The Battle Is Joined

by: phillip anderson

Mon Feb 02, 2009 at 13:51:45 PM EST

At a time when Gov. David A. Paterson can ill afford more negative attention, the state's most powerful health care interests are mounting a multimillion-dollar media campaign that excoriates the governor and his plans to cut funding for hospitals and other health care facilities.

In television commercials that will begin broadcasting statewide on Monday, nurses and patients take a personal swipe at the governor, imploring, "Why are you doing this?" At one point, a nurse says, "I can't believe Governor Paterson is the one making this proposal." Then a man, blind and in a wheelchair, asks the governor, who is legally blind, "Why are you doing this to me?"

I haven't yet seen one of the ads, but they do look to be rather brutal. The Governor's folks are not taking this lying down, however. They have scheduled a 2pm news conference to address and rebut the ads.

The Director of State Operations Dennis Whalen, Deputy Secretary for Health and Human Services Joe Baker and State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard Daines will be appearing to make the Governor's case and you can watch it live online at this link.

This could be quite interesting. I'll be watching.

The Miracle On The Hudson Was Brought To You By America's Unions

by: phillip anderson

Fri Jan 16, 2009 at 10:16:06 AM EST

It seems the cable nets are all "Miracle on the Hudson" all the time this morning. Perhaps, they should be. I mean, it is indeed an amazing story. But, given all the coverage from every possible angle this morning, there seems to be a rather glaring omission. Over at FDL, Emptywheel sets us straight

They're calling it a miracle--the successful landing of a US Airways jet in the Hudson and subsequent rescue of all 155 passengers. They're detailing the heroism of all involved, starting with the pilot and including cabin crew, ferry crews, and first responders. What they're not telling you is that just about every single one of these heroes is a union member.

There's the pilot:

What might have been a catastrophe in New York - one that evoked the feel if not the scale of the Sept. 11 attack - was averted by a pilot's quick thinking and deft maneuvers,

[snip]

On board, the pilot, Chesley B. Sullenberger III, 57, unable to get back to La Guardia, had made a command decision to avoid densely populated areas and try for the Hudson,

[snip]

When all were out, the pilot walked up and down the aisle twice to make sure the plane was empty, officials said.

Sullenberger is a former national committee member and the former safety chairman for the Airline Pilots Association and now represented by US Airline Pilots Association. He--and his union--have fought to ensure pilots get the kind of safety training to pull off what he did yesterday.

Then there are the flight attendants:

One passenger, Elizabeth McHugh, 64, of Charlotte, seated on the aisle near the rear, said flight attendants shouted more instructions: feet flat on the floor, heads down, cover your heads.

They are members of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA. Yesterday's accident should remind all of us that flight attendants are first and foremost safety professionals--they should not be treated like cocktail waitresses.

There are the air traffic controllers:

The pilot radioed air traffic controllers on Long Island that his plane had sustained a "double bird strike."

They're represented by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Someday, they'll rename National Airport for the work these men and women do to keep us safe in the air.

There are the ferry crews:

As the first ferry nudged up alongside, witnesses said, some passengers were able to leap onto the decks. Others were helped aboard by ferry crews.

They're represented by the Seafarers International Union. They provide safety training to their members so they're prepared for events like yesterday's accident.

There are the cops and firemen:

Helicopters brought wet-suited police divers, who dropped into the water to help with the rescues.

They're represented by the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association and the Uniformed Firefighters Association. They're the men and women who performed so heroically on 9/11--and they've been fighting to make sure first responders get the equipment to do this kind of thing.

It's pretty sad that, given the 'round the clock coverage on all the cable news channels, the computer animations, the endless explanations of terms like "double bird strike", the talking head experts -- all of that stuff -- that the one angle that is consistently overlooked is the fact that this "miracle" was brought to you by union members.

I think we'd do well to remember that. Or, as Marcy says:

Bob Corker and Richard Shelby like to claim that union labor is a failed business model.

But I haven't heard much about Bob Corker and Richard Shelby saving 155 people's
lives

Indeed.

Massa Signs On As Co-Sponsor of Employee Free Choice Act

by: phillip anderson

Mon Jan 12, 2009 at 15:01:57 PM EST

SYRACUSE, NY - This afternoon, Congressman Eric Massa announced his co-sponsorship of the Employee Free Choice Act, the most critical labor legislation since Davis-Bacon. Having campaigned for four years in support of American Workers, Congressman Massa today took the bold step of publicly declaring his intention to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act. Rep. Massa's announcement came during a speech to the UAW Region 9's Triennial Convention in Syracuse.

"This critical legislation is not anti-business, it is pro-American, period," said Congressman Massa. "The American Labor movement represents, and in fact is, the only remaining force left to help move our country in a new direction toward fair trade and away from destructive open door free trade. I stand, proudly, with my fellow Americans to support the transformation of the domestic automobile industry into the 21st century and I reject the outrageously false attacks that claim living wages, pension security, access to quality affordable health care, safety and dignity in the workplace, are somehow un-American."

...

Addressing the UAW audience, Rep. Massa asked, "How many of you make $74 per hour right now?" The audience's answer was silence. "Opponents of organized labor like Senator Corker and Senator Shelby want to make up false 'facts' and 'statistics' like this to try and break the union, but we won't let that happen. These same critics also say that the Employee Free Choice Act will abrogate the ability of workers to have a secret ballot, but we know this is false.  I believe it is now time to level the playing field, overcome employer intimidation, and work with business hand in hand to defend what generations of Americans have put in place - the American Dream."

Well put, Congressman.

Boom

by: phillip anderson

Fri Dec 05, 2008 at 09:01:18 AM EST

Employers cut 533K jobs in Nov., most in 34 years

Skittish employers slashed 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years, catapulting the unemployment rate to 6.7 percent, dramatic proof the country is careening deeper into recession.

The new figures, released by the Labor Department Friday, showed the crucial employment market deteriorating at an alarmingly rapid clip, and handed Americans some more grim news right before the holidays.

As companies throttled back hiring, the unemployment rate bolted from 6.5 percent in October to 6.7 percent last month, a 15-year high.

Job losses were widespread, hitting factories, construction companies, financial firms, retailers, leisure and hospitality, and others industries. The few places where gains were logged included the government, education and health services.

The loss of 533,000 payroll jobs was much deeper than the 320,000 job cuts economists were forecasting. The rise in the unemployment rate, however, wasn't as steep as the 6.8 percent rate they were expecting. Taken together, though, the employment picture was dismal.

The job reductions were the most since a whopping 602,000 positions were slashed in December 1974, when the country was in a severe recession.

Job losses in September and October also turned out to be much worse. Employers cut 403,000 jobs in September, versus 284,000 previously estimated. Another 320,000 were chopped in October, compared with an initial estimate of 240,000.

Employers are slashing costs to the bone as they try to cope with sagging appetites from customers in the U.S. and in other countries, which are struggling with their own economic troubles.

The carnage - including the worst financial crisis since the 1930s - is hitting a wide range of companies.

Batten down the hatches, folks. This one is going to be bad.

SD-3: Foley Goes Door-To-Door With Four Unions

by: robert.harding

Sun Sep 28, 2008 at 13:47:35 PM EDT

This Saturday, September 27th, over 50 members from four unions amassed in Brookhaven to walk door to door with Brian X. Foley, talking to voters about Foley's record of changing government and fighting for the working families of Suffolk County.  Members of CWA Locals 1104 and 1108, SEIU Local 32BJ, and RWDSU volunteered their Saturday afternoon to join together and walk in the Shirley and Mastic Beach neighborhoods.

"We're proud to walk with Brian X. Foley today, because working people in Brookhaven and Islip deserve more than they're getting thanks to Caesar Trunzo's 36 years of failed economic policies," said Anthony Eramo, CWA Local 1104 Shop Steward.  "Trunzo has been in the pocket of special interests for far too long.  He's in Albany working for the HMOs and lobbyists; not for the people of this District.  We're dedicated to a strong future for middle-class families on Long Island - that's why we're for Brian."

The first labor walk follows on the heels of an exciting week for the Foley campaign.  Foley was endorsed this week by seven labor unions.  CWA District 1, CWA Local 1108, UFCW Local 1500, RWDSU, UAW Region 9A, SEIU 32BJ, and New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council all threw their support behind Brian X. Foley's campaign.  This powerful show of support from labor unions illustrates the strength of Foley's appeal to working families and the momentum of his campaign in Islip and Brookhaven.

In addition a recent public poll by the Siena Research Institute showed that Foley and 36 year incumbent Caesar Trunzo are in a statistical dead heat going into the final 5 weeks of the campaign.  This was just the first of three labor walks for Foley.  Members will also join Foley to walk the District in October and on Election Day weekend.

"I am honored to be joined by our friends from labor as we go door to door talking to voters about the change we'll bring to Albany," said Foley.  Our Coalition for Change is passionate about ending Senator Trunzo's failed policies as part of the Albany status quo. Together, we will win this election and bring the same integrity and common sense approach to government that we used to turn Brookhaven around."

This will be important for Foley moving forward. He is running against a candidate who can't even appear in his own TV ads yet seems to have some level of support remaining in the district. Having unions hit the streets on his behalf will be important for Foley heading into the last month of the campaign.

ON THE WEB:

Brian Foley's ActBlue Page

SD-3: Foley Gets Major Labor Endorsements

by: phillip anderson

Wed Sep 24, 2008 at 08:57:22 AM EDT

Strength in Numbers:
Seven Unions Throw Their Weight Behind Foley

Leaders of seven labor unions announced their support for State Senate candidate Brian X. Foley today.  CWA District 1, CWA Local 1108, UFCW Local 1500, RWDSU, UAW Region 9A, SEIU 32BJ, and New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council each endorsed Foley.

In a District where the Republican machine has courted organized labor for generations, these seven endorsements are a dramatic illustration of Foley's momentum across Islip and Brookhaven.  Foley's opponent, 36-year incumbent Caesar Trunzo, has been a fixture of the Albany status-quo for the better part of four decades.

"Brian X. Foley has always put the needs of working men and women first," said Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council.  "He knows that a strong community needs quality jobs that pay workers a living wage and provides respect and dignity.  Foley is a leader we can truly believe in: he promises job growth, and he delivers.  Foley will provide the leadership we need in Albany to ensure that economic development programs designed to spur job growth, actually create good jobs for our community.   We enthusiastically endorse Brian X. Foley."

"I am honored to have the support of hard-working men and women who make up the bedrock of our economy," said Foley. "Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Long Island and take our communities into a brighter future."

The seven endorsements signal the unions' confidence that Foley will be a force for change in the State Capital.  "The endorsements underscore union confidence in Foley's commitment to change in Albany," said Shirley Aldebol, Local 32BJ's Long Island District Leader and member of the Long Island Federation of Labor.  "Corporate interests should not be allowed to trump the interests of working people."

"Many politicians talk about creating jobs, but few can point to real accomplishments like Brian can," said Bob Morrow, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 1108.  "In the past 6 months alone, he created hundreds of union jobs in Brookhaven.  His Veteran Jobs and Education Fair drew hundreds of veterans from across Long Island.  Working families can be confident that when he's in office, Brian X. Foley will put their interests on the top of his agenda."

President Bruce W. Both of UFCW Local 1500 added, "As Town Supervisor, Brian Foley has always supported UFCW local 1500 and the UFCW/RWDSU International Union in their campaign to hold Wal-Mart accountable for its irresponsible business practices that hurt workers and taxpayers. He has also been a proponent of smart, responsible development that is not done purely for benefit of developers, but considers the needs of the community as well. As a Senator, Brian Foley will put the needs of Main Street first, not the greed of Wall Street."

I can tell you that after spending some time out on Long Island with the campaign last week and another announcement like this one, it really feels as if Foley is definitely building some momentum here.

The Siena poll out later today may be able to give us a somewhat better picture as to where this race is at the moment, maybe not. I mean, this was the same outfit that told us a couple of weeks ago that McCain was trailing Obama by a mere 5 points in New York, which is, to be frank, absurd.

But I really like what I see in this race. Foley is a great candidate, he's got a great staff and now we are seeing some institutional muscle get behind the campaign.

I'll take it.

On the web: Brian X. Foley for State Senate.

SD-13: SEIU Backs Monserrate

by: phillip anderson

Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 15:52:39 PM EDT

1199 SEIU ENDORSES COUNCIL MEMBER HIRAM MONSERRATE FOR STATE SENATE

Union Backs Monserrate In His Bid For The 13th State Senate District

(New York, NY) 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East today announced their endorsement of Democratic candidate Hiram Monserrate in the September primary for the 13th State Senate district. Monserrate is making his 2nd bid for the Senate seat currently held by Senator John Sabini.

Monserrate's public service in the City Council and his long history of working to improve police and community relations exemplify the kind of dedication and resolve needed to serve as an elected leader in Albany.

"1199 is proud to endorse Hiram Monserrate for State Senate. As a Council Member, community activist and lifelong Queens resident, Hiram has first-hand knowledge and experience in advocating for the needs of the community," said George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. "He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working families in his district. Hiram's leadership on immigration and living wage legislation demonstrate his deep commitment to progressive values and we're confident he'll continue to fight for issues critical to working families."

1199 SEIU plans to direct mail, phone-bank and go door-to-door to its thousands of members and retirees in the 13th Senate district.

"I am proud to receive the support of 1199 in my candidacy for the New York State Senate," said Council Member Monserrate. "I am pleased to receive the support of an organization that represents workers providing care for the most vulnerable members of our society. 1199 has historically challenged our state to tackle the most pressing issues confronting the State of New York and I look forward to working with them in the State Senate."

Does this mean that SEIU is breaking up with longtime BFF Joe Bruno? Doubtful. I'll start paying attention when they endorse a Dem state Senate challenger to a GOP incumbent. Though that may not be entirely beyond the bounds of the possible, I'm not exactly holding my breath.

'The Largest Progressive Mobilization in History'

by: phillip anderson

Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 11:58:06 AM EDT

At the Take Back America conference in D.C. today, an array of groups are going to tally their commitment to voter registration and mobilization -- field -- programs this cycle, the sort of stuff America Coming Together did in 2004, but which Democratic money types now hope can be done in a way that bulids existing organizations.

The total (embargoed for 6:00 a.m., which is why this post is going up now) exceeds $425 million:

   AFL-CIO: $53.4 million
   AFL-CIO affiliates: $200 million
   Change to Win affiliates: $100+ million
   MoveOn: $30 million
   Acorn: $35 million
   Rock the Vote- $5 million plus
   La Raza: $4-6 million

This doesn't include what's expected to be massive media spending against McCain by the Campaign to Defend America and other outlets.

It looks to be a pretty big deal and I'm curious to know how much effort will be put into the states, specifically states such as ours.

Stay tuned...

More Good News For Bruno - Feds Investigating Smith Barney Broker

by: phillip anderson

Thu Mar 06, 2008 at 08:27:36 AM EST

Federal investigators are examining the activities of a broker at a local Smith Barney office in Albany in connection with their probe of the Senate Republican majority leader, Joseph Bruno, according to a source.

Investigators, who are looking into Mr. Bruno's work for a Connecticut investment firm that manages millions of dollars of pension fund money for labor unions and contractors, are examining the records of financial advisers who acted as middlemen between the firm and the funds. The activities of the Smith Barney broker in Albany, Mark Caropreso, are a subject of interest of investigators, the source said.

Mr. Caropreso declined to comment.

The broker's father is Anthony Caropreso, a major figure in Albany's labor community - director of labor relations for the Eastern Contractors Association, a trade association of general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service firms.

The younger Mr. Caropreso is on the board of directors for the association, according to the group's Web site.

Ruh-roh.

Good morning, John McArdle!

SD-25: Is WFP About To Back Squadron?

by: phillip anderson

Thu Feb 28, 2008 at 13:57:17 PM EST

A source who was on hand last night at the Working Families Party Coordinating Council said the organization voted to endorse Dan Squadron, a political neophyte and former aide to Sen. Chuck Schumer, who is mounting a primary challenge to veteran Democratic Sen. Marty Connor.

The next step is a meeting of the party's executive council, which is scheduled to get together on March 14 at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.

According to my source, several unions represented by the labor-backed party stuck up for Connor last night, but the local South Brooklyn club and ACORN had the majority of votes in the room and wanted Squadron.

While this is certainly good news for Squadron, it's truly terrible news for the man who WFP backed in the 2006 primary against Connor, Ken Diamondstone, who has also been making noise about taking another run at Connor this year. In fact, if WFP backs Squadron, it may keep Diamondstone out of the race altogether.

Diamondstone said he is "seriously considering" getting into the race and that the WFP's support "is and has been very important" to him. He said he has been assured the party has not made a final decision on an endorsement, adding:

   " I would welcome their support this time around. Failing that, I would certainly need to evaluate what the loss of support by WFP would mean for our campaign. But I'll determine that should that occur."

I don't know Diamonstone personally, but I have met Squadron a few times and have had the chance to speak with him at length a few times. I'll just say that I can easily see why a healthy portion of the WFP membership would be interested in backing him. Dan is very bright and has an excellent grasp of reform issues and of how state government actually works here. He's exactly the kind of smart, young progressive that are now coming out to run for state Senate knowing that they'll be able to go to Albany and actually, ya know, do stuff and make an impact. I say all of this because I truly believe it and not because Dan once said that the Albany Project was The greatest blog (I've done an interview with, so far).

Interesting developments in my SD...

Ruh-Roh, Bruno: Is SEIU Bailing On You?

by: phillip anderson

Sun Feb 24, 2008 at 09:52:19 AM EST

Powerful Union May Be Hedging Its Bets in Albany

But recent campaign finance filings raise an intriguing question: Is the politically astute union now quietly hedging its bets?

In recent weeks, 1199 has been shoveling money into the Working Families Party, a labor-backed organization that has been mobilizing support for the Democratic candidate in a crucial State Senate special election in upstate New York on Tuesday. At the same time, the union has not contributed to the central campaign account maintained by Mr. Bruno's Senate Republican operation in about six months.

...

At the same time, 1199 has poured $257,000 into the Working Families Party this year, nearly three times what they gave to the party in all of last year and more than in any year since 2003, according to state campaign finance records. In 2006 and 2007 combined, 1199 gave about $150,000 to the party, records show.

The Working Families Party has taken a leading role on the ground for the Democratic candidate in the race, Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine, and in providing money for his campaign.

"This isn't a token, tentative contribution," said Russ Haven, the legislative director of the New York Public Interest Research Group. "It could represent the margin of victory in a short-track winter contest in the north country that will turn on which side will get their voters to the polls."

...

But, despite the denials, another trend is clear: 1199 has taken a noticeably softer tone with the governor. Last year, it led a multimillion-dollar campaign against Mr. Spitzer's budget cuts and exchanged hard-hitting television commercials with the administration, reinforcing its alliance with Mr. Bruno.

This year officials at 1199 have taken a much less aggressive tone - perhaps due in part to a change in leadership after Dennis Rivera, the longtime head of 1199, moved up to another job within the union.

Certainly not having Bruno's pal Rivera running the SEIU show in New York is a contributing factor here, but I think it's much more a case of the union getting on the good side of the Governor and the imminent Democratic Senate majority. They can see what's coming and and there's little that should trouble Uncle Joe and his crew more than this.

SD-48: Nice One, NYSUT. Barclay Blames High Property Taxes In Part On "Salaries For Teachers"

by: phillip anderson

Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 11:48:17 AM EST

Because we all know that teachers are just making too much money.

 

Joe Bruno, A Tight Race In The 48th And The Writing On the Wall

by: phillip anderson

Fri Feb 08, 2008 at 09:36:10 AM EST

And now we know even more about why the Barclay campaign is being run in such a manner, one that emphasizes attacks on his opponent more than extolling the virtues of their guy. Recent polling is showing a tight race in the 48th, much closer than anyone should have hoped for in that district. Bruno and his gang could very easily lose this seat and if they do, their Senate majority is effectively over. If they lose this seat they will lose their majority this year. A Democratic win in the 48th could very well start a wave of retirements among Bruno's aging caucus, a wave begun by Senators Wright and Rath. Add to that an emerging crop of A-Team challengers to GOP incumbents and I think you might find that a number of Republican state Senators, none of whom have ever spent a day in the minority, may put their fingers to the wind and find the desire to "spend more time with their family" just too hard to ignore any longer.

Make no mistake, the writing is now very clearly legible on the proverbial wall and just about everybody, including Republicans and especially Republican lobbyists can read it just fine. Jacob Gershman at the New York Sun talked to some of them.

GOP Control of State Senate in Jeopardy

A confluence of surprising political developments has put the Republican control of the state Senate in real jeopardy for the first time in decades, according to veteran Republican Albany operatives.

...

These events include the unexpected retirement of two Republican state senators, a closer-than-expected contest for an open seat, the emergence of a new crop of viable Democratic candidates, and a revived federal investigation of Mr. Bruno.

"Anyone who's not anxious in this type of climate is not being realistic," a veteran Republican lobbyist said. "There is more concern than there has ever been before. There has to be concern."

...

For Republicans, the most pressing concern is a February 26 special election in the North Country that was triggered by the retirement of Senator James Wright, who has served since the early 1990s.

The race pits two popular assemblymen against each other: Democrat Darrel Aubertine, a former dairy farmer who has railed against upstate companies that have relocated out of New York despite taking state grants, and Republican Will Barclay, who comes from a well-known political family in Oswego County.

An overwhelmingly Republican seat covering a wide swath of land, the 48th district was assumed to be safely in Republican hands.

Democrats and Republicans interviewed said polling data, which is more unreliable in gauging special elections, is indicating a tight race.

More on the flip...

SD-48: Why Would Any Union Endorse A Union Buster?

by: phillip anderson

Thu Feb 07, 2008 at 11:27:50 AM EST

"The firm represents and assists employers in all aspects of labor- management relations, including advising employers on lawfully maintaining a union-free workplace, counseling employers during union organization drives and campaigns, and representing them before the National Labor Relations Board and state labor relations agencies in representation cases, unfair labor practice litigation, de-certification cases, unit clarification proceedings and jurisdictional disputes."

We all know that the leadership at SEIU and NYSUT love Bruno, but would the rank and file really want to put their faith in a man like Barclay who voted against the Fair Pay Act, against raising the minimum wage four times, opposed paid family leave and works for a firm that boasts of it's anti union prowess?

On the web: Darrel Aubertine for State Senate.

IAFF's 'Fire Brigade' Descends on Giuliani in Florida

by: phillip anderson

Wed Jan 16, 2008 at 17:14:50 PM EST

Veteran 9/11 Fire Fighters/FDNY Members Head to Florida to Take On Giuliani's 9/11 Myth

The IAFF is sending former New York City fire fighters and family members of IAFF fire fighters killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center to follow former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani as he campaigns in the state.

This "Fire Brigade" will expose Giuliani's trumped-up 9/11 credentials as a myth.

"This is about the judgment of our country's next president," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. "Voters in Florida, where Rudy has pinned his hopes for his election, need to know Giuliani's record of poor judgment to understand why we don't believe he's nearly qualified to be our next president of the United States."

Jim Riches, a newly retired FDNY Deputy Chief, will lead the IAFF Fire Brigade.

"No one knows better than fire fighters who were at the World Trade Center that Giuliani failed to prepare first responders before 9/11, and that he is totally unprepared to become our commander-in-chief," says Riches, who responded on 9/11 and lost his fire fighter son, Jimmy Riches, at Ground Zero. "We object to Giuliani using 9/11 as his calling card in this campaign. He was an utter failure that day, and in the days and months leading up to the attack."

They're pissed.

More on the flip...

Support The Writers Tomorrow in NYC

by: phillip anderson

Mon Nov 26, 2007 at 19:12:17 PM EST

Labor Solidarity with Writers: Rally on Tuesday, November 27 at Washington Square Park.

Solidarity Rally
Tuesday, November 27
Washington Square Park
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Join your fellow members of the Writers Guild of America, the labor community, and supporters and fans, as the WGA begins week four of its strike against the media conglomerates of the AMPTP.

Recently confirmed participants include:

Senator John Edwards, Congressman Jerry Nadler, Tim Robbins, Michael Emerson, Joe Pantoliano, Colin Quinn, Aasif Mandvi, Tony Goldwyn, Evan Handler, Gilbert Gottfried, Randi Weingarten (UFT), Gary Le Barbera and Ed Ott (Central Labor Council), Denis M. Hughes (NYS AFL-CIO), Sam Freed (SAG NY President), Richard Masur (former national president of SAG), WGAE leaders, and more.

We are expecting a huge showing of solidarity from other New York Unions. Joining the striking WGAE members at the rally will be leaders in the labor community, politicians, and exciting speakers from the entertainment community.

Meet us at Washington Square Park for a Solidarity Rally. We're expecting a large attendance from the union community -- including SEIU, AFTRA, SAG, UNITE-HERE, AFT, NYS AFL-CIO, national AFL-CIO, and the New York City Central Labor Council among others -- as well as some exciting speakers, music and entertainment.

We want to thank the thousands of union members from every industry who have joined us on the picket lines from New York to Los Angeles and stood with us to preserve decent working standards against corporate power. Now that we're going back to the table, it's even more important to send the companies a strong message: We're all in this together and we demand a fair deal!

I'll be there to shoot some video and show my support. I think Bouldin will be there as well to shoot some stills. If you are in NYC, there are certainly worse ways to spend your lunch hour.

Teachers Union Endorses Hillary Clinton

by: SteveinNYC

Tue Oct 09, 2007 at 15:48:12 PM EDT

Acting on behalf of its more than 1.4 million members, the AFT executive council on Wednesday endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president, citing her proven ability to advance our nation's key priorities, and her bold plans for a stronger America.

"Our members have told us that they want a leader they can trust to strengthen public education, increase access to health care, promote commonsense economic priorities and secure America's place in the world," said AFT president Edward J. McElroy. "Hillary Clinton is that leader."

Chris Bowers at Open Left calls it, "the biggest endorsement of the campaign for me so far."

I know AFT people, both the teachers and the organizers. They are friends, family and colleagues. They are smart, extremely hard working, and also very progressive. I trust the decisions they make. If they decide to endorse Hillary Clinton, that means a lot to me . . . The AFT endorsement of Hillary Clinton improves my image of Hillary Clinton.

Strike!

by: phillip anderson

Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 13:33:46 PM EDT

But as critical of an issue as health insurance is, this strike is about something even bigger.  It's about whether we're going to have a middle class in this country.  The UAW was at the heart of the creation of what we know as the American middle class -- more than any other force in society, it institutionalized the idea that workers should be entitled to health care, vacation, and a secure and comfortable retirement.  Before the rise of the UAW, blue-collar workers had no hope of securing their family and their future, and lived in constant fear of injury or layoff, with no prospect of anything resebling "retirement."  The UAW changed that.  The UAW made sure that the workers at the base of the postwar boom got their share.  The UAW made it possible for a man like my grandfather, a brilliant guy from the Irish ghetto in Buffalo who never had the opportunity to study past high school, to send every single one of his kids to college.  And the victories won by the UAW bore fruit well beyond the homes of their members -- because of the size and importance of the union, every UAW contract had a massive ripple effect.  Employers in other industries -- even non-union employers -- had to raise their standards to attract employees.  In short, the UAW allowed workers to get a taste of a life where leisure was possible, where relaxation and economic security were something that could be earned with hard work, and where their labor was treated with honor and dignity.

All of that has been under assault for the past 25 years.  The prevailing political forces have been pushing to dismantle the network of fairness and justice on the job woven by the UAW and its visionary leader, Walter Reuther.  And it's no secret that the union has lost influence in direct relation to the decline of American manufacturing.  But as the UAW stands out on strike to win a fair settlement that protects their heath care, and the health care that every American deserves as a matter of right, they're standing for all of us once more.  Don't for a second let the media try and convince you that this is an isolated fight, the dying throes of a union in decline.  This is a fight for the fundamental idea that if you work hard, and play by the rules, you should be able to sleep contented at night knowing that you and your family have got health insurance and a fair pension.  And if that's not a fight that every American should support as much as they can, then there really is no such thing as society.

This strike is serious business and its ultimate resolution will affect all of us (and our children) whether or not we make a living building SUVs.

The cost of business in New York, circa 1940

by: simonstl

Mon Sep 24, 2007 at 08:56:08 AM EDT

When the 1940 WPA Guide to New York State wrote of "smokeless factory chimneys," they weren't talking about environmentalism, but rather another long-standing problem here:

In every city of the State, and there are 60 of them, the presence or absence of geographical advantage and flexible, intelligent enterprise accounts for prosperity or the lack of it. Few, if any, New York State manufacturers have a competitive margin with respect to low labor costs. This circumstance accounts for neat and pleasant housing, generally speaking, but here and there it explains some smokeless factory chimneys as well. (4)

I don't think New York's been a low-cost state since, oh, probably 1817, as work on the Erie Canal started driving up demand for laborers. It's interesting to see the impact of this described so bluntly in 1940, though, well before the more recent 1950s date I suggested earlier for New York's loss of advantage.

The NY Times, The Business Roundtable, and NCLB

by: SteveinNYC

Mon Sep 17, 2007 at 12:57:14 PM EDT

Every corner of the educational community has protested the consequences of No Child Left Behind, including that the law has narrowed the curriculum and unfairly penalized schools already making progress.

In spite of that, an editorial in the NY Times defends the status quo. Referring to proposed NCLB revisions, the Times complains that the changes will "allow schools to mask failure in teaching crucial subjects like reading and math by giving them credit for student performance in other subjects."

Yet, just one paragraph earlier the Times has this to say: "Faced with poorly educated workers at home - especially in science - American companies are increasingly looking abroad."