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About Northwest labor press. (Portland , Ore.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 19, 2012)
...Washington ballot (From Page 7) since it sets up new schools outside the traditional system, but provides no new funds. Labor opposes the measure. • Referendum 74 would allow same-sex couples to marry, while also preserving the right of clergy or reli- gious organizations to refuse to per- form, recognize, or accommodate such marriage ceremonies. It has wide union backing, including the endorsement of WSLC, Seattle Building Trades Coun- cil, AFSCME Council 28, Machinists District Lodge 751, and Teamsters Joint Council 28. “It’s an equality issue, not just for human rights, but for legal rights at work,” explains Groves. • I-502 would license and regulate marijuana production, distribution, and possession for persons over 21, remove state-law criminal and civil penalties for personal use and possession of up to an ounce, and impose a 25 percent sales tax on marijuana. It would also set a standard for driving under the influ- ence, making it illegal for a motorist to have more than 5 nanograms of THC (the active ingredient of marijuana) per milliliter of blood in their system. Pro- ponents argue that given already wide- spread use, regulating and taxing mar- ijuana provides a huge potential source of revenue for state government — an estimated $1.9 billion over the next five years. It also makes the product safer, takes away a market for organized crime, and ends a costly waste of pub- lic funds on law enforcement and in- carceration for a drug that’s demon- strably less harmful than alcohol. Besides WSLC, the measure is backed by the Seattle Building and Construc- tion Trades Council, Office and Profes- sional Employees Local 8, Professional & Technical Employees Local 17, and the Sailors Union of the Pacific. Oregon AFL-CIO endorses The Grange Surrounded by members of construction unions, Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain announced Oct. 11 the state labor federation’s endorsement of Ballot Measures 82 and 83 to build The Grange gaming and entertainment center in Wood Village. Oregonians will vote on the measures in the November general election. “It’s not often that Oregonians have the chance to support a jobs project on their ballot ... that doesn’t ask for one bit of hand-out,” said Chamberlain, referring to tax giveaways the state often gives corporations to entice them to set up business in Oregon. “Our Executive Board felt that it was important to stand up and remind Oregonians that this is the right time for good jobs.” The Grange developers have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council to build the complex with all-union labor. At the press conference, developers also announced that they have signed partnership agreements with general contractors Anderson Construction and JE Dunn Construction. “Our state doesn’t see many projects of this size and scope, said Anderson Construction President David Anderson. “The Grange would be a big boost to Oregon’s economy.” Chamberlain later told the Labor Press that The Grange developers signed a neutrality agreement with the AFL-CIO guaranteeing that when the facility opens, organized labor will have access to its employees with card-check recognition and binding arbitration on a first union contract. If voters approve Measures 82 and 83, the $300 million project would quickly break ground, putting 300 construction workers to work immediately. Some 3,000 construction jobs will be needed over the two-year development phase. After completion in 2014, The Grange is expected to employ upwards of 2,000 people, and has committed to an “Oregon First” policy to prioritize Oregon companies to provide the materials and supplies to run the entertainment center. ELECTION NOTE: Washington’s mail ballots must be mailed by Election Day, Nov. 6, to be valid. (That’s different from Oregon, where ballots must be received on or before Election Day.) Sometimes you have to ask who has your back, then step up and do the right thing. That’s why we endorse: CHARLIE HALES For City of Portland Mayor MARY NOLAN For City of Portland Commissioner This ad sponsored by: OREGON DOG Political Action Committee Ron Murray Plumbers and Steamfitters 290 Business Agent/Lobbyist Retired OCTOBER 19, 2012 NORTHWEST LABOR PRESS Gary Hansen Plumbers and Steamfitters 290 Multnomah County Commissioner Oregon State Representative Retired PAGE 9
