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About Northwest labor press. (Portland , Ore.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 6, 2009)
NOV. 6, 2009:NWLP 11/3/09 10:21 AM Page 4 ...’We now have irrefutable proof that greed is not good’ (From Page 1) reduced benefits, the American people are ready for fundamental change that challenges the status quo. “We now have irrefutable proof that greed is not good,” Stuart said. “We now have proof that the markets by themselves don’t work for the common good or the nation’s interests. (We now have proof) that if all the money and re- sources go to the top, the bottom and middle class are starved.” National AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler, who at 39 is the youngest person — and first woman — ever elected to that post, said she wants to re-connect with workers in their 20s and 30s. “These workers don’t know much about unions ... yet they need unions more than ever,” she said. “If things keep going the way they are, and no one turns things around, this is likely to be the first generation in the history of America that will be worse off than their parents.” To reach those workers, Shuler, a member of Portland-based IBEW Lo- cal 125, said labor will have to use new approaches, such as electronic tools and social networking. “We also have to think about how we’re packaging the messages,” she said. “With this genera- tion, we’ll get a lot farther if we use a little more humor, a little more wit, a lit- tle more edge.” Larry Cohen, international president of Communication Workers of Amer- ica, said labor is working hard to pass legislation that will rebuild the middle class. Top among them are the Em- ployee Free Choice Act and health care insurance reform. “We can win this fight. I’m con- vinced we can turn this around now,” he said. “But don’t leave it to people in Washington. It’s got to be the sales of working people across this country.” Turning to politics, delegates passed resolutions supporting the 2009 Legis- lature’s Tax Fairness package — Ballot Measures 66 and 67 in the Jan. 10, 2010 special election. And they agreed to a one-time per capita tax assessment of $3 per member for the 2010 election cycle. Delegates heard from three Democratic candidates for governor — former governor John Kitzhaber, former secretary of state Bill Bradbury, and former Hewlett Packard executive Steve Shields. Political endorsements were not on this year’s convention agenda. The Oregon AFL-CIO presented awards to unions and union members for their organizing and political work in 2008-09. [The Oregon AFL-CIO convention is held every two years.] Laborers Local 320 was recognized for “Most National Labor Relations Board Union Elections in a Single Year,” with four; the Oregon Nurses As- sociation brought in the largest new bar- gaining unit — 350 nurses at Provi- dence Medford Medical Center; and United Steelworkers was recognized for having the “Most Collaborative Organ- izing Campaign” at CRT Processing. Kevin Card of Letter Carriers Branch 82 received the Pat Quigley Award for his political activity. The award was established in 2002 by the state labor federation as a memorial to Quigley, a past president and longtime member/political activist of Insulators Oregon AFL-CIO Convention Resolutions R ESOLUTIONS C OMMITTEE • Remove Michael Astrue as com- missioner of the Social Security Ad- ministration. • Build coalitions with union- friendly co-ops to focus on common is- sues. • Utilize unionized child care providers whenever possible. • Encourage endorsed political cam- paigns and candidates to utilize the In- ternational Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE) and IBEW for events and productions. • Convene a summit in 2010 on the creation of sustainable good family- wage green jobs. • Build a diverse labor movement in Oregon through promotion of con- stituency groups. Oregon gubernatorial candidates Bill Bradbury (right on Segway) and John Kitzhaber (center) talk to Brian Lewis, an Oregon AFL-CIO convention delegate and president of AFSCME Local 1246. Both Bradbury and Kitzhaber addressed the convention seeking labor’s endorsement for governor in 2010. The following day, a third candidate, former Hewlett Packard executive Steve Shields talked about his campaign. Political endorsements were not on this year’s convention agenda. Local 36 who died from liver cancer at the age of 52. Linda Rasmussen and Grady Storms of Communications Workers of Amer- ica were named “Most Reliable Volun- teers.” NALC Branch 82 received ku- dos for the “Most Innovative Program,” which included creating walking maps for doorbelling in various districts. Ore- gon AFSCME Council 75 was recog- nized for “Best Worksite Distribution;” American Federation of Teachers-Ore- gon had the “Most Release Timers;” and six unions were honored for “Best Coordinated Worksite Flier Program.” The six were Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 5, Sheet Metal Workers Local 16, Iron Workers Local 29, Laborers Locals 296 and 320, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 48. L AW AND L EGISLATION • Oppose Medicare private fee for service (Medicare Advantage) plans. • Pass legislation requiring public employers to remain neutral in union organizing campaigns. • Support the American Federation of Government Employees’ campaign to organize Transportation Security Ad- ministration employees. • Prevent water privatization. • Support Ballot Measures 66 and 67 on January 2010 special election. • Ensure efficient amounts of future job-producing lands in Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties urban reserves. • Support the Columbia River Cross- ing project’s locally preferred alterna- tive. • Expand prevailing wage laws and regional preference laws with greater accountability in public contracting. • Oppose any attempts to divert un- employment insurance trust funds. C ONSTITUTION AND B YLAWS • Finance plan to support Labor 2010 program, to include a one-time as- sessment of $3 per member. • Establish aYouth Caucus for mem- bers age 35 and younger, with a seat on the General Board. equity group inc. Grady Storms, B ROKER GRI, SRES, E.A.S.T.A.R. Deadline Approaching! Call me for information on the 2009 Home Buyer’sTax Credit. Branch: (503) 233-8883 Direct: (503) 784-8326 E-mail: gstorms@equitygroup.com Web site: www.gradinestorms.com PAGE 4 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS NOVEMBER 6, 2009
