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

Links to press stories are functional at the date of posting.  In some cases, free registration is required at newspapers' sites.  Links sometimes "expire" when the source would like to begin charging for old news.  WSLC Reports Today  links to all stories of interest to organized labor; some positive, 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 20-24, 2004

Previous weeks' news: Sept. 13-17 -- Sept. 7-9 -- Aug. 30-Sept. 1

URGENT!  Funds needed IMMEDIATELY in Alaska search for Joe and Jim Murphy.  The Murphy Rescue Fund has been established; please contribute TODAY.

FRIDAY, Sept. 24 -- Post-strike poll shows Group Health's popularity has suffered, public backs caregivers in dispute
— In the News Tribune -- Rossi serves, Gregoire returns -- In last night's debate, Rossi criticized Gregoire for promising labor unions "a seat at the table" when decisions affecting their members are made. Gregoire responded by reiterated her promise and extending the same one to the business community, adding, "It makes me wonder, Dino, who is it you intend to lock out during the time that you're negotiating ... solutions to their problems?"
— In today's Bellingham Herald -- BIAW hires plane to urge AWB support of I-333 on workers' comp -- Learn about WSLC's I-334, REAL reform to eliminate workers' share of the premiums, among other things.
— In today's Yakima H-R -- UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta in Sunnyside tonight to urge Hispanics to vote for John Kerry
— In today's Salem S-J -- UFW's Huerta stumps for Kerry in Oregon
— In The Stranger -- Fallout from union campaign to unseat Sommers
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Republicans say liberals will ban the Bible
Other news: — In today's Olympian -- State workers vote on contract
— In today's Seattle Times -- State short on "living wage" jobs
— In the P.S. Business Journal -- Western Wash. University reaches agreement with classified employees union (WFSE)
— In today's Everett Herald -- Boeing seeks truce on Airbus subsidies
— In today's L.A. Times -- Boeing has deposits for up to 200 7E7s
— In today's Washington Post -- Boeing tanker deal faces Justice Department review; potential conflict of interest cited
At AFLCIO.org -- Unions fight to protect Florida voting rights
— In today's L.A. Times -- Poll shows Californians support ballot measure requiring employee health care by a 51-29 margin
— In BusinessWeek online -- Is outsourcing on the outs? -- Not really, but companies are taking a closer look at whether it's really worth it.
— In today's S.F. Chronicle -- Wal-Mart fires back with campaign to rebut critics who say company drives pay down, rivals out 
— In today's N.Y. Times -- US Airways asks court to OK 23% wage cuts
...plus -- Just this side of treacherous border, here lies Juan Doe
...plus -- Bush upbeat as Iraq burns -- Herbert column: Even as other  Republicans are starting to voice their concerns about the unfolding disaster, Bush continues to insist Iraq is well on its way to being "secure, democratic, federal and free." With Americans, Iraqis and others dying horribly in the long dark night of this American-led war, the world needs more from the president of the United States than the fool's gold of his empty utterances.

THURSDAY, Sept. 23 — In today's Bremerton Sun -- Area labor leader Joe Murphy, brother are missing in Alaska -- Joe Murphy and his twin brother, Jim, have have been missing since Monday morning when their floatplane flight to an Alaskan fishing camp disappeared. Joe is the senior Vice President of the Washington State Labor Council, and a longtime leader of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Kitsap County Labor Council. As we pray for the Joe's and Jim's safe return, our thoughts are with their family. -- The officers and staff of the WSLC
— In today's Seattle P-I -- State labor official among 5 aboard missing plane

Also today -- Labor-endorsed Sen. Patty Murray takes on "right-to-work" sponsor George Nethercutt (comparison flier available)
— In today's Olympian -- State reaches accord with final union (SEIU 1199NW)
...plus -- Ratify state labor agreements -- Editorial: The negotiated settlement is a fair one, especially given the fact that state employees have not had a cost-of-living pay increase for three years. In fact, state workers have lost ground because of higher out-of-pocket medical insurance premiums. It is a reasonable contract that merits ratification by workers and legislative approval.
— In today's Seattle P-I -- We need infusion of "new" money (Virgin column on economic development incentives)
— In today's Salem S-J -- Port of Portland will cut 81 jobs (10% of workforce) because shippers leaving
Election news: — In today's Seattle P-I -- Kerry has strong lead here -- Elway poll: Kerry leading 52-38, Murray ahead 57-37 and Gregoire up 49-38; but other polls show neck-and-neck Gregoire-Rossi race.
— In today's News Tribune -- Governor's race a tossup -- News Tribune poll: Gregoire 49%, Rossi 43%.
— In today's Everett Herald -- Independents, women leaning toward Gregoire -- Herald poll shows Gregoire ahead 49-43, leads Rossi by more than 2-to-1 in King County. Rossi held a slight edge in other Western Washington counties. Both candidates were statistically even in Eastern Washington.
— In today's Seattle Times -- Union that opposed Sommers may face payback from race
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Sommers admits she's unhappy with union that sought to oust her
...plus -- Sommers win a double -- Editorial: Seattle Rep. Helen Sommers' victory in the Democratic primary is worth celebrating... because it is a defeat for narrow-issue payback politics.
— In today's Washington Post -- Despite Bush flip-flops, Kerry gets label (news analysis)
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Two studies find laws on felons forbid many black men from voting
...plus -- Kerry maintains domestic focus, turning to Social Security and Medicare
...plus -- How NOT to save Social Security -- Editorial: Bush's plan to allow workers to divert some of their Social Security taxes into personal investment accounts would endanger the retirement system.
At AFLCIO.org -- U.S. corporations that pay no taxes still get tax breaks
— In today's L.A. Times -- Despite $100 billion in profits, 82 firms (including Boeing) pay no income taxes
— In the P.S.B.J. -- Overtime rule still in effect, but final outcome uncertain -- Despite a bipartisan vote in Congress to block Bush's OT pay take-away, House Republican leaders say they'll simply drop the provision when they confer with the Senate on the Department of Labor's appropriations bill.
— In today's Seattle Times -- Federal study scrutinizes outsourcing; affect on U.S. unemployment unclear
— In today's Olympian -- Health insurance falls short for many low-income workers (AP)
— In today's L.A. Times -- Grocery workers in Bay Area hope to avoid strike
 

BULLETIN: WSLC Vice President Joe Murphy, 4 others aboard plane missing in Alaska -- Coast Guard helicopter crews continue a search for a charter float plane missing since Monday. The missing individuals aboard are identified as Joe Murphy of Bremerton, the senior Vice President of the Washington State Labor Council; his twin brother Jim Murphy of Sequim; Jerry Balmer, Dick Conig and the pilot, Eric Johnson of Sitka.  Please pray for their safe return.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 22 -- New Labor Neighbor schedule posted; walks THIS WEEKEND
— In today's Olympian -- State employees on verge of historic contract decision -- All state employees affected by the contract -- union or nonunion -- are able to vote on it. That vote is happening this week.
...plus -- Wal-Mart plans to super-size Lacey store, add 24-hour groceries
— In today's Tri-City Herald -- Hanford Environmental Health Foundation retiree benefits returned
— In today's News Tribune -- Ex-Hanford workers to keep medical screening
— In today's Seattle Times -- Washington State Nurses Association is fighting flu-shot requirement
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Seattle Mayor Nickels wants to cut 191 jobs -- Seattle City Light would cut 44 now-vacant positions, Seattle Center would lose 30, and fleets and facilities would eliminate 20 jobs.
...plus -- Payout for Microsoft permatemps delayed -- again -- Don't forget rally today on outsourcing.
...plus -- Few big orders expected for 7E7, but Boeing exec anticipate 100 orders by end of 2005
Election news: — In today's King Co. Journal -- Boeing, IAM and SPEEA registering voters
— In today's Seattle Times -- U.S. Chamber of Commerce's anti-Senn ads rile state business groups
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Business leaders slam Chamber over anti-Senn ads -- Corporate Washington pledges ethical, "transparent" advocacy after $1.4 million attack fails. But look for their PAC, United for Washington, to send distorted last-minute negative mail about Democrats and hide behind phony groups like People for Good Government run by the very same political hack, Bruce Boram.
— In today's Bellingham Herald -- In final count, it now appears Sinclair will face U.S. Rep. Larsen
— In the Seattle Weekly -- The immoderate GOP -- Ignoring many congressional and legislative districts, the Republican Party is betting its money on a few key statewide races with a bunch of extreme conservatives sold as "moderates:" Dino Rossi, George Nethercutt, Rob McKenna and Dave Reichert.
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Drooling candidates crowd around the D.C. money trough (Connelly column)
— And a related editorial in the Longview Daily News -- Corporate tax bill presents nothing but bad choices -- The corporate tax bill remains a bloated, budget-busting monument to congressional vote-buying.
Other national news: — In today's Washington Post -- House steps closer to 3.5% federal pay increase
...plus -- EEOC awards contract to private firm for fielding worker discrimination complaints
...plus -- The politics of Social Security -- Bush's push to create individual investment accounts would hand financial services firms a windfall totaling $940 billion over 75 years, according to a new study.
— In today's S.F. Chronicle -- Emergency rooms, doctors feel the fiscal pain of uninsured patients

TUESDAY, Sept. 21 -- Tell "Benedict Ballmer" and friends: Export software, not jobs!
— In today's Seattle P-I -- State should be picky with handouts -- Virgin column: NASCAR advocates will ask the new governor for a deal like Boeing got and biotech is getting. The answer should be "no." 
— In today's Seattle P-I -- Port gets short shrift -- Editorial: Sen. Patty Murray, a leading advocate for port security, warns that Bush administration is pushing to privatize this national security priority.
Election news -- Woldt concedes race to Rep. Sommers; Hasagawa extends lead
— In today's Washington Post -- Kerry sharpens attack on Bush and Iraq war
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Talking sense, at last, on Iraq -- Editorial: Kerry finally seems to have found his voice on what ought to be the central issue of this year's election: the mismanaged war in Iraq.
...plus -- The last deception -- Krugman column: Bush hopes that by pretending Allawi is a real leader of a real government, he can conceal the fact that he has led America into a major strategic defeat... To the delight of Al Qaeda, our overstretched armed forces are getting chewed up in a losing struggle.
Other national news: — In today's Washington Post -- Senators urge vote on drug import bill -- Despite bipartisan support (75 of 100 votes) for legalizing importation of low-cost prescription drugs, Republican Majority Leader Bill Frist sides with pharmaceutical industry and opposes allowing a vote.
...plus -- D.C. hotels, union resume talks; contract length at issue as strike looms

MONDAY, Sept. 20 -- Gregoire-Rossi comparison on labor issues shows clear choice
...plus -- Hasegawa's lead continues to widen in 11th House race
— In the P.S. Business Journal -- Ill-timed workers' comp, other initiatives force rush to judgment (editorial)
— In today's Everett Herald -- State legislators to map out 2005 strategies this week
— In today's Seattle P-I -- State reaches tentative contract agreement with two more unions
— In today's Seattle Times -- Sen. Cantwell delivers ultimatum to feds on reviving Hanford screening
— In Sunday's Seattle Times -- Citing internal conflicts at Swedish, Northwest Hospital rejects merger
— In today's Oregonian -- Oregon will boost minimum wage to $7.25 an hour -- Washington state will announce cost-of-living adjustment to its $7.16 minimum wage on Sept. 30.
Election news: — In the P.S. Business Journal -- Gregoire gets major labor endorsement (WSLC)
— In Sunday's Olympian -- 22nd LD candidate (Williams) criticized for nursing-home contributions
— In Sunday's Longview Daily News -- Supreme Court race echoes themes of 2002 campaign (AP)
— In Sunday's Bremerton Sun -- I-884 would help schools in Kitsap (op-ed)
....plus -- Winners, losers in state's first closed primary (column by AP's Ammons)
— In Sunday's Columbian -- Defeat I-892, Eyman's "absurd" gambling initiative (editorial)
At AFLCIO.org -- Thousands of hotel employees poised to strike for health care
— In today's Washington Post -- Hotel housekeepers advocate for change as union prepares to strike
...plus -- The vanishing middle class: As income gap widens, uncertainty spreads
— In Sunday's Seattle Times -- Employers shifting to overtime pay, temporary workers -- Once considered stopgap measure, avoiding the hiring of full-time workers with benefits considered permanent strategy.
...plus -- In California, "moderate" Arnold vetoes minimum wage increase, protects megastores (AP)
— In today's N.Y. Times -- Unions face difficult choices as airlines seek concessions

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Funds needed IMMEDIATELY in Alaska search for Joe Murphy

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Post-strike poll shows public backs Group Health caregivers

SEATTLE – A new public opinion survey shows that a majority of Western Washington residents sides with nurses and health care workers in the dispute over Group Health Cooperative’s attempt to cut their health care benefits.

 

The survey also reveals that while Group Health’s popularity has suffered since this spring, nurses remain extremely popular.

 

“Consumers realize that shifting costs onto health care workers isn’t going to make our own care more affordable in the long run. We've got to focus on the real causes of the health care crisis, like runaway prescription drug costs and an inefficient system that spends too much on marketing and administration and not enough on patients," said Brett Houghton, a consumer who gets care for her family from Group Health.

 

“When we were on the picket lines, we got enormous support from consumers. This survey shows how deep that support was across the community,” said Diane Sosne, RN, president of SEIU 1199NW.

 

A survey of 400 residents of the Seattle media market was conducted in the wake of a five-day strike by Group Health caregivers over the issue of family health care benefits. Survey results show that:

 

• Western Washington residents supported the five-day strike by nurses and other health care professionals at Group Health by a nearly 2-1 margin.  Respondents were told: “Recently almost the entire nursing staff and other employees at Group Health Cooperative went on a five-day strike over the issue of their health care benefits in the proposed contract.”  They were then asked whether they favored or opposed the five-day strike. Over half (51%) of the respondents said they sided with nurses and hospital staff, with 40% offering “strong support.”  Only slightly more than one-quarter (26%) opposed the five-day strike and about the same number (24%) are undecided as to whether or not they supported the strike.
  

• Slightly more than nine in 10 Western Washington residents have favorable impressions of nurses (91% favorable, 3% unfavorable).
  

• Fifty-four percent of Western Washington residents have favorable impressions of unions that represent nurses, a six-percentage-point increase from April, when a similar survey was conducted.
  

• While perceptions of nurses have stayed static since April, Group Health Cooperative’s favorability has slipped.  Western Washington residents offer the organization only lukewarm ratings (39% favorable, 30% unfavorable).  This represents a five-point decline in Group Health’s favorable rating and an eight-point increase in its unfavorable rating. Just five months ago, 44% had favorable opinions of Group Health and 22% held unfavorable opinions.
  

• Support for the health care workers was very broad, coming from nearly every major demographic subgroup.  Republicans represent the only demographic group that is divided (40% favor, 40% oppose) over the strike.

The survey of 400 residents of the Seattle media market (including King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, Clallam, Grays Harbors, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Douglas, Island, Chelen, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties) was conducted September 7 to 9, 2004. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.9 percentage points at the 95% level of confidence.  Grove Insight of Portland, Oregon conducted the research. 

 

Over 1,700 Group Health caregivers went on strike for five days in August to show their commitment to maintaining affordable family health care benefits.

 

Despite continued strong financial performance in 2004, Group Health is demanding that employees accept major cost shifts for family care. The cost of providing medical benefits to SEIU members and their families added up to less than one percent of Group Health’s budget in 2004. Meanwhile, nearly 150 nursing vacancies go unfilled at Group Health.

 

No new negotiating sessions have been held since the conclusion of the strike on August 27.

 

Over 2,200 Group Health registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, behavioral therapists, medical assistants, ophthalmology staff, hospital employees, and other frontline staff are united in Service Employees International Union District 1199NW. SEIU 1199NW is Washington’s largest health care union, uniting more than 18,000 nurses and health care workers.

For more information, contact SEIU 1199NW Communications Director Carter Wright at (425) 917-1199.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Labor-endorsed Sen. Murray takes on "right-to-work" sponsor

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Tell "Benedict Ballmer" and Co.: Export software, not jobs!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Woldt concedes race to Rep. Sommers; Hasegawa extends lead

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Gregoire-Rossi comparison on labor issues shows clear choice

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Hasegawa's lead continues to widen in 11th House race