Tag Archives: Teamsters

MAINE: Join Us For Personal Members Accounts Of What Happened To Take Down Twinkies

  By Matt Murray | March 29, 2013 - 1:45 pm | ,
Comments
Hostess Strike BCTGM

Hostess Strike BCTGM

Everyone is invited to a very special event in Portland Maine.

Event: Bakers and Bankers-Who Really Keeps the Dough?

Date: Wednesday, April 3rd. 7pm.

Location: University of Southern Maine, Portland, Maine. Wishcamper Center room #133

The workers of the Hostess plant in Biddeford, Maine will put their side of the story front and center this coming Wednesday.  Mike Hummell (a 14 year Hostess BCTGM worker from Lexena, KS) has graciously agreed to join the panel by the Southern Maine Labor Council to discuss the pension theft and how the company portrayed the issue in the media versus reality.

“I also hope to encourage people to be more active in confronting dishonest media reports. I will of course remind everyone of the role of Ayn Rand cultist Judge Drain while I’m at it.” Mike Hummell

Joining Hummell on the panel will be John Jordan, Business Manager for Bakers Union #334 along with Joe Piccone, Business Agent for Teamsters Local #340, the union representing the delivery drivers at Hostess. Having the Local representatives from both the Bakers and the Teamsters should give a good look at the events on the ground as they unfolded.

Rounding out the panel will be Biddeford City Councilor Richard Rhames, addressing both the impact the closing is having on Biddeford and the various tax breaks provided by the city to Hostess. How much did the people of Biddeford do for Hostess over the years? What exactly did they get to show for it when it was all said and done? Has the city been left hanging on any promises? Hopefully the City Councilor Rhames will be able to answer some of these questions.  Again, if you have questions, please put them in the comments on the Facebook event page.

This will be a discussion of the direct effects on the city of Biddeford. The other speakers will tell the story from their unique local perspectives.
(RSVP To the event via FACBOOK)

You can read about the Biddeford, Mike and the plant in this article. http://www.pressherald.com/…It gives a grim view of the prospects for former employees.

The bakery union representing former Hostess workers has objected to the planned sale of the bread brands to Flowers, saying the bid offers no assurances that former labor contracts would be honored.The Industry International Pension Fund also is objecting to the sale.

In a court filing on Feb. 25, the bakery union and pension fund said, “Flowers has not committed to preserve a single job, and in fact has affirmatively disclaimed any obligation even to ‘consider’ employing a single worker.

“Thus, while debtors’ secured lenders may view Flowers’ bids as the ‘best’ for getting themselves paid, Flowers’ bids provide zero assurances that the rights of the debtors’ workers will be protected,” the filing said.

If you are a Portland, Maine, please join us for a discussion of the real life effects of our hedge fund economy. Or as Fox News would say- “Union thugs gang up and steal Twinkies from babies!”

Catch up with the pension theft here. http://www.dailykos.com/…

You can also see what really happened to Hostess in the video, from Mike Hummell.  It is very different than what the mainstream media may have told.

Act now to repeal No Rights At Work in the US

  By New Hampshire Labor News | February 8, 2013 - 6:02 am |
Comments
repeal taft hartley

Cross Posted from the Teamster Nation Blog

repeal taft hartleyA new petition is up on the White House website to repeal the federal law that allows states to weaken workers’ rights through No Rights At Work laws.

Sign it here.

The petition is the brainchild of Stephanee Parks, a college student who is interning at Teamsters Local 142 in Gary, Ind. Here’s what she told us about it (and herself):

So please pass this along to anyone and everyone, you do not have to be union and this isn’t just about Indiana, it’s NATIONWIDE, in order to sign the petition. In order to fill out the petition, you must be 18 years of age and have a valid email address. I need to collect 100,000 signatures by midnight 08 March 2013.

My name is Stefanee Parks, and I am currently a student at Purdue University Calumet in Hammond, IN. I am a psychology major with a minor in history and labor studies. I am also currently interning at Teamsters Local 142 in Gary, IN. I have several projects going on this semester, and the majority has to do with unions and my pro-stance on unions.

I read about the previous petition that I found on a Teamsters Nation blog and signed it, but I did not realize that it had an end date and can no longer be viewed. Being the crafty college student I am, well I made one myself and I have 30 days from today to collect 100,000 signatures. So in other words, I need to collect 100,000 signatures by midnight 08 March 2013.
If you would like to support my petition, I thank you ahead of time for signing this petition. So please share it with anyone you think would support this petition.

Yes it may be a school project but it is a project I deeply believe in. “The right to petition your government is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Throughout our history, Americans have used petitions to organize around issues they care about from ending slavery, to guaranteeing women’s right to vote, to the civil rights movement.”

It reads as follows:
Please demand legislation to repeal the infamous section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act and to rid this country once and for all of the so-called Right To Work statutes.
Many states are passing this legislation because they want the ability to obtain a job to be without bias and discrimination based on whether or not you are a part of the union. Now that some of these laws have passed can we now say the opposite is true and RTW laws discriminate against folks who are union? Every worker benefits from the union contract, but under so-called RTW laws, some pay absolutely nothing to the union that negotiates that contract. That encourages others to choose to pay nothing, and eventually the union unravels.
Repeal 14(b)!
demand legislation to repeal the infamous section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act and to rid this coun
petitions.whitehouse.govPlease demand legislation to repeal the infamous section 14(b) of the Taft-Hartley Act and to rid this country once and for all of the so-called Right To Work statutes.

 

Teamsters Make Statement About BCTGM And Hostess Working To Save 18,500 Jobs

  By New Hampshire Labor News | November 20, 2012 - 3:51 am | , ,
Comments
Hostess Strike BCTGM

Official Statement of Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall

(WASHINGTON) – Today, Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall made the following statement regarding the announcement that Hostess Brands Inc. and the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco and Grain Millers International Union will enter into mediation led by bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain:

“Today’s development is a positive step toward finding a solution that will keep 18,500 men and women employed at Hostess. We are hopeful that the bakers’ union and the management team can find common ground during this mediation and avert liquidation.

“It is in the best interest of all parties involved that we remember what is at stake – the future of 18,500 workers and their families. This is not only about a brand or a product, it is also about real people that just want to work hard every day to provide for their families.

“The Teamsters will closely monitor the mediation between the BCTGM and Hostess management and assist in any way we can to help the two sides reach an agreement that keeps the company’s doors open.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visitwww.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Teamsters: On the Ground, Cleaning Up After Sandy

  By Liz Iacobucci | November 13, 2012 - 11:30 pm | , ,
Comments
A Storm's Toll Heaped in the Rockaways

Unions are about standing together and taking care of each other – and since Hurricane Sandy took aim at the Eastern Seaboard two weeks ago, that’s exactly what the Teamsters have been doing, 24/7.  You can read about their hard work on their blog.  Here are some of the highlights:

Monday, October 29th: “Department of Sanitation Teamsters battened down New York City before the storm hit, driving convoys of trucks to staging areas around the city and emptying and turning over garbage bins. They continued to collect trash and recycling during the storm today, and they’ll be on 12-hour shifts tomorrow to clean up debris.”

Tuesday, October 30th: “New York City Sanitation Department Teamsters from Local 831 are working long hours today removing trees from roadways, breaking apart limbs and cleaning streets as Hurricane Sandy moves on.  The monster storm crippled the city, flooding the subways and the Wall Street District and downing power lines. Hundreds of thousands of people have no power.”

Area residents started saying “thanks” on the Local’s Facebook page: “God bless all the people who are working to make our lives better after such a horrible storm.”

Wednesday, October 31st: “Parts of the Northeast are returning to normal today as Teamsters clear trees, repair rail tracks, clean up after flood damage, ship supplies and deliver those all-important iPhones.”

Fires were still burning; entire neighborhoods were buried under sand and seawater; millions were without power; and then 29 inches of snow fell.  “None of that stopped our brothers and sisters from getting ‘er done at departments of public works and sanitation, the railroads and UPS.”

Sunday, November 4th:  The Teamsters’ blog asks members across the nation for help.

“You can make a donation to the Red Cross by texting ‘redcross’ to 90999 and you will make a $10 donation.   Tom Petillo, president of Teamsters Local 125 in Trenton, NJ, is working with the IBT, Joint Council 73 and other New Jersey unions to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. He asks members to donate food, water and clothing.”

From a Teamsters member in Rockaway, Queens: “Bring shovels, gloves and give us a hand.  Don’t matter which block, just walk up and help.”

Monday, November 5th: “Teamsters sanitation and DPW members are working long, exhausting hours to get the New York region back on its feet. Many lost their homes, some lost children and a few are in the hospital with injuries. And yet they’re clearing away debris, handing out food and removing downed trees.”

“Department of Sanitation New York supervisor texted that sanitation workers are sleeping in the garages:  ‘Everyone seems better than one would expect. Some have lost everything.   Hot food has been scarce, and the workers are being fed military MREs.  Brother Michael Lewery’s home on Staten Island was damaged, but he went to work anyway. He ended up in the hospital after he was electrocuted.’ ”

Thursday, November 8th : “We delivered a truck of water and clothing donated by our members to storm-damaged Long Beach.   We went to the Martin Luther King center that, in normal times, serves as a community center and day care facility. The director of the center told us that no agency at all had been there to see them or help them yet.   This center is now serving as an emergency shelter for the community and they were in dire need of assistance. With a nor’easter coming in, they have no heat and the building had drafts and leaks that needed attention. We saw the genuine gratitude from these folks, who truly needed help. It was a proud day to be a Teamster.”

Friday, November 9th:  “The call just went out: The Red Cross desperately needs 400 drivers tonight, tomorrow and Sunday to bring relief supplies to hurricane victims in the New York region.”

Saturday, November 10th: “Teamsters are answering the Red Cross’s call to help distribute clean-up kits and supplies to victims of Hurricane Sandy. We’re getting photos of Teamsters packing and loading supplies in New Jersey warehouses. They’re also driving trucks and forklifts and shuttling volunteers all over the New York region.  This is a 24/7 operation. UPS Teamsters were out in force, doing what they do best: Delivering!”

“Brother Roy Gillespie tells us the Teamsters are renting buses from Teamster employer Jofaz Busing, and Teamsters from Local 854 are driving them to help with the bulk distribution. At noon today, a convoy of 12 trucks driven by Teamsters drove from the warehouse to hard-hit Rockaway. Another convoy of five trucks driven by Teamsters carried supplies to Staten Island.”

Sandy 11.10.12Sunday, November 11th:  “Red Cross warehouses, staging areas and distribution hubs are alive with more than 300 Teamsters and their families today. They’re all pitching in to get desperately needed supplies to victims of Superstorm Sandy in the New York region.”

“The news media is ignoring the extent of the damage, but it’s bad. At least 40,000 people in New York alone are homeless.  In Jersey City Teamsters are helping bag, load and deliver clean-up kits: Large mesh bags that each contain a blanket, work gloves, garden-size trash bags, flashlight and batteries, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and hand and toe warmers.”

“Some Teamsters spent the night in the warehouse. Some brought their spouses and children. The Teamsters rented buses to help move volunteers to staging areas and Teamsters are driving them. We’ve been hearing our experience in logistics (not to mention hard work) has been invaluable. Props to members from the New York City locals, and 210, 804, 707, 177, 282, 812, 817, 854, 730 and 177 who are helping out in the warehouse.”

“And let’s not forget our sanitation brothers from Local 831. They’re still working 12-hour shifts moving mountains of debris.”

Monday, November 12th: “Dozens of Teamsters and their families were already at the Red Cross’s Jersey City warehouse at 7:30 this morning and more were on the way to pack, load and drive supplies to Superstorm Sandy victims.  About 100,000 families suffered losses from the hurricane and the needs are staggering. Brother Roy tells us this is a long-term effort. Hundreds of volunteers will be needed 24/7 for the next two weeks to deliver supplies in the ruined communities. Chris Jordan, who handles Red Cross logistics, is asking for families to come help over the Thanksgiving weekend.”

The Red Cross put together a great Flickr gallery here that gives you an idea of the scope of the operation.

You can help the Teamsters help the storm’s victims.  Read more about their Disaster Relief Fund here.

INZANE TIMES: Manchester Rallies to “Save Our Schools”

  By Arnie Alpert | September 23, 2012 - 11:16 am |
Comments
MHT Save Our Schools Rally

This is a special re-posting of InZane Times, by Arnie Alpert.
Originally posted here.

manchester 9-22-12 class size matters

Overcrowded Classrooms Threaten Education System

Teacher layoffs that have caused the number of students to swell above 40 in some high school classrooms sparked a “Save Our Schools” rally that brought about 250 people to Manchester’s Veterans Park for a rally this afternoon.

The school system in the New Hampshire’s largest city started the year with 150 fewer faculty members than the year before, a cut of 12%.

Luke Hayward, a first-year student at Central High School, one of 4 public high schools in the city, said his Spanish and English classes each have about 37 students.  The state’s standard for high schools is no more than 30.  Luke’s friend Andrew said his Algebra 1 class has 42 students.

In some overcrowded classes students are using clipboards for want of sufficient desks.

“It’s hard to get the teacher’s attention,” Hayward said, noting teachers have trouble controlling classes when there are so many students in the room.

Neither student had ever been to a rally before.

manchester 9-22-12 Tom OSpeaking from the Veterans Park stage, Tom O’Connell of Citizens for Manchester Schools, put the blame squarely on the city’s political leadership.  “The fundamental problem is insufficient funding,” he said.  “We spend less per kid than any other town,” he added.

That was an exaggeration, but only very slight. One town, Hudson, spends less. Manchester is269th out of 270 school districts in per-student spending.

The Queen City spends $9826 per student, 23% below the state average of $12,775.

Ron Kew, who served as a teacher and principal in the city before the threat of layoff forced him to look elsewheremanchester 9-22-12 crowd for a job, said “Every year teachers are cut, which means education for children is diminished.”  Kew, now a principal in Brentwood, accused  Manchester officials of “educational malpractice” and led the crowd in chants of “malpractice.”

Speakers at the Save Our Schools rally, organized by Citizens for Manchester Schools, united in statements that teachers deserve no blame for the fiscal situation which led the Board of Alderman to approve a school budget $8 million below the figure the Superintendent said was needed.

Jerome Duval, a former city official said “we need to invest in city-provided services.”

“Don’t allow your appeal to our city fathers for smaller class sizmanchester 9-22-12 Sarah robyes be dismissed,” he said.
Sarai Roby was the one student who spoke from the stage.  “Everybody I know complains about their class size,” said the Central High School junior in brief and well delivered remarks.  “Thankfully, there’s enough desks for everybody,” she said, but noted that in one classroom her seat is broken and “stabs me in the back.”

No one at the rally would argue with the notion that a desk for every student is a rather low standard.

City leaders should “get out from behind the excuses to fix the problem,” O’Connell charged.  “It comes back to political action.”  Almost on cue, Maggie Hassan, the Democratic candidate for Governor, appeared in the park, followed soon after by Carol Shea-Porter, Democratic candidate for Congress.  Neither spoke from the stage, but bothmanchester 9-22-12 SOS rallyshook lots of hands.

The crowd included plenty of teachers and students, at least one active principal and the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas Brennan.  Brennan plans to leave his post at the end of the school year.

Nationwide, 75% of public school teachers are female; I expect Manchester’s statistics are in the same ballpark. Sarai Roby was the only woman who appeared on the stage.  For that matter, she was also the sole student and the only person of color. Citizens for Manchester Schools would benefit from a more inclusive approach if it is going to build a strong enough movement to rock the city’s power structure.

NH Labor 2012 Election News 6/19: New Endorsements For Jackie and Maggie

  By The New Hampshire Labor News | June 19, 2012 - 8:00 pm | Uncategorized
Comments

New Hampshire Labor News: The State Employees Association Endorses Jackie Cilley for NH GOV:
“CONCORD – Surrounded by friends and supporters from the union, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jackie Cilley today gratefully accepted the endorsement of the State Employees Association of New Hampshire at their office in Concord today. Cilley, who has made investments in the state’s education, communication, and transportation infrastructure systems a centerpiece of her campaign, was happy to have earned the support of the people with whom she will be working closely – the state’s public sector employees. 

“Our public sector workers are the folks who make our state welcoming to visitors, who provide the services businesses count on and who make many of our citizen’s life just a bit easier each and every day,” said Cilley. “I am very proud to have earned their confidence and endorsement. I look forward to partnering with our employees, as well-run businesses do, to address the challenges we face.”


State employees union supports Cilley in governor’s race – Fosters: “Receiving the backing of the SEA will potentially bring a financial and organizational boost for Cilley. SEA members will receive requests for donations on her behalf throughout the campaign, as well as solicitations to volunteer for her.

SEA Board Director Ana Ford will also organize house parties and phone banks for the Barrington Democrat, and SEA will sponsor canvassing activity for her.

Before picking Cilley in the governor’s race, SEA members conducted a three-month review process, which included developing an “electoral vision” that reflects the group’s goals over the next several years.

On Monday, SEA spokeswoman Beth D’Ovidio said right-to-work legislation and collective bargaining issues were among the group’s chief concerns in the 2012 election.”

Cilley picks up endorsement of state’s largest public employee union – NashuaTelegraph.com: “CONCORD – Leaders of the state’s largest public employee union said Democrat Jackie Cilley’s opposition to a pledge to veto a sales or income tax played a “significant factor” in her getting their endorsement Monday.
The State Employees Association announced it had chosen Cilley, a former state senator from Barrington, over Maggie Hassan, an ex-Senate majority leader from Exeter.
“I look forward to partnering with our employees, as well-run businesses do, to address the challenges we face,” Cilley said.”

“Meanwhile, a seventh organized labor group got behind Hassan.
“We are very proud of all the support we have – including a major endorsement by the Teamsters today,” said Matt Burgess, Hassan’s campaign manager. “We respectfully disagree with SEA leadership on an income tax. It is wrong for New Hampshire’s economy and middle-class families who are struggling.”
New Hampshire Labor News: Teamsters Local 633 Endorse Maggie Hassan for Governor: “MANCHESTER– Saying she will work for economic growth and to help ensure middle-class families have the opportunities they need to succeed, the Teamsters Local 633 today endorsed Maggie Hassan for Governor. 

“We are proud to endorse Maggie Hassan for Governor,” said David Laughton, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 633.  ”In the state Senate, Maggie consistently stood up for middle-class families and we know she’ll do the same as our next Governor. As Governor, Maggie Hassan will bring people together to make New Hampshire an innovative, business-friendly state where companies can create good jobs and families can succeed.”

Teamsters Local 633 includes thousands of members working for Anheuser-Busch breweries, soft drink production and delivery, beer distribution, bakeries, laundry facilities, power plants, municipalities, public works, airport maintenance, sheriffs, police departments, librarians, school principals and race track employees.”

Great list of people running from the Seacoast Area
Candidates file for N.H. House, Senate | SeacoastOnline.com: CONCORD — Following the redistricting of the New Hampshire House and Senate, new district lines have been drawn. The filing period ended June 15 and the candidates include:

Republic Airlines Sues Teamsters For Telling The Truth

  By Matt Murray | March 31, 2012 - 1:09 am |
Comments

For many people in New Hampshire and around the United States, flying is part of everyday life.  Many people commute to work on small aircraft. In New Hampshire, I personally know people who commute to New York, and DC weekly.  The Manchester / Boston Regional airport uses a mix of major and commuter airlines to provide airline service to New Hampshire.  Republic Airlines, which I will discuss more about, is the largest commuter airline to fly in and out of New Hampshire.

For pilots, flying can be a great career choice.  Big airlines seem tempting with perks like international trips, retirement plans, five day on / seven days off, and pay that could  exceed $250,000.  For most pilots, these luxury flying jobs are becoming harder and harder to get.  Most of the pilots flying today are flying smaller commuter jets, and for smaller commuter airlines.  Commuter airlines used to be the place where newer pilots would work to gain hours and experience before being hired for a “major” airline.

As the aviation industry grew and fuel costs get higher and higher, airlines have been forced to cut back.  They have raised the prices of tickets and cut the wages of pilots.  According to AvScholars.com the average commuter airline pilot makes between $16,000 and $60,000 per year. That may seem like a good number but what they are not telling you is that starting pay is $16,000 and their top pay is $60,000.   For Republic Airlines the starting salary for a co-pilot (entry level) is $35,000.  This does not seem like adequate pay for someone who is handling the lives of millions of people a year.  The life of a commuter pilot is no picnic.  They work 10-14 hours per day, and fly around 23 days a month.  This means they get 7 full days off in a month, that is if you live at the home base of the airline. If you have to commute to your airlines hub airport to start your work week, you may loose one of your days off.

Pilots have long known the power of organizing and being members of unions.  Most of the major airlines are represented by the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA).  Recently the Teamsters have been working to organize some of the commuter airlines.  Indianapolis based Republic Airlines (RAH)  is one of the largest commuter airlines in the market. For the last five years RAH Pilots have been working without a contract.  It has become so bad with RAH and the Teamsters that Local 357 members have already voted to strike.  They have been in heated contract negotiations since 2007.

Now RAH is attempting to sue the Teamsters for their website RAHcontractNow.org.  Why would you ask? Because it is causing problems with RAH hiring new pilots.  “As a result of these inaccurate statements,” the airlines said, “Republic has had an increase in the number of pilots who have not called back for interviews and dropped out of the application process (1).”  RAH is working to quickly hire enough pilots to continue operations if and when the union goes on strike.  The Teamsters are just telling the prospective applicants what it is really like working for RAH.
Here are a few examples (2):

  • Incredibly long upgrade time. Currently 5 years. For a pilots hired today, they need the fleet to double, or for roughly 800 current First Officers to upgrade before they could upgrade.
  • It is not uncommon to have a few flights of your schedule canceled. Flights cancel, that’s life. But at RAH, you don’t get paid for them unless the company finds something else for you to do. For many of our pilots, this could constitute a 20% pay cut any given month. Cancellations strike without regard to seniority, paycheck, or previous cancellations.
  • RAH displaced an entire base of pilots from HNL (yes, Honolulu) to LGA (yes, New York City). How much time were the pilots given to make the move, you ask? 3 weeks. 3 weeks to cancel their leases and relocate their lives 5,000 miles away.

As you can see these are merely statements of facts from the people who are actually working for the airline, not people paid to promote the airline.  These points are also very important to potential pilots.  Remember how I said that RAH starts pilots out at $35,000 per year.  Without any contract, the pilots have not received any raises in over four years, and the average “upgrade time” is five years. That means if you take this job, it will be five years or more before you will move from co-pilot to captain, and you will make $35,000 max.  That is if you fly all of the flights they have planned for you.  Lets hope they do not cancel any of your flights, because if your not flying their not paying.

Good pilots are hard to find.  Republic Airlines should be respecting their pilots and working with the Teamsters to create a collective bargaining agreement. They should not be trying to hire a secondary workforce so they can fire all the union workers when they go on strike.  These corporate tactics should not be allowed and public needs to be aware of these actions as well.  I applaud the Teamsters for speaking the truth and working to spread the word about the horrible treatment of Republic Airlines employees. I went to college with many pilots who now work for Republic Airlines.  To them I say, Stay Strong!

Additional Information
Teamsters Local 357 represents pilots and airline crew from Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines, Shuttle America, and Frontier Airlines.

1) http://www.ibj.com/republic-airlines-file-federal-suit-against-pilots-union/PARAMS/article/33538
2) http://www.rahcontractnow.org/

AFT-NH–BREAKING NEWS–February 21ST, 2012–Outrageous!

  By The New Hampshire Labor News | February 22, 2012 - 1:53 am | Uncategorized
Comments

AFT-NH
BREAKING NEWS
February 21ST, 2012
Outrageous!

Dear AFT-NH Member,

The House Labor Committee just concluded their work for the day and they have taken the next big step towards dismantling unions in NH.

It was clear by the Committee’s action that out of state interests such as the National Right to Work Committee and ALEC (Koch brothers sponsored group) are replacing the voice of the NH voters. The attack on the middle class continues. The Committee is AGAIN recommending passage of Right to Work “for less” and also gutting public sector bargaining.

The theme of the day was last minute amendments not available to those in attendance, no public hearing on some of these amendments and a complete lack of regard for the hundreds of people who have appeared in opposition to these bills since the beginning of this session! They do not care what NH voters think!

In a nutshell, the Labor Committee has recommended Ought to Pass on the following bills:

•    HB 1206, new title: relative to continuing obligations under expired public employee labor agreements. The Daniels amendment would require public employees to pay 50% of any increase in health and other insurance costs if the union contract expires. However, there was an amendment which may require the employee to pay more than this. The amendment was not made available and we will provide details as soon as we get the amendment.  Vote 12-5 (4 Dems and Rep. Richardson voting no)

•    HB 1685-FN-L, relative to collective bargaining under the public employee labor relations statutes. No one has been able to see the Rep. Shawn Jasper amendment but Sections 1 and 2 would only take effect if HB 1677 does not become law. This appears to create different classes of agency fee employees and also exclude positions from the bargaining unit if no one in that classification is a member. More to come as we see the amendment. Vote 12-5 (4 Dems and Rep. Richardson voting no)

•    HB 1645-FN, prohibiting all public employees from participating in collective bargaining.  Amendment voted upon. Not a full repeal but must see details of bill. Based on the discussion it appears that if membership in a local falls below 50% the employer can ask for an election to decertify the union. The amendment has not been made available so more to come as we see the amendment and other details. Vote 12-5 (4 Dems and Rep. Richardson)

•    HB 1663, (Right to Work “for less” for Public Employees and Exclusive Representation): relative to payment of union fees by non-members.  Interim Study 12-5 (4 Dems and Rep. Richardson)

•    HB 1677 (Right to Work “for less” for Public Employees and Exclusive Representation): relative to choice as to whether to join a labor union and eliminating the duty of a public employee labor organization to represent employees who elect not to join or to pay dues or fees to the employee organization. This would divide the local and employees could negotiate individually. Non-members not entitled to any union rights. Promotes nepotism, favoritism and chaos in the workplace. Vote 11-6 (4 Dems, Rep. Richardson and Rep. Sullivan)

Committee will be Voting on 2/22/12 around noon

•    HB 1163, (amendment) new title: relative to disclosure of collective bargaining agency fees.

•    HB 1163, (original bill) relative to the withholding union dues from wages, this bill would make it illegal for the employer to withhold voluntary union dues.


These bills are recommended Inexpedient to Legislate (defeat):

•    HB 1427, relative to declaring that private contracting of governmental operations shall not be deemed an unfair labor practice,

•    HB 1570, relative to the duty of a public employee labor organization to represent employees who elect not to join or to pay dues or fees to the employee organization. [Note-Covered by other bills above.]

I will send out a complete update and recommended actions once we see the actual amendments.

But make no mistake about it, the Committee’s actions today indicate they have no respect for your collective bargaining rights. This is outrageous.

These bills will move to the full house and we will send you updated messaging to send to your reps but that may not be enough. We will need members to CALL their state representatives and tell them enough! We can win this fight if we stick together.

For breaking news and updates,  please visit AFT-NH on FACEBOOK and click LIKE US!* Spread the word to all of your Facebook friends. This allows us to provide our members with real time updates and spread the word to community members.*Type in AFT New Hampshire to find us! You can also sign up for “GET-ACTIVE” updates by visiting  www.aft-nh.org  and click on the link on the left –”AFT-NH GET ACTIVE–sign up”.

In Solidarity,

Laura Hainey
AFT-NH President


 ”Fighting For Our Future”
www.aft-nh.org

Have you visited the AFT-NH Facebook page and clicked “Like Us”? Please do so today!

Late breaking news appears on Facebook!

NH Labor News for 10/15/11, talking about Right To Work, Good Jobs Rally, and the American Jobs Act

  By The New Hampshire Labor News | October 15, 2011 - 12:10 pm | Uncategorized
Comments

This is another great letter from State Rep Tim Copland on how Right To Work is wrong for New Hampshire and has been for 60 years.

“Data: Right-to-work wrong for N.H. | SeacoastOnline.com: N.H. Labor Commissioner George N. Copadis stated in his letter to the editor on May 25, 2011, at Seacoastonline.com: “I have been the commissioner of labor for the last six years. I have met and worked with many business leaders in various capacities. Not once has a business leader in this state told me they believe Right-to-Work should be adopted in this state.”

We have been talking about this event for a few days now. Please consider joining us in Portsmouth today at 1pm. Info here

New Hampshire Union Workers and Their Allies Plan To Rally in Portsmouth | StateImpact New Hampshire: “As part of a national campaign by the AFL-CIO, New Hampshire union workers and some small businesses will rally tomorrow to protest the loss of higher paying jobs in the state.
According to figures from The New Hampshire Labor Market Information Bureau,2,300 state and local government jobs have been cut in the last year. The average wage for these jobs was more than $20 an hour.”

This is an Op/Ed from former Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, talking about how we need to save the Postal Service.

We must act now to save the US Postal Service – Cabinet.com: “How did the U.S. Postal Service get into this mess? The recession, which hurt businesses and decreased the volume of mail, certainly hurt, but that is temporary, and it is not the biggest reason for the red ink. Some blame the Internet, but the Internet has also created business for the post office because people order online and because the post office transports mail for what they call “the last mile” for private carriers. The biggest problem is the law that Congress passed in 2006, forcing the U.S. Postal Service to pre-fund their future retiree health benefits 75 years in advance. No other public agency is required to do that, and private industry does not have that standard either.”

NH retirement system posts $992M gain – Boston.com: “The New Hampshire Retirement System posted its best earnings last year in 25 years despite a fragile economy.

The system reported Friday that the fund was $5.9 billion at the end of the last fiscal year on June 30 — a $992 million increase from the previous year and a 23 percent return on investment.”

Towns Have No Budgets For December Primary – Politics – Commitment 2012 News Story – WMUR New Hampshire: “Officials with the towns said they haven’t budgeted for a 2011 primary and don’t have the means to make it happen. Concerns have been raised because other states leap-frogging earlier in the process may force New Hampshire to conduct its primary in December to comply with state law.
“It is wait and see,” said Auburn Town Clerk Joanne Linxweiler. “We’re just waiting for the secretary of state to make an announcement. That’s all we can do.”
A message from President Obama on the American Jobs Act and how Senate Republicans are trying to block the passage of this bill that will lead to the create of real jobs across the United States.
Obama seeks GOP vote on teachers, cops, and firefighters: “President Obama said Saturday he will ask congressional Democrats next week to push legislation to help local governments retain teachers, firefighters, and police officers — and all but dared Republicans to oppose it.
“If they vote ‘no’ on that, they’ll have to tell you why,” Obama said in his weekly radio address.”

News Coverage from yesterdays NH House Session

  By The New Hampshire Labor News | October 13, 2011 - 6:06 pm | ,
Comments

Yesterday was a fast paced day for news and we tried to keep up. We responded with a post on Michele Bachmann’s boo’s from the crowd and her whispers to Speaker O’Brien the she would twist any arms. Read all about it here

Republican presidential hopefuls address NH House | New Hampshire NEWS0605: “CONCORD — Five Republican presidential candidates sparked applause, but two prompted loud booing, as they addressed the New Hampshire House of Representatives Wednesday.

Union members anxious about right-to-work legislation reacted when Michelle Bachmann and Newt Gingrich called on the House to adopt the bill that Gov. John Lynch vetoed this year.

When Bachmann exhorted Republican House members to override the right-to-work veto, it set off a loud protest in the House gallery. Republicans on the House floor cheered just as loudly, setting off a contest each time she raised the issue.”

Cain’s Moment in the Sun Shines at New Hampshire Legislature – Rodney Hawkins – NationalJournal.com: “GOP presidential candidate Herman Cain enjoyed the fallout from his strong debate performance on Tuesday niht, getting a warm reception for his economic plan from New Hampshire legislators on Wednesday during a visit to the Statehouse.
At a traditional candidates’ forum hosted by the Legislature in the first-primary state, Cain said that he was actually glad his economic plan was slammed by his Republican rivals at the Republican candidates’ debate at Dartmouth College. “It attracted a lot of attention at the debates last night,” he said.  “You know you must be doing something right when you get a lot of arrows in your back.”
Debate raises Cain | Concord Monitor: “State lawmakers also heard from former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich, and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota. Speaker Bill O’Brien had invited each of the Republican candidates, along with President Obama, to address the chamber.

Gingrich received applause – and a few jeers – when he offered his support to right-to-work legislation, which was vetoed by Gov. John Lynch and awaits an override vote in the House. Bachmann also urged the House to adopt the policy, which prevents unions from charging fees to non-members.”

‘Good jobs’ rally planned for Prescott Park | Seacoastonline.com: “Organizers of the New Hampshire Wants to Work rally say the event will allow participants to call for bold proposals from state legislators and Congress to reverse alarming increases in underemployment and low-wage jobs during the past year.

Speakers at the event include small business owners Jack Bingman and Nancy Beach as well as workers from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

“This recession has left a lasting impact on many New Hampshire residents,” Beach, owner of Atlantic Media. “More families are living in poverty than a year ago — and the jobs that are being created to replace those lost will not lift New Hampshire families back into the middle class. Our elected leaders need to embrace urgent action to support New Hampshire’s small business owners and put citizens back to work.”

For full details on this see our previous post on the NEW HAMPSHIRE WANTS TO WORK Rally!

N.H. House approves budget fix with a catch – The Boston Globe: “The budget fix, which would save the state $8 million a year, is hung up on House speaker William O’Brien’s insistence on tinkering with the bill.

The law change cuts welfare benefits to people who also get federal Supplemental Security Income Program checks. The SSI program helps low-income disabled adults and children, as well as low-income residents 65 and older who are not disabled.”