Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Labor Walks Welcome New and Experienced Volunteers

“I haven’t been very politically active in the past, but now I understand that our jobs are really tied into the elections,” reveals Todd Strasser of ATU Local 519.

Strasser took part in his first member to member walk on Saturday in La Crosse.  He chose to volunteer his valuable time with Labor 2010, even though this was his first Saturday off of work in four months.  “The thought of going door to door was a little intimidating for me, but because were visiting union households the people that we talked to were pretty supportive.”

There is a first time for everything, and many Wisconsin union members are taking the plunge and volunteering for a Labor Walk because they realize that politics affects their daily lives.

“I am only 25 and I want to see more young workers get involved,” says DiAndre Jackson of UAW Local 469. Jackson participated in his first member to member walk in Milwaukee over the weekend.  “We complain that politicians don’t listen.  Well, we have to get active and make them listen.  This was my first Labor Walk but it won’t be my last.”

“I had a very positive experience,” reports Mary Modder, President of the Kenosha Education Association.  Modder participated in her first member to member on Saturday.  “At first, knocking on the doors terrified me.  But at the first two or three houses we met retirees who thanked us and cheered us on for taking action.  That really built my confidence.”

According to Modder, education funding is a critical issue this election season, especially in the governor’s race.  “Teachers have sacrificed by accepting stagnant wages year after year in order to bargain for better health insurance.  Scott Walker wants to force teachers into lesser insurance plans and negate decades of our collective bargaining efforts.  We must elect a pro-education governor who respects union members and working families.”

Of course, you don’t have to be a new Labor 2010 volunteer to make a difference on the doors.

Mike Underhill of UAW Local 72 has been active in Kenosha politics for decades and participated in a Labor Walk on Saturday.  According to Underhill, “It’s always refreshing to get out and talk to union families, because we start the conversation on common economic ground.  By far the biggest issue this election season is job creation.”

“Talking to our union brothers and sisters in person reminds people that the labor movement continues to stand up for their interests,” adds DJ Dixon, former Vice President and current member of AFSCME Local 60.  Dixon participated in the Madison area member to member walk over the weekend.  “Even when working people disagree with our endorsements, they respect where we are coming from and appreciate that we took the time to have the conversation.”

On Saturday, Labor 2010 volunteers in Wausau were joined by a very special guest.  State Senator and Congressional Candidate Julie Lassa stopped by to thank union activist for their efforts and support through the member to member program.

“I know Julie quite well, and she has been a real friend of working people during her time in Madison,” says Deb Foth, President of AFSCME Local 1751, AFSCME Council 40 Executive Board Member, and Secretary Treasurer of the Central Wisconsin Area Labor Federation.  “It is extremely important that we get her elected to represent working families in Washington.”

“We’ve got to remind people where we were two years ago,” concludes Dave Moffitt, member of CWA Local 4622 and Legislative Representative for the Fond Du Lac County Labor Council.  “The people in power now didn’t put our economy into the ditch, and it is going to take some time for them to pull us out.  But we can’t afford to go back to failed policies that got us into trouble in the first place.”

So whether it is your first time or your fiftieth, contact your local Service Area Organizer to volunteer for an upcoming member to member walk near you!

VOLUNTEER BREAKDOWN BY LOCATION

Volunteers from the South Central Federation of Labor got an early start this week, by conducting an evening Labor Walk in Horticon, Madison, and New Glarus on August 25th. Members of AFSCME Local 52, CWA Local 4622, IAMAW Local 873, IRON Local 383, UFCW Local 1473, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans visited union households in support of Tom Barrett and Russ Feingold.

All of the other member to member walks, listed alphabetically by location below, took place on Saturday, August 28th.

In Kenosha, volunteers from ATU Local 998, CWA Local 4611, the Kenosha Education Association, and UAW Local 72 reached out to fellow union members in support of Sen. Russ Feingold and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett.

In Fond du Lac, participants from AFT-Wisconsin and CWA Local 4266 talked to union families about the importance of supporting working family candidates.

In Green Bay, members of CWA Local 4621, OPEIU Local 9, USW District 2, USW Local 2-144, USW Local 815, USW Local 1096, and USW 2-1279 encouraged their union brothers and sisters to support Rep. Steve Kagen, Sen. Russ Feingold, and Tom Barrett for governor.

In La Crosse, volunteers from AFGE Local 1346, ATU Local 519, and USW Local 2-150 reached out to fellow union members in support of endorsed AFL-CIO candidates.  Some participants went on a member to member walk, while others conducted a member to member phonebank.

In the Madison area, workers and retirees from AFSCME Local 1, AFSCME Local 60, AFT Local 3220, IBEW Local 159, UFCW Local 1473, SEIU Local 1199, and SEIU Health Care Wisconsin continued to spread the word to union families about Tom Barrett and Russ Feingold.

In Milwaukee, activists from AFSCME Local 33, AFSCME Local 170, AFSCME Local 567, AFSCME Local 645, AFSCME Local 882, AFSCME Local 1654, AFSCME Retiree Chapter 48, AFSCME Subchapter 36, AFT Local 2169, AFT Local 4822, AFT-WFNHP Local 5001, CWA Local 4603, IAMAW Lodge 66, IRON Local 8, IUOE Local 139, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, NALC Branch 397, OPEIU Local 9, SEIU Local 1, SEIU Local 150, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, SEIU Statewide Council UA Local 75, UAW Local 438, UAW Local 469, UFCW Local 1473, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans were thanked by endorsed state assembly candidate JoCasta Zamarripa before heading out to talk to fellow union members.

In Wausau, volunteers from AFSCME Local 1751, AFSCME Local 2748, USW District 2, and USW Local 2-224 had a chance to talk to endorsed Congressional Candidate Julie Lassa before sharing her working family ideals with other union members.

(Top Photo:  Congressional candidate Julie Lassa with Wausau Labor 2010 volunteers.  Photo Credit: Scott Wright.  Top Right Photo: Rob Boelk of CWA Local 4622 rings the doorbell at a Madison area union household.  Photo Credit: Greg Neil.  Top Left Photo: DiAndre Jackson of UAW Local 469.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Second Right Photo: Mary Modder of the Kenosha Education Association with her husband and walk partner Marvin Modder.  Photo Credit: Justin Geiger.  Second Left Photo: Denny Lauer of USW Local 2-1279 participating in the Green Bay member to member walk.  Photo Credit: Greg Hinds.  Third Right Photo: Zach Stoner of CWA Local 4611 visiting Kenosha union households.  Photo Credit: Justin Geiger.  Bottom Left Photo: Vicki Ash of AFGE Local 1346 calling union member from La Crosse.  Photo Credit: Andy Thompson.  Bottom Right Photo:  Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President David Newby signing in for the Madison Labor Walk.  Photo Credit: Greg Neil.

For more Labor 2010 member to member walk pictures, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/collections/72157624464005331/.)

Gwen Moore Thanks Labor 2010!

At the August 21st Labor Walk in Milwaukee, District 4 Congresswoman Gwen Moore thanked union volunteers for their hard work this election season.  In the video clip above, Moore says she is grateful to have the power of organized labor behind her.  Let’s make Moore proud by fighting for candidates like Sen. Russ Feingold and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett who will stand up for working people.

Rep. Gwen Moore asked working people, and those who would like to be working, who stood by them during the economic crisis.  She reminds us that since 1959 Congress has always extended unemployment benefits during time of crisis.  But this year,  many members of Congress turned their backs on the unemployed and played brazen partisan politics with relief American families need. Come November, we must remember!

Gwen Moore reminded union members that the economic stimulus package saved jobs and kept our economy from falling off a cliff.  “This is not a time to backslide, now is the time to bristle up and to harden up, now is the time to preserve gains made so that we can move forward with our agenda.” Don’t let this election season pass you by; get involved with the Labor 2010 program today to keep America moving in the right direction!

 

And finally,  Rep. Moore pointed out that a lot has been accomplished in the past two years, and that working people need to send strong majorities back to Congress to build upon the gains that have been made.  This election season we have a choice and we need to keep rebuilding America for working families.

Reaching Out at the Worksite Really Works

“Talking about politics on the job is one of the most effective ways to spread the word about working family candidates because people tune out television and radio commercials,” according to Peter Singler, Union Representative for UFCW Local 1473.  “Union members have seen me around their worksites before, and they pay attention to a message when it comes from a familiar face.  They know I wouldn’t stand around in a hot parking lot if it weren’t important.”

Singler distributed fliers to union workers outside of Rediserv in Fort Atkinson on Tuesday because, “Our Local still has some layoffs, and we need to maintain a social safety net.  If Scott Walker becomes governor, then that threatens the programs that out of work families depend on.  We need to elect candidates like Tom Barrett who will support workers and those who are desperately trying to find work in tough times.”

The Rediserv leafleting in Fort Atkinson is just one example of ongoing Labor 2010 worksite activities.  In Verona on Wednesday volunteers from IBEW Local 159 and IUPAT District Council 7 distributed flier to members of building trades unions working at Epic Systems.  And on Thursday, ATU Local 998 members reached out to union members at the Milwaukee County Transit Center, at the same time that CWA Local 4611 distributed worksite leaflets at the AT&T Regency Garage in Racine.

“The reason we do this is pretty simple,” says Jacqueline Sargent, Executive Board member for AFSCME Local 1654.  Sargent helped handout leaflets at the Milwaukee County Courthouse on Wednesday.  “Working people back Senator Russ Feingold, because Feingold backs working people.”

“If you have a job in civil service, that job is totally dependent on politics and you need to get involved,” urges Renita Hoover, a Trustee for AFSCME Local 1654 who also leafleted at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.  “Everytime that a new politician comes into office our funding is in jeopardy.  When anti-worker candidates get elected, public employees feel that directly.”

To take Hoover’s advice and start leafleting at your own workplace, click here to contact your local service area organizer.

 

(Top Photo:  ATU Local 998 members Penny Amos-Sikora and Rhonda Cockroft at the Milwaukee County Transit Center on Wednesday.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Top Right Photo: Peter Singler of UFCW Local 1473 hands out leaflets in Fort Atkinson on Tuesday.  Photo Credit Greg Neil.  Top Left Photo: Jeff Mehrhoff of IUPAT DC 7 distributes flyers to fellow union members outside of Epic Systems in Verona.  Photo Credit: Greg Neil.  Bottom Right Photo: Jacqueline Sargent of AFSCME Local 1654 outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Bottom Left Photo: Renita Hoover of AFSCME Local 1654 outside of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Bottom Photo: CWA Local 4611 President Joe Briere distributes Labor 2010 fliers in Racine.  Photo Credit: Justin Geiger.  For more Labor 2010 pictures taken at worksites, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/collections/72157624329244553/.)

Biomass Jobs Project Clears an Important Hurdle

Last week the Rothschild Village Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to allow a height exception for a proposed biomass energy project, which could create more than 400 construction jobs and 150 permanent, family-wage positions in fields supporting the facility.

The Village of Rothschild has an ordinance stating that no building or structure can be higher than 65 feet.  In order for this project to meet federal air quality regulations, four of the proposed buildings and chimneys will have to exceed that height.

The passage of this variance was due in part to the vocal participation of dozens of union members who turned out at the Board of Appeals meeting in support of the project.

“There were at least 40 local activists from a broad coalition of unions at the meeting.  It’s really exciting to see our movement galvanize around creating high-quality green jobs,” according to Phil Neuenfeldt, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer.  “Furthermore, this is an opportunity to put materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill or cause forest fires to wise use.  We should seize this chance to create a more energy independent state and family-supporting union jobs.”

What is biomass?

Biomass is a plant-based energy source.   In this case, it is the tree tops and branches left after logging takes place and clean or the untreated left over material from wood manufacturing such as bark or shavings.

Domtar and We Energies are partnering to build this biomass-fueled cogeneration facility, which will produce steam to run the paper mill and electricity for commercial use.

Combined heat and power cogeneration is a more efficient use of biomass fuel than producing steam and electricity separately. In addition to a smart use of a renewable resource, the new facility will use the existing brownfield site on the Domtar property and share the mill’s infrastructure and resources.

Domtar currently burns 130,000 tons of clean woody biomass each year to generate steam for their facility. Domtar produces 50,000 tons of biomass through their paper-making process and purchases an additional 80,000 tons annually.

Opponents of the project cite air quality as one of their objections.  However, with the combination of the biomass facility’s air quality technology and the retirement of Domtar’s existing boilers, the new facility is projected to reduce the overall emissions from the mill site by approximately 30 percent. Ambient air quality is also expected to improve as shown by analysis that includes the effects of truck traffic.

Why should working people care?

The project is expected to create 400+ construction jobs over the 2.5-year building process and approximately 150 permanent jobs in fields supporting the operation of the biomass facility (forest management, logging, transportation).

On top of that, this project will help retain the current jobs connected both directly and indirectly with the Domtar facility. Domtar's Rothschild pulp and paper mill and the associated Lignotech chemical facility directly employ 460 men and women at family supporting wages. Roughly 800 external jobs rely on the economic impact of the mill.

Even local residents who aren’t directly employed by the project stand to benefit.  Once the biomass plant is in service, both the Village of Rothschild and Marathon County will receive an annual payment based on the megawatt capacity of the facility, and that money can be used to support vital public services.

What’s next?

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is performing an independent environmental review of all of the data.  

When completed, the PSCW will issue a draft of that report (an Environmental Assessment or EA) and all parties will have the opportunity to review and provide comment.  That will be another opportunity for local union members to show support for this project and the associated jobs.

If the project receives PSCW approval, construction could begin as early as the spring of 2011, which would put the biomass plant on track to begin commercial operation in the fall of 2013.


This is how the Marshfield News Herald reported last week’s Board of Appeals meeting:
http://www.marshfieldnewsherald.com/article/20100820/MNH0101/8200624/Rothschild-residents-sound-off-on-biomass-plant-proposal#pluckcomments

(All pictures taken by Scott Wright at the Rothschild Board of Appeals meeting on August 19th. Top photo: Todd Bencke of UA Local 434, Terry Hayden of UA Local 434, Ron Holden of LIUNA Local 268, and Gene Rustic of IRON Local 383 inside of the meeting. Second Photo: Chris Ignatowski of UA Local 434, Rosie Britz of UA Local 434, and Tom Hill of LIUNA Local 268 outside before the meeting. Third Photo: Tom Hill of LIUNA Local 268 heads into the meeting. Bottom Photo: Steve Parrott of IBEW Local 388 and Tracy Parrott of UA Local 434 outside of the meeting. For more pictures, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157624644466097/.)

Saturday Labor Walks and Much, Much Moore

"It’s a pleasure to talk to fellow union members about common political and economic goals,” declares Mark Culotta, Union Representative for UFCW Local 1473 in Racine.  “I grew up in this area, so when I Labor Walk, I feel like I’m helping my friends and family stand up and be heard.”  

Culotta was one of about 200 union volunteers in six locations around Wisconsin who conducted member to member walks on Saturday in support of Sen. Russ Feingold and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett.  

“Each week, more and more people are getting out there to volunteer.  It’s exciting to be a part of it,” shares Scott Hanson of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin in Madison.  “It is critical that we elect a governor who supports healthcare and the well-being of working people.” 

Congresswoman Gwen Moore was on hand in Milwaukee to thank union members for volunteering with Labor 2010.

“Rep. Moore really energized the participants.  She reminded us that big changes are never quick and easy, but we are making progress on issues like healthcare and job creation because union members are engaged in politics,” says Penny Amos-Sikora, Legislative Director for ATU Local 998.  “Even when the pace of improvements is frustrating, we have to hang onto and strengthen working family majorities, not just in the federal government, but in state and local government too.”

“This election is about JOBS!  We need to create jobs here rather than sending them overseas,” according to Steve Meyer, President of USW Local 2-224.  Meyer is also a release staffer with the Labor 2010 campaign in north central Wisconsin and took part in the member to member walk in Stevens Point on Saturday.  “We have been going the wrong way on employment and trade issues in this country for decades, and it is going to take more than a few months or even a few years to turn things around.  We can’t let anti-worker candidates regain power just as we’ve begun to right the ship.”
 
“Family-wage public sector jobs are on the line in this election,” according to AFT Local 2398 retiree Linda Danzinger.  “Our communities can’t afford more outsourcing and privatization; we’ve been there already and it is bad for students, patients and anyone else who relies on public services.”    

Danzinger is an experienced Labor Walk volunteer, and over the weekend in Eau Claire she hit the doors with first-time volunteer and fellow AFT Local 2398 retiree Marlene Johnson.

“I was hesitant at first, but this turned out to be a very positive experience,” reports Johnson.  “Perhaps because we were all union members, people were receptive to what we had to say.  Now that I know that they are listening, I think it is important that we repeat our message so that it sticks when it comes time to vote.”

“I have actually been thanked for information at the doors,” says Tracy Miller, an AFSCME Take Back America Organizer who participated in the Oshkosh labor walk on Saturday.  “Member to member communication is widely trusted.  We are looking out for working people, and it shows.” 

Miller is planning to spend her Tuesday evening on a member to member walk in the Neenah area.

If you have yet to take part in a Labor Walk, there are still opportunities to do so before the end of the month.  Click here for the August Labor Walk Schedule. 

VOLUNTEER BREAKDOWN BY LOCATION

All of the Labor Walks listed below took place on Saturday, August 21.

In Eau Claire, members of AFSCME Local 1240, AFSCME Local 1914, AFT Local 2398, DALU Local 24111, LIUNA Local 268, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, and UA Local 434 spoke to union households about Sen. Feingold, Tom Barrett for Governor, and Julie Lassa for Congress.

In Madison, volunteers from AFSCME Local 1, AFSCME Local 52, AFSCME Local 705, AFSCME Local 720, AFT Local 3220, AFT-Wisconsin, IBEW Local 159, SEIU Local 1199, and SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin encouraged fellow union members to support Feingold and Barrett.

In Milwaukee,  participants from AFGE Local 777, AFSCME Council 11, AFSCME Council 24, AFSCME Council 48, AFSCME DC 48 Subchapter 36, AFSCME Local 24A, AFSCME Local 47, AFSCME Local 82, AFSCME Local 91, AFSCME Local 104, AFSCME Local 194, AFSCME Local 423, AFSCME Local 426, AFSCME Local 567, AFSCME Local 645, AFSCME Local 758, AFSCME Local 882, AFSCME Local 1654, AFSCME Local 1954, AFT-TAUWP, AFT-WFNHP Local 5001, AFT-Wisconsin, AFT Local 212, AFT Local 2169, AFT Local 4822, ATU Local 998, CWA Local 4603, DALU Local 34111, IAMAW Lodge 66, IBEW, IBT-GCIU Local 577M, IUOE Local 139, IUPAT District Council 7, IUPAT Local 781, IUPAT Local 1204, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, LIUNA Local 113, the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, OPEIU Local 9, SEIU Local 1, SEIU Local 150, SEIU Local 1099, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, SEIU Statewide Council, UA Local 75, UAW Local 9, UAW Local 438, UAW Local 439, UAW Local 486, UFCW Local 1473, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans enjoyed breakfast with Rep. Gwen Moore before hitting the doors in support of Sen. Feingold and Tom Barrett.

In Oshkosh, Labor 2010 enthusiasts from AFSCME, AFT-WI, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, USW District 2, USW Local 2-144, and USW Local 1279 encouraged members of union households to support Rep. Steve Kagen, Sen. Russ Feingold and  Tom Barrett for Governor.

In Racine, supporters from AFSCME Local 67, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, and UFCW Local 1473 talked to union members about the endorsed candidates.

And in Stevens Point,  volunteers from AFSCME Council 24, IBEW Local 388, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, UA Local 434, and USW Local 2-224 spoke to union members in support of Rep. Feingold, Tom Barrett, as well as hometown favorite and congressional candidate Julie Lassa.

(Top Photo: Rep. Gwen Moore speaks to Milwaukee area Labor 2010 volunteers before their member to member walk on Saturday.  Photo Credit: Karen Hickey.  Top Right Photo: Rep. Moore with AFT members.  Photo Credit: Karen Hickey.  Middle Right Photo: AFSCME Local 67 members at the Racine Labor Walk.  Photo Credit: Justin Geiger.  Top Left Photo: AFT Local 2398 retiree Linda Danzinger talks to a member of UFCW about Sen. Feingold in Eau Claire.  Photo Credit: Andy Thompson.  Bottom Right Photo:  Brice Smith of AFT Local 2169 leaves literature for a union household in Milwaukee.  Photo Credit: Karen Hickey.  Bottom Right Photo: Jason Sidener of AFSCME Local 720, Kevin Gundlach of AFSCME Local 702, Jason Tatum of AFT Local 3220, Peter Rickman of AFT Local 3220, and Scott Hanson of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin at the Madison Labor Walk.  Photo Credit: Greg Neil.  For more photos from Labor 2010 member to member walks, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/collections/72157624464005331/.)

People’s Building Inspection Exposes Walker's Neglect

The Scott Walker Truth Squad, a broad coalition of concerned citizens, public employees and community activists, conducted an inspection of Milwaukee County buildings yesterday, giving County Executive Walker failing grades for building maintenance and drawing attention to ongoing safety concerns.

In June, a 15 year-old boy was killed when a chunk of concrete fell from a poorly maintained O'Donnell Park parking garage, and others in Milwaukee have sustained preventable injuries due to crumbling county infrastructure.

“The Walker decade in Milwaukee County has been a decade of neglect,” according to Dave Somerscales of SEIU Local 1.  “Voters across the state deserve to know what they are in for if Scott Walker becomes governor.”

Budget cuts during the Walker administration have put maintenance off into the future and accelerated the deterioration of county buildings and parks.  Repairs are not being made, and engineering inspections didn’t occur until after the tragedy at O’Donnell Park parking structure. 

Many Milwaukee County residents feel that Scott Walker has misled the public about the safety ramifications of these policies.

Walker has also been criticized for focusing on his political campaign in the first critical days after the recent Milwaukee floods.

County Supervisors Chris Larsen and Johnny Thomas participated in the People’s Building Inspection, which made stops at the O’Donnell Park Pavilion, the Milwaukee County Transit Center, the Community Corrections Center, the County Safety Building and the County Courthouse.   

At the end of the tour, the Truth Squad visited Scott Walker’s office to deliver his failing report card and a pair of hard hats.  If Scott Walker becomes governor, hard hats might become a necessary Wisconsin fashion accessory.

For more information or to join the Scott Walker Truth Squad, visit:
http://scottwalkertruthsquad.org

For additional information about Scott Walker’s terrifying record as Milwaukee County Executive, visit: http://scottwalkerfailurefiles.com
 

(Top photo: The Truth Squad Scorecard, with two safety hard hats donated to the Walker Administration, on display in the lobby of Walker's offices. Right Photo: County Supervisor Chris Larson and Dave Somerscales of SEIU Local 1 at O'Donnell Pavilion. Karl Morrow, MPS food service worker, is also pictured. Left Photo: Downtown janitor Bessie Hervey marks Walker's grade at the dilapidated Community Corrections Center, which was closed for good in January 2009.  Vincent Goldstein of Healthy Wisconsin, transit worker James Macon, and MPS food service worker Karl Morrow are holding the scorecard. 

All pictures provided by Siva Morgan of the Scott Walker Truth Squad.  For more photos, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157624766658006/.)

Worksite Leafleting Steps Up Statewide

With all of the recent and upcoming labor walks, some of the other political outreach that union members are engaged in through the Labor 2010 program hasn’t received a fair share of attention.

Worksite leafleting is a critical part of our member to member program.  Union members have a unique opportunity to educated each other and bond over common economic issues in the workplace.   That gives working family candidates a huge edge heading into November.

“On the job people recognize us, and they know that we are offering guidance based on what is best for working people, rather than based on party affiliation,” says Dale Seianas, Recording Secretary for UFCW Local 1473 in Racine and Kenosha.  “Because we get out there and personally support candidates in that way, politicians are accountable to workers once they are elected.”

Early in the morning, throughout the day, and as shifts end at offices and factories, volunteers across Wisconsin are making sure that union members leave work with a better understanding of the AFL-CIO endorsed candidates.

"This year we are asking our coworkers to support Tom Barrett, because if Walker or Newman becomes governor, things will get a lot worse for working families: high-speed rail would be in jeopardy, government services would be cut, and the working poor would suffer the most," says Jim Krebs, a Shop Steward with CWA Local 4603 in Milwaukee. "I also think that Senator Feingold has been a tremendous advocate for the middle class and that we need to send him back to Washington."

To participate in worksite leafleting, contact your local service area organizer.  The Labor 2010 program also offers opportunities to reach out to fellow union members through labor walks, phone banking and local union mail, so there are plenty of ways to get involved.

VOLUNTEER BREAKDOWN BY LOCATION

USW Local 2-469 and USW Local 2-1279 leaders passed out leaflets in support of Sen. Russ Feingold, Rep. Steve Kagen, and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett at plant gates in Appleton twice in the past three weeks.

Volunteers from SMWIA Local 18 handed out fliers in support of Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett to their fellow union members at Martin Petersen Company in Kenosha on August 12th.

On July 30th, volunteers from the building trades including BAC Local 13 and IBEW Local 159 helped distribute political information to union members outside of an Armed Forces building in Madison.

Public employees in Madison are making sure that their coworkers are informed voters.  On Monday, August 16, members of AFSCME showed their support for Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett outside of a Dane County administrative building, while members of AFT-Wisconsin spread the word to union workers at Department of Health Services.

In Milwaukee on July 29, members of CWA Local 4603 continued to engage their fellow union members at AT&T by handing out fliers in support of Barrett and Feingold.

And alphabetically last but certainly not least, volunteers from UFCW Local 1473 distributed fliers in support of Sen. Feingold and Tom Barrett to fellow union members outside of Piggly Wiggly in Racine on Wednesday, August 12th.

(Top Photo: Members of USW Local 2-469 receive fliers in support of Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett from Denny Lauer of USW Local 2-1279 in Appleton.  Photo Credit: Greg Hinds.  Top Right Photo:  Jim Vick from BAC Local 13 leaflets a Madison worksite as part of Labor 2010.  Photo Credit: Greg Neil.  Middle Right Photo: UFCW Local 1473 Recording Secretary Dale Seianas with members Jim Schroeder and Bob Mereno.  All three men participated in the recent worksite leaflet in Racine.  Photo Credit: UFCW Local 1473.  Top Left Photo: CWA Local 4603 members Sapphira Conley and Wanda Baylis leaflet AT&T in Milwaukee.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Bottom Right Photo: Keith Kemper, Business Rep. for SMWIA Local 18,  hands out leaflets to fellow union members in Kenosha.  Photo Credit: Justin Geiger.  For more pictures from Labor 2010 worksites, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/collections/72157624329244553/.)

Wisconsin Celebrates Social Security

Last week the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans (WI ARA) celebrated the 75th Birthday of Social Security.  Events were held around the state in Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, and Green Bay.

Party-goers enjoyed cake while praising Social Security as America’s most successful government program. Sponsors of the events included the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, AARP, the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, and the Milwaukee Area Labor Council.  Rep. Steve Kagen participated in the Green Bay party.

The birthday celebrations centered on a recent report put out by advocacy groups Social Security Works and Strengthen Social Security.  “Social Security Works for Wisconsin” provides a clear picture of how important the program is to our communities and our economy. 

According to the report:

• Social Security provides benefits to more than 1,000,800 Wisconsin residents, nearly 1 out of 6 people living in the state. (17.9 percent).

• Social Security lifts 372,000 Wisconsin residents out of poverty.

• Wisconsin residents receive Social Security benefits totaling over $13.2 billion per year, an amount equivalent to 5.5 percent of the state’s annual GDP (the total value of all goods and services produced).

The report clears up many misconceptions on Social Security and highlights its importance to citizens and families around the country.  According to Billy Feitlinger,  Executive Director of the WI ARA, “Fifteen percent of the people in this country today under the age of 18 would be in poverty without social security.” 

Although some in Washington, including a new federal commission on deficit reduction, have recently suggested cutting Social Security benefits or raising the retirement age as a way to “fix” the deficit.  It is clear that the Wisconsin community thinks differently. 

The 75th Birthday Parties highlighted the fact that Social Security has enough money to cover full benefits for another 30 years, and has not contributed one cent to the nation’s budget problems.

Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans President Leon Burzynski said, “America’s Social Security trust fund was built up in the 1980’s in preparation for the retirement of the baby boomers.  However, the government has been borrowing from the trust fund for decades to pay for other federal programs.  Currently, the federal government owes Social Security over $2.6 trillion.”

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), an independent non-partisan federal department, reported in 2009, that most of the current and future federal deficit is caused by 2 wars, double digit increases to health care, enacting President Bush’s tax cuts, and the worst recession since the Great Depression. 

In 2009, the CBO reported that Social Security will remain solvent through 2043 and that by 2020, it will have a surplus of over $3.8 trillion dollars. 

“With more than 53 million people receiving Social Security benefits today, the program touches virtually every American family,” Burzynski said.  “So beyond the candles and the cake, we have a very serious message to members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation—that Social Security is vital to the economic well being of citizens in Wisconsin and our country.  In Wisconsin over 1 million people rely on Social Security.” 

The birthday celebrations were a fun way for the community to come together in support of Social Security.  The events received statewide media coverage, and a few examples are listed below :

The Wisconsin Radio Network, which syndicates news to over 100 radio stations, had this to report:
http://www.wrn.com/2010/08/social-security-celebrates-75-years/#more-30843

WEAU NBC channel 13 in Eau Claire covered the story for their nightly news:
http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/100594064.html

And Workers Independent News, which syndicates stories to radio stations nationally and has a widely distributed podcast, debunked the myth that social security is in financial trouble:
http://www.laborradio.org/files/mp3_web/2010/08/laborradio080910.mp3

(Top Center Photo: WI ARA volunteers collect signatures on a petition to protect Social Security.  Bottom Left Photo: WI ARA President Leon Burzynski. Photo Credit for both photos: Sheila Cochran and Jenissee Volpintesta.  For more pictures of the 75th Anniversary of Social Security event at the WI State Fair, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157624725783296/ .)

Labor Walks Support Candidates Who Support Public Services

“This is a big year because we have to elect a governor who supports working class families.  Tom Barrett is the candidate that we trust and endorse,” according to Martha Williams, registered nurse and recent Milwaukee area labor walk volunteer from WFNHP-AFT Local 5001.  As a shop steward for her Local, Williams has heard about dangerous cuts to the Milwaukee County mental health system under Scott Walker’s administration. 

“I take care of two elderly clients.  I don’t want to see their quality of life deteriorate because of bad political decisions,” says Karen Black, member of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin. 

On Saturday in La Crosse, Black participated in her first member to member labor walk.  “It was a lot of fun, and it was such a worthwhile thing to do.  We are helping undecided union workers figure out which candidates to choose, and we are motivating people who otherwise might not vote.  I’m certainly going to keep doing this.”

Over the past week, Labor 2010 volunteers in Appleton, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha and Wisconsin Rapids have hit the doors in support of Senator Russ Feingold and gubernatorial candidate Tom Barrett, in part because they will defend the vital public services that sustain our communities and create family-wage jobs.

Member to member walks are off to a great start, and we need your help to keep them going strong.  Click here to view the labor walk schedule for the rest of August.

VOLUNTEER BREAKDOWN BY LOCATION

Two separate Labor Walks took place in Madison last week.  On August 4th, members of AFT Local 3220, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, SEIU Statewide Council and UFCW Local 1473 visited union households in support of Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett.  And on August 7th, volunteers from AFSCME Local 2412, AFSCME retirees, AFT Local 3220, AFT International, SEIU Local 1199, and SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin went door to door to talk to their fellow union member about politics.

In Appleton on Saturday, members of AFT-Wisconsin, DALU Local 24111, USW District 2, USW Local 2-20, USW Local 2-144, USW Local 2-169, USW Local 2-213, USW Local 2-469 USW Local 2-1279, and USW Local 1096 encouraged fellow union households to support Rep. Steve Kagen, Senator Russ Feingold and Tom Barrett for Governor.  The Appleton labor walkers used the USW District 2 offices in Menasha as their headquarters for the day. 

Also on Saturday, August 7th, the La Crosse labor walk featured members of AFSCME Local 1947, AFT - Wisconsin, ATU Local 519, SEIU Local 150, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, and UA Local 434 calling on all union members to support AFL-CIO endorsed candidates.

In the Milwaukee area on Saturday, participants from AFT Local 212, AFT Local 2169, AFT Local 8047R, AFSCME District Council 48 Sub-Chapter 36, AFSCME Local 24, AFSCME Local 33, AFSCME Local 47, AFSCME Local 170, AFSMCE Local 758, AFSCME Local 1055, AFSCME Local 1954, CWA Local 4603, DALU Local 24111, NALC Branch 397, SEIU Local 1, OPEIU Local 9, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, SEIU Statewide Council, UA Local 75, WFNHP-AFT Local 5001, and the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans shared information about endorsed candidates, including State Senator Jim Sullivan, with union families.

In Wisconsin Rapids over the weekend, volunteers from LIUNA Local 268, SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, and USW District 2 walked in support of Senator Russ Feingold, Tom Barrett for Governor, and Julie Lassa for Congress.

Click here for details on the previously reported Waukesha labor walk.

(Top Right Photo: Martha Williams, registered nurse and recent Milwaukee area labor walk volunteer from WFNHP-AFT Local 5001.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  Top Left Photo: Willard "Willy" Jonas of UA Local 434 and Karen Black of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin review their walk packet before heading out in La Crosse.  Photo Credit: Andy Thompson.  Middle Right Photo: Odessa Robinson and Bonita Strauss of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin were invited into the home of 91 year-old UAW Local 9 retiree John Hayburn during the Milwaukee area member to member walk. Bottom Left Photo: Julie Stein of USW Local 2-144 signs-in at the Appleton labor walk.  Photo Credit: Sylvia Hinds.  Bottom Right Photo: Odessa Robinson of SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin leaves a flier for a member who isn't home.  Photo Credit: Jenissee Volpintesta.  For more pictures of recent labor walks, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/collections/72157624464005331/.)

Awards Followed by Continued Action

Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Billy Feitlinger and Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President David Newby were recently honored by the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) with the Alfred Hirsch Award for Outstanding Work as Legislative Advocates. 

Feitlinger and Newby were honored together for their outstanding leadership and lifetime service on behalf of working Americans.

William "Billy" Feitlinger has been the Executive Director of the WI Alliance for Retired Americans since its inception in 2005. He has worked to advance public policy that affects older Americans and stays committed to improving their lives.  Feitlinger educates seniors at community centers, nursing homes, in labor unions and other senior organizations about issues such as Medicare, Social Security and health care reform.

Prior to the passage of the new health law, Feitlinger traveled the state to make sure seniors understood the truth about its contents. He now educates seniors on how the new law affects them.  He also works to strengthen and protect Social Security, especially in this crucial time when a new Fiscal Commission threatens cuts to the program.

This week, Feitlinger and other activists from the WI Alliance for Retired Americans will celebrate the 75th Birthday of Social Security with parties in Kenosha, Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay.  Click here to get more information on the party in your area.

Social Security has enough money to cover full benefits for another 30 years, and has not contributed one cent to the nation’s budget problems.  These public birthday events will help set the record straight.

David Newby, President of the 250,000-member Wisconsin State AFL-CIO since 1994, has long fought for economic justice in the workplace and social justice in society. He was very pro-active in the state's charge to improve access to affordable, quality health care for Wisconsin families.

In 2003, Newby and the state federation created the Wisconsin Health Care Partnership Plan - a dynamic health care proposal offering unique solutions to the health care crisis. In 2007, the state federation's plan was integrated with other universal health care proposals to create the "Healthy Wisconsin: Your Choice, Your Plan," which serves as a national model for further health care reform.

WI Alliance for Retired Americans member Judy Burnick said, "Under their leadership, working together, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO and the Wisconsin ARA have formed a firm partnership to protect the health and economic security of seniors that rewards work, strengthens families and builds thriving communities.  Both David and Billy are examples of what leaders in this movement should strive to be."

(This article was shared with permission from the national Alliance for Retired Americans Blog: http://ara.typepad.com.  Photo: President Newby and Executive Director Feitlinger at the Alfred Hirsch Award Ceremony.  Photo Credit: Judy Burnick.  For more pictures of the award ceremony, visit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wisaflcio/sets/72157624544622169/.)