Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

La Crosse, Oshkosh, Racine Citizens Speak Out at Statewide Jobs Hearings

On Monday, October 24, community members came together in La Crosse, Oshkosh and Racine to speak directly with their lawmakers about the jobs crisis facing many Wisconsin communities. 

Unlike Gov. Walker’s job forums, the jobs hearing are open to the public and allow for people living through these difficult economic times to ask questions about job creation and offer suggestions to their legislators. 

Mike Pawlak, a junior at UW Oshkosh, explained why he attended the jobs hearing:  "We need to make sure that our elected officials know that they need to take a more proactive stance. They need to start passing better policies that will better Wisconsin, and right now our state legislators aren't doing that.”

Also in Oshkosh Tonja Adams explained to the crowd, “I’m just looking for a living wage job, and if I can't get that, I don't know where I’m going to end up.”

Adams has been without full-time work for two years. Her unemployment benefits have expired -- and now a tumor threatens her life.

"I've gone through my savings and I don't know how I can survive after surgery without a job. I'm willing to work. I want to work. Now I can work, but there are no jobs.  All I'm asking from you today is to make some kind of commitment to me that you'll do something to help me in six weeks, not two years from now. I can't wait."

In Racine, Randy Bryce, Ironworkers Local 8, asked area lawmakers, “what are some specific projects in Kenosha and Racine that can put people to work right now? ”

With input from working people around the state the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has developed a ten-point jobs agenda which, if enacted, will put people back to work.

Jobs hearings were held at UW La Crosse, UW Oshkosh and the Roma Lodge in Racine.  

A jobs hearing is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 7:00 p.m. in Wausau at UW Marathon County, Terrace Room, 518 S. 7th St. 

Media Coverage of the Jobs Hearings

• Oshkosh Northwestern, Close to 100 Including Sen. King and Reps. Spanbauer and Hintz, attend jobs hearing

• Racine Journal Times, Job struggle continues, area residents tell legislators

• La Crosse Tribune, Help wanted: Forum seeks answers on jobs, education 

• WBAY, Green Bay:  Lawmakers Get Public Input on Need for Living Wage Jobs

• TMJ4 Milwaukee, Governor Walker's job goal comes under attack at pro-union meeting in Racine

Jobs Hearing Schedule

On Monday, October 24 Jobs Hearings will take place in Racine, Oshkosh and La Crosse.  Don't miss this great opportunity to talk directly with your lawmakers about the number one issue facing most Wisconsin communities:  jobs.  

 

• Racine: Oct. 24, 7:00 pm, Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street. 

• Oshkosh: Oct. 24, 7:00 pm, UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd

• La Crosse:  Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, UW La Crosse Cartwright Center, WARD Room, 1741 State Street. 

Citizens Pack Milwaukee Area Jobs Hearing

Over 200 concerned constituents packed the Washington Park Senior Center in Milwaukee last night to speak directly with their lawmakers at the first of several statewide Jobs Hearings. 

Topics included employment discrimination, high unemployment rates in the city of Milwaukee, the need for good jobs for Veterans and healthcare caps on families with special needs children. 

Lawmakers on the panel who listened and responded to constituents included Sen. Chris Larson, Sen. Spencer Coggs, Rep. Sandy Pasch, Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa and Rep. Fred Kessler.  Nik Kovac and Ashanti Hamilton of the Common Council and Nikiya Harris and Eyon Biddle of the County Board were also in attendance at the Jobs Hearings.

Moderating the forum was LaShell Drake of the Milwaukee Inter City Congregations Allied for Hope,  M.I.C.A.H.   Rev. Willie Brisco, President of M.I.C.A.H opened the jobs hearings with a prayer. 

“We’re here for jobs, we’re here to hear from you, so don’t be shy,” explained Sen. Spencer Coggs.

“We’re here because we care desperately about what’s happening to Milwaukee and Wisconsin and we want to save our state.  Let’s put our heads together as a community of concerned citizens and come up with solutions,” stated Rep. Sandy Pasch. 

Gerry Miller, United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1343, kicked the hearing off by asking what lawmakers are doing to create good jobs at home in Wisconsin.

“I am one of the lucky ones who is very thankful to have a good job,” stated Miller.  “What I see in my community is that the next generation is struggling to find good-paying, American jobs.  What are we doing to bring jobs to Wisconsin?  What are we doing to combat the off shoring of our jobs to China?” 

Edward Jude of Milwaukee raised another concern of the community.  “On my way here I passed boarded up homes because my community has no jobs.  A community with no jobs is a community in crisis.  Veterans coming home from serving our country are struggling to find work.  We don’t need to be sending jobs out of our state, we need jobs right here at home.” 

“I assume we are all part of the 99%,” said Sen. Chris Larson.  “Let’s move forward with shared prosperity and tax fairness.  When they stop creating jobs, they lose the right to be called job creators.” 

Jobs Hearings are also planned for Racine, Oshkosh and La Crosse on Monday, October 24. 

• Racine: Oct. 24, 7:00 pm, Roma Lodge, 7130 Spring Street. 

• Oshkosh: Oct. 24, 7:00 pm, UW Oshkosh Reeve Memorial Union, 748 Algoma Blvd

• La Crosse:  Oct. 24, 7:30 pm, UW La Crosse Cartwright Center, WARD Room, 1741 State Street. 

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Unveils Jobs Agenda to Get Wisconsin Working

The jobs crisis is the number one threat to the Wisconsin economy.  The high unemployment rate and the toll it is taking on working families demands that we create a broad movement for quality, family-sustaining jobs and a just economy. 

Income inequality is at record levels because the prosperity created by labor is no longer being shared with those who do the work.  These issues must be the top priority of policymakers both in Madison and Washington.  The people of Wisconsin deserve concrete proposals, immediate action and accountability to ensure that the legislature is actually creating jobs.

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO has developed a “Rebuild Wisconsin’s Middle Class” Jobs Agenda.  It outlines real job-creating proposals that we call upon our elected representatives to enact.

“At the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO we have put forth a set of concrete, specific proposals which are guaranteed to create family-supporting jobs for Wisconsin families,” explained Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.   “If partisan politics are put aside, this agenda will create good jobs for our local communities.” 

“This is the right agenda to get Wisconsin working again” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “This agenda re-establishes fairness so that the 99% of people who work hard and play by the rules have a fair shake in our society.  Gov. Walker needs to stop rewarding the wealthiest 1% and start putting middle class Wisconsinites first.” 

The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Jobs Agenda proposes strengthening “Buy Wisconsin” and “Buy America” requirements for the state, corporate accountability to taxpayers, investment in green technologies and infrastructure, raising Wisconsin’s minimum wage and other job creating strategies which can be found here.

Statewide Jobs Hearings where the public will discuss job creation directly with their lawmakers are being held in Racine, Oshkosh and La Crosse on October 24.

Wisconsinites Take to the Streets for America Wants to Work Week of Action

Across the nation, union members held more than 200 events demanding Congress focus on a real jobs creation agenda and speaking out—often in conjunction with the Occupy Wall Street actions in cities around the nation—against Big Banks and Wall Street greed.

Union members and concerned citizens took to the streets as part of the America Wants to Work national week of action.

In Wisconsin, events were held in Appleton, Eau Claire, Milwaukee, Racine and Wausau. 

In Appleton, workers marched down College Ave in a funeral procession for good jobs, carrying a coffin filled with symbols of a strong middle class with good jobs for families.  The march ended at Rep. Reid Ribble’s office where constituents urged Rep. Ribble to support the American Jobs Act which will put 20,000+ Wisconsinites to work.

A similar wake for good jobs event was held in Eau Claire where over 50 people gathered to mourn the loss of family-supporting Wisconsin jobs.   Dave Anderson, President of the faith and community group Joining our Neighbors Advancing Hope, J.O.N.A.H, opened the memorial service with a short eulogy paying respect to the good jobs which are dearly missed in our communities. 

Jobless worker roundtables took place in Kenosha and Milwaukee.  Job seekers shared their stories of unemployment and the struggle to make ends meet in the current economy.  They encouraged lawmakers to pass job creation strategies so the jobless can get back to work and feed their families. 

In Wausau, unemployed workers rallied outside of Rep. Sean Duffy’s office to encourage him to pass the American Jobs Act and put people to work doing work that needs doing. 

Allen Peltier, an unemployed welder from  Amherst Junction said he has been unemployed since his job was eliminated three years ago. His wife works as a custodian at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and the pair have managed to scrape by with her salary and his unemployment benefits.

Peltier said Obama's proposal of putting people to work on infrastructure projects is suited for his skills and those of other Americans now unemployed.

"This can't be about politics anymore," Peltier said. "The American people should come first.”

For pictures of the America Wants to Work Week of Action click here. 

Jobs Hearings to Begin in Milwaukee

The first of several jobs hearings will take place at the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet Street,  in Milwaukee on Monday, October 17 at 7:00 pm.  The jobs hearing will give citizens a chance to speak directly with their legislators about the need for quality, family-sustaining jobs in the area.  

The jobs crisis is the number one threat to our economy and a concern of many Wisconsinites.  Although Gov. Walker promised to create 250,000 new jobs for Wisconsin, it is clear that continuous tax breaks for the super rich have not helped the people of Wisconsin.  The lack of family-supporting jobs is the priority issue that must be addressed immediately by policymakers.   

Additional Jobs Hearing will be held in La Crosse, Oshkosh and Racine on October 24.  

As of Oct. 16, lawmakers confirmed to attend  include Sen. Tim Carpenter, Sen. Spencer Coggs, Sen. Chris Larson,  Rep. Sandy Pasch, Rep. Christine Sinicki, Rep. Barbara Toles and Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa.

Appleton Workers Hold Wake for Good Jobs

Appleton workers marched down College Ave yesterday carrying a coffin full of good-jobs.  Community members held a wake to honor the thousands of good jobs that have been lost in Wisconsin in recent years. 
 

The march ended at Rep. Reid Ribble’s office, where constituents encouraged Rep. Ribble to vote in favor of the American Jobs Act which will put 20,000+ Wisconsinites back to work.

The jobs crisis is the number one threat to our economy.  Funeral march participants demand that elected officials, like Rep. Ribble, put the American people above politics and act immediately to create family-sustaining jobs for out of work Wisconsinites. 

"I'm very concerned about the economy and with what people are doing in Washington. In order to get this economy going, you have to put people back to work.  If they don't start passing some jobs bills, the economy is going to be stale, " explained Michael Bolton Director of United Steel Workers  District 2 who attended the wake for good jobs.  

Appleton workers took to the streets as part of the “America Wants to Work” National Week of Action.  In Wisconsin, actions are took place in Appleton, Eau Claire, Kenosha, Milwaukee, and Wausau.

Americans across the nation are calling for a jobs plan that invests in infrastructure, revives U.S. manufacturing, puts people to work doing work that needs to be done, helps federal, state and local governments avoid more layoffs and cutbacks to vital services, helps fill the massive shortfall of consumer demand by extending unemployment benefits and keeps homeowners in their homes; all the while reforming Wall Street so that it helps Main Street create jobs. 


For media coverage of the event view WBAY Green Bay's story, People in Northeast Wisconsin are Looking for a Jobs Plan:  http://www.wbay.com/story/15691798/2011/10/13/people-in-northeast-wisconsin-are-looking-for-a-jobs-plan

 

For pictures of the event click here. 

#OccupyWisconsin

Across the country, the 99 percent are standing up and speaking out against corporate greed, the corporate takeover of politics, joblessness and the financial meltdown which tailspinned our economy.  

This weekend marks a global day of solidarity with the Occupy Movement.  The 99 percent will not be silenced as the 1% consolidates our country’s wealth.

Occupy events are taking place at various locations across Wisconsin beginning Friday, October 14.

• Appleton, Saturday, Oct. 15:   Gather at Jones Park at 9:00 am, bring your own lunch for noon.  March to Chase Bank at 1:00 pm.  3:00 pm march to Houdini Plaza. 5:00 pm march back to Jones Park.

• Eau Claire, Saturday, Oct 15:  10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Owen Park.
  

• Green Bay, Friday Oct. 14:  Rally at Green Bay City Hall, 3:00 pm.
  

• La Crosse:  Visit the Occupy La Crosse Face Book page for up to date information.

• Madison, Saturday Oct. 15:   March with Occupy Madison in the March to End the Wars, sponsored by the Madison Area Peace Coalition. 11:30 am, Library Mall.

• Milwaukee, Saturday Oct. 15:  11:00 am rally at Zeidler Park followed by a march to Chase Bank.

• New Berlin, Friday, Oct 14:  Meet at Malone Park at 3:30pm and march to Chase Bank on 155th & National Avenue

We are protesting the misplaced priorities that have rewarded corporate CEOs and Wall Street bankers and left millions of Americans to suffer.  Wall Street and corporate America wrecked our economy, it is time that banks and big corporations step up to fix it. It is time they invest in America and start creating the kind of good jobs that support a family by rebuilding our infrastructure and improving our schools.

Support a local Occupy action this weekend. Stand up and speak out for good jobs in our communities and a better direction for our state.

Wireless Wednesdays: Adopt a Verizon Store!

For several weeks Wisconsin workers have been standing in solidarity with the Communications Workers of America (C.W.A) and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W) of Verizon Wireless who have been working without a contract.

Even though the strike has ended, Verizon Wireless refuses to bargain in good faith with its workers.  45,000 Verizon workers are fighting for a fair contract and to preserve the middle class and the American Dream in the Northeast.

If wealthy corporations like Verizon continue to outsource jobs and hold down worker wages, there is no hope for an economic recovery.

To date, Wisconsin workers have leafleted Verizon Wireless Stores in Appleton, Eau Claire, Grand Chute, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Wauwatosa. 

You can adopt a store in your area or join an already planned leaflet by visiting: http://local.we-r-1.org/adopt

 

  “Last Wednesday we went out in front of Verizon stores in the area to pass out fliers letting people know about the clash between Verizon and their workers. Even in the more conservative town of Brookfield we found a lot of people expressing concern for the workers.  A number of folks who were shocked because they thought the issue was already settled. It just goes to show how important it is to educate people,” explained Emily Ruf of Milwaukee.

 

To view more photos of Verizon actions visit the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO photo page by clicking here.   

Tort Bills are Clear Corporate Giveaway

It’s being billed as a special session on job creation, but so far the people of Wisconsin can’t find proposals that actually create jobs.  Gov. Walker is once again trying to slip through several tort bills which let companies off the hook when they produce a defective or dangerous product.  A “tort” is a wrongful or negligent act for which victims deserve just legal compensation.

Instead of creating jobs, Gov. Walker wants to grant legal immunity to drug companies, making it impossible for anyone who has been harmed by FDA-approved drugs to hold drug producers accountable.  Only one state, Michigan, has similar legislation.  Wisconsin’s law would be even more extreme, extending legal immunity to makers of medical devices like automatic external defibrillators, heart valves and artificial hips.

“How does this create jobs?” asked Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “Liability laws are put in place to protect the consumer and ensure that the manufacturer makes a safe product.  This is a clear giveaway to Gov. Walker’s corporate backers.  This proposal does nothing to help employ the people of Wisconsin and everything to help big-time, special interest drug company CEOs.  The CEO of the drug company Pfizer made $13.7 million in 2009, which is $52,692 per workday – more than the annual median household income for a Wisconsin family in 2010.”

“Drug companies have a responsibility to the public to make a safe product,” explained Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “If Gov. Walker takes that responsibility away, we set a dangerous precedent and put every Wisconsinite who has ever taken prescription medicine or relied on a medical device at risk.”