Statement of President Paula E. Peinovich, PhD
National Labor College
April 9, 2012
National Labor College (NLC) is open for business. The College’s educational programs are continuing without interruption. Students’ online courses, support services, and registration processes are continuing. The College is working hard to continue its core mission of educating union workers and their families, now and in the future.
The College’s Board of Trustees has made difficult decisions to refocus on the College’s core mission. The Board has approved a plan to offer for sale the campus in Silver Spring, MD and to stop operating the Kirkland Conference Center and the George Meany Memorial Archives by August 31, 2012. We anticipate that the College will remain on the campus at least until such time as the property is sold.
These decisions were not made lightly. We recognize that these changes will have a significant impact on the College community. We pledge to work to ease any necessary transition in the coming months.
We will continue to keep all informed of any further decisions made by National Labor College. Thank you for your patience and support throughout this process.
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Showing posts with label labor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label labor. Show all posts
Monday, April 9, 2012
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Bigger Labor Facebook Page Launched
To check it out hit the link above. While you're there please "Like" Bigger Labor; A Crash Course for Construction Union Organizers. Thanks!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
New Online Degree Program for Labor
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
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Sunday, May 23, 2010
UCLA Labor Center Report Makes A Case for Deep Green Energy Efficiency Retrofits
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/
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Sunday, March 7, 2010
Major Win For Port Community
Long Beach Labor Candidates Find Support
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.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Advocates Rally for Green Transportation Spending
Saturday, December 19, 2009
LAX Officers Report Abuse
Friday, April 24, 2009
U.S. Secretary of Labor Visits LA
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. Saturday, November 15, 2008
Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bob Oedy
Union Organizer Press
(818) 882-4364
Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books
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.
For more information go to www.biggerlabor.com .
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Sunday, November 2, 2008
Project Labor Agreement Adopted
A project labor agreement covering construction work through the Community Redevelopment Agency has been unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council. They know that PLA’s promote quality construction, cost savings and labor harmony on job sites. Congratulations to union members from the Building Trades for taking a leading role to see this through.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Book Review for Bigger Labor
Book ReviewBuilding 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:
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.”
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Labor Endorses Obama
AFL-CIO Votes to Endorse Senator Barack Obama for PresidentJune 26, 2008
Endorsement Triggers Largest Ever Mobilization of Working Families AFL-CIO Program to Reach Union Voters Nationwide, 13 Million in 24 Priority States http://www.meetobama08.org/
Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear.
“In so many ways―on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq―our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.”
In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.
“Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation,” read the AFL-CIO General Board’s statement to endorse Obama. “His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together.” The General Board, which includes presidents of all 56 unions in the federation as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups, votes by per capita membership.
“Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement,” the statement continued. The endorsement is not only a stamp of approval; it marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters―including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America―in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates.
“We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama,” said AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee. “Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.”
Today, the AFL-CIO also launched a new website that provides extensive information on Obama’s background, record and positions (http://www.meetobama08.com/).
The endorsement is the latest phase in a massive grassroots program to mobilize union voters. In early March, the AFL-CIO launched its national “McCain Revealed” campaign, which focuses on educating union voters about John McCain’s anti-worker record and plans. Since the campaign began, AFL-CIO volunteers have knocked on more than 60,000 doors and delivered 1.5 million worksite flyers on McCain’s economic record. Nearly a half-million mailers on McCain’s economic positions have been sent to union swing voters in key battlegrounds.
“We want to engage our members and all working people on the need for action on the issues that make a difference in our daily lives," said International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Ed Hill. “It is time to move beyond name calling and division so that our country can take positive action on the challenges we face.”
United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard said, “Senator Obama’s plan to revitalize American manufacturing and his commitment to make workers the top priority in any trade agreement give our members hope that his election will lead the country in a new direction that’s long overdue, and inspire us to work as never before to secure his victory.”
Elements of the AFL-CIO grassroots mobilization:
The AFL-CIO top-tier states in 2008 are Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
More than 250,000 volunteers will be activated and deployed.
Through Labor Day, volunteers will go to 300,000 union voters’ homes, make more than 300,000 phone calls and distribute over 2 million fliers.
In addition to the presidential election, the AFL-CIO is engaged in every viable Senate race and more than 60 House races. All told, the AFL-CIO will be engaged in more than 510 races nationwide, including state legislative elections.
The unions of the AFL-CIO will collectively devote more than $200 million to the 2008 election.
The 2008 grassroots mobilization is the most sophisticated program the AFL-CIO has ever run, employing cutting-edge voter communication techniques, including micro-targeting to ensure our members are receiving the information they want on the candidates and issues.
Working families are poised to play a pivotal role in this year’s elections. On Election Day, union household members will account for nearly one in four voters nationwide. The campaign in support of Sen. Obama will prove especially helpful among working class voters, which many have identified as the swing group in this election.
In key battleground states such as Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania, union household voters made up between 25 and 35 percent of the total vote in 2006.
In 2004, turnout among registered AFL-CIO union voters was as much as 19 percentage points higher than turnout among nonunion voters in key battleground states.
Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, has expanded to 11 states and will have more than 2.5 million members nationwide by Labor Day. In Ohio alone, Working America has nearly 800,000 members.
Union household voters across all demographics consistently cast votes for pro-working family candidates. For example, in the last presidential election among AFL-CIO members, 61 percent of white voters voted for John Kerry, while 37 percent voted for George Bush. By contrast, among nonunion voters, 41 percent of white voters cast ballots for Kerry while 58 percent voted for Bush
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
LA Valley College Welcomes Labor Leader
Dolores Huerta cofounder of the United Farm Workers Union was guest speaker at the Valley College Labor Fair on Wednesday. After being welcomed by Dr. Tyree Wieder, President of the College, Dolores led the group in a union clap and chants of “Si Se Puede”. It was the first ever student-organized labor event for the college. Members of the Puente Club, M.E.Ch.A., and CalPIRG, along with other groups participated. Representatives from the American Federation of Teachers, Farm Workers, Electricians, P.I.P.E. Trades, and Grocery Workers all sponsored booths to help build inroads for students to become aware about labor and opportunities in labor unions. This modest event will no doubt grow in the coming years. Congratulations to everyone involved!Thursday, December 6, 2007
Los Angeles Federation of Labor 2007 Delegates Congress
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.Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Labor Day Solidarity Parade
Marchers in this year’s Labor Day Parade learned just how hot it can get in Wilmington. Temperatures reached 105 degrees along the parade route causing many spectators to seek shelter in the shade. Some parade goers even watched from the comfort of their air conditioned cars. The event attracted unions from throughout Southern California and included marching bands, floats, classic cars and proud union members walking with their families. The parade route traveled along Avalon Blvd. through a working class neighborhood to Banning Park and culminated in a picnic and rally. The Labor Solidarity March is a fun filled annual event that gets little attention from the news media.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Veteran Trade Unionist Retires
Cecil Wynn was honored at the Luxor Hotel and Casino on August 25, 2007 for his hard work and dedication to the organized labor movement. Over a hundred guests attended a banquet celebrating Wynn’s career, with several prominent speakers sharing stories of his courage and enthusiasm. The former Local 357 Business Manager went on to work as an International Representative for many years and helped pioneer union organizing as it is today.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
BBQ at LA Fed Delegate Meeting
On Tuesday the LA Federation of Labor Monthly Delegate Meeting was held at the Professional Musicians Local and featured a barbeque for all in attendance. Over a dozen volunteers from the electricians union helped prepare and serve the food. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the LA County Federation of Labor was there as well as approximately 120 delegates.Saturday, June 23, 2007
Online Workers of the World Unite!
The plight of the online workers of the World took center stage recently with a story by Julian Dibbell of the New York Times Magazine. In the story Dibbell describes the working conditions of the exploited Chinese workers known as “Gold Farmers” hired to play video games in horrendous sweatshop like conditions for slave wages. Watch a video highlight here. It brought bloggers like Shai Sachs and Zack Exley to ask the question. “Could a labor union or guild be formed to help the exploited workers?” What form would it take? The limitations of such an idea are obvious of course. What do you think? Is any existing labor organization ready to take on such a challenge?
Sunday, April 15, 2007
McDonald’s New Labor Problem
I was driving home from church when my 9 year old son noticed that McDonald’s was flying the American Flag upside down. I turned the car around and decided to find out why? When I asked the manager she said, “Oh my God!”
She directed an employee to go out and fix it. Still, I can’t help but think this is a sign of a larger problem. Was this just a simple mistake or did the employee not know the flag was upside down? Why did it take over an hour and a half for someone to bring it to their attention? Does McDonald’s need to incorporate flag etiquette into their employee training? What do you think?
She directed an employee to go out and fix it. Still, I can’t help but think this is a sign of a larger problem. Was this just a simple mistake or did the employee not know the flag was upside down? Why did it take over an hour and a half for someone to bring it to their attention? Does McDonald’s need to incorporate flag etiquette into their employee training? What do you think?
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