Union Organizers Defeat Prop 32

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 07, 2012
CONTACT: Steve Smith (510) 326-4644

Voters Reject Deceptive Prop 32, Send Clear Message to Wealthy Corporate Interests

Union volunteers drive huge turnout to defeat Prop 32

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

“In voting down the deceptive Prop 32, Californians rejected a blatant power play by corporate special interests to silence the voice of working people. Despite weeks of misleading advertisements backing Prop 32 paid for by billionaires and out-of-state Super PACs, the margin of defeat was decisive. Prop 32 backers spent more than $50 million in an effort to fool voters. Ultimately, California families saw through this sham of a measure, agreeing with the League of Women Voters, reform groups and leading newspapers that panned Prop 32 as a fraud that would weaken our democracy.

“Prop 32 also had the effect of driving millions of firefighters, electricians, nurses, teachers, plumbers and other working people to the polls today. This measure was nothing less than an attack on working people; an attack we took personally.

“Today’s victory was the culmination of the largest voter contact program in the California labor movement’s history. Over the course of the campaign, 40,000 union volunteers reached millions of voters on the phone, at the door, through the mail and online about the harmful consequences of Prop 32. The result of this massive program was more engagement than ever from working people this election. That engagement not only drove the defeat of Prop 32, it also had a positive impact on other ballot measures and helped elect working family candidates at all levels.

“For the third time in the last 14 years, California voters rejected an attempt to shut working people out of the political process. The message voters sent the wealthy interests behind Prop 32 could not have been clearer. Californians categorically reject power plays designed by a few in the 1% to rig the system to their favor. Sooner or later, these CEOs and billionaires trying to push their agenda on our state will realize that no amount of money spent on deceptive ads will fool voters into passing measures like Prop 32.”

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An Open Letter to the Citizens of Crestline

    This letter is in response to an article printed in a local paper July 19, 2012, when a Director of Crestline Sanitation District (CSD) was quoted as saying “I was disappointed the employees felt a need to be represented by a union” and a five percent raise was allotted for employees. Here is a little background for the community.

 When an initiative was put forth for CSD to become independent from the County, every employee was in agreement that the district would be better off.   All the employees contributed to purchase signs that were put up for the break away vote. We gave that money to the candidates running for directors in the event the ballot passed.

    After the ballot passed and CSD broke away from the County employees met with the new Board of Directors.  We asked questions about the future and the Board assured us salaries and benefits would remain the same and the future would be better. They told us they would deal fairly and in “good faith”. We thought this was good and as long as they were open and would deal fairly we did not need the representation by the San Bernardino Public Employees Association that we had.  So we stopped being represented. Presently, a rumor has been circulating that the directors wanted to lower our salary by an average of 200 dollars per pay period, we were perplexed.  This seemed incredible due to the fact that we are the lowest paid employees in our classifications anywhere on the mountain by an average of 20 %. Furthermore the District was putting about 1.3 million dollars into a reserve account bringing it up to about 8 million dollars! 

To date there have been no meetings between the Board and employees since the first one, only secrecy and behind the back planning.  We, the employees are not able to attend the meetings because they are at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and we get off at 4:30.  This and several other notions by the Board brought us to the realization that we needed to be represented.  We chose the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers to represent us.  If IBEW representatives had not attended the Board meeting in May we would now be an average of 27 % below local agency pay scales for like classifications.

    Now the 5% offer. The 5 % referred to was put there to give the Board enough room to give increases to some classifications and not others. Some people who are 20 to 30 % below the average might get 9% while others might get 1% or nothing.  We have discussed this and feel it is fair to give an across the board increase to all employees. This keeps morale up and is fair to all. We only wanted a 3 ½% raise due to the increased cost of living.  We did not ask for a salary adjustment to bring us up to what other local agencies are paying. We only asked to be treated fairly and that has not happened.

    The employees of Crestline Sanitation District are a professional and dedicated group of highly skilled people, which 90% of whom live on the mountain. They solve problems that arise during everyday work and under the harsh conditions of mountain winter storms and some very adverse conditions.  The average length of employment is fourteen years for each employee.  The employees work here because we like it here, like the area, like the management and work well together as a very cohesive and able team.

    In closing, we would like to thank the citizens of Crestline for their support and encourage everyone to attend the Board meetings even though we know it is difficult due to the time of day they are scheduled.  You, the citizens of Crestline, are the ones that need to participate and take note of what is happening at these Board meetings because ultimately it is your money being spent. 

Thank you, The Employees of Crestline Sanitation District        










                                                                                                                

How to Master the Organizer Evaluation

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 attire.

You won’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, so dress business casual. Guys; wear a sport coat, ladies; dress conservatively. Shorts, flip flops, hats or jeans with holes in them 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

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.

Union Organizer Website Redesigned

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

Find Bigger Labor in Union Communications Services Online Catalogue

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

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!

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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Organizing Holidays

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/

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

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/

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Hot Off The Press

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

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

LAX Officers Report Abuse

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

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.

Grab The Future

“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.

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.

Pro Union Consulting, LLC Sees Growth In Economic Downturn

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.

Union Organizer Honored For Exceptional Career

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

Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books

For Immediate Release                                        

Contact: Bob Oedy

Union Organizer Press

(818) 882-4364

Author Offers Rebate for Destroying Competitor’s Books

 Torn Covers to Provide Proof

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

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

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

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

For more information go to www.biggerlabor.com  .

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Union Workers Support Obama

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