Volume 1., Issue 230

California Labor Announces Local Endorsements for June Primary

This week, as absentee voters across California began receiving their primary election ballots in the mail, the California Labor Federation officially released its complete list of endorsements by county for local, state and federal races and ballot measures on the June primary ballot.

“In a time of unprecedented challenges facing working people, this year’s elections are pivotal to the direction of our state,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “Labor’s grassroots program is more critical than ever to counterbalance the unlimited political spending and power of well-heeled corporate interests.”

View Labor’s local endorsements by region.

To volunteer for a Labor campaign in your area, contact your local labor council.
 

Thursday: Day of Action to Support NorCal Grocery Workers

After eight months of difficult negotiations, big chain grocers in northern California -- including Raley’s, Nob Hill, Safeway and Savemart -- are still pushing for deep cuts in benefits for both workers and retirees. Now the workers are fighting back, and they need your support.

On Thursday, May 17th, show your support for the grocery workers and their union, UFCW 5, by joining the massive day of action. Demonstrations will take place at 30 different grocery store locations across northern California, and transportation will be provided. At the end of the day, participants from all the demonstrations will converge in San Jose for a 4pm rally at Cesar Chavez Park.

Learn more and view the action schedule.

 

Take Action for a Fair Union Election at American Airlines

The National Mediation Board (NMB) set May 17 as the date for a union representation election for over 9,600 ticket, gate and reservation agents at American Airlines. But in a reckless disregard for the rule of law, American Airlines has simply decided to refuse to provide employees’ addresses so the NMB can mail them voting instructions.

Take action to support workers’ rights at American Airlines by sending a message to National Mediation Board General Counsel Mary Johnson, asking her to stand up to American Airlines and ensure the election moves forward.

Send a message.
 

Tomorrow: “Stamp Out Hunger” With the Letter Carriers Union

The 20th annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers, will take place tomorrow, May 12th, and all are encouraged to participate in the nation’s largest one-day food drive.

To participate, simply leave a bag of non-perishable items next to your mailbox by 7am on Saturday, and your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to a needy food bank or shelter in your community.

Learn more.
 

Tell Congress: Don't Outsource the Construction of Our Infrastructure

Congress is in the process of finalizing a new highway bill to repair and modernize our nation’s crumbling infrastructure, which could mean thousands of quality jobs here in the U.S.A., as long as Congress takes action to ensure those jobs don’t get outsourced to another country.

Now is the time to put pressure on Congress to make sure outsourcing loopholes in the bill are closed and “Buy America” preferences are as strong and transparent as possible. Take action to ensure our infrastructure is Made in the U.S.A. by sending a message to your member of Congress today.

Send a message to Congress.
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

Ken Dietz and Barbara Blake of UNAC-UHCP celebrated the big victory for nurses at Beverly Hospital.

We exposed the wasteful and fraudulent corporate tax loopholes that are draining billions from the state budget. 

Ollie Allen of SEIU-UHW announced the union’s “Let’s Get Healthy” initiative has been adopted as the official policy of the state of California.

We celebrated the California Day of the Teacher by recognizing those teachers who’ve made a big impact in our lives.

Lisa Hoyos of the Blue-Green Alliance called on the BART Board of Directors to ensure the system’s new rail cars are American-made.

AFL-CIO’s Tula Connell reported on the Mothers Day-themed actions California's domestic workers will be engaging in next week.

Alice Sunshine of the California Faculty Association reported back from the day of action for a fair contract at CSU.

In honor of Mother’s Day, UNITE HERE local 2’s Julia Wong opined on the personal struggles mothers who work at Hyatt hotels face every day.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 229

Beverly Nurses Win Historic First Contract

More than 14 months after they voted to join United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), registered nurses at Beverly Hospital ratified their first union contract this week, winning protections for patient safety after a year of difficult bargaining and illegal conduct by the hospital management.

In March of this year, the National Labor Relations Board announced it would prosecute the employer for engaging in bad faith bargaining. The hospital also came under investigation by Cal-OSHA, following reports of a malfunctioning Code Blue system in Intensive Care, broken electrical outlets, and mold and water damage in ICU, Telemetry and Maternal/Child units.

“We never gave up on protecting our patients and community,” said Susan Justin, RN. “Now we have a contract that guarantees Beverly nurses a strong voice in patient care and improving our hospital.”

Learn more.
 

Thursday: March for Justice for Janitors in Sacramento

Despite the fact that their colleagues in Orange County, LA and the Bay Area have already succeeded in securing fair contracts, the hard-working janitors in Sacramento are still fighting for justice as their employers continue to push for cuts to healthcare and wages, a heavier workload and fewer hours.

Show your support for the Sacramento janitors by joining them for a march on Thursday beginning at 11am at 621 Capitol Mall in Sacramento.

For more information, email lino.pedres@seiu-usww.org.    
 

Sign the Petition: End the Corruption and Cover-Up at Walmart

In light of recent reports that Walmart bribed public officials in Mexico and then tried to cover it up, Walmart employee Venanzi Luna has started a petition calling on to Walmart executives to resign. In just a few days, the petition has already garnered more than 8,000 signatures.

According to Luna’s petition, “I’m worried because while I am working hard, now I’m hearing that they’re risking our company by lying and cheating. For years my coworkers and I have been saying that this company has lost its way. I didn’t realize it had gotten this bad! It is time for things to change. Walmart needs to take responsibility for its actions and change its leadership.”

Learn more and sign the petition.
 

Help “Stamp Out Hunger” With the Letter Carriers Union

Every spring, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) sponsors its annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive – the nation’s largest one-day drive to collect food for the needy. Last year, the letter carriers collected more than 70 million pounds of food, and they hope to collect even more this year.

The 20th annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive will take place next Saturday, May 12th. Participating in the food drive is quick and easy. Simply leave a bag of non-perishable items next to your mailbox, and your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to a food bank or shelter in your community.

Learn more.
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

AFL-CIO’s Mike Hall announced that Gov. Brown signed a law to protect Project Labor Agreements.

In honor of May Day, we outlined why the labor movement is more about the future than the past.

Jennifer Angarita of the AFL-CIO shared news that the Graton Day Labor Center has affiliated with the North Bay Labor Council.

Stacey Hendler Ross reported on the latest advancements in the campaign to raise the minimum wage in San Jose.

Jamie Way from the Making Change at Walmart campaign shared the petition urging Walmart execs to step down in light of the bribery scandal.

Santos Castaneda of Warehouse Workers United chronicled his fight for justice, from the Walmart warehouse in Chino to the Capitol building in Sacramento. 

Jennifer Badgley of IBEW 569 detailed how San Diego electrical workers are giving back by providing service for those who’ve served. 

Caroline O’Connor shared highlights from the “Workers Aren’t Garbage” May Day action at American Reclamation in LA.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 228

Workers Memorial Day: Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living

More than 300 California workers lost their lives in work-related accidents in 2010, and another 6,500 died from chronic workplace exposure to chemicals and other toxins. Additionally, for every 100 California workers, four nonfatal injuries are disclosed annually to the workers compensation system, and countless more go unreported. It is clear that more needs to be done to keep workers safe and healthy at work.

Tomorrow is Workers Memorial Day, the one day a year dedicated to commemorating the fallen, protecting the injured and preventing future injuries and fatalities. The California Labor Federation and Cal/OSHA are working on a number of new initiatives to minimize the number of workplace accidents, ensure adequate treatment for injured workers and provide support for the families of those who’ve died at work.

Learn more.

 

Tomorrow: Informational Picket at UC Santa Cruz Alumni Reunion

Skilled Crafts workers at UC Santa Cruz have been fighting for more than six months for a fair contract that would provide them with the same basic benefits and protections as other UCSC employees, but the management is refusing to consider the workers’ proposals.

This weekend, as UCSC alumni celebrate their reunion, the Skilled Crafts employees will be holding an informational picket, in order to raise awareness of the vital work they perform for the UCSC community, and put pressure on the university to grant these workers the same sorts of wages, benefits and respect their fellow UCSC workers already receive. The picket will take place from 9am to noon at the main entrance to the campus.

For more information, email laborcouncil@mbclc.org.

 

Tuesday: May Day Protest to Support Trash and Recycling Workers in LA

Workers at American Reclamation in Los Angeles have the difficult and dirty job of sorting commercial trash for recyclable materials. And the employer has no problem treating the workers themselves like garbage, forcing them to toil in hazardous working conditions for poverty wages, refusing to provide benefits, and firing workers who make any effort to improve their conditions.

On May 1st, International Workers Day, the waste and recycling workers will be joined by hundreds of other workers and supporters to protest American Reclamation’s abhorrent mistreatment of its workers. The action will begin at 11am at American Reclamation (4500 Doran St, LA).

Learn more.

 

Sign the Petition: Tell BART to Buy American-Made Rail Cars

Instead of putting thousands of Americans to work by building a new fleet of train cars here in the United States, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Board of Directors is currently considering outsourcing the $2.5 billion train car contract to a foreign country.

Now is the time to call on the BART directors to invest those taxpayer dollars in creating good manufacturing jobs here in the United States – please take a moment to sign the online petition today.

Sign the petition.

 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

The KPFA worker coalition announced a large picket in protest of Pacifica’s anti-union actions.

LA County Federation of Labor’s Caroline O’Connor shared highlights from last week’s Voto Latino Summit in LA.

We reported back from the Tax Day press event in Sacramento with the Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength.

In honor of Equal Pay Day, Jenya Cassidy of the Labor Project for Working Families called on Walmart to stop its rampant wage discrimination against female employees.

Gordon Mar of Jobs with Justice San Francisco detailed the “Gala for the 99%” targeting Walmart heirs in San Francisco.

AFL-CIO’s Tula Connell unveiled new data revealing corporate CEOs are raking in massive profits while median income is falling for working families.

Steve Maviglio shared the new “Wimps didn’t Build California” video in support of California’s high-speed rail project.

Michael Sorkin of United Media Guild memorialized his co-worker who died after their employer broke its health care promise.

Barbara Materna of the California Department of Public Health shared a digital story on preventing workplace deaths in the solar panel industry.

In honor of Workers Memorial Day, we detailed our plan to honor the fallen by protecting the injured and preventing future fatalities.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 227

California Labor Announces Endorsements for June Primary

Hundreds of representatives from unions across the state gathered in Los Angeles this week to vote on California Labor’s endorsements for California state Senate and Assembly, U.S. Congress and statewide ballot measures.

“In a time of unprecedented challenges facing working people, this year’s elections are pivotal to the direction of our state,” said California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “The core of our election program is the dedication and commitment of thousands of volunteers reaching millions of voters with vital information about candidates’ positions and measures impacting workers. In an era of Citizens United, labor’s grassroots program is more critical than ever to counterbalance the unlimited political spending and power of well-heeled corporate interests.”

View the complete list of endorsements.

Learn more about Labor’s endorsement process.

Tell Your Legislators: Stand Up for High-Speed Rail

The California high-speed rail project will transform the way Californian's travel and connect to their cities, while enhancing the economic competitiveness of the state, But opponents of high-speed rail in California are trying to get the state legislature to cancel or postpone the project.

Take action by sending a message to your representatives, letting them know you support high-speed rail in California for the sake of the state's future economic competitiveness and growing travel needs.

Send a message today.

Port Drivers Claim Victory in Historic Union Vote

It’s been a year since a brave group of port drivers decided to form a union to defend themselves from the rampant exploitation, poverty wages and third-world working conditions imposed on them by their employer, Toll Group. Despite enduring a year of harassment, vitriol and retaliatory firings from the billion-dollar company, the workers voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters this week.

The victory is being hailed by local and international supply chain workers, labor and community allies as a trailblazing private sector win in an industry notorious for treating workers as disposable. This ground-breaking achievement is inspiring truck drivers across the country that they too can band together to combat exploitation through union representation. 

Learn more and send a congratulatory message to the workers.

Saturday: Rally with Golden Gate Bridge Workers at Giants Game

The hard-working men and women who dedicate their lives to operating and maintaining the Golden Gate Bridge and its buses & ferries are under attack. The Bridge District is pushing for major cuts to healthcare and retirement security, punishing union workers while rewarding non-union workers.

This weekend is the San Francisco Giants season opener, and thousands will be flooding AT&T Park via the Golden Gate Bridge and its buses and ferries. On Saturday, join the Golden Gate Labor Coalition for march and rally at the Giants game- meet at 4pm at Henry Bridges Plaza (across from the Ferry Building); the march to AT&T Park will begin at 430pm.

Learn more.
 

Tell The 1% to Pair Their Fair Share on Tax Day

Tax Day is right around the corner, and while the rest of us are paying our fair share, the super-rich and big corporations are paying little to no taxes at all – and many are actually getting refunds!

Next week, thousands of progressives from coast to coast will be calling for tax fairness through hundreds of rallies, marches and actions around the country.

Find actions in California.

Sign the Petition: No Back Room Deals for the 1% in Trans-Pacific Trade Negotiations

The Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement is likely to impact jobs, wages, agriculture, migration, the environment, access to medicine, consumer safety, banking regulations, indigenous rights, Internet freedom, government procurement and more. A pact this far-reaching should be negotiated in the most transparent and participatory manner possible.

But the vast majority of Americans have been barred by the U.S. Trade Representative from reviewing its proposals for the massive new Trans-Pacific Free Trade Agreement.  Meanwhile, approximately 600 corporate lobbyists have regular access to the negotiating texts as so-called "cleared advisors." Help put an end to this type of back room dealmaking by sending a message today, demanding that negotiators release the texts.

Sign the petition.

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

AFL-CIO’s Mike Hall publicized the 99% Spring trainings and actions.

David Cameron of the Teamsters Rail Conference announced the new “Stand Up for Trains” website and campaign.

Randy Commack of Teamsters Joint Council 42 celebrated the big organizing victory at Toll Group.

We detailed the democratic process unions and workers engage in when determining labor’s election endorsements.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 226

New High-Speed Rail Plan a Blueprint for 21st Century Infrastructure

The California High-Speed Rail Authority this week unveiled its revised business plan, which will make construction and development of California’s the high-speed rail system “better, faster and cheaper.” The new plan would increase ridership by connecting Fresno to the LA basin during the first phase of the project, while at the same time cutting $30 billion from the price tag by using existing commuter rail lines and other cost-saving measures.

“High-speed rail will transform our state’s economy and lead to sustained job growth,” said Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski. “The construction of the project will put hundreds of thousands of Californians, who have lost jobs through no fault of their own, back to work. The project promises to be a boon for small business, creating a renaissance for California entrepreneurs.”

Learn more.
 

Speak Out to Help Restore Benefits to Injured Workers

Governor Schwarzenegger’s 2004 workers’ compensation reforms drastically cut injured worker benefits, delayed medical treatment for many workers, and created unsustainable and unaffordable new costs that threaten the viability of the entire system. But the Brown administration is taking important steps to find out what works – and what doesn’t – for injured workers and other stakeholders in California’s workers comp system.

Beginning April 10th, Department of Industrial Relations Director Christine Baker and Division of Workers Compensation Administrative Director Rosa Moran will conduct several workers’ comp public forums around the state. The Labor Agency’s goal of the listening tour is to learn how the system can best provide decent benefits and adequate medical treatment to workers injured on the job. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to speak out in favor of a workers’ comp system that reflects the needs of California’s workers—not the profiteering interests now cashing in on Schwarzenegger’s mistakes.

Find out when the listening tour is coming to your area.
 

Join the 99% Spring Training

Inspired by the brave heroes fighting for their rights at Occupy Wall Street, in Wisconsin and all across the country, a broad coalition of unions and progressive organizations will be coordinating a nationwide week of trainings on sustained non-violent direct action from April 9-15th. Tens of thousands of activists will be gathering in communities from coast to coast to learn the nuts and bolts of non-violent action and join together in the work of reclaiming our country.

In the Bay Area: Join the training on Saturday, April 14th from 10am to 2pm at UNITE HERE local 2 (209 Golden Gate Ave in San Francisco).

For more info and to sign up, email ramneek@sflaborcouncil.org. 

In the North Valley: Join the training on April 15th from 2pm to 6pm at the San Joaquin-Calaveras Central Labor Council (115 North Sutter, Suite 200 in Stockton).

Learn more and sign up.

Find other 99% spring events.

 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

We exposed the truth behind the California Chamber of Commerce’s so-called “job killer” list.

We detailed the California High-Speed Rail Authority’s new and improved business plan.

We outlined a new state audit that found that California could be doing more to help the state's unemployed.

AFL-CIO’s Tula Connell cheered the LA unions that are working to create tens of thousands on quality construction jobs in their communities.

Danny Feingold of the LA Alliance for a New Economy listed the top five reasons not to buy matzah at Walmart this Passover.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 225

Bay Area Workers Protest Romney Fundraiser, Call for Advisor’s Resignation

In the wake of a recent corruption scandal at the National Labor Relations Board involving one of Mitt Romney’s chief campaign advisors, more than 100 workers and activists came out to protest Romney at a ritzy fundraiser at the Sofitel in Redwood City. The protestors called on Romney to fire campaign advisor Peter Schaumber, who wrongfully received confidential information from NLRB board member Terence Flynn, and used that information to public attack the NLRB.

According to California Labor Federation leader Art Pulaski, “This type of unethical behavior may be acceptable in the corporate culture of Bain Capital, but certainly it shouldn’t be tolerated from those involved in a campaign for our nation’s highest office. If Gov. Romney fails to condemn the actions of Mr. Flynn and Mr. Schaumber and take the appropriate action, it’s as good as a seal of approval on the use of unethical practices to advance his campaign.”

Learn more.

 

Support Northern California Grocery Workers Fighting for a Fair Contract

Last year, three grocery chains launched an all-out assault on their workers in Southern California, and it took more than 8 months for those workers to win a fair contract. Now, Raley’s, Safeway and Save Mart have launched the same sort of assault against more than 50,000 grocery workers in northern California, and this week, hundreds of workers hit the streets in Pleasanton to call for good jobs and affordable health care. 

The Northern California grocery workers need moral support as they embark on this fight to defend their wages and benefits. Please take a moment to show your support by signing the online pledge and stand with your neighborhood grocery store workers.

Sign the pledge.

 

Wednesday: Economic Inequality Teach-In at UC Berkeley

Growing economic inequality continues to plague working class families in California and across the country. To examine and understand the broader underlying causes, along with important and creative efforts to counter it, the UC Berkeley Labor Center is hosting a half-day teach-in on Wednesday, April 4th, from 1-5pm at Lewis Hall.

The event will feature a wide variety of economists and labor experts, including former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, Labor Federation leader Art Pulaski, and Cindy Chavez of Working Partnerships USA.

Learn more.

 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

Jessica Goodheart at the LA Alliance for a New Economy detailed a new labor-government partnership to provide training for new careers in the utility industry.

We called on Mitt Romney to fire his advisor for being involved in the NLRB leak scandal.

We announced a new partnership with the Employment Training Panel to provide millions in job training funds to California apprenticeship programs.

We lambasted Asm. Allan Mansoor for claiming to support “campaign finance reform” while at the same time voting against a resolution to overturn Citizens United.

John August from the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions shared the news about their new campaign to improve health and combat disease in LA.

David Lyell of United Teachers Los Angeles posted an open letter to the LAUSD Board, urging them to ensure education funding goes to schools and kids that need it.

We announced the release of a new report which outlines California Labor’s plan to restore workers’ compensation. 

Tim Robertson of the California Fair Trade Coalition shared highlights from the “Should Be Made in America” Bay Bridge press event.

Mike Henneberry of UFCW 5 urged support for Northern California grocery workers fighting for a fair contract.

“Johnny 5” Hanrahan shared his first-hand account about being fired after he and fellow crew members of ‘1000 Ways to Die’ tried to form a union.

Stacey Hendler Ross of the South Bay Labor Council announced that the Raise the Wage San Jose coalition has collected 35,000 signatures to qualify a city-wide minimum wage ballot measure.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 224

California Labor Unveils “Invest in California” Jobs Plan for the 99%

This week, the California Labor Federation and State Building and Construction Trades Council released a comprehensive six-point plan to rebuild our economy and put people back to work by investing in infrastructure, manufacturing, clean energy and education, while at the same time addressing the tax fairness and income inequality issues that continually plague our state.

“Yes, California has taken more than its share of hits in this economy, but we can rebuild an economy of broadly shared prosperity the same way our grandparents created it: by investing in infrastructure that gives our businesses a competitive edge,” California Labor Federation’s Art Pulaski said. “We can come roaring back by investing in universities that are incubators of innovation and schools that train workers to make products invented in California right here in California.  And when workers, not just CEOs, have good jobs, Californians will be working their way into the middle class, not falling out of it.”

Read the full “Invest in California” plan.

Sign the “Invest in California” petition.

Read the Sacramento Bee op-ed on the jobs plan.
 

Next Weekend: Celebrate the Legacy of Cesar Chavez

Next Saturday, March 31st, is Cesar Chavez Day, the one day of the year dedicated to the legacy of Chavez and the power of California's labor movement.

More than 1,000 San Diegans will be marching in solidarity to honor the legacy of the great labor leader. All are welcome to join the march, which will kick off on March 31st at 10am at Cesar Chavez Park (1449 Cesar E. Chavez Parkway in San Diego).

Learn more. 

In San Francisco, workers will be honoring Chavez at a special holiday breakfast on March 30th. The event will take place from 8-10am at Mission Language & Vocational School at the Latino Culinary Academy (2929 19th Street in San Francisco).

Learn more and buy tickets.
 

Join the ‘Banquet in the Streets’ to Support Pomona College Workers

In December, Pomona College in Claremont fired 16 immigrant dining hall workers who were trying to form a union. They have been fighting for their jobs and their rights ever since.

Next Friday, in honor of Cesar Chavez Day, join the Pomona workers and supporters for a ‘banquet in the streets!’ Meet at noon at Shelton Park  (corner of Harvard & Bonita in Claremont).

Learn more.
 

Lecture: Federal Labor Law in the Obama Administration

The Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law is presenting its annual David E. Feller Memorial Labor Law Lecture on Tuesday, April 3rd at 7pm at UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall. This year's honored speaker is Craig Becker, member of the National Labor Relations Board form April 2010 to January 2012, and former Associate General Counsel for the AFL-CIO and SEIU.

Becker's lecture will explore his term on the National Labor Relations Board and politically controversial position as a recess appointment by Obama after his nomination to the Board was not confirmed by the Senate. He will discuss his attempts to push the boundaries of the National Labor Relations Act in this contentious environment.

For more information, email bjell@berkeley.edu.
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

We posted a preview and highlights from Labor’s 2012 Joint Legislative Conference.

We announced the release of our new “Invest in California” jobs plan.

Vibhuti Mehra of the Labor Project for Working Families shared new resources to raise awareness of Paid Family Leave.

We commended the State Assembly for passing a resolution in favor of overturning Citizens United.

SF State’s John Logan chronicled the last 15 months of assaults on workers’ rights in the states.

Peter Olney of ILWU shared what his union is doing at the hiring hall to help families facing foreclosure. 

Rebecca Rosen Lum of Pacific Media Workers Guild reported back from the March 22nd Day of Action to fight corporate greed in San Francisco.

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.

Volume 1., Issue 223

Thursday: Nationwide Day of Action to Protest Corporate Greed at Verizon

When the management at Verizon first refused to bargain a fair contract with its employees in August of last year, 45,000 Verizon workers walked off the job to protest the company’s greedy behavior. Although the company did go back to the negotiating table, many issues still remain unresolved, and no contract is in sight.

On Thursday, take a stand against the culture of corporate greed that allows Verizon to short-change working families, shirk their fair share of taxes and reward executives with multi-million dollar compensation plans by joining the Nationwide Day of Action against Verizon. Hundreds of events will be taking place all around the country, with more than a dozen actions scheduled in cities across California, and all are encouraged to participate.

View a complete list of actions and events in California.
 

Pacifica Hires Notorious Union-Busters at KPFA Radio

The Pacifica Foundation, which owns Berkeley-based KPFA-FM Free Speech Radio, has ramped up its aggressive campaign against its workers and their union, CWA 9415, by hiring Jackson Lewis, one of the most notorious union-busting law firms in the nation. The new agreement with Jackson Lewis comes on top of over $100,000 KPFA has already spent on other anti-union legal consultants.

“We see the entry of Jackson Lewis as a declaration of war on the unions that represent Pacifica workers,” the CWA union shop stewards wrote in a letter to the management. “We fear it will lead to unnecessary legal expenses the network can ill afford, sour Pacifica’s already dismal relationship with its union workers, and alienate many listener-supporters who do not want their donations to be handed over to one of organized labor’s greatest enemies in the United States.”

Learn more.
 

Hundreds Converge at ‘Building Workforce Partnerships’ in LA

This week, more than 400 labor leaders, workforce partners and community activists converged in LA at the 2012 ‘Building Workforce Partnerships’ conference (BWP), sponsored by the California Labor Federation’s Workforce and Economic Development program.

BWP has gained national recognition as the largest workforce conference of its kind, where high road labor-management training partnerships are highlighted and workforce development, labor, academic, and community allies can come together to talk about workforce and economic development from a progressive perspective. This year’s conference featured cutting-edge workshops, a joint plenary session with the BlueGreen Alliance, and a keynote speech from Jared Bernstein, former senior advisor to Vice President Joe Biden.

Learn more and check out highlights from the conference.
 

Register for the 2012 Workers’ Comp Navigators Workshop

Injured workers continue to face major problems due to California’s difficult-to-navigate workers’ comp system. Many don’t receive adequate medical care or other benefits, and some are threatened with job loss.

The California Labor Federation is partnering with the UC Berkeley Labor Occupational Health Program to present a one-day workshop focused on training and strategic planning to help injured workers navigate California’s workers’ comp system. The program will cover all major aspects of the California workers’ compensation system, and will also highlight community resources and strategies for protecting workers’ rights. The workshop will take place on April 19th from 8:30am to 5pm at the Elihu M. Harris State Building (1515 Clay Street in Oakland).

Learn more and register. 
 

This Week on “Labor’s Edge”

The KPFA worker coalition lambasted Pacifica for hiring notorious union-busters Jackson Lewis.

Jocelyn Sherman of United Farm Workers announced a new website where individuals can submit their personal stories about the Farm Worker movement.

Bobbi Murray of the Frying Pan shared staggering statistics on the number of Walmart workers on welfare.

Peter Cooper of the Workforce and Economic Development program shared highlights from this week’s ‘Building Workforce Partnerships’ conference in LA.

Neisha Lofing of Pacific Media Workers Guild detailed Oakland Mayor Quan’s vow to improve relationships with working journalists.
 

Send blog submissions to info@calaborfed.org.

Subscribe to the blog via RSS.