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Stand with FLOC at Reynolds Shareholder Mtg.
02 Apr 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
Last October we told you about a new campaign to pressure Reynolds American Tobacco to recognize FLOC as the bargaining representative for the hundreds of field workers that pick the tobacco Reynolds uses in their products. Reynolds still refuses to meet with the union to discuss the plight of their workers.
The time has come to take the campaign to the next level – to the Reynolds shareholders meeting. FLOC supporters will gather Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Reynolds American Plaza Building, RAI’s corporate offices, on 401 N Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC.
There are two important areas of participation the day of the shareholders meeting:
- Fifty or more people will act as “proxies” and enter the shareholders meeting with FLOC to participate. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS ASAP so we can process the paperwork to enter the meeting. Email flocnc@floc.com or call organizer Evan Hughes at 919-360-4410 to volunteer or with any questions.
- There will be a simultaneous event outside the shareholders meeting to bring the message of Justice to the general public. This your chance to get creative and make signs, puppets, and banners. More information on rally-art parties to come.
We are looking forward to an exciting event that will make clear that FLOC and farmworkers will not back down until Reynolds comes to the table to discuss the deplorable conditions in the tobacco harvest.
What: Take action at Reynolds shareholder meeting
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 8:00 AM
Where: Reynolds American Plaza, 401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC
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Teach-in on Collective Bargaining at NCCU
02 Apr 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
The North Carolina HOPE Coalition is co-sponsoring a teach-in on collective bargaining rights with the Institute for Civic Engagement and Social Change and Traction. Scheduled for April 3rd on the campus of North Carolina Central University, the teach-in is timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary Martin Luther King, Jr’s stand with public employees in Memphis, TN.
What: A teach-in on Collective Bargaining at North Carolina Central University
When: Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 7 to 9 pm
Where: NCCU Student Union building
On April 3, 1968, Dr. King delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech at the Mason Temple in Memphis, TN. King had returned to Memphis to support striking public sector workers in the city sanitation department. The public employees had been on strike since they walked off the job February 12 of that year to protest dangerous working conditions, poverty level wages, a lack of respect on the job, and to demand recognition of their union. The next day, April 4, 1968, King was assassinated.
A little over a week later the sanitation workers and their representatives reached an agreement with the City of Memphis to recognize the union, AFSCME, and bargain over the conditions of employment, thereby ending the strike.
Public employees in North Carolina have no right to collective bargaining due to a now 50-year old law that bans state, county, and local governments from entering into contracts with their employees. Repeal of the statue, GS 95-98 is a top priority of the HOPE Coalition, of which the NC State AFL-CIO is a charter member.
At the teach-in you can learn more about collective bargaining – what it means, why it’s matters, and how to secure it for NC public employees. The session will include a brief video on Dr. King and will include food and refreshments. Attendance is open to the public, and there is no cost to attend this event.
Download the flyer for this event.
Sign-on For HOPE
Our effort to gather signatures onto an open letter to members of the General Assembly continues. You can see the list of signers as of April 1, 2008 at the HOPE website.
If you have yet to join this effort, it’s not too late to add your signature, today!
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Labor School Registration Now Open
02 Apr 2008 by Jeremy / 3 Comments
The 2008 session of Carolina Labor School will be held on the campus of UNC-Wilmington on Sunday, June 22 – Friday, June 27.
Download the flyer and registration form.
A highlight of the school will be instructors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Labor Education and Research, who provide practical leadership training for local union officers and shop stewards. Mike Okun will provide participants with an understanding of the most important and useful aspects of state labor law. Valerie Johnson will return to talk about Workers’ Compensation and explain its most important components.
Participants should start getting in shape for our annual Game Day & Picnic, which will be held Wednesday afternoon.
Students can stay on campus or they may commute to campus everyday; in either case, tuition & fees covers instruction, materials, admission to Game Day & Picnic, and all meals for on-campus students and lunch daily for commuters.
On Campus: $370 tuition & fees per student; includes lodging, three meals a day.
Commuters: $270 tuition & fees per student; breakfast & dinner are not included.
Because of limited meeting space, we put a cap on the number of registrations we accept. Confirmations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. The deadline to register is May 30, 2008.
For more information, contact Jeremy at (919) 833-6678.
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McCain Revealed
13 Mar 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
Union members know too well what it means to not have a friend of workers in the White House. The last thing working families need out of this presidential election year is more of the same.The AFL-CIO has launched the “McCain Revealed” campaign, an effort to expose Sen. John McCain’s record and his allegiance to the failed policies of President George W. Bush.
The intent of the campaign is to inform voters that McCain is no “moderate” or “maverick,” but a Bush McClone when it comes to jobs, trade, Social Security privatization, health care and other vital working family issues.
The biggest misconception union members have about John McCain is that he is some sort of moderate….But the reality is he does not have a moderate record when it comes to Social Security. He does not have a moderate record when it
comes to trade. He does not have a moderate record when it comes to the minimum wage. He does not have a moderate record when it comes to the freedom to join unions. People need to know that and we’re going to let them know. — New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Mark MacKenzieResearch candidate McCain at www.mccainrevealed.com
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Labor 2008: Building the Movement
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
The state federation has developed a strategic plan that includes hands-on support for central labor councils, APRI and the Alliance for Retired Americans.
We have conducted two very successful trainings for Labor 2008 political coordinators. At the meetings in Charlotte and in Fayetteville, President Andrews and Secretary-Treasurer McMillan facilitated the discussion and got commitments from local leaders on a number of action points.
Special thanks to Southern Piedmont CLC president Will Cashion, Greater Sandhills CLC president Tony McKinnon and area labor leaders.
In addition to the regional political coordinator trainings, the North Carolina State AFL-CIO is sponsoring a one day training session on the national AFL-CIO economic education effort called “An Economy that Works for All.” This training is intended for political coordinators, legislative chairs and union staff who, after going through the training, will be able and willing to deliver the presentation to their local union and other unions in the area. This training session will take place at our state office on Thursday, Feb.28, 2008.
Also, to support Labor 2008 and other important programs, we are working to re-build central labor councils around the state. This work includes some financial assistance to staff some of the program work in each area.
Already we can report the Southeastern CLC in Wilmington is now re-building its membership base with the help of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO and has just elected new officers.
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Continental Tire Relocating 300 Jobs to SC
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
Yet more welfare for an undeserving corporation
Once the employer of 1,450 workers in NC, many of them union members of USW Local 850, Continental Tire (CTNA) in recent years has all but ceased production here, choosing to open shop in Brazil. In moving its North American headquarters to Lancaster, SC, the tire maker would complete the process of abandoning Charlotte, Mecklenberg county and our state.
The company has yet to fulfill its obligations to employees and retirees under their collective bargaining agreement, and many hundreds of those who have lost their livelihoods live in Lancaster county or elsewhere in SC. Unemployment in Lancaster is now at 10.9%, the highest in the state.
Sadly, the failure of CTNA to keep covenant with its workers apparently isn’t enough to dissuade state and local government in SC from extending possibly millions of dollars in corporate welfare to relocate 300 white collar jobs across the state line.
In an article in the Charlotte Observer, a company spokesman believes it can get a sweet deal from the tax payers, especially in desperate Lancaster county:
“South Carolina does have a very proactive business climate,” said Continental spokesman Rick Holcomb.
The article continues:
The company has been offered incentives from the county and the state to relocate. The state would not release details about the incentives it offered because it says it has a year to finalize them with the company.
The Lancaster County Council, though, will vote on an incentive package that would freeze Continental’s property fees at 6 percent in lieu of taxes and would offer a 95 percent property tax rebate the first year and a 65 percent rebate the second year — about $200,000, said Keith Tunnell, president of the Lancaster County Economic Development Corporation.
It is time to stop giving tax breaks and other welfare to corporations that break their promises to American employees, ship their jobs overseas, and extort the very state and local governments left holding the ball with false hope and empty promises.
Below is a list of Lancaster county government officials who no doubt will be deciding on those incentives and their contact information:
- Bryan Vaughn
swvaughn@yahoo.com / home: 803-802-6651 - Fred Thomas, Vice-Chairman
ham@comporium.net / business: 803-416-2999 - Wesley Grier, Secretary
grier1949@yahoo.com / home: 803-285-7796 - Larry Honeycutt
lhoney@comporium.net / home: 803-246-0021 - Rudy Carter, Chairman
rudylc@comporium.net / business: 803-285-3929 / home: 803-286-4961 - Jack Estridge, District 6
home: 803-475-2849 - Wayne Kersey, District 7
fayekersey@yahoo.com / business: 803-285-2130 / home: 803-285-9711 / cell: 803-287-9453
- Bryan Vaughn
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Follow Up to 2nd Annual HK on J
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
On February 9, thousands of activists, including hundreds of union members, rallied for a progressive legislative agenda, including justice for the Smithfield workers and collective bargaining for public employees. The rally and march were part of the second annual Historic Thousands on Jones Street (HK on J) event organized by the NC NAACP and over 80 partner organizations including the NC AFL-CIO.
During the rally at Chavis Park in Raleigh, participants heard rousing speeches from Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the NC NAACP and other progressive activists including three speakers from labor:
- NC AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer MaryBe McMillan speaking on a living wage,
- Alvin Vincent, Regional Director for UFCW speaking on justice for Smithfield workers, and
- Ashaki Binta of the HOPE Coalition speaking for collective bargaining rights for public employees.
After the rally, the crowd took to the streets and marched to Legislative Building to demand that our elected officials protect workers’ rights, provide affordable healthcare, educate all children, and address inequities in the criminal justice system.
Thanks to the many union members who came to HK on J including delegations from UFCW, USW, IBEW, UNITE HERE, IBT, and the Carpenters Union. Special thanks to Ricky McDowell and the UAW Civil Rights Council for bringing a busload of UAW members to the event. We will need the help of all union members during the upcoming legislative session to achieve collective bargaining and the other goals of the HK on J. Stay tuned on how you can help.
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1,000 Signatures of HOPE campaign is online
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
The Hear Our Public Employees Coalition, of which the State Fed is a charter member, is conducting a broad effort to gather signatures onto an open letter to members of the General Assembly, urging lawmakers to support repeal of the prohibition on public employee collective bargaining by supporting HB 1583.
The signature gathering effort is now online. Adding your name to the open letter can now be done with a couple clicks of the mouse. The sign-on form (https://app.formassembly.com/forms/view/8305) is linked from our web site.
To build support for passage of HB 1583, HOPE has set a goal of collecting 1,000 signatures onto an open letter to lawmakers. Both individuals and organizations can join this effort.
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Passing of Doris C. (Wilkinson) Davis
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
We learned this week of the death of a long time friend of labor and former co-worker at the NC State AFL-CIO. Doris Wilkinson served as office manager and bookkeeper for the State Fed for some 20 years. After retirement, Doris married Doug Davis.
Doris’ family will hold a grave-side service this Saturday, February 23 at 3:00pm in the Oak Grove Memorial Gardens located at 3712 Cheek Road, Durham, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent in her name to the American Diabetes Association. For more information, contact Mr. Doug Davis at 919-477-4198.
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Victory Fund drive update
22 Feb 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
As of this writing, the following local unions and central labor councils have made donations to the NC State AFL-CIO Victory Fund:
- AFGE 1738
- AFT of NC
- APWU 984
- ATU 128
- BCTGM 229
- Triangle Labor Council
- IAFF 682 of Winston-Salem
- IAMAW 1859
- IAMAW 2296
- IAMAW 2297
- IAMAW 757
- IAMAW NC Council
- IAMAW W369
- IBT 391
- ILA 1426
The State Federation exists in part to coordinate a unified political effort among our member unions and state councils. 2008 will see elections in North Carolina for the U.S. president, U.S. House and Senate plus N.C. governor, lieutenant governor, council of state, state legislature, and others. The Victory Fund was established so that members could make donations to offset the considerable additional expenses involved in mounting an effective Labor 2008 strategy.
Money donated to this fund will not be used to communicate with the general public or as contributions to candidates.
For more information about how your local union or council can join the Victory Fund drive, contact our office at 919-833-6678.
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Sign on for Collective Bargaining Rights
31 Jan 2008 by Jeremy / 1 Comment
HOPE Coalition Seeks 1,000 Signatures for Letter to Lawmakers
When it comes to setting the conditions of their employment, union members know that only a collective bargaining agreement gives them a voice at work. North Carolina’s public employees, unfortunately, have no such protection. Since 1958, General Statue 95-98 has outlawed contracts between state, county and municipal governments and their employees.
As a core member of the Hear Our Public Employees Coalition, our State Federation has been part of the strongest push in recent memory for repeal of the law that prohibits collective bargaining agreements in North Carolina. A bill that would do just that, HB 1583, passed out of a Judiciary committee and is now in the Appropriations committee. It was the first occasion in memory that legislation on this issue has made it through a committee. Although the bill still faces a difficult path, it remains alive.
To build support for passage of HB 1583, HOPE has set a goal of collecting 1,000 signatures onto an open letter to lawmakers. Both individuals and organizations can join this effort.
We urge you to be a signer on the open letter to North Carolina legislators. Download the sign-on page, complete the form at the bottom, and return it to HOPE to add your signature. After you add your signature, ask your local union, friends, family, church or civic group to consider doing the same.
Public employees of state and local governments provide essential services to the citizens of North Carolina. Everyday these civil servants deliver for the people of our great state. Now we can return the favor by delivering for them our 1,000 signatures to the General Assembly. Sign on for collective bargaining rights, today!
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ACORN Launches Free Tax Filing Service
31 Jan 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
ACORN – the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now – moved their Raleigh offices into the House of Labor last Spring. ACORN’s mission is to build power for low- and moderate-income families by working together for social justice and stronger communities.
In 80 cities nationwide, ACORN has partnered with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Prep Assistance (VITA) program to provide free tax preparation for low and moderate income taxpayers who cannot afford traditional paid preparers. The ACORN Tax Preparation Centers can electronically file current year taxes and provide fast, direct-deposited refunds, usually in 7 to 10 working days.
Free filing is available for people whose income is $40,000 and under.
Service Centers open in Raleigh and Charlotte
Raleigh ACORN will hold the grand opening of their FREE income tax filing and benefits screening service center on Friday. Refreshments will be provided, so come out and for free food and information about the tax site. You can even set an appointment while you’re here.
Interested people can call (919) 835-1932 and set an appointment. We are also looking for more volunteers to assist at the site. We are looking forward to all interested parties to call in.
Check out the flyer for more information about the Raleigh ACORN tax filing & benefits screening center, visit www.taxandbenefitcenters.acorn.org, or call (919) 835-1932.
What: GRAND OPENING celebration of FREE tax filing service center
When: Friday, February 1, 2008 from 1-3:00 PM
Where: ACORN offices at House of Labor, 1408 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC
Folks who live in the Southern Piedmont can visit Charlotte ACORN at 3557 N. Sharon Amity Rd, Ste 200, Charlotte, NC or call (704) 537-0700.
If there isn’t an ACORN Tax Site near you, call The VITA Location Hotline to find another participating organization with a Free Tax Site near you at 1-800-906-9887. You can also file your taxes for free ONLINE by visiting www.beehive.org/acorn.
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NC A.P.R.I. Food Bank in Appeal for Aid
31 Jan 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
On behalf of the officers and volunteers of the North Carolina A. Philip Randolph Institute, we would like to thank the affiliates of the NC State AFL-CIO and your members for your continued and steadfast support of our work to serve labor and the community at large.
On average, the NC A.P.R.I. supports 20 families a month with food, clothing, and other needs. Our Food Bank used to be able to provide these families with frozen foods including meats, fruits and vegetables. However, after squeezing many years of use out of our deep freezer, it recently died.
We are appealing for your help in getting a replacement new or used chest freezer. If you have one that you would like to donate or if you know someone who might, we would greatly appreciate it! Please contact our office at (919) 833-6671. Another way folks could help would be with a tax deductible contribution made payable to:
NC A. Philip Randolph Institute
1408 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27605Sincerely,
Mary Montford
Community Services Chairperson -
Save-the-Dates: Labor School, Convention
31 Jan 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
The 2008 Carolina Labor School will be held at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington from Sunday, June 22 through Friday, June 27. Look for more information to come by mail, in the newsletter, and in future e-mail updates this Spring.
The 51st Annual Convention of the NC State AFL-CIO will be held at the North Raleigh Hilton on September 11th and 12th. Look for the convention call letter and credentials to be mailed out in June.
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Martin Luther King, Jr: Visionary & Trade Unionist
18 Jan 2008 by Jeremy / No Comments
There’s a great article at the AFL-CIO Blog published in time for the national holiday in Dr. King’s honor this Monday. This year, the annual AFL-CIO King Day celebration is in Memphis, the site of his last campaign and where he was assassinated while helping city sanitation workers gain a voice at work.
Students at the 2007 Carolina Labor School will recall seeing the powerful documentary about the Memphis sanitation workers’ strike that led up to Dr. King’s assassination. The film, At the River I Stand, explores the two months in Spring 1968 that transformed what started as a local labor dispute into a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil and economic rights in America.
Dr. King understood that there can be no civil rights for Americans without economic rights. Here’s an excerpt from his speech at the 1965 Illinois AFL-CIO convention:
“Negroes in the United States read the history of labor and find it mirrors their own experience. We are confronted by powerful forces telling us to rely on the goodwill and understanding of those who profit by exploiting us. They deplore our discontent, they resent our will to organize, so that we may guarantee that humanity will prevail and equality will be exacted.”
For the first time ever, workers at the Smithfield plant in Tar Heel, NC will have a paid day off to observe the Martin Luther King Holiday this year. Workers and supporters will hold an interfaith service on Monday in Fayetteville. Here’s an excerpt from an article in today’s Fayetteville Observer:
Officials at the world’s largest hog processing plant decided last month to add the holiday for its 5,200 workers. The new policy marks a shift from the company’s stance last January, when a few dozen workers — rallied by union organizers — walked off the job in protest of having to work on the King holiday.
“Dr. King stood for workers’ rights, and if he were alive today we know he would be fighting with us to help stop the abuse and make conditions better at the plant,” said Julia McMillian, a worker at the Tar Heel plant. “We know that he would appreciate this victory that we fought for.”
This Monday, January 21, 2008, we can all honor Dr. King as a champion for workers by keeping alive in our hearts and minds the connection between civil rights and economic justice, which he carried with him to the very end one fateful day in Memphis forty years ago.
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