Wisconsin State AFL-CIO Blog

On Workers Memorial Day, Honor the Dead, Fight for the Living

Every day 150 workers in America die from job injuries and occupational diseases. Thursday, April 28 marks Workers Memorial Day, a day we come together to commemorate those we lost and press forward for stronger protections for safer workplaces.

On April 28, in cities, towns, union halls, at worksites and memorials, in community after community, working families will gather to remember our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives and to fight for safe workplaces and for good jobs for all workers.

Working people face dangers on the job every day from toxic chemicals, safety hazards and growing threats like workplace violence. We need stronger safety and health protections on the job as well as strong unions who fight for the rights of all workers and who set the standard for safe workplaces.

In 2014, nearly 4,700 workers were killed on the job. But that is only a part of the deadly toll. Each year, another 50,000 workers die from occupational diseases caused by exposures to toxic chemicals and other health hazards.

This Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost on the job and push forward to continue the fight middle class families, collective bargaining rights and look toward to a future when everyone who goes to work comes home safely. 

 

Worker Memorial Day Events Around Wisconsin

 

La Crosse              

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

5 pm

Green Island Park, 2312 7th Street South, La Crosse

 

Madison

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

11 AM

Madison Labor Temple, Room 201-A, 1602 S Park St, Madison

 

Building Trades Procession

3 PM

Line up at Monona Terrace at 3 PM

Building Traces process to St. Patrick’s church at 3:30 PM.

Service starts at 4 PM.

 

Menomonie

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

4 pm - 7 pm (Brief Program at 6:30 pm)

Dean and Sue's Bar and Grill, 2002 Midway Road, Menomonie

 

Milwaukee

Thursday, April 28th, 2016

5pm Guest Speaker Program

WI Workers Memorial, Zeidler Union Square

4th Street and Michigan Avenue, Milwaukee

5:45pm Food, Beverages, Program

American Postal Workers Union Hall, 417 N. 3rd Street, Milwaukee

 

Rhinelander

Saturday, April 30

11 AM - 1 PM
Pioneer Park: Intersection of Kemp Street & Oneida Ave, Rhinelander WI  54501
In case of rain meet at Saint Augustine's Guild Hall.

5th Annual observance to remember workers who lost their lives at work. Last year in WI 42 workers died while at work. Upon entering Pioneer Park look to the right and Workers' Memorial Rock is set in the pines.

Keynote Speaker: Kelly Bubolz, OSHA Compliance Assistance
Remembrance Bell Toll
Music provided by Robert Wojnowski

Constitution Upheld: Right to Work remains blocked in Wisconsin

Earlier this morning, after hearing arguments from both sides, Judge William Foust denied Attorney General Brad Schimel’s request for a stay. Right to Work remains illegal in Wisconsin. 

We are pleased with Judge Foust’s decision stating clearly again that Right to Work is unconstitutional in the state of Wisconsin.  Rather than respecting the constitution, Gov. Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel are trying every legal maneuver in the book to advance their own partisan agenda and deny workers our right to a meaningful union.

Help us as we continue to stand up for workers in court. Donate to the Workers Legal Defense Fund and stand with Wisconsin workers today.

Gov. Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel are attempting to use their political power to muscle their agenda through the courts.  Thankfully, the constitution is on our side.

We know that unions are key to a healthy middle class and that workers coming together through unions is the best way to raise wages and restore our economy.  Despite Gov. Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel’s best efforts to use their political power to distort our legal process, the courts have once again affirmed that the so-called Right to Work law is indeed unconstitutional.

Checks can be sent to the Workers Legal Defense Fund:

 

Wisconsin AFL-CIO Workers Legal Defense Fund

6333 W. Blue mound Road

Milwaukee, WI, 53213

 

Before Scott Walker came along, Wisconsin had a long tradition of valuing fairness and respecting the rights of workers. We will continue to keep you informed as the case makes its way through the courts. 

Statement by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO on Judge Foust Decision to Deny a Stay in RTW Case

 

Gov. Walker's Right to Work law remains blocked as Judge Foust denies the state's request for a stay. 

“We are pleased with Judge Foust’s decision stating clearly again that Right to Work is unconstitutional in the state of Wisconsin,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Rather than respecting the constitution, Gov. Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel are trying every legal maneuver in the book to advance their own partisan agenda and deny workers their right to a meaningful union.”

“Unions are key to a healthy middle class and workers coming together through unions is the best way to raise wages and restore our economy,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.  “Despite Gov. Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel’s best efforts to use their political power to distort our legal process, the courts have once again affirmed that the so-called Right to Work law is indeed unconstitutional.”

 

Support the Workers Legal Defense Fund

Today, Attorney General Brad Schimel filed an appeal to reinstate Scott Walker’s Right to Work law which was declared unconstitutional last week by Dane County Circuit Court Judge William Foust. Further showing that Gov. Walker and his allies will stop at nothing to deny workers their rights on the job.

Over a year ago, immediately after the Right to Work law was rammed through the state legislature, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO together with the Machinists Union and the United Steelworkers filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Scott Walker’s Right to Work law. On Friday, April 8, the court sided with workers and found the law to be in violation of our Wisconsin constitution.

Click here to support our Workers Legal Defense Fund. Help us fight Scott Walker’s relentless attempts to weaken unions and erode workers’ collective power.

We know the road ahead won’t be easy. Gov. Scott Walker and Attorney General Brad Schimel are vowing to stand in the way of justice by doing all they can to deny workers our full rights and freedom to collectively bargain. We know Scott Walker and his allies will try every legal maneuver in the book to make Wisconsin a Right to Work state again.

Right to Work is wrong for Wisconsin. When unions are strong, everyone benefits from a healthier middle class and a more balanced economy. Unions put a needed check on corporate power and greed and help to make workplaces better for the next generation.  

Can you imagine a world without unions? That’s what Scott Walker wants and he is willing to use the power of the state to get his way.

Let’s use our collective power of the people to chip in and help workers fight back.

Support the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Legal Defense Fund today. Together, we can push back against Scott Walker’s attacks and do all that we can to stop Right to Work and support union rights in Wisconsin. Click here to donate through a secure PayPal link.

Checks can be sent to:

                       Wisconsin AFL-CIO Legal Defense Fund

                       6333 W. Blue mound Road

                       Milwaukee, Wisconsin

                       53213

Our Right to Work fightback has national implications as we continue to highlight the inequality and unfairness of the law as well as expose its downward impact on wages and workplace conditions for all workers.

Good things for working people never came easily and we are prepared for the road ahead. We are ready to fight back and stand up for workers and do our part to make life better for working people in Wisconsin.

Together, we are stronger.

Keep Our Railways Safe with Two-Person Crew Minimum

The safe operation of freight and passenger trains is vital to communities across the state of Wisconsin. Union workers and safety advocates are applauding a long-overdue proposal by U.S. federal regulators to require a two-member crew minimum on most railroad trains traveling across the country. 

“The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to support the FRA’s proposed rule requiring that trains operating in America be operated by no less than a two-person crew,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO.  “Unions are essential to keeping workplaces and communities safe from industrial accidents. When workers speak up and are listened to, more workers come home safe and tragic accidents impacting citizens and community members are prevented.”

“Requiring at least two crew members on every train is the best and only way to ensure safety for train operators and the public,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Just like an airplane you need a pilot and a co-pilot to help spot and resolve any unexpected problems, reduce fatigue-induced accidents and keep the train running smoothly if one operator becomes incapacitated. It’s long-past time to implement a two-person crew minimum nationwide.”

The proposal will have little financial impact business as none of the major railroad companies currently operate with single person crews and many states, such as Wisconsin, already require a two-person crew. This proposal will ensure that all trains from our bordering states have at least two crew members aboard before entering Wisconsin.

Concerned citizens can submit resolutions and comments on the proposed two-person crew requirement to the United States Department of Transportation through the following methods:

 

1)      Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the Ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.

2)      Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590.

3)      Fax: 202-493-2251.

4)      Online:  Go to https://www.regulations.gov; type in FRA-2014-0033; clink on Comment Now; and then follow the directions.

 

Walker’s Right to Work Law Struck Down

Wisconsin is no longer a Right to Work state! Wisconsin workers’ rights are being restored with a circuit court ruling that Gov. Walker’s anti-union Right to Work law is unconstitutional. On Friday, April 8, 2016, the court put a needed check on Scott Walker’s attacks on working families by ruling that Wisconsin’s Right to Work law is in violation of our state constitution.

Right to Work has always been unjust, now it’s been proven unconstitutional as well. Right to Work goes against the Wisconsin principles of fairness and democracy and hurts all of Wisconsin by eroding the strength of our middle class.

Restoring the full right of working people to have a meaningful voice in their union to improve wages, better workplace conditions and lift up our middle class is a victory for us all.

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO, together with the United Steelworkers and the Machinists Union, filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s Right to Work law last year. Our case was argued and presented by Frederick Perillo of the Previant Law Firm. Fred’s work, along with the entire Previant Law Firm’s careful, exceptional and thoughtful legal expertise, gave working people a victory.

This decision is the first time in 70 years that a challenge to a statewide Right to Work law has been sustained in a court.

Judge Foust agreed with the Unions that the Right to Work law forces unions to provide services to non-members who are not required to pay anything for the costs of such representation. The Court calls this situation “the free-rider effect of Act 1 on Wisconsin organized labor.” “Free rider” captures the unfairness of letting some workers “ride the bus” without paying the fare—in this case, their fair share of the costs of their own representation.

We know Scott Walker and his allies will file legal maneuvers to appeal the decision so further litigation may ensue. But make no mistake, we, along with each and every one of you, will continue to fight to advance the rights of working people to have a full and powerful voice in their union so that everyone who gets up and goes to work in the morning can have a shot at the American Dream.

Wisconsin's Unjust Right to Work Law Deemed Unconstitutional

“Today, the courts put a needed check on Scott Walker’s attacks on working families by ruling that Wisconsin’s Right to Work law is in violation of our state constitution,” said Phil Neuenfeldt, President of Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Right to Work goes against the Wisconsin principles of fairness and democracy and hurts all of Wisconsin by eroding the strength of our middle class. Right to Work has always been unjust, now it’s proven unconstitutional.”

“Today, justice was served for every working man and woman in Wisconsin,” said Stephanie Bloomingdale, Secretary-Treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. “Scott Walker’s middle class busting Right to Work law was declared unconstitutional. Restoring the full right of working people to have a meaningful voice in their union to improve wages, better workplace conditions and lift up our middle class is a victory for us all.”

Vote Today!

Polls are now open across Wisconsin for the 2016 Spring Elections.  Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, April 5.  Find your polling location here.  Don’t forget to bring an acceptable ID with you to vote.

Any questions about voter ID go to bringit.wi.gov or call 1-866-VOTE-WIS (1 866-868-3947)

Along with Presidential primaries, there is a competitive race for Supreme Court Justice and a host of local elections across the state. 

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to support Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice.  Local labor councils have made endorsements in races across Wisconsin, click here to find candidates endorsed by Central Labor Councils in your neighborhood!  It’s very important to fill out your ballot completely and vote the entire ticket.

It is essential to have a fair and impartial Supreme Court Justice that will uphold the rights and freedoms of working families in Wisconsin.  JoAnne Kloppenburg is the only candidate for Supreme Court Justice who meets Wisconsin values and standards.  Kloppenburg will serve as an impartial, fair judge in the tradition of Wisconsin’s independent judiciary. 

Participate in democracy to strengthen the rights and freedoms of working families. Make a plan to get to the polls and bring a friend, neighbor or family member with you!

Get Ready to Be a Voter

 

Are you ready to head to the polls tomorrow, Tuesday, April 5? What’s your plan for voting? In the morning, in the afternoon? Remember, polls will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Click here for a list of Central Labor Council endorsed candidates.

View a sample ballot and look up your polling location at:  https://myvote.wi.gov/

Remember, that all voters are required to have a photo ID card to vote. 

** Any questions about voter ID visit:  bringit.wi.gov or call 1-866-VOTE-WIS (1 866-868-3947)**

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to support JoAnne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Kloppenburg is ready to stand up to special interests and bring much needed impartiality to our Supreme Court. In contrast, her opponent, Rebecca Bradley, has been appointed by Scott Walker three times in three years! Bradley will be a rubber stamp for Scott Walker and special interest.

It is important that everyone get out to vote tomorrow. Make a plan. Bring a friend. Be a voter.

Remember to double check that you have filled out your ENTIRE ballot. Front, back, up and down. All races are vitally important to union families and it is important to make your voice heard at the local, state and national level. 

Vote Kloppenburg for Working Families

The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is proud to endorse JoAnne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court.  Supreme Court Justice will be on the ballot this Tuesday, April 5, along with the Presidential Primaries and a host of local elections. You can find a list of local labor council endorsements by clicking here.

Joanne Kloppenburg is the only candidate for Supreme Court Justice who meets Wisconsin values and standards.  Kloppenburg will serve as an impartial, fair judge in the tradition of Wisconsin’s independent judiciary. 

By contrast, Rebecca Bradley is Scott Walker’s favorite judge. Scott Walker has appointed Rebecca Bradley three times in three years to three judgeships.  Rebecca Bradley will be a rubber stamp for Scott Walker. We know if Scott Walker is supporting Bradley, she will be terrible for working families. 

Rebecca Bradley has shown contempt for the people of Wisconsin calling voters “evil” and “stupid.”  We can’t count on Rebecca Bradley to be fair and impartial. We can count on Rebecca Bradley advance the special interests of Scott Walker.

You can trust JoAnne Kloppenburg to uphold the rights and freedoms of union members and working families.  Vote Kloppenburg on April 5.