Union Organizer

Grab The Future

2009-09-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

“Grab the Future,” that was the message to organizers attending the 2009 Membership Development Conference. During the general session use of social networking technology such as Youtube, Facebook and Twitter was discussed at length as a way for organizers to forge relationships with today’s workers. Social networking as a recruitment tool is something I wrote about in my book, Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers. I was glad to see so many organizers and local unions embracing social networking. All were encouraged to link sites and members together for greater communication.

The conference was held at Bally’s Las Vegas and was attended by over 1000 of the top organizers and labor leaders from the United States and Canada. The keynote speaker was IBEW, International President Edwin D. Hill. Hill reminded the delegates that challenges create opportunities. Las Vegas Mayor, Oscar B. Goodman welcomed delegates to the city. Comedian Mark Lundholm who has appeared on Comedy Central and has had his own Showtime Comedy Special provided energetic humor in the opening session.

Director of Construction Organizing, Kirk Brungard gave the opening remarks on the second day. He also led a panel discussion on Grabbing The Green Energy Market with experts Solomon Furer, Paul Costello, Dennis Affinati, Bill Dever, Michael Redlund and John Bourne. Veronica Soto, of the We Build program spoke on Developing the Message. I had the honor of helping to present a training session on Organizing Work in Public Agencies. The construction seminar offered attendees an opportunity to practice public speaking before a mock city council on issues related to public work projects. Other training sessions included construction law, Apprenticeship Updates, Building a Vibrant Volunteer Organizing Committee, etc.

At the closing session, guest speaker, Stewart Acuff from the AFL-CIO gave a passionate speech on the need to pass National Healthcare Reform now.

Healthcare Reform Theme for Labor Day Parade

2009-09-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of marchers carried signs and banners in support of President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Plan at this year's 30th Annual Labor Day Parade and Picnic. An effort by Democrat’s to provide health coverage to American workers is meeting stiff opposition by powerful health insurance corporations and employer funded right wing Republican politicians. What a great day for a parade and to renew Labor’s core values of service, fairness and giving people a voice in their workplace.

Members of Los Angles trade unions came together to celebrate labor’s rich heritage of helping workers and their families. The parade features big rigs, marching bands, floats, classic cars and motorcycles. The weather was perfect, just right for a picnic. Despite a poor economy and perhaps because of the fact; more people than ever before marched in the parade. The route wound through a working class neighborhood and ended in Banning Park where a huge barbeque and rally took place.

FREE 10 PAGE SPECIAL REPORT

2009-07-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

Want to learn more about the latest Green opportunities? Request my FREE 10 PAGE SPECIAL REPORT by clicking here. Just include the words "Special Report" in the subject line.

My name is Bob Oedy, and I’m the author of The Green Career Ladder, a step-by-step guide to profitable careers in sustainable energy. In the past, most people who were concerned about the environment had to choose between making a difference and making a living, but those days are over. Volatile energy prices and technological change now make it possible to save the planet and get rich at the same time. Working in Green energy is like working in Hollywood: there are a lot of people who want to get into the industry for reasons that have nothing to do with money. They’re willing to take a pay cut because they want to do good work, and there are plenty of companies willing to exploit that idealism to get cheap labor. I don’t want you to fall into that trap. I want to see you succeed and reach the pinnacle of your dreams. I’ll show you how in The Green Career Ladder.

Green Jobs Now!

2009-07-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

The community supports the elimination of ugly power lines in Los Angeles. Power poles and wires are seen as blight to neighborhoods. They are dangerous for both the public and the line workers who work on them and their use destroys forests. For years politicians, various community groups and labor have been meeting to come up with solutions and are now asking the city to "Invest in a Green LA".

City Council Member Herb Wesson held a press conference on the West Lawn at Los Angeles City Hall. Backed by supporters he announced the Green Jobs Bond Initiative which will provide substantial investment for three Green programs.
1) The Green Retrofit and Workforce Program.
2) LA River Master Plan
3) LA CleanTech Manufacturing Corridor Initiative

The goal is to put 25 percent of LA’s power lines underground by 2030, retrofit all affordable housing, and require LEED silver standards or better for residential rehabilitation projects funded by the Housing Dept. These projects will lead to the development of Green jobs and provide a Green career ladder for young people.

Green Opportunities at California Construction Expo

2009-06-27T16:06:00.001-07:00

There will be many Green opportunities for contractors, designers, exhibitors, sponsors, construction professionals, and suppliers at the upcoming California Construction Expo.

It’s a huge annual event that draws the best in the green construction industry. Registration is now open for the August 13th, 2009 event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Contractors could potentially find access to public contracts from $5,000 to $100,000,000.

Register at http://www.calconexpo.com/ Admission is $55; after July 31 it goes up to $70. A full access pass includes all events, workshops and exhibits. Exhibitors can get a discount before July 31st too. A standard exhibit will run $700. For more information call 1-(877) 8CalCon or send email to info@calconexpo.com . I’ll see you there!

Electricians New High-Tech Auditorium Unveiled

2009-06-27T15:07:00.000-07:00

The Electrical Training Institute of Los Angeles’ new 1.2 million dollar auditorium was unveiled for the first time. There is seating for 175 students in the main area and up to 500 in the adjoining hall. Both rooms feature state of the art audio and video equipment, large retractable projection screens, Bose speakers, remote controlled video cameras, studio lighting and engineered acoustics.

The project was completed on time and on budget using 100 percent union labor. The certificate of occupancy was granted in time for the June General Membership Meeting. Many in attendance commented on the excellent quality of the construction and materials used as well as the amazing acoustics and lighting. The auditorium and adjoining hall will serve the students of the Electrical Training Institute and members of IBEW Local 11 for many years to come. It is just one more example of the ongoing commitment the IBEW and NECA have made to training.

The ETI is powered by a 488 KW Photovoltaic system on the roof of the facility. Union electricians and contractors interested in opportunities in the Green construction industry can attend courses on renewable energy being held in the new auditorium.

Clean Tech Manufacturing Facility Passes First Hurdle

2009-05-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously passed an agreement to move forward with the proposed Green light rail car manufacturing plant. Italian manufacturing company Ensaldo Breda has agreed to hire union workers and pay prevailing wages at the site injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. The new clean tech facility will be a socially responsible LEED certified project. The design incorporates water and energy conservation, use of recycled materials, and photovoltaic panels. The project is expected to create at least 650 full time Green jobs and utilize local hiring through a training agreement between AnsaldoBreda and Trade Tech College.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Visits LA

2009-04-24T21:36:00.001-07:00

The Veterans Committee of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO hosted a town hall meeting with U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. The event took place at Union Station and drew hundreds veterans and union members from such unions as Service Workers, The Electricians, Communications Workers, Warehouse Workers, Teachers, etc….. The panel of speakers included Hilda Solis, Speaker Karen Bass, Jim Weitkamp, Col. Joseph Smith, Beatriz Silva, Marvin Kropke, Maria Elena Durazo.

Mayor Addresses Solar Volunteers

2009-02-28T22:38:00.001-08:00

Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa joined community volunteers for a rally Saturday to support Measure B, the green jobs, solar energy initiative. Environmentalists, labor and community groups combed the streets of Los Angeles speaking with voters about clean air and good jobs for local residents. While Measure B has broad based community support, it is strongly opposed by big oil and other right-wing republican groups.

Final Push for YES ON MEASURE B

2009-02-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

This weekend brought out more community supporters for Yes on Measure B. Volunteers knocked on a record amount of doors throughout Los Angeles. They spoke with registered voters and took the message to the streets. Support for Measure B is growing. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa supports the Green Jobs Initiative. You can see the commercial he appeared in by clicking here. Last week a debate was conducted at Daniel Webster Middle School located at 11350 Graham Place, Los Angeles. There is so much desire for solar power right now that people arrived as early as 5pm though the event didn’t officially begin until 7pm. It was clear to most in the audience that the biggest opposition to the initiative was from Big Oil and other right-wing republican groups.

It’s hard to make an argument against solar, but they tried. Dede Audet seemed to argue that the city might need "air rights" to harness the suns rays. I have to admit, I had never heard that argument before. The best argument for Measure B is that it reduces the city’s carbon footprint, creates green collar jobs, encourages local manufacturing, and creates power during peak hours when it’s needed most. After hearing all the arguments the moderator, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl added his endorsement for Yes On Measure B.

YES ON MEASURE B

2009-02-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

The T-shirt says it all, “Green Energy, Yes on B, Good Jobs”. Once again labor and community activists came out in force to support Measure B, the solar initiative. It started with registration, then a rally in support of Green jobs. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO addressed the crowd using a bullhorn. She thanked everyone for coming out on Valentine’s Day and encouraged the group to visit as many voters as possible. Maria Elena spoke on the measure’s importance to workers in the Los Angeles area who are struggling during this economic recession. She spoke about the end result of installing environmentally friendly photovoltaic systems throughout the city. She applauded the group for their dedication to seeing green technology adopted and the benefits leading to careers in the new green economy.

Volunteers attended training then fanned out in pairs to canvas local neighborhoods. Reaction to the message was positive and thousands of registered voters committed to support Measure B on Election Day. Leaflets in Support of Measure B were provided in both English and Spanish.

Phone banking for Measure B is also taking place. If you are interested in volunteering contact the Los Angeles Federation of Labor through their website.

Measure B is endorsed by the Sierra Club, American Lung Association, Coalition for Clean Air, Apollo Alliance, Agenda, LA League of Conservation Voters, The Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Success Duel Disc Hits Mark

2009-02-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

With all the negativity in the news these days it’s nice to find something positive to read and listen to. For those taking advice from Zig Ziglar and listening to books on tape in their cars Success Magazine has the answer; the Duel Disc. It’s a CD on one side with interviews of industry leaders and a DVD on the other with clips of motivational speakers at their best. It’s not often that I’m blown away by a product or service, but this one’s different. The duel disc is an added bonus included free in every issue. The March issue features an interview with Seth Godin the legendary marketing genius, Roger Dawson, Jill Konrath and the late Napoleon Hill. The DVD side has video of Harvey Mackay and Tony Alessandra.

Success Magazine is the best periodical on the market. In fact, I can’t remember a time were I subscribed to a magazine and a year later read every issue cover to cover. The closest yet was perhaps VideoMaker or PC Magazine in their early days. Even those subscriptions were cancelled. It didn’t surprise me at all when PC Magazine announced they were going online only.

The problem with most magazines is the over use of advertisements and same layout every month. You get to the point where you don’t even care what’s in the next issue because the information is so stale. Not Success! George Foreman is on the cover of the March issue and inside are tips from Zig Ziglar, Jim Cathcart, Tom Hopkins and Paul J Meyer just to name a few. I’m a huge fan!

If you’re tired of being bombarded by the media with negative messages, consider subscribing to Success Magazine.

Community Kick Off for Measure B

2009-02-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

Community groups rallied in South Los Angeles on Saturday in support of Measure B. Measure B is the green energy, green jobs solar initiative an ambitious plan to install enough photovoltaic panels to provide 400 Megawatts of energy in the City of Los Angeles. This measure is about creating careers in the new green economy. Activists worked in pairs knocking on doors and speaking with voters. The initiative is widely supported by Labor, the Coalition for Clean Air, Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, Agenda, the Apollo Alliance and many more community groups. Election day is Tuesday March 3rd. Don’t forget to vote! Vote Yes on Measure B!

March to Support Employee Free Choice Act

2009-02-05T18:17:00.000-08:00

Hundreds marched today from the Los Angeles Federation of Labor Headquarters to the Wilshire Federal Building in support of the Employee Free Choice Act. The weather cooperated in the beginning of the march but then rain fell toward the end of the 10 plus mile journey. Workers from all different trades and industries joined together to voice their enthusiastic support for the much needed legislation.

President of Steelworkers Interviewed on KCET

2009-01-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

If you’re like me you missed the first airing of the interview with Bill Moyers on January 9th. Luckily you can still see it by clicking here.

United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard strongly supports President Obama’s appointment of Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor. He supports the Employee Free Choice Act, Universal Healthcare and placing manufacturing at the top of the agenda to fix the current economic situation. He railed against what he calls “Toyota Republicans” for spending billions of taxpayer dollars in the form of tax cuts to lure foreign car companies and undercut American wages.
President Gerard is a union man through and through. He is the son of a union miner who rose through the ranks. He’s credited with adding 350,000 members in his first term in office. He is also one of the founding members of the Apollo Alliance.

Pro Union Consulting, LLC Sees Growth In Economic Downturn

2009-01-23T20:59:00.000-08:00

Pro Union Consulting is the brainchild of Founder and President Matt Kolbinsky. The company’s focus is training rank-and-file union members to become successful signatory contractors. While construction spending is down nationwide, enrollment is up for Pro Union Consulting. Packed classes such as the one put on at the Electrical Training Institute in January are testament to the growing demand. Some students have traveled from out of state to receive the same training credited with launching dozens of union enterprises into profitability.

The program has been updated to reflect the realities of today’s market conditions. More emphasis is being put on collections upon completion of work, mechanics liens and stop notices. New contractors are often unprepared to deal with customers who delay payments according to Kolbinsky.

Work at CityCenter Project Halted

2009-01-19T19:58:00.000-08:00

The huge number of jobs created at the CityCenter Project has given construction workers around the country hope during the economic meltdown. If times were tough at home you could always travel to Las Vegas and find work it seemed. That has all come to a grinding halt as of last week. Sources say as many as 500 electricians and 1200 carpenters were given pink slips as funding for the project has all but dried up.

If you’ve never seen the Las Vegas CityCenter Project in person it’s hard to imagine the scope. Try to envision the largest construction site you’ve ever seen and then multiply that by three. It’s the largest construction project in the history of Las Vegas. That should tell you something right there. We’re talking billions of dollars worth of work. One blogger describes it as the Deathstar from Star Wars. Perhaps Dubai has something of this size, but I’ve never been there.

Community Backs Greuel for City Controller

2009-01-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel hosted a traditional community picnic at the Sherman Oaks-Van Nuys Park to kick off her campaign for Los Angeles City Controller. A delicious lunch was served by volunteers. The crowd numbered in the hundreds bolstered by working families and key community groups. Children took center stage holding signs and eventually joining Greuel on the platform. She announced her support for energy audits of city buildings to identify opportunities for utilizing green technology to save money and reducing traffic by expanding programs to give incentives for not driving a car to work. She spoke about the budget crises and the need for more fiscal responsibility. Councilman Tom LeBonge and Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield spoke and enthusiastically announced their support.

New President Sworn In at Local 11

2008-12-24T13:17:00.001-08:00

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

2008-12-24T12:15:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-28T19:17:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

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 .

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New Hampshire to Dilute Diploma

2008-11-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-02T19:41:00.001-08:00

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.