Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

Wisconsin Labor Day Events

View the list below to find a Labor Day event near you!

Fox Valley / Neenah-Menasha

10:00 am parade, Milwaukee Street, Menasha

Parade Route starts in Menasha on Milwaukee Street to Main Street down Tayco Street to Neenah Commercial Street and turns on Wisconsin Avenue ends at the intersection of Church and Main Street.

Fox Valley Area Labor Council Annual Labor day Celebration  

 11:00 am -3:00 pm Neenah Labor Temple 157 S Green Bay Road, Neenah

LIVE MUSIC BEAKER STREET 11:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. LITTLE VITO & THE TORPEDOES 3:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. Corn Roast, Paddlewheel, Beverage & Food Tents, Huge Crafts & White Elephant Sale. FACE PAINTING by BEST FRIENDS BADGER BOUNCERS

---

---

Kenosha Laborfest 

Noon to 7:00 p.m. St. Therese Picnic Grounds, 9005 22nd Ave

This is the annual Kenosha Laborfest featuring booths from all labor organizations in the Kenosha area. Exceptional variety of food vendors at reasonable prices and free kids activities. Raffle prizes, beer tent and activities for the whole family. Rain or Shine!

---

Marinette Labor Day Picnic
Noon to 5:00 p.m.,.  City Park, Marinette

We will have food, beer, and a first class blues band (Kilborn Alley Blues Band- http://www.kilbornalley.com/) to celebrate solidarity. The local police and firefighters will also be having events for children. Show up and join the fight. 

---

---

Greater Green Bay Labor Council Annual Labor Day Family Picnic

11:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Bay Beach Park

Food and Refreshments, Rides, Raffles, Music, Bingo, Games for the Kids.  Click here for flyer and agenda.

---

---

Oshkosh Labor Day Picnic and Car Show 
11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.  South Park, Oshkosh

The Winnebago County Labor Council will be hosting the Annual City-Wide Labor Day Picnic and Car Show in South Park in Oshkosh Wisconsin.  Along with the picnic we will be having our 11th Annual Antique and Classic Automobile Show all day in the park

---

---

Wausau Labor Day Parade 
4:00 parade W. Wausau Ave between 1st And 3rd Ave

Grand Marshal Donna Seidel Rep from the 85th Assembly District.  Citizen of The Year John Spiegelhoff AFSCME.  Labor Day Parade Food Drive: We will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations. Donations will be given to the Neighbors Place. (Look for vehicle and staff at the end of the parade or drop off at the Labor Temple parking lot.) 

Wisconsin Rapids Area - Labor Day Celebration

11:00 AM – 6 PM, Robinson Park, Wisconsin Rapids

Live Music – Rumours 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Southbound 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Food & Beverage Tents, Free Children’s Rides/Games, Heavy Equipment Display, Raffle and Bingo!  Please join us!

---

Milwaukee Labor Day Parade & Laborfest
11:00am Zeider Union Square Park. Summerfest grounds Noon to 5:00 pm

Wisconsin’s largest Labor Day celebration.

---

La Crosse Labor Fest

10:00 to 2:30 p.m. north end of Copeland Park.  Parade begins on North Side of La Crosse

The Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. on the North Side of La Crosse.  Labor Fest runs from 10 a.m. until approximately 2:30 p.m. at the north end of Copeland Park.

---

---

Eau Claire

Greater West Central Area Labor Council Labor Day Walk, Rally and Picnic.  Walks from 4 locations around the city of Eau Claire to Phoenix Park in beautiful down town Eau Claire begin at 10AM.  Rally at Phoenix Park 11-Noon. Picnic, music, and prizes 12-3 PM. Raffle for $ with proceeds to “Feed My People” in West Central Wisconsin.  

---

---

Fond du Lac Labor Day Parade and Picnic
11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Oven Island

The Fond du Lac Labor Day Parade begins at 11:00am followed by a picnic at Lakeside Park in Oven Island until 5:00 pm. 

---

---

Madison LaborFest

12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park St.

Annual Labor Day Celebration. Two bands, food & drink, kids activities, display tables, Solidarity Roll Call

---

---

Racine County Labor Fest

Noon to 5:00 pm, Franksville Park, 9700 Northwestern Ave

Through the generosity of the tavern league, local unions, and their members food, beer, and soda are free. Games for the children, antique auto show, and political speeches. The three annual awards will be presented by 2:00 PM.  Franksville Park, 9700 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, WI 53126.  Click here for flyer.

Rockin' for Union Rights: Justice Tour 2011

Last February, Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine, The Nightwatchman) , Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) and Wayne Kramer (The MC5) came to Madison amid the protests to lend their songs in support of the fight for union rights.

Now, they are joining forces once again for the Justice Tour 2011 which will stop in Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan this September. All profits will benefit The Nation Institute.

Be sure to catch the show in Madison, this Labor Day, September 5, at The Barrymore.  Find tickets here.

Last month, Morello released the EP Union Town, with all profits benefiting the America Votes Labor Unity Fund via SaveWorkers.org. The release consists of pro-union songs and was inspired by Morello's performance in Madison in February of this year in protest Scott Walker's anti-union bill.

"This year's Justice Tour aims to support independent media which is battling the mountain of disinformation and propaganda foisted on the public by right wing media barons. We will also return to the union battlegrounds of the Midwest to help steel the backbone of workers under siege," said Tom Morello.

Tim McIlrath added, "Playing with Tom on the steps of the Capital building in Madison last February was an inspiring experience. I can't wait to join him again for such an important cause. Media has become a battleground, and we're out to even the odds."

The Justice Tour 2011

• September 2, 2011 - The Birchmere - Alexandria, VA 

• September 5th - Madison, WI The Barrymore Theatre (All Ages)

• September 6th - Cleveland, OH Grog Shop (All Ages)                        

• September 7th - Flint, MI The Machine Shop (18+)

 

Links for more info

www.nightwatchmanmusic.com + www.riseagainst.com + www.waynekramer.com + www.jailguitardoors.org + www.nationinstitute.org + www.axisofjustice.net

Where is Paul Ryan?

It’s day 5 of the Where is Paul Ryan?  sit-in.  A number of Congressman Ryan’s unemployed constituents are hoping to talk to him about the jobs crisis.  They have been peacefully gathering at his Janesville and Racine offices daily in hopes of obtaining a meeting with their Congressmen. 

Instead they have been denied a meeting, asked to leave, ignored and locked out.

Paul Ryan could simply pick up the phone or email his concerned constituents about his jobs agenda, instead he has had his staff file a formal complaint with the police department banning his constituents from the building. 

View photos from the sit-in

 

Watch the video as Congressmen Ryan’s constituents are banned from the building:

 

Constituents are also concerned that Paul Ryan's only public appearance costs $15 to attend, putting him out of reach to many of the people he represents. Last year Congressmen Ryan held 15 public listening sessions during the August recess.  This year he has held ZERO.

Learn more about the Kenosha 7 and their on-going struggle to meet with their Congressmen here.

Follow Wisconsin Jobs Now for more updates. 

(Photo Credit:  Wisconsin Jobs Now)

Union Plus Helps Pay Union Families College Cost

Saving for your child's or grandchild's college education?  If you are an active or retired union member you are eligible for a $500 Union Plus college tuition grant with no strings attached. 

Union Plus, part of Union Privilege, the consumer benefits arm of the AFL-CIO, is helping union members reach their education savings goals with Union Plus college savings grants.

Union Plus college savings grants provide $500 to union members and retirees who open a new 529 for their young children or grandchildren. The account must have a balance of at least $1,000 and the beneficiary must be 12 years old or younger at the time the account is opened.

Click here for more information on how to apply for the grant.

The college savings grant is just one of the education assistance programs Union Plus offers to union members. Click the links below to learn more about an array of Union Plus scholarships and other programs that can help you meet the high cost of paying college, and help prepare union members, their children and grandchildren for the future. Here are some of the programs:

• Union Plus Scholarship Online Application: $150,000 in awards to union members and their children.

• Education Rebates: Education rebates of $50, $125 or $250 for Union Plus Credit Card holders who make eligible education-related purchases.

• National Labor College Scholarships: Help for union members and leaders who want to obtain degrees at the National Labor College.

• Test Prep Savings: Save 15 percent to 60 percent on college and graduate school test preparation courses from The Princeton Review.

The AFL-CIO Blog Now contributed to this report.  

‘Kenosha Seven’ Occupy Rep. Ryan’s Office to Talk About Jobs

Jobless constituents of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan are sitting-in at his Kenosha office demanding to speak with him about the jobs crisis and his job creation plans for Wisconsin -- yet Rep. Ryan is no where to be seen.

Seven unemployed workers from the Kenosha area have pledge to hold an around-the-clock presence at Paul Ryan’s office until he agrees to meet with them.

Some of the participants are lifelong residents of the area, like Scott Page, who was laid off right after training the foreign worker who would replace him when his job was shipped overseas. Others have been unemployed or underemployed for years.  Shanon Molina, a single mother who lost her job as an administrative after 10 years with a company, can’t find work at even half of her previous salary.

Paul Ryan has to yet to meet with his constituents. Currently, the only way to talk with Rep. Ryan is to pay for a $15 out-of-district meet and greet event.  This is out of reach to many of his constituents.

“He wants to talk to big donors. He wants to talk to the people that will line his pockets. And the people that actually have real crises going on right now, the people like me that can’t put food on their table, he doesn’t want to talk to us,” explained Shanon Molinda who plans to stay at Paul Ryan’s office until he agrees to meet with her.

The people of Wisconsin have sent a clear message to Scott Walker, Paul Ryan and every politician that job creation should be the number one priority. Instead Scott Walker and his political allies are pushing through voter suppression laws, undemocratic redistricting maps, union busting legislation and other job-killing policies which lead to a loss of 12,500 Wisconsin private sector jobs in July.

The Kenosha Seven plan to be at Paul Ryan’s office from 9:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. everyday until Rep. Ryan talks with them. Lend your support and stop by the ongoing protest at Paul Ryan's Kenosha Office at 5455 Sheridan Rd.

Check out the Support the Paul Ryan Sit-In Face Book Page here

Click here for video of the sit-in via The Rochester Citizen

Click here for the July jobs report

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape

It’s official, last February Scott Walker and his GOP allies started it, tonight the hard-working people of Wisconsin have finished it.  Senator Jim Holperin and Senator Bob Wirch easily survive a recall attempt forced by right-wing, corporate special interests and will continue to represent Senate District 12 and Senate District 22 respectively.

The voters of Wisconsin have spoken loud and clear, rejecting Scott Walker’s radical attack on education, health care, worker rights and Wisconsin families.

Tonight, Recall Summer draws to a close.  The people of Wisconsin have recalled two anti-worker politicians, Dan Kapanke and Randy Hopper, and have stood up to defend middle class heroes Senator Holperin and Senator Wirch. 

“Tonight’s election wins continues to show that the people of Wisconsin are looking for a check on Scott Walker’s reckless and radical agenda,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “Last week we gained two critical seats in the Wisconsin State Senate.  Tonight, coupled with Senator Hansen’s win in July, working people have won five of the nine recall elections.  This turning tide shows that voters in Wisconsin are sending a clear message:  the rubber-stamping of Walker’s extreme agenda by the Wisconsin Senate is not the way forward.”

“The middle class is fighting back.  Tonight the people prove once again that Scott Walker’s aggressive attack on worker rights, health care, education and local communities is not what Wisconsin wants,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.   “Senator Holperin and Senator Wirch, of the Wisconsin 14, have proven that taking strong and courageous steps to protect Wisconsin’s middle class is always the right thing to do.”

Election Day Information for SD 12 and SD 22

Today, Tuesday, August 16, is Election Day for Senate District 12 and Senate District 22.  Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Find your polling location by clicking here.

In Senate District 12, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has endorsed Senator Jim Holperin.  Senator Holperin is an accessible Senator who listens to his constituents and fights for the people of the Northwoods.  He is an avid hunter and fisher. 

 

In Senate District 22, the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has endorsed Senator Bob Wirch.  Senator Wirch will stand up to corporate special interests and fight for a fair and balanced economy that works for all. 

 

Unsure if you can vote today?  Click here to see who your Legislators are.  If you live in Senator Wirch or Senator Holperin's district you can vote to support them!  Races are tight and every vote counts.

 

Both Senator Holperin and Senator Wirch took bold and courageous action for the working people of Wisconsin last February.  As members of Wisconsin’s heroic “Fabulous 14” Jim Holperin and Bob Wirch have a proven record of fighting for Wisconsin’s middle class.

Don’t live in a recall district but want to help get out the vote?  Click here for volunteer times and locations.

 

GOTV Locations for Senate District 12 and 22

Join us this weekend at the locations below to help get out the vote for endorsed candidates, Senator Jim Holperin (Senate District 12) and Senator Bob Wirch (Senate District 22). 

Learn more about all the candidates on the ballot this Tuesday, August 16 by clicking here.

Car pools heading into Senate Districts will be leaving from Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park Street (info below).

12th Senate District

Rhinelander
Best Western Claridge Motor Inn - 70 North Stevens

Minocqua
305 E. Chicago Ave

Niagara
Fire Hall, 1241 Jackson St.

Crivitz
Hunter's Glen Golf Cart Maintenance Facility, W7572 Old W Road

Antigo
Antigo Corner Cafe, 800 Fifth Avenue

 

22nd Senate District

Kenosha
UAW Local 72, 3615 Washington Road

Burlington
Southern Lakes United Educators, 616 Droster Avenue

 

Madison (statewide)

1602 S. Park Street
Office Phone #608-206-9451

Get information about roadtrips to Kenosha and locations throughout the 12th Senate District

Roadtrips and carpools will leave from 9:30am.

Phonecalling will be going on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.

Please contact info@wearewisconsin.org or the Madison Labor Temple at 608-206-9451 for questions about where you can help this weekend.

Meet the Candidates for Tuesday, August 16

Last Tuesday, the people of Wisconsin elected two new Senators, establishing a check on Scott Walker’s reckless and radical agenda.  On Tuesday, August 16 we must stand up to protect those who stood up for us. 

Tuesday, August 16 is Election Day for Senate District 12, Senator Jim Holperin, and Senate District 22, Senator Bob Wirch.

Click here for a list of locations where you can stop by to help get out the vote this weekend.

In Senate District 12, the Rhinelander, Merrill, Wausau area, The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has endorsed Senator Holperin.  Senator Holperin is an accessible Senator that listens to his constituents and fights for the people of the Northwoods.  He is an avid hunter and fisher.  The Wausau Daily Herald recently endorsed Senator Holperin in Tuesday’s election.  Read more about Senator Holperin below.

Challenging Jim Holperin is a Tea-Party extremist Kim Simac.  Simac recently compared Wisconsin public schools to Nazi indoctrination camps and outsourced local jobs to China.  When Simac published a patriotic book she authored, she choose to outsource jobs to China by utilizing foreign printers instead of a multitude of local printing houses.

You can check out what Simac says at this website:  http://stuffsimacsays.com/

In Senate District 22, Kenosha, The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has endorsed Senator Bob Wirch.  As a member of Wisconsin’s “Fabulous 14” Senator Wirch took dramatic action for the working people of his district.  He has a proven record of standing up to corporate special interests and fighting for a fair and balanced economy that works for all.  His main focus is bringing good jobs to his area.  Read more about Senator Wirch below.

Challenging Senator Wirch on Tuesday, August 16 is Jonathan Steitz.  Steitz is under criminal investigation for renting his home to a dangerous sex offender within close proximity of a local middle school.  Read about it in the Kenosha News.  Steiz is a newcomer to both Wisconsin politics and Wisconsin itself.  Born and raised in Texas, Steitz works mostly in Chicago and London as an international attorney who turns layoffs into profits for an out of state lawfirm.  At Latham and Watkins, Steitz specializes in selling junk bonds and arranging job-killing mergers and acquisitions. He helps corporations outsource jobs or force massive layoffs to improve their bottom lines.
 
Endorsed Candidates – August 16th
 

JIM HOLPERIN (SD 12; Election Day – August 16th)
Jim Holperin is born and raised in Eagle River and has worked to serve the state of Wisconsin ever since he graduated from UW-Whitewater. As the current senator for the 12th State Senate District, Holperin has fought for manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin – helping companies to be more productive and innovative. He continues to protect funding for neighborhood schools and has been a strong, consistent advocate for hunters, fishermen, and gun owners. Holperin currently serves his neighbors and community on the 12th Senate District in fighting for the future development of the Northwoods.

 

BOB WIRCH (SD 22; Election Day – August 16th)

Bob Wirch is a lifelong resident of Kenosha, Wisconsin and serves his community today as the current State Senator of the 22nd district. Wirch has been a leading advocate for ending wage discrimination and enforcing pay equity in Wisconsin. He has stood up for the Kenosha area as it faced devastating budget cuts and continues to protect funding for education in an effort to invest in the future economy in the region. Wirch has stood firmly against balancing the budget on the backs of the hard working people of the state and of the 22nd

Middle Class Wisconsin Fights Back

Tonight Wisconsinites stood up and reclaimed two Senate District seats in the historic summer recall elections.

In a huge victory for working people, Jessica King and Jennifer Shilling will head to Madison to represent Senate District 18 and Senate District 32 respectively.

Flipping at least two traditional Republican districts is a huge win.  Let's remember, we are the middle class, we are fighting back and we are starting to win.

“In today’s historic elections, thousands of voters sent the message that we are a growing movement to reclaim the middle class,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “By flipping at least two Senate Districts, Wisconsinites took a great step to restore balance and accountability in the Wisconsin Legislature.  Let’s be clear, anyway you slice it, this is an unprecedented victory and we hope for honest results from Senate District 8.” 

“Tonight we see a turning tide in traditionally solid Republican districts,” explained Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “We may not have achieved majority vote in each district but the real story of the recalls is that the middle class is fighting back and we are starting to win.  In Wisconsin, we don’t give up easily.  This fight is not over.  We will fight Scott Walker’s radical agenda to crush the middle class at every turn.”