Union Review

Happy Holidays!

Richard — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 12:20:48 -0500

As many already know, UnionReview.com has spent more time at the Facebook page (Facebook.com/unionreview) than at the site itself. This was for a few reasons: 1) I found myself busier than usual this year and 2) I found that there was more interactivity by way of quick posts to the Facebook page.

Now, that said, I am planning to re-vamp the site in 2012 with the help of some friends. My goal is to make the site as relevant as the social media networks it is connected to. So, please stand by for that.

In the moment, I wanted to take a second to gather all the stories from the last year that posted to UR and get them handy for you to review, pass along, comment, etc.

Until we get back from the holidays, we wish you a very happy and healthy for you, your families and your co-workers and extended families.

Gunmaker Holding Gun to the Head of UAW Members in Connecticut

Sarah — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:58:33 -0500

Colt Firearms has never operated in the U.S. anywhere but Connecticut in 175 years. Three months before negotiating a new contract, they say they'll build a plant in the "Right-to-Work" state of Florida and freeze Connecticut jobs. This piece is via We Party Patriots.

CEO Calls Union Contract a Cancer and Says Shareholders Are Telling Him “Don’t Back Down” No Matter the Cost

Sarah — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:23:38 -0500

On August 1, American Crystal Sugar Company locked out 1,300 workers in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa, and continues to refuse to negotiate. While the company reported record profits during its annual meeting last week, families of locked-out workers are losing $1,000 to $2,300 per month. There are links in this piece (via the MN AFL-CIO) to ways you can show your solidarity with these workers.

Fair Food protests bring International Human Rights Day home to Florida, Publix!

Sarah — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:35:19 -0500

This is a cross-posting from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a community-based organization of mainly Latino, Mayan Indian, and Haitian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida. Workers and activists continue to demand that Publix, a Florida grocery store, engage in ethical purchasing practices and safeguard fair and safe working conditions in its supply chain.

The Aftermath

Sarah — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:48:41 -0500

Healthcare and social-assistance workers are among the most vulnerable in the country to violence on the job. According to the American Nurses Association, nearly a half-million nurses a year report being the victims of violent crimes in the workplace. This is Elenita Congco's heart wrenching story. Reposted from the SEIU Blog.

The 1 Percent Indifferent to Their Indebtedness

Sarah — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:36:29 -0500

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes in his latest USW blog entry that the majority of millionaires "believe they owe nothing to their country or society despite all they’ve gained. They feel no duty to repay America for creating the environment that enabled them to amass all that wealth."

National Labor Relations Board: Stop delaying a ruling on the NYU Graduate Student Organizing Committee’s Petition!

Sarah — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:29:29 -0500

Graduate Students United is launching a major campaign for the right to unionize as students at private universities. They kicked off on November 21 with a petition calling on the National Labor Relations Board to rule on a crucial case at NYU, which will determine whether graduate students at private universities have the right to organize and bargain collectively, as many public university employees currently do. Support their campaign by signing and sharing this petition.

Congress and Now an NLRB Member Plays Politics With Your Livelihood - and Your Rights

Sarah — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:43:01 -0500

The sole Republican on the National Labor Relations Board has threatened to resign ... all in a move to squelch the Board from making further decisions (like its proposed rule on how unions can organize). The NLRB cannot make decisions without a quorum of three, and should Brian Hayes step down, it basically pulls the spine out of the Board for a little while. Nice, huh? This piece originally appeared on the SEIU blog.

Thanksgiving 2011 Good and Welfare Post

Richard — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:30:22 -0500

This is the UnionReview.com Good and Welfare page for Thanksgiving weekend 2011. Feel free to leave any message you'd like in memory of someone else. It doesn't have to be about someone who is sick or passing or has passed on ... it can be well wishes to your family and friends, it can really be anything you'd want to share about someone else.

Giving Thanks for the Occupation, Election, Demonstrations

Sarah — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:37:25 -0500

"The past two months," writes United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard, "produced glimmers of hope -- the occupation, the election and the mid-November demonstrations. These events suggest empowerment of the 99 percent and emergence of change. They’re reason for thanks giving, especially by those formerly in the middle class who will for the first time experience this holiday without the traditional feast." This piece originally appeared on the USW Blog.

RALLY IN THE U.S. SENATE Thursday, Nov. 17, 10–11am Tell Congress: Wake Up! Support Jobs, NOT Cuts to Medicare, Medicaid

Richard — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:15:02 -0500

I am simply not comfortable with the fact that a very powerful "Super-Committee" in Congress is deciding right now on a deal that could could make deep cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security while protecting tax breaks for Wall Street and the richest 1% of Americans.

This is why tomorrow, on #N17, I will be at the Senate for a rally with many many hundreds of others to demand a fair deal for the rest of us not in the 1%. Medicare and Medicaid not only provide life-saving care to more than 100 million people in these programs, they also generate millions of good jobs, none of which can be shipped overseas. According to a projection by the Bureau of Labor Statistic, the healthcare industry could create as many as 3.2 million new jobs by 2018 -- which is more than any other industry.

Labor law for the 1%

Sarah — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:14:41 -0500

"In the Alice-in-Wonderland Republican worldview on labor rights, unions, not employers, intimidate workers (despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary); the NLRB (which is fighting for its very existence), not Boeing (which spent almost $4 million lobbying the federal government in the third quarter), wields dangerous political power; the Chamber of Commerce, not labor organizations, is the true defender of employee free choice; and legislation that would decimate labor rights helps, not hurts, American workers." This piece is re-posted from The Hill.

People With Disabilities And Workers Team Up To Fight The "Right Fight"

Sarah — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:43:04 -0500

"In the face of both federal and state funding crises, as well as a looming long term care crisis, it is essential that people with disabilities and workers everywhere stand together to protect their freedoms and to continue to push forward for better quality of care and good jobs." -- SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

Crash Tax: Wall Street Reparations

Sarah — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:19:44 -0500

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes in his latest USW Blog entry: "...it’s time for Wall Street to pay reparations. It’s time for a crash tax, a tiny sales tax on Wall Street transactions, the revenues from which would pay for Main Street restoration. It’s time for the 1 percent to repay the 99 percent, for Wall Street to share in the sacrifices necessitated by its rogue behavior."

Pocono Medical Center Employees Ratify a Fair Contract

Sarah — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:16:55 -0500

After months of marches and other actions, workers at Pocono Medical Center in Pennsylvania have ratified a fair contract that ensures they will continue to have a strong voice at the hospital.

As Congress Caters to Millionaires, Nation's Construction Workers Continue to Suffer

Sarah — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:30:08 -0500

The new numbers on unemployment in the construction industry were released last week by the Department of Labor: the industry shed 20,000 jobs in October and more than 1.1 million construction workers are unemployed and looking for work. This piece, by LIUNA, originally appeared in the Sacramento Bee.

Traditional Voting Fails; Alternative Works

Sarah — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:36:21 -0500

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard shares his thoughts about the record numbers of fed up depositors who are moving their money from big banks to credit unions and community banks. Reposted from the USW Blog.

Attack Workers' Rights Instead of Creating Jobs, Really?

Sarah — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:57:52 -0500

Anti-worker legislators have been busy in 2011 and American Rights at Work has put together a detailed timeline that shows the number and types of attacks on the NLRB and NLRA in Congress this past year. This posting originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

Sacrilege: Wall Street Worship

Sarah — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:22:07 -0400

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes in his latest USW Blog entry: "Morality demands an end to Wall Street worship and a new era in which both politics and financial markets work for the majority, for the common good."

NLRB findings of intimidation could overturn Target store’s vote against union

Sarah — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 05:45:25 -0400

More evidence that Target intimidated workers by threatening to close a store if a union was approved in a vote earlier this year could lead to the election results being overturned.

The Week of Walking Backwards

Sarah — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:34:34 -0400

In his latest USW Blog entry, United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes: "It’s incredible. Inexplicable. Inexcusable. In a country where joblessness is a painful 9.1 percent. Where one in five children lives in poverty. Where foreclosures rose again last month. Where a whole movement is growing to protest the appeasement of the rich at the cost of the middle class. In that place, Congress chose to walk backwards. It didn’t take two steps forward – which it could have by passing the currency bill and jobs act. No. It just took a giant step backward by embracing job-killing trade agreements."

Why Labor Backs 'Occupy Wall Street'

Richard — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 22:15:02 -0400

This is an editorial that appeared in the Wall Street Journal today - it was written by SEIU President Mary Kay Henry. In the editorial, President Henry says, "The Occupy Wall Street actions are a potent example of what is happening across our country as the anger and frustration of ordinary Americans builds." I think she hit the nail on the head with that statement.

Obama order averts freight railroad strike for at least 60 days

Sarah — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:05:24 -0400

"Obama said he took the step of appointing an emergency board in the interest of keeping the nation’s freight rail system running smoothly. A labor disruption 'could affect businesses across the country and cause unnecessary damage to our already-fragile economy,' the president said in a prepared statement." What are your thoughts?

Equity and Sensibility

Richard — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:01:42 -0400

In his latest piece, USW President Leo Gerard writes:

Tax equity is not radical. It’s basic fairness. In fact, it’s not even progressive. Progressive would be returning to the days when the fabulously wealthy and profit-fat corporations paid higher tax rates than the middle class. Progressive would be charging the rich a “wealth tax” each year, not on their earnings but on the value of their holdings. This tax, suggested for the United States by Yale law professors Bruce Ackerman and Anne Alstott in a Los Angeles Times op-ed, already is levied by France, Norway, Switzerland and five other countries.

The World Wide ILCA

Richard — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:27:32 -0400

This is a cross-posted blog entry written by Brother Charles Lenchner, the co-founder of Organizing 2.0, and a good friend of UnionReview's and labor worldwide.

"The International Labor Communicators Association (ILCA) is having its

biennial conference in Seattle

this week, September 21-24. I’ll be attending for the first time and invite all those who care about or work with the labor community to catch up on the work of this important organization."

The Gutting of Current Labor Law

Richard — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:35:05 -0400

Instead of focusing on preserving and creating good American jobs, some of our elected officials who sit on the Senate Appropriations Committee spent the day voting on a bill that inclues an amenement to reverse current labor law in place since 1935.

The attack on working people marches on ...

Medicaid IS a Jobs Program!

Sarah — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 11:13:54 -0400

Any cut to Medicare and Medicaid will threaten the quality care of our seniors and neighbors with disabilities. At the same time, the same cuts will potentially wipe out hundreds and hundreds of jobs. How is this even on the chopping block at the same time as a so-called "jobs, jobs, jobs" creation program? This piece originally appeared on the Stand Up For Philly web site.

Union-busting provision just weighing down FAA upgrade

Sarah — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 14:41:59 -0400

Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA) International President Veda Shook writes about the looming shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration on September 16 unless another agreement can be reached. The issue? House Republicans want included in the agreement "an unrelated provision that would treat union elections for aviation workers differently from every other type of U.S. election." This piece originally appeared here in the Orlando Sentinel.

Free and Fair Union Elections = Quality Jobs!

Sarah — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:08:20 -0400

Take action now to support the NLRB's proposed rule change -- a change that adds fairness and balance to a process that is currently tilted heavily in favor of corporations. Current rules allow employers to drag out a union election process for months while they intimidate and harass workers. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

Happy Labor Day 2011

Richard — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:49:27 -0400

For a number of years I made it my business to get to a Labor Day parade, mainly in NY. This year I am doing something different. This year I have my feet up, relaxing at home with my wife and puppy; watching movies and trying to rest up. I hope that whatever you pull off for today, whether you're in or out of the house, you too are wearing your union's T-shirt and making the most out of your well-deserved day off!

Congregations Tackle Local Issues in Support of Worker Justice this Labor Day Weekend

Sarah — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:43:07 -0400

This comes to us from Interfaith Worker Justice, a network of people of faith that calls upon religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the United States on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and conditions for workers, and give voice to workers, especially workers in low-wage jobs.

Labor Day: Build Esprit de Corps for Action

Sarah — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 12:47:26 -0400

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard's Labor Day Message: "Rile yourself up and pump up a friend this Labor Day so we can unite in anger and hope to push back the naysayers and make every day Labor Day." This piece originally appeared on the USW Blog.

Prettying the porker’s puss, GOP-style

Sarah — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 13:18:56 -0400

Berry Craig shares his thoughts about the recent recall elections in Wisconsin.

Brave retail cleaning workers tell Supervalu to clean up its act

Sarah — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:50:10 -0400

Workers who clean SuperValu (operating as Cub Foods) stores are surrounded by food every evening as they work, yet they often cannot afford to put sufficient food on the table for their own families. For over a year, retail cleaning workers with Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha (CTUL) have attempted to engage SuperValu in a dialogue to explore ways to ensure that the workers who clean its stores are treated fairly.

Murdoch: News Corp. Too Big to Know

Sarah — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:50:28 -0400

In his latest USW Blog entry, United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes about the illegal activities exposed at News Corporation (the second-largest media conglomerate in the world) -- activities its CEO, Rupert Murdoch, claims he knew nothing about.

Tea Party gets crashed on TV

Sarah — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:36:19 -0400

United Steelworkers president Leo Gerard recently appeared with Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips on The Ed Show, and Union Review's resident labor historian, Berry Craig, shares these thoughts about the encounter.

Germany discovers that boosting unions reduces unemployment

Sarah — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:53:09 -0400

This piece comes to us from University of Louisville emeritus professor Seymour Slavin. Dr. Slavin is the director of the Kentucky Labor Institute and writes here about the differences between the economic policies of Germany and the United States.

15,000 of us got heard at the NLRB today, at once!

Richard — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:44:02 -0400

Earlier today I had the incredible experience of hand-delivering a letter to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) supporting the Board's proposed rules to modernize the union election process. The incredible part was that the letter was co-signed by 15,000 workers and activists.

National Labor Relations Board proposed rule change hearings begin, get heard now!

Richard — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:11:09 -0400

On July 18, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) begin public hearings pertaining to its proposed union election rule changes. This entry is meant as a way to provide some background, and to move people to take some basic actions in supporting what the NLRB is looking to accomplish.

The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times, and Legacy of Joe Hill

Sarah — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:49:44 -0400

Author and union activist Richard Myers reviews the forthcoming book, The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times, and Legacy of Joe Hill, American Labor Icon, by William M. Adler. This is a cross-posting from Talking Union.

Labor Law Basics: What We Need to Know Now

Sarah — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:01:30 -0400

On this date in 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act, which is the federal law that provides most private sector workers the right to organize and bargain collectively with their employers. This is a recent posting from SEIU that highlights some basic labor law questions and answers.

Workers to Pocono Medical Center: You Can't Do That!

Richard — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:34:50 -0400

We should file this one under: "Can they really do that?" The short answer should be: "Only if we let them." How Pocono Medical Center (PMC) thought it would get away with flagrant disregard for the law, no one knows, but what we do know is that they're busted and going to trial on August 15th.

NLRB Proposed Union Election Rule: What it breaks down to...

Richard — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:54:56 -0400

Our labor laws are outdated and badly in need of reform. This week, the NLRB announced proposed rule changes to reform pre- and post-election representation case procedures. At my job I helped set up an online petition for people to show their support with the NLRB's move in the right direction. So far we have more than 12,000 names on the peitition and now need yours. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

Buy American Jobs

Sarah — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:12:23 -0400

Here is the latest blog entry from United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard. This piece originally appeared on the USW Blog.

Pocono Medical Center Workers Say Thank You!

Sarah — Thu, 26 May 2011 10:08:46 -0400

The workers at Pocono Medical Center, who rallied on May 14 with about 5,000 sisters and brothers in solidarity, sent out a "thank you" video. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

Pocono Medical Center workers: 'You can keep trying, but this union will not be broken!'

Sarah — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:19:49 -0400

Tomorrow there will be a massive rally in East Stroudsburg, PA, for the Pocono Medical Center workers. The corporation refuses to come back to the table unless the workers agree to the insane demand of taking their closed shop to an open one. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

It’s Time for Investors to Weigh in on Refinery Safety

Sarah — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:00:59 -0400

The United Steelworkers is presenting shareholder proposals at four major refining companies this year, calling on them to prepare reports describing their "Board's oversight of process safety management, staffing levels, inspection and maintenance of refineries and other equipment." This piece originally appeared on the USW Blog.

After Half-Decade Struggle, Rite Aid Workers Form Union at Giant Distribution Center

Sarah — Wed, 04 May 2011 20:06:13 -0400

After a five-year struggle, Rite Aid workers have achieved a tentative agreement for their first union contract at the giant distribution center in Lancaster, CA. This piece originally appeared in In These Times.

Only Known Video/Audio of Mother Jones

Sarah — Tue, 03 May 2011 16:49:51 -0400

This piece originally appeared on the AFL-CIO Blog. Recorded at her 100th birthday party in 1930, Mother Jones speaks in this only-known audio/video recording: "I long to see the day when Labor...will stand a united force and show the world what the workers can do."

A pair of young Kentuckians belt out a special "On, Wisconsin!" for Dairy State unions

Sarah — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:29:43 -0400

Berry Craig shares with us this special tribute from the Western Kentucky AFL-CIO Area Council to our union brothers and sisters in the Dairy State. A pair of Mayfield High School musicians--both sons of union members--teamed up to produce a unique rendition of "On, Wisconsin!"

Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition Seeks to Remember Victims of 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Sarah — Mon, 02 May 2011 07:49:43 -0400

The Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition -- an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 in which 146 workers died -- has announced that it is creating a permanent memorial to honor the victims of the fire. Read the press release here.

Workers Memorial Day: Remember the dead, fight like hell for the living

Richard — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:43:46 -0400

On April 28th of each year, workers from around the world, remember sisters and brothers who have either died on the job or were seriously injured.

This article focuses a great deal on nurses because I put it together for SEIU's Healthcare Division. Yet, I believe that ANY worker of any trade can identify and apreciate what this is all about.

How can unions get the most out of the small-town media?

Sarah — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:12:29 -0400

Labor historian Berry Craig shares some ideas on how unions can get better small-town media press coverage -- read and share your own experiences here and/or with Berry.

Seattle Stage Employers Affirm Support for Workers Rights

Sarah — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:36:45 -0400

24 Seattle stage employers -- including all major theaters, as well as area sound and stagecraft providers -- stand up for workers' rights: "We are proud to be a Union employer. We are committed to bargain fairly and in good faith with our employees, and to maintaining our history of respect for, and cooperation with, the labor community."

Colombia FTA: Rewarding Promises Instead of Performance

Sarah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:40:10 -0400

In his latest USW Blog entry, United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes about the Colombia Free Trade Agreement: "Colombia, the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists, has pledged to try to stop the murders to persuade Congress to approve a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Promises, promises. And the United States has agreed to accept those promises rather than demand performance before signing an FTA."

Equal Pay Day: Women Still Paid Less than Men

Sarah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:01:00 -0400

Today -- April 12 -- is Equal Pay Day. The date symbolizes how far into the current year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. This piece originally appeared on the AFL-CIO blog.

Making chicken salad out of chicken you-know-what in Wisconsin

Sarah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:40:27 -0400

Here's the latest piece from labor historian Berry Craig on the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.

Safeguarding Academic Freedom – Fighting neo-McCarthyism

Sarah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:10:26 -0400

This piece comes to us from University of Louisville emeritus professor Seymour Slavin. Dr. Slavin is the interim director of the Kentucky Labor Institute and writes here about the recent records requests that have been made to obtain the emails of a number of labor professors.

From MLK, a dream for the middle class that cannot be allowed to die

Richard — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:35:33 -0400

Benjamin Todd Jealous and Mary Kay Henry wrote the following Op-ed that appeared in the Washington Post today.

Today, 43 years ago, Dr. King was assassinated shortly after walking a labor rally in Memphis.

King made clear connections between what he called “our glorious struggle for civil rights” and collective bargaining rights. He called the labor movement “the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress . . . [and] gave birth to . . . new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.”

Book Review: Philip Dray's There is Power in a Union

Sarah — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:20:18 -0400

Fred Siegmund reviews There is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America, by Philip Dray.

False Fear: Cyborgs Instead of CEOs

Sarah — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:58:22 -0400

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard writes about the continuing struggle to secure workers’ rights in his latest USW Blog entry.

Momentum Builds for Triangle Commemoration

Sarah — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 17:57:17 -0400

March 25, 2011, is the Centennial of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City. Because managers had locked the doors to the stairwells and exits, 146 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women, died in the fire or jumped to their deaths.

This piece -- about the events planned around the country to commemorate this tragedy -- originally appeared on the AFL-CIO Now Blog.

Pocono Medical Center Workers Strike for Respect

Sarah — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:08:24 -0400

Pocono Medical Center is demanding that the 500+ hospital workers -- who have been working without a contract since October -- give up their union shop, even though the workers voted overwhelmingly in an NLRB-certified election last fall to have a strong union voice.

This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

"These are people who do not give up easily"

Sarah — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:17:34 -0400

Here is the latest submission to Union Review from labor historian Berry Craig.

Sound Familiar? Corporate CEOs Attack, Workers Win

Sarah — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:44:02 -0500

In this commentary, historian and organizer Al A. Neal writes about the fact that anti-union campaigns are nothing new in the history of organized labor in the U.S. And, just as in the past, the "anti-union forces did not win then -- they cannot win now!"

Wisconsin Subterfuge Violates American Democratic Values

Sarah — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:55:00 -0500

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard shares his thoughts about what happened in Wisconsin earlier this week in his latest USW Blog entry: "Walker & Crew succeeded in terminating workers' rights -- but they achieved that only by violating traditional American democratic values. They positioned themselves with dictators who act against the will of the people, deny free speech and suppress protests."

EMERGENCY ACTION NEEDED - Sen. Republicans Pass Bill to Remove Collective Bargaining Rights

Sarah — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:14:46 -0500

Dian Palmer, RN, Vice President of SEIU, Chair of the Nurse Alliance and President of SEIU Wisconsin, sent out an EMERGENCY ACTION email tonight, 3/9/2011, following the devastating and illegal push of a bill to remove collective bargaining rights of Wisconsin public employees.

Nurses + Union Solidarity

Sarah — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:28:27 -0500

SEIU nurses joined with nurses around the country to protest proposals in Wisconsin, Ohio, and other states that are trying to take away collective bargaining rights for public employees. This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog.

King George Would Have Loved the Tea Party

Sarah — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:13:27 -0500

This is the latest submission to Union Review by our resident history professor, Berry Craig.

On Women’s Day, GOP Attacks Women

Sarah — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:32:43 -0500

Today is the centennial commemoration of International Women's Day, a day, writes United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard in his latest USW Blog entry, "for women to stand up to the Republican men trying to turn back time. It is a day for women to demand equality and autonomy, both of which are best achieved collectively."

New KLI shows solidarity with Wisconsin unions

Sarah — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:54:08 -0500

Labor historian Berry Craig submitted this piece to Union Review about the recently-formed Kentucky Labor Institute's support of public workers in Wisconsin.

Madison Rabbis Support Economic Justice for Public Union Workers

Sarah — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:34:43 -0500

"As tens of thousands protest Governor Scott Walker's budget repair bill, the rabbis of Madison, Wisconsin are united in their opposition to the proposed legislation. All of the rabbis of the liberal Jewish movements (Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative) have spoken out against it and have circulated a letter and a series of rabbinic resources to their colleagues across the nation." This piece originally appeared on buzzflash.com on February 26.

Stand Together and Fight! Lessons for Arizona from Labor History

Sarah — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:19:11 -0500

We welcome a new contributor to Union Review! Al A. Neal is a union organizer and labor historian from Arizona. In this piece, which originally appeared in the Arizona AFL-CIO's newsletter, Al writes about a lesson in solidarity from the past to show that "our struggle is not unique to our state or our generation, and previous victories can shine a light on our path forward."

Scott Walker and Old Lord North

Sarah — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:24:07 -0500

Here's the latest submission to Union Review from our resident historian, Berry Craig.

In a Democracy, Freedom of Assembly Trumps “Free Enterprise”

Sarah — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:27:38 -0500

Here is the latest USW Blog entry by United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard about Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's anti-union "budget repair bill" legislation.

Dropkick Murphys release new song in support of Wisconsin workers!

Sarah — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 15:57:31 -0500

From the Dropkick Murphys: "[We] would like to take a moment to acknowledge the struggles of the working people of Wisconsin and to pledge our support and solidarity by releasing the song 'Take Em Down' from our upcoming album. We think it's appropriate at the moment and hope you like it... The Dropkick Murphys Stand With Wisconsin!!!!!"

This piece originally appeared on the SEIU blog.

Screw Us and we Multiply

Richard — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:50:57 -0500

It is one of the most exiciting times for union activists in a long long while. Maybe it took us watching 18 days of solidarity and revolution in Egypt for us to get to this point, who knows. The point of the matter is that whatever concessions we give and give and give ... we will not give back our rights to collectively bargain -- that just cannot happen or go down quietly. In the post are a few thoughts about why the site seems a little stagnant -- as well as links to rallies going on around the country. In addition, I left links for my Facebook and Twitter pages because that is where more engagement with workers is taking place.

In Solidarity,
-Richard

Immigrant Construction Workers Routinely Injured

Sarah — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:57:06 -0500

This comes to us from Interfaith Worker Justice, a network of people of faith dedicated to educating, organizing, and mobilizing the religious community in the United States on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and conditions for workers, and give voice to workers, especially workers in low-wage jobs.

"An injury to one is the concern of all"

Sarah — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:28:18 -0500

This is the latest submission to Union Review by our resident history professor, Berry Craig.

Nebraska Locals Defend Public Workers

Sarah — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:29:21 -0500

Labor unions in Nebraska pushed back Monday against proposals by some state legislators to change or abolish the Commission of Industrial Relations -- including two measures that would prohibit the government from engaging in collective bargaining for wages and benefits.

This piece is from the the IBEW.

Workplace Violence Is Not Part of the Job - A Nursing Phenomenon

Sarah — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:27:12 -0500

This piece originally appeared on the SEIU Blog on February 2.

Training in Online Skills for Labor and Social Justice Activists

Sarah — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:25:23 -0500

Training in Online Skills for Labor and Social Justice Activists is an upcoming one-day conference (February 13, New York City) sponsored by Organizing 2.0, a collective of communicators and online organizers working for unions and social justice activists. It is a volunteer-run annual event offering training in online organizing, digital strategy, and the use of online tools, with the goal of helping unions, organizers, and social justice activists get the most out of online tools and technologies.

Making America the Best Place on Earth to Work

Sarah — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:21:58 -0500

Here is the latest USW Blog entry by United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard about the recent State of the Union address.

President Gerard writes, "The speech expressed a policy in which business is the focus of government, taking precedence over workers."

Southwest Florida religious leader excoriates Publix in powerful Op/Ed!

Sarah — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 11:44:43 -0500

This comes to us from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a community-based organization of mainly Latino, Mayan Indian, and Haitian immigrants working in low-wage jobs throughout the state of Florida.

Writers and Producers at Lion Television Vote to Join Writers Guild of America, East

Sarah — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 16:06:30 -0500

This is the third NLRB election the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) has won in its new industry-wide campaign to organize the largely non-unionized non-fiction sector of the television industry.

Union-haters want to make public employees public enemies

Sarah — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:01:12 -0500

Bill Londrigan, Kentucky State AFL-CIO President, provides some important and timely historical context for the current attacks on public employee unions. "Over the past forty-plus years," he writes, "corporations and their political pawns have systematically attacked unions in each economic sector having significant density as well as political and economic power."

Time to Wield the Foreign Policy Stick

Richard — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:22:31 -0500

USW President Leo Gerard frequently submits blogs to UnionReview.com. In this piece he writes:

America plays the role of abused partner in its relationship with China. Although the Asian giant repeatedly injures U.S. industry by violating international trade rules, America has responded, almost exclusively, by pleading and begging for China to stop.

Martin Luther King and Public Employees

Sarah — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 10:48:28 -0500

"Dr. King understood that public employees – sanitation workers, road crews, police, teachers, fire fighters, nurses and others – deserved the same rights as all workers," AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee writes in this statement to commemorate the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. "That was true in the past and it remains true today."

Rights Come with Responsibilities; the Right Shirks Theirs

Sarah — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 12:19:38 -0500

Here is the latest USW Blog entry by United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard.

US Labor Department recovers nearly $160,000 in back wages for 110 Los Angeles garment workers

Richard — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 21:01:32 -0500

Clothing manufacturer Joe's Jeans has paid $158,952 in back wages owed to 110 garment workers who worked for one of the company's Los Angeles-based sewing contractors. The action results from an agreement between Joe's Jeans in Commerce, Calif., and the U.S. Department of Labor following an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division that found the contractor failed to pay the workers minimum wage and overtime as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act.

NLRB Orders National Unit Clarification Proceedings in NBC Content Producer Case

Sarah — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:08:38 -0500

In the now two-year old NBC Content Producer case, the NLRB has just ordered that unit clarification proceedings begin immediately.

This piece originally appeared on the Broadcast Union News blog today.

Obama Flip Flops and Reconsiders Mexican Trucking Pilot Program

Richard — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:16:17 -0500

I remember when the Teamsters (and just about every other union in the United States) hit the streets to organize for Obama. We were phone banking, knocking on doors, talking to everyone we could. I ended up going to labor council meetings, large locals and even a Labor Day Parade to endlessly preach the need for Obama; that Obama was what Labor needed. Though I personally believe we need a third party in the United States, I rallied behind Obama. I rallied for Obama because he made promises, among many others, to kill a Mexican trucking program that was born out of NAFTA. It appears now that the Obama forgot that Labor worked day and night for him because he is now ready to get that pilot program up and running again.

Violence that is too close to home

Sarah — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:27:49 -0500

This piece appeared on the SEIU Blog today.

In an ongoing effort to stop workplace violence, SEIU nurses and other healthcare workers are blogging about their experiences and concerns related to violence on the job. This first such blog is by Rebecca King Morrow, RN, SEIU Local 1021.

Wake Up Call – Another Hospital Workplace Violence Incident

Sarah — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 15:14:44 -0500

UnionReview was unable to get formal permission to cross post this piece. We are posting for the sole reason of passing on this important news around workplace violence. This piece was originally posted on the All About Risk, Compliance & More Blog.

Happy New Year Letter to Our Sisters and Brothers

Richard — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:52:20 -0500

This entry is more of a personal letter to our sisters and brothers who come to the site or the Facebook page. It is a year-end thank you for your participation in this effort to get union news and views around and in front of as many people as possible.

Right to Work Laws are Bad Business for Everybody

Sarah — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 13:46:10 -0500

This is the latest submission to Union Review by our resident history professor, Berry Craig. A professor of history at the West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah, Berry is also a member of AFT Local 6010 and the author of True Tales of Old-Time Kentucky Politics: Bombast, Bourbon & Burgoo and Hidden History of Kentucky in the Civil War.

Fired Chipotle Workers Picket Downtown Restaurant

Sarah — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:07:39 -0500

Earlier this month, Chipotle Mexican Grill started to carry out over 100 unjustified firings throughout Minnesota. Some of the fired workers had worked for the company for up to 10 years.

Recently, workers and ex-workers of Chipotle, together with SEIU Local 26 members, the Center of Workers United in Struggle, and the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, staged a protest in front of a Chipotle in downtown Minneapolis to demand that the company's owners meet with the fired workers. The workers want Chipotle to tell them the truth about why they were fired and pay the wages, vacation time, and holiday bonuses they've earned.