WSLC Reports Today -- July 28, 2008

National news:
▪ In today's NY Times -- Iowa rally protests raid, working conditions at meatpacking plant -- About 1,000 people march through the center of Postville to protest an immigration raid in May. Reports of labor violations in the plant have been prominent news in the Jewish media, provoking debate on whether Jews should buy the plant's kosher products, sold as Aaron’s Best and Rubashkin’s.
▪ At AFL-CIO Now -- $5 million fine, but no safety standard in sugar dust blast -- OSHA issues 120 citations for safety violations at the Imperial Sugar Co. plant in Port Wentworth, Ga., where incredibly high levels of sugar dust fueled an explosion Feb. 7 that killed 13 workers.
▪ In today's NY Times -- SAG Board backs negotiators' demands -- Resolutions passes to seek greater control over Internet content, indicating any agreement with studios might be weeks away.
▪ Today from AP -- 52,000 Lufthansa workers to go on strike -- The union representing ground crews and service personnel at Germany's largest airline is seeking a 9.8% pay increase.

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2008
Sen. Maria Cantwell added to WSLC 2008 Convention agenda
Affiliated local unions can still register for the Aug. 4-7 event at Vancouver Hilton

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.

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell joins Washington's other U.S. Senator, Patty Murray, plus Gov. Chris Gregoire and U.S. Rep. Brian Baird 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.

Sen. Cantwell will speak during Wednesday morning's session, joining many other distinguished labor and political leaders 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 now closed, but delegates can 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. If you have regoistration questions, contact Karen White at 206-281-8901 x14.

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 2007 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.