68th Annual UMWA Labor Day Celebration
Monday, September 4, 2006 - John Slack Memorial Park - Racine, WV
The Schedule of events begins with the National Anthem at 11:30 a.m. UMWA District 17 International Vice President, Joe Carter will be the Master of Ceremonies. Guest Speakers include UMWA International President, Cecil Roberts; U.S. Congressman, Nick Joe Rahall; Governor, Joe Manchin and WV AFL-CIO President, Kenny Perdue.
Everyone is invited to show their support of our State's working families by attending this fun filled day of entertainment, speakers and drawings for door prizes.
For further information contact: UMWA District 17 Office at 304-346-034
VOL III, Issue 260 -- August 29, 2006
A Day of Action
The West Virginia AFL-CIO August 26th "Day of Action" was a huge success. Hundreds came together in an effort to move our State and Country in a better direction.
The events of the day started with a 2 p.m. rally and parade by West Virginians United, a diverse coalition of groups (including the West Virginia AFL-CIO) and individuals concerned with social and economic justice, peace, the environment, and the future of democracy.
West Virginians United marched through the streets of Charleston to the 4 p.m labor rally at the West Virginia AFL-CIO Headquarters and with the help of WV AFL-CIO President, Kenny Perdue and Secretary-Treasurer, Larry Matheney this rally echoed the same concerns. The labor rally included guest speakers U.S Senator Robert C. Byrd and National AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney.
Also, during the 4 p.m. rally to commemorate August 26th being the 86th anniversary of women winning the right to vote there was a special guest appearance by Susan B. Anthony. In addition, a proclamation was read and presented to the West Virginia Women's Commission by Governor Manchin's Chief of Staff, Larry Puccio proclaiming August 26, 2006 as Women's Equality Day.
This very exciting day of action to "Take Back America" ended with a march to a labor night ballgame and picnic at the WV Power Baseball Park. We wore our Union t-shirts with pride as we watched the WV Power ball team win the game against the Lexington Legends 3-1
VOL III, Issue 259 -- August 25, 2006
United We Stand!
Who: West Virginia Working Families
What: "Take Back America" Rally
When: August 26, 2006 -- 4 p.m.
Where: West Virginia AFL-CIO Headquarters -
501 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston
Why: In Unity Is Strength
How: VOTE November 7th
Free parking suggestions:
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State Building Trades Office Bldg. -- 600 Leon Sullivan Way
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Both sides of Shrewsbury Street
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Both sides of Leon Sullivan Way
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Acordia/United Talent Parking lots
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Super 8/Fairfield Inn Motel Parking lot
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Garnet School Parking lot
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American Lung Association Parking lot
Pay parking:
VOL III, Issue 258 -- August 23, 2006
________________________________
Join Secretary-Treasurer Larry Matheney at 10:30 a.m. Thursday on ...
Call with questions or comments: 344-9704 or 1-888-950-8181
VOL III, Issue 257 -- August 23, 2006
Labor Force Makes Major Difference in Everyday Life
Article in the Herald Dispatch by:
Pam Carden
Republican Candidate
House of Delegates, District 15
Culloden
On Aug. 12, I attended the Southwestern District Labor Council Hall of Fame Banquet at the USW Local 40 Hall. One of the purposes of the event was to honor labor and community leaders who have had an impact on working men and women in our area. Governor Joe Manchin and Congressman Nick Joe Rahall spoke, and numerous political incumbents and candidates were in attendance.
As I reflect back on the experience, I am humbled by the magnitude of the contribution the labor force makes to the quality of our daily lives. We take for granted the beautiful buildings, highways, compassionate health care, dedicated teachers, brave firefighters and policemen, dependable mail carriers and conscientious service employees, to name only a few, who not only provide for our convenience and comfort, but also our health and safety. Working men and women supply so much to society simply by going about their daily jobs of service. It is the everyday people doing the heavy lifting from which we all benefit.
I want to congratulate this year's honorees: Lewis Albright, Jerry Booth, Barbara Copley, Henry Dillon, Alan Hutchinson, Jack R. McComas, Mike Meadows and Brent Marsteller. Also, thanks to the coordinator, Tim Millne, for a well-organized and enjoyable evening.
I am honored to have the endorsement of these people who serve us everyday so that we can have a wonderful life.
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Wake Up and Feel the Water Getting Warmer
"Take Back America"
Article in the Charleston Gazette by:
Larry K. Matheney
WV AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer
I’ve heard it said that if a healthy frog is placed in a pan of water that is gradually heated, it can wind up dead before it figures out something is wrong.
I don’t know if that’s true—and I don’t want anyone to try it at home—but I’m starting to feel like the water is getting hotter and hotter for ordinary Americans.
I think we’d better start jumping.
Consider the following:
The Census Bureau reported last August that 37 million Americans lived in poverty in 2004—up by 1.1 million from the year before and up by 5.4 million since 2000.
Nearly 46 million Americans don’t have health insurance, another number that has increased since 2000. Fewer private sector workers have insurance from their employers, and many of those who do are paying more for it. The Institute of Medicine reports that 18,000 Americans die prematurely every year just because they don’t have health insurance.
Wages for American workers have been largely stagnant.
The nation has lost 2.8 million manufacturing jobs since President Bush took office, and the trend is likely to continue unless something changes. As if NAFTA wasn’t bad enough for places like West Virginia, new rounds of “free” trade deals threaten jobs in services and construction as well as manufacturing.
Although research indicates that 57 million American workers would join unions of they could do so, workers still lack the right to form unions without intimidation or retaliation by employers. While recent figures are not available, in 1998, 24,000 workers won compensation for being illegally fired or retaliated against for organizing. Other research indicates that this happens in one out of four organizing drives.
Those are just a few of the nation’s problems from a labor perspective. But there are more that concern thousands of West Virginians and millions of Americans.
Seniors are dealing with a confusing and inadequate Part D prescription drug program and further threats to privatize Social Security.
Children, low income families, the elderly and people with disabilities nationwide are facing cuts in Medicaid to pay for more tax cuts for the rich.
Millions of Americans are concerned about the war in Iraq and this administration’s misguided policies that have made Americans less safe; about the natural environment; about basic civil liberties; and about sane and decent federal budget priorities. Millions of religious Americans are tired of seeing religion used to divide people and justify injustice.
The water is getting hotter...
Organized labor can’t face these challenges alone—and we don’t want to.
We have joined a diverse coalition called West Virginians United for Social and Economic Justice and we are what we sound like: ordinary people from diverse walks of life who believe in our hearts that this country is headed in the wrong direction and are determined to turn it around.
And we’re inviting you to stand up and be counted. On August 26, we will join with our fellow West Virginians for a Take Back America rally and parade at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Charleston at 2:00 p.m.
If you care about the future of democracy and liberty and justice for all, I hope you’ll join us.
When the water starts to boil, it will be too late.
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CONGRATULATIONS PRESIDENT PERDUE
West Virginia AFL-CIO President Kenneth M. Perdue was named by West Virginia Executive magazine as one of West Virginia's 50 Most Powerful
As president of West Virginia’s AFL-CIO, Perdue is often called on in times when serious negotiations are needed. His understanding of both sides of an issue and his commitment to the state has earned him the gratitude of many, as he speaks for more than 420 affiliated unions. He believes one of our state’s leading assets is the quality of our people. Yet, labor issues have often hindered our economic growth. Perdue’s intellectual approach to resolving these issues has been and continues to be a valuable resource.
VOL III, Issue 256 -- August 23, 2006
“An injury to one is an injury to all.”
2006 PADEN CITY LABOR DAY FILM FESTIVAL
The following films will be shown at the Paden City Fraternal Order of the Eagles
109 S. 4th Ave., Paden City, WV
Phone: (304) 337-9495
Friday, September 1 --- 5 pm-7 pm
Harlan County USA (2006, 1976, 103 mins.) Barbara Kopple’s Oscar-winning film about the strike at the Brookside Mine of the Eastover Mining Company in Harlan County, Kentucky in June 1973. Arnold Miller stars with the women who fought for their men.
Saturday Sept 2 --- 1pm-3pm
Smilin Sid (2000, 11 mins.) Daniel Boyd’s recreation of WV’s most famous lost film, made for Jean Battlo’s “Terror of the Tug.”
Black Diamonds (2006, 95 mins.) The “Harlan County, USA” of the 21st century. Mountaintop removal mining and history of coalmining in West Virginia.
Sunday Sept 3 --- 1pm-4 pm
Sit Down and Fight- Walter Reuther and the Rise of the Auto Workers Union (1992, 55 mins.) Wheeling native son and his brother taught auto workers how to fight the auto makers of Detroit.
An Injury to One (2002, 55 mins.) In Butte, Montana Wobbly organizer Frank Little was murdered. This award-winning film explores what really happened. He was found hung in August 1917. 8,000 people attended his funeral.
Labor in the Mountains (2005, 55 mins.) A grandfather tells his granddaughter about the history of the labor struggles in West Virginia. Many well-known WV labor leaders are interviewed and many historic events are presented. It may be the first history of labor for children ever put on film.
Monday following the parade --- (approx 2:30)
The Kingmaker – Don Blankenship (2005, 25 mins.) Anna Sale of WVPBS made this biography about WV’s most notorious coal boss. He has spent millions of his own money, helping to defeat Warren McGraw in 2004. He has decided to enter WV politics, spend addition millions to fight politicians.
The Last Campaign (2005, 107 mins.) Award winning film about Warren McGraw’s campaign for re-election to the WV Supreme Court in 2004. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $20 million on defeating McGraw. Blankenship spent millions of his own supporting an unknown candidate against McGraw in the”meanest judicial race in American history.”
Organizing America (1994, 40 mins.) Charleston filmmakers Charlotte Angel and Kyle Boyd directed this expansive history of the union movement. Dr. Fred Barkey, past president of the WV Labor History Association and a leading WV labor historian, is interviewed along with many WV labor leaders.
Officially endorsed by the West Virginia Labor History Association. Admission is FREE. The CD of songs used in the audio book of “When Miners March” will be played. Assistance provided by the Paden City Public Library
VOL III, Issue 255 -- August 22, 2006
Labor Rally
Saturday - August 26th, 2006 - 4 p.m.
WV AFL-CIO Bldg.
501 Leon Sullivan Way - Charleston
Guest Speakers:
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Hospitality Room
For those attending the West Virginia AFL-CIO Labor 2006 Special Convention, August 25th, Charleston Civic Center, the AFGE Fourth District together with Benefit Architects invite you to stop by their hospitality room.
The hospitality room is on Thursday and Friday evenings (August 24th & 25th) at the Civic Center Holiday Inn (room 619).
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The Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation plans Rally
"Blind as ICE" Rally --- Friday, August 25 --- Noon to 1:00 pm
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement - ICE (Formerly INS)
210 Kanawha Boulevard West, Charleston
The use of illegal workers in West Virginia is increasing at a rapid rate. Yet, ICE (Immigrations and Custom Enforcement) does nothing to enforce current laws. It's Time ICE Opened Their Eyes
ACT has produced a TV show about the many problems. Watch it on WCHS Saturday, August 26 at 7:00pm and Sunday August 27 at 12:30pm. On Saturday, September 2 and Monday September 4 on WDTV at 7:30pm. And on Comcast Cable’s FYI Channel at 6am and 6pm every day from August 29 to September 4.
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CWA Hosting a one-day Safety Seminar
Ron Gaskins, West Virginia Safety Representative for CWA is offering to other Union Locals the opportunity to participate in a free safety seminar on Friday, September 15, 2006 at the CWA Local 2001 Union Hall, Charleston WV.
The tentatively topics will be: What to Look For on a Worksite Visit; Current Events at OSHA; Why Safety Committees are Important; How to Identify a "Meth Lab" and Safety and Workers' Compensation.
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What health care system do YOU want?
The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group (CHCWG) is a congressionally mandated panel—comprised of a broad cross section of 14 American Citizens—who are charged with preparing recommendations on solving the nation’s health care crisis to the President and Congress.
Congress and the President created the Working Group to listen to Americans' answers to four vital questions and then use the responses to recommend how to make health care work for all Americans. Now is your chance to influence the deliberations of Congress and the President. You can learn about the current health care system by reading the Health Report to the American People, respond to the Health Care Poll and other questionnaires at the Public Comment Center (used as part of the basis for developing the Interim Recommendations) and, most importantly, read and comment on the recommendations.
The Citizens’ Working Group needs to receive YOUR Comments before it prepares and sends Final Recommendations to Congress and the President. Read the Interim Recommendations and Comment on them by August 31, 2006.
One Voice, One Agenda, One Movement!
www.WVAFLCIO.or
VOL III, Issue 254 -- August 18, 2006
Solidarity Victory in Monongalia County
Mon County AFT, Mon County West Virginia School Service Personnel Association (WVSSPA) and the Mon-Preston Labor Council in coalition with County Superintendent Frank Devono have won a $1000.00 pay increase for Mon County employees, (the first since 1988).
A special thanks goes to the Mon-Preston Central Labor Council and it's President Rita McCrobie for their support in this major victory.
VOL III, Issue 253 -- August 17, 2006
REMINDER
It's Not Too Late To Register
What: Labor 2006 Special Convention
Where: Charleston Civic Center, West Virginia Room 105
When: Friday, August 25th
Time: Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2006
The Convention will convene at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at approximately 4:00 p.m.
The Registration fee is $25.00 per person. This fee can be paid the day of the conference on August 25th, however,
you must give advance notice if you plan on attending to give a correct count for materials and lunch, included in the registration fee.
To register call the West Virginia AFL-CIO office 304-344-3557
Join Labor and the Community coming together to
Take Back America!
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The annual 2006 Taste of Charleston will be August 26th and 27th at the Charleston Civic Center. This event is from noon to 6:00 p.m and allows the area's finest restaurants to show case sample size portion of their specialties.
Admission is free and the food prices range from 50 cents to a maximum of $3.00 for a food item.
On display in the Civic Center's lobby Allied Artists will present a FEAST OF ART. Included in the displayed items for sale will be the beautiful work of AFSCME Local 3248 member, Kathy Gallagher.
Each day also will feature live music, a jitterbug contest and children's activities.
VOL III, Issue 252 -- August 14, 2006
WV United Retirement Security Forum:
Defending Social Security & Celebrating its 71st Birthday
11:00AM Friday, August 18th, 2006
Location: Gihon Unity Apts, 2601 Unity Place, Parkersburg WV 26101
Speakers: Larry Matheney, WV AFL-CIO; Gary Zuckett, WV Citizen Action;
Tony Michael, WVU/Institute of Labor Studies & Research
Come out and help us celebrate the 71st Birthday of the most popular government program in history and learn of new privatization threats to our Social Security System.
Privatization of Social Security was a bad idea last year, It will be a bad idea next year:
- The American people rejected privatization last year - long before hurricane Katrina, or the latest onset of high gas prices.
- Citizen organizations and anti-privatization members of Congress representing millions of Americans have tirelessly fought back a well-funded campaign to privatize & dismantle Social Security and will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that Social Security is strengthened for generations to come.
- We must continue to stand sentinel to guard against efforts to revive - in any form - the effort to privatize Social Security.
In addition, a short video narrated by former CBS Newsman Walter Cronkite will be shown that is, entitled "The Problems with the Medicare Drug Program - and How to Fix Them".
West Virginians United Plan to Fix Part D:
- Reduce the cost of prescription drugs by requiring Medicare to negotiate lower prices from drug companies.
- Close the "donut hole" - the gap in coverage for annual costs between $2,250 and $5,100 which will result in millions of seniors being denied coverage each year while they still pay monthly premiums.
- Allow seniors the choice of obtaining their prescription drug plan directly from Medicare--instead of from a private insurance company.
- Re-open Part D enrollment and waive the late enrollment penalty until Part D is fixed.
For more information, contact Larry Matheney 304-344-3557 or Gary Zuckett 304-346-5891
VOL III, Issue 252 -- August 10, 2006
WVU-ILSR Grievance Arbitration Conference
Enrollment is limited and time is running out to register for the Grievance Arbitration Conference offered by the West Virginia University Institute for Labor Studies and Research.
Whether you are a full-time or part-time union representative, experienced or inexperienced arbitration advocate, local union officer, or international staff, you will enjoy and learn from this challenging and rewarding educational conference.
Topics scheduled for the conference are: History of Arbitration, Brief Writing, How to Prepare and Present a Grievance Arbitration Case, Common Mistakes in Arbitration, Credibility and Cross Examination, Objections in Arbitration, Information Requests for Arbitration and Challenging an Arbitration Award. A panel of arbitrators will allow participants to "Ask the Arbitrator" questions.
The registration fee is $135.00 per person. Participants must make their own room reservations, $79 per night (plus 9% tax), single or double by calling the Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa at 1-800-624-8300. The schedule will allow adequate time for "on your own" meals.
WHAT: The 2006 Arbitration Conference for Union Advocates
WHEN: Sunday, September 17th, 2006 starting at 6:30p.m. - through - Tuesday, September 19th, 2006 at 3p.m.
WHERE: The Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa, Morgantown, WV
To register or if you need a copy of the agenda or have questions contact: Robbie Massey at 304-255-9321 -- E-mail:
RVMassey@mail.wvu.edu or the Institute for Labor Studies and Research at 1-800-499-0486 or 304-293-3323.
Again, enrollment is limited and time is running out to make the necessary arrangements so contact Robbie Massey ASAP!
Programs and activities offered by the West Virginia University Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or national origin. Persons needing a disability-related accommodation to participate in this event should contact Robbie Massey by September 5th
VOL III, Issue 250 -- August 8, 2006
We Must Support Those Who Support Worker's Issues
Fundraising Reception honoring Ohio Senate Candidate Sherrod Brown Monday, August 14, 2006 - 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening at the home of:
Leah and Alex Macia
1527 Virginia Street, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25311
Sherrod Brown is former West Virginia Attorney General Charlie Brown's brother. All questions and RSVPs should be directed to Jill Bentz at 304-550-0501 or George Shellhammer 304-541-9982. Public Employees Please Disregard
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North Central WV Labor Council Picnic and Elimination Drawing
Saturday, August 12, 2006
5:30 p.m.
4-H Barn - Rt. 19
Clarksburg, WV
For ticket information contact Tony Blidgett 304-622-6125 or 304-677-1952
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Kanawha Valley Labor Council - Important Meeting
7:30 p.m. August 14th, 2006
State Building Trades Building
600 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston
(1st floor, 1st door on the right)
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the August 26th Day of Action please attend this meeting. For more information contact KVLC President, Mike Matthews at 343-6952.
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Southwestern District Labor Council Scholarship Labor Night
C*USA Homecoming
Marshall Thundering Herd vs Memphis
Sponsors Encouraged: Part of Proceeds to Charles A. Spurlock Scholarship
Event Scholarship: $ 5,000.00
Co-Sponsor: $ 1,000.00
Tent Sponsor: $ 300.00
Beverage Sponsor: $ 200.00
Door Prize Sponsor: $ 100.00
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2006
Place: Lefty Rollins Track / Marshall Tent City
Time:Tailgate: 11:00 a. m.
Dinner: 2:00 p.m.
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m.
Entertainment provided.
Price Still Remains $40.00 Game ticket and Tailgate (Package) $30.00 for tailgate only
Sponsor Amount: $_________________________
Ticket Package Amount: $_________________________
Total Amount: $_________________________
All packages, sponsors should be confirmed and paid for by October 6, 2006
Please send check for package & sponsors to:
Southwestern District Labor Council, AFL-CIO
P. O. Box 2142
1201 7th. Avenue
Huntington, WV. 25701
For more information contact: Tim Millne 304-523-2353
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West Virginia AFL-CIO Disaster Fund
Contributions should be made payable to the WV AFL-CIO with the person's name in the subject line of the check and mailed to.
West Virginia AFL-CIO
Disaster Fund
501 Leon Sullivan Way
Charleston, WV 2530
VOL III, Issue 249 -- August 2, 2006
Sisters & Brothers,
Early July flooding in the Huntington area has caused financial and personal need for Brother Tim Millne and family. Water and soil erosion did major damage to Brother Tim's home and related property that will require major repairs to make it livable again, and there is no insurance coverage to help in this time of need.
Please consider making a contribution to the West Virginia AFL-CIO disaster fund; (in the name of Tim Millne).
Brother Tim has given so much to others over the years it is now our turn to give generously in his time of need.
In Solidarity,
Kenny Larry
