Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

More lies about right to work, Act 10 and the Wisconsin economy from the Koch Brothers

Amid a new quarterly data report released Wednesday, December 18, showing Wisconsin continues to lag the nation in job creation and is 37th in private-sector job growth is the new revelation that the Koch Brothers and their corporate funded front group ALEC are behind earlier “reports” that paint a better economic outlook of the state.  

Daniel Bice reports in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Koch brothers' foundation backed rosy May report on Wisconsin economy, that a policy paper “Rich States, Poor States” tying right to work and Act 10 with improved economic performance for Wisconsin was commissioned by none other than anti-union billionaires Charles and David Koch and pushed out by their right-wing front group the American Legislative Exchange Council or ALEC.

ALEC is a group of corporations and politicians that coordinate policy and push model bills in states across the country dealing with everything from voter suppression, attacks on unions, decreases consumer protection law, roll back of environmental standards to the defunding and privatization of public education.

The bogus report tries to connect job growth to Gov. Walker’s union-busting policies.  This is no surprise since the Koch Brothers have donated generous amounts to Gov. Walker’s campaign and are so close to the Governor that a one-on-one phone call from David Koch talking about planting fake protestors into the crowds at Madison to cause trouble and even flying Walker "out to Cali for a good time" is not out of the ordinary.

The truth is that right to work has zero impact on job growth, has never created a single job and has no links to improved economic performance.  States with right to work laws have lower wages for all workers, an increased number of accidents and deaths on the job as workers voices are stifled and depressed economies. Along with stripping workers of their rights at work, Act 10 and other decisions from Gov. Walker are expected to cost the state 18,000 full-time jobs a year.  

The link between the Koch Brothers and the bogus economic report was exposed in internal ALEC documents leaked internal to The Guardian.  You may have seen recent news articles about the proposed ALEC pledge where members promised to place the needs of the organization before the needs of constituents.  Or, the backlash and funding crisis ALEC is in after pushing Stand your Ground Laws, attacks on union and voter suppression laws across the country.  

Under, Scott Walker’s reign Wisconsin has been plagued by a lack of job growth.  The State of Working Wisconsin report by University of Wisconsin-Madison COWS shows that if Wisconsin had kept pace with the rest of the country we would have 33,000 additional jobs for workers.  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports in December 2013, Wisconsin continued to trail the national rate of job creation, as it has since July 2011…under the pace of job creation since Walker took office, Wisconsin is unlikely to achieve Walker's job creation goals during his first term, and that Wisconsin faces a chronic laggard in job creation.

The facts are clear:  if we want jobs, we need a new Governor in 2014.

Deck the Halls #WIunion

Make your own Blue Fist ornament this holiday season.  Simply go to http://buywi.org/ornament.pdf print the PDF, cut, fold, and assemble.  The easy, do-it-yourself ornament makes a great gift and adds personality to any tree!
 

As Rep. Petri, Rep. Duffy Head Home for the Holidays 99,000 Wisconsinites Will Lose Unemployment Benefits on December 28

As Congress heads home for the holidays, a new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisors shows that 99,000 unemployed workers in Wisconsin will lose their unemployment benefits by December 28.  

The report finds that failure to extend this emergency assistance will cause Wisconsin to lose 5,185 jobs in 2014. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is urging elected representatives to immediately act to help the economy and preserve this vital lifeline for the families of jobless workers searching for employment.

“It is inexcusable and irresponsible for Congress to let unemployment benefits lapse in a weak economy and during the holiday season,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “Severing the safety net for struggling families is terrible policy, even for a Congress that has failed to advance a proactive agenda to create jobs. At a time when unemployment in Wisconsin is still over 6 percent, our representatives’ refusal to act is the worst holiday gift families of millions of jobless Americans could ever receive.”

Congressional inaction before December 28 would end support for more than 1.3 million jobless workers nationally, while costing the economy 240,000 jobs nationwide because of decreased consumer demand. This heavy blow to a struggling economy is the latest unnecessary economic crisis after sequestration and the government shutdown.  

“The expiration of unemployment benefits will hurt workers in Wisconsin who want to work but have lost their jobs due to the poor economy,” added Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “Nearly 36% of jobless workers have been looking for work for more than six months. The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is calling on Rep. Petri, Rep. Duffy and all Wisconsin members of Congress to show some leadership and ensure these workers can support their families until they can find a job and reenter the workforce.”

The Holiday Season is Here! 'Buy Wisconsin'

With the holiday shopping season underway the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is asking community members, union workers and  the state to support the local economy and spur in-state job growth by buying Wisconsin made goods and services.  The federation of workers is launching a new website called BuyWI.org to promote Wisconsin business and encourage shoppers to “Buy Wisconsin” goods. 

The easy-to-use site educates browsers on the economic benefits of buying Wisconsin. The site contains a database of Wisconsin products and encourages users submit their favorite product to the list. 

Along with encouraging consumers to “Buy Wisconsin,” the state AFL-CIO is asking state government to increase procurement standards and prioritize both in-state and domestic purchasing.  The site contains a petition asking local law makers to strengthen state procurement standards, information on trade deals like NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, background on Wisconsin manufacturing and a list of Top Ten Reasons to “Buy Wisconsin.”  

“We’re encouraging Wisconsinites to think about using their purchasing power in a productive way that benefits local communities and Wisconsin workers,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “This holiday season we’re hoping shoppers think about the impact of their purchases, take time to look at the label and prioritize buying Wisconsin made or American made goods whenever possible.” 

While Wisconsin’s economy as a whole lags behind the rest of the nation in job growth, Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is recovering stronger than anticipated and providing good jobs to thousands of Wisconsinites.   Wisconsin is one of the most manufacturing heavy states in the nation, with nearly half a million workers, but corporate greed and fierce offshoring threaten to crush one of our state’s strongest engines of economic growth and meaningful employment. 

“Economists estimate that if each American spent just $64 on US made items during the holiday season alone, 200,000 jobs would be created,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “We want to bring that purchasing power to the local level to save and create jobs right here in Wisconsin.  While we are launching buywi.org during the busiest shopping period of the year, we want “Buy Wisconsin” to continue all year long.  The website allows people to access the great products workers make throughout Wisconsin and allows visitors to understand the power of their purchasing decisions.”

Visit buywi.org today!

BuyWI.org Website Launch!

Be the first the visit our new site, BuyWi.org, which brings you all the reasons to support local business this holiday shopping season as well as a database of products made right here by fellow Wisconsin workers! 

Go ahead, try it out, we’ll wait. http://buywi.org/

The easy-to-use site gives you the facts on the economic benefit of buying Wisconsin made goods and services. You can look through our Wisconsin made database of goods and submit your favorite product if it is missing from the list. 

We are also asking the state of Wisconsin to increase procurement standards and prioritize both in-state and domestic purchasing.  BuyWI.org contains:

•    A petition asking local law makers to strengthen state procurement standards.
•    A list of Top Ten Reasons to “Buy Wisconsin.”
•    Posters and graphics you can print or share online.
•    Information on trade deals like NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
•    Background on Wisconsin manufacturing.
•    Facts about Wisconsin’s economy.
•    A summary of Buy Wisconsin-friendly bills in the Wisconsin legislature.

 

Check it out today!  http://buywi.org/

MALC Blanket Drive

Workers, Farmers, Environmentalists call on Rep. Kind to Halt Trans-Pacific Partnership

A coalition of workers, environmentalists and family farmers braved the cold outside Rep. Ron Kind’s La Crosse office this afternoon to call on the Congressman to vote ‘no’ on “Fast Track” procedures for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).   Concerned about job loss, food safety and environmental standards, the coalition of workers and community members urged Rep. Kind to reconsider his support for a 12-nation NAFTA like trade deal which could result in job loss for the 1st Congressional District.  

“Why is Rep. Kind supporting “Fast Track” of the TPP?” asked David Newby, President of the Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition. “The TPP is a toxic trade agreement that will cost constituents countless jobs and erode any economic recovery that has been made in the US.  The TPP threatens the safety of our food and will result in good-paying Wisconsin jobs being shipped to low-wage foreign countries in a never-ending race to the bottom.”  

“The only winners in the TPP trade deal are corporations and wealthy special interests whose unceasing greed threatens the very core of the American middle class,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO.  “History has proven that trade deals are no good for the American worker. The TPP would cost Wisconsin workers jobs.”   

“It is shameful that this deal is being negotiated in secret and rushed through Congress on a “Fast Track” before the public even gets a chance to even see what the details are,” said Bill Brockmiller, President of the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO.  “We deserve transparency.  To negotiate this deal in secret is undemocratic.”  

To push through the TPP, Congress is being asked to grant the president what is called “Fast Track” authority.  Fast Track would let the president sign trade deals before Congress even gets to vote on them.  “Fast Track” requires a Congressional vote on the trade agreement within 60 days, limits debate to 20 hours, and prohibits amendments.  Rep. Kind is a co-chair of the "Friends of the TPP Caucus" which is currently pushing for Fast Track to be re-enacted.

City of La Crosse residents are also encouraging the City of La Crosse to follow the City of Madison and Dane County’s lead and pass a TPP free zone type measure.  First consideration of such a measure is on the agenda for City of La Crosse’s next Executive Committee meeting on December 17.  

Media Coverage

•    WXOW Channel 19, Locals protest proposed US trade agreement

•    LA Crosse Tribune, Labor, farmer, trade groups urge Kind to pull support on pact

•    WTAQ Radio, Local, state labor leaders urge Congressman to reverse support of trade pact

•    WKBT News 8, Unions, others challenging Rep. Kind on proposed trade agreement

Weston Fire Fighters Hit the Streets to Save Fire Service

The Village of Weston recently voted to disband the local fire department and switch to an all-volunteer program.  Alarmed by the consequences this decision will have on the local community, fire fighters from across Wisconsin joined with Weston fire fighters on Saturday to go door-to-door in order to talk with residents about the harmful impact of this decision.  

A full-time, permanent fire department allows for faster, safer and better fire prevention and extinguishing service for all members of the public. 

Support the Weston Fire Fighters in their fight for quality fire service today!

Federal Employees Facing Yet another Pay Cut

Federal workers could be facing a pay cut as soon as tomorrow! The so-called budget deal is expected to contain a proposal to double what federal employees pay for their pension beginning next year.

Call 1-888-775-3148 today and ask your Representative to support the retirement security of federal employees.

Federal workers have sacrificed well over $113 billion for deficit reduction since 2011, including a three-year pay freeze, increased pension contributions for newly hired employees, up to eight furlough days caused by sequestration this summer, and a 16-day shutdown this fall which resulted in financial hardship and profound anxiety for half the government’s workforce and their families.

Nevertheless, increasing the pension contributions of current federal employees is still on the table in the budget conference discussions designed to finance a two-year lifting of sequestration.  The proposal would effectively cut the take-home pay of federal employees who are already hurting. 

There are other ways to reduce the deficit than continually taking from hard-working, middle class Americans whose only sin has been to dedicate their lives to public service.

Please call 1-888-775-3148 today and ask your Senators and Member of Congress to urge the Budget Conference Committee to end Sequestration but not by forcing any changes to federal retirement or Social Security.

Fast Food Workers Walk Off Job in Wisconsin as #FastFoodStrikes Sweep Nation

Wisconsin fast food workers are not staying silent. On August 29, fast food workers in Wisconsin made history by walking out on strike as part of the largest day of worker action in the history of the fast food industry. Today, the movement continues to gain momentum as workers in Madison, Milwaukee and Wausau strike for higher pay and the right to form their own union without interference or retaliation from their employers. Workers are striking in over 100 cities to mark one year of protests for $15 and a union.

As the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, DeVonte Yates, a McDonald's worker in Milwaukee, earns $7.25 an hour, a wage that constantly forces him to make choices. 

"Do I want to keep my phone on or the lights? Do I want to get a late fee on my college tuition or buy books? The choices go on," said Yates, 21, who is studying criminal justice at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

Mary Coleman, 59, who works at Popeye's is a mother of two.  "I can't feed myself or my family on $7.25," said Coleman.  "I want to trade in my food stamp card for a union card."

“Fast food workers across the country struggle to make ends meet daily while McDonald's and other multinational fast food chains reap billions in yearly profits and pay CEOs, who have hardly seen the inside of a kitchen, millions of dollars in compensation,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “Something has to change. Income inequality is growing and too many working families are on the brink of poverty in America because economic gains are not being shared with those who labor and do the work.”

“If anyone tells you that McDonald's can’t afford to pay their workers a living wage, they haven’t looked at the numbers,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. “Our low-wage sector is growing. It is not teenagers in the fast food industry anymore. It is mothers, fathers and grandparents who have worked for years, sometimes decades, at McDonald's. These workers make the company successful and profitable. They deserve more than $7.25 an hour and the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO is proud to march in solidarity with fast food workers in Wisconsin.”

McWages don’t work for anyone. Fast food chains like McDonald's make billions in profit by paying poverty wages that force the families of their workers on to public assistance. A recent report by University of California, Berkeley revealed that the families of more than half of fast food workers, the majority of whom are women over 28, are forced to rely on public assistance to get by. The report found that fast food companies’ low pay ends up costing Wisconsin $166 million every year and $7 billion a year nationally.

Follow the action by searching the hashtag #fastfoodstrikes on social media sites and the internet.