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.

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