Sign Spinners Need a Union

Ever wonder how much a sign spinner makes? You’ve no doubt seen them; young, athletic people with signs performing acrobatic maneuvers to direct attention to residential developments, etc… This type of advertising has really caught on and is being used nationwide. There are countless videos on YouTube highlighting these workers skills. The best sign spinners compete against each other in an annual competition that takes place in San Diego, California. Starting pay is around $10 per hour with no benefits. Sign spinners move up in small increments of pay as they learn new tricks though an instructor can earn considerably more. It’s a fun job according to the people I spoke with and contrary to what you might think the workers themselves feel there is a real future in it. Sign spinners endure ridicule from passers by; it’s seasonal work, very physical, involves a certain amount of cuts and, they have no union representation.

Boycott Circuit City

Remember back in April when Circuit City fired 3,400 employees “allowing” them after ten weeks to reapply for their former position at lower pay? That didn’t stop these holiday shoppers in Woodland Hills. They showed up on the day after Thanksgiving to grab home electronics at cut-rate prices. The line went all the way around the corner of the building. Anything to save a buck seems to be their motto. Isn’t it disgusting how little regard some people have for workers these days? I hope you will join me in boycotting Circuit City this Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays!!!

Black Thursday at Kmart

Thanksgiving Day; While most workers in America prepared for a traditional feast with family, Kmart employees braced for record amounts of shoppers. The chain decided to break with tradition this year and stay open on Thanksgiving in order to lure shoppers and increase profits. Employees were offered overtime pay (Time and one half) to work the Holiday according to one manager. A line formed in front of the Northridge, CA store as early as 4am. Shoppers who braved the early hours at another location in Simi Valley reported being informed that store would be open but would not honor the advertised sale prices because the store is scheduled to be closed down soon. Many of those customers raced to the Northridge location only to find themselves at the end of a line that had grown to over a hundred people.

The big attraction at today’s sale was the Nintendo Wii video game console, the 32 inch LCD TV and the GPS Navigation system. There were a total of 7 Wii’s available which were snatched up by the first 10 or so shoppers. Employee’s distributed tickets to those in the front of the line insuring they would have first opportunity at the sale items. Cookies were given out to all the shoppers. A few people cut in line, but for the most part the crowd was orderly.

Once inside the store, most shoppers headed to the electronics department where they stood in another line to pick up and purchase their items. One employee said he had never seen so many shoppers at one time. Friday’s sale (aka: Black Friday) will no doubt be another door buster but don’t expect to find a Nintendo Wii, the same employee informed the crowd he doesn't expect another shipment until after Christmas.

Judging by today’s results it’s not hard to imagine that Thanksgiving Day Sales may one day replace Black Friday.

Ellen Bows to Pressure Cancels New York Taping

They’re talking about it on the picket line at NBC Studios in Burbank, and all across the country. The latest development in the Writer’s strike is that Ellen DeGeneres will not be taping her show in New York as planned. A huge protest was being scheduled there by the union. Ellen may have miscalculated the amount of negative press she would receive after crossing the picket line here.

Writers to Ellen: "You're a Wormy Scab!!!"

Ellen DeGeneres’ decision to sneak in the back gate at NBC Studios in order to cross the picket line isn’t sitting well with many union members. The Teamsters and Screen Actors Guild have joined with the Writers in solidarity. Writers for the Ellen DeGeneres Show continue to strike for fair compensation from DVD sales and internet distribution.

Not all Hollywood stars have turned a deaf ear to their coworkers. According to Joe Medeiros, Head Writer for the Tonight Show, Jay Leno and others continue to stop by daily to lend their support for the Writers.

If cars passing by and honking is any measure of support then there is definitely a lot of support for the writers.

Mayor Speaks About Writer's Strike

This video of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was taken at the Habitat for Humanity Project on Friday November 2, 2007. It's approximately 2 minutes in duration. There is a short clip at the end of former President Jimmy Carter and the Mayor building an affordable home. Enjoy!

Pro Union Consulting Sees Growth

Pro Union Consulting L.L.C. is the brainchild of founder and President Matt Kolbinky. Services include training for union members interested in becoming successful signatory contractors. In the early days of the company services were offered only to union electrical workers however interest in the training has increased by other trades convinced that growing contractors from their own members is the key to expanding union market share. Demand has increased and Pro Union Consulting has expanded to include additional trades such as plumbers, pipe fitters and iron workers. The effect of well trained, highly skilled workers being encouraged to become profitable signatory contractors has had a great effect on the construction industry and organizing. Kolbinsky’s training has already resulted in the creation of 50 union contractors to date and he has set a goal of 1000 union contractors within 10 years.

LA Mayor Shows Support for Habitat Project

Though the media seemed more interested in getting the mayor to comment on the strike by the writers union, Antonio Villaraigosa put on the tools and helped build a home in South Los Angeles. Working together former President Carter cut the siding to size and Antonio installed it using a nail gun. The Mayor’s staff looked nervous as he climbed the scaffolding but he looked like he had done it before. At one point the mayor teased Carter about working too slowly. It seemed like the former President wasn’t listening but then he smiled and laughed which reminded me of an apprentice messing with a journeyman. Afterwards Antonio thanked the union electrical workers for their continued support of the project.