Letter
Published By
AmerICAN INCome LIfe & NAtIoNAL INCome LIfe
LABor AdVIsory BoArd
sePtemBer 2010
Vol. 42 No. 6
News from the for the Employee Free Choice Act.” But
he warned that passing the bill would be
on our boots and got into the mud” to dig
the economic car out, he said.
AfL-CIo, Ctw, hard due to the “Just say no” attitude of
INterNAtIoNAL & the Senate’s Republicans who blocked Labor hailed $26 billion jobs bill
NAtIoNAL UNIoNs the Employee Free Choice Act and other signed by President Obama August 10 that
measures with filibusters and filibuster will help save the jobs of teachers, fire
threats. Obama urged labor to energize fighters and other workers while providing
Labor intensified its political
itself for the mid-term elections as polls additional funds for states to pay for
program in the 60 days before the Nov. 2
show that many voters are disheartened Medicaid. The GOP called the measure
election in an effort to stem projected
or apathetic about voting. “You have to special interest legislation and “a giveaway
losses of pro-worker elected officials.
remind them for the next three months to teachers’ unions.” Education Secretary
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka,
that this election’s a choice. You’ve got these Arne Duncan said 160,000 teachers, whose
for example, traveled the nation in recent
folks who drove America’s economy into a positions were first spared the ax by last
weeks extolling working families to vote for
ditch. And for the last 20 months, we put year’s stimulus law, will stay in schools.
endorsed candidates. In an Aug. 3 keynote
address to a conference of state and local
union leaders who came to D.C. in advance
of the AFL-CIO Executive Council
meeting, Trumka called the election “a
choice between the wrecking crew and the
cleanup crew.” He said union activists have
to work “like there’s no tomorrow” between
now and Nov. 2, “because given what we
lose if we lose this election, there may not
be.” Many political observers across the
spectrum forecast congressional Democrats
could lose dozens of U.S. House seats and
perhaps endanger their current 255-178
lead and possibly enough Senate seats to
lose control there, too. Democrats hold a
57-41 Senate edge, with two Democratic-
leaning independents. But 37 Senate seats
are up.
President Barack Obama spoke
to the AFL-CIO Executive Council which
met in Washington, D.C. Aug. 4-5 and
declared “we are going to keep fighting
james wiLLiams, President - International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Chairman - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board
ViCTOR KamBeR, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Executive Director - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board
ROGeR smiTH, Chief Executive Officer & President - American Income Life Insurance Company, President - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board
DeNise BOwYeR, Vice President - American Income Life Insurance Company, Secretary - AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board
Pg 2 LABor Letter
“Today's vote means hundreds of thousands not tolerate the violation of workers’ First dispute over the union’s membership
of teachers, Fire Fighters and public safety Amendment rights.” King was elected in and assets. Unite Here receives most
officers will keep their jobs. It will prevent June to head the 400,000-member union. of the union’s real estate, including its
layoffs and provide aid to struggling state Manhattan, N.Y., headquarters, most of
and local governments so that critical Declaring that “i want to spread its past jurisdiction and 250,000-260,000
services aren’t cut. Simply put, this vote my wings,” Anna Burger, 59, resigned from members. SEIU’s Worker United gets the
keeps us on the path to economic recovery,” her dual posts as chairwoman of the Change union-run Amalgamated Bank of New
said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. to Win federation and as secretary-treasurer York, and its assets, subject to approval
Change To Win unions, notably SEIU, of the Service Employees International of federal regulators, plus the 100,000+
also lobbied for the bill, but did not issue Union. She was the first woman to lead a members who left Unite Here to form
statements after Obama signed it. major labor federation which SEIU helped Workers United. “Despite the tensions
for form in 2005 after disaffiliating from that have existed between our unions over
aFL-CiO General executive Board the AFL-CIO. She served with SEIU the past months, John Wilhelm, Bruce
unanimously accepted Laborers for 38 years. Burger was a contender for Raynor and I have worked together to find
International Union’s (LIUNA) re- president of SEIU when former head Andy common ground, and we’ve been able to
affiliation, effective Oct. 1. According to Stern retired, but pulled out in favor of put our differences behind us,” SEIU Pres.
news reports, LIUNA will rejoin with current leader May Kay Henry. Henry had May Kay Henry said in a statement. She
about 500,000 members. In returning to publicly welcomed Burger’s continuation as had made settling the dispute a top priority
the AFL-CIO, LIUNA General President secretary-treasurer. In an interview, Burger of her administration when she succeeded
Terry O'Sullivan said "a united union said she wanted to help organizations Andy Stern. The agreement closes the book
movement can better focus Congress, and outside of labor, including faith-based and on the unsuccessful 2004 merger between
particularly the U.S. Senate, on helping to community groups, to better understand UNITE and the Hotel Employees and
lead our nation, rather than being locked worker issues. SEIU said in a statement Restaurant Employees (HERE).
in inaction." In his statement, AFL-CIO that she will continue to consult and
President Richard Trumka said, “More than work with the union on economic issues.
ever, now is the moment for a unified labor No replacement for CtW chair had been INterNAtIoNAL
movement.” The Laborers left the AFL- announced at press time. LABor News
CIO four years ago as one of the founding
unions of the Change to Win federation. aFL-CiO approved establishment in a sign of the global economic
But LIUNA continued to work closely of a special council of young workers from crisis, 70 percent of 1,150 French workers
with other AFL-CIO construction unions around the nation to advise the federation represented by the French Labor Federation
and with the federation’s political action on the needs of and ways to attract young at a General Motors transmission plant
program, so its reaffiliation was anticipated. people to the labor movement. Formation on the edge of Strasbourg voted contract
Unite Here, another former CtW affiliate, of the Young Worker National Advisory givebacks to prevent the plant from moving
rejoined the AFL-CIO in September 2009. Committee is one of the initial actions to Mexico. "Do we have the choice?" asked
taken by the AFL-CIO in response to it’s union leader Jean-Marc Ruhland who
United auto workers President first-ever Youth Summit less than three advocated voting yes on the givebacks.
Bob King called on executive of non-union months ago. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer "This is not a victory," he added, "but I'd
auto and auto-related companies to accept Liz Shuler said the council is going to look rather take my pants down a little than end
a union election protocol that protects the at all of “our programs through the eyes of up totally naked in front of the employment
basic rights of workers. King made the young workers” to see if they’re effective,
appeal at the annual Management Seminars and if not, how to change them.” Shuler
of the Center for Automotive Research. noted data showing that union members
He was the first UAW President to speak are older than the U.S. workforce as a whole
before the US auto industry’s managers’ while only 5% of workers aged 18-24 are
forum since 1994. King said the choice unionized, compared to 16% of those aged
was up to non-union employers whether 45-64. “The committee will sift through
or not to sign the UAW’s Principals. But, the summit’s recommendations, investigate
he asserted “the best business practice, best practices for drawing young workers
the best way to deliver shareholder value, in, and propose concrete actions unions
is to partner with the UAW on quality, can take to bring in and encourage young
productivity, attendance, employee morale, activists,” she said.
and the overall goal of providing the best
product at the best price to the customer.” service employees (seiU) and
He warned, however, that “the UAW will Unite Here settled their bitter 18-month
LABor Letter Pg 3
agency." Workers agreed to forgo their thousands of demonstrators protested taken in response to a complaint filed more
annual bonuses, six days of vacation and nationwide July 29 against the law and in than two years ago by the AFL-CIO and
any salary increases for the next three support of comprehensive immigration six Guatemalan unions over the failure of
years. They also endorsed a reduction reform. Led by the labor-supported the Guatemalan government to enforce
in the workforce by 198 people, mostly Interfaith Worker Justice, the protests its own labor laws or to take reasonable
through attrition. were held in Phoenix, Chicago, Oakland, action to prevent violence against trade
Cincinnati, Milwaukee, San Francisco, unionists. The International Trade Union
while youth unemployment has New York City, Houston, Philadelphia, Confederation (ITUC) last year named
steadily worsened for more than a decade, Charlotte, N.C., Toledo, Ohio, Memphis, Guatemala the second-most dangerous
the economic crisis caused an explosive Tenn., and Albany, N.Y. “If we allow country for trade unionists. Colombia was
increase in the jobless rate for young undocumented workers to remain so, not first. According to Labor Secretary Hilda
workers, according to a new report by only can they be exploited, but all workers Solis, the action sends “a strong message”
the International Labor Organization. are in danger,” said Kim Bobo, director of that the Obama administration will
At the end of 2009, 81 million young Chicago-based IWJ, a national network of vigorously enforce labor obligations under
workers between the ages of 15 and 24 27 centers that help and defend exploited the U.S. free trade agreements. “We are
around the world were unemployed, the workers. IWJ is supporting immigration committed to ensuring that U.S. businesses
highest number ever, the ILO said. The reform that includes a path to legalization and workers compete on a level playing
overall jobless rate for young workers for the estimated 11 million undocumented field and that labor rights are respected in
globally is now 13 percent. Rising youth workers now in the U.S. our trading partner countries,” she said.
unemployment is compounded by some
152 million young “working poor” caught British Petroleum agreed to pay a
in extreme poverty, the ILO found. The record $50.6 million U.S. fine for failing to regIoNAL &
report was issued last month to kick off the correct safety violations at a Texas refinery LoCAL LABor
United Nations International Youth Year. after a 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers, News
“An entire generation of young people is the Occupational Safety and Health
being left behind, and the consequences Administration recently announced. BP Teamsters in august picketed at
of this for society will be severe,” said agreed to the fine as it faces civil and criminal Aggregate Industries plants across New
Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the investigations over the April 20 explosion at England over company efforts to cut
International Trade Union Confederation. a Gulf of Mexico drilling rig that killed 11 benefits and weaken contract protections.
workers and triggered the largest U.S. oil According to a union statement, Aggregate
spill. “The size of the penalty rightly reflects Industries had implemented a contract at
NAtIoNAL & BP’s disregard for workplace safety,” Labor Teamsters Local 170 in Worcester and
PoLItICAL eVeNts Secretary Hilda Solis said. “No one should negotiations were ongoing at Teamsters
have to sacrifice their life for their job.” The Local 25, said Sean O’Brien, President of
even though a federal judge in settlement resolves 270 of 709 citations Local 25. The Teamsters have hundreds
Phoenix halted enforcement of parts of OSHA issued at the Texas City, Texas, of members employed at Aggregate
Arizona’s draconian anti-immigrant law, refinery in October, according to a company Industries, which produces ready-made
statement. OSHA said BP failed to meet its concrete and has plants all over New
obligations after a 2005 agreement related England. “For 40 years, the Teamsters
to the explosion. The agency and BP are have worked hard to make sure Aggregate
still negotiating on $30 million in fines for Industries workers had a good contract, and
new citations at the plant, Jordan Barab, we are not going to let the company destroy
OSHA deputy assistant secretary, said that,” O’Brien said in a statement. “We will
on the call. The U.S. in October proposed not take these picket lines down until we
fining BP $87.4 million, later reducing it to are victorious.” The Teamsters reported that
$81.3 million after double-counting some the company wants to cut benefits, reduce
citations, he said. hours to essentially part-time jobs and
“demolish” the seniority system. According
in the first such action by the U.s. to reports, picket lines were honored by
against any trading partner, the Labor members of the International Union of
Department last month said it has Operating Engineers. Local 25 is the
requested “consultations” with Guatemala largest Teamsters’ union in New England,
over the labor chapter of the Dominican representing more than 11,000 members
Flickr.com photo used under Creative Republic-Central American Free Trade throughout Massachusetts and southern
Commons from th.omas Agreement (DR-CAFTA). The action was New Hampshire.
Pg 4 LABor Letter
United Food and Commercial Saturday” drive to preserve 6-day delivery irresponsible. "We want people to know
Workers Local 371 urged management at of mail. The union kicked off the campaign what those irresponsible ploys really mean,"
Foxwoods Resort Casino in Norwich, with a rally at their convention last aid AFGE President John Gage said in a
Conn., to accept the outcome of a union month that drew 3,000 supporters to a statement announcing the campaign. "They
vote and bargain fairly with the union. demonstration in front of Los Angeles mean reductions in Social Security for our
Foxwoods and MGM Grand at Foxwoods City Hall on Aug. 13. Newly elected seniors…our veterans…fewer guards at our
bartenders, bar porters and bar servers NALC President Frederic V. Rolando federal prisons. The men and women of the
recently voted 190 to 145 to be represented declared that saving 6-day service means federal service are not nameless, faceless
by the union in an election supervised by saving thousands of jobs including those bureaucrats," he said. Ads feature Gage and
the National Labor Relations Board. But of business and individuals who depend on workers from the Bureau of Prisons, the
the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Saturday delivery to meet deadlines. “The Department of Veterans Affairs and the
which owns the casinos, filed an appeal to very idea of abandoning a day of service, Social Security Administration, who tell
the use of U.S. law because of the Indian harming customers, forcing them to listeners to "trust" them as they carry out
sovereignty issue. The casino and the tribe alternative delivery systems, undercutting their work.
earlier had filed an appeal to block the public reliance on postal deliveries -- is
election, but it was denied. “They could so wrong that it borders on the lunatic,” sIgNIfICANt
go to circuit court, but we have prevailed Rolando said. The USPS is pushing the
in similar cases in the past,” said union plan as a cost-cutting measure because it
LegAL ANd NLrB
president Brian Petronella who died a faces a requirement to pre-fund $87 billion deCIsIoNs
week after the vote. “I am extending them in future retiree health benefits at a cost of
an olive branch. We hope Foxwoods will $5.5 billion per year. National Labor Relations Board
honor the vote and sit down and negotiate last month announced details of a union
a fair agreement.” If UFCW prevails, it Nebraska state education election involving more than 40,000
would be the second union at the big Association won major court case when the employees at Kaiser Permanente, one of
casino. The UAW already represents 3,000 Nebraska Supreme Court upheld decisions the largest employers and health systems
dealers there. by the Commission of Industrial Relations in Northern California. According to the
in separate salary cases that will result in NLRB, affected Kaiser employees will
The Transport workers Union raises for teachers at state-run institutions decide if they want to stay with Service
(TWU), International Brotherhood of and professors at state colleges. As a result, Employees International Union’s United
Teamsters (IBT), and the Coalition teachers will get 4.2 percent raises for the Healthcare Workers West local, switch to
of Airline Pilots Association (CAPA), 2009-10 school year and 3.9 percent for the National Union of Healthcare Workers,
which represent more than 140,000 the current year. College professors will or “have no union at all.” “The election,
aviation workers announced creation of get raises of 7 percent and 4 percent for among the largest in the Agency’s history,
the American Aviation Labor Alliance the same years, plus additional increases presented challenges because the facilities
(AALA) to “combine and coordinate” for promotions. Salaries for last year will are scattered throughout the state,” the
lobbying efforts on airline safety and be paid retroactively. The union reached agency said. Under plans formally approved
security. "We are leading the fight that a bargaining impasse in separate talks by NLRB regional director Alan Reichard
workers care about in the airline industry," for both groups in January 2009. The in Oakland, balloting will be conducted by
said Teamsters General President Jim commission later made a ruling that favored mail over a three-week period, beginning
Hoffa. TWU President James C. Little salary proposals made by the teachers' and September 13. All ballots must be received
added, "Combining our lobbying efforts professors' unions, finding that they came by the close of business on October 4.
will allow us to push for legislation that closer to making salaries comparable to Ballots will be counted by the NLRB
will ensure both diligence and vigilance." the marketplace than proposals offered by with the results expected to be announced
AALA’s first priority is passage of the FAA the state. after Oct. 8.
Reauthorization bill, a comprehensive
aviation bill that deals with a range of issues american Federation of
related to the FAA, including security and Government Employees announced LABor Letter
safety requirements for overseas repair $200,000 ad program to defend federal provided through
bases, and rules related to pilot training. workers against growing anti-government
attitudes. The union will air 60-second radio
IN the PUBLIC ads in more than 30 markets, including
Washington and several Southern cities.
seCtor The ad campaign is an attempt to “humanize
The National association of Letter federal workers” and to argue that proposals Protecting working Families
Carriers launched nationwide “Save to cut federal spending and federal jobs are www.ailife.com
agEnDa SEptEMbEr 2010
families were in a much different mindset Advisory Board. The mission statement of
James Williams than they are now when it comes to their the company says it all - “To improve the
President, union. When jobs were more plentiful, lives of working families” - to help bring
International Union being in a union was often seen by some economic justice to the workplace and
of Painters and as a means to an end; to receive better pay social justice to our nation.
Allied Trades; – period. Things like representation for I'm looking forward to being a part of
Chairman, fair treatment in the workplace, training, this great company's efforts to make certain
Labor Advisory mandates for workplace safety and health members of organized labor have both the
Board measures often weren't considered part safeguards in life they need while they're
of the union advantage, and perhaps were working and the support they require when
taken for granted. they're out of work. Those who know me
Faced with these distressing economic personally would agree that I'm not afraid
Labor Day 2010: times, a somewhat new perspective has to speak my mind on what any organization
our Spirit runS set in that not only embraces the above- I represent should be doing for working
Strong mentioned union benefits, but also the spirit families. I can assure you that my role here
of being a union member. Working families at AIL will not be an exception.
We've just celebrated a Labor Day that have come together to take care of their It truly is an honor to follow Morty
left most of us with little to cheer about. own like never before. Locals and councils Bahr in this position. He's a genuine
The unemployment numbers announced are reaching out to their members, offering icon in the labor movement. I have had
that weekend were a heart-stopping 9.6 lifelines and moral support, letting them the pleasure of working with him since I
percent – with far worse numbers in specific know they're not going through these down arrived in Washington, DC more than
industries such as construction, where my times alone. That's one of the true benefits 16 years ago. Like everyone else, I know
members are struggling to earn a living. As of being a part of the labor movement. that he cannot be replaced and I expect to
if that weren't bad enough, prior to those The spirit of solidarity is on the rise, and lean on him for advice and support as we
dire numbers being announced, four public that term has been redefined to mean move American Income Life forward in
opinion polls were released, each telling more about coming together to support its mission to improve the lives of working
an ominous tale: More than 60 percent of our own rather than in opposition to a families. I can only hope that I succeed in
Americans think this country is headed in common wrong. fulfilling all of your expectations as well. I
the wrong direction. In fact, the Rasmussen Of course, it's not just labor unions promise I will give it my best.
Reports poll that measured public opinion taking care of their members. Other Thanks, Morty, for all you have
over the Labor Day weekend said that pro-working family organizations have given the labor movement and American
closer to 70 percent of Americans don't like answered the call as well, perhaps none Income Life.
the direction of our great country. more so than American Income Life. As
With so many working families feeling a union leader, I've heard first-hand stories
down and left behind as they watch the about the many things this great company WiLLiaMS to
unemployment lines grow, one might guess has done to aid union members who were Chair aiL/niLiCo
that I didn't get many invitations to Labor out of work or underemployed, including aDviSory boarD
Day events. I'm pleased to say that just establishing food banks throughout the
the opposite was true. Members around country. I understand it was no small International Union of Painters and
the country and from throughout the task to make this happen, but those Allied Trades General President James A.
organized labor movement made certain who participated should know that they Williams has been appointed chairman of
the spirit of this holiday wasn't trumped played a significant part in bolstering the AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board,
by the economic effects of circumstances the spirits and calming the fears of men announced AIL/NILICO President &
beyond our control two years ago. and women who were faced with some CEO Roger Smith. Williams replaces
For some time now, I've sensed a shift tough choices when it came to feeding Communications Workers of America
in sentiment within the labor movement their families. President Emeritus Morton Bahr, who will
that seems to be uniting members at a It's for that reason, among many others, remain on the Board as Chairman Emeritus
base level, which I haven't seen in a long why I didn't hesitate when asked by my (see accompanying story).
time. As the market soared in the late '90s friend Morty Bahr to consider becoming “We are very proud and honored that
and the first part of the 2000s, working the next chairman of the AIL Labor IUPAT President Williams has agreed to
pg 2 agEnDa
Jimmy and Danny and five grandchildren American labor movement,” said AIL
Shaun, Christopher, Matthew, James President & CEO Roger Smith. “We are
and Andrew. grateful to have had the benefit of his counsel
The AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory over the years and pleased that he will remain
Board is unique in American business. It is on the Board. He was particularly helpful
comprised of more than 50 international to me when I assumed leadership of the
and national union leaders who advise Company and I will always appreciate the
the company on labor-support activities advice he has offered me over the years.”
and causes, and on the insurance needs of A CWA member for more than 50
working families. years, Bahr became international president in
1985 and is credited with guiding the union
through some of its most difficult days during
the deregulation of the telecommunications
bahr StEpS DoWn industry, the union’s basic industry at
James Williams (right) pictured with United
aS aiL Chair the time.
States Vice President Joe Biden Once known as a “telephone union,”
Communications Workers of America CWA now includes communications
lead our Labor Advisory Board,” said Smith. President Emeritus Morton Bahr stepped workers from all media industries, public
“He is among the most outstanding and down as chairman of the AIL/NILICO sector workers, airline flight attendants
respected leaders in the labor movement and Labor Advisory Board after 20 years of and others. He also pioneered significant
the nation.” service. He is replaced by Painters General collective bargaining breakthroughs on family
In April 2003, Williams was President James A. Williams. life, worker training and education, worker
unanimously elected general president of the Bahr will remain on the Board as empowerment and health care reform.
140,000-member labor group by the union’s Chairman Emeritus. As chairman, Bahr He retired as CWA president in
General Executive Board. That same year, he oversaw a significant increase in the number 2005 and became president of the Elderly
was appointed to the AFL-CIO’s Executive of international and national union leaders Development and Housing Corporation
Council where he continues to serve on serving on the Board and expansion its which builds and manages subsidized housing
the finance, human rights and political activities and effectiveness. for seniors. He has since become recognized
committees. He previously served as the “Morty Bahr is one of the great and as one of the nation’s leading spokespersons
union’s general secretary-treasurer. legendary leaders in the history of the on the housing needs of low-income seniors.
Williams is among the new generation
of labor leaders who are charged with guiding
the labor movement into the 21st century
and he heads one of the most politically active
unions in America. He is a noted lifelong
learner, having received his bachelor’s degree
in 2004. According to the union, his senior
thesis was “Confessions of a Union Leader,”
a case study that has been used in IUPAT
leadership training.
A native of Philadelphia, Williams
completed his apprenticeship with Glaziers,
Architectural Metal and Glass Workers
Local Union 252. He is also a Vietnam
veteran, serving in the Army. He was awarded
two Bronze Stars, the Army Accommodation
Medal and an Air Medal, as well as the
Combat Infantry Badge.
Williams began his union service in
1975 when he was elected president and
business manager of Local Union 252.
CWA President Emeritus Morton Bahr (left) discusses issues with AIL President & CEO Roger
He has been married for more than Smith as he chairs a meeting of the AIL/NILICO Labor Advisory Board. Bahr served for 20 years
35 years to his wife, Gerrie. They have two as chair of the Board and was recently replaced by Painters Union General President James A.
daughters, Aimee and Chrissy, two sons Williams. Bahr will remain on the Board as Chairman Emeritus.
agEnDa pg 3
tEaMStErS hoLD
anti-vioLEnCE
raLLy
Teamsters Local 700, which represents
more than 13,000 public employees
throughout Illinois, hosted a “Stop the
Violence” rally in Chicago which was
supported by AIL. The purpose of the rally
was to “highlight the need to stop violence
against those in our community from
youths to law enforcement employees,” the
union said.
Speakers included Alderwoman Toni
Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner
Edwin Reyes, Local 700 Assistant Trustee
William P. Logan and Juvenile Temporary
Detention Center employees Alphonso AIL Public Relations representative Rona Spano (left) joins supporters at the Teamsters
Ward and Clifford Little. Anti-Violence rally.
aiL partiCipatES union groups and labor allies to support the More than 600 members of UNITE
in hyatt Hyatt workers’ demands for fair treatment in Here Local 40 and union supporters,
protEStS the workplace. including AIL representatives Fran Christie
In Indianapolis, AIL representative and Alex Kae, shut down Burrard Street in
AIL representatives recently participated Susan Fauldauer was among the protestors front of the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver,
in several demonstrations against the Hyatt who participated in a civil disobedience Canada, in an act of civil disobedience to
Corp. led by UNITE Here which targeted action at the downtown Hyatt Regency. protest the corporation’s “greed and cutbacks.”
15 cities in North America. Among other More than 20 people were arrested as they “Hotel workers across North America
demands, the union is seeking “labor peace” closed the sidewalk in front of the hotel. have endured staff cuts, reduced hours, and
agreements with Hyatt at their nonunion No hotels in Indianapolis are unionized, excessive injury rates. Hyatt wants to take
properties that would set fair organizing rules and Hyatt workers in Indianapolis say they more away and lock workers into recession
and union access for the workers to decide are upset about reduced hours, anxiety over contracts even as the economy rebounds,” the
whether they want to join a union. the possibility of the hotel being sold and union said.
In cities throughout the U.S. and the hiring of temporary workers to skirt
Canada, AIL representatives joined other paying benefits.
Left to right: Pete Kauhausen, UNITE-HERE
AIL representative Susan Fauldauer (front row, second from the left) joins members and Local 40 Union Representative, AIL BC Public
supporters of UNITE Here in Indianapolis during a recent civil disobedience protest against Relations Rep. Fran Christie, AIL RGA Alex
Hyatt Corp. Kae from Vancouver BC.
pg 4 agEnDa
uFCW StrikErS
gEt aiL hELp
aiL/niLiCo honors
governors
Approximately two-hundred workers
represented by United Food & Commercial American Income Life / National
Workers Local 401 in Edmonton, Alberta, Income LIfe sponsored a reception
have been on strike against McKesson to honor the nation’s governors that
was held in conjunction with the
Canada since the final week of June in an
AFL-CIO Executive Board meeting
effort to win a new contract. Their previous in Washington, D.C. in August.
agreement expired at the beginning of 2009.
In support of the strikers, AIL
representatives have joined them on the
picket line and provided food assistance.
The workers are picketing at two McKesson
Baldemar Velasquez, President of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee —
warehouse locations. Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio — R. Thomas Buffenbarger, President of the
McKesson Canada operates warehouses International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW).
across Canada and the Edmonton workers are
demanding pay parity with their counterparts
in Vancouver (Coquitlam), Calgary, and
Regina. They have twice overwhelmingly
rejected the company's "final and best" offer
“which the workers felt was unfair, short
sighted, and concessionary,” the union said.
Mike Sullivan, President of the Sheet Metal Workers International
Association (SMWIA) — Rich Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO —
Dan Onorato, Gubernatorial Democratic candidate for PA.
AIL public relations representative Jacqueline
Lowe (left) joins Theresa McLaren, secretary
treasurer UFCW Local 401 and Steve Reed, a
picket captain and union business agent, on the
picket line where 213 warehouse workers went
on strike in June against McKesson Canada
at two locations in Edmonton, Alberta. AIL
provided food assistance and other support
during the dispute.
Ronald Ault, President of the Metal Trades Department — Barbara Easterling,
President of the Alliance for Retired Americans — Bob King, newly elected
President of United Auto Workers.