This Just In On Craig Becker....

Various news reports are coming in today speculating that President Obama will make a recess appointment of the extremely qualified Craig Becker to the National Labor Relations Board. Becker, a labor lawyer, is more than capable of serving on the NLRB, whose mission is to uphold the laws governing relations between unions and private sector employers.

But Republican Senators, big businesses and their front groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are fighting tooth and nail to keep Becker from being confirmed. Why? Because of writings Becker published when he was a law professor. The real reason these groups oppose Becker is because they’re afraid he will make companies abide by the rules of the NLRA.

Let's hope the news articles are true. Here's one, from the Washington Post.

Sanitation Workers Raise Informational Pickets

Sanitation Workers in King County, Washington today raised informational pickets calling on Waste Management and Allied Waste to end hazardous practices before they provoke a strike.

These workers provide a tremendous service to King County, which includes the city of Seattle and its suburbs. Let's hope the companies come to their senses soon to avoid a strike.

Welcome to Our Newest Teamsters!

Municipal employees in the New York state towns of Wappinger and Fishkill are among our newest Teamsters, joining Local 445 in Newburgh. The workers in Fishkill are employed by the Highway Department and in Wappinger by the Clerical Department. Adrian Huff, Local 445 Secretary-Treasurer, says the Local has organized nearly 1,400 people in four years. Congratulations!

Why All Teamsters Should Applaud Health Care Reform Bill

It was a big deal (editing Joe Biden here) when President Obama signed the health care reform bill. Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa supported the bill because it provides health insurance to millions of Americans who don't have it and controlling costs for millions more who do.

Nothing Refreshing About NY State Soda Tax

Hundreds of New York State Teamsters rallied today in Albany protesting the governor's proposed soda tax. The Teamsters feel the soda tax will only lead to a big decline in soda sales that will hurt small businesses and cost workers their jobs. Read more about it here.

Pension Relief

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey has introduced a bill that would address problems with multi-employer pension plans. Casey's bill would protect pension payments of retirees of failed businesses, AND, assist companies like YRC Worldwide Inc. You can read Casey's bill here.

FAA Reauthorization Bill Passes in Senate

The creation of approximately 125,000 jobs per year is closer to reality, now that the U.S. Senate has passed the FAA Reauthorization bill. A key component of this bill is that it will create 125,000 jobs per year by providing more funds for airport construction. Congress still has some work on the bill--the House and Senate versions have to be reconciled and that could take weeks. Hopefully the final version will contain a key provision called the Express Carrier Employee Protection Act, which would place freight and package-delivery industry workers under the appropriate labor laws, making it easier for them to form unions.