UPDATED DAILY -- M-F by 9 a.m. Pacific

Links to commercial press stories are functional at the date of posting. In some cases, links "expire" when the source would like to begin charging you for old news. Disclaimer: WSLC Reports Today  links to all stories of interest to organized labor; some positive and some negative. The intention is to inform.  The creation of a link does not constitute an endorsement of that story's content.

Reports for September 9-13, 2002

Previous weeks' news:  Sept. 3-6 -- Aug. 26-30 -- Aug. 19-21

FRIDAY, September 13 -- IAM urges "NO" vote on contract, "YES" on strike sanction
For the latest on the Boeing vote, including the results tonight, visit IAM751.org
— In today's Seattle Times -- Boeing strike decision due tonight; Machinists voting on contract
— In today's Everett Herald -- Area Machinists vote today; rally yesterday in Everett
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Stakes high as Machinists vote on contract

Also today -- Please volunteer this weekend for Labor Neighbor activities
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Legislative primary offers voters rare power at the polls
...plus -- Seattle firefighters rally against budget cuts -- Learn more at IAFF27.org.
— In today's Seattle Times -- Seattle's housing levy: A success story that deserves support (op-ed)
— In today's Olympian -- Workplace illnesses studied at DOH buildings after WFSE complaint
— In today's Eastside Journal -- Issaquah district may take striking teachers to court
— In today's News-Tribune -- Progress made in Tacoma, Puyallup teacher talks
— In today's Oregonian -- Ex-aide testifies Sizemore involved in fundraising, tax irregularities
— In today's Spokesman-Review -- GOP sees no benefit to Social Security "privatization"
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Homeland Security bill gains in Senate, if only a little bit
— In today's Washington Post -- Teamster leaders get top dollar, says union dissident group
— In today's Wall Street Journal -- United Airlines unions hang tough on pay cuts
— In today's Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel -- U.S. sues Plumbers union trustees over hotel investment

THURSDAY, September 12 -- Please volunteer this weekend for Labor Neighbor activities
...plus -- Centralia Steam Plant celebration planned for this Saturday
— In today's News-Tribune -- Boeing Machinists to vote Friday: Walk or work
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Machinists join decades-long battle for greater job security
...plus -- At Boeing, "job security" hits closer to home than you think (Virgin column)
— In today's Seattle Times -- Final day to persuade sides in Boeing-IAM contract talks
...plus -- Those who'll say "yes" to a strike -- and -- Those who'll say "no" to a strike
...plus -- Longshore negotiators resuming West Coast port talks today in San Jose
— In today's Bellingham Herald -- Gorton defends gas-tax measure before conservative brethren
— In today's Walla Walla Union-Bulletin -- City, chamber agree on support of Ref. 51
— In yesterday's Vancouver Columbian -- Clark County Commissioners endorse Ref. 51
...plus -- Zarelli must do more than just win Tuesday's GOP primary
— In today's Eastside Journal -- Issaquah teachers, district to met again with mediator
— In today's Spokesman-Review -- Creditors trying to work out Kaiser-BPA deal
— In today's Salem (Ore.) S-J -- Teachers' unions, accused election racketeer Sizemore in court
— In today's L.A. Times -- AFL-CIO objects to bankruptcy bill over clause restricting picketing
...plus -- Fed official urges CEOs to trim their pay, decries overcompensation as "bad social policy"
— In today's N.Y. Times -- The invisible women (Herbert column re: home care workers)
— Today from AP -- Senators search for Homeland Security compromise on workers' rights

WEDNESDAY, September 11 -- Honor working men and women today by taking action
...plus -- IAM's Blondin: Today remember the fallen; Friday remember each other
At IAFF27.org -- Seattle fire fighters to rally Thursday against proposed cuts
— In today's News-Tribune -- Mulally: Fewer jobs 'right' -- Boeing exec: Past cyclical layoffs were "an assault on human dignity," but today's permanent structural layoffs are "the right thing for Boeing."
— In today's SCJ -- Boeing workers (UAW) at Philadelphia helicopter plant reject contract
— In today's Seattle Times -- Judges to decide if voters see unemployment-tax referendum
...plus -- How fair is Fair Trade Coffee?
— In today's Olympian -- BIAW sues L&I over alleged Wal-Mart exemption to ergo rule -- For the real story, check out the Feb. 1 edition of the WSLC Legislative Update.
— In today's Tri-City Herald -- Prosser workers (IBT and OPEIU) picket City Hall
— In today's Yakima H-R -- Prosser workers picket for pay
— Today's updates on teacher contracts/strikes -- Issaquah and Renton
— In today's News-Tribune -- City Council puts repeal of gay anti-discrimination law on Nov. 5 ballot
— In today's Salem (Ore.) S-J -- Senate votes to restrict Oregon PERS future
...plus -- Some farm workers see pay decrease -- Average pay in Ore. and Wash. is $8.86 an hour.
— In today's PSBJ -- OSHA issues nursing home ergo guidelines (Don't worry, you needn't comply.)
— In today's Washington Post -- U.S. employees feel sense of mission, and foreboding
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Bush finds a friend in Carpenters Union president -- Not only has Douglas McCarron caused the biggest split in labor in 30 years by pulling the carpenters out of the AFL-CIO, but he has emerged as President Bush's best friend in a union movement that often derides Mr. Bush as the worst president for workers in decades.

TUESDAY, September 10 -- Groups supporting port workers to leaflet Payless Shoes today
— In today's News-Tribune -- Boeing threatens IAM: Less later on, if contract rejected
— In today's Seattle Times -- Vendor labor becomes key issue for Machinists
— In today's Everett Herald -- Machinists to vote again Friday on Boeing contract
— In today's Olympian -- Medicaid payment blows a hole in state budget
— Today's updates on teacher strikes -- Bellevue; Puyallup; Snohomish and Issaquah
— In today's South County Journal -- Metro appeals L&I citation over bus drivers' safety
— In today's Tri-City Herald -- FFTF backers press for public meetings
— In yesterday's Aberdeen Daily World -- Nursing shortage expected to worsen
— In today's Salem (Ore.) S-J -- PERS vote to reduce benefits is planned today
...plus -- Jury selection begins in unions' suit against Sizemore for fraud, racketeering
— In today's Oregonian -- 120 workers (UAW) stage strike at Portland throttle-maker
— In today's Washington Post -- AFL-CIO helps laid-off WorldCom workers seek more severance
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Shriveling of pensions after Halliburton deal -- Cheney fared a little better.

MONDAY, September 9 -- Boeing Machinists will vote again Friday, Sept. 13
— In Saturday's Seattle P-I -- Machinists will vote on same contract
— In today's South County Journal -- Machinists hope new vote ends doubt
— In Sunday's Walla Walla Union-Bulletin -- How Sept. 11 has affected state's migrant workers
— In today's Yakima H-R -- UFW-sponsored training improves farm workers, industry
— In today's Seattle Times -- Teacher strikes in Snohomish, Issaquah near full week
— In today's Eastside Journal -- Issaquah teacher negotiations yield little
— In the P.S. Business Journal -- AFL-CIO sees opportunities in anti-corporate mood
...plus -- L&I proposes 40.5% increase in workers' comp rates
— In today's News-Tribune -- Supreme Court race likely won't be a snoozer -- GOP-backed candidate Jim Johnson, the opponent of labor-endorsed Michael Spearman, actively opposes ergonomics rule.
...plus -- State welfare program far from being the 'success' Locke, TNT claim (Aiko Schaefer op-ed)
At AFLCIO.org -- New poll shows support for worker protections at Homeland Security Dept.
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Long-term joblessness rose by 50% over the past year -- Tacoma-datelined story includes interviews with a number of local workers who've lost their jobs.
— Check out the American Prospect's special section on Retirement Insecurity

Previous weeks' news:  Sept. 3-6 -- Aug. 26-30 -- Aug. 19-21

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Please volunteer this weekend for Labor Neighbor activities

Labor Neighbor, the Washington State Labor Council's grassroots political action program of member-to-member education, needs volunteers for this weekend's important activities leading up to Tuesday's primary election. Union members are asked to spare two or three hours to participate in neighborhood walks and phone banks around the state Saturday through Tuesday. (See schedule below.)

Last weekend, there was a good turnout of union volunteers for household walks to distribute literature and talk to fellow union members about the importance of voting in the primary election.  But this weekend, triple the number of volunteers are needed to cover the territory necessary.

Labor-endorsed candidates (download an endorsement list) are counting on help getting out the union vote for Tuesday's primary. They know Labor Neighbor could have a dramatic impact in their districts given that fewer voters turn out for primaries, and there are new reports that fewer absentee ballots are being returned so far this year than in the past. 

Some of these candidates' elections will be decided on Tuesday because they face no real opposition in the general election. So let's get out and support the candidates who have proven they will put working people's interests first when they go to Olympia as state legislators. 

Here is the Labor Neighbor schedule for Saturday through Tuesday:

Labor Neighbor activities will continue on weekends throughout September and October, so mark your calendars now to volunteer, especially in October and on the weekend preceding the Nov. 5 general election.

For more information about the Labor Neighbor program, contact Jennifer Grace at (206) 281-8901 or call one of the Labor Neighbor Coordinators in your area listed above.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Centralia Steam Plant celebration planned for this Saturday

Bring your family and friends this Saturday to a celebration marking another milestone in the history of the Centralia Steam Plant and Coal Mine and the successful collaboration between the TransAlta company, its employees and the local community. There will be plant and mine tours and refreshments from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and special guest U.S. Rep. Brian Baird will speak at noon, at the plant at 913 Big Hanaford Road.

The celebration commemorates the on-time and on-budget completion and dedication of the Unit #1 & #2 Scrubbers, Big Hanaford Gas Plant, and ISO14001 Certification. This celebration is a combined effort by TransAlta Centralia, the International Union of Operating Engineers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Thurston Lewis Counties Central Labor Council, and other unions in Washington state.  Representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and provide information regarding their participation in the two major construction projects.

Tours will be provided at both the plant and mine throughout the day and various children’s activities will be available between noon and 4 p.m. Come out and get a close-up view of some of Washington’s largest earth-moving equipment.

For more information about the Centralia Steam Plant and Coal Mine, visit the TransAlta website. For more information about Saturday's event, contact Sandy Zadina at (360) 330-2301.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Honor working men and women today by taking action

Today we remember the losses of one year ago--and recommit ourselves to honoring America's working heroes. Visit www.aflcio.org to learn more about the working women and men who died and the courage and commitment of the workers who helped heal our nation. You can honor them right now by taking action.

— West Coast dockworkers are working without a contract because their employer, supported by shoe companies like Payless, Stride Rite, Cole Haan and others, has not bargained to reach a deal. At the same time, the Bush administration has threatened to use troops to operate the dockworkers' equipment in the event of a lockout or a strike. Tell the shoe companies -- who are among the biggest users of the West Cost docks -- to join the call for fair and just bargaining.

— The U.S. Senate is considering legislation to form a new Department of Homeland Security. But Republicans in the Senate and the Bush Administration are insisting, with a veto threat, that employees of the department shouldn't have the same civil service protections and union rights as other federal employees. Tell your senators to support the working heroes who protect America and to keep their workplace protections in the legislation.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
IAM's Blondin: Today remember the fallen; Friday remember each other

Last night, IAM District 751 President Mark Blondin delivered the following statement to rank-and-file members preparing to vote on Boeing's contract proposal (a video of this speech and much more on the contract vote are available at www.iam751.org):

Brothers and Sisters:

As we near our contract vote on Friday, we can't forget the thousands of workers who were killed in the attack of September 11, 2001.  These men and women died in service to each other and to their families.  Workers, just doing their job.  Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers.
 
As we near our vote on the Company's final offer, remember each other. Don't send a co-worker to certain layoff by accepting a contract that allows vendors or subcontractors to replace your brother or sister.

Don't accept a contract that stops the recall of our brothers and sisters. You may be next.  We're about jobs --  Always have been.  This Company proposal -- and that's all it is if you reject it -- is not about jobs. This Company offer is about job loss.

Strikes are never easy nor are they any fun.  It is a tremendous hardship on our families.  But if there was ever a time, it is now.  It is time to stand up for your brother and sister -- stand up for what is right.  We are on the right side of this argument.  We just can't accept a contract that attacks jobs.  The top priority that we put on this contract was jobs, and this Company chose to attack our jobs.

Where is the working together, or as Alan Mulally says, "flying together."  This is a takeaway contract, right down the line, including the substantial takeaways in medical.  The proposal to take lead pay from our members.  To degrade our seniority language and takeaway the member's opportunity for upgrade.  It is uncalled for.  The company talks about being competitive, but at negotiations, when the Union proposed to defer wages, the Company refused.

This Company offer, their arrogant attitude at the bargaining table, and the threatening way they have approached our members on the shop floor with their propaganda --  it's all uncalled for. This offer deserves one vote to reject the contract and yes to reaffirm strike sanction.

This company proposal -- and that's all it is if you reject it  -- is to let vendors replace our members.  The company says that they don't want a middleman -- meaning our members -- delivering, kitting, and inspecting the parts made by vendors.  Well, lets not forget -- those vendors are building parts that we were making not too long ago. If the company kept our work in house, there would be no middleman.  It's about our jobs.  Jobs our members have held for decades.

We cannot accept this proposal.  We've got to stick up for each other.  When they say there won't be layoffs, do you believe them? I don't.  In fact, many of our good members were laid off over this past year, and the Company said they wouldn't lay them off either.

Send a strong message on Friday:  no on contract and  yes on strike sanction.  We will go on strike together.  We'll take care of each other, and in the end we will not accept a contract unless it is about keeping jobs -- our jobs.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Groups supporting port workers to leaflet Payless Shoes today

Around the country today, supporters of West Coast longshore workers are leafleting outside the retail stores that are pressing the Bush Administration for military intervention in the event of a port work stoppage. In Seattle, activists will pass out leaflets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. outside the downtown Payless Shoes at 1529 3rd Ave. (3rd and Pine).

The actions are being organized by community groups that support the International Longshore and Warehouse Union's continuing struggle for a fair contract, including Jobs with Justice, Alliance for Sustainable Jobs and the Environment, Community Labor Environmental Alliance, Portworker Solidarity Committee, Campaign for Labor Rights and others. For legal reasons, the ILWU is not involved in the leafleting, nor do the action's participants speak for the ILWU.

The leaflets will tell potential customers: U.S. Troops Don't Belong On the Backs of Our Workers.

The ILWU longshore contract with the employer group, the Pacific Maritime Authority (PMA), expired on July 1. The large corporations who use the ports most -- including Wal-Mart, Payless Shoes, Home Depot, Target, The Gap and Best Buy -- are pushing the federal government to intervene militarily in negotiations. These corporations, as well as the PMA, have formed the West Coast Waterfront Coalition (WCWC) as a way to lobby policy makers and recruit other retailers in an anti-worker anti-union campaign. 

Click here to learn more and see a full list of WCWC members, and click here for the latest update on contract talks at the ILWU web site.

The PMA still hasn't made an acceptable proposal, so the workers are without a contract. The employers have no incentive to negotiate, because the Bush administration has threatened to send in the military to take over West Coast docks and longshore jobs to preempt any action on the part of the ILWU. They claim that a strike or slowdown would threaten national security. Bush Cabinet members have also threatened to introduce legislation to take away the longshore workers' right to strike, or to break up their industry-wide contract.

On Aug. 28, 35 people showed up at the downtown Seattle Payless Shoes to blow the whistle on Payless for their role in the longshore workers' struggle for fair negotiations. Jobs with Justice coalitions around the country leafleted West Coast Waterfront Coalition stores in 16 cities, including Bellingham, Tacoma, Portland, Boston , Detroit , Florida , Milwaukee , New Mexico , Philadelphia , Pittsburgh , St. Louis , Salt Lake City , Toledo, Vermont , and Washington D.C.

On Aug. 12, thousands of labor activists and community supporters marched in the streets of major West Coast ports, including Seattle, to tell the Bush Administration to keep their hands off longshore negotiations. Political leaders from up and down the coast have pledged their support.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Boeing Machinists will vote again Friday, Sept. 13

The following negotiations update was distributed this afternoon by IAM District 751 on Sunday (for more information, check out www.iam751.org):

Vote Set for September 13th

As we prepare to vote on the Company's offer, again the Union recommendation remains to VOTE NO on the contract and VOTE YES to reaffirm strike sanction. The Union based this recommendation on the following issues:

• Subcontracting - Company proposal will gut existing subcontracting language and significantly reduce the Union's ability to stop offloading of work.
  

• Materials Delivery and Inventory Process - The Union believes this proposal will eliminate jobs of brothers and sisters. The Union cannot recommend an offer that will cause an immediate loss of jobs to our members and bring vendors to the shop floor to perform our work.
  

• Massive takeaways in health care. The Union wanted to maintain medical benefits at the current level. The Company proposal is an outright attack on the membership and imposes substantially increased monthly premium payments and increased co-pays.
  

• Pensions. You identified pensions as a top priority and the Company refused to substantially increase pension.
  

• Team Leader. The Union believes the team leader proposal will damage existing leads and deny members future opportunities to be upgraded into lead positions, as well as eroding the seniority system.

Boeing has refused to bargain in good faith. Boeing is ignoring its statutory obligation to continue good faith negotiations, to timely provide information to the Union, and has engaged in sham bargaining without a genuine desire to reach agreement. In addition, this Company has attempted to coerce and threaten IAM employees concerning their right to strike.  For all the reasons above, including their unfair conduct throughout this process, we must protest and reject this contract and reaffirm strike sanction.

The vote on Boeing's last, best and final offer (the same offer presented on August 27th) will take place on Friday, September 13th from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:

— Auburn IAM Union Hall, 202 B Street SW
— Everett IAM Union Hall, 4829 Airport Road
— Renton IAM Union Hall, 233 Burnett N.
— Seattle IAM Union Hall, 9135 15th Pl. S.
— Frederickson, Tacoma Sportsmen's Club - 16409 Canyon Rd. E.
— Spokane IAM Union Hall, 4226 E. Mission

Green eligibility cards will be mailed today. Watch for the card and bring the card with you when you go to vote. If you forget your card, go to the Dues Window at the voting location to get a good standing card.

As on August 29th, there will be two separate ballots; however, both ballots will be different colors than the vote on August 29th.  One ballot is accept or reject the contract. The other ballot is yes or no to reaffirm strike sanction.

Results of the vote will be announced at a press conference at the Seattle Union Hall, as soon as the ballots have been counted.