NWA Labor News

Northwest Arkansas Labor Council meeting

2011-11-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council will meet at 5:30 on Thursday, December 1, in the Conference Room at Martin & Kieklak Law Firm, 2059 Green Acres Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Agenda items include: (1) nomination of officers for 2012; (2) development of candidate questionnaires for state legislative, county, and municipal races; and (3) determination of charitable giving to local nonprofits serving the needs of working families and low-income households.

Please submit any additional agenda items before noon Thursday.

If you are unable to attend, please send an alternate from your local.

On Labor Day, don't forget the movement

2011-09-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

A PANEL of experts spent an hour of TV time last month debating this weighty issue: Is organized labor really a special interest?

Let me take a crack at that one:

You're damned right it's special!

If we remembered what it was like for workers before the labor movement, or had a clear vision of how many American workers would take it on the chin without a movement, we'd know how special it is.

As we gorge ourselves with burgers and beer on this Labor Day weekend, we'd do well to give a second thought to the movement that gave us the 40-hour week, an eight-hour day and, yes, weekends.

There was no such thing as a weekend in 1882 when the first Labor Day was celebrated. Blue collar workers hit the clock Monday through Saturday. If they got Sunday off, they were lucky.

"Labor bought the weekend," said Jerry Jordan, president of the Philadelphia Federation of teachers.

"Unions fought for things that the entire society benefitted from, whether they were union members or not. Child-labor laws, disability payments. You don't have to be in a union to get those things."

But you wouldn't have them without a labor movement. We wouldn't have time-and-a-half for overtime or unemployment benefits or health insurance or many of the workplace safety rules in place today.

Without the persistent prodding of the labor movement, there would be no Social Security or Medicare. Organized labor has backed universal health care even though it's not in its self-interest to have government provide a benefit that made union membership more attractive.

You'd have to be a poor student of history to believe that American industrialists would have provided any of those benefits on their own.

If you want to know what big business sees as fair wages and acceptable working conditions, look at what they pay their overseas workers. Textile workers employed by American multinational corporations in Korea and China and South America work for a fraction of what workers are paid even in so-called "right-to-work" states.

But many of us are poor enough students of history to believe that we no longer need to organize in our own interests, or that when we do it harms the American economy. That's what politicians mean when they say that labor unions are a special interest. Respected political figures haul water for these multinationals and mischaracterize U.S. workers without fear of reprisal because most Americans have no idea what the labor movement means to them.

Republican leaders who are opposed to cutting the payroll tax that is paid by even the poorest U.S. workers will fight to the death to keep tax breaks in place for the richest Americans.

Even with some 18 million U.S. workers on unemployment rolls, some elected officials are bold enough to disparage them publicly. U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch equates jobless benefits with welfare payments. Hatch had the gall to propose drug-testing for people who apply for unemployment or welfare benefits.

Gov. Corbett, running in a historically pro-labor state, didn't think twice before suggesting that unemployment wouldn't be as high if more people would just get off their butts.

"The jobs are there," Corbett said, "but if we keep extending unemployment, people are just going to sit there."

Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans are pushing for a "repatriation tax holiday" that would give multinational firms an extra tax incentive to bring overseas profits back into the U.S. economy, and a Democratic president is said to be considering it. Any company that has tried to keep its workforce in America would find itself at an even greater disadvantage.

This despite the fact that the U.S. tax code already includes an offset that allows U.S. companies to reduce their U.S. taxes by the amount they pay to their foreign host countries.

What makes this so bizarre is that the same American workers may see their taxes subsidize companies that replace them with foreign workers.

So, yes, labor is a special interest. It's a good idea to remember that this weekend as we enjoy the burgers and beer and benefits it bought us.

-- Elmer Smith, Philadelphia Daily News

Governor Beebe Ends Freeze on Cost of Living Adjustments for State Employees

2010-12-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

After reviewing state revenues for the first five months of Fiscal Year 2011, Governor Mike Beebe has directed the Department of Finance and Administration to reinstate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), career-service recognitions and merit pay for Arkansas state employees.

"Going into this current budget, we froze state salaries out of an abundance of caution to see how our economy would recover," Governor Beebe said. "After seeing the strength of our economic indicators and remaining ahead of forecast for the year so far, I've decided to reinstate the COLA for our employees."

The COLAs are already built into the current budget and will not impact the funding of any state services or require any budget increases. Career-service recognitions and merit pay are funded through salary savings within existing agency budgets.

Local Food Pantries Need Donations

2010-11-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we know that many individuals and families in Northwest Arkansas have nothing to eat and little to celebrate. The recession continues, job opportunities have not returned, and Congress has refused to extend unemployment benefits to those who have lost their job and are looking for work. Many who can find jobs are paid only minimum wage, which is not enough to support a family, and many workers are unpaid or underpaid victims of wage theft.

One in six of our neighbors live below the poverty line and struggles to make ends meet and provide enough food for their family. Arkansas’ childhood poverty rate is 26% - compared to the national average of 18%. Arkansas children are going without food more than any other state in the country according to a new report by Feeding America. One in four children in Arkansas does not get enough to eat in order to sustain their growth and development.

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council voted this week to make financial contributions to the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the Helping Hands Food Pantry in Bentonville, and the Life Source Food Pantry in Fayetteville. We ask that all local unions encourage their members who can to donate canned goods to area food pantries that are helping feed hundreds of Northwest Arkansas families each week.

Please share as you are able.

Election a ‘Mandate to Fix the Economy and Create Jobs’

2010-11-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

Union Members Jumpstart Renewed Fight to Create Good Jobs

The fight for working families begins again today, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said Wednesday morning, calling the 2010 election “a mandate to create jobs and fix the economy.”

“We are asking the president and every member of Congress to have the courage to act to create jobs. To stand up to corporate influence in our democracy. And to take bold steps to build an economy that works for everyone,” Trumka said.

Voters suffering from high unemployment, home foreclosures and a faltering economy rejected business as usual in Washington, D.C., and demanded action. “Let’s be clear,” Trumka said. “Working people think there wasn’t enough done to help average people, not that there was over-reach. They wanted results and they didn’t see them.”

By far, jobs and the economy was the top issue for voters-among union members and nonmembers-according to exit polls and an AFL-CIO survey conducted Tuesday night by Hart Research Associates.

“The election results were extremely disappointing for the millions of union families who voted in this election, and for the hundreds of thousands of union volunteers who spent hours working for working family candidates,” Trumka said.

“This election was about the economy and jobs, plain and simple,” Trumka said. “Here’s what it wasn’t: It wasn’t a mandate for the policies most Republicans campaigned on.”

The AFL-CIO poll, conducted in the top 100 swing congressional districts, shows that voters overwhelmingly reject privatizing Social Security and raising the Social Security retirement age; they oppose tax cuts for the top 2 percent who make more than $250,000 a year; they reject abolishing the Department of Education; and they oppose reducing or eliminating the minimum wage.

Voters in the swing congressional districts support a strong investment agenda to create jobs as well as an extension of unemployment benefits for jobless Americans. Fully 89 percent want to see tax credits for companies that create jobs in this country. An extraordinary 77 percent favor investing in rebuilding roads, bridges, schools and energy systems to create jobs. And 76 percent endorse investing in jobs to maintain U.S. competitiveness with China, India and Germany.

The AFL-CIO grassroots campaign was mammoth: 200,000 union volunteers knocked on 8.5 million doors, distributed 19.4 million flyers while talking to workers at their worksites and made tens of millions of phone calls. Members received 24.6 million pieces of union mail.

Additionally, Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, was active in 13 cities, 9 states and more than 80 electoral races around the country and knocked on nearly 800,000 doors and made half a million phone calls to voters around the country.

But union volunteers’ efforts came up against a flood of anonymous corporate spending through front groups that ran television ads attacking Democrats and supporting Republicans. According to Open Secrets (www.opensecrets.org), 74.2 percent of all contributions in this election cycle were by corporations.

Starting today, union members will shift their grassroots mobilization from election efforts and into a renewed fight to create good jobs and restore the middle class.

“The fight begins again now,” Trumka said.

Trumka said immediate priorities of union members include stepping up the fight to end outsourcing, supporting jobless workers, asking multi-millionaires to pay their fair share and putting that money to work to create good jobs and security for working families and investing to build a 21st century infrastructure.

“We have an energized membership that’s ready to fight, and we’re going to give it everything we have.”

NALC National Hero of the Year

2010-10-08T05:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to James Dupont, named National Hero of the Year by the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO). Dupont had just finished delivering mail on his rural Arkansas route when he saw a truck and car collide head-on. The member of Rogers, Arkansas NALC Branch 1514 pulled the driver from the truck and, as the vehicle caught on fire, saved a passenger engulfed in flames. He then managed to bend open the door of the burning car to rescue that driver—injuring himself in the process.

NALC honors its 2010 National Heroes of the Year

NALC's National Heroes of the the Year for 2010: (seated, from l) Deborah Czarney and Penny Bell, Muskegon, MI Br. 13; James Dupont, Rogers, AR Br. 1514; Larry Gunkel, Wichita Br. 201; Jeffrey Vollmar, Freehold, NJ Br. 924; (standing, from l) J.D. Stewart and Jack Hayes, Seattle Br. 79; Salli Hislop, Salt Lake City Br. 111. (Not pictured: Thomas Nehlen, Youngstown Br. 385.)

Several letter carriers were recognized for their heroism and community service at a special event Oct. 7 in Washington.

The 2010 National Heroes of the Year are:

Eastern Region Hero: Jeffrey Vollmar, a carrier from Freehold, NJ Branch 924, was delivering mail when he heard a young woman shout that her house was on fire and her mother was still inside. Without concern for his own safety, he ran into the smoke-filled house and found her on the second floor, disoriented. After bringing her outside, he ran back into the house and put out most of the flames.

Central Region Hero: Youngstown Branch 385 letter carrier Thomas Nehlen saw smoke on his route one morning, billowing from a house. He entered without regard for his own safety and helped the residents clustered in the kitchen reach safety outside. Then later that same afternoon, delivering mail in another part of town, he helped a 12-year-old boy who had crashed his bicycle into a van in traffic. Ohio State Chair John Dyce accepted the award on Nehlen's behalf.

Western Region Hero: Salli Hislop was on her mail route when a customer’s dog ran to her truck, barking urgently. Recognizing this as unusual behavior for the dog, the Salt Lake City Branch 111 letter carrier investigated and found the customer lying on his front porch, apparently suffering a heart attack. She performed CPR. Paramedics later revived him, thanks to Hislop’s prompt attention.

Special Carrier Alert: Muskegon, MI Branch 13 carrier Penny Bell was concerned when she noticed mail piling up in an elderly customer’s mailbox, and more worried when she noticed that the hard-of-hearing women’s TV wasn’t on loud as usual. She asked her sub, fellow Muskegon carrier Debbie Czarny, to check on the customer the next day. Seeing the same signs, Czarny pounded on the door, heard a faint voice and got into the house with a neighbor’s key. They found the resident on the floor, where she’d been for four days, disoriented.

Humanitarian of the Year: Larry Gunkel helps feed 35,000 families across Kansas and runs a Food 4 Kids backpack program that provides food over the weekend for several thousand Kansas schoolchildren. Gunkel, former president of Wichita Branch 201, where he began his involvement with feeding people, now is retired and is food program manager for the Kansas Food Bank.

Branch Service Award: Seattle Branch 79 letter carriers were recognized for their work building homes for Louisiana residents displaced by Hurricans Katrina and Rita. Representing the branch were Jack Hayes and J.D. Stewart.

National Hero of the Year: James Dupont had just finished delivering mail on his rural Arkansas route when he saw a truck and car collide head-on. The member of Rogers, Arkansas Branch 1514 pulled the driver from the truck and, as the vehicle caught on fire, saved a passenger engulfed in flames. He then managed to bend open the door of the burning car to rescue that driver—injuring himself in the process.

The 2010 Heroes of the Year represent the efforts of thousands of letter carriers who not only deliver the mail to 150 million households six days a week, but often assist or save residents in situations involving accidents, fires, crimes or health crises.

This Date in Arkansas Labor History

2010-10-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

1961 Chancellor Tom Butt issues injunction against IBEW Local 700 from picketing Acme Electric at construction site in Springdale, later reversed by Arkansas Supreme Court.

1965 Arkansas Supreme Court holds that union member Clara Andrews may maintain an action upon a collective bargaining agreement to enforce rights that are personal to her.

1994 Chamber of Commerce front Committee to Save Arkansas Jobs raised $1,517,672 to defeat ballot amendment to reform Workers Compensation. More than 25% came from out-of-state insurance corporations.

This Date in Arkansas Labor History

2010-10-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

1966. Arkansas Supreme Court holds that Chancellor Murray Reed had no authority to issue injunction against pickets of Cone-Huddleston Construction at Searcy.

1972. Searcy Mayor Leslie Carmichael refuses to meet with Bob Allison, Laborers Union Local 1282 and bargaining agent for Searcy sanitation employees seeking medical benefits.

1985. Paper Workers International Union Local 369 and management of Georgia-Pacific's paper mill at Crossett reach mediated tentative agreement to end strike over G-P changes in overtime and holiday schedule.

Moratorium on Home Foreclosures

2010-09-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

TThe AFL-CIO welcomes the decision by JP Morgan Chase to temporarily halt processing home foreclosures, and we call on the rest of the banking industry to declare a nationwide moratorium on home foreclosures. Millions of working families are on the precipice of losing their homes, and we must stop the avalanche of foreclosures if we are going to save our communities from further economic harm.

In rallies and town hall meetings across the country, union members have demanded that the banks pursue alternatives to foreclosure such as modifying homeowners’ mortgages to more affordable levels. The banks must also stop abusive practices such as the use of “robo-signers” to process thousands of home foreclosures each month without properly reviewing the files associated with each home.

Unemployment is the leading cause of foreclosure, and millions of homeowners have lost their jobs because of the financial crisis and economic recession. Foreclosures hurt the property values of neighborhoods, the credit ratings of homeowners, and the possibility of an economic recovery. The same banks that caused the financial crisis must now do the right thing and stop home foreclosures.

Statement by AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker on
JP Morgan Chase’s Moratorium on Home Foreclosures
September 30, 2010

This Date in Arkansas Labor History

2010-09-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

1919 White planters attack and fire upon a meeting of the Progressive Farmers' and Household Union of America in a church at Hoop Spur, leading to the "Elaine Massacre."

1957 Pluss Poultry of Siloam Springs refuses to abide by arbitrators award in favor of Food Handlers Local 425, Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen, regarding dues check off and job postings.

1971 David Gunderfest of Arkansas Retailers Association testifies before U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Labor for exemptions from raising federal minimum wage to $2.00.

On Labor Day, Work to Save the Middle Class

2010-09-04T05:11:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day feels gloomy. It’s a celebration of work when there is not enough of it, a day off when too many desperately seek a day on.

America has commemorated two Labor Days since this brutal recession began near the end of George Bush’s presidency in December of 2007. Now the relentless high unemployment, the ever-rising foreclosures, the unremitting wage and benefit take-backs have replaced American optimism and enthusiasm with fear and anger.

Happy Labor Day.

On this holiday, we can rant with Glenn Beck, kick the dog and hate the neighbor lucky enough to retain his job. Or we can do something different. We can join with our neighbors, employed and unemployed, our foreclosed-on children, our elderly parents fearing cuts in their Social Security lifeline and our fellow workers worrying that the furlough ax will strike them next. Together we can organize and mobilize and create a grassroots groundswell that gives government no choice but to respond to our needs, the needs of working people.

We can do what workers did during the Great Depression to provoke change, to create programs like Social Security and achieve recognition of rights like collective bargaining. These changes were sought by groups to benefit groups. In a civil society, people care for one another. And America is such a society – one where people routinely donate blood to aid anonymous strangers, children set up lemonade stands to contribute to Katrina victims and working families find a few bucks for United Way.

The self-righteous Right is all about individuals pulling themselves up by their bootstraps. That proposition – the do-it-all- by-yourself-winner-takes-all philosophy – clearly failed because so many Americans are jobless, homeless and too penniless to afford boots.

Over the past decade, the winner who took all was Wall Street. The banksters gambled on derivatives and other risky financial tomfoolery and won big time. Until they lost. And crashed the economy. After the American taxpayer bailed them out, those wealthy traders returned to making huge profits and bonuses based on perilous schemes.

Still, they believe they haven’t taken enough from working Americans. They’re lobbying to end aid for those who remain unemployed in a recession caused by Wall Street recklessness. And they’re demanding extension of their Bush-given tax breaks. This is the nation’s upper 1 percent, people who earn a million or more each year, the 1 percent that took home 56 percent of all income growth between 1989 and 2007, the year the recession began.

Since 2007, 8.2 million workers have lost jobs. Millions more are underemployed, laboring part-time when they need full-time jobs, or barely squeaking by on slashed wages and benefits. Since the recession began, the unemployment rate nearly doubled, from 5 percent to 9.6 percent, and that does not include those so discouraged that they’ve given up the search for jobs, a decision that is, frankly, understandable when there are only enough openings to re-employ 20 percent of the jobless. Five unemployed workers compete for each job created in this sluggish economy.

And American workers weren’t prepared for this downturn, having already suffered losses in the years before it began. The median income, adjusted for inflation, of working-age households declined by more than $2,000 in the seven years before the recession started.

At the same time, practices like off-shoring jobs and signing regressive international trade deals contributed to the loss of middle class, blue collar jobs. A new report, “The Polarization of Job Opportunities in the U.S. Labor Market,” by the Center for American Progress and The Hamilton Project, says:
“The decline in middle-skill jobs has been detrimental to the earnings and labor force participation rates of workers without a four-year college education, and differentially so for males, who are increasingly concentrated in low-paying service occupations.”

The recession compounded that, the report says:
“Employment losses during the recession have been far more severe in middle-skilled white- and blue-collar jobs than in either high-skill, white-collar jobs or low-skill service occupations.”

What that means is high roller banksters are living large; lawn care workers and waitresses subsist on minimum wage, and working class machinists and steelworkers are disappearing altogether.

The researchers found the U.S. economy is increasingly polarized into high-skill, high-wage jobs and low-skill, low wage jobs. America is losing the middle jobs and with them its great middle class.

No wonder the rising anger in middle-class America.

But fury doesn’t solve the problem. This Labor Day, we must organize to save ourselves and our neighbors. We must stop America from descending into plutocracy. We must demand support for American manufacturing and middle class jobs. That means terminating tax breaks for corporate outsourcers, ending trade practices that violate agreements and international law and punishing predator countries for currency manipulation that subverts fair trade by artificially lowering the price of products shipped into the U.S. while artificially raising the price of American exports.

We must demand support for American industry, particularly manufacturers of renewable energy sources like solar cells and wind turbines that create good working class jobs, increase America’s energy independence and reduce climate change.

We must insist on policies that support the middle class, including preserving Social Security and Medicare, extending unemployment insurance while joblessness remains high, and enforcing the health care reform law so that every American worker and family can afford and is covered by insurance.

On this Labor Day, we should all have a picnic, invite neighbors, friends and family, and over hot dogs and potato salad, organize to save the American middle class.

Mobilize to end the gloom and restore American optimism.

***

Leo W. Gerard
International President, United Steelworkers
September 3, 2010

New Study Highlights the Importance of Workplace Safety

2010-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Workers Rate Safety Most Important Workplace Issue in New Labor Day Study

Fatal Accidents Can Trigger Public Concern – But Follow-Through Lags Too Often, Experts Say

More than eight of ten workers — 85 percent — rank workplace safety first in importance among labor standards, even ahead of family and maternity leave, minimum wage, paid sick days, overtime pay and the right to join a union, according to a new study from the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago.

The study, "Public Attitudes Towards and Experiences with Workplace Safety," draws on dozens of surveys and polls conducted by NORC, one of the nation's leading academic survey operations, think tanks and public opinion firms. NORC’s analysis sought to gain a picture of Americans' experiences with workplace safety issues. The study was done for the Public Welfare Foundation, based in Washington, DC, which supports efforts to improve workers' rights.

Despite widespread public concern about workplace safety, the study also found that the media and the public tend to pay closest attention to safety issues when disastrous workplace accidents occur. Even during those tragedies, the fate of workers is often overlooked, such as during the recent oil well disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Workplace safety is too often ignored or accidents taken for granted," said Tom W. Smith, director of NORC’s General Social Survey (GSS). "It is striking that coverage in the media and public opinion polls has virtually ignored the 11 workers killed by the blowout and destruction of the drilling platform."

Instead, Smith pointed out, the media coverage and the polls focused on the environmental impact of the disaster, overlooking the worker safety aspects. But he noted that "if optimal safety had been maintained, not only would the lives of the 11 workers been saved, but the whole environmental disaster would have been averted."

Robert Shull, Program Officer for Workers’ Rights at the Public Welfare Foundation, stated that, "Workplace safety should be a constant concern. Given the importance that workers themselves place on this issue, we should not have to mourn the loss of people on the job before government and employers take more effective measures to ensure that employees can go home safely after work."

On August 19, the U.S. Department of Labor reported in a preliminary count that the number of workers who died on the job in 2009 fell 17 percent from the previous year, as workers clocked in for fewer hours because of the recession. While Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis called the results “encouraging,” she also noted that "no job is a good job unless it is also safe."

Despite a decrease in workplace fatalities, the study found reports of incidents of injury at work to be high.

Although most workers say they are satisfied with safety conditions at work, they also report job-related stress, a contributing factor to injury. The most recent NORC study on job-related stress, done in 2006, reported that 13 percent of workers find their jobs always stressful, while 21 percent find their jobs often stressful.

"Exhaustion, dangerous working conditions and other negative experiences at work are reported by many workers," Smith said. "Such conditions mean that workplace accidents are far from rare."

The new study done for the Public Welfare Foundation found that about 12 percent of workers reported an on-the-job injury during the past year and 37 percent said they have required medical treatment at one time for a workplace injury.

"Unsafe working conditions end up costing the public dearly," added Shull. "But no matter what the cost to the general public, the workers and their families pay the highest price."

The survey report is available here.

Known since its founding in 1941 as the National Opinion Research Center, NORC conducts high-quality social science research in the public interest. To learn more about NORC, visit http://www.norc.org/. The General Social Survey is supported with grants from the National Science Foundation.

The Public Welfare Foundation is a national foundation with assets of more than $460 million that supports efforts to ensure fundamental rights and opportunities for people in need. Its current primary areas of focus are Workers’ Rights, Health Reform, and
Criminal and Juvenile Justice. For more information, please visit http://www.publicwelfare.org/.

Endorsements for September 21st School Elections

2010-08-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Fighting for the Importance of Public Education - For Our Children, Our Economy, Our Communities and Our Future

A strong public education system is essential to the individual and collective well-being of our state and its people, and to the development of an informed and engaged citizenry, without which no democracy can exist and flourish. A strong, universal system of public education is the foundation of the American middle class, and is vital to the survival of the United States as a broadly middle class society in the global economy. The guarantee of access to a free and quality public education should be a right accorded to every child in this country. Securing that guarantee should be a goal and a value that unites all Americans and is supported by our public policies and policymakers at every level.

At this time in the history of our country, all those who support public education, as the labor movement has historically done—who believe in its centrality to our national vitality and are committed to strengthening this institution so every child, in every corner of the country, has access to a great education—should come together to affirm this commitment. A public education system in all its component parts—pre-K, K-12 and higher education—can be strong, vital and productive only with the broad support, commitment and participation of all sectors of our communities.

To advance those important goal, the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council makes the following endorsements for the September 21st school elections in Northwest Arkansas. We urge our member unions and organizations and all working families in Northwest Arkansas to vote for a stronger system of public education. How you vote is your personal decision, but we believe that the following candidates and millage decisions will advance the quality of public education for our children, our economy, our communities, and our future.

FAYETTEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

FOR Bryn Bagwell, Fayetteville School Board, Zone 2. Ms Bagwell was named a 2010 Outstanding Volunteer in the Fayetteville Public Schools, and she brings a strong background in public finance that will be very helpful as the district completes construction plans and addresses budget issues to assure adequate teachers’ salaries.

FOR the 2.75 mill increase to complete Phase 2 of the Fayetteville High School project. In June the district was awarded $31.4 million of 0% interest Qualified School Construction Bonds that can be used for completion of Phase 2 of the new high school, but only if Fayetteville voters pass a millage increase by December 2010.

GREENLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT

FOR Daniel Marzoni, Greenland School District, Zone 5. Mr. Marzoni is a retired classroom teacher and educational association leader who understands the issues facing the recently reinstated Greenland School District.

SPRINGDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT

FOR the 2.4 mill increase to help pay for nearly $70 Million in upcoming school projects. The state has pledged additional $15 Million if construction begins on the projects by January of next year. "This millage is designed to build a middle school, a junior high, an athletic facility at Har-Ber High and renovation of Springdale High School football stadium

Those who have dedicated their careers and lives to providing a public education to our children should be recognized for their contributions, supported and included in our efforts to continuously improve our education system and to ensure that the students in every public school have equal opportunity and access to highly qualified teachers, staff and instructional resources. The complex and considerable challenges facing public education require a public school environment that fosters thoughtful solutions, shared responsibility, consideration of proven strategies and programs and public education policies that help ensure access to the excellent education every child deserves.

For the past several years, we have been living through the most severe recession since the Great Depression, which has affected public education, not just through cuts to core programs, but through job losses that destabilize students’ families, cuts to other critical services that the communities depend on, and stress that pulls at the social fabric that unites us. Rather than fostering an environment that allows for thoughtful, collaborative solutions, so-called “reformers” focus instead on imposing unproven programs and polices that shake the foundation of our schools, neighborhoods and communities. Public education is a public responsibility and must be a public trust.

Our shared pain, rather than divide us, must instead become the impetus for our shared efforts to force a commitment to programs and polices designed to invest, not disinvest, in public education and other vital public services to ensure opportunities for lifelong learning Exclusionary approaches, simplistic slogans and punitive strategies that substitute for real solutions, such as the mass removal of both instructional and non-instructional personnel from low-performing schools without regard to the investments that have not been made in those schools, distract from the important work needed to strengthen public education, divide our communities and undermine public education, which is the institution that has the potential and purpose of creating equal opportunities for all our children.

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council is united in opposing shortsighted arguments that focus on affixing blame rather than finding solutions to the problems that confront our schools in this time of economic crisis. The labor movement opposes any effort to pit public sector and private sector workers against each other. All workers deserve adequate health care and retirement security. The labor movement understands that until private sector workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively is restored, no public sector worker is economically secure. And we also understand that attacks on public sector workers are led by those whose goals is to weaken and impoverish all workers.

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council will support all efforts to show that working with labor is part of the solution. We will redouble our efforts to make common cause with communities and will act—not just one day or one week but every day—to mobilize support for the programs and policies critical to building strong and vibrant education systems and communities throughout America.

Ask a Working Woman

2010-07-23T08:37:00.001-07:00

It’s simple: Working women are the experts on the challenges working women face at work, at home and getting by in a tough economy. And if you want to know something, the best thing to do is ask an expert.

That’s what Working America and the AFL-CIO are doing with the 2010 Ask a Working Woman survey, and they could use your help.

If you’re a working woman (whether you work outside or inside your home), please take seven minutes to complete the survey. This is your chance to share how you feel about your job, how the recession has affected your family and what you hope and worry the next five years will bring.

For more than 12 years now, Working America and the AFL-CIO have been surveying women every two years or so, asking about their concerns and experiences, the challenges they face and the hopes they hold. You can be sure decision makers and the media will hear what you and tens of thousands of other women have to say. Please, take the survey now.

Congress Passes Comprehensive Financial Reform

2010-07-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Senate gave final approval to a financial reform bill today, voting 60-39 to send the measure to President Obama for his signature. Arkansas Senators Pryor and Lincoln voted for the legislation; Congressman John Boozman (R-AR3) voted against it in the House.

Today’s vote represents a historic shift of power—away from big bankers and CEOs to working families and Main Street. For years, big banks have profited on the backs of working families. Millions of working families lost their jobs and still can’t find work because of the reckless and selfish actions of Wall Street and the big banks.

After the financial meltdown brought on by Wall Street’s greed and irresponsibility, it would have been an outrage for the status quo to stand. Yet all but three Republicans in the U.S. Senate voted against reforming our bloated and unaccountable financial sector.

Fortunately, President Obama and working family leaders in Congress stood firm to put our country back on track toward an economy that works for everyone. In the end, fifty-seven Democrats and three Republicans voted for this landmark legislation. This vote will make it a lot harder for big bankers to indulge their greed at the expense of working people.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act will:

· Create a strong consumer protection agency to protect working people from predatory lenders;

· Shed light on the shadow markets by requiring most derivatives to clear and trade on open, transparent exchanges and mandating that large managers of hedge funds and private equity funds register with the Securities and Exchange Commission;

· Give long term investors new tools to hold corporate boards and senior management accountable; and

· Help prevent future bank bailouts by creating a council of regulators to oversee systemic risk, giving regulators authority to dissolve failing financial institutions while prohibiting bailouts for bank shareholders and executives

· Moving toward restoring of Glass Steagall by limiting banks ability to make risky bets backed by taxpayer funds.

We will continue to fight for reforms that will further address too big to fail financial institutions and make Wall Street pay its fair share to create the 8 million jobs it helped destroy.

As we look ahead to November, when voters will once again have the ability to stay on the path to change or look back to the failed policies of the past, this vote is a defining line in the sand. Working families will be dedicated to supporting leaders who vote to create jobs and hold Wall Street and big business accountable.

Voters now have a clear picture of those who stand on the side of Main Street and those who choose instead to stand on the side of Wall Street. We will not forget.

Special Convention of the Arkansas AFL-CIO

2010-07-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

The Special Convention of the Arkansas AFL-CIO is to be held August 21^st in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The purpose of the convention will be to take action on recommendations of State COPE concerning candidates who will be running for office in the November 2^nd General Election. Your credentials will be mailed to you soon. The registration fee is $50.00 per delegate, alternate, and guest.

The one-day convention will convene at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday August 21^st, 2010 at the Clarion Resort at 4813 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus allowing over 5 weeks for campaigning. Candidate interviews will take place on Friday, August 20^th. Any delegate desiring to sit in on candidate interviews is welcome to attend.

The Special Convention will be considering candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. Representative, all State Constitutional Offices, and State Legislative contests. Ballot issues will also be considered.

It is very important that all affiliates be represented at the Special Convention. Working together we can continue to build a more unified labor movement and a better Arkansas for all of our citizens.

The special hotel room rate for convention delegates is $95.00 for a single or double. The hotel is holding a block of rooms for our convention delegates. Their cutoff date is July 20^th, 2010. Please make your reservations early by calling toll free 1-800-432-5145. Be sure to specify the reservation is for our convention.

It is each local union’s responsibility to make their delegates’ room reservations. Thank you for your cooperation on this. Also, please don’t forget to send your convention credentials to us no later than August 11^th.

Fraternally yours,

Alan B. Hughes

President

Arkansas AFL-CIO

Please note:

= Deadline to apply to register to vote in the General Election is October 4^th.

= Early voting begins for the General Election on October 18^th.

Ask Senators Lincoln and Pryor to support our Public Safety Employees

2010-07-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

The House of Representatives has approved the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 (H.R. 4899) that included an amendment incorporating the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (PSEECA), which would provide firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel with collective bargaining rights in Arkansas and other states and localities that do not currently provide them, establish minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for these groups, and give the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) the power to regulate and enforce these rights.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act assures that fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders in every state will have the right to talk to their employer about how to improve public safety and do their jobs more safely. The initiative was included in a supplemental appropriation bill adopted by a vote of 239-182 on Thursday, July 1. Representatives Berry, Ross, and Snyder supported the provision; John Boozman voted NO.

“Seventy-five years after passage of the National Labor Relations Act, fire fighters are a step closer to having the same rights that workers in the private sector have had since 1935,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. The Fraternal Order of Police has a good analysis here.

While most fire fighters and law enforcement officers are already provided bargaining rights under state laws, too many public safety officers do not have the ability to present ideas about how they can better protect the public safety. The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act will ensure that Arkansas and every other state allows discussions between first responders and the agencies that employ them, and will promote productive partnerships between labor and management.

Collective bargaining is especially important in light of the fiscal crisis facing many states, cities and counties. Over the past two years, fire fighters and police officers have offered millions of dollars in concessions and given back raises and benefits previously agreed to in order to prevent cuts that would undermine public safety.

The Senate will take up the measure following its July 4 recess. This legislation is important to our union brothers and sisters serving in public safety agencies, so let's generate at least 200 calls from our members in Northwest Arkansas. It will only take a few minutes of our time, but it can mean so much. Please call Senators Lincoln and Pryor this week ask them to support it. Senate Bill 3194, also known as the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The House version that passed last week is included in H.R. 4899.

Call both offices of both Senators and ask them to support the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. You can also call these numbers after hours and leave messages.

Senator Blanche Lincoln
DC OFFICE: (202) 224-4843
FAYETTEVILLE OFFICE: (479) 251-1224

Senator Mark Pryor
DC OFFICE: (202) 224-2353
LITTLE ROCK OFFICE: (501) 324-6336

PRESIDENT TRUMKA ON THE DEMOCRATIC SENATE PRIMARY

2010-05-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

America's workers congratulate Bill Halter on his almost unprecedented achievement in forcing a two term incumbent Senator into a run-off election.

Halter gave voters a clear choice between someone who fights for the working families of Arkansas or a DC insider like Lincoln who is in the pocket of Wall Street and big business.

With so much at stake, Arkansas workers are prepared to continue the fight. From the minute the polls closed tonight, we began our renewed efforts to elect Bill Halter to the Senate in the runoff election.

STATEMENT BY AFL-CIO PRESIDENT RICHARD TRUMKA ON THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATIC SENATE PRIMARY
May 18, 2010

NALC Letter Carriers "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive

2010-05-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Help Stamp Out Hunger! On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the 18th annual National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO) Food Drive will take place across the country. Every year, this highly anticipated event has brought hope, goodwill and sustenance to millions of people in need. The annual food drive has grown into the nation's largest one-day effort to help "Stamp Out Hunger" in America.

More now than ever, people around the country -- people in our own neighborhoods and towns -- are looking to us to help make a difference. This is when I feel most proud of the partnership between our brothers and sisters of the National Association of Letter Carriers and other supporting sponsors. This is when we all can say we made a difference in someone's life.

Just leave the donated food items in a sack by your mailbox this Saturday. When considering your donation, we ask that you avoid items packaged in glass; one broken jar can damage hundreds of other donations. In addition, please do not donate items that have gone past the expiration date. You can make your donation extra special by donating one or more of the high-protein and nutrient packed items such as peanut butter, canned meat, canned fish, beef stew, canned fruit or fruit juice and canned pasta with meat.

Gov. Mike Beebe says he's confident that Arkansans will respond big-time to the National Association of Letter Carriers’ drive to collect food for the hungry. Beebe spoke Wednesday at a news conference in Sherwood about the the 2010 Stamp Out Hunger food drive that takes place Saturday. That's the day Letter Carriers for the U.S. Postal Service will pick up donated non-perishable food items from mailboxes across the country. The food drive, which started in 1993, collected more than 73 million pounds of donated food last year, including 78,000 pounds from central Arkansas.

Summer is an especially high-risk period for hunger because many children in need are not receiving regular meals in school. Please give this food drive your full effort. Your commitment and support is what makes it a success year after year.

Endorsement of Beth Storey Bryan for Circuit Judge, Division 5

2010-05-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council has endorsed Beth Storey Bryan for Circuit Judge, Division Five. She has an exemplary record of public service, the relevant legal experience best suited for the position, a strong work ethic, and the deep sense of fairness and accountability that working families expect and deserve from our judges.

We find Beth especially qualified for this position on the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court to serve Washington and Madison Counties, due to her record in handling domestic relations cases and probate litigation that are primarily heard in Division Five. Over the last decade, she has represented more than a thousand clients and appellate experience before the Arkansas Court of Appeals and the Arkansas Supreme Court. She has the real courtroom experience to effectively and fairly handle the dockets of the 5th Division.

Beth’s record of volunteer public service demonstrates that she has a passion for children and protecting their best interests. She serves as a board member for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and is an active member of the Circle of Friends, a non-profit organization supporting the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. This service reflects her judicial philosophy that while courts have the obligation to hold everyone accountable under the law, they also have the duty to go the extra mile to protect our children.

We urge our members and all citizens to consider these outstanding qualification and to support Beth Storey Bryan for Circuit Judge. The election is on May 18th, and early voting begins on Monday, May 3rd.

Endorsement of Steve Zega for Circuit Judge, Division 7

2010-04-29T13:42:00.001-07:00

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council has endorsed Steve Zega for Circuit Judge, Division Seven. Mr. Zega has an outstanding record of public service, and we find him especially qualified for this position on the 4th Judicial District Circuit Court to serve Washington and Madison Counties. He has been a city and county prosecutor, and he has experience representing clients before experience before the Arkansas Supreme Court, the Arkansas Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit.

Mr. Zega was named the Volunteer Lawyer of the Year for Washington County in 2001 and again in 2007. He has donated hundreds of hours of free legal service to low income families and individuals, a record unmatched by any of the other candidates.

In addition, Zega served our nation during a tour of duty in Iraq. As a JAG military lawyer, he gained broad experience in military law that allowed him to build extensive knowledge in multiple areas of legal representation. His civilian practice has included successfully representing veterans before the VA and the Court of Appeals for Veterans’ Claims.

As a Justice of the Peace first elected to the Washington County Quorum Court in 2000, Mr. Zega understands both government and his constituents. Currently serving as Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committees, he has demonstrated the management skills and understanding of all aspects of county government. It is especially noteworthy that he led the successful effort to assure raises for county employees during tough economic times without having to increase taxes.

We urge our members and all citizens to consider these outstanding qualification and to support Steve Zega for Circuit Judge. The election is on May 18th, and early voting begins on Monday, May 3rd.

2010 Automobile Buyers Guide

2010-04-11T18:03:00.000-07:00

2010 BUYER'S GUIDE OF VEHICLES BUILT BY UNION MEMBERS IN THE UNITED STATES & CANADA

AFL-CIO NOW BLOG | Hey, Blanche Lincoln: We Take Care of Working Families and We’re Union

2010-04-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

AFL-CIO NOW BLOG | Hey, Blanche Lincoln: We Take Care of Working Families and We’re Union

ARKANSAS AFL-CIO ENDORSEMENTS FOR MAY 18th PRIMARIES

2010-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Arkansas Constitutional Offices

Triple Endorsement for Secretary of State:

Doris Tate; Mark Wilcox; County Clerk Pat O’Brien

Comm. of State Lands:

Representative Monty Davenport

U.S. Senate

Lt. Governor Bill Halter

U.S. House

1st District:

Chad Causey

2nd District:

Joyce Elliott

State Supreme Court

Duel Endorsement for Assoc. Justice Position 3:

Court of Appeals Judge Courtney Henry; Judge John Fogleman

Duel Endorsement for Assoc. Justice Position 6:

Court of Appeals Judge Karen Baker; Judge Tim Fox

Court of Appeals

Associate Judge District 2 Position 1:

Court of Appeals Judge Jo Hart

State Senate

Dual Endorsement for District 19:

State Rep. Gene Shelby; Q. Byrum Hurst

District 21:

Rep. Steve Harrelson

District 22:

State Rep. Dawn Creekmore

State Senate

Dual Endorsement District 34:

Jay Barth; Linda Pondexter Chesterfield

State House

District 22:

Krystal Thrailkill

District 27:

Vicky Morris

Dual Endorsement District 31:

Debbie Murphy; Scott Pace

Dual Endorsement District 34:

Terri Hollingsworth; John W. Walker

District 35:

Fredrick “Fred” Love

District 39:

State Rep. Richard Carroll

District 92:

Greg Leding

All primaries above are Democratic Primaries. The Arkansas AFL CIO has taken no position on any contested primary not listed above.

Immediate Effects of the Health Care Reform Act: March 2010

2010-03-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Immediate effects of the health care reform act signed this week: March 2010

Health Insurers cannot deny children health insurance because of pre-existing conditions. A ban on the discrimination in adults will take effect in 2014

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering up to 50% of employee premiums

Seniors will get a rebate to fill the so-called "donut hole" in Medicare drug coverage, which severely limits prescription medication coverage expenditures over $2,700. As of next year, 50 percent of the donut hole will be filled.

The cut-off age for young adults to continue to be covered by their parents' health insurance rises to the age 27.

Lifetime caps on the amount of insurance an individual can have will be banned. Annual caps will be limited, and banned in 2014.

A temporary high-risk pool will be set up to cover adults with pre-existing conditions. Health care exchanges will eliminate the program in 2014.

New plans must cover checkups and other preventative care without co-pays. All plans will be affected by 2018

Insurance companies can no longer cut someone when he or she gets sick.

Insurers must now reveal how much money is spent on overhead.

Any new plan must now implement an appeals process for coverage determinations and claims.

New screening procedures will be implemented to help eliminate health insurance fraud and waste.

Medicare payment protections will be extended to small rural hospitals and other health care facilities that have a small number of Medicare patients.

Non-profit Blue Cross organizations will be required to maintain a medical loss ratio -- money spent on procedures over money incoming -- of 85 percent or higher to take advantage of IRS tax benefits.

The bill establishes a temporary program for companies that provide early retiree health benefits for those ages 55-64 in order to help reduce the often-expensive cost of that coverage.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will set up a new Web site to make it easy for Americans in any state to seek out affordable health insurance options The site will also include helpful information for small businesses.

A two-year temporary credit (up to a maximum of $1 billion) is in the bill to encourage investment in new therapies for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Terry Jones Tells the Northwest Arkansas Times

2010-03-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

Editorial On Unions Cheap Shot

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — Your recent editorial blaming unions for the troubles of the U.S. Postal Service (March 5) is another conservative cheap shot.

In the early years, providing health care benefits instead of giving deserved increases in salaries was regarded as a benefit to companies - not to the workers. Companies like the Postal Service also started providing pensions instead of raises because it was cheaper. Now health care prices have skyrocketed due to free enterprise. Interest rates are almost at zero in an attemptby the feds to bail out failing corporations, so pensions are also suffering on corporate books.

Now just what is it that the postal union has done? It accepted the cheap benefits provided by its contract with the U.S. Postal Service instead of fighting for fairer wages. Now you conservative-Republicanfree-enterprisers would like to rob the postal workers of both medical insurance and pensions so the service won’t have to raise the price of stamps.

How Enron-ic of you. Unions did not hijack the Postal Service.

Stupid management, greed and lack of foresight on the part ofexecutives hijacked the Postal Service. But that is the American way. Blaming unions for the failure of corporations and blaming the victims of medical malpractice for the cost of health insurance are just lame excuses for corporate mismanagement.

There are hundreds of things the Postal Service can do - like closing small post office branches - to reduce costs and meet its commitments.

When did it become popular for this newspaper to kick the little guys?

TERRY JONES / Fayetteville

Northwest Arkansas Times, Opinion, Page 5 on 03/23/2010

House Approves Historic Health Care Reform

2010-03-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

In an historic vote more than 60 years in the making, the House of Representatives late last night voted to approve(219-211) what AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka calls a "momentous step toward comprehensive health care.”

The bill survived a $100 million lie-and-distortion campaign by Big Insurance to kill it-the same kind of tactics these groups have aimed at health care proposals forsix decades. Trumka says the bill is not “a baby step or half measure,” but a solid step forward to set our country on a path to health care that actually works for working families.

After personally calling dozens of House members on Friday, Trumka spent the weekend meeting with House members to firm up votes in favor of the bill. On Capitol Hill today, Trumka joined two workers-among the millions in this nation for whom passage of this health care bill means the difference between food and health care.

One of the workers, Liz Stender, lost her job in August while four months pregnant, and described how COBRA, which extends her health coverage, will run out next month. Now working part-time, Stender, a member of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America,won’t be able to afford health coverage for herself or her small daughter–and today’s passage of the health care bill literally means the difference between groceries and insurance. Judy Cato, a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans, who also joined Trumka, described how the legislation will allow her and other Medicare beneficiaries to get mammograms and other preventive screenings without co-payments.

In a letter Friday to House members urging passage of the bill, Trumka wrote “the bill is not perfect.”

But we are realistic enough to know it’s time for the deliberations to stop and for progress to begin. And we are idealistic enough to believe this is an opportunity to change history we can’t afford to miss.

Union Members Made the Difference

Throughout the health care battle, mobilized union members provided a strong and visible counterpoint to the insurance giants’ television and lobbying blitz. Union members made more than 4 million phone calls and sent more than 1 million emails to lawmakers.Leaders flew to Washington and visited members of Congress in their districts, making more than 10,000 contacts.

In addition, canvassers from Working America, the AFL-CIO community affiliate talked to more than 210,000 people abouthealth care at their front doors, generating 30,000 health care petition signatures,31,000 phone callsto Congress, 40,000 e-mails and75,000 hand-written letters urginglawmakersto passhealth care reform.

The contacts not only helped win approval of health care reform, they improved the bill and ensured that its financing would be fairer.Pressure from working families and visits and phone callsfrom union leaders to lawmkers eliminated 85 percent of a tax on health care benefits that would have slammed working families–union and non-union. That same activism helpedstrengthen the bill’s employer responsibility provisions by requiring employers to shoulder more of their fair share.

As originally proposed last year, the benefits tax would have slammed working families–union and non-union. Butpressure from working families and visits and phone callsfrom union leaders to lawmkers only eliminated 85 percent of the tax bite. That same activism helpedstrengthen the bill’s employer responsibility provisions by requiring employers to more of their fair share.

In the days leading up to the vote, union members (see video) and leaders were on Capitol Hill and at representatives’ home district offices urging wavering lawmakers to back the health care bill.

In Fresno Calif., Friday, union members rallied outside Rep. Jim Costa’s (D) office. Later, Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, flew to Washington to meet with fence-sitting California lawmakers. Yesterday Costa announced he would vote in favor of health care reform.

AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney was on the phones, too. Several Democratic lawmakers expressed concern about the bill’s language on abortions. Sweeney, a devout Catholic, talked to the representatives about the Catholic Church’s long-history of fighting for social and economic justice and how providing health care for32 million additional people follows that teaching.

While union members attempted to persuade the undecided, they also warned lawmakers they would beheld accountable if they turned their backs on working families and voted against health care reform.

In Pennsylvania Friday, Rep. Jason Altmire (D), who courted and won union support for his election, announced he was voting against the bill. Yesterday, several dozen United Steelworkers (USW) members and retirees staged a sit-in at his Aliquippa office. Said Rick Galiano, president of USW Local 9305 in Beaver Falls, Pa.:

We busted our humps working for Jason Altmire and many other politicians who time and time again promise us that they’ll work for us and working families across America. We are tired of the broken promises. We helped Congressman Altmire win this seat because he vowed he would vote for health insurance reform. We’re here today urging him to keep that promise.

Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-N.Y), who narrowly won his last election-union family votes put him over the top-announced Thursday he would vote against the bill. On Friday, New York State AFL-CIO President Denis Hughes and 20 other New York labor leaders sent Arcuri a letter saying his health care vote will have consequences.

Our members look for elected officials who have the courage to stand up to lies, distortions and political scare tactics. Your vote this Sunday will tell them what kind of elected official you are. Please do not disappoint them or us.

Yesterday, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Robert Haynes and more than two dozen Bay State union leaders urged Rep. Stephen Lynch (D) to reconsider his announced “No” vote. They wrote:

If Congress passes this legislation, together, we can continue to strengthen consumer protections, increase market competition, and ensure that insurance companies no longer have a stranglehold on consumers. If Congress doesn’t pass the bill, none of this is possible. All we are left with is the status quo.

Congressman, we will not be able to explain to the working women and men of our union why you voted against their interests.

What Does the Bill Do?

In a video message to working families, Trumka says that at its core, the bill

means long-term health security–and that’s the most important thing for your future, and your children and their children.

Among other benefits, the health care reform bill

bans coverage denials or higher rates due to pre-existing conditions and outlaws the practice of insurers dropping coverage when someone files a claim or is diagnosed with a condition requiring expensive treatment. It covers an additional 32 million people, or 95 percent of the population.

The bill ends gender discrimination in setting insurance rates and establishes a procedure to review insurance premium increases and take action against unreasonable rate hikes.

It also makes improvements in the original Senate-passed version, such as not placing the cost of the bill on the backs of working families.

It eliminates 85 percent of the tax on benefits that would have penalized working families.
It substitutes in its place a progressive tax on the wealthy that requires Medicare contributions be paid on unearned income for the first time.
It increases subsidies to purchase health insurance for low and moderate income people.

On the benefits tax, Trumka says:

We continue to think the excise tax is the wrong way to contain costs, but the changes included in the corrections bill cut the tax back deeply, so that it now eliminates 85 percent of the tax for all working families–both non-union and union–whose health benefits cost more due to factors beyond their control.

The bill also cuts brand-name drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries by 50 percent in 2011, and closes the Medicare prescription drug “donut hole” completely by 2020. Stella Johnson, a retired school teacher and member of the Alliance for Retired Americans is one of 3 million seniors who each year falls in the donut hole.

At a press conference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi last week, Johnson said her prescriptions become even more costly when she is forced to pay full price as result of the donut hole.

It is very hard for me to make ends meet. I have to choose between taking the medicines I need and paying my monthly bills. Because my prescriptions cost so much, I fall behind on some of my bills. When I get hit with late penalties, things get even worse.

The health care bill will help seniors like me who struggle every day to afford the prescriptions they must have.

Trumka says the bill is a “solid foundation” and the union movement will “continue our efforts to improve our health care system.”

We need to do more to bring employers into the system. We need to do more to bring down costs-and one of the best ways to do that is with a public health insurance option. And it will be critical to build on the reforms in the bill designed to change the way health care is delivered, so that we reward value rather than volume.

The Senate now must vote again, but this time Republican obstructionists will not be able to filibuster the bill because it will only require a simply majority to pass.

Important Meeting this Thursday, March 25th

2010-03-21T15:36:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Arkansas Labor Council will meet at 5:30 on Thursday, March 25th. First on our agenda is Joe Holland, a Senior Staff Representative with the National AFL-CIO for almost 14 years, assigned to coordinate our Northwest Arkansas political activity in the U.S. Senate primary campaign. I think you’ll like Joe, who is a 3rd generation coal miner from Kentucky and proud UMWA Member for over 37 years.

We will also be reviewing the candidate questionnaires and recommending endorsements by the Arkansas AFL-CIO for two Arkansas Supreme Court Justices and for the Arkansas House of Representatives, District 92, Democratic Primary between Greg Leding and Bill Ramsey. In addition, we will review and make endorsements in two non-partisan Circuit Judge contests in the 4th District (Washington and Madison), the Republican Primary races for County Judge and Sheriff in Benton County, and the Democratic Primary race for Madison County Judge.

It's Time for Sensible Immigration Reform

2010-03-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday President Obama reaffirmed his commitment to drive an immigration reform bill forward this spring. We echo the urgency in the President’s message.

The AFL-CIO and the entire labor movement remain committed to comprehensive immigration reform and united around the framework for reform that we put forth a year ago. Our framework protects American workers, secures our borders, ensures that employers hire authorized workers and creates a path to citizenship for those who came to our country illegally. It also provides a rational and reasonable approach to future flow, which ties the number of new foreign workers coming into the US labor market to established labor shortages. Under our approach, the numbers—which would be established through an independent commission—would be much higher during robust economic times than they would be in times like today. The advocacy community, including the Reform Immigration for America campaign of which we are a member, has adopted this same approach.

American workers are facing a prolonged jobs crisis and nearly 10% unemployment, with no sign of recovery in sight. If immigration reform is to have any chance of passing this year, the Chamber of Commerce is going to have to abandon its insistence on the creation of a new temporary worker program and embrace a solution based on real employment needs. A new temporary worker program in today’s economy would be political suicide, and the Chamber must know that.

We need immigration reform now. The more we delay, the worse the problem becomes. It’s time to move forward and stop playing politics with a problem we should have fixed a long time ago.

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
on Immigration Reform
March 12, 2010

Please Take this Online Survey on NWA's Economic Future

2010-03-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

The Northwest Arkansas Council, a business group funded by major corporate players, is in the process of developing a Strategic Regional Economic Development Plan for the four-county region of Northwest Arkansas. They have hired a consultant from out of state to interview "business leaders" about what they see as problems and what they want. They are not asking local unions or working families to participate in their focus groups or interviews about their concerns, their opinions about the region, or hopes for a better future.

This corporate group will then get the regional planning commission to adopt their economic priorities and control future economic development decisions in Northwest Arkansas. The only way to have any say at all is to participate in an online survey, and tell them what working families think about Northwest Arkansas and its economic future. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, then pass it along and ASK YOUR MEMBERS TO ANSWER THE SURVEY QUESTIONS.

Click on this link: http://greaternorthwestarkansas.com/surveys.html

Let working families be heard.

Arkansas AFL-CIO Executive Board Recommended Endorsements

2010-03-06T14:18:00.000-08:00

After a lengthy discussion about Senator Lincoln's position on Healthcare, the appointment of Greg Becker to the National Labor Relations Board, the Employee Free Choice Act, and trade issues, the Arkansas AFL-CIO Executive Board voted to support Lieutenant Governor Bill Halter for his candidacy in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate. We believe that Bill Halter will listen to Arkansas' working families and support their issues in Washington as he has done as Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas.

Also, a recommendation for endorsement has been made for Senator Joyce Elliott for United States Congress District 2. The board believes she will be a candidate that will listen to working families in Arkansas and their needs as she has in the State House and State Senate.

For more information or if you have any questions please contact our office at 501-375-9101 or araflcio@swbell.net.

Sincerely,

Alan B. Hughes, President

NWA Green Jobs Training Center!

2010-02-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

“The Fayetteville Green Jobs Training Center of Excellence will soon be a reality. Thanks to everyone involved in helping make this happen. I had lots of help. Joining me yesterday were Alderman Sarah Lewis, Representative Lindsley Smith, UA Engineering Professor Panneer Selvam, Stephen Smith from the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council, and Steve Clark from the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, all of whom have been working to make this happen. Chief of Staff Don Marr, Senator Sue Madison, and Peggy Gabriel from the UA College of Engineering, as well as other members of my staff, have been involved but were unable to attend the announcement. The important thing is that we are taking steps to put people to work in green jobs that will save energy and money for local residents and businesses.” -- Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan, AFSCME Local 965

Northwest Arkansas Lands Green Jobs Training Center

By Skip Descant

Saturday, February 27, 2010

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES— The next crop of energy auditors or energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning specialists could come from Northwest Arkansas.

Gov. Mike Beebe announced the launch of two green-job training centers in the state Friday. One will be based at NorthWest Arkansas Community College and the other at Pulaski Technical College’s North Little Rock campus. The two programs will be funded for the next three years with more than $2.5 million in federal grants.

No official start date has been set, but officials say they’d like to get the program off the ground in June.

In Northwest Arkansas, the job-training program will be based in Bentonville with some coursework in Fayetteville, said Becky Paneitz, NWACC president of the community college, speaking after a news conference in North Little Rock where Beebe made the announcement.

NWACC’s corporate learning center in north Fayetteville at the corner of Joyce Boulevard and College Avenue will house the classroom portion of the training program, while “lab-type work” will happen at the school’s main campus in Bentonville, said Beau Walker, interim director of public relations at NWACC.

“This is good not just for the city of Fayetteville, but the whole region,” said Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordan. Jordan traveled to Little Rock to attend Beebe’s news conference.

“I really believe that between the two schools, we’ll be able to open a new job market for the whole state,” Jordan said.

Establishing a green job training center in Northwest Arkansas was a prominent plank in Jordan’s bid for Fayetteville mayor in 2008.

“Today teaches you that if you stay after something long enough and stay after it, it will come to pass,” Jordan said.

He was joined at Friday’s announcement by Steve Clark, president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce; Sarah Lewis, Fayetteville City Council member; and state Rep. Lindsley Smith (D-Fayetteville), who is also employed as Jordan’s communications director for Fayetteville. A host of officials from NWACC also attended the event.

Rick Mayes, director of building sciences at NWACC, will serve as director for the program. A program coordinator will begin work in mid-March, Walker said. The program coordinator will work to certify the new program with nationally known organizations such as the Building Performance Institute, the Residential Energy Services Network, Air-Conditioning Contractors of America and the Florida Solar Institute.

“This project is really geared toward weatherization for the state of Arkansas,” Paneitz said.

“One of the many goals for the Center of Excellence is to help bring lacking standardization to the state of Arkansas by training an educated, qualified workforce,” Walker added.

“It’s extremely important to the economic development for this region,” Paneitz added.

The coursework is being designed so that most professional certification training will take several days to several weeks depending on how the classes are scheduled. It’s not yet clear how much the classes will cost.

The state has said it wants to offer a minimum of 60 courses in the next three years, training at least 600 workers. The U.S. Department of Energy issued a $7.4 million grant to pay for the program. NWACC was awarded $1,356,088 and Pulaski Tech was awarded $1,231,202. The grants, which are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be administered by the Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Roughly $4.9 million will be used by NWACC and Pulaski Tech to develop mobile training units that will visit the state’s other community colleges to provide the training.

Beebe said the money will allow the schools to “be able to train folks for the jobs of tomorrow, not the jobs of yesterday, the jobs of tomorrow.”

“(The program) marries environmental protection with economic development and it creates jobs for folks that will be long-lasting for the foreseeable future,” the governor said.

Organizers say they hope to identify more funding sources for future classes.

“The Centers of Excellence are charged with making this initiative sustainable and we anticipate other correlating funding will be designated to implement additional projects related to alternative energy such as wind, solar and geothermal,” Mayes said .

Initially, the training will include licensing and certifying professionals already working in these job sectors, say NWACC officials.

Local job watchers are praising the announcement.

“One of the great things about NWACC’s new offerings is that they will be shaped by the needs of our community,” said Keaton Smith, who leads Jordan’s Fayetteville Forward green economy group. “Programming will be fluid to meet consumer demand for new innovations and trends in the marketplace.”

“It is another key step in building a science, business and technology cluster,” said Steve Rust, president and CEO of Green Valley Development in Fayetteville. Green Valley Development is an economic development group charged with attracting and growing companies in the green-tech job sector.

More training in the green building sector will assist a growing move to build more energy-efficient buildings, said Karen Stewart, an environmental consultant with EcoPotential, a Springdale firm that offers training and consulting for environmental building certification in areas like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, also know as LEED.

“They go hand in hand,” Stewart said, pointing to a November 2009 report by the Green Building Council that shows green building will support 7.9 million jobs nationwide and pump $554 billion into the American economy — including $396 billion in wages — over the next four years.

“So this is really what needs to happen in Northwest Arkansas,” Stewart said.

Labor leaders say the training centers will be a boost for jobs.

“Even in Northwest Arkansas we’re running 7 percent unemployment, and this is the first step to get this set up to get the certification people need and I think, put more people in the workforce,” said Stephen Smith, president of the Arkansas Labor Council, which worked closely with officials in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas, NWACC and others to secure the training center.

“We can then move on for more cooperation for more advanced job training in areas like solar and wind energy,” Smith added.

The Arkansas News Bureau’s Jeremy Peppas contributed to this report.

AFL-CIO PRESIDENT RICHARD TRUMKA ON SENATE PASSAGE OF JOBS BILL

2010-02-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

Working people across America welcome the news that the Senate has passed a jobs bill today as a first step to put Main Street back to work. Senator Reid has said more actions need to be—and will be—taken. We couldn’t agree more. We need much bigger and bolder actions to ensure that we create 10 million jobs and Wall Street pays the bill to fix the financial disaster.

In a turn of head spinning hypocrisy, some Republican Senators had the audacity to vote for a bill they voted less than 48 hours ago not to allow even to be considered. If these Senators want to be seen as part of the solution, they must stop these procedural hijinks that are slowing down the Senate and hurting the recovery. Working families need jobs and are demanding real results from Washington.

Moving forward, we will be taking the fight for jobs to communities nationwide, focusing on the solutions we have outlined in our 5 point jobs plan: Extending unemployment insurance benefits, food assistance and health benefits; rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure and investing in green jobs; increasing aid to state and local governments to maintain vital services; increasing funding for neglected communities to match people who want to work with jobs that need to be done; and using TARP money to get credit flowing to small businesses.

RICHARD TRUMKA
February 24, 2010

Momentous Step Taken to End Wage Theft

2010-02-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Miami-Dade County Passes Historic Measure Poised to Inspire Other Communities

Miami-Dade County yesterday overwhelmingly passed the first county-wide ordinance in the country to combat wage theft, making it easier for workers to bring legal action against employers who fail to pay or underpay them.

“This is momentous,” said Jeanette Smith, Executive Director of South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice (SFIWJ). “The passing of this legislation will make a difference for every worker in Miami-Dade County and, hopefully, will encourage groups all over the country to establish similar mechanisms for workers in their communities.”

Thursday’s vote was the culmination of over a year of work by SFIWJ and the South Florida Wage Theft Task Force. Similar initiatives are being considered by states and cities across the country, including Los Angeles and New Orleans.

“This victory is a spark that will help ignite a wave across the country,” said Ted Smukler, Public Policy Director of Interfaith Worker Justice. “It is a shining example of many initiatives underway at the state and local levels to combat this crime, and demonstrates that there’s widespread political will when people are made aware of the extent of the crisis.”

“It’s a historic day for all Miami-Dade workers, employers who play by the rules, taxpayers, our economy, and our community, setting the precedent for the nation to follow,” said Fred Frost, President of the South Florida AFL-CIO and a member of the wage theft task force.

“This legislation will provide justice for exploited workers using a streamlined hearing examiner process, at very little cost to our county,” said Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners member Natacha Seijas, the measure’s principal sponsor. “I am very pleased that every colleague present today voted in favor of this Ordinance.”

“Recovering back wages owed workers will put more money in the local economy, send a message to crooked employers and create a more level playing field for honest employers,” read a Miami Herald editorial endorsing the ordinance, which the newspaper argued would “fill a vacuum” and “be a future deterrent.” “Employers would have to pay employment and workers' compensation taxes they're now avoiding, a burden for honest employers.”

“And now, the real work begins,” said SFIWJ’s Smith. “Tomorrow, we go out to the streets and we talk to workers. We visit congregations. We educate. We involve our community in a county-wide effort to implement this historic piece of legislation. The message is clear -- thou shalt not steal. Not in our community. Not anywhere.”

“When raising the minimum wage was blocked at the federal level for 12 years,” said IWJ’s Smukler, “people took action at the state level and were successful in winning state campaigns that raised the minimum wage above the federal level in a majority of states in the country, creating the momentum that eventually led to raising the national minimum wage in 2007. We believe that victories like today’s in Miami-Dade County can similarly inspire a wave of policy changes and legislation at the local, state, and ultimately federal levels, with the goal of ending wage theft in America.”

#####

No Deal on NLRB Appointments

2010-02-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

President Obama must act immediately to restore the ability of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect the rights of American workers by giving recess appointments to two nominees who are being blocked by Blanche Lincoln and other Senate Republican obstructionists, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said today.

Writing on Huffington Post, Trumka put it this way:

The NLRB’s job is to protect workers’ rights—but for more than two years it has been functioning with only two members instead of the five it should have. Working people need an NLRB that can enforce the National Labor Relations Act—not one hobbled by vacancies.

Click here to read the entire post.

Saying “enough is enough,” Trumka is urging working people to take action now and call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1111or 202-456-1414 and demand that President Obama use his executive power to appoint Craig Becker and Mark Pearce to the NLRB during the Presidents Day recess.

In a deal between the White House and the Senate minority, the Senate yesterday confirmed 27 non-controversial Obama appointees. But the NLRB nominees—Becker and Pearce—both highly qualified, well-respected labor lawyers who were nominated in July, were left out of the deal. The Republicans filibustered the Becker nomination, although he received a majority vote. The White House apparently has agreed not to make Presidents Day recess appointments—a process that allows the president to temporarily appoint his own nominee while Congress is out of session.

Trumka calls that decision:

A big win for the Republicans. A big win for corporations that want to file down the teeth of the NLRB. A big loss for working people.

He adds that progressives must act quickly to build support for a fully functional NLRB.

Progressives should take every opportunity to let their congressional representatives and the White House know that protection of workers’ rights is one of the first and most important changes working people expected to see when they voted in 2008. It’s been 13 months since the inauguration—it’s time.

CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE BOARD AND COMMITTEE OPENINGS

2010-02-13T16:32:00.001-08:00

Please encourage eligible union members and representatives of working families to apply for these appointments.

http://www.accessfayetteville.org/government/city_clerk/documents/misc/Board_and_Committee_Application_Form.pdf

Board, Committee & Commission Vacancies

CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE BOARD AND COMMITTEE OPENINGS

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION COMMISSION

One Term Ending 03/31/14

AUDIT COMMITTEE

One Unexpired CPA Term Ending 12/31/12

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS

Two Terms Ending 03/13/15

BOTANICAL GARDEN SOCIETY OF THE OZARKS

One Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/12

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

One Term Ending 03/31/16

Each commissioner must be a resident of the city for at least three years immediately preceding their appointment. A.C.A. Section 14-51-202.

CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

Three Terms Ending 03/31/15

Two Alternate Terms Ending 03/31/11

FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

One Term Ending 04/01/15

PLANNING COMMISSION

Three Terms Ending 03/31/13

One Unexpired Term Ending 03/31/11

One Unexpired Term Ending 03/31/12

TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOARD

One Unexpired Term Ending 06/30/11

TREE AND LANDSCAPE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Utility Representative Term Ending 12/31/11

One Service Organization Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/11

One Land Development Unexpired Term Ending 12/31/11

February 26, 2010– APPLICATION DEADLINE

All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on February 26, 2010.

All volunteers must reside within the Fayetteville City Limits and be a Fayetteville Registered Voter. All applicants must submit a new application for each board, committee, or commission. Applications may be emailed to city_clerk@ci.fayetteville.ar.us or mailed to the City Clerk’s office at 113 West Mountain, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at 575-8323 for more information.

http://www.accessfayetteville.org/government/city_clerk/documents/misc/Board_and_Committee_Application_Form.pdf

New report shows unions substantially raise wages and benefits for workers

2010-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

A new report released last week by the Center for Economic and Policy Research examines unionization rates, the size and composition of the unionized workforce and the wages and benefits for union workers in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"The union presence varies across states, but unions substantially raise wages and benefits for workers in every state," said John Schmitt, the author of the report.

The study, "The Unions of the States," finds that in the typical state, unionization is associated with a 15 percent increase in hourly wages. Unionization is also associated with a 19-percentage-point increase in the likelihood of having employer-provided health insurance and a 24-percentage-point increase in the likelihood of having employer-sponsored retirement plans.

Buy, Buy, American Pie

2010-02-04T19:49:00.001-08:00

Obama Right to Make JOBS Top Priority

2010-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

President Obama was exactly right when he spoke tonight of the stubborn resilience of the American people in the face of adversity. Despite daily insecurity and the deep hurt of not being able to find jobs, working people's goodness, decency and hard work have kept our country going.

But Americans are also deeply frustrated and angry. We want to see elected leaders who'll fight for us and bring real change. We want jobs-President Obama is absolutely right that jobs must be our number one focus in 2010. And we must act on a scale that will be meaningful: We need more than 10 million jobs just to get out of the hole we're in. We want health care fixed. We want our leaders to break the stranglehold of Wall Street and the big banks and make them pay to repair the economic damage they created.

President Obama spoke directly to those concerns tonight. He called for a jobs bill and putting people to work. He called for America to take its place as a world leader by investing in our economic foundation, education, infrastructure and energy technology. He demanded tough financial reform. He called for curbing corporate influence, stopping tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas and enforcing trade rules. He committed to end the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. And he said we must finish the job of reforming health care.

The President was right to call out Republicans for obstructing change and putting politics ahead of progress.

Now it's time for all of us to get busy and work together to bring the big changes that are essential-starting with enacting a jobs bill that is big enough to create jobs for the millions of people who want to work and can't find jobs. The time for small change is long gone. We were pleased to see that the President embraced two of the job creation proposals we have made - investing in infrastructure and helping small businesses get credit through TARP funds.

We're ready to fight for the President's vision - and we're going to insist that it be done right. That includes restoring the freedom of workers to bargain to make jobs into good jobs by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

We will not agree with every aspect of every proposal. We will continue to be an independent voice for middle class Americans and fight for the change working families need-and we are ready to do more. This is the time for a broad movement of Americans demanding jobs and an economy that works for all, and we're ready to put our energy and leadership into building that movement-taking the fight to the doorstep of the banks that are exploiting struggling homeowners, of corporations that are running away from communities and of lawmakers who choose to back them up.

We hope elected leaders at every level will choose instead to lead with action. Working America is watching to see what they do. We are in a "show me" kind of mood and we are ready to see results.

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
On President's State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010

We Need a JOBS PLAN Now!

2010-01-27T11:31:00.000-08:00

The election in Massachusetts last week was a sobering reminder to candidates running in 2010. Voters are fed up with the inaction in Washington and are expecting RESULTS. If candidates want the votes of working families come November, they need to pass real working families legislation - a jobs bill, health care reform, financial regulation and the Employee Free Choice Act. Our job could not be clearer. Our time to stand up and fight for the issues that are important to working families is now.

Please watch and share widely this short YouTube video of President Trumka commenting on the results in Massachusetts.

Also be sure to attend our candidate nominating convention in March. The full COPE will begin candidate interviews at 1:00 p.m. on Friday March 26th. There will also be a reception hosted by Martin & Kieklak Law Firm Friday evening. Affiliated union members are encouraged and welcome to attend both.

We need a strong job creation plan to foster growth, ensure that states perform the core functions that all American families deserve, and deliver jobs to Americans on Main Street. Join the Facebook group to show your support, and ask your state legislators to sign onto this letter. The AFL-CIO is calling on Congress and the Obama administration to take five steps now to care for the jobless and put America back to work. Read more.

Are you and your family members registered to vote? You can check your registration online and register to vote online too. You must be registered at least 30 days before an election in order to vote.

Thank you for all that you do.

In solidarity,

Alan Hughes, President
Ricky Belk, Secretary-Treasurer

Labor Council meeting rescheduled for February 4

2010-01-26T13:09:00.001-08:00

Due to the Winter Storm Warning for Thursday, January 28, the meeting of the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council has been rescheduled for Thursday, February 4, at 5:30 p.m.

Building Retiree Power

2010-01-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

I hope you will consider joining me April 5-8 in Las Vegas for Building Retiree Power, the 2010 national convention of the Alliance for Retired Americans. We will offer a wide array of education and training opportunities to improve your skills as a grassroots activist and as a leader of a local or state retiree group.

It may be a new year, but many of last year's challenges - health care, retirement security, and a lingering recession - still remain as great as ever. The future of our retirement, and what will be there for the generations that follow us, will be dramatically affected by what our leaders do this year.

I've heard experts say that in this November's elections older voters will make up over one-third of the turn-out. If the health care debate has been any indication, retirees will be the object of a lot of attention - and a lot of misinformation. We must do our homework on the candidates and the issues, and educate our neighbors so they will be able to separate fact from fiction come election time.

The Alliance convention will feature noted speakers and training workshops on topics such as health care reform, Social Security, community organizing, fund-raising, and using new on-line communications tools such as Facebook to reach more retirees in your area.

For more information about the Alliance for Retired Americans national convention, to be held April 5-8 at Bally's Las Vegas, visit www.RetiredAmericans.org or call 888/373-6497.

Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America.

Building a Stronger Labor Movement in Our States and Communities

2010-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

Building a Stronger Labor Movement in Our States and Communities

AFL-CIO State Federation, Area and Central Labor Council Conference

AFL-CIO President Trumka, Secretary-Treasurer Shuler, Executive Vice President Holt Baker, IUPAT General President and State and Local Committee Chair Williams and State and Local Leaders will be attending and participating in our National Conference April 22-25 in Orlando, Florida

(National Community Services Conference begins on the evening of April 21)

Join state federation, area and central labor council leaders from across the country as we meet to share ideas, strategies, opportunities and challenges in building our movement at the state and local levels and winning historic national campaigns. We will focus on the information, tools and skills needed to accomplish these goals to help Turn Around America with a major emphasis on jobs, health care, the Employee Free Choice Act and the many issues within your states that will require attention as we move into Labor 2010. A comprehensive agenda will be developed over the next several weeks to include:

# Peer-to-Peer Discussions
# Grassroots Skills Workshops
# Communications and Technology
# Organizational Development
# Sharing of Best Practices
# AFL-CIO Youth Initiative

Registration for the Conference and hotel is all completed on-line. We encourage you to make your reservations early.

Register at: www.aflcio.org/sfclcconf

For further information, contact: Amy Morris at sfclcconf@aflcio.org or 202-637-5355.

Pass Real Labor Reform Law

2010-01-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Brother Ricky Belk, CWA from Alma and Secretary-Treasurer of the Arkansas AFL-CIO, for sending the following letter to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and speaking up for working families in Arkansas.

Arkansans are no stranger to the hardships that workers and employers are feeling throughout the country. It’s more important than ever that our leaders pass meaningful reforms that directly affect workers in Arkansas so our middle class can help rebuild our country’s economy from the bottom up.

One of the best things we can do for workers everywhere is pass real labor law reform such as the Employee Free Choice Act to give them the ability to bargain for a better life. Unfortunately, instead of supporting this critical legislation, the Democrat-Gazette Editorial page has once again decided to confuse fact with fiction and irresponsible scare tactics.

Let’s set the record straight. The bill will not eliminate the right for workers to choose a secret-ballot election during organizing. It will, however, restore fairness to the system and let workers, not their bosses, make the choice in how they form a union.

The bill also will hold corporations accountable when they break the law and bring balance to negotiations by allowing for arbitration when employees and employers can’t come to an agreement.

I hope in the future the Democrat-Gazette will be more conscious of the facts and not just continue to echo corporate rhetoric. I urge all Arkansans to involve themselves in this debate and find out the truth for themselves.

RICKY BELK Alma

Wage Theft Should Be A Crime

2010-01-18T06:44:00.000-08:00

“You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns.” Deuteronomy 24:14 A worker I interviewed, whom we’ll call Victoria, took a job at a Fayetteville restaurant for $50 a day. She worked 10 to 10, six days a week. That comes to $4.16 an hour. Arkansas’ minimum wage is $6.25, plus time-and-a-half for work over 40 hours per week.

Victoria’s terms of employment were illegal. Had she been paid a legal minimum wage, she would have earned $300 more per week.

If only she had been paid.

Victoria was supposed to be paid every two weeks. But it was nearly a month before she got her first check. When she got her second check a week into her second month of work, her employer told her not to cash it for a week.

By that time she had additional responsibilities. She was the primary cook, preparing most of the orders and doing the dishwashing as well. She was coming in earlier and staying an hour later. Same $50 a day.

One day a couple of weeks later, Victoria suffered a pretty serious cut to her finger. It became infected overnight. She was treated and told to cover the finger for three days.

The doctor said she could return to work, taking some precautions to protect the injury. When she went back the next day, the owner fired her. The owner paid her half of what she was owed, with a hot check.

That hot check was Victoria’s good luck. You see, it is a Class Cfelony to pass a hot check of $500 or more - that’s a serious crime; same category as manslaughter.

Victoria went to the Workers Justice Center who contacted the county prosecuting attorney.

The prosecutor forced the former employer to make good on the hot check.

There are only civil penalties when an employer to underpays a worker, or hires people below the legal minimum wage, or refuses to pay for work an employee has done. There are legal sanctions.

Unlike the prosecutor’s office, these wheels move slowly. It takes time. And if the worker wins, the employer usually suffers just a slap on the wrist. But in truth, it is theft. Wage theft.

Maybe you think this is an unusual case, an exception to the rule. Not so. A landmark study published in fall surveyed more than 4,000 low-wage workers and found that nearly 70 percent of the workers had experienced at least one pay-related violation in the previous work week.

That’s shocking. (“Broken Laws, Unprotected Workers” at http:// nelp.3cdn.net/1797b93dd1ccdf9e7d_ sdm6bc50n.pdf)

These violations were widespread, not just rogue employers victimizing undocumented immigrants.

The typical worker lost $51 the previous week out of average weekly earnings of $339. That’s a 15 percent pay loss. Nearly 60 percent of the workerssampled did not receive mandatory pay documents that help insure pay is legal and accurate. Of those who worked overtime, 75 percent were not paid the legal amount and 70 percent of those who came in early or stayed late for their shift were not paid for their extra work.

The good news: Generally the employers that treated people well overall - offering health insurance, vacations, and paid sick days - had lower violation rates. High rates of cheating: Child care workers, personal and repair services, restaurants, textile manufacturing, private households, drug and grocery stores, retail, building and grounds workers, various manufacturing low-wage jobs.

Women, black and Latin workers got the worst of it.

Last week I heard from a parishioner who was faced with the choice between food and blood pressure medications because a contractor didn’t pay her husband $750 for his construction work. He’s white, male and native born.

I asked Fernando Garcia of the Workers Justice Center what would most help. He said, “Make wage theft a crime, like hot checks.” Then workers would have some clout behind them.

Not paying a worker a legal wage is theft - wage theft. It’s a crime to steal property. Why isn’t it a crime to steal someone’s blood, sweat and tears?

By Lowell Grisham

Monday, January 18, 2010

LOWELL GRISHAM SERVES AS RECTOR OF ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN FAYETTEVILLE. HIS COLUMN WILL APPEAR ON SUNDAYS AFTER TODAY.

Northwest Arkansas Times, Page 5 on 01/18/2010

Remarks by AFL-CIO President Trumka, San Diego Jobs Rally

2010-01-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Remarks by Richard L. Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO, San Diego Jobs Rally, San Diego, CA
January 06, 2010

Thank you, Art (Pulaski), for that introduction, and for your leadership in taking on the jobs crisis in California.

I am happy to be in San Diego on my first trip to California as president of the AFL-CIO.

California is Exhibit 1 of what’s happening across our country and I came here to listen and to learn.

What I’ve seen here this morning – as I sat with some of the hard-working people of this great city – people who through no fault of their own are without jobs -- is another grim reminder of the ever-present struggles of working families in this city … this state … this country … at this decisive moment in our history. It’s a reminder of the responsibilities born by our nation’s leaders – including our labor movement – to respond as never before to create a different kind of economy.

And I can tell you this: We cannot – and we will not – hesitate in fighting back.

And we will not turn away anyone who will work together with us to create an economy that recognizes and respects the lives and futures of the people of this great state.

The spirit and innovation and leadership I’ve seen here have affirmed my decision to come to San Diego – you’re an inspiration not just for our labor movement but for our entire country.

I’m really proud to join such a great bunch of leaders today — Art Pulaski, Tom Lemmon, Mickey Kasperian, Rabbi Coskey, Lorena Gonzales and City Council President Ben Hueso --- all of you committed to saving and creating the jobs we so desperately need.

Most of all, I’m proud to join all of YOU rallying together here today.

Jobs. It’s what it’s all about.

Good Jobs.

And they should be Local Jobs.

I love your T-Shirts ---- “Local Jobs” are the key.

You are leading the way with so many initiatives ---- YOUTHBUILD .... your CLC Jobs Agenda for 2010 ... your plans to adopt a programmatic Project Labor Agreement for the city.

Great work, San Diego!

And I know we can count on you for more.

On December 3^rd, I was invited to President Obama’s Jobs Summit to deliver a message on behalf of America’s working families and our unions. Our message was that we need to take urgent action NOW to create jobs.

While our country is slowly beginning to recover from the recession, we can’t just sit around and hope for the best. Our jobs picture remains grim – and I don’t need to remind anybody here of that.

President Obama agreed with us and said we need to fundamentally rebuild our entire economy.

While Wall Street is busy cashing bonus checks, working families are living a nightmare of layoffs, mortgage foreclosures and personal bankruptcy ... and that, brothers and sisters, is totally unacceptable.

Congress also agrees with us and before the holiday recess, the House of Representatives passed a jobs package that will extend unemployment insurance, send more financial aid to state governments, and fund more important infrastructure projects ---roads, bridges, railways, school construction, water treatment projects.

The House bill isn’t big enough to resolve the jobs crisis, but it’s a good first step and we have to convince the Senate to pass it now.

The AFL-CIO has adopted a five point plan to add urgency at all levels of government.

First, we have to extend the lifeline to the unemployed — the unemployment benefits, food assistance, COBRA benefits that help people deal with layoffs and the chaos they create.

Second, we have to pump more money into rebuilding our infrastructure and investing in green technology. We have at least $2.2 trillion in this country in unmet infrastructure needs --- $2.2 trillion. More than one in four of our nation’s bridges are in bad shape .4,000 dams are deficient .30 percent of our schools are overcrowded and 3.5 million students attend schools where a building is in poor condition. Every dollar we spend employs workers all down the supply chain in construction, manufacturing, design and engineering – and ripples out into every sector.

We also have to increase our commitment to helping state and local governments, who are facing deep shortfalls like the one here in California — nationwide, we’re facing proposals for the layoffs of teachers, police and fire fighters – 2700 firefighters alone. An investment in state and local government will not only save jobs, it will maintain critical frontline services and avoid devastating damage to education.

It is equally important for us nationally to take a cue from what you are doing here in San Diego and fund jobs in our local communities — not replacements for current public jobs, but good new jobs to help address priorities in distressed communities.

Finally, we believe we have to put TARP to work for Main Street by using some of the leftover funds to create jobs by hiring community banks to lend money directly to small and medium-sized businesses. The bank bailout helped Wall Street and now we have to help Main Street --- without reservation … without delay.

These great needs present awesome opportunities -- if we can summon the resolve as a nation to rebuild our country and create the jobs we need in the process. Over the next few months, we’ll be asking international unions, local unions, and all of our state and local affiliates to help turn up the heat on government at every level.

And we must make sure American jobs are good jobs – that’s why the next step is fundamentally rebuilding our economy.

It’s why one of our most urgent priorities is restoring the freedom of every working person to join a union to bargain for a better life by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

And it’s why fights like the one you are waging at Doug Manchester’s Grand Hyatt are absolutely critical.

We know that when we make our voices heard, we get action — you are doing that here in San Diego ….

And we can do it all across our country if we do more of the hard work it takes to get our elected officials moving.

You’ve proven that when we work together, and stand together and fight together, we win together.

Let’s get busy and roll up our sleeves and get the job done.

December Jobs Report

2010-01-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
on December Jobs Report
January 8, 2010

December’s jobs report is an ominous sign of the deep and continued
suffering by working families who want to work but can’t find jobs,
despite tentative signs of renewed economic growth. The unemployment
rate held steady at 10 percent only because 661,000 workers left the
labor force altogether. Our nation remains at risk of a double-dip
recession as well as long-term wage and job stagnation if Congress and
the president fail to act quickly and decisively to create good jobs
now.

The number of Americans looking for work for over 6 months remains
alarmingly high at 6.1 million. Joblessness among young adults is a
dismal 27.1 percent. And the rates among African Americans - at 16.2
percent -- and Hispanics - at 12.9 percent - are especially painful.

It has taken years of financial abuses and corporate giveaways to get
us into this deep hole and we will only climb out if we keep our foot
on the accelerator. We urge Congress to move quickly to pass emergency
legislation. The bill passed by the House in December is a good start.
The AFL-CIO has outlined a five step plan that can be immediately
implemented to create or save 4 million jobs. Our plan would extend
unemployment, food aid and health care benefits. It would rebuild our
crumbling infrastructure and invest in green technology, increase aid
to state and local governments, put people to work in distressed
communities and hire community banks to lend TARP funds to small
businesses.

For a full copy of the AFL-CIO five step plan go to:
http://www.aflcio.org/createjobs

Workers can go to www.unemploymentlifeline.com for assistance.

Plan to Revitalize American Manufacturing

2009-12-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

“Made in America” is a phrase we all want to start hearing again, and yesterday the White House moved in that direction by unveiling a sound and thoughtful plan to help revive America’s manufacturing sector. We are pleased that President Obama is working aggressively to address this issue.

We are particularly pleased by the leadership shown by Vice President Biden in this area, along with his work on behalf of middle class families. AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler and IBEW President Ed Hill met with the Vice President yesterday.

President Obama’s plan invests in our country by emphasizing job training, rebuilding our infrastructure, leveling the playing field in the area of trade, regulating our financial markets and, importantly, helping displaced workers who continue to struggle in the current economy. The plan recognizes that government must play an active role in order to strengthen and restore our manufacturing sector. And it acknowledges that losses on the order of the 5 million manufacturing jobs lost in the last 10 years and our $840 billion trade deficit cannot be sustained.

Major challenges remain. A framework on manufacturing must also address currency manipulation by our trading partners and the skyrocketing costs of health care for manufacturers. These issues keep America’s manufacturers at a disadvantage. In addition, we urge the Obama administration to call for strengthening the role of workers as partners in training and workforce development. In order to do this we must restore workers’ freedom to form unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.

We must also focus on building a workforce for the future by adequately investing in training and education for our young people, many of whom have been hit hardest by this economic crisis. We look forward to working with the Obama Administration and with Ron Bloom, the President’s Senior Counsel for Manufacturing Policy, in order to implement these ideas. Together we can revitalize our manufacturing sector and restore the nation’s middle class.

-- Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on White House Plan to Revitalize American Manufacturing December 17, 2009

Survey of Labor Representatives on Workforce Investment Boards

2009-12-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to share with you the results of a new national survey of Labor Representatives who serve on Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). Out of 900 WIB Labor Representatives contacted by email, more than 400 from 47 states and the District of Columbia participated in the survey conducted by the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute last August.

You can get a copy of the report on our website at:

http://www.workingforamerica.org/pdf/WIBSurveyReportPDFFinal.pdf

or contact Katrina Dizon at kdizon@workingforamerica.org and she can send you the PDF.

The results indicate that many boards can do much more in supporting policies and practices that can lead to better jobs and stronger communities. The survey also touches on a range of topics including whether the interests of workers are adequately represented on the boards and the degree to which WIBs are deliberative policy-making bodies.

WIBs can play an important role in helping reshape our national economy and training Americans for better jobs. Created under the Workforce Investment Act, which Congress passed in 1998, approximately 600 state and local boards are currently involved in making critical decisions on how to spend workforce development funds including billions of training funds under the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

ALSO OF NOTE: Besides the survey results, this report also includes summaries of recent conversations between Labor Representatives and Assistant Secretary of Labor Jane Oates on reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.

Katrina Dizon
Working for America
AFL-CIO

WORKING AMERICANS CALL FOR CREATION OF GOOD JOBS

2009-12-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

As economic leaders gather in Washington for the White House Jobs Summit, working people will come together in Ohio, Minnesota, New Mexico, and California to talk about their experience in communities hard hit by the economic crisis. Members of Working America and the AFL-CIO will join religious and labor leaders in Dayton , Columbus , Minneapolis , Sacramento , and Albuquerque to discuss how the economic crisis has affected them and call for the implementation of national policies that will create good jobs immediately.

The roundtable discussions are part of an initiative led by the 11.5 million member AFL-CIO and affiliates like Working America to push for the immediate creation of good jobs. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will be at the White House Jobs Summit calling for a five-point plan that will create and save at least 2 million jobs over the next year. The plan includes:

· Extending the lifeline for jobless workers;

· Rebuilding America’s schools, roads, and energy systems;

· Increasing aid to state and local governments to maintain vital services;

· Funding jobs in our communities; and

· Putting TARP funds to work for Main Street.

“The job crisis is hitting all working Americans across the country.” AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said. “That’s why every day we are calling for immediate action to turn around the economy. We need jobs—now. And I’ll be delivering that message from millions of working people at the White House Jobs Summit.”

Working America represents 3 million members, 16.5 percent of which are unemployed, making it one of the largest organizations of unemployed workers in the country. Recently, Working America launched the Unemployment Lifeline (at unemploymentlifeline.org) which is a resource for people who’ve lost their jobs and are struggling to find a new one.

“Every night we talk to thousands of people in neighborhoods across the country and they all tell us the same thing – that they need urgent action on jobs and economy to stay afloat,” said Karen Nussbaum, Executive Director of Working America. “The jobs crisis is in every neighborhood, every family. The question we’re asking is what do working Americans think of the economy and how has it impacted them. That's just as important as what Goldman Sachs thinks.”

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

2009-11-25T09:37:00.000-08:00

Today, as the global community commemorates the United Nations
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the
AFL-CIO joins trade unionists from every nation in calling for renewed
efforts to combat gender-based violence.

Violence against women is a global problem that affects women of all
ages, ethnicities, races, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds.
It is also a workplace issue. Unequal treatment of women in workplaces
and the unsafe employment conditions of many women increase their risk
of being victims of sexual harassment, abuse and rape. At the same
time, domestic violence often impedes the ability of women to go to
work and earn a living to support their families. To meet their
families’ needs, many women have been forced to leave their home
regions in search of work elsewhere, often thereby becoming vulnerable
to exploitation by unscrupulous employers.

The AFL-CIO recognizes this dynamic in its Charter of Rights of Working
Women, issued in a statement by the AFL-CIO Executive Council on March
5, 2009. It states: “Although [women around the world] speak different
languages, they share the vision of a world founded on respect, peace,
equality and solidarity, and without violence, harassment and
discrimination. For all women, especially for the millions who work in
insecure, temporary, unsafe, underpaid and unpaid jobs, this vision
lies far beyond the truth of their daily lives.”

Employers must be held responsible for ensuring that women have safe
workplaces free of all forms of violence and sexual harassment.
Bringing an end to violence and discrimination against women will have
a positive impact on our families, our economies, our nations and our
world.

Statement from AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler
November 25, 2009

Bill Helps Workers, Communities Move to Clean Energy Jobs

2009-11-10T10:07:00.000-08:00

Workers would get assistance in upgrading their skills and communities could create good green jobs and build infrastructure under legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate last week. The American Worker and Community Assistance Act (S. 2742), co-sponsored by Sens. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), would provide job training and support to workers and also would help communities adapt to a changing economy.

Says Casey:

There is tremendous potential in clean energy technology and manufacturing, but we must give workers the skills to succeed and employers must have access to a skilled workforce. Legislation being considered by Congress to combat global warming can reduce our dependence on foreign energy, increase our security and create a better world for our children. However, we also have a responsibility to our workers, industries and communities who may be affected by the shift in the economy.

The bill would protect workers and communities during the transition that could be sparked as a result of climate legislation. It would provide assistance such as job training assistance, wage replacement and health benefits replacement.

The bill also provides temporary income support to workers who lose jobs due to climate change policy. That income support may continue for a maximum of 156 weeks—enough time for workers to return to school and get training to help them find a new job that provides decent, family-sustaining wages and benefits.

As AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says:

It is essential that workers and communities impacted by climate change policy be provided with the tools to transition into the new clean energy economy and the millions of new jobs that stand to be created.

The training programs will focus on the development of skills related to the rehabilitation of environmentally troubled areas and creating new renewable and efficient energy.

Send Your Best Wishes to Fort Hood Hero

2009-11-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Our union sister Sgt. Kimberly Munley is a bona fide hero, having risked her life to stop the alleged gunman who killed 13 people and injured 30 at Fort Hood, Texas, on Nov. 5. Munley shot the alleged assailant, Maj. Nidal Hasan, four times, despite being shot herself. She currently is recovering from her injuries and is in stable condition.

Now her union, AFGE, has set up a site where you can send your best wishes to Sgt. Munley. Just click here and compose a message to her. Your messages will be collected and AFGE will deliver the messages to Munley on Friday, Nov. 20.

Munley, 34, is a member of AFGE Local 1920 and the mother of a three-year-old. She and her partner were the first to arrive at the Soldier Readiness Center, where Hasan allegedly opened fire.

AFGE President John Gage said Munley “acted with great heroism.”

Lt. Gen. Bob Cone, commanding general at Fort Hood, told CNN that Munley’s actions stopped Hasan cold and saved lives. He said Munley is a “trained, active first responder” who acted quickly after she “just happened to encounter the gunman.”

Governor Beebe Expands Arkansas Works Initiative To Offer Job Training, Career Education

2009-11-10T09:33:00.000-08:00

Governor Mike Beebe yesterday announced a major expansion of Arkansas Works, the governor's strategic initiative to coordinate education, training and economic development in Arkansas communities. The expansion focuses on providing unemployed and underemployed Arkansans with career training and educational opportunities.

"As communities work hard to attract new business, the State will help ensure that a qualified workforce stands ready to fill those jobs," Beebe said. "The world is quickly changing, and Arkansas must accelerate its pace to create careers for our citizens. This effort has something to help every Arkansan, whether you need a job, want to find a better job or want to shift to a new career."

Beebe helped unveil the College and Career Planning System, an online information resource that will help Arkansans locate jobs that fit their interests and help businesses find qualified candidates to meet their workforce needs. Every Workforce Development Center in Arkansas has personnel prepared to assess job seekers and help them connect with jobs and industries that lead to satisfying careers.

In January, 43 career coaches will be placed in high schools to offer enhanced career guidance to students who want to build careers in Arkansas. The career coaches will be employed by the two-year colleges located in the communities theses coaches are placed.

In addition, up to $8,000 in financial aid may be available, based on the needs of each individual, to help pay for career training and education.

The Governor's Workforce Cabinet will lead the public-private partnership. The Cabinet includes the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Arkansas Department of Career Services, Arkansas Department of Higher Education, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Economic Development Commission as well as private partners such as the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

Beebe began the Arkansas Works Initiative in October, 2008, with The Governor's Summit on Education and Economic Development, the first such summit in the State's history. At that time, Beebe brought together more than 1,500 education, economic development, community and business leaders from every county.

The College and Career Planning System will build a database that Arkansas's businesses can use to locate an available and interested workforce. Businesses also will be able to use the Arkansas Works website to showcase themselves and the career opportunities they offer.

The System can be accessed at www.arworks.arkansas.gov or by calling 1-866-ARWORKS (1-866-279-9677). Participants must visit a Workforce Development Center first to start the process and to get log-in information.

Mid-South Union Leadership Institute Scholarships Available!

2009-10-17T05:34:00.000-07:00

Scholarships Available!!! Mid-South Union Leadership The Arkansas and Oklahoma AFL-CIO are offering to fund scholarships to this year's Mid-South Union Leadership Institute to international or multi-state unions in their state.For every five participants a union registers, a scholarship covering registration fees will be awarded. Please contact your participating state federation if you qualify.

The Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee AFL-CIO are jointly sponsoring the 2009 Mid-South Union Leadership Institute. Hosted by the Labor Education Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Institute will be held November 5-7 at the Clarion Resort on the Lake in Hot Spring, AR.

Leadership development is critical to the success of the labor movement. Union officers and representatives with leadership responsibilities are strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will choose from two major workshop tracks: "Effective Local Union Administration" and "Union Building," as well as special topic workshops on communicating in the YouTube Age and opportunities for workers in a new, green economy. There will be updates on labor's legislative agenda, and discussions of enforcement of existing labor and employment law under the Obama administration.

To find out more, go to http://www.aiea.ualr.edu/lep/events/2009-mid-south.php.

Labor Education Program

Mid-South Union Leadership Institute

Sponsored by the Arkansas AFL-CIO, Mississippi AFL-CIO,
Oklahoma AFL-CIO, Tennessee AFL-CIO, and Texas AFL-CIO

October 16, 2009

Upcoming Seminar - Register Now!!!

November 5 - 7, 2009

Clarion Resort on the Lake, Hot Springs, AR
4813 Central Ave
Hot Springs, AR 71913
(501) 525-1391

www.clarionhotel.com

Sponsored by the Arkansas AFL-CIO, Mississippi AFL-CIO, Oklahoma AFL-CIO, Tennessee AFL-CIO, and Texas AFL-CIO

Who Should Attend? Union officers and representatives with leadership responsibilities.

Major Workshops (Choose Track A or B)
Track A: Effective Local Union Administration	Track B: Union Building
Roles of Officers and Executive Board Members	Using Power to Lead the Local
Conducting Effective Local and Committee Meetings	Setting and Achieving Goals
Legal Responsibilities under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act	Growing and Mobilizing the Membership
Conducting Local Union Elections	Dealing with Conflict in the Local
Parliamentary Procedure

Special Topic Workshops (Choose One)

Communicating in the YouTube Age

Learn how to use online social networks, video hosting services and microblogging/texting sites to communicate your union's message.

From Smokestacks to Wind Turbines: Unions in the Green Economy

Exploring the opportunities the new Green Economy offers to unions and their membership.

General Sessions

Legislative Update
Understanding the Current Economic Crisis and Labor's Response
The "New" Department of Labor: Enforcing OSHA, FMLA, FLSA, and the NLRA

AFL-CIO State Caucuses

Mock Meeting to showcase skills and information learned during the conference.

Seminar Hours

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Seminar Check In	8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Sessions and workshops	8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Hospitality in the evening

Friday, November 6, 2009

Sessions and workshops

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Sessions and workshops	8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Graduation Luncheon	12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Registration Fees and Options

Please register early!

By October 2 - Early Bird $200

By October 23 - Regular $225

If registering after October 23, call LEP at 501-569-8483 to confirm your registration.

Options

Download the brochure here, and fill out the registration form.
Online registration available here.
Agenda available here.

A minimum number of registrations are required for this seminar.

Sleeping Rooms

Please call the Clarion Resort on the Lake at (501) 525-1391 to make your sleeping room reservations.

A block of rooms has been reserved until October 5 at the rate of $82, single or double. Please mention the UALR Labor Education Program to receive this rate.

Questions??

For more information contact the Labor Education Program at 501-569-8483, fax at 501-569-8538 or email lep@ualr.edu.

'Whose side are you on?' Rally

2009-10-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

'Whose side are you on?' Rally

In front of Senator Blanche Lincoln's Fayetteville Office

3 buildings south of Dickson, on the east side of 71 business. (Map)
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Wednesday, October 14th, 4:30 PM

AMERICA’S WORKERS JOIN CALL FOR A WORLD DAY FOR DECENT WORK

2009-10-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

Today America’s workers joined with trade unions in more than 100 countries in support of the International Trade Union Confederation’s call for a World Day for Decent Work. The AFL-CIO believes decent work standards are a key part of the solution to the global economic and jobs crisis. It means ensuring job creation and protection of workers’ rights, especially the freedom to organize a trade union and bargain collectively. It means ending discrimination, stopping child and forced labor and providing social security safety nets for those in and out of work.

At its recent convention the AFL-CIO strongly underscored its support for decent work for workers in the United States and around the world by unanimously passing a major resolution, ‘A Labor Movement Agenda for a Stronger, Cleaner and More Just Global Economy.’ The resolution affirmed the ILO’s statement ‘The Financial and Economic Crisis: A Decent Work Response’ and stressed the need for the global labor movement to promote the ILO’s Global Jobs Pact to help coordinate government efforts to respond to the employment crisis.

Significant priorities for the AFL-CIO include passage of the Employee Free Choice Act to enable workers to freely choose to have a union and collectively bargain in the United States and passing major health care reform that covers all families.

Following the convention, the newly elected leadership traveled to meet with working families around the country, leading up to the G 20 meeting in Pittsburgh. At the G20 President Trumka and ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder, along with other international trade union leaders, met with President Obama. They stressed the elements of the June 2009 ILO ‘Jobs Pact’ and the importance of enacting coordinated policies to create decent and environmentally sustainable work to combat growing unemployment, enact comprehensive and effective regulation of financial markets and promote the inclusion of key international labor standards in all assistance programs of the IMF and World Bank.

September Jobs Report

2009-10-02T10:20:00.000-07:00

The economy shed another 263,000 jobs in September and unemployment rose to 9.8 percent. These numbers are worse than previously forecast and represent the highest unemployment rate in 26 years. There are now six job seekers for each available job and over one-third of the 15 million unemployed workers have now been without a job for over 27 weeks. The only factor that kept the unemployment rate from rising even more is that 571,000 workers dropped out of the labor force last month.

The pace of economic decline and job loss has clearly let up from earlier this year, due in large part to the impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, without further fiscal stimulus, it seems very likely that heavy job losses will continue for several quarters and it will take years for unemployment to fall to pre-recession levels.

The economic crisis is a jobs crisis and there can be no strong and sustainable recovery until employment begins to grow. The Obama administration’s aggressive actions have clearly brought us “back from the brink” of what might have been a second Great Depression, but we will need sustained and expanded fiscal support if we are to see a robust recovery.

The Administration and Congress should continue to extend unemployment benefits and bolster aid to budget-constrained states and cities. Further, the Administration must speed public investment in education and training, repairing our nation’s deteriorating infrastructure and building a greener economy.

Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on September Jobs Report, October 2, 2009

Workers can go to www.unemploymentlifeline.com for Assistance

NWA Labor Supports the United Way of NWA

2009-10-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

The AFL-CIO is actively involved in the United Way at the national level, and Northwest Arkansas Labor Council members have a long tradition of supporting the work of the United Way of Northwest Arkansas. In these difficult economic times, it is even more important that we share what we can.

* Giving $1 week (just $52 a year) provides 288 pounds of food for the hungry in our community or transportation to doctors’ appointments for a senior citizen for a year.
* Giving $2 week provides dues for three low-income children, allowing them to attend an after school program, or provides for 50 snack packs for children, who might not otherwise have food on the weekends.
* Giving $5 week provides delivery of 74 meals to the elderly in their homes, or helps six victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives.
* Giving $10 week provides help for one month’s utility bill for six families, or helps provide 40 prescriptions to individuals without insurance.
* Giving $20 per week provides one month’s scholarship for tuition for an infant in a high-quality learning environment, or provides adult day care services for an adult for one year, or supports one youth for one year of one-on-one mentoring.

Please help the needy in our community, and remember that you not need to give a lot to make an impact.

Mid-South Union Leadership Institute

2009-09-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

To find out more, go to http://www.aiea.ualr.edu/lep/events/2009-mid-south.php.

Please register early! By October 2 - Early Bird $200 / By October 16 - Regular $225. If registering after October 16, call LEP at 501-569-8483 to confirm your registration.

Please call the Clarion Resort on the Lake at (501) 525-1391 to make your sleeping room reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved until October 5 at the rate of $82, single or double. Please mention the UALR Labor Education Program to receive this rate. For more information contact the Labor Education Program at 501-569-8483, fax at 501-569-8538 or email lep@ualr.edu.

Mother Jones Online Museum

2009-09-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

The real life working-class hero Mary “Mother” Jones now has her own virtual museum that documents the struggles, victories and history of the woman once dubbed “America’s Most Dangerous Woman.”

The Mother Jones Museum describes itself as a “virtual museum and curricula about the amazing labor agitator.” It includes links to her entire autobiography and other documents about militant labor history. As the site states:

We believe that she still has something to teach us after all these years.

One page features my favorite Mother Jones quote:

I asked a man in prison once, how he happened to be there, and he said he had stolen loaf of bread. I told him if he had stolen a railroad, he’d be a U.S. senator.

Click here to visit the Mother Jones Museum.

You'll also find books and films available from The Union Shop Online.

Early labor history in America is marked by some vicious, hard-fought battles by workers who sometimes won and sometimes lost, but who always laid the groundwork for many of the rights and economic justice we have today. Sidney Lens’s classic “Labor Wars,” recently reissued by Haymarket Books, takes us from the Molly Maguires to struggles by autoworkers and steelworkers in the first half of the 20th century.

Los Angeles may be known for its glitz and glamour, but “Made in L.A.,” shows us one of its dirty secrets-sweatshops. The documentary tells the story of three Latina garment sweatshop workers. Sick and tired of low-pay for 12 hour-days in abysmal working conditions with abusive bosses, the trio fights back, leading a boycott and three-year struggle that transforms their lives.

Get more info on the latest Cool Tools here and check out the Cool Tools archive here.

Hidden Casualties: Trade, Employment Loss & Women Workers

2009-09-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

The media image of the unemployed factory worker is usually male. But the reality is that working women have been hurt as much as men when it comes to manufacturing job loss. The impact is often worse for women because many are single parents.

A new report by the public policy research group Demos shows when women lose manufacturing jobs, they rarely manage to get back into jobs with similar pay or benefits. Public training programs, through the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) or Workforce Investment Act (WIA), often are inadequate to fill the gap.

The report, “Hidden Casualties: Trade, Employment Loss & Women Workers,” highlights the need for decent training for decent jobs with good wages, career progression and such key supports as child care and paid leave.

Click here to download the report.

One reason women workers are so adversely affected by manufacturing job loss is because they are concentrated in industries which have been drastically affected by the surge in cheap imports over the past decade, such as textiles, apparel and leather. Women make up more than 50 percent of the total workforce in these industries. Faced with high levels of foreign competition, these jobs have had high levels of trade-related job displacement.

The authors estimate that the industries with the highest percentage of women workers lost nearly 500,000 jobs between 1999 and 2008. Women also received a majority of the trade adjustment assistance during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Today, they make up about 48 percent of TAA recipients.

Many manufacturing jobs pay much better than other jobs available to women workers without a college education. Reports culled for U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show the average weekly wage of $524 for textile industries in 2008 is about 30 percent higher than the average for the retail sector ($386) and almost double that of the average for the food services (restaurants) industry ($233).

The report also shows that current federal policies for dislocated workers are woefully insufficient, with many laid-off women workers receiving little help in finding a comparable job or handling family obligations.

The report calls for the U.S .policy-makers to develop a much more comprehensive set of policies to help workers and families navigate the economic restructuring caused by increasing trade and globalization.

Mid-South Union Leadership Institute

2009-09-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

The Arkansas AFL-CIO is joining with state federations in the region in sponsoring the Mid-South Union Leadership Institute. Hosted by the Labor Education Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Institute will be held November 5-7 at the Clarion Resort on the Lake in Hot Springs.

Leadership development is critical to the success of the labor movement. Union officers and representatives with leadership responsibilities are strongly encouraged to attend. Participants will choose from two major workshop tracks: "Effective Local Union Administration" and "Union Building," as well as special topic workshops on communicating in the YouTube Age and opportunities for workers in a new, green economy. There will be updates on labor's legislative agenda, and discussions of enforcement of existing labor and employment law under the Obama administration.

To find out more, go to http://www.aiea.ualr.edu/lep/events/2009-mid-south.php.

Please register early! By October 2 - Early Bird $200 / By October 16 - Regular $225. If registering after October 16, call LEP at 501-569-8483 to confirm your registration.

Please call the Clarion Resort on the Lake at (501) 525-1391 to make your sleeping room reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved until October 5 at the rate of $82, single or double. Please mention the UALR Labor Education Program to receive this rate. For more information contact the Labor Education Program at 501-569-8483, fax at 501-569-8538 or email lep@ualr.edu.

Labor Council Supports Millage FOR New Fayetteville High School

2009-09-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Resolution adopted by the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council

WHEREAS, Working families are and historically have been committed to quality public education for their children; and

WHEREAS, the Fayetteville School District has proposed a millage increase to construct a new high school facility on the current campus location; and

WHEREAS, current national economic conditions only make the need for quality facilities and a strong curriculum more urgent for the future of our families and our community; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, while construction costs are lower during the current economic climate; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, because interest rates are at a historic low and will result in considerable savings over the life of the bonds; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, because construction will have a favorable economic impact, providing jobs that can jumpstart our local economic recovery; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build a new high school, because business location can depend on the evidence of a community’s commitment to public education and reflected in the construction of modern school facilities; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, because our community has reached a consensus during a three year process that asked for and considered the views of residents on location and design for small learning communities; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, because our children deserve a 21^st century school to prepare them for productive lives and careers in the 21^st Century; and

WHEREAS, Now is the time to build the new high school, because failure to act now will only delay the opportunities our children deserve for a quality education.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council endorses the proposed millage increase to build a 21^st Century high school facility in Fayetteville; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Northwest Arkansas Labor Council asks all local unions to encourage their members living in the Fayetteville School District to support and vote FOR the millage on September 15, 2009.

UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED

Convention Time

2009-09-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

Brothers and Sisters,

This week several members of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice travel to Washington D.C. to lobby our representatives in person on the Employee Free Choice Act and health insurance reform. Our fight goes on! Also the UALR Bowen School of Law will be hosting a debate on the Employee Free Choice Act next week on Monday September 14th - you won't want to miss this!

Alan will be headed to Pittsburgh for the AFL-CIO's 26th Constitutional Convention, which runs from Sept. 13-17. We'll be electing new leadership there. The Arkansas AFL-CIO has endorsed Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka in his bid for President. Hope to see you in PA! If you can't make the trip, be sure to check out the AFL-CIO Convention website. There you can: Keep track of events with the Convention Schedule; Get fast-breaking updates on Convention action; Watch video clips of the Convention floor discussions; See photos from Convention events as they happen.

In solidarity,

Alan Hughes, President
Ricky Belk, Secretary-Treasurer

Obama: "We reaffirm our commitment."

2009-09-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

Excerpts from President Obama's remarks at the Labor Day Picnic in Cincinnati, Ohio.

We remember that the rights and benefits we enjoy today were not simply handed out to America's working men and women. They had to be won.

They had to be fought for, by men and women of courage and conviction, from the factory floors of the Industrial Revolution to the shopping aisles of today's superstores. They stood up and spoke out to demand a fair shake; an honest day's pay for an honest day's work. Many risked their lives. Some gave their lives. Some made it a cause of their lives-like Senator Ted Kennedy, who we remember today.

So let us never forget: much of what we take for granted-the 40-hour work week, the minimum wage, health insurance, paid leave, pensions, Social Security, Medicare-they all bear the union label. It was the American worker-union men and women-who returned from World War II to make our economy the envy of the world. It was labor that helped build the largest middle class in history. So even if you're not a union member, every American owes something to America's labor movement.

As we remember this history, let us reflect on its meaning in our own time. Like so many Americans, you work hard and meet your responsibilities. You play by the rules and pay your bills. But in recent years, the American Dream seemed to slip away, because from Washington to Wall Street, too often a different culture prevailed.

Wealth was valued over work, selfishness over sacrifice, greed over responsibility, the right to organize undermined rather than strengthened.

That's what we saw. And while it may have worked out well for a few at the top, it sure didn't work out well for our country. That culture-and the policies that flowed from it-undermined the middle class and helped create the greatest economic crisis of our time.

So today, on this Labor Day, we reaffirm our commitment. To rebuild.

To live up to the legacy of those who came before us. To combine the enduring values that have served us so well for so long-hard work and responsibility-with new ideas for a new century. To ensure that our great middle class remains the backbone of our economy-not just a vanishing ideal we celebrate at picnics once a year as summer turns to fall.

Lincoln Opposes Public Option Health Care

2009-09-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

BLANCHE LINCOLN IS THE QUEEN OF CASH FROM THE HEALTH INDUSTRY The Sunlight Foundation's Paul Blumenthal reports that Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) has taken more money in campaign contributions from the health industry than all but one of her Democratic peers in 2009. According to data from the Center for Responsive Politics, Lincoln benefited from $325,350 in contributions from the health industry in the first half of 2009.

"The large amount in contributions underlies a constantly shifting position by the senator on health care reform," notes Blumenthal. Lincoln sits on the Senate Finance Committee, the lone panel that has so far failed to get its act together on health care reform legislation.

Lincoln told the Huffington Post's Ryan Grim in May that she was open to a public option. "We're looking at that option to see if it's going to be competitive and, you know, if it's going to be productive," she said. "I'm still open minded."

On Tuesday, Lincoln revealed that her mind had apparently closed. "I would not support a solely government-funded public option. We can't afford that," she said, according to Arkansas News.

The Sunlight Foundation's got the goods on the tangled web of staffers-turned-lobbyists who help the industry funnel money to Lincoln and her colleagues. For more, including a helpful chart, go here.

Correction: This item originally reported that Lincoln had taken more money from the health industry than any Democratic senator. In fact, Harry Reid has taken more. (Lincoln is still the queen.)

-- Arthur Delaney

On the Legacy of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy

2009-08-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ted Kennedy was not just a senator for Massachusetts; he was our senator—a senator for working people, for poor people, for the old and the vulnerable. For all those who needed a champion, he was our champion. He personified a sense of aspiration that has become
America’s aspiration—to make things better, to make them more fair, to make our nation more compassionate and hopeful, to make life work for working men and women.

He has left an enormous footprint on America. For nearly a half century, Ted Kennedy was the chief standard-bearer for working families in the United States Senate—and on the Senate Labor Committee. “When I went to the United States Senate in 1962, the leadership asked me what committee I wanted to be on,” he told the AFL-CIO convention in 2005. "I said, ‘I want to be on the Labor Committee,” just as his brothers had before him. He championed the cause of working people and labor out of deep affection—and the affection was mutual. He was loved for his roaring passion, his decency, and his generosity. Few can claim the adoration he received
not only as the senator who more than any other defined America’s vision for civil rights, workers’ rights, health care, education, disability rights and so much more—but also as “Teddy,” the man who remembered birthdays, celebrated family and shared chuckles.

It is because of his 47 years of service, hard work and faith that we will pass affordable, quality health care this year—and go on to restore the freedom of every working person to organize and bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions.

Ted Kennedy was most optimistic when sailing into the wind. He took glee in a good fight, but never preened or paraded when he won. And he was clear about his values. I am reminded of the stark choice he laid out for America when he described to the AFL-CIO his measure for judging a particular Supreme Court nominee:

“Will he stand for workers' rights and women's rights and civil rights? Will he stand with workers of America or the Wal-Marts of America? When a worker is injured, will he stand with corporations or with average workers? When insurance companies deny health care, will he stand with the HMOs or average Americans? When polluters poison our water and our air, will he stand with the polluters or with the people? When Benedict Arnold companies use tax loopholes to send jobs overseas, will he stand with the corporations or will he stand with hard-working Americans here at home?”

That clarity and conscience is his gift to all Americans, and we will carry it on.

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, August 26, 2009

Ally of the Week: Sierra Club

2009-08-25T11:22:00.001-07:00

The Arkansas chapter of Sierra Club is yet another group to lend its voice in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. But what does an environmental organization have to do with labor law reform? Sierra Club’s regional representative in Arkansas, Glen Hooks, says it’s all about green jobs- and the ability of unions to help create an eco-friendly economy.

“The Sierra Club supports the Employee Free Choice Act because we know that a green jobs revolution is going to take a well-trained workforce,” said Hooks. “And we know that a well-trained workforce happens with unions.”

Sierra Club is supportive of this legislation on both a national and local level. In Arkansas, Hooks has participated in several events to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Back in April, Hooks spoke at a letter drop event at Senator Lincoln’s office in Little Rock in support of the bill.

“The Employee Free Choice Act is going to benefit workers, environmentalists and the entire United States,” he said.

The Arkansas AFL-CIO would like to thank the Arkansas chapter of Sierra Club for their support!

To see Glen Hooks talk about why the Employee Free Choice Act matters for Sierra Club and environmentalists, click here.

GOP Attacks on Medicare

2009-07-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Attacks on Medicare: Desperate Attempt to Gut Health Care Reform

By Mike Hall

This might come as a shock to the 44 million Americans who receive their health care coverage through Medicare, but according to two Republican House members, Medicare has “never done anything to make people more healthy,” and it has had the biggest “negative effect” on health care than anything else in the past 44 years.

Step back from Medicare’s 44th birthday cake (click [1] here for more on the program’s four-decades-plus success) and let that gibberish from two of the charter members of the “let’s-kill-health care reform” caucus sink in. (While we’re doing that, a tip of the hat to Jason Rosenbaum at Health Care for America Now! (HCAN) for [2] exposing this nonsense).

You can draw two conclusions. First, Reps. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Tom Price (R-Ga.) are just plain out of touch with reality.

Second, these attacks on Medicare represent a ramping up of Republican attacks on [3] health care reform—a public plan option in a particular. Although it’s hard to believe it could get [4] much shriller.

After all, Medicare is a public health plan and if they can paint the nation’s most successful public health insurance initiative as a dangerous failure, perhaps they can sow enough fear to turn the public against reform efforts that includes government involvement.

On second thought, if they really think they can turn around the [5] 84 percent of the respondents in a recent poll that rated Medicare good to excellent or the [5] 72 percent who told a CBS/New York Times poll they would support a public plan option if it were “similar to Medicare,” maybe they are a little delusional.

Article printed from AFL-CIO NOW BLOG: http://blog.aflcio.org

URL to article: http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/07/31/attacks-on-medicare-desperate-attempt-to-gut-health-care-reform/

URLs in this post:
[1] here: http://blog.aflcio.org../../../../../2009/07/30/medicare-turns-44-seniors-push-for-health-care-refor
m/

[2] exposing this nonsense: http://blog.healthcareforamericanow.org/2009/07/30/republicans-picking-up-the-blunt-line-medicare-is
-bad-so-no-public-option/

[3] health care reform: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/healthcare/fix.cfm
[4] much shriller: http://blog.aflcio.org../../../../../2009/07/29/fox-news-insurance-industry-say-theres-no-health-car
e-crisis-yeah-right/

[5] 84 percent: http://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/mp_20090629_2600.php

Paul Begala on Who Needs EFCA

2009-07-31T06:11:00.000-07:00


Make the economy work for everyone By: Paul Begala July 31, 2009 04:31 AM EST
So here’s the situation. You’re a certified nurse’s assistant, helping seniors get the care they need to live out their final years with dignity. You love your job, but the pay’s terrible, you’re always short-staffed, and the turnover is constant. So you talk to your co-workers and decide you should form a union, to have more of a say in the way things are run. Management’s answer? If you keep speaking out, you’re fired. Or maybe you work at a metal factory. You’ve worked there for years. Then, one day, you realize that your face is taking on a suspicious blue coloring. And that shiver you thought was just a cold? It’s not going away. You’re terrified to discover the source of your symptoms: Your protective mask at work has cracks in it. You’ve been exposed to dangerous chemicals. When you and your co-workers decide that a union is the best way to make your job a little safer, management announces that they have a plan, too: You’re fired. Now imagine you’re the CEO of a giant national banking corporation. Things aren’t so hot at the bank these days. But, thank goodness, you have a safety net — tens of billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money to bail you out. On your watch, the stock’s lost more than 80 percent of its value. And your employees? Most of them barely break the poverty level. Many have difficulty finding affordable health care. Oh, and you just announced that you’re shutting down 10 percent of your branches, laying off untold numbers of hardworking employees. That stinks for them. But for you, things are going swimmingly: In the past three years alone, you’ve raked in nearly $100 million in bonuses and other compensation. $100 million. For sinking a company. All of these stories are absolutely true. The stories of Trish Miechur, the CNA, and Corey Kresse, the metalworker, are replicated in boardrooms and factories across America. The story of Ken Lewis, Bank of America’s CEO? Well, that’s a familiar one, too. So here’s the question: Why are their experiences so different? Whom do we want our economic policies to benefit? For eight years under the GOP, economic policy gave CEOs such as Ken Lewis the gold mine, while giving hardworking, middle-class Americans such as Trish and Corey the shaft. President Barack Obama and the Democratic Congress were elected to change that, and protecting employees from corporate abuses is part of the change we need. That’s what the Employee Free Choice Act will do. Corporate lobbyists say the phrase “Employee Free Choice Act” as though it were a curse. But for Trish and Corey, it’s a blessing. The point of the Employee Free Choice Act is to say that we’ve had enough of an economy that works for Ken Lewis — and Bernie Madoff, for that matter. We want an economy that works for Trish Miechur and Corey Kresse. The Employee Free Choice Act gives workers an opportunity to bargain with their employers for better job security, wages and health care at a time of astounding corporate greed. The legislation has three main parts: 1) It says that when a majority of workers want to form a union, a real path is provided for them to do so — a path chosen by workers, not corporate special interests; 2) it penalizes employers who try to fire or harass workers for attempting to form a union; and 3) it says that once workers have voted for a union, employers have to come to agreement with workers on a contract. Simple stuff, right? So why are corporate interests squealing like a pig stuck under a gate? Maybe because they’re the only ones who prospered under the Bush-Lewis-Madoff policies. In 2009, big banks set aside $74 billion in bonuses and other compensation for their executives. With that amount of money, we could balance the budgets in 16 states, including California. Given that the National Cancer Institute’s annual budget is less than $5 billion, we could fund the entire war on cancer until 2025. Instead, that money is going solely toward fattening CEO wallets. We need legislation that rebalances the economy and makes it work for everyone. I’ll let you in on a secret about Employee Free Choice that corporate lobbyists also don’t want you to know: It’s popular. Not only does President Obama support it — so do majorities in both houses of Congress and more than 70 percent of the American people. My only question is: What are we waiting for? Let’s pass the Employee Free Choice Act and get this country moving again. Paul Begala is a Democratic strategist who served as counselor to the president in the Clinton White House. He is an adviser to the Service Employees International Union.
© 2009 Capitol News Company, LLC

U.S. Minimum Wage Will Increase To $7.25

2009-07-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

The increase of the U.S. Federal minimum wage will allow millions of workers across 30 states to see more money in their paychecks. Minimum wage will become $7.25 per hour and will go into effect on July 24 of 2009.

The U.S. Department of Labor reminds employers and employees that the federal minimum wage will increase to $7.25 on Friday, July 24. With this change, employees who are covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be entitled to pay no less than $7.25 per hour.

“This administration is committed to improving the lives of working families across the nation, and the increase in the minimum wage is another important step in the right direction,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “This well-deserved increase will help workers better provide for their families in the face of today’s economic challenges. I am especially pleased that the change will benefit working women, who make up two-thirds of minimum wage earners.”

This increase is the last of three provided by the enactment of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which amended the FLSA to increase the federal minimum wage in three steps: to $5.85 per hour effective July 24, 2007; to $6.55 per hour effective July 24, 2008; and now to $7.25 per hour effective July 24, 2009. The latest change will directly benefit workers in 30 states (Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming) where the state minimum wage is currently at or below the federal minimum wage or there is no state minimum wage. It will also benefit workers in the District of Columbia, where the minimum wage is required to be $1 more than the federal minimum wage.

A family with a full-time minimum wage earner would see its monthly income increase by about $120. That is more than a week’s worth of groceries for an average family of four or more than one week’s utility bills. The $120 buys three tanks of gas for a small car. The $120 would easily cover the cost of replacing all the light bulbs in a typical home with compact fluorescent light bulbs — which would save the family money in the long term and be an important step toward a greener country. The benefits are not just for full-time workers. About half of minimum wage workers are part-timers, and they, too, are going to see a very welcome boost to their incomes.

Every employer of workers subject to the FLSA’s minimum wage provisions must post, and keep posted in each of its establishments, a notice explaining this act. The notice must be posted in conspicuous places to permit employees to readily read them. Posters and other compliance assistance materials concerning the minimum wage increase are available free of charge from the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division and may also be obtained from the agency’s Web site at http://www.wagehour.dol.gov.

Many states have minimum wage laws with provisions that differ from the federal law. When an employer is subject to both, the employer must pay the higher of the two rates.

Employers and employees seeking more compliance information on the increased minimum wage may call the Wage and Hour Division’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).

Family-Friendly Workplaces: Unions Make a Difference

2009-07-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Today’s report by the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education and the Labor Project for Working Families comes at a seminal moment for the debate on economic and labor law reform in this country. This report emphasizes a crucial point - - that unions help families at a time when workers are forced to work more hours in an increasingly unstable environment, and as the social system in our country is being chipped away.

A unionized workplace dramatically helps working families. According to the report, unions increase compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act, ensure paid sick leave for employees and their children, and increase the likelihood that health care is covered for families. As corporations force working people to work longer and spend more time away from their home, unions are key to creating an economy that works for everyone and ensuring that workers have flexibility in handling their family and work responsibilities. Corporations have spent billions to try to eliminate benefits like paid sick leave, time off, and health care coverage. Without workers’ freedom to form and join unions, corporations will continue to chip away at the family-friendly practices that help working people across the country.

Read the full report.