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Eyes on the Prize July 26, 2010 "CWAers and working families are living through some tough times. But we need to keep our eyes on the prize, hold on to our values, our union and our movement at a critical and difficult time. It's not hopeless, just hard. And we've done hard before. "Workers' rights in the U.S. now resemble Mexico and not any of the other large global democracies. We need to take this to heart, understand that this is a total reversal over the last 50 years and is now on our watch. We can't pretend it will get better with time – in fact, it will get worse unless we stop it, taking risks and trying new strategies. "New coalition action is critical to rebuilding our movement. With 7 percent bargaining coverage in the private sector, labor alone cannot move our agenda. Fortunately others pushing for change realize they need partners as well. Civil rights, environmental groups, community organizations, immigrant rights groups, more than 100 groups in all, are working together under the banner of "One Nation" and our Board has endorsed and joined along with the AFL-CIO. "Our strategy of independent political action also means that we develop new allies. In addition to ‘One Nation' and NAACP, we are working with the Sierra Club to bring one gigabit Internet connections to rural town and their anchor institutions – schools, hospitals and libraries. We need a combination of public and private sector investment so our members can build, maintain and support the networks of the 21st century. "We're asking this convention to send a clear signal to the U.S. Senate – stand with us for democracy and workers' rights and we will stand with you. But if you run for office defending these rules, we will not work for you and we will look for candidates who will work with us. "And we're moving to build a strong coalition with all these partners and key elected officials to change the archaic Senate rules. The threat of a filibuster keeps blocking majority action on everything. A simple majority of the Senate next January can adopt democratic rules where, after reasonable debate, a majority can act on nominations and on legislation including our priority issues. This is not a revolution, this is just basic fairness and democracy and it is within reach." |
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From the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog July 21st 2010 “With so many people out of work, it is extremely important that we elect labor friendly candidates this year,” according to Rick Therkelsen, Membership Development Coordinator for IBEW Local 430.
It’s easy to understand why the creation of family-wage jobs is one of the most pressing issues on the minds ofLabor 2010 volunteers this election season. Therkelsen estimates that about 20% of his local is out of work right now. In other building trades professions the number of unemployed is as high as 30%.
Yesterday members of IBEW Local 430 distributed leaflets in support of gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett and the reelection of Senator Russ Feingold at the Buckets Pub construction site in Racine. Said Therkelson, “Barrett and Feingold have both proven that they will fight for working families.”
“Tom Barrett offers the best chance for Wisconsin to grow,” says Joe Briere, President of CWA Local 4611 in Racine. “Scott Walker would be a terrible governor as far as workers are concerned. We can’t afford to sit around and let him take control.”
This morning, volunteers from CWA Local 4611 distributed information about Tom Barrett to about 40 fellow union members, responsible for phone and cable line maintenance at the AT&T Regency Garage.
The cumulative effect of grassroots actions like these two recent examples in Racine will determine the outcome of elections this November. Volunteer with Labor 2010 today in order to make sure that working people send the strongest possible advocates to Madison and Washington.
http://wisaflcio.typepad.com/wisconsin-state-afl-cio-blog/2010/07/small-actions-add-up-in-racine.html |
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Biggest COPE Contest Ever!
Jul 8, 2010 CWA's COPE contest is really taking off. Just since May, when the contest began, there's been an increase of $30,244 for COPE, from new contributors or increased contributions. So far, District 6 is leading the contest with the most cards. Every District and Sector that meets the minimum quota for a 5 percent increase in giving will hold a drawing among those CWA members who have signed up or increased their COPE contributions. Districts or sectors that don't reach the 5 percent mark will hold a combined drawing. CWA will award up to eight top prizes of a trip for two to Las Vegas, including airfare and two nights' hotel accommodation. Any CWAer who becomes a new contributor or increases her or his weekly contributions by $1 will get a COPE t-shirt. The contest runs until October and the winners will be announced on Election Day, Nov. 2. |
GOP House Members Press Duetsche Telekom
Jul 8, 2010 Seven Republican members of Congress have signed a letter to Deutsche Telekom chief executive officer Rene Olbermann calling on the company to "follow the same, fair policies at your U.S. subsidiary as at Deutsche Telekom" with regard to workers' rights to decide for themselves, free from management interference, whether they want to organize and bargain collectively. The letter expressed concern that DT's approach to employees at its American subsidiary does not place an equal value on respect for workers' rights. "We believe that respecting those rights is one important step in ensuring that economic recovery is fair and sustainable," they wrote. The signers are Steven LaTourette, R-14th, Ohio; Candice S. Miller, R-10th, Mich.; Frank Lo Biondo, R-2nd, N.J.; Patrick Tiberi, R-12th, Ohio; Thadeus McCotter, R-11th, Mich.; Christopher Smith, R-4th, N.J.; and Tim Murphy, R-18th, Pa. The letter is similar to one sent to Olbermann in May by 24 Democratic members of the House Education and Labor Committee. |
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What Does Health Care Reform Do For Me?
Mar 25, 2010 1. Children can continue to be covered by their parents' health insurance until their 26th birthday, instead of being forced off the plan by age 19. When? IN SIX MONTHS. 2. Insurance companies cannot exclude children under age 19 from health care coverage because of pre-existing conditions. When? IN SIX MONTHS. 3. Insurance companies cannot charge higher rates for women, whether they're covered by an employer's plan or have individual coverage. When? IN SIX MONTHS. 4. Adults who can't get insurance because of a preexisting condition can buy into a national pool until the exchanges start operating in 2014. When? IN 90 DAYS. 5. Insurance companies can't cancel your policy because you get sick. When? IN SIX MONTHS. 6. Insurance companies can't put a lifetime limit on your medical coverage. When? IN SIX MONTHS.
7. Retired workers who have hit the Medicare "donut hole," the gap in benefits that hurts millions of seniors, will receive a $250 rebate. When? THIS YEAR. 8. "Donut hole" completely gone in 2016. |
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