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One Voice - August 2007 Archive
Current One Voice issues --- Archive index
August 31, 2007
Have a Safe and Happy
Labor Day
Labor was the first price, the original purchase-money that was paid for all things. It was not by gold or by silver, but by labor, that all wealth of the world was originally purchased.
~ Adam Smith
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AFL-CIO President, John Sweeney and West Virginia AFL-CIO President, Kenneth Perdue
· Americans deserve better: Now is the time for health-care reform in U.S.
http://wvgazette.com/section/Opinion/Op-Ed+Commentaries/200708305
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The Labor Movement:
The Folks Who Brought you the Weekend
In our time, many people think of Labor Day as a long weekend that marks the end of summer. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
As a lifetime labor activist, I have nothing against weekends—the longer the better. In fact, the labor movement led the fight for laws that limited the hours of work, abolished child labor, established minimum wages and basic standards of workplace safety.
Those gains benefited all workers, union and non-union. So did other labor-supported public policies, like extending the right to vote, establishing the right to free public education, and the creation of programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that provide a basic safety net to children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Along the way, American’s working people and allies from all walks of life did something more important: they helped to create a strong middle class that is the backbone of any decent democracy.
The things that unions fight for—living wages, benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, pensions—are the things that make for a decent standard of living for American families. These helped set that standards that even non union employers often felt obliged to meet.
Unfortunately, as union membership has dwindled due to outsourcing, privatization, employer hostility and globalization, the middle class is feeling the squeeze. That’s not good for anybody. If we’re going to have a global economy that works for everyone, we need to restore the right of workers to organize and expand the middle class.
Larry K. Matheney, Secretary-Treasurer
WV AFL-CIO
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Marshall - Wetzel - Tyler CLC
Annual Steak Fry
Sat. Sept. 15th, 6:00 p.m.
St. Jude Park, Glendale, WV
Just off Route 2 behind Reynolds Hospital
$15.00 per person ~ Open to the public
For additional information call Chuck-845-7326 or Shelva-845-6002.
BRING YOUR OWN PLACE SETTING
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THE WORKER IS WORTHY OF HIS HIRE. According to a new report from the Center for Economic and Policy Research,
Unionization substantially raises wages and benefits even in typically low-wage occupations, according to "Unions and Upward Mobility for Low- Wage Workers", a report released today by the Center for Economic and Policy Research and Inclusion.
The report, which analyzed 15 of the lowest-paying occupations in the United States, found that unionized workers earned about 16 percent more than their non-union counterparts. Unionized workers in these same industries were also about 25 percentage points more likely to have health insurance or a pension plan.
For workers in these low-wage industries, unionization raised their wages, on average, about $1.75 per hour. In financial terms, the union effect on employer-provided health insurance and pensions was even larger.
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Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA)
North America's premier hunting and fishing club exclusively for union members and their families. As a sportsman or sportswoman, you know the heart-pumping sensation of taking aim for the trophy animal or reeling in a monster fish.
The USA offers a new adrenaline rush-the kind that comes with finding new places to hunt and fish, saving money on gear and services, and racking up a host of other benefits.
Click for more
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Monongalia-Preston Labor Council
CLC in West Virginia, Florida IATSE and Utah JwJ Endorse HR 676
In Miami, Florida, Local 477 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), a statewide local of 900 women and men working in the various crafts of feature film, television and commercial film production, has endorsed HR 676, single payer healthcare legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI). Chris Ranung, Local 477 Executive Board Member at Large for North Florida reported this action.
In Morgantown, West Virginia, Rita McCrobie, President of the Monongalia-Preston Labor Council, reports that her council, which has 30 affiliates in two counties in northern West Virginia, has also endorsed HR 676. McCrobie said, “Our combined membership feels this bill is important to their future, and we are proud to step on board with all the other supporters.”
Eighty-six Central Labor Councils have now endorsed HR 676.
In Utah, the Executive Board and Steering Committee of the Utah Jobs with Justice (JwJ) has also endorsed the Conyers’ legislation. With this addition, union organizations in 44 states have endorsed HR 676.
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UNITE HERE!
MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL JOINT BOARD
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
ANNUAL GOLF SCRAMBLE
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Greenbrier – Meadows Course
Deadline to Register is October 1, 2007
This event will be hosted and co-sponsored by
The Greenbrier
For additional information contact:
UNITE HERE! Local 863 Secretary-Treas. /Bus. Manager
Peter Bostic 304-536-2055
here863@yahoo.com
August 29, 2007
Labor Day Events
Walter P. Reuther Labor Day Memorial Service
(In Recognition of his 100th Birthday)
City of Wheeling Proclamation on Walter Reuther's 100th Birthday
Monday, September 3, 2007 ~ 10:00 am
Riverfront, Heritage Port
Wheeling, West Virginia
Hosted by: Ohio Valley Trades & Labor Assembly, AFL-CIO
UAW Region 8
Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation
Guest Speaker: David T. Javersak, Dean, School of Liberal Arts, West Liberty State College
To read about Walter Reuther click here: http://www.local174.com/Walterreuther.html
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- Paden City Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 3, 2007 ~ 1:00 pm
Line up begins at noon -- For further information call: B.B. Smith (304) 545-7781
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- Marion County AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic
Sunday, September 2, 2007 - Hough Park, Mannington, WV
Noon till 4:00 pm -- Rain or Shine - Guest Speaker: Congressman Alan Mollohan
The Marion County AFL-CIO Labor Council, The Marion County Democratic Party, and the UMWA want to invite you to a Labor Day Picnic. There will be over $1000 in door prizes, including a Remington 700 BDL 30-06 donated by Congressman Mollohan (you have to be 18 years old and present to win). There will be free food (covered dishes appreciated), free soft drinks, games for the children and live entertainment by Don Hayes and the Country Raiders.
For further information contact: Marion County AFL-CIO Labor Council President, Vern Swisher at
304-367-0316 or Secretary-Treasurer, Beckie Parrish at 304-449-1228 or e-mail Beckie @ Parrishable@aol.com
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- 20TH Annual Labor Day Picnic
Monday, September 3, 2007 - Greenbrier State Forest - 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
The Mid Atlantic Regional JT Board, UNITE HERE! - UNITE HERE Local 863, LIUNA Local 1182 and the Southeastern Central Labor Council invite you to their 20th Annual Labor Day Picnic. They request that you bring your family and enjoy a day of food, fun and good music.
For further information contact: UNITE HERE Local 863 Secretary Treas./Bus. Manager, Peter Bostic at 304-536-2055
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- 69th Annual UMWA Labor Day Celebration
Monday, September 3, 2007 - John Slack Memorial Park - Racine, WV ~ 11:30 am
The Schedule of events begins with the National Anthem at 11:30 am. UMWA District 17 International Vice President, Joe Carter will be the Master of Ceremonies. Tentative 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 304-346-0341
August 28, 2007
Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney
On the 2-Year Anniversary of Katrina
New Orleans isn't a city forgotten, it's a city deliberately abandoned. Not by our country's good citizens - who well remember the painful images of people stranded on rooftops and at the convention center, but by the leaders of our federal government. Two years after an 18-foot wall of water followed the howling winds of Hurricane Katrina into the city, the levees haven't been repaired, the cleanup hasn't been completed, no significant affordable housing has been restored, and 213,000 of the city's people haven't been able to return to their neighborhoods or their jobs.
The problem, which extends into the entire Gulf Coast region, is a lack of federal commitment at the top. In March when he visited the city, President Bush claimed $110 billion in federal funds had been sent to New Orleans. Actually, less than $59 billion had been allocated to the entire state of Louisiana and as of this week, according to The New York Times, only $6.7 billion has been spent in the state, just $3.39 billion of that in New Orleans.
Over the past two years, thousands of volunteers have streamed into New Orleans. Hundreds of thousands of individuals have donated money, food and clothing. More have opened up their homes and communities to evacuees. Non-profit organizations have taken on projects ranging from emergency housing to tourism development. Our own AFL-CIO Gulf Coast Revitalization Program is deep into $1 billion worth of strategies to produce new housing, fund economic development projects, create thousands of new jobs, train workers to fill those jobs and guarantee the right-of-return for all former public housing tenants.
Even so, crime is on the increase and 45 public schools remain closed in Orleans Parish alone. Half the hospitals are still shuttered. The city is down more than 100,000 jobs. And the Lower Ninth Ward remains as it was the day after the flood waters receded: A ravaged war zone whose refugees aren't able to return.
The restoration of New Orleans is a loaded train that requires a powerful engine to pull it. Only our federal government has the engine to do it, but so far, it hasn't left the yard except for public relations junkets. Every day, New Orleans grows into a more shameful chapter in our nation's history, a bigger symbol of federal leadership incompetence and neglect.
August 27, 2007
Book Unleashes Bad Ideas
The Charleston Gazette, August 26th
By Ted Boettner |
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There has been a lot of discussion recently about a new book edited by West Virginia University professor Russell Sobel titled “Unleashing Capitalism.” The book argues that the best route toward economic growth in West Virginia is through regressive tax cuts, abolishing unions and the minimum wage, tort reform and limiting public investment. These arguments may appeal to the uninformed but reflect a profound misunderstanding of reality.
When it comes to business taxes, there is very little evidence that tax rates affect where businesses choose to invest and locate. These taxes are a very small fraction of the cost of doing business (accounting for less than 2 percent of business expenses for the average corporation). They pale in comparison to the costs of labor, energy and transportation. Additionally, according to recent surveys, West Virginia’s business climate already ranks better than Ohio, Maryland and Pennsylvania and is in the top 10 with business costs 14 percent below the U.S. average. Moreover, research shows that when tax cuts are paid for by reducing public investments and services that businesses need, economic activity and job creation suffer as a result.
During the post-World War II decades (1949-1973), wages and benefits grew significantly for typical workers even though we had higher tax rates on corporations and high-income earners during that time. We also had a stronger minimum wage and more union members during this period. Meanwhile, during the last 30 years, in the name of economic development, policymakers have tended to follow the route prescribed by Sobel. As a result, unions have seen their numbers decrease, the minimum wage has weakened considerably, and wages for typical workers have fallen almost a dollar per hour since 2005. Although the economy was growing well during this period, the income gap between the wealthy and average workers widened significantly despite workers working longer hours and receiving fewer benefits.
Sobel’s book also argues that the economy would benefit from tort reform, despite the fact that tort insurance, litigation and damage claims are lower now as a share of the economy than 20 years ago. In fact, no one has proven that the West Virginia legal system hurts business; it has just become part of the conventional wisdom in the business community. Rather than being negative, the ability to make a tort claim actually delivers many important benefits — including compensation for being injured, deterrence of wrongdoing, and greater investments in product innovation and safety.
At a time when the safety of our workplaces and even our children’s toys have been compromised by corporations that place profit ahead of responsibility, we need to maintain reasonable government oversight and ensure that corporations are held accountable for their actions. Undermining these important protections for our workers and especially for our children in order to “Unleash Capitalism” is both irresponsible and dangerous.
Finally, reducing public investments is another risky proposition. Public investment is instrumental in creating strong, long-term economic growth through areas such as research and development. Without government funding, many of the products and services we depend on for our way of life would not exist, including the Internet, computers, jet aircraft, many prescription drugs, microwave ovens, storm windows and medical technology that saves lives. Moreover, public investment in education doesn’t stifle economic growth when it helps workers gain the skills they need to find good jobs and supply businesses with a high-quality work force. In fact, nothing is more attractive to businesses than an educated work force. The importance of investment in infrastructure becomes painfully obvious when a bridge collapses and people are killed.
The policies advocated in “Unleashing Capitalism” are ideologically tilted to further enrich the wealthy at the expense of building and strengthening the middle class. They are not based in the fundamental reality that the government and market must work together to spur economic growth, expand economic and personal security, and provide a broadly shared prosperity.
Boettner is a policy analyst for Mountain State Education & Research Foundation in Charleston. |
August 22, 2007
QUAKER ORGANIZATION CALLS ON CONGRESS TO TIGHTEN MINE SAFETY RULES
Philadelphia, [August 22] The recent tragedy at the Murray Energy Crandall Canyon mine in Huntington, Utah, prompts a renewed call for the vigorous implementation and enforcement of proposed mining safety measures, urges the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organization with a long history of supporting coal miners and communities.
“Congress should move swiftly to pass recently introduced legislation that, among other things, immediately requires mining companies to use systems that can track and communicate with miners,” says Rick Wilson, director of the American Friends Service Committee West Virginia Economic Justice Project. “The law would also require companies to upgrade to better communications systems as they become available.”
That legislation, HR 2768 and 2769 and S. 1655, introduced in June of this year by Representatives George Miller (D-CA), Nick Rahall (D-WV), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), and Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Patty Murray (D-WA), would improve health and safety in U.S. mines and immediately require companies to use the best available technology to stay in contact with miners.
Last year 47 people died in mining accidents, the deadliest year in the nation’s coal mines since 1996. In the wake of tragedies such as the 2006 Sago and Aracoma Alma mine disasters in West Virginia, which killed 14 miners, Congress passed the MINER Act, the first mine safety legislation in a generation. That legislation has not been fully implemented.
Additionally, under the Bush administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has rolled back safety and health rules.
“When 12 miners were killed in the Sago mine, one of the most glaring problems was the inability to communicate with the men trapped, who were underground for more than 40 hours,” notes Beth Spence, a member of the state-appointed team investigating the Sago and Aracoma Alma disasters, which was headed by former federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) director J. Davitt McAteer.
“That scenario was repeated at the Crandall Canyon mine, where frantic drilling efforts have been unable to locate the miners,” Spence adds.
The MINER ACT gave companies until 2009 to develop and install wireless communications systems rather than requiring them to immediately use the best available technology.
“Mine rescue workers bravely and selflessly put their lives on the line and face extremely hazardous situations. Like firefighters, they rush in where angels fear to go. While no existing technology works perfectly in all situations, it can vastly improve the chances of success for rescue operations,” notes Spence.
“We support rigorous enforcement of existing laws and steep penalties for those who disobey them,” Wilson adds. “Our nation’s miners, who risk their lives every day to produce the coal that helps fuel this nation, deserve 21st-century safety standards—the best that can be delivered at this time.”
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has had a presence in West Virginia since 1922, when it provided emergency relief in mining camps where coal operators were trying to stop union organizing. AFSC is currently a leader of the Let Justice Roll Coalition, which supports higher minimum wages and passage of the Employee Free Choice Act to protect workers’ rights.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
Rick Wilson
Area director
American Friends Service Committee
WV Economic Justice Project
Voice mail: 304-529-3890
Blog: www.goatrope.blogspot.com
August 22, 2007
The WVU Extension Service Institute for Labor Studies and Research & the South Central Labor Council present the following class:
“Central Labor Council Leadership Training”
This class covers AFL-CIO Central Labor Council duties of delegates and officers. The class will explain the history, structure, purpose and importance of a CLC. The class will discuss labor and politics and leadership skills in regard to CLC’s.
This class is a must for not only officers and delegates to a CLC but also it is an excellent educational event for any AFL-CIO union member.
Dates: Tuesday, September 11th and Wednesday, September 12th, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm
Location: UMWA Building, 2306 S. Fayette Street, Beckley, WV
Registration: Call Robbie Massey of WVU-ILSR: 304-255-9321 or by e-mail at: RVMassey@mail.wvu.edu
Programs and activities offered by the WVU 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 4th, 2007 at 304-255-9321 or by email at: RVMassey@mail.wvu.edu
August 17, 2007
West Virginia Central Labor Council is 300th
Union Organization to Endorse HR 676
The Southwestern District Labor Council AFL-CIO in Huntington, WV is the 300th labor organization to endorse HR 676, single payer legislation introduced by Congressman John Conyers.
Tim Millne, Secretary-Treasurer, reports that the council acted on a motion of its COPE Committee. Millne said, “We are proud to be the 300th endorsement of this much needed bill. The unanimous vote of the council reinforces support for working families everywhere.” The labor council sent its resolution to Congressman Nick Rahall (D-WV), who is not yet a co-sponsor of HR 676, and council members plan to speak with him during the August recess.
The Southwestern District Labor Council has 50 affiliated local unions in seven counties. Millne said the resolution would be sent to all affiliated locals unions as well as to about 20 non-affiliates. The resolution will be posted on the Council’s web site. (www.swdlc.org).
HR 676 would institute a single payer health care system in the U.S. by expanding a greatly improved Medicare system to every resident.
HR 676 would cover every person in the U. S. for all necessary medical care including prescription drugs, hospital, surgical, outpatient services, primary and preventive care, emergency services, dental, mental health, home health, physical therapy, rehabilitation (including for substance abuse), vision care, chiropractic and long term care. HR 676 ends deductibles and co-payments. HR 676 would save billions annually by eliminating the high overhead and profits of the private health insurance industry and HMOs.
AFT members from Barbour, Hancock, Harrison, Marion and Monongalia Counties show their solidarity in support of
AFT Staff Representative Joy Jenkins who was treated disrespectfully by the Hancock County Board of Education
when she spoke in favor of a local salary increase for school employees at a previous meeting.
Nearly 100 Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) rallied in downtown Morgantown on Aug 2nd
to draw attention to the final year of their Contract with Verizon.
Brother Carl Eastham, President HPFFA writes:
The Huntington Professional Fire Fighters Association (IAFF Local 289) is raffling off two Marshall Season tickets. They will be drawn at our
golf tournament which is being held at the Twin Silo’s Golf Coarse (formally Lavalette) on Saturday August 25 noon shotgun start. Tickets are
$2 each or 7 for $10, if interested contact me at ceastham@pffwv.org or call 304-633-6417. Still have room for a few golfers.
Brother Tim Millne and his wife Diana are offering a chance to win two side by side tickets to the Marshall University/West Virginia Game September 8. The chance is $20 dollars. The winner will be announced at half time during the Miami game September 1 at Jakes Sports Club. If you are interested call either 304-523-2353 or 304-525-3865. Don't wait tickets for this game are gone.
Taylor Books
226 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV
342-1461
The Conservative Nanny State
How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer
The Conservative Nanny State
Conversations with Author & Economist Dean Baker
Taylor Books August 20th - 5:30-7:00 PM
For more information contact Ted Boettner at 304.346.5891
August 15, 2007
The Conservative Nanny State
How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer
Conversations with Author & Economist Dean Baker
Taylor Books August 20th - 5:30-7:00 PM
In his new book, economist Dean Baker debunks the myth that conservatives favor the market over government intervention.
Baker says it is time to balance the books. Government is by all the people, for all the people. It's that simple.
It’s time for the rules to change. Sound economic policy should harness the market in ways that produce desirable social outcomes—decent wages, good jobs, and affordable health care.
Sponsored by: West Virginia Citizen Action Group &
Mountain State Education & Research Foundation
For more information contact Ted Boettner at 304.346.5891
August 8, 2007
AFL-CIO Top Leadership Chooses to Hold on Endorsement
Calls for Greatest Involvement Ever by Working Voters in the Crucial 2008 Elections
"Union members have told us all the candidates are impressive and they are eager to support many of them."
(Chicago, August 8) - - Following its Presidential Forum attended by 17,500 union members here last night, the AFL-CIO Executive Council today chose to hold off making an endorsement of a single candidate for President, instead calling for continuing "this education and mobilization process - - not only to hear from the candidates, but to ensure that the candidates hear from America's workers." In a released statement, the 47-member top leadership body left the door open for an endorsement at a later date and made clear that each of the AFL-CIO's 55 unions could make its own primary endorsement.
"It is clear that a number of the Democratic candidates have the experience and the credentials to lead our nation," wrote the Executive Council. "And it is equally clear that our members support a number of the candidates - - many union members have told us all the candidates are impressive and they are eager to support many of them."
"The issues affecting our nation's working families took front and center last night," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "We will make absolutely sure that the spotlight remains on working people's concerns, like good jobs, affordable health care, and the freedom to join and form unions to improve their lives."
In 2004, the AFL-CIO made an endorsement for John Kerry in February.
The AFL-CIO's "Working Families Vote 2008" campaign is the broadest effort yet to involve working people in the selection of president. In addition to hosting last night's Presidential Forum, the 10-million member union federation held town hall forums with each candidate and union members over the last four months, and 20,000 people voted on the questions to be posed at last night's forum on the group's interactive website (www.workingfamiliesvote08.org).
Rather than endorsing at this time, the Executive Council pledged that unions "will focus on preparations for the greatest involvement ever by working voters in the crucial 2008 elections." In 2006, the AFL-CIO's massive union mobilization proved key to shifting the balance of power in Congress when it mobilized more than 13.6 million voters in 32 states. In recent national elections, one in four voters have been union household members.
8/3/07
Wal-Mart Back to School Protest Rally
WAL-MART’S IRRESPONSIBLE CORPORATE BEHAVIOR HAS LED TO
FAILING GRADES FOR THEIR WORKERS, CHILDREN & TAXPAYERS.
Date: Monday, August 6, 2007
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Place: Wal-Mart – Super Center
2700 Mountaineer Blvd.
South Charleston, WV
For More Information Contact:
304-346-9679 UFCW Local 400
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