Presidential Proclamation—Workers Memorial Day

This year marks the 40th anniversary of both the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, which promise American workers the right to a safe workplace and require employers to provide safe conditions. Yet, today, we remain too far from fulfilling that promise. On Workers Memorial Day, we remember all those who have died, been injured, or become sick on the job, and we renew our commitment to ensure the safety of American workers.

The families of the 29 coal miners who lost their lives on April 5 in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia are in our thoughts and prayers. We also mourn the loss of 7 workers who died in a refinery explosion in Washington State just days earlier, the 4 workers who died at a power plant in Connecticut earlier this year, and the 11 workers lost in the oil platform explosion off the coast of Louisiana just last week.

Although these large-scale tragedies are appalling, most workplace deaths result from tragedies that claim one life at a time through preventable incidents or disabling disease. Every day, 14 workers are killed in on-the-job incidents, while thousands die each year of work-related disease, and millions are injured or contract an illness. Most die far from the spotlight, unrecognized and unnoticed by all but their families, friends, and co-workers -- but they are not forgotten.

The legal right to a safe workplace was won only after countless lives had been lost over decades in workplaces across America, and after a long and bitter fight waged by workers, unions, and public health advocates. Much remains to be done, and my Administration is dedicated to renewing our Nation's commitment to achieve safe working conditions for all American workers.

Providing safer work environments will take the concerted action of government, businesses, employer associations, unions, community organizations, the scientific and public health communities, and individuals. Today, as we mourn those lost mere weeks ago in the Upper Big Branch Mine and other recent disasters, so do we honor all the men and women who have died on the job. In their memory, we rededicate ourselves to preventing such tragedies, and to securing a safer workplace for every American.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2010, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those who have been killed due to unsafe working conditions.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Mourn for the Dead, Fight for the Living

On the second day of the TWU COPE Legislative Conference, International President James C. Little recognized today, April 28, as Workers Memorial Day. Today, workers nationwide pause to remember the approximately 5,000 workers who die on the job each year, the 50,000 others who perish from lingering occupation-created diseases, and the millions more who become ill or injured on the job, but live.

The oil refinery fire in Washington state that killed six steel workers and the Massey Energy Company’s non-union coal mine explosion in West Virginia that left 29 miners dead earlier this month has brought worker safety to the national stage.

The nation's workplace safety laws and penalties are too weak to effectively protect workers, according to the new AFL-CIO annual report released on April 27: Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect. The report shows that there were a total of 5,214 fatal workplace injuries in 2008. Because underreporting of workplace-related injuries and illness remains a persistent problem, the true toll is estimated to be as many as three times the 4.6 million reported incidents. Read the full report here.

The Transport Workers Union is committed to fighting for safe, good-paying jobs and worker protections to help end the unnecessary death and injury that too many American workers suffer from today.
Read more about the safety violations that caused the Massey coal mine explosion in United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard’s blog on the Huffington Post.

TWU Taking Charge of Political Change

Nearly 200 TWU members, officers and staff gathered in our nation's capitol to address pressing legislative and political issues important to the Transport Workers Union and working families across America yesterday. Chairman Barney Frank (MA) kicked off the TWU 2010 COPE Legislative Conference early yesterday morning with an enthusiastic speech on the need to use transit to help the country through its slow recovery from the economic crisis.

The first of the three-day conference, held at the Liaison Capitol Hill hotel in Washington D.C. and run by the TWU Department of Legislative and Political Affairs Director Portia Reddick White, consisted of a morning session of speakers, and two interactive afternoon panels: The Importance of Staying Connected State, Local, Federal and Understanding Our Legislative Issues. The second two days will provide additional opportunities to hear political insiders speak about their experiences and provide advice, and instructional workshops to build on existing skills. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are allotted for lobbying on the Hill.

"Transportation is central to the economy, to economic recovery, to job creation, and to cleaning up the environment," said TWU Int'l President James C. Little in his opening remarks. The senators and representatives that spoke on just the first day alone all reemphasized Little's comments.

"Americans want and need safe transportation systems that provide good access to jobs, schools, life and health care," said Department of Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood in his keynote address to the room of TWU members from all divisions from across the country. Lahood discussed the potential of high-speed rail to create thousands of American jobs, the dire need to put Americans back to work, and the necessity to use wisely the billions of dollars that have been made available for transit projects through stimulus funds.

"We need to strike the right balance between investments on buses, trains and the people needed to operate them," said Secretary Lahood.

In addition to TWU Int'l President Little, Sec. Lahood, and Rep. Frank, Conference attendees heard from Amalgamated Transit Union President Warren George, Rep. Neil Ackerman (HI), Rep. Keith Ellison (MN), Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH), Rep. Brady's Chief of Staff Stanley White, and others.

Lahood and many other speakers addressed the importance of operating funds, an issue that many other legislators around the Capitol heard loud and clear from thousands of union members dressed in red, white and blue who swarmed the Hill to rally and lobby for the funds.

TWU Int'l President James C. Little has formed a coalition with ATU President Warren George, Reverend Jesse Jackson and his Rainbow PUSH coalition, community groups and TWU transit locals. The coalition aims to raise awareness of the need for transportation funding and American made transit equipment, and the power that it can have to create green American jobs, aid economic recovery and protect and strengthen communities.

TWU President Little addressed the crowd of transit workers who traveled from New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., Baltimore and even California. " We have to say were not just speaking for transit workers, we’re speaking for America." Little added that the demands for funding are not just about unions or the TWU, but about all American people who depend on public transportation and whose service is being cut all over the country.

Rev. Jackson concluded the early afternoon rally, enticing the crowd to repeat after him, "We can make the steel, we can lay the rail. We can make trains, make buses, go green, go transportation. Put America back to work."

TWU Reaches Tentative Agreement with Amtrak for JCC Membership

TWU’s Railroad Division is pleased to announce that it has reached a tentative agreement with Amtrak for its JCC members employed on Amtrak. The agreement was bargained jointly with Coalition partners BRC-TCU (JCC), along with IAM and IBEW who reached identical agreements.

In a brief statement Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka stated: “It is an excellent 5 year agreement that brings our JCC members what they deserve, solid wage increases without delay.”

Currently internal processes are being finalized, after which the tentative agreement will be rolled out for ratification.

Additional details will be made available over the next few days.

Equal Pay for Women – Wear Red on April 20

A message from the Coalition of Labor Union Women: April 20 is Equal Pay Day

Here it is 2010 and women are still IN THE RED, paid just 77 cents for every dollar a man earns. Tuesday, April 20 is EQUAL PAY DAY, indicating how far into each year a woman must work to receive as much as a man was paid in the previous year. This wage disparity must end, and right now we ask you to contact your senators urging quick passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 182).

The Paycheck Fairness Act is comprehensive legislation that would deter wage discrimination by closing loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and bar retaliation against workers who disclose their wages. The bill strengthens the Equal Pay Act to ensure that effective protection is enacted against sex-based pay discrimination. Toward that end, it also allows women to receive the same remedies for sex-based pay discrimination that are currently available to those subject to discrimination based on race and national origin.

Check out CLUW's fact sheet here on the Paycheck Fairness Act.

While the House of Representatives passed the Paycheck Fairness Act in January 2009, the Senate has yet to vote on the Paycheck Fairness Act. On Equal Pay Day please call or e-mail your senators urging them to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 182). You can contact the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your senators' offices. You may find your senators' direct phone number and email by clicking on this link . Thank those who have already co-sponsored the Paycheck Fairness Act and urge the rest to co-sponsor this critical legislation today.
• List of co-sponsors
• Sample letter for sponsors
• Sample letter for non-sponsors

Spread the word that working women need quick passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act -- and WEAR RED on Tuesday to symbolize that women and minorities are in the red with their pay!

Workers Memorial Day April 28

Decades of struggle by workers and their unions have resulted in significant improvements in working conditions. But the toll of workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths remains enormous. Each year, thousands of workers are killed and millions more are injured or diseased because of their jobs. The Transport Workers Union joins other affiliates of the AFL-CIO to remember these workers on April 28, Workers Memorial Day.

The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. April 28 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the day of a similar remembrance in Canada. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning.

Click here for a TWU Workers Memorial Day flier and here for Workers Memorial Day materials from the AFL-CIO.

AMR Takes the Gain, We Feel the Pain

Hundreds of angry, frustrated TWU members swarmed terminal D at Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport on tax day yesterday, protesting another round of AMR executive bonuses. Members from several American Airlines, American Eagle and Southwest TWU locals joined the protest, which was organized by Local 513. Flight attendants and pilots from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants and Allied Pilots Association also joined the TWU in solidarity.

Tired of being thwarted at the negotiating table, and now stalled in mediation, TWU enthusiastically took their message to AMR's customers at the airport. Local 513's rally was held in conjunction with the TWU International text and advertising campaign, asking the public to text EXCESS to 30644 to fight against corporate greed.

"Management should have a clear message today, they have a lot of angry, upset employees," said Local 513 President Darrin Pierce. "The energy and enthusiasm shown here today against corporate greed shows it has to stop!"

Pierce and the other protesters held signs that read "Employee Concessions + Passenger Fees = Executive Bonuses," and chanted in unison "it's our turn," and "stop corporate greed." The protests lasted all morning and afternoon; members jumped on the picket line before or after their shifts, or during their lunch breaks. A passenger even joined in after his flight was cancelled. He came out of the terminal, asked for a sign and said, "I have three hours to kill before I can get home," and joined the welcoming line of protesters.

American employees rescued the company from bankruptcy in 2003 when they gave up $620 million a year in pay, benefits and other concessions. At that time, management promoted the message, "share the pain, share the gain." But there has been no gain for TWU members, only for the top executives who have received millions in bonuses every year since workers made those concessions. The public is sharing the pain too; American has raised $346 million from checked bag fees alone. Even with this new income siphoned from the public's pocket, the company has left workers with nothing, not even a contract.

American workers are feeling the pain, explained Angie Scarborough, a fleet service clerk. "Morale is the worst I've ever seen. They keep taking and taking, and asking us to do more and more with less," Scarborough said at the rally, which she attended on her day off. "They take, take, take and we give, give, give –I'm sick of it."

AMR and TWU representatives first opened contract talks to modify labor agreements covering 11 separate bargaining units in 2006. Contract talks have stalled because the company has stonewalled at the bargaining table, despite the years of effort by TWU members to boost workplace productivity and bring new revenue to the company.

On March 11, TWU petitioned the National Mediation Board, which overseas labor relations in the transport sector, for release from mediation – the first step towards a possible strike.

“Our goal, as always, is a fair settlement, because that's the best result for our members, the flying public, and for the company,” said TWU Air Transport Division Director John Conley. “But our job at the bargaining table does not get any easier when AMR executives take care of themselves at the expense of our members and our passengers.”

Text EXCESS Campaign Against Exec Bonuses

Hundreds of TWU members protested excessive executive bonuses outside of Dallas International Airport's Terminal D all day today. The AMR Corporation, parent company of American Airlines and American Eagle, is expected to dole out millions in bonuses in the next week, despite its poor performance over the last several years and with no regard for its employees who have sacrificed for the good of the company.

Members from several TWU Locals attended the rally, holding up signs that read "Employee Concessions + Passenger Fees = Executive Bonuses." The rally occurred in conjunction with a TWU International text campaign in Dallas-area newspapers and on the web, asking readers to text EXCESS to 30644 to speak out against companies like AMR that continue to award top executives with bonuses, while charging passengers steep fees for checked bags and leaving workers with nothing.

“How much is too much?” asked John Conley, director of TWU's Air Transport Division. “In the past five years, the top executives at AMR have enriched themselves with more than $500 million in bonuses, and their proxy statement shows that they'll be back at the trough again this year.” The company is expected to dole out the unwarranted bonuses in the next week.

More than 28,000 TWU members work at American Airlines and American Eagle as baggage handlers, grounds crew, dispatchers and in other critical positions. In 2003 members gave up $620 million a year in pay, benefits and other concessions to keep AMR out of bankruptcy, only to be left behind every April when the company doles out extravagant bonuses. The company has been underperforming for the last several years and frontline employees' wages have been essentially frozen after the 30 percent pay cuts made in 2003.

“On the very same day that millions of hard-working Americans are paying their taxes,” said Conley, “AMR executives are busy lining their own pockets once again. Meanwhile, AMR keeps figuring out new ways to charge extra baggage fees to passengers. And they've stiffed our members at the bargaining table for the past four years – even though we were the ones who stepped up to take a 30% pay cut in 2003 to save the airline from bankruptcy.”

AMR and TWU representatives first opened contract talks to modify labor agreements covering 11 separate bargaining units in 2006. Contract talks have stalled because the company has stonewalled at the bargaining table, despite years of effort by TWU members to boost workplace productivity and bring new revenue to the company.

Labor-management cooperation between TWU and AMR was once “ the talk of the industry,” according to the Street.com, which reported in March on hundreds of millions in savings generated by joint union company efforts, including in-sourcing of parts and steps to reduce workplace injuries.

On March 11, however, TWU petitioned the National Mediation Board, which overseas labor relations in the transport sector, for release from mediation – the first step towards a possible strike.

“Our goal, as always, is a fair settlement, because that's the best result for our members, the flying public, and for the company,” said Conley. “But our job at the bargaining table does not get any easier when AMR executives take care of themselves at the expense of our members and our passengers.”

TWU Shines At 3rd Annual Maintenance Competition

Teams of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians from across the country and around the world gathered in Las Vegas to compete for prizes, and some bragging rights, while raising industry awareness of their important professional skills. At the third annual Aviation Maintenance Skills Competition held during the Aviation Industry Expo in mid-March, 25 teams consisting of five technicians each competed in the event.

TWU locals fielded teams for the competition, representing technicians working at American Airlines and American Eagle bases and line stations. Continental and Southwest Airlines teams competed as well, and this was the first year the competition has included international teams, with an Australian and a Chinese team, both competing for the first time.

During the competition, students aspiring to become aircraft technicians and those already certificated with an A&P licenses were tested on their knowledge and expertise on items such as researching proper repairs in maintenance manuals, hands on electrical troubleshooting, cable rigging and repairs to auxiliary power units, engines and flight components. The AMT Society judges kept a watchful eye on the clock, timing each event and then inspecting the team's progress. Time is a critical factor in scoring all tests. Points are deducted for incomplete work or mistakes made in each test category. The team with the best overall score and shortest cumulative time were awarded prizes in their categories.

The competition covered five categories: Military; MRO/OEM; Commercial Aviation; General Aviation; and Aircraft Maintenance Schools. Prizes were donated by sponsors and included Snap-On tools, Kennedy toolboxes, Noise Buster headsets and Timberland work boots.

OSHA to Roll Out New Enforcement Program Pursuing Worst of the Worst

WASHINGTON (PAI)--The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will roll out a new program to identify and pursue what might be called “the worst of the worst” companies in failing to care for their workers’ safety and health.

Details about the Severe Violators Enforcement Program (SVEP) are lacking, but top agency officials discussed it briefly during an April 7 on-line dialogue with reporters, workers and businesses. The on-line chat was supposed to cover the draft version of OSHA’s 6-year -- 2010-2016 -- strategic goal and outcome blueprint.

“The new program is aimed at employers who have demonstrated recalcitrance or indifference to their obligations” under the law, Tom Galassi, the agency’s acting administrator for enforcement, told one questioner. “Employers will be able to get off the list by demonstrating improved safety and health performance.” Calls to the agency for more details were not returned.

There will also be “changes in our penalty calculation method, to result in higher penalties,” OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Richard Fairfax added. Both promised the changes would be announced in the near future, and certainly before the final version of the agency’s 6-year strategy is released in September.

OSHA’s emphasis on the worst of the worst and on tougher enforcement in general is in marked contrast to OSHA’s actions -- or lack of them -- under the anti-worker GOP Bush regime. It’s also in line with Labor Secretary Hilda Solis’ repeated pledge to union audiences that “there’s a new sheriff in town.”

Under Bush, the agency concentrated on its “voluntary protection program,” working hand-in-glove with industry on advising companies on workplace safety. Workers and unions were virtually shut out. Companies in the VPP effort generally escaped inspection and enforcement, unless a worker died on the job. But OSHA personnel are being shifted from there to enforcement, agency officials told several questioners, including those who argued for more VPP emphasis.

“We will be working closely with our stakeholders to identify new or alternative funding sources,” for VPP efforts, said Steve Witt, the agency’s director of cooperative programs. One such alternative might be charging companies fees for using OSHA services in the “voluntary” effort, he said.

“In the meantime, we will be shifting field inspection staff from VPP programs to enforcement activities because the need in that area is particularly great…OSHA resources need to be focused on employers who don't understand the importance of protecting their workers, particularly small employers,” Witt added.

While OSHA plans to inspect more than 40,000 workplaces this year -- not counting states that do their own inspections -- its 110 new inspectors are still being trained, Fairfax conceded. “Consequently, inspection numbers from these additional compliance officers will impact inspection numbers in 2011 and 2012,” he said.

Those numbers were disclosed online. OSHA’s draft strategy for the next six years was short on specific goals. It had no numbers at all.

Union job safety specialists told Congress on March 16 that more enforcement is fine, but that it doesn’t make up for the small fines and short prison terms for violators, now in the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Lawmakers are considering the Protect America’s Workers Act, to beef up OSHA’s fines and to make accidents that kill or seriously injure workers felonies punishable by 5 years (first offense) or 10 years in jail.

“The penalties proposed by PAWA are very modest,” said Change To Win Health and Safety Coordinator Eric Frumin (his emphasis). “However, updated penalties and criminal sanctions will begin to give inspectors and prosecutors essential tools they need to more effectively deter abusive employer conduct.”

“The enhanced enforcement program is being changed and strengthened to provide for stiffer penalties and follow-up for employers who persistently violate the law. The new SVEP program is expected shortly. These initiatives will improve and strengthen OSHA enforcement. But they are not enough and cannot address the deficiencies in the act itself. Congressional action is needed,” added veteran AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Peg Seminario.

OSHA’s fines, now a maximum of $7,000 per serious violation and $70,000 per repeat and willful violation, haven’t risen in 20 years. The agency often negotiates them downwards. By appealing fines -- and delaying judgments -- firms continue to operate with the hazards OSHA inspectors identify. Only when a worker is killed on the job can company officials face charges: A misdemeanor with a maximum 6-month term.

Besides more jail time, PAWA would raise the fines to $12,000 and $120,000, respectively. After a coal mine disaster in Canada killed 19 workers, its parliament enacted the “Westray Bill,” named for the mine. It has similar high fines and jail terms.

“The Obama administration supports PAWA, but our strategic plan is indepen-dent of PAWA and will be implemented whether or not PAWA passes,” said OSHA’s administrator, Dr. David Michaels, in the web chat.

TWU Local 100 Fighting NYC Fare Hikes, Service Cuts

Holding office only since January, John Samuelsen, the new President of TWU's largest Local, finds himself locked in a public battle with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over proposed service cuts, fare hikes and layoffs. A former Track Worker, the Local 100 chief has never shied away from a fight with the MTA over the safety of his members. Now, he's speaking up for the rights of the riding public as well.

The local is currently mobilizing members for a massive demonstration outside an MTA hearing March 4 at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

At an earlier press conference outside MTA headquarters, Samuelsen called the cuts "reductions that will create totally unnecessary hardships - including overcrowding, much longer waiting times and safety concerns - for millions of New Yorkers, especially on weekends." In addition to the service cuts, the MTA has announced plans to lay off as many as 1,000 transit workers.

The Local has forged a coalition of leading politicians, rider advocates and other unionists to call on the MTA to use available capital funds and federal stimulus money for operating expenses. Samuelsen was joined at the press conference by NYC Councilman James Vacca, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, and Gene Russianoff of the Straphangers Campaign, as well as rank and file members of Local 100, who were preparing to testify against the service cuts to the MTA Board.

Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and City Council President Christine Quinn joined the campaign against cuts at a Local 100 rally February 4 to protest MTA plans to eliminate the M subway line.

Samuelsen is critical of the MTA's decision to divert money from its operating budget into the capital budget, and for failing to pursue some $90 million in stimulus funds that are available for operating expenses. Local 100 says the MTA insists on using the funds for expensive "mega-projects" rather than serving the riding public.

The Local says that the new jobs bill going before Congress could result in reversing all the planned service cuts, while saving the jobs of close to 1,000 transit workers. Samuelsen has challenged MTA Chairman Jay Walder to join him in Washington to lobby for New York's share of the funds.

Samuelsen, who grew up in a working class union home, is especially critical of the MTA's decision to balance its books on the backs of New York school children by doing away with student discounts. "It's a world turned upside down," Samuelsen added. "The MTA is funding huge, unnecessary capital projects and kids are being forced to pay fares to get to school. It's absurd on the face of it."

Samuelsen took his case to Albany last month when he testified before the State Legislature. The Local also rallied public support by sponsoring Black History Month programming on radio station WINS1010.

The coalition fighting to prevent transit cuts is set to launch a new website, www.notgoingyourway.com. The site will give riders, union members, and advocates powerful tools to reach public officials.

Into the Night

At 4:14 a.m. on February 8 time seemed to reverse as NASA's space shuttle Endeavour lifted off and illuminated the sky. The launch turned the night into day and plumes of smoke framed the shuttle as it lifted off into space on what will be one of its final trips. Endeavour was the first of NASA's final five launches, and one of the last to lift off in darkness before NASA retires its nearly 30-year-old orbiter fleet later this year.

Endeavour's successful launch would not have been possible without the nearly 200 TWU Local 525 members on the ground that night to support the five-man, one-woman crew on their way to deliver modules to the International Space Station. Local 525 represents 800 members who work at both Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Space Centers, and about 400 members in unrelated fields along the East Coast of Florida.

The Local's modest office shares a wall with one of Cocoa Beach, Florida's many tattoo parlors and often loses it's parking spaces to patrons of the Ron Jon Surf Shop next door: tourists in town for sunshine and space flights. The allure of space exploration and the crowds it draws to Brevard County, Florida has kept the community alive. But, if passed by Congress, the Obama Administration's recent budget plan to cut funding for NASA's Constellation program (intended to continue the work of the aging shuttles and poised to send man to the moon again by 2020), and make other drastic changes to U.S. space travel, will cut thousands of jobs and likely cripple the local economy in Brevard, surrounding counties and others like them in Texas, California and Alabama. Instead of choosing destinations in space and then developing the technology to carry out those missions, technology would be developed before destinations are chosen. The new budget infuses NASA with money in other areas, but would make it dependent on private companies to develop the technology and spacecraft that would send American astronauts into low earth orbit.

TWU members essentially serve as the ground crew at NASA on both the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), manned space travel, and at Cape Canaveral, unmanned. They fill dozens of positions: from mechanics, electricians and welders, to firemen and women who operate the fire trucks that accompany the shuttle down the runway. Most of these jobs would be lost under the budget change.

"You learn your skills, you practice your skills, you become trained. Then you find out you are no longer needed and you have to go somewhere else," said Local 525 Secretary Treasurer Larry Gold.

In this economy, there are not many other places to go. For years, while private company engineers and scientists develop technology, the need for ground crew will become obsolete and NASA's thousands of laid off workers will have to get in line behind millions of unemployed mechanics, electricians and welders already looking for work.

These TWU members have been involved in the United States space program since its inception 52 years ago and have been an integral part of every launch from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space centers since. Many Local 525 members' parents worked at NASA, and they've known the space industry their whole lives. Local President Kevin Smith, who has been at NASA for 24 years and whose father Ron Smith was one of the original TWU charter members in 1957, remembers with concern the hardship faced by the community after the Apollo mission in 1972. At that time Titusville and Cocoa Beach, which had been the central hubs of economic activity, suffered: unemployment increased to nearly 15 percent, home prices plunged, foreclosures rose and about 10,000 people and their families left Brevard county in search for work.

"When the space program takes a hit, the economy takes a hit and all the other jobs in the area are affected as well," said Smith. He explained some of the national concerns too. "The United States has been at the forefront of space exploration. My opinion is that we are going to take a back seat to other countries. We are going to have to depend on Russians at this point to get to our space station if we don't have our own manned space flight. Science, education and medicine are all going to take a back seat too."

A rally on February 27 in Titusville to protect NASA jobs and in support of the space program drew about 2,000 people. TWU International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo, Administrative Assistant to the International President Jeffrey L. Brooks Sr., Air Transport Director John Conley, Transit Division Director Susan Resch and other International staff and TWU members attended the rally. "This is about jobs," said Lombardo. "Now is not the time to force communities to shut down and take away good paying union jobs."

Local and state politicians in space industry dependent states and areas have adamantly opposed the proposed budget cuts, support that Smith is glad to have behind him and his members' jobs.

"We are out here fighting for our jobs, our communities and America's future in space. It takes something like this to make us think about how special our jobs are. We walk by rockets every day and don't even realize it," said Smith. "We've been a proud part of our nation's history for more than 50 years. We will fight to save our jobs and community and continue making American history."

TWU Transit Locals 100, 208 Benefit from Stimulus Funds

TWU Local 100 in New York City and Local 208 in Columbus, Ohio, along with their local transit authorities, will receive millions of dollars in stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, it was announced January 6. The grants were made through the Transportation Learning Center's Transit Green Jobs Training Partnership.

(In a related policy change, the Department of Transportation proposed that funding guidelines for major transit projects be based on "livability" issues in addition to cost and time criteria. The new guidelines are likely to mean more money for mass transit - see sidebar story.)

Under the Labor Department grants, Local 100 and New York City Transit will receive $2 million over two years through the local's Training and Upgrade Fund and TWU Local 208 and the Central Ohio Transit Authority will receive $300,000.

"The TWU is very happy to hear that our locals and transit authorities will be benefiting from this grant," said TWU International President James C. Little. "The TWU is thoroughly dedicated to moving towards a greener future, and green jobs training is one of the best ways to help improve our environment, create jobs and provide valuable skills for our members all at once."

Local 208 has already been a beneficiary of stimulus funding allocated to COTA to completely refurbish a closed depot and return it to 24-7 service. And Local 212 in Columbus has benefitted from stimulus funds for a new para-transit center that has recently been opened.

"This is a step toward mass transit finally getting the attention and dollars it deserves," said TWU Administrative VP Susan Resch, the Director of the union's Transit Division. "With the DOT change in funding, we can link transportation, communities, jobs and environmental protection in a way that secures sustainable economic growth for our future."

In announcing the DOL training grants, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis said the awards are in line with "the administration's long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic revitalization and a clean energy future." She added that "It's an investment that will help American workers succeed while doing good."

The grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative - totaling $500 million - to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

The Transit Learning Center, which received a total of $5 million in grants, argued that the transit industry has been in the forefront of green technology while providing family-supporting wages and benefits.

Training under the Green Jobs Partnership will benefit both new hires and existing workers by teaching the skills needed for the new technologies.

Solidarity Saving Lives in Haiti

I have returned from Haiti tired and more humble, and with much gratefulness and respect for the TWU leadership for this opportunity. This was a very tough experience for me because I could have never imagined this in my home country. The shock of the experience has left my memory fragmented. I'd rather believe that what I saw does not really exist and that these people are not suffering as they are, but the horrific reality is grounding.

Most of the schools, universities, churches, government headquarters and houses in Delmas, Carrefour, Feuilles, Tabarre, and many other areas are destroyed or damaged. It was difficult to sleep knowing the suffering and need that existed all around me. The smell of death everywhere was a constant reminder of the cadavers still left beneath demolished villages and homes. The Haitian government, widely distrusted by the people, has reported 217,000 deaths, but many believe that more than 500,000 people have perished.

I packed my bags with as much TWU donated medicine and supplies I could carry and left Miami on February 7. I traveled for two days to reach Haiti, a trip that normally takes a few hours. During my time in the devastated country I worked closely with many different labor groups, grassroots organizations and doctors to help provide food, water and medical attention to the millions around the country who needed it. My individual efforts and the minimum goods with which I traveled only reached a very small fraction of those in need, but I am confident that the TWU made a difference. Our union's outreach, in solidarity with other labor organizations, definitely helped to save lives.

When I served a child who hadn't eaten in days and watched a smile spread across his face I could feel the work I was doing was meaningful. I was greatly humbled to see starving children eat a portion of a meal and save the rest to bring back to their family. The people in Haiti are sharing and surviving. They've seen so many dead bodies; they just don't want anybody else to die.

I was particularly shocked when I saw a small village with about 2,000 residents near Archahaie where only two houses remained standing, and when I visited a valley community called Nan Mayet near Okade, where a large group of peasants perished between mountains that collapsed and collided. These communities will never be the same again.

I visited and worked with APEL, the Longshoremen's Union who formed a coalition with peasant organizations and a large association of Haitian Women. I also worked with Opus Veritas and the National Association of Haitian Medical Doctors. Other leaders and organizations reached out to me for assistance and I tried my best to fill their needs, but could not always do so. The country is incredibly unorganized and uncoordinated. It is vital that the TWU and other unions work together to coordinate our efforts and ensure our aid reaches as far and wide as possible and that we are not duplicating our efforts.

The hospitals told me their situations were dire, they are overwhelmed with the need for supplies, and the Minister of Communication Madame Marie Laurence Lassegue, asked that I help get tents to the people of Haiti. The rainy season started in the middle of February, and the millions of homeless without tents are subject to increased suffering without any kind of shelter. Please send tents to the TWU Miami office and we will be sure they reach the people in need.

I thank President James C. Little, the TWU administration, and all the members who have donated to the TWU Disaster Relief Fund in order to make our union's efforts in Haiti possible. I am honored to continue to be a part of the TWU's plans to coordinate with other organizations to form a U.S. Labor delegation in Haiti so that we can do our best to provide hope and help to our suffering brothers and sisters.

IEC-B Members View 2010 as ‘Year of Change’

Coming off the successful 2009 Convention which set the union's agenda going forward, TWU leaders view 2010 as a year of change as the International and locals implement the mandates put forward by delegates.

To that end, members of the International Executive Council and Board, meeting February 9 and 10 in Hollywood, Florida, adopted the remaining resolutions which had been referred to the governing body and reviewed the leadership's plans for the future.

International President James C. Little, in his report to the Council and Board, said the guiding principle was to align staff, structure, facilities and resources with the union's vision and strategic plan. He added that a priority would be to increase TWU's strength in Washington. A step toward that goal will be a greater presence in TWU's new Washington D.C. office, with Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo, Administrative Assistant to the President Jeff Brooks and Strategic Planning Director Roger Toussaint spending a significant portion of time in the nation's capital, as will Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka.

Other top priorities, according to Little, will be a more effective organizing plan and implementing the next phase of the strategic planning initiative. Upcoming strategic planning sessions will bring local TWU leaders to the National Labor College in May and October of this year.

Noting the challenges facing TWU and labor as a whole, Little said that while President Obama can be faulted for allowing a tax on workers' health care plans in the proposed reform legislation, the Obama administration is a distinct improvement over the Bush regime. Little said the President has quietly made major improvements in the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Security and Exchange Commission.

Little announced that Administrative Vice President Hubert Snead was stepping down from that post, but would remain as COPE Director. (Snead is currently on medical leave, with Field Representative Alex Garcia filling in as Interim COPE Director and Theotis James heading the Legislative and Political Field Program.)

Starting with the vacancy left by Snead, Little proposed the following personnel changes, which were approved by the Council: ATD Director John Conley as Administrative VP; Local 555 President Charles Cerf as International VP; Local 513 President Darrin Pierce as an IEC member; Local 100 President John Samuelson and Local 510 President Pete Hogan as IEB members.

On the union's finances, International Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Gordon reported that adjustments made to the operating budget should ensure that TWU "continues to provide the necessary resources and service to our Locals and members that they have come to expect and deserve." Despite signs of recovery on Wall Street, investment returns still lag what we had been accustomed to in the past, he said.

Gordon stressed that the union would continue to seek ways to rein in costs, because "It is the members' dues money and we are committed to do all that is necessary to provide the best possible representation for them and their families."

Transit Division Director Susan Resch reported on recent contract settlements around the country, including the favorable arbitration decision and court ruling affecting 35,000 members at Local 100. She said the state of the economy was impacting negotiations in both the public and private sectors, and that increased mass transit funding from the Federal and State governments was necessary to retain existing workers and provide essential service to the public. Rising health care costs continue to be a factor in negotiations. Resch, an Administrative VP, also noted current campaigns at Locals 100 in New York and 250-A in San Francisco to prevent service cuts, lay-off and fare hikes.

Air Transport Division Director John Conley reported that members were currently voting on a proposed agreement with American Eagle, but that the union would ask to be released from mediation with American Airlines if progress is not made by March 8. The parties have been in negotiation since June 2006.

Conley also pledged support for Local 525's campaign to restore funding to the NASA space launch program (see story this issue on page 6-7) as well as other items on the legislative agenda. He said the TWU was an enthusiastic participant in the Department of Transportation's "Future of Aviation Forum." Conley reported on developments in the ATD's Working Women's and Veterans' committees, and noted that American Eagle System Coordinator Jose Galarza had been recalled to active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves. Local 570 President Dan Rivera will take on the AE duties.

Keep the Flying Public Safe

As members of Congress raced to catch flights home during this past holiday season, TWU members were on nearly every corner by the Capitol and Senate buildings in Washington D.C. to remind them they might not be safe on their aircrafts.

They distributed leaflets explaining that offshore aviation maintenance is a disaster waiting to happen and American Airlines is the only major carrier that keeps the bulk of its repair work here in the United States. TWU members who maintain AA planes and ensure passenger safety are required to go through necessary background checks and training. Foreign maintenance allows companies to forgo employee background checks and forbids Federal Aviation Administration inspectors from making spot checks and surprise inspections.

Since 2001, U.S. airlines have been increasingly sending their aircraft to these thinly regulated offshore maintenance facilities that lack the level of security and federal oversight present at maintenance bases on U.S. soil. Of major carriers, only American is still committed to high maintenance standards, federal oversight and major overhauls at its U.S. based sites.

The FAA has approved 698 offshore facilities for repair of U.S. aircraft. Nine major air carriers reviewed by the FAA's Inspector General sent 71 percent of their heavy airframe maintenance checks to outside repair stations in 2007, up from 34 percent in 2003. Foreign repair stations received 19 percent of these major maintenance jobs in 2007. The work includes complete teardowns of aircraft.

"Offshore maintenance is the airline industry's dirty little secret," said TWU International President James C. Little. "We want the public to know that offshoring means your plane has a lower standard for maintenance, it means the licensure and security standard for the mechanics and their helpers who worked on that aircraft is questionable, and it means that federal regulators had limited access to facilities where the plane was repaired."

Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri has been outspoken in her opposition to these safety breaches and has introduced an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill now before the Senate that would require all foreign repair stations performing maintenance to be certified by the FAA.

"We are out here to let the pubic know that, essentially, they go through more security checks at the airport than do the people who maintain their planes overseas," said Assistant Director of TWU's Air Transport Division Robert Gless, who coordinated the leafleting effort in Washington. "We are telling Congress that the TWU will fight for the public's safety and demand fair regulations and standards overseas."

Go to www.twu.org and search the word "petition" to read more on this issue and to sign a petition telling your senator that you support an amendment for greater oversight of foreign maintenance.

Union Values at Work

TWU joined other AFL-CIO unions in honoring civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Greensboro sit-ins. The unions participating at the 2010 AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance in January also used the occasion to rededicate themselves to the battle for equality in our workplaces and nation.

More than 400 union members from across the country gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina on January 14-18 for the event. The Observance weekend also featured speeches from and discussion with the remaining three of the famous "Greensboro Four," the four men who sat at a Woolworth's lunch counter on February 1, 1960 and initiated the momentous sit-in movement."As we honor the veterans of the Greensboro sit-ins-Joe McNeil, Jibreel Khazan and Frank McCain-we know that Brother A. Phillip Randolph and Dr. King were so right when they said winning the freedom to go where we want and sit where we want means little to people who can't afford to get there," said AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt-Baker.

Holt-Baker's message was reflected in the meetings, workshops and panels that took place over the five-day celebration. While speakers and participants addressed the complex issues of race, prejudice and discrimination, they also extended beyond these discussions to address broader social and economic issues of our day, just as Dr. King did in his. Many discussions were focused around the country's troublesome economic situation, the desperate need for good paying union jobs, and the role of politics in Labor's agenda.

"A recovery in the country's financial community does not matter without the creation of jobs," said James Andrews, President of the North Carolina AFL-CIO, who hosted a town hall meeting on jobs on January 15. The town hall panel included three laid off United Auto Worker members who described their struggles unsuccessfully searching for new, good-paying jobs in this economy and the difficulty they've had caring for their families without health insurance.

Greensboro City Council woman Diana Bellamy-Small urged the crowd to reach out to their local politicians and other leaders to speak on behalf of the working men and women. Quoting an African proverb, Bellamy-Small ended with, "When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion."

Honoring a Legend by Giving Back

Following tradition, the celebration again featured a day of service to the community. This year the service was given at the Welfare Reform Liaison Project distribution center. Along with brothers and sisters from dozens of other unions, nearly 50 TWU members and International officers and staff rolled up their sleeves and spent the day preparing items like school supplies, daily necessities and jackets to be distributed for free or at a reduced cost to Greensboro community members in need. Many TWU members and officers spent the morning sorting boxes of school uniforms for children. "The TWU has fought for fair and equal contracts for all people ever since its founding,"said TWU Civil and Human Rights Director Sandra Burleson who coordinated TWU's participation in the Observance with the support of Int'l officers. "It is only appropriate that we honor Dr. King's legacy and TWU's 75-year commitment to his ideals by giving back to the community along with our AFL-CIO brothers and sisters every year."

The AFL-CIO King Observance culminated with participation in Greensboro's MLK Parade on January 18 where TWU members chanted, "Keep the Dream Alive" to a receptive crowd.

"The TWU is immensely proud to have been a part of Dr. King's dream and to have been active in the Civil Rights Movement," said TWU President James C. Little. "When Labor attends events like the AFL-CIO Observance in solidarity, we are truly living up to the visionary leader's dream. We must strive to keep up this kind of community work in our everyday lives, year-round, and push for the change that is celebrated each year on Dr. King's birthday."

Local 556 Turns 35 and Celebrates Proud History

With a stock symbol spelled "LUV," Southwest Airlines has always been a bit different from its competitors. But, its looser, fun-loving style has done nothing to hinder its success.

The same is true of TWU Local 556, which represents the airline's Flight Attendants, and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

"This is an incredible milestone for our Flight Attendants," said Local 556 President Thom McDaniel. "Our workgroup has made tremendous strides over the past 35 years, and we are extremely proud of our accomplishments."

To include members in the anniversary celebration, the local hosted parties at eight bases around the country, providing breakfast or lunch. The local's magazine, "Unity," will be recounting the Flight Attendants' history throughout the year and the website, www.twu556.org, is running a video featuring accolades from TWU President James C. Little and legendary Southwest CEO Herb Kelleher.

Sparked by a simple request for written work rules, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants won recognition in 1975, a time when smoking was permitted on the aircraft, and hot pants were the required uniform. Today, members enjoy an industry-leading labor contract, and are the highest paid Flight Attendants of any domestic carrier.

"Our Union started out with just 54 women who pushed for better working conditions and better pay 35 years ago," McDaniel said. "Today, we have nearly 10,000 Flight Attendants, but we continue to work diligently to ensure that they are treated fairly and paid fairly, while striving to make Southwest Airlines an even more successful carrier in the years to come."

Initially organized under TWU Local 513, the Union of American Airlines Ramp and Maintenance workers, the Flight Attendants graduated to their own Local, 556, in 1981 as their numbers began to grow along with Southwest's success.

Shortly before the 1981 negotiations, Flight Attendants began to rally around the uniform issue, recalls former Local 556 President Mary Longobardi. "Hot pants brought unwanted attention to ourselves, and we felt we should not have to sacrifice our dignity for higher wages."

The battle over wearing hot pants galvanized the Flight Attendants. Despite right-to-work laws in Texas, membership levels jumped to 98% before negotiations. "Today, we would call this 'internal organizing,' but at the time we were just angry," Longobardi said.

The Union later took on other issues such as ending the practice requiring Flight Attendants to share rooms on layovers and fighting for the right of men to work as Flight Attendants. TWU Local 556 also negotiated work rules that gave Flight Attendants the knowledge and confidence about their rights and duties on the job, while also giving the company enough flexibility that Southwest's business model became the envy of the commercial aviation industry.

Over the last decade, as other Flight Attendant Unions have seen their numbers shrink, TWU Local 556 has doubled in size. Furthermore, Southwest Airlines is one of the most profitable-and unionized-airlines in the United States.

"This proves that discount carrier does not have to mean low wages, benefits, or inferior staff; in fact, today at Southwest that is quite the opposite," said McDaniel. "We've helped make the job of a Flight Attendant into a serious career that provides solid benefits and a living wage-while still being able to have fun."

Longobardi also observes: "Southwest Airlines is now the most unionized airline in the industry, and it is also not an accident that we have some of the best working conditions in the industry. However, let's not forget where it all started. Those 29 Flight Attendants who voted 'yes' for our Union changed the course of our careers, and we owe them all a big thank you."

On Our Guard

The labor movement must always be on guard against "reform" proposals, which sound good, but could hurt our ability to represent members.

Well, here we go again. There is a bill that is being proposed in Congress that would put restrictions on political giving. Often one hears contributors suggest that adoption of a generous public financing program would be a welcome relief, reducing the pressure on contributors to respond to funding appeals. And labor has always been a big supporter of campaign financing reform.

But in reality why are they looking at holding down on our giving to our PAC's and to our political friends?

Maybe it's because of President Obama's historic grass roots fundraising success, in the course of opting out of the presidential public funding program. And I should add, maybe because of our TWU COPE campaign that we have had so much success with.

Congressional elections have never been publicly financed. The Fair Elections Now Act (H.R. 1826) would change that for candidates to the House of Representatives.

Under the federal bill, to qualify for public funding, participating candidates must collect 1,500 "qualifying contributions" totaling $50,000 to receive public funds. These qualifying contributions would be in an amount between $5 and $100, raised from residents of the state in which the candidate is seeking election, and made during the "fair elections qualifying period."

H.R. 1826 also places more restrictions on private fundraising. Participating candidates would be limited to raising qualifying contributions, described above, and qualified small dollar contributions (of up to $100 per election).

The federal bill would restrict a candidate's use of personal funds to the making of qualified small dollar contributions and qualifying contributions.

Under H.R. 1826 participating candidates must take part in debates. Non-participants may also appear in debates, but are not required to do so.

Now, as it is written, this bill does not restrict us from giving to our politicians of choice from your COPE contributions, but who knows what the final bill might have in it.

We need more than ever to build up our COPE contributions and stop this madness. Seems like each time labor makes a stand we get hit with something else to slow us down. Well we won't be stopped because we are ready and we will continue to be ready by increasing our COPE contributions and having campaigns in each Local to make sure that we have enough resources to fight this bill.

The Fair Elections Now Act has been assigned to the House's Administration, Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees and the Senate's Rules and Administration Committee. Currently, no immediate action on the bill is anticipated.

But let's not wait to see what happens. Let's give that extra dollar to the TWU COPE, join one of the COPE Clubs, and volunteer to work in/on a campaign. Let's make sure that our successful COPE Campaign is not derailed by misguided legislation. Join COPE - help us to help you! Hubert Snead is currently on medical leave with Alex Garcia serving as Interim COPE Director and Theotis James heading the Legislative and Political Field Program.

Local 234 Member Recognized for Service to Community

Local 234 members may have heard a familiar voice on the radio a few weeks ago. It was Local 234 member Frank Brooks and his wife Valerie on WKDU 91.7 FM radio; they were invited to speak on a Saturday morning show to explain the service they offer to the city's residents. The couple founded Victorious Visions, LLC to help members of the community reach their short and long-term life goals.

"The company was developed to help people realize their goals and to provide support throughout the journey," said Valerie, who runs the company.

Victorious Visions supports community members in a number of ways: they assign goal motivators to individuals; provide seminars and workshops on topics like how to run a business, and credit score impact and awareness; organize youth and support groups; and help people figure out how to finance thier homes.

Frank emphasizes the importance of providing motivation and support for Philadelphia's youth. "A lot of our youth, if they don't make the right friends, can still learn to do the right thing by coming to our meetings and joining our teen group to meet other good kids and learn from the adults involved in these efforts," he said.

Frank, a graduate of the TWU Department of Legislative and Political Affairs internship program, said the legislative knowledge he gained during the program has helped him provide support for his wife's company.

"We are glad to help people achieve their goals by building that village of family, camaraderie and companionship that they otherwise might not have," said Frank.

Dwight Burton, Managing Editor of Express, Retires

Dwight Burton, who has served as the Managing Editor of the Express for the last 13 years, retires after nearly 40 years writing for labor. Before his time at the TWU Express, Burton spent 25 years as the editor of Justice, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union publication. He graduated with a Masters degree in Journalism from Stanford University.

"We wish Dwight the best in his retirement, and we are sorry to see him go after so many dedicated years writing for the union publications," said International President James C. Little. "Dwight has always been a dependable and talented member of the TWU family."

Local 556 Flight Attendant Featured on ‘Escape to the Wild’ TV Show Local 100 Training at Headquarte

TWU's Education and Research Department recently offered a two-day leadership course to newly-elected officers from Local 100. March is National Women's Month In honor of women's history month, the Coalition of Labor Women (CLUW) will be holding the First Annual Working Women's Award Celebration on Thursday, March 18 in Washington D.C. The Celebration will honor recipients for their extraordinary achievements, leadership and for being exemplary models for working women who seek to advance in their workplace, union and community. If you are interested in attending please contact TWU Civil and Human Rights Director and National CLUW Vice-President Sandra Burleson at sburleson@twu.org. Visit twu.org for more on Women's History Month.Local 526 Swears-in New Officers Assistant Director of the Air Transport Division Robert Gless swore in Local 526's new officers on January 12, 2010.Hunting for big game in Africa is out of the reach of most working people, but thanks to a popular TV show, Local 556 Member Karen Carrolan got to do just that last year. The episode of "Escape to the Wild" was broadcast this January and February on the Versus Network and will be repeated later this year.

The Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant, who only started hunting several years ago, entered the contest sponsored by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance, but assumed she had not been chosen. While working a return flight to Chicago, her home base, Carrolan was surprised when a passenger invited her to take the place of a buddy who dropped out of a planned trip to Africa. She soon realized it was Tom Ackerman, host of "Escape to the Wild," and that the rest of the crew was in on the surprise. A co-worker explained over the public address system what was going on and passengers broke into applause.

As a child, Carrolan briefly lived in Africa while her father worked as a carpenter in Nigeria. She always wanted to go back for a visit, but never dreamed it would be to hunt big game.

A Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant for nine years, Carrolan loves her flying job and meeting new people, saying, "I always chat with the passengers and particularly those who look like they're going hunting, basically anyone wearing camouflage clothes. When I mention my recent adventures in Africa, they freak, in a good way. The men think it's the coolest thing - a woman who enjoys the outdoors and hunting wild animals!"

"Escape to the Wild" is made possible by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership's Union Sportsmen's Alliance (USA), Versus, and sponsoring unions. It surprises hardworking members of AFL-CIO-affiliated unions with hunting or fishing trips of a lifetime. For more information, go to www.UnionSportsmen.org.

2010 COPE/ Legislative Conference

The 2010 COPE/Legislative Conference will be held from April 27 through April 29 at the Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel in Washington D.C. The TWU encourages all Locals to participate in the Conference as the political climate in Washington is heated and some of labor's biggest issues are primed for action. This is an opportunity for all Locals to come to Washington and get involved in shaping the policies of the future.

Days will be broken down into general sessions, opportunities to hear interesting political insiders speak about their experiences and provide advice, instructional workshops to build on existing skills, and time specifically allotted for lobbying on the hill. Any locals that plan to attend and wish to have meetings with their congressional representatives or senators should plan those meetings for Wednesday and Thursday afternoons after 1 p.m.

Contact the Department of Legislative and Political Affairs at 202-638-6154 for more information or to register to attend.

16th Annual Training for Local Officers

Thirty-six TWU officers came to the National Labor College in late January, some from recently organized locals and some just sworn into office days before. All had the same goal in common: to learn how they could do their jobs better.

This was the 16th class of what has become a TWU annual educational offering; over 450 local union officers have attended the class. "We are committed to training our local officers and offering them the best instruction in leadership," said International President James C. Little.

The training helps participants understand how the International union functions and the important role they have in their locals and with the TWU as a whole. Classes are taught by Education and Research Director Bob Wechsler and by National Labor College staff. The week kicks off with a TWU history class, "TWU: Who we are and how we got here," taught by Wechsler. The classes are long and intense, but by the end participants are equipped with the skills they need to make their locals efficient and to best represent their members. Plus, officers enjoy the opportunity to become acquainted with their counter-parts from around the country.

The curriculum is designed to provide a hands-on learning experience so that much of the class time is spent on practicing the taught skills. In the communications class, an officer stood before a mock executive board to persuade the board to appropriate funds for a new grievance-tracking program for the local.

Officers participated in classes on planning, communications and building membership involvement, but also worked on projects to bring back to their local unions for possible implementation. Each participant had the opportunity to present the project to the class and instructor for feedback and comments. Local officers explained they felt the planning exercise was helpful in their future plans for their membership and would ultimately be a big help to their locals.

The cooperation between all divisions in a 100 percent union setting added to the solidarity and instruction. The training was held at the AFL-CIO's state-of-the-art training center in Silver Spring, Maryland. David Alexander and Gene Morrill from the National Labor College staff taught sections of the program.

Attending the program, shown above, were Scott Sargent (Local 225 Branch 4); Karen Fleming and Mensan Kinvi (Local 225); Tim DeMoss (Local 208); Lawrence Williams (Local 226); Israel Rivera, Benita Johnson, Angel Giboyeaux, Maurice Jenkins, John Day, Kevin Harrington and Earl Phillips (Local 100); Charles Davenport Jr. (Local 260); Wanda Smith (Local 249); Willie Cuthrell and Marvin Artis (Local 248); Chad Olson and Don Robinson (Local 223); Gene Chapin and Dan Mitchell (Local 514); Glendon Jones and John Frazier (Local 530); Patrick Boyle and Joe Demory (Local 542); Greg Moore and Steve Papillla (Local 550); Angie Cox (Local 555); Mark Torrez and Donna Keith (Local 556); Robert Owens and Joe Urso (Local 562); Doug Vare, Patrick Lepper, and Brent Summers (Local 2003); and Cedric Griffith (Local 2014). Also attending from TWU were Int'l Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo, Administrative Vice President Susan Resch, Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Portia White, and International Representatives Carl Martin, John Feltz, and Jerome Lafragola. U.S. DOT Announces 1.5. Billion in TIGER GRANTS In a February 17 release the U.S. Department of Transportation announced 1.5 Billion in TIGER Grants to fund in excess of 50 projects throughout the country. Requirements for the projects that were selected include job creation, economic benefits and promotion of communities that are safer, cleaner and more livable. Included in the announcement were several railroad and transit related projects, including the following railroad examples: Cresent Corridor Freight Project, Create Program Projects, National Gateway Freight Rail Corridor, Moynihan Station, Phase 1, Fitchburg Commuter Rail Extension. You can find more information on the Department of Transportation website, www.dot.gov,

Related to the TIGER Grant announcements, Amtrak released a statement applauding the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of intercity passenger rail. As pointed out in the release the projects selected include work that will reduce or eliminate rail congestion choke points in several parts of the country.

First Student Putting Workers Last State Conferences Growing

Over the last few weeks several TWU locals have worked with the COPE Political Field staff to host successful State Conferences in Georgia/Tennessee, New Jersey and Illinois-Indiana. The conferences are vital to the TWU's objectives of utilizing locals to help coordinate the union's ability to persuade state and local legislators of the importance of issues that are critical to our members.

Since the start of the conferences, the COPE Department, now headed by Acting Director Alex Garcia with Theotis James heading the Legislative and Political Field Program while Hubert Snead is out on medical leave, and with the able assistance of COPE Political Field Assistants Gwen Dunivent and Terry Daniels, has established conferences in the following locations: Illinois/Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia/Tennessee, Nevada/Arizona, Texas and Ohio. Conferences in New York and Pennsylvania are planned to begin in April, and there will be another Florida Conference held in Tallahassee to lobby for NASA jobs in conjunction with lobby days from March 14-16. The Nevada-Arizona State Conference will be marching in a St. Patrick's Day Parade in Henderson, Nevada this month and the California State Conference recently had lobby days in conjunction with the state's Labor Federation in Sacramento on March 8th and 9th as well.

Illinois-Indiana State Conference hosted by Local 512 at its local union hall featured presentations by then COPE Director Hubert Snead, then Legislative & Political Field Representative Alex Garcia, and political field assistants Gwen Dunivent and Terry Daniels. Representing Local 512 were President Sean Doyle, 1st Vice President Diana Tiggs, 2nd Vice President Chris Biancalana, Secretary Treasurer Kevin Hagn, Recording Secretary Mike Rubel, Executive Board Member Tim Murphy, IND Section Chairman Keith Perry, and Political Education Coordinator Mike Lenehan.Local 252 has been in negotiations with First Student bus company since July 2009, and the battle continues. In December, after months of frustrating talks members decided to peacefully protest in the bitter cold. They carried signs with messages that informed the public of the unfair treatment they've been getting from the company.

"We will do whatever it takes to get a fair deal for our members," said President of Local 252 Patricia Bowden.

Good News in D.C., but Unions Still Crucial to Safer Workplaces

Recent changes in the federal government have brought fresh air for labor. TWU can count on Hilda Solis' pro-worker actions as the new Secretary of Labor. The confirmations of David Michaels as head of OSHA and C. Patricia Smith as the Labor Solicitor were victories to be celebrated.

Even with support in high places, history has shown that labor unions are crucial in winning safer workplaces. To strengthen TWU's capacity to fight for safer working conditions, President Jim Little created the TWU Health and Safety Task Force in December 2008. The group, headed by Health and Safety Director Ed Watt and composed of Mark Johnson (Local 513), Michael Massoni (Local 556), Michael Conigliaro (Local 101) and more recently Bobby Romaine (Local 106), developed many activities throughout 2009 to provide workplace health and safety information and tools.

Among our accomplishments in 2009: the weekly digest with information, news and events that is sent to 600 TWU officers, safety reps and members (45 regular editions and 10 special editions since March 19th, 2009); the TWU Health & Safety Survey 2009 to identify Local Union needs for information, resources, training and other support; a health and safety workshop for leadership and safety stewards in the Airline Division, held at Local 513 in Dallas in June; and a booth at the 23rd International Convention to provide officers and delegates from all Locals with information on safety, health and wellness.

After the Convention, as a way to strength- en these initiatives and to increase the Union's Health and Safety capabilities, the TWU Health and Safety Department was reestablished to provide information, education and technical support to all Locals. The goal is to help Local Unions develop and implement their own safety initiatives.

To accomplish our mission, we developed an Action Plan for the upcoming year organized in four related parts: Training & Education; Communication & Information; Technical Resources; and Research. Although each part has its own goals, each will reinforce the others.

We started 2010 with a meeting at the Transportation Research Board Annual Conference to discuss a research project on work-related musculoskeletal disorders in aviation workers, in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; the Seminar "Pandemic, Swine and Seasonal Flu for Unions in the New York Area" promoted with the National Labor College and NYCOSH, held in January for union officers to provide updated information, discuss issues and share experiences with negotiating H1N1 policies and protections; and a CD-ROM containing important health and safety reports, manuals, guides and factsheets that was sent to all Locals.

The Department promotes TWU's voice in national Health & Safety Forums. Ed Watt serves on the AFL-CIO Health and Safety Committee. Following brother Mark Johnson's installation as Chair of the Labor Division of the National Safety Council, we are helping organize the TWU Caucus during the Spring Meeting (May 23-26, Tulsa), where we will hold two workshops. In partnership with the COPE Department, we will bring TWU's voice to the National Action Summit for Latino Worker Health and Safety/Cumbre de Acción Nacional para la Salud y Seguridad del Trabajador Latino in Houston (April 14-15). Finally, the Communication Department is helping us create a powerful and useful Health & Safety section on the TWU website, and from now on the TWU Express will carry a health and safety column to report on current issues.

We want to hear what Local Unions and members have to say. Please send your requests and input to our Department and to the Health & Safety Task Force at: healthandsafety@twu.org.

Apply for the Michael J. Quill Scholarship

Since 1969, TWU has been awarding 15 four-year college scholarships annually to the dependents of TWU members. The awards are worth $1,200 each annually, for a total of $4,800 over the four-year college period.

Winners of the scholarship are determined by a public drawing held each May at TWU Headquarters. The benefits of the first 40 drawings have been enjoyed by families throughout the Union. Sons and daughters of members in city passenger transit, railroad and air transportation, utilities, public employment, space installations, and allied industries are among those who began their college education with the help of funds paid to the universities.

The scholarship money is paid directly to the college or university that the successful applicant actually attends. Applications can be secured online and from the first issue of the TWU Express each year.

The Quill Scholarship Program is supervised by International Executive Vice President Harry Lombardo with the able assistance of Administrative Secretaries Bernadette Uckele and Carlean Williams.

Experience Counts

Last year at this time our nation got a much-needed boost when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River off Manhattan Island. Not a single life was lost.

Working at TWU International headquarters in Manhattan, I can tell you that that this is one of the densest urban environments in the world. To call his landing "The Miracle on the Hudson" is not media hype.

Aviation experts, and Captain Sullenberger himself, credit his years of experience and training with making this safe landing possible. Sullenberger said that in one sense everything he did as a pilot was preparation for this one shining moment.

On the January 15 anniversary of the "Miracle," we all got a chance to relive this feel good moment. Captain Sullenberger's book had also come out a few months earlier and he has been using his celebrity to promote charitable and other causes.

What's gotten lost somewhat in the celebration of the heroics have been Sullenberger's comments on the state of the airline industry and the hardships borne by its workers. He said he felt obligated to use his celebrity to speak out for the fellow workers who have made the American airline industry the safest and best in the world.

Noting that his pay has been cut by 40% and his pension reduced to pennies on the dollar, Sullenberger said, "But while I love my profession, I do not like what has happened to it. I would not be doing my duty if I did not report to you that I am deeply troubled about its future."

In testimony to Congress last year, he said, "Americans have been experiencing huge economic difficulties in recent months - but airline employees have been experiencing those challenges, and more, for the last eight years! We have been hit by an economic tsunami. September 11, bankruptcies, fluctuating fuel prices, mergers, loss of pensions and revolving door management teams who have used airline employees as an ATM have left the people who work for airlines in the United States with extreme economic difficulties."

When I read Captain Sullenberger's comments, I thought of many of our Airline Division members, especially those at American Airlines. These are folks who love their jobs and their airline, but wonder why their families have to bear the brunt of the industry's problems.

But when I look at Captain Sullenberger, I am reminded most of all of our experienced, dedicated Aircraft Mechanics who make flying so safe. Why would airlines risk their passengers' safety by moving more and more maintenance overseas, a trend TWU has been fighting for years and will continue to fight in the new year.

I don't know about you. But, in an age of international terrorism, I'd prefer to have the plane I'm flying serviced by licensed and fully supervised U.S.-based mechanics, rather than in minimally supervised overseas repair stations.

As Sully showed, experience counts.

Stepping Up to the Occasion, Honoring a Fallen Member

Early this year the TWU was saddened by the passing of Local 513 Brother Jeff Jones. Jones, a fleet service clerk who had worked in Nashville at BNA and then at the Dallas Fort-Worth airport, received a final send off from his Union brothers and sisters at DFW. Hundreds who work at DFW gathered outside of the plane that would fly Jones and his family home to Nashville, his final resting place, and honored his memory. Some said a few words in his honor and as the plane taxied down the runway Jones was honored with a water cannon salute.

Howard Blaydes, a friend of Jones' and President of TWU Local 590, participated in the send off and was touched by the ceremonious occasion. Blaydes sent the following letter to International President James C. Little in appreciation of the union's respect for his friend.

Creating Our Own Guarantees

Spring always brings the promise of new beginnings, the warmth of a new season, and refuge from the bitter winter, but it never guarantees we won't have a snowstorm in April. As we move forward into this New Year, I see tough challenges ahead in all Divisions, but also note the opportunities for positive change within our reach. While the country still struggles in economic uncertainty, opportunities in the form of stimulus funding, health care reform and other legislation still lie ahead. We need to seize these opportunities in order to create our own guarantees.

At this writing, already we have seen significant progress in transportation funding and legislative issues in Washington D.C. Billions of stimulus dollars have been allocated for transportation projects in areas with TWU presence, which can be very beneficial to thousands of our members and for our country. We are even starting to see a glimpse of progress in health care reform and the long-stalled Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill. In order to make use of this potential we must be steadfast in our efforts to create change on behalf of working families. We must be willing to create our own guarantees.

President Obama recently introduced a proposal for a comprehensive health care bill, intended to move the debate on the issue forward. But the proposal and the current bill still include an excise tax that we cannot accept. The AFL-CIO and other unions negotiated a deal with the White House in mid-January; they agreed to support a bill that included a 40 percent excise tax on high-cost health insurance plans, but with a slightly increased threshold. Our members have been loud and clear on the issue; therefore we (TWU) will not support any health care bill that places that burden on working families. Our members, like many union members around the country, have forgone pay in exchange for quality health care benefits. We will not accept any bill that includes such an excise tax.

While the country has been enveloped in the heated health care debate, another critical bill has been stalled for the last nine months, the FAA Reauthorization. The bill can create thousands of jobs, provide much needed funding, set regulations for the airline industry and protections for passengers, and modernize the air-traffic system. Majority Leader Harry Reid has promised it will reach the Senate floor this month; our senators need to hear this bill must be passed, without further delay.

In some cases, our fight is an effort to save, rather than to create. Many of our locals are suffering due to this ongoing economic crisis. When local governments suffer, municipalities and communities suffer, and a harmful cycle is created. One thing I can guarantee for this spring and for the rest of the year is that the issues mentioned here and in this Express are absolutely worth our efforts and worth the fight. Politically active TWU members, officers and staff are working hard at the local, state and federal levels to support legislation and programs that are beneficial to the union's membership. I urge all members to follow the issues mentioned here, and others important to working people, and "take action" on them by using the tools on twu.org. Let your congressional representatives know where the TWU stands. Like I said, this year brings opportunities, but no guarantees, so we must use our numbers, 130,000 strong, to fight for our own.

I would also like to remind all members that it is not too late to donate to the TWU Disaster Relief Fund that I established in response to Haiti's earthquake in January. The earthquakes in Haiti and Chile have affected many TWU members with families in these areas. Organizer Georges Exceus represented TWU and helped save lives in Haiti. I applaud his work and hope you read his article in this issue. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering and to those who have lost loved ones.

TWU Offers Condolences to Families and Victims of W.Va. Mine Explosion

TWU President James C. Little extended his deepest condolences today on behalf of the 200,000 Transport Workers Union members and retirees to the friends and families of the workers at the Massey Energy Company's Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia.

"The TWU's thoughts and prayers go out to all those who have lost their loved ones, to a community that has lost its friends and family, and for the safety of those who remain missing and the courageous rescue team members risking their own lives to save others" said President Little. "The men and women who work in these dangerous occupations deserve the greatest safety protections, and their employer has tragically let them down with repeated safety violations. Their lives should be treated with more respect than that given to profit."

Monday's explosion is believed to have been caused by highly explosive methane gas leaking from sealed-off areas of the non-union Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County, W. Va. Twenty-five miners were killed and four remain missing. Three days after the explosion, after drilling a shaft in the mine for ventilation, the air quality is finally clean enough for rescue teams to search for the four miners unaccounted for. As the devastated community makes funeral arrangement for their lost loved ones, they pray for the safety of the four that may have survived.

"News reports have shown us that the company has neglected to assign more value to lives than mining profits, and it is unacceptable," said President Little.

According to the New York Times, this deadly explosion, like most others, could have been prevented:

Kevin Stricklin, an administrator with the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration, said the magnitude of explosion – the worse mining accident in 25 years, which also left four people missing including a woman working as a mining operator – showed that 'something went very wrong here.'

'All explosions are preventable,' Mr. Stricklin said. 'It's just making sure you have things in place to keep one from occurring.'

Massey has been issued infractions and fined up to one million dollars over the last few years, and was cited for 53 safety violations by the Mine Safety and Health Administration just last month alone.

The AFL-CIO blog cites several news reports with details on Massey's other violations and evidence of negligence regarding safety. Among them: in 2009 the company was assessed nearly $1 million in fines for safety violations, including violations concerning escape routes and ventilation; Massey has received more than 50 "unwarrantable failure" violations, which are among the most serious finding an inspector can issue; in at least six of the past 10 years the mine's injury rate has been worse than the national average for similar operations; and a memo from Massey CEO, Donald Blankenship stating "This memo is necessary only because we seem not to understand that the coal pays the bills."

Representative Nick Rahall (D-W. Va.), whose district includes the Upper Big Branch Mine told reporters on Tuesday that,

"We will scrutinize the health and safety violations at this mine to see whether the law was circumvented and miner's precious lives were willfully put at risk, and there will be accountability."

More information:
Associated Press story on mine safety violations and fines

Keep America Moving to Save Green, Affordable Mass Transit Systems

During their rush hour trips home yesterday, commuters shared the sidewalk outside of New York City's Pennsylvania station with Keep America Moving, a coalition fighting on behalf of the commuters and transit workers who make their buses and trains run smoothly.

The newly formed coalition includes TWU International President James C. Little, TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen, ATU President Warren S. George, and Reverend Jesse Jackson, among others, and has been created to push for more federal funding for mass transit systems all over America.

"We cannot allow our transit systems to crumble from financial neglect," said TWU International President Little at Wednesday's news conference.

America's mass transportation systems are in deep crisis. Every major system in this country – from New York to San Francisco, Chicago to Atlanta, Boston to Miami – is under severe financial stress. Thousands of transit jobs and essential service and stable fares to the public are at risk. The transit union leaders, representing some 350,000 workers, have united to fight against service cuts, layoffs, and for the good, green jobs that mass transit can provide.

In attendance at yesterday's news conference were environmentalists, political leaders, including Congressman Charles Rangel, and representatives from several unions, some who traveled to New York from their home states in solidarity with the coalition.

Speakers at the conference emphasized key points that highlight how mass transit is at the core of solutions to some of America's most pressing problems. Keep America Moving lays out the facts:

• Transit is an essential service like police, fire and sanitation, and it is integral to our quality of life.
• It is an economic engine that fuels the economies of every major American population center. It brings commuters to work and shoppers to Main Street. And transit provides good, green jobs for drivers, conductors, operators, mechanics, maintainers, cleaners, engineers and a whole raft of associated professions.
• With a national 10 percent unemployment rate, our devastated industrial sector could benefit greatly from a targeted Made in America initiative to build buses and subway cars in America.
• Transit is essential to America's environmental goals of reducing greenhouse gases.
• Transit is a critical component in America's campaign to reduce and eventually end its dependence on foreign oil.