McMillion & Hirtensteiner, LLP - Labor News

Higher and higher: OFCCP wins record annual number of financial remedies for more American workers than ever before

2009-01-05T10:23:00.001-08:00

Higher and higher: OFCCP wins record annual number of financial remedies for more American workers than ever before

24,508 workers receive $67.5 million for discrimination, a 133 percent increase since 2001

WASHINGTON, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In fiscal year (FY) 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) won a record $67,510,982 in back pay, salary and benefits for an unprecedented 24,508 American workers who had been subjected to unlawful employment discrimination.

Ninety-nine percent of dollars were collected in cases of systemic discrimination --- those involving a significant number of workers or applicants subjected to discrimination because of an unlawful employment practice or policy. The more than $67.5 million reflects a 133 percent increase over financial remedies obtained in FY 2001.

The last eight years of OFCCP enforcement data show a 14 percent increase in the total number of compliance reviews completed versus a similar period in the prior administration. More importantly, OFCCP's more strategic approach resulted in a 92 percent increase in the number of job applicants and employees (113,630) who financially benefited from OFCCP investigations and over $50 million in additional back pay salary and benefits versus the prior administration.

"We are proud of these results which demonstrate our commitment to enforcing the law," said Charles James, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. "This is our fourth consecutive record-breaking year in the categories of workers helped and amounts recovered. Of all the changes of these eight years, the focus on systemic discrimination is by far the most significant for the mission of the agency."

OFCCP enforces Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended. These laws prohibit federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment based on race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability or covered veteran status.

Effective Initiatives

OFCCP's initiatives of the last several years have made it a more effective and efficient civil rights enforcement agency. Compared with years past, OFCCP now more quickly and accurately screens contractor establishments for indicators of potential discrimination with its Active Case Management (ACM) system. Under ACM, which was fully implemented in each of OFCCP's regions in FY 2005, the agency opens more reviews than it did in the past, and the agency uses automated statistical tools to rank and prioritize establishments for further review based on the probability that discrimination would be uncovered during a full-scale review.

OFCCP is using ACM to identify and resolve cases of systemic discrimination with greater frequency. OFCCP is monitoring a larger portion of the federal contractor universe than it has in the past, and it is prioritizing its resources to address the worst offenders.

Since its inception, OFCCP has generally relied on contractor voluntary self-identification to determine companies over which OFCCP has jurisdiction. In FY 2005, OFCCP implemented the Contracts First project to produce a contractor selection list that is based on evidence of actual contracts. This initiative inserts information about contract awards into the database used for selection and scheduling of reviews at facilities. Additionally, the selection system is enhanced by access to an OFCCP database of facilities where no compliance reviews have been conducted in recent years.

Compliance Assistance Works

OFCCP also has continued to build upon its comprehensive compliance assistance program, conducting about one thousand compliance assistance events in each of the last five years. Compliance assistance outreach helps employers prevent unlawful discrimination in their workplaces by providing them with the information necessary to effectively monitor their workplaces for equal employment opportunity.

A fact sheet with additional information about OFCCP's enforcement results is available on its Web site at www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

CONTACT: Loren Smith or Dolline Hatchett, both of the U.S. Department of
Labor, +1-202-693-4676

Web Site: http://www.dol.gov/

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National Safety Council Adds Two New 'OSHA Walkthrough' Training Programs

2009-01-05T06:13:00.001-08:00

National Safety Council Adds Two New 'OSHA Walkthrough' Training Programs

ITASCA, Ill., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council (NSC) is introducing two new versions of the OSHA Walkthrough for Industry training program. Like the original program, these versions are great for educating new employees or refreshing the expertise of seasoned staff.

The NSC's original OSHA Walkthrough for Industry covers 22 regulatory topics using content from the U.S Occupational Safety & Health Administration's 10-hour training program. The NSC program features an animated character to present lessons and quizzes in an interactive, entertaining manner that enhances retention. New versions include:

-- An intranet program with all the original content, designed for use on
a company's internal website. Companies can make training available
round the clock to anyone with access to the site. This version is
ideal for minimizing costs and avoiding scheduling difficulties.
-- A CD series that devotes one CD each to the top seven topics in demand
from the original OSHA Walkthrough for Industry. This version is ideal
for companies or departments needing safety training on specific
subjects. Topics include Hazard Communication, Preparing for OSHA
Inspection, Lockout/Tagout, Recordkeeping, Electrical, Means of Egress
and Walking/Working Surfaces.

All of the OSHA Walkthrough versions complement NSC's 15 OSHA Compliance courses and can enhance self-study or classroom training. For pricing and ordering information, visit http://www.oshawalkthrough.com/nsc/, contact Customer Service at customerservice@nsc.org or call 1-800-621-7619 or your local NSC Chapter.

The National Safety Council (http://www.nsc.org/) saves lives by preventing injuries and deaths at work, in homes, communities and on the road, through leadership, research, education and advocacy.

Source: National Safety Council

CONTACT: Meredith Morris of NSC, +1-630-775-2307

Web site: http://www.nsc.org/
http://www.oshawalkthrough.com/

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Obama Stimulus Bill May Include Loopholes For Venture Capitalists

2009-01-05T05:08:00.001-08:00

Obama Stimulus Bill May Include Loopholes For Venture Capitalists

PETALUMA, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congress will begin work this week on President-elect Barack Obama's new economic stimulus plan. The American Small Business League (ASBL) is predicting President-elect Obama's stimulus plan may contain provisions that will allow wealthy venture capitalists to receive billions of dollars in federal contracts earmarked for small businesses.

Under the guise of "increasing access to capital for small businesses," the Obama stimulus plan may change the long-standing federal definition of a small business as being "independently owned," to include firms that are controlled by some of the nation's wealthiest investors.

Most economists agree the best way to create jobs and stimulate the nation's failing economy is to direct federal infrastructure funds to the 26 million small businesses that create over 85 percent of new jobs and employ over 55 percent of all Americans.

The new Obama loophole in federal contracting law would do just the opposite by forcing legitimate small businesses to compete head-to-head with firms controlled by wealthy investors and even some of the largest venture capital firms in the United States.

Thousands of legitimate small businesses would be negatively impacted. Billions of dollars in federal small business contracts would be diverted from middle class firms and into the hands of a very small number of firms controlled by wealthy venture capitalists.

The Obama plan may even include a provision that would exempt the venture capital owned firms from capital gains tax.

Similar proposals in the past were pushed by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and opposed by the Small Business Administration, the ASBL, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Bush White House and virtually every major small business group in the country.

The NVCA and its members donated heavily to the Obama campaign and have donated millions more to dozens of key democratic members in Congress such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator John Kerry, Senator Joseph Lieberman and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. The majority of the members of the House Small Business Committee and nearly all of the members of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship received significant contributions from the NVCA and its members.

In the past, the NVCA has used the term "increasing access to capital for small businesses," to disguise legislation and policy changes that would allow wealthy investors to receive billions of dollars in federal contracts earmarked for legitimate small businesses.

www.asbl.com

Source: American Small Business League

CONTACT: Christopher Gunn, Director of Communications, American Small
Business League, +1-707-789-9575, or +1-707-789-9580 , cgunn@asbl.com

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

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Unite Steps Up Aid Call for UK's Beleaguered Car Industry Amid Fears for 70,000 Jobs

2009-01-05T03:10:00.001-08:00

Unite Steps Up Aid Call for UK's Beleaguered Car Industry Amid Fears for 70,000 Jobs

LONDON, January 5/PRNewswire/ -- Unite, the UK's biggest union, today (Monday, 5th January) reiterated its
calls to the Government to waste no more time in putting together a package
to save Britain's car industry. The union is urging the Government to move
quickly to ensure that at least 70,000 car workers and their families are not
made to pay the price for City greed and recklessness.

The call comes as the UK car industry continues an extended shutdown that
will see plants closed across the UK, and amid mounting fears that the car
and components sector, including iconic national car brands, will be
devastated unless the UK Government follows the approach of the US and other
administrations and establishes a programme of strategic financial
assistance.

Writing in local Midlands and Merseyside papers, joint general secretary
of Unite, Tony Woodley says: "2009 is going to be a difficult year. We start
it heading into what may prove to be the deepest recession any of us have
seen.

"That means anxiety for millions of working people - not least those
employed in or dependent on the motor industry and its long supply chain,
very many of them working at Vauxhall, Land Rover and Jaguar plants on
Merseyside and in Birmingham.

"Car workers and their families should not have to pay the price for the
economic storm.

"This was a crisis made in the City - not on Merseyside or in the
Midlands. The blame lies with the greedy bankers and certainly not with the
skilled, hard-working employees of Jaguar, Land Rover and Vauxhall.

"The case for helping the British car industry is straight-forward. It is
by-and-large profitable with strong product and faces no problems of the
scale it does in the USA.

"Our industry is on the ropes because of market collapse, particularly
for the sort of high-value vehicles produced by Jaguar and Land Rover.

"That demand will recover when the world economy starts to move forward
once more. And when it does, Britain needs to have its iconic brands in place
to respond.

"That means keeping factories open and our skilled workforce in
employment. Anything else means that the demand will be met from other
countries and at least 70,000 manufacturing jobs will be gone for good.

"So there is a strong business case as well as an overwhelming social
justice case for government help for the motor industry. That has been
recognised in many other countries, including Germany, France and the USA
itself.

"Ministers have rightly argued that the owners of Jaguar Land Rover - the
Indian company Tata - should play its part and put serious money into the
company. I am delighted that it is doing so.

"So now is the moment for Gordon Brown to be bold and give our car
industry the sort of backing already offered to the financial services and
construction sectors - backing it would never get from do-nothing free-market
Tories.

"One lesson of this crisis is that Britain needs a strong manufacturing
sector. Over-reliance on finance has got us into this mess - let's give the
car industry the chance to help us get out of it."

Full text of the article is available on the Unite website,
http://www.unitetheunion.org

Source: Unite the Union

For further information call Pauline Doyle, Head of media and campaigns, on
+44(0)7976-832-861.

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Unemployment Compensation Service Phone Lines Open Later, Now Include Sundays

2009-01-02T11:31:00.001-08:00

Unemployment Compensation Service Phone Lines Open Later, Now Include Sundays

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Out-of-work Pennsylvanians will now be able to file claims for unemployment compensation benefits six days a week.

Labor & Industry Acting Secretary Sandi Vito today announced that as part of the department's on-going efforts to increase access to services for laid- off workers, call-in hours for the unemployment compensation toll-free phone number, 1-888-313-7284, will now be available Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The additional Sunday hours mark the first time call centers will be available to answer every type of unemployment compensation question.

In December, Governor Edward G. Rendell directed that call-in hours be extended to accelerate and strengthen assistance to Pennsylvanians who have lost their jobs. In addition to the new Sunday hours, the call center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

"Governor Rendell directed us to find ways to improve the access and quality of service people filing for unemployment compensation benefits receive," Vito said. "By expanding the hours and days for the call-in number, we are continuing to find ways to help our citizens get the financial support they need in these times of economic uncertainty."

Due to greater call volumes on Monday and Tuesday, and in the morning, claimants who are having difficulty getting through should consider calling later in the week -- Wednesday through Friday, and later in the day. Calling later in the week will not affect the prompt delivery of benefits.

Customers are reminded the best way to get information or file a claim for unemployment compensation benefits is online 24 hours a day at www.dli.state.pa.us.

The expanded service hours and days are part of an on-going effort that includes hiring nearly 300 temporary employees and the creation of a new call center to increase the department's capacity to take phone calls and process claims.

"We will continue working very hard to ensure that individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own get the assistance they need in an efficient and effective fashion," Vito said.

For more information on unemployment compensation, visit www.dli.state.pa.us and click on the "Unemployment Compensation Information" icon.

CONTACT: Christopher S. Manlove (L&I)

(717) 787-7530

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

CONTACT: Christopher S. Manlove of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor
& Industry, +1-717-787-7530

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/

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Lowest Paid Bus Drivers in London Prepare for Strike Action

2009-01-02T04:57:00.001-08:00

Lowest Paid Bus Drivers in London Prepare for Strike Action

LONDON, January 2/PRNewswire/ -- Over 300 Unite members are preparing for industrial action at the London
Sovereign bus network in North London. Starting at 3am on Monday, 5th January
the bus drivers and supervisors will be out on strike for 24 hours in a
dispute over disparities in pay.

Unite, the UK's largest trade union, is angry that its members earn
GBP6,000 per annum less than their counterparts who do the same job but work
for different bus companies. Unite wants to see clear progress towards
closing what it is calling an unacceptable pay gap.

James Buckley, Unite Regional Officer, said: "Strike action is not
something the bus drivers want, but they feel they have no other option. Our
members have been more than patient and feel they have no choice but to take
strike action to defend their livelihoods."

"Unite is demanding, at the very minimum, a pay rise to bring our
member's pay in line with their counterparts in other London bus companies.

"London bus workers have consistently worked to achieve huge increases in
efficiency and performance since the return of local government to London.
Mayor Boris Johnson acknowledges that London has the world's finest bus
drivers. Yet these workers are being forced to take action to stake their
claim for a share of the profits generated by their hard work."

Notes to Editors:

London Sovereign is a part of Transdev.

London Sovereign operate 12 routes throughout north-west London from two
garages in Edgware and Harrow

London Sovereign drivers will be on a 24 hour stoppage commencing at 3am
on the 5th January 2009 and the action will continue till 3am on 6th January
2009.

Routes affected:

13, N13, 114, 183, 292, H9, H10, H11, H13, H14, H17, 398.

Source: Unite the Union

For further information please contact James Buckley on +44(0)7980-721426 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press Office on +44(0)20-7420-8914 or +44(0)7980-224761

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IT Pros Discouraged by Dismal Job-Hunting Results Should Find Much Brighter Employment Prospects in Alternative Fields

2009-01-02T04:51:00.001-08:00

IT Pros Discouraged by Dismal Job-Hunting Results Should Find Much Brighter Employment Prospects in Alternative Fields

WESTPORT, Conn., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The recession is heightening competition for a dwindling number of IT jobs, while exerting downward pressure on compensation. Many IT professionals -- both employed and unemployed -- are considering changing careers, but are naturally concerned about wasting their investment in their education and experience. That concern should be dispelled by Debugging Your Information Technology(TM) Career (Elegant Fix Press - http://www.elegantfixpress.com/), which features 20 alternative fields where computer professionals' technical knowledge will be advantageous. An added bonus: Most of these fields offer strong protection from both offshoring and recessions.

Janice Weinberg (http://www.janiceweinberg.com/), the author, is a career consultant formerly with IBM and GE, whose IT background enabled her to identify the 20 careers she describes. While most of them aren't usually thought of as computer jobs, computer proficiency is a key qualification for success in each. For example:

-- An architect's knowledge of best practices in systems design would be
a strong asset in a technology due diligence position.

-- A business analyst who guided logistics staff in defining their IT
requirements would be a credible candidate for a strategic alliance
management position at a company marketing logistics software.

-- A NOC manager who upgraded a change-management function would bring a
valuable customer's perspective to a role as a change-management
software product manager.

-- A network security administrator could become a broker or underwriter
of cyberliability insurance.

-- A software engineer who supported CRM applications could parlay that
experience into a position selling CRM software.

-- Any IT professional who can assess the commercial potential of new
computer technology could qualify for a position as an equity analyst
covering the computer industry.

Most of the careers can be entered without further education beyond a BS in a computer-related discipline. Several -- for example, business continuity planner -- require a certification. Some readers may be motivated to become technology attorneys, forensic accountants or healthcare administrators. Many of the fields can be springboards for new consulting practices.

As Weinberg describes each career, readers will:

-- Realize why computer expertise is an advantage in delivering top
performance;

-- Be able to imagine themselves in the field by reading the hour-by-hour
Typical Workday;

-- Understand how a recession could undermine job security, while
learning career-planning strategies for minimizing or avoiding any
negative impact.

Readers will learn job-hunting techniques tailored to specific fields, including guidance in identifying and approaching employers, and in selecting those aspects of their experience to highlight in their resumes and interviews for greatest impact. Although most of the fields are highly insulated from offshoring, where vulnerability exists, Weinberg suggests job-hunting techniques to minimize one's exposure.

While there are many books providing IT career advice, Weinberg's gives new - and much broader - meaning to the term "computer job," demonstrating that an IT professional's knowledge constitutes precious currency in a world dependent on computer technology.

CONTACT:

Janice Weinberg
203-226-6745
janice@janiceweinberg.com

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: Elegant Fix Press, LLC

CONTACT: Janice Weinberg, +1-203-226-6745, janice@janiceweinberg.com

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

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Justice Department Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Kansas Air Force Reservist

2008-12-31T12:04:00.001-08:00

Justice Department Files Lawsuit on Behalf of Kansas Air Force Reservist

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice announced today that it has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Randall A. Slocum, an Air Force Reservist, against the City of Iola, Kan., alleging violations of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA).

USERRA was enacted in 1994 to protect servicemembers from being disadvantaged in their civilian careers due to serving in the uniformed services. Among other things, USERRA prohibits employers from discriminating against servicemembers because of their military service obligations.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, alleges that the City of Iola violated USERRA by taking into consideration Mr. Slocum's military service obligations when it disciplined him and denied him overtime and a wage increase.

"Soldiers must be able to serve their country without fear of being penalized in the civilian careers," said Grace Chung Becker, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department remains committed to vigorously enforcing federal laws that protect the employment rights of men and women who are serving in our nation's military."

The Department of Justice filed suit after receiving Mr. Slocum's complaint from the Veterans' Employment and Training Service of the Department of Labor (DOL), after completion of DOL's investigation and settlement efforts.

The Department's Civil Rights Division places a high priority on the enforcement of servicemembers' rights under USERRA. In 2008, the Civil Rights Division's Employment Section filed a record high number of USERRA suits since it obtained USERRA enforcement authority in September 2004. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Department of Justice Web site at the following link http://www.servicemembers.gov/, and on the Department of Labor Web site at the following link http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, +1-202-514-1888
(TDD)

Web Site: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/main.htm
http://www.servicemembers.gov/

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Continental Pilots Call for Renewed Focus on Contract Negotiations

2008-12-31T09:35:00.001-08:00

Continental Pilots Call for Renewed Focus on Contract Negotiations

HOUSTON, Dec. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Continental pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), are pressing for a renewed focus on negotiations for a new contract. The pilots' contract becomes amendable today, Dec. 31, 2008. Negotiations for a new contract first began back in July 2007. To date, the parties have completed tentative agreements for eight sections of the contract, but dozens more remain untouched, including prime issues such as pay, work rules, benefits and retirement.

Says Capt. Jay Pierce, leader of the Continental pilots' unit of ALPA, "Our pilots have been working long enough under the concessions of our current contract -- over $200M in concessions each year since it was signed in 2005. The givebacks that were designed to help keep Continental out of bankruptcy were a 'loan' to secure our futures -- that loan was due Dec. 31, 2008 and now it is past due. We're calling for an earnest effort by management to negotiate a new contract."

Although much of 2008 was a tough year for airlines, the industry is now seeing record low fuel prices and increased revenue through added fees and more profitable routes. Continental is poised for a turnaround in 2009. Says Capt. Pierce, "Just as we were a partner in sharing the pain needed to prevent bankruptcy, we should be a full partner in the plans for the future. What the pilots are owed is more than relief from concessions. We need relief from the fatigue and stress of flying more hours, strengthened quality of life through our work rules, strengthened retirement and benefits that are there for us when we need them, and more robust job security protections as Continental changes its alliance structure."

ALPA represents 52,500 pilots at 36 airlines in the U.S. and Canada, including the nearly 5,000 pilots at Continental Airlines. Visit the ALPA Web site at alpa.org.

Source: Air Line Pilots Association, International - Continental MEC

CONTACT: Amy Flanagan, +1-281-925-4601, cell +1-281-798-8713,
amy.flanagan@alpa.org, or Capt. Brian Bagenski, +1-281-987-3636, cell
+1-281-685-8865, brian.bagenski@alpa.org, both of ALPA

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

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National Movement to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitutions: Save Our Secret Ballot Launches in AR, AZ, MO, NV, and UT

2008-12-30T06:38:00.001-08:00

National Movement to Protect Secret Ballots in State Constitutions: Save Our Secret Ballot Launches in AR, AZ, MO, NV, and UT

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Congress poised to act to end the secret ballot right of employees choosing representation, a national movement to protect the secret ballot in state constitutions launched today in Washington, DC, and in five states. Entitled SOS Ballot Â Save Our Secret Ballot Â the new group announced its efforts to place before voters a secret ballot constitutional amendment in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, Nevada and Utah, with the expectation that additional states will be announced in the coming weeks.

SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Chairman and former Congressman Ernest Istook said, "Most of us assume voting by secret ballot in America is a constitutional right that has always existed and always will. But neither is the case. With America's right to a secret ballot under serious threat, I'm proud to be part of a citizens' movement to give voters the opportunity to vote by secret ballot, to amend state constitutions to guarantee the right of a secret ballot. We know some in Congress and some from big labor will fight this effort or even arrogantly say the people do not have a right to vote to protect their secret ballot. But rather than deter us, we take this as the proof that we must work diligently in every state to protect and re-affirm our secret ballot rights. The more vocal the opposition, the more every voter will see why we must act immediately, lest we lose the secret ballot and return to the time when voter intimidation and even physical harm were a common place."

The initiative language was written by noted attorney and constitutional scholar Clint Bolick, director of the Goldwater Institute's Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation. The Goldwater Institute has pledged its efforts for legal defense of the language if challenged. The 47-word amendment says:

"The right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is fundamental. Where state or federal law requires elections for public office or public votes on initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation, the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot shall be guaranteed."

In Arkansas, Arizona, and Missouri local committees are filing for citizen initiative petitions to amend their state constitutions to require secret ballots. In Nevada and Utah, state senators and representatives will announce efforts to legislatively refer a secret ballot constitutional amendment to the November 2010 ballot. If the legislative referral fails to pass in Nevada or Utah, citizens' initiative petitions will be gathered to place the measure on the ballot.

The SOS Ballot National Advisory Board Members include*:
Ernest Istook, Chairman Former Congressman, Heritage Foundation
Gilbert Baker, Arkansas State Senator, Former ARGOP Chair

Clint Bolick, Goldwater Institute, Director Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation

Jonathan Johnson, President, Overstock.com
Adam Hasner, Florida House Majority Leader
Paul Jacob, Citizens in Charge, Founder US Term Limits
John Loudon, Missouri State Senator
Mark Meierhenry, Former South Dakota Attorney General
Brian M Johnson, Executive Director, Alliance for Worker Freedom
Sydney Hay, President, Arizona Mining Association
* associations used for identification purposes only, please check
http://www.sosballot.org/ for contact info for state leaders

Secret Ballot History
The secret ballot was used locally as an act of post-Civil war southern

reconstruction, first as a way to impose a literacy requirement on newly freed slaves. But the secret ballot also protected mostly black voters who faced physical intimidation, even lynching depending on how their vote was cast. Secret ballots were first used statewide in the Massachusetts governor's race 1888 and nationally in 1892 to elect President Grover Cleveland.

Source: SOSballot.org

CONTACT: Audrey Mullen or Dave Mohel, +1-703-548-1160, both for
SOSballot.org

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

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Washington's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

2008-12-30T06:20:00.003-08:00

Washington's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

Legislators Past Effort to Index the Minimum Wage Causing Extreme Job Loss in Bad Economy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Washington approaches yet another increase in the minimum wage rate on January 1st, the Employment Policies Institute released new data showing that last year's hike caused increased job loss in the state, particularly among vulnerable groups. The 2009 hike to $8.55 marks the twelfth straight year the wage has increased, which is a 66% hike over that time frame.

The negative effects of this ever-rising wage can be seen in Washington's employment data. Teen unemployment, an indicator for the least skilled and most vulnerable, has grown 123% from last year, 106 percentage points higher than states which don't index their minimum wage.

According to research from the University of California at Irvine, minimum wage hikes unambiguously reduce employment of those with the fewest skills. These negative effects are concentrated on the most vulnerable employees, particularly young minorities and high school dropouts. For every 10 percent increase in the minimum wage, estimates are that employment falls 8.5 percent for vulnerable groups.

The job loss is a result of the burden the consistently increasing wage puts on businesses. For example: Since 2006, Washington's minimum wage will have increased by 92 cents. For a business with 20 entry-level employees, that increases costs over $35,000 per year. Businesses with small profit margins would need to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional goods to recoup those increased costs.

"Decades of economic research by leading economists at major universities is consistent with what we're seeing in Washington: increased job loss follows mandated wage hikes, particularly among the least skilled and least educated workers," said Kristen Lopez Eastlick, senior economic analyst for the Employment Policies Institute. "It doesn't take an economic expert to see the pitfalls with automatic wage hikes. If government is mandating businesses increase their labor costs regardless of skill levels or productivity, the result is going to be lost jobs - especially at a time when small businesses are struggling in a weak economy."

The Employment Policies Institute is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to studying public policy issues surrounding entry-level employment. For additional information or to schedule an interview with a spokesperson call 202.463.7650.

Source: Employment Policies Institute

CONTACT: Sarah Kapenstein of the Employment Policies Institute,
+1-202-463-7650

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

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Montana's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

2008-12-30T06:20:00.001-08:00

Montana's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

Legislators Past Effort to Index the Minimum Wage Causing Extreme Job Loss in Bad Economy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Montana approaches yet another increase in the minimum wage rate on January 1st, the Employment Policies Institute released new data showing that last year's hike caused increased job loss in the state, particularly among vulnerable groups. The 2009 hike to $6.90 marks the third straight year the wage has increased, which is a 34% hike over that time frame.

The negative effects of this ever-rising wage can be seen in Montana's employment data. Since last year's hike, the unemployment rate has grown 33%, about 14 percentage points higher than states which don't index their minimum wage.

The job loss is a result of the burden the consistently increasing wage puts on businesses. For example: Since 2006, Montana's minimum wage will have increased by $1.75. For a business with 20 entry-level employees, that increases costs over $70,000 per year. Businesses with small profit margins would need to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional goods to recoup those increased costs.

"Decades of economic research by leading economists at major universities is consistent with what we're seeing in Montana: increased job loss follows mandated wage hikes, particularly among the least skilled and least educated workers," said Kristen Lopez Eastlick, senior economic analyst for the Employment Policies Institute. "It doesn't take an economic expert to see the pitfalls with automatic wage hikes. If government is mandating businesses increase their labor costs regardless of skill levels or productivity, the result is going to be lost jobs - especially at a time when small businesses are struggling in a weak economy."

Source: Employment Policies Institute

CONTACT: Sarah Kapenstein of the Employment Policies Institute,
+1-202-463-7650

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

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Missouri's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Amongst Vulnerable Groups

2008-12-30T06:19:00.003-08:00

Missouri's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Amongst Vulnerable Groups

Legislators Past Effort to Index the Minimum Wage Causing Extreme Job Loss in Bad Economy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Missouri approaches yet another increase in the minimum wage rate on January 1st, the Employment Policies Institute released new data showing that last year's hike caused increased job loss in the state, particularly among vulnerable groups. The 2009 hike to $7.05 marks the third straight year the wage has increased, which is a 37% hike over that time frame. In July, Minimum wage will then go up again to the federal level, $7.25, which will make a 41% over 4 years.

The negative effects of this ever-rising wage can be seen in Missouri's employment data. The unemployment rate in Missouri has grown by 27% since the state began indexing in 2006, 7 percentage points higher than states which don't index their minimum wage.

The job loss is a result of the burden the consistently increasing wage puts on businesses. For example: Since 2006, Missouri's minimum wage will have increased by $1.90. For a business with 20 entry-level employees, that increases costs over $75,000 per year. Businesses with small profit margins would need to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional goods to recoup those increased costs.

"Decades of economic research by leading economists at major universities is consistent with what we're seeing in Missouri: increased job loss follows mandated wage hikes, particularly among the least skilled and least educated workers," said Kristen Lopez Eastlick, senior economic analyst for the Employment Policies Institute. "It doesn't take an economic expert to see the pitfalls with automatic wage hikes. If government is mandating businesses increase their labor costs regardless of skill levels or productivity, the result is going to be lost jobs - especially at a time when small businesses are struggling in a weak economy."

Source: Employment Policies Institute

CONTACT: Sarah Kapenstein of the Employment Policies Institute,
+1-202-463-7650

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

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Colorado's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

2008-12-30T06:19:00.001-08:00

Colorado's New Minimum Wage Rate Will Cause Continued Job Loss Among Vulnerable Groups

Legislators Past Effort to Index the Minimum Wage Causing Extreme Job Loss in Bad Economy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Colorado approaches yet another increase in the minimum wage rate on January 1st, the Employment Policies Institute released new data showing that last year's hike caused increased job loss in the state, particularly among vulnerable groups. The 2009 increase to $7.28 marks the third straight year the wage has increased, which is a 41% hike over that time frame.

The negative effects of this ever-rising wage can be seen in Colorado's employment data. Since last year's hike, the unemployment rate has grown 25%, almost 6 percentage points higher than states which don't index their minimum wage.

The job loss is a result of the burden the consistently increasing wage puts on businesses. For example: Since 2006, Colorado's minimum wage will have increased by $2.13. For a business with 20 entry-level employees, that increases costs over $85,000 per year. Businesses with small profit margins would need to sell hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional goods to recoup those increased costs.

"Decades of economic research by leading economists at major universities is consistent with what we're seeing in Colorado: increased job loss follows mandated wage hikes, particularly among the least skilled and least educated workers," said Kristen Lopez Eastlick, senior economic analyst for the Employment Policies Institute. "It doesn't take an economic expert to see the pitfalls with automatic wage hikes. If government is mandating businesses increase their labor costs regardless of skill levels or productivity, the result is going to be lost jobs - especially at a time when small businesses are struggling in a weak economy."

Source: Employment Policies Institute

CONTACT: Sarah Kapenstein of the Employment Policies Institute,
+1-202-463-7650

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

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No More "Laissez Faire" FSA - Unite New Year's Resolutions for Regulator

2008-12-29T16:02:00.003-08:00

No More "Laissez Faire" FSA - Unite New Year's Resolutions for Regulator

LONDON, December 30/PRNewswire/ --

Unite, the UK's largest trade union, is demanding that the Financial
Services Authority (FSA) discard their "laissez faire" approach in 2009. The
union has sent the FSA a list of New Year's resolutions to ensure that in the
coming year it does not repeat its mistakes of 2008.

The union which represents workers in banks and insurance companies is
calling on the regulator to be more hands on in their handling of the sector
as their approach of allowing excessive risk has now been totally
discredited.

Derek Simpson, Unite Joint General Secretary, said: "The FSA has failed
to spot the early warning signs in too many sections of the finance sector
during 2008. The regulator has clearly been asleep on the job. They must
review their conduct over the course of 2008 and accept that they must
radically change in order to prevent any repetition of these mistakes in the
coming year.

"Unite has outlined three New Year's resolutions which must be adopted to
ensure that the regulator is able to protect against the devastating
consequences of financial collapse in the finance sector. We need a total
regulatory overhaul within the FSA to ensure that there is no repeat of the
systematic failures of procedures and practices.

"Workers in the sector have directly suffered as a consequence of their
failures in the financial services industry, for example in Northern Rock,
HBOS and Bradford and Bingely. The staff in the financial services sector are
not the culprits of the credit crunch and we are not prepared to allow them
to become the victims. The FSA must now take a close look at itself and have
a major transformation in the way they operate."

The New Year's resolutions Unite is calling on the FSA to adopt are:

1. To strengthen and enforce the Authority's own regulatory and
supervisory responsibilities.

2. To use its powers to question and hold to account those organisations
and individuals who contributed to this crisis on a massive scale and end the
"rewards for failure" culture in the finance industry.

3. To fundamentally reform its own structures and ensure trade union
representation on the boards of all key agencies.

Source: Unite the Union

For more information please contact: Saba Mozakka, Unite the union: +44-(0)7768-693-953.

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Make 2009 the Year Labour Gets Tough on Tax Havens

2008-12-29T16:02:00.001-08:00

Make 2009 the Year Labour Gets Tough on Tax Havens

LONDON, December 30/PRNewswire/ --

- Attention: News, Business and Political Correspondents

Unite, Britain's biggest union is calling on Gordon Brown to make his new
year's resolution a commitment to close down the tax havens and give Britain
back GBP33bn a year.

As the British tax payer picks up the tab for bailing out the banks and
looks forward to a bleak 2009, Derek Simpson, joint leader of Unite, is
calling on the government to make sure the culprits of the credit crunch, who
have consistently avoided paying their fair share of tax, give that money
back.

It is estimated (Tax Research UK) that the value of tax avoidance by
Britain's top companies is worth some GBP25 billion a year. This figure does
not include tax avoided by rich individuals earning over GBP200 000 a year. A
conservative estimate suggests that this is as much as GBP8 billion but does
not include all the money these individuals hold offshore, which is
impossible to quantify. Clawing back this money would have funded the GBP20bn
fiscal stimulus package contained within the pre-budget report with billions
left over.

The union is calling for a repatriation of the profits banks place
offshore and have them subjected to UK tax; to close down structured finance
operations and to end private banking advice sections designed to exploit tax
loopholes.

Unite is demanding that the UK government close the loopholes that allow
super-rich individuals and corporations avoid paying their fair share of tax.
Working people are bailing out the banks and funding massive tax concessions
for the super rich and Britain's top companies.

Unite joint general secretary, Derek Simpson, says:

"A commitment to make 2009 the year Labour gets tough on the tax havens
would be met with delight by hardworking families.

For years super-rich individuals and corporations have undermined the
UK's tax revenues and without decisive intervention from the government those
same people would have destroyed our economy. Thanks to them our jobs and
homes are at risk.

The taxes these corporations and super rich individuals avoid could go
along way to boosting the UK economy during these tough times. The government
must close the loopholes that allow the super-rich avoid paying their fair
share of tax. It is also time for the banks to close down their private
banking advice sections designed to exploit tax loopholes."

The union is calling on the government to force financial institutions
to:

1) Close down their structured finance operations.
2) Repatriate their offshore profits and have them subjected to UK
tax.
3) Close down their private banking advice sections designed to
exploit tax loopholes.

According to Tax Research UK, the top 100 companies in Britain have on
average reduced their tax payments on profits by 5% over the last five years.
It is now believed that the effective tax rate of the top 50 companies is as
low as 22% and this has all been done legally. Tax is avoided by way of tax
relief, allowances and the absence of restrictions on the movement of capital
to tax havens.

Source: Unite the Union

Contact: Ciaran Naidoo, +44(0)7768-931-315.

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New York First Student Workers Join Teamsters Union

2008-12-29T13:24:00.001-08:00

New York First Student Workers Join Teamsters Union

Drivers and Monitors Join Nationwide Movement to Raise Standards in Workplace

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Student drivers and monitors in Fredonia, New York, have voted to join Teamsters Local 264 in Cheektowaga. The workers united over a shared need for respect on the job, fair wages and affordable health care. With this victory, the 80 workers are now part of the more than 14,150 school bus and transit workers who have joined the Teamsters Union since a nationwide movement to drive up standards in the industry began in 2006.

"We have members at a neighboring school district with a good contract and these workers wanted the same kind of representation," said Scott Chismar, an organizer with Local 264. "They like the job; they like dealing with the kids, but they're looking for respect."

According to Chismar, the First Student workers contacted Local 264 after one of the workers picked up her husband's Teamster Magazine, a news publication sent to Teamster members, which featured an article about the gains school bus workers have made across North America by joining the Teamsters.

"We're very happy to have these new members here in Fredonia," said Ronald Lucas, President of Joint Council 46 and Local 264.

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 14,150 workers have become Teamsters.

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

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Donna De La Cruz of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-437-2254, ddelacruz@teamster.org

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

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United Pilots: Leadership Void Costly for UAL in 2008

2008-12-29T08:44:00.001-08:00

United Pilots: Leadership Void Costly for UAL in 2008

CHICAGO, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pilots for United Airlines said today that under CEO Glenn Tilton's watch, United Airlines in 2008 clearly failed in its efforts to regain its former stature as the world's preeminent airline. Over the past year, the airline has been plagued by an appalling lack of leadership and vision among Tilton and his executives. Tilton and his executives have kept United Airlines mired in financial and operational stagnation ever since it exited bankruptcy nearly three years ago.

Based upon Tilton's past performance, the pilots see no signs that things are going to get better in the future under his watch. During Tilton's tenure, the pilots point out, it has been apparent that United does not have a strategy that will enable it to take charge of its destiny.

"In many ways, United Airlines has moved backward," said Captain Steve Wallach, chairman of the United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association. "To its pilots, employees and passengers, United Airlines is but a shell of its former self. Rather than using the reorganization afforded by bankruptcy, including the billions of dollars contributed by the pilots and other employees to build upon United's core strengths and brand equity, Mr. Tilton and his executives squandered a rare opportunity to return this airline to its leadership position in the airline industry.

"United has reacted to events, as opposed to anticipating and controlling them. As just one example, as a former oil industry executive, one would have expected Tilton to have taken early and decisive action to hedge against rising fuel costs. The record shows that he failed dismally in this task.

"Mr. Tilton's consistent answer to United's problems has been to penalize those who contribute the most to United's success: its employees and its customers," said Captain Wallach. "While Tilton and his hand-picked executives have continued to receive increasing benefits for themselves, employees have been laid off, and our passengers have been inconvenienced with a series of ill-timed and ill-conceived fees and unpopular cutbacks in service. To paraphrase an old advertising expression, 'This is no way to run an airline,' but that's what you can expect from a former oil company executive, clearly someone unfamiliar with running a service industry, who never before had to care about his employees or serve the needs of his customers."

A look at the Tilton record over the past year tells the story of missed opportunities, lack of leadership and dismal performance:

-- UAL posted a $779 million third quarter loss, $519 million
attributable to poor fuel hedges. The miscalculation on the fuel hedge
is especially disappointing, considering Tilton came to United from
Chevron Texaco, one of the nation's largest oil companies.

-- UAL posted a $542 million loss for the first quarter, $305 million
higher than the first quarter of the previous year.

-- UAL lost $151 million in the second quarter. With noncash accounting
expenses, including a $2.3 billion charge for goodwill impairment and
$82 million in severance costs, the airline reported a $2.7 billion
loss during the quarter.

-- During a time when the industry was attempting to consolidate, United
Airlines and Tilton were jilted by both Delta and Continental. Delta,
which considered a marriage with United, chose Northwest instead.
Continental, which appeared to be on the verge of an announced merger
with UAL in April, left Tilton standing at the altar at the last
minute after calling off talks.

-- Desperate for a merger partner, -- ANY merger partner -- Tilton
attempted to steer United Airlines straight into the arms of US
Airways, an airline known for problems in its management, its service,
and among its employees. Only an outcry from the Air Line Pilots
Association and the subsequent negative reaction from the financial
community prevented Tilton from embarking on the potentially suicidal
mission of a merger with US Airways.

-- United announced in June that it was going to ground "fuel
inefficient" aircraft, despite having no plans to replace them with
newer, more efficient planes. This decision was based on then
record-high fuel prices. Oil prices now are at a four-year low. On
its present course and by the end of 2009, Tilton will have shrunk
United's fleet by 20%. This is yet another example that Tilton and his
executives didn't learn a major lesson from bankruptcy: You cannot
shrink to profitability; you must have a strategy for growing the
company.

-- While United Airlines was losing money, Tilton furloughed pilots and
other employees, cutting back on service and asking passengers to pay
more for less. Tilton's compensation package was reported at $10.3
million. This includes salary, stock grants, options and other added
extras. Tilton's $10.3 million compensation package dwarfs that of the
CEOs of United's competitors: American Airlines CEO, $4.6 million;
Southwest Airlines CEO, $1.3 million; JetBlue CEO, $514,000.

-- UAL doubled the fee it charges passengers for checking a second bag,
essentially raising taxes on passengers and encouraging them to go
elsewhere.

-- United announced in August that it would discontinue complimentary
meal service in coach on many flights to and from Europe as a way to
cut costs, only to reverse those plans after passengers protested. The
reversal was an embarrassment to Tilton and his executives, and it
displayed how out of touch they are with our passengers.

-- In a clear and stinging rebuke from the pilots and other employees,
United Airlines' "2008 Employee Survey" showed that UAL employees
don't trust, respect or have faith in the management of United
Airlines. Only 38 percent of United Airlines expressed "Pride in
United," compared with the average Fortune 500 Company, where 84
percent of employees express pride in their employer. Also, 70 percent
of United employees said they were dissatisfied with their jobs, 73
percent are looking for new jobs and 77 percent do not think United is
a great place to work.

"2008 alone proves that Tilton's so-called leadership at United is a failure," said Captain Wallach. "Tilton's body of work during his tenure at United Airlines speaks for itself. It simply is not working. The pilots recognize it. The employees recognize it. The passengers certainly recognize it. The investment community recognizes it. It's time for the United Board of Directors to realize it. United Airlines must free itself from failed leadership and lack of vision so that it can become, once again, the airline for which pilots and employees are proud to work, and on which passengers will want to fly."

For more information regarding United pilots' call for new leadership at United Airlines, go to its website www.GlennTilton.com.

Source: United Master Executive Council of the Air Line Pilots Association

CONTACT: Dave Kelly of ALPA, +1-708-704-5648, david.kelly@alpa.org

Web Site: http://www.alpa.org/ual
http://www.glenntilton.com/

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USW Urges U.S. to Reject Latest Doha Paper for WTO Rules

2008-12-29T08:02:00.001-08:00

USW Urges U.S. to Reject Latest Doha Paper for WTO Rules

Pledges Support for Obama Administration to Strengthen Trade Remedies

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leo W. Gerard, President of the United Steelworkers (USW), today issued a statement and release of a letter calling on the Bush administration's top negotiators in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to again reject the latest draft rules that would weaken workers' defense against predatory trade practices by undermining U.S. trade laws on illegal dumping and subsidies.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO )

Gerard was emphatic about the proposed WTO rules as weakening U.S. trade remedies and workers jobs. In a letter to Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, U.S. Department of Commerce and Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, U.S. Trade Representative, he declared: "We will actively oppose ongoing efforts by some of our trading partners to cripple our economy and our rights to seek redress."

Gerard wrote, "The USW views as essential to any forward movement in multilateral negotiations the much needed rebalancing of the WTO trade remedy agreements to correct the abuses of the appellate body in imposing obligations never agreed by the United States and in ensuring that our laws are preserved and strengthened."

The USW said it is pledged to work with the incoming Obama Administration and Congress to strengthen, not weaken trade laws against unfair imports to benefit domestic workers. "Trade remedies that ensure conditions of fair competition in the U.S. are vital to our members' livelihood in numerous manufacturing sectors," Gerard declared.

"When companies and workers face unfair trade in the form of dumping or subsidization, our members are the first to suffer the serious harm that follows. Companies are then forced to reduce payroll, cut jobs and benefits and -- worst of all -- stop investing in their future in the U.S."

The WTO draft rules paper released Dec. 18, 2008 has already received a strong statement of disappointment. The U.S. government cited a complete failure of the draft in addressing an overreach by decisions of the WTO appellate body on the right of member countries to assess duties on 100 percent of the dumping orders on imports.

In response to a similar rules proposal by the WTO rules language last December, the USW had also flagged objection to persistent efforts by trading partners aimed at undermining the mandate set out by Congress in the Trade Act of 2002 to avoid agreements that lessen the effectiveness of domestic and international rules on unfair trade, especially for dumping and subsidies.

Gerard pointed out specific problems with the WTO rules text, saying, "There has never been a time when effective trade remedies are more important to our workers and domestic manufacturers -- with the staggering trade deficit the nation faces, with the beggar-thy-neighbor policies being followed by some of our major trading partners, and with the painful economic recession that has gripped our country for the last year."

The USW is the largest industrial union in North America and represents over 850,000 workers. A copy of the complete USW letter to the U.S. trade negotiators is available at: www.usw.org/.

Contact: Gary Hubbard, 202-778-4384; 202-256-8125

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080131/DC12982LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: United Steelworkers (USW)

CONTACT: Gary Hubbard of United Steelworkers, +1-202-778-4384, or
+1-202-256-8125

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

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U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $2 million to assist Missouri workers affected by layoffs

2008-12-23T11:53:00.001-08:00

U.S. Department of Labor announces grant exceeding $2 million to assist Missouri workers affected by layoffs

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $2,019,861 grant to assist approximately 475 Missouri workers laid off from several companies in metropolitan St. Louis, including Continental AFA Dispensing Co., Macy's Inc., TRUE Fitness Technology and Western Union.

"This $2 million grant will provide re-employment services, including career counseling, education and skills training to help these Missouri workers find new jobs," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Today's grant, awarded to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will offer individuals the full array of dislocated worker services that may include skills assessment, individual career counseling, education and occupational skills training. For those with limited transferable skills, longer term training will be provided. In addition, workshops will be offered for individuals interested in entrepreneurial opportunities.

Of the $2,019,861 announced today, $1,169,960 will be released initially. Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

National Emergency Grants are part of the secretary of labor's discretionary fund and are awarded based on a state's ability to meet specific guidelines. For more information on National Emergency Grants, visit www.doleta.gov/NEG.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

CONTACT: Terry Shawn, +1-202-693-4676, or Jennifer Kaplan,
+1-202-693-5052, both of the U.S. Department of Labor

Web Site: http://www.dol.gov/
http://www.doleta.gov/NEG

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USAID Recognizes Ukraine Parntership with 2008 'Alliance of the Year' Award

2008-12-23T09:17:00.001-08:00

USAID Recognizes Ukraine Parntership with 2008 'Alliance of the Year' Award

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has recognized the Industrial Union of Donbass Corporation and the City Council of Alchevsk, Ukraine, with the 2008 Global Development Alliance of the Year award for its efforts to promote community and economic development through the Partnership for the Future of Alchevsk. The award is given annually by USAID's Global Development Alliance office to recognize outstanding development in public-private partnerships around the world.

USAID, the Industrial Union of Donbass Corporation and the City Council of Alchevsk joined in a unique alliance aimed at stimulating the local social and economic development of the industrial city of Alchevsk. The USAID Mission in Ukraine and the local partners work to create jobs, introduce sustainable finance, upgrade water and communal waste management systems, and engage citizens in decisions affecting the building of their own community.

"What is so unique about this partnership is not only the approach, but the process of applying a series of successful programs to create a "critical mass" of economic and community activities in support of the Alchevsk's long-term growth and development," said USAID Mission Director to Ukraine Janina Jaruzelski. "The Partnership for the Future of Alchevsk has already made significant progress in helping the city achieve its two main priorities -- to develop communal infrastructure and create favorable conditions for small and medium size businesses."

Alchevsk, with its 116,000 residents, is one of Ukraine's biggest industrial centers. Thanks to this initiative, more than $10 million has been distributed through the Alchevsk Development Fund to support various infrastructure and social programs. As a result of this alliance, water loss from the local water company is down 20 percent and street lighting infrastructure has been improved near schools and a medical facility.

"The city of Alchevsk is happy to have played an active role in this partnership, and we are ready to share our experience with every city in Ukraine," said Alchevsk Mayor Volodymyr Choob. "Through this mechanism for cooperation, we can achieve our goal to make Ukraine's economy resilient, flexible, and transparent by improving the capacity for sustainable development."

For more information on this and other USAID projects and programs, please visit www.usaid.gov. To learn more about the Partnership for the Future of Alchevsk, please visit: http://ukraine.usaid.gov/lib/newsletter/june08.pdf

Public Information: 202-712-4810

Source: U.S. Agency for International Development

CONTACT: U.S. Agency for International Development Public Information,
+1-202-712-4810

Web Site: http://www.usaid.gov/

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California First Transit Workers Choose Teamsters Union

2008-12-23T08:31:00.001-08:00

California First Transit Workers Choose Teamsters Union

Reservationists Join Teamsters Local 542, Coworkers Who Recently Voted Teamsters

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- First Transit reservationists in El Cajon, California, are the latest group of workers to vote in favor of joining Teamsters Local 542 in San Diego. The 13 reservationists join their coworkers, the 167 First Transit drivers, monitors and car washers in El Cajon, who became members of Local 542 after a vote earlier this month.

"After we filed for an election with the first group, the reservationists came to us saying they wanted to be Teamsters, and we helped them make this happen," said Phillip Farias, President of Local 542. "We proudly welcome them to the Teamsters."

The workers, who take reservations for customers to be picked up by First Transit buses, joined the union seeking to negotiate improvements in their working conditions, such as fair wages, affordable health care, a grievance procedure and fair discipline practices.

"Working together as a union, we are on the move with bus and transit workers and we are improving lives across the country," said Jim Santangelo, President of Joint Council 42.

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

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

CONTACT: Donna De La Cruz of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters,
+1-202-437-2254, ddelacruz@teamster.org

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

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U.S. Department of Labor Releases Updated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster

2008-12-23T04:51:00.001-08:00

U.S. Department of Labor Releases Updated Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster

SUNRISE, Fla., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) poster based on revisions published in November 2008. Employers with 50 or more employees, and all public sector employers, are required to update their mandatory employee and applicant labor law postings with new FMLA posters.

The new FMLA poster outlines how the expanded FMLA provides job-protected leave for the spouses, children or parents of members of the armed forces called to active duty in the U.S. military. Additional FMLA rights for employers and workers are clarified on the new poster, too.

Along with the FMLA poster, employers must post all other mandatory federal and state labor law posters, a burden that entails monitoring up to 20 different posters from as many as seven different agencies. And with the incoming Democratic administration expected to serve a more regulatory function with labor issues and workers' rights, the level of labor law posting enforcement is expected to increase.

That's why many employers are turning to third-party poster providers to maintain their posting compliance.

Poster Guard(R) Compliance Protection (http://www.gneil.com/posterguard), guaranteed by G.Neil, offers employers the easiest way to keep up to date with all federal and state posters. In addition to a poster set containing all required postings, employers automatically receive a new poster any time a federal or state posting regulation changes. Poster Guard Compliance Protection also offers a 100% Compliance Guarantee against fines, online auditing tools and dedicated customer support.

Based in Sunrise, Florida, G.Neil (http://www.gneil.com/) is the nation's leading provider of HR products and solutions to help businesses hire, manage and motivate employees. The 20-year-old company is a member of the Better Business Bureau, providing labor law posters to more than 230,000 business locations representing 18.2 million employees.

Contact:

Christian Ferris
Product Manager
Everglades Direct
720 International Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33325
Phone: 954-514-2335

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: G. Neil

CONTACT: Christian Ferris, Product Manager, +1-954-514-2335

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

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Profile: labor-news

DOL Releases Updated FMLA Poster; mystateposters.com Offers Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Compliance

2008-12-23T04:32:00.001-08:00

DOL Releases Updated FMLA Poster; mystateposters.com Offers Low-Cost, Eco-Friendly Compliance

SUNRISE, Fla., Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 18, 2008, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) poster required to be posted by employers covered by the FMLA. This includes all public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or more employees.

The new FMLA poster details the rules to expand the FMLA to provide job-protected leave for the spouses, children or parents of members of the armed forces called to active duty in the U.S. military. Long-term, general FMLA rights for employers and workers have also been clarified on the new poster.

mystateposters.com (http://mystateposters.com/) offers a low-cost way for employers to comply with this posting change, while also enhancing their company's environmental initiatives. For only $9.95, employers can purchase a 27" x 30" Federal Poster that includes all required federal labor law postings.

The poster is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks and is not laminated, so it is recyclable at replacement. Each poster bears the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal, assuring materials come only from forest lands managed to conserve biodiversity. Employers also have the option of downloading a version of the Federal Poster that they can print on their own laser printer for only $5.50.

Based in Sunrise, Florida, mystateposters.com (http://mystateposters.com/) specializes in essential HR and compliance products for a wide range of businesses, including affordable, environmentally friendly federal and state labor law postings.

Contact:

Christian Ferris
Product Manager
Everglades Direct
720 International Parkway
Sunrise, FL 33325
Phone: 954-514-2335

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.

Source: mystateposters.com

CONTACT: Christian Ferris, Product Manager of Everglades Direct,
+1-954-514-2335

Web Site: http://mystateposters.com/

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Profile: labor-news

Happy Holidays: Caregivers at Ten Kindred Healthcare Nursing Homes Win Raises, Organizing Rights, and A Voice to Improve Care

2008-12-22T19:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays: Caregivers at Ten Kindred Healthcare Nursing Homes Win Raises, Organizing Rights, and A Voice to Improve Care

United Healthcare Workers' master agreement shows that workers' unity--not top-down deals--is how working people win in today's economy

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 900 caregivers at ten nursing homes in Northern California will have a happy holiday after all, after staying united through nearly ten months of negotiations with Kindred Healthcare. On Friday, members of United Healthcare Workers (UHW) won a breakthrough three-year agreement that creates quality care committees to strengthen workers' voice to advocate for their residents, provides substantial raises, and protects the right to organize for workers at ten non-union facilities.

"Quality care committees are unprecedented in the nursing home industry," said Emma Penisini, a certified nursing assistant for eight years at Pacific Coast Care Center in Salinas. "Everyone's so excited about this agreement. We all work hard to provide the best care we can, and now we have a stronger voice to make our nursing homes better for the people who need our care."

The agreement includes:

-- Quality of Care committees to improve the quality of care for
residents, with third-party mediation if necessary.
-- Substantial wage increases, with certified nursing assistants
averaging more than $2.33 an hour more over the three year term.
-- Health insurance improvements that will bring all Kindred workers
close to 95% employer contribution for premiums
-- Protection for workers at Kindred's ten non-union nursing homes in
California to have a free choice to form a union.
-- Successorship protection that guarantees recognition of caregivers'
union and their contract if facilities are sold
-- Subcontracting protection
-- Daily cancellation protection
-- Reopener in the second year to improve pension benefits

This victory shows that UHW's strategy of member involvement and democracy is superior to the top-down "Alliance" strategy advocated by national SEIU President Andy Stern. Recent deals SEIU International has made with nursing homes in Southern California do not include many key standards won by UHW members, including wage scales, defined-benefit pension plans, successorship protections, a code of conduct for organizing non-union workers, and quality care committees to give workers a direct voice in resident care.

In the last five months, UHW members have won contracts with Mariner, Sava, Horizon West, and now Kindred Healthcare that protect workers' right to form a union at 32 non-union nursing homes -- far more than the number of homes UHW was allowed to organize under the national union's failed Alliance strategy. Nursing home workers who join together in UHW will have full collective bargaining rights, unlike workers enrolled into "template agreements" under the Alliance model.

Despite caregivers' unprecedented gains as members of UHW, national SEIU officials are preparing to force nursing home and homecare workers out of UHW against their will through a forced merger of local unions. The forced merger would move caregivers into a new union run by appointees accountable to Stern who would pursue the national union's "Alliance" strategy that has resulted in inferior contracts. A recent SEIU "advisory vote" asked members to choose between two similar merger options with no way to reject the merger entirely. Caregivers boycotted the election and filed 125,000 protests, while only 28,000 votes were cast -- less than ten percent of eligible voters.

"In hard economic times, working people get the short end of the stick if we don't stick together," said Maria Samuel, an elected member of UHW's executive board, a shop steward, and a certified nursing assistant for 27 years at Golden Gate Healthcare Center in San Francisco. "The last thing we need is more top-down deals that shut us out of important decisions. We're winning great contracts in UHW because healthcare workers are involved in every decision our union makes."

Workers at nine of the ten Kindred Healthcare facilities will vote on the agreement Monday and Tuesday. Workers at Pacific Coast Care Center in Salinas ratified an identical agreement last Friday. The contract takes effect upon ratification and will cover the following facilities:

-- Pacific Coast Care Center, Salinas
-- Bay View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Alameda
-- Hacienda Care Center, Livermore
-- Fifth Avenue Healthcare Center, San Rafael
-- Santa Cruz Health Center, Santa Cruz
-- Tunnell Center, San Francisco
-- Golden Gate Healthcare Center, San Francisco
-- Lawton Healthcare Center, San Francisco
-- Nineteenth Avenue Healthcare, San Francisco
-- Victorian Healthcare Center, San Francisco

With more than 150,000 members, SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West is the fastest-growing healthcare union in the United States. We represent healthcare workers in all job classifications and all healthcare settings, including hospitals, homecare, nursing homes and clinics. Our mission is to achieve high-quality healthcare for all. www.seiu-uhw.org

Source: SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West

CONTACT: Sadie Crabtree of SEIU United Healthcare Workers-West,
+1-323-365-2083

Web Site: http://www.seiu-uhw.org/

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Profile: labor-news