August 10, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Republicans Propagating Falsehoods in Attacks on Health-Care Reform
As a columnist who regularly dishes out sharp criticism, I try not to question the motives of people with whom I don't agree. Today, I'm going to step over that line. The recent attacks by Republican leaders and their ideological fellow-travelers on the effort to reform the health-care system have been so misleading, so disingenuous, that they could only spring from a cynical effort to gain partisan political advantage. By poisoning the political well, they've given up any pretense of being the loyal opposition. They've become political … more

 

Chinese Tires Give Obama His First Trade Test
Barack Obama campaigned on a pledge to cushion American workers from the effects of trade, but he has governed as a president who values close ties with the rest of the world. A dispute over tires may soon force him to choose sides. In the first big trade case to land on Obama's desk, he must decide by Sept. 17 whether to impose a tariff on Chinese passenger-car tires. Coincidentally, that deadline falls one week before a Group of Twenty summit in Pittsburgh , where Obama will want to be a gracious host to China and the other … more

 

It's All About Jobs!
What brings together the President of the United Steelworkers from Pittsburgh , a Corporate CEO now living in New York , and the former senior U.S. Senator from Michigan ? It's all about jobs -- and the urgent need for millions of new ones. While President Obama has spoken forcefully about laying a new foundation for the economy, one that creates good jobs and rising incomes and that moves us from an era of borrow-and-spend to one where we save and invest and are able to produce more at home than we consume, we believe … more

 

July Jobless Rate Stays At 8.6 Per Cent As 45,000 Jobs Shed
Canada's labour market shed another 45,000 jobs in July as more people struggled to find work, Statistics Canada reported Friday. The unemployment rate stayed at 8.6 per cent during the month. Full-time employment and private sector jobs — the two most reliable indicators of labour market strength — both continued their downward trajectory. The agency reported there were 29,100 fewer full-time workers in July. The private sector also to shed jobs, dropping another 75,000. "The downward trend among private-sector employees … more

 

Colombian Trade Unions--A Target for Death Squads as American Corporations Prosper
Luis Adolfo Cardona worked as a forklift operator at an American-owned bottling company that packages 50,000 cases of Coca-Cola’s famous fizzy beverages a month. On an unassuming morning, Cardona narrowly escaped death when right-wing paramilitary troops attempted to kill him. Unfortunately, not all labor union activists are so lucky. Isídro Segundo Gil, the gatekeeper and the union’s chief negotiator at another Coca-Cola bottling plant in the small, rural town of Carepa , Colombia , was gunned down by a band of paramilitary insurgents on … more

 

Steelworker Articles
USW Local 1155 Gives Media Coverage to Local 1055 Bridgestone Rally – District 9
SolidarityNews covers information and interviews Steelworkers dealing with their negotiations with Bridgestone … more. Also visit USW Local 1055 continues it struggle to get a new union contract with Bridgestone parts 1 and 2. Vonda McDaniels, USW local 1055's Pension & Insurance Rep., talks about the hardships resulting from Bridgestone-Firestone's proposed health & pension cuts (videos) … more.  More resources and information are available here.

 

Ottawa Father And Daughter Affected by Hennepin Steel Plant Closure – District 6
"We're a family," said Denetta Reddick of Ottawa, with eyes nearing tears as she spoke of her nearly 250 co-workers who are struggling in the aftermath of being laid off from Hennepin's shuttered ArcelorMittal rolled-steel mill earlier this year. Reddick was one day short of her eight-month anniversary when she worked her last day at the plant in March. She knew since right before Christmas the life-changing day would be coming. "It was still a shock to me, to all of us," she said. Especially to her 64-year-old father, Dennis Anderson of Ottawa … more

 

Valero Texas City Refinery Workers Reject Union – District 13
Workers at Valero Energy Corp's (VLO.N) Texas City , Texas , refinery rejected joining the United Steelworkers union, according to ballots counted Friday, said union and company representatives. Workers voted 183 to 94 to reject affiliation with the Steelworkers, which represents 30,000 U.S. refinery workers. "Valero has always had a very good working relationship with our employees, both those who are (union-) represented and those who aren't, and we appreciate the support and commitment shown by the team at Texas City ," said Valero … more

 

Thompson Steel Supports Locals – District 3
A low-key rally on the Copper Cliff picket line drew about 60 to 70 strikers Friday. Murray Nychyporuk, president of the United Steelworkers Local 6166, presented the workers with a banner signed by members of his local from Thompson , Man. , as well as a cheque for $15,000. "The members appreciate you guys taking on this fight," he said "We all want to see you be successful." Labour Day in Thompson will be focused on the Steelworkers' battle in Ontario , added Nychyporuk. "It makes for a tough household when the … more

 

The Family Recognized At Miner's Memorial – District 6
'They carried the burden' says Angus
The importance of the family; the women and children who carried on when men died in the mines, was remembered at a ceremony at the Porcupine Miner’s Memorial in Timmins on the weekend. The event was the official dedication of the “the family” at the popular monument that sites in the scenic Schumacher Lions McIntyre Park . It was just over a year ago, on July 1, 2008, that the bronze sculpture of the lone miner was unveiled at the memorial. It stands as a tribute to more than 600 Timmins area mine workers who have … more

 

Recovery Slow To Reach Tenaris – District 6
Recovery, which has led to increased production and the recall, or imminent recall, of hundreds of hourly employees on indefinite layoff at two Sault Ste. Marie manufacturers, has yet to materialize at a third prominent employer. Tenaris Algoma Tubes Inc., which has had more than half of its 440 hourly production and maintenance workers on indefinite layoff for more than five months, since March 2, and the majority of its 113 salaried nonunion staff on a four-day work week for more than two months, since June 7, is in the midst … more

 

 

 

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July 29, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
EU Imposes Tariffs on Imports of Steel Pipe From China
European Union trade officials approved pre-emptive penalties on imports of steel pipe from China , a precedent-setting move that suggests the trading bloc is growing more protectionist in the face of the economic downturn. Tuesday's vote by trade officials from the EU's 27 member states is significant, say trade experts, because they accepted an argument from steel producers -- including the world's largest by volume, ArcelorMittal -- that punitive tariffs are needed to protect them from the threat of underpriced imports from China . Previously … more

 

Signs of Life at U.S. Steel
One of the world's major steel makers is seeing early signs of a pickup in demand in key areas, a glimmer of hope for a battered sector whose fortunes rise and fall with products ranging from autos to appliances. United States Steel Corp. X-N said Tuesday it is recalling 800 workers to a mill in Illinois to boost production. U.S. Steel's chairman and chief executive officer John Surma cited the signs of increased demand for its flat rolled steel products, which are used by the automotive and appliance industries. Customer orders likely … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Injured Employees Could Lose Benefits – District 6
Disabled workers pressured to cross picket line
While their colleagues are on strike, some disabled Vale Inco employees have been advised they must cross their union's picket line or be cut off from disability benefits. The company says it is not unfairly targeting disabled workers in the midst of a labour dispute, but is merely following a regular "disability management program" that includes offering "modified work" opportunities for such employees. "This is not intended to put anybody into hardship," Vale Inco spokesman Cory McPhee said Tuesday. "The disability management … more

 

Contract Talks Between Goodyear, Union Reps Ongoing – District 9
Officials for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and United Steelworkers are continuing their negotiations in Cincinnati today. Among the Union representatives is Local 878L president Ricky Waggoner. Local 878L recording secretary Johnny Dyer said it’s early in the process right now. “The union has its proposals and the company has its proposals,” he said. “We should give it another month.” Formal negotiations opened June 8 with Richard J. “Rich” Kramer, Goodyear’s chief operating officer and North American Tire president, addressing the … more

 

Union Talk Leads to Firing Threat, Oklahoma Borough Workers Say – District 13
Oklahoma Borough's three part-time employees have accused two council members of threatening to fire them for trying to form a union. Borough Secretary Diane Lizik and maintenance workers Richard Dickey and John Staller have met with the state's Labor Relations Board (PLRB) to begin the process of unionizing. Diane Lizik and Dickey, who also serves on council and reportedly is out of town, couldn't be reached for comment. Staller declined comment. Council President Kathleen Zanewicz said council legally can't question the … more

 

Tennessee Loss Valley 's Gain – Districts 9 and 2
Albany International to transfer work here
Some workers displaced by closure of Albany International Corp's. Portland , Tenn. , plant will be offered transfers to the facility here, which makes the same forming fabric product, a company spokeswoman said Tuesday. Albany International announced it will shut down its Portland plant, eliminating 156 jobs, and shift the bulk of the production work to its two Wisconsin facilities at 435 Sixth St. in Menasha and 3601 Electric City Blvd., Kaukauna, the site of a plant built in 2007, said spokeswoman Susan Siegel from corporate … more

 

Production Picks up at Essar — Everybody is Back to Work – District 6
Everybody is back to work at Essar Steel Algoma. A month after Essar began recalling laid-off employees, all approximately 2,500 hourly workers were back on the job as of Tuesday. Even last week, approximately 40 members of United Steelworkers 2251 were still on layoff. Local 2724, representing another nearly 600 salaried supervisory and technical personnel, are also back to a 40-hour workweek. Members of 2724 had accepted a work-sharing agreement starting in February to reduce the work-week to 32 hours and collect … more

 

Gerdau Mill Seeks State Rescue Funds – District 13
The company said last month that it was considering closing the Sand Springs steel mill.
Gerdau Ameristeel is waiting on a rescue package from the state before deciding whether to close its Sand Springs steel mill and lay off nearly 300 people. Officials from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the state Treasurer's Office met with Gerdau executives July 9, and now the company says it is waiting to hear back from state officials, said Gerdau spokesman Santiago Fittipaldi. State officials are "writing a formal proposal of what they might be able to do to get them to stay here," said Troy Zickefoose, vice president of the … more

 

Community Reacts To Devastating Projected Ormet Cuts – District 1
Ormet Corp. could eliminate nearly 1,000 jobs at its Reduction Division in Monroe County by the end of the year, officials confirmed Tuesday. In a July 27 letter to a commissioner, an Ormet official said the "curtailment of operations and reduction in force is expected to be indefinite." The Ormet official wrote, "The curtailment of operations will result in the loss of up to approximately 833 hourly and 149 salaried positions." Hannibal native Matt Corbett said as long as he can remember, Ormet has been a source of work for almost everyone … more

 

Mills Shut For Two Weeks – District 3
West Fraser is shutting down its 100 Mile House, Chasm and Houston sawmills for at least two weeks starting Aug. 4. The company, in a press release, said the decision to restart operations is dependent upon market conditions, which will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The mills have been shut a number of times over the past year, most recently for two weeks starting June 29. Most employees have also been working reduced hours through a Service Canada program called Work-Sharing. The program provides income support … more

 

Boston Hack Almost Takes Blame For Forgotten Child – District 4
A family picked up by a taxi at the airport left a sleeping 5-year-old child behind in the back of the minivan — and the cabbie almost took the blame for it. Joseph Cohen, a taxi driver for 39 years, picked up the family at Logan International Airport on Sunday, drove them to their home in the city's Mattapan neighborhood, and helped them unload their luggage. "They paid me, thank you very much, everything was nice, and I left," he said. Minutes later, Cohen got a call from the cab pool at the airport. State police, who have … more

 

 

 

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July 28, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
National Call-In Day for Health Care Reform:
Call 877-264-4226 this Tuesday!
Our broken health care system needs major reform. Congress can do that by passing H.R. 3200 this session and take a giant step toward guaranteed, high-quality, affordable healthcare. Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 28, 2009 is a national call-in day so please follow these easy 4 steps: Call 877-264-4226 this Tuesday, 9 am to 5 pm ET. You will be prompted to enter your area code and phone number; the system will use this number to identify your Representative in Congress and automatically connect you to her/his office in Washington … more

 

International Labour Rights Group Welcomes Company Statement On Honduran Coup; Asks Why More Companies Haven't Spoken Out
Apparel brands with production in Honduras, including adidas Group, Nike Inc. and Gap Inc., have released a joint letter sent to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "calling for the restoration of democracy in Honduras" following the June 28th military coup. The brands urged "an immediate resolution to the crisis" and asked that "civil liberties, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, and freedom of association be fully respected." The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN), a Toronto-based … more

 

USW Request Appearance before USTR on China Tire Imports Remedy
Public hearing Aug. 7 becomes last step in recommendation to President
The United Steelworkers (USW) has requested an appearance before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) public hearing scheduled Aug. 7 in the final step of a trade case in which the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that surging low cost consumer tire imports from China have damaged the domestic industry with lost jobs and factory shutdowns. The USW advocates strong enforcement of a U.S. trade law at a timely moment during the opening by President Obama of the U.S.-China Strategic … more

 

IRS Moves Closer to Allowing Toxic Drywall Deductions
In response to a recent letter from Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) requesting that the IRS provide tax deductions for homeowners harmed by the installation of toxic Chinese drywall in their homes, the IRS says that it is considering providing this specified relief. In its reply to Senator Webb, the IRS noted that if the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) determine that these homes have suffered "extreme and unusual damage," they could be given a deduction equal to the drop in value … more

 

Mexican Miners’ Strike Enters Second Year, as Cross-Border Solidarity Continues
Swine flu and escalating brutal drug violence have dominated headlines about Mexico in the past six months. Drug-related atrocities are not unusual in the border region surrounding Cananea, the copper mining town that was the site of a strike often credited with sparking the Mexican revolution a century ago. But even as it becomes increasingly clear that President Felipe Calderon and his U.S. allies have no hope of winning the drug war, another fight is still raging in Cananea, a fight with tendrils spreading throughout Mexico : a miners … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Vale In No Hurry To Negotiate: Union – District 6
VALE INCO STRIKE: 450 workers in Voisey's Bay also set to walk
It could be "at least a couple of months" before there is any movement in the strike at Vale Inco's Sudbury operations, union officials predict. United Steelworkers leaders said Monday they can't foresee any change in the bargaining impasse until this fall at the earliest. "At least a couple of months," United Steelworkers District 6 director Wayne Fraser told The Star when asked about the prospects for renewed bargaining. A prolonged strike appears likely because Vale Inco has decided "they have to teach us a lesson," said John Fera … more

 

Officials Continue Death Investigation At Indiana Harbor East – District 7
State, company and union officials continued an investigation Monday into the early Sunday morning death of a worker at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor East's 80-inch hot strip mill. Angela Smith, 37, of the 1700 block of Dale Drive in Merrillville , died of blunt force trauma while she was working in the 80-inch hot strip mill, according to the Lake County coroner's office. Coroner's office officials believe the death was an accident. Smith was sorting slabs for line up in the No. 4 slab yard when she was struck by a gantry crane about 12:15 a.m. … more

 

Striking Steelworkers Reject Company Offer – District 6
Striking workers at Gerdau Ameristeel seem to have lost none of their resolve even though the strike is in its eleventh week and being waged in the teeth of a global recession. At a meeting last Thursday to vote on the company’s latest settlement offer, the nearly 200 workers rejected the proposal by a decisive vote of 120-46. “If anything, after last Thursday’s meeting, the membership is stronger than before,” Trevor Scurrah, president of United Steelworkers Local 8918, said Monday in an interview. “Now that we have an improved mandate … more

 

Frog, Switch in Carlisle Agrees to New Contract with Union Despite Month-Long Plant Shutdown – District 10
Frog, Switch & Manufacturing Company's management and union reached an agreement on a new one-year contract this morning despite the fact that the Carlisle plant has been shut down and workers furloughed for the month of July. The union ratified the contract this morning, said Walter Hockley, unit president of the United Steelworkers of America local. Negotiations started June 30. They were not contentious, Hockley said. For the most part the new contract follows the previous deal. However, Frog, Switch has agreed to pay workers … more

 

No Progress Made in ECP Dispute – District 6
A labour dispute at Engineered Coated Products on Elgin Street is entering its 11th month and there are no signs that it will be resolved anytime soon, says a spokesman for the workers. The two sides met on Friday with a government conciliator but were unable to make any progress, representatives of the company and the striking workers said Monday. "I really don't understand the company's position," said Don Bowen, vice-president of the United Steelworkers, Local I-500. "We've offered concessions in a number of areas … more

 

Iron Range Mine’s Restart Date Pushed Back Two Months – District 2
Workers at ArcelorMittal’s Minorca Mine have been informed that production of iron ore pellets there will resume Oct. 1, two months later than earlier expected. The taconite-processing facility located just north of Virginia earlier was expected to restart Saturday. Now, with its restart date pushed back to Oct. 1, many of the operation’s 300 employees probably will return to work Sept. 27. During the extended shutdown, the mine is expected to continue to provide employment for about half the work force, said Ray Pierce, president … more

 

UD, Gamesa Reach Agreement To Install Coastal Wind Turbine – Districts 10 and 4
The University of Delaware and Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica have signed an agreement that could facilitate the installation of a utility-scale 2.0MW Gamesa wind turbine at UD's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes next year. The agreement was reached in a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives of UD and Gamesa, with a final accord anticipated in September. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, who attended the signing event, said, “This agreement is a significant step forward in Delaware 's efforts to seize the … more

 

Jobs Lost In Closure – District 6
Parker-Hannifin will be closed by year's end
Parker-Hannifin will shut down its Orillia plant at the end of the year. Employees learned Friday of the closure of the plant, which makes industrial seals for the automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas markets. "The closing will begin immediately and will be implemented in different phases and will conclude on Dec. 31, 2009," Sharon Dunlap, corporate communications officer, said yesterday from the company's corporate headquarters in Cleveland , Ohio . Seventy employees at the Hughes Road facility are affected, she said. The first round … more

 

 

 

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July 27, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
The Attack of the 1-Percenters
Here’s a truism: The wealthiest 1 percent have never had it so good. According to government figures, 1-percenters’ share of America ’s total income is the highest it’s been since 1929, and their tax rates are the lowest they’ve faced in two decades. Through bonuses, many 1-percenters will profit from the $23 trillion in bailout largesse the Treasury Department now says could be headed to financial firms. And, most of them benefit from IRS decisions to reduce millionaire audits and collect zero taxes from the majority of major corporations … more

 

Time for CEOs to Pay the Piper
It wasn't the U.S. government's $173 billion (U.S.) bailout of American International Group Inc. (AIG), whose insurance coverage of losses on global banks' holdings of soured U.S. subprime mortgages made it "too big to fail," that was cause for public outrage. It was the news that AIG, under its new, government-appointed CEO, Ed Liddy, was paying $165 million in contractually agreed bonuses to 77 top employees that elicited the hate mail directed at Liddy. One letter read: "You guys should each be strangled with piano wire until you are … more

 

GE Moves Green Jobs To China
While Ohio is traditionally thought of once being a center of auto manufacturing, there was such a strong tradition of light-bulb production in the state that the world's largest maker of light bulbs, General Electric, located the headquarters of its light bulb division in Cleveland . The jobs provided by light-bulb manufacturing allowed people to buy homes, send their kids to college, and fuel a vibrant economy in Ohio for decades. But in the last decade, GE has closed over fifteen factories in Ohio and downsized numerous others. Since … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Local 6500 Worth Our Support – District 6
Members of USW Local 6500 have chosen to go on strike and, by all accounts emotions are running high. I'm no authority on the situation, but I'd like to introduce the public to a side of the USW that has made me very proud. Over the past couple decades, we Ontarians have found that more of our Crown land and lakes are being restricted from public access "to promote remote-tourism values" with roughly 2,000 of our best lakes. While we support the tourism industry, the MNR must remember this is public land and lakes to be … more

 

Mittal Worker, 37, Dies of Blunt Force Trauma at E.C. Steel Mill – District 7
A 37-year old Merrillville woman died early Sunday as a result of an apparent accident at the ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Plant East. Angela Smith, an employee of ArcelorMittal, sustained blunt force trauma in the 12:30 a.m. incident in the 80-inch hot strip slab yard at the plant, Lake County coroner representatives said. Smith lived in the 1700 block of Dale Drive in Merrillville , coroner's officials said. A joint investigation by ArcelorMittal and the United Steelworkers is under way, USW District 7 Director Jim Robinson said … more

 

The Incredible Shrinking Steel Industry – District 8
People in West Virginia 's Northern Panhandle are used to hearing about layoffs in the steel industry, but with the current recession, few realize just how bad things have become. Just four years ago, Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel and Weirton Steel employed more than 7,000. Today, the number of steel workers at ArcelorMittal Weirton is 1,023. At Severstal Wheeling, it is 303. Thousands of laid off workers, including Dave Griffith, are wondering if they will ever be called back. On a recent weekday, Griffith stopped by the local union hall in Weirton to … more

 

Steelworkers Look to Schock for Hope – District 7
Workers recently laid off from the Hennepin Arcelor Mittal Steel plant are looking to lawmakers to help get their jobs back. The steel workers gathered for their usual picnic as they wait for congressmen Aaron Schock to hear their concerns. The United Steelworkers Union tells WMBD that they will fight in favor of re-opening the steel plant until the "bitter end." Though the company told the union they had to close because of excess workers, members disagree. "If that's true why did they want to take our equipment and send them to other … more

 

Soda Ash Industry Fights Recession, Chinese Rivals – District 11
Beneath the arid sagebrush flats of southwest Wyoming , miners work around the clock to grind out millions of tons of trona rock that's hoisted to the surface and processed into a key ingredient for everything from baking soda and detergent, to glass and paper. Four of the United States ' five soda ash producers are located above the Wyoming 's vast trona reserves, which were formed by an evaporating lake 50 million years ago. Soda ash, or sodium carbonate, has been an anchor of the region since the 1940s, but these days, the industry is … more

 

Findlay , Ohio , Chamber of Commerce Kills Parade Because Unions Backed It – District 1
The Chamber of Commerce - that’s the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - proved once again how anti-American it is when it comes to supporting U.S. industry. In Findlay , Ohio , unions had been organizing a parade and all-day event for this Saturday to highlight American-made products and the need for U.S. trade and economic policies that reward job growth in this country. The unions worked hard to get the business community involved and spent months meeting with the city’s Republican mayor, who supported the plans. But in the end … more

 

Worker Recall Blows Up at Mill – District 12
Excitement generated among 41 laid-off Cascade Steel Rolling Mills workers turned to disappointment this week, when the company abruptly canceled a call-back it had issued last week. Company officials blame the union, which took heated offense and issued a strongly worded denial. "Unfortunately, discussions with the union did not result in an acceptable shift schedule agreement and thus the company was forced to cancel the planned recall," mill president Jeff Dyck said Friday. "We are disappointed with this development and … more

 

Rally Targets Industry Minister, Federal Government – District 6
It started out as a rally for laid-off Xstrata Nickel workers and striking Steelworkers, but it turned into a Get Tony Clement event attended by more than 500 people. Many in the crowd hoisted signs bearing the Industry minister's face crossed out with a large red X and bearing slogans deriding him for his remarks about Sudbury and Vale Inco last week. The rally was planned before Clement told The Sudbury Star that Sudbury faced becoming the Valley of Death if Companhia Vale do Rio Doce had not purchased Inco Ltd. in 2006 … more

 

 

 

 

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July 24, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Wal-Mart Pays $45 Million For "No Wrongdoing"
It was announced this week that Wal-Mart has agreed to shell out up to $35 million to a class of its employees in Washington State who sued the company for denying them rest breaks and meal breaks, and for forcing them to work off the clock, which is illegal. But the retailer says it did nothing wrong -- always. The settlement ends the case Barnett v. Wal-Mart, which was being presented in King County , W.A. Superior Court. According to legal documents, as many as 80,000 plaintiffs were covered by the class action suit. This settlement was … more

 

Analysts Slam Clement
Contrary to what federal Industry Minister Tony Clement thinks, there was no shortage of interest in buying Canadian-based nickel companies in 2006, say several Canadian mining analysts. What started out as a $12.5-billion US cash and stock proposed friendly takeover by Inco of longtime rival Falconbridge Ltd. in the fall of 2005 and would have created the world's largest nickel company with a 30% market share, got repeatedly bogged down in the acquisition and regulatory approval details. Those delays led to rival miner … more

 

White House Expects Healthcare Bill By Year's End
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said in an interview on Friday he expected a final healthcare bill by the end of the year and that negotiations in the U.S. Congress now focus on controlling costs. "I think we will have a bill by the end of the year for the president to sign on healthcare reform that controls costs, expands coverage and provides choice," Emanuel told National Public Radio. The reform package under construction in both chambers of Congress has been besieged from all sides by criticism of its more than $1 trillion … more

 

Steelworker Articles
USW Local 1155L Holds a Solidarity Rally – District 9
On July 23, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1155L held a solidarity rally in support of ongoing negotiations with Bridgestone/Firestone. Over 250 union members braved a fog laden morning to voice their displeasure with the company's stance of massive wage concessions, 400% increase in insurance premiums, frozen pensions etc. The USW Council returns to Louisville KY next week to resume bargaining with the company. The council is comprised of seven plants whose members produce Bridgestone/Firestone products. To read more on … more

 

NewPage Union Votes ‘No’ – District 2
Mill’s USW defeats approval of contract
It's back to the negotiating table for members of United Steelworkers Union 2-21 and NewPage. USW members overwhelmingly defeated approval of a proposed contract Wednesday. According to Bryon Branstrom, president of USW Local 2-21, 722 union members or 88 percent turned out Wednesday to cast their ballots. "This is the first vote on a proposed contract since negotiations started 14 months ago. Our contract with NewPage expired June 1, 2008," said Branstrom. Kel Smyth, government and community affairs … more

 

133 Will Lose Jobs In Lititz – District 10
The recession is taking its toll on another business in Lancaster County . The latest victim is NTN-BCA Corp. in Lititz, which announced Wednesday it will shut down some time next year, idling all 133 employees. Formerly owned by Federal-Mogul, the 401 W. Lincoln Ave. facility makes ball and needle roller bearings used in clutch releases, engines and heavy industrial equipment. Demand has tumbled to extremely low levels, leading to the decision to close the Lititz site and transfer its production to other company plants that can easily … more

 

Manufacturer May Close – District 2
Michigan 's weak economy prompts company to consider leaving state. A longtime Macomb Township manufacturing facility could close within weeks and idle dozens of workers, a union official said this week. Officials of Nachi Machining Technology, a fixture along 23 Mile Road since 1981, told employees this week the struggling economy likely will force them to close and move operations to other facilities in Indiana and Japan, said Gary Justice, president of United Steelworkers Local 7489 and a 32-year employee of the plant … more

 

Steelworkers Target Gender Barriers – District 6
The United Steelworkers (USW) represent more than steel and construction trades. Likewise Women of Steel, an organization designed to help women to remove stumbling blocks to greater equality and workplace participation — but the effect of the program, started in 1989, on the Canadian construction industry has been noticeable. “We designed a program that encouraged workplace participation, union activism and leadership development, in programs developed by women for women,” says Sue Milling, Department Leader … more

 
Mill Staff Approve Pay Cuts – District 3
Workers at Canfor's Clear Lake sawmill have voted in favour of a cost-reduction package that totals $2.6 million, the company said Wednesday. Although the company would not reveal details of the package, Canfor spokesman Dave Lefebvre said the vast majority of the cost reduction was in wages. Sources familiar with the vote have told The Citizen that workers were voting on packages that contained 14 per cent to 19 per cent wage reductions. Lefebvre said the cost reductions would be implemented shortly. Sources familiar with the … more

 

Vale SA President’s Comments Stun Steelworker Official – District 6
Striking members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 are using the words of Vale SA president and chief executive officer Roger Agnelli to bolster their case for being on the picket line since July 13. Local 6500 vice-president Rick Bertrand said he was astonished to read a transcript of a conference held Aug. 11, 2006, when Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, now Vale, was considering purchasing Inco Ltd. Brazilian-based CEO Agnelli participated in what was called a CVRD Offer for Inco Conference Call along with other executives … more

 

 

 

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July 23, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Pay of Top Earners Erodes Social Security
The nation's wealth gap is widening amid an uproar about lofty pay packages in the financial world. Executives and other highly compensated employees now receive more than one-third of all pay in the U.S. , according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of Social Security Administration data -- without counting billions of dollars more in pay that remains off federal radar screens that measure wages and salaries. Highly paid employees received nearly $2.1 trillion of the $6.4 trillion in total U.S. pay in 2007, the latest figures available. The … more

 

Union Leaders Urge Congress To Act Now For Health Care Reform
As President Obama held a primetime news conference on health care reform Wednesday, unions stepped up pressure on Congress to act. Next Tuesday, affiliates of the AFL-CIO will take part in a National Call-in Day for Health Care Reform.  “Our goal in Minnesota is for 3,200 union members to call their Congressional reps to ask for their support of HR 3200,” the U.S. House health care reform bill, the Minnesota AFL-CIO said. To participate in the Call-in Day, phone 1-877-264-4226 to be connected to your member of Congress, or … more

 

American Protectionism is a Myth
Our nation faces rising unemployment, staggering debts, shrinking trade, and no sense of when (and if) a real recovery -- one that reaches Main Street and working families -- will take hold. As the federal government responds to these concerns, and especially since President Obama was sworn in, shrill warnings against protectionist measures have been issued by editorial pages and foreign officials. The specter of widening and deepening the current recession, or returning to 1930s Smoot-Hawley trade policies, has been … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Dishwasher Maker Jackson MSC Lays Off 33 – District 8
The largest maker of commercial dishwashers, Jackson MSC near Barbourville, has laid off about 33 workers since the first of the year, said Pres. Randy Karas, Monday. Karas, said he expects that the layoffs are at about the bottom of the economic cycle. The company typically employs about 150 members of the United Steelworkers Union. When layoffs come, the company often retains union employees to assist in training other union employees in new jobs that may have to be done because of the layoffs, Karas said. “Our … more

 

USW and Brazilian Union CUT Join Forces to Support Vale Workers – District 6
Last Friday, Artur Henrique da Silva Santos , President of the CUT Brazil , and Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW), the largest industrial union in North America formed a strategic partnership to support workers in their negotiations with the Brazilian multinational Vale. The main objective is the renewal of collective agreements in Canada and Brazil . After months of negotiation, Vale refuses to renew contract provisions covering retirement and other benefits that were part of the agreements for more … more

 

Contract Signals Bright Future At MVH – District 10
The recent decision by some 1,100 unionized employees of Monongahela Valley Hospital to approve a new two-year contract is welcome news to residents of the Mid-Mon Valley . That's because ratification of the new collective bargaining agreement assures labor harmony between United Steelworkers Local 8041 and the hospital will extend to 30 years. Members of Local 8041, which represents the hospital's technical staff and nursing assistants, as well as office, laundry, dietary, housekeeping and maintenance personnel … more

 

Sudburians up in Arms Over Clement Remarks – District 6
A longtime Conservative Party supporter says he is "saddened" that remarks by Industry Minister Tony Clement made last week about Vale Inco have cast Sudbury in a bad light again. Clement told The Sudbury Star last Friday the city faced becoming a " Valley of Death " in October 2006 if the former Companhia Vale do Rio Doce had not purchased Inco Ltd. Clement's remarks came in a telephone interview on the fifth day of a strike by United Steelworkers Local 6500. They were in response to calls for the minister to make public the … more

 

To be a Steelworker in Georgetown , S.C. – District 9
Those two words together have always produced a love/hate relationship inside the city of Georgetown . If you are a local or just recently moved here, you pretty much have an opinion on the placement, importance and look of the steel-producing plant on the edge of Winyah Bay . You love it. You hate it. One thing is for sure, it has stood the test of time for decades. However, anyone who knows the steel industry knows there are "ups and downs" that are associated with production. Unfortunately, ArcelorMittal-Georgetown is experiencing … more

 

Laid Off Steelworkers at Century Get Contract Extension – District 8

Most of them do not have a job at this time, but members of United Steelworkers Local 5668 at Century Aluminum do have a contract extension. The plant along the Ohio River in Jackson County closed in February because of low demand and low pricing for aluminum. More than 650 employees were employed at the 52-year-old smelter. Local President Jason Miller said the extension agreement was handled by the union’s international level and did not involve the staff at Ravenswood. The collective bargaining agreement of 2006 was … more

 

 

 

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July 22, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Internal RNC Memo: "Engage In Every Activity" To Slow Down Health Care Reform
A private memo distributed by the Republican National Committee calls for like-minded advocates to help defeat President Barack Obama's health care proposals by delaying its consideration. The memo, which was obtained by the Huffington Post from a Democratic source, provides the clearest illustration to date of the political playbook being used to stop Democratic attempts at a health care overhaul. Much of the material mirrors the speeches and presentations made by conservatives both inside and out of elected office to date … more

 

Shoddy Merchandise: The New China Syndrome
Toxic drywall, of all things, now joins the long list of faulty Chinese goods that have found their way to North American markets, along with coffee makers and cell phones that overheat and catch fire, shredding tires, and poisonous children's toys. Consumers can often simply throw away defective coffee makers and the like, but toxic drywall -- which emits dangerous gases -- promises to be a far costlier problem. The flawed product has been found in 41 states and three provinces -- British Columbia , Alberta and Ontario . This is being … more

 

U.S. Senate Votes to End Production of F-22 Fighter
The U.S. Senate voted to end production of Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-22 fighter jets at the 187 now on order after President Barack Obama threatened to veto any measure containing money to build more. Senators voted 58-40 for an amendment striking $1.75 billion for seven more F-22s from a defense spending measure. The amendment was sponsored by Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat and chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and John McCain of Arizona , the panel’s ranking Republican. “The time has come to end … more

 

'Get-ready Phase' Of Planning Under Way For Group Of 20 Summit
Two months before the Group of 20 summit starts Downtown, city and county officials said Tuesday it's time to prepare the region to welcome its global guests. "We really are now kicking off the get-ready phase of this project," said Bill Flanagan, executive vice president of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. An advance team from the White House is scheduled to arrive this morning to review security and transportation needs at Pittsburgh International Airport and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center , Allegheny … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Union, Forest Firms Back At Table – District 3
The United Steelworkers and a group representing companies that include Dunkley, Carrier, Lakeland and Tolko have scheduled two days of negotiations in Prince George to hammer out a new contract for sawmill workers, considered a positive sign by the union. The talks this week with the Council on Northern Interior Forest Employment Relations follows on a three-day session last week. "The fact it's on again this week is a good sign," observed United Steelworkers official Bob Matters, who was on his way to Prince George … more

 

Union Willing To Talk – District 6
Since Vale Inco workers hit the picket lines on July 13, talks between the union and company have come to a complete halt, said the president of United Steelworkers Union Local 6200. "We've been available since talks broke off," said Wayne Rae. "There have been no talks and nothing has been scheduled." The union, he said, is more than willing to go back to the table for negotiations, but the company is unwilling to budge and the union is not prepared to take concessions, he said. "With respect to talks -- Inco has our number and we've told … more

 

Harley-Davidson to cut Product Development Jobs – District 2
Harley-Davidson Inc. plans to cut at least 35 jobs at its product development center in Wauwatosa . The layoffs at the facility, 11800 W. Capitol Dr. , are expected to occur by Sept. 15, according to a mass layoff notice filed July 20 with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Affected workers are represented by one of two unions — the United Steelworkers union Local 2-209 and the International Association of Machinists Lodge 78. Many of the employees represented by the unions who are scheduled to be laid off will retain recall … more

 

Minntac Steelworkers Back at Work – District 11
One production line at Minntac is being restarted this week. That means over 350 Steelworkers are clocking in again. Minntac had been idled for a three week shutdown. About 130 people signed up for voluntary layoffs, which means younger people can keep working. Also, the week of August 9th, 250 more Steelworkers will return to work, when a second line is restarted … more

 

Nickel Bonus Good For City: Prof – District 6
Industry Minister Tony Clement and the Conservative government of Stephen Harper have a vested interest -- as do all Canadians -- in United Steelworkers retaining their nickel price bonus, says a Sudbury economist. David Robinson says he would rather see those "hundreds of millions" of dollars stay in Sudbury than be shipped off to "Brazilian rich people and stockholders." Tuesday was Day 9 of the strike by USW Local 6500 in Sudbury and 6200 in Port Colborne against employer Vale Inco over what they say are concessions … more

 

Mill Owner Wants To Reopen In August – District 2
Tim Martinez , president of Koenig & Vits, said Tuesday he hopes to reopen the shuttered aluminum rolling mill in August. "We would resume operations with as few as 25 production staff," said Martinez , who laid off 86 employees in mid-May, citing a recessionary economy for reducing demand. Workers create rolls of "coil metal" from aluminum ingots that end-users stamp into various products. But before the lights go back on and machines start humming again in the Mirro Drive plant, he'll have to satisfy Manitowoc Public Utilities … more

 

TriTec Links Its Future To The Wind – District 11
Range steel fabricator plans to build wind turbine towers.
Mitchel Robertson has a knack for simplifying complexity. The founder and largest shareholder of TriTec of Minnesota in Virginia notes the 14-year old firm has established itself by fabricating heavy metal components for foundries and the mining, power and industrial construction industries. One of those customers, the U.S. electric power industry, faces federal and state mandates to produce 25 percent of its electricity from renewable fuels by the year 2025. Robertson calculates they’ll have to build 889,000 wind turbine units — each supported … more

 

 

 

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July 21, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Tales of How Big Corporations Are Screwing Americans Over
The silver lining -- if there is one -- in this horrible [financial] crisis is that for years, the country just wasn't paying attention to how the typical worker was doing," declares New York Times labor and workplace correspondent Steven Greenhouse. "There was so much focus on the wizards of Wall Street and the brilliant entrepreneurs of Silicon Valley , but very, very little attention paid to how the average worker was doing. I think the recession has gotten the nation to realize that things are really bad for millions and millions of average workers … more

 

GOP Liars on Health Costs
"Democrats' government-run plan will make health care more costly than ever," Ohio Representative John Boehner, the House Republican leader, told the Wall Street Journal last Friday. Two days later, on "Meet the Press," Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), the Senate minority leader, said, "Pretty soon the doctors and the hospitals will all be working for the government." Let's be clear. The Republicans are liars and hypocrites when it comes to controlling costs as part of health care reform. That's because they are in the pockets of the … more

 

Hey, What About CIT?
We have by now saved nearly every broken misbehaving big bank and one really sick insurance company -- Citigroup, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns, as well as, oh yes, AIG -- and we did so with nary a blink. And we so readily and fulsomely re-inflated Goldman Sachs, which wasn't even broken, that it just gave out a record amount of bonuses ($11.4 billion (!!) for only six months' results), with notably nary a thought on its part of giving us back the $12 billion that the Treasury slipped them through the back door by way of … more

 

Senators urge Obama to approve tariffs on Chinese tires
A bipartisan group of 11 senators has written President Obama, urging him to approve the tariffs the U.S. International Trade Commission has recommended on passenger and light truck tires imported from China . “An important American industry…is on its knees due to the market disruption caused by imports of Chinese tires,” the senators said in a July 16 letter. Only the three-year duties on Chinese tires recommended by the ITC—55 percent the first year, 45 percent the second and 35 percent the third—can prevent further harm to the … more

 

Calls Erupt for Clement's Resignation
Two New Democrat MPs, a candidate for the Liberal nomination and a Laurentian University economist are calling on Industry Minister Tony Clement to resign over what they say are misleading -- and disparaging -- remarks about the Nickel Capital. The city's mayor is livid about what he says are "intemperate" comments made by the minister and Parry Sound- Muskoka MP. Even a longtime Conservative party supporter is accusing Clement of treating Sudbury like a "leper colony" for comments he made to The Sudbury Star about the … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Vale Official Lying – District 6
United Steelworkers are going to have someone on the "inside" challenge Vale SA president and chief executive officer Roger Agnelli to defend his comments that Vale Inco's Sudbury operations are not financially sustainable. Wayne Fraser, director of USW's District 6, said he spoke Monday with the head of a Brazilian mining unit who is a member of the board of directors of Vale SA in Brazil . Eduardo Pinto, leader of the Sindicato dos Ferroviarios do Maranhoa-MA, CNTT, will ask Agnelli the question on the minds of … more

 

Alky Unit Fire Continues at Citgo Corpus Christi – District 13
A fire continued to burn in a contained alkylation unit at Citgo Petroleum Corp's 163,000 barrel per day refinery in Corpus Christi , Texas , on Monday morning, while other refinery units were still operating, a company spokesman said. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said on Monday it was sending investigators to join federal and state worker safety and Environmental Protection Agency investigations into the cause of the fire, which broke out Sunday morning. One worker was flown to a specialized burn unit at a hospital in San … more

 

 

 

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July 20, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Consumer Prices Record Biggest Slide Since 1955
Economists downplay fears of widespread deflation in Canada
Tumbling energy costs thrust Canada 's annual inflation rate in June into negative territory for the first time in 15 years. Statistics Canada reported yesterday that consumer prices fell 0.3 per cent compared with the same month last year. In theory, the negative reading marks Canada 's first trace of deflation since November 1994, and the biggest drop since August 1955. Economists, however, say June's result is unlikely to trigger widespread deflation. Nonetheless, the first signs of negative inflation added fresh fuel to the debate on … more

 

Too Sick for Health Care
How Insurers Limit and Deny Care in the Individual Health Insurance Market
All of the roughly 170 million Americans with private health insurance share concerns about skyrocketing costs and shrinking benefits. But there are even greater challenges for the roughly one in four Americans who either purchase their insurance on the individual market or have considered doing so. The individual market is confusing, complex, and typically costs more for less coverage—if coverage is available at all. Conservatives claim that comprehensive health care reform will lead to government control and rationing of care. Yet … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Sponge Plant to be Idled – District 12
Allegheny Technologies Inc., the parent company of Wah Chang, announced Wednesday it will temporarily close its titanium sponge plant in Albany until the market for the metal improves. The move will cause the layoff of about 80 workers at the plant, the former Oremet site on 34th Avenue S.E. , according to the Steelworkers union. The sponge plant was reopened at ATI’s Oremet site in 2006 at a cost of $40 million. Dan Greenfield of the ATI corporate office in Pittsburgh , Pa. , said company policy is to not give out numbers when … more

 

Website is Home to Heated Debate – District 6
Debate about the Vale Inco strike isn't just playing out at coffee shops and other community gathering places. The Sudbury Star's website is serving as a hotbed of discussion about the issue. The flurry of online posts about the issue began in the weeks leading up to the strike and has gained momentum since it started July 13. Some days, stories have attracted about 700 comments. That doesn't include posts taken down by editors because they contained obscene or vulgar language, personal attacks or were deemed inappropriate for other … more

 

Indiana Harbor East to Restart Blast Furnace – District 7
Iron production is expected to resume Monday at the No. 5 blast furnace of ArcelorMittal's Indiana Harbor East facility for the first time since it was idled Nov. 12. United Steelworkers Local 1010 President Tom Hargrove says that with the restart, Indiana Harbor East will have iron production at its No. 5 and 7 blast furnaces, while the No. 6 blast furnace remains idled. Local 1010 represents about 3,500 employees at Indiana Harbor East. Division Manager Brian Black, who supervises the No. 5 blast furnace, said it should begin producing … more

 

Sudbury Miners Bracing Themselves for Long Strike – District 6
The international president of United Steelworkers delivered a blunt message to about 150 strikers and supporters Friday on the picket line at the Copper Cliff Smelter Complex on the fifth day of a strike against Vale Inco Ltd. Get ready for a long one. I don't want to mess with words," said Leo Gerard, speaking from the steps of a picket shed. I got to tell you to get ready for a long strike. More than 3,000 production and maintenance workers in Sudbury , members of USW Local 6500, began striking against Vale Inco Ltd. at midnight … more

 

Citgo Texas Refinery Fire Started at Alkylation Unit – District 13
A fire at Citgo Petroleum Corp.’s Corpus Christi , Texas , refinery, started at an alkylation unit, the company said in a statement. Citgo, the U.S. refiner owned by Venezuela ’s state oil company, said there was a “fire incident” at the plant’s alkylation unit, in an e-mailed statement. The fire was contained “within a section of the refinery,” it said. The blaze occurred after workers responded to a leak associated with the unit, said Ruben Garza, staff representative for the United Steelworkers at the refinery, who said he spoke to workers near the scene … more

 

Government Sues U.S. Steel – District 6
The federal government is taking the unprecedented step of suing U.S. Steel over the shutdown of the former Stelco. Industry Minister Tony Clement said he is "not satisfied" with U.S. Steel's response to a demand letter he sent in May, asking the firm to comply with the production and employment commitments it made when it bought Stelco in 2007. Clement believes those commitments were violated when U.S. Steel temporarily idled its Canadian operations in March. "There's no free ride, there's no get out of jail free card," Clement said in … more

 

Severstal to Call Back Workers in Martins Ferry – District 1
Some workers from Severstal Wheeling's idled Martins Ferry Plant soon will be back on the job, as the company has announced 38 to 40 workers will be called back to work Monday. According to Severstal North America spokeswoman Elizabeth Kovach, the call back is because of an increase in demand for zinc-coated coils. "Those coils are used by the construction and building products industries," Kovach said. "They will continue to work until the orders are filled, and we expect that to be six to eight weeks." The plant will be galvanizing … more

 

 

 

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July 17, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Family-Friendly Workplaces – Do Unions Make a Difference?
A new report released by Labor Project for Working Families with the UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education (CLRE) that shows that unionized workplaces are more likely to offer family-friendly policies like paid family leave, paid sick days, and family health insurance. The report also shows that unionized workers are more likely to be informed about important laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and have fewer worries about taking leave … more

 

The Joy of Sachs
The American economy remains in dire straits, with one worker in six unemployed or underemployed. Yet Goldman Sachs just reported record quarterly profits — and it’s preparing to hand out huge bonuses, comparable to what it was paying before the crisis. What does this contrast tell us? First, it tells us that Goldman is very good at what it does. Unfortunately, what it does is bad for America . Second, it shows that Wall Street’s bad habits — above all, the system of compensation that helped cause the financial crisis — have … more

 

Obama Aide Promises Tough Stance on Trade
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk outlined a tougher line on the enforcement of trade agreements yesterday, promising an aggressive approach to violations of negotiated labor standards among the nation's trading partners. In a speech at the Edgar Thompson plant of U.S. Steel's Mon Valley Works in Braddock, Mr. Kirk also detailed a variety of measures to combat non-tariff barriers to free trade, such as manipulation of safety regulations to pose unfair restrictions on U.S. exports. "We understand that Americans are worried … more

 

Vale Inco's Thompson and Sudbury Operations Differ on Contracts
Thompson said “yes.” Sudbury and Port Colborne said “no.” Either way, the contract in question was radically different at the Vale Inco operations, according to Bob Gallagher, head of communications at United Steelworkers Canada. “There's quite a few differences between the two (contracts),”Gallagher said. The first contract went through on Sept. 15, 2008, roughly nine months ago, when members of the United Steelworkers Local 6166, located in Thompson , Manitoba , voted to ratify a three-year collective bargaining … more

 

Steelworker Articles
NDP Leader Gets Earful From Steelworkers – District 6
John Depaolo worked at Stelco and continued when U.S. Steel bought the Burlington Street plant in 2007 and didn’t want to leave. But the Stoney Creek resident said he was asked by the American-based company to retire after 40 years. “I wasn’t ready to go,” says the 60-year-old worker, who also has diabetes. Instead of receiving about $900 per month from his pension, he gets $630, he said. “Somebody’s got to do something,” said Mr. Depaolo. The frustrated Mr. Depaolo, along with Paul Lane , another steelworker, and a few angry … more

 

US Job Loss is Costa Rica 's Gain – District 7
After closing shop in Indiana , a Firestone plant comes to rural Costa Rica .
For generations, coffee and sugar cane have kept many of the working people employed in this charming village plopped amid lush green mountains and the smoke-spewing Turrialba volcano 33 miles east of San Jose . Now a new Firestone air springs plant has opened up, which locals hope will slow the flight of many of the area’s nearly 80,000 inhabitants seeking work elsewhere. However, as the globalization game often plays out, what goes up in one town must come down in another. This time the one going down is in Noblesville , Ind. In … more

 

Steelworkers Hall Gets a Makeover – District 12
The American Legion and Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees have combined forces to refurbish, renovate and renew the Steel Workers Hall on 110 N Hill St. , which will also be a home to My Big Fat Greek Deli. Three members from each group — Ed Vang, Lee Haynes and Jerrell Berryhill with The American Legion as well as Peggy Sue Jones, Bob Campbell and Janice Bailey with SOAR — formed the building management committee last fall to oversee plans and progress on the construction project that will become … more

 

Harley Plans To Cut Another 1,000 Jobs – Districts 2, 10 and 13
Company also plans production shutdowns at several of its plants
Easing off the throttle and cutting 1,000 more jobs, Harley-Davidson Inc. has hit a rough patch of road. The world's largest manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles on Thursday also said it was shutting down production for 14 weeks later this year at plants in Wauwatosa and Kansas City , Mo. The company also is suspending production between five and 14 weeks at other plants, including Menomonee Falls, Tomahawk, and York , Pa. Nearly half of the 1,000 job reductions announced Thursday will be in Wisconsin , including … more

 

 

 

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July 16, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
A Chinese Upstart Goes After Detroit
After quitting his job as a senior engineer at Chrysler to join China 's fledgling domestic auto industry, Frank Zhao had a stark premonition. "I saw the end of Detroit ," says 45-year-old Mr. Zhao, who now supervises 1,200 engineers building a new generation of vehicles for Geely Holding Group Co., one of China 's top-selling brands. As Chrysler LLC and General Motors Co. close plants and shed jobs, Geely's expansion plans are moving into high gear, showing how the crisis in the U.S. is accelerating a shift in the global auto industry towards … more

 

Obama ‘Going to Bat’ for Unions on Labor Rights, Kirk Says
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk says the Obama administration is “going to bat for American industrial workers” through greater protection of labor rights and more aggressive monitoring of overseas trade practices. Kirk, in a speech today at a U.S. Steel Corp. plant near Pittsburgh, will pledge to force countries including Peru and Guatemala to live up to labor commitments they made in trade agreements, according to a copy his prepared remarks. “We will immediately identify and investigate labor violations, before they can … more

 

Statement from USW President Gerard on House U.S. Health Care Reform Bill
Leo W. Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ health care reform bill: “Members of the United Steelworkers (USW) and their families are appreciative of efforts by the U.S. House leadership to fix our broken health care system by introducing ‘America’s Affordable Health Choices Act’ (H.R. 3200). The legislation meets President Obama’s goals to control runaway health care costs, offering all Americans real choices for expanded access … more

 

Anger, Fear Pushing More Workers to Strike Despite Recession, Say Experts
The worst economic slowdown to hit the world since the Great Depression doesn't seem to have deterred workers from taking their grievances to the picket lines. Indeed, the number of work days lost to strikes in the first three months of 2009 was almost double that of a year earlier, before the financial crisis hit and the national unemployment rate soared, according to data from Statistics Canada. Labour experts say workers' anger about being asked to bear what they see as the brunt of the recession, as well as fear of losing hard-won … more

 

Manufacturing a Better Future for America  
The United States cannot revive its economy without first rebuilding the nation’s manufacturing base, several experts say. While most of us understand how devastating the loss of a plant can be to a community and to the economy, policymakers don’t get it, they add. During a roundtable discussion yesterday in Washington , D.C. , several contributors to a new book, Manufacturing a Better Future for America , spelled out the case for a bold new U.S. industrial policy. Simply put: For nearly 300 years, the United States invested in producing … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Leo Gerard Here Friday to Rally Strikers – District 6

The president of United Steelworkers International will walk the picket line Friday morning with striking members of USW Local 6500. Sudbury native Leo Gerard, who went from working at Inco Ltd.'s nickel smelter at age 18 to heading an international union, will visit strikers at the entrance to the Copper Cliff Smelter Complex at 10 a.m. Under his leadership, Gerard has moved the former United Steelworkers of America to become the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers … more

 

Arbitrator Orders AK to Keep Ashland Operating – District 8
The United Steelworkers (USW) today said that an independent arbitrator has ordered AK Steel (NYSE: AKS) to abandon plans to shut down its Ashland, Ky. plant and lay off about 750 workers and instead look at cutting production elsewhere because the USW's contract contains a provision to prevent its members being laid off while other plants are operating. USW International President Leo W. Gerard said that he's proud to be the leader of a union that fights for its members and added a warning to employers that the USW will … more

 

Residents, Workers, Protest Hennepin , Ill. , Steel Plant Closure – District 7
Area residents and laid-off workers continued an informational picket Tuesday outside ArcelorMittal's shuttered Hennepin , Ill. , plant in protest of the company's decision to close the facility.  The picketing began Monday. Leaflets passed out at the protest said, "We MUST stand together to stop ArcelorMittal's aggressive drive to gut our mill and their rush to destroy another part of the American manufacturing base." ArcelorMittal said in December it planned to shut down operations at the steel sheet finishing facility. The closure affects … more

 

Mining Contractors Feeling the Pinch – District 6
Sean Cartledge considers himself lucky despite the fact he is without a job during the Steelworkers' strike against Vale Inco Ltd. Cartledge, 30, is not one of the more than 3,050 members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 on the picket line. But he is one of thousands of employees with companies that do contract work for the nickel giant. Cartledge is one of 85 or more employees with Outotec Auburn Ltd., a Sudbury company with a 40-year history providing specialized maintenance and shutdown project services for the mining and … more

 

BC's Rich and Poor: A Gap Pried Wider – District 3
The recent deterioration of B.C.'s economic fundamentals has very real consequences for the way British Columbians live. The growing income gap between rich and poor and the stagnation of real wages is behind many of the mounting social problems we face in our communities. It's true that British Columbians have seen modest real-income growth per capita in the past eight years. From 2001 to 2008, inflation-adjusted income per capita rose by 2 per cent per year from $32,727 to $37,477, reports BC Stats. However, as we shall … more

 

 

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July 15, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
It's Jobs Not Bombs As Senators Resist F-22 Cuts
Supporters of the United States building more F-22 fighters have their backs against the wall: The President, the defense secretary, the Air Force leadership and the Senate's top military experts have all declared the nation needs no more than the 187 of the $350 million fighters it has already bought. So the F-22's backers are changing their tactics for demanding more planes, relying on arguments from second-tier officers, citing imaginary threats, and introducing most potent argument of all these days: 25,000 well-paying jobs. The … more

 

For the Health of the Nation: Ensure a Public Option
Just days ago, America celebrated her birthday with fireworks, spontaneous renditions of the Star Spangled Banner and chants of, "We're Number One!" In a crucial area, health care, the chant is untrue. Many of us love the individual doctors who may have saved our lives or the lives of loved ones. But the health care system in this country is not top-ranked. It's not even close to number two. Its poor quality and excessive expense are sucking the life out of America . For the health of the nation, both physically and economically, we need … more

 

Goodyear, Union OK Contract Extension
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and the United Steelworkers have agreed to extend their current labor agreement until Aug. 15. The three-year contract was set to expire Saturday. The company and union are negotiating a new contract in Cincinnati . ''We remain confident that we will reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides,'' Jim Allen, Goodyear's chief negotiator, said in a prepared statement. Both sides recognized it will take additional time ''to reach common ground on some of the more complex issues,'' Goodyear spokesman … more

 

GM Retirees Who Lost Health Care Benefits in Bankruptcy Fight to Get Them Back
The new GM emerged from bankruptcy Friday, July 10, with a leaner workforce and less debt. One reason is that, with the help of the Treasury Department, the Detroit automaker will not have to pay for the health care of thousands of retirees. But now some of those retirees are fighting back. While retirees represented by the United Auto Workers will have a partially funded health care trust managing their health benefits, more than 50,000 retirees represented by three unions—the IUE-CWA, the United Steelworkers and the … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Most of 1,700 Fairfield Works Employees idled in mid-May have Returned to Work – District 9
More than half of the 1,700 Fairfield Works union employees idled since the plant scaled back its operations in mid-May have returned to work, thanks to a pickup in orders, union officials said Tuesday. David Clark, president of United Steelworkers Local 1013, said about 900 of his local's 1,300 members began returning to work last week. Efforts to reach Local 2122 and 2210, which represent the rest of the plant's union workers, were unsuccessful. "This time a month ago, close to 75 percent of our members were laid off," Clark … more

 

Steelworkers Digging In For Long Term – District 6
Roland Thibeault has walked a picket line four times and he's only worked at Vale Inco for 18 months. This is his first strike against the nickel company, but he was in three at Domtar in Nairn Centre, where he was laid off after 15 years and almost a year on the picket line in 2001 when he was was 116th on a list of 110 employees called back after the work stoppage. Tuesday, the second day of a strike by more than 3,000 Steelworkers, he was doing picket duty at the entrance to Creighton Mine, where he works on the logistics crew in the shaft … more

 

Union Files Complaint Against Cops – District 6
A local union leader has lodged a formal complaint against city police over their handling of the nearly 11-month labour dispute at Engineered Coated Products on Elgin Street . The complaint, filed with the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services, claims police are biased in favour of the company and the security firm -AFI International Inc. -it has hired. But a police spokesman described the situation at ECP as extremely difficult and noted that the goal of officers is to maintain the peace on the picket line. In his complaint, Don Bowen … more

 

Coastal Forest Workers ‘Abandoned’ By Age Increase – District 3
After waiting all winter for the province to reopen their Transitional Assistance Program, which helps older forest workers affected by the industry’s downturn to move towards retirement, the July 1 application opening was a huge disappointment for many North Coast residents, said Joni Fraser, a geographic information systems technician and executive board member for the United Steelworkers Local 1-2171 in Sandspit. “I was ecstatic to hear that the [Community Development Trust] transition to retirement had reopened, then went to the site … more

 

 

 

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July 14, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Lawmakers Take Fight Over F-22 to Senate Floor
The latest chapter in the supersonic saga over the Air Force’s most advanced fighter moved to the Senate floor Monday as the White House repeated a threat to veto the defense bill if lawmakers fund any more of the F-22s. The prospect of Democratic and Republican lawmakers overriding the Obama administration raises the prospect of a rare, and high-profile, defeat in the administration’s attempts to shake up weapons buying. For all the F-22’s superlative engineering, a most-spectacular capability is its proven power to polarize … more

 

How Did BC's Economy Get This Bad?
"We're in a full-scale recession in B.C.," said Jock Finlayson, executive vice-president of the Business Council of British Columbia. "Getting out of it is going to depend on when the global economy, and the U.S. economy bottom out, and how things look after that." -- Globe & Mail, June 13, 2009. "Nothing on the horizon would lead us to believe that the province is at risk of going into recession." -- Colin Hansen, Vancouver Sun, November 21, 2008. "I think we're expecting to see some small economic growth here." -- Gordon Campbell, Vancouver … more

 

TRNN Health Care Series: USW President Supports Single Payer Healthcare
"The health care system in America is broken, absolutely broken," Leo Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers (USW), tells TRNN Senior Editor Paul Jay. "It's the most expensive health care system in the world, and close to 50 million people have no health care, and 50 million have what could be termed inadequate health care, so we're going to be fighting for that." Later in the video, Gerard says that despite statements by President Barack Obama and Senator Max Baucus about the inviability of a single-payer option in the … more

 

Obama Filed Complaint With the WTO Against China
Barack Obama's administration has abandoned its gentle approach on trade issues with China . Picture: Bloomberg. It was the first trade complaint against China filed by Barack Obama’s administration, which has been seen as soft-pedalling on trade issues with the Asian giant. The complaints filed with the WTO represent a departure from past allegations by the US and other countries that China is flooding other countries' markets with its exports. US Trade Representative Ron Kirk called China 's alleged export restraints on raw … more

 

Building Labor Solidarity with the Honduran People
Dan Kovalik, United Steelworkers Union (USW) senior associate general counsel, just returned Friday from a four day trip to Honduras . He went with a delegation of seven people to get a firsthand look at the situation facing the country after the military coup that ousted democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya. The Steelworkers union and the global union that it helped organize, Workers Uniting, and the AFL-CIO, all have condemned the military coup. All have called for the restoration of democracy and the immediate … more

 

Steelworker Articles
3,100 on Strike at Vale Inco in Canada – District 6
About 3,100 workers at Vale Inco’s nickel mining and refining operations in Sudbury , Canada , went on strike early Monday after overwhelmingly rejecting a final offer from the company. The nickel mine in Sudbury , Canada , was already in the midst of an eight-week shutdown. The strike follows the first set of labor negotiations between the United Steelworkers of America and Vale since it acquired Inco in 2007 after a prolonged series of mining deals involving the company. Spokesmen for both the company and the … more

 

Laid-off Steelworkers Picket in Hennepin – District 7
Laid-off steelworkers started informational picketing outside the shuttered ArcelorMittal steel plant Monday to protest what they called the company's "counter-stimulus" program of closing and selling a productive plant rather than operating or selling it. "We are taking action against the reckless and misguided business practices" of the multi-national company, said a statement being handed out to motorists passing through the intersection where two state highways meet Interstate 180 just south of the plant. The action was timed to coincide … more

 

MultiServ, Union to Resume Bargaining – District 6
MultiServ workers will head back to the bargaining table July 21 in an attempt to end a lock out at the Hamilton slag recycler. Union leaders say the workers, who handle slag at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, were escorted off the premises Friday after talks hit an impasse. Pennsylvania-based Harsco Corp., owner of MultiServ, is seeking a 15 per cent wage cut. The firm also wants workers to assume 10 per cent of the cost of health and dental benefits, said Steve Duvall, president of the United Steelworkers local at the plant: "We're not trying … more

 

 

 

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July 13, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Thousands March For Free Choice, Say It's Civil Rights Issue
Nearly 1,500 African-American leaders, union members, community activists and other locals braved nearly 100 degree temperatures to join USW International President Leo W. Gerard, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker, CNA National President Deborah Buger, CWA Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Rechenbach, and regional leaders from UFCW, AFGE, CWA, USW. They came in caravans from cities around the state on eight buses and hundreds of cars. Click here for more … more

 

Strains Abound in U.S.-China Trade
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Energy Secretary Steven Chu make their first trip to China this week since taking office. Here's a list of trade issues that could arise during their visit, which is focused primarily on hopes of fostering cooperation with China to address climate change. The U.S. trade gap with China hit a record $266 billion in 2008, but has narrowed this year as the U.S. recession has reduced demand for imports. The deficit with China totaled $84.6 billion in the first five months of 2009, compared with $96.3 billion in … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Appleton urged by United Steelworkers and the Alliance for American Manufacturing to use federal stimulus money to by American – District 2
If Valley Transit receives nearly $400,000 in federal stimulus funds as is expected to buy three hybrid buses, one thing is certain — the buses will carry the label “Made in the USA.” “We buy buses through state contracts and we’ve been required to buy American for a long time. These buses will definitely be made in the United States ,” said Valley Transit general manager Deborah Wetter. The requirement to buy American could spread throughout city government if the Common Council accepts a resolution proposed by the United … more

 

MultiServ Locks Out Workers at Dofasco – District 6
MultiServ has locked out about 40 workers who handle slag recycling at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, the United Steelworkers union says. Tony DePaulo, area co- ordinator for the United Steelworkers, says the union had been in contract negotiations for several months and voted 100 per cent in favour of strike action Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday, MultiServ supervisors walked the workers out of the ArcelorMittal operations at 6 p.m., DePaulo said. The contract for the approximately 150 workers employed by MultiServ in Locals ... more

 

Gipson says Nuts to ArcelorMittal's Request for Further Concessions – District 7
ArcelorMittal has asked the membership of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 6787, representing workers at its Burns Harbor facility, to make further concessions, above and beyond those to which the local agreed in the layoff minimization plan approved in November 2008, Local 6787 President Paul Gipson told the Chesterton Tribune today. Gipson’s reply to ArcelorMittal: Nuts. “My response is that the company has very little integrity,” Gipson said. “We were asked for further reductions in the agreement. But an agreement is an … more

 

USW Local 6200 Announces the Result of the 2009 Ratification Vote – District 6
Local 6200 President Wayne Rae announces the result of the Local 6200 ratification vote. Ninety-seven per cent of the members cast ballots, and, of that, ninety-five per cent voted to reject Vale Inco's final offer. Local 6200 now joins Local 6500 in a legal strike position on Sunday, July 12 at midnight. Rae said he is very pleased that the membership in Port Colborne showed up and gave such a strong message of support. "We now join our brothers and sisters from Sudbury and Voisey Bay in rejecting the final offer from Vale Inco. This … more

 

The Georgetown Steel Mill Shuts Down – District 9
About 250 people in our area will be out of work as Arcelor Mittal has officially shut its doors. The steel mill announced in May it would suspend operations at the plant indefinitely, saying that the recession has caused a significant drop in the need for steel. As part of a union agreement, the workers were able to stay employed there for about 60 more days. Company officials say that they don't know what the future holds for the mill, and if and when it will reopen. Meanwhile, Steelworkers Union President James Sanderson says that he … more

 

Steelworkers reject Vale Inco offer with 85 per cent of vote – District 6
Members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 will almost certainly set up picket lines at 12:01 a.m. Monday after 85 per cent of 2,600 members who cast ballots in ratification votes rejected Vale Inco's final contract offer. Steelworkers accepted the advice of their union negotiating team, which recommended Vale Inco's settlement proposal be rejected in balloting held Friday and Saturday. The union's collective agreement expires Sunday at midnight, putting it in a legal strike position. Contract talks that began April 7 broke off Monday between … more

 

Alcoa to implement layoffs at East plant Monday – District 4
On Monday, 113 aluminum workers will not be returning to their jobs at Alcoa's Massena East plant as the company begins implementing a round of layoffs it announced in late March. While the job cuts are not good news, officials said that the number of workers being laid off is far lower than the 170 employees the company originally announced it would eliminate. Alcoa decided to idle its Massena East smelter temporarily in May because of rock-bottom aluminum prices and a lagging global economy. To keep its contract for … more

 

Steelworkers Officially Approve Sale Of Hall – District 6
United Steelworkers Local 2251, representing more than 2,500 hourly production, maintenance, service and clerical employees inside Essar Steel Algoma Inc., has officially approved the sale of their 47-year-old downtown administrative headquarters. “The membership supports the executive’s recommendation to accept the purchase offer for the USW building,” said Mike Da Prat, president of Local 2251, whose bargaining unit held special general membership meetings Thursday to discuss the offer. The 22,200 square-foot … more

 

 

 

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July 10, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
National Union Leaders, 1,000 Arkansas Workers Expected at Grassroots Mobilization in Little Rock to Urge Congress Approve Employee Free Choice
This Saturday, July 11, national labor leaders and more than 1,000 local workers from across the state will mobilize outside Little Rock ’s Central High School with civil rights activists in support of the Employee Free Choice Act that’s pending in Congress to restore workers’ freedom to join a union and bargain for a better life. USW International President Leo W. Gerard; Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer; and Arlene Holt Baker, the first African-American executive vice president of the AFL-CIO and widely known civil rights … more

 

We Need a Jobs Package, Not a Stimulus Package
This seems like Framing and Political Strategy 101 to me, but since few other people are talking in this way, let me just lay out a basic idea: all this talk about doing a stimulus package versus not doing a stimulus package is fundamentally besides the point. What we need is a comprehensive policy package that is very simply focused on one thing and one thing only: jobs. I know the policy wonks on Capitol Hill may be confused by that paragraph because, they would say, well, a stimulus program would create jobs. Well, yeah, that is the … more

 

AIG Seeks Clearance for More Bonuses
$2.4 Million in Executive Payments Due Next Week
American International Group is preparing to pay millions of dollars more in bonuses to several dozen top corporate executives after an earlier round of payments four months ago set off a national furor. The troubled insurance giant has been pressing the federal government to bless the payments in hopes of shielding itself from renewed public outrage. The request puts the administration's new compensation czar on the spot by seeking his opinion about bonuses that were promised long before he took his post. AIG doesn't … more

 

USW Opposes Senate Attempt to Repeal “Black Liquor” Bio-fuel Tax Credit
Early repeal threatens paper workers, industry in weak economy
The United Steelworkers (USW) announced today that it has filed comments strongly opposing a Senate Finance Committee staff draft of legislation that if enacted would specifically target the pulp and paper industry for repeal of a vital tax credit. The tax credit in question gives users of a tax credit for the use of the alternative fuel when it is mixed with very small amounts of taxable motor fuel. The paper industry is the largest industrial user of bio-fuel in the United States . Last year, the IRS issued a ruling to qualify for the credit, provided … more

 

Steelworker Articles
B.C. Logging Deaths Spark Debate – District 3
A spike in the number of loggers dying in B.C.'s woods has alarmed their union, but the province's forestry minister says the numbers could be misleading. The United Steelworkers Union says 10 tree fallers have died in the past 18 months, compared with no such deaths in the previous two years. Ron Corbeil, the union's health and safety co-ordinator, blames the deaths on the lack of designated supervision and insufficient on-the-job training. "We were puzzled, you know. How could you go from no fatalities in 28 months to eight … more

 

U.S. Steel Shutters Lake Erie Coke Ovens – District 6
U.S. Steel is idling its Lake Erie coke ovens, raising the threat of further layoffs at the Nanticoke plant. Nearly 100 workers are expected to be cut by the end of July, adding to the 800 Nanticoke employees already on layoff. "It was a shot across the bow we weren't expecting," said Stewart Patterson, a representative with United Steelworkers Local 8782 in Nanticoke . "Especially with the announcement that they're restarting Hamilton ." As coke production goes down in Nanticoke , it's being ramped up in Hamilton , where U.S. Steel has … more

 

MP says Vale Inco CEO Expects Short Strike – District 6
The president and chief executive officer of Vale Inco, Tito Martins, says there will be a strike at the company's Ontario operations, but it won't last long. That's hardly reassuring to Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle, who said Martins made the admission to him when the New Democrat politician phoned him Thursday. The prediction that more than 3,300 production and maintenance workers in Sudbury and Port Colborne will set up picket lines Sunday at midnight when their collective agreement expires was startling to Gravelle. "Last week, … more

 

Forestry Workers Hit By Age Eligibility Shift – District 3
Government change done to limit access and union charges
Changing the age requirement from 55 to 60 to be eligible for a government assistance program to help aging and unemployed forestry workers leave the industry is intended to make the program more effective, says Forest Minister Pat Bell. Bell said Community Development Minister Bill Bennett and his staff held extensive consultations with industry stakeholders during the past few months to determine the strength and weaknesses of the first phase of the $85.5-million transitional assistance program and concluded "it wasn't meeting … more

 

 

 

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July 9, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Franken Signs On As EFCA Co-Sponsor
Hours after he was seated, Sen. Al Franken, D-MN, let it be known that he would be sign on as a co-sponsor to the Employee Free Choice Act, the labor-backed provision that would allow unions to more easily organize, as his first legislative activity. "I just became a cosponsor of my first bill in the Senate, the Employee Free Choice Act," the Minnesota Democrat declared at a gathering at the AFL-CIO on Tuesday evening. Despite taking a backseat in terms of media attention, EFCA remains very much a hotly-debated measure within the … more

 

Rite Aid Facility Symbolic Of Unions' Legislation Push
A chilly, high desert dawn was breaking as the workers trickled onto the sprawling grounds of Rite Aid Corp.'s distribution warehouse, a behemoth box at the edge of the Mojave. Awaiting them outside was a makeshift table set with hot coffee and doughnuts, courtesy of the International Longshore & Warehouse Union. Employees donning yellow union T-shirts briefly savored a hard-won triumph as they continue a bitter, three-year-plus campaign. "I'm glad to be back. I need the job," said Virgilia Mondragon, one of dozens returning to … more

 

Steelworker Articles
USW Western Canada Director in Mexico as Part of International Delegation Supporting Mineworkers – District 3
Today United Steelworkers Western Canada Director Stephen Hunt arrives here to join an international delegation of unionists and parliamentarians to support the National Miners' and  Metalworkers' Union of Mexico (Los Mineros). The group of legislators is being led by Federal NDP leader Jack Layton. The five continent delegation, will meet Mexican Congressmen and union leaders and visit jailed Los Mineros national executive committee member Juan Linares Montufar, who is being held as a political prisoner. Last year Brother … more

 

New Labor Contract in Place at NewPage’s Luke Mill – District 8
A new four-year labor contract at NewPage Corp.’s Luke mill ratified by United Steelworkers Local 676 includes production workers and mechanical maintenance trades. The previous contract expired Dec. 1. Local 676 voted July 1 to ratify the new contract that will expire Dec. 1, 2012. The pact calls for a 2-percent increase in wages each year of the four-year contract. The contract also provides improvements in retirement benefits, life insurance, and accident and sickness benefits each year, according to mill spokeswoman Patsy Koontz … more

 

Union Steels Itself For Strike – District 6
Steelworkers deride Vale Inco's offer, methods
A strike against Vale Inco is all but certain according to members of United Steelworkers Local 6500 who emerged angry, disgusted and resigned to the inevitable from two information meetings Wednesday at Garson Arena. About 1,600 members attended a 1 p. m. meeting and 900 an 8 p. m. session at which members of their bargaining committee recommended they reject Vale Inco's proposal. Mike Courchesne came out of the evening meeting convinced he will be walking a picket line Monday at 12:01 a. m. after the current extended … more

 

Council Approves Union Contract – District 2
The Manistee City Council approved a one-year contract with the city’s union employees Tuesday.

The contract provides the workers with no raise. Manistee City Clerk Michelle Wright said the council approved the contract with the United Steelworkers Local 14758 after discussing negotiations during a closed session Tuesday night. The local represents the city’s DPW, water department, parks department and wastewater treatment plant employees, Wright said. Also during Tuesday’s meeting, the council: approved a tree … more

 

Northern Manitoba Member Takes on Numerous Roles as Trade Union Activist – District 3
It’s been not much more than 6 years since Joyce Delaronde-Cable became a United Steelworkers member when she and her fellow employers at the Frontier School District in Northern Manitoba decided to go union. Since that time Sister Delaronde has become one of the USW’s emerging activists in the province. She has served on two bargaining committees, become a local executive board member, has worked on a winning campaign for a federal NDP candidate, worked for an NDP MLA candidate during the last provincial … more

 

Paper Converter Pacon Corp. Stays Busy, Growing – District 2
Buyouts propel business forward

Paper converter Pacon Corp. is up and running on a brisk summer schedule, having recently completed a plant closure in Iowa . The company, which employs about 360 in the Fox Cities, has maintained its competitive edge in a tough industry by working smarter and efficiently while maintaining excellent cooperation from its work force, policies nurtured by late founder Jerry Van Hoof, said Jim Schmitz, president and chief executive officer. That's one of the reasons why shutting down the Mount Pleasant plant last spring and idling 65 workers … more

 

Labrador Inco To Strike – District 6
Employees at nickel miner Vale Inco's Labrador operations have voted to reject a final contract offer by the company. This means the 450 workers at the Voisey's Bay mine and nickel processing concentrator will be on strike beginning Aug. 1. United Steelworkers Atlantic Canada director Wayne Fraser says 99% of the union's members voted today to reject the company's offer. Vale's Sudbury and Port Colborne employees are set to vote on the company's offer tomorrow and Saturday and could be on strike as early as Sunday … more

 

Some Workers Left Out Of Aid Program – District 3
Age of eligibility increased from 55 to 60
Unemployed forest workers are being turned away by a B.C. aid program after the government quietly raised the age of eligibility from 55 to 60. The $85.5-million transitional assistance program, part of the $129-million Community Development Trust created with the aid of the federal government, is designed to assist the province's older unemployed forest workers move into retirement or retraining. The first phase of the program required applicants to be at least 55 to access up to $35,000 to transition to retirement or other … more

 

Union Fighting To Save Benefits – District 1
Delphi retirees could lose health coverage
The union representing 10,000 Delphi Packard Electric hourly retirees hopes to work with General Motors Corp. to keep some health care after the automaker sells unprofitable assets in bankruptcy, a local leader said Wednesday. Karen Krolopp said International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America attorneys anticipate GM will file a 1114 motion in the next two weeks asking bankruptcy court permission to modify hourly retiree health benefits. Such a filing would open the door for negotiations between the … more

 

 

 

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July 8, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
USW President Supports Single Payer Healthcare
Paul Jay speaks to Leo Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers' union about his fight for single payer health care reform and the unionization legislation. Gerard says that, "the unions are first and foremost going to be very active in the fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and the fight for health care reform." Speaking on the proposals of the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Gerard says, "I think Senator [Max] Baucus (D-MT) is off the mark," because the Senator's proposal to tax employer provided health (video)… more

 

Civil Rights Leaders Unite With Labor and Faith Leaders for Huge, Historic March and Rally July 11 to Pass the Employee Free Choice Act
Arlene Holt Baker, the first African-American executive officer of the AFL-CIO and widely known civil rights leader, will join other national labor, civil rights, and faith leaders in an historic march and rally this Saturday, July 11 in Little Rock, Ark. National Electrical Workers President Ed Hill, Communications Workers of America Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Reichenbach, Steelworkers National President Leo Gerard, and soon-to-be National AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka will lead hundreds of union and faith and civil rights activists in the … more

 

Labor Leaders to Meet with Obama
President Barack Obama will meet Monday afternoon with about a dozen of the nation's top labor leaders to discuss efforts to make it easier to organize new members and reform the nation's health care system. The meeting -- set for 1:15 p.m. Monday at the White House -- is expected to include John Sweeney, the president of the AFL-CIO and Andrew L. Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union. An administration official confirmed the meeting, saying "it will be a chance to discuss our shared priorities and goals … more

 

Parliamentary, Union Leaders Visit Mexico To Support Mineworkers Union
U.S. Congress Urges Calderón to Meet
Trade union and parliamentary leaders from 13 countries are visiting Mexico this week to support the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, which has been under attack by the Mexican government and the Grupo Mexico mining company. Yesterday, 27 members of the U.S. Congress wrote to Calderón asking him to meet with the delegation. “Continued efforts by the Mexican government and Grupo Mexico to repress this democratic union in Mexico have raised serious questions about labor practices in your country,” the letter stated … more

 

Senate Climate Debate Focuses On Economic Impact  
The planet shared equal billing with the economy at a Tuesday Senate hearing on climate change, as supporters sought to promote the controversial bill as both a mechanism to create jobs and protect the environment. Making the case that a climate bill will stimulate a listless economy has emerged as a central theme for congressional Democrats and outside groups that support capping carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in order to win over wary centrists from industrial and farm states. A climate … more

 

Let's Support U.S. Steel Industry
You need a job? Do you know that President Obama is planning to spend millions of dollars to create service-type jobs? Do you know that manufacturing jobs pay much more than service-type jobs? Did you know that all of the levels of government -- from villages on up to federal -- have already been spending millions of job creating dollars for many years? The problem is those tax dollars have been going to Asia and not to places such as Illinois , where John Deere and Caterpillar manufacture heavy equipment. A few days ago I followed a … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Steel is Being Made Again at Granite City Works – District 7
Steel production started Tuesday at Granite City Works mill for the first time in about seven months. The target date for sending molten iron to an oxygen furnace — and thus making steel — was set for today. But by Tuesday afternoon, that process already started, said Dan Simmons, president of United Steelworkers Local 1899. His local union represents most of the mill's hourly workers. This marks yet another part of restarting United States Steel Corp.'s local operations, a process that began less than a month ago. Union … more

 

Steelworkers Vow to Protect Contract – District 6
More than 3,000 production and maintenance workers with United Steelworkers Local 6500 will decide this week if an altered pension plan, a smaller nickel bonus and restrictions on how often they can apply for new jobs are reason enough to strike. Vale Inco’s final offer to members of USW Local 6500 in Sudbury and Local 6200 in Port Colborne is calling for their defined benefit pension plan to be discarded for anyone hired after June 1, 2010, and replaced with a defined contribution pension plan. The defined contribution plan has … more

 

Kimberly Begins Local Marketing Efforts for Shuttered NewPage Mill – District 2
Group hopes that stimulus dollars could entice buyers

Village officials say a team of regional business and economic development leaders will help them move quickly to meet the needs of any potential buyer that sets eyes on the shuttered Kimberly mill. The village recently organized the team to undertake local marketing efforts as NewPage Corp. seeks to sell the Kimberly facility, which once employed 600. The company closed the mill Sept. 8 amid skyrocketing raw materials costs and oversupply of its high-end coated paper grades. The Miamisburg, Ohio-based papermaker announced … more

 

Retirement Age Boosted as Program Runs Short – District 3
THE PROVINCIAL government has tightened up its eligibility requirements for older forestry workers taking cash incentives to retire early. Last year the minimum age was 55 but this year it’s 60 because the program is running out of money, says Tracey Thompson of the Community Development Trust program. The retirement incentive portion of the three-year trust program began last year with $85.5 million and demand was such that $65.5 million was committed, leaving $20 million for this year, said Thompson. “Actually we had … more

 

Hard-Slugging Union Warrior Calls It A Day – District 8
Longtime union man Mike Amos once relished battling his employer. "It's like I was mad all the time and I couldn't wait to get back at them," Amos said. "The way I look at it now, it was vindictive. I was out for blood. I was a radical." Amos, 54, retired June 1 from Yokohama Tire Corp. He'd spent nearly 32 years building tires at the Salem plant, first for Mohawk Rubber and then for Yokohama , which purchased Mohawk in 1989. He retired also from United Steelworkers Local 1023, of which he had been president since 2003. The union … more

 

Employers Seek Salary Concessions From Interior Forest Workers – District 3
Interior forest workers face employers determined to get wage concessions from them when both sides meet next week in their first attempt to hammer out a new labour contract. But the union representing them said that markets, not worker wages, are at the heart of the crisis in the B.C. forest industry. Cutting wages won’t bring back jobs, said Bob Matters of the wood council of the United Steelworkers. “There is virtually nothing we can do from our end, apart from busting our butts at work, to help things. If all of our guys at sawmills in … more

 

Sudbury Must Support Miners – District 6
The miners at Vale Inco should not get less in this contract than they had before. It would be wrong, wrong, wrong. And to those of you who say: "I don't have a pension plan, so why should they? I don't have medical expenses so, why should they? I don't have a nickel bonus so why should they?" You are just being hypocrites. I don't a have a pension plan, but I sure would like to have one. I don't have bonus, but I sure would like to have one. The union and the miners have fought for these rights and all of a sudden the company just wants … more

 

 

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July 7, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Parliamentary and Union Leaders to Visit Mexico in Support of Mineworkers Union
Trade union and parliamentary leaders from 14 countries will be leaving for Mexico today as part of a delegation to support the National Union of Mine and Metal Workers, which has been under attack by the Mexican government and the Grupo Mexico mining company. The delegation, organized by the International Metalworkers' Federation, www.imfmetal.org, the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions, www.icem.org, and the United Steelworkers, www.usw.org, will be seeking … more

 

New Cancer Society CEO Sets Ambitious Agenda
Whelan aims to boost fundraising
Only a month into her new job as the CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society's Ontario division, former Essex Liberal MP Susan Whelan has a long checklist. Whelan is on a mission to boost cancer awareness and prevention strategies, increase fundraising for groundbreaking research and lobby the government to make changes to legislation that would see greater protection against carcinogens in the workplace and the environment. She began by touring the society's Ontario chapters and her first stop was the Essex … more

 

If Majority Want Union , Let Them Have It
The process of constructing good public policy should not be held hostage to intellectual dishonesty.
Opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act raise the specter of a loss of employee voice if workers are permitted to unionize their workplaces by choosing to express their majority will through signing membership cards or a petition. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among other anti-union groups, has fraudulently charged that the act would eliminate the "secret ballot" and expose employee to "union intimidation." But the proposed bill not only does not eliminate the ballot option or subject workers to abuse; it restores respect for the … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Strike at Vale Inco Looms – District 6
There is a one in a trillion chance Vale Inco will sweeten its final contract proposal containing unacceptable concessions before more than 3,000 United Steelworkers receive it at information meetings Wednesday and Thursday, says USW District 6 director Wayne Fraser. Contract talks broke off Monday at 11:30 a. m. between the Steelworkers and Vale Inco Ltd. after negotiators for the mining company told the union the proposal it had presented late Sunday night was its final offer. Wayne Fraser, director of Steelworkers' District 6, told … more

 

Former Labour Leader Remembered – District 6
For decades, Terry Mancini's quiet, gentlemanly demeanour belied a fierce, fighting spirit that helped achieve better working conditions and lives for thousands of Northern Ontario workers and their families. Mancini, a former Sudbury resident and activist with the United Steelworkers union, died Friday in Mississauga , where he had been living for some time. He was 10 days shy of his 88th birthday. "Terry was a fine gentleman. That's what he was -- a gentleman. He treated people kindly and fairly," recalled Homer Seguin, a retired … more

 

Sunoco to Lay Off 40-50, Close Ethylene Complex – District 10
Between 40-50 Sunoco employees are expected to lose their jobs now that company officials have decided to shut down the ethylene complex damaged in a May 17 explosion at the Marcus Hook Refinery. “Sunoco will permanently shut down production at the ethylene complex due to insufficient demand for ethylene, ethylene oxide, and cyclohexane which does not justify repairing or replacing equipment damaged in the recent fire,” said Sunoco spokesman Thomas Golembeski. “It is never easy to take steps that impact the lives of workers … more

 

Forest Workers Accessing APT ON the Rise – District 3
As workers in the forest sector continue to observe the instability within the industry they are seeking help from the Assessing Planning Training pilot program with increasing numbers throughout the northern region.

The USW local 1-424 APT pilot received $2 million dollars from the Government of Canada and Province of BC and was launched in February 2009. This funding agreement provides skills assessments and access to courses and retaining programs for employed forest workers or those EI ineligible whether they are … more

 

Local 2251 Moves Out of Steel Hall – District 6
The fate of the Union Hall on Dennis Street will be announced at a special meeting there this week. United Steelworkers Local 2251 members will be meeting on Thursday, July 9, to hear about plans for the building they own, says local president Mike DaPrat. There will be two meetings for members on Thursday, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. "It's already been announced to the members that we are moving to the old United Way building in September," DaPrat tells SooToday.com. The transition will take some time and at least … more

 

 

 

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July 6, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
United Steelworkers' efforts play role in House’s OK of cap-and-trade bill
For more than a month, the phone bank at “War Room Central” at the United Steelworkers headquarters Downtown had been abuzz with promises of green-collar jobs. Steel mills would be pumping out turbine blades to spin the wind, coal plants would get money to retrofit existing technologies. Such are the promises of the American Clean Energy and Security Act, approved June 26 by the House of Representatives. If the union’s internal count is correct, its thousands of phone calls to union members in eight undecided … more

 

Globilization Sinking the US ?
With a national deficit over $11 trillion, a recession and wars in the Middle East, the United States is not exactly at the height of it's power.  Times is a-changing and the world has become a much smaller place.  A trade deficit of $29.2 billion, with over half that going to China , has proven free trade is not necessarily fair trade. Proof of this is the petition filed in April with the International Trade Commission (ITC) by the United Steelworkers asking the Obama administration to cap a large surge of consumer tire imports from China . On June 18th, the … more

 

Labor's Last Stand
The corporate campaign to kill the Employee Free Choice Act
On a Monday morning this past April, a few dozen Arkansans from that state's Chamber of Commerce could be found holing up in a Marriott hotel in Crystal City , Virginia , less than a mile from Washington 's Ronald Reagan National Airport . They assembled in the hotel's Jefferson Ballroom, on one wall of which hangs a portrait of the third president standing before a giant Declaration of Independence. Despite the early hour, the visitors were cheerful, sipping from big Starbucks cups as they gathered up political literature and hard candies … more

 

Combative Union Leader Steps From the Shadows
Richard Trumka, the secretary-treasurer of the A.F.L.-C.I.O., can boast of something unusual for a labor leader - one of his videos has more than 535,000 hits on YouTube. That video shows Mr. Trumka giving a stemwinder of a speech at a steel workers’ convention last year, telling union members it would be wrong - and stupid - to vote against Barack Obama because of his race. “There’s no evil that’s inflicted more pain and more suffering than racism - and it’s something we in the labor movement have a special responsibility … more

 

Jobless Figures Pose Social, Political Threat for Obama, Dems
A month ago, when the jobless rate was edging toward 9 percent, it was clear that the most serious challenge facing the Obama administration was rising unemployment. Unfortunately, Obama's pretty-close-to-clueless economic team peddled the absurd spin that because the rate of increase in the official total of out-of-work Americans had slowed somewhat in May the current recession might be easing. That happy talk dulled the sense of urgency, and the White House let another month pass without focusing seriously. That was … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Vale Inco Strike Imminent: Union Official – District 6
With no movement on the bargaining table during the weekend, it’s looking like pickets will be going up at Vale Inco on July 12. “I think a strike is imminent,” said Wayne Fraser, United Steelworkers District 6 director. “Unfortunately ... they haven’t changed position since April.” The negotiating team for Vale Inco Ltd. presented United Steelworkers Locals 6500 and 6200 ( Port Colborne ) with the company’s settlement proposal Friday. The deadline for an agreement is July 12 — an extension agreed upon by both parties when the contract … more

 

Day of Caring a Big Success – District 4
On June 24, 300 people from 42 local businesses volunteered in Steuben and Chemung counties to help local non-profit organizations complete needed projects that will benefit the lives of people in this community. The volunteers gave 100 percent. We wish to commend them for taking the time to answer the call to "LIVE UNITED." We would also like to thank the nearly 30 agencies who participated in this year's event. The Day of Caring experience gives agencies the opportunity to finish meaningful tasks and provides volunteers a … more

 

ArcelorMittal Restart Returns Employees To Work – District 7
Shifts in operations at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor East will return some employees to work at the plant, but leave some without work within the next month. United Steelworkers Local 1010 President Tom Hargrove said it's good the company decided to restart its No. 5 blast furnace July 20. He said about all of the employees who were laid off because of the idling in production have been brought back this week. The furnace was idled last fall. Hargrove said it's difficult to say whether the restart is just a "blip on the screen" of economic … more

 

Steel Mill Set To Shut Down Indefinitely July 12 – District 9
Steel mill union officials last week rejected pay cuts and other concessions that mill owners had said could help stave off the indefinite shutdown planned for July 12. Three committee members of the United Steelworkers 7898, Georgetown Steel manager Marcio Van der Put and the mill's attorney met Monday, said union President James Sanderson. Plant officials asked for a $3.65-an-hour pay cut, but did not promise the pay would be restored to former levels in the future, Sanderson said. "At the present time, the membership wants … more

 

 

 

 

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July 2, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
GM Strips Retirees Rights, Unions Charge
General Motors Corp.’s planned asset sale under Section 363 of the federal bankruptcy code strips the company’s union-represented retirees of health and insurance benefits, denying workers protections available under a traditional Chapter 11 filing, GM’s splinter unions say. “Why would a creditor with high potential profits sell assets free and clear under 363 when they can protect them under 1114?” Tom Kennedy, counsel for the International Union of Electrical Engineers-Communications Workers of America, said late … more

 

Workers Uniting Condemns Military Coup in Honduras
Urges Suspension Of All Military Aid
Workers Uniting, the international union comprised of the North American-based United Steelworkers (USW) and UK-based Unite the Union (Unite) and representing 3.5 million workers, stands in solidarity with our fellow unions in Honduras -- including the Unitary Central of Honduran Workers (CUTH), the Confederation of Honduran Workers (CTH) and the General Workers Central (CGT) -- as well as with the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas (TUCA), in condemning the military coup that resulted in the illegal … more

 

Steelworker Articles
United Steelworkers Reach Contract With Mon Valley Hospital – District 10
A new two-year contract has been reached between Monongahela Valley Hospital and the United Steelworkers 8041, which represents about half of the hospital’s employees, the hospital announced. The agreement goes into effect July 1, but details were not disclosed. Voting was held June 30, with the final count 304 to 158 in favor of the contract, according to the hospital. Local 8041 represents about half of the hospital’s 1,000 employees, including technical staff, nursing assistants, laundry and dietary. The union does not … more

 

Vale Workers May Strike Over Benefits in Canada , Valor Says – District 6
Vale SA workers in Canada may strike to protest the company’s plans to cut employment benefits, Valor Economico reported, citing Wayne Fraser, a United Steelworkers director. Employees will decide what action they will take next week if Vale doesn’t reach an agreement with unions about a new contract by July 12, the Sao Paulo-based newspaper said. Vale expects to reach an agreement with workers, Valor said, citing Cory McPhee, a spokesman for the Canadian unit, Vale Inco Ltd. Vale wants employees to accept limits … more

 

Delegation Members, United Steelworkers Meet In Georgetown In Effort To Save Mill – District 9
United Steelworkers 7898 President James Sanderson told the legislative delegation and members of the Georgetown County Council that there is no way the Georgetown Steel mill can avoid a shutdown July 12. While negotiations will continue to try to resume operations at an undetermined time after July 12, the time has run out to agree on terms that could keep the mill running with no pay cuts or reduced work hours, Sanderson said. Sanderson, Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island , and Georgetown … more

 

Local 8041 Approves Monongahela Valley Hospital Contract – District 10
Monongahela Valley Hospital and its union staved off a potential work stoppage after the membership voted to accept a new contract Tuesday. MVH and United Steelworkers Local 8041, which represents about half of the hospital's nearly 1,100 employees, have a new two-year contract, which begins today. According to a release by the hospital, union members voted at the Donora Fire Hall and approved the pact by a vote of 304 to 158, an approximate 2-to-1 ratio. Local 8041 represents technical staff; those in nursing services, including … more

 

NDP MPs set to meet Vale CEO – District 6
He isn’t heading to Toronto on Thursday to negotiate with Vale Inco president and CEO Tito Martins, but Sudbury MP Glenn Thibeault says the subject of the company’s contract negotiations with United Steelworkers is bound to arise during their “conversation.” The purpose of the meeting, said the Sudbury New Democrat, is to talk with Martins about the importance of Vale Inco to Sudbury and to let him know “people are sitting on pins and needles, hoping the two sides can reach a fair settlement and avoid a labour dispute.” Thibeault … more

 

Green Efforts Springing Up Around The Region – District 7
Community groups and businesses around Northwest Indiana shared their plans Tuesday night about green efforts around the region can spur economic development. About 50 people at Indiana University Northwest heard about a business creating solar-powered attic fans and unions helping their members get green technology training and lobbying for climate change legislation. All three efforts are happening in Northwest Indiana . Community organizer Nina Klooster said she hoped the "Growing Green Jobs in Northwest … more

 

Covington Paper Mill Union Oks Contract – District 8
Bobby Harrison, president of United Steelworkers Local 8-675, reported that union members at the MeadWestvaco paper mill in Covington voted yesterday to approve a new contract between the company and the union. In an e-mail early today, Harrison said that among the union members who voted, 84 percent approved the contract. A detailed vote count and other details were not immediately available. USW Local 8-675 has battled a new union at the plant, Covington Paperworkers Union, but USW has remained the … more

 

Union Leader Says SC Steel Mill Will Close – District 9
The leader of the union at the Georgetown Steel mill says there is no way to prevent the mill from closing later this month. The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reports that United Steelworkers 7898 President James Sanderson says time has run out for workers and the mill to reach an agreement to keep the mill open after July 12. Mill owner ArcelorMittal is shutting down the facility indefinitely because the economic downturn has diminished the need for steel.   Sanderson says union members rejected a proposal from the mill owners to take … more

 

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July 1, 2009

Economic/Political Articles
Time To Reflect On Being Canadian: MPP
For Immigration and Citizenship Minister Michael Chan, Canada Day is a time to proudly raise the country's flag to celebrate Canada 's 142nd birthday and reflect on what it means to be Canadian. The Markham Liberal MP arrived in Canada 40 years ago from Hong Kong . He married, had two sons and owned an insurance brokerage company before entering politics in 2007. "I arrived as a young man and soon after decided to become a citizen of this great country ... With citizenship comes rights and responsibilities," Chan says. "Volunteerism … more

 

United Steelworkers A Pittsburgh G-20 Partner
The United Steelworkers labor union has joined forces with other Pittsburgh powers trying to make the Group of 20 summit in September a success, even as it plans to protest its policies. Typically, the union focuses on seeking an audience with the 19 heads of state and representatives of the European Union and calling for the summit to create jobs and allow workers to join unions. In London in April — at the last G-20 meeting — Leo Gerard, the union's international president, gave a fiery speech. But this September, Gerard will divert … more

 

Al Franken Declared Winner After 8-Month Battle
Al Franken went yesterday from the ranks of former Saturday Night Live comedians to the U.S. Senate, outlasting Republican Norm Coleman in an eight-month-long recount battle and courtroom saga. Franken's victory gives Democrats control of 60 Senate seats - the number they need to overcome Republican filibusters. When Franken is seated, which could be as early as next week, his party will have a majority not reached on either side of the aisle in three decades. It was last reached by the Democrats in the late 1970s when … more

 

Labor Chief Not Hostile To Unions 
Solis: Free Choice Act 'levels field' 
After a lifetime in politics, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis has honed the fine art of dodging controversial questions, but here's one issue where she doesn't pull her punches: the 9.4 percent unemployment rate. The June figures will be released tomorrow, and she's braced for more bad news. "I know that there will probably be a continued increase," Solis said in an interview. "This is a 26-year high. . . . It's unprecedented." Solis, 51, a former member of Congress, is the first Latina to head a major federal agency. She grew up in California , the third of … more

 

Visteon Seeks To Terminate Retiree Health Care
Visteon Corp. has asked a bankruptcy judge today for permission to terminate its health care and life insurance plans that cover 6,650 hourly and salaried retirees, their spouses and dependents, as well as benefits for 700 potential retirees. Van Buren Township-based Visteon, in court papers, called the programs a “crippling financial and competitive burden.” Cutting them, the company said is an unavoidable part of its cost-saving plan. Visteon’s request reflects a continuing movement in the private sector to eliminate retiree health care … more

 

The Great March On Ottawa
If a tree falls in the forest, does anyone hear it? If over 12,000 forestry workers demonstrate and protest on Parliament Hill in Ottawa , to save their livelihood, does anyone care? It appears not. Last month, thousands of unionized forestry workers from across the country demonstrated in Ottawa , demanding the government do more to support their industry. The protest was designed to stir federal politicians in Ottawa to action to save the forest products industry from further cuts. Did the protest demonstration work? Did Ottawa come up … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Murtha: Clean Energy Bill Would Help To Create Jobs – District 10
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, released a statement following the House’s passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454), also known as the Waxman-Markey bill, on Friday. “For decades, Americans have demanded that we reduce our dependency on foreign energy, a dependency that both threatens our national security and increases our energy costs,” said Murtha, who voted in favor of passage. “But solving America ’s energy and environmental problems requires making tough decisions and … more

 

Goodyear Union City Workers Signing Out – District 9
On July 1, Goodyear-Union City says “goodbye” to approximately 550 associates whose service to the company represents 14,300 collective years of experience. Those words were issued in a recent U.C. Today, a company newsletter published by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company at its Union City plant. The 550 associates are a part of a plant-wide buyout agreement between Goodyear-Union City and its United Steelworkers Local 878 associates. Union workers approved the buyout agreement with a 94 percent vote in favor of the … more

 

Kentuckians Rely Heavily on "Payday" Loans – District 8
As if we need to see any more proof of the complete and total failure Republican representation has been for the people of Kentucky in Washington , the numbers just keep rolling out. A study of 9 Kentucky counties, including my own of McCracken have been found to rely heavily on the high-interest "payday loans" to make ends meet. The survey was released by the Kentucky Youth Avocates and followed up a 2007 survey by that same organization: A survey of low-income families in nine Kentucky counties showed that many … more

 

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June 30, 2009:

 

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June 29, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
It's Sleazy Union-Busters Versus the Pope!
The labor movement has a powerful new ally in the fight for workers' rights. While the Chamber of Commerce continues its smear campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act, the union movement enlisted a powerful ally yesterday in its drive for workers' rights: the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, following the guidance of, yes, the Pope. As the AFL-CIO blog noted: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced a new step forward for workers at Catholic health facilities: a set of principles to ensure that workers … more

 

USW, Other Unions Seek Equity for Former GM and Delphi Workers in Restructuring
USW International President Leo W. Gerard today released a letter transmitted by 13 Ohio congressional members and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to U.S. Secretary of Treasury Timothy F. Geithner. The letter urges simple justice’ with equity in financial support for the future medical and life insurance benefits of GM retirees represented by the United Steelworkers (USW) and two other unions. Nearly 50,000 former employees of GM or Delphi and their dependents stand to lose most or all of their medical coverage in the GM … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Steelworkers Lash Out at Vale – District 6
The deadline for talks between Steelworkers Local 6500 and Local 6200 ( Port Colborne ) and Vale Inco is July 12 at midnight. Information meetings for Local 6500 members will be held at Garson Arena on July 8 at 1 and 8 p.m. and July 9 at 1 p.m. Ratification votes will be held July 10 and 11. The times and places will be announced. It's time to let the community know United Steelworkers Local 6500 is fed up with bargaining with a " Third World employer" that only recognizes dollars and not people, says John Fera. The president of Local 6500 … more

 

Amweld Retirees Bracing for Loss of Benefits – District 1
Bankrupt company plans cuts for Tuesday
The expected loss of health care benefits this week from Amweld International will be devastating for the family of retiree Raymond Wilson. Wilson 's wife, Teresa, has rheumatoid arthritis, and the pain and anti-inflammatory drugs she must take will cost the family more than $1,800 a month. ''We will lose everything,'' the North Jackson man said. ''We cannot afford to pay that much every month. We need to maintain some level of insurance. ''He retired four years ago after 39 years with the company. Amweld International has been in bankruptcy … more

 

Steelworkers Say They're Not Happy With ' Third World ' Employer – District 6
United Steelworkers Local 6500 President John Fera says he's fed up with the antics and negative business processes of their new " Third World " employer, Vale Inco. "This is a company that only recognizes dollars - not people," says Fera. "We've seen nothing but pushback from this company and, quite frankly, we're fed up with it. Our federal Conservative government must have been sleeping when they sold us out to Vale instead of protecting our non-renewable natural resources that now belong to Brazil ." Wayne Fraser, director of … more

 

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June 26, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
F-22 Gets Closer To A New Life
Senate panel joins House with backing
The Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday added money to the Pentagon’s fiscal 2010 budget to buy seven more Lockheed Martin Corp. F-22 fighters, which are built in part at Precision Castparts Corp.’s Wyman-Gordon plant in North Grafton, Mass. Funds were also added for a backup engine for the Lockheed Joint Strike Fighter that would be built by General Electric Co., panel chairman Sen. Carl Levin said. The Pentagon opposes both spending proposals and the administration of President Barack Obama threatened to veto any … more

 

Congress Hears Demands for Health Care Reform in Town Hall Meetings  
Members of Congress met in town hall sessions Thursday with constituents who were on Capitol Hill to rally and demand health care reform. Read dispatches from some of the meetings. After the rally, more than 250 activists from Ohio met at the Columbus Club at Union Station to plan for an afternoon of lobbying and hear from members of Congress about health care reform. The session was introduced by Tim Burga of the Ohio AFL-CIO, who decried the “free market run amok” in the current health care system and affirmed that we … more

 

Union-friendly Legislation Fires Up Debate In Montana – District 11
So-called card check bill would make it easier for employees to organize
In the coming weeks, Congress is likely to debate a controversial bill that would make it easier for workers to organize into unions. Both labor and business are calling the Employee Free Choice Act the most significant change in U.S. labor law in six decades, the Washington Post said, but that's the only aspect of the bill they agree on. National business groups are running advertising campaigns against what they call the "card check" bill. One ad features liberal icon George McGovern, the 1972 Democratic presidential nominee … more

 

Senate Panel Hears of Health Insurers' Wrongs
Ex-Insider Testifies to 'Fear Tactics'
Health insurers have forced consumers to pay billions of dollars in medical bills that the insurers themselves should have paid, according to a report released yesterday by the staff of the Senate Commerce Committee. The report was part of a multi-pronged assault on the credibility of private insurers by Commerce Committee Chairman  John D. Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.). It came at a time when Rockefeller, President Obama and others are seeking to offer a public alternative to private health plans as part of broad health-care reform … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Idle Continues at A.P. Green – District 11
Laid off A.P. Green employees will be playing a waiting game for awhile longer, as the plant here shows no signs of firing back up. The refractory's employees will have to wait longer until national demand increases for its products. "This is a tough time for everybody right now; all of our members are out there without jobs, and some have exhausted their benefits as far as health care, which only last six months," said Richard Craighead, president of the local United Steelworkers 790 that represents A.P. Green employees. "We have … more

 

Titan July Shutdown – District 7
Despite an improvement in labor and management relations, Titan International will shutdown for three weeks beginning June 29 as a result of a poor national economy and similar closings by the company’s customers. Titan Chief Executive Officer, Morry Taylor, confirmed the local plant shutdown this week after returning from company meetings in Russia and Europe . “Right now, everybody is shutting down. Our customers are all shutting down for this time,” Taylor said. Steelworkers Local 745 Union President, Kevin Kirk, said … more

 

NDP Seeks Northern Solution To Railway Woes – District 6
With area American-owned railway companies closing operations, New Democrats brought their campaign to expand northern passenger and freight rail service to North Bay today. New Democrat MP Tony Martin (Sault Ste. Marie) and MPP France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) met with Ontario Northland General Chairpersons Association to demonstrate support for expanding the railway westward to Sault Ste. Marie and beyond. “The Ontario Northland Transportation Corporation was set up initially to ensure that Northern Ontario had a strong … more

 

New Opportunity for Valley Steel – District 10
To the outside world, the Mid-Mon Valley is all about unemployment, poverty, vacant storefronts and, lately, shootouts involving young men from Donora and Monessen. That's now. There was a time, though, that the Valley was all about growth, enterprise and the industrial revolution. Mon Valley steel helped to build America 's industrial complex, to arm the nation's soldiers, sailors and Marines in World War II. Slowly, though, Big Steel became little steel. And in May 2008, with the closing of the Esmark Inc. plant in Allenport, it became … more

 

Let The Talks Begin – District 3
USW exchange demands with forestry companies. Opening statements and an exchange of demands have set the stage for negotiations between United Steelworkers and Conifer (Council on Northern Interior Forest Employees Relations.) Contracts between many forestry companies and USW members are up for renegotiation June 30, including Dunkley’s and Tolko Industries in Quesnel and Tolko and West Fraser planer mill in Williams Lake . Canfor officials met with USW representatives June 10 and presented its list of … more

 

 

 

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June 25, 2009:

 

 

 

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June 24, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
US Files WTO Case Against China Over Exports
The Obama administration on Tuesday filed its first unfair trade case against China before the World Trade Organization, accusing the Asian power of restricting exports of key raw materials needed for the production of steel, aluminum and other products. U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said at a news conference that the U.S. is "deeply troubled at what appears to be a conscious policy to create unfair advantages for Chinese industries." The European Union also filed its own case on the matter, setting the stage for what could … more

 

Obama Lauds Energy Bill Before It Reaches House Floor
As the House prepares to take up a global warming bill later this week, President Obama weighed in Tuesday with an endorsement of what he called “historic” legislation that will “transform the way we produce and use energy in this country.” “It’s a bill that will open the door to a better future for this nation,” Obama said. The president’s comments at a news conference were part of an intense lobbying push by the White House and interest groups to win over wavering House Democrats from agricultural and industrial states, who are … more

 

Survey Finds Health Care Unaffordable For Majority
Over half of the 23,460 people who responded online to a health care survey sponsored by the AFL-CIO and Working America say they cannot get the health care they need at a price they can afford, and the problem is even more acute among people who buy their own insurance, Hispanics and young adults. A third of respondents report that they forgo basic medical care because of costs, including skipping doctor recommended tests and treatments and not visiting a doctor when they are sick. The survey, conducted from April 1… more

 

Obama Files First WTO Trade Complaint Over China Export Ceilings
THE US and the European Union have filed separate complaints with the World Trade Organisation alleging that China is unfairly helping domestic industries by restricting exports of certain raw materials. It was the first trade complaint against China filed by Barack Obama’s administration, which has been seen as soft-pedalling on trade issues with the Asian giant. The complaints filed with the WTO represent a departure from past allegations by the US and other countries that China is flooding other countries’ markets with its … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Steel Car Workers Vote On Final Offer – District 6
About 650 workers at National Steel Car employees on strike since April are voting on a contract offer from their company today. The workers’ union, United Steelworkers Local 7135, is holding an information meeting and voted this morning from 9 - 12:30 at vineland Estates in Winona . A second session is being held from 12:30 - 4p.m. at the union hall at 350 Kenilworth Avenue North . A union spokesman said this morning that the union committee is not recommending acceptance of the offer. The employees are striking for better … more

 

Mittal to Restart Idled Indiana Harbor Furnace – District 7
ArcelorMittal announced Tuesday it will restart some blast furnaces in the U.S. , including one at its Indiana Harbor East plant. "We are preparing to restart blast furnace No. 5 at Indiana Harbor on July 20," ArcelorMittal spokeswoman Katie Patterson told The Times on Tuesday night. Dow Jones Newswires reported earlier in the day that CEO Lakshmi Mittal made the announcement about the nationwide restarts at a conference in New York . Tom Hargrove, president of United Steelworkers Local 1010 at ArcelorMittal, Indiana Harbor East … more

 

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June 23, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
RNC’s Michael Steele Becomes Union Man
Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele appears to be suffering philosophical identity confusion, you know, like some people experience sexual identity confusion. He’s got an organization named United STEELE Workers Union, white hardhat emblem and all, collecting members for him on Facebook. It had 255 worldwide as of June 19. This is disconcerting on so many levels, least of which is that I head the original, authentic United Steelworkers Union (USW). It has, by the way, 1.2 million retired and active members in North … more

 

In Poll, Wide Support for Government-Run Health
Americans overwhelmingly support substantial changes to the health care system and are strongly behind one of the most contentious proposals Congress is considering, a government-run insurance plan to compete with private insurers, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. The poll found that most Americans would be willing to pay higher taxes so everyone could have health insurance and that they said the government could do a better job of holding down health-care costs than the private sector. Yet the survey also … more

 

Chamber of Commerce, Unionbuster vs. Pope, Catholic Bishops on Union Rights
While the Chamber of Commerce continues its smear campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act, the union movement enlisted a powerful ally yesterday in its drive for workers' rights: the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, following the guidance of, yes, the Pope. As the AFL-CIO blog noted: The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced a new step forward for workers at Catholic health facilities: a set of principles to ensure that workers have a fair process to bargain for a better life. In "Respecting the Just … more

 

Health Care Is a Right, Not a Privilege
Let’s be clear. Our health care system is disintegrating. Today, 46 million people have no health insurance and even more are underinsured with high deductibles and co-payments. At a time when 60 million people, including many with insurance, do not have access to a medical home, more than 18,000 Americans die every year from preventable illnesses because they do not get to the doctor when they should. This is six times the number who died at the tragedy of 9/11 - but this occurs every year. In the midst of this horrendous lack of coverage … more

 

Steelworker Articles
United Steelworkers: A Voice to Be Heard - District 10
Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) was featured at the United Steelworkers (USW) Legislative Conference Sunday, and used the opportunity to address the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and speak about other important legislation benefiting workers and their families. About 300 individuals attended the event at the Taj Mahal Casino, where EFCA was at the forefront of the agenda. "I believe one must look at the facts on any issue," said Congressman Sestak. "In a study by President Bush's National Labor Relations Board in … more

 

Canfor Looking For $50M In Labour Savings, Says B.C. Newspaper - District 3
A B.C. newspaper is reporting that Canfor Corp. (TSX:CFP) is looking for $50 million in labour reductions as it negotiates with its union. The Prince George Citizen says the proposal also calls for a lengthy six-year agreement with the United Steelworkers union that would cover all of its operations. That would be a departure from the company's current contracts, which vary from mill to mill. The newspaper obtained a copy of a company proposal provided to workers in Prince George . The proposal says the company wants to … more

 

Sun Ignores Improvements at Sparrows Point - District 8
The Baltimore Sun editorial "Who's Minding the Point" (June 7) contained several inaccuracies about pollution controls and regulatory oversight at the Severstal Sparrows Point facility. Severstal Sparrows Point operates air and wastewater pollution controls that are the best technology available, extensively monitors the respective emissions and reports environmental discharges that have shown substantial improvement over the last decade. The records, which are readily available, show improvement that comes as the result of … more

 

Back to Work for Hundreds of Granite City Steelworkers - District 7
Hundreds of Granite City Steel workers head back on the job this week.  Many arrived at the mill to work for the first time in six months. The parking lot outside of U. S. Steel on 20th Street hasn't seen this much activity since the mill shut down around the first of the year. Monday morning the first of 590 employees began returning to their jobs.  One worker even brought a cake to celebrate Vincent English spent the past six months cleaning up around his home and wondering how we was going to pay the bills.  Workers tell News 4 they are happy … more

 

 

 

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June 22, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Metro Retail Returns Goods, Big Victory For Workers Rights
Metro Group, the world's third largest retailer, has been forced to do the right thing. Metro Group: Will immediately return all of its orders to the R.L. Denim factory in Bangladesh; Admits to the miserable failure of its past efforts to monitor/protect even the most basic worker rights; Will institute significant changes throughout its worldwide supply chain to guarantee that human, women's and worker rights standards are finally respected.  This is a huge victory for the mostly young women workers in Bangladesh , one that could also give … more

 

GM’s Sale Opposed by 10 States, Union Retirees and Chrysler
General Motors Corp.’s planned sale drew objections from Chrysler Group LLC, the other U.S. automaker that filed for bankruptcy protection this year, as well as at least 10 states and union retirees. Attorneys general from Connecticut , Kentucky , Missouri , Nebraska , Maryland , Vermont , Minnesota , North Dakota , Ohio and West Virginia objected to the sale, saying it would circumvent state laws that protect GM dealers’ contracts and consumers with product liability claims. “In sum, the purchaser will, for all intents and purposes, clone … more

 

Reaction to ITC Ruling: Wait and See
While no one appeared to be surprised by the U.S. International Trade Commission ruling yesterday on the USW’s petition to limit the importation of “Made in China ” tires, most took a wait and see attitude about the ruling. The ITC voted 4-2 in favor of the union petition, saying that the growth in passenger tire exports from China to the U.S. caused “disruption” in the U.S. market. The ITC will send its specific ruling and suggested remedy on to the president by the end of this month, and the Obama Administration is slated to act by … more

 

Senator Warner on ITC Tire Ruling
Senator Mark R. Warner released the following statement today after the International Trade Commission ruled yesterday that increased imports from China have injured domestic tire industry workers: “This is a positive step toward timely import relief for our local tire workers,” said Senator Warner. “While the ruling confirms the unfortunate fact that U.S. tire workers have taken hits due to a surge in imports from China , I expect the ITC will use its honest and thorough analysis to recommend a remedy that will help our domestic tire industry … more

 

Senator Specter on Import Relief for Tire Workers
U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) said today that the International Trade Commission should recommend robust import relief following its conclusion announced this morning that a surge of imports of tires from China has injured domestic tire industry workers. “I am pleased that the ITC, after examining the data and facts in the United Steelworkers’ petition, arrived at the conclusion that imports of Chinese-made tires have hammered this sector of the American economy. The next logical step is that import relief is warranted and needed … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Bill Would Boost Jobs, Environment For Workers - District 11
At first glance, the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club in Montana do not have a lot in common. We sometimes find ourselves at opposite sides of the aisle on issues related to public land. Most USW members in Montana work in extractive industries like mining, timber and oil and gas. The Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club focuses on protecting public lands from unwise management and development. Yet USW and the Sierra Club both want a healthy, working environment that doesn't stop at the shop floor but extends to the … more

 

Time To Act Is Now - District 3
With the announcement on the closure of Canfor’s Rustad Sawmill and now West Fraser taking more curtailments, the picture for forest workers is pretty bleak. Sometimes when a door closes another opens, but with all the resource industries in decline it can make the road to transition even more difficult. For those still employed in the forest industry the time for action is now. There are a number of services people can access today that can help give workers some hope and security in the event the worst case scenario happens … more

 

Essar Calls Back Some Workers As Markets Improve - District 6
Essar Steel Algoma Inc., which has been weathering the global economic downturn for at least eight months, is poised to momentarily enter calmer waters. The Sault Ste. Marie steelmaker has recalled more 160 hourly workers on indefinite layoff in recent weeks and its salaried workers are preparing to return to a regular work-week for at least the next month. The membership of United Steelworkers Local 2724, including nearly 600 salaried supervisory and technical personnel inside Essar Algoma, will be resuming their normal 40 … more

 

Granite City Mill Could Make Steel Early Next Month - District 7
United States Steel Corp. will recall nearly half of its Granite City work force in the next few weeks, and steel production could start early next month, a union official said late Friday. The steelmaker tried this week to get about 590 workers processed to return to work, said Dan Simmons, president of United Steelworkers Local 1899, who represents most hourly workers at the facility. That's on top of about 100 workers recalled this week. Simmons wasn't sure how many workers were processed by late Friday or a total number of those … more

 

Forest Workers Will Keep Close Eye On Federal EI Discussions - District 3
The province's forestry workers are closely watching initiatives to restructure Canada 's employment insurance program, a demand the workers have been calling for since the downturn in the industry began several years ago. B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, who has complained about the disparity in EI eligibility requirements between B.C.'s forest workers and east-coast fishermen, and other western premiers are developing a joint proposal to make the program's eligibility requirements more flexible, and plan to submit it to the newly … more

 

 

 

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June 19, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
US Panel:Chinese Imports Hurting US Tire Market
A U.S. trade panel said on Thursday China was unfairly flooding the U.S. market with tires, the first step in a test case of how the Obama administration will handle trade disputes with Beijing . In a 4-2 vote, the International Trade Commission found that a surge of low-cost tires from China had disrupted U.S. markets. Later this month, it will recommend a remedy to President Barack Obama. The United Steelworkers union has urged him to slap limits on Chinese tire imports. The steelworkers' union argued that more than 5,100 U.S. workers lost … more

 

The Status Of The Steel Industry And U.S. Manufacturing
In testimony to the Congressional Steel Caucus, EPI Senior International Economist, Robert E. Scott, makes the case for increased US attention to and enforcement of trade law.  “The U.S. steel industry has experienced the largest output decline in decades and is currently operating at capacity utilization levels of well under 50%. The industry has lost over 50,000 jobs since 2000, which is responsible for the displacement of over 500,000 jobs in manufacturing and other sectors of the economy. The unprecedented expansion of the Chinese steel … more

 

July 11th: Giant Employee Free Choice Act Events Across Arkansas
On Saturday July 11th, national AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka will join Steelworkers President Leo Gerard and hundreds of union and civil rights activists and faith leaders in a statewide caravan, march, rally & catfish fry in Arkansas to call for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Union members and faith leaders will caravan from Texarkana , Fort Smith , Fayetteville , and Pine Bluff to Central High School in Little Rock . There at 12:30pm, they will be met by members of the Little Rock 9, and Arkansas union and faith leaders … more

 

Steel caucus pushes 'Buy American' policy in D.C.
The Congressional Steel Caucus will continue to push its "Buy American" message on lawmakers and monitor President Barack Obama's administration to "keep its feet to the fire" on fair trade issues, Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, chair of the caucus, said Wednesday. Visclosky's comments come one day after he and Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Pa., chaired a daylong hearing in Washington , D.C. , with testimony from panels of steelworkers, industry leaders and experts on the effects of the deep recession on the industry. "A strong domestic … more

 

Union Busting Ended My Love Affair with a Beer
Over many years, I have developed an intimate relationship with the sweet, lager taste of Yuengling Black & Tan. After moving to the cutthroat world of Washington , D.C. politics, I found that Yuengling always comforted me with memories of my working class roots and the world of flannel hunting jackets, wedding receptions at union halls, 4th of July barbecues, and tailgate parties that represented my native Western Pennsylvania . I took pride in introducing my friends to this beauty of a beer--cheap, delicious, and made by union workers … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Striking Steel Car Workers Reject Offer - District 6
National Steel Car employees have voted to stay on strike to fight for better severance assurances, pension contributions and seniority rights. About 650 workers, who have been on strike since April, voted 67 per cent against the company's final offer yesterday despite the economic downturn. "We are waiting for the company to come back and bargain. We are willing to do that anytime," said Steve Weller, president of United Steelworkers Local 7135. "We are disappointed with the result," said National Steel Car spokesman Peter Earle last … more

 

Mueller Calls Back Workers As Orders Pick Up Pace – District 7
After a year of having nothing come down the pipe but bad news, Mueller Water Products Inc. called back more than 60 laid-off workers at its Decatur operations. The company, which has major manufacturing and foundry facilities in the city, said it hired back 30 employees in May and another 35 in June. The plant's union confirms the May to June hire-backs, although the union said the May numbers added up to 29 rather than 30; the reason for the discrepancy wasn't immediately clear. Mueller cautioned against reading too much into the … more

 

Transit Reform Heads To Governor’s Office - District 4
The Legislature has approved a sweeping transportation reform bill that eliminates the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, cuts MBTA employee benefits and puts most of the state’s transportation bureaucracy under a new super-authority, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Lawmakers claimed streamlining the state’s various transportation bureaucracies could save the Commonwealth $6.5 billion over the next 20 years. But unions, specifically at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the MBTA, said they were being … more

 

Ontario Federation of Labour Speaks out at Pembroke Waterfront - District 6
The Ontario Federation of Labour's Drive To Work (DRV2WRK) Caravan made a stop on the Pembroke waterfront recently to listen to people's stories of employment woe and economic challenges. Two DRV2WRK caravan's left Kenora and Oshawa on June 8, travelling throughout the province gathering stories, videos, letters and ideas, that the federation intends to bring to Premier Dalton McGuinty. The caravan route ends in Toronto on June 25. According to Irene Harris, secretary treasurer of the federation, the DRV2WRK caravan … more

 

Firestone Polymers to cut Output At SR Factory - District 13

Firestone Polymers L.L.C. will temporarily lay off about 25 hourly workers effective June 27 at its synthetic rubber plant in Orange because of declining demand in both the plastics and tire markets. The production cutback will continue throughout 2009 and possibly into 2010, according to a company statement. The move is meant to balance production and inventory with demand. “We will continue to evaluate the marketplace to determine when the Orange facility can return to previous production levels,” the statement said. About … more

 

Speaking Out On Economic Crisis In The North - District 6

“It’s not just the closures in the lumber sector that hurt Northern Ontario but the ripple effect which affects all of us,” said Councillor Lisa Girard MC for the drive2work rally held at the Tim Horton Events Centre on Wednesday June 10. The rally took place in Cochrane just at the time when Tembec announced another six to eight week temporary shutdown. The company has stated that the temporary closure is necessary because of the rise in the Canadian dollar making products more expensive for foreign buyers along with continued … more

 

 

 

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June 18, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
U.S. ITC Ruling Due on Chinese Import Tire Surge: Thursday, June 18
In a major trade safeguard case against Chinese tire imports, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will announce June 18 whether such imports are a significant cause of material injury, or threat of material injury to the domestic industry producing passenger vehicle and light truck tires.  Under the statute, such a finding is called ‘market disruption.’ The ruling is an important step in an expedited proceeding that was initiated by a petition filed April 20 by the United Steelworkers (USW) under Section 421 of the Trade Act of 1974 … more

 

Beijing Orders 'Buy China ' for Stimulus Projects
China has imposed a requirement for its stimulus projects to use domestically made goods — a move that could strain ties with trading partners after Beijing criticized Washington 's "Buy American" stimulus provisions. Projects must obtain official permission to use imported goods, said an order issued by China 's main planning agency and eight other government bodies. Even before the order, business groups worried that foreign companies might be excluded from construction and other projects financed by Beijing 's 4 trillion … more

 

Senators Skeptical On Trade
Several favor more protections for displaced U.S. workers
The administration's top trade official urged Congress on Thursday to act on free trade agreements this year, but Senate lawmakers made clear that won't happen until displaced workers are better protected. Renewing and expanding the Trade Adjustment Assistance program "is No. 1," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) told U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab at a hearing on trade policy. "Get that done and we can talk." That point was pounded home by others on the panel. Sen Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) … more

 

Brown Announces New Bill Providing $30 Billion in Funds to Help Auto Suppliers, Manufacturers Retool for Clean Energy Jobs
As Congress weighs sweeping energy and climate legislation, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced a new bill that would create a $30 billion revolving loan program to help auto suppliers and other small and mid-sized manufacturers retool for the clean energy industry. Brown’s bill would also expand the focus of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to include support for manufacturers transitioning to the clean energy economy. “We can revive American manufacturing through investments in clean energy … more

 

Steelworker Articles
No Progress Reported After 2nd Steelworkers Meeting - District 8
For the second time in less than a week, union members who work at ArcelorMittal-Georgetown met to talk about possible concessions that could keep the mill in operation past the planned July 12 shutdown date. But, after meeting with union leaders and company management Tuesday night, no deal was reached. Adam Warrington, spokesman for ArcelorMittal, told the Times he has no new information to report. That means the July 12 shutdown is still expected. Union leaders say the company is asking the workers to take a … more

 

Announcement of Atomic Plant Set - District 1
The site of a former uranium enrichment plant tucked away in the hills of southern Ohio has the necessary infrastructure for a nuclear power plant -- abundant water, a power grid and bipartisan political backing. Bobby Graff, president of United Steelworkers union Local 5-589 says he expects such a facility would provide about 400 permanent jobs for his members. But that's at least a decade down the road. The state's top elected Democrats and Republicans are expected to be at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in … more

 

Picket-weary Workers Face Crucial Steel Car Vote Today - District 6
Bob Chatelain is halting vehicles at the gate of National Steel Car, one hand pushed into the pocket of his jeans, the other directing traffic. It is a quiet, orderly parade: each vehicle pausing for a few minutes -- the driver fiddling with the air conditioning, the radio -- until it is ushered out of the parking lot of Canada 's last rail car maker. When the last car has passed, Chatelain picks his way across an asphalt shoulder carpeted with more than two months' worth of cigarette butts and coffee cups. "To me, this is ridiculous," says the 25-year … more

 

Les Schwab Fights Quota That Would Restrict Cheap Tires - District 12
Les Schwab Tire Centers is fighting an effort to reduce the number of tires imported into the U.S. from China . Les Schwab and other retailers say U.S. manufacturers are not making the less-expensive tires that are popular with today’s cash-strapped motorists. “If we don’t have that product to provide to customers, then that’s going to impact them and that’s going to impact us,” Jodie Hueske, Les Schwab’s vice president for legal services, told The Bend Bulletin newspaper last week. Hueske, according to the paper, declined to say what … more

 

Severstal to sell Allenport , Pa. , Rolling Plant to Natco - District 10

New owner plans to make stainless-clad cold-rolled sheet at former Wheeling unit
The Severstal Wheeling business unit of Severstal North America plans to sell its idled Allenport , Pa. , steel sheet finishing mill to North American Trading Co (Natco) of Chino Hills , Calif. The sale is expected to be completed in August. The plant’s 400 acres of land along the Monongahela River includes a pickle line, tandem mill, box anneal facility and temper mill, all critical to the final forming and conditioning of sheet. Natco owner William R. Kingston plans to produce a cold-rolled steel that will be clad with a thin coat of stainless … more

 

 

 

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June 17, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
AFL-CIO Blames 30 Years Of Declining Wages On Financial Deregulation And Insatiable Greed
Thirty years of stagnant and declining wages are the result of the systematic, intentional, strategic destruction of the freedom of American workers to form unions and bargain collectively. That is why we are working so hard to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. That is the message posted on the USW blog today by Stewart Acuff, Special Assistant to the President, AFL-CIO. He said, "They destroyed collective bargaining for 160,000 workers at the Department of Homeland Security including 40,000 screeners in the Transportation Security … more

 

Labor Groups Call Business 'Two-Faced' On EFCA
The labor consortium American Rights at Work (ARAW) called business groups opposed to the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) "two-faced" on the legislation's arbitration provision. In an ad running in today's Capitol Hill newspapers, including The Hill, ARAW asserts that business are willing to engage arbitration when it suits their interests, but not when it benefits labor groups. "Labor law reform must ensure that workers who want to join a union are able to do so without facing endless delays from corporations seeking to deny them a voice … more

 

Steelworkers, Bridgestone to Begin Contract Talks
The United Steelworkers and Bridgestone Americas open contract talks Wednesday in Louisville , Ky. The union represents 146 workers in Akron and 2,740 at three other ''master contract'' plants and factories outside the master contract. Contract talks opened June 3 in Cincinnati between Pittsburgh-based USW and Akron-based Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Negotiations also start this week between the union and Michelin's B.F. Goodrich subsidiary. All three contracts expire in mid-July. Bridgestone America 's opening day will feature … more

 

Steelworkers Endorse Trumka as AFL-CIO President
The United Steelworkers (USW) International Executive Board has unanimously endorsed Richard Trumka as the next president of the AFL-CIO. Trumka, the federation’s current secretary-treasurer, is looking to succeed retiring AFL-CIO President John Sweeney at its convention in Pittsburgh this September. Trumka was first elected AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer in 1995. “Not only does Richard have the experience and the intellectual capacity to do the job, he brings great heart and passion to the fight for issues that matter to America ’s … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Birmingham Steelworker tells Congress Fairfield Works, other U.S. steel plant jobs at risk due to cheap foreign Chinese steel – District 9
Tells Congress Chinese hurting Fairfield plant
A Birmingham representative for the United Steelworkers told a Congressional panel Tuesday that more jobs at U.S. Steel-owned plant in Fairfield could be in jeopardy due to competition from China . In testimony before the Congressional Steel Caucus in Washington , D.C. , Greg England, who, as rapid response coordinator, helps displaced steel workers, said Chinese imported steel has had a devastating impact on the century-old Fairfield Works. "Demand has all but dried up as a result of the tremendous surge in Chinese imports," England … more

 

Life returns to Hamilton ’s U.S. Steel plant – District 6
But company not saying if they'll start it up
Large Medium Small Print This Article Tell a friend  Hamilton steelworkers are taking the view that it’s better to be working than sitting at home collecting employment insurance. “It’s a mixed bag,” said Rolf Gerstenberger, president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, referring to the partial recall of workers back to the Burlington Street plant. “(U.S. Steel) is not saying they are going to start it up. But it’s better than being unemployed. But it doesn’t leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.” Mr. Gerstenberger said within three weeks, U.S. Steel … more

 

Alma Products To Hire Back 70, Expand – District 2
Alma Products announced Tuesday it will hire back more than 70 of its laid-off workers as it begins a new expansion to rebuild transmissions for the automotive aftermarket. Alan Gatlin, president and CEO of ETX, now the parent company of the 65-year-old Alma manufacturer, said rehiring of the former employees will begin in large part in July and will be conducted in stages. ETX, which has plants in Illinois , Texas and Tennessee , is moving its Mundelein Ill. , operations to Alma in an effort to consolidate. The transition is expected … more

 

Metro-east Steelworkers Union President speaks at Congressional Caucus in Washington , D.C. – District 7
United Steelworkers Local 1899 President Dan Simmons told Congressional Steel Caucus members on Tuesday of policies the union believes are necessary to support the steel-making industry and steelworkers. Simmons also discussed the impact of illegally dumped foreign steel on the industry and the impact the economic downturn has had on families, according to information released by U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville. "I'm glad that Dan could join the hearing today to help put a face on the dire economic … more

 

Ohio Valley Steel Union Leaders Make Plea For Government Help – Districts 1 and 8
Thousands Of Steel Jobs Lost
The United Steelworkers of America, a national steel union, has issued a sobering report: 100,000 steel jobs have been lost or downsized during the ongoing economic crisis. A pair of Ohio Valley steel union leaders, both of whom represent more than 1,000 local workers, traveled to the U.S. Capitol Tuesday to ask for government help, in light of the mass layoffs. Bernie Ravasio, president of the United Steelworkers Local 1190 in Steubenville , told U.S. House members, "In 2000, our local (union) had about 2,500 members. That … more

 

 

 

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June 16, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
U.S. Steel to Recall 900 employees in Canada and Illinois
U.S. Steel Corp. is recalling about 900 laid-off steelworkers to resume production in Ontario and a blast furnace in Illinois , but the company declined to say whether laid-off steelworkers in the Mon Valley will be returning to their jobs. U.S. Steel assigned about 175 workers in Hamilton, Ontario, to resume the production of coking coal, necessary for steelmaking, said Rolf Gerstenberger, president of the United Steelworkers at Hamilton, Ontario Another 600 will be recalled this summer because the company "wants to get out of its severance … more

 

Group Says Energy Standard Will Bring 850,000 Jobs
A group of unions and environmental organizations estimates more than 850,000 manufacturing jobs at firms currently operating in America could be created with the enactment of a national Renewable Energy Standard. In a study released Monday, the Blue Green Alliance pledged its support for legislation requiring 25 percent of the nation's electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2025 to help combat the downturn in domestic manufacturing and reduce carbon emissions. Current versions of climate change legislation … more

 

Obama Lobbies Doctors On Healthcare Reforms
President Barack Obama warned doctors on Monday the U.S. healthcare system was a ticking time bomb and urged them to support his overhaul, which includes a public insurance plan that many of them view with skepticism. Obama took his healthcare campaign to the annual meeting of the influential American Medical Association, which represents 250,000 doctors and has historically been opposed to a bigger government role in healthcare. "If we do not fix our healthcare system, America may go the way of GM; paying more … more

 

Labor, Human Rights Groups, Urge Fight Against Hate Crimes
Labor and human rights groups as well as political commentators have reacted with alarm to the May 31 murder of Dr. George Tiller, the Wichita doctor who performed abortions, and, 12 days later, the shooting of security guard, Stephen T. Johns, an African American, at the Holocaust Museum in the nation's capital. They charge that these hate crimes are proof of a dangerous surge in right-wing “domestic terrorism.” The corporate media is depicting the murders as acts of deranged “lone gunmen.” But organizations that are waging the … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Labor Talks Begin At British Columbia Timber Firms – District 3
Contract talks have begun for unionized sawmill workers in most of the Western Canadian province of British Columbia as the lumber industry struggles with the collapse of the U.S. house construction market, as reported by Reuters agency. The United Steelworkers and employers in the northern and southern interior forestry regions of British Columbia were exchanging initial proposals this week to replace current contracts, which expire at the end of June, a union official said. "Even with the current state of the industry, we think … more

 

NewPage Again Halting Production – District 8
The NewPage Corp. paper mill in Luke will be shutting down the week of July 6 due to the continuing economic downturn. Patsy Koontz, public relations manager, confirmed the weeklong shutdown Monday and said the closure is expected to affect approximately 750 employees but is not to impact the 80 workers at the Luke Converting Facility near McCoole. “Some maintenance work will be completed during the outage and a skeleton crew of employees will be assigned to perform security and fire watch activities,” according to a news … more

 

Severstal agrees to sell Allenport steel plant to North American Trading – District 10
Severstal North America Inc. said Monday it has signed a letter of intent to sell its Allenport , Washington County, plant to a California-based company that wants to reopen the plant this fall with about 75 workers. Severstal expects to complete the deal in August with North American Trading Co. of Chino Hills, Calif. , which is owned by William R. Kingston. Severstal still has some minor points to be iron out in the agreement with Kingston , Severstal spokeswoman Bette Kovach said. Both Severstal and Kingston declined to … more

 

Routleys Given Work To Do – District 3
Cowichan’s MLAs say they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and tackle their assignments as critics for the official Opposition. Nanaimo-North Cowichan MLA Doug Routley was named critic of citizen’s services, while Cowichan Valley MLA Bill Routley takes on the deputy critic role for forests, when NDP leader Carole James announced her shadow cabinet Thursday afternoon. “Citizen’s services will allow me to deal with the overall agenda of the government,” said Doug Routley, whose assignment covers freedom of information and Public Affairs … more

 

Flex-N-Gate May Rehire Laid-Off Workers – District 13
Flex-N-Gate, a tier-one supplier for General Motors, is having to cope with GM’s June 1 bankruptcy announcement and the closings of several plants across the nation. “As of June 1, it hasn’t affected us from what we knew in the beginning of May,” Aaron Wauahdooah, a Flex-N-Gate employee and United Steelworkers Union officer said. “We kind of got lucky down here.” Flex-N-Gate may be lucky because of the factory’s location. Wauahdooah said because surrounding assembly plants have not shut down, Flex-N-Gate … more

 

 

 

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June 15, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Quebec Laws An Influence For Obama's New Labour Legislation: Union Leader
Quebec labour laws have influenced President Barack Obama's pending Employee Free Choice Act, legislation aimed at facilitating access to labour unions for American workers, says a Quebec labour leader. In fact, the province's Steelworkers Union was responsible for forwarding a copy of the Quebec Labour Code to their U.S. counterparts, union director Daniel Roy told The Canadian Press. The United Steelworkers is one of many unions that backed Obama's successful bid for the presidency and worked on his campaign, and … more

 

U.S. Imports Dispute Over China Tires Gets Important Ruling Next Week
The U.S. government’s agency for international trade will determine by June 18 if certain tire imports from China cause or are threatening to cause market disruption to domestic tire makers and will transmit its findings to President Obama and the U.S. trade representative the next day. The United Steelworkers union filed a petition in April with the commission, asking the Obama administration to limit tire imports from China . The union wants the Obama administration to cut imports by more than half to 21 million. The U.S. imported 46 million … more

 

Leo Gerard on CBC Explains Why “Buy Canadian” is Good  
Click on the CBC link to hear Leo Gerard explain that Canadian government stimulus dollars should go to Canadian products and services. Such a policy would be the first and best step towards an agreement with the U.S. for a “Buy North American” procurement policy. Leads to audio file … more

 

Obama Officials to Skip Event for Mayors, Citing Picket Line
Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and other top Obama administration officials have canceled plans to attend a United States Conference of Mayors meeting this weekend in Providence , R.I. , because local firefighters will picket the event over a contract dispute. The cancellation has angered organizers of the meeting, who said they had worked with White House officials to plan the program and had been counting on them to play a major role. Tom Cochran, executive director of the group, said the meeting would focus on how cities could benefit … more

 

Steelworker Articles
Labor Teams Up With Enviros To Pass Climate Bill And Promote Green Jobs – District 12
After working for the United Steelworkers International Union for 30 years, Lauren Horne left in January to take on a new role within the labor movement—rallying union members to help fight climate change. Horne, a Pittsburgh native, is now coordinating an education campaign in Pennsylvania for the Labor Climate Project, a program run by the Blue Green Alliance. She spends her days traveling to union meetings throughout the state, where she teaches members about the problem of global warming and the ways that solutions could … more

 

Back to Work For Laid-Off Granite City Steel Workers – District 7
Granite City steel is reopening. Union members say the idled steel mill will fire up again soon, meaning thousands of laid-off mill workers will once again have a job and, more importantly, a paycheck. "This is good news for the whole Metro East, for that matter the whole metropolitan St. Louis area," says United Steelworkers Subdistrict 2 Director Dave Dowling. "The layoffs occurred in stages, as early as late October, and early November," he recalls. December was particularly bad, with several hundred jobs cut each week. "Right … more

 

Some at Goodyear Eager for Buyout – District 1
Count Clarence Gainer among Goodyear Steelworkers at the tire company's Akron Tech Center operations who want to take a buyout. ''I come to get out. Give me my money and run,'' the 54-year-old Gainer quipped before heading into an informational meeting late Friday afternoon at the USW Local 2L union hall. He has worked for Goodyear for 311/2 years. Gainer and numerous other Local 2L members and their spouses traveled to the Kelly Avenue union hall to take part in one of three meetings held that day to describe what kind of … more

 

U.S. Steel to Recall Canadian Workers, Hamilton Spectator Says – District 6
U.S. Steel Corp., the largest U.S.- based steelmaker, plans to recall 800 laid-off workers in Canada , the Hamilton Spectator reported today. The steelmaker will restart its Hamilton coke ovens and begin calling up some of the workers as early as next week, the newspaper said. Workers will be brought back “this summer sometime,” Rolf Gerstenberger, president of the United Steelworkers local at the plant, said in an interview. U.S. Steel idled Hamilton and another Ontario plant in March because of falling demand. There are no … more

 

City Promises Stimulus Funds for American Jobs – District 12
Steelworkers were riveted by last week’s City Council meeting, as the vote came up on spending the city’s share of the federal stimulus package that could affect their jobs. The council passed the resolution, 6-0, to support spending of federal economic recovery grants to the City of San Leandro to purchasing products that are made in the United States . “This is what we wanted, and San Leandro is the first city in the area to pass it,” said John Ramos, a San Leandro resident and member of Steel Workers Local 1304 here in town … more

 

Homestead Labyrinth Dedicated To Steelworkers – District 10
"I'm stunned by how powerfully beautiful it is," said August Carlino, president and chief executive officer of Rivers of Steel National Heritage Center. "It's amazing how it transforms the hardness of the old industrial site. It puts some spirituality of how many lives that went through this place." The former Homestead Works site has quite an historical significance as the location where the Pinkertons and Amalgamated Iron and Steelworkers fought in the Battle of Homestead on July 6, 1892. Vullo, assisted in construction by Preston Allen, Ed … more

 

Steelworkers’ Leo Gerard Receives Honorary Degree – District 6
Yesterday, the International President of the United Steelworkers, Leo Gerard, was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Guelph in recognition of his contributions to social justice. In a moving convocation speech, Dr. Gerard challenged the graduating students to engage in the social change needed in our society. Whether they are interested in social justice, environment or labour issues, Leo encouraged the next generation of leaders to actively work on behalf of the average citizen to make this a better world … more

 

 

 

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June 12, 2009:

Economic/Political Articles
Union TV Goes Global
In a feature to be screened on The Community Channel Sky 539, Union TV will highlight how British, American and Canadian workers are joining forces to create the first global union - Workers Uniting. Politicians and corporations notably in the UK and USA promote the virtues of one global economic model at the expense of all others. This is a model based on privatisation and unfettered capitalism. 57% of the world's wealth is currently owned by 1% of the population. Unite, the UK 's biggest union and the USW, the largest private sector … more

 

Job Hemorrhaging Must Stop: Federation Of Labour
Linda Simser lost her job at a St. Catharines call centre last year. That work is now done by workers in far-off India . She scrapes by on $1,028 a month in unemployment benefits and $132 in Canada Pension Plan money monthly, but with her rent costing $715 there’s precious little left over. She’s eliminated all the frills from her phone and cable TV service and, at age 64, doesn’t have savings to tide her over. Simser mirrors countless other Canadians who’ve seen their jobs go to countries where wages are a fraction of what they are … more

 

Youth Membership In The Labor Movement
When it comes to recruiting young people to join unions, the labor movement points to two barriers: the obstacles in the membership process and the changing workforce in the U.S. Union membership rose for the first time in 25 years to 12.4 percent of the overall work force in 2008 from 12.1 percent in 2007. Experts said the labor movement may suffer further declines in 2009 with more massive layoffs imminent in the auto industry. The number of workers in the 16-to-24 year old group also fell by 690,000 and in the 25-to-34 year old … more

 

Steelworker Articles
American Standard To Cut Unit – District 1
20 jobs to be lost with closing
American Standard Brands advised employees on Thursday that it will close its small ware division at the Salem plant at year end, according to Rick Hands, president of USW Local 1538. It will mean the loss of about 20 jobs, Hands said but noted the department had been "dwindling over the past five to six years." With all the layoffs combined, he said about 150 employees remain at the South Ellsworth Avenue plant that manufactures kitchen and bathroom ware including acrylic and Americast sinks. Hands said the company advised it was a … more

 

Hiring at new Granite City coke plant raises questions -- and hope -- for laid-off steel workers – District 7
Word that SunCoke Energy has started the hiring process for its new coke-making facility that is nearing completion in Granite City could mean little -- or everything -- to more than 2,000 workers laid off from the idled U.S. Steel plant next door. While SunCoke's projected hiring of about 100 workers is good news to the hard-hit local manufacturing industry, the real glimmer of hope -- or question -- is in the 15-year contractual agreement that has U.S. Steel buying the coke and steam produced at the Gateway Energy & Coke Co. facility … more

 

Trestle $2 Million Funding Race Is On – District 3
Using his position as the Chair of the Cowichan Foundation's Kinsol Trestle fundraising campaign, Jack Peake handed over the first $100 cheque Wednesday, in what many hope will be a brisk endeavour to raise the remaining $2 million required to save the historic span. Peake joined members of the campaign, Cowichan Valley Regional District officials, members of Duncan and North Cowichan councils and various other community stakeholders