LOCAL 608 NEWSLETTER

MARCH  2006                                                                                                VOLUME II    ISSUE IX

...to our own 116th Idaho National Guard Unit and all other Service Women & Men!

WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE.

It seems there is some plan developing right in front of our faces...Let's discuss it when you Attend the next Regular Union Meeting.  They are on the first and third Thursdays of each month.  Bring your questions and comments to us or use this link.  USW Locals 608 & 712

Steelworkers Installation of Officers Celebrates Unprecedented Growth and Member Diversity;

60% Growth Strengthens Influence in Wide Range of Industries

For Immediate Release                                               March 1, 2006

PITTSBURGH- Citing a 60-percent increase in the union's membership during his first full term in office, United Steelworkers President (USW) Leo W. Gerard said today that the union's renewed growth across a wide range of industries means the USW is "stronger at the bargaining table and more powerful politically," despite the general decline in the ranks of organized labor.

"This is not your grandfather's Steelworkers," Gerard quipped. "The organizing and the mergers we've done have increased our ranks by 350,000 workers. We now have 850,000 members working in an unprecedented range of industries."

Gerard also announced that a strategic alliance with the Aruban oil workers was being signed at the installation ceremonies, adding to the union's international ranks, which were recently increased as a result of an alliance with workers in the Dominican Republic Free Trade Zone union.

The renewed growth, he said, "strengthens our hand in bargaining and in combating the anti-worker agendas of Wall Street and Bay Street in their pursuit of globalization."

Gerard added that the increased membership density across a wider range of industries would strengthen the union's push for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which he said would liberate workers to form a union without fear of intimidation and firing - violations in which employers routinely engage.

The union's membership density in Canada , which he said already makes the Steelworkers the most powerful union there, proved instrumental in a decade-long campaign to win the Westray Bill. That legislation amends the Criminal Code of Canada, making corporations, their directors and executives criminally accountable for knowingly failing to correct health safety hazards that result in the death or serious injury of a worker. It is the only such legislation in North America .

The Steelworkers also led the successful drive to win a Workers First law in Canada , which puts workers at the head of the line in bankruptcy proceedings, significantly different from the U.S. where, Gerard said, "workers are at the bottom of the food chain in bankruptcy court."

Mergers with the American Flint Glass Workers, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees ( Canada ), Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada and, most recently, with the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical, and Energy workers union (PACE) have made the USW the dominant private sector union in numerous industries throughout North America .

The USW is now the dominant union in steel, paper and forestry, rubber and tire, aluminum, brick, glass, mining, oil and chemical. In addition, the newly-enlarged USW has 35,000 members in the pharmaceuticals industry and in health care, an industry in which it has represented workers for more than 40 years.

Gerard's comments were made prior to the swearing in of the union's constitutional officers who were elected in a union-wide membership vote last fall. The USW is one of the few unions that elect its leaders, both locally and internationally, by referendum vote of its members.

"But we're not kidding ourselves," Gerard added. "We know that having more members isn't enough to overcome the challenges facing us because of globalization. We have to build our power, both locally and globally, by mobilizing greater activism among our members and greater solidarity among unions across the globe."

The USW, he said, has already taken steps to achieve these objectives by forging strategic global alliances with six other unions in various parts of the world and by launching a Building Power program to educate and mobilize USW members for greater political activism and member organizing.

In recent years the Steelworkers has also entered into strategic alliances with Germany's two-million-member IGMetal, Amicus; Great Britain's largest union; the Australian Workers Union (AWU); the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) of Australia; Sydicato Mineros, a Mexican miners' union; and with CNM-CUT, the Brazilian counterpart of the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

Several of these unions have joined with the USW in protesting or striking common transnational employers that have sought drastic cuts in members' pay and benefits, or have locked workers out or forced them out on strike.

Syndicato Mineros, for example, helped the USW prevail in a U.S. negotiation by conducting a protest in Mexico City against Asarco, the Southwestern mining company owned by Grupo Mexico . Asarco had forced a strike by slashing retiree benefits and demanding radical cuts to workers' wages and benefits, but ultimately settled on much more reasonable terms, owing to the cross-border solidarity of the unions representing its workers.

The USW, in turn, recently sent staff to Mexico to assist Sydicato Mineros, which represents some of the 65 miners injured or killed in that country's recent mine disaster.

"We're proud of the growth we've achieved and the alliances we've made," Gerard said. "And we plan to work doubly hard to build on those successes through even more mergers and alliances, but especially by winning Employee Free Choice. That's the crown jewel for us in revitalizing the labor movement."

USW International Contacts: Marco Trbovich, 412-760-4335

               Gary Hubbard, 202-256-8125

USW Local 608 Contacts:  Rian VanLeuven, 208-746-6216

                Jeff Welle, website: 208-746-6216

Overview of March 2nd's Regular Union Meeting

This is where notes are posted as to what was discussed in the Regular Union Meeting.  For best results, please attend all regular Union meetings.  Get involved...this is your future!

• Read minutes to the  February 16th meeting, approved with a small correction.
• Reiterated that the Green House Employees are  here for extra work not to displace overtime (i.e.; after the CPL employees volunteer and before forced overtime is enacted.  Premium hours do not count toward the accumulation of hours that determine when 'overtime' begins.)
• President Rian VanLeuven will be arrested and put into the 'clink' be the Muscular Dystrophy police to help raise funds for MD.  Help bail him out be making a donation.
• Terminated paper machine employee inadvertently missed conference call to his hearing, Appeal also disallowed.
• Kronos issues are at this point at this time:  'Give and Take' in the 15 minutes before your START and END times.  Anything after 8 minutes after you END time becomes Minimum of 30 minutes OT.
• Holidays and Floaters are to be paid at the last job held not status wage.
• Table Talk 1 & 2 are out from the C.A.T. team.  Learn about our past and gain knowledge about the future.
• Upcoming Shop Stewards Training on March 9th & 21st @ 9am & 4pm.   Learn more about the new USW by-laws.
• USW changed there logos for the whole organization for security and ownership.
• Added to the negotiations agenda, by passing vote, is to reinvestigate the 12-hour shift language.  
• KENDALL DODGE announces that Union labor will be used in the demolition and rebuilding of Helm properties they newly purchased.  Kendall's sales manager also announced "FLEET" pricing for all UNION CARD  HOLDERS.
• GOOD AND WELFARE:  Voted to send $30 to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund on behalf of Audrey Goodrich.
• Meeting ended @ 8:30 pm by unanimous vote.

Overview of March 16th's Regular Union Meeting

• Tis' the season for giving.  The first quarter is when the local prefers youth or sports organizations to come to the E-board or Regular Union Meetings.  This E-board/Regular Meeting session brought a few of these out.
• Local 608 (and challenged 712) have each been asked to kick in $100 toward the Clarkston High School's Alcohol-Free Graduation Party for the grads of 2006.  The E-board approved this and the Body at the Regular Union Meeting passed the recommendation.  VYSA (Valley Youth Soccer Association) is holding their largest fund-raiser of the season.  Soccer Storm is to be held May 13, this year, starting at 8 am.  Teams of 4 will compete for trophies and ribbons in brackets from Kindergarten through 8th grade.  Last year 200+ children from as far away as Sandpoint participated in this great event.  VYSA asked for a donation from this local to help support this opportunity to help keep kids involved in positive activity - sports fun.  The E-board recommended the maximum organization donation of $125.  The body passed this recommendation.  CHRISTMAS IN APRIL - is holding their annual event to improve housing for qualified people.  See the link on our home page or click the above title.  The E-board recommended to solicited the body for participation in this "GREAT FOR THE COMMUNITY EVENT"  Grab your tools and get involved!  608 is to match 712 anual contribution to the Muscular Distrophy Association (MDA) with a $125 donation.  
• Upcoming POKER NIGHT FUNDRAISER announced for April 14th and May 12th.  This is an Alcohol free fundraiser for the negotiation committee.  You pay a $40 donation at the door, half the pot goes to the negotiation fund and half goes out in prizes purchased from your chip-winnings.  More news soon.
• Kendal Dodge is making good on it's apology for remarks made late last year.  Seems a couple of union labor groups have benefited in getting the new lot contracts.  Also Kendal would like to extend its fleet pricing to all card carrying Union members for upcoming purchases.  That could mean a substantial savings on new and quality pre-owned vehicles.  The special fleet cards are soon to come out and will be given out through one of our committee groups.
• Their will be a Friday reception and BBQ at the Union Labor Hall for the ATK members who are coming forward in the bid to becoming a Union-shop.  608 & 712 are welcome to come down and join and pass on the plusses in the union way of  life.  Starts at 5pm until ?.  USW Union Organizers are hosting and will give a presentation to the ATK members and their families.
• A new draft of language for the OVERTIME policy for Converting will be written soon to include ...no bumping after the first night of graveyard (@ 5:15am),...forcing for extra, after volunteers, will be from the bottom up in reverse seniority in the effected department. 
• Summer hire notification will be on the company website and the Lewiston Morning Tribune soon.
• A limited IPP curtailment coming soon, details coming soon or call the hall, 208-746-6216.
• Request to the E-board and Union Body to recognize two new Shop Steward Candidates: Lamar Johnson, and Barb Fazenbaker.  Congrats and Welcome.
• Thanks went out to all who helped with the Steward's appreciation dinners this year.  They were a great success.  This is small way to thank them and their signi
• All Greenhouse Employees are currently back home working.  
• A Motion was moved, second and passed to reinvestigate the 12-hour shift language for various reasons.
• There will be a new Shift supervisor on C-crew from Benton Harbor: Rich Brown.  Train him right!!!
• Dave Whaley, President, Idaho AFL-CIO, is helping in the time confusion that prevented a terminated employee to make a phone call to a hearing board in Boise.  The time listed on the letter for the hearing was Mountain Std. time, not Pacific Std. time.  The attempt is for all "lost decisions due to the Time mix-up issue to be re-heard by the board.  Thank you Dave.
• A CPL Bid denial, stating an attendance issue, grievance was won by the employee and was allowed to keep the bid.  Thanks to all who helped on this one.
• Message to all 608-712 members:  If you are off for a medical reason.  Follow your physicians suggested activities and avoidance of activities.  Someone might be watching you and reporting back to the company.  Until the doctor gives you full release without restrictions...don't do things you are not allowed to.
• Rob Bolon: the Repeal the Right-To-Work group is reviewing the last drive in obtaining support to repeal the R-T-W law to determine what was done right and what needs to be fined tuned.
• C.A.T Team wants to thank all who filled out the survey.  95+ % of all that went out have come back.  WOW. Table Talk 3 is on the way. 
• Adjourned.

Are You Paying the Wal-Mart Tax? Click to Download Report(PDF) Wal-Mart’s refusal to provide its 1.39 million employees with adequate health care coverage means many of its workers rely on taxpayer-supported health programs. Find out how states are picking up the costs in our new report, The Wal-Mart Tax: Shifting Health Care Costs to Taxpayers.     Click to Download Report(PDF) Dear Sisters and Brothers, A new report from the AFL-CIO shows that Wal-Mart’s refusal to pay decent wages and provide affordable health insurance is costing state taxpayers millions to provide health care coverage to Wal-Mart workers. As employer-based health care declines, many working families have been forced to rely on public health care programs to secure coverage. The result has been exploding Medicaid costs that are breaking state budgets. Three states have enacted the Health Care Disclosure Act, which requires them to report which employers’ workers are relying on taxpayer-funded health care programs to cover their families. Thanks to public pressure from the AFL-CIO, unions, and allies, 23 states total have issued public reports. The reports show that Wal-Mart’s workers rely on public funds for health care more than employees from any other company. In at least 19 of the 23 states reporting, Wal-Mart was the No. 1 employer with workers on the public health care rolls. In Washington state, almost 20 percent of Wal-Mart employees get their health benefits from the state. In Arizona and Maine, 10 percent got state coverage. In New Jersey, Wal-Mart is the eight-largest employer, but it has more workers on the public health rolls than anyone else. You can learn how Wal-Mart’s refusal to provide adequate health care coverage is costing taxpayers by downloading our new AFL-CIO report: The Wal-Mart Tax: Shifting Health Care Costs to Taxpayers (PDF) Wal-Mart is the nation’s largest employer, with 1.39 million workers in 2005. It rakes in profits at a rate of more than $21,000 per minute. Its CEO earned $17.5 million in 2005, and five members of the Walton family are on the list of the 10 wealthiest Americans. And the company has wrung at least $1 billion in economic development assistance from state and local businesses in the past 20 years. Yet despite record profits, Wal-Mart still refuses to provide decent health care coverage for its workers. The result is millions and millions of dollars drained from state coffers as taxpayers pay health care costs for many Wal-Mart employees. Lawmakers in more than 30 states are working to pass the Fair Share Health Care Act, already enacted in Maryland. The legislation would make sure that large, profitable companies like Wal-Mart pay their fair share of covering their own employees’ health care in those states. Our new AFL-CIO report details the impact of Wal-Mart’s stingy behavior on taxpayers and state budgets. Download the report today: The Wal-Mart Tax: Shifting Health Care Costs to Taxpayers (PDF) In solidarity, Working Families e-Activist Network, AFL-CIO P.S. Be sure to spread the word about our new report on how Wal-Mart’s refusal to provide adequate health care coverage is costing state taxpayers. Forward this email on to your friends.   Find out more at AFL-CIO Now News blog. Wal-Mart’s ‘Everyday Low Vices’   Wanted: Ethics Director. No Qualifications Needed. Apply to Wal-Mart   Wal-Mart sticking with Maryland   Buy Union Made at The Union Shop Online.

Click this link for the "WORD OF THE DAY"   >http://wordsmith.org/words/today.html<

MARCH CALENDAR

Updated daily

Do you have an event for our calendar?  contact me.

OTHER EVENTS IN MARCH ARE:

Orders are now being accepted for T-shirts and baseball hats celebrating the 50th annual Avista NAIA World Series, which will be held at Lewis-Clark State College's Harris Field on May 26-June 2. 

                                  Here's how to order yours.

If you would like to volunteer to provide housing, meals and transportation for visiting NAIA World Series teams, call or email Jasmine at (208) 305-4114 or jeking@lcwarriormail.com

>The Lewiston School District has scheduled registration dates for those children eligible for the 2006-2007 Kindergarten classes.

>Interlink Volunteers has an ongoing need for volunteer help throughout the community. A variety of skills and interests are needed on a regular basis. Contact Interlink Volunteers if you can help with any of these tasks.

>  If it Looks Too Good to be True, It Probably Is!

>  Is there a family vacation in your future?  If so, you might want to check out these family travel tips for a fun vacation.

>  The "Secret Weapon" in Preventing Many Infections - hand washing, when done correctly, is the simplest, most effective way to prevent the spread of infections.

>  Are you struggling to understand that new computer you just bought? Are you new to computers? A local business can come to your rescue with evening classes to help you tackle your new technology.

>  Out of town company? See this list of things to see and do in the LC Valley under the Tourism Tab above or click here.

March  1:  The Right Tree for the Right Place - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - We have recruited the best tree expert we know to keep you from creating a gardening mistake. Mike Bowman, the city of Lewiston’s former Urban Forester, is going to lecture you on a subject that is near and dear to his heart. No one knows more about picking the right tree than Mike. His advice to you will save you wasted years and wasted dollars. Sponsored by the YWCA. For information call 208-743-1535.

March  2:  Everyone is welcome to meet University of Idaho Head Football Coach Dennis Erickson, March 2, 2006, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel in Lewiston. Hosted by the Lewis Clark VSF Vandal Boosters.

March  3:  The annual TRiO Day Celebration at Lewis-Clark State College will be held Friday, March 3, starting at 1:30 p.m. in room 202 of Reid-Centennial Hall.

March  4:  A four-band rock concert will be held Saturday, March 4th, at the Williams Conference Center on the campus of Lewis-Clark State College.

                   Garden Gazing Ball - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Add interest to your garden with this fun-to-make project using old bowling balls and pieces of tile, mirror, and colorful objects. The tile and mirror pieces are provided, but you will need to bring some basic supplies. Some bowling balls will be available, but if you have an old one, please bring it! Lou Carver from the Spokane Art School will be the instructor. Class fee, $31.65. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March  7:  Lewiston Clarkston Partners Habitat for Humanity - 3:00 pm - Informational meeting. See if you qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home and pick up an application. Community Action Agency, 124 New Sixth Street, Lewiston. For more information call 509-758-7396.

                   Lewiston Clarkston Partners Habitat for Humanity -  7:00 pm - Informational meeting. See if you qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home and pick up an application. Community Action Agency, 124 New Sixth Street, Lewiston. For more information call 509-758-7396.

                   Lewiston Neighborhoods' Association Meeting - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Discussion of City and neighborhood situations. Sterling Bank Meeting Room, 2250 Thain Grade Road, Lewiston.

March  8:  The Idaho Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is conducting an Informational Forum luncheon on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Red Lion Hotel, 621 21st Street, Lewiston, to discuss an emerging tool that will assist low-income individuals and families throughout Idaho.

             Lewiston Clarkston Union Retirement Club Meeting - 10:00 am - Union Hall, 1034 Main Street, Lewiston. (No meetings during June, July, and August.)

                   Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm - City Hall, 1134 F Street, Lewiston.

March  9:  Lewis-Clark Coalition for Families and Youth - 3:30 pm - Held at the Lewiston Community Center. For meeting information call 799-4338.

                   Northwest Gold Prospectors Association, Clearwater Chapter Monthly Meeting - 7:00 pm - Anyone interested in gold prospecting or metal detecting is welcome to attend. Need not be a member. Lenore Community Center. For information call 208-836-5478.

March 10:  LCSC's Center for New Directions will hold a Career Connections Conference March 10th for those seeking ideas for finding jobs and improving careers.

                  Career Connections Conference - 8:00 am - 3:30 pm - You Can Accomplish Your Dream! is the theme. This conference is for job seekers, students, adults in transition, single parents, displaced homemakers or anyone who whats to improve their career possibilities. Fee: $15, includes lunch. Ticket location: LCSC Center for New Directions, Commerce & Labor. Sponsored by LCSC Center for New Directions, Idaho Commerce & Labor, Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Action Partnership, YWCA, Clearwater Economic Development Association. For information call 208-792-2331.

March 11:  Be Your Own Wedding Florist - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm - This course will teach you how to make a wedding bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres. Instructor Jeanne Norman, a professional florist, will provide decorating tips, centerpiece ideas and suggest various pew decorations. All necessary supplies will be provided. Class fee: $15.83. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March 13:  Yoga for Healing - 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm - An accepted method for healing both the mind and body, releaving stress in the neck, shoulders and back. Meredith Robbins, instructor, encourages all ages to attend. She will personalize this class to meet each student's health level. Class fee: $50.64. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March 14:  Senior Citizens Advisory Comission Meeting - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm - Senior citizens are encouraged to attend. Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street.

March 15:  Dog Obedience, for dog and their people - 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm - You and your dog will learn basic obedience skills and practice exercises that will improve your relationship. Instructor, Randy McMullen, provides and excellent opportunity for you and your family to learn control and training of your dog. Requirements: Dogs at least 12 weeks old; trainer strong enough to handle the dog; slip collar (choke chain), 6' leather or nylon web leash. Dogs DO NOT attend the first session. Class fee: $58.03. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

                   Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District Meeting - 7:30 pm - L.O.I.D. Office, 1520 Powers Avenue, Lewiston.

March 16:  Book of the Month Club - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Join this lively and outspoken group as they discuss the book of the month. Bring your bag lunch and your thoughts to the YWCA from noon till 1:00pm. A listing of the month can be found on the YWCA web site www.ywcaidaho.org or by calling 208-743-1535. This is a free event.

March  18:  Baby Talk, a Grand Experiment! - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm - It's been proven that infants can understand and use sign language before they can talk. Learn the signs for everyday objects and desires. William Long, instructor, will prepare you to go home and start using these signs with your child/ grandchild. (Infants DO NOT attend class.) Suggested text for this class: Signs of the Times by Edgar Shoyer. Class fee: $36.93. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March  21:  RSVP Meeting - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street. Lunch is served at this meeting, so please contact Pat McGuire (746-7787) or Lorna Day (743-6983) prior to attending.

                     Welcoming Color Into Your Home - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Learn the essential tips for picking colors for home environments. This class will be guided by the professionals of CornerStone Interiors, and will be held at CornerStone, 411 D Street, Lewiston. Class fee: $10.55. For information call the YWCA (sponsor), 743-1535.

March 22:  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm - City Hall, 1134 F Street, Lewiston.

                   Gardening to Attract Birds, Butterflies & Hummers - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - For those who love gardens, plants and birds and enjoy creating babitat where they all can live in harmony. Jennifer Wik, from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will be the instructor. Class fee: $10.55. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March 23  Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - 7:00 pm - City Hall, 1134 F Street, Lewiston.

                  Gardening to Attract Birds, Butterflies & Hummers - 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - For those who love gardens, plants and birds and enjoy creating babitat where they all can live in harmony. Jennifer Wik, from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will be the instructor. Class fee: $10.55. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March 25:  Auto 9-1-1 - A hands-on class that will teach you the most basic maintenance skills needed to keep your car in running order, and how to cope with a vehicle emergency or roadside breakdown. Wear your grubbies, and bring the vehicle you drive the most. Dave Kavanaugh will be the instructor. Class fee: $10.55. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.

March 28:  2006-2007 Lewiston School District Kindergarten Registration - 11:00 am - 6:00 pm - Held at the Lewiston Community Center. For more information call 208-748-3032.

                    Urban Forestry & Cemetery Commission - 5:15 pm - Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main Street. 

                    MS Monthly Evening Meeting - 7:00 pm - Guest speakers with varying topics to help those with Multiple Sclerosis, and those who care for them, learn how to cope with the disease. Held in the Tri-State Hospital Meeting Room, Clarkston. (No meetings during the summer months.)

                   Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group Meeting - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Community Action Agency Board Room, 124 New 6th Street, Lewiston.

March 29:  2006-2007 Lewiston School District Kindergarten Registration - 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Held at Jenifer Junior High School in the cafeteria. For more information call 208-748-3032.

                   Canine Good Citizen - 7:30 pm - 8:15 pm - This class, based on the principals of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen training program, will help teach your dog the skills needed to accompany you out into the world. Dogs MUST have previously taken a beginning obedience course. Randy McMullen will be the instructor. Class fee: $65.41. Held at the YWCA, 300 Main Street, Lewiston. For information call 743-1535.