McMillion & Hirtensteiner, LLP - Labor News

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Machinists Union Members Approve New Three-Year Contract for Fort Worth and Related Sites

2009-04-19T15:45:00.001-07:00

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Machinists Union Members Approve New Three-Year Contract for Fort Worth and Related Sites

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), District 776, have ratified a new labor agreement with Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Aeronautics. The new agreement is effective April 20, 2009, and extends to April 22, 2012.

The agreement covers three IAM bargaining units - production and maintenance employees, firefighters and nurses - and includes Lockheed Martin employees in Fort Worth, Texas; at Edwards AFB, Calif.; and at NAS Patuxent River, Md. The union has more than 3,500 total members.

"We're pleased the Machinists union members ratified this new contract. It rewards our excellent workforce with fair and equitable wages, benefits and other provisions. Our employees perform a critical task for our customers and the nation through their work on the F-35, F-16, F-22 and other programs, and this new contract will help keep them on the job for the next three years," said June Shrewsbury, executive vice president of Company Integration for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

CONTACT: Joe Stout, Director of Communications of Lockheed Martin,
+1-817-308-5520, joe.w.stout@lmco.com

Web Site: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/117281.html

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Judge's Ruling in FMC Lawsuit Has No Effect on ATA Lawsuit Against Ports

2009-04-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

Judge's Ruling in FMC Lawsuit Has No Effect on ATA Lawsuit Against Ports

ARLINGTON, Va., April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ATA Vice President of Public Affairs issued the following advisory in response to reporters' questions about the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) lawsuit against the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach:

A judge's denial on Wednesday of an injunction in the case of FMC vs. City of Los Angeles et al has absolutely no effect on the American Trucking Associations' lawsuit against the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Concession Plans.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and other union supporters are using the FMC decision to continue to mislead the public by falsely saying ATA opposes the Clean Truck Program.

The FMC lawsuit will have no effect on the ATA's lawsuit because:
-- FMC's lawsuit seeks an injunction against the Clean Truck Program and
Concession Plans.
-- ATA's lawsuit is only against the separate Concession Plan
requirements. ATA supports the Clean Truck Program. ATA was not a
party to the FMC case and actually petitioned FMC, successfully, to
drop their demand that the ports stop collecting the Clean Truck
Program container fee. ATA supports collection of the container fee,
which assists drivers and companies in buying cleaner trucks.
-- The two lawsuits are based on different law. FMC's is based on the
Shipping Act. ATA's is based on the FAAA Act and on the Commerce
Clause of the Constitution.
-- FMC argued that competition would be reduced because the Ports of Los
Angeles and Long Beach cooperated together to create the Clean Truck
Program.

-- ATA argued that the industry would be harmed and competition would be
reduced because the Port of Los Angeles bans independent owner
operators and because both ports have many irrelevant, cost-raising
requirements that will do nothing to clean the air, and that the
Concession Plans are an illegal and unconstitutional intrusion into
interstate transportation and commerce.

The ban on independent owner operators was instituted by the Mayor of Los Angeles at the request of Teamsters President James Hoffa and is intended to allow the Teamsters to enlist port drivers into the union.

Even as the NRDC and other union supporters mislead the public by falsely saying ATA opposes the Clean Truck Program, they have yet to explain why they continue to support efforts that do nothing to clean the air, but trample the rights of thousands of citizens, outlaw small businesses and eliminate an entire profession during the worst recession in decades.

Source: American Trucking Associations

CONTACT: Clayton Boyce of American Trucking Associations,
+1-703-408-3716, 703-838-7902

Web Site: http://www.truckline.com/

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Sentencing of McWane Corp. Executives Expected Monday

2009-04-17T12:57:00.001-07:00

Sentencing of McWane Corp. Executives Expected Monday

Change to Win Health and Safety Coordinator Eric Frumin Available For Comment

TRENTON, N.J., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Change to Win Health and Safety coordinator Eric Frumin will be available for comment before and after the scheduled sentencing hearing.

WHAT:

Four NJ-based executives of the Birmingham, AL-based McWane Corp. are scheduled for sentencing in Federal District court after a 30-count conviction on conspiracy, obstructing a federal investigation, and environmental violations. Former Plant Manager John Prisque was convicted on four separate counts, including all facets of the conspiracy indictment which alone allows a maximum imprisonment of 5 years.

WHO:
Federal District Court Judge Mary L. Cooper

McWane Corp. is one of the world's largest manufacturers of steel pipe. A 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation of massive OSHA and environmental violations at McWane plants in five states revealed some of the worst examples of criminal employer misconduct in the 35-year history of the OSHAct as well as multiple environmental laws. The resulting federal investigation sparked a 33-count indictment at McWane's Phillipsburg, NJ subsidiary Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe. According to one of DOJ's lead prosecutors, McWane was "one of the worst and most persistent violators of our nation's environmental and worker safety laws." At the time of the verdict, the Justice Department said that "Atlantic States and these defendants committed heinous crimes against workers and New Jersey's environment."

WHEN:
Monday, April 20; the sentencing hearing begins at 10am

WHERE:
US District Court, 402 East State Street, Trenton, NJ.

WHY:

Despite a worker death, massive worker safety and health violations, and corporate obstruction of the investigation by the US Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Justice Department was able to effectively prosecute Atlantic States pipe company and its executives only by using environmental law where applicable, and using general federal criminal law. Severe violations involving employer misconduct, worker deaths and severe injuries remain often unpunished, and employers remain unafraid of sanctions due to the lack of any serious deterrent in the OSHAct itself. The US Congress will soon consider new legislation to close the severe loopholes in the OSHAct.

About Change to Win

Change to Win is a partnership of seven unions and six million members founded in 2005 to organize workers of the new American economy. Change to Win is committed to restoring the American Dream so that all workers have a paycheck that can support a family, affordable health care, a secure and dignified retirement, and the opportunity for the next generation to be better off. The seven affiliated unions are: Service Employees International Union, UNITE HERE, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Laborers' International Union of North America, United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and United Farm Workers of America.

Source: Change to Win

CONTACT: Eric Frumin of Change to Win, +1-212-352-4720, +1-646-734-2656

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Illinois First Student Workers Choose Teamsters Union

2009-04-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

Illinois First Student Workers Choose Teamsters Union

School Bus Drivers, Monitors and Mechanics Unite for Change in the Workplace

WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- School bus drivers, monitors and mechanics with First Student in Urbana, Illinois, have voted to join Teamsters Local 26, in Bloomington, Illinois, taking the first step toward improvements in their workplace. The workers are seeking fair pay, a grievance procedure and fairness on the job. There are 62 workers in the bargaining unit.

"We are some of the lowest paid school bus drivers in this area, and the workers at other First Student locations are paid better than us because they're Teamsters," said Eugene Heath, a four-year driver with First Student in Urbana. "We want to be treated fair and equal to the other locations, and treated fair within our own location. I'm glad we voted Teamsters."

According to Tim Donovan, a business agent with Local 26, the Urbana workers contacted the local's offices after hearing about the solid representation the local provided its members at other First Student locations. Local 26 represents First Student workers in Charleston, Danville and Bloomington.

"We are reaching out to these workers who need Teamster representation. We are looking to get them all organized so we can do our best to improve their working conditions," said Pat Gleason, President of Local 26. "This is a great victory and we are quite proud of our new members."

This victory is the latest in an effort to organize private school bus and transit workers across the country. Drive Up Standards is a national campaign to improve safety, service and work standards in the private school bus and transit industry. Since the campaign began in 2006, more than 16,800 drivers, monitors, aides, mechanics and attendants have become Teamsters.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: David White of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-624-8730, dwhite@teamster.org

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Hoffa Announces Teamster Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

2009-04-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

Hoffa Announces Teamster Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

Popular Missouri Secretary of State Has Proven Record of Leadership

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa joined Teamsters from across Missouri today at a rally to announce the union's endorsement of Robin Carnahan for U.S. Senate.

"Missourians deserve better leadership in Washington, and they'll get it from Robin Carnahan," Hoffa told hundreds of Teamsters at the rally held at Joint Council 56. "We can't afford business as usual in these tough economic times. The Teamsters will do what it takes to deliver a victory for Carnahan and the hardworking people of Missouri."

Carnahan brings a proven record of serving and protecting Missourians as Secretary of State. Her work fighting investment fraud has earned her national recognition as a leader in securities law enforcement. As Missouri's senator, she will hold Wall Street and Washington accountable by cracking down on fraud, waste and abuse that has created the crisis plaguing the U.S. economy.

"Robin Carnahan wants to create opportunities for people to improve their lives, and she will work tirelessly to make our government work by solving problems," said Jim Kabell, President of the Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters. "She is a friend to Missouri's working families the Teamsters are proud to endorse her for U.S. Senate."

Carnahan promoted consumer and investor education as a priority during her time as Secretary of State, developing an Investor Bill of Rights to help protect Missouri's citizens from fraud. She is the right leader for hardworking Missourians during this time of economic uncertainty.

Carnahan's widespread popularity and her commitment to Missouri led to her re-election in November 2008, when she received more votes than any candidate in the state's history.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Leigh Strope of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-497-7766, lstrope@teamster.org

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Rise of Smarter, Greener Buildings Boosts Efficiency, Reduces Cost - Now on ElectricTV.net

2009-04-17T10:09:00.001-07:00

Rise of Smarter, Greener Buildings Boosts Efficiency, Reduces Cost - Now on ElectricTV.net

BETHESDA, Md., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A close look at how building owners are applying the latest technologies to create smarter, greener buildings is among the features on the latest edition of ElectricTV.net. A joint production of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ElectricTV.net is the only web TV program dedicated to reporting the latest developments in the electrical construction and information systems industries.

The vast majority of the more than four million commercial buildings in the United States are equipped with outdated mechanical system technology, relying heavily on manual processes, from adjusting thermostats to turning on lights. Yet, with the advent of a new generation of computer-based, networked systems, building owners at every level can now realize considerable savings in time and money through automation.

Lighting, heating and cooling, fire alarm, power systems and more can now be managed from a single computer interface. Plus, says Dave Ulrich, control manager for the Electric Company of Omaha, "With internet connectivity, you can control your systems from any location, both on- and off-site." Such global oversight allows problems to be quickly pinpointed and resolved. And the ability to automatically turn systems on and off, running only as needed, results in decreased operating costs and increased energy savings, benefiting both the owner and the environment.

Also on this edition of ElectricTV.net are a segment on a new learning program that's bringing an online dimension to electrical worker training; a feature on how the movement for creating a "smart grid" is working to maximize efficiency in electrical transmission; and a spotlight on how T5HO fluorescent lights are delivering significant savings in energy and costs to the lighting of high-bay buildings.

To view, visit www.electrictv.net/buildingautomation.aspx.

ABOUT NECA AND IBEW

Through their joint marketing organization -- the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC) of the organized electrical construction industry -- NECA and IBEW together work to:

-- Reach customers with accurate information about the industry; and
-- Achieve better internal communication between labor and management.

NECA has provided over a century of service to the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA's national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development.

With 725,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields -- including construction, utilities, telecommunications and manufacturing -- IBEW is among the largest member unions in the AFL-CIO. IBEW was founded in 1891.

For more information, visit www.thequalityconnection.org.

Source: NLMCC

CONTACT: Mark Walston for NLMCC, +1-301-919-8755,
markwalston@comcast.net

Web Site: http://www.electrictv.net/

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Smart Grid to Maximize Potential, Cut Electricity Waste - Now on ElectricTV.net

2009-04-17T10:05:00.001-07:00

Smart Grid to Maximize Potential, Cut Electricity Waste - Now on ElectricTV.net

BETHESDA, Md., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Does the U.S. really need a smart grid? Author Jason Makansi says the existing national transmission system is graying and presents a threat to our future, according to a feature presented on the latest edition of ElectricTV.net. A joint production of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ElectricTV.net is the only web TV program dedicated to reporting the latest developments in the electrical construction and information systems industries.

Makansi, author of Lights Out, explains how the grid transmitting electricity to U.S. communities is old and outdated, with yesterday's infrastructure jeopardizing the future delivery of critical energy. "The American public needs to pay more attention to electricity as a vital component of their economy and their way of life," says Makansi. "Our industry and our elected officials need to focus on securing the transmission part of the electrical infrastructure to ensure that future needs are met."

What Makansi argues for is the move to a "smart grid," a holistic approach to the transmission of electricity involving new infrastructure building and integrated electrical control systems. NECA contractors and their IBEW workforce are already busy running tests of new equipment vital to creating that new "smart grid." Says NECA contractor John Colson, chairman and CEO of Quanta Services, "The smart grid is one of the few ways that we can really make an impact on saving electricity. It's maximizing the potential of the grid to transmit electricity in the most efficient manner."

Also on this edition of ElectricTV.net are a segment on a new learning program that's bringing an online dimension to electrical worker training; a feature detailing how building owners and managers are boosting operations and lowering costs through computer-based automation; and a spotlight on how T5HO fluorescent lamps are delivering significant savings in energy and costs to lighting high-bay buildings.

To view, visit: www.electrictv.net/smartgrid.aspx.

ABOUT NECA AND IBEW

Through their joint marketing organization -- the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC) of the organized electrical construction industry -- NECA and IBEW together work to:

-- Reach customers with accurate information about the industry; and
-- Achieve better internal communication between labor and management.

For more information, visit www.thequalityconnection.org.

Source: NLMCC

CONTACT: Mark Walston for NLMCC, +1-301-919-8755,
markwalston@comcast.net

Web Site: http://www.electrictv.net/smartgrid.aspx

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New Learning Program Brings Online Dimension to Electrical Worker Training - Now on ElectricTV.net

2009-04-17T10:04:00.001-07:00

New Learning Program Brings Online Dimension to Electrical Worker Training - Now on ElectricTV.net

BETHESDA, Md., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- A unique approach to electrical worker training that seamlessly blends online, classroom and hands-on experience is among the features of the latest edition of ElectricTV.net. A joint production of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), ElectricTV.net is the only web TV program dedicated to reporting the latest developments in the electrical construction and information systems industries.

The pioneering training program, the first of its kind in the United States, was developed by NECA-IBEW's National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) in partnership with Cengage Learning. Designed for outside line apprentices, the program offers a rich array of learning paths, from online studies -- with web-based interaction between students and instructors -- to classroom and application experiences conducted at NJATC's training centers. Distant students benefit by being able to complete coursework outside the classroom, allowing more time in the facility to be spent with hands-on lab work and direct instructor-led training.

Says Michael Callanan, Executive Director of the NJATC, "For more than 60 years, we've provided the highest quality training and apprenticeship programs for NECA and IBEW members. Today, we're meeting our students' diverse needs through the latest available technology. This new solution, combining web-based learning with traditional education materials, expands our ability to ensure our students are the best trained electrical workers."

Also on this edition of ElectricTV.net are a segment on how the movement toward creating a "smart grid" is maximizing efficiency in electrical transmission; a feature detailing how building owners and managers are boosting operations and lowering costs through computer-based automation; and a spotlight on how T5HO fluorescent lamps are significantly lowering energy use and costs in lighting high-bay buildings.

To view, visit www.electrictv.net/blendedlearning.aspx.

ABOUT NECA AND IBEW

Through their joint marketing organization -- the National Labor-Management Cooperation Committee (NLMCC) of the organized electrical construction industry -- NECA and IBEW together work to:

-- Reach customers with accurate information about the industry; and
-- Achieve better internal communication between labor and management.

For more information, visit www.thequalityconnection.org.

Source: NLMCC

CONTACT: Mark Walston, +1-301-919-8755, markwalston@comcast.net, for
NLMCC

Web Site: http://www.electrictv.net/

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AFGE Wins Unprecedented Damages Award in EEO Case Against TSA

2009-04-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

AFGE Wins Unprecedented Damages Award in EEO Case Against TSA

Ruling the latest in series of representation wins for AFGE

WASHINGTON, April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In another workplace victory for the American Federation of Government Employees, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently ruled that the Transportation Security Administration discriminated against a TSA employee based on disability when the agency removed him from his position four years ago.

On April 6, an EEOC administrative judge found that the Assistant Federal Security Director at Washington Dulles International Airport did not believe that the TSA was required to follow the Rehabilitation Act and the HR Specialist assigned to monitor requests for disability accommodation didn't understand "basic tenets" of the law. Furthermore, in a chilling indictment, the judge found that the TSA's attempt to justify its discriminatory actions was "disingenuous" and that the TSA's "actions [were] both sufficiently illogical and unreasonable to render its articulated reason unworthy of credence."

The EEO suit resulted from the TSA's discriminatory transfer of a disabled Transportation Security Officer from a teaching position to a screening position. The Transportation Security Officer in question has a degenerative disability that at the time of his removal required him to use a cane when walking and standing. The TSO had successfully performed the duties of a TSA Approved Instructor and received an "exceeds" rating on his annual performance review. Despite this performance, the TSA arbitrarily transferred him from the teaching position to a screening position, which required up to 8 hours of standing. As a result of this illegal transfer, the TSO had no choice but to request disability retirement. AFGE subsequently filed a complaint with the EEOC on his behalf alleging constructive removal and discrimination based on disability.

The judge awarded the TSO back pay and an unprecedented $150,000 in compensatory damages, as well as attorney fees. The judge also ordered TSA to train its management and HR team at Dulles on disability rights, and post a notice to all TSA employees at Dulles about the finding and their right to be free from discrimination at the workplace.

"This is just the latest example of AFGE's strong representation on behalf of TSOs," said AFGE President John Gage. "Anyone familiar with the length of time it takes to process an EEO case, not to mention the burden on the employee to make his or her case, understands the significance of this victory. While other so-called unions have been playing it safe, AFGE has been blazing a representation trail for TSOs system-wide. Make no mistake, AFGE is the only union with a record of representing TSOs from the beginning."

AFGE has been the only union to represent TSA employees since the agency's inception and with more than 10,000 members in 30 Locals across the country, is widely recognized as the TSA union.

AFGE is the largest federal employee union representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia, including tens of thousands of DHS employees in agencies such as the Border Patrol, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Protective Service, FEMA and TSA.

Source: American Federation of Government Employees

CONTACT: Emily Ryan of the American Federation of Government Employees,
+1-202-639-6421

Web Site: http://www.afge.org/

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Hoffa to Announce Teamsters Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

2009-04-17T04:06:00.001-07:00

Hoffa to Announce Teamsters Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

Teamsters Union to Throw Support Behind Popular Secretary of State

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa will join Teamster members from across Missouri at a rally and press conference on Friday, April 17, 2009 at 12 p.m. at Teamsters Joint Council 56 to announce the union's endorsement of Secretary of State Robin Carnahan for U.S. Senate.

Carnahan brings a proven record of serving and protecting Missourians as Secretary of State. Her work fighting investment fraud has earned her national recognition as a leader in securities law enforcement. Carnahan promoted consumer and investor education as a priority during her time as Secretary of State, developing an Investor Bill of Rights to help protect Missouri's citizens from fraud. She is the right leader for hardworking Missourians during this time of economic uncertainty.

Carnahan's widespread popularity and her commitment to Missouri led to her re-election in November 2008, when she received more votes than any candidate in the state's history.

WHO:
Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, candidate for Missouri U.S. Senator
Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President
Jim Kabell, President Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters
James Williams, President, Joint Council 56

WHAT:
Endorsement Rally

WHEN:
Friday, April 17, 2009
12 p.m.

WHERE:
Teamsters Joint Council 56
4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64130

CONTACT: Leigh Strope of Teamsters, +1-202-497-7766, lstrope@teamster.org

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- April 17/

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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United Biscuits Workers Appeal to People of Liverpool - Help Stop Company Greed Hitting Merseyside Jobs

2009-04-16T16:03:00.001-07:00

United Biscuits Workers Appeal to People of Liverpool - Help Stop Company Greed Hitting Merseyside Jobs

LIVERPOOL, England, April 17/PRNewswire/ --

Photo and interview opportunities

Date: Saturday 18th April 2009
Time: 11.30 am
Venue: Bold Street (Lyceum Building), Liverpool City Centre L1 -
Liverpool
City Central Business Improvement District

Workers at United Biscuits' Liverpool Binns Road site have kick-started a
petition to urge United Biscuits not to go ahead with plans to move 170 jobs
to India.

Unite members at United Biscuits face an uncertain future while the
company decides on proposals to move UK jobs abroad later this month.

Workers from the Binns Road site will be visiting Liverpool town centre
on Saturday 18th April to encourage the public to sign their petition. The
petition calls on the local community, government and local MPs to show their
support for the workers by signing up to the "Stop United Biscuits moving
Liverpool jobs to India" campaign.

Unite Regional Officer, Debbie Brannan, said: "United Biscuits is owned
by private equity firms Blackstone and PIA whose only motive is profit. It is
the hard-working staff who have made this company profitable and they deserve
to be treated a lot better than this. We must make sure that this is not
allowed to happen or we will continue to face more job losses and what jobs
will there be in Merseyside for our children?

"We must fight to keep people working in this city, which is why we are
launching a petition across the country to rally support from the community
so we can keep these jobs in Liverpool and the UK.

"The workers that face job losses have families and mortgages to pay and
do not need added stress during this difficult time. It is time they listened
to their loyal workforce and don't let 170 job cuts go ahead."

Unite members will lobby MPs at Westminster, London next week to appeal
to them to support the people of Merseyside as they fight for their jobs.

Support the workers and sign the petition today at:
http://www.unitetheunion.com/northwest.

On 16th May 2009, Unite will hold a march through Birmingham. This will
be the centrepiece of the 'Unite for Jobs' campaign. The March for Jobs will
spotlight the need for urgent assistance to defend jobs.

To see what the Unite for Jobs demands are or for information on the
march visit: http://www.action.unitetheunion.com/campaigns/uniteforjobs

Notes to Editors

United Biscuits brands include:

McVitie's including Digestives, HobNobs and Rich Tea
Jacob's Cream Crackers
Twiglets
Hula Hoops
Penguin
Jaffa Cakes
McCoy's
Mini Cheddars
Phileas Fogg
KP Nuts
Go Ahead

Source: Unite the Union

For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on +44(0)1704-546-500 or +44(0)7768-931316 or Debbie Brannan on +44(0)7768-931271.

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Aloha Air Cargo Fleet Service Workers Vote to Join Teamsters

2009-04-16T14:18:00.001-07:00

Aloha Air Cargo Fleet Service Workers Vote to Join Teamsters

Workers Seek Better Representation

WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fleet service workers at Aloha Air Cargo voted overwhelmingly to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union announced today.

The fleet service workers voted 2-to-1 to join Local 986 in So. El Monte, Calif. The 210 workers were previously represented by the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers. The election was coordinated by the National Mediation Board (NMB).

"We welcome the Aloha Air Cargo fleet service workers to the Teamsters," said Capt. David Bourne, director of the Teamsters Airline Division. "We will work hard to provide them with top-notch representation and negotiate a good contract."

The carrier is comprised of the cargo operations of the former Aloha Airlines, which ceased operation as a passenger airline on March 31, 2008. Seattle-based Saltchuck Resources purchased Aloha's cargo division.

The Teamsters Airline Division, under the direction of Bourne, represents more than 40,000 airline employees.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Leslie Miller of International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-624-8734, lmiller@teamster.org

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Help Save the American Worker Rally Saturday April 18

2009-04-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

Help Save the American Worker Rally Saturday April 18

Protection Sought for U.S. Legal Workers, not Illegal Aliens

WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of south Floridians will gather this Saturday to demonstrate their support for policies that prevent illegal aliens from obtaining jobs legal U.S. workers desperately need. With a statewide unemployment rate of 9.4% and a stagnant economy, Floridians want reduced competition for jobs from those who have no legal right to work. Rally attendees will emphasize the need for enhanced worksite enforcement, an end to day-labor centers that cater to illegal workers and unscrupulous employers, and call for the permanent reauthorization of E-Verify - the nation's worker eligibility verification program - as sound solutions to keep illegal aliens from competing for a shrinking pool of jobs.

The rally comes on the heels of two illegal immigration-related reports issued this week by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). The first, Costs of Illegal Immigration to Floridians finds that providing education and health care to illegal aliens and their families, and incarcerating criminal illegal aliens, costs state taxpayers more than $3.8 billion annually, more than double the costs measured in 2005. The second, a Zogby International poll of 801 likely voters across the state found that, by an overwhelming margin, Floridians believe that illegal immigration is harming their state.

"Voters in Florida want their elected officials in Washington and Tallahassee to protect their interests, their jobs, and their tax dollars from the impact of mass illegal immigration," said event organizer Joyce Mucci. "At a time when the Obama administration is intent on systematically dismantling immigration enforcement, and congressional leaders are considering a new round of amnesty legislation, voters are saying unequivocally that it is time political leaders stopped pandering to the illegal immigration lobby, and started enforcing laws that serve the interests of ordinary Americans."

When: Saturday April 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Jupiter, Florida, S.W. corner of Military Trail and Indiantown Road

About FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 250,000 members nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

Source: FAIR

CONTACT: Joyce Mucci of FAIR, +1-202-531-7521

Web Site: http://www.fairus.org/

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Get Expert Advice on How to Manage Your Finances This Week on 'Inside Government'

2009-04-16T13:03:00.001-07:00

Get Expert Advice on How to Manage Your Finances This Week on 'Inside Government'

Don Siegelman Case, Fight for D.C. Day Care Services Also to Be Discussed

WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Personal finance strategies to help guide federal employees toward financial independence will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' "Inside Government" radio show. The show will air on Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m. EDT nationwide on Federal News Radio at www.federalnewsradio.com and 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.

Karen Blumenthal, author of "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life," will discuss personal finance strategies - from tips for young investors to options for those nearing retirement. Blumenthal also will address ways federal employees can maximize their retirement and benefits packages.

Charlotte Flowers, AFGE 5th District national vice president, then will share her thoughts on the case of Don Siegelman. Siegelman, governor of Alabama from 1999 to 2003, was convicted of bribery in 2006. The case drew national attention as the validity of the charges was questioned, and implications that politics played a part in the prosecution also surfaced.

Finally, Deborrah Jackson, president of AFGE D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Local 2741, will discuss the fight to save day care functions within the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. Jackson, who will be accompanied by three parents affected by the initiative, will explain why day care functions are a vital part of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation mission.

"Inside Government" is hosted by AFGE Assistant General Counsel J. Ward Morrow. Programs are archived on the Federal News Radio Web site and can be heard on demand at http://www.federalnewsradio.com/ or http://www.afge.org/insidegovernment. Please note there will be a short advertisement prior to the start of the program. The program also is available via iTunes podcast by clicking here. Users must install iTunes on their computers before accessing "Inside Government" via podcast.

For instructions on how to listen to "Inside Government," click here.

The program also airs on Saturdays at 6 a.m. on News Talk 940 WMAC in Macon, Ga., sponsored by AFGE Local 987.

"Inside Government" is a one-hour weekly nationwide radio/Internet program dedicated to issues that impact federal and D.C. government employees. The show airs each Friday at 10 a.m. on Federal News Radio 1500 AM in Washington, D.C. and online at www.federalnewsradio.com. It is also available to 70 million iPod users through Apple's iTunes podcast. "Inside Government" is produced by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the nation's largest federal employee union, representing 600,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

Source: American Federation of Government Employees

CONTACT: Jason Fornicola of American Federation of Government Employees,
+1-202-639-6448

Web Site: http://www.afge.org/
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, please e-mail InsideGovernment@afge.org or go to www.federalnewsradio.com.

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Profile: labor-news

Warehouse Workers Sit-In at Temp Agency, Occupy Building

2009-04-16T12:27:00.001-07:00

Warehouse Workers Sit-In at Temp Agency, Occupy Building

Warehouse Workers Tell Walmart: "Don't Temp Out the American Dream"

FONTANA, Calif., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Right now twelve supporters of Warehouse Workers United - a group working to improve warehouse jobs in California's Inland Empire - are sitting in at a temporary employment service office and are occupying the building. The group, composed of warehouse workers, students, and community members, along with over 100 supporters picketing in front of the Staffmark office (16846 Valley Blvd, # C, Fontana, CA 92335), is protesting the bad jobs in the region's dominant industry: warehousing. Warehouse jobs could be good, middle class jobs that help lift the Inland Empire out of the current economic crisis, but instead they are bad jobs with low wages and no benefits.

"We are here today because warehouse workers are struggling to get by and we need good jobs with good pay, health care, and the right to choose to form a union," said Olga Romero, a local warehouse worker who is participating in the protest. "Powerful companies like Walmart, Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Sears/Kmart, are in control out here and they need to take responsibility for the workers in their supply chain."

What started as a rally on the corner of Sierra Avenue and Valley Boulevard, a major intersection in the City of Fontana, quickly turned into a sit-in at the Staffmark office up the street. Over half of all warehouse workers in the Inland Empire are hired through temp agencies and subject to a degrading and dangerous work environment. These workers are poorly paid, actively denied the opportunity to work a 40-hour week, laid off without warning or compensation, forced to work with old and unsafe equipment, and threatened with dismissal if they speak up about the hazardous conditions at the warehouse. Laid off temp warehouse workers cannot collect unemployment insurance, have no recall rights, and cannot make ends meet. Some are forced to live in their cars while others have been reduced to searching dumpsters to find food for their families.

"These bad warehouse jobs are killing our community," said Brett Fisher, a longtime warehouse worker. "How are we supposed to take care of our families when big retailers like Walmart hide behind temp agencies and treat us like we are slave labor?"

While the rest of the country is experiencing a recession, the Inland Empire is in the middle of a depression with nation-leading rates of unemployment and foreclosures. The big retailers that dominate the warehouse industry -- Walmart, Target, Sears/Kmart, Home Depot, Lowe's -- have built a business model dependent on low wage, temp jobs that are destroying the region's already struggling economy. Warehouse workers are calling on the nation's retail giants to recognize the responsibility they have for workers in their supply chain and make warehouse jobs good jobs with a living wage, affordable health care benefits, and the freedom to choose to form a union without harassment and intimidation.

"I am not a temporary person, so why should I have a temporary job that forces me to choose between paying rent and feeding my kids?," said Clarissa Lua, a local warehouse worker and mother of three. "The only jobs we can get out here are warehouse jobs; they have to be good jobs and companies like Walmart have to do the right thing."

Warehouse Workers United is dedicated to improving the lives of warehouse workers by creating a strong voice for change.

Source: Warehouse Workers United

CONTACT: Daniel I. Medress of Warehouse Workers United, +1-213-814-8663,
warehouseunited@gmail.com

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Profile: labor-news

Hoffa to Announce Teamsters Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

2009-04-16T10:37:00.001-07:00

Hoffa to Announce Teamsters Endorsement of Carnahan for Senate

Teamsters Union to Throw Support Behind Popular Secretary of State

Carnahan brings a proven record of serving and protecting Missourians as Secretary of State. Her work fighting investment fraud has earned her national recognition as a leader in securities law enforcement. Carnahan promoted consumer and investor education as a priority during her time as Secretary of State, developing an Investor Bill of Rights to help protect Missouri's citizens from fraud. She is the right leader for hardworking Missourians during this time of economic uncertainty.

Carnahan's widespread popularity and her commitment to Missouri led to her re-election in November 2008, when she received more votes than any candidate in the state's history.

WHO: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, candidate for Missouri U.S. Senator

Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President
Jim Kabell, President Missouri-Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Teamsters
James Williams, President, Joint Council 56

WHAT: Endorsement Rally

WHEN: Friday, April 17, 2009, 12 p.m.

WHERE: Teamsters Joint Council 56
4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64130

CONTACT: Leigh Strope of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, +1-202-497-7766, lstrope@teamster.org

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- April 16/

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Profile: labor-news

Public Health is No. 1, Says U.S. District Judge in Denial of FMC Motion to Shelve the LA-LB Clean Trucks Programs

2009-04-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

Public Health is No. 1, Says U.S. District Judge in Denial of FMC Motion to Shelve the LA-LB Clean Trucks Programs

Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports Calls on Members of Congress to Protect Port Green-Growth Policy that will Save Lives, Improve Safety & Security

LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a victory for the movement to clean the air and create good green jobs at our nation's ports, over 80 organizations united in the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports in California celebrated U.S. District Judge Richard J. Leon's denial of the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) motion for a preliminary injunction that would have threatened the San Pedro Bay Ports' Clean Trucks Programs.

Judge Leon's denial was based on the federal agency's failure to demonstrate that the LA and Long Beach Ports' differing "concession" models would cause irreparable harm to -- or create anti-competitive conditions for -- the goods movement industry. The Clean Trucks Programs aim to reduce diesel truck pollution by 80%, deliver $5 billion to the regional economy and create stronger safety and security enforcement. If successful, the initiatives will help clear a pathway to job-creating future port expansion projects.

The FMC has the ability to take action against agreements in the ocean shipping industry that it believes are likely by a reduction in competition to unreasonably raise rates and decrease services, but Judge Leon (appointed by George W. Bush), in his opinion, noted the Ports "are implementing ambitious, multi-faceted programs to reduce high levels of air pollution while also striving to improve the Ports' safety and security and to enable future development ... Given the protracted and public deliberative process that led to the development of the CTPs and the responsibility the [Ports] have for improving the area's public health and managing the Ports' efficient operations, the Court finds that the public interest, at this point, favors denying the FMC's motion" for a preliminary injunction.

"Protecting the public health is at the heart of this program, and it is paramount to all other concerns," said David Pettit, Director of the Southern California Air Program for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "All Californians should appreciate that a court on the other side of the country recognized our need to get these dirty trucks off the road once and for all. The only way to do that is to make well-capitalized companies -- not low-wage workers -- responsible for a new, clean-burning fleet."

The opinion comes just as the Los Angeles Times today reported that a broad public health, environmental, community, labor and faith-based coalition has called on Members of Congress to continue to help protect the Los Angeles model for port trucking nationwide. The blue-green alliance is bracing for the possibility that industry clean-air opponents that brought a separate suit may succeed in creating roadblocks to the life-saving programs in a Los Angeles court on April 27.

The LA policy requires trucking firms to apply for concessions and take responsibility for new vehicles by legitimately employing their drivers. The comprehensive policy also includes generous subsidies funded by cargo container fees for truck purchases, along with powerful incentives that will help get alternative fuel trucks on the road quicker and jump start a new market. The Long Beach Port also relies on a concession plan, but has come under fire by environmental groups because the burden of replacing some 16,000 old diesel trucks remains on the backs of individual "independent" haulers who average $29,000 a year, rather than companies who are in a financial position to replace and properly maintain clean-fuel trucks.

The nation's largest trucking lobby opposes both plans, and successfully argued to a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals panel that their desire to maintain a deregulated industry outweighs the public interest in clean air that Judge Leon relies on in his opinion. Despite the Virginia-based American Trucking Association's maneuvering, many of its local and national members, comprised of nearly 1,000 trucking companies large and small, applied to become concessionaires and have purchased thousands of trucks, signaling a readiness to grow in an asset-based market.

"Diesel kills people in my neighborhood each and every week," said Bismark Sanchez Jr., a harbor-area resident. "As a father and a port truck driver, I am happy this judge ruled that my city's clean-air program is legal. But I'm scared that the hired guns at the American Trucking Association want another court to allow the industry to go on polluting."

Last winter, local residents and members of the over 80 national, state and local organizations comprising the Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports generated over 10,000 e-mails and postcards to Members of Congress representing pollution-affected regions surrounding the LA, Long Beach and Oakland ports. They urged their representatives to review the obstructionist actions of the FMC, and called on their elected leaders to help appoint new commissioners that share President Barack Obama's commitment to the environmentally and economically sound LA Clean Trucks Program.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, along with Senators Boxer, Feinstein and the entire Democratic California delegation to Congress have each written to the FMC, urging it not to overstep its jurisdiction by interfering with a program that would "actually strengthen competition within the port trucking industry as well as between port trucking and their retail clients. Since port trucking costs are a relatively small component of overall transportation costs, the increased operational costs required by this program will be far outweighed by the overwhelming public benefits."

Environmentalists, residents and port drivers in other cities who have mounted a similar effort in their communities to enact an LA style comprehensive clean-up policy want Members of Congress to examine how the deregulation of port trucking, like that of the financial sector, has been a disaster for highway safety, air quality and on job quality.

The Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports is a partnership of environmental, public health, labor, faith and community organizations that promote sustainable economic development at West Coast ports. We are working to make the Port trucking system more efficient, reduce air pollution, improve the quality of jobs and stimulate greater economic opportunities for residents living in surrounding port communities.

For more information visit: http://www.cleanandsafeports.org/ or http://www.oakland.cleanandsafeports.org/ â¢ The Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports in LA/LB and Oakland is an alliance of over 80 organizations, including:

Alameda County Public Health Department â¢ Alameda Labor Council, AFL-CIO â¢American Lung Association of California â¢ Asian Pacific Environmental Network â¢ Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) â¢ Coalition for Clean Air â¢ Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles â¢ Coalition for a Safe Environment â¢ Communities for a Better Environment â¢ Communities for Clean Ports â¢ East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy â¢ East Bay Community Law Center â¢ East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice â¢ Engineers and Architects Association â¢ Harbor Watts Economic Development Corporation â¢ Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana â¢ Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice â¢ Long Beach Alliance for Children with Asthma â¢ Long Beach Community Partners Council â¢ Long Beach Greens â¢ Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy â¢ Los Angeles/Long Beach Labor Coalition â¢ Mexican American Political Association â¢ National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Carson/Torrance (NAACP) â¢ Natural Resources Defense Council â¢ Oakland ACORN â¢The Pacific Institute â¢ Physicians for Social Responsibility â¢ Progressive Christians Uniting â¢ San Pedro Democratic Club â¢ Sierra Club Harbor Vision Taskforce â¢ West Oakland Environmental Indicators Project â¢ Workforce Collaborative â¢ Change to Win â¢ L.A. County Federation of Labor â¢ UNITE HERE â¢ IAM Lodge 1484 â¢ IBEW Local 11 â¢ ILWU Locals 6, 10, 34, 75 â¢ International Brotherhood of Teamsters â¢ SEIU â¢ Southern California Council of Laborers

Source: Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports

CONTACT: Coral Lopez, +1-310-956-5712; or Barb Maynard, +1-323-351-9321,
both of Coalition for Clean & Safe Ports

Web Site: http://www.cleanandsafeports.org/

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Profile: labor-news

Alatrade Workers Win Union Contract; RWDSU Pledges Teamwork

2009-04-16T07:44:00.001-07:00

Alatrade Workers Win Union Contract; RWDSU Pledges Teamwork

NEW YORK, April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time ever, the 550 employees at the Alatrade Foods poultry processing plant in Phenix City, Alabama, will have a union contract guaranteeing annual wage increases, paid holidays and vacation time. The agreement between the company and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU, UFCW) was ratified on April 9.

Eric Arrington, who works as processing line-leader at Alatrade, said, "The most important things this contract and union membership bring us is job security and a voice in the workplace."

"Before, we had no say in the way things were done. Now, we have a process in place to speak our minds, and we know that our jobs are secure," Arrington added, "and it's a great feeling."

"Mostly the workers wanted the voice that being in a union offers," added RWDSU Alabama and Mid-South Council Representative Jerry Foster, who helped spearhead the organizing drive.

However, the significance of the new contract isn't limited to the wages and benefits it provides: it's how the workers won union representation to begin with.

In 2008, a majority of workers at the Phenix City plant signed cards designating the RWDSU as their union. Rather than battle the workers as many employers do, Alatrade chose to respect its employees' choice and recognize the union.

The approach used by the Alatrade workers to gain union representation, often called "card check," is sanctioned under federal labor laws when both the union and employer agree to it. A proposal now pending in Congress, the Employee Free Choice Act, would provide workers the ability to gain recognition of their union through "card check" even when their employer refuses.

"Organizing this plant didn't turn into a war," said RWDSU Alabama and Mid-South Council Secretary-Treasurer Johnny Whitaker.

"Instead of the workers fighting to bring the union in, and the company fighting to keep the union out, we have already started working together to make the company more successful. We look forward to helping Alatrade expand and create more jobs for Alabama workers."

The RWDSU represents 1,000 other Alatrade workers in Alabama. The union has more than 100,000 members throughout the U.S. and Canada. It is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

Source: Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union

CONTACT: Jim Grossfeld of Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union,
+1-301-941-1987

Web Site: http://www.rwdsu.org/

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Profile: labor-news

Harley-Davidson Reports First Quarter 2009 Results, Re-Affirms Full-Year Shipment Plans, and Provides Strategy and Restructuring Update

2009-04-16T04:05:00.001-07:00

Harley-Davidson Reports First Quarter 2009 Results, Re-Affirms Full-Year Shipment Plans, and Provides Strategy and Restructuring Update

Company Generates Net Income of $117.3 Million, Inclusive of Restructuring and One-Time Tax Charges

First Quarter Revenue, Net Income and EPS Decrease

MILWAUKEE, April 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) reported decreased revenue, net income and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period. Worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson(R) motorcycles in the first quarter declined 12.0 percent and U.S. retail sales declined 9.7 percent from last year's first quarter.

"While we are mildly encouraged by the fact that the U.S. retail sales rate declined less in the first quarter than in the prior two quarters, we remain cautious and continue to expect 2009 to be an extremely challenging business environment," said Jim Ziemer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "We continue to make good progress in executing our strategy for the economic downturn, and we will continue to manage our business with strong discipline."

In January, the Company announced initial estimates that its planned unit volume reduction and operations restructuring would result in the elimination of about 800 hourly production jobs during 2009 and 2010. After further development and refinement of production and restructuring plans, the Company now expects that approximately 300 to 400 additional production jobs will be eliminated over the two years.

The Company today reaffirmed its plans to ship between 264,000 and 273,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles to dealers worldwide in 2009, a 10 percent to 13 percent reduction from 2008.

First Quarter Results Summary

Net income and diluted earnings per share during the quarter were significantly affected by costs associated with previously announced volume reduction and operations restructuring activities and by an unrelated change in Wisconsin tax law. The Company recorded pre-tax restructuring costs of $34.9 million during the first quarter. The Company also incurred a one-time $22.5 million tax charge related to a change in Wisconsin tax law enacted mid-quarter without public hearings and which applied retroactively to Jan. 1, 2009. In light of these one-time costs, net income for the quarter was $117.3 million compared to $187.6 million in the first quarter of 2008, on revenue of $1.29 billion compared to $1.31 billion in the year-ago period. The Company reported diluted earnings per share of $0.50 in the quarter, versus $0.79 a year ago.

The Company shipped 74,670 Harley-Davidson motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 71,868 motorcycles shipped in the year-ago period and within the Company's guidance for the quarter.

Second-Quarter Shipments and Full-Year Gross Margins

The Company plans to ship 55,000 to 59,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the second quarter of 2009. The Company also reaffirmed its expectation for full-year gross margins to be between 30.5 percent and 31.5 percent, which compares to 34.5 percent for the full year 2008. The decrease is primarily due to an expected unfavorable shipment mix versus 2008, the allocation of fixed costs over fewer units, and expected unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates versus 2008.

Strategy for the Current Economic Environment

On Jan. 23, 2009, Harley-Davidson announced a three-part strategy for managing through the global economic downturn and strengthening its operations and financial results going forward. That strategy consists of: 1) continuing to invest in the Harley-Davidson brand; 2) creating the appropriate cost structure; and 3) obtaining funding to support the lending activities of Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS).

"We have a clear strategy and we expect that it will enable us to emerge from the economic downturn in a position of strength," said Ziemer. "And our team continues to execute our strategy with confidence and conviction."

Brand Investment

In the first quarter, the Company's "Ride Free" Sportster(R) motorcycle trade-up program successfully created consumer interest and reinforced the brand value of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Starting in April, the Company rolled out a national "Super Ride" program. This program provides an expanded opportunity for U.S. consumers to test ride a wide range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles at participating dealerships.

"Demo rides have proven to be one of the most effective ways to turn dreamers into customers and to get current customers excited about a new motorcycle. Through all of our marketing, we are reaching consumers in ways that support the brand and the value proposition of our motorcycles," said Ziemer.

Cost Structure

The Company is proceeding on schedule with its previously announced volume reduction and plans for consolidating production operations. Planning also continues on schedule for the consolidation of Parts and Accessories and General Merchandise distribution through a third-party provider. In early April, the Company completed the transition of its U.S. transportation fleet operations to a third-party provider.

In January, the Company initially had estimated that the planned volume reduction and restructuring actions would result in the elimination of about 1,100 jobs over the course of 2009 and 2010, consisting of about 300 non-production, primarily salaried positions and about 800 hourly production positions. The Company now estimates that an additional 300 to 400 hourly production jobs will be eliminated.

"We don't make any job reduction decisions lightly," said Ziemer. "But based on further planning since January and a deeper analysis of our production requirements, we have now determined that fewer production employees will be required. We will continue to work with the union leadership as we move forward, and as always, we will appropriately manage Harley-Davidson based on business conditions and the needs of the marketplace."

On a combined basis, Harley-Davidson expects the volume reduction and restructuring activities to result in one-time charges of approximately $120 million to $150 million over the course of 2009 and 2010, including $34.9 million incurred during the first quarter of 2009. The Company now estimates ongoing annual savings of approximately $70 million to $80 million upon completion of the restructuring actions, with 2009 savings estimated to be $20 million to $25 million and 2010 savings estimated to be $40 million to $55 million.

HDFS Funding

The Company continues to act on a number of fronts to obtain the necessary funding to support the lending activities of HDFS. In February, the Company raised $600 million for HDFS through the issuance of senior unsecured notes. Harley-Davidson, Inc. also preserved about $54 million in cash during the first quarter through a reduction in the dividend paid in March. On March 18, 2009, the Company extended its $500 million asset-backed commercial paper conduit facility to March 2010, and in coming weeks anticipates increasing the size of that facility to provide additional funding. At that same time, the Company also anticipates renewing a substantial portion of a $950 million, 364-day senior unsecured bank credit facility which is due to expire in July 2009. In addition, the Company intends to access the term asset-backed securitization market in the second quarter of 2009, which transaction the Company expects to be eligible for the Federal Reserve Bank's Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) program.

"We continue to make good progress on funding the needs of HDFS through the paths we have identified previously and anticipate that we will be able to obtain the needed liquidity," said Tom Bergmann, Chief Financial Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. and interim President of HDFS.

Additional Actions

Management Transition

On April 6, 2009, the Company announced that Keith Wandell would become President and Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. on May 1, 2009, succeeding Jim Ziemer, a 40-year Harley-Davidson veteran who had announced in December his intention to retire in 2009. Wandell comes to Harley-Davidson from Johnson Controls, Inc., where he is President and Chief Operating Officer.

Details on First Quarter 2009 Results

Motorcycles and Related Products Segment - First Quarter Results

Revenue from Harley-Davidson motorcycles was $1.01 billion, a decrease of $2.7 million or 0.3 percent versus the same period last year. Shipments of Harley-Davidson motorcycles totaled 74,670 units, an increase of 2,802 units or 3.9 percent compared to last year's first quarter. Shipment guidance for the quarter was 74,000 to 78,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Revenue from Parts and Accessories (P&A), which consists of Genuine Motor Parts and Genuine Motor Accessories, totaled $169.8 million, a decrease of $12.2 million or 6.7 percent versus the year-ago quarter. Revenue from General Merchandise, which consists of MotorClothes(R) apparel and collectibles, totaled $75.2 million, a decrease of $8.8 million or 10.5 percent from the year-ago quarter.

Gross margin for the first quarter of 2009 was 36.9 percent of revenue compared to 36.4 percent for the first quarter last year. Operating margin was 17.7 percent, compared to 20.0 percent in the first quarter of 2008. Operating margin was adversely impacted during the quarter by $34.9 million in restructuring costs.

Motorcycle Retail Sales Data

During the first quarter, worldwide retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 12.0 percent compared to the prior-year quarter. In the U.S., retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 9.7 percent from the year-ago period. In last year's first quarter, U.S. retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 12.8 percent compared to the prior year.

Industry-wide retail sales of heavyweight motorcycles in the U.S. declined 22.3 percent during the quarter.

In international markets, retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 17.2 percent during the first quarter of 2009 compared to the first quarter of 2008, reflecting the impact of the severe economic downturn in many markets. In last year's first quarter, international retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales grew 16.8 percent compared to the prior year. In Canada, first-quarter retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles decreased 30.4 percent on a retail unit volume decrease of 816 motorcycles; the Europe Region was down 17.4 percent on a decrease of 1,761 units; the Asia Pacific Region was down 7.2 percent on a decrease of 382 units; and the Latin America Region was down 26.3 percent on a decrease of 488 motorcycles.

Financial Services Segment

First quarter operating income from financial services was $11.2 million, a decrease of $23.7 million or 67.9 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. This decrease was primarily due to a $17.1 million write-down of retained securitization interests and an $8.6 million write-down to fair market value of finance receivables held for sale due to higher projected credit losses.

Income Tax Rate

The Company's first quarter effective income tax rate was 47.6 percent, compared to 36.0 percent in the same quarter last year. The increase was due to a recent and unanticipated change in Wisconsin tax law which resulted in the Company establishing a valuation allowance of $22.5 million related to net operating loss carry-forwards, as well as tax implications of MV Agusta, which the Company acquired in August 2008. The Company expects its full-year 2009 effective tax rate to be approximately 43.0 percent.

Cash Flow

Cash and marketable securities totaled $899.3 million as of March 29, 2009, compared to $333.2 million at the end of the year-ago period. Cash used by operations was $244.6 million and capital expenditures were $22.9 million during the first quarter of 2009. For the full year of 2009, capital expenditures are now expected to be between $170 million and $200 million, including $20 million to $30 million related to restructuring activities. In total, the Company expects 2009 capital expenditures to be $20 million less than the range provided in January for the full year.

Stock Repurchase Authorizations

The Company did not repurchase shares in the first quarter of 2009. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company repurchased 2.6 million shares of its common stock. On March 29, 2009, the Company had 234.5 million shares of common stock outstanding.

As of March 29, 2009, there were 16.7 million shares remaining on a board-approved share repurchase authorization. An additional board-approved share repurchase authorization is in place to offset option exercises.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company for the group of companies doing business as Harley-Davidson Motor Company (HDMC), Buell Motorcycle Company (Buell), MV Agusta and Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, touring and cruiser motorcycles. Buell produces American sport performance motorcycles. MV Agusta produces premium, high-performance sport motorcycles sold under the MV Agusta(R) brand and lightweight sport motorcycles sold under the Cagiva(R) brand. HDFS provides wholesale and retail financing and insurance programs primarily to Harley-Davidson and Buell dealers and customers.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Company intends that certain matters discussed in this release are "forward-looking statements" intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statement will include words such as the Company "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," or "estimates" or words of similar meaning. Similarly, statements that describe future plans, objectives, outlooks, targets, guidance or goals are also forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this release. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are described below. Shareholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this release are only made as of the date of this release, and the Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

The Company's ability to meet the targets and expectations noted depends upon, among other factors, the Company's ability to (i) effectively execute the Company's restructuring plans within expected costs, (ii) manage the risks that our independent dealers may have difficulty obtaining capital, and adjusting to the recession and slowdown in consumer demand, (iii) manage supply chain issues, (iv) anticipate the level of consumer confidence in the economy, (v) continue to have access to reliable sources of capital funding and adjust to fluctuations in the cost of capital, (vi) manage the credit quality, the loan servicing and collection activities, and the recovery rates of HDFS' loan portfolio, (vii) continue to realize production efficiencies at its production facilities and manage operating costs including materials, labor and overhead, (viii) manage production capacity and production changes, (ix) provide products, services and experiences that are successful in the marketplace, (x) develop and implement sales and marketing plans that retain existing retail customers and attract new retail customers in an increasingly competitive marketplace, (xi) sell all of its motorcycles and related products and services to its independent dealers, (xii) continue to develop the capabilities of its distributor and dealer network, (xiii) manage changes and prepare for requirements in legislative and regulatory environments for its products, services and operations, (xiv) adjust to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, (xv) adjust to healthcare inflation, pension reform and tax changes, (xvi) retain and attract talented employees, (xvii) detect any issues with our motorcycles or manufacturing processes to avoid delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, increased warranty costs or litigation, (xvii) implement and manage enterprise-wide information technology solutions and secure data contained in those systems, and (xix) successfully integrate and profitably operate MV Agusta Group.

In addition, the Company could experience delays or disruptions in its operations as a result of work stoppages, strikes, natural causes, terrorism or other factors. Other factors are described in risk factors that the Company has disclosed in documents previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Many of these risk factors are impacted by the current turbulent capital, credit and retail markets and our ability to adjust to the recession.

The Company's ability to sell its motorcycles and related products and services and to meet its financial expectations also depends on the ability of the Company's independent dealers to sell its motorcycles and related products and services to retail customers. The Company depends on the capability and financial capacity of its independent dealers and distributors to develop and implement effective retail sales plans to create demand for the motorcycles and related products and services they purchase from the Company. In addition, the Company's independent dealers and distributors may experience difficulties in operating their businesses and selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles and related products and services as a result of weather, economic conditions or other factors.

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

Three months ended
March 29, March 30,
2009 2008

Net revenue $1,290,648 $1,306,313
Gross profit 476,783 476,137
Operating expense 213,310 214,533
Restructuring expense 34,862 -
Operating income from motorcycles
& related products 228,611 261,604

Financial services income 104,667 93,289
Financial services expense 93,462 58,382
Operating income from financial services 11,205 34,907

Corporate expense 7,770 5,458
Income from operations 232,046 291,053
Investment income 1,953 2,042
Interest expense(1) 10,260 -
Income before provision for income taxes 223,739 293,095
Provision for income taxes 106,392 105,514
Net income $117,347 $187,581

Earnings per common share:
Basic $0.51 $0.79
Diluted $0.50 $0.79

Weighted-average common shares:
Basic 232,263 237,078
Diluted 232,650 237,250

Cash dividends per common share $0.10 $0.30

(1) Interest expense includes $8.0 million related to the Company's
$600.0 million senior unsecured notes (Notes), issued in February
2009. This interest expense represents a portion of the total
interest incurred on the Notes during the quarter and corresponds
to the initial temporary investment of proceeds at corporate.
Prior to the end of the first quarter, the full proceeds were
transferred to HDFS and, as a result, the balance of interest
expense on the Notes for the quarter has been included in
financial services expense.

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
March 29, December 31, March 30,
2009 2008 2008

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $899,298 $593,558 $332,639
Marketable securities - - 524
Accounts receivable, net 317,390 296,258 330,147
Finance receivables held for sale 2,086,920 2,443,965 729,814
Finance receivables held for
investment, net 1,677,355 1,378,461 1,565,022
Inventories 447,379 400,908 441,205
Other current assets 254,856 264,731 187,436
Total current assets 5,683,198 5,377,881 3,586,787

Finance receivables held for sale 580,736 - -
Finance receivables held for
investment, net 796,732 817,102 937,495
Other long-term assets 1,558,928 1,633,642 1,340,117
$8,619,594 $7,828,625 $5,864,399

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable & accrued
liabilities $989,700 $865,108 $925,014
Short-term debt 1,724,375 1,738,649 708,045
Current portion of long-term debt - - 402,991
Total current liabilities 2,714,075 2,603,757 2,036,050

Long-term debt 2,757,185 2,176,238 980,000
Pension liability and postretirement
healthcare benefits 744,459 758,411 259,830
Other long-term liabilities 171,062 174,616 157,094

Total shareholders' equity 2,232,813 2,115,603 2,431,425
$8,619,594 $7,828,625 $5,864,399

Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Three months ended
March 29, March 30,
2009 2008

Net cash (used by) provided by
operating activities ($244,619) $146,778

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (22,921) (43,239)
Finance receivables held for
investment, net 11,661 (24,735)
Collection of retained securitization
interests 1,358 10,796
Net change in marketable securities - 2,019
Other, net (2,222) 1,511
Net cash used by investing activities (12,124) (53,648)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of senior
unsecured notes 595,731 -
Net increase (decrease) in credit
facilities and unsecured commercial
paper 48,442 (9,392)
Net borrowings of asset-backed
commercial paper (67,194) -
Dividends (23,455) (71,023)
Purchase of common stock for treasury - (100,096)
Excess tax benefits from share-based
payments 147 312
Issuance of common stock under employee
stock option plans 10 584
Net cash provided by (used by) financing
activities 553,681 (179,615)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
and cash equivalents 8,802 16,270

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents 305,740 (70,215)

Cash and cash equivalents:
At beginning of period 593,558 402,854
At end of period $899,298 $332,639

Net Revenue and Motorcycle
Shipment Data

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Three months ended
March 29, March 30,
2009 2008
NET REVENUE (in thousands)
Harley-Davidson( R ) motorcycles $1,010,809 $1,013,469
Buell( R ) & MV Agusta( R ) motorcycles 31,265 22,075
Parts & Accessories 169,756 181,942
General Merchandise 75,191 84,006
Other 3,627 4,821
$1,290,648 $1,306,313

MOTORCYCLE SHIPMENTS:
Harley-Davidson
United States 52,710 47,826
International 21,960 24,042
Total Harley-Davidson 74,670 71,868

Buell 2,441 2,392

MV Agusta 685 -

MOTORCYCLE PRODUCT MIX:
Harley-Davidson
Touring 25,975 26,435
Custom 31,919 29,072
Sportster( R ) 16,776 16,361
Total Harley-Davidson 74,670 71,868

Retail Sales of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

Three months ended
March 29, March 30,
2009 2008
North America Region
United States 42,041 46,572
Canada 1,867 2,683
Total North America Region 43,908 49,255

Europe Region (Includes Middle East
and Africa)
Europe* 7,567 9,075
Other 821 1,074
Total Europe Region 8,388 10,149

Asia Pacific Region
Japan 2,270 2,738
Other 2,648 2,562
Total Asia Pacific Region 4,918 5,300

Latin America Region 1,369 1,857

Total Worldwide Retail Sales 58,583 66,561

Data Source (subject to update)
Data source for all 2008 and 2009 retail sales figures shown above is
sales warranty and registration information provided by Harley-Davidson
dealers and compiled by the Company. The Company must rely on information
that its dealers supply concerning retail sales, and this information is
subject to revision.

Only Harley-Davidson( R ) motorcycles are included in the Harley-Davidson
Motorcycle Sales data.

* Data for Europe include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Heavyweight Market Data

Three months ended
March 29, March 30,
2009 2008
United States(1) 72,572 93,445

Two months ended
February 28, February 29,
2009 2008
Europe(2) 31,678 46,981

1 - United States industry data includes 651+cc models, derived from
submission of motorcycle retail sales by each major manufacturer to an
independent third party.

2 - Europe data includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Industry retail motorcycle
registration data includes 651+cc models, derived from information
provided by Giral S.A., an independent agency. Europe market data is
reported on a one-month lag.

Source: Harley-Davidson, Inc.

CONTACT: Media, Bob Klein, +1-414-343-4433, or Financial, Amy Giuffre,
+1-414-343-8002, both for Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.harley-davidson.com/

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Profile: labor-news

Teamsters Union Applauds Rep. Patrick Murphy's Support of Workers at U.S. Foodservice

2009-04-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Teamsters Union Applauds Rep. Patrick Murphy's Support of Workers at U.S. Foodservice

Congressman Calls on DOD to Scrutinize Suppliers Guilty of Labor Violations

WASHINGTON, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a tersely-worded letter, Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., has called upon Vice Admiral A.S. Thompson, Director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), to cease entering into contracts with employers that mistreat workers and shortchange taxpayers, specifically naming Rosemont, Illinois-based U.S. Foodservice as an example of a company that has benefited from DLA contracts despite a long history of labor violations.

The Teamsters Union supports Murphy's position on this issue. He has taken a stand for U.S. Foodservice employees, who have been battling illegal anti-union behavior from their employer for months.

U.S. Foodservice, which is owned by private equity firms Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Clayton Dubilier & Rice, Inc. (CD&R), is one of the largest food distributors in the United States. Holding contracts with numerous businesses and organizations, U.S. Foodservice supplies food to millions around the country, including the DLA, an agency in the U.S. Department of Defense, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 2008, U.S. Foodservice provided food supplies for America's servicemen and women to the tune of $204 million. Despite its multimillion dollar business, U.S. Foodservice habitually breaks labor law, threatening, harassing and intimidating employees who want to form unions.

"I am deeply troubled by the military's practice of entering into contracts with employers who have a history of serious labor law violations," Murphy wrote. "[The] DLA has an obligation to lead by example in being a model employer by working only with responsible, scrupulous companies."

For the past year, workers at U.S. Foodservice in Phoenix, have tried to organize a union with the Teamsters. Their organizing efforts were met with a brutal anti-union campaign that led the National Labor Relations Board to file 177 complaints against the company.

The incident was not isolated. In Philadelphia, Teamsters Local 628 has met resistance while trying to enter into contract negotiations with U.S. Foodservice.

In an effort to intimidate employees, U.S. Foodservice took out one-page advertisements in area newspapers calling for replacement employees due to the possibility of a strike with Local 628.

"Multimillion dollar companies that actively abuse workers' rights, like U.S. Foodservice, should not be rewarded with large government contracts," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "We stand behind Rep. Murphy in asking government agencies to enter into contracts with employers who are sensitive to the rights of workers."

Murphy's concerns follow a directive by President Obama to ensure that "taxpayer dollars are not spent on contracts that are wasteful, inefficient, subject to misuse or otherwise not well designed to service the Federal Government's needs."

"I feel strongly that we need to consider the mistreatment of contracted workers and labor law violations a prime example of 'misuse' which serves neither the needs of the government nor the American people," Murphy said. "This isn't just about the bottom line, but the basic respect we owe American workers."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Galen Munroe of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-624-6904, gmunroe@teamster.org

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Profile: labor-news

IRLI Wins Compensation for Abused H-1B Worker

2009-04-15T11:39:00.001-07:00

IRLI Wins Compensation for Abused H-1B Worker

WASHINGTON, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) has successfully assisted a young African graduate in his fight to compel an unscrupulous employer to make amends for fraudulently abusing the H-1B visa program. After an extensive federal investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently informed Miracle Software, Inc. that the Flemington, New Jersey company will be held accountable for H-1B program abuses against Yacoube Sidibe, a citizen of Mali and recent computer science graduate, and four other foreign tech workers.

In a pattern common among businesses that employ foreign tech workers, Miracle Software filed a fraudulent H-1B visa application, promising to employ Mr. Sidibe as a consultant programmer-analyst. Miracle Software then demanded that he pay $1500 to the company to cover the visa fees, a prohibited practice. Although granted an H-1B visa, Sidibe was "benched" without pay and kept in a condition close to indentured servitude.

On March 20, 2009, DOL ordered Miracle Software to pay Sidibe more than $49,000 in back pay. "The willingness of scofflaw employers to exploit foreign guest workers also harms American workers," said Michael Hethmon, IRLI general counsel.

New Jersey attorney John Miano, who focuses on tech worker law, helped Mr. Sidibe file his complaint. "Foreign workers on H-1B visas must be paid their full certified wage while in the U.S. If your employer has put you 'on the bench,' you are still entitled to full pay," Miano explained.

"Unfortunately, Congress left the H-1B visa program with loopholes that encourage employers to exploit foreign guest workers," stated Sharma Hammond, IRLI staff attorney. "Despite the official talk about protecting vulnerable Americans in an economic downturn, IRLI continues to learn about legal U.S. workers who are afraid to stand up for their rights at companies with nonimmigrant alien workforces."

With employers and anti-citizen groups conspiring to bring millions of new and often vulnerable foreign workers to this country every year, the incidence of illegal working conditions and anti-U.S. worker discrimination is expected to worsen nationwide.

"I urge workers who encounter immigration-related abuses to contact IRLI," Hethmon added. "High tech or low tech, when you come forward to fight immigration-related employment discrimination, you make America a better place to work."

IRLI is the only U.S. public interest law organization devoted exclusively to protecting the interests of citizens in immigration-related legal disputes.

Source: Immigration Reform Law Institute

CONTACT: Sharma Hammond of the Immigration Reform Law Institute,
+1-202-232-5590, info@irli.org

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Profile: labor-news

Hoffa to LaHood: Safety First on America's Highways

2009-04-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

Hoffa to LaHood: Safety First on America's Highways

Hoffa Expresses Concerns Over Plan to Restart Mexican Pilot Program

WASHINGTON, April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a letter sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa reiterated his concerns over the department's plan to develop legislation to restart the controversial cross-border trucking program, allowing unsafe Mexican trucks to travel freely in the United States.

Hoffa and LaHood met recently to discuss the genuine risks to public safety and national security if the unsafe trucks are allowed to operate outside the commercial zone before they meet the same standards as U.S. trucks and drivers.

"After almost 15 years, the Mexican government has yet to take responsibility to raise its level of safety enforcement for Mexican trucks and drivers," Hoffa wrote in the letter dated April 14. "Until that happens, it is unlikely that the U.S. alone can ensure that all Mexican trucks and drivers entering the U.S. meet our standards for safety. It is equally disturbing that we don't know exactly what Mexican highway safety laws require of drivers and motor carriers."

Hoffa said important safety concerns have not been addressed, such as differences in commercial drivers' license requirements and restrictions between the two countries, hours-of-service enforcement, truck safety inspection and drug and alcohol testing.

Hoffa also reminded LaHood that Congress has made very clear that the pilot program did not meet U.S. safety standards, overwhelmingly voting in both the House and Senate to end the program. For any future pilot program to be considered, it must hold both the drivers and trucks participating in the program to stringent U.S. standards.

"NAFTA gives the United States latitude to ensure that our high standards are maintained, and we should take every advantage of those parameters," Hoffa said. "So far, the goal of safety has not been achieved."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Galen Munroe of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-624-6904, gmunroe@teamster.org

Web Site: http://www.teamster.org/

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Profile: labor-news

What Will Be the Impact of Programs of Study?

2009-04-15T06:19:00.001-07:00

What Will Be the Impact of Programs of Study?

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE), funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, recently published a report that focuses on the question: What Will Be the Impact of Programs of Study?

The report is a summary of research that centered on three questions:
1. To what degree can secondary and postsecondary instruction be
articulated?
2. To what degree can rigorous and relevant technical content be aligned
with challenging academic standards?
3. What are appropriate measures of the effectiveness of Programs of
Study?

According to study authors Morgan Lewis and Natalie Kosine, "Our overall conclusion is that Programs of Study can enhance the effectiveness of career and technical education, especially by aligning technical instruction with rigorous academic standards."

The authors go on to say that they don't expect high percentages of high school graduates to continue in the same Program of Study when they transition to a postsecondary environment. "But this does not mean that the Programs of Study have failed," they said. "Programs of Study that increase student engagement, improve academic skills, and deepen student understanding of occupations have succeeded even if graduates decide not to continue in the Program of Study at the postsecondary level."

A copy of the full report, as well as a one-page Snapshot, is available for free download at www.nrccte.org. For more information about this study, please visit the Web site, e-mail nrccte@louisville.edu or call 877-372-2283.

About the NRCCTE

The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education is the primary agent for generating scientifically based knowledge, dissemination, professional development, and technical assistance to improve career and technical education (CTE) in the United States. The NRCCTE works to improve the engagement, achievement, and transition of high school and postsecondary CTE students through technical assistance to states, professional development for CTE practitioners, and dissemination of knowledge derived from scientifically based research. The NRCCTE is funded by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Source: National Research Center for Career and Technical Education

CONTACT: Sabrina Kidwai of the National Research Center for Career and
Technical Education, +1-703-683-9312

Web Site: http://www.nrccte.org/

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Profile: labor-news

Washington State Nurses Association Announces Formation of a New National Nurses Union

2009-04-15T05:12:00.001-07:00

Washington State Nurses Association Announces Formation of a New National Nurses Union

SEATTLE, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA), the oldest and largest nurses union representing more than 15,000 RNs in Washington State, is a founding member of the National Federation of Nurses (NFN) and is playing a leadership role as the new national nurses union launches. With a structure and organization that is unique on the national level, the NFN is a democratic and collaborative organization that provides WSNA and other member state nurses associations with an unparalleled opportunity to promote the interests of registered nurses, the nursing profession and patients.

"The NFN is truly different," said WSNA President and newly elected NFN Secretary, Kim Armstrong, BSN,RNC, "It is an innovative way of ensuring America's nurses have a strong, clear voice in the decisions that impact their lives, their working conditions, and the care of their patients. WSNA is proud to be a democratic organization driven by our members and we are truly excited to be a founding member and leader in the creation of a national nurses union built on the principles of equality and democracy among members."

The NFN represents nearly 70,000 registered nurses nationwide, with Washington joining state nurses associations in Montana, New Jersey, New York and Oregon in the founding of the new union. In addition to playing a key role in the creation and development of the organization, WSNA will also be represented in the ongoing governance of NFN. In addition to NFN Secretary Armstrong, the current Chair of the WSNA Cabinet on Economic & General Welfare, Jeanne Avey, RN, will serve as one of twelve elected directors on the NFN National Executive Board.

NFN Director Jeanne Avey, RN said, "We need a stronger voice for nurses now more than ever. With discussions about meaningful healthcare reform and workers rights underway on the national level, nurses' unique perspectives and expertise must be represented. As a strong, collaborative organization that will be accountable to our members, NFN will provide a powerful platform for nurses to have their voices heard."

"The NFN will bring us a greater opportunity to impact the issues affecting nurses, the nursing profession and quality patient care on the national level. The formation of the NFN is a great accomplishment, and I look forward to the work ahead as we strengthen the staff nurses' voice in the national labor agenda," said WSNA Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN.

Through a collaborative process involving representatives from all founding member states, the NFN has developed governing documents for a ground breaking constitutional structure. In contrast to the structure of more traditional national unions, the NFN is focused on ensuring that each member state has a powerful voice in the decision making process while still allowing member states to maintain their sovereignty.

"The NFN gives WSNA a national voice on Labor issues and the opportunity to work collaboratively with other nurses unions in a way we never have," said WSNA Director of Labor Relations Barbara E. Frye, BSN, RN. "I am very proud that WSNA has been a leader in creating this new national union of RNs. The NFN will be a strong and uniting force for registered nurses across the country."

Founded in 1908, WSNA is the professional organization representing more than 15,000 registered nurses in Washington State. WSNA effectively advocates for the improvement of health standards and availability of quality health care for all people; promotes high standards for the nursing profession; and advances the professional and economic development of nurses.

Source: Washington State Nurses Association

CONTACT: Anne Tan Piazza of WSNA, +1-206-459-6409

Web site: http://www.wsna.org/

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Profile: labor-news

Alaska Airlines and Air Line Pilots Association Reach Tentative Agreement on Four-Year Contract

2009-04-15T05:03:00.001-07:00

Alaska Airlines and Air Line Pilots Association Reach Tentative Agreement on Four-Year Contract

SEATTLE, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced today it has reached a tentative agreement with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) on a new, four-year contract for the carrier's 1,455 pilots. The proposed contract will now be presented to Alaska's pilots for review and a ratification vote, which is expected to be completed by the third week in May.

"We appreciate the effort and dedication of negotiators on both sides of the table in achieving this agreement, which we believe provides the right foundation for our pilots and airline to succeed long term," Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden said.

The current contract became amendable on May 1, 2007. ALPA and Alaska Airlines began contract negotiations in January 2007 and reached an agreement in concept last month. Negotiators have been finalizing the language of that agreement during the past several weeks.

No details about the contract terms will be released until the conclusion of the voting process.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Traditional Network Carriers (tie)" in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Airline Satisfaction Study(SM). For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Source: Alaska Airlines

CONTACT: Bobbie Egan, +1-206-392-5134, or Paul McElroy, +1-206-392-5101,
both for Alaska Airlines

Web site: http://www.alaskaair.com/

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Profile: labor-news