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  THE PAST TO REMEMBER  Help USW members in Canada 

This is a Tribute to a Great Friend of Organized Labor

USW Local 608's legal representation since the 1980's In a man named John R. Tait.

Summarized and said most respectfully by past President of the USW Local 608, current Idaho State AFL-CIO Vice President Rian Van Leuven:

It is my understanding that the Bar Association is looking for a few letters from the Organized Labor Arena that have worked with John and have had a personal and professional friendship with John over the coarse of his Career.

 
As a past President of the now United Steelworkers Local #608 and it's predecessor Local Union's  (United Paperworkers  (UPIU), Paper Allied Industrial Chemical and Energy (PACE)   John and I shared a very respectful memorable relationship.  Our relationship dates back to the mid to late 1980's. 
 
John's office phone number is still in the cell phone under my favorites and my VIP section on the cell phone.
 
John's contributions to working women and men of the state of Idaho have been long unrecognized with a lot of fanfare and that is the way John did things.  The results of his accomplishments were felt the strongest by his clients and as they should be.  That is not to say that some of John's cases will for years set legal precedence. 
 
His willingness to pick up the phone and talk to us as if we were a family member when we had a question or needed help speaks volumes about the man whom cared so dearly for the plight workers.   John taught classes on the workers compensation to our Stewards and would never send us an invoice, he just wanted to give folks the general knowledge of the system to make sure workers received the benefits they were entitled to by the law. 
 
 When the National AFL-CIO started the Union Privilege program John was one of the first to research its meaning and apply as a Business to join the program.  John was a man that held the ideals of the Organized Labor movement in high regards and knew that without the Labor Unions the worker would be employed at the will of the employer. Without a voice and or any participation in the process.   The same Labor movement which built and made this nation strong and was a part of the democracy and debate.
 
I could go on forever.  I will always hold John's dedication to myself and the members I was fortunate to have represented in the past, as well as those I am fortunate to continue to represent today.  The Local Union's of the North Central part of the state will have to go a long way to find as strong an advocate for their issues.  You have many strong Members in your Association that represent all of the segments of this great state and they all have their creditability, I write to you today to tell you that John has and will continue to be the most creditable fair dealing litigator I have ever been associated with, and we all send all of our prayers and best wishes to you all. 
 
We have always worked, hoped and prayed for the best, it is with deep sadness that we are being told to prepare for the worst. 
 
As Always We Remain,
Fraternally yours,
 
Rian Van Leuven
USW #608 and
Vice President Idaho AFL-CIO

 

 

WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD:

An Action against Cooper Tire:

On January 14th we conducted an Informational Action at the local Cooper Tire Distributor to show our support for the Steelworkers who have been locked out because of contract negotiations.

Our friends at American Rights at Work is supporting locked out USW members by asking supporters to e-mail Cooper Tire's CEO and demand the company end the lock out and bring back our experienced members. Here's what they wrote in a recent action alert to their supporters: 

 On November 28, 2011, Cooper Tire and Rubber locked out 1,050 workers in Findlay, Ohio. When Cooper Tire was losing money in 2008, these employees gave up $31 million in concessions to help their employer stay alive. Cooper has since rebounded, raking in $300 million in profits - and handing corporate executives millions in raises and bonuses. Workers simply want a fair deal that recognizes their sacrifice. Instead they have been left out in the cold. Fight back against corporate greed and help Cooper Tire workers get back to work.

E-Mail Cooper Tire CEO Roy Armes to urge him to end the lockout and negotiate fairly. 

Click here to join American Rights at Work action to support the locked out Cooper Tire workers by sending a message to Cooper's CEO.

Unemployment Aid in Jeopardy

Steelworker Gregory Romanyak is back in school, learning new skills after his company was bought out and shut down this past year.  He and the nearly 90 others impacted by the closure are piecing their lives back together in this unwelcoming economy where there are still more than four workers for every one job opening.  “I’ve worked since I was in high school.  Now I find myself unemployed for the first time at my age of 51,” says Gregory.

His story is shared by millions of Americans.  But, right now, nearly all Republicans in the House of Representatives are turning their back on jobless workers by not extending federal unemployment benefits.  Extending federal benefits has been standard practice in times of high unemployment.  If it doesn’t happen by the end of the year, nearly two million people will lose benefits, throwing them deeper into economic distress.

The Senate came to an agreement to pass a two month extension in a rare bipartisan vote of 89-10.  But, nearly all House Republicans quickly rebelled and killed this extension yesterday by voting to send it “to conference.”   This essentially tossed the bill into limbo since the Senate has already adjourned for the year.  The final vote was 229-193. 

All Democrats voted right (against this maneuver and for the extension of benefits). 
All Republicans voted wrong (to derail the extension) except for the following: Reps. Charlie Bass (NH), Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA), Chris Gibson (NY), Tim Johnson (IL), Walter Jones (NC), Jeff Flake (AZ) and Frank Wolf (VA).
 

 

If you are represented by one of the House Republican
lawmakers who voted to derail the unemployment
extension, call that lawmaker now.  Dial the Capitol
Switchboard toll-free and ask for your Representative:

866-311-1889

Tell your Representative to extend unemployment aid now!

 

Reminder! Registration is now open for the 2012 Regional Rapid Response Conferences! 
Visit
www.uswrr.org
for details.

 

 

GET ACTIVE NOW!

let's help the postal workers

Below are links to Idaho's Senators and Representatives to be able to write them... Nothing has more impact than a hand written letter from a constituent... nearly 10 to 1 over a form letter or even a phone call.  WRITE WALT AND THE OTHER IDAHO CONGRESSMEN TODAY...  Bill HR2309 - This bill needs to be defeated to ensure workers rights in the future. Go to www.apwu.org for more info!

 
Idaho Residents are represented in the US Congress by 2-Senators and 2-Representatives
E-MAIL SENATOR MIKE CRAPO

E-MAIL SENATOR JIM RISCH

E-MAIL REPRSENTATIVE   WALTER (WALT) MINNICK

E-MAIL REPRESENTATIVE MIKE SIMPSON

BELOW ARE (SNAIL) MAIL ADDRESS FOR IDAHO'S CONGRESSMEN... USE THEM TO SEND HAND WRITTEN OR CUT/PASTE EMAILS TO SUPPORT EFCA.

The Honorable Mike Crapo

United States Senate

His Washington D.C. address:

239 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington , D.C. 20510-1205  

D.C. Phone:  202-224-6142

D.C. Fax:  202-228-1375

His Lewiston Address is:

313 'D' St., Suite 105
Lewiston , ID 83501

His E-mail address is: http://crapo.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

His Web Homepage: http://crapo.senate.gov/

 

The Honorable Jim Risch

United States Senate

His Washington D.C. address:

SRC-2 Russel Senate Office Building

Washington , D.C. 20510-1203

D.C. Phone:  202-224-2752

D.C. Fax:  202-228-1067

His Lewiston Address is:

313 D St., Suite 106
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Phone: 208-743-0792
Fax: 208-746-7275

E-mail None currently available

Web Homepage:  http://risch.senate.gov

The Honorable Walt Minnick

United States House of Representatives

His Washington Address is:

1517 Longworth House Office Building 

Washington , D.C. 20515-1201

D.C. Phone:  202-225-6611

D.C. Fax:  202-225-3029

His Lewiston Address is:

310 Main Street
Lewiston , ID   83501
Phone: (208) 743-1388
Fax: (208) 743-0247

E-mail:  https://forms.house.gov/minnick/contact-form.shtm'l

Web Homepage:

http://minnick.house.gov/

 

The Honorable Mike Simpson

United States House of Representatives

His Washington D.C. Address is:

2312 Rayburn House Office Building,

Washington , D.C. 20515-1202

D.C. Phone:  202-225-5531

D.C. Fax:  202-225-8216

No Lewiston Address

His Email Address is:

http://www.house.gov/simpson/emailme.shtml

His Web Homepage is: 

 http://www.house.gov/simpson

 

 
Residents of Washington are represented in Congress by 2 Senators and 9 Representatives.
Member Name DC Phone DC FAX Electronic Correspondence
Senator Patty Murray (D- WA)
173 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
202-224-2621 202-224-0238 http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm
Senator Maria Cantwell (D- WA)
511 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
202-224-3441 202-228-0514 http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm
Representative Jay Inslee (D - 01) 202-225-6311 202-226-1606 http://www.house.gov/inslee/contact/email.html
Representative Rick R. Larsen (D - 02) 202-225-2605 202-225-4420 http://www.house.gov/larsen/IMA/issue_subscribe.shtml
Representative Brian Baird (D - 03) 202-225-3536 202-225-3478 https://forms.house.gov/baird/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
Representative Richard (Doc) Hastings (R - 04) 202-225-5816 202-225-3251 http://hastings.house.gov/ContactForm.aspx
Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R - 05)

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers
1323 Longworth House Office Bldg.
Washington, DC 20515

202-225-2006 202-225-3392 http://mcmorris.house.gov/?sectionid=82§iontree=482
Representative Norman D. Dicks (D - 06) 202-225-5916 202-226-1176 http://www.house.gov/dicks/email.shtml
Representative Jim McDermott (D - 07) 202-225-3106 202-225-6197 http://www.house.gov/mcdermott/contact.shtml
Representative Dave Reichert (R - 08) 202-225-7761 202-225-4282 http://reichert.house.gov/Contact/ZipAuth.htm
Representative Adam Smith (D - 09) 202-225-8901 202-225-5893 http://www.house.gov/adamsmith/IMA/email.shtml
 

RELEASES / ADVISORIES  |  May 13, 2011

European Unions Call on Honeywell CEO to End Illinois Lockout....click here for the story

Locked-Out Steelworkers Bring Fight to Honeywell

Pittsburgh, March 8, 2011 -- The United Steelworkers (USW) announced today that USW Local 772 has reached a tentative agreement with Pinnacle Airlines.

The parties began negotiations in November for the 800 USW represented flight attendants working out of Atlanta, Detroit, New York (JFK), Memphis and Minneapolis.

"This agreement was achieved due to the hard work and dedication of the Local bargaining committee with the full support of the membership," said USW International Vice President Carol Landry. "The committee made sure the members' most important issues were addressed. This contract also reflects the great commitment that our members have towards helping Pinnacle Airlines continue to provide great service."

The highlights of the negotiated agreement addressed the membership's primary concerns which, upon ratification, will include significant wage increases and the quality of work life that is so challenging for flight attendants.

This agreement demonstrates that employees are valued and have a seat at the table," said Ken Ratliff, USW Local Union President. "The contract emphasizes a commitment to work life balance, diversity, and workplace flexibility, while taking into consideration the airline's important work. Throughout the whole process, flight attendants and managers listened to each other and our relationship is improved as a result."

Plans are currently being made to visit each of the bases for membership meetings to review the tentative agreement with the membership prior to a vote.

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America and has 850,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. It represents workers employed in metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, airlines, atomic energy and the service sector.

 

 

Pittsburgh, March 8, 2011 -- The United Steelworkers (USW) announced today that USW Local 772 has reached a tentative agreement with Pinnacle Airlines.

The parties began negotiations in November for the 800 USW represented flight attendants working out of Atlanta, Detroit, New York (JFK), Memphis and Minneapolis.

"This agreement was achieved due to the hard work and dedication of the Local bargaining committee with the full support of the membership," said USW International Vice President Carol Landry. "The committee made sure the members' most important issues were addressed. This contract also reflects the great commitment that our members have towards helping Pinnacle Airlines continue to provide great service."

The highlights of the negotiated agreement addressed the membership's primary concerns which, upon ratification, will include significant wage increases and the quality of work life that is so challenging for flight attendants.

This agreement demonstrates that employees are valued and have a seat at the table," said Ken Ratliff, USW Local Union President. "The contract emphasizes a commitment to work life balance, diversity, and workplace flexibility, while taking into consideration the airline's important work. Throughout the whole process, flight attendants and managers listened to each other and our relationship is improved as a result."

Plans are currently being made to visit each of the bases for membership meetings to review the tentative agreement with the membership prior to a vote.

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America and has 850,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. It represents workers employed in metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, airlines, atomic energy and the service sector.

 

The NFL owners and the NFL Players Association are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement. You may have heard about a potential lockout and the impact it would have on workers and communities across the U.S.
 
If it happens, players won’t be able to play, fans won’t have a football season and local economies will take a big hit.
 
Why are the NFL owners preparing to lock out its own players and devastate its fans?
 
One word: Greed.
 
In ditching a labor agreement that has been making them millions in profits, the owners actually want players to accept unjustified concessions in wages and benefits, including taking away health care benefits from players and their families.
 
It's only fair that NFL owners pick up the tab for health care when players risk long-term disabilities and death for their teams. An average football player's career lasts only three and a half seasons – but the injuries they face on the job aren't short-lived.  It’s a violent sport and the intense physical trauma impacts a player for the rest of his life.
 
Independent studies show that a lockout in the NFL would cost cities an average of $150 million in lost revenues. It is estimated that a lockout would impact 150,000 jobs -- and cause more than $140 million in lost revenue in each and every NFL city -- $4.5 billion across America.
 
Given the stakes, how can the NFL owners be so arrogant? Probably because they’ve already set aside $900 million to cover their costs of the lockout, and they’ve signed TV contracts that’ll pay out billions even if no football is played in 2011.
 
The USW always stands for fairness for all workers, no matter what job they perform. NFL players are among the finest athletes in the world. They are well paid and are not asking for an increase in wages or benefits.   They generate billions of dollars in profits for the billionaire team owners. It’s only fair that the players keep what they have and not have to accept concessions. That’s why we encourage you to help prevent a lockout by visiting:
 
 
and signing your name to the online petition to "Block the Lockout."
 
Thank you.

 

Help your Union Brothers and Sisters:

UPS is a company many of you will know.  And in many countries, it recognizes unions and bargains with them.  

But not in Turkey, where management is fiercely resisting a union organizing drive.  Things have gotten so bad that in one city, a local manager pulled out a gun and started shooting.

The union in Turkey and its global union federation, the ITF, have issued a call for an online protest campaign.  It will take you less than 60 seconds to send off your message - please do so today.

Meanwhile in Mexico, unions have won what might turn out to be a victory.  Activists from the electrical workers union ended their hunger strike when the government finally agreed to negotiate with them.  

But they're not stopping there -- they've decided to show solidarity with the three-year old strike by miners in Cananea. These are huge struggles -- 44,000 electrical workers, 1,200 miners on strike.

The unions have called for a massive online campaign of solidarity and protest. Please send off your message today.

Is your union using Facebook to organize and campaign?  It's a great tool -- or is it?  In this week's podcast on Labour and Technology, I talk about five alternatives to Facebook that you should consider.  You can listen to the podcast here or subscribe through iTunes.

Have a great weekend.

Eric Lee