Union Organizer

Bureau of Labor Statistics Report on Union Members in 2011

2012-01-31T12:21:00.000-08:00

OPA News Release: [01/27/2012]
Contact Name: Jason Surbey
Phone Number: (202) 693-4668
Release Number: 12-0169-NAT

Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis regarding Bureau of Labor Statistics report on union members in 2011

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement regarding the Bureau of Labor Statistics report released today on union members in 2011:

"Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that, in 2011, the unionization rate of employed wage and salary workers was 11.8 percent, essentially unchanged from 11.9 percent in 2010. Among private sector employees, the rate remained at 6.9 percent.

"The data also show that among full-time wage and salary workers, the median weekly earnings of union members were $938, compared to $729 for nonunion workers. Union women earned median weekly earnings of $879, an amount 34.6 percent higher than their nonunion counterparts, who earned just $653 by comparison.

"Prior reporting shows that union members have greater access to health care, retirement and leave benefits. Today's numbers make it clear that union jobs are critical to a strong economy. And a strong economy depends on a strong and growing middle class.

"Ensuring that all people have a voice at work and protecting their right to organize and bargain collectively are essential for an America that's built to last, where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone pays his or her fair share and everyone plays by the same rules."

How to Master the Organizer Evaluation

2012-01-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

You’ve been assigned to attend an organizer evaluation, put on by your union to assess your ability as a union organizer. Regardless of your skill and experience this is not going to be a walk-in-the-park.

Unions are implementing a tough new 25 point evaluation process to screen out unqualified applicants for union organizer positions. If you aren’t ready to hit the ground running in a high stakes strategic organizing campaign you won’t pass. How you perform here, could affect the rest of your organizing career.

These are the five things you must do to master the organizer evaluation.

1. Be prepared to write a strategic organizing plan.

One assignment requires writing a strategic plan for a fictitious company highlighted during the three-day event. The plan should include such things as; goals, timelines, bench marks, issues, leaders, meetings, employee list, volunteer organizing committee, house calls, target date for filing, hand bills, mailings, emails, itemized expenses, etc. It’s expected to be completed and turned in the next morning.

2. Take detailed notes before, during and after each role play.

Yes, that’s right. You’re going to be doing role play. It’s designed to get you out of your comfort zone to see if you can answer questions extemporaneously. Most organizers excel at this, so have fun!

Each role play is related to the same campaign. In other words whether you are communicating with a worker or addressing a volunteer organizing committee its likely part of the same campaign. The information will later be needed when writing your strategic organizing plan. It’s important to remember for example leader’s names, how many employees a company has, etc. Take notes throughout the process to refer to later.

3. Look sharp! Wear appropriate business attire.

You won’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, so dress like you are going to a job interview. Guys; wear a suit and tie, ladies; dress conservatively. Shorts, flip flops, hats or jeans are not appropriate for an event of this type.

4. Listen for clues and urge the person to act.

Some participants have expressed disappointment with their assessment score in one category; Ability to Motivate Others to Act. For whatever reason they didn’t feel they received adequate credit for doing so during role play. Compensate for this by giving each person a specific call to action and asking for a commitment.

5. Get plenty of rest.

There’s a tendency for people to want to blow off some steam after a long day in a classroom, especially when traveling far from family and friends. Be careful not to stay out too late or drink in excess. Get plenty of rest. Eat healthy and be ready for the challenges ahead.

By following these five simple tips you will master the organizer evaluation. You will receive the highest possible score because you will be on top of your game, look sharp, be better informed and avoid common mistakes others have made.

Good Luck!

Bob Oedy helps union organizers succeed in the construction industry by providing solutions to dramatically increase their level of performance and productivity without burning out. For free information on how you can recruit more members, sign contractors and gain jobs for your union go to => www.unionorganizer.com

Book Review of Promoting Your Union; Six Strategies to get More Organizing Leads and Union Members by Jason Mann

2012-01-23T13:40:00.000-08:00

Promoting Your Union; Six Strategies to Get More Organizing Leads and Union Members by Jason Mann

Self Published

Soft Cover

118 pages

Union Label: Canadian Freeland Union Local 2040

www.PromotingYourUnion.com

ISBN 9781468137972

Available through Amazon.com

Promoting Your Union is a well thought out and practical guide on how to generate more leads for your union. Relying on his experience as a union organizer, labor activist and new media guru Jason Mann compiled his thoughts in a readable and implementable way.

This is an instructional book; heavily bullet pointed without any fluff. Mann’s writing style is like that of the great Tom Peters, without the signature exclamation points. There are no photos or illustrations, experts quoted, references sited, empirical data, or background information provided about the author, just a straight forward do these things and you will succeed. At less than 20,000 words, you can easily finish this book on a long plane flight. Here the author has given organizers and union leaders the essentials to easily move the proverbial puck forward.

Some of my favorite points are the importance of effective targeting, communicating emotion, improving your union’s website, creating a pull campaign, building a contact database, creating “I work at” Facebook pages (I did this), connecting with future workers, repeat referrals, gathering testimonials, creating videos for YouTube, and checking websites rating former employers. Other ideas would require research and detailed knowledge of HTML code, such as split testing campaign websites and tracking conversion rates using Google Analytics.

Overall this is an easy read with plenty of great ideas organizers can implement right away. I recommend purchasing a copy for yourself and each member of your staff.

Open Letter to Editor Ashville Citizen-Times

2011-12-29T15:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Editor,

The economic down turn has packed a double wallop against workers in America. Not only are we facing lay-offs and cut backs, but pressure from lower wages and increased inflation. All across this Country, workers are being squeezed to produce more at less cost. Our only allies, the unions, are under attack by misguided politicians and corporate business groups. It’s a recipe for disaster!

Not every employer takes advantage of workers to the degree alleged at Sitel Call Center. And that’s good! However, when one employer gets away with it; the message to other business owners is clear.

As I understand it, there are approximately 600 people working at the Sitel Call Center, mostly female, with two restrooms on opposite sides of the building. Workers are forced to rush, hold it, or risk discipline if taking more than the allotted time. Anyone with a daughter, sister, wife or mother should understand. This is not right!

This is America! We don’t tolerate sweatshops here. Business owners should not treat workers like trash. I know you will receive letters from business owners sighting the need for more control over workers in the workplace due of foreign competition, but I hope you will understand our friends and family members are being taken advantage of, and it’s not right!

Bob Oedy

NOFX at Occupy Los Angeles

2011-11-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

Fat Mike and Eric Melvin of legendary punk rock band NOFX entertained the crowd at Occupy Los Angeles on Sunday. The two were joined by Johnny of Old Man Markley another Fat Wreck Chords band. This was a free show that almost didn't happen when some speed metal band decided last minute to compete for attention. Luckily that didn't last long and the NOFX members were given their chance.

It was an amazing set which included a song written by Mike specifically for the Occupy Movement. Its a catchy tune which the crowd insisted they play twice. Not many bands could get away with that. This was urban camping at it's best with no real stage just a small crowded concrete area surrounded by tents. Tomorrow police are expected to close down the park and force everyone to leave. That's why today's free concert was appreciated so much by all in attendance.

Union Organizer Website Redesigned

2011-11-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

Union Organizer.com is a website for union organizers in the construction industry. The site has been redesigned to be more video based. Articles are still published on the site for those who prefer to read, but now you have the option of watching videos on your computer, phone or other portable devices. Check out the new look at http://www.unionorganizer.com

Unions Now, More Than Ever

2011-07-28T20:14:00.000-07:00

Find Bigger Labor in Union Communications Services Online Catalogue

2011-07-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Bigger Labor: A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers
By Bob Oedy

This helpful 2008 book is a comprehensive guide to construction organizing best practices. It covers everything from what to do on a picket line to tips on visiting job sites, from effective handbilling to dealing with police, from building a banner to salting. It offers building trades organizers extensive communication tips for every situation, from following up with potential recruits to effectively getting your point across at public hearings.

Oedy, an experienced organizer based in Los Angeles, focuses on helping new organizers who want to get up to speed quickly and get a handle on who’s doing what work and where. “You don’t need to know every detail about common-situs picketing or the Moore Dry Dock case, you need to know how to access more job sites and what to do when someone chases you off a job,” Oedy says. “You need to know how to make a database of all the contractors and craft workers and keep in touch with them over time. You need to know what you can put on a flyer without getting the union sued. You need to know what to do – and avoid – when speaking at a city council meeting. To those ends the book offers everyday street language, no legal jargon.” 132 pages paperback

Price:

$19.95

Bigger Labor Facebook Page Launched

2011-07-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bigger-Labor-A-Crash-Course-for-Construction-Union-Organizers/236840859679591

To check it out hit the link above. While you're there please "Like" Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers. Thanks!

Using Computers to Organize

2011-07-27T12:03:00.001-07:00

http://youtu.be/6TPzx69fEvU

New Online Degree Program for Labor

2011-02-15T15:07:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The National Labor College (NLC) Launches New Bachelor’s Degree Programs.

SILVER SPRING, MD, January 24, 2011 — The National Labor College, which is

sponsored by the AFL-CIO and is the nation’s only regionally-accredited higher

education institution devoted exclusively to educating union members, leaders, and staff,

today announced it has launched three new fully-online bachelor’s degree programs in

Construction Management, Emergency Readiness and Response Management, and

Business Administration.

“Our new online bachelor’s degree programs are designed to help union members

advance in their current jobs or move into growth areas for new, good jobs,” said Dr.

Paula Peinovich, President of the NLC. “The College is proud to be part of the solution

to our country’s current unemployment crisis.”

New Online Degrees

These new degree-completion programs offer union members the convenience and

flexibility of online study. And with special union member rates and scholarships, NLC

students can complete their degree for less than $10,000 in two years. Plus, learning

from work experience and apprenticeships can earn union members credits towards

completing their degree.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

NLC’s bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is based upon the ethical treatment

of all members of society, sustainable business practices, and the idea that all

organizations should contribute to the health of the community. This program is unique

in that it has required courses that explore the labor movement’s contributions to

American society and economic prosperity. The program is designed to support the needs

of all members of the labor movement interested in contributing to the health of their

families, their unions, their organizations, and their communities.

Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management

The NLC offers the only bachelor's degree in Construction Management with required

courses that explore the labor movement’s preeminent role in the construction industry.

This degree is geared for members of the Building and Construction Trades unions who

are interested in combining their experience in the industry with the knowledge and

credentials gained in this program to become effective construction managers.

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management

The NLC is the only higher education institution offering a Bachelor of Science degree in

Emergency Readiness and Response Management that includes required courses

examining our nation’s safety and security from a labor perspective. The program is

specifically designed for rank and file union members in Fire Services, EMS, Law

Enforcement, Public Safety, Homeland Security, and other related unions. Areas of study

include the rise of modern terrorism, domestic terrorism, the Homeland Security

organization, and labor and civil liberties issues.

For more information on The National Labor College, go to http://www.nlc.edu.

The Princeton Review, Inc. (Nasdaq: REVU) has partnered with the National Labor

College to bring high-quality online bachelor’s degree completion and certificate

programs to America’s 17 million union members and working adults in their families.

About The AFL-CIO

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

is a voluntary federation of 57 national and international labor unions

http://www.aflcio.org/aboutus/unions/. The AFL-CIO was created in 1955 by the merger

of the AFL and the CIO. The AFL-CIO union movement represents 11.5 million

members. We are teachers and miners, firefighters and farm workers, bakers and

engineers, pilots and public employees, doctors and nurses, painters and plumbers—and

more. www.aflcio.org.

About the National Labor College

Established as a training center by AFL-CIO in 1969 to strengthen union member

education and organizing skills, today the NLC is the nation's only accredited higher

education institution devoted exclusively to educating union leaders, members and

activists. The NLC became a degree granting college in 1997 and first earned

accreditation in 2004. www.nlc.edu. The college is accredited by the Middle States

Commission on Higher Education, an independent, regional accrediting body recognized

by the U.S. Department of Education. www.msche.org.

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: REVU) has been a pioneer and leader in helping students

achieve their higher education goals for more than 28 years through college and graduate

school test preparation and private tutoring. With more than 165 print and digital

publications and a free website, www.PrincetonReview.com, the company provides

students and their parents with the resources to research, apply to, prepare for, and learn

how to pay for higher education. The Princeton Review partners with schools and

guidance counselors throughout the U.S. to assist in college readiness, test preparation

and career planning services, helping more students pursue postsecondary education.

The company also owns and operates Penn Foster Education Group, a global leader in

online education, providing career-focused degree and vocational programs in the fields

of allied health, business, technology, education, and select trades through Penn Foster

High School and Penn Foster Career School (www.pennfoster.edu). Penn Foster creates

the platform to leverage the company’s Career Education Partnerships division which is

comprised of ventures with the National Labor College (NLC) and Community College

Partnerships (CCP). The venture with the NLC was formed to bring high-quality bachelor

degree’s completion and certificate programs to the AFL-CIO's 13 million members and

the working adults in their families. The CCP venture is a partnership with community

colleges to expand distance and hybrid learning opportunities. For more information, visit

www.PrincetonReview.com.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education, (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

19104, 267-284-5000, http://www.msche.org/)

The National Labor College.

CONTACT: Michelle Dempsey (570) 961-4641

Michelle.Dempsey@pennfoster.edu

###

Jason Mann on 5.5 Best Practices for Unions using Facebook

2011-01-13T18:08:00.000-08:00

Volunteer Organizing Committee In Action

2010-10-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Members of the D-4 Organizing Committee and their kids helped serve popcorn, cotton-candy and snow-cones at the 12th Annual IBEW Local 11, Picnic. All of the items were provided free of charge. The organizing committee booth was well received. Over 1000 snow-cones were given out, 700 cotton-candy and 500 bags of popcorn. The event featured a barbeque, games, raffles, bingo, face-painting and more. Two attractions were added this year, a mechanical bull-ride and a king-of-the-mountain jumper. The weather was perfect for a family picnic.

Richard Trumka to Rally Los Angeles

2010-08-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

On Friday August 13th at 12 Noon unions, legislators, community activists and mayors from cities throughout Los Angeles will join AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka to rally for stimulus from the Federal Government. Your participation is vital to sending the message that working people are hurting. Please meet on the south steps of City Hall and bring banners and signs.

A Tip to Avoid Burnout

2010-08-08T20:49:00.000-07:00

Organizing Holidays

2010-07-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

Did your local real-estate professional leave a flag in your lawn this week?

Ours did......

She’s done it consistently for 10 years now. We get another one every Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekend. We’ve kept most of them. We’ve got quite a collection on display this weekend.

At first we thought it was pretty silly. We’re not planning on selling our house.

Why put out all that effort?

It works that’s why!

After all these years, she’s proven by her tenacity that she wants the job. When we decide to sell she’s going to get the listing. Most of the neighbors wouldn’t think about using anyone else. They trust her.

What’s this got to do with organizing you might ask?

E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!

Each holiday we’re given an opportunity to connect with the people we wish to influence.

Labor Day is coming up. Perhaps there’s a contractor you always wanted to sign or a candidate you feel would be an asset to the union. You could send a holiday letter or drop off your business card with a note about Labor Day. If done consistently it could make a huge impression. It’s worth a try.

Well, here’s to a safe and Happy Independence Day Weekend!

God Bless America!

I’ve posted a few videos that might interest you here

http://www.youtube.com/user/unionorganizing

http://www.viddler.com/explore/unionorganizer/videos/2/

http://www.viddler.com/explore/unionorganizer/videos/1/

How to Make the Perfect Banner Frame

2010-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Watch The Video Here
A banner needs to be pulled tight to be displayed. Having a lightweight portable frame will allow it to be set up quickly and moved from location to location easily. This frame is designed to hold a banner in place, even in mild winds. Follow these simple instructions to make an inexpensive, easy to assemble, collapsible frame made from PVC pipe. In this example, we will assemble a frame for a banner measuring approximately 4 feet high and 12 feet in length, with a minimum of 12 grommets.

Gather the following tools and materials:

• Banner with grommets.

• Marker.

• Hacksaw or PVC cutter.

• Tape measure.

• Knife.

• 50 ft of 1” diameter PVC pipe.

• Two 1” PVC 90° elbows.

• Six 1” PVC “T” connectors.

• PVC “X” connector.

• Twelve 6” bungee straps.

1. Measure pipes for cutting: four 70 ½ ” lengths, three 48” lengths and nine 12” lengths.

2. Cut the pipes to the proper lengths.

3. Clean the shavings off with a knife.

4. Lay the banner face down on a clean piece of ground.

5. Assemble the pieces over the banner.

6. Thread the bungee straps through the grommets.

7. Wrap the bungee straps around the outside edge of the pipe frame.

8. Now stand the frame up and twist the feet so they hold the frame in place.

The completed frame should extend 2” from the edge of the banner to the inside edge of the frame. The banner should be pulled tight. One-inch PVC pipe works best. Anything smaller may be too flimsy. PVC fittings allow the various pieces of pipe to be fitted together easily and disassembled when finished. The frame is reinforced in the middle to keep the frame from bending. To transport your banner frame, bundle the pipes together and wrap it with the bungee straps.

Congratulations on making the perfect banner frame! It is light weight, portable, inexpensive to make, and easily assembled.

Excerpt from the book Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers by Bob Oedy Copyright 2008

UCLA Labor Center Report Makes A Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency Retrofits

2010-05-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 20, 2010

CONTACT: Daniel Villao - CCA Director

Phone: 213-500-6463

Email: daniel@constructionacademy.org

UCLA Labor Center Report Makes A Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency Retrofits

Why Basic Weatherization will Fall Short in Maximizing Carbon Reductions and Green Job Opportunities

Los Angeles, CA – Today in the United States, buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy use and 73% of total electricity use annually. A deep green approach to energy efficiency refers to the design and technical implementation of energy efficiency retrofit programs in a manner that maximizes job and business creation, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and energy savings as compared to basic weatherization.

“The Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency” report, which has just been released by the California Construction Academy (a project of the UCLA Labor Center) highlights how and why a deep green approach to energy efficiency can unlock the opportunities mentioned above. The report outlines recommendations for developing clear program objectives and outcomes for a deep green approach to energy efficiency. Click here to read the report, or access it through the CCA Website.

Stakeholders and decision-makers who are interested in achieving significant reductions in energy consumption and expanding green job opportunities should opt for a deep green approach to an energy efficiency retrofit program over those that only do basic weatherization, or those that advocate for starting with basic rebate measures instead of beginning with a comprehensive building audit.

In the residential market, basic weatherization traditionally includes “lowest hanging fruit” elements such as insulation, air sealing, and pipe-wrapping. Deep green energy efficiency work takes a “whole-house” approach to retrofits by including a whole building audit at the beginning of a retrofit process, and consists of electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, water conservation, and other energy and water-related upgrades.

As compared to basic weatherization and/or appliance upgrades, a comprehensive deep green energy efficiency retrofit unlocks the largest opportunities to reduce the amount of energy used by buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase indoor air quality and comfort, and create the largest number of green career opportunities in construction and other industries.

Deep green energy efficiency shaped through comprehensive audits will help local municipalities, states, and the federal government accomplish program objectives and meet the “triple-bottom line” goals of economic growth and stability, responsible environmental stewardship, and social justice and equity.

For municipally-run programs, the authors of the report recommend the following program objectives for a deep green approach to energy efficiency:

1) Maximize reductions in green house gas emissions;

2) Maximize potential energy savings;

3) Maximize the opportunities to generate high-road apprenticeable jobs, and business development opportunities (within the construction sector & indirect sectors);

4) Strengthen community-labor-management-municipal relationships; and

5) Educate community on energy-saving and green behaviors.

The authors of the report recommend the following design components for effective implementation of a deep green energy efficiency program:

1) Targeted outreach and education based on neighborhood geography and demographics (determined by available financing)

2) Detailed analysis of building stock, building types, tenancy, and utility metering

3) A turn-key approach to program delivery (one-stop for the customer)

4) Local hire job opportunities and enforceable labor standards

5) Work begins with standardized, BPI/RESNET certified, whole building audits

6) Aggregated and bundled contracts by a public-private Coordinating Entity

7) Immediate improved comfort and/or energy savings for participants

8) Sustainable financing options based on consumer type

9) Third party certification of savings, including monitoring and verification of completed work

Through careful consideration of best practices in the home performance and construction industry, and along side community groups’ desire for jobs and equity, cities can accomplish simultaneous objectives through the design and technical implementation of deep green energy efficiency programs.

The California Construction Academy (CCA), a project of the UCLA Labor Center, provides leadership, coordination, and research on the most relevant issues facing the construction industry throughout the State of California. The CCA accomplishes these objectives through convening educational meetings on workforce development, conducting research on innovative and impactful trends in the construction industry, disseminating research on relevant policy initiatives, and facilitating multi-stakeholder collaborations. For more information, go to http://constructionacademy.org/

###

Hot Off The Press

2010-05-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

We chose Coronet to print The Green Career Ladder; a step-by-step guide to profitable careers in sustainable energy. There were several reasons for our decision:

Coronet is a Premiere Union Printer

It is very important that men and women who manufacture our products receive decent wages and benefits. We requested the union label (Allied Printing Southern California Trades Council 291) be placed on the front cover as well as inside. They’ve got the bug you want.

Coronet is FSC Certified

It is a pleasure to deal with a company that shares our commitment to improving the environment. The FSC trademark assures customers the materials used are from mixed sources such as recycled wood or fiber.

Coronet is Conveniently Located

We saved on shipping charges and reduced greenhouse emissions by locating an award- winning print and design team in the neighborhood.

Coronet Provides Friendly Service

Their fast friendly service cannot be beat. They are an industry leader and have been serving the public since 1946. You can trust them with your toughest jobs.

Coronet Printing is located at 9260 Owensmouth Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Phone: (818) 775-9733

Tell them Bob sent you.

Just Published by Union Organizer Press

2010-04-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

The Green Career Ladder; a step-by-step guide to profitable careers in sustainable energy by Bob Oedy.

Yes you can…

• Get a Green job that won’t rot your soul

• Make the world a cleaner, better place

• Leave a meaningful legacy for future generations

• And make great money doing it!

Why choose between making a difference and making a living? In this ground-breaking guide to Green careers, I reveal the emerging career opportunities that make it possible for you to help save the planet and build a significant personal income at the same time, regardless of your political affiliation or level of training.

Whether you’re a student preparing for a Green lifestyle, a recent graduate looking for your first job, or are contemplating a switch to a Greener second career, The Green Career Ladder will guide you through every stage of the process, including:

• Where to find the best training

• Landing your first job

• Identifying responsible companies that pay well

• Living a Green lifestyle

• Starting your own business

• How to control your own future, make good money, and live a fulfilling life

• Leaving a legacy for future generations

This fast-reading, down-to-earth guide blends sustainable ideals with practical realities to give you realistic insights about today’s growing Green marketplace. You’ll learn why Green is finally here to stay and how to chart your own path to success, both today and tomorrow.

Available at Amazon.com and GreenCareerLadder.com

Printed union in the United States of America

Strong Support for San Gabriel Water District PLA

2010-03-07T17:42:00.000-08:00

It was standing room only for the latest meeting to discuss the benefits of passing a project labor agreement for the upper San Gabriel Water District. Several members of the Building Trades who live in the area came to voice their support for the agreement that would help to promote sustainable careers for San Gabriel area residents.

Major Win For Port Community

2010-03-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

A Project Labor Agreement covering the Middle Harbor in the Port of Long Beach has been ratified after opposition by the Associated Builders and Contractors imploded. City leaders hailed the new agreement as a model for neighboring communities concerned about cost overruns, project delays and missing out on local hiring opportunities. Retired Organizer Larry Henderson whose efforts lead to the adoption of the land mark agreement was congratulated by the Board Members. His efforts to bring good paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities to the residents of Long Beach finally materialized. Over 60 members of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 11 attended the meeting.

Long Beach Labor Candidates Find Support

2010-03-07T16:48:00.000-08:00

Volunteers in the City of Long Beach California have been precinct walking and phone banking for Labor friendly candidates. Recent rains have not deterred their efforts to get the word out to the community. The message of good paying jobs and Greening the Port of Long Beach is being well received. Work will continue right up to Election Day on Tuesday April 12th, 2010.

Advocates Rally for Green Transportation Spending

2010-02-21T21:56:00.000-08:00

Environmental, business and labor groups rallied outside the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority Building. The groups advocate completing transportation projects planned for the next 30 years in just 10 years to help spur California’s economy. The “30 in 10 Plan” as it’s called will use Measure R Funds for improvement projects such as light rail, bus ways and bike paths.

Apprentice Upstages LA Mayor/Former Governor

2010-02-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

One of the best speakers at the 2010 Delegates Congress at the Los Angeles Convention Center was Sammy Jackson. He spoke about completing his pre-apprenticeship program at Century Training in Lennox, CA and successfully passed the entrance exam to enter the IBEW, Local 11 Apprenticeship. Jackson had to overcome several obstacles to get to where he is today and is grateful for the opportunity. He is currently working at LA Live on the Ritz-Carlton Project. He has learned to bend 3” and 4” conduit on a hydraulic bender and is in the very first day-class given at the Electrical Training Institute. Other notable speakers were Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former California Governor Jerry Brown.

Another highlight of the Delegates Congress was the push for The March for California’s Future. It’s a planned march from Bakersfield to the State Capitol with a goal of registering and engaging voters. The kick-off event is scheduled for March 5th, 2010. Several attendee’s took the stage in a show of support and pledged to complete the March by April 21st. To learn more go to www.fight4california.com or to get involved call Ade at (213) 387-0780, extension #17

President Trumka Visits Local 11

2010-01-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka visited IBEW Local 11’s Electrical Training Institute on his recent visit to California. He spoke to an apprenticeship training class about his experiences working in the coal mines of southwest Pennsylvania. President Trumka was elected into office on September 16^th along with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler who came from the IBEW and is the first ever woman to be elected to the position.

LAX Officers Report Abuse

2009-12-19T10:56:00.000-08:00

A rally for Airport Security Officers at Los Angeles International Airport attracted hundreds of supporters. Activists wore signs that read, “Stand with Front-Line Defenders of Airport Safety” and “The Union Is Here” – Another Union Member in Solidarity with Transportation Security Officers and their Union – AFGE, AFL-CIO. The labor dispute arose from alleged intimidation and firings of airport security personnel for complaining about poor working conditions at LAX. Several local politicians and labor leaders took the stage to speak in support of the Security Officers and their union. The demonstration took place outside Gate 1 near the South West Airlines Arrival Gate.

Employees Embrace Green Technology

2009-12-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Union electricians employed at Steiny and Company, Inc. install a solar array on the rooftop of their Baldwin Park warehouse. The new solar panels will provide abundant power for lighting and other needs for years to come. According to Richard Tesoriero, Vice President of Steiny the company hopes to offset their carbon footprint and convince other businesses to do the same. The warehouse is part of Steiny’s intelligent transportation division where work is performed maintaining fleet vehicles and storing tools and materials. Congratulations to Steiny and Company, Inc. for utilizing Green technology and providing good paying union jobs.

Secretary of Labor Crashes Organizing Meeting

2009-11-24T19:45:00.000-08:00

The nerve of some people…………. Just as organizers were discussing the Moore Drydock Case and Common Situs Picketing, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis dropped in for a surprise visit. Solis and other cabinet members were touring the 144,000 square ft Electrical Training Institute in Commerce, California. ETI is the premiere training grounds for thousands of Green pioneers in Los Angeles County. She posed for a few quick photos before leaving to see the facility.

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 .

###

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.

Union Workers Support Obama

2008-11-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

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???

2008-10-15T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-05T14:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-24T21:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2008-04-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

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.

LA Mayor Addresses Green Economy Forum

2008-04-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was the surprise guest at the Green Economy Forum at Dorsey High School sponsored by the Apollo Alliance. He joined other speakers in support of green jobs and greatly expanding opportunities for low income and people of color. The theme of this year’s event was “Working in Unity, Greening our Community”. Outside of the main hall representatives of various union apprenticeship programs, utility sponsors, environmental and community groups provided information and refreshments.

Hollywood to the Docks Rally

2008-04-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood to the Docks March sponsored by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor is an opportunity to show your support for working families in Los Angeles. The kick-off rally will take place on Tuesday April 15th at 9am at the La Brea Tar Pits, 5801 Wilshire Boulevard. Workers and supporters will march for three days through the city ending up at a rally at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Berth 87, West 1st Street and South Harbor Boulevard. I know my readers will want to take part in this exciting event.

Press Release
3/31/2008
Mary Gutierrez 213.276.3384 Cherry Hepburn 818.505.1104
Workers to Hold Three Day March from Hollywood to the Docks of San Pedro
As economic insecurity continues to rise across the country and the middle class continues to be squeezed, workers in L.A. take a stand by fighting for good jobs
In a press conference held at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on Monday, workers representing various industries including actors, port drivers, teachers, janitors and longshore workers announced their plans for a three day, 28 mile march from Hollywood to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on April 15th-17th. The march is being held in what L.A.’s workers are calling 2008 – the Fight for Good Jobs.
“As inflation and foreclosures continue to skyrocket and the staples we need to get by such as gas, milk and bread continue to increase, workers in Los Angeles are taking a stand. We are going to fight for good jobs so that we can survive these difficult times. We are going to fight to raise our families, keep our homes, our pensions and healthcare,” said Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. “We are going to help thousands lift themselves out of poverty.”
The March from Hollywood to the Docks will kick – off on Tuesday, April 15th in Hollywood (La Brea Tar Pits) where actors represented by Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) face a joint contract negotiation. The march will conclude on Thursday, April 17th at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, where Longshore workers represented by the International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) face contract negotiations in July. The march will end with a massive rally at 6:00 p.m. on the docks of San Pedro. Thousands of workers and community supporters are expected to attend.
“I’m marching because this year, 20,000 of my fellow janitors statewide face contract negotiations. Like me I know that they too struggle sometimes to pay the rent or have to think twice before driving somewhere because gas is so expensive,” said Myra Tovias, a janitor represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 1877 and a janitor for over 21 years. “That’s why it’s crucial that we win a fair union contract that is going to help keep up with the rising costs of living in Los Angeles.”
This year more than 350,000 workers, belonging to 30 local unions, will re-negotiate their union contracts; this is the largest number of workers in the history of the L.A. Labor Movement. These workers hail from key sectors reflecting the core of L.A.’s economy: actors, longshoremen, homecare workers, teachers and janitors. At the same time over 30,000 port drivers, security officers, car wash workers, hotel workers, construction workers and LAX passenger service workers will continue their fight to move out of poverty by joining a union.
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO is the chartered Central Labor Council (CLC) of the AFL-CIO in Los Angeles County and is the second largest in the country, representing over 350 unions and over 800,000 workers. Its mission is to promote a voice for workers so they can remain in the middle class, move themselves out of poverty by joining a union, encourage active participation in the political process, by electing pro-union and pro-worker officials and to advance public policies that support workers and their families. As the coordinating center for labor’s political activity, the Federation believes that in educating and mobilizing workers to be politically active they can create and sustain healthy communities, and FIGHT FOR GOOD JOBS that REBUILD THE LOS ANGELES MIDDLE CLASS. Visit the Federation at http://www.launionaflcio.org/.To learn more about the March from Hollywood to the Docks and why L.A.’s workers are calling 2008 - The Fight For Good Jobs, please visit http://www.hollywoodtothedocks.com/.

Green Economy Forum in LA

2008-04-05T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Apollo Alliance. S.C.O.P.E. L.A., and the AD47 Environmental Commission will be presenting a Green Economy Forum at Dorsey High School on April 12th from 10am to 12pm. Guest speakers will include Assembly Speaker-Elect Karen Bass, Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, DWP CEO and General Manager, David Nahai, Los Angeles City Councilmember Herb Wesson and others. The new Green Economy is emerging in California and will create thousands of jobs through new technologies to clean our communities and the environment. State Lawmakers and Gressroots, Labor and Environmental Leaders will come together to discuss how to ensure inner city communities benefit from these jobs and new technologies, and what best practices can be implemented. You are invited to attend and participate in the planning. For more information please call (323) 789-7920.

Ascent Warner Center Up In Smoke

2008-03-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze me how some developers will cut corners on construction by hiring non-union subcontractors then act surprised when things don’t work out. Today I turned on the radio to hear the news of a fire at a project I’m only too familiar with; The Ascent in Warner Center. I’ve referred to this project as the “Ass-Scent” in the past. I’ve visited this job site many times and I’ve always been amazed that inspectors haven’t shut it down. In my opinion the quality of construction is terrible.

I’ve worked in the industry for 20 years. My first union electrical construction project was the Trillium just 2 building to the North. For 20 years I’ve driven by those towers and thought what a great job we did. I’m proud of those towers. It’s a good thing too because this is my neighborhood. I’ve lived here all my life. We don’t need KB Homes building some cheap ass second rate piece of crap in the San Fernando Valley. Shame on them!

There was a concern at one point that the fire might spread to another recently completed project to the North. That didn’t happen. Thank God all the workers at the Ascent were able to escape! Had the Santa Ana winds been fanning the flames, this poorly constructed (in my opinion) residential tinderbox could have turned out to be a catastrophe.

Afterwards workers hanging out across the street were warned not to speculate about the cause of the fire, but the word was already out….. According to 2 electricians on the scene, sparks were seen falling in a bathroom shortly before the evacuation. Where were the fire extinguishers??? Were they even used? Were they charged? Was someone cutting a corner? Will someone please ask these questions in the coming days?

Dozens of fire trucks lined Irwin Street and smoke continued to bellow from the center of the mostly wood residential project. A fast walking WRI employee said he had never been on a project that caught fire in the past. I pressed him for more information but was told that arson investigators are on the scene and that he had no more comments.

There were early reports in the news that the building is a total loss. I think this is a little premature. The fire fighters seem to think it was contained to the 4th floor. What I can tell you is that anyone that purchases one of these condominiums should have their head examined. Why would anyone want to take the risk? And why would any insurance company want to touch it? If the Building and Safety Department doesn’t take a closer look at other residential projects more problems like these could arise or should I say “Ascend”.

Lawsuit Filed Against Company after Reported Attack on Union Organizers

2008-03-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

A civil rights lawsuit was filed on Monday against owners of Hirex Construction and others according to a story appearing on the Los Angeles and Orange County Building and Construction Trades web site after five organizers were reportedly attacked while conducting lawful union activity. Picketing at the 10th Street and San Pedro Street project continued again today with union members in high spirits offering their support. Starbucks coffee and doughnuts were provided this morning. Work appears to have been halted at the site.

Big Turn-Out for Rally

2008-03-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

Over 300 community activists and Building Trades supporters from as far away as San Diego packed the corner at 10th Street and San Pedro in Los Angeles. The crowd began to assemble in the mostly industrial area at 5am. The event was billed as a Stop The Violence Rally in reaction to recent attacks on construction organizers. Two large inflatable rats were set up. Signs and flags reading, “Stop The Violence” were distributed. Richard Slawson Executive-Secretary of the Los Angeles and Orange County Building & Construction Trades Council addressed the crowd by megaphone while standing in the back of a pick-up truck. A Declaration of March 14, 2008 was distributed which read as follows;

“Hirex Construction and the Developer on the 10th & San Pedro Project, will not get away with Violence against Union members.”

Everyone in the 16 million member strong, American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations, will contribute money, manpower and votes to make it absolutely clear that no business owner will escape the consequences of any physical harm done to a worker, Union representative or organizer.

On March 14th , the Hirex Construction Company, allowed its job site bosses to physically attack six Union Business Representatives, Organizers and members who were using legal rights to inform the public that there are workers being underpaid on the 10th & San Pedro Project.

Legal Action will be taken to the full extent of the law to shut down this project and fine and jail those responsible for the physical attacks on out Brothers of the Labor Movement.

The actions by Hirex management employees are an example of the lengths that business will go to exact the last drop of excess profit from their workers. It looks as though nothing has changed in more than 200 years of labor’s work for fair labor rights. Business is continuing to resort to the basest tactics, even violence, to gain indecent profits gouged from workers pay, benefits and conditions.

The Declaration ended with “Profiteers will not win. Workers will win!”

Stop The Violence Rally Set For Monday

2008-03-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

Union organizers were allegedly attacked on Friday March 13th at a construction site located in the 700 block of East 10th Street, Los Angeles, CA. Members of the community are planning a Stop The Violence Rally for the morning of Monday March 17th at 7am at the same location. Labor and community groups are urging local residents to join together in a sign of solidarity with the organizers who are trying to help the workers at the site.

Announcing the New Union Organizer Video Newsletter

2008-03-05T18:46:00.001-08:00

This new format will be available for viewing on various social media sites as well as UnionOrganizer.com . The series will offer tips for organizers to increase their effectiveness without burning out. In the first issue I review Microsoft's Streets and Trips Software with GPS Locator. Several construction organizers have recommended this program to me for planning travel routes and tracking job sites. Click on the play button above to see if I recommended it, or not.....

Democratic Debate at Kodak Theatre

2008-01-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

Crowds outside Kodak Theatre were very enthusiastic leading up to the debate. Folks arrived early to stake out a spot in view of the cameras. Wolf Blitzer and other political pundits were busy giving reports for television. The debate was projected on a large screen for those not fortunate enough to get a ticket. Members from various unions were there to support Hillary Clinton including AFSME, Bricklayers and Electricians.

Don't Fall for it Northridge

2008-01-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a construction site just begs for OSHA to visit. This non union job on Reseda Blvd. in Northridge California is a perfect example. Since OSHA is just a skeleton of what it once was after the Bush Administration gutted the program nothing is likely to be done about it. Watch the video to see what I mean.

EWMC Community Day

2008-01-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a video showing work performed by EWMC volunteers in the San Fernando Valley. Members came from all over the country to participate in the EWMC Conference in Los Angeles. Thursday was designated as Community Day. With some 160 participants performing gardening, clean up, painting and other work to help kids.

EWMC Conference in LA

2008-01-19T14:40:00.000-08:00

The 8th Annual Electrical Workers Minority Conference was held at the Sheraton Universal this weekend. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaigosa, IBEW President Edwin Hill, AFL-CIO Organizer Eddie Acosta and others were speakers at the event. The theme for this year’s conference was “Building Power to Make the Dream a Reality.” On Thursday EWMC Members volunteered at local schools throughout the San Fernando Valley. Volunteers painted classrooms, planted shrubbery, and performed various labor to help beautify the community.

Golden Global Disaster

2008-01-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced no media restrictions in advance of Sunday’s 2008 Golden Globes “News Conference.” Either that was a sign that they've finally embraced new media or they needed coverage badly. The Writers Guild of America’s (WGA) 12,000 members are still on strike after three long months. There is no sign that the strike will be ended anytime soon. It's resulted in the stripped down, no glitter version of the Golden Globes. If you were on the picket line and missed the broadcast; don’t worry you didn’t miss much. It could have been shot in front of a green screen with a virtual curtain and a cheap template to frame the various scenes. This was a new low for Hollywood. With tonight’s broadcast being a complete disaster everyone is wondering; will the Oscars be next? Let's hope things get resolved soon. Hollywood is quickly losing its luster.

Senator Clinton On Hope For The Future

2008-01-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

Push Play button to watch video

"I don't think it's in America's interest for us to borrow money from the Chinese to buy oil from the Saudi's."

- Senator Hillary Clinton

Clinton's Economic Platform

2008-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

Senator Hillary Clinton laid out her economic platform today at the Electrical Training Institute. The crowd consisted of California’s top politicians like Speaker Fabian Nunez, Lt. Governor John Garamendi and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa along with hundreds of enthusiastic union supporters. Hillary championed project labor agreements and quality training as a way to insure that projects are done right the first time. She praised the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for their leadership in solar training. She proposed a bold new plan to have all new government buildings and those being retrofitted to meet green standards. She also took the opportunity to accuse the Bush Administration of being in bed with the oil companies. The crowd liked what they heard.

Hillary Clinton Supports Green Jobs

2008-01-10T21:09:00.000-08:00

Senator Hillary Clinton is scheduled to speak about green jobs at the Electrical Training Institute on Friday. Union members will be there in droves to show their support. The ETI is the perfect location to highlight opportunities in the green industry. The photovoltaic system is World class and the training is second to none. Senator Clinton's commitment to green energy is well known and she has great support among union members.

Watch Your Step Northridge Seniors

2008-01-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

7AM Thursday January 10, 2008 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA– Pedestrians could be seen walking along the side walk where a new apartment complex is under construction. Parts of the fence have been removed exposing a hole approximately 4 feet deep. The sidewalk open, no safety cones, handrail, or even caution tape to identify the danger. Electrical wires protrude from the hole from what appears to be damaged electrical conduits and rest on the steel plate where pedestrians walk. Are the wires energized? No one seams to know ........

Some residents have complained that the project is taking too long. Others are concerned about the obvious lack of concern for people walking on the sidewalk. My recommendation is to contact the city as well as OSHA and Watch Your Step.

Los Angeles Federation of Labor 2007 Delegates Congress

2007-12-06T20:18:00.000-08:00

The Los Angeles Federation of Labor 2007 Delegates Congress took place on December 3rd at the Hyatt Regency. This was only the second time such an event has taken place in Los Angeles. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa gave the opening remarks. He spoke of the late Miguel Contreras being present at the previous Delegates Congress in 2004. The mayor spoke in favor of a living wage saying, “we should reward work not punish it”. He reaffirmed his support for the 8 project labor agreements currently in force in the city of Los Angeles. There were approximately 1000 delegates in attendance. The theme for this delegates congress The Fight for Good Jobs.

Sign Spinners Need a Union

2007-11-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-17T07:27:00.000-08:00

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!!!"

2007-11-08T19:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

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.