NOFX at Occupy Los Angeles

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. 

Construction Careers Policy Adopted

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

Big Turn-Out for Rally

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

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.

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.

LA Mayor Shows Support for Habitat Project

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

Habitat for Humanity in LA

Former President Jimmy Carter is in Los Angeles this week to celebrate the opening of more Habitat for Humanity homes. The newly built homes will feature state of the art photovoltaic systems installed by members of the electricians union. Roofers put the final touches on the roofs today.

Where The Hell Is OSHA?

"In my opinion the Broadstone project at 1st Street and Beaudry in downtown Los Angeles is the most dangerous construction project in town." Safety seems to be ignored for the purpose of completing the project before the fall 2007 deadline.

Be careful if you find yourself working on this construction site. Workers regularly throw heavy objects from up high and materials have been seen stacked in the street blocking easy exit. Trucks pull out of the driveway at a high rate of speed without flag persons and temporary cords are strewn throughout the job at shin level. Some balconies do not have handrails at this stage of the job. Also watch for improper use of barricade tape warning of hazards as they may be using "caution tape" where "danger tape" would be more appropriate. If this job gets completed without a major accident it will be close to a miracle in my opinion.

Just because OSHA has been rendered impotent by the Bush Administration doesn't mean you shouldn't register a complaint. It's still a good idea to document safety violations by filling out an OSHA Complaint Form. At some point even OSHA will have to pay the contractor a visit. Let's hope OSHA visits this jobsite before a major accident occurs. Please take a moment to watch this short video.

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.

Victory for Sheriff’s Union

Now that Paris Hilton has been returned to jail to serve the rest of her sentence, members of the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff’s can rest easy knowing the wealthy socialite will not receive any special treatment for her celebrity status. It’s pretty clear this latest incident with all its twists and turns spells the end of Sheriff Lee Baca’s career. He did a pretty good job of defending himself at the press conference on Friday, but with politicians all over the city criticizing his decision to release her early he’s toast. Does the ALADS have a recommendation for his replacement? What other missteps has Sheriff Baca made that upset ALADS members? Will Baca’s replacement mean higher pay or increased benefits for ALADS rank and file?

As one person commented on my earlier post, “Such a move by management makes life more difficult for the union members while they're doing their jobs.” I think we can all agree on that point. It must have been pretty tough being a Los Angeles Sheriff these last few days. Will this incident have any lasting effect for the members of the sheriff’s union?