Report: Embarq put self up for sale, but buyers can’t raise cash in turbulent market
Tom Gerke, Embarq’s CEO, likes to say — over and over and over again — that running his company as well as possible is the best way for Embarq to control its destiny at a time the landline telephone industry is consolidating.
Apparently running the company well also includes hiring an investment banker to look for a buyer.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Embarq hired J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. to sniff around for any possible buyers.
“We don’t comment on rumors or speculation,” Debra Peterson, an Embarq spokeswoman told me this evening.
Embarq spun off as a stand-alone company from Sprint Nextel two years ago. We have been reporting for months that Embarq is a likely player in a consolidating landline industry.
Windstream, the landline operation that once was a part of Alltel, was cited as the most likely buyer. Qwest Communications in Denver was another possibility.
The deadline for bids came and went in recent weeks, according to the report. Any interested buyers were crunched by the turmoil in the markets that prevented them from raising the cash needed to buy the Overland Park, Kansas Company. Embarq closed the day Wednesday with a $40.20 share price and a market cap just north of $5.7 billion.

This story from SprintConnection is backed up by the Wall Street Journal article; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122289656118695665.html

Now for the spin from CEO Tom Gerke, a former attorney specializing in Acquisitions and Mergers;

Dear employees:

I had the pleasure of being in Tennessee and Virginia yesterday and this morning for meetings with employees, customers and community leaders. I heard from employees who had questions about the recent Wall Street Journal article speculating on telecom industry consolidation and EMBARQ’s role in that activity. I’m sure many of you have similar questions. As I shared with employees, we, like all of the other companies mentioned in the article, and like virtually all public companies, have a policy that we do not comment on rumors and speculation.

However, I want to share with you some thinking on this issue to consider as you focus on your daily work:

• It was disappointing to see a story based on rumor and speculation published by the newspaper. It is an unnecessary distraction to the EMBARQ team and our customers.

• Under public company standards and securities laws, the company does not, and should not, comment on rumors and speculation.

• Public speculation is a fact of life in business and certainly in our industry sector. As employees, it is natural to be interested in speculative discussion, but we also have to maintain awareness of the fact that this speculation is not in our best interest from multiple points of view, not the least of which is the natural distraction that it can create in our business and day-to-day results.

• Consolidation is already happening in our industry and likely will continue. Our board, like every public company board, has an obligation to regularly look at our strategy and possible strategic alternatives to enhance the future value and success of the company.

• The best we can all do is to focus on producing results, because positive results give each of us the greatest amount of control over our near term performance and our future. As an employee, you best position yourself for the future by being invaluable to the organization. So, work to ensure the company is maximizing its value and you are maximizing your value to the company. Our competitors are only waiting for us to be distracted – let us not do them that favor.

• What can we do? We can strive to execute our five-gear strategy and do so consistent with our values – the EMBARQ Essentials. Successful execution of our strategy will lead to positive results for the EMBARQ team at a time when industry changes and economic factors make success more elusive than ever.

While we cannot control additional media speculation, we can control whether we stay focused and continue to produce enhanced customer experiences and positive financial results.

Thank you for maintaining your focus and for all you do for EMBARQ each day.

Tom

http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/-7a31_F18uYh/

Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Leaflet Worksites

Frank Snyder, Labor 2008 state director for Pennsylvania, joined members from the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council in leafleting construction sites to make sure union members know about Sen. Barack Obama’s record of support for working people.

Early Tuesday morning, business manager Pat Gillespie and affiliate leaders from the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council handed out leaflets at the Aker Philadelphia Shipyard and at two construction sites. The Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades leadership is leafleting every day of the week from now until the election to make sure their members know about Barack Obama’s record of supporting working people.

Said Gillespie:

We are going out to various construction sites and other worksites to let our members know the difference between Barack Obama and John McCain. This is one of the easier decisions for a working person to make. Barack Obama stands for working people, he cares about us and our future. John McCain has come up with the same old nonsense, the same old hopeless policy that we’ve suffered under the last eight years.

This race is too close and I worry that it is because of the color of Barack Obama’s skin. We have to look past that and look at what is best for us and for our future and that would be electing Barack Obama as the next president of the United States. This is about the future of working people in America.

As he handed him a leaflet, Butch Grobes, a steward for Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) Local 690, told Valo Terry of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 19 how important it is to support Barack Obama.

He is for the working people and for our issues.

Terry answered:

I know he is. McCain supports unfair trade agreements and he doesn’t support the middle class or working America. Just look at where the economy is right now. It’s just further proof that the Bush administration and their policies—policies that McCain supports—hurt working people. So I fully support Barack Obama.

Said Fred Chamberlain, IBB Local 19 vice president and Philadelphia Metal Trades Council recording secretary:

It is so important that we are out here talking to the workers and trying to let them know that Barack Obama supports working people. Our members elected us and they trust us to get this important information to them.

Philadelphia Metal Trades Council President Gary Gaydosh said:

The guys that work with us trust us and come to us for advice. We don’t tell them how to vote but we give them information and hope that they go with their union and the future of working families. We hope that because we talked to them today at the worksite they will support Barack Obama.

Mike Fera, OPCM Local 592 business manager, said:

We are brothers and we are fellow union members. And our future depends on this election. We, as union members, got to get the vote out for Barack Obama. It’s not enough for us to just vote for Obama. It’s about our friends, our family and our union brothers all voting for Obama, too.

So I urge all leaders of all unions to get out to your worksites and talk to your members. We need to elect Barack Obama and it’s up to us to make sure that happens.

Received this from Keystone Progress:

“THIS IS VERY VERY POWERFUL makes the McCain hypocrisy on Iraq and Veterans issues very very clear please take the time to read it listen to the clips of McCain in his own voice and circulate it widely to educate as many members as possible”

Complete list of votes and bill descriptions.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brandon-friedman/mccains-non-support-for-t_b_131046.html

Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO Unions Ernie Grecco, President

OLD FASHION POLITICAL RALLY!

Topics of discussion:

Obama for President

Kratovil for Congressional District 1

and Question 2, Slots Proposal

WHEN: Thursday, October 16

WHERE: IBEW Local 24 Union Hall - Auditorium

2701 W. Patapsco Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21230

TIME: 7:00 pm

Speakers:

Senator Barbara Mikulski * Senator Ben Cardin * Other elected officials

Who Should Attend: Shop Stewards, Executive Board Members, Union Activists and Members

For Information call — 410-242-1300

Hosted by the Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO Unions

October 2008 Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

AFL-CIO political program active throughout Lehigh Valley

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

REGION, September 18th- The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) labor federation is conducting their political program throughout the nation and the Lehigh Valley to inform union members about which candidates would support them in Washington in 2009.

Since 1996 the AFL-CIO has conducted their political program which includes contacting union members by mail, phone and at their homes.

The labor federation endorsed Democrats Illinois Senator Barack Obama for President and Sam Bennett who is challenging incumbent Republican Congressman Charlie Dent in the 15th Legislative District.

The program, called “Labor 2008,” is intended to better educate union members and their families about issues pertaining to the November 4th election and how it will effect them and the working people.

The Change-to-Win (CtW) labor federation endorsed Mr. Obama for the primary election season and their affiliated unions are participating with the AFL-CIO affiliated unions in their political program.

The labor federations legislative priorty is passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). EFCA legislation would replace how union representation elections are conducted in workplaces with a “card check” system. Employers would be required to recoginize unions that receive majority support by employees after signing authorization cards. Currently, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducts union elections following a sometimes lengthy campaign after employers hire anti-union consulting firms that specializes in convincing employees unionizing would not be in their best interest.

According to Lori Jurczak, Co-ordinator for the AFL-CIO program for six counties of Pennsylvania including Lehigh and Northampton, the program is a “grass-roots” effort which includes union members that have been released from the regular jobs to campaign each day leading-up to election day. “We are knocking on members doors and making phone calls to their homes,” said Ms. Jurczak, a member of the United Steelworkers of America (USW) Union and a Lehigh Valley resident.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Change-to-Win labor federation criticizes McCain’s campaign

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

REGION, September 4th- The Change-to-Win (CtW) labor federation executive director Chris Chafe stated Republican candidate for President Senator John McCain showed how out of touch he is with working people issues because of statements made at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Top Senator McCain campaign advisors Rick Davis and Phil Gramm both made remarks about their views of the November 4th election at the Republican National Convention on September 2nd.

Mr. Davis told the Washington Post editors that “This election is not about issues. This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates,” said Mr. Davis.

Phil Gramm said while speaking to the delegates at the Republican National Convention, “If you’re sitting here today, you’re not economically illiterate and you’re not a whiner, so I’m worrier about who you’re going to vote for.”

Chris Chafe said the labor federation believes the remarks made by top McCain advisors Rick Davis and Phil Gramm shows just how out of touch the McCain campaign is with working America.

“As workers watch their wages erode and health and retirement benefits disappear, the best the McCain campaign can do is coin them whiners and tell them their issues don’t matter. But personality and name-calling won’t help the 37 million Americans currently living in poverty,” said Mr. Chafe.

There are seven national unions affiliated with the Change-to-Win labor federation which represents around six million workers throughout North America. The seven unions are: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Union, The Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), the United Farm Workers Union, The Services Employees International Union (SEIU), the United Food and Commerical Workers (UFCW) Union, UNITE HERE Union and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Union.

CtW and the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) labor federations have pledged to work together to elect Democratic candidate for President, Senator Barack Obama. The AFL-CIO political program is intended to get out the union vote on November 4th and help Mr. Obama defeat Senator John McCain.

In early September the AFL-CIOheld a national evening of labor walks throughout the nation including in the Lehigh Valley.

According to Lori Jurczak, the AFL-CIO coordinator for the political program throughout the Lehigh Valley, 19 members of unions affiliated with both the AFL-CIO and CtW participated with the local event, which was held on September 6th, including the United Food and Commerical Workers (UFCW) Union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Union, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Union, the United Steelworkers of America (USW) Union, the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union.

Ms. Jurczak, a resident of the Lehigh Valley and a 22-year member of the USW, stated the political program includes contacting union members at their homes and by phone and through worksite leafleting.

For more information Ms. Jurczak can be contacted at 570-807-2093.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

MSA unemployment rate unchanged at 5.5 percent

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

REGION, September 5th- According to labor data provided by the Department of Labor and Industry, the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged for the third consecutive month at 5.5 percent. The MSA includes Lehigh, Northampton, and Carbon Counties of Pennsylvania and Warren County, New Jersey. Twelve months ago the unemployment rate for the region was 4.3 percent.

Of the fourteen Metropolitan Statistical Area’s in the state, the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton Metropolitan Statistical Area has the fourth highest unemployment rate.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Pennsylvania is 5.4 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the month before. There are 341,000, increasing by 9,000 from the previous month, Pennsylvania residents without jobs. Pennsylvania has a seasonally adjusted workforce of 6,365,000 with 6,024,000 employed. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 5.7 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. There are 8,784,000 residents nationally unemployed.

The Johnstown MSA has the highest unemployment rate in the state at 6.4 percent, increasing by one-tenth of a percentage point from the month before. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton MSA has the second highest at 6.1 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The Williamsport MSA has the third highest unemployment rate in the state at 5.8 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the month before.

The Lebanon MSA has the lowest unemployment rate in Pennsylvania at 4.0 percent decreasing by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month. The Lancaster MSA has the second lowest unemployment rate in the state at 4.1 percent, unchanged from the month before. The State College MSA has the third lowest unemployment rate in the state at 4.2 percent, unchanged from the previous month.

The Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton MSA has the third largest civilian labor force, workers between eighteen and sixty-five years old, in Pennsylvania at 415,600, increasing by 2,300 from twelve months before. The Philadelphia MSA has the largest civilian labor force in Pennsylvania at 2,978,400 with 154,900 residents not working. The Pittsburgh MSA has the second largest civilian labor force in the state at 1,209,100, with 61,400 residents unemployed.

Within the MSA, Carbon County has the highest unemployment rate at 6.7 percent, decreasing by three-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and increasing by one and four-tenths of a percentage point from twelve months before. Carbon County has 2,100 civilians not working, increasing by 100 from the month before and increasing by 500 from twelve months ago. Carbon County has a labor force of 30,800 the smallest civilian labor force in the MSA.

Northampton County has the lowest unemployment rate in the MSA at 5.4 percent, increasing by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month and increasing by one and one-tenth of a percentage point from twelve months ago. Northampton County has 8,100 civilians without jobs, decreasing by 100 from the month before and increasing by 1,600 from twelve months before. Northampton County has a labor force of 150,300.

Lehigh County has a unemployment rate of 5.5 percent, decreasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and increasing by one and two-tenths of a percentage point from twelve months before. Lehigh County has 9,700 civilians not working, decreasing by 300 from the previous month and increasing by 2,200 during the past twelve months. Lehigh County has a labor force of 174,500, the largest in the MSA.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Congressional candidate Sam Bennett receiving labor support

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

REGION, September 21st- Sam Bennett, Democratic United States House of Representatives 15th District candidate stated if elected on November 4th she would support the labor community better than incumbent Republican Congressman Charlie Dent.

Ms. Bennett, interviewed by the newspaper on September 18th, stated Mr. Dent’s labor voting record is terrible which includes voting in 2007 against the labor supported Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and raising the minimum wage.

EFCA passed the House of Representatives in March 2007, 241-185. However, Mr. Dent voted against the legislation that would replace how union elections are conducted in workplaces with a card check system. Despite being passed by the House of Representatives it failed to become law when the Senate refused to vote on the legislation. Organized labor has made the passage of the law a priority for the 2009 legislative session.

Ms. Bennett stated she supports the rescinding of the Executive Order signed by President Bush in 2001 banning the signing of Project Labor Agreements (PLA’s) for construction projects being funded by federal monies. Under a PLA, unionized workers are almost assured be be hired for construction projects.

According to Bill Newhard, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of the Lehigh Valley, many of the 20 affiliated building trades unions of the labor federation have contributed funds to Sam Bennett’s campaign and are asking their members to vote for her.

Ms. Bennett has received endorsements from 29 local and international unions and the building trade unions have contributed the most to her campaign, donating $64,000. Overall, the labor community has donated more than $100,000 to the Sam Bennett for Congress Committee.

“My opponent didn’t even support raising the federal minimum wage,” said Ms. Bennett.

In January 2007 the House of Representatives voted to raise the minimum wage by $2.10 an hour to $7.25 an hour over a two year period.

Mr. Dent wants a third two-year term representing the 15th District which includes Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Victaulic union employees ratify new five-year contract

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

REGION, September 17th- Employees of the Victaulic Company facility in Alburtis represented by the United Steelworkers of America (USW) Union Local 2599 in Bethlehem, ratified a new five-year contract agreement with the company on September 15th.

According to Local 2599 President Jerry Green the previous agreement expired on September 8th, 2008. The parties agreed to work under the terms and conditions of the previous contract while contract negotiations continued.

The United Steel Workers Union have two contracts with the Victaulic Company. Local 2599 also represents approximately 550 workers employed at the company’s Forks Township facility, which manufactures pipefitting systems. That unit of employees are working under a three-year agreement and ratified the contract in August 2007. The Forks Township contract will not expire until January 2010.

Mr. Green told the newspaper the Victaulic Company contract in Alburtis includes a 60 cents an hour wage increase each year for all union workers and other contract language inprovements including:

• Accident and sickness pay increases of $10.00 each year of the pact.

• New overtime language was added.

• No additional cost for health insurance for the first three years of the contract with workers paying an average of an $5.00 a week in the fourth and fifth year.

• Pension multiplier was increased by $2.00 in the first, second and third year; increasing by $1.00 in the fourth and fifth year of the pact.

Local 2599 has approximately 123 members employed at the Alburtis facility.

Local 2599 represents approximately 1,600 active USW members throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Mr. Green told the newspaper the Victaulic Company facility in Forks Township is the largest unit of employees the union represents.

The previous contract at the Forks Township plant expired on December 10th, 2006. The two sides agreed to work under the terms and conditions of the previous contract while negotiations continued.

The main issue that got in the way of reaching a new pact was health insurance benefit costs. The company wanted the employees to contribute more toward the cost of their health insurance. However, Mr. Green told the newspaper the union was successful in negotiating that the workers will not pay more than $15 a week that they paid under the previous pact.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Mailhandlers Union amends charge filed against the United States Postal Service in Lehigh Valley

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

LEHIGH VALLEY, September 17th- The National Postal Mailhandlers Union (NPMHU) Lehigh Valley Branch amended their complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region Four in Philadelphia against the United States Postal Service (USPS) Lehigh Valley facility, that alleges the postal service violated the National Labor Relations Act (NLRAct).

The newspaper exclusively reported in the August edition, the union filed a Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the NLRB on July 1st, 2008 alleging the NLRAct was violated at the employers mail processing plant located on Commerce Way in Bethlehem.

The complaint, obtained by the newspaper through the Freedom of Information Act, stated between March 8th, 2008 through June 6th, 2008 and many dates in between, management attempted to direct the Union in its choice of Shop Stewards. The union alleges the USPS violated Section 8(a), subsections (1) and subsections 8(a)2, and 8(a)3 of the NLRAct.

The NPMHU alleges in the complaint management has discriminated against a Shop Steward by issuing excessive discipline and wrongful removel, the same Shop Steward that they had asked the Union not to use.

The amended complaint states, “Between the dates of March 20th, 2008 through June 25th, 2008 management has discriminated against Shop Steward Isabel Sandoval by issuing excessive discipline to her. Management has refused to bargain in good faith. The Employer has refused to provide needed information numerous times.”

The July 1st compliant stated, “Management has refused to bargain in good faith. They have refused to allow interviews necessary to the investigation of this discipline. They have refused and/or delayed information needed for grievances. Management at several levels have met and conferred over discipline for this Shop Steward while maintaining that each was making their own independent evaluation of discipline.”

The employer representative named on both the July 1st complaint and the amended ULP is Neil Heller, identified as the Plant Manager of the USPS, Lehigh Valley facility. The union representative that filed the complaint is Pamela Baum, identified as the NPMHU Contract Administrator Manager, Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

Under NLRB rules, after receiving a charge the agency will conduct a investigation into whether there is merit in the complaint.

October 2008, Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton edition of The Union News

Teamsters Union Local 773 wants to represent Kraft workers

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsabe@aol.com

ALLENTOWN, September 16th- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Union Local 773, Hamilton Street in Allentown, filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Region Four in Philadelphia requesting the agency conduct a Representation Election to determine if employees of the Kraft Foods facility in Allentown want to be represented by the union.

According to the petition, filed with the NLRB on September 15th and obtained by the newspaper through the Freedom of Information Act, the petition is supported by at least 30 percent of the workers at the Kraft Foods facility located at 7352 Industrial Boulevard in Allentown. Kraft operates a warehouse and distribution center at the location.

Under NLRB rules, a labor organization must have the signitures of at least 30 percent of the workers before they can request the agency conduct a election to determine if they want to be represented by a union for the purpose of collective bargaining.

According to information listed on the petition, there are presently 35 employees in the unit of workers. Local 773 stated a request was made to the company for the voluntary recognition of the union as the employees bargaining representative but they did not reply.

The petition was filed on behalf of Local 773 by Attorney Cassie Ehrenberg who address is listed as 1650 Market Street in Philadelphia.

According to the petition, the union wants all full-time and regular part-time drivers, mechanics and miscellaneous labor personnel to participate in the election.

The union wants all other employees, guards and supervisors as defined in the National Labor Relations Act (NLRAct) excluded from participating in the election.

The person named on the petition as the employer representative to contact is Sandy Demasko indentified as the Kraft Foods Human Resources Officer.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Labor Federation holds Community Services Institute in Wilkes-Barre

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, August 18th- The 49th annual Pennsylvania American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Community Services Institute was held in Wilkes-Barre from August 10th to the 15th at the Woodlands Inn & Resort.

Labor representatives from across the commonwealth, including throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, were in attendence along with concerned individuals, groups, workshop instructors and special resource people to participate in the learning experience. It was the first time Wilkes-Barre served as the host city for the event.

According to Carl Dillinger, Staff Representative of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the Wilkes-Barre region has a strong labor heritage, including a tributary statue on the grounds of the Lackawanna County Courthouse dedicated to the legendary United Mine Workers Union (UMWU) labor leader John Mitchell.

Mr. Dillinger told the newspaper ninety-four union leaders and members attended the institute over the five days.

At the Community Services Institute each day there was a general session attended by everyone, followed by a specific workshop addressing a variety of key and contemporary working family issues, which tie into economic and social justice concerns.

On August 17th, 1942, an agreement on cooperation was signed between organized labor and the Community Chest, now the United Way of America, to encourage labor representation on their boards. The agreement sought cooperation between employee solicitation organized by employers and union representatives who jointly stressed voluntary contributions without coercion.

According to Walter Klepaski, the AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison for the United Way of the Wyoming Valley, one of the institute highlights was a special project conducted at the Veterans Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Union delegates of the institute had an opportunity to visit with the patients of the medical facility.

According to William Cockerill, the AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison for the United Way of Lackawanna County, the group also visited the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton. The union members during their visit to the medical center in Wilkes-Barre and the nursing home in Scranton gave a variety of union hats, shirts, travel bags, diabetic socks and a juke box to the military veterans. The items were donated by local unions from throughout the region. The estimated value of the donated items at both facilities was approximately $16,000.

Some of the labor representatives that attended the institute included the presidents of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council labor federations from Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Sam Bianco, President of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council; Nancy Krake, President of the Scranton Central Labor Union; and Gregg Potter, President of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council were in attendance at the institute.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Event to be held for miners stamp in Wilkes-Barre

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, September 6th- For more than fifteen years individuals andgroups including the United Mine Workers of America Union (UMWA) have tied to presuade the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a stamp, or series of commemorative stamps, recognizing and honoring the coal miners of the nation. So far, these efforts have not resulting with success.

Those wishing for the USPS to issue a stamp have made their case to the postal authorities of the historical and industrial national significance of the contribution of coal miners to the industrial might of this nation. Coal mining along with railroads, steel, oil, have been pillars of the industrial revolution of the nation, supporters have stated.

Citizens, many who are descended from coal mining families, and would wish to see the hard and dangerous work of their ancestors memorialized in the form of a stamp, have help rallies and conducted petition signing events to attempt to convince the USPS to issue a stamp recognizing coal miners.

According to Wayne Namey, a member of the United Food and Commerical Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1776, and a member of the Community Services Committee of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council labor federation, a rally to show support for a coal miners stamp will be held on Public Square in Downtown Wilkes-Barre on October 25th.

Mr. Namey, who works as a clerk at a Pennsylvania Wine and Spirits Store in Luzerne County, told the newspaper the event will be held between 9:00 am to 1:00 pm with speakers beginning at 10:00 am. “We are hoping to have live music. Food venders will be available. Coffee and donuts also with balloons for kids,” said Mr. Namey.

Mr. Namey stated six groups have announced they will be involved with the October 25th event including: the Greater Wilkes-Barre Labor Council, UFCW Local 1776, the Red Hat Society, the Wilkes-Barre Kiwana’s Club, the Anthracite Living History Group and the Huber Breaker Society. “We need more groups to become involved with their presence at this event and petition drives to bombard the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee with hundreds or a thousand letters.”

The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee is tasked with evaluating the merits of all stamp proposals. The committee’s primary goal is to select subjects for recommendation to the postmaster general. For more than fifteen years the UMWA have petitioned the USPS to issue a stamp.

Mr. Namey can be contacted at: 570.466.3385.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Local Representative introduces “Buy American” resolution

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, August 27th- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives have adopted a resolution urging Pennsylvanians to purchase United States saving bonds and to buy products made in the United States and in the Commonwealth.

Democratic State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, 121st Legislative District, a union member, introduced the resolution to draw attention to how Pennsylvanians can improve the value of the dollar and the economy by investing in the state and the country. Mr. Pashinski feels an injection of capital by residents into the national and state economies could help restore our previous level of financial health.

“Whenever social crises have threatened this country and state, it has been the groundswell of public support that allowed us too overcome them. People rallying to each other’s aid does more for the morale of their communities than government actions can. That’s why I’m urging to take a more active part in the financial distress our nation is in today by buying American and buying Pennsylvanian,” said Mr. Pashinski, who was elected to represent the 121st Legislative District in Harrisburg in 2006.

Mr. Pashinski added global expansion over the last decade has resulted in the loss of jobs for millions of Pennsylvanias and Americans. And consumers buying American made products can help the country and fellow Americans.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

MSA unemployment rate increases to 6.1 percent

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, August 28th- According to labor data provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Labor and Industry, the region’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 6.1 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Twelve months ago the unemployment rate for the region was 4.9 percent.

The MSA’s unemployment rate continues to remain higher than Pennsylvania and the nation. The unemployment rate in the state is 5.4 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. Pennsylvania has a seasonally adjusted civilian labor force of 6,365,000 with 341,000 not working and 6,024,000 with employment. The national unemployment rate is 5.7 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month. There are 8,784,000 civilians in the nation without employment.

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton MSA civilian labor force, workers between eighteen and sixty-five years old, decreased by 200 from the previous month to 281,800 and increased by 4,200 during the previous twelve months. There are 17,100 civilians not working within the MSA, increasing by 400 from the previous month, and increasing by 2,500 from twelve months before.

The MSA has the fifth largest labor force in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia MSA has the largest labor force at 2,978,400 with 154,900 not working; the Pittsburgh MSA is second at 1,209,100 with 61,400 without jobs; the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton MSA has the third largest labor force at 415,600 with 22,800 not working; and the Harrisburg/Carlisle MSA has the fourth largest civilian labor force at 286,200 with 13,000 without employment.

Of the 14 MSA’s within Pennsylvania, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton MSA has the second highest unemployment rate with only the much smaller Johnstown MSA the only region with a higher unemployment rate at 6.4 percent, increasing by one-tenth of a percentage point from the month before. The Johnstown MSA only has a civilian labor force of 69,300, with only the Altoona MSA and the Williamsport MSA with a smaller civilian labor force. The Williamsport MSA has the third highest unemployment rate in the state at 5.8 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the month before.

The Lebanon MSA has the lowest unemployment rate in Pennsylvania at 4.0 percent. The Lancaster MSA is second at 4.1 percent with the State College MSA third at 4.2 percent.

Within the MSA, Lackawanna County has the lowest unemployment rate at 5.9 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and one and one-tenth of a percentage point from twleve months before. Lackawanna County has a labor force of 107,300 with 6,300 residents without employment, increasing by 200 from the previous month.

Luzerne County has the highest unemployment rate in the MSA at 6.3 percent, increasing by two-tenths of a percentage point from the previous month and increasing by one and three-tenths of a percentage point from one year before. Luzerne County has a labor force of 160,000, the largest in the MSA, with 10,100 residents not working, the most in the MSA.

Wyoming County has a unemployment rate of 6.0 percent, increasing by one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month and increasing by nine-tenths of a percentage point from twelve months before. Wyoming County has a labor force of 14,500, the smallest in the MSA, with 900 without jobs, unchanged from the month before and increasing by 200 from twelve months ago.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

OSHA proposes changing rulemaking for job risk assessement

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, September 2nd- The United States Department of Labor (DOL) proposes to establish procedures to allow the public to see exactly what goes into risk assessments for health standards for regulating occupational exposure to toxins.

The DOL proposal will ensure that the best and latest available evidence and scientific data are used when conducting risk assessments in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act.

According to information provided by OSHA, the department currently does not have comprehensive regulations or formal internal guidance outlining consistent risk assessment procedures. The proposed regulation implements recommendations of a 1997 presidential/congressional commission that criticized the department for relying on “a case-by-case approach for performing risk assessment and risk characterization,” and recommended that the department explain its scientific and policy defaults with regard to risk assessment.

The agency believes the proposal will compile the DOL existing practices into a single, easy to reference public regulation and includes:

• Issuance of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) in order to cast a wide net for available information from the public.

• Collection of the best available scientific data for the agency to consider, including industry-by-industry exposure data where available.

• Electronic posting of all documents related to a health standard rulemaking to promote greater public input, awareness and transparency of the information underlying the department’s health rulemakings.

The DOL stated the proposal gives the department’s scientists and technical experts the necessary latitude to exercise their professional discretion and to modify their assessments as science evolves, while ensuring that the department’s process is fully accountable and transparent to the public.

The ANPRM process is not new to the agency. OSHA has included an ANPRM in the last three health standards it promulgated, including two that were started more than 20 years ago. DOL said this important process ensures that those responsible for drafting the standards have the best available scientific information to produce a thorough and accurate risk assessment that effectively protests workers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

According to OSHA, the agency’s role is to promote the safety and health of workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training; outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in work place safety and health.

OSHA’s area office is located in Wilkes-Barre and David Martin, Assistant Area Director can be contacted at: 570.826.6538, extension 18.

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September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Religious school employees legislation hearing held

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, September 2nd- Democratic Pennsylvania Representative 121st Legislative District, Eddie Day Pashinski of Luzerne County, announced the State House of Representatives Labor Relations Committee conducted a public hearing on August 18th that would give teachers and other employees in the Catholic school system more rights under state labor laws in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Pashinski introduced House Bill 2626, which has support of more than 50 legislators from across the state. The bill would allow lay teachers, support staff and other religious education workers the opportunity to seek employment representation and membership through labor organizations.

The right to unionized became a major issue in 2008 after the Diocese of Scranton Bishop Joseph Martino refused to recognize the Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) as the bargaining representative of Diocesan teachers.

The union represented the teachers of ten of the fourty-two grade schools and nine of the ten high schools of the Scranton Diocese until Bishop Martino restructured the system in 2007. The new system eliminated the small school boards and created four regional boards. SDACT previously had contracts with each Board of Pastors that represented each school. Bishop Martino implemented a “Employee Relations Program” and eliminated the union.

Michael Milz, SDACT President and a 33 year employee of the Scranton Diocese who worked as a science teacher and later a social studies teacher at Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes-Barre, now called Holly Redemmer, and a vocal critic against the elimination of the union, was laid-off by the Scranton Diocese during the summer.

Mr. Milz stated SDACT has not represented the workers since August 2007, when their previous contract expired. SDACT now has 22 active members employed by the Diocese at St. Michael’s School in Tunkhannock. The current five year contract agreement with the Scranton Diocese will expire in August 2009.

Mr. Pashinski, a member of the American Federation of Musicians and former President of the Nanticoke Area Education Association, said the proposed change in Pennsylvania labor law would force dioceses to recognize and bargain collectively with its teachers union. “My bill does not have anything to do with the religious doctrine but instead, gives workers in the religious education system the right to accept and join unions,” said Mr. Pashinski.

On August 18th, the State House of Representatives held a public hearing on H.B. 2626 that would also allow unions in religious schools to bring grievances to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) in Harrisburg.

Mr. Milz told the newspaper he will provide testimony on the unionization issue at future public hearings on the legislation. Mr. Milz is currently employed by the Northeastern Area Labor Federation in Dunmore.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Labor union leaders believe some Democrats unsupportive

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, September 4th- Rosmary Boland, President of the Scranton Federation of Teachers (SFT) Union Local 1147, which is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) International Union, stated on August 17th, she is tired of supporting Democratic Party members running for local political office to only have them not support her members and organized labor.

On September 2nd it was announced Local 1147 had reached a agreement for a new contract with the Scranton School District. The agreement was reached just before mid-night on September 2nd, avoiding a possible strike on September 3rd, the first day fall classes began in Scranton.

Local 1147 represents 880 teachers and para-professionals of the Scranton School District. There are approximately 10,000 students enrolled in the Scranton School District.

Mrs. Boland is also the Recording/Secretary of the Scranton Central Labor Union (SCLU) labor federation in Dunmore. The labor organizrion is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) in Washington DC. The labor organization meets every third Wednesday of the month.

The SFT contract with the Scranton School District expired on August 31st. The union members voted to give the unions bargaining committee the authorization to call for a strike if negotiations failed.

Under the previous contract, not negotiated by the current Local 1147 leadership, teachers paid as much as $8,100 out-of-pocket annually for family health care coverage. On September 7th, the membership ratified the three year agreement that will provide wage increases each year of the pact and will reduce the teachers health insurance costs considerably.

On August 17th, Mrs. Boland stated of the 501 school districts in Pennsylvania, Scranton teachers paid the highest health care premiums, around $312.00 per pay period, which is every two-weeks.

Mrs. Boland stated all nine members of the Scranton School Board are members of the Democratic party, but she believes many of them only talk of supporting labor around election time. “I’m personally sick and tired of working and asking my members to work for Democrats that won’t support us when we need them,” said Mrs. Boland.

She pointed out the Scranton School District Solicitor and Chief Negotiator is Attorney Harry McGrath, who is also the Chairman of the Lackawanna County Democratic Committee. “We have to sit across from a man that is also the party chairman,” stated Mrs. Boland. “I’ve often wonder, who’s side is Mr. McGrath on. The working people or management.”

Nancy Krake, President of the SCLU and President of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Union Local Lodge 2462, agrees with Mrs. Boland’s opinion that Democrats often receive labor support during elections and then they won’t help union people when they are in need.

“All to often Democrats play us for idiots. We work for them to get elected and then they forget about us,” said Mrs. Krake.

September 2008 Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton edition of The Union News

Keystone Research Center releases economic study

By PAUL TUCKER
theunionnewsswb@aol.com

REGION, August 29th- The Keystone Research Center in Harrisburg, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group, released their annual report of the Pennsylvania economy and is urging voters to rate Presidential candidates Senator Obama and Senator McCain by their economic plans.

The Pennsylvania economic report, released on August 27th, shows stagnant wages, tumbling home prices, and skyrocketing income increases for the wealthiest Commonwealth residents. The Keystone Research Center hopes voters will use their information to better make informed choices about the economic plans of Mr. Obama and Mr. McCain. “With polls finding the economy the number one issue across the land, voters are starved for a convincing story about how each candidate would restore broadly shared prosperity. Voters don’t want a laundry list. They do want some specifics about how each candidate would make a real difference, plus they want an overall vision that restores confidence in the possibility of a better future,” said Keystone Research Center economist Stephen Herzenberg.

The group also released a document which is a scorecard with ten criteria for rating the candidates’ own economic plans. The criteria are drawn from the organizations economic analysis and vision, and can be used to assess Mr. Obama’s and Mr. McCain’s understanding of the economic realities facing working families and to improve those realities. Individual criteria address wages, benefits, worker training, green jobs, unionization rights, trade policies, and the need for economic stimulus that would kick-start a transition to a more moral economy. The scorecard is available online at http://www.keystonerearch.org. “We think our scorecard criteria provide a solid basis on which the average voter can evaluate both candidates,” added Mr. Herzenberg.

Mr. Herzenberg said providing the voter scorecard is a logical extension of what the Keystone Research Center does. “Since our founding in 1996, our mission has always been highly practical and pragmatic promoting solutions that will actually work to improve the lives of Pennsylvania workers and families. In our recent report, we’ve pinpointed the current problems. Now we’re presenting the solutions in a form that we hope will reach some new audiences.”

The group believes with the change in the presidency at hand, now is the perfect time to offer a vision to both campaigns. “Our proposal is simple and workable, and we would be thrilled to have it ‘plagiarized’ by Senator Obama or Senator McCain,” said Mr. Herzenberg.

The report found that the year-old national economic crisis, with rising mortage foreclosurers, falling home prices, and severely stressed financial institutions, has already damaged the Pennsylvania economy. The wages of most Pennsylvania workers are stagnant, and the concentration of income among the richest 1 percent of earners is approaching the level of the 1920’s. The report was writen by Mr. Herzenberg and fellow Keystone Research Center economist Mark Price, PhD.

The report revealed that even before the economy began to falter, Pennsylvania workers were not doing well. Between 2001 and 2005, the richest 1 percent of Pennsylvania families captured nearly 80 percent of all the growth in personal income in the state.

Trumka: Obama Strong on Guns, Conservation Issues

by Seth Michaels, Sep 19, 2008

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/09/19/trumka-obama-strong-on-guns-conservation-issues/

At a union roundtable discussion in Johnstown, Pa., yesterday, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka met with a panel of 15 union sportsmen from 12 different western Pennsylvania unions to discuss Sen. Barack Obama’s positions on issues ranging from trade to guns.

Trumka says Obama is offering the right solutions for what’s wrong with our economy. He told the assembled union members that talking with their friends and neighbors about Obama and the important issues is the best way to make sure we have a pro-worker president next year.

This election is going to decide the direction of the economy, where we go. Whether the economy is going to help you, or hurt you. Whether it’s going to be changed or it isn’t going to be changed. It’s up to you, it’s very, very important for you and for your future, the future of our communities and our children, to know the facts, where the candidates stand on the issues and then vote what’s best for the country.

Trumka, an avid hunter and fisher, says corporate interests will again seek to exploit the issue of gun ownership this year, hoping to distract gun-owning voters from real issues like jobs, health care and retirement security. This election is too important to let distortions and falsehood affect it, Trumka says.

Obama gets it. Not only is he crystal clear in his support of the Second Amendment, he is light years ahead of John McCain on habitat conservation and hunting and fishing access issues important to sportsmen. Attacks on Sen. Obama’s position on guns are nothing more than right-wing rhetoric meant to distract working people from the critical pocketbook issues that affect our daily lives.

Participants at the roundtable said that while protecting the traditions of sportsmen is important, the focus of this election is squarely on the economy.

Kenneth Peterson, president of IBEW Local 459 in Johnstown, said trade tops the issues leading him to vote for Obama this fall.

There is a lot of nonsense out there about Barack Obama taking our guns. Workers from our area are more worried about John McCain exporting our jobs.

Lisa Stark, a National Rifle Association member and organizer for the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE), says the real threat to responsible gun ownership comes from the stagnation of workers’ paychecks.

The truth of the matter is that George W. Bush and his failed economic policies have taken away more guns from average Americans than any gun control law ever passed in the history of the United States. The economic policies of George Bush—which McCain supported 90 percent of the time—have turned pawn shops into gun shops because struggling workers have to hock their guns to pay their mortgages.

Michael Fedore, a member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Teachers who grew up in New Castle, Pa., says he’s voting for Obama because all workers’ rights deserve respect.

We come from an area where schools close on the opening day of deer season. Hunting is a way of life for us and Barack Obama respects that. Sen. Obama also respects our rights to decent jobs that pay fair wages, health care and pension protection.

Pennsylvania will be a decisive state in this fall’s election, and union volunteers will be working hard to make sure every union member knows what issues are really at stake this year.