Today's Teamster News 08.12.12

Paul Ryan Wants to Destroy Social Security & Medicare  Economic Populist   ...If you think the middle class has it too good, too much security, taxes aren't high enough, not enough fear of unemployment, too much help for education, and so on, while the wealthy haven't been coddled enough in recent years, not enough tax cuts, too little upward redistribution of income, not enough bank bailouts, etc., etc., then the Republican proposals should make you happy...
In Philly, organized labor rallies for workers  Associated Press   ...Labor leaders, politicians and some union members at the "Workers Stand for America" rally drew applause as they portrayed a middle class being squeezed and called for a second "Bill of Rights" that would guarantee full employment and a "living wage," quality education, health care and security in retirement as well as collective bargaining...
The Greatest Election-Stealing Conspiracy in US History  Guardian   ...We're looking at an election doomsday scenario that could eclipse any political scandal in American history...
U.S. Justice Department alleges violations of students' rights in Meridian, Miss., schools  Times-Picayune   ...Officials in east Mississippi operate a "school-to-prison pipeline" that incarcerates students for disciplinary infractions as minor as dress code violations with a policy that affects mostly black and disabled children, the U.S. Justice Department said Friday...
Owner knew what it was getting into with Deluxe  Statesman Journal ...Shame on you, Foster Farms. Teamsters Local 324 will continue to fight for a severance that is just for those affected employees and will continue to search for viable solutions and alternatives to a complete closure...
Hoffa Statement on Romney Choice of Paul Ryan  IBT   ..."By choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate, Mitt Romney is doubling down on his campaign to make the American middle class poorer so the rich can get richer...

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/11/4716836/hoffa-statement-on-romney-choice.html#storylink=cpy

Owner knew what it was getting into with Deluxe  Statesman Journal   ...Shame on you, Foster Farms. Teamsters Local 324 will continue to fight for a severance that is just for those affected employees and will continue to search for viable solutions and alternatives to a complete closure...

Whoa! 35K-40K at WS4A rally in Philly

 As many as a thousand Teamsters joined the giant Workers Stand for America rally today. The news media is reporting as many as 40,000 people came from all over the country to support the Second Bill of Rights.

Every Teamster local from Pennsylvania was there, as well as from New York, New Jersey and surrounding states. The downside: So many people came that traffic turned into a nightmare and some couldn't get close to the rally itself.

Bill Hamilton, president of the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters, said the crowd was enthusiastic and united:

We can't be separated. We can't be divided. The attacks are going to be the same on all of us. 

Hamilton praised the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for organizing the event. He signed the Second Bill of Rights last night, along with leaders from the other national unions. You can sign it here, even if you couldn't make it to Philadelphia.

Mention of Mitt Romney's choice of Paul Ryan as his running mate drew long and sustained boos. President Obama spoke to the crowd on a live feed.

Hamilton said the president's message was "Look what they've done now. Now we have an anti-labor candidate. Look what they're going to do." (Ed. note: They'll cut Social Security, gut Medicare, give tax cuts to the rich so the poor and middle class get less.)

We like this from CBS News ,

Liz McElroy, secretary treasurer of the Philadelphia AFL CIO says there’s nothing wrong with wanting a better life. 

“We want to advance an agenda where it’s okay to have a middle class again and workers who speak up for their rights are not vilified and people who have a decent pension and maybe a little healthcare when they retire aren’t the enemy.” 

One final thought: from ‏@Workers4America

All #WS4A flags are made in the USA. Can the @RNC say the same about theirs?

Teamsters holding the line for the middle class in Philly

Teamsters holding the line for the middle class in Philly.

The energy in Philadelphia is "incredible," The AFL-CIO tweets:

"@bctdprez: The Energy here in hometown of Philly is incredible. 20k plus union brothers and sisters here to rally for Amer workers!! #WS4A

@MikeElk, a reporter for In These TImes, estimates there are 25,000 people in Philly right now, marching, chanting, listening to speeches.
 
Sen. Bob Casey, a good friend of the middle class, is there renewing his commitment to the Second Bill of Rights.

Organized Working people built and will continue to build the middle class. At #ws4a rally

Leann Bosquez, who went from a high-paying job to unemployment, is also speaking today. @WorkersStand4America tells us:

Bosquez: "I'm sick of politicians saying the unemployed are lazy..the last thing I am is lazy" #ws4a #1u pic.twitter.com/zL49CpvP 

Bosquez: "Median wage of future is 35,000 a year. That's not enough to support a family." #ws4a 

Leann: "isn't it time our politicians support policies that create #jobs at home, instead of overseas?" #ws4a 

Bosquez: "We truly need a 2nd Bill Rights...one that includes a right to a job." #ws4a #1u

And we especially like a tweet from Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, about IBEW President's Ed Hill's speech:

Ed Hill @IBEW kicks off @Workers4America rally in Philly. "We need to look out for one another - that's why we're here" #ws4a 

Teamsters in the house in Philly!

Brother Rick Smith just tweeted this picture from the giant worker's rally in Philly. Teamsters are backstage right now with Sen. Bob Casey and AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. And you can bet the Teamster truck is there. When we get the photo, we'll post it. We'll also be hearing from Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters President Bill Hamilton, a key mover behind the rally.

The energy is high. LIUNA is there, chanting, "Here we go, union, Here we go!" Steelworkers, AFA, CWA, ironworkers, the building trades, all there. UNITE HERE tweets,

Up early and proud to stand with working people for America! Thanks Local 57! #WS4A #1u #labor #p2 

We learn from @jerrytjordan that the teachers have arrived:

PFT & AFT-PA have arrived at #ws4a! pic.twitter.com/hYCTIhr6 

There was a giant CWA Verizon workers rally and march earlier, including Verizon workers in wheelchairs. "Verizon, Verizon, you can't hide, we can see your greedy side," was the battle cry. @MikeElk reports a Mercedes tried to drive through the line of marchers.

He also tells us a 130-pound hipster yelled at the Verizon workers, "Oh you crybabies, pay for your health care like everyone else," and gave them the finger. Then he said to a bunch of union guys, "Who wants to take me on?" Then he ran away.

Today in labor history: Workers stand for America rally

#1u ACTUALLY builds America. Romney outsources it. #ws4a twitter.com/RickSmithShow/…
— Rick Smith (@RickSmithShow) August 11, 2012

Here's the latest news report on the historic "Workers Stand for America" rally in Philadelphia:

Organizers of “Workers Stand for America” said they expect upward of 20,000 people to attend the all-day event in Philadelphia that will bring in working families from Pennsylvania and neighboring states for speeches by Democratic lawmakers, a concert by Lucinda Williams and rallies with AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and other unions. 

Scores of workers dressed in green, orange and yellow T-shirts, some of them holding American flags, began arriving early Saturday next to the Philadelphia Art Museum steps made famous in the movie “Rocky.” The event begins next to the museum at Eakins Oval on Benjamin Franklin Parkway and will feature the introduction of what organizers call “America’s Workers Second Bill of Rights.”

Here are some recent tweets:

@MikeElk A sea of red as several hundred Verizon workers on the verge of striking arrive at Verizon Philly hq #ws4a 

@MikeElk CWA prez Larry Cohen leading sea of red shirted Verizon workers in a chant http://twitpic.com/ai4ahi #ws4a 

@gregorycendana Thank you @afa_cwa for the amazing signs at #ws4a. "It's not just bout the First Class, it's about the Middle Class!" 

@jeffhauser RT @jackietortora: Romney chooses anti-Medicare Ryan while families rally for 2nd Bill of Rights in Philly: http://act.aflcio.org/c/18/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=4796 #WS4A... 

Photos are on the way from our brothers and sisters in Philadelphia. The twitpic above was tweeted by our Teamster brother Rick Smith. We're sure we'll be hearing more from Rick today. Stay tuned.

Today's Teamster News 08.11.12

National labor rally to focus on middle class  Philadelphia Inquirer   ..."This is about changing the conversation in America," said Liz McElroy, secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO. "It's about making sure politicians of all stripes hear us."...
Hallelujah, It May Be Ryan!  The New Republic   ...a president handed the opportunity to run against a GOP ticket that's unabashedly in favor of abolishing Medicare--something even the Tea Party opposes--would probably win in November...
Jon Huntsman Sr., longtime Romney backer, calls on him to release tax returns  Washington Post   ...“Mr. Romney ought to square with the American people and release his taxes like any other candidate,” Huntsman said...
Four GOP House Staffers From Michigan Indicted for Election Fraud  Alternet   ...Four congressional aides to Michigan Republican U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter have been indicted for falsifying nominating petitions for McCotter's 2012 re-election bid, Michigan’s Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Thursday...
Ohio Limits Early Voting Hours In Democratic Counties, Expands In Republican Counties  ThinkProgress   ...Early voting stations in Ohio’s heavily Democratic counties will only be open between 8 am and 5 pm, while Republican counties have expanded their hours to allow voting on nights and weekends...
Three Thousand San Francisco Janitors Prepare for a Strike  Truthout.org   ...The national confrontation between janitors and some of the world's richest property owners has arrived in San Francisco where, on Wednesday, over two thousand building cleaners shut down the city's main artery, Market Street, in a huge march...

Tomorrow in labor history: Teamsters in Philly

On Aug. 11, 2012, thousands of union members will converge on the streets of Philadelphia for the Workers Stand For America rally. Maybe tens of thousands.

The rally's message to the Republican and Democratic parties: "We're not going away any time soon."
We’re hearing reports of hundreds of buses from across the country getting ready to roll tomorrow. They represent more than a dozen unions including, of course, Teamsters. Pennsylvania Teamsters have been especially vigorous in organizing the event.

A pre-rally rally tonight will kick off tomorrow's big assembly, with people signing the "Second Bill of Rights." It's short: 

We the People want to strengthen our nation, as a beacon of equality, economic opportunity and freedom for all.  

We hold these rights--a right to full employment and a living wage, full participation in the electoral process, a voice at work, quality education and a secure, healthy future--to be essential to our vision of America and believe that the principles contained therein should guide our government, business leaders, organizations and individuals in our common goal of a just and fair society.

You can sign it here.

Tomorrow's rally will be broadcast live starting at 11 a.m. at www.workerstandingforamerica.com. Lucinda Williams will perform.

Be sure to take photos and post them on the Workers Stand for America Facebook page. 

Teamsters mobilizing for Aug. 11 rally in Philly. Are you?

Looks like the Aug. 11 Workers Stand For America (#ws4a) will be one hell of a rally. Hundreds of Teamsters are making plans right now to participate.

The tweetosphere is filled with reasons to attend. Here are a few:

@Workers4America: Why we're going to Philly Aug.11. B/C poverty keeps rising, while Washington debates squeezing us more http://t.co/zZYCdAiY #ws4a 

@GJSmitty1: I'll be in Philadelphia on August 11 to #standup to @Verizon with @workers4america. Join Me. http://t.co/vnVvPXy3 #verigreedy #ws4a 

@tmont: The @steelworkers support Second Bill of Rights and Aug. 11. RT if you do too. #ws4a #1u http://t.co/gxPQ5bg7 

@IBEW: #IBEW protests under staffing at Connecticut Light & Power http://t.co/X95HxLvq #ws4a

The IBT set up a web page where information is updated as it comes in. Click here for the latest on hotels deals and schedule updates.

And while you're at it, sign the 2nd Bill of Rights here.

Teamsters prepping for Aug. 11 Philly rally

A thousand Teamsters will converge on Philadelphia for the Workers Stand for America rally on Aug. 11. It's being organized by the IBEW and Pennsylvania Teamsters are working hard to support it.

The event will promote America’s Second Bill of Rights:

• Full employment and a living wage.
• Full participation in the political process.
• A voice at work.
• A quality education for all.
• A secure and healthy future.

We understand President Obama supports it.

There's a Facebook Event page where you can learn more: Labor Rally in Philadelphia - Workers Stand for America - August 11.

Union members across Pennsylvania and surrounding areas are asked to join in a rally in downtown Philadelphia on August 11. Teamsters JC 53 is working to coordinate Teamster local union participation. Its an all-day event to focus on challenges and solutions for America's working families. Questions? Contact PATeamsters@verizon.net

Teamsters mobilizing for August 10-11 Philly rally

Pennsylvania Teamsters will join thousands of workers and labor advocates as they converge on Philadelphia next month for the “Workers Stand for America” mobilization. And at least two tractor-trailers from Locals 107 and 776 will be on hand to demonstrate Teamster power at the demonstrations.

The rallies, which we blogged about yesterday, will bring tens of thousands of workers from around the country together to demand a Second Bill of Rights for workers in America. Included among these rights are the right to full employment, a living wage and a voice at work.

There will be two protests as part of the Workers Stand for America action. A rally on Friday August 10 will feature speakers from the Philadelphia AFL-CIO and Building Trades and John Dougherty from IBEW 89. A reception will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel later in the evening. The main rally kicks off at 11 am on Saturday August 11 and will take place at Eakins Oval by the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Teamster locals in Pennsylvania, along with Joint Council 53 and the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters, are encouraging members to participate in this historic mobilization to push back against corporate greed and win economic justice for workers.

As the war on workers continues to undermine the livelihoods of middle class families around the country, a demonstration like this couldn’t be more urgent.

We've got to stand and fight. Otherwise, corporate America and their politician servants will not end the war on workers.

Click here to sign the Second Bill of Rights. And for more information on the Workers Stand for America action, contact Teamsters Joint Council 53 at teamstersc53@yahoo.com or the Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters at pateamsters@verizon.net

Let’s bring Teamster Power to the streets of Philly!

-- Union Thug

Gearing up for Aug 11 workers rally in Philly

It’s time for a Second Bill of Rights in America – one that protects working families from corporate greed and restores economic justice for the middle class.

Workers from around the country will demand just that at the “Workers Stand for America” rally in Philadelphia next month. Both union and non-union workers will be part of the mobilization, which is being organized by the AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and several other unions.

Tens of thousands are expected to descend on Philly for the action.

The Workers Stand for America rally is part of a new national campaign of the same name, demanding a shift in national priorities to focus on jobs and to fight growing income inequality. The campaign is building support among worker advocates around a Second Bill of Rights that includes the right to full employment, full participation in the electoral process, a living wage, quality education, health care and a voice on the job.

IBEW president Edwin Hill says the bill will be presented to politicians at all levels, putting them on record as supporters or opponents of working Americans.

At a press event earlier this month, Hill said,

Our message is to both political parties to return to basic values that created America’s best days. Our economy and our politics have become skewed almost beyond recognition. The recovery has been geared almost entirely to corporations and the wealthiest Americans. The rest of us are being left behind. And opportunity – the greatest promise of America – is being lost.

The rally is timed to precede the Republican and Democratic Conventions, making the statement that the rights of working Americans is a nonpartisan value that should be shared across the board.

But the rally also comes at a critical time for America’s working class – a time of open warfare being waged by the one percent against the rest of us. The Workers Stand for America website sums up the stakes like this:

A dying middle class. A barren job market. A living wage and secure retirement increasingly a thing of the past. An electoral process now open to the highest bidder. College debt levels out of control. It’s tough times for the American worker – tougher than it has been in many generations. If there was a time to change the national conversation in this country, focusing the political agenda back on the needs of working Americans, it is now.

This just scratches the surface of how devastating the attacks have been on workers around the country. A recent article by journalist Erik Loomis at AlterNet explains where we are headed and the urgency for workers to fight back:

Over the past 40 years, corporations and politicians have rolled back many of the gains made by working and middle-class people over the previous century. We have the highest level of income inequality in 90 years, both private and public sector unions are under a concerted attack, and federal and state governments intend to cut deficits by slashing services to the poor.

We are recreating the Gilded Age, the period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when corporations ruled this nation, buying politicians, using violence against unions, and engaging in open corruption.

It’s time turn the tide on the war on workers and fight for an economy that works for everyone, not just the rich.

-- Union Thug