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One Voice - April 2006 Archive
Current One Voice issues --- Archive index
VOL III, Issue 216 -- April 28, 2006
Free Health Screenings
as part of Cover the Uninsured Week in West Virginia
CoverTheUninsuredWeek --- MAY 1-7, 2006
At these locations:
Monday, May 1st West Virginia Health Right
11 am to 3 pm 1520 Washington Street E., Charleston
Tuesday, May 2nd Beckley Health Right
9 am to 3 pm 111 Randolph St., Beckley
Wednesday, May 3rd Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield (parking lot)
2 pm to 4 pm 7th Ave and Market St., Parkersburg
Sponsored by Good Samaritan Clinic
Thursday, May 4th FamilyCare at the Schoenbaum Center
1 pm to 4 pm 1701 5th Ave., Charleston
Friday, May 5th Kanawha City mall parking lot
1 pm to 4 pm MacCorkle Ave., Charleston
Each health screening will involve these free services:
Blood Screening:
(best if a person has been fasting for 12 hours prior to test)
A small sample of blood is drawn from the arm and sent to the lab for analysis (lipid and complete metabolic panels; PSA for males). Results will confidentially be sent to the participant through the mail within 7 - 11 days.
Blood Pressure Screening:
A certified medical assistant or nurse will record the blood pressure, counseling to be provided if the reading is out of the normal range and then this value will also he included in the participant's confidential communication.
Body Mass Index Measurement:
A certified medical assistant or nurse will record the participant's body mass index measurement, which is a tool for determining the weight and body fat status in adults.
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Other Services:
West Virginia Association of Free Clinics
Additional services are available at free clinics in West Virginia:
For more information go to the WV Free Clinic web site at www.wvfrccclinics.org or call
(304) 414-5912.
West Virginia Primary Care Centers
There are also 129 primary care clinical sites across West Virginia serving their communities and individuals.
For the center nearest you, please go to the West Virginia Primary Care Association's web site www.wvpca.org or call (304) 346-0032
For additional information about Cover the Uninsured Week contact either www.CoverTheUninsured.org or call West Virginians for Affordable Health Care at
(304) 344-1673.
VOL III, Issue 215 -- April 28, 2006
Congratulations Joyce Creel !
Each year names of Women from around our State are submitted to the West Virginia Women's Commission to receive awards for their contributions to society and for being positive role models for others.
There are 12 categories that a name can be submitted to receive these awards and the categories rang from public service, government, arts and the category that Joyce Creels name was submitted ... labor.
Joyce is well known in her home town of Cottageville, WV and around the State for her many hours of selfless service to anyone that is in need of a volunteer. Joyce has helped in Local, State and National political campaigns and over the years she has spent countless hours volunteering for the WV AFL-CIO doing grass roots campaigning for the endorsed candidates.
The Celebrate Women Awards serves as a "Hall of Fame" for West Virginia Women and Joyce Creels name will be added to this very impressive list of West Virginia Women!
Again, Congratulations Joyce!!
21st Annual Celebrate Women Awards Ceremony
Saturday, April 29th
6 p.m
Embassy Suites in Charleston
For more information on the awards dinner or the nomination process for the Celebrate Women Awards you can call the Women's Commission at 304-558-0070 or visit the Women's Commission web site at www.wvdhhr.org/women
VOL III, Issue 214 -- April 28, 2006
April 28 --- Workers Memorial Day
A Prayer for the Fallen
We remember those we have lost with great fondness.
They gave much to the world; as individuals, family members, friends and work colleagues.
We remember their families in their enormous sadness.
For those who have died at work building a better place for the rest of us.
Those who died while constructing our buildings and expressways, hospitals and schools.
For those who have died young and innocent, victims of avoidable accidents
may we learn from this loss, honor the memory of those lost
and work towards a safer work place for all people
where the rights and dignity of all workers are upheld above all else.
Rev. Ian Lawton
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Join the WV AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions and allies at today's Workers' Memorial Day Service. The Service will include the Posting of the Flags by the American Legion Post 68 and the reading of the names and a ringing of the bell for the 24 workers that died during the course of their work in 2005.
April 28th, 6 o'clock
Bel Meadows County Club,
Route 20, Clarksburg WV
Directions: From I-79, get off at Exit 115, take Route 20 going south, drive for 4 miles and look for the Country Club on your right. Note: If you should need additional directions please call the Bel Meadow Country Club. (304) 623-3701.
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Coal Mine Deaths Make Workers Memorial Day April 28 Especially Timely
By: Mike Hall
Mike is a former West Virginia Newspaper reporter who now is a contributing writer for the National AFL-CIO Blog. Below is a portion of Mike's article on Workers Memorial Day and a link to the rest of his story.
Across the nation and around the world, workers and job-safety activists are remembering their colleagues and the thousands of other workers who have been injured or killed on the job on the 17th observation of Workers Memorial Day April 28.
The worker death rate was up in 2004 for the first time in more than a decade, according to the just-released AFL-CIO report Death on the Job, The Toll of Neglect—and this year, the U.S. coal mine death toll is higher in the first four months than in all of 2005.
In Riviera Beach, Fla., union members will pay special honor to the coal miners killed on the job, including the 26 who have died so far this year. While in Clarksburg W.Va., the West Virginia AFL-CIO is staging a special event to raise funds for children whose parents have died or become disabled on the job.
Read More: http://blog.aflcio.org/?p=539
VOL III, Issue 213 -- April 26, 2006
Medicare Part D: Disaster
Attend a FREE Public Meeting and find out how you can help fix the Medicare "Part D" - Senior Rx Program Disaster.
Community Forum
Medicare "Part D"
Chesapeake City Hall
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27
- Part D is: Costly, Confusing and Corrupt.
- Part D must be replaced with a real Medicare plan that is: Simple, Affordable and Guaranteed!
Please join this frank discussion concerning Medicare "Part D".
Speakers:
Larry Matheney, WV AFL-CIO
Don Perdue, WV House of Delegates (invited)
Earnest (Spud) Terry, WV Alliance for Retired Americans
WV Chapter Dave Cormier, WVU Institute for Labor Studies and Research
Jackie Connley, WV HealthRight
Gary Zuckett, WV Citizen Action
WEST VIRGINIANS UNITED
for Social and Economic Justice
VOL III, Issue 212 -- April 25, 2006
Workers' Memorial Day --- April 28, 2006
April 28th -- Workers' Memorial Day is the day each year working families take the time to remember workers who have suffered from illness and death on the job. We reflect on how far we have come and the distance we have yet to go to make workplaces safer.
We would like to invite you to this Memorial Day Service.
The Service will include the Posting of the Flags by the American Legion Post 68 and the reading of the names and a ringing of the bell for the 24 workers that died during the course of their work in 2005.
Let's continue the fight and make our voices heard until the promise of good, safe jobs is a reality for all workers.
Join the WV AFL-CIO and our affiliated unions and allies at this year's Workers' Memorial Day Service as we remember those that have died on the job.
Friday, April 28th, 2006
6 p.m.
Bel Meadows County Club,
Route 20, Clarksburg WV
Directions: From I-79, get off at Exit 115, take Route 20 going south, drive for 4 miles and look for the Country Club on your right. Note: If you should need additional directions please call the Bel Meadow Country Club. (304) 623-3701.
VOL III, Issue 211 -- April 24, 2006
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) need our help to accomplish a top legislative priority, funding for the SAFER ACT.
The grants for Firefighter's and other first responders are again being ignored by the president in this year's budget. The Assistance to Firefighters grant which includes the (FIRE ACT & SAFER ACT) will be more than cut in half or even more troubling, the SAFER ACT will be completely eliminated if there is not a substantial increase in funding.
Senator Robert Byrd is the Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security which is the committee where the debate for the funds will take place.
The West Virginia IAFF requests that we contact Senator Robert Byrd and tell him that in West Virginia we want our IAFF members and the places that they are employed to be staffed, trained and well equipped to respond to all emergencies not only the ones that effect us on a daily basis but also in the event that there should be a possible natural disaster or a terrorist attack and urge him to support a substantial increase in funding in the FY 07 Homeland Security Appropriation Act.
Senator Byrd's Washington Office (202) 224-3954
Senator Byrd's WV office (304) 342-5855
If you have questions please contact Tom MCEachin at tmceachin@iaff.org or (202) 824-9301
VOL III, Issue 210 -- April 21, 2006
Statement by AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson on
Mexico’s Striking Mineworkers
The AFL-CIO deplores the violence that occurred yesterday in Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico, when some 800 federal and state police attempted to forcibly dislodge striking mineworkers from the Sicartsa steel mill. At last report, three workers and one police officer were killed and many others wounded.
The Mexican federal government, and in particular Labor Secretary Francisco Salazar, have contributed to this tragedy. In recent weeks, mine workers throughout the country have carried out massive protests and strikes against mining employers to demand the reinstatement of Napoleon Gomez, the democratically elected leader of the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers of Mexico. Gomez was forcibly removed from office by the administration of Mexican President Vicente Fox after demanding an investigation and better mine safety inspections following a gas explosion that killed 65 miners at the Pasta de Conchos mine on February 19. The Mexican government’s extreme action violated the union’s constitution, Mexican labor law and international labor agreements signed by Mexico. Several employers have resolved the conflicts by affirming their support for Gómez as the union’s elected leader. Others chose the path of confrontation, which has now led to bloodshed.
We implore the Mexican Government to immediately reverse the disastrous decisions of the Labor Secretary by recognizing Napoleon Gómez as the elected leader of the union, and by entering into discussions with the workers on the critical issue of mine safety.
VOL III, Issue 209 -- April 21, 2006
USW International President taking a Strong Stand for Locked Out USW Members
A substantial part of Medco's business and profits come from plans that cover Union members and now Medco while taking Union member's money for their services are replacing its unionized workers because they understandably rejected its unreasonable concessionary contract demands.
April 5, 2006: After months of demanding unreasonable concessions, Medco Health Solutions locked out approximately 500 USW members from their jobs at its mail order pharmacy in Las Vegas, Nevada. Medco announced that it would use "temporary employees and additional supplemental staff" to keep its operation going in Las Vegas, one of the company's three main dispensing pharmacies.
April 5, 2006: The Nevada Board of Pharmacy issued its approval to allow Medco to replace over 100 certified pharmacy technicians with uncertified temporary employees.
April 6, 2006: USW International President, Leo Gerard shared his concerns with the Nevada Board of Pharmacy about the use of the uncertified temporary employees to replace the experienced and highly skilled locked out employees and he requested that the Members of the Pharmacy Board investigate, immediately.
April 12, 2006: In a One Voice e-newsletter the WV AFL-CIO requested your help for the locked out USW members. We requested that you write Medco Health Solutions CEO David Snow, to tell him to end the lock-out and negotiate in good faith.
April 13, 2006: USW International President, Leo Gerard again wrote to the Nevada Board of Pharmacy explaining that the use of the uncertified temporary employees had led to a number of problems, including the mishandling of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals such as insulin, and the delay in deliveries of prescriptions filled at Medco's Las Vegas pharmacy. He urged the Pharmacy Board to consider any and all corrective actions, including the suspension of Medco's drug dispensing operation at its Las Vegas pharmacy. He asked the Nevada Pharmacy Board, "In light of the issues that have developed since Medco initiated the illegal lock-out, would you feel safe and secure about getting your prescription filled through this pharmacy today?"
April 18, 2006: USW International President, Leo Gerard wrote to the Governor of Nevada and to all State Boards of Pharmacies explaining his concern for potential issues in Medco's pharmacy practice at its Las Vegas facility. He stated that since the company began its illegal lock-out of the certified and experienced USW members that he believes millions of Medco plan members are at risk and because of this public health risk that he has requested the Nevada Board of Pharmacy to suspend Medco's license to operate their Las Vegas facility for the duration of the illegal lock-out. President Gerard tells all State Boards of Pharmacies that the effects of the illegal lock-out go far beyond Nevada and he urged each State Board to investigate the issues further. In addition, he urged Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn to contact the Nevada Board of Pharmacy about the lock-out and insure that the Boards actions are consistent with public safety and the laws of Nevada.
April 21, 2006: Most usually when we as West Virginians hear the term "locked out" we think of when the Ravenswood Aluminum Company locked out 1,700 workers in 1990. This lock-out also happened to the United Steelworkers Union and it was a long, frustrating battle. However, the union stayed with the struggle until the workers marched triumphantly back through the plant gates in June of 1992.
The WV AFL-CIO joins with USW International President Leo Gerard in his support of the locked out USW members in Nevada and again, we ask that you join in this effort by writing to the CEO of Medco and to the Governor of Nevada to request that Medco Health Solutions, Inc.,end the lock-out and negotiate in good faith with the United Steelworkers Union. Please stress the fact that Medco's use of uncertified temporary employees is unacceptable for the safety of those that use their services!
David Snow, CEO
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
100 Parsons Pond Drive
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417
Nevada Governor
Kenny C. Guinn
Capitol Building
Carson City, Nevada 89701
VOL III, Issue 208 -- April 19, 2006
FREE Presentations
Affordable Health Care - Looking To The Future by ReUNION
If you are a retiree or a friend of a retiree and you would like to learn about issues concerning Affordable Health Care, Retiree Income Security and Trade then the FREE ReUNION presentations are for you.
ReUNION is non-partisan group consisting of the United Steelworkers Union and leading domestic steel companies. This joint ReUNION effort is open to any and all retirees and their allies. Please know that these events are not for solicitation of commercial products or services and that their only mission is to mobilize citizens around the above issues and to get the much needed information circulated.
The ReUNION National Coordinator, Ike Gittlen will do the Health Care Presentations and at each event food and beverages will be served. If you would like to attend one of the below events please RSVP by calling toll free 1-866-365-2203. You may also get driving directions and other information at the same toll free telephone number or by contacting USWA ReUNION Coordinator Joy Randolph at 304-532-6881.
WEST VIRGINIA ReUNION EVENTS WILL BE HELD IN:
- Ravenswood, WV Thursday, April 20, 2006 7:00 p.m. Senior Citizens Multipurpose Center
- Parkersburg, WV Friday, April 21, 2006 5:00 p.m. VFW Post 1212,1630 Garfield Ave.
- Charleston, WV Saturday, April 29, 2006 4:00 p.m. Ramada Inn, South Charleston
- Wheeling, WV Friday, May 5, 2006 5:00 p.m. Wheeling Park White Palace
- New Martinsville, WV Thursday June 8, 2006 5:00 p.m. Lewis Wetzel Family Center
NOTE: To make sure there is enough seating and food, it is essential that you call now to reserve your place at these important events. Seating is limited so please call ASAP.
VOL III, Issue 207 -- April 18, 2006
Is Anyone Looking Out For Your Interests When It Comes To Your Insurance Rates?
Please join Delegates: Joe DeLong, Ron Fragale, Richard Iaquinta, Tim Miley, Mike Caputo, Tim Manchin, Linda Longstreth, and Mary Poling as they kick off a fight for consumers rights!
They invite you to be part of an important discussion regarding rising premiums, credit scoring, and the new consumer advocate position within the insurance commissioners office.
Date: Wednesday, April 19th
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Clarksburg VFW (located on West Pike Street)
***VOL III, Issue 206 * April 13, 2006***
JOIN A WAL-MART INFORMATIONAL PICKET
Every working American is being directly affected by WAL-MART and its unfriendly community practices. Child labor, illegal aliens, discriminatory practices against Women, poverty level wages, unfair tax exemptions and government subsidies directly affects each and every one of us. We pay for their employee's health care and their employee's welfare. Their attempts to lower supplier costs and force companies overseas WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT ALL OF OUR MEMBERS SOONER OR LATER.
For the above reasons SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2006 Christopher V. Lang III, President of the GCC/IBT Local 24M is asking for Volunteers to stand with him and his members on an Informational Picket at the Weirton Wal-Mart on Three Springs Drive, Weirton, WV.
Volunteers are needed from 9:00 am till 12:00 pm. Please join President Lang and his members in their efforts to make a difference for all of us.
Everyone will meet at the parking lot across the street from the Wal-Mart at approximately 8:30 a.m. or whatever time you can make it.
DIRECTIONS
Take Parkway to Robinson Town Center. Get on Route 22/30 west and take towards Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown. This route will also take you into West Virginia. Go past the Burgettstown exit. Three Springs Drive Exit is the second exit after entering West Virginia. At the end of the ramp turn right and the Wal-Mart is on the right hand side. There is a large parking lot across the street. Approximate time from the city is 35 minutes.
EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
Today, 57 million workers in America want to join unions. But employers routinely block their efforts—and our laws are too weak to protect them. It's time for Congress to support the Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow workers to make their own decisions on whether or not to form a union. Below is an AFL-CIO Voice@Work Update:
• Countdown: Five to Go for House Majority on Free Choice Bill
Rep. Jim Walsh (R-N.Y.) became the 13th Republican in the House to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act, bringing the number of co-sponsors to 213, just five shy of an outright majority. There are 42 co-sponsors in the Senate.
Let’s push the remaining members to sign on now. Urge your senators and representative to support the legislation today. Click on the link below to send them a message. http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/Support_EFCA
***VOL III, Issue 205 * April 12, 2006***
Steelworkers Seek Support in Medco Lockout
After months of making unreasonable demands during contract negotiations, Medco Health Solutions locked out about 500 members of the United Steelworkers and USW Local 675 at its mail order pharmacy in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 5, 2006. More than six million union members and their families are covered by one of the firm’s prescription plans, which accounts for more than 25 percent of Medco’s total client base.
Medco says it will use “temporary employees and additional supplemental staff” to fill prescriptions at the Las Vegas facility, one of Medco’s three main dispensing pharmacies.
“Due to the risks of having inexperienced replacements filing mail-order prescriptions through Medco, I am strongly recommending that people consider filling their prescriptions at a retail pharmacy whenever possible until this dispute has been resolved,” USW International President Leo Gerard wrote in a letter to other unions.
“If Medco does not soon end this illegal lockout—which we believe puts the lives of millions at risk—we need to let Medco know that we will be actively seeking other prescription plan providers.”
During negotiations, Medco illegally retaliated against employees for participating in solidarity actions and unilaterally changed employee benefits. The National Labor Relations Board has issued a complaint that will go before an Administrative Law Judge.
To help end the lockout, call or write to Medco Health Solutions CEO David Snow, requesting that the company end the lockout and negotiate in good faith.
Address letters to:
David Snow, CEO
Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
100 Parsons Pond Drive
Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417
Telephone: 201-269-5920
***VOL III, Issue 204 *April 11, 2006*
BUS, AMBULANCE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES LEVY
David Sayre, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1742 in Charleston, WV
wants everyone to know that 135 Union jobs and approximately 2.2 million passengers annually are dependant upon the passage of the Bus, Ambulance and Emergency Services Levy.
David explained that the proposed Levy has been in effect since 1973 and it is set at the same rate as previous levies and will not raise taxes if passed. For the Levy to pass it requires a super majority 60% vote and it will generate $13,000,000 each year for four (4) years. Below is how it would be distributed:
47.5% to the Ambulance Authority (County and City)
47.5% to the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KRT)
5. % to the Emergency Services (Police and Fire)
On behalf of David and his Union Brothers and Sisters at ATU Local 1742 please vote YES for the passage of the Bus, Ambulance and Emergency Services Levy which will be included on the ballots of the May 9th primary elections.
YOUR VOTE MATTERS!
The 2006 WV Primary Election is May 9th.
The registration deadline is April 18th
PLEASE REGISTER!
***VOL III, Issue 203 *April 11, 2006*
TRAGIC DEATHS OF OUR WV COAL MINERS
We offer our deepest sympathy to the Families and Friends of the two WV Coal Miners that were killed on their jobs this past Friday.
Below is an article that was taken from the National AFL-CIO Blog. http://blog.aflcio.org/
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Two More Mine Deaths.
Congress on Vacation Without Boosting Mine Safety
Two more West Virginia coal miners were killed on the job April 7, bringing the year’s coal mine death toll to 23 nationwide, compared with 19 in all of 2005.
The same day the miners died, Congress left town for a two-week vacation without acting on new mine safety legislation introduced in Feb. 1 when the Sago Mine disaster that killed 12, and other mine deaths, were fresh in the headlines.
Mine safety is a top agenda item for the Mine Workers convention that gets under way today in Las Vegas with more 500 UMWA members on hand.
UMWA President Cecil Roberts says state and federal lawmakers and the Bush administration must stop their foot-dragging on new mine safety measures.
More miners have been killed on the job this year than in all of 2005. Indeed, today’s deaths are the 44th and 45th in the United States since Feb. 1, 2005. We are seeing a dramatic increase in fatalities in the nation’s mines, and the UMWA continues to call on Congress, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and the various state mining regulatory agencies to act—and act now—to strengthen the laws, regulations and oversight of America’s coal mines.
In the latest accidents, Robert Runyon, 48, of Belfry, Ky., was killed in a roof fall at Jacob Mining LLC’s No. 1 Mine in Naugatuck. Rock-and-roof support materials fell on the locomotive Runyon was operating, according to news reports. MSHA records show that the nonunion mine received 14 citations since February, including one involving guards on mechanical equipment that protects workers.
In Wharton, W.Va., a miner was killed at the Mystic LLC’s Candice No. 2 Mine while working on or around a continuous mining machine, which digs coal from the face and moves it to a conveyer belt. The miner’s identity has not been disclosed.
The UMWA-represented Mystic Mine has received one citation from MSHA this year.
Meanwhile in Congress, new mine safety legislation (S. 2231 and H.R. 4695) has stalled as Republican leaders in both the House and Senate have refused to schedule the bills for a vote. (In an April 1 post, Jordan Barab at Confined Space gives a run down of MSHA and congressional action or inaction.)
By Mike Hall
March, 2006 One Voice Archive |
