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Spotlight NewsletterMay 11, 2012 |
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.