra sur pour Ocher un Poisson qui, nous le des hommes et des femmes du SIEPB. pied un fonds special qui permettra savons, est Presque inexistant a cet Beaucoup d'entre vous l'avez connu On his retirement Romeo holds a ces jeunes adolescents de recevoir endroit. Nous axrivons au quaff; je me dans son travail d'organisateur, travail book prepared to honor his Wehrle of une formation syndicate tout en pron.- souviens alors que nous avions une qu'il placait au-dessus de tous les achievements. tant des loisirs d'et6 dans le cadre discussion animee sur les orienta- autres. C'etait par la que commencait d'echanges entre les Etats-Unis et le tions du mouvement syndical. Nous la conquete du "bread and butter," et Canada. deposons nos sacs pour nous rendre c'etait encore et toujours par l'organi- longue route: Jacques Leboeuf, Gilles rarrete ici, en sachant que beaucoup compte que nous avions tout notre at- sation qu'on protegeait le "bread and Beauregard, Jacques Letendre. Marc d'entre vous auriez temoigne mieux tirail . . . sauf les lignes a poche. Je me butter du simple monde." Combien de Boulard, lui, nous a quitte voila, déjà 13 que moi de ce que fut pour nous cet souviens de nos rires fous durant le fois it nous a MOO ce credo pour al- ans. ami. Je veux remercier sa famille de retour. Nous etions reposes et con- lumer chez nous Petincelle qui En plus d'être un travailleur infati- m'avoir fait l'honneur de me permettre tents. reveillerait notre ardeur pour le re- gable, it etait un leader, un chef intel- de lui rendre cet hommage. Romeo n'e- Des souvenirs de Romeo ... J'en al crutement syndical. Je l'entends en- lectuellement done et methodique, se- tait pas un homme de longs discours, des tas comme vous en avez tous. core me parler de l'organisation des cretaire general de la section locale ses actes et ses gestes allaient droit au Romeo prenant le chemin du restau- employes du Gaz Metropolitain et de 57, coordonnateur et fondateur du but. .1e veux terminer cet hommage rant Select, angle Ste-Catherine et St- ceux de la Banque Laurentienne; je Conseil de l'Est du Canada, clirecteur comme it terminait si souvent ses dis- Denis, pour une soupe maison qui lui revois dans ses yeux toute sa fierte canadien et tresorier international; it a cours en nous disant qu'il nous aimait servait de repas. Meo qui nous rece- devant certaines reussites qui font ou- partout fait valoir ses qualites de chef tous et en se frappant le coeur du vait dans son bureau et nous aidait a blier toutes les fatigues pour y par- et d'organisateur. Il a pratiquement poing. Ce coup de poing au coeur fai- trouver nous-memes les reponses aux venir. Car Romeo etait infatigable. mis au monde l'organisation au sait battre le notre d'un coup de plus questions que nous lui posions. be Romeo voyageait et negociait, negoci- Quebec. II a travaille et bataille pour la tant nous le recevions tout de suite "Godfather" qui, mine epanouie, vous ait et voyageait. C'etait repoque reconnaissance de l'autonomie canadi- comme une verite immediate. faisait la "passe du petit cochon qui herolque de notre organisation. Les enne au sein de l'organisation interna- Romeo nous t'aimons. tousse" au jeu de poker qu'il adorait ereintants voyages vers les "compag- tionale. Comme tresorier de l'OPEIU Michel Lajeunesse tandis que Mado, clin d'oeil en coin, nies de papier" d'oa it revenait, con- pendant trois ans, it a modernise et in- Le 5 juillet 1995 lui reprenait le 20 $ qu'elle venait de trat de travail en poche, avec mille formatise les methodes de gestion. perdre. vraies amities nouees au tours de ses Comme tresorier emeritus, it n'a Entre nous, nous parlions du bon- experiences, amities qui lui faisaient pas cesse un seul instant de me homme en parlant de Romeo. Et que nous relater ses experiences avec une supporter dans les fonctions qui ce soit le bonhomme, ou Meo, ou infinie chaleur humaine. Nous avons furent les siennes. Romeo, monsieur Corbeil, le godfather ou encore des compagnons de cette jusqu'a la fin, jusqu'au congres de juin dernier, n'a pas an-ete de produire des travaux qui res- teront encore longtemps pre- cieu.x pour le bon fonction- nement de notre syndicat. Je le revois, ces derniers temps, malade, assis dans mon bureau, et mettant la derniere main a un travail commence chez lui. Nous sommes nombreux a avoir de ces images et de ces souvenirs de Romeo. Ds sont dif- ferents par le temps, par ranee- dote, par la couleur, mais j'en suis sur, ce sont tous des souvenirs impetissables, bralants de cette chaleur d'homme qu'il avait. Quand dans l'avenir, it nous viendra de revisiter en pen- Romeo Corbeil appears here with his wife Mado and International Secretary-Treasurer s& Romeo, c'est cette chaleur-la Gilles Beauregard at the 1986 OPEIU In- qui le gardera en nous tres vi- ternational Convention in Montreal. Her Brother Corbeil with Marc Boulard in February 1980. vant, et pour toujours. death preceded his by only months. Page Seven Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Delegates Honor Organizing Award Winners International President Michael Goodwin said that since organizing is the lifeblood of the union, this award presentation ceremony was the most enjoyable portion of the program for him. He and Jay Porcaro, Director of Organization, presented the 1994 organizing awards to several star organizers:

OOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOO

Gold Award Ed Darcy, OPEN Regional Director in Florida - assisted by International Staff Ron Hutson, Vincent Menditto and Ed Darcy, Jr. - received the high- est award for organizing the 1,110 Dade County professionals of Florida. He offered additional thanks to In- ternational Representatives Bob Sim- mons and. Don Wright for their support, as well as John Kelly (deceased International President) who brought Darcy into the union.

Vincent Menditto, Ed Darcy, Jr., and Ron Hutson Ed Darcy, Sr. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO

Silver & Bronze Awards Volunteer Sharing the silver awards were Vice Organizing President Janice Best, who said she Award could not have done it without the staff and officers' support at the Cen- Robert Garvin, a Local 494 member tral Ontario Council, and International who took a leave from UAW Solidarity Representative Donna Shaffer. House, organized Mount Clemens International Representative Jeff Hospital with a group of nurses from Rusich received the bronze award. that unit and received this first Volunteer Organizing Award.

Donna Shaffer Robert Garvin

Doug Award The Henderson B. Douglas Award is the union's traditional award for the individual or group organizing the most members in the preceeding year. This time Vice President Pat Tully of Local 32 won for 1994. Tully and Local 32 have organized hundreds of New Jersey court employees and are seeking to represent hundreds more. Delegates came to their feet to cele- brate the accomplishments of these organizers and show their appreciation for their talents and hard work.

Janice Best Jeff Rusich Patrick Tully Page Eight WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 Itiontin (Cottrell Trade-unionist and Friend (The French translation appears on page 7)

Ithink back to one time of the living conditions of men reflected. He practically gave birth to remain, I am certain, imperishable, not too long ago when and women of the OPEIU. the organization in Quebec. He filled with his human warmth. When my friend Romeo Many of you have known worked and fought for recognition of in the future we think of Romeo, it is and I took a walk on a Romeo while he worked Canadian autonomy within the in- that warmth that will keep him alive beach somewhere in as an organizer and you ternational organization. in our hearts and forever. the United States. know that he put his During the three years he was Sec- To his family, to Ginette and Li- He was sick al- work well before retary-Treasurer of the OPEIU, he onel, to Gaston and. Elisabeth, to ready. I'm with everything else. It him and he tells was through this first me about the step that "bread and union travel he butter" was con- made to coun- quered, and it was tries of French through organizing Africa in the early that the "bread and 70's then abruptly butter of ordinary changes the sub- people" were safe- ject and begins dis- guarded. How many cussing issues of times did we hear him concern to our orga- say the same old refrain nization that need res- that would rekindle our olution. Romeo's coun- enthusiasm for union re- sel to me has the sound- cruitment. I still can hear ness of experience. Romeo's him talk about the campaigns advice was always brief, as it at Gaz Metropolitain and the Lau- had the ability' to immediately trans- rentian Bank; I still can see the pride form itself into a transparent solution. in his eyes arising from organizing suc- We were heading to a wharf about cesses that made all the tiredness go 30 minutes from the hotel where we away. Indeed, Romeo was tireless. knew our chances of catching fish Romeo travelled and negotiated, nego- Romeo with his beloved Canadian OPEIU/SEPB family at the 1992 International were slim. We finally get there, we put tiated and travelled. It was the glori- Convention in Florida. our gear down. I remember our ani- ous days of our organization. These mated discussion about the directions exhausting trips to the paper mills modernized and computerized the ad- their children, I would like to express of the labour movement, only to find from where he came back with a con- ministrative methods. Then he be- our immense solidarity in the sorrow that we had everything, save our lines. tract in his back pocket, with thou- came Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus we now feel and that we share. But I remember our laughs on our way sands of new true friendships formed and never stopped supporting me in also, I would like to thank you for back. We were rested and content. during these experiences. Some com- an office that had been his. Up until sharing him for all his life, this great Remembrances of Romeo . .. There panions of this long route are still with the end, until the convention held last man who was your father and also a are so many memories I have of him us: Jacques Leboeuf, Gilles Beaure- June, Romeo kept preparing docu- little ours. as I am sure you all have: Romeo on gard, Jacques Letendre. Marc Boulard ments that will remain important for I know that Romeo had this persis- his way to Restaurant Select, corner passed away some 13 years ago. the smooth functioning of our organi- tent hope, he had hope in youth, he of Ste-Catherine and St-Denis, for a Romeo was more than a tireless zation. I remember him, in the last hoped that the young would take over bowl of soup which his lunch con- worker, he was a leader, witted and few days, sick, sitting in my office, and walk in the footsteps of the sisted of; Meo who would show us in methodical. He has been Secretary and putting the final touch to a work builders. Sometime soon, in memo- his office and listen to our problems General of Local 57, co-ordinator and he had started at home. riam of Romeo, our organization will and make us resolve them ourselves; founder of the Eastern Canada Coun- There are many of us who have set up a special fund that will give our the "Godfather" -a delighted expres- cil, Canadian Director and Interna- these kinds of images and memories teens the possibility to receive a sion on his face as he would dupe us tional Secretary-Treasurer. Invariably, of Romeo. They may vary because of labour-oriented education while en- at poker, a game that he loved playing, his qualities as a leader and organizer time, situation or colour, but they still joying summer activities within an ex- while his wife Mado would gain back change program between Canada and the $20 she had lost. the United States. We called him "le bonhomme" when I stop here, knowing that many we talked of Romeo. Nicknames like among you would have better ex- "le bonhomme," Meo, or Mister Cor- pressed what this friend has been for beil, the Godfather or Romeo were us. I would like to thank his family for filled with respect and affection, and letting me pay him this tribute. Romeo friendship. It was our way to link with was not a man of long speeches, his him, by marking our closeness with actions and acts went straight to the this man that I do not hesitate to call a point. I would like to conclude this giant, for his exceptional qualities and tribute in his fashion when he con- for his unbetrayed commitments. cluded his speeches; he would tell us Everybody here knows that Romeo that he loved us all and he would put was a man of commitment; a fighter his fist on his heart. This gesture made and a man of dignity. He was generous our hearts bounce as we received it but capable of indignation before injus- like the naked truth. tice. He was a good man, but a man ca- Romeo we love you. Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Romeo Corbeil (right) appears at his last OPEIU pable of severity to people who abused Convention in 1992 with Secretary-Treasurer Gilles Beauregard (left) and In- workers. Romeo devoted his life to the ternational President John Kelly. It was also Kelly's last convention before his Michel Lajeunesse labour movement, for the advancement death. Canadian Director 4.7 ,,d Page Eight e WHITE COLLAR Issue 3, 1995 D Fut-4k° 0: Elect _ ... New 0. Officers A\

Tnoting horns, 4e- - \ , i'' leasing balloons, singing songs, throwing "Investing in Your Future" dollars in the air, hoot- Vice President Emeritus Harvey Markusen swears in the newly elected OPEIU International Executive board. ting and holleoring, shaking hands and huggipg - these were International just a few of the ways delegates President newly ichael expressed their support for odwin elected and reelected International ves to Union officers. Others included wear- elegates ing signs, buttons and straw boaters following his unanimous (hats); reciting poems in honor of var- election ious candidates; special video presentations; specially composed songs. Routing displays of support for each candidate followed moving, elo- quent nominating and seconding speeches. Anti) in all but one case, each was elected V without oppwitiOn by ac- carnation. , The officers, elected by acclama- Elected unamimously: Secretary-Treasurer Gilles Beauregard, Ca- tion, to lead the International Union nadian Director Michel Lajeunesse and President Michael Good- win. for the Uext the years, set its policy and see the policies passed by this convention are carried out, are:

President: Michael Goodwin Setretary- Michel Lajeunesse nominates *richt> Goodwin for President! 111 Trasurelt: Gilles Beauregard V Canadian 1" Director: Michel Lajeunesse a

Vice Presidents: "8") *0 V

Region I: Michel Lajeunesse Region II: Patrick Tully

Richard Lanigan 101 Walter Allen Gerald Skrzeczkowski Region HE Thomas Babb Region N: J.B. Moss Region V: Kathleen Kinnick Clayton Joe Beaver

Region VI: Gary Kirkland $ Region VII: Carolyn Combs Michael Walker Region VIII: Ron Tuckvvood Region IX: Dave Miller

See profiles here of the three new International Union Vice Presidents Walter Allen, Joe Beaver and Gerald Skrzeczkowski. All others were reelected for new terms of office. Region X Election Delegates nominated and seconded two candidates for office in Region X. In the subsequent election, delegates then overwhelmingly reelected Janice Best over her challenger Don Talarico on Thursday, June 22, 1995. Issue 3, 1995 WHITE COLLAR Page Nine

Gerald Skrzeczkowski Walter Allen Clayton Joe Beaver Region II Region II Region Gerry "Ski" was born and grew up in Walter Allen served for many years Clayton (Joe) Beaver began his ca- Buffalo, New York. He has been ex- as business representative in Boston's reer in the labor movement in 1960 as posed to the labor movement all of his Local 6 under his mentor Vice Presi- a carpenter working out of Local 1506 life since his father was a charter mem- dent James Mahoney. When Mahoney in Los Angeles. He subsequently at- ber and officer in a Steelworkers local. retired, Allen was advanced to the po- tended the University of Notre Dame He began his career with OPEIU as a sition of Local a Business Manager. and upon graduation served as an ar- steward at Worthington Corp. where He is very active in raising money tillery officer in the U.S. Marine he worked as a tool engineer. At Wor- for the union's political action fund Corps. thington he served as a grievance com- Voice of the Electorate and heads that When he returned from Viet Nam, mitteeman and chairperson of the committee. he attended Loyola Law School in Los grievance committee, as well as negoti- He received his bachelor of science Angeles, serving as executive editor of ations committee. During the mid-70s, degree from the University of Massa- the Loyola Law Review. As an attor- he was elected President of OPEIU chusetts and Masters of Business Ad- ney he served on the editorial boards Local 212, and in 1976 he began his ca- ministration from LaSalle University of the Los Angeles Bar Journal and reer as business representative, a posi- Today he also holds positions as The Los Angeles Lawyer. Beaver also tion he still holds today. Also in 1976 Vice President, Executive Council of served as an adjunct professor of law he graduated from the Cornell Univer- the Massachusetts AFL-CIO; President and has a life credential with the Cali- sity Labor Studies Program. of the Greater Brockton Central Labor fornia Community Colleges. Ski is very active in the Western Council; delegate to the Greater Beaver first came to OPEIU almost New York labor community, serving Boston Central Labor Council; board 10 years ago as counsel for Local 30 on the executive committee of the member of the Old Colony United and associate counsel for the Interna- central labor body and a charter mem- Way of Massachusetts, the University tional Union. He subsequently served ber of the newly established Workers' of Massachusetts Labor Education as business representative and suc- Rights Board. Center, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of ceeded Gwen Newton, Vice President At the 19th Triennial OPEIU Con- Massachusetts, and the Boston Labor Emeritus, as SecretaryTreasurer/Busi- vention, the union honored him with Guild. ness Manager of Local 30 in May 1993. the Outstanding Achievement Award. Allen and his wife Jean, a public Beaver also serves as vice president Also the Buffalo AFL-CIO presented school teacher, have a 13-year-old son of the Orange County Central Labor him with the very prestigious Labor Walter "Bud." Council and as recording secretary of Leadership Award. the Coalition of Kaiser Unions. He and his wife Priscilla have three daughters: Celeste, Jennifer and Gwen.

Delegates dress as the various occupations of OPEIU members. More celebrations . . .