(ISSN 0023-6667) Whistleblowing former inspectors testify that MNOSHA alters reports, citations By Larry Sillanpa Crosby is from Bemidji. They lawsuits from the former Labor World Editor have stated that they were inspectors’ allegations about On Wednesday, Feb. 25 a forced to quit their jobs last Minnesota OSHA and DOLI. “very disturbing” hearing took year after filing separate “But the reason they quit place in the Minnesota Senate’s whistleblower lawsuits the year was on account of all those bad Economic Development and before. The OSHA practices things,” Heaney said. Housing Budget Division com- and violations have allegedly MNSTAR is a MNOSHA mittee chaired by Senator gone on at least since 2006. program that recognizes com- An Injury to One is an Injury to All! “We held the hearing panies where labor/manage- WEDNESDAY VOL. 114 David Tomassoni of Chisholm. In the nearly two hour hear- because if the allegations are ment committees work togeth- MARCH 4, 2009 NO. 17 ing, two former Minnesota true that documents were er on health and safety con- Occupational Safety and altered from what field cerns that go beyond OSHA Health Administration inspec- employees submitted we have compliance standards. Minne- tors testified that the Minnesota a serious problem,” said sota Power was recently recer- Department of Labor and Tomassoni. “Because of the tified for the eighth year. It is Industry has engaged in a num- whistle blower lawsuits being the only multi-work location ber of fraudulent activities. in court, we probably didn’t get business in the state with Among the charges brought by everything they could have MNSTAR certification. Min- the whistle-blowers are: said.” nesota Power was brought up • Changes have been made Tomassoni said what has to in the Feb. 25 hearing, but has to final OSHA inspection be straightened out is if there is a 5-year excellent safety record reports even after the OSHA an MO (modus operandi) at at its 28 locations. One of the inspector has signed the report; OSHA to make inspections whistleblowers said Minnesota • Documents have been look different than they actual- Power case files are missing. removed from inspection files: ly were. He said both former Other regional MNSTAR • Inspectors have been pres- inspectors had similar stories to companies include Boise sured to not find violations tell and both got treated the Cascade and Specialty against MNSTAR companies same way for coming forward. Minerals in International Falls, or issue citations to them. He said he thought they were Verso Paper in Sartell, Marvin The former inspectors are both transferred out of their Windows and Doors in inspection assignments, relo- Warroad, Ainsworth Engi- Senator Amy Klobuchar and North East Area Labor Coun- members of the Minnesota Association of Professional cated to other parts of the state neered and Potlatch in Bemidji, cil President Alan Netland listen to Ironworkers Local 512’s and eventually quit their jobs. Louisiana-Pacific in Two Norm Voorhees’ concerns about pension plans being hit by Employees. Terry Swanson is from Babbitt and Douglas Bill Heaney, Legislative and Harbors, and Liberty Paper in the financial crisis at a Wellstone Hall meeting Feb. 19. Political Director for the IBEW Becker. Minnesota State Council, If OSHA violations have Klobuchar: Stimulus good start to recovery attended the hearing and called been altered, and citations Most people attuned to the to construction projects.” will help across the board and it “very disturbing...The possi- rescinded, constitutional due fact that Congressman Jim She said she would have the entire country,” Klobuchar bility of the allegations occur- process rights for written dis- Oberstar drafted the blueprint liked to have seen an even larg- said. The information technolo- ring would bring into question covery for documentation or that became the $790 billion er stimulus bill but Democrats gy (IT) boom was very specific altering and falsifying docu- recovery would have been cir- American Recovery and knew they would need three in that it helped people with ments, signed reports, signed cumvented. Reinvestment Act, the stimulus Republicans to join them in PhDs and specific regions of investigations of accidents No record exists of a bill, know that his position as voting for it and that wouldn’t the country. “This ET boom including fatalities, removing MNOSHA or DOLI investiga- chair of the U.S. House of be easy. In the end two senators will help many from shipping documents from official files, tion of the charges filed by the Representatives Transportation from Maine, and Pennsyl- to bio-fuels to manufacturing,” and more.” whistleblowers. Implicated Committee had a lot to do with vania’s Arlen Spector joined she said. Heaney said it is important management personnel includ- it. When President Barack the Democrats. Minnesota 7th Minnesota ranks 44th out of to separate the whistle blower See Whistleblowers...page 8 Obama needed to work the bill Congressional District Demo- the 50 states in the speed of on the Senate side, he knew crat Rep. Collin Peterson voted broadband but the stimulus bill Solis named as Labor Sec. Oberstar had help from against the bill. will change that with $7 billion By Mark Gruenberg, PAI Staff Writer Minnesota’s lone U.S. Senator, “These are difficult times in grants for construction of Amy Klobuchar who sits on with the country losing more fiber optic cable, WASHINGTON—By an 80-17 margin on Feb. 24, the the Senate’s version of the 590,000 jobs in January,” Klobuchar told those present. Senate confirmed Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif., as Democratic Transportation Committee, the Klobuchar said. “That’s the One of the things in the bill President Barack Obama’s Labor Secretary. Solis will be the Environment and Public Works number of jobs they have in all that pulled the two Republican first Hispanic secretary of labor and number 25 in history. Committee. of Maine.” senators from Maine, which is The final vote for Solis, which came after Senate Republicans In a Wellstone Hall meeting She said it is a significant cold like Minnesota, into the dropped a filibuster threat, cheered union leaders, who detested with 60 trade unionists Feb. 19, amount of spending but it will bill was weatherization to Bush’s pro-business Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. Klobuchar told them they have take care of many problems make homes more energy effi- “Finally Americans will have a Secretary of Labor who rep- great leadership in Oberstar that have been ignored for too cient. Minnesota will receive resents working people, not wealthy CEOs.” AFL-CIO President and that “Washington DC lis- long. Problems like transporta- $189 million to make that hap- John J. Sweeney said. Besides fighting for worker safety, and tens, especially when it comes tion needs, remodeling schools, pen. Other disbursements to against pay discrimination, Solis “understands the Employee energy jobs, and safety net the state include (M = millions, Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy because issues like health care and B = billions): (workers) deserve the freedom to choose whether to form a unemployment benefits. • Law enforcement-$34 M; union without employer harassment and intimidation.” The only things the stimulus • Transportation-$596 M; Change to Win Chair Anna Burger said, “In addition to bold bill won’t help are golf courses, • Health Care-$2 B; economic recovery plans, workers need a strong Department of casinos, and new school con- • Education-$1 B; Labor. Solis...has long been a champion of working families. struction, she said. • Water needs-$108 M; She has fought for fair pay for women, health care for children, Money for the Bureau of • Job training-$49 M green jobs and the right for workers to have a voice in the work- Prisons was also cut from the • Food Programs especially place to improve wages, conditions and benefits.” final deal Wayne Pulford of children and elderly-$184 M; Teamsters President James Hoffa pointed out Solis’ father AFSCME Local 3887 told her. • Housing-$115 M. was a Teamster. Her mother was also an union member. “We’ll have investments in There was a $100 million In a mark of continued tension over the post – and over labor tax cuts and energy that will more for Minnesota but programs – all 17 votes against Solis came from Right Wing Republicans. The most-extreme, James DeMint, R-S.C., in a help us join other countries in See Stimulus...page 2 energy technology (ET), which See Solis...page 5 KBR gets another freebee Iraq contract 6th War Anniversary Rally An article in the September But the Department of Department of Defense to grant The Northland Anti-War Coalition will hold a regional anti- 17, 2008 Labor World Defense recently awarded additional contracts to a com- war march and rally to mark the sixth anniversary of the Iraq (www.laborworld.org--Issues-- another multimillion dollar pany facing such serious alle- War on Saturday, March 21, the actual date six years ago of the Sept. 17, 2008) by Mike contract to KBR which is still gations. We recently learned, U.S. invasion of Iraq. Gutwig of the Northwest Labor under investigation for the after five years of scrutiny, that Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, Press told the story of an electrocution deaths. Con- a Minnesota sailor was electro- Progressive Democrats of America, U.S. Labor Against War, IBEW member who had gresswoman Betty McCollum cuted to death by faulty wiring. the ANSWER Coalition, and the National Assembly to End the worked in Iraq for Kellogg, (MN-04) has joined Congres- Who can trust KBR’s work?” Iraq & Afghanistan Wars have called for national protests in Brown & Root, a military con- sional colleagues in sending a Rep. McCollum said. Washington and around the country that day. tractor. Debbie Crawford testi- letter to Secretary Robert Gates Last year, as a member of A presentation is expected to be made to the Duluth AFL- fied in Washington DC last requesting an explanation for the House Committee on CIO Central Labor Body at their meeting March 12 to join in as year that electrical work was so that latest award to KBR. Oversight and Government a local co-sponsor. The Iraq War is the first U.S. war that the shoddy it would lead to electro- “Secretary Gates should Reform, McCollum took part AFL-CIO has been officially in opposition to. cutions. At that time 16 soldiers immediately rescind any new in an in-depth hearing into the Duluth will be one of the cities hosting a protest on March and contract workers had died awards to KBR. It is irresponsi- problem of electrocutions in 21. The theme of our local protest will be "The Time for by electrocution since 2003. ble and negligent for the U.S. facilities in Iraq. The Change is Now! End the Wars!" Committee’s findings showed The protest will consist of a march that will leave at noon from page 1 that KBR was alerted to defi- from the Minnesota Power Plaza and proceed to City Hall, for Stimulus good start... ciencies in several cases, but Klobuchar said Iowa Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley was the rally with speakers and entertainment. We will also have an failed to take corrective action. anti-war statement for folks to sign that we'll be sending to the instrumental in reducing that amount for his neighboring state. In a Pentagon correspondence Klobuchar said the consideration for “shovel-ready” projects new Administration. from last September, David J. Find out more at www.northlandantiwar.blogspot.com getting funding was another reason northern Republicans Graff, commander of the helped get the stimulus through. Defense Contract Management Presentation will outline bill “All towns said they’re shovel-ready,” said Klobuchar. Agency, wrote, “Many within Dan Olson, Business Manager of Laborers Local 1091 asked DOD (Department of Defense) that would make Minnesota Klobuchar what will happen if projects can’t make the 120 day have lost or are losing all nation’s leader on health care requirement as shovel ready because the ground may still be remaining confidence in KBR's frozen or the weather may not cooperate. ability to successfully and Minnesota’s only U.S. Senator, Amy Klobuchar, said last “The transportation bill is up this year and President Obama repeatedly perform the month in Wellstone Hall that she expects bi-partisan support for will respond when a crisis shows,” Klobuchar told him. “We’ve required electrical support health care reform. Congress will be looking to the states for banded together as cold weather states.” services mission in Iraq.” models for a new health care system she said and Minnesota She cautioned everyone to prepare for things “still getting Since the beginning of the could lead the way. worse in the short term. But we’re saving jobs and will have Iraq war, KBR has received There are a number of plans in the Minnesota Legislature to new jobs rolling as the economy improves.” over $28 billion in military change how health care is delivered here and a free workshop on She said horrible decisions on Wall Street, by the Bush contracts, while facing investi- Saturday, March 7 will give you a look at the most progressive Administration, and Congress got the country into a mess it gations into the dangers of their of all the proposals. Sen. John Marty is chief author of the can’t get out of easily. She said government regulators of the faulty electrical work since the Minnesota Health Plan (SF 118 - HF 1325) and he will be at the financial industry were in effect driving Model Ts trying to first award in 2003. The ongo- First United Methodist Church (Coppertop) at 1:00 p.m. to give chase down Wall St. Ferraris and got left behind. ing criminal probes involve a presentation on the proposal. Senator Klobuchar said working people will be better served deaths caused by hazardous The event is being sponsored by the Minnesota Citizens now that Obama is in the White House, and a worker-friendly power lines and poorly Federation – Northeast (727-0207) and League of Women Voters Secretary of Labor in Hilda Solis are in place. installed electrical devices. – Duluth (724-0132). Please call in advance of attending. The health care crisis will see good things happening as well. She said there is more bi-partisan support for health care reform We’d like to welcome all the members than there was for the stimulus bill. “Businesses can’t compete internationally, small businesses of the former Laborers Local 1050 can’t keep employees, and workers are finding it harder to make to your first issue of the Labor World. ends meet,” because of health care costs. Republicans know that as well as Democrats. ~Dan Olson, Business Manager, Laborers Local 1091 I.U.O.E. Local 70 USW Local 1028, District 11 Monthly Arrowhead Regional Meeting Nominations Notice Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 5:00 P.M. Nominations for candidates for the offices of president, vice Duluth Labor Center, Hall B president, recording secretary, financial secretary, treasurer, Dick Lally, Business Manager (651) 646-4566 In the Labor Temple! guide, 3 grievance committee members, 2 guards, 3 trustees, Walk-in Service meets and each unit’s positions of chair, secretary, and griever(s) SHEET METAL WORKERS Quality Cutting Edge! will be accepted Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in Special Order of Business the Union Office, Room 212, 2002 London Road, Duluth, MN Call Keith 464-4247 55812, immediately preceding the regular monthly meeting. "Allocation of Funds" will be conducted at the reg- ular March meetings of the Duluth and Iron Range areas of Sheet Metal Workers Local 10. The Duluth-Superior area SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS will be held in Wellstone Hall of the Duluth AFL-CIO Labor Center, 2002 London Road, low rates. free hat with a Duluth, MN on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. fast approvals. recreational loan The Iron Range area SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS will be at the Hibbing Park Hotel, 1402 no hassle East Howard Street, Hibbing, MN on Tuesday, lending. March 10, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. All members are encouraged to attend. 218-729-7733 • Hermantownfcu.org ~Dennis J. Marchetti, Business Representative Member eligibility required. Member NCUA. PAGE 2 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 Let voters decide who serves Editor, The Cloquet City Council recently passed an "Incompatible Office" ordinance that would prohibit city employees from serv- Last week I was walking ing on that council. This was done at the request of City past a radio tuned to a mid- Administrator Brian Fritsinger, who claims there is and has been afternoon talk show and heard, a perception of conflict of interest for city employees serving on “We don’t have enough rich the council. people anymore.” Really? I Each council member serves with a unique set of values, per- never would have guessed. sonal relationships, interests, and goals. Some of these values a Conservative talk show hosts majority of the voters know and approve of. However, voters could easily fill an hour starting do not know the full set of each councilor's’ values, relation- with that premise. We do have ships, interests, and goals. Voters cannot imagine all the poten- enough rich people but his tial conflicts that each council candidate may face. Here voters argument was probably that must ask themselves, "Can I trust this person?” A majority of government is getting in the voters said “yes” to each of them. way of entrepreneurs or trickle- Obviously, a majority of voters have voted to trust city down. “We need to coddle for a lack of advertising we’re matters.org/issues_ employees to serve on the city council many times over the entrepreneurs and the manage- told. We’re not told it’s for their topics/workforce. years. Now, City Administrator Fritsinger, Mayor Ahlgren, ment class more.” I preferred quxtaposition to the corporate The EFCA battle is going to Councilors Nemmers, Hill, and Bjerkness seem to say via this Senator Amy Klobuchar’s take media’s postions. fought in ad campaigns as well ordinance “the voters were wrong all those times, and that they that we got in this mess Al Franken was big into as in the “news.” Unions have cannot be trusted to vote correctly in the future.” They must because goverment regulators exposing conservative lies on started an EFCA media fund think that only they know the true path to democracy, and so were driving Model Ts trying his Air America show. Air that the Duluth AFL-CIO Cen- must deny certain types of individuals the right to sit on the to chase Wall St. Ferraris. America is still out there some- tral Labor Body contributed to. Cloquet City Council. Some of you good progres- where I guess. Don’t think it’s The Duluth Chamber of Com- I don't think that's an American-style democracy. Democracy sives out there can listen to talk here, and he hasn’t won yet for merce was listed as a sponsor sometimes gets a little messy, and anyone who can't handle that radio or view the TV shows but exposing lies, which are echo- of anti-EFCA ads that circulat- might be better off managing in the private sector. I can’t do it. They’d be good chambered and spun into reali- ed during the electoral cam- City employee/councilors do not have an exclusive franchise for ammo for Ditch rants but ty for far too many voters, and paign last fall. on potential conflict of interest cases. Some of the other coun- I’d get grumpier than I am if I probably policy makers to Throwing money at the cilors have strong ties to business that may be guiding them on had to listen. I can’t take the allow them to go unrebutted. media must work, but good many issues and probably on this one. Eliminating two popular format even if I agree with the Remember how we freely thing it isn’t always the answer. councilors and a whole class of workers from being eligible to host or guests. Lord knows pro- gave billions to the financial Check out the non-profit Media serve will make it easier for business to promote their agenda. gressive shows are hen’s teeth industry after they fleeced us? Matters to find out. You won’t Democracy in Cloquet is at the edge of a very slippery slope. But when the Big 3 needed a have to believe Hannity who- If city employees are denied the right to sit on the council, there bailout of the auto industry, claimed that under Bush, "We may be other restrictions later. Why then should employees of, ~NOTICE~ which some say accounts for created 10 million new jobs" or or owners of businesses that trade with the city be allowed to sit maybe 1 in 10 jobs in this USA Today that a secret ballot on the council. And at the bottom of the slippery slope is the ulti- 2009 issues of Labor World: mate Catch 22. As council members, each of them probably March 18; April 1, 22; country (echo), we were told is required to form a union. United Auto Worker’s were receives a salary, so in some sense they are employees of the city May 6, 20; June 3, 24; making $134 an hour and need- This Day In History and thus cannot serve on the council. Soon only those wealthy July 8, 22; Aug. 5, 19; ed to take pay cuts. from enough to donate their time will serve on the council. I don't Sept. 2, 16; Oct. 7, 28; For those of you who have www.workdayminnesota.org think that's in anyone's best interest. Nov. 11, 24; Dec. 16. computers you can now go to a March 4, 1801 - In his Nobody should be denied the right to serve in government on LABOR WORLD website that is going to keep inaugural address, President the basis of their employment. Let the voters decide who serves on the Cloquet City Council. (ISSN#0023-6667) is published track of the misrepresentation Thomas Jefferson asserted, semi-monthly except one issue in of American labor by media "Take not from the mouth of Mike Kuitu, Vice President, Carlton County Central Labor December (23 issues). outlets. www.mediamatters.org labor the bread it has Council, AFL-CIO (former resident of Cloquet for 46 years) The known office of publication is has built a following and repu- Labor World, 2002 London Road, earned." Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812. tation for keeping an honest March 4, 1865 - PBGC workers unionize Periodicals postage is paid at eye on the Rush Limbaughs of Union Stockyards opened, Duluth MN 55806. the nation. They have now WASHINGTON (PAI)--Workers who staff the agency that leading to the establishment guarantees traditional pensions -- and that comes through when POSTMASTER: added an “American Work- of Chicago as the world's Send address changes to: force and Labor” project that those pensions fall through -- are now unionized. Many of the Labor World, 2002 London Rd., greatest meat producing and pensions covered by the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corp. can be accessed off the right packing center by the end of Room 110, Duluth, MN 55812 hand column of their splash (PBGC) are negotiated in union contracts, and now the PBGC’s 6 7 the decade. With the stock- workers will be members of the 65,000-person International page. The timing is perfect yards came thousands more (218) 728-4469 because conservative talk Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. workers, who organized into The Feb. 24, 242-7 vote makes PBCG the second notable fed- FAX: (218) 724-1413 shows are scared to death of unions like the United [email protected] “labor loving” President eral agency IFPTE recently won. Last year, it garnered more Packinghouse Workers of than 70% of the votes at the Government Accountability Office, www.laborworld.org Obama, his Sec. of Labor Hilda America, to raise wages and ~ ESTABLISHED 1896 ~ Solis, and union’s number one the non-partisan federal auditing agency, which has 1,800 work- Owned by Unions affiliated with the improve conditions in the ers. IFPTE also represents NASA scientists, among others. Duluth AFL-CIO Central Labor Body political agenda, the Employee dirty, dangerous industry. Subscriptions: $22 Annually Free Choice Act (EFCA) so Paralegal Donna Pentek said “PBGC employees work hard to March 4, 1989 - The help protect the pensions of millions of Americans. Now as Larry Sillanpa, Editor/Manager they’re working overtime. There is no end to the bashing. International Association of members of IFPTE, we will work to make sure our employees Deborah Skoglund, Bookkeeper Machinists went on strike Board of Directors Have you noticed how are happy and our benefits are being taken care of.” FDR’s New Deal is being char- against Eastern Airlines. Some “Professional employees are increasingly looking for a col- President/Treas. Mikael Sundin, acterized as failed policy? 8,500 ramp service workers, lective voice on the job and a union such as ours guarantees them Painters & Allied Trades 106; mechanics, aircraft cleaners greater influence in decision-making,” union President Greg V.P. Paul Iversen, BMWED 1710; Media Matters not only takes Fox News and other television and stock clerks were joined Junemann said. Sec. Larry Anderson, Laborers by 6,000 flight attendants and 1091; Al LaFrenier, UNITE pundits and outlets, newspaper HERE!; Mike Kuitu, Operating columnists, and talk radio wags 3,400 pilots on picketlines in Engineers 49; Susan Jussila, MN to task, it publishes pieces to the nationwide strike. Owner “Quote, Unquote” Nurses; Rick McDonald, IBEW set the record straight. “Right Frank Lorenzo refused to "I believe that banking institutions are more consider the unions' 31; Jayme McKenna, AFSCME Washing the New Deal” by dangeous to our liberties than standing armies." 66; Dan O’Neill, Plumbers & Karl Frisch is at http:// media demands; Eastern ultimately Steamfitters 11 went out of business. ~Thomas Jefferson LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 PAGE 3 In 1939 Bill Stille was state’s 1st apprentice By Steve Share, Editor or weld it to the floor. “A little Minneapolis Labor Review humor kind of helps along the WHITE BEAR LAKE — way,” Stille replied with a Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 wide, bright smile. honored a special retiree Stille’s long career led to February 13 — Bill Stille, who service on the Sheet Metal 70 years ago became the first Local 34 executive board. He indentured building trades was vice-president before retir- apprentice in Minnesota. The ing in 1984. occasion of Stille’s 90th birth- Stille’s advice to new day prompted the celebration, apprentices: “Don’t just ride which drew about 30 well- along. Try to learn all you can wishers to the Sheet Metal and do your best.” Training Center in White Bear “If it weren’t for the union,” Lake. Stille maintained, “I wouldn’t Laborers 1091’s Darrell Patterson and Carpenters 361’s Stille went to work in 1939, be where I am.” Terry Martin were among the many union construction he recalled, after attending Stille and his wife Louise, workers who picketed the Savers, Inc. project at the mall. Dunwoody Institute to study married 65 years, have six air conditioning. “I liked to do adult children, five grandchil- Pickets pay off at Savers Sheet Metal Worker Bill a lot of layout,” he said. “You dren, and four great-grandchil- Two months of picketing by many members of unions affili- Stille was honored Feb. 13 get into something and you dren. ated with the Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council for being Minnesota’s first stick with it.” Louise and Bill Stille raised and Carpenters Local 361 brought a good resolution that will apprentice in 1939. Since World War II interrupted their family in White Bear help them get work in the future. then 110,000 have followed Stille’s work in the trade. Lake and now live in North When the original bids were let for a Savers, Inc. store in the him in the Minnesota Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in Branch. old Michael’s building next to K-Mart in the mall area, only the Building Trades (Steve Share, January, 1942, he served on a “He’s been a great dad. I electrical bid was union. But Dave Twining Electric and their Minneapolis Labor Review photo) mine-sweeper, survived couldn’t ask for a better one,” workers weren’t going to cross the picket lines that they knew kamikaze attacks, and took part said a daughter, Valerie Falk, a would go up on the project. in the invasion of Okinawa. letter carrier and member of “That was tough for them to do in this economy,” said IBEW Got Ya! Stille returned to Minnesota National Association of Letter Local 242 Business Manager Jim Brown. “We’ve had over 100 Reach 18,200 after the war, working the Carriers Branch 28. journeymen and over three dozen apprentices on the bench. It longest at Midwest Sheet Stille’s years in the sheet hasn’t been this bad for over 20 years.” union households Metal. Former Midwest co- metal trade brought a lifetime Three entrances to the parking lot for Savers, a second hand- at a great ad rate! workers at the celebration of rewards but also took a toll style store, were picketed for the two months. (218) 728-4469 remembered Stille as a spirited on his health: he has mesothe- “You can’t hardly find a worse place to picket in the winter,” prankster, who would hide lioma, he disclosed, a disease said IBEW 242 Organizer Bob O’Connor. “It’s wide open and laborworld@ your toolbox in the rafters resulting from workplace expo- the wind seems like it is always howling up there. We had a lot qwestoffice.net when you went on vacation — sure to asbestos. of good guys from many trades that spent many full days up there before, during, and after the holidays.” Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council President Craig Olson kept the pressure up on the Bellevue, Washington- 733-0100 based Savers corporate office and finally got a good resolution KOLAR last month. Lynn Mayhew, the new Director of Store Planning & Development, wrote to Olson following numerous phone con- www.kolarnet.com versations, “Going forward all work and maintenance at this A U T O M O T I V E G R O U P store requiring skilled construction trades that is the responsibil- ity of Savers, Inc. will be union contracts.” “The owner told us he was from Chicago and understood When Others Won’t...KOLAR Will union labor,” said Olson. “I want to thank all the Trades for sticking together through a tough, cold winter--minus 25 degree temperatures. That’s how we win, through solidarity. This sum- mer we’ll have union members working on HVAC and roofing 4781 Miller Trunk Hwy., Duluth, MN work there because of what their brothers did in the cold winter.” Members of Carpenters Local 361 got some work last month installing fixtures after non-union contractors were dismissed for union contractors. Now Serving the Iron Range! “Company officials said any work they do in Minnesota now When you need Any Type of Glass Work call this will be union,” said Olson. “It’s nice to win some these battles.” area’s only UNION, AUTO GLASS COMPANY! We’ll handle your insurance claim and do the Don’t let March Madness get ya’ repair at your site or in our service centers. If it’s college basketball it’s great, but if it’s going crazy But auto glass repair/replacement is only part of from being cooped-up all winter, you’d better get out of the house. Come on down to T-Bonz and find out what we do. Residential and commercial glass work Nate Kiminski about all our great specials from noon to midnight! are a large part of our expanding business. Painters & Allied Trades Local 106 2531 RESIDENTIAL~~Thermopane Replacement~ West Storm Sash/ Screen Repair ~Patio Doors ~Glass Tub Superior St. Enclosures/Shower Doors ~Tables/Desktops ~Glass SGISGI Beveling ~Mirrors ~Entrance Doors ~Vinyl Replacement SUPERIOR GLASS INC. 727-0020 Windows~H-Windows ~Glass Handrails/Replacement 4911 Matterhorn Drive, Duluth Grill COMMERCIAL~~Store Front Design/Fabrication 823 Belknap, Superior TWO Happy Hours: $1 off drinks, 1/2 off apps! ~Besam Entrance Doors ~Automated Door Systems 722-7400 F 394-5588 Affiliated with UNITE HERE Local 99 Serving the area for over 60 years! 1-888-899-6369 Oh yah, we deliver! PAGE 4 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 Prison privatization proposals shown to be bad ideas for all concerned By Sen. Tony Lourey why the proponents of this bill dent in the fact that the bill’s is $62.90, so the state could is a state hospital. and Rep. Bill Hilty would wish to enhance the eco- supporters have only held a “save millions” by transferring We also believe there are nomic climate in their area of press conference on the pro- the prisoners. However, this moral implications of privatiz- Last week, a bill was dis- the state by bringing more rev- posal, but have not even intro- figure doesn’t include the ing a core government func- cussed that would transfer the enue into this private business duced a real bill. Exposing the $14.21/day in additional tion. Introducing profit into 800 prisoners housed at the entity, increasing Minnesota’s state to greater prison privatiza- department expenses the DOC this system has led to terrible Moose Lake Correctional participation in prison privati- tion is something Minnesota estimates would be incurred by consequences in many cases. Facility to the private, for-prof- zation is a colossally bad idea has previously explored and this transfer. Even if For example, just last week in it prison in Appleton, Min- on many fronts. rejected. Other states have Minnesota did want to move Pennsylvania, judges plead nesota. The proposal would Because this initiative does attempted, and failed, in this prisoners away from Moose guilty for accepting bribes to then turn the Moose Lake not save the purported costs endeavor. Prison privatization Lake, this would not be the house juvenile offenders in a prison over to the Department and actually diminishes public has never been proven to save most cost-effective option. private facility. This troubles of Human Services (DHS) to safety, we do not feel that the money in the long run. The bill’s proponents neglect to us greatly. operate the Minnesota Sex bill will make it very far in the The bill’s proponents claim share the fact that transferring In addition, this proposal Offender Program (MSOP). legislative process. This is evi- that “millions of dollars” could these prisoners to a different could decrease public safety. While we can understand be saved if the Moose Lake prison within Minnesota’s cor- Private prisons have a much population was moved to the rectional system would cost worse track record for prisoner Solis named to DOL...from page 1 Prairie Correctional Facility in only $55.38/day. escapes. Also, one of the major Appleton. Facts show that this The supporters also claim reasons Minnesota has not par- foreshadowing of the bitter GOP opposition to EFCA, is simply not the case. First, Minnesota could save $90 mil- ticipated in greater use of the claimed he opposed Solis because she served on pro-labor Minnesota has the second-low- lion in bonding costs if the Appleton facility are the American Rights At Work’s board and the group “lobbies to end est percentage of corrections Moose Lake prisoners were increased costs and danger secret ballot elections in the workplace.” costs in the nation at 2.8 per- transferred, as they would not associated with transporting Obama nominated Seth Harris, who held Labor Department cent of our General Fund have to complete Phase II of the prisoners to this remote policy posts in the Clinton administration, to be Solis’ deputy in spending. The national aver- the sex offender treatment area. The state felt uneasy running the 17,000-person agency. He chaired the Obama tran- age is 6.8 percent. Clearly, facility. This is not the case. about transporting prisoners sition team that evaluated the department. He is a professor and we’re doing things very well in Housing these patients in a such a long distance on rural director of Labor and Employment Law Programs at New York our state. The notion that there facility designed as a prison back roads. Law School, and a member of the National Advisory are substantial cost savings to will not save costs. Opera- Yes, Minnesota is facing a Commission on Workplace Flexibility. “During the Clinton be had is ludicrous. tional costs increase when serious budget deficit and cost- administration, he served as Counselor to the Secretary of Labor The authors claim the daily facilities are used for a purpose savings measures must be and acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy, among other per diem (cost of housing a other than their design. The found. However, greater expo- policy-advising positions,” a White House bio says. prisoner) is $122. The Phase II conversion would pay sure to private prisons is not the A law clerk for two federal judges, Harris got his undergrad- Department of Corrections for itself in operational cost answer. uate degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial & (DOC) reports that the savings. Further, housing Labor Relations and his law degree from New York statewide average per diem is patients receiving treatment in University.wants to go after overpaid unemployment benefits, a $89.77 per day. Moose Lake’s a prison is arguably unconstitu- Hey, Alaina $3.9 billion problem. numbers are slightly higher tional and weakens Minne- because they must account for sota’s position that the MSOP misses you! the 210 beds that are currently Support your local pharmacy rented out to DHS for the sex Tell your union, health fund, and employer offender treatment program. INTERSTATE Without those beds, the DOC you want local pharmacy services says Moose Lake’s per diem SPUR would be $73.62, well below It’s Better...Keep It Local! the state average. Your Local vs Mail Order The authors then state that White Drug Pharmacy Pharmacies the daily per diem at Appleton 3Personal service Service only by phone/computer 3Consulting at the pharmacy No personal contact. How do 2700 W. Michigan St. 4961 Rice Lake Rd you get questions answered? GAS - DIESEL Flexible Hours at a 3Questions answered reliably, Allegations of re-dispensing GROCERIES Full Service Hair Salon accurately product that has been returned You’ll really like 315 minute service on No ability to customize orders 727-4420 new prescriptions our car wash! Discount for Union Members 3Ready RefillTM (Automated Two week delivery, often LATE Buy One Refills) authorizations 3 Do you want your meds sitting in FREE NOW OPEN Free in town prescription Get One delivery a 110 degree mailbox? 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Must be of equal or lesser value: select from special collection of frames Local Union Family Owned & Operated and plastic lenses. Cannot be combined with any other offer Store hours: Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm • Sat 9am - 5:30pm • Sun 11am - 5pm or prior purchase. See store for details. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 PAGE 5 MN Patriot Act: You may be next T r a d e U n i o n D i r e c t o r y By Joel Kilgour “The world is run by those who show up!” In 2002 the Minnesota legislature passed its own version of AFSCME COUNCIL 5— President Mike DULUTH AFL-CIO CENTRAL LABOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER the Patriot Act. Don’t feel bad if you didn’t know. There was no Buesing, Local 1011; VP Judy Wahlberg, BODY —Meets 2nd Thurs., 7:00 p.m., Well- CARRIERS, BRANCH 114 MERGED— public debate on the bill and virtually no media coverage. Most Local 66; Treas. Clifford Poehler, Local stone Hall, 2002 London Rd., (218) 724- Meets 2nd Mondays, 7 p.m., Reef Bar (back 2938; Sec. Mary Falk, Local 4001; Director 1413, President Alan Netland, AFSCME 66; room) President Robert Marshall, 727-4327 legislators didn’t even understand what they voted for. Eliot Seide; Area office, 211 West 2nd St., VP Beth McCuskey, Duluth Fed. of Teach- (office), P.O. Box 16583, Duluth 55816; VP Duluth, MN 55802; 722-0577 ers; Rec. Sec. Terri Newman, CWA 7214; Kevin Lammi; Recording Secretary Regina For those of us who care about the Constitution and our right Treas. Sheldon Christopherson, Operating Westerlund; Financial Secretary Scott to organize collectively, a few lines of the Minnesota Anti- AFSCME Co. 5—LOCAL 66—Meets 1st Eng. 70; Reading Clerk Larry Sillanpa, MN Dulas; Treasurer Karl Pettersen Tues. at 7:00 p.m. in the AFSCME Hall, News Guild/Typos 37002 Terrorism Act are particularly alarming: Arrowhead Place, 211 W. 2nd St. NATIONAL CONF. FIREMEN & OILERS Pres. Alan Netland; VP Deb Bloom; Treas. DULUTH BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION SEIU 956—Meets 4th Saturdays, 9 a.m. As used in this section, a crime is committed to “further ter- Joe Griffiths, Rec. Sec. Kathy Stevens. TRADES COUNCIL—Meets 3rd Tuesday, Meetings held at Central High School. rorism” if the crime is a felony and is a premeditated act involv- Union office, 211 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 3:00 p.m., Freeman Hall, Labor Temple. Pres. Jerome DeRosier, 315 W. 5th St. 55802, 722-0577 Pres. Craig Olson, Painters & Allied Trades Duluth, MN 55806; Treas. Dennis ing violence to persons or property that is intended to: 106, 724-6466; Treas. Jim Brown, IBEW McDonald, 7208 Ogden Ave., Superior, WI (1) terrorize, intimidate, or coerce a considerable number of AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1123—City of Two 242, 728-6895; Rec. Sec. Dan Olson, 54880, 628-4863; Sec. Steve Lundberg, Harbors workers. Meets 1st Wed. of each Laborers 1091, 728-5151 8304 Grand Ave, Duluth 55807, 624-0915 members of the public in addition to the direct victims of the act; month at 3:30 p.m. in City Hall, Two Har- bors. Pres. Brad Jones, 723-15th Ave., Two DULUTH MAILERS UNION LOCAL ML-62 NORTH EAST AREA LABOR COUNCIL, and Harbors 55616; Sec. Karrie Seeber; Meets 3rd Monday, Duluth Labor Temple, AFL-CIO-Field Coordinator Chad McKenna, (2) significantly disrupt or interfere with the lawful exer- Treas. Paul J. Johnson 2002 London Rd., Pres. Oscar Steinhilb: 218-310-8412, [email protected] Sec. Marty Lee-Burgener, 106 S. 62 Ave. 2002 London Road, Room 95B, Duluth, MN cise, operation or conduct of government, lawful commerce, or AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 1934— W., Duluth, MN 55807, 218-624-7537. 55812, St. Louis Co. Essential Jail Employees. the right of lawful assembly. Meets 3rd Wed., 3:15 at Foster’s Bar & Grill. IBEW LOCAL 31 (UTILITY WORKERS)— NORTHERN WISCONSIN BUILDING & In other words, you could “further terrorism” by blowing up Pres. Dan Marchetti, 726-2345, Rm.105, Duluth Labor Temple, 728-4248. CONSTRUCTION TRADES COUNCIL— VP Glen Peterson, Sec. Larry Van Why, Pres. Tim Ryan; VP Paul Makowski; Meets the 3rd Wednesdays, Old Towne Bar. a building… or writing political graffiti on it. Treas. Heather Ninefeldt Rec. Sec. Bob Fonger; Treas. Dan Leslie; President Norm Voorhees, (218) 724-5073, In September of 2008, the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Mark Glazier, 2002 London Rd., Duluth, MN 55812; AFSCME Co. 5 - LOCAL 3558 - Non-profit Asst. Bus. Mgr. Dick Sackett V-P Dan Westlund Jr., Sec.-Treas. in St Paul filed the first ever criminal charges under this law. Not employees. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m.. Monthly Meetings: Duluth: 1st Wednes- Larry Anderson, (218) 428-2722 AFSCME Hall, 211 W. 2nd St. Pres. days, 7:00 pm, Labor Temple; against an al-Qaeda cell, mind you, but eight young Minnesotans Michelle Fremling ; VP Todd Kneebone; Iron Range: Gilbert VFW, 2nd Tuesdays, OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 49 — who were organizing against the Republican National Sec. Susan Cook; Treas. Yvonne Harvey 7:15 pm; Grand Rapids Blandin Workers Meets 2nd Tues. of month at 7:30 p.m., Hall, 2nd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm; Hall B, Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Convention. The RNC8, as they have come to be known, each AFSCME LOCAL 695 - Meets 4th Tuesday Western Area: 3rd Wednesdays, all at 7:00 Rd., Bus. Rep. Brent Pykkonen, 724-3840, face four felony conspiracy counts, two of which have an “in fur- of even numbered months at Council 5 pm: Jan., Brainerd Legion; Feb., Park Room. 112, Duluth Labor Temple. Duluth offices and odd numbered months Rapids Legion; March, Nisswa Tasty Pizza All members attend each meeting. therance of terrorism” amendment, and 12 ½ years in prison. Did at Gampers in Moose Lake. North; April, Little Falls Legion; May, Ironton President John McGovern, 393-5718 Legion; June, Brainerd Legion; July, Park OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 70— they attack police? No. Did they damage property? Not that Rapids Legion; Aug., Little Falls Legion; Union office, 2417 Larpenteur Ave. W., St. AFSCME LOCAL 3801 - Representing Paul, MN 55113, 651-646-4566. Bus. Mgr. damaging property makes you a terrorist, but no. They were all UMD Clerical & Technical employees, Room Sept., Jenkins VFW; Oct. Brainerd Legion; Nov., Nisswa Tasty Pizza N.; Dec., Wadena Dick Lally. Meets 2nd Tues. at 5 p.m. in the associated with an anarchist group called the Welcoming 106 Kirby Student Center. Meets 2nd Wed., Duluth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd. 12:00 pm, KSC, 3rd Floor; Superior: Shamrock Pizza, 4th Tues, 7 pm Committee, which wasn’t stockpiling weapons - as initially President Denise Osterholm, 726-6312 Quarterly Meetings: 3rd Mons. Jan., April, PAINTERS & ALLIED TRADES LOCAL July, Oct. at Schroeder Town Hall, 6 pm 106 Meets 1st Wed., 6:00 p.m., Duluth claimed by a wild-eyed Sheriff Fletcher - but rather soup pots AMERICAN POSTAL WORKERS UNION Locations Labor Temple. President Lee Carlson; VP and bed rolls in order to provide food, housing and child care to AFL-CIO Greater Northland Area Local— Duluth-Labor Temple-2002 London Road Ron Folkestad; Rec. Sec. Mikael Sundin; P.O. Box 16321, Duluth, MN 55816. Brainerd-American Legion, 708 Front St. Fin. Sec. Brian Coyle; Treas. Bryce Sjoquist the thousands of activists converging on the city. The eight did- Membership meetings held monthly in Crosby/Ironton-Ironton American Legion Bus. Rep. Craig Olson, Duluth Labor n’t even make it to the protests: most of them were arrested in Duluth, bi-monthly on Iron Range (in odd Gilbert-Gilbert VFW, 224 N. Broadway Temple, Room 106, 2002 London Rd. numbered months), 218-722-3350 Grand Rapids-Blandin Papermill Workers Duluth, MN 55812, 724-6466. pre-convention raids on activist centers and private homes, or Hall, 1005 NW 4th St. BRlCKLAYERS & ALLIED Jenkins-VFW, 3341 Veterans St. PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS picked up on the street “pre-emptive”-style. CRAFTWORKERS LOCAL NO. 1—Chap- Little Falls-American Legion, 108 1st St NE LOCAL 11, U.A.— Meets 1st Thursdays at ter #3, Duluth & Hibbing meetings are listed Nisswa-Tasty Pizza North, Hwy 371S, union hall, 4402 Airpark Blvd. (218) 727- We’ve been here before in the quarterly update newsletter. Chairman Pequot Lakes 2199; President Dan O’Neill; VP Scott As labor historian Peter Rachleff points out, the entire police Jim Stebe, Recording Secretary Stan Park Rapids-American Legion, Hwy. 34 Randall; Rec. Sec. Butch Liebaert; Paczynski, Sergeant at Arms Jerry Lund, Schroeder-Town Hall, 124 Cramer Rd. Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Jeff Daveau, operation around the RNC, including the use of terrorism Field Rep. Jim Stebe, 218-724-8374 Superior-Shamrock Pizza, 5825 Tower Ave Ass’t Bus. Mgr. Dave Carlson Wadena-Pizza Ranch, 106 Jefferson St. S. charges and extensive spying on nonviolent organizations, is BRIDGE, STRUCTURAL, ORNAMENTAL SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 10— eerily similar to what unions faced during the WWI. Among the AND REINFORCING IRON WORKERS IBEW LOCAL 242 (CONST., R.T.V., MFG., Duluth-Superior area meets 2nd Mondays LOCAL 512—Northern MN office/training MAINT.)—Rm.111, Labor Temple, 728-6895. at 5:00 p.m. in Wellstone Hall, Duluth Labor hallmarks of that era of state repression were “Criminal center, 3752 Midway Road, Hermantown Pres. Jesse Wick; Rec. Sec. Don Smith; Temple, 2002 London Rd. MN 55810, (218) 724-5073, Pres. Kevin Treas. Stan Nordwall; Bus Mgr./Fin. Sec. Iron Range meets 2nd Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Syndicalism” laws passed in Minnesota and 22 other states, Kowalski, B.M./F.S.-T. Charlie Witt, Jim Brown. Meetings 4th Wed. of every Regency Inn, Beltline/Howard, Hibbing. which made it a crime to “advocate” the damage of an employ- B.A. Darrell Godbout, Rec. Sec. Bill Gerl month at Duluth Labor Temple. Bemidji area meets 3rd Thursday Jan., Unit meetings - Brainerd, American April, July & Oct., 6:00 pm, Carpenters Hall er’s business. In practice, the law was used to bust the IWW and BROTHERHOOD OF MAINTENANCE OF Legion, 7:30 p.m., 1st Wed. each month. WAY EMPLOYES DIVISION LODGE Bus. Mgr. Craig Sandberg, 1681 E Cope other unions by arresting and jailing organizers and publishers of 1710—Meets 1st Mon. of each month at 7 Ave., St Paul, MN 55109, 612-770-2388-89. INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL Duluth-Superior-lron Range area. Bus. Rep. union papers. The Minnesota law was still on the books in 1986, p.m., Pit Stop, Boundary Ave.; Gen. WORKERS, LOCAL 294 - Meets 4th Thurs- Chair/Sec. Treas. Mike Nagle, 6049 Seville Dennis Marchetti, 2002 London Rd., Duluth when striking meatpackers called a rally at the Austin Hormel day, 7:30 p.m., Local 294 Building located at 55812, 724-6873. Rd. Duluth, MN 55811, 729-9786; 503 E. 16th St., Hibbing, MN. Business plant. “The Mower County attorney dusted off the Criminal Pres. Bart Berglund; 1st Vice Chair Alan Management Scott Weappa, (218) 263- SUPERIOR FEDERATION OF LABOR — Hansen; 2nd Vice Chair Jim Sonneson 6895, Hibbing. I.B.E.W. Local 294 Unit Be- Meets 1st Weds, 6:30 p.m., Public Library, Syndicalism law,” writes Rachleff, “and arrested the entire exec- midji, meets 3rd Thursdays of the month at Pres. Janice Terry, 394-2896, Treas. Mar- BUILDING & GENERAL LABORERS 7 p.m. in Carpenters Hall. utive board of UFCW Local P-9.” The story ends well, though. LOCAL 1091—Meets 3rd Thursdays, 7 pm lene Case, 399-8152, Sec. Cindy Lee, 395- 1853, PO Box 1246, Superior, WI 54880 A coalition of students and retirees launched a sit-in in Governor Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall. Presi- INTL. BROTHERHOOD OF ELECTRICAL dent Larry Anderson, V.P. Brad Bukovich, WORKERS, LOCAL 366—(Electrical, Sig- UNITE HERE! LOCAL 99 — Executive Perpich’s office and successfully pressured the state legislature Rec. Sec. Bill Cox, Bus.Mgr./Fin.Sec./ Treas. nal & Communication Workers of C/N) - Board meetings 2nd Mon. each month: 1:30 to repeal the law. Dan Olson; (218) 728-5151 Meets 3rd Thursdays, Proctor American Le- p.m. in Mar., June, Oct., & Dec., 9:30 a.m. in gion. President/Local Chairman Greg Arras, all other months. Quarterly regular member- Why should you care about the RNC8? CARLTON COUNTY CENTRAL LABOR 745 Laurel St. Cloquet MN 55720, 879- BODY—Meets 1st Monday of month except ship meetings are held on the 2nd Mon. of 6129; VP David Winek; Fin. Sec. David Mar., June, Oct., & Dec. at 2:30 p.m. Meet- You don’t need to be an anarchist to see the writing on the Sept. which meets last Monday in August. Ostby, 303 Park Ave. Cloquet, MN 55720, Meeting 7:00 pm 2nd floor of Labor Temple, ings are held at the Duluth Labor Temple. 879-0941; Rec. Sec. Brian Johnson; Treas. President Todd Erickson, 728-6861 wall. If this prosecution is successful, any of us could be next. 1403 Ave C, Cloquet 55720; President Bob Richard Swenson. Oswold, VP Tom Beltt, Treas Dan Swanson, UNITED AUTO WORKERS LOCAL 241 — Interfering with “lawful commerce” is exactly what we have to Sec. Diane Firkus, 390-9560 INTL. ASSOCIATION OF HEAT & FROST Meets Ist Tues. of the month, 7:30 p.m., Du- do sometimes in order to defend our rights. If that’s enough to INSULATORS AND ALLIED WORKERS luth Labor Temple, 2002 London Rd., P. Del CARPENTERS LOCAL UNION NO. 361— LOCAL NO. 49—Meets 2nd Friday each make a person a terrorist in this state, then every union member Meets 2nd Tues. of the month at 6:30 p.m. Soiney; Fin. Officer Eric Sparring, 259 month, 8 p.m., Duluth Labor Temple. Busi- Canosia Rd., Esko, MN 55733 has a target on her back. at Training Center, 5238 Miller Trunk Hwy., ness Manager Dick Webber, 2002 London 724-3297. President Steve Risacher, Rd., Room 210, Duluth 55812, 724-3223; UNITED FOOD & COMMERCIAL What can you do? VP Susan Erkkila, Rec. Sec. Chris Hill, Fin. Pres. Wade Lee; VP Garth Lee; WORKERS LOCAL 1116—Duluth Labor Sec. Larry Nesgoda; Treas. Chuck Aspoas, Rec.Sec. Randy Neumann; Temple, 2002 London Rd., Rm. 211, P.O. Field Reps. Steve Risacher, Chris Hill Show some solidarity. Winning this case would be good for Fin. Sec./Treas. Gerry Nervick Box 16388, Duluth 55816-0388. President all of us. Why not throw a couple bucks at the RNC8 legal CEMENT MASONS, PLASTERERS & Steve Gilbertson; Sec. Treas. Joyce SHOPHANDS LOCAL 633—Duluth & Iron Berglund, 218-728-5174. defense fund? Or better yet, get your local to send something. Range Area Office: Mike Syversrud, 2002 Retirees' Club meets 2nd Monday, 1:30 London Road, Room 112, Duluth 55812; p.m., Duluth Labor Temple, Wellstone Hall Even a token donation would mean a lot to the 8 and put Ramsey 218-724-2323; Meetings to be announced UNITED STEELWORKERS LOCAL 1028 - County on notice that if they mess with any organizers, they’ll Meets 2nd Tues., Room 212, 2002 London have to answer to us all. And stay tuned. A few good-hearted leg- Rd., Duluth 55812, 728-9534. Pres. Bruce Lotti, VP Mike Connolly, Fin. Sec. Larry islators will soon introduce a bill to repeal the “furtherance of Libra, Treas. Lee Popovich, Rec. Sec. Dave Lubbesmeyer terrorism” amendment. Hopefully we won’t need to camp out on the governor’s floor, but we are going to need you to make some UNITED STEELWORKERS 1028 RETIREES ASSOCIATION—Meets 3rd calls. To find out how you can donate or to learn more about the Weds (except Jan, Feb) Evergreen Center, 5830 Grand Ave 3 p.m. All USWA 1028 re- case, check out rnc8.org. tirees welcome. Pres. John Stojevich, Treas. (Joel Kilgour managed to dodge every tear gas canister and Mary S. Petrich, Sec. Ted Krakovac rubber bullet that came his way on the streets of St Paul last Labor Day. He’s involved in the RNC 8 Defense Committee)

PAGE 6 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 Bronfenbrenner: EFCA is key for women It’s Women’s History Month by Seth Michaels work in the interest of the pub- inate. Women have a great deal March is National Women's History Month to ensure that the www.aflcio.org lic good. Letting them act with- to gain from unionization. history of women is recognized and celebrated in schools, Cornell University’s Kate out any restraint puts us where Industries like health care, hos- workplaces, and communities. The stories of women's historic Bronfenbrenner, a leading we are today. The National pitality, and retail [are] all sec- achievements present an expanded view of the complexity and scholar in labor studies, dis- Labor Relations Act as it is tors where the union density is fulfillment of living a purposeful life. The knowledge of cusses the Employee Free now enforced is a poor piece of not high, and yet when women women's history provides a more expansive vision of what a Choice Act and the future of legislation. The Employee Free workers do organize, there are woman can do. This perspective can encourage girls and the union movement in the lat- Choice Act is nothing more dramatic changes—and not women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a est issue of The American Pros- than making the law do what it just in economic issues but in fuller understanding of the female experience. pect (http://www.prospect.org/ was supposed to have been the whole way the workplace is The theme for National Women's History Month 2009 is cs/articles?article=the_new_ter doing all along. structured. Schedules become Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet. Rachel Carson, the ms_of_the_labor_dialogue). Bronfenbrenner, director of regular, workers get health and founder of the contemporary environmental movement, is the In a great interview, Bron- labor education research at welfare benefits, the ability to iconic model of the theme. fenbrenner, whose research has Cornell’s School of Industrial know what time you are going The 2009 Honorees include an international group of detailed the pattern of corpo- and Labor Relations, says home at the end of the day, to women who are scientists, engineers, business leaders, writers, rate interference and intimida- increased access to a union be able to make a schedule in filmmakers, conservationists, teachers, community organizers, tion that prevents workers from membership and bargaining is terms of your child care, to religious or workplace leaders and others whose lives show freely choosing a union, says especially important to women, have access to promotions. exceptional vision and leadership to save our planet. the Employee Free Choice Act for whom unions are a path to In a new Point of View col- Brief biographies of the 2009 Honorees are posted on the is critical to giving workers jobs that will help them support umn for the AFL-CIO, labor National' Women's History's website www.nwhp.org. bargaining power and restoring families, advance in their studies professor Edgar Moore balance in an economy that has careers and improve their lives. of the University of Nebraska been undermined by corporate It is important to know that also emphasizes the economic greed. Says Bronfenbrenner: the majority of new workers importance of unions for work- The public has seen that being organized over the last ers of color. Moore discusses deregulation and letting 20 years have been women and the relationship between employers do whatever they workers of color….The job unions and wages, health care, want has hurt a lot of people. growth in the economy is in pensions and leadership oppor- Corporate capital does not sectors where women predom- tunities for African Americans. Unions huge advantage for women workers A December report by the Center for Econ- (CPS), found that unionization raises the pay of omic and Policy Research (www.cepr.net) doc- women workers by almost $2.00 per hour. uments a large wage and benefit advantage for According to the report, women workers in women workers in unions relative to non-union unions were also 19 percentage points more counterparts. "Unions and Upward Mobility for likely to have employer-provided health insur- Women Workers," found that unionized women ance, significant, since women pay higher pre- workers earned, on average, 11.2% more than mium rates than men. Women workers were their non-union peers. also 26 percentage points more likely to have In addition, women in unions were much an employer-provided pension plan than more likely to have health insurance benefits women workers who were not in unions. and a pension plan. The study also shows that unionization "For women, joining a union makes as much strongly benefited women workers in otherwise sense as going to college," said John Schmitt, a low-wage occupations. Among women workers Senior Economist at CEPR and the author of in the 15 lowest-paying occupations, union the study. "All else equal, joining a union raises members earned 14% more than those workers a woman's wage as much as a full-year of col- who were not in unions. In the same low-wage lege, and a union raises the chances a woman occupations, unionized women were 26 per- has health insurance by more than earning a centage points more likely to have employer- four-year college degree." provided health insurance and 23 percentage The report, which analyzed data from the points more likely to have a pension plan than Census Bureau's Current Population Survey their non-union counterparts. Court protects sexual harassment witnesses WASHINGTON (PAI)--By a 9-0 vote, the Frazier is covered by the ‘opposition clause,’” Supreme Court on Jan. 27 protected witnesses of the anti-harassment law, which says a work- in investigations of sexual harassment on the er or witness is covered if they oppose sexual job. Ruling in a 7-year-old case involving the harassment, Souter wrote. The district court in Nashville Metro School District, Associate Tennessee and the federal appellate court in Justice David Souter said 30-year-veteran Cincinnati had ruled Crawford’s opposition to worker Vicky Crawford was protected by fed- the sexual harassment had to be active and con- eral laws against sexual harassment when she stant, but justices said that’s too restrictive. told city human resources investigator Veronica “Crawford’s description of the goings-on Frazier about harassment by the district’s would certainly qualify in the minds of reason- human resources director Gene Hughes. able jurors as ‘resistant’ or ‘antagonistic’ to” Crawford testified she had been harassed, “Hughes’s treatment, if for no other reason than but only in response to the prober’s questions. the point argued by the government and The probe began after another female worker explained by an EEOC guideline: ‘When an complained. Crawford and two other witnesses employee communicates to her employer a also had been harassed, but did not volunteer belief the employer has engaged in… a form of information, though they described their own employment discrimination, that communica- instances of being harassed. After the investiga- tion’ virtually always ‘constitutes the employ- tion ended inconclusively, all three were fired, ee’s opposition to the activity,’” Souter added. which is illegal anywhere said the justices. The case isn’t over yet. While the Supreme Crawford then sued under the anti-sexual Court set out the rules for protecting witnesses harassment law, saying she was fired in retalia- in sexual harassment cases Crawford’s still out tion for testifying about harassment. of a job. The justices told lower courts to give “The statement Crawford says she gave to her a new trial on the retaliation charges. LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009 PAGE 7 President Obama’s proposed DOL budget has more for jobless, enforcement By Mark Gruenberg Details will be released in the Labor Department office future establishment of a sys- refundable to ensure savings PAI Staff Writer April. that Bush Labor Secretary tem of automatic workplace incentives are fair to all work- WASHINGTON--President Obama’s OMB said his Elaine Chao used to harass and pensions, alongside Social ers,” the budget says. Barack Obama’s Labor budget “reforms the unemploy- ride herd on unions, forcing Security,” to increase the num- The budget now goes to Department budget outline ment insurance system (UI), them to disclose spending on ber of people who save and the Congress, where the House, increases money for jobless strengthens workforce training, everything from pencils to pay. amount they save. Obama mostly along party lines, just benefits and for worker safety and improves conditions and Though it didn’t lay out a wants to “modify the existing approved a $410 billion spend- and health enforcement, the benefits for workers. Besides spending figure, the adminis- Saver’s Credit to provide a ing bill for agencies, like DOL, Office of Management and more money for unemploy- tration stepped into the debate 50% match on the first $1,000 that hadn’t had their regular Budget said. It would also help ment insurance -- prompted by over the lack of retirement of retirement savings for fami- spending bills for this year workers save for retirement. the extended jobless benefits in security for workers. “The lies that earn less than $65,000. approved by the last Congress “If jobs and incomes are our the stimulus law -- the budget budget lays the groundwork for The credit would be fully and signed by Bush. yardsticks, then the success of says it will increase money for the American worker is key to OSHA, “enabling it to vigor- the success of the American ously enforce workplace safety economy. The Department of laws and whistleblower protec- Labor will once again stand up tions, and ensure the safety and for working families and be an health of American workers.” Injured on the job? advocate for everyday people,” Obama also wants to Obama said. increase enforcement money His budget plan proposes for the Wage and Hour Divi- spending $13.3 billion in the sion. Independent analysis year starting Oct. 1 on discre- puts wage theft nationwide at tionary programs -- programs more than $45 billion yearly. such as the Occupational Obama also wants to go after Safety and Health Administra- overpaid unemployment bene- tion (OSHA) that Congress can fits, a $3.9 billion problem. raise or lower. That’s $600 Notably missing was a pet million more than this year. GOP cause -- more money for

MNOSHA implicated...from page 1 ing Patricia Todd, assistant commissioner for DOLI who oversees MNOSHA, and Jeffrey Isakson, who was MNOSHA director at the time, were never placed on administrative leave, which is common practice in law enforcement rules. They have admitted in depositions to removing case files from the federal IMIS record retention system that can be accessed by the states. Crosby’s whistleblower lawsuit not only sues the State of Minnesota, it sues Todd and Isakson, who is now an area super- visor in the Duluth office, for violating his First Amendment due process rights. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson’s office is defending the state and Todd and Isakson in the whistle- We can help. blower lawsuits. Heaney called the hearing “very disturbing” and said Senator Tomassoni and other legislators at the hearing also “appeared to be very shook up by the entire hearing.” R Tomassoni said as a committee there isn’t much more that eceiving fair compensation for on-the-job injuries isn’t simple. they can do and if the whistle blower lawsuits say nothing was You may run into red tape and your employer’s Workers’ done wrong, the “investigation” may be over. “But even if the courts decide nothing was done wrong, there is the question of Compensation insurer may try to cut or reduce your benefits. where are the original OSHA reports,” Tomassoni said. Heaney said if DOLI has engaged in the alleged activity to That’s where we come in. We’ve helped thousands of workers protect business over workers that culture could have a long his- successfully negotiate the complexities of the system and emerge tory. DOLI commissioners are appointed by the governor and the last labor-friendly governor in the state was Rudy Perpich, with benefits which reflect fair compensation for their hurt. who left office January 7, 1991. Current Commissioner Steve Sviggum, a Governor Tim If you’ve suffered a work related injury, call us. We have the Pawlenty appointee, has an anti-labor history dating back to when he was a Republican Speaker of the House. He had a 28 experience to show you the way. percent AFL-CIO voting record until his appointment to DOLI in 2006. Sviggum crafted onerous workers compensation changes in the 1990s that added to the misery of injured work- ers. Just last month he proposed major changes to workers’ comp law that created incentives for injured workers to waive their legal rights and would cut coverage to undocumented immi- grants, many of them working in the most dangerous occupa- tions. “There were discussions in the hearing that the allegations may be criminal,” said Heaney. “If they’re not criminal as they concern the law they’re criminal as they pertain to the health and safety of workers.” You can access an audio of the hearing at http://www. sen- ate.leg.state.mn.us/media/media_list.php?ls=86&archive_ year= 2009&category=committee&type=audio#header. On the left side of the page find the date of Wednesday, Feb. 25. Under “Committee” is Finance with Economic Development and Housing Budget Division. PAGE 8 LABOR WORLD NEWS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009