New President Sworn In at Local 11

Joel Barton took the oath of office of President of IBEW Local 11 at the December General Membership Meeting at the Electrical Training Institute in Commerce. Former President Dean Todd was there to congratulate him and offer his support.

Union Organizer Honored For Exceptional Career

Veteran union organizer Larry Henderson announced his intention to retire after many years of dedicated service with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11. A party was thrown for Larry at Cirivello’s Sport Stop in Long Beach on Wednesday, December 17th. Representatives from the Los Angeles City Council as well as the Port of Los Angeles honored Larry with proclamations for his efforts to improve the lives of workers and their families. Larry was a fixture at port meetings and was influential in getting safety language implemented in the bidding process. Such safety language has resulted in less workers being injured and improved working conditions for everyone in the port. Community leaders, friends and trade unionists from various crafts celebrated his exceptional career.

How Will Wal-Mart Spin This?

A 34 year old Wal-Mart worker was reportedly trampled-to-death by shoppers at the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream. At least 4 other people were hospitalized and others refused to be treated at the scene. This day after Thanksgiving sale was truly a Black Friday for Wal-Mart.

Lines began to form as early as 10pm on Thanksgiving night. Lured by cheap prices for flat screen televisions and other consumer electronics witnesses say the crowd grew to over 2,000 people by morning. With secret in-store bargains enough for only the most desperate shoppers, WalMart associates found themselves the victims of the mega-corporations advertising hype. At 5am doors opened marking the beginning of the holiday shopping rush.

Surveillance cameras will undoubtedly reveal what happened when the crowd surged forward at the start of the aptly named Door-Buster Sale. As a result, at least one family will not be celebrating this Christmas. Video of the scene shows paramedics performing CPR on the man. He died minutes after Wal-Mart opened for their Black Friday Door Buster Sale.

No doubt the Wal-Mart War Room is filled with executives discussing how to spin this story. Instead of admitting they cut corners and hired too few security guards look for Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott to lay blame on the employee, local police or the struggling economy. Scott is set to retire on January 31st, 2009 to the relief of stockholders. He has a reputation for deflecting any criticism onto lower level associates. Reps are probably already in the field planting stories and pressuring local politicians like Wal-Mart has been known to do when community groups appose the opening of a mega-store in their neighborhood.

One thing is for sure, Wal-Mart won’t be calling it a “Black Friday Door Buster Sale” next year.” Look for them to have a much more peaceful name like “Early Bird Customer Appreciation Holiday Sale.” What do you bet they have a moment of silence for the fallen employee and lots and lots of security guards on hand? They might also finally close the store to the delight of many in the community. After all, out of sight out of mind right?

Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books

For Immediate Release                                        

Contact: Bob Oedy

Union Organizer Press

(818) 882-4364

Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books

 Torn Covers to Provide Proof

Winnetka, CA, October 4, 2008 – Bob Oedy is an author on a mission to rid the world of

organizing books that provide no real world solutions.  He offers a $10 rebate for the destruction of any competitor’s book to be used toward the purchase of his own book Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers. All buyers need to do to receive the rebate is tear the cover off of any union organizing book and mail it in.  The rebate offer is limited to one cover per copy purchased and represents a 50% discount off the retail price.

Oedy decided to write his own book on the subject of construction organizing after an extensive search yielded disappointing results. “Nearly all of the books on organizing are not written by organizers” says Oedy. “This has always bothered me.” “Why should any organizer listen to an author with no practical experience signing contractors or attracting members?” Either you have experience or you don’t. It’s just that simple.

Oedy plans to display the torn covers he receives on a wall in his home office. “I’ve saved this place for them”, he says, pointing to blank area of a wall covered in Labor posters collected through years of activism. “If necessary I’ll take down photos to make room.”

For more information go to www.biggerlabor.com  .

###

New Hampshire to Dilute Diploma

New Hampshire is considering giving High School diplomas to students when they finish the 10^th grade. Supporters claim eliminating the 11^th and 12^th grade will save the state millions of dollars in education costs. 

My feeling is that it sells students short by depriving them of the education they need and deserve. Lowering the standards is not the answer to high drop-out rates and increasing education costs. Such a plan will only dilute the value of a New Hampshire High School diploma. 

Here is what needs to be done instead........ 

Reinstitute shop classes and skilled trade related training. Reform the education system by investing in entrepreneurial and life skills. Give students choices in their own curriculum and then get out of their way.

Another Grim Holiday for Workers at Circuit City

Circuit City is filing for bankruptcy. This should surprise no one. The beleaguered electronics retailer recently announced they are closing more than 150 stores and laying off thousands of workers just before the Holidays. How many? Over 7,000 workers will find themselves without a job by Christmas. More cuts are expected to be announced as the reality of the situation unfolds. 

You may recall that last year around this same time I participated in a boycott against Circuit City in protest of management firing 3,400 top salespeople. They would allow them to return after 10 weeks (The holidays) to reapply for their former position at lower pay. The decision by management was an incredible insult to the workers and one that will go down in history as a mean spirited dismal failure. 

Circuit City was never able to recover from managements blunder instead their sales plummeted, customer satisfaction suffered and their reputation for not caring about employees persists. 

In the last 12 months customers have complained about returns not being accepted and  store warrantees not being honored. Store warranties are a lucrative part of any electronics retailer business model. With experienced salespeople replaced with less experienced sales staff, sales of the warranties collapsed. 

The stock market and slowing economy dealt a final blow leaving management no choice but to capitulate. Sales this holiday season are expected to be the lowest they’ve been in decades. The problems are likely to spread to other companies like Hewlett Packard which is owed more than a 100 million dollars by the retailer. The value of commercial properties owned by Circuit City has also dropped.  

Project Labor Agreement Adopted

A project labor agreement covering construction work through the Community Redevelopment Agency has been unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council. They know that PLA’s promote quality construction, cost savings and labor harmony on job sites. Congratulations to union members from the Building Trades for taking a leading role to see this through.

Union Workers Support Obama

Union volunteers in San Fernando made good use of their free cell phone minutes. Members from several unions gladly gave up their weekend and logged over 6,000 calls to voters in key swing states for Obama. With just two days to go until Super Tuesday, the wind seems to be at our backs. You can feel the momentum with every call. This is by far the best ran campaign ever. We will not rest until the last union vote is cast.

Who Is Joe The Plumber???

In tonight’s final presidential debate "Joe the Plumber" was invoked by Senator McCain over and over. It was the Republican's last ditch effort to reach out to America's dwindling middle-class. The one group he ignored in all the other debates.

“Let me talk to you Joe the plumber” he said staring in to the camera. McCain looked angry tonight. He was clearly agitated and rolled his eyes often. He seemed frustrated by Senator Obama’s coolness under pressure. While Obama focused on economic issues, McCain focused on how his feelings were hurt during the campaign. He wanted Obama to take the bait about Sara Palin not being up to the task of the presidency. Instead he was gracious and calm. McCain looked foolish defending her credentials.

McCain said at one point “free trade with Columbia is a no brainer.” I was so glad to hear Obama counter by explaining that the violence against union organizers and workers has got to stop in that country.

McCain tried again to invoke the spirit of Joe the plumber. If your name is Joe and you’re a plumber, you don’t need me to tell you your screwed. John McCain has been endorsed by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. an anti-worker group that opposes prevailing wage laws. The good news is the ABC picked a losing candidate once again. This debate is over. Barack Obama won hands down.

Annual Union Picnic

The IBEW Local 11, 10^th Annual Local-Wide Picnic took place at the LA Police Revolver and Athletic Club on Saturday September 27^th. This family event includes games, food, prizes, Bingo, rock climbing, horse-shoe tournament, etc. The weather was great! Two In-And-Out Burger trucks providing free hamburgers to all that attended. Organizing committee volunteers served free cotton-candy to over 500 people.

Sounding The Economy Alarm

Suddenly everyone is talking about how bad the economy is doing. Most American workers have felt it at the pump or the grocery store. Many of us have been cutting back on nonessentials since the first rumblings back in May. Today however a noticeable change has taken place. The President of the United States of America has pushed the panic button. Even Senator McCain got in on the action by suspending his campaign and canceling Friday’s debate. I’m pretty sure he’s going to regret that move.  

On the television and radio the economy is the topic of the day. Here in California the Governor is threatening lawmakers with cutting their pay for not passing budgets. Mayor Villaraigosa is talking about a 120 million dollar budget deficit.  What has really changed in the last few days? The answer is…. President Bush pushed the panic button.   

I remember while on vacation in Tahiti in 1994 a woman from Club Med rang the church bell as a joke. Suddenly villagers ran out into the streets to see what was happening. The rope, just hanging there was too tempting to pass up. She was the center of attention. She said she didn’t expect it to be that loud. That’s what this reminds me of. 

President Bush has never shown much mastery of domestic issues. Like his father before him he always tried to convince a weary public that the economy was expanding, when all indications were that it wasn’t.  If he seemed out-of-touch it was because he was optimistic when everyone knew better. Remember his astonishment at hearing gas would soon hit $4 per gallon. Imagine an oil-man being unaware of the price of a gallon of gas. Everyone else was only too familiar with the pain at the pump. 

This time however is different. He looked more like a sweaty Richard Nixon than a calm John F. Kennedy. His insistence that the market would suffer without passage of his bailout dared naysayers to dig in their heels to find out. 

A friend emailed his congressman to express his opposition to the bailout. I did the same thing. In fact I called the congressman’s office as well. If you took the Presidential Address as a call to action I would like to hear from you. I’m glad I made my son watch the Presidential Address. This was an historic event. Presidents don’t usually risk an all out panic. 

Presidential Address Marks Panic

Munching on Bagel-Bites and tator tots we watched what just might be the most historic primetime address by the worst president of all time. 

George W. Bush looked nervous; almost in a panic as he stared into the teleprompter reading his canned lines. His forehead and nose were crinkled like a guy on a sunny beach with no sunglasses. 

Bush accepted zero responsibility for eight years of runaway spending and wholesale deregulation of financial markets. There was no apology. He blamed you the American worker for purchasing homes you could not afford. He blamed faulty lending rules and greedy mortgage bankers. Everyone is to blame it seems but his administration. 

He issued dire warnings about what could happen in the coming weeks to American workers if his plan was not put in place.  “The entire economy is in danger right now,” he warned. “Millions of Americans could lose their jobs.”  Money market funds could evaporate, banks could stop lending, stocks could tumble, the value of your house could disappear, seniors stand to lose everything they have, unless that is………. you give 700 billion dollars to one man with the power to do with it as he sees fit, with no oversight.  That’s his plan. No really. That’s his plan. I’m not making this up….. 

This was not the cocky, angry George W. Bush we’ve all come to expect. This was a tense Bush, with out something to fall back on like “patriotism” or “the war on terror.” “The market is not functioning properly” he added. “Not passing this emergency plan would cost more later.”  

More than 700 billion dollars? I doubt it. 

This is the same guy who warned us about the weapons of mass destruction. The same guy who told us the energy spikes in the weeks before the Enron scandal were caused by California not building enough power plants. The same guy who said, “You’re doing a heck of a job Brownie.” Either he’s the boy who cried wolf or the emperor with no clothes. Either way, you can’t trust him. 

700 Billion Dollars for CEO’s

The proposed 700 Billion Dollar Bail-Out will be the biggest scam ever pulled on the American public. If you thought Enron was a crime. If you thought the Iraq War was a complete disaster. If you thought the government's response to Hurricane Katrina was heartbreaking. If you thought the price at the pump was outrageous. If you thought the Stimulus Package was a waste. You ain’t seen nothin yet.

How did we get here??? The pundits asked over and over this weekend on television and radio. 

I’ll tell you how we got here….. Eight years of conservative leadership. They lied about wanting limited government. They lied about believing in fiscal responsibility. They lied about helping Main Street. They lied about the reasons we went to Iraq. It WAS for the oil. Two oil men in the White House, the President and the Vice President out to get as much money as they could. 

Now they say we have to bail out the financial system or our pensions and retirement savings will be wiped out. When was the last time you read your 401K Statement? Chances are you already lost 20 percent since the beginning of the year. Every time you fill your tank you’re losing more money. The price of your groceries has gone up 40%. The value of your home if you are lucky to own one has dropped like a rock. So much for your retirement plans.

Trickle down economics is a scam. It always has been. Just how many financial experts will need to be hired to dole out the 700 Billion Dollars? How many of the same CEO’s that ran their company’s in to the ground will be hired to fix this mess? How many golden parachutes and stock options will be distributed? How many politicians will get kickbacks from Lobbyists? How long will our kids have to work to pay this debt off?

Have you any idea how many schools or hospitals could be built with 700 billion dollars?

Like I said, this is the biggest scam ever pulled on the American public. We have got to stop it from passing!

Book Review for Bigger Labor

Book Review

Building Trades News, August 2008, Volume 13, No. 8

 

Bigger Labor: A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers

By Bob Oedy

Union Organizer Press, 2008

While there are many books available in union organizing, none directly spoke to organizers in the construction trade or were written by a union organizer. Until now. Bob Oedy, a veteran organizer with IBEW Local 11 has just written a primer for construction union organizers based on his years of experience in IBEW 11.

“Virtually all the books on the subject of organizing have been written by management, attorneys or academic’s with zero field experience organizing.  This has always bothered me” said Oedy. “In some cases the people who are actually driving the discussion are from entirely different industries! They have no idea the challenges that construction organizers face.”

            Bigger Labor is a comprehensive guide book to construction organizing best practices.  It covers everything from what to do on a picket line to tips on visiting jobsites, effective handbilling, dealing with police, building a banner, salting, as well as extensive communication tips for every situation from following up with potential recruits and effectively getting your point across at public hearings.

“I’ve heard from organizers all over the country who were given a quick drive around their jurisdiction and handed the keys to the office and expected to figure it out. That’s who this book was written for; the new organizer who wants to get up to speed quickly and get a handle on who’s doing what work and where. He or she doesn’t need to know every detail about common-situs picketing or the Moore Dry Dock case,” Oedy said. “It’s how do we access more jobsites and what do we do when someone chases us off a job? How can we make a database of all the contractors and craft workers and keep in touch with them over time? What can we put on a flyer without getting the union sued? What should we do and not do when speaking at a city council meeting? I believe this book will help organizers everywhere be more effective. No legal jargon, just everyday street language, I think most organizers will appreciate that.”

Bigger Labor will help new and veteran organizers alike avoid common mistakes and pitfalls. Oedy has made many of them, and he recounts some of those mistakes in the book so others can learn from them, such as his harsh introduction to the importance of listening that he learned as a young organizer:

             “Shortly after I was hired as an organizer, a young man contacted me. He had heard he could earn substantially more that he was earning at the time. I assured him it was true and immediately started telling him about the benefits of being accepted into apprenticeship program. …I completed his paperwork and sent him down to be interviewed and placed in the program. The next day he arrived for his interview, and the first question he was asked was ‘So you want to be an electrician?’ He answers, ‘Well not really, see I’m trying to earn enough money so my brother an I can open a muffler shop.” Ouch! See, he was probably tried to tell me that, but I was too busy flapping my jaw, telling him about the benefits and rewards of being in the union.”

Oedy credited the highly successful organizing department of Local 11, which has organized nearly 50 new contractors in the last year alone and the leadership of the Local with providing him training and guidance without which he couldn’t have written the book. This is the first of ten books he plans to write which he hopes will be help union construction organizer reach what he sees as a bright future: “The labor movement has a chance for explosive growth in the next few years. The Baby Boomers are retiring, and young people are choosing college more now then in the past. This will create a shortage of skilled craft workers thereby driving up the wages for those who choose construction as their trade. If unions can bring in enough contractors and meet the growing demands for apprenticeship training we can expect to see union density reach record levels.”

 For more information about or to order a copy the book, visit www.biggerlabor.com

Conference Hits Jackpot

What’s your idea of a great organizing conference? For me it would be upbeat and fun while providing useful knowledge that could be put immediately to use. It would be at a nice location, easily accessible from an airport. Top industry achievers would be there and everyone would have a variety of opportunities to get to know each other, share experiences and ask questions. One last thing, the waitress at the buffet would slip me a coupon for a free meal. That really happened. It’s funny how free food always seems to taste better then food you have to pay for.

This year’s IBEW Membership Development Conference was held at Bally’s in Las Vegas. It was an upbeat week. Huge gains in signatory contractors and membership in the IBEW construction branch gave organizers reason for celebration. While there is much more work to be done the conference reflected the new mood of optimism. 

My own local union, Local 11 was recognized for signing the most electrical contractors. In a 2 year period 75 new contractors became signatory.  These are record breaking gains that only a few years ago would have seemed impossible. 

Conference planners did an outstanding job providing useful presentations. My favorite was Peter Cockshaw an expert on labor-related issues.  I’ve seen him speak before on construction industry developments but he was on fire at this event. He didn’t rely on Teleprompters or a script. He just told it like it is. He applauded the union’s commitment to training electrical workers. He denounced the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. for spreading falsehoods about their training being anything close to that of the IBEW. According to Mr. Cockshaw the ABC relies on deceptive use of research to promote itself. This is one of the most important issues requiring organizers attention in his view. 

Comedian with a message Bernie McGrenahan provided some much needed levity on Wednesday of the conference. He had everyone busting up but he also shared some touching personal stories. I spoke with him at the reception. Turns out he lives in my neighborhood. You really should check out his website. He’s amazing! 

Teamwork among organizers was encouraged on the last day of the conference. A football theme with video interviews of epic coaches provided inspiration. Though not much of a fan of sports, it was really effective and appreciated by the 1300 or so in attendance, myself included. Many of the organizers I spoke with at the conclusion of the conference said it was the best so far.  

Labor's Own Think Tank

The UCLA Downtown Labor Center sponsored a 2 day conference called the California Construction Academy. It is a think tank for Statewide Building Trades representatives from the most active unions. The focus of the event was economic justice for those who face barriers to employment and rebuilding California’s dwindling middle-class. The statistics are staggering; 35-50% of craft workers will be retiring within the next 3-5 years. The growing need for apprenticeship training needs to be met in order to fill those positions. Union organizers participated in breakout sessions to help identify solutions. The majority of training in the construction industry in Los Angeles is done by Joint Apprenticeship Training.

2 Million Dollars Recovered for Workers

The Los Angeles Unified School District Work Preservation Group announced $2,000,000.00 in back wages were collected so far this year for workers and $800,000.00 in penalties were paid by contractors who cheated their employees. Over 465 cases were closed and an additional 400 cases are still pending. The Joint Compliance Monitoring Program allows volunteers access to prevailing wage school projects for the purpose of conducting compliance interviews. The district provides identification badges to authorized persons for activities related to the enforcement of the payment of prevailing wage rates. Representatives of the LA/OC Building & Construction Trade Council, Dept. of Labor Standards Enforcement, and Labor Compliance Dept. acknowledged the hard work of the union volunteers. Several unions have participated in the program over the years including the electricians, laborers, carpenters, painters and ironworkers.

KB Homes to Declare Bankruptcy?

You could see the crowd behind the caution tape at the Indymac bank in Pasadena today. There were over 100 desperate people in line despite the FDIC’s best assurances that there is absolutely no rush to get your money out. “Everything is fine” they say on the radio. “Plan on coming down another day when the crowds have died down a bit,” customers were told. FDIC agents served free sandwiches and drinks to the people who stood in line for hours according to one news announcer. Meanwhile a dozen or so news vans peppered the neighborhood. A run-on-the-bank is reminiscent of the great depression and the last Bush Presidency. I remember when the now infamous Savings and Loan Scandal broke causing over 2000 financial institutions to collapse from bad loans. Now Indymac is the latest to fall because of shifty no down, low interest, no documentation, “We’ll lend to anyone” shenanigans. Remember those days? KB Homes stock took off like a rocket back then. But then it all came to an end with the bursting of the residential bubble. Tomorrow General Motors will announce huge layoffs and plant closings. A lot of workers and their families will be hurt by it. Some will say that the two have nothing to do with each other. That the rise in oil prices and the housing bubble are completely separate issues. Perhaps; but one thing is for sure, the workers and the customers are always hurt when something like this happens. Keep an eye on KB Homes this week. If you see more sales offices close, don’t be one of those poor souls waiting to just get out with whatever you can get. I guarantee the FDIC won’t be serving any sandwiches.

KB Homes Shuts Down Sales Gallery

KB Homes has apparently shut down the Ascent at Warner Center Sales Gallery on Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills, CA in hopes protesters will remove the twelve foot inflatable rat attracting public attention to the troubled project. The office manager locked up the empty office after movers loaded furniture on trucks to be delivered to an undisclosed location. An email response to my inquiry to the KB Homes website reads, “Unfortunately, our Ascent at Warner Center community is currently on hold and we do not have a re-opening date available.” Meanwhile a demolition crew at the Ascent project removed ash, soot, and debris left by the construction fire a few months back that some say was caused by a welder. There was major damage to two of the floors exposing construction workers to smoke and flames and causing nearby businesses to be evacuated.

There is speculation that KB Homes is considering changing the name of the project due to the bad publicity from the fire. Let’s face it, the residential market is in terrible shape and these builders are as much to blame for the mortgage crises as the predatory lenders that preyed on unsuspecting buyers. Now they want to hire non-union contractors, pay lower wages to the workers, and put a cheap coat of paint on a project that some industry experts believe should have been demolished. The problem KB Homes faces is buyers are smarter then they were just a few years ago. The popularity of the Internet and availability of information on the Ascent project will make it hard for KB Homes to put a happy face on this stinker. Forget the balloons and the flags; people are going to want answers about the integrity of the building. What corners were cut and how is it that a fire was able to start and spread so fast? How safe would you feel living in a wood structure this poorly managed? Was a fire-watch on duty? Why weren’t extinguishers enough to control the flames before they spread to additional floors?

I believe this is a sign of bigger problems for KB Homes. Sure this is just one project that spun out of control, but what does this say about the company and its leadership. Why was KB Homes CEO Jeffrey Mezger willing to risk bringing in second rate contractors and risk the scorn of their stockholders and customers? What does that say about the man? Amongst the turmoil of the credit markets, and foreclosure activity he decides to lower standards and put the company at more risk? KB Homes has a big problem on its hands. Problems like these are expensive.

Options are limited for the California home builder. The economy is on the ropes, and with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae both suffering staggering losses it’s not hard to see what’s next for KB Homes. That’s right, “BK” aka “bankruptcy.” What other options do they have right now? Sell-off the Ascent at Warner Center project for pennies on the dollar to an apartment management company? This possibility would have been more likely a few years ago when investors were caught up in the buying frenzy and lenders were only too eager to fund risky endeavors. Let’s face it; those days are gone. Today, investors are plagued with debt and there seems to be no end in sight for the slide in real estate prices. No one is calling the bottom yet. Many industry experts believe it could take a year before we even see the bottom and many more before markets recover to their previous state.

Housing markets are in the worst shape they’ve been in since the great depression. Fox News Channel, and the Bush Administration are the only groups touting the resilience of the American Economy these days. No one is taking them seriously. It’s obvious they don’t even believe it themselves. They buy gas like you and I. They see the value of their 401k’s dropping and their medical insurance skyrocketing. Changing the name of the troubled Ascent at Warner Center project and dropping prices to well below cost may be the only option. The problem is; it’s nowhere near completion. This project is so far behind schedule already, there’s no end in sight.

Some will say, “Recessions are nothing new to home builders.” And they’re right. What usually happens in times like these are non-essential staff are let go. Lights are turned-off and sales people are gathered together and given a do-or-die scenario and told, “We’re going to invoke in a brand new sales competition. We’ll have prizes and awards for the top sellers. We’re going to bring in a special motivational speaker and we’re going to Sell Like We’ve Never Sold Before!!! And I know with a little luck and hard work we’re going make it. I just know we are.” But you know what? I don’t think they’re going to make it. Not this time. Not in this market. What do you think???

Recommended Viewing

If you haven’t already seen the segment shown on KCET, Bill Moyers Journal about the “Hollywood to the Docks March” here is your chance. Go to http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/06132008/watch.html to watch this extraordinary piece on the struggle of American working families highlighted by this march by Los Angeles union members. Sometimes it takes an outsider to be able to explain exactly what is really happening and put it all in focus in a way that the public can understand. They did such a great job this time explaining the complexities of the class-war that’s been ongoing for decades. How the workers have been taken advantage of by corporate interests leaving many with little or no safety net. When CEO’s like Brian Robert’s of Comcast and others are paid just obscene amounts of money and the average employee scrapes by barely keeping up with inflation. It’s great to see someone finally articulating the growing disparity between the super rich and the working poor. You will recognize many familiar faces from the LA labor movement in the video. The march from Hollywood to San Pedro was led by Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor back in April. Enjoy!

Labor Endorses Obama

AFL-CIO Votes to Endorse Senator Barack Obama for PresidentJune 26, 2008

Endorsement Triggers Largest Ever Mobilization of Working Families AFL-CIO Program to Reach Union Voters Nationwide, 13 Million in 24 Priority States http://www.meetobama08.org/
Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear.

“In so many ways―on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq―our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.”

In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.

“Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation,” read the AFL-CIO General Board’s statement to endorse Obama. “His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together.” The General Board, which includes presidents of all 56 unions in the federation as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups, votes by per capita membership.

“Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement,” the statement continued. The endorsement is not only a stamp of approval; it marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters―including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America―in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates.

“We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama,” said AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee. “Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.”

Today, the AFL-CIO also launched a new website that provides extensive information on Obama’s background, record and positions (http://www.meetobama08.com/).

The endorsement is the latest phase in a massive grassroots program to mobilize union voters. In early March, the AFL-CIO launched its national “McCain Revealed” campaign, which focuses on educating union voters about John McCain’s anti-worker record and plans. Since the campaign began, AFL-CIO volunteers have knocked on more than 60,000 doors and delivered 1.5 million worksite flyers on McCain’s economic record. Nearly a half-million mailers on McCain’s economic positions have been sent to union swing voters in key battlegrounds.

“We want to engage our members and all working people on the need for action on the issues that make a difference in our daily lives," said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Ed Hill. “It is time to move beyond name calling and division so that our country can take positive action on the challenges we face.”

United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard said, “Senator Obama’s plan to revitalize American manufacturing and his commitment to make workers the top priority in any trade agreement give our members hope that his election will lead the country in a new direction that’s long overdue, and inspire us to work as never before to secure his victory.”

Elements of the AFL-CIO grassroots mobilization:
The AFL-CIO top-tier states in 2008 are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
More than 250,000 volunteers will be activated and deployed.
Through Labor Day, volunteers will go to 300,000 union voters’ homes, make more than 300,000 phone calls and distribute over 2 million fliers.
In addition to the presidential election, the AFL-CIO is engaged in every viable Senate race and more than 60 House races. All told, the AFL-CIO will be engaged in more than 510 races nationwide, including state legislative elections.
The unions of the AFL-CIO will collectively devote more than $200 million to the 2008 election.
The 2008 grassroots mobilization is the most sophisticated program the AFL-CIO has ever run, employing cutting-edge voter communication techniques, including micro-targeting to ensure our members are receiving the information they want on the candidates and issues.
Working families are poised to play a pivotal role in this year’s elections. On Election Day, union household members will account for nearly one in four voters nationwide. The campaign in support of Sen. Obama will prove especially helpful among working class voters, which many have identified as the swing group in this election.

In key battleground states such as Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, union household voters made up between 25 and 35 percent of the total vote in 2006.

In 2004, turnout among registered AFL-CIO union voters was as much as 19 percentage points higher than turnout among nonunion voters in key battleground states.

Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, has expanded to 11 states and will have more than 2.5 million members nationwide by Labor Day. In Ohio alone, Working America has nearly 800,000 members.

Union household voters across all demographics consistently cast votes for pro-working family candidates. For example, in the last presidential election among AFL-CIO members, 61 percent of white voters voted for John Kerry, while 37 percent voted for George Bush. By contrast, among nonunion voters, 41 percent of white voters cast ballots for Kerry while 58 percent voted for Bush

KB Homes Announces Fire Sale

Work has resumed on the problem plagued Ascent at Warner Center project at 21301 West Erwin Street. This is the location of a construction fire that caused major damage to two floors. Representatives from White Residential and KB Homes refused comment on Friday when asked if corners were cut in an effort to speed up construction. Industry experts have speculated that the structure might be condemned due to shoddy workmanship. When asked about the status of the project, management referred all comments to their legal staff. A sign remains on the gate that reads “Limited Entry; Off limits to unauthorized personnel by order of the Dept of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles. Warning: this structure or site has been damaged and may be dangerous to occupy. Further damage may occur at any time. Enter at your own risk. This facility was inspected under emergency conditions on 03-24-08, 10:30am”. No Helix Electric employees were seen on Friday. Two men believed to be from Withee Malcolm Architects were on site briefly. A banner on the building directs the public to the KB Homes/Ascent Sales Gallery at 21101 Oxnard Street just far enough away to mask the smell of burnt lumber.

LA Valley College Welcomes Labor Leader

Dolores Huerta cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union was guest speaker at the Valley College Labor Fair on Wednesday. After being welcomed by Dr. Tyree Wieder, President of the College, Dolores led the group in a union clap and chants of “Si Se Puede”. It was the first ever student-organized labor event for the college. Members of the Puente Club, M.E.Ch.A., and CalPIRG, along with other groups participated. Representatives from the American Federation of Teachers, Farm Workers, Electricians, P.I.P.E. Trades, and Grocery Workers all sponsored booths to help build inroads for students to become aware about labor and opportunities in labor unions. This modest event will no doubt grow in the coming years. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Construction Careers Policy Adopted

The City of Los Angeles has passed a landmark project labor agreement covering construction through the Community Redevelopment Agency. The City Council voted unanimously to adopt the language. Members of the Building Trades, many of whom were wearing their hard hats packed the Council Chambers. Every Council person took the opportunity to congratulate the great work of all the union as well as community groups that worked together to get it passed. After the successful vote a victory luncheon was held in the Tom Bradley Penthouse atop City Hall. Maria Elena Durazo of the LA County Federation of Labor introduced the various stakeholders and participants who worked so tirelessly to bring this measure to fruition. After lunch Mayor Villaraigosa held a press conference on the West Lawn with members of the Building Trades holding signs and banners as a backdrop. Then it was off to the LA County Fed for a Victory BBQ. This has been a great week for Labor!

Union Made Movie a Hit!!!

I had the pleasure of attending the premier of the new movie Union Made Six Lives Transformed. It's a fantastic movie that shows just how important unions are in the lives of many Angelenos. The event took place at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and several prominent Labor leaders were there as well as rank and file members and clergy. The six union members that were profiled in the movie attended with their families as well.

5th Annual Alt Build Expo

The 5th Annual Alternative Building and Materials Design Expo hosted by the City of Santa Monica is scheduled for Friday, April 25th, Saturday April 26th and Sunday April 26th at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. This is a new location for the event that will hold more people. Admission is free and parking is just $8. It’s presented as the most extensive presentation of green building and water conservation in the Southland. Representatives of the electrical union will host a booth to provide information on solar and alternative energy solutions. Space is available on a first come-first serve basis. For more information please call (310) 390-2930.

Union Made Six Lives Transformed

On Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 6PM, Union Made Six Lives Transformed will be shown at Paramount Studios, Sherry Lansing Theater. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to attend this special screening. The documentary film follows the lives of six members of the Ironworkers Union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Pipe Trades Unions. The film was based on a front-page article in the Los Angeles Times that looked at community organizing by Los Angeles Building Trades Unions. These unions continue to reach out to individuals from difficult backgrounds and are helping to improve the community by doing so. The documentary looks at the power of unions to transform people’s lives through quality jobs and training. A reception will precede the event. Food will be served. The film is approximately 60 minutes in length.

Huge Turn Out for LA Workers

Thousands of unionists showed their support for LA’s workers by attending the Hollywood to the Docks March and Rally. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary–Treasurer of the LA County Federation of Labor addressed the crowd at the kickoff rally on the lawn of the La Brea Tar Pits. After all the politicians and Labor leaders gave their presentations the march began. The ILWU Drill Team who traveled from San Francisco led the march. The East side of Wilshire Blvd. was blocked off by police to accommodate the large crowds of marchers. The first stop was the intersection of Wilshire and Western in front of the historic Wiltern Theatre. Over a thousand SEIU volunteers all wearing their purple t-shirts joined up with the crowd. A flat bed truck with sound equipment was used as a make shift stage. Politicians like Mark Ridley Thomas and others pledged their support for the workers. Spanish radio talk show host El Cucuy broadcast interviews with the workers by cell phone and later gave a rousing speech (in Spanish of course). The next leg of the journey ended at a church basement where a delicious lunch was served. Daniel Villao, Council Representative of the LA/OC Building Trades Council thanked the group for their dedication to workers throughout Los Angeles. The march will continue through Thursday and will conclude with a rally in San Pedro.