WSLC Reports Today -- July 22, 2008

National news:
▪ In today's Oregonian -- Undocumented worker ruling could rattle Oregon's economy -- As a federal court decision nears that could require employers to verify workers' Social Security numbers, one analysis says the state could lose up to $656 million in tax revenues and 173,500 jobs.
▪ In today's NY Times -- Women are now equal as victims of poor economy -- Women in their prime earning years are retreating from the work force, either permanently or for long stretches.

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2008
Gregoire, Murray, Baird at WSLC 2008 Convention on Aug. 4-7
It's not too late for affiliated local unions to register for the Vancouver Hilton event

Pre-convention Labor Neighbor walk on Sunday, Aug, 3

If you plan to attend the WSLC Convention, make plans to come a day early and participate in a Labor Neighbor Solidarity Walk in Vancouver from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3. Originating at the Firefighters Hall, 2807 Fruit Valley Road, participating union members will deliver information about labor-endorsed candidates to fellow union members. Make sure your union is represented! VOLUNTEER ONLINE if you plan to attend or contact WSLC Field Mobilization Director Lori Province at 206-281-8901 x24 if you have questions.

Gov. Chris Gregoire, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Brian Baird will be among the featured speakers at the 2008 Constitutional Convention of the Washington State Labor Council to be held Aug. 4-7 at the Vancouver Hilton Hotel.

Many other distinguished labor and political leaders are also on the convention agenda (see below). The convention begins Monday, Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. and will adjourn by noon Thursday, Aug. 7. With the theme "Working Families United!," this year is a WSLC Constitutional Convention, meaning that affiliated and chartered local unions can submit resolutions to change the WSLC Constitution and change the council's structure and organization.

The annual WSLC Convention is an opportunity for union officers, staff and rank-and-file delegates to hear from distinguished union and government leaders, attend informative workshops, develop relationships with other unions -- and have some fun. "The Tournament in ‘08," the annual golf fund raiser to benefit community service agencies, will be Sunday, August 3 with a 8 a.m. shotgun start at the Tri-Mountain Golf Course in Ridgefield. Registration begins at 7 a.m. For more information, contact the Puget Sound Labor Agency at 206-448-9277.

The WSLC's affiliated and chartered union organizations received a convention call several weeks ago indicating the number of delegates and alternates they are entitled to send to convention. Pre-registration for the convention is open through this Friday, but delegates can also bring their credentials and register in person at the hotel. Early registration is available at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 at the hotel (for those who want to avoid lines) and reopens at 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning.

Following is a tentative agenda (keep in mind that this schedule and speakers are subject to change):

You say you want a resolution?

Well, you know... the Washington State Labor Council's Constitution says proposed resolutions should be submitted 30 days prior to convention, which was July 5. However, "late" resolutions are routinely accepted right up until the first day of convention and will still be considered by delegates. Affiliates are urged to submit these resolutions at the earliest possible time to facilitate their reproduction and distribution to the convention body.

These resolutions are a key part not just of the WSLC Convention, but of the organization itself. This year is the biannual Constitutional Convention, so affiliated and chartered unions can propose changes to the WSLC Constitution that alter the structure and operation of the council. It is also through the debate and passage of these resolutions that WSLC positions and policies are established. Among those approved in 200 7 were several that determined the priority legislative issues for the WSLC.

The resolutions are first referred to various committees that meet on Monday afternoon and consider whether to recommend changes or corrections. Debate and voting on the resolutions, and any committee amendments, will begin Wednesday afternoon and continue Thursday morning, as necessary.