On Saturday, October 2, 2010, tens of thousands of people from across America will gather at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to support a progressive agenda and promote positive change in this country. The “One Nation Rally” will feature human and civil rights leaders, labor leaders, environmental and peace activists, faith leaders, celebrities and sports figures – all saying that we should put America back to work and reorder our national priorities so that investments in people come first.
Simultaneously, thousands of labor activists in targeted states across the country will be knocking on the doors of union members in a massive daylong get-out-the-vote mobilization effort to recruit volunteers for the final 4 weeks of political action leading up to Election Day.
Below is an updated list of locations for the AFL-CIO October 2nd labor walks in Wisconsin that are taking place in conjunction with the One Nation rally. Walks are being planned in other areas and I will forward that information to you as soon as it is received.
Appleton Labor 2010 Walk
USW District 2 Office, 1244 Midway Road, Menasha WI 54952
Greg Hinds 920.540.2309
9am-1pm
Baraboo Labor 2010 Walk
Baraboo
Greg Neil, 608-556-9521
9am-1pm
Eau Claire Labor Temple
2233 Birch St., Eau Claire, WI 54703
Andy Thompson, 715-831-3353
9am-1pm
IAM District 66
1307 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601
Andy Thompson, 715-831-3353
9am-1pm
Madison Labor Temple
1602 S. Park St., Madison, WI 53715
Greg Neil, 608-556-9521
9am-1pm
Marinette Labor 2010 Walk
IBB 696 Hall, 71 W. Hosmer St., Marinette WI 54143
Greg Hinds 920.540.2309
9am-1pm
Milwaukee, WI Member to Member Walk
Milwaukee Area Labor Council
Jenissee Volpintesta, 414-771-7070
9am-1pm
Racine Labor Temple
1840 Sycamore Ave., Racine, WI 53405
Justin Geiger, 414-745-4177
9am-1pm
Sheboygan Labor 2010 Walk
Sheboygan Trades and Labor Temple, 1104 Wisconsin Ave., Sheboygan WI 53081
Greg Hinds 920.540.2309
9am-1pm
Wausau Labor Temple
318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau, WI 54401
Scott Wright, 715-298-0033
9am-1pm
Wood County Labor Temple
220 Johnson St., WI Rapids, WI 54495
Scott Wright, 715-298-0033
9am-1pm
----------
Lee Saunders
International Secretary-Treasurer
AFSCME
(202) 429-1200
(202) 429-1114 (fax)
lsaunders@afscme.org
Friday, September 24, 2010
Impact Statement from Sara Rogers
It is YOUR choice, read the below direct and impacting statement from Sara J. Rogers, Executive Vice President of the Wisconsin State AFl-CIO:
"This election is a defining moment for working people. We will either rebuild an economy that values hard work and a strong middle class, or turn back toward one that puts corporate interests before working people. We can’t afford to go back."
"This election is a defining moment for working people. We will either rebuild an economy that values hard work and a strong middle class, or turn back toward one that puts corporate interests before working people. We can’t afford to go back."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Scott Walker Continues Blaming Public Employees
At a forum held at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee on Thursday, 09/23, Scott Walker continued with his blame of public sector workers causing budget woes...
Asked if he would continue to impose furloughs on public employees as governor, Walker said such measures should be a last resort to balance the budget, not as a tool of punishment.
Furloughs wouldn't be needed if employees would agree to concessions, he said. "We came in and proposed very reasonable changes in terms of wages and benefits.
We asked for a pay freeze. We asked for $30-a-month more for health care," Walker said of his dealings with public employees. "For most people outside of government, they'd say that's a pretty reasonable expectation. All of my non-union employees started that as of January. We put in place furloughs for those collective bargaining units that did not help us, because to me that's only fair that if one group of employees is helping to balance the budget and another is not, that's where the furloughs should be issued.
"Three of our unions stepped forward. They voluntarily reached a settlement. A couple of our bigger unions, for political purposes, I'd argue, decided not to do anything until after November."
If everyone agreed to the changes, Walker said, the county would save $10.3 million have a budget surplus through the end of the year instead of having to look at furloughs.
Walker also said, if elected, he'll immediately require state employees to contribute toward their pensions and will permanently eliminate some 4,000 vacant state positions.
Walker also insisted he wasn't responsible for structural problems at a Milwaukee County-owned parking garage where a falling concrete slab killed a teenager this summer.
An out-of-state engineering firm has concluded the problems go all the way back to installation in 1990s, he said.
"I was only a couple of years older than many of the students here today, so clearly I didn't have anything to do with that."
Source: WisPolitics.com
Asked if he would continue to impose furloughs on public employees as governor, Walker said such measures should be a last resort to balance the budget, not as a tool of punishment.
Furloughs wouldn't be needed if employees would agree to concessions, he said. "We came in and proposed very reasonable changes in terms of wages and benefits.
We asked for a pay freeze. We asked for $30-a-month more for health care," Walker said of his dealings with public employees. "For most people outside of government, they'd say that's a pretty reasonable expectation. All of my non-union employees started that as of January. We put in place furloughs for those collective bargaining units that did not help us, because to me that's only fair that if one group of employees is helping to balance the budget and another is not, that's where the furloughs should be issued.
"Three of our unions stepped forward. They voluntarily reached a settlement. A couple of our bigger unions, for political purposes, I'd argue, decided not to do anything until after November."
If everyone agreed to the changes, Walker said, the county would save $10.3 million have a budget surplus through the end of the year instead of having to look at furloughs.
Walker also said, if elected, he'll immediately require state employees to contribute toward their pensions and will permanently eliminate some 4,000 vacant state positions.
Walker also insisted he wasn't responsible for structural problems at a Milwaukee County-owned parking garage where a falling concrete slab killed a teenager this summer.
An out-of-state engineering firm has concluded the problems go all the way back to installation in 1990s, he said.
"I was only a couple of years older than many of the students here today, so clearly I didn't have anything to do with that."
Source: WisPolitics.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
2011-2013 State Budget Deficit at $3.1 Billion
MADISON - A new analysis suggests Wisconsin faces a budget deficit of at least $3.1 billion in the state's next two-year budget cycle - $400 million more than recently reported numbers.
This is the projection, which differs from a previous report filed by
the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau in July.
Read more...[http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/16213]
This is the projection, which differs from a previous report filed by
the Wisconsin Legislative Fiscal Bureau in July.
Read more...[http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/16213]
Monday, September 20, 2010
Political Lost-Timers Needed
Anyone interested in working as a political lost timer for the fall elections should forward their name and local union number to mbeil@wseu-24.org – noting “lost time request” in the subject line.
We Need AFSCME Members to Engage in Their Future
Everyone knows that primary elections occurred on Tuesday, and so the crazy election season begins. Scott Walker won the Republican nod for governor, which means we need to now focus and get busy on making sure we elect a worker friendly governor. We need to elect someone who supports the public service and workers who provide it. Someone who believes in fair taxation and who values public programs. On a Thursday morning talk radio program, Walker re-emphasized his position on the need for state employees to bail out corporations; he expressed an uneducated position on your health care and pensions. His message is that you should pay 5-6 times more per month toward your health care, and make larger pension contributions. Also, he has learned from the extortionists at Mercury Marine and Harley Davidson, because he stated that if the unions didn’t agree to the increased contributions for benefits and other “economies” he may propose, that he will layoff or furlough workers as he has done in Milwaukee County. (Milwaukee County workers are now on furlough one day per week.) Does he sound worker friendly to you?
We truly need to engage to make sure our futures are protected as well as the citizens who regularly use the services we provide. You, your spouse, children, friends, relatives, neighbors, club members must all come together and protect the Wisconsin Idea. We strongly encourage you to visit the SEPAC website (wseu-sepac.org) for information, position papers and a calendar of activities to get involved in between now and November 2nd. Obviously, the governor’s race is highly important to us, but so are the Assembly, Senate and US Senate races. We must make sure the people in these seats understand and are committed to protecting working families.
Source: AFSCME C24 UIN 09/17/2010
We truly need to engage to make sure our futures are protected as well as the citizens who regularly use the services we provide. You, your spouse, children, friends, relatives, neighbors, club members must all come together and protect the Wisconsin Idea. We strongly encourage you to visit the SEPAC website (wseu-sepac.org) for information, position papers and a calendar of activities to get involved in between now and November 2nd. Obviously, the governor’s race is highly important to us, but so are the Assembly, Senate and US Senate races. We must make sure the people in these seats understand and are committed to protecting working families.
Source: AFSCME C24 UIN 09/17/2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wisconsin Looks toward November 2 General Election
This week’s primary election results were not unexpected, with Democrat Tom Barrett emerging from a lightweight primary as the Democratic candidate, and with Scott Walker winning a hotly contested primary race on the Republican side. The two will duke it out between now and November 2, when voters in Wisconsin cast their ballots to decide who will be the state’s next Governor, to serve a four year term commencing in January of 2011.
The most crowded primary election this year was for the post of Lieutenant Governor. Of the four Democrats vying for the seat, Tom Nelson, a Democratic legislator from Kaukana, came out on top, defeating AFSCME-endorsed State Senator Spencer Coggs, who will remain in the State Senate.. He’ll face Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc, who beat four other Republicans.
The open 7th Congressional District seat in northern Wisconsin, being vacated by the legendary Dave Obey, also will be decided by voters November 2. Democrat Julie Lassa won a decisive primary victory September 14 and faces Ashland Republican Sean Duffy. If current state Senator Julie Lassa wins that race, there will have to be a special election sometime early in 2011 for her state Senate seat.
In the state legislative world, there were numerous primary races, especially in the state Assembly, with some 20 seats open due to legislators either retiring or seeking other opportunities. Of all the contested Assembly races, the incumbents won. The only contest seat in which an incumbent lost was in Senate District 7, where incumbent Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, lost to Democratic challenger Chris Larson. Plale had served in the state Senate since 1996. Chris Larson currently serves on the Milwaukee County Board.
The General Election is now less than seven weeks away. For information about the elections and the AFSCME –endorsed candidates, go to www.wseu-sepac.org or to AFSCME Wisconsin website (www.wiafscme.org).
All the candidates for state or federal office on the November 2 ballot will be inaugurated in early January. In Wisconsin, the next legislature will be expected to get up to speed on issues quickly because by mid-February they will be knee-deep in the state budget deliberations.
For more information, contact Steven Williams 608-269-0307 (swilliams@wseu-24.org) or the AFSCME area office at 608-836-6666.
The most crowded primary election this year was for the post of Lieutenant Governor. Of the four Democrats vying for the seat, Tom Nelson, a Democratic legislator from Kaukana, came out on top, defeating AFSCME-endorsed State Senator Spencer Coggs, who will remain in the State Senate.. He’ll face Rebecca Kleefisch of Oconomowoc, who beat four other Republicans.
The open 7th Congressional District seat in northern Wisconsin, being vacated by the legendary Dave Obey, also will be decided by voters November 2. Democrat Julie Lassa won a decisive primary victory September 14 and faces Ashland Republican Sean Duffy. If current state Senator Julie Lassa wins that race, there will have to be a special election sometime early in 2011 for her state Senate seat.
In the state legislative world, there were numerous primary races, especially in the state Assembly, with some 20 seats open due to legislators either retiring or seeking other opportunities. Of all the contested Assembly races, the incumbents won. The only contest seat in which an incumbent lost was in Senate District 7, where incumbent Jeff Plale of South Milwaukee, lost to Democratic challenger Chris Larson. Plale had served in the state Senate since 1996. Chris Larson currently serves on the Milwaukee County Board.
The General Election is now less than seven weeks away. For information about the elections and the AFSCME –endorsed candidates, go to www.wseu-sepac.org or to AFSCME Wisconsin website (www.wiafscme.org).
All the candidates for state or federal office on the November 2 ballot will be inaugurated in early January. In Wisconsin, the next legislature will be expected to get up to speed on issues quickly because by mid-February they will be knee-deep in the state budget deliberations.
For more information, contact Steven Williams 608-269-0307 (swilliams@wseu-24.org) or the AFSCME area office at 608-836-6666.
Lawsuit Challenges Law Banning Employers Discussing Unions with Employees
The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce this week filed a lawsuit challenging recently enacted legislation that prohibits employers from discussing with employees whether to join unions.
Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 290 (SB 585), the Department of Workforce Development now requires employers to post in their workplaces a notice advising employees of their rights under the new law. Employers that violate the new law by discriminating against or retaliating against employees who refuse to attend meetings that discuss joining unions are liable for punitive and compensatory damages. Wisconsin is only the second state in the nation to pass such a law, joining Oregon.
In their lawsuit, WMC and MMAC argue that for over 60 years employers have had a federally protected right to hold mandatory meetings with employees to discuss the pros and cons of joining or supporting a union. Specifically, the business groups argue that Wisconsin's new law unlawfully interferes with free speech under the First Amendment and is preempted by federal law.The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Under 2009 Wisconsin Act 290 (SB 585), the Department of Workforce Development now requires employers to post in their workplaces a notice advising employees of their rights under the new law. Employers that violate the new law by discriminating against or retaliating against employees who refuse to attend meetings that discuss joining unions are liable for punitive and compensatory damages. Wisconsin is only the second state in the nation to pass such a law, joining Oregon.
In their lawsuit, WMC and MMAC argue that for over 60 years employers have had a federally protected right to hold mandatory meetings with employees to discuss the pros and cons of joining or supporting a union. Specifically, the business groups argue that Wisconsin's new law unlawfully interferes with free speech under the First Amendment and is preempted by federal law.The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
2010 Wisconsin Primary Election Results
Follow the below link for the 2010 Wisconsin primary Elections Results as of 12:15am, 09/15/2010.
http://wseu-sepac.org/documents_print/elections_2010_primaryresults_0015hrs_20100915.pdf
http://wseu-sepac.org/documents_print/elections_2010_primaryresults_0015hrs_20100915.pdf
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
These Milwaukee Area Candidates Need Your Support
Milwaukee County Members,
We have a number of important Primary elections today. Below is a list of AFSCME Endorsed Candidates:
Chris Moews, Milwaukee County Sheriff
Spencer Coggs, Lieutenant Governor
Scott Dettman, 7th District Assembly
JoCasta Zamarippa, 8th District Assembly
Stephanie Findley, 10th District Assembly
Leon Young, 16th District Assembly
Barbara Toles, 17th District Assembly
It is important for AFSCME members to support the candidates who support us. Today is our opportunity to decide who is on the other side of the bargaining table. Who you vote for is your own decision and AFSCME respects that, but we ask that you consider the AFSCME endorsed candidates.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Please Support Rep. Bob Turner
Racine County Members,
Today is the Primary Election and we need your help to re-elect AFSCME endorsed candidate Bob Turner as our representative in the 61st Assembly District.
After 26 years of public service in the state assembly Bob Turner has a 100% labor voting record! Every single time that a piece of legislation has crossed his desk Bob has stood with working families and voted with us. Today we have to opportunity to return the favor and re-elect a champion for working families.
How you vote is your decision, but we ask that you consider voting for Bob Turner in today’s primary.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Today is the Primary Election and we need your help to re-elect AFSCME endorsed candidate Bob Turner as our representative in the 61st Assembly District.
After 26 years of public service in the state assembly Bob Turner has a 100% labor voting record! Every single time that a piece of legislation has crossed his desk Bob has stood with working families and voted with us. Today we have to opportunity to return the favor and re-elect a champion for working families.
How you vote is your decision, but we ask that you consider voting for Bob Turner in today’s primary.
Peter Drummond
"Take Back America" Project Organizer
414-344-6868 office
414-333-1606 cell
414-344-1274 fax
pdrummond@wiafscme.org
3427 W St Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Social Security Up for Election?
MORE THAN 53 MILLION AMERICANS DEPEND ON SOCIAL SECURITY TODAY
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1934, millions of American workers have earned benefits by paying into the system, creating a safety net that keeps retirees, survivors of workers who die young and people with disabilities and their families out of poverty.
This November, voters will decide the future of Social Security by the representatives they select. We need to get direct, truthful answers from the candidates on exactly where they stand on this important issue. SEPAC has in some cases and is currently reviewing the positions of and endorsed those candidates who support our issues.
Now it's up to you. In no other state is there as much at stake this year: Senator Feingold's Senate seat; two, possibly three Congressional races, the Governor's race and both houses of the WI legislature. Now, more than ever, we need to be one train, on one track going in one direction.
Please click on this link for the list of Member-to-Member Walks statewide for the rest of September. Phone Banks are also up and running and a list of those locations around the state is attached as well.
We need your help. Even if you are not an active or retiree union member, please join us in these election activities. Your help can make a vital difference.
Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1934, millions of American workers have earned benefits by paying into the system, creating a safety net that keeps retirees, survivors of workers who die young and people with disabilities and their families out of poverty.
This November, voters will decide the future of Social Security by the representatives they select. We need to get direct, truthful answers from the candidates on exactly where they stand on this important issue. SEPAC has in some cases and is currently reviewing the positions of and endorsed those candidates who support our issues.
Now it's up to you. In no other state is there as much at stake this year: Senator Feingold's Senate seat; two, possibly three Congressional races, the Governor's race and both houses of the WI legislature. Now, more than ever, we need to be one train, on one track going in one direction.
Please click on this link for the list of Member-to-Member Walks statewide for the rest of September. Phone Banks are also up and running and a list of those locations around the state is attached as well.
We need your help. Even if you are not an active or retiree union member, please join us in these election activities. Your help can make a vital difference.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Labor 2010 Walk in the Wausau Area
Do you live in or near the Wausau area? If so, please know that Labor is having a Labor 2010 member-to-member walk this Saturday – and we ask that you and other union activists or family members join us for this important walk! Congressman Obey and our Labor's endorsed candidate for the 7th CD State Senator Julie Lassa will be stopping by, so we would very much like to have a large show of support for our Labor 2010 Member-to-Member program.
WHAT: Labor 2010 Member-to-Member Walk
[Limited phone lines will be available for member-to-member calls for those unable to walk.]
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 a.m. – approx. 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wausau Labor Temple, 318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau
Sloppy Joes, Burgers, Brats and other refreshments will be served when walkers return from their walk.
PLEASE RSVP to: Scott Wright, (715) 298-0033; swright@wisaflcio.org so he can be sure there are enough walk packets and food for all.
Thanks for all that you do!
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
WHAT: Labor 2010 Member-to-Member Walk
[Limited phone lines will be available for member-to-member calls for those unable to walk.]
WHEN: Saturday, September 18th, 9:00 a.m. – approx. 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Wausau Labor Temple, 318 S. 3rd Ave., Wausau
Sloppy Joes, Burgers, Brats and other refreshments will be served when walkers return from their walk.
PLEASE RSVP to: Scott Wright, (715) 298-0033; swright@wisaflcio.org so he can be sure there are enough walk packets and food for all.
Thanks for all that you do!
Authority: Marty Beil, Executive Director
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
-------------------------
Steven Williams, PEL Coordinator
AFSCME Council 24 · AFL-CIO
(608) 836-0024 Central Office (608) 487-2424 Cellular
swilliams@wseu-24.org
Wisconsin AFL-CIO Launching Mail Effort This Week
Statewide Mail Targeting Ron Johnson on his record of anti-worker, anti-union policies.
Milwaukee, WI - The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is beginning its direct mail effort to its membership this week with a massive statewide mailing targeting Senate candidate Ron Johnson. The mailing points out that Johnson is wrong for working families. It highlights Johnson’s history of anti-union policies in his own business, his desire to gut worker pensions and his refusal to extend unemployment benefits. Click here to download the piece.
Thousand of union volunteers across the state are mobilizing through the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor 2010 Program, to educate tens of thousands of workers each week about their choice in the mid-term elections. The Labor 2010 Program - launched by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO and participating unions in July - is the largest voter mobilization efforts in the state, reaching union households daily through telephone, home visits, direct mail and worksite leafleting.
The Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents 250,000 workers across Wisconsin to fight for working families, economic justice in the workplace, and to achieve social justice for all Wisconsin workers.
Click here to download the mail piece.
Milwaukee, WI - The Wisconsin AFL-CIO is beginning its direct mail effort to its membership this week with a massive statewide mailing targeting Senate candidate Ron Johnson. The mailing points out that Johnson is wrong for working families. It highlights Johnson’s history of anti-union policies in his own business, his desire to gut worker pensions and his refusal to extend unemployment benefits. Click here to download the piece.
Thousand of union volunteers across the state are mobilizing through the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Labor 2010 Program, to educate tens of thousands of workers each week about their choice in the mid-term elections. The Labor 2010 Program - launched by the Wisconsin AFL-CIO and participating unions in July - is the largest voter mobilization efforts in the state, reaching union households daily through telephone, home visits, direct mail and worksite leafleting.
The Wisconsin AFL-CIO represents 250,000 workers across Wisconsin to fight for working families, economic justice in the workplace, and to achieve social justice for all Wisconsin workers.
Click here to download the mail piece.
From Your AFSCME Wisconsin "Next Wavers"
Get Out and Vote Tomorrow Tuesday, September 14th, 2010
WI Next Wave wants to remind all of the AFSCME Next Wavers across Wisconsin that tomorrow is a primary election day. Electing labor friendly candidates impacts every aspect of our jobs and lives so please go to the polls and remember when you pull the lever or mark the box your salary and benefits are on the line.
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