“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
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Survey of Labor Representatives on Workforce Investment Boards
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
You can get a copy of the report on our website at:
http://www.workingforamerica.
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
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
WORKING AMERICANS CALL FOR CREATION OF GOOD JOBS
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.”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
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
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
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Bill Helps Workers, Communities Move to Clean Energy Jobs
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
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.”
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
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.
"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.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Mid-South Union Leadership Institute Scholarships Available!
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
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.
| 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.
Friday, October 9, 2009
'Whose side are you on?' Rally
'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
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
AMERICA’S WORKERS JOIN CALL FOR A WORLD DAY FOR DECENT WORK
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.
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.
Friday, October 2, 2009
September Jobs Report
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
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
Thursday, October 1, 2009
NWA Labor Supports the United Way of NWA
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.
* 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.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Mid-South Union Leadership Institute
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/
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Hidden Casualties: Trade, Employment Loss & Women Workers
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.
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
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.
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.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Labor Council Supports Millage FOR New Fayetteville High School
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 21st century school to prepare them for productive lives and careers in the 21st 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 21st 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
