CE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION, AFL-CIO AND CLC

No. 467 -ger--3 Issue 2, 1999

OPEIU reaches agreement covering pilots in the offshore oil industry Historic contract provides 35 percent wage increase The Office and Professional Employ- "This contract is the result of the dedica- OPEIU International Vice President J.B. es will be realized in the first year. The com- ees International Union (OPEIU) has tion of our members who steadfastly held Moss and International Business Rep- pany will also pay substantial signing reached a contract agreement with together during protracted negotiations," said resentative Paul Bohelski teamed up with bonuses, with each pilot receiving $600 per Offshore Logistics, Inc. (OLOG) that will Jim Morgan, a veteran pilot and president of Morgan and the negotiating committee to year of service to OLOG. Additional mean a 35 percent wage increase over the Local 107. "We achieved our goals of fair help realize this contract. increases were negotiated for pilots working life of the contract for the 208 pilots em- pay, improved health insurance, retirement The four-year agreement provides for 35 premium shifts. ployed by the company. The pilots are security and dignity and respect on the job. percent wage increases over the life of the Pilots will also see significant reductions members of OPEIU Local 107. "This contract will greatly improve the contract - up to 24 percent of the increas- Continued on page 3 The agreement is the first contract that lives of pilots throughout the Gulf region covers pilots who provide helicopter service who will go from being the least compen- to the offshore oil industry in the Gulf of sated pilots in the industry to having work- Mexico; it also covers pilots providing ser- ing conditions that are the envy of pilots vice to oil field and other operations in from Mobile to Corpus Christi," Morgan Alaska. continued. Jerri New elected Local 378 President Defeats Ron Tuckwood in a vote of 3-1

erri New of BC Hydro has been elected to a three-year term as President of OPEIU Local 378, defeating former president Ron Tuckwood by a vote of 2,833 to 984. Tuckwood, who also lost his bid for the post of International Secretary-Trea- surer at the OPEIU convention in June 1998, had served as local president since 1990. Local 378 has 11,000 members in 22 private and public sector companies in British Columbia. "Jerri brings a wealth of experience working in the labor movement and with OPEIU members, and a real dedication to strengthening the local in Canada," said International President Michael Goodwin. "The members sent a clear message that they would like to see new leadership, and The Negotiating Committee and Executive Board Members (pictured from left to Newly elected President of Local 378, some changes," said New, who before her right): Ken Bruner, Herb Graddy, Pete Catalano, Bill Blume, Rickey LeBlanc and Jerri New. Continued on page 2 Jim Morgan.

I N D E MUM OPLIE Universal r - Working Eastern Cat' ad a Computer Savings Wonsan Council Corner Accounts Survey Conference CHANGE Members rally for expanded bargaining rights for state employees Measure passes House and Senate

members of Local 2, Washington, President Morton Bahr, and AFT Secretary- D.C., were joined by members of Treasurer Edward McElroy. Local 153, , N.Y. and national labor leaders in a rally at the State House in Annapolis calling for increased bargaining rights for state employees, and for the General Assembly's support of Gov. Parris N. Glendening's initiative to give unions a permanent voice in employee ne- gotiations. The measure, which will protect the state's 40,000 employees, passed both the House and Senate. The initiative was the latest in Gov. Glendening's efforts to improve bargaining conditions for unions in Maryland; three years ago he created collective bargaining rights for state employees through executive order. The order allowed unions to advocate on behalf of employees' needs, but left salaries and other financial issues up to the governor and the legislature. With passage of this key legislation, Glendening's execu- 1111""Aw.;i0011011 tive order is now a law. 1111111MR1Ircpulitil0 Among those at the rally were OPEIU International President Michael Goodwin, Famifles: ar America's Working Mike Cowan (center), Secretary- International Secretary-Treasurer Gilles wolgc,0,.sr.miliwcwbArEAmil Beauregard, Local 2 President Dan Dyer, Treasurer of Local 2, and Bonnie AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Members of Local 2, Washington, D.C., rally outside the State House in Oakes of Local 2 speak with AFSCME President Gerald McEntee, Annapolis for passage of legislation establishing collective bargaining rights for International President Michael Communications Workers of America state employees. Goodwin at the rally. Corporate compensation swells to outrageous levels CEOs paid average 339 times more than rank-and-file workers corporate compensation packages - According to AFL-CIO figures, in 1980 House Committee on Ways and Means, salaries, but "should limit tax subsidies for which often include huge stock op- the average CEO made 42 times more pay would cap deductions on CEO pay at 25 companies that refuse to have a reasonable tions and payouts - for the nation's than the average front-line employee; last times that of a firm's lowest-paid employee. ratio between their top and bottom-earning chief executive officers indicate the pay dis- year, CEOs were paid an average 339 times According to Congressman Sabo, the gov- employees. [The] Income Equity Act would parity between management and worker is more than rank-and-file workers. ernment should not be dictating CEO establish this principle in our tax law." growing at an alarming rate. A study conducted by USA Today showed that paper gains on stock options held by CEOs show that many chief execu- WHITE COLLAR tives are amassing astounding wealth. For Jerri New elected Official Organ of example, Millard Drexler, CEO of the OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES Continued from page 1 Labour, New has held a variety of elected INTERNATIONAL UNION apparel chain Gap, had the richest pay pack- affiliated with the AFL-CIO, CLC positions in OPEIU since 1978. She serves http://www.opeiu.org age among U.S. executives in 1998 - accu- election served as Local 378 Vice President on BC Fed and Canadian Labour Congress MICHAEL GOODWIN GILLES BEAURECIARD mulating almost $500 million in value. and Education Director. "One my main acts as a President Secretary-Treasurer of committees, labor instructor and is "There is something wrong with a system goals is to ensure that we are more inclu- a representative to OPEIU's Canadian CALM that so richly rewards the few, and largely sive, having more members involved in our National Committee. She has also served on *Are. ignores those whose backs the profits were PRINTED IN U.S.A. ACPS Union. We also need to strengthen and several Local 378 negotiating committees. made upon in the first place," International recruit job stewards and look to fill any WHITE COLLAR (ISSN 0043-4876) is published quarterly by Most recently, New worked in the BC Office and Professional Employees International Union, 1660 L St., President Michael Goodwin said. vacant positions so that we can ensure that Hydro Kamloops office, and in the past N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036. Periodical postage paid she at Washington, D.C. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Of., There is legislation to help curb these all our members are being heard. has acted as a union representative at the fire and Professional Employees International Union, 1660 L St., N,W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20036. exorbitant pay packages, specifically the "While one person can make a differ- OPEIU Local 378 office, an appointee to the Reproduction by the Labor Preis of any or all material herein Income Equity Act of 1999 (H.R. 740). The contained is not only permitted, but wholly desirable in the interest ence," New continued, "it takes everybody in Labour Relations Board, and as an arbitra- of workers' education. initiative, sponsored by Rep. Martin Olav to make a real difference." Subscription. Price $1 a Year the organization tion nominee for the International Sabo (D-Minn.) and currently before the An officer at the B.C. Federation of Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

2 White Collar Work and Health

Diet change shows Washington Window cholesterol payoff by Philip L. Polakoff, MD

changing something as basic as the atherosclerosis and heart disease." Trade and Politics eating habits of a nation is hard and At the same time their cholesterol levels takes time like turning a 16- were declining, adolescents were also - f politicians, especially presidential and wheeler around on a two-lane highway or improving their diet. Average saturated fat specifically President Clinton, of want NA.FTA, reversing course of a barge off course up a consumption of 12-17-year-olds declined hopefuls, workers' support lying about the impact of the next year, they must answer tough controversial U.S.-Mexico-Canada narrow river. from 14 percent of calories in 1971-1974 to / free questions on trade, NOW. So far, union trade treaty approved with lobbying But it can be done. Now, it has been done 12 percent of calories in 1988-1994. - presidents say, they aren't doing so. from Clinton over labor opposition in one significant way, and many espe- During the same years, the total fat - - Some statistics set the stage for the five years ago. cially younger people -are the better for it. intake among all groups dropped from 37 to stark questions workers must ask of Total cholesterol levels among U.S. ado- 34 percent of calories and daily intake of His comments could easily fit other politicians: trade lescents declined 7mg/dL (milligrams per cholesterol fell from 350 mg to 265 mg. pacts and trade-oriented institu- As of the end of 1998, 214,902 U.S. tions, including the international deciliter) between the late 1960s and the Was it worth it? You be the judge. banks workers were certified for federal aid and the World Trade Organization: early 1990s. The trend and an analysis were Since 1972, deaths from coronary heart under the NAFTA trade adjustment "If I said it once, say it again: Mr. published in the November/December issue disease have fallen by nearly 53 percent. I'll assistance program, which is designed President, you of Preventive Medicine. Although American youths are eating were wrong on NAFTA, to give income to and retrain workers you're still wrong on NAFTA, and the The decline for younger people is similar smarter and healthier, there is still room for who lose jobs due to competition from facts are in now. You didn't tell the truth to a somewhat larger decrease in cholesterol improvement in another area of their lives: imports prompted by NAFTA. [on] what NAFTA would do for levels and trends among adults. They still need to get more exercise. This Using that federal data which American workers," Yokich declared. What is significant about the overall lack shows up in increased weight among - understates the job loss due to NAFTA Maybe 'Yokich should have rephrased downward trend is that it coincides with the children and adolescents in the U.S. Ralph Nader's Public Citizen esti- that, saying "TO American workers?' decline in saturated fat and cholesterol The next study by the national health and - mates 70 percent of the lost jobs were "The corporations we work with . . . intake among both adolescents and adults in nutrition survey will look into this problem. high-wage factory jobs. Those jobs dis- and parts suppliers are sending good- the U.S. In addition to dietary behavior, it will also appeared as firms closed U.S. plants and paying jobs and benefits to Mexico Said Dr. Claude Enfant, Director of the tell us how much time kids spend before the for replaced them with factories employing Mexican workers and the president National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of TV and on the computer. The study will says low-wage Mexican workers. we're helping our economy. the National Institutes of Health: also include new tests of cardiovascular fit- Steel Workers President George "Well, when you help an economy, I "This impressive drop in cholesterol lev- ness among our youths. Becker says subsidized imports from would think those that work in the els among U.S. adolescents gives us hope Another area that needs to be explored is Russia, Brazil, Korea, Japan and else- industry should at least he able to buy for their future heart health. Today's chil- the racial disparity in the cholesterol study. where have already driven three steel what they build," Yokich stated. But dren with high cholesterol tend to be tomor- While total levels dropped in all race/sex makers into bankruptcy and cost 10,000 Mexicans can't do that, he said. And row's adults with raised levels, and the groups, black adolescents experienced a jobs. He says another 100,000 are threat- ChineSe can't do that, though GM plans higher the cholesterol, the greater the risk of smaller decline compared to whites. ened. Those nations export steel to the to open 19 Chinese plants. U.S., at prices below the cost of produc- And exploitation of Mexican workers tion, in order to gain money to repay by U.S. companies, in collusion with loans from international lending institu- the Mexican government, is typical, Helicopter pilots tions - loans encouraged by U.S. policy. Yokich adds. One example when he was In light of those statistics, politicians UAW's Ford director: Ford fired every Continued from page 1 "This local union has consistently defied must answer questions from workers: Mexican assembly worker in a plant, the odds," International President Michael What are you doing - in advance gave them the mandatory two weeks in employee contributions and maximum Goodwin said. "Everyone said we would -to prevent us from losing our jobs to severance pay, then brought them back, out-of-pocket expenses for health care; life never win a union election, but we won with imports? with . government approval, to the and disability insurance expenses will be 71 percent support. Then they said we What are you doing for us once we reopened plant the next Monday 7 at paid by the company. Pilots will also be would never get a contract. The company lose our jobs? half wages. ensured a more comfortable retirement, as fought hard, but our determination and grit How will you prevent companies, Those Mexican workers produce the average contribution to the company's were simply too much for OLOG to over- trying to increase already high profits autos for export to the . defined contribution plan will double. come. We now have the first collectively and executive bonuses, from transfer- Mexico cut car production for its own The agreement establishes the first griev- bargained contract in this industry." ring U.S. jobs and know-how to Third market last year by one-third and ance and systems board of adjustment pro- The OPEIU was certified by the National World dictatorships ,- such as China - increased production of cars for export cedure at OLOG, a union safety committee, Mediation Board as the representative of where wages are low and workers are by one-fourth. improvements in per diem for pilots who OLOG's pilots on August 6, 1997. We are repressed? U.S. workers, deprived of jobs by work away from their home base, moving currently organizing pilots at other heli- What legally enforceable protec- NAFTA and other "free-trade" treaties, expenses and increased paid days off. copter companies in the Gulf. tions for us are you including in the text can't buy the cars, either. Yokich didn't of trade pacts you negotiate and. say so, but that's what happens. approve? Politicians must answer to workers It's not just Becker who's asking - and to voters - why such situations those questions, and it's not just steel exist and why they help such situations For the latest information about the and textile workers who lose jobs due to occur. Otherwise, be the politician foreign trade. UAW President Stephen named , Al Gore, Bill OPEIU, check out our website at P. Yokich made that clear in his keynote Bradley, George Bush jr., Liddy Dole, address to the union's bargaining con- Pat Buchanan or any other name, the www.OPEILLorg ference in . politician doesn't deserve workers' sup- Yokich all but accused politicians, port.

Issue 2, 1999 3 OPEIU computer corner Retirees Jim Staub, systems analyst, express joins International Union staff thanks for The OPEIU is committed to keeping with technological needs. OPEIU implement a number of long-term increased up with advancing computer technol- Jim Staub, a computer programmer and technological strategies, including: ogy, and now has a computer special- web site specialist, has joined the The establishment of a system that will ist on staff to assist the International Union International Union staff and will help the allow for more efficient use of technology pension and the building of an OPEIU network infrastructure; benefits Web page design, including web page support for organizing; .members froM Web-based database design, including a throughout the country have database for the International Union orga- Retired;.).,._ been writing expressions of nizing staff that will allow campaigns to be thanks to the OPEIU for the recent managed on the web; and increase in pensions and issuance of The provision of Computer Training for a thirteenth check in 1998. local union' representatives. "Please know that I am grateful to Prior to joining the OPEIU, Staub was a you and the members of the Systems Analyst with Columbia University Reti rement Committee," begins where he conducted database and web pro- retired member Mary (Betty) Cahill gramming, web site design, systems admin- of Redbank, N.J., "for the increase in istration and network support. From 1.991- my pension and the generous bonus 94, he was a Cyclotron Engineer with the check. Your kindness is appreciated University of Pennsylvania. There he more than words can express." designed computer controlled automated Molly Jarvis of Queens, N.Y. was radiochemistry systems for use in Positron equally appreciative. "I arrived home Emission Temography (P.E.T.) research. He this weekend from Pennsylvania, and also assisted in maintaining and repairing a my mail was waiting for me, bills, Jim Staub, computer programmer and website expert, guides OPEIU members large particle accelerator, and conducted etc. The most welcome was from the clown the Information Superhighway. database programming. Union. I was overjoyed and grateful. The Union has been very good to me and my late husband Frank - most of all now in my later years. I wish your family and staff good health and continued great doings.'

Models Guild under new Carol i Bloodworth of Tampa, Fla. said, "My mail recently brought the greatest surprise! I am ever so grate- leadership ful for the raise plus the extra check. Thank you very, very much. Please extend my appreciation also to the The Models Guild, OPEIU Local 51, sionalism to an unregulated industry. OPEIU Executive Board serving as has announced that Rhonda Hudson The Models Guild is also the only orga- the Retirement Committee of the will be its third President following nization recognized by the Immigration and Pension Plan. The retirees and their Donna Eller's departure. Naturalization Service as being able to ver- families are most fortunate to be con- As President, Hudson plans to build and ify character and establish work records for nected with such a fine organiza- strengthen The Models Guild, making it a foreign models trying to obtain green cards tion!' force for positive change within the fashion or working papers to model in the United "I want to thank you and the Board industry. The Guild will also work to clean States. for the increase in my monthly pen- up the industry and institute strong drug and Since its inception, The Guild has sion check. Of course the extra check alcohol abuse programs. attained a number of successes including: is just great. I really appreciate all "Modeling is not always the glamorous Working with the New York District you have done through the years. God job it's thought to be," Hudson, a working Attorney's office to help indict and convict Bless," said Tina Mistretta of model herself, says. "There is a dark side to Peter Bucchieri and David Weil on 26 Elmhurst, N.Y. the industry, including such problems as counts of fraud for bilking more than $1 Another retired member from drug and alcohol abuse and addiction, sexu- million from 14 models; Silver Spring, Md., Flossie D. Davis, al abuse, eating disorders and racial and age Assisting in convicting Weil of statuto- said "Thanks to " you and the discrimination. The Guild recognizes these ry rape of a 15-year-old model; International Executive Board for the weaknesses and is working to clean up the Lobbying to help secure legislation in eight percent increase in my monthly profession and protect those working in the Florida regulating talent agencies; benefit checks, as well as the thir- industry." Working with then-Labor Secretary teenth check. It was highly appreciat- "Contrary to popular belief," Robert Reich to help combat the use of Rhonda Hudson, President of The ed . . . II am enjoying my retirement." International President Michael Goodwin sweatshops and slave labor in American Models Guild, OPEIU Local 51. And Billie and Jean Adams of says, "the working conditions most models garment manufacturing; and Manteno, Ill. write, "To the Executive are subjected to are no different than those Cooperating with the District Attorney's Board, a great big ' thank you' for our of any other exploited workers they're office to indict Pat Swift of Plus Models on Guild offers models and other fashion - pension increase. It's great to belong just more beautiful?' one count of attempted grand larceny in the industry professionals often-costly benefits to such a wonderful organization. The Models Guild was established in third degree and falsifying business records otherwise unavailable to them including Our best to you." 1995 to represent the interests of models, in the first degree. health and dental insurance, a prescription give them a unified voice and add profes- In addition to these activist efforts, The drug card program and financial services.

4 White Collar General Counsel Melvin OPEIU mourns S. Schwarzwald Gwen Member of several AFL-CIO advisory panels Wells in addition to his role as OPEIU Gen- al association in Cleveland, Ohio. He spe- eral Counsel, Melvin S. Schwarzwald cializes in representing unions and unor- Hundreds of people gathered in is a member of two key AFL-CIO ad- ganized workers in both the public and New York City on March 7, visory panels. private sectors. He also represents jointly 1999 to remember their friend Schwarzwald is a member of the AFL- administered pension and health and wel- and family member Gwendolyn Wells, CIO Lawyers Advisory Panel, a select fare funds. former OPEIU Director of Research & group of general counsels of AFL-CIO He received his A.B. degree from Education and the editor of the official affiliates. This group advises other AFL- Harvard College in 1959 and his J.D. union publication, White Collar. Wells CIO general counsels and discusses legal degree from Harvard Law School in died January 15 after a long battle with strategies for the AFL-CIO as a whole. He 1962. Schwarzwald has concentrated on pancreatic cancer. is also a member of the Board of Directors labor law since his admission to the Ohio The service, held at the Rutgers of the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Bar in 1962. In addition to being admitted Presbyterian Church in , was Committee. The committee is a member- to practice before all Ohio courts, he filled with OPEIU members who had ship group of union lawyers from practices before numerous federal courts, worked side-by-side with Wells since throughout the United States whose main including the U.S. Supreme Court. she joined the Union in 1979. Family purpose is education on labor law issues. Schwarzwald has taught public members, including her sister Patty Schwarzwald, who became OPEIU employee labor law at the Case Western Warren, traveled from San Antonio, General Counsel in 1995 following the Reserve University Law School and is in Texas to share personal stories of the retirement of long-time Counsel Joseph frequent demand as a speaker at meetings charismatic union leader and activist. OPEIU General Counsel Melvin S. Finley, is a principal and the president of and seminars throughout the United Several OPEIU Vice Presidents came Schwarzwald. Schwarzwald & Rock, a legal profession- States. from around the country, and Gloria Johnson, President of the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) also made the trip from Washington, D.C., to attend the service; Wells was a CLUW Vice President and active member. Universal Savings Marty Fishgold, President of the Metro Labor Press -of which Wells was a member - led the tribute and was joined by International President Michael Accounts a great way to Goodwin who told mourners of his expe- riences working with Wells for more than fifteen years. "Gwen was a friend to many - and save for the future an enemy to none," Goodwin began. "She was such a wonderful writer that On April 14, 1999 President Clinton retirement. According to the 's retirement. she could have gone to work for a large announced his plan to provide Uni- estimates, a middle income married couple These accounts would be more useful for magazine. But instead she chose to versal Savings Accounts (USAs) for that participated for 40 years could accumu- average and low-wage workers than spend her life helping workers achieve most Americans, an idea he had raised in late more than $253,680 - enough to pro- 401(k)'s or IRA's because the initial contri- a better standard of living. his State of the Union Address. The ac- duce $20,121 a year of after-tax income in bution would be at no cost to the worker. "She built solid relationships with counts would give 124 million Americans retirement. Participants would have the option of our members throughout the United the opportunity to build wealth and save for Under the president's plan, the federal investing their accounts in a universal retire- States and Canada based on caring and their retirement through a progressive tax government would contribute a flat dollar ment plan similar to the Federal Thrift an understanding of their needs. She cut. amount to the accounts of all eligible work- Savings Plan (a 401(k)-type plan for federal was not afraid to bring those needs to The OPEIU strongly supports this plan ers each year. In addition to the automatic government workers) and choosing from a the attention of the Union leadership." and is particularly pleased that such contribution, workers could choose to con- limited number of investment options. Goodwin also told of Wells' affilia- accounts would be separate from Social tribute additional money to their accounts Currently, too few Americans have tion with CLUW and other women's Security, and would not require any Social - which would be matched by the govern- additional savings for retirement. The organizations, and her dedication to Security resources to be diverted to pay for ment (100 percent for low and moderate- OPEIU, therefore, congratulates President advancing women's rights in the work- them. income workers, at least 50 percent for eli- Clinton on his comprehensive and vision- place and to fighting domestic violence. This comprehensive plan could revolu- gible higher income workers). The accounts ary plan and will work to ensure that such "Her life was shortened by a devas- tionize savings by giving working American are designed to deliver tax credits to help savings become a reality for American tating disease, yet we can't measure the families the opportunity to save for a secure families save and build wealth for their workers. success of a person's life by its length - but rather by what has been accom- plished and what good they have brought to others," Goodwin said. We would like to hear from you . . . All Local Unions are "Caring is what distinguishes a person, and is what life is about. Gwen gets a encouraged to send story ideas to International President masters degree in that. "We're all so sorry that she's gone," Michael Goodwin, OPEIU, 265 W. 14th Street, Suite 610, he continued, "but her contribution to the OPEIU and to the entire labor New York, NY 10011 movement will never be forgotten."

Issue 2, 1999 5 UMW

men and women who are struggling. I have Vice President Mattiacci addresses not seen a uniform reason for those who are struggling. There are all sorts of forces that cause hardship. Temple University School of However, I have seen a uniform charac- teristic in each of the successful podiatrists - and that characteristic is their dedication Podiatric Medicine Commencement to service within their community. Service to the community has bi-direc- OPEIU Vice ship your classmates with whom you International President of tional consequences. Your service benefits the have shared years here. You will take John Mattiacci addressed gradu- your the cause that you choose to work with, and Temple University School your new degree and ates of of the confidence that conversely, your become an asset to the Podiatric Medicine at its Commencement Ex- your efforts have given to you. cause, and, by extension, to the community. ercise on May 20, 1999. Mattiacci serves as But I want you to take something else When you become an asset to the com- Dean of the Podiatric Medical School. The with you, something that I hope you will munity, your roots take hold and they following are his encouraging words to the never lose -and that is a dedication to ser- spread. Demand for you and your talents future members of the podiatric community. vice. spread beyond your office practice and your What a night tonight is! What a night for In many ways, your life will be one of patient base. This demand becomes your you - for your families . . . for me - and service from this day forward. Of course, weapon in the war that we all wage on what a night for our school. you will serve your patients, and you will behalf of our patients and for our practices. This is the first cortunencement of the serve your family. These are duties that are Wherever you go this next year, take a Temple University School of Podiatric easy to define, and undertake, because the look around you. Adopt a school and speak Medicine. rewards are immediate, and the relation- at it. Coach a team. Mentor a child and take This evening we continue a tradition that ships are clear. them to your residency for a day. Work with was handed to us by each and every gradu- But I want you to do something more. I the Diabetes Association. Screen for the ate of the Pennsylvania School that pro- want each of you to serve your community. homeless. ceeded us. Let me tell you why I want you to take Do something that gives back to the com- Tonight we, your Board and your Faculty, this dedication to service with you. munity some of the values that your family bestow upon you the degree of Doctor of Today you enter the profession of podi- and our school have instilled in you. Podiatric Medicine. Tonight you enter a pro- atric medicine. We are a small profession. You will leave here today as the first fession that will become the central focus of There are less than fifteen thousand podia- Dr. John Mattiacci, International Vice graduates of the Temple University School the rest of your life. Tonight you will hear trists in the country. We are a profession President. of Podiatric Medicine. You are going to many messages - from the speakers here, that, along with every other medical profes- carry that identity into your practices and from your family and friends. sion, is under siege from many quarters. throughout your lives. Our school wants our But I get to deliver the first of these mes- You have heard the complaints about We are all in a profession that is being graduates to be successful in our profession, sages. I hope that you will hear it, and keep managed care, and about access to patients. altered by economic and demographic forces there is no doubt about that. The forces that it with you wherever you go in your lives. I You will hear more of those complaints as that are far beyond our individual control. I have lately been against us are turning in am not going to talk about the school and you go into your residencies and your prac- have spent the past five years analyzing your favor. The fact is that our country will our plans for its future. I am not going to tices. I do not want to minimize those con- these forces and the affect that they have had need more podiatric physicians. This will review the curriculum that has made you a cerns, but I do want to tell you that you are on me, on my friends, and our profession. make our graduates a success in the field of superb podiatric physician. Those thoughts entering a profession in which your service In this study, I have talked to podiatrists medicine. are for another time. This time is your time. will make you successful. I am not speaking in every state in the country. But I want more. I want our graduates to I want to talk to you about YOU. of the focused service that you must give to I have talked to men and women in areas of be successful in their lives. You will take many things away from your patients. Rather, I am speaking of the universal managed care, and men and women I am not going to ask you to trust me on your experiences here. You will take with sense of service that I hope you will take in areas that have never heard of an HMO. the "sun screen," but "trust me on the ser- you the skills with which you will treat your away from here and deliver to your commu- In both of these areas, there are men and vice issue." patients. You will take with you the friend- nity. women who are successful, and there are Thank you and God Bless you all.

Hillary Rodham Clinton in "The Groove Back" The envelope, please Candidate" Rep. James Sensenbrenner for "Grumpy Cheryl Mills in "She's All That" Old Men" in "Who Framed Bill Sen. Robert Byrd for "Cat in the Hat" Now that President Clinton's Senate "Enemy of the State" Clinton?" impeachment trial is over, let's rec- "Dumb and Dumber" Best Screenplay ognize the players who ensured Best Supporting Actor Sens. Slade Gorton and Joe Lieberman for Best Director 1998 will never be forgotten on Capitol Sidney Blumenthal in "You've Got Jail" "A Simple Plan" Rep. Tom DeLay for "The Ex-Terminator" Hill. Sen. Strom Thurmond in "Waking Ned Sens. Phil Gramm and Edward Kennedy Sen. Trent Lott for "Mission: Impossible" It was a year of virtuoso performances in Devine" for "The Odd Couple" Kenneth Starr for "I Know What You Did venues ranging from the cozy confines of Rep. Lindsey Graham in "Forrest Gump" Newt Gingrich for "Titanic" Last Summer" the House Judiciary Committee's hearing Rep. Robert Wexler in "Scream" Rep. Bob Livingston for "In and Out" David Schippers for "Payback" room to the storied stage of the Senate floor. Sen. Russ Feingold in "Rebel Without a Kenneth Starr for "Love Story" David Kendall for "True Lies" Cause" Some performers rose to new heights, some Best Soundtrack made us laugh, and others, all too regularly, Best Actor Best Supporting Actress for "Sex, Lies and Audiotape" made us cry. Rep. Henry Hyde in "Thirteen Angry Men" Sen. Dianne Feinstein in "Censure and Rep. Barney Frank for "The Diary of The nominations are in, and while the Sen. Tom Harkin in "The Waterboy" Sensibility" Barney Frank" official results compiled by our judges are Sen. Dale Bumpers in "Saving President Rep. Mary Bono in "There's Something Sen. Orrin Hatch for "Hatch Adams" sealed tighter than a transcript of the Clinton" About Mary" Ex-Rep. Mike Pappas for "Twinkle, Senate's deliberations, we'll let you decide Charles Ruff in "All the King's Men" House Democratic aide Liz Wiehl in Twinkle Kenneth Starr" who deserves to get the award that should Rep. Ed Bryant in "Witness for the "Simply Irresistible" Best Animated Short Film be known as "The Willies." Prosecution" Sen. Barbara Boxer in "A Family Affair" for "A Bug's Life" Best Picture Best Actress Best Costume Design Rep. Bob Barr for "Rantz" "The Longest Day" in "Women Behaving Chief Justice William Rehnquist for "Sex, Lies and Videotape" Badly" "Ready to Wear" Reprinted with permission by Roll Call, "The Congress vs. Larry Flynt" in "A Civil Action" Linda Tripp for "How Linda Got Her Incorporated.

C White Collar The National ASK A VVoRKING WoMAN survey

Stronger programs to end discrimination and sexual harassment Career development and training

2. Indicate your top TWO choices for laws that would most improve your life as a working woman. Stronger equal pay/pay equity laws Laws to improve the quality and affordability of child care and after-school f you're a woman in America care today, chances are 99 out of Laws to improve the quality and affordability of health care 100 that you will spend at Laws to strengthen pensions and Social Security to make retirement more least part of your life working secure Laws to expand Family and Medical Leave and to provide for paid leave for pay. But the chances are El Laws to ensure that workers who are in part-time, temporary or contract not as good that you will be jobs are treated fairly when it comes to pay and benefits heard when it comes to really Stronger Affirmative Action laws to provide more opportunities for all solving problems working women El Other (please specify) women face every day - the long hours or second job that 3. Do you think an organization for working women could help you pays the bills but keeps you achieve some of these goals? away from your family; the hard Cl Yes 11 No

work and high skills that still What are the qualities or characteristics you want in an organization? (For don't add up to a good salary; example, listens to your concerns; enough clout to get the job done). the job you give a lot to but don't get enough back from.

4. We will elect a new President of the United States in 2000. If you could tell him or her one thing about what it's like to be a work- ing woman, what would you say?

Working Women Conference 2000 Your concerns will become the mandate when thousands of working women meet in Chicago on March 11-12, 2000 at Working Women Conference 2000. No matter where you work, whether you are a union member or not, just starting out or facing retirement, striving to get ahead or simply struggling to get by, you can attend the Working Women Conference 2000. 5. We'd like to know a little about you. This will help us know that we are reaching a wide variety of working women. All of this Ask a Working Woman Survey information is confidential. Discuss the questions below in a group if you can whether it is two of you - Age over coffee or 100 at a conference - or answer it on your own. Everyone should fill in her own form and send it to International Vice President Kathleen Occupation Kinnick, Office and Professional Employees International Union, 265 W. 14th Do you work Part-time or El Full-time? Street, Suite 610, New York, N.Y. 10011. Do you work more than one job? El Yes El No Your concerns will be added to those of thousands of other working women and will set the priorities for change in workplaces and in laws. The findings will be Do you have children under 18? Yes Ell No presented at Working Women Conference 2000 in Chicago, March 11-12, 2000. If yes, how many? ALL SURVEY RESPONSES ARE KEPT COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL. Are you caring for an elderly or disabled adult? Yes 0 No What is your yearly income? 1. If you could make changes on the job, what would be your high- Marital status: Married El Unmarried with partner est priorities? CHECK THREE. Single, Widowed, Divorced Child care and after-school care What is your race/ethnicity? Elder care Equal pay Are you a member of a union? Yes No Higher pay/promotions If yes, More control over work hours (shift work, overtime, truly flexible sched- Union Local ules) What other organizations, if any, are you a member of? Respect on the job Safe work environment Retirement security Health insurance Please return form to International Vice President Kathleen Kinnick, Fair pay and benefits for part-time, temporary and contract workers Office and Professional Employees International Union, 265 W. 14th Job security Street, Suite 610, New York, NY 10011.

Issue 2, 1999 7 Canadian Locals in the News

Howard Coughlin Canadian Organizing Scholarships awarded makes

Jennifer O'Neill, Cliff James Walker, ter. His father, Shane Walker, is employed December 2000. Patrick is the son of SEPB 57 Ramona Kaila, Patrick Belanger, An- by the Saskatchewan Government SEPB 526 member Ginette St-Hilaire who gela Grace Rushinko and Nicolas Insurance (S.G.I.) and is a member of is employed by the Abitibi-Consolidated stronger Ouellet have each won one of the six OPEIU Local 397. in Jonquiere, Quebec. 1999 Canadian Howard Coughlin Schol- Ms. Kai la is the daughter of OPEIU Mr. Ouel let graduated from college The past four months have seen arships offered annually to OPEIU mem- Local 378 member Surinder Kaila. She d'Alma in June 1998. He will be attending the SEPB 57 organizing new bers in Canada. lives in Burnaby, British Columbia and is the University de Montreal this fall. members in the school board Ms. O'Neill is the daughter of Laurie currently attending the University of Nicholas is the son of OPEN Local 526 sector in the province of Quebec like O'Neill who works at Bombardier and is a British Columbia. member and President Monique Conde of never before. Representation votes member of OPEIU Local 81 in Thunder Ms. Rushinko, from Regina, Alma, Quebec. called for by the restructuring of the Bay, Ontario. The 25-year-old student is Saskatchewan, is currently attending the The program is open to members in school board sector in Quebec have currently attending Confederation College University of Regina. Her father is a good standing, their spouses and their chil- been held whereby support staff per- where she is studying computer program- member of Local 397 and is employed by dren to help them pursue education in a sonnel in several school boards were ming. the SGI. recognized college or university in Canada. asked to choose between existing Mr. Walker, who is from Saskatoon, Twenty-three-year-old Patrick Belanger Six scholarships of $1,000 each - one unions that represent school board Saskatchewan will be attending the is currently attending University Laval in per region, plus two at large - are award- support personnel, notably SEPB 57, University of Saskatchewan next semes- Quebec City where he will graduate in ed each year for a maximum of four years. On April 15, 1999, the administra- tive, technical, clerical, lunchtime sit,- pervisorS, special education techni- cians and attendants of the New ICBC Frontiers School Board chose SEPB 57 as their union by a vote of 85 to 67 (and one spoiled ballot) over an Inde- Local 378 may seek injunction pendent Association. This means an additional 200 members will join the SEPB 57 membership rolls. against wholesale criminal SEPB 57 has nearly 4,000 mem- bers working for the new school records checks boards, /CBC has distributed authorization been phoning the union office for direc- consent forms from employees in areas forms for a criminal records review tion. The local has serious concerns about such as traffic safety, public affairs and check and demanded they be signed this indiscriminant invasion of people's corporate marketing, customer service by employees who may come in contact privacy and are seeking a legal opinion representatives, driver examiners, bodily with someone under the age of 19 in the about whether the legislation is applica- injury adjusters, claims adjusters, dispute course of their work. ble, how it should be applied and whom it resolution advisors and estimators. The corporation cites the Criminal should apply to in the workplace. In addition to ICBC, members at BC Records Review Act, passed in 1996 and "No one wants children exposed to Transit and BC Hydro may also be subject has informed employees that if they don't people charged with sexual misconduct to the Criminal Records Review Act that return the signed forms within five days, but we think ICBC is acting too broadly," applies to all agencies of the government. they can be suspended without pay. said. Brian Nelson from the OPEIU Local The Act can require employees to submit Local 378 members from ICBC have 378 office. The corporation is demanding their fingerprints to the RCMP in Ottawa and allows companies to remove people from their jobs. "This is an intrusive piece of legisla- 1998 John Kelly Labour tion. ICBC is using genuine concerns Program about protection of children to undertake Studies Scholarship snooping expeditions on people's private Congratulations to the winners of the 1998 John Kelly Labour Studies lives," said Nelson. "It allows bureaucrats Scholarship Program in Canada. The Canadian National Committee se- to run roughshod over people in situations lected the following successful applicants: Region 1, Guy Latour; Region that have no relation to the protection of 8, Nancy McDowdall; and Region 9, Judy Boehmer. children." Congratulations to the following winners of the 1998 John Kelly Labor Studies The local has asked members to regis- Scholarship in the United States: ter their protest with ICBC and the union Jody Hanneman, Local 95, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Rose Varela, Local 95, office if they are compelled to sign the Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Karen Genisot, Local 95, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; consent forms. The matter may go to arbi- Raymond Przybelski, Local 95, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; Sean Safford, Local 2, tration. Washington, D.C.; Nancy Weeks, Local 12, Minneapolis, Minn.; Adrian The union is filing grievances over this Beckham, Local 512, State of Michigan; Rosanne Farley, Local 2, Washington, matter and may seek injunctions to pre- D.C.; Cynthia Price, Local 2, Washington, D.C. vent the employer from applying such a broad scope of application of the Act.

8 White Collar How do Canadian Locals in the News members Local 57 Montreal, Quebec, Canada view the union?

It has been proven that when union Bell Canada Yellow Pages members are involved in their union's activities - and feel that they are a real part of the union - they report workers locked out greater levels of satisfaction than non-in- volved members. The diagrams below il- Bell of Bell the efforts SEPB 57 legal counsel ActiMedia Monreal, Pages directory and is a subsidiary of to of lustrate the point: Quebec, better known as the Yel- Canada - whose operators and techni- Linda Solomon. The company is pursuing low Pages, locked out its customer cians are currently on strike in Quebec and its legal action renewing its demand for service and office employees on March in Ontario. Bell Canada is owned by BCE. more stringent picketing rules, and a hear- 10, 1999 after they refused to accept con- "Picket lines remain strong and our ing should be held June 17, 1999." cessions the company says it must have to members' spirit is good," said SEPB 57 . Bell ActiMedia employees in lock-out remain competitive. The 350 Montreal- representative Kateri Lefebvre. "The com- were out in great number at the BCE based Local 57 members - 90 percent of pany has been using the courts to slow shareholders annual meeting held April whom are women - had rejected their down SEPB 57 members to alert public 28, 1999 in Hull, Quebec along with strik- employer's last offer by 61 percent. opinion of the unfairness with which Bell ing Bell Canada operators and techni- The company is demanding a series of ActiMedia has been treating the employ- cians. "Most of our members working at concessions on work rules, notably the ees. A temporary injunction was granted to Bell ActiMedia are shareholders; it was a increase in the hours of work without the employer providing for the normal good opportunity to protest the way BCE compensation, and refuses to provide the picketing rules. However, the injunction is conducting its business at our expense," employees with any guarantees against requested by the employer to severely limit Lefebvre said. Bell ActiMedia reported layoffs due to technological changes. picketing in front of one of the employer $52 million in profits for 1997 and $78 Bell ActiMedia produces the Yellow locations was denied by the court, thanks million for 1998. Eastern Canada Council Conference focuses on ways

Members expect service in exchange to organize young workers for their dues Members blame the union when PEN officers, union representa- discussed ways to reach young workers. things don't go well tives and delegates from local "Contrary to general belief, young work- Members think union representa- unions across Eastern Canada ers are not against unions and union orga- tive's job is to solve members' problems gathered in Montreal in April for the two nizing," Grenier explained. and a half day Biennial Meeting of the Simultaneously, the OPEIU is an active Eastern Canada Council to address youth participant in an innovative and exciting issues within the workplace and the labor program set up by the Quebec Federation movement. of Labor in cooperation with the Quebec The Eastern Canada Council has 17 Workers' Solidarity Fund designed to teach Member affiliated local unions in three provinces youth about unions and the labor move- (Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick). ment by offering them internships with the Member The E.C.C. is a servicing structure that SEPB. Four young people will spend Union also brings together the OPEIU locals on between seven and eleven weeks with issues of common interest. OPEIU representatives and activists to Member The two main themes discussed at the become more acquainted with union work. Member conference were: the means to increase International Vice President Claude The delegates also debated the advis- youth involvement in our organization Grenier, President of Eastern Canada ability of rescheduling the Biennial through organizing in sectors where youth Council. Meeting every three years, instead of two. are concentrated, and pay equity. "This change will broaden OPEIU offi- to "The Quebec Pay Equity Act became achieve pay equity in the workplace for cers and delegates' involvement in the Members are expected get effective in November 1997 but much the women they represent." ongoing activities of the OPEIU, notably involved remains to be done to achieve pay equity," the Canadian Convention," said Local 57 Members see success is related to said Claude Grenier, who was reelected Reaching Young People President Maurice Laplante, who was their efforts President of the E.C.C. during the confer- Michel Lajeunesse, E.C.C. coordinator elected First Vice President of the E.C.C. Representatives develop leaders, ence. Grenier is also President of Local and OPEIU Canadian Director, reported by the conference. The proposal was strategize and organize 434 and serves on the OPEN Executive on the activities of the OPEN in the last voted to amend the bylaws of the Eastern Board as International Vice President rep- two years, highlighting the success of Canada Council to that effect. Also, a res- The lesson? Get involved! Become a part of your local union's activities resenting women. "Delegates attended SEPB 57 in the union allegiance votes that olution to establish an Emergency Fund to - workshops where they discussed the many were called for by the restructuring in the help OPEIU members on strike or in a whether it be taking part in an organizing drive, manning phone banks during an hurdles contained in the legislation that Quebec school board sector. lockout situation was .adopted by the con- or unions have to circumvent in order to Delegates attending the conference also ference. election, attending union meetings. Become a greater part of your union and you will soon see the benefits.

Issue 2, 1999 9 Local News Gephardt meets with Hebert retires as Shagawat Local 66 President

Rodney Hebert (left) celebrated his retirement as President of Local 66, Port Arthur, Texas. Hebert, who served as Local 66 President for the past 17 years and retired in December 1998, retired from Motiva Enterprises (formerly Star Enterprise Refinery) after being a member for more than 30 years. Charles Faulk (right) assumed the presidency of Local 66 in January 1999.

Congressman Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Luba Shagawat, President of OPEIU members rate Union the Clinical Social Work Federation, OPEIU Local 49 meet at OPEIU Head- Privilege program 'excellent' quarters office in New York City.

OPEIU members who recently participated in the Union Privilege Loan Program were asked to rate their level of satisfaction with the program, Beverly Timmer named the service provided, and whether or not they would recommend the ser- vice to another union member. An overwhelming majority of respondents rated the program as "excellent," and Volunteer of the Year said they would recommend it to others seeking a loan. Comments ranged from "I was very pleased at how quickly [my loan] was processed," to "knowledgeable rep- Local 5 in Denver, Colo., paid tribitte to resentatives, a courteous and speedy response," and "love the 'no hidden costs."' its member Beverly Turner who was Most rated all aspects of service as excellent, including courtesy, knowledge, recently named Volunteer of the Year by professionalism, timeliness of response and ease of process. JACS (Joint Action in Community Contact the International for further information about Union Privilege's many Service). At a luncheon on April 8, 1999, programs. guest speaker Wilma J. Webb of the Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor - and wife of Denver Mayor Wellington Webb - congratulated Turner Local 40 elects Vicki Kasper and conveyed Labor Secretary Alexis Herman's gratitude for all the work she The members of Local 40, Mount Clemens, Mich., have voted to elect Vicki and others have done helping ex-convicts, Kasper as President, replacing current President Judy Klauss. The Local young people, and the homeless in finding represents 428 nurses working at Mount Clemens General Hospital. The employment and suitable housing. election vote of 1.73 to 130 followed a tie vote earlier this year. Turner works for Labor's Community "We have a number of plans for the future," Kasper said. "We are going to offer Agency, an arm of the Colorado AFL- continuing education credits to our members, educate them regarding labor issues CIO, and plans to retire later this year. and collective bargaining. We're also going to organize, and impress upon our JACS is separated into ten regions and one Labor Secretary's Representative membership the importance of becoming involved in organizing activities." person is selected from each to receive Wilma J. Webb (left) and JACS' this honor. Volunteer of the Year Beverly Turner.

10 White Collar Local News

negotiations broke down, the only choice the employees would have would GHI members in solidarity be to go to the beach. These actions were supported by the entire shop and demon- 4 4 t was the 100 percent solidarity strated an unmistakable force of solidar- of the members that made our ity. The message was not lost on the contract negotiations successful," employer. said Chief Shop Steward and OPEIU In the end, the members' solidarity won Local 153 Vice President Neysa Griffith. the day. The employer agreed to withdraw The Local 153 members at GHI were all of its concessionary demands. With faced with numerous employer demands this major obstacle out of the way, the to weaken the contract that took so many Union was able to focus on wage increas- years to build. The employer insisted that es. On top of a wage progression system, employees co-pay for their health cover- which increases the wages of employees age and life insurance and demanded from the minimum rate to the top rate, the reductions in sick and vacation benefits. Union won a four percent increase - On top of all this, the employers offered effective and retroactive to January 1, minimal wage increases. Despite many 1999; four percent again, effective months of bargaining and the expiration January 1, 2000; and four percent more, of the contract on December 31, 1998, effective January 1, 2001. The meal the employer continued to insist on con- allowance was also increased to $5.00. cessions. The Union refused to grant an Maintaining good wages and benefits, extension of the contract beyond which includes a four-day work week for December 31st, leaving the option to Chief Shop Steward Neysa Griffith, who is a Vice President of Local 153, and most GHI employees, was the major goal take whatever actions were necessary. the GHI negotiating committee join in the cheers from the employees cele- of the negotiating committee. This surely Local 153 Secretary-Treasurer Richard brating their new contract. From left to right are Demetrias Haliotis, Sandra was accomplished. Lanigan said, "Our members at GHI have Monroe, Larry Spern, Stephen Weisman, Devora Moss, Ms. Griffith, Diane The Union represents employees at the full support and backing of the Shuler, Willie Fiallo and Barbara Lagoff. GHI's New York City, Long Island, Local's leadership. We will do whatever Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, it takes to assist them in achieving a fair New York locations. The negotiating com- contract." sary to make the point. At 10 a.m., on at all times that read "No givebacks," "No mittee consisted of Local 153 Business The 1,400 members stood strong and specified days, the employees sang "We co-pay" and other messages. Representative Thomas Havriluk, Chief followed the leadership's guidance. Shall Overcome" from their desks. They One of the highlights of the employ- Shop Steward Neysa Griffith, Willie Together they determined that a strong also broke the company's dress code on ees' actions was a series of demonstra- Fiallo, Stephen Weisman, Sandra Monroe, message needed to be sent to manage- some occasions, by dressing down to the tions in front of the President's office. Devora Moss, Barbara Lagoff, Diane ment, to make it very clear that the mem- most casual level. On other days, the Employees would have a "beach party," Shuler, Larry Spern and Demetrias bers were not going to accept a tearing-up employees went to the lobby on their cof- complete with bathing suits, beach pails Haliotis. of the contract. fee breaks and lunch hours, and demon- and sunglasses. They would camp out on The contract expires December 31, Several employee actions were neces- strated their solidarity. Buttons were worn beach towels with a message that if 2001. 70,000 union members rally at City Hall Largest labor rally in Manhattan in this century you read the headline right. On But while the speakers did a fine job Wednesday, May 12 at least 50,000, advocating for working families, the truth is and perhaps as many as 70,000 New that the size of the crowd was the ultimate York City union members rallied across message. Teachers, sanitation workers, from City Hall in a demonstration that awed office workers, construction workers, parks everyone. employees, clerical workers, professional Members from OPEIU Local 153, New workers, electricians, waiters, and union York, N.Y., were among those who took members from just about every job classifi- part in the largest labor rally in Manhattan cation imaginable were there. It was the first in this century. It was, quite literally, a sea of labor rally in a long time where even police people. officers and firefighters joined their union The purpose of the rally was to appeal to brothers and sisters. city, state and federal officials to spend cur- The rally had an important message to rent budget surpluses on working families. deliver, and the size of the crowd forced the Speaker after speaker called for improving media to deliver that message to everyone schools, saving Medicare and Social else in the metropolitan area and in other Security, making streets even safer and parts of the country. That widespread news other ideas that would improve the lives of coverage was further evidence of the rally's working New Yorkers and their families. great success. The crowd at the May 12 rally stretched more than a dozen blocks.

Issue 2, 1999 11 Editorial Congress Must Reform Social Security and Medicare Now by Michael Goodwin, International President

once again, the GOP-controlled Con- Americans to pay a high price in transition debates -- including buy-in options for The OPEIU will continue to lobby both gress has decided that the financial to a privatized system. Fortunately, as the early retirees and displaced older workers ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to ensure that security of America's working pop- labor movement - including the OPEIU - and prescription drug and long-term care our concerns are addressed immediately. ulation is not an issue important enough to urged, President Clinton has rejected such a coverage. Contact your representatives in Washington waste its valuable time and energy worrying measure. Our federal lawmakers must be made to and let them know that you - as someone about. And once again, it's working families whose family will depend upon these pro- that will suffer. grams for financial security following Social Security is America's most com- retirement - want reform, and you want it prehensive and important family protection now. system. Today, that system faces serious The OPEIU and AFL-CIO firmly The International Union publishes a financial challenges - indications are that Congressional Directory listing all it will only be able to provide 100 percent of believe in President Clinton's plans Members of Congress and their key staff. benefits until 2034. Given Social Security's You may obtain your copy by making a critical role in providing economic security to overhaul Social Security and his request by mail to International Secretary- for millions of families, it seems obvious Treasurer Gilles Beauregard, Office and that Congress must act to ensure that Social Professional Employees International Security will continue to be -there for all commitment to improving benefits for Union, 1660 L Street, N.W., Suite 801, Americans. Washington, D.C. 20036, or fax at (202) Unfortunately, Congress doesn't agree, elderly widows. 347-0649. and has decided not to act this year to revi- The future of both Social Security and talize the Social Security system. It seems Medicare are integral to the hehlth of Congress doesn't share President Clinton's America. It is time for our lawmakers to sense of urgency - the president had pro- The president has also called on understand how important the preserving wake up and ensure that stronger and more posed using almost two-thirds of the expect- Congress to use 15 percent of the budget and proper reform of these two vital mea- secure systems are in place for the 21st cen- ed $110 billion dollar surplus overhauling surplus over the next 15 years to strengthen sures are to America's working families. tury. Social Security, a measure the OPEIU vig- Medicare, the cornerstone of health security orously supported. Appropriating that for the nation's elderly. Because of money over the next 15 years would have Medicare, virtually all older Americans now ensured that 100 percent of benefits would have access to health care, compared with be paid for an additional 17 years. just more than 50 percent in 1966. Despite The OPEIU and AFL-CIO firmly believe its success, however, Medicare also faces in President Clinton's plans to overhaul financial problems that must be dealt with if Social Security and his commitment to it is to continue to provide affordable, high- improving benefits for elderly widows. quality health care. Currently, too many American women In a vain attempt to address these prob- spend their retirement years in extreme lems, Congress created the National poverty. Real Social Security reform must Bipartisan Commission on the Future of include real improvements for older Medicare. President Clinton quickly women. denounced the work of this group and plans We also vigorously oppose displacing to devise his own proposal. any part of Social Security's guaranteed Others have made proposals - many of benefits to create costly individual invest- which would do little to fix the situation - ment accounts. Such accounts would under- including Senator John Breaux (D- mine Social Security's foundation and force Louisiana) who advocated radical reform that would have converted Medicare into an arena for competition among public and pri- vate health plans. Breaux's plan would not have provided adequate prescription drug coverage and could have added to the grow- ing numbers of uninsured Americans by raising the eligibility age for Medicare cov- erage from 65 to 67. The president is right when he argues that better management, payment, clinical and competitive practices can cut Medicare costs without sacrificing quality. Any reform must provide for a modernized, well-defined benefits package without excessive new cost burdens, strengthen pro- tections for low-income beneficiaries and assure continued access to a traditional Medicare program. These and other concerns must be OPEIU International President Michael Goodwin meets with Vice President Al addressed in future Medicare reform Gore at the New York City Central Labor Council's annual dinner.