TUESDAY, JULY 3  ▪  No Free Choice? How about a little RESPECT? (Bender column) -- The RESPECT Act would restore union rights to millions of workers harmed by the NLRB’s new interpretation of "supervisors" who can be denied union representation. The Senate version has been co-sponsored by Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray, and the House version has been signed by Democratic U.S. Reps. Brian Baird, Norm Dicks, Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, and Republican Rep. Dave Reichert.
▪  At AFL-CIO Now -- It's time workers get RESPECT (re: Bender column)
▪  Open letter from U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks  -- "Now is the time to act" on RESPECT (PDF) -- "Let's bring (it) to a vote... and restore the protections that millions of affected American workers need and deserve."

Strike news:
▪  In the (Longview) Daily News -- Striking Columbia Ford workers go 4th -- As the walkout enters its third week, Rep. Brian Baird plans to meet today with members of the Machinists and Teamsters Union on the picket lines. "We've contacted the (federal) mediator and said we are willing to sit down a bargain," says a Teamsters agent. Columbia Ford "has not agreed to meet."
▪  In today's Oregonian -- Strike affects holiday beer supply in Oregon -- A Teamsters truck driver strike against a beverage distributor enters its second week as the company scrambles to keep beers on the shelves in western Oregon for the holiday. The company wants to replace a Teamsters pension and health plan with 401(k) and health plans chosen by the company.

Local news: 
▪  In today's (Everett) Herald -- Take pride in 787, Gregoire says -- Another incentive package could be in the offing. Gregoire says if Boeing decides to start a second line for the 787 or for updating the 737, she wants the work in Washington: "For anything they're thinking -- a new iteration or a second line, whatever. I've made it clear to them that if you do right by us, we'll do right by you."
▪  In today's Spokesman-Review -- Empire Health Services workers may not lose jobs -- It will bring 245 housekeeping, laundry, food services and other workers back under hospital management after the firm it outsourced the jobs to four years ago announces it is terminating the contract.
▪  In today's Olympian -- Sens. Murray, Cantwell among panelists frustrated over health care worries 

Immigration news:
▪  In today's Seattle Times -- Raids target immigrants ordered to leave U.S. -- As the feds step up raids at work sites and homes, a Times reporter and photographer accompany a Seattle-based team finding and arresting immigrants who've been given final orders to leave the country.
▪  In today's NY Times -- Arizona governor signs tough bill on hiring illegal immigrants -- Signed by its Democratic governor, the bill requires employers to verify the legal status of their employees. If they fail to do so, they risk having their business licenses suspended. A second offense could result in the “business death penalty,” a permanent revocation of the state business license.

Election 2008:
▪  In the LA Times -- Hillary Clinton aims to win over doubters -- Saddled with high unfavorable ratings in national polls despite her perch atop her primary rivals and her steadiness over three debates, Clinton has to change enough hearts and minds among Democratic voters to prove that she can do it on a nationwide scale in 2008.
▪  In today's NY Times -- Short on money, McCain dismisses dozens of campaign staff -- His advisers blame his close association with the recently defeated immigration bill, but he has also had to contend with a host of other issues, including his outspoken support of the Iraq war.