Steelworkers Team Up With Techies
Steelworkers Team Up With Techies
Date: Tuesday, September 07, 2004 2:07 PM
JOB DESTRUCTION NEWSLETTER
by Rob Sanchez
September 05, 2004 - No. 1089
Labor Day was very busy for me. I attended an AFL-CIO Labor Day picnic
in Phoenix to give a short speech about how H-1B and guest-worker visas
are being used to wage global labor arbitrage against the American
middle class. Considering that my audience consisted of pipefitters,
textile workers, welders, and other blue-collar workers I found the
audience to be very receptive to what I had to say. (There were a few
Communication Workers of America members there so it wasn't all
blue-collar.)
I received a huge round of cheers when I told them that I'm a techie
that just joined the Steelworkers union (read the rest of this
newsletter to find out more about that).
One of the first to speak was Dawn Teo. She told the crowd about the
new partnership between the Steelworkers and RescueAmericanJobs. These
rank-and-file union members were very excited to see that there are
high-tech workers that are showing an interest in joining forces with
the unions - and by the time she was finished with her speech they were
on their feet and applauding. I hope they won't be disappointed because
in general techies are very reluctant to do much to save themselves
from suffering career destruction.
To show my support, I recently joined the Steelworkers Union as an
associate through RescueAmericanJobs. I'm quite excited that I will get
my union card in the mail soon.
I strongly urge all of you to join the Steelworkers union and
RescueAmericanJobs because we need to start defending our rights to
gainful employment. If the Steelworkers' recruiting effort grows the
shills and politicians are going to finally get the message that there
will be a price to pay for selling us out, and we aren't going to just
sit back and let our jobs disappear!
To join the Steelworkers as an associate member, go to this page:
http://www.rescueamericanjobs.org/join/
You will see an article below that has an alternate way of joining --
and it will cost more if you are unemployed. I would highly recommend
joining through RescueAmericanJobs, especially if you are a technical
or scientific professional or white-collar because. You will also get a
double benefit of being a member of the Steelworkers and
RescueAmericanJobs instead of just the union.
New members of Rescue American Jobs will become automatic
members of the new Steelworkers program, bringing together
people from diverse backgrounds to keep good jobs here in
the United States.
Here is an important description of what your membership means:
Associate membership will NOT create traditional bargaining
units in a workplace. Rather, associate members will have an
organization that runs parallel to the traditional
Steelworkers union. There is to be a spot on the Steelworkers
board of directors.
Note: There will be a newsletter to follow this one that will have more
about my Labor Day speech. It will be called "Lost to India".
Articles Used for this Newsletter
http://www.rescueamericanjobs.org/news/newsletters/20040906.html
Steelworkers Team Up With Techies and Other White-Collar Workers
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0907talker07.html
Bush's 'jobs thing just ain't working' labor rally told
http://www.startribune.com/stories/465/4964349.html
Doug Grow: Steelworkers trying to resuscitate unions
http://www.virginiamn.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=181760
Steelworkers reach out to Range
Associate member program enrolls 1,000 new persons; picnic set for
today
http://www.rescueamericanjobs.org/news/newsletters/20040906.html
Steelworkers Team Up With Techies and Other White-Collar Workers to
Stop the Outsourcing of Jobs to Foreign Countries
Mobilizing regular Americans to take on challenge the corporate
stranglehold on political system
The American labor movement is breaking new ground this election
season. Millions of good middle-class jobs are being exported to
foreign countries, leading outraged Americans to make the jobs crisis
the hottest issue of the election season and setting into motion a
renaissance of the American labor movement.
Non-union Americans who are concerned about the jobs crisis are
mobilizing at the grassroots level like never before. In the last two
years, unemployed and underemployed white-collar and technology workers
created hundreds of cyber-groups and websites to challenge the
outsourcing of jobs overseas. Meanwhile, manufacturing businesses,
unions, and blue-collar workers are organizing local grassroots groups
to fight for fair and balanced trade in the new global economy. These
parallel movements have been working independently towards the same
goal of keeping good jobs here at home.
For nearly a century, union action has been defined around collective
bargaining in the workplace, leaving far too many non-union Americans
feeling disconnected and disenfranchised. Now, through their Associate
Member Program, one of Americas oldest and strongest unions, the
United Steelworkers of America, are using their resources to help this
large, disenfranchised segment of the workforce gain a stronger voice
in the fight against politicians who are bankrolled by corporate
special interests. The United Steelworkers of American have half a
million members and represent workers in industries such as mining,
manufacturing, and service sector.
"Were not approaching these non-union members with our hand out.
We're going to them where they live, in their communities, in their
neighborhoods, and offering them our assistance and support. They are
joining more than half a million members. And with that kind of
grassroots power, we can get more done," says Josh Syrjamaki, "We are
redefining the labor movement. Far too many people dont have a voice
in the political system or in the workplace. We are opening our arms to
them and offering our resources to fight on their behalf. Together, we
are shaping a dynamic new movement that will launch local and national
campaigns to end the senseless destruction of good-paying American
jobs." says Josh Syrjamaki, National Coordinator of the Steelworkers
Associate Member Program.
Syrjamaki is the grandson of a Steelworker and was the Deputy Campaign
Manager in 2002 for the late Senator Paul Wellstone. He has dedicated
his life to public service and empowering citizens to take back their
government.
This unique alliance brings together people from diverse backgrounds -
union and non-union, white collar and blue collar, manufacturing and
technology, and people from across the political spectrum - to keep
good jobs here in the United States.
"This is a major evolutionary step in the labor movement," states Dawn
Teo, Public Outreach Director of Rescue American Jobs, "By creating a
formal alliance between union and non-union labor advocates, Rescue
American Jobs and the Steelworkers Union are taking an important step
toward uniting the American workforce and erasing artificial boundaries
that have divided the labor force for decades."
This alliance not only transcends traditional union and non-union
divisions but also occupational boundaries and traditional political
discord. Both organizations are committed to holding elected officials
and candidates accountable for policies that destroy good jobs and
erode the American middle class.
Historically, the United Steelworkers of America have been at the
forefront of the battle against the abuse of corporate power that has
robbed working people and our government coffers. Even so, this is a
sweeping move for both organizations.
Rescue American Jobs membership statistics are living proof of an
unprecedented, nonpartisan labor movement. Members are united across
party lines, one-third Republican, one-third Democrat, and the
remaining third split evenly between independents and third parties,
including Green, Constitution, and Libertarian.
"We are attracting people across the political spectrum because of the
absence of responsible leadership," says Teo, "Across the political
spectrum, most Americans are dissatisfied with our current leadership."
The alliance may also have implications for the 2004 elections.
According to a recent membership survey, Rescue American Jobs has
consistently attracted new voters, independents, moderates, and other
crucial swing voters from widely varying demographics that will be
pivotal in this years tight races.
"Members of Rescue American Jobs are the swing voters that candidates
are seeking this election season. Most have never been politically
active before now, and for many, this November will even be the first
time that they vote," states Teo, "The number one reason that citizens
give for not voting is that they simply do not know who to vote for.
This year, citizens will not be forced to rely on rhetoric. Were
making it easy to find out where candidates really stand on the issue
of saving good American jobs."
Rescue American Jobs will launch an online Election Action Center in
mid-September that empowers American voters to make informed decisions
based on candidates positions on issues that affect their daily
lives the most - their jobs. Voters can quickly and easily look up the
candidates positions and voting records on offshoring, insourcing,
trade, and other job-related issues. The Election Action Center will
cover all federal and state races and even some local races. With no
other organization providing comparable election information, the
Rescue American Jobs website is poised to receive hundreds of thousands
or even millions of visitors during the election season - and could
potentially sway many swing voters whose top concerns are job security
and economic stability.
Unlike most of the newly formed grassroots workforce advocacy groups,
Rescue American Jobs has also taken the fight beyond the Internet.
Founded just one year ago, Rescue American Jobs has already established
a local presence on the ground in cities and towns across America.
Together, the two organizations plan to strengthen their current
community-based efforts and launch new community-based campaigns across
the U.S. With events planned across the country, backed by a dedicated
online activist community and an aggressive media campaign, the new
alliance expects to be a visible and effective proponent for jobs
issues throughout the election season.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0907talker07.html
Bush's 'jobs thing just ain't working' labor rally told
Sept. 7, 2004 12:00 AM
Hundreds cheered, chanted and applauded their way through a Labor Day
event at Steele Indian School Park on Monday, blaming the Bush
administration for outsourcing jobs and encouraging union members to
turn out en masse at the polls today.
Gov. Janet Napolitano was one of several speakers at the event, billed
as a picnic but delivering all the trappings of a full-fledged
political rally. The event was organized by the Arizona AFL-CIO.
Napolitano emphasized the need for good wages, affordable health care
and quality jobs, and said President Bush isn't the one who can deliver
them.
"The jobs thing just ain't working for him (Bush)," she said. "And he
ain't working for us."
AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson launched a few
zingers of her own, telling attendees it's time to send the president
back to "chopping mesquite trees" in Texas.
- Ginger Richardson
http://www.startribune.com/stories/465/4964349.html
Doug Grow: Steelworkers trying to resuscitate unions
Doug Grow
Star Tribune
Published September 5, 2004
Ever wanted to be a member of the mighty Steelworkers' union?
It's never been easier. No muss, no fuss, no heavy lifting.
All you need do is crank up your computer (www.USWA.org/am) and pay $40
($20 if you're a student or unemployed). Just like that, you're an
official associate member of the Steelworkers.
After months of tinkering with the concept, the Steelworkers officially
are unveiling a plan this Labor Day weekend to put life into the
long-struggling union movement. Minnesota is a prime testing ground.
The idea is simple and huge. New and old. It revolves around the
fundamental concept that all wage earners have common concerns. They
must unite or continue to watch jobs and benefits disappear.
The Steelworker behind the plan is Dave Foster. In 1975, he became a
bricklayer at North Star Steel in St. Paul. He was represented by the
Steelworkers union.
He sat on negotiating committees, he walked on picket lines and then,
15 years ago, was elected to the post of director of District 11 of the
union, a district that includes Minnesota and a dozen other states.
Through all of that time, he's watched union membership in the country
fall. Not coincidentally, wages and benefits for American workers have
fallen, too.
"Over the years I've kept asking myself why we can't form an
organization that fits the needs of workers," Foster said. " ... This
is about getting power back in the hands of workers again."
Foster doesn't blame the decline in traditional union membership on
workers as much as he blames the rigidity of unions.
"Why have we let the government define what the union is?" Foster said.
"If we continue to accept those 1930s assumptions, we inevitably head
to oblivion."
In a global economy, Foster said, unions can't be tied to ancient
rules. Certainly, corporations no longer play by those rules. If
employers don't get what they want from wage earners, they simply ship
jobs overseas.
Associate membership will NOT create traditional bargaining units in a
workplace. Rather, associate members will have an organization that
runs parallel to the traditional Steelworkers union. There is to be a
spot on the Steelworkers board of directors.
In addition, the Steelworkers are establishing such things as a hot
line and offering workplace counseling services to all workers. Feel
you're being cheated, harassed, discriminated against? Call the
Steelworkers.
Associate members also have access to union-only benefits such as
health care savings, job training, educational opportunities and
features that help safeguard workers' rights.
Foster cited the largest workplace lawsuit in U.S. history -- Wal-Mart
workers vs. the corporation over pay shortages -- as an example of
where unions have lagged behind the needs of workers.
"That suit came out of a law office, not a union," Foster said. "We
should be the first line of defense for workers. Those Wal-Mart workers
should have been able to come to us. But, in the past, when [nonunion]
workers have come to us, our stock answer is always, 'Here's some
cards, form a union and get back to us.' That's not good enough."
Foster cites studies showing that in a culture free of stereotypes
about unions, free of traditional rules about organizing, 40 percent of
the U.S. workforce would chose to join a union. Currently, that number
is 12 percent, continuing a long decline from the early 1980s, when 20
percent of the American workforce carried union cards.
The Steelworkers effort to rebuild a worker movement is going to be a
door-by-door process headed by Josh Syrjamaki, a grassroots organizer
for the late Paul Wellstone.
Syrjamaki said he's been received warmly in the preliminary stages of
lifting this huge dream, signing up 1,200 people to be associate
members of the Steelworkers.
"It runs the gamut from college students to laid-off steel workers to a
lawyer or two," Syrjamaki said.
Both Foster and Syrjamaki have close ties to progressives in the
environmental and peace movements. (The Steelworkers have opposed the
war in Iraq from the beginning.)
It should be noted that other unions also are in early stages of
attempting to build similar associate membership programs, which is
fine with Foster.
This is not simply about building one union, he said. This is about
returning to a time when unions were a vital part of all aspects of
community life. Wage earners seemed to be able to understand their
commonality.
Words such as "community" and "commonality" may sound naively
idealistic -- or, gasp! even socialistic -- in this era of
what's-in-it-for-me cynicism.
But maybe wage earners finally have begun to see what's in for them if
they don't come together.
Doug Grow is at dgrow@startribune.com.
http://www.virginiamn.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=181760
Steelworkers reach out to Range
Associate member program enrolls 1,000 new persons; picnic set for
today
Staff Report
Mesabi Daily News
Last Updated: Saturday, September 04th, 2004 10:25:28 PM
EVELETH -- The American labor movement is breaking new ground this
Labor Day, with one of the countrys oldest unions changing
tradition. The United Steelworkers of America is inviting people to
join its ranks -- regardless of where they work or whether the union
engages in collective bargaining for them.
"Were reaching out to laid-off taconite workers and non-union people
in Northeast Minnesota to offer our assistance and support in this
economy, said Jerry Fallos, coordinator with the Steelworkers
Associate Member program on the Iron Range. Fallos has the background
necessary to fill that position -- he was president of Steelworkers
Local 4108, representing some 1,400 workers at LTV Steel Mining Co. in
Hoyt Lakes when it shut down.
The Associate Member program has enrolled more than 1,000 members in
the past few months, including some 200 in Northeastern Minnesota.
Information on the program will be available at a Labor Day weekend
picnic on Sunday in Virginias Olcott Park, said Fallos, who works
out of the Steelworkers District 11 office in Eveleth.
The picnic, organized by the Iron Range Labor Assembly, is from noon to
5 p.m. All union members, regardless of what union theyre affiliated
with, and their families are invited. Donations are being accepted, and
raffle tickets sold to help fund the event. The drawing will take place
on Sunday for three prizes, including a Weber Genesis Gold gas grill
valued at $700, a $500 savings bond and two nights stay at The Lodge
at Giants Ridge with breakfast and dinner.
David Foster, director of Steelworkers District 11, said of the
Associate Member program in a news release, "We have a long and proud
tradition of fighting for economic justice for miners, factory workers
and other hardworking Americans. We are one of the oldest and strongest
unions in America, and we draw that strength from our ability to
innovate and adapt to the changing workplace and dynamic political
arena. Americans are appalled at the runaway growth of corporate power
in the global economy and they want change. By joining the
Steelworkers, they can turn their individual concern into effective
social action.
The Steelworkers are taking a series of actions to redefine the roles
of unions and to engage non-union Americans. They include:
* Joining with Rescue American Jobs. This is a workforce advocacy group
with a strong Internet presence with members in 46 states. New members
of Rescue American Jobs will become automatic members of the new
Steelworkers program, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds
"to keep good jobs here in the United States.
* Grassroots organizing. The Steelworkers are deploying trained
organizers to reach out to non-union Americans, and in June they
visited 4,000 homes in Minnesota to address peoples concerns about
the economy. The Steelworkers are also helping bring together other
unions and environmentalists to form "Blue Green Alliances to
"create good jobs and protect the environment while ending our
dependence on foreign oil.
Josh Syrjamaki, national coordinator of the Associate Member program
and a native of Northeastern Minnesota, said in a news release,
"Businesses create jobs, and thats a good thing, but when powerful
corporations cross the line and exploit workers, destroy the
environment and upend communities by shipping jobs overseas, we need
tot take them on.
* Confidential workplace counseling. The Steelworkers are helping
non-union workers with workplace issues, and the unions online
resource center provides support to people researching workplace legal
issues and where to turn for help.
"At this defining period in the history of our country, it is important
for unions to step up and do our part for the nation. The workplace has
changed dramatically because of globalization over the last couple of
decades. The old activities of unions are simply not good enough. It is
time for a new labor movement that works for a new era of labor.
The slogan for the Associate Member program is "a new union for anyone
anytime. Information is available at www.uswa.org/am. Rescue
American Jobs is at www.rescueamericanjobs.org.
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