This release is from IFCO/PASTORS and US CUBA LABOR EXCHANGE:
ACTION ALERT: FREEDOM TO TRAVEL & TRADE
A LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERT FROM IFCO/PASTORS FOR PEACE:
ASK YOUR REPS TO SUPPORT THE "FREEDOM TO TRAVEL TO CUBA" BILLS
AND THE "US/CUBA TRADE NORMALIZATION ACT"
Momentum has been building in support of the "Freedom to Travel to Cuba" bills (HR874 in the House of Representatives and S428 in the Senate; the two bills are identical). There are now 147 co- sponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate; the House bill added 11 new co-sponsors just last Friday.
PLEASE CHECK THE LIST BELOW TO SEE WHETHER YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND YOUR SENATORS HAVE SIGNED ON AS CO-SPONSORS OF THE "FREEDOM TO TRAVEL TO CUBA" BILLS (HR874/S428). If they're on the list, call and thank them! If not, please call them this week: let them know there are dozens of reasons to end restrictions on travel to Cuba and urge them to sign on to these bills!
ALSO: Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), who traveled to Cuba with Rep. Barbara Lee's delegation last month, chairs the Trade Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. After holding a hearing last week on the topic of opening trade with Cuba, he has introduced a bill, HR2272, which would repeal the Torricelli and Helms-Burton Acts, take Cuba off the list of 'state sponsors of terrorism,' and end trade restrictions. The bill already has 47 co-sponsors (listed below). Please ask your reps to sign on to co-sponsor HR2272 to end restrictions on trade to Cuba.
Congressional switchboard: 202/225-3121. Questions? Comments? Feedback? Email us or call us at IFCO: 212/926-5757.
*****
Momentum has been building in support of the "Freedom to Travel to Cuba" bills (HR874 in the House of Representatives and S428 in the Senate; the two bills are identical). There are now 147 co- sponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate; the House bill added 11 new co-sponsors just last Friday. We want to help guarantee this bill's success, and to send a message to the Congress and the Obama administration that they need to keep taking steps toward a new US/Cuba policy.
PLEASE CHECK THE LIST BELOW TO SEE WHETHER YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND YOUR SENATORS HAVE SIGNED ON AS CO-SPONSORS OF THE "FREEDOM TO TRAVEL TO CUBA" BILLS (HR874/S428).? If they're on the list, call and thank them! If not, please call them this week: let them know there are dozens of reasons to end restrictions on travel to Cuba and urge them to sign on to these bills!
ALSO: Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), who traveled to Cuba with Rep. Barbara Lee's delegation last month, chairs the Trade Subcommittee of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. After holding a hearing last week on the topic of opening trade with Cuba, he has introduced a bill, HR2272, which would repeal the Torricelli and Helms-Burton Acts, take Cuba off the list of 'state sponsors of terrorism,' and end trade restrictions. The bill already has 47 co-sponsors (listed below). Please ask your reps to sign on to co-sponsor HR2272 to end restrictions on trade to Cuba.
*****
House Bill HR874: sponsored by Rep William Delahunt (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Reps Abercrombie (D-HI), Alexander (R-LA), Baird (D-WA), Baldwin (D-WI), Berry (D-AR), Biggert (R-IL), Bishop, S (D- GA), Bishop, T (D-NY), Blumenauer (D-OR), Boozman (R-AR), Boswell (D-IA), Boucher (D-VA), Brady (D-PA), Brown, H. (R-SC), Capps (D-CA), Capuano (D-MA), Chaffetz (R-UT), Clarke (D-NY), Clay (D- MO), Cleaver (D-MO), Cohen (D-TN), Conyers (D-MI), Cooper (D-TN) Costa (D-CA), Costello (D-IL), Courtney (D-CT), Crowley (D-NY), Cummings (D-MD), Davis, D (D-IL), Davis, L (D-TN), Davis, S (D- CA), DeFazio (D-OR), DeGette (D-CO), DeLauro (D-CT), Doggett (D-TX), Doyle (D-PA), Edwards, D (D-MD), Ehlers (R-MI), Ellison (D-MN), Emerson (R-MO), Eshoo (D-CA), Etheridge (D-NC), Farr (D- CA), Fattah (D-PA), Filner (D-CA), Flake (R-AZ), Frank (D-MA), Fudge (D-OH), Gonzalez (D-TX), Gordon (D-TN), Grijalva (D-AZ), Gutierrez (D-IL), Harman (D-CA), Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), Hinchey (D- NY), Holden (D-PA), Hol
t (D-NJ), Honda (D-CA), Inslee (D-WA), Israel (D-NY), Jackson (D-IL), Jackson Lee (D-TX), Johnson, EB (D-TX), Johnson, H (D-GA), Johnson, T (R-IL), Kagen (D-WI), Kanjorski (D- PA), Kaptur (D-OH), Kildee (D-MI), Kilpatrick (D-MI), Kilroy (D-OH), Kind (D-WI), Kucinich (D-OH), Larsen (D-WA), Larson (D-CT), Lee (D-CA), Lewis (D-GA), Lofgren (D-CA), Lowey (D-NY), Lummis (R- WY), Lynch (D-MA), Maloney (D-NY), Markey, E (D-MA), Matheson (D-UT), Matsui (D-CA), McCarthy, C (D-NY), McCollum (D-MN), McDermott (D-WA), McGovern (D-MA), Meeks (D-NY), Michaud (D- ME), Miller, G (D-CA), Mollohan (D-WV), Moore, D (D-KS), Moore, G (D-WI), Moran, James (D-VA), Moran, Jerry (R-KS), Murtha (D-PA), Nadler (D-NY), Neal (D-MA), Norton (D-DC), Oberstar (D-MN), Olver (D-MA), Ortiz (D-TX), Pastor (D-AZ), Paul (R-TX), Payne (D-NJ), Peterson (D-MN), Pingree (D- ME), Polis (D-CO), Pomeroy (D-ND), Price, D (D-NC), Rangel (D-NY), Richardson (D-CA), Ross (D-AR), Ruppersberger (D-MD), Rush (D-IL), Ryan, T (D
-OH), Sanchez, Linda (D-CA), Sanchez, Loretta (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-
IL), Schwartz (D-PA), Scott, D (D-GA), Serrano (D-NY), Slaughter (D-NY), Smith, Adam (D-WA), Snyder (D-AR), Stark (D-CA), Tanner (D-TN), Tauscher (D-CA), Taylor (D-MS), Thompson, B (D-MS), Thompson, M (D-CA), Tierney (D-MA), Towns (D-NY), Van Hollen (D-MD), Velasquez (D-NY), Walz (D-MN), Waters (D-CA), Watson (D-CA), Watt (D-NC), Waxman (D-CA), Weiner (D-NY), Welch (D-VT), Woolsey (D-CA), Yarmuth (D-KY).? [147 total:? 135 Democrats and 12 Republicans, as of 5/11/09]
Senate Bill S428: sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and co-sponsored by Senators Barasso (R- WY), Baucus (D-MT), Bingaman (D-NM), Boxer (D-CA), Cantwell (D-WA), Conrad (D-ND), Crapo (R- ID), Dodd (D-CT), Durbin (D-IL), Enzi (R-WY), Feingold (D-WI), Feinstein (D-CA), Harkin (D- IA), Johnson (D-SD), Landrieu (D-LA), Leahy (D-VT), Lincoln (D-AR), Lugar (R-IN), McCaskill (D-MO), Pryor (D-AR), Reed (D-RI), Sanders (I-VT), Udall, T (D-NM), Webb (D-VA), Wyden (D-OR).? (Withdrawn: Bennett, M (D-CO).) [26 total:? 21 Democrats, 1 Independent, and 4 Republicans, as of 5/11/09]
House Bill HR2272:? sponsored by Rep Bobby Rush (D-IL) and co-sponsored by Reps Abercrombie (D-HI), Bishop, S (D-GA), Brady (D-PA), Capuano (D-MA), Clarke (D-NY), Clay (D-MO), Cleaver (D-MO), Clyburn (D-SC), Cohen (D-TN),? Conyers (D-MI), Costello (D-IL), Cummings (D-MD), Davis, D (D-IL), Delahunt (D-MA), Ellison (D-MN),? Farr (D-CA), Fattah (D-PA), Filner (D-CA), Frank (D-MA), Fudge (D-OH), Green, A (D-TX), Hinchey (D-NY), Johnson, EB (D-TX), Johnson, H (D-GA), Kaptur (D-OH), Kildee (D-MI), Kilpatrick (D-MI), Kucinich (D-OH), Lee (D-CA), Lewis (D-GA), Matsui (D-CA), McDermott (D-WA), Meeks (D-NY), Moore, G (D-WI), Neal (D-MA), Payne (D-NJ), Rangel (D-NY), Richardson (D-CA), Schakowsky (D-CA), Scott, D (D-GA), Serrano (D-NY), Stupak (D-MI), Towns (D-NY),? Velasquez (D-NY), Waters (D-CA), Watt (D-NC), Woolsey (D-CA)? [48 total: 48 Democrats, as of 5/11/09]
Monday, May 18, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Urgent action needed to stem foreclosure crisis
By John Bachtell
Chicago – The foreclosure crisis is so severe in Cook County that a judge ordered a temporary halt to scheduling new foreclosure cases. The crisis is devastating Chicago’s African American and Latino communities, where one South Side neighborhood is experiencing a vacancy rate of 40%. But the crisis is now spreading to the 6 county suburban areas.
Housing advocates are demanding urgent action especially from the banks and lending corporations. So far there has been little relief although Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into law a measure that would give homeowners facing eviction 90 extra days to work out a borrowing plan with their lenders.
The organization Action Now has mobilized to block threatened evictions and has been able to keep several families in their homes. They are demanding action by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. According to Action Now, the courts have the power to permit mediation in foreclosure cases but the program goes unused.
“It is time for (the county) to push for a mediation program in the Courts and act in the interest of the taxpayers of Cook County. The taxpayers are paying for the courts to foreclose on the very people who are paying the property taxes now for the interests of often out of state and out of country banks. We are also paying for the eviction process, which results in thousands of vacant houses throughout our communities," said Denise Dixon, Executive Director of Action Now.
In her April 1 order to suspend scheduling, Chancery Division Presiding Judge Dorothy Kinnaird starkly illustrated the growing crisis. In 2005 there were nearly 16,500 mortgage foreclosures in Cook County. That figure leapt to 44,000 in 2008. Based on foreclosure filings for the first three months of 2009, mortgage foreclosures are expected to top 52,000 this year.
“If the filings and dispositions continue at the current pace,” said Kinnaird in her order, “it is estimated that there will be in excess of 92,000 cases pending as of December 31, 2010.”
The court will not permit any 2009 foreclosure filings from being scheduled for hearing and has cancelled already scheduled hearings in July and August so the tremendous backlog of cases can be heard.
Illinois now ranks seventh nationwide in foreclosures. Filings in the first quarter of 2009 in the 6 collar counties around Chicago increased between 25-70% over the last three months of 2008. The cause is the deepening economic crisis, massive job loss and families who have exhausted their small savings.
In the far western Chicago suburbs of the Fox River Valley 20% of real estate listings are of homes being sold due to foreclosures and short sales. “We were able to ignore (the foreclosures) for a while, but we can’t ignore it anymore,” said Donna McQuade, president of the Realtor Association of Fox Valley.
The crisis cries out for legislative action. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) is winding through Congress. The measure has passed the House and Senate and awaits a conference to resolve differences.
While the legislation contains some help for struggling homeowners, the finance industry led by the Mortgage Bankers Association, was able to gut the key provision from the Senate version supported by President Obama that would give bankruptcy judges the power to rewrite the terms of mortgage loans. This provision was kept in the House version and could be added later during conference committee negotiations if there is enough grassroots pressure.
“I hope people of this country will stand up and say to Congress, ‘You’ve got the wrong friends,’” said an angry Durbin. “Your friends (should be) the families across this country who are struggling in this economy, and they need a lot of help.
“And the banks, hard to believe in a time when we're facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created, are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill. And they frankly own the place,” he said. Senate Republicans were united against the mortgage reform provision and were joined by 12 Democrats.
If the legislation stands as is homeowners will have to rely on the voluntary efforts of the banking industry for help. Based on the track record of the lending industry voluntary measures are ineffective. Some 75% of lenders rarely agree to workout plans that allow homeowners to maintain their homes.
Chicago – The foreclosure crisis is so severe in Cook County that a judge ordered a temporary halt to scheduling new foreclosure cases. The crisis is devastating Chicago’s African American and Latino communities, where one South Side neighborhood is experiencing a vacancy rate of 40%. But the crisis is now spreading to the 6 county suburban areas.
Housing advocates are demanding urgent action especially from the banks and lending corporations. So far there has been little relief although Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed into law a measure that would give homeowners facing eviction 90 extra days to work out a borrowing plan with their lenders.
The organization Action Now has mobilized to block threatened evictions and has been able to keep several families in their homes. They are demanding action by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. According to Action Now, the courts have the power to permit mediation in foreclosure cases but the program goes unused.
“It is time for (the county) to push for a mediation program in the Courts and act in the interest of the taxpayers of Cook County. The taxpayers are paying for the courts to foreclose on the very people who are paying the property taxes now for the interests of often out of state and out of country banks. We are also paying for the eviction process, which results in thousands of vacant houses throughout our communities," said Denise Dixon, Executive Director of Action Now.
In her April 1 order to suspend scheduling, Chancery Division Presiding Judge Dorothy Kinnaird starkly illustrated the growing crisis. In 2005 there were nearly 16,500 mortgage foreclosures in Cook County. That figure leapt to 44,000 in 2008. Based on foreclosure filings for the first three months of 2009, mortgage foreclosures are expected to top 52,000 this year.
“If the filings and dispositions continue at the current pace,” said Kinnaird in her order, “it is estimated that there will be in excess of 92,000 cases pending as of December 31, 2010.”
The court will not permit any 2009 foreclosure filings from being scheduled for hearing and has cancelled already scheduled hearings in July and August so the tremendous backlog of cases can be heard.
Illinois now ranks seventh nationwide in foreclosures. Filings in the first quarter of 2009 in the 6 collar counties around Chicago increased between 25-70% over the last three months of 2008. The cause is the deepening economic crisis, massive job loss and families who have exhausted their small savings.
In the far western Chicago suburbs of the Fox River Valley 20% of real estate listings are of homes being sold due to foreclosures and short sales. “We were able to ignore (the foreclosures) for a while, but we can’t ignore it anymore,” said Donna McQuade, president of the Realtor Association of Fox Valley.
The crisis cries out for legislative action. The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) is winding through Congress. The measure has passed the House and Senate and awaits a conference to resolve differences.
While the legislation contains some help for struggling homeowners, the finance industry led by the Mortgage Bankers Association, was able to gut the key provision from the Senate version supported by President Obama that would give bankruptcy judges the power to rewrite the terms of mortgage loans. This provision was kept in the House version and could be added later during conference committee negotiations if there is enough grassroots pressure.
“I hope people of this country will stand up and say to Congress, ‘You’ve got the wrong friends,’” said an angry Durbin. “Your friends (should be) the families across this country who are struggling in this economy, and they need a lot of help.
“And the banks, hard to believe in a time when we're facing a banking crisis that many of the banks created, are still the most powerful lobby on Capitol Hill. And they frankly own the place,” he said. Senate Republicans were united against the mortgage reform provision and were joined by 12 Democrats.
If the legislation stands as is homeowners will have to rely on the voluntary efforts of the banking industry for help. Based on the track record of the lending industry voluntary measures are ineffective. Some 75% of lenders rarely agree to workout plans that allow homeowners to maintain their homes.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Champaign Illinois residents fight to stay in homes
By Damien Matthew
Champaign, Ill. — Just South of the I-74 interchange onto Neil Street in Champaign, Illinois stands the Gateway Studios apartments. Gateway Studios, once a home to over 100 working class residents, was condemned by the City of Champaign on May 12th forcing its tenants to search for alternative housing or risk living in their vehicles or on the street.
At one time a hotel, Gateway Studios had been offering tenants weekly and monthly housing, featuring no leases and rent of $500-$600 per month which was highly competitive for the area. Gateway was condemned because of the owner’s (Donovan Acres, LLC of Tucson Arizona) inability to make utilities payments, owing over $44,000 in unpaid electric and gas bills. Utilities were supposed to be covered by the tenants rent payments.
Most residents are employed, though some are disabled. Some working families with children called Gateway their home until the de facto eviction in the late afternoon of the 12th. Residents were informed on the 8th that utilities service would be discontinued. They were told at that time that gas service (which provided their hot water) would be cut on the 11th and electricity would go on the 12th. They were told that the city would immediately condemn the complex as unsafe for human habitation and that residents must find alternative housing immediately following the discontinuation of electric service.
Through no fault of their own and having paid rent to their landlord, which included utilities, 100 people were forced to vacate their residences. Donovan Acres failed to make payments, so 100 working class brothers and sisters must suffer, given only three days notification of discontinuation of their utilities and four days notice of an effective eviction. The Rental Property Utility Service Act, an Illinois State law, requires that utilities companies inform tenants of multi-family housing facilities at least ten days prior to service disconnects. AmerenIP, the utilities provider, claimed that Gateway was not an apartment complex and thus they were not required to comply with the act. Ameren informed the landlord of the discontinuation of service, and felt that this was sufficient action to remain in compliance with the law.
Randall Cotton, a local activist, attempted to introduce a Gateway resident to discuss his situation with the city council during a scheduled study session meeting on the evening of the 12th. Champaign Mayor Gerald Schweighart informed Cotton that he was out of order, having not given notice of his intent to discuss this issue with sufficient time to add it to the council’s agenda for the evening. When Cotton suggested that it only take a few minutes of the council’s time and that the matter was urgent, Schweighart stated “We’ve already gone over this, Randall. I don’t care!”
The Gateway Studios case is one of many playing out across the country during these harsh financial times. It is an example of the bureaucratic and officious nature of the class struggle. Our working class brothers and sisters can attempt to seek and hold jobs. They can attempt to raise and provide for their families. They can do everything expected of them, and still their wellbeing as well as that of their loved ones is at the mercy of a system that puts profit and property before human need.
Champaign, Ill. — Just South of the I-74 interchange onto Neil Street in Champaign, Illinois stands the Gateway Studios apartments. Gateway Studios, once a home to over 100 working class residents, was condemned by the City of Champaign on May 12th forcing its tenants to search for alternative housing or risk living in their vehicles or on the street.
At one time a hotel, Gateway Studios had been offering tenants weekly and monthly housing, featuring no leases and rent of $500-$600 per month which was highly competitive for the area. Gateway was condemned because of the owner’s (Donovan Acres, LLC of Tucson Arizona) inability to make utilities payments, owing over $44,000 in unpaid electric and gas bills. Utilities were supposed to be covered by the tenants rent payments.
Most residents are employed, though some are disabled. Some working families with children called Gateway their home until the de facto eviction in the late afternoon of the 12th. Residents were informed on the 8th that utilities service would be discontinued. They were told at that time that gas service (which provided their hot water) would be cut on the 11th and electricity would go on the 12th. They were told that the city would immediately condemn the complex as unsafe for human habitation and that residents must find alternative housing immediately following the discontinuation of electric service.
Through no fault of their own and having paid rent to their landlord, which included utilities, 100 people were forced to vacate their residences. Donovan Acres failed to make payments, so 100 working class brothers and sisters must suffer, given only three days notification of discontinuation of their utilities and four days notice of an effective eviction. The Rental Property Utility Service Act, an Illinois State law, requires that utilities companies inform tenants of multi-family housing facilities at least ten days prior to service disconnects. AmerenIP, the utilities provider, claimed that Gateway was not an apartment complex and thus they were not required to comply with the act. Ameren informed the landlord of the discontinuation of service, and felt that this was sufficient action to remain in compliance with the law.
Randall Cotton, a local activist, attempted to introduce a Gateway resident to discuss his situation with the city council during a scheduled study session meeting on the evening of the 12th. Champaign Mayor Gerald Schweighart informed Cotton that he was out of order, having not given notice of his intent to discuss this issue with sufficient time to add it to the council’s agenda for the evening. When Cotton suggested that it only take a few minutes of the council’s time and that the matter was urgent, Schweighart stated “We’ve already gone over this, Randall. I don’t care!”
The Gateway Studios case is one of many playing out across the country during these harsh financial times. It is an example of the bureaucratic and officious nature of the class struggle. Our working class brothers and sisters can attempt to seek and hold jobs. They can attempt to raise and provide for their families. They can do everything expected of them, and still their wellbeing as well as that of their loved ones is at the mercy of a system that puts profit and property before human need.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Hartmarx workers vote to sit in if Wells Fargo closes factory
By Pepe Lozano
People's Weekly World
DES PLAINES, Ill. — Hundreds of union workers packed a lunchroom at the Hart Schaffner & Marx manufacturing plant here May 11 and voted unanimously to stage a sit-in at their factory if a new owner tries to shut it down. The company, also known as Hartmarx Corp., employs 600 people here and is one of the last and largest remaining suit makers in the U.S.
“They want to shut down our jobs and we are not going to let that happen,” said Ruby Sims at the midday rally. Sims has worked at Hartmarx for 32 years. “If the bank wants to shut us down then we will sit in. We are going to do whatever it takes to save our jobs,” she said. “Are you with us,” she shouted to the sea of workers packed inside the large room. In a loud, high-spirited cheer they shouted back, “Yes!”
The workers, represented by Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, are fighting to keep their jobs after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The filing came after Wells Fargo bank, Hartmarx’s chief lender, reduced the company’s credit line.
The company is in the process of being sold. Union leaders fear the new owners being sought by Wells Fargo will shut down the operation and liquidate the business, which has been operating since 1872.
Wells Fargo received a $25 billion federal bailout through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Critics charge that money was supposed to be used to help stabilize the financial markets, make credit more readily available to working families, and ultimately, save jobs, not lose them. The workers here say that they, not the banks, need to get bailed out.
Hartmarx has manufacturing plants here and in Rock Island, Ill., as well as a warehouse in Indiana. It is the largest maker of men’s tailored clothing and one of, if not the only, men’s topcoat manufacturer in North America. The Chicago-based company employs 3,500 nationwide.
It has become known for making suits worn by President Barack Obama. Obama wore one of the company’s tuxedos at his inauguration
Rep. Phil Hare (D-Ill.), who spent 13 years cutting linings for men’s suits at the Rock Island Hartmarx plant, told the workers the suit he was wearing was made at Hartmarx and said he has four more just like it. He praised the workers for their hard work in making such wonderful American union-made products.
Wells Fargo will have a fight on its hands, Hare said.
“If Wells Fargo tries to liquidate this great company, I promise I will be their worst nightmare on the floor of House of Representatives,” he said, declaring that banks that got federal bailout money have a “moral obligation” to workers like those at Hartmarx.
“These workers are the faces of this country. This is tough work and I know you work hard each and every day,” said Hare. “I’m going to send letter after letter, make call after call, because I am not going to give up on this fight.”
Many at Hartmarx have been working at the Des Plaines plant for decades. They come from all parts of the world.
Dorothy Butcher, who is African American, has worked at the plant for 43 years. “Where am I going to find another job?” she asked. “It’s hard enough for young people to find jobs these days.”
Antoniatta Mendoza, originally from Italy, has worked at Hartmarx for the last 25 years.
“It hurts that this company may close,” she said. “I have a son in college and I don’t know how I am going to afford my mortgage. I have kids to feed. It’s not right. We all need to work to support our families.)
Maria Figueroa has worked here for 20 years. “Now I have to struggle some more just to survive,” she said. “Things are not easy now. I thought at least I have a job to pay my bills, but without that, what am I going to do?”
Martin Padilla, originally from Colombia, has been at Hartmarx for five years. He said he and co-workers came to the lunchroom rally “to support our union and secure our future.” He added, “We’ve been in business for the last 120 years and hopefully we can be in business for the next 120 years.”
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias assured the workers he will terminate any state business with Wells Fargo unless the bank stops trying to liquidate the company. Wells Fargo is custodian of an $8 billion state portfolio and holds the state treasurer’s office cash and other financial assets.
Workers at Hartmarx are borrowing a page from the playbook of workers at Chicago’s Republic Windows and Doors factory. In that situation, Bank of America cut off credit to the company, leading to its closure last December. The workers and their union fought back, staging a six-day occupation at the plant, which gained national and international attention including support from the Obama administration. The workers eventually won a settlement with the bank, securing sick leave and vacation pay they were owed, and health benefits. Today, new owners have reopened the plant and all 260 former Republic workers are in the process of being re-hired, represented by their union.
The Hartmarx workers’ struggle signal what could be a growing cascade of future battles if working families and their unions continue to be hit by company closings perpetrated by banks or other financial institutions.
Unite Here President Bruce Raynor told the Hartmarx workers they are at the center of today’s labor struggles and represent the movement’s backbone.
“We are not asking for charity,” said Raynor. “We are willing to work and we want that right to be respected. The people who got this country in trouble in the first place are the giant banks and now it’s time to bail out the workers. We will not go down quietly.”
plozano @ pww.org
People's Weekly World
DES PLAINES, Ill. — Hundreds of union workers packed a lunchroom at the Hart Schaffner & Marx manufacturing plant here May 11 and voted unanimously to stage a sit-in at their factory if a new owner tries to shut it down. The company, also known as Hartmarx Corp., employs 600 people here and is one of the last and largest remaining suit makers in the U.S.
“They want to shut down our jobs and we are not going to let that happen,” said Ruby Sims at the midday rally. Sims has worked at Hartmarx for 32 years. “If the bank wants to shut us down then we will sit in. We are going to do whatever it takes to save our jobs,” she said. “Are you with us,” she shouted to the sea of workers packed inside the large room. In a loud, high-spirited cheer they shouted back, “Yes!”
The workers, represented by Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union, are fighting to keep their jobs after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The filing came after Wells Fargo bank, Hartmarx’s chief lender, reduced the company’s credit line.
The company is in the process of being sold. Union leaders fear the new owners being sought by Wells Fargo will shut down the operation and liquidate the business, which has been operating since 1872.
Wells Fargo received a $25 billion federal bailout through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Critics charge that money was supposed to be used to help stabilize the financial markets, make credit more readily available to working families, and ultimately, save jobs, not lose them. The workers here say that they, not the banks, need to get bailed out.
Hartmarx has manufacturing plants here and in Rock Island, Ill., as well as a warehouse in Indiana. It is the largest maker of men’s tailored clothing and one of, if not the only, men’s topcoat manufacturer in North America. The Chicago-based company employs 3,500 nationwide.
It has become known for making suits worn by President Barack Obama. Obama wore one of the company’s tuxedos at his inauguration
Rep. Phil Hare (D-Ill.), who spent 13 years cutting linings for men’s suits at the Rock Island Hartmarx plant, told the workers the suit he was wearing was made at Hartmarx and said he has four more just like it. He praised the workers for their hard work in making such wonderful American union-made products.
Wells Fargo will have a fight on its hands, Hare said.
“If Wells Fargo tries to liquidate this great company, I promise I will be their worst nightmare on the floor of House of Representatives,” he said, declaring that banks that got federal bailout money have a “moral obligation” to workers like those at Hartmarx.
“These workers are the faces of this country. This is tough work and I know you work hard each and every day,” said Hare. “I’m going to send letter after letter, make call after call, because I am not going to give up on this fight.”
Many at Hartmarx have been working at the Des Plaines plant for decades. They come from all parts of the world.
Dorothy Butcher, who is African American, has worked at the plant for 43 years. “Where am I going to find another job?” she asked. “It’s hard enough for young people to find jobs these days.”
Antoniatta Mendoza, originally from Italy, has worked at Hartmarx for the last 25 years.
“It hurts that this company may close,” she said. “I have a son in college and I don’t know how I am going to afford my mortgage. I have kids to feed. It’s not right. We all need to work to support our families.)
Maria Figueroa has worked here for 20 years. “Now I have to struggle some more just to survive,” she said. “Things are not easy now. I thought at least I have a job to pay my bills, but without that, what am I going to do?”
Martin Padilla, originally from Colombia, has been at Hartmarx for five years. He said he and co-workers came to the lunchroom rally “to support our union and secure our future.” He added, “We’ve been in business for the last 120 years and hopefully we can be in business for the next 120 years.”
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias assured the workers he will terminate any state business with Wells Fargo unless the bank stops trying to liquidate the company. Wells Fargo is custodian of an $8 billion state portfolio and holds the state treasurer’s office cash and other financial assets.
Workers at Hartmarx are borrowing a page from the playbook of workers at Chicago’s Republic Windows and Doors factory. In that situation, Bank of America cut off credit to the company, leading to its closure last December. The workers and their union fought back, staging a six-day occupation at the plant, which gained national and international attention including support from the Obama administration. The workers eventually won a settlement with the bank, securing sick leave and vacation pay they were owed, and health benefits. Today, new owners have reopened the plant and all 260 former Republic workers are in the process of being re-hired, represented by their union.
The Hartmarx workers’ struggle signal what could be a growing cascade of future battles if working families and their unions continue to be hit by company closings perpetrated by banks or other financial institutions.
Unite Here President Bruce Raynor told the Hartmarx workers they are at the center of today’s labor struggles and represent the movement’s backbone.
“We are not asking for charity,” said Raynor. “We are willing to work and we want that right to be respected. The people who got this country in trouble in the first place are the giant banks and now it’s time to bail out the workers. We will not go down quietly.”
plozano @ pww.org
Monday, May 11, 2009
Hart-Marx workers: "We'll sit in to save our jobs"
From Workers United:
Chicago - Today, 500 workers at the Chicago-based apparel firm Hart Schaffner & Marx held a rally and historic "sit in" vote to fight for their jobs as major lender and TARP fund recipient Wells Fargo & Co. pushes for a bankruptcy closure of the facility.
"Everyone at the plant is worried about their future. It all hinges on Wells Fargo. They have to do the right thing and allow this company to be reorganized--so jobs can be saved," explained Ruby Simms, a 32-year veteran of the Hart Schaffner & Marx factory in Des Plaines, IL.
The workers voted in favor of a "sit in" style action, which means that if Wells Fargo or a buyer tries to begin liquidation or close the factory, the workers will respond by physically remaining at their job site.
The struggle of the Hartmarx workers mirrors that of the 250 Republic Windows and Doors workers who saved their own jobs last December when Bank of America tried to shutter their doors. State and national leaders are increasingly standing up for Hartmarx workers, members of the union Workers United (an SEIU affiliate), and slamming Wells Fargo-a $25 billion taxpayer bailout recipient-for shortsightedly refusing to invest in U.S. companies and workers.
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has vowed, "Unless the company remains open, [Wells Fargo] will not be doing business with the state of Illinois any longer."
"Wells Fargo has received $25 billion in taxpayer assistance through TARP. In other words, the workers Wells Fargo may throw out on the street have been subsidizing its operations during these tough economic times. So much for returning the favor," said Member of Congress Phil Hare, who also worked in the men's clothing industry as a cutter for 13 years.
The Hartmarx workers' struggle sounds the alarm on what could be a cascade of job losses and company closures perpetuated by U.S. financial institutions. "Voting to sit in, these workers are standing up for all of us," says Noel Beasley, Director of the Chicago/Midwest Regional Joint Board and Executive Vice President of Workers United, the union that represents the Hartmarx workers. "The future of the economy and the future of this country are all about good jobs. The vote today says Hartmarx workers are going to hold banks accountable for how they spend taxpayers' money and how they contribute to the future of our economy."
Chicago-based Hartmarx, the largest menswear manufacturing company in the nation, filed for bankruptcy protection in January after U.S. banks curtailed its lines of credit. The clothing maker employs 3,500 across the nation, with about 1,000 of its employees located in Rock Island and suburban Des Plaines where suits for President Obama are made.
Tom Balanoff, president of the SEIU Illinois State Council, called on America's banks to stand by working women and men: "This is a historical moment. This is where workers take a stand against shortsighted banking practices that cost American jobs. Workers don't want financial institutions like Bank of America and now Wells Fargo hurting their livelihoods. Our banking system should be helping to save jobs."
###
Workers United, an SEIU affiliate, is a union representing more than 150,000 workers in the US and Canada who work in the laundry, food service, hospitality, gaming, apparel, textiles manufacturing and distribution industries. Workers United is a new union with a history of more than 100 years, and includes members from many predecessor unions, including the ILGWU, ACTWU, UNITE and UNITE HERE.
SEIU - With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers-not just corporations and CEOs-benefit from today's global economy.
Chicago - Today, 500 workers at the Chicago-based apparel firm Hart Schaffner & Marx held a rally and historic "sit in" vote to fight for their jobs as major lender and TARP fund recipient Wells Fargo & Co. pushes for a bankruptcy closure of the facility.
"Everyone at the plant is worried about their future. It all hinges on Wells Fargo. They have to do the right thing and allow this company to be reorganized--so jobs can be saved," explained Ruby Simms, a 32-year veteran of the Hart Schaffner & Marx factory in Des Plaines, IL.
The workers voted in favor of a "sit in" style action, which means that if Wells Fargo or a buyer tries to begin liquidation or close the factory, the workers will respond by physically remaining at their job site.
The struggle of the Hartmarx workers mirrors that of the 250 Republic Windows and Doors workers who saved their own jobs last December when Bank of America tried to shutter their doors. State and national leaders are increasingly standing up for Hartmarx workers, members of the union Workers United (an SEIU affiliate), and slamming Wells Fargo-a $25 billion taxpayer bailout recipient-for shortsightedly refusing to invest in U.S. companies and workers.
Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias has vowed, "Unless the company remains open, [Wells Fargo] will not be doing business with the state of Illinois any longer."
"Wells Fargo has received $25 billion in taxpayer assistance through TARP. In other words, the workers Wells Fargo may throw out on the street have been subsidizing its operations during these tough economic times. So much for returning the favor," said Member of Congress Phil Hare, who also worked in the men's clothing industry as a cutter for 13 years.
The Hartmarx workers' struggle sounds the alarm on what could be a cascade of job losses and company closures perpetuated by U.S. financial institutions. "Voting to sit in, these workers are standing up for all of us," says Noel Beasley, Director of the Chicago/Midwest Regional Joint Board and Executive Vice President of Workers United, the union that represents the Hartmarx workers. "The future of the economy and the future of this country are all about good jobs. The vote today says Hartmarx workers are going to hold banks accountable for how they spend taxpayers' money and how they contribute to the future of our economy."
Chicago-based Hartmarx, the largest menswear manufacturing company in the nation, filed for bankruptcy protection in January after U.S. banks curtailed its lines of credit. The clothing maker employs 3,500 across the nation, with about 1,000 of its employees located in Rock Island and suburban Des Plaines where suits for President Obama are made.
Tom Balanoff, president of the SEIU Illinois State Council, called on America's banks to stand by working women and men: "This is a historical moment. This is where workers take a stand against shortsighted banking practices that cost American jobs. Workers don't want financial institutions like Bank of America and now Wells Fargo hurting their livelihoods. Our banking system should be helping to save jobs."
###
Workers United, an SEIU affiliate, is a union representing more than 150,000 workers in the US and Canada who work in the laundry, food service, hospitality, gaming, apparel, textiles manufacturing and distribution industries. Workers United is a new union with a history of more than 100 years, and includes members from many predecessor unions, including the ILGWU, ACTWU, UNITE and UNITE HERE.
SEIU - With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers-not just corporations and CEOs-benefit from today's global economy.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Chicago budget crisis can't be solved on workers' backs
Mayor Daley has once again decided the best way out of the Chicago budget crisis is to demand concessions from the city's workforce. The yawning budget gap has grown to $300 million with no end in sight, as the economic crisis deepens.
Daley ordered all non-unionized city personnel to take 17 days of unpaid furloughs, all of the formerly paid holidays. Now he's focusing on the 33,000 unionized workforce for the same concessions. Otherwise, he says, 1600 city workers and the services they provide will have to go.
Mayor Daley has painted himself into a quandry because he's an ardent believe in the power of the "free market" and neo-liberal policies to drive economic development. Capitalist investment will pull the city and country out of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Someone forgot to tell Daley these policies got us in this mess and they lie in a heap of rubble.
By privatizing the Skyway, parking meters and parking garages, Daley is sacrificing short term gain for long term loss of revenues. The crisis of revenues will only deepen in the years ahead.
Attacking the purchasing power of working families through furloughs and layoffs will only deepen the crisis and accelerate the downward spiral.
An immediate solution is to tap the "rainy day" fund, as the city's labor movement has said, we are living through an "economic hurricane." That includes the estimated $2.1 billion from the sale of the Skyway and the parking meters and money hidden in the various TIFF accounts. Let's open the books!
What about the city's well heeled financial kingpins? Where's the sacrifice being asked of them? Not a word! What about an emergency tax on the wealthiest families? Oh, it would drive them from the city. The largest financial institutions? The Chicago Board of Trade? Their investment provides the jobs.
Hogwash.
Daley should be leading the charge to get congress to pass an additional federal bailout for the cities and states and another stimulus package to put the growing army of unemployed Chicagoans back to work before he asks for more concessions.
Daley should be howling about the need for a single payer health care system to relieve the city of the full cost.
Putting Chicagoans back to work is the best way to restore a steady revenue stream, but government action is essential. And the best way for that is the stepped up intervention of the federal government.
The people should rally around the labor movement and forge a new course for the city.
Daley ordered all non-unionized city personnel to take 17 days of unpaid furloughs, all of the formerly paid holidays. Now he's focusing on the 33,000 unionized workforce for the same concessions. Otherwise, he says, 1600 city workers and the services they provide will have to go.
Mayor Daley has painted himself into a quandry because he's an ardent believe in the power of the "free market" and neo-liberal policies to drive economic development. Capitalist investment will pull the city and country out of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression.
Someone forgot to tell Daley these policies got us in this mess and they lie in a heap of rubble.
By privatizing the Skyway, parking meters and parking garages, Daley is sacrificing short term gain for long term loss of revenues. The crisis of revenues will only deepen in the years ahead.
Attacking the purchasing power of working families through furloughs and layoffs will only deepen the crisis and accelerate the downward spiral.
An immediate solution is to tap the "rainy day" fund, as the city's labor movement has said, we are living through an "economic hurricane." That includes the estimated $2.1 billion from the sale of the Skyway and the parking meters and money hidden in the various TIFF accounts. Let's open the books!
What about the city's well heeled financial kingpins? Where's the sacrifice being asked of them? Not a word! What about an emergency tax on the wealthiest families? Oh, it would drive them from the city. The largest financial institutions? The Chicago Board of Trade? Their investment provides the jobs.
Hogwash.
Daley should be leading the charge to get congress to pass an additional federal bailout for the cities and states and another stimulus package to put the growing army of unemployed Chicagoans back to work before he asks for more concessions.
Daley should be howling about the need for a single payer health care system to relieve the city of the full cost.
Putting Chicagoans back to work is the best way to restore a steady revenue stream, but government action is essential. And the best way for that is the stepped up intervention of the federal government.
The people should rally around the labor movement and forge a new course for the city.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Hartmarx workers prepared to sit-in if Wells Fargo closes their factory
By Pepe Lozano
People's Weekly World
Des Plaines, Ill. — Six-hundred union workers at the Hart Schaffner & Marx’s manufacturing plant here, which is one of the last and largest U.S. suit makers, are demanding it’s time that they, and not the banks, get bailed out. The workers are fighting to keep their jobs after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The filing followed reductions in its credit line by the bank.
The company, otherwise known as Hartmarx Corp., is in the process of being sold and has manufacturing pants here and in Rock Island, Ill., as well as a warehouse in Indiana. Union leaders fear the new owner being sought out by the company’s chief lender, Wells Fargo & Co., is planning to shut down the operation and liquidate the business, which has been operating since 1872. Nearly 1,000 people could be jobless.
Wells Fargo received a $25 billion federal bailout in taxpayer assistance through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Critics charge that money was supposed to be used to help stabilize the financial markets, make credit more readily available to working families, and ultimately, save jobs, not lose them.
Many of the workers at Hartmarx have been working at the Des Plaines plant for decades and come from all parts of the world.
“This company has blessed us for a lot of years,” said Ruby Sims, one of the workers during a rally at the plant May 7.
“I’ve been here for 31 years. If you lay me off, then lay me off, but don’t close the door on me,” said Sims.
Sims said many workers at the company have small children and many, including her, are single parents.
“Give us a break,” said Sims. “Give us that second chance that we need because we need survival and we need it right now, not next year, but today,” she said.
Tom Balanoff, president of the Service Employees International Union, Local 1, said Wells Fargo has to make a decision to either sell the company to owners who want to keep operations running or sell to owners who want to put people out of work.
“It’s time to make a long term investment,” said Balanoff. “They need to give the money to an investor who is going to keep this plant open and keep jobs here and keep our economy moving in the right direction,” he said.
Balanoff added, “We know that we’re in the biggest economic crisis of our lifetime. We need to figure out what type of recovery we are going to have. Are we going to have a recovery for the guys at the top who created this problem or are we going to have a recovery for working families?”
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is threatening to pull state business from Wells Fargo unless the bank stops trying to liquidate the company. Wells Fargo is custodian of an $8 billion state portfolio and is responsible for holding the state treasurer’s office cash and other financial assets including bookkeeping and settlements.
“We want to make sure that state and federal businesses invest in American companies and in American jobs,” said Giannoulias at the rally.
The Hartmarx Company is the largest maker of men’s tailored clothing and one of, if not the only, men’s topcoat manufacturer in North America. Hartmarx employs 3,500, including 1,000 at its plants in Des Plaines and Rock Island.
U.S. Reps. Phil Hare and Jan Schakowsky, both Democrats in Ill., have expressed support for the workers and plan to fight alongside them to keep their jobs and the plant open.
Union leaders say Wells Fargo has a fight on its hands. They claim the Hartmarx workers are prepared to stage a sit-in at the Des Plaines plant similar to what the Republic Windows and Doors workers did last January.
In that situation, Bank of America cut off credit to the Chicago based Republic Windows factory, leading to the closure of that company. The workers and their union fought back, staging a six-day occupation at the plant, which gained national and international attention. The workers eventually won a settlement with the bank, securing sick leave and vacation pay they were owed, including health care benefits. Today, new owners have reopened the plant and all the former Republic workers are expected to be rehired, represented by their union.
Many claim the victory at Republic Windows has inspired leaders in the labor movement, especially workers at the Hartmarx Company. They are ready to borrow a page from the Republic Windows playbook and plan to fight for their future too.
Joe Costigan, treasurer of Workers United also addressed the crowd saying, “We’re proud to make the very best suits in the country.” He continued, “We know they’re the very best because the President of the United States wears our suits.”
President Barack Obama, a buyer and fan of Hartmarx suits, wore one of the company’s signature tuxedos at his inauguration.
“We’re here to tell Wells Fargo that this company has been in business in the city of Chicago and the Chicago area for 120 years and that we’re going to be here for another 120 years,” said Costigan.
plozano @pww.org
People's Weekly World
Des Plaines, Ill. — Six-hundred union workers at the Hart Schaffner & Marx’s manufacturing plant here, which is one of the last and largest U.S. suit makers, are demanding it’s time that they, and not the banks, get bailed out. The workers are fighting to keep their jobs after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. The filing followed reductions in its credit line by the bank.
The company, otherwise known as Hartmarx Corp., is in the process of being sold and has manufacturing pants here and in Rock Island, Ill., as well as a warehouse in Indiana. Union leaders fear the new owner being sought out by the company’s chief lender, Wells Fargo & Co., is planning to shut down the operation and liquidate the business, which has been operating since 1872. Nearly 1,000 people could be jobless.
Wells Fargo received a $25 billion federal bailout in taxpayer assistance through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Critics charge that money was supposed to be used to help stabilize the financial markets, make credit more readily available to working families, and ultimately, save jobs, not lose them.
Many of the workers at Hartmarx have been working at the Des Plaines plant for decades and come from all parts of the world.
“This company has blessed us for a lot of years,” said Ruby Sims, one of the workers during a rally at the plant May 7.
“I’ve been here for 31 years. If you lay me off, then lay me off, but don’t close the door on me,” said Sims.
Sims said many workers at the company have small children and many, including her, are single parents.
“Give us a break,” said Sims. “Give us that second chance that we need because we need survival and we need it right now, not next year, but today,” she said.
Tom Balanoff, president of the Service Employees International Union, Local 1, said Wells Fargo has to make a decision to either sell the company to owners who want to keep operations running or sell to owners who want to put people out of work.
“It’s time to make a long term investment,” said Balanoff. “They need to give the money to an investor who is going to keep this plant open and keep jobs here and keep our economy moving in the right direction,” he said.
Balanoff added, “We know that we’re in the biggest economic crisis of our lifetime. We need to figure out what type of recovery we are going to have. Are we going to have a recovery for the guys at the top who created this problem or are we going to have a recovery for working families?”
Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is threatening to pull state business from Wells Fargo unless the bank stops trying to liquidate the company. Wells Fargo is custodian of an $8 billion state portfolio and is responsible for holding the state treasurer’s office cash and other financial assets including bookkeeping and settlements.
“We want to make sure that state and federal businesses invest in American companies and in American jobs,” said Giannoulias at the rally.
The Hartmarx Company is the largest maker of men’s tailored clothing and one of, if not the only, men’s topcoat manufacturer in North America. Hartmarx employs 3,500, including 1,000 at its plants in Des Plaines and Rock Island.
U.S. Reps. Phil Hare and Jan Schakowsky, both Democrats in Ill., have expressed support for the workers and plan to fight alongside them to keep their jobs and the plant open.
Union leaders say Wells Fargo has a fight on its hands. They claim the Hartmarx workers are prepared to stage a sit-in at the Des Plaines plant similar to what the Republic Windows and Doors workers did last January.
In that situation, Bank of America cut off credit to the Chicago based Republic Windows factory, leading to the closure of that company. The workers and their union fought back, staging a six-day occupation at the plant, which gained national and international attention. The workers eventually won a settlement with the bank, securing sick leave and vacation pay they were owed, including health care benefits. Today, new owners have reopened the plant and all the former Republic workers are expected to be rehired, represented by their union.
Many claim the victory at Republic Windows has inspired leaders in the labor movement, especially workers at the Hartmarx Company. They are ready to borrow a page from the Republic Windows playbook and plan to fight for their future too.
Joe Costigan, treasurer of Workers United also addressed the crowd saying, “We’re proud to make the very best suits in the country.” He continued, “We know they’re the very best because the President of the United States wears our suits.”
President Barack Obama, a buyer and fan of Hartmarx suits, wore one of the company’s signature tuxedos at his inauguration.
“We’re here to tell Wells Fargo that this company has been in business in the city of Chicago and the Chicago area for 120 years and that we’re going to be here for another 120 years,” said Costigan.
plozano @pww.org
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Illinois certifies first Chicago charter teachers and staff union
From the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff website:
The Illinois Education Labor Relations Board on April 30 certified the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (ACTS) as the collective bargaining representative for a group of 125 teachers and staff at the three campuses of Chicago International Charter School (CICS)/Civitas Schools.
Illinois Educational Labor Relations (IELRB) Executive Director Victor Blackwell noted in his order, “During the course of the investigation, no evidence was submitted that the Union does not represent a majority of the petitioned-for employees….The Board is satisfied that the Union has complied with the [Illinois Educational Labor Relations] Act….Accordingly, the Union is hereby certified as the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.”
CICS/Civitas Schools teacher and Chicago ACTS member Jeremy Ly said, “My colleagues and I are encouraged that the IELRB decision moves us one step closer to a contract and stability at our schools. Management should immediately recognize the IELRB decision and recognize Chicago ACTS. We are ready and eager to put the certification issue behind us, negotiate a fair contract and do our best for our schools and our students.”
Ly, a third-year fourth-grade teacher at the Wrightwood campus, said, “We hope CICS/Civitas is also committed to a prompt resolution and a solution that is good for our schools and students. CICS/Civitas management should stop the legal delays, comply with Illinois law and the IELRB, and begin bargaining. They can follow Illinois law by immediately ending the uncertainty for the community of teachers, staff, parents and students by respecting the teachers will to form our union. This certification opens the door for all charter teachers in Chicago to get a voice at work with Chicago ACTS."
The IELRB certification was granted after a majority interest petition, signed by 75 percent of the educators at CICS/Civitas,, was submitted to the IELRB by Chicago ACTS on April 3, 2009. The IELRB is the Illinois state agency administering the Illinois Education Labor Relations Act (IELRA), which establishes the right of professional public educators to organize and bargain collectively with the public employers they work for. The IELRB action represents the state of Illinois' official recognition of the Chicago ACTS union formed by the educators at CICS/Civitas. CICS/Civitas is currently engaged in a process to strip public control over labor relations with its employees from the IELRB and give it to a federal agency, the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees private labor relations. Chicago ACTS and the Illinois Federation of Teachers take the position that the employees at CICS/Civitas are employed by a public charter school that receives public money from the people of the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and, therefore, they should be subject to the state labor law that was written expressly for Illinois educators, the IELRA.
Chicago ACTS is a joint project of the American Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union. Chicago ACTS is an affiliate of the IFT, AFT/AFL-CIO.
The Illinois Education Labor Relations Board on April 30 certified the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff (ACTS) as the collective bargaining representative for a group of 125 teachers and staff at the three campuses of Chicago International Charter School (CICS)/Civitas Schools.
Illinois Educational Labor Relations (IELRB) Executive Director Victor Blackwell noted in his order, “During the course of the investigation, no evidence was submitted that the Union does not represent a majority of the petitioned-for employees….The Board is satisfied that the Union has complied with the [Illinois Educational Labor Relations] Act….Accordingly, the Union is hereby certified as the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit.”
CICS/Civitas Schools teacher and Chicago ACTS member Jeremy Ly said, “My colleagues and I are encouraged that the IELRB decision moves us one step closer to a contract and stability at our schools. Management should immediately recognize the IELRB decision and recognize Chicago ACTS. We are ready and eager to put the certification issue behind us, negotiate a fair contract and do our best for our schools and our students.”
Ly, a third-year fourth-grade teacher at the Wrightwood campus, said, “We hope CICS/Civitas is also committed to a prompt resolution and a solution that is good for our schools and students. CICS/Civitas management should stop the legal delays, comply with Illinois law and the IELRB, and begin bargaining. They can follow Illinois law by immediately ending the uncertainty for the community of teachers, staff, parents and students by respecting the teachers will to form our union. This certification opens the door for all charter teachers in Chicago to get a voice at work with Chicago ACTS."
The IELRB certification was granted after a majority interest petition, signed by 75 percent of the educators at CICS/Civitas,, was submitted to the IELRB by Chicago ACTS on April 3, 2009. The IELRB is the Illinois state agency administering the Illinois Education Labor Relations Act (IELRA), which establishes the right of professional public educators to organize and bargain collectively with the public employers they work for. The IELRB action represents the state of Illinois' official recognition of the Chicago ACTS union formed by the educators at CICS/Civitas. CICS/Civitas is currently engaged in a process to strip public control over labor relations with its employees from the IELRB and give it to a federal agency, the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees private labor relations. Chicago ACTS and the Illinois Federation of Teachers take the position that the employees at CICS/Civitas are employed by a public charter school that receives public money from the people of the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois and, therefore, they should be subject to the state labor law that was written expressly for Illinois educators, the IELRA.
Chicago ACTS is a joint project of the American Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union. Chicago ACTS is an affiliate of the IFT, AFT/AFL-CIO.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
At Haymarket, workers demand EFCA and immigrant rights
By John Bachtell
People's Weekly World
CHICAGO – As the skies began clearing here May 1, several hundred enthusiastic labor activists gathered for the annual celebration at the Haymarket Monument to honor the Haymarket martyrs and step up the fight for workers rights. Workers from December’s Republic Windows sit-in and a group of young anarchists also participated.
The monument sits at Randolph and Des Plaines Avenues, the site of the famous Haymarket rally for the 8-hour day in 1886 in which a bomb was thrown by an unknown assailant killing several police and injuring many protesting workers. Mass hysteria followed, authorities ransacked trade union halls and eight labor leaders were rounded up. After a show trial four of the leaders were framed on false charges and hanged. The others were later pardoned. And so the Haymarket Martyrs were born.
In what Tim Yeager, secretary treasurer of UAW Local 2320 termed, “the dawning of a new day” in the wake of the November election victory, speakers expressed great hope that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and immigration reform would occur in congress this year. Hope was tempered by acknowledgement that passage would take a great and determined fight.
“Democracy is not rich unless labor laws are strong,” said James Thindwa, director of Chicago Jobs with Justice. “The same forces opposing EFCA oppose changing immigration law. We can’t allow 12 million people to stay on the margins without rights. The only answer is a path to citizenship and the right to join unions with other workers.”
The observance came after thousands of people marched and rallied for immigration reform earlier in the day. The Haymarket Martyrs were organizing workers in Chicago’s booming industrial factories, most of who were recent immigrants. The parallel to today’s struggles was not lost on Marguerita Klein, an organizer for Workers United. She said, “Hopefully we will have a new immigration reform law by the end of the year. But we can’t stop there. We don’t want exploited immigrant workers with documents.”
“Until there is justice for all workers, our work is not done,” said Jorge Ramirez, secretary treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor. Ramirez said many of those attending the celebration were deeply involved in ongoing organizing drives in Chicago seeking justice from unscrupulous employers blocking their organizing efforts. These include Comcast being organized by IBEW, Resurrection Hospital by AFSCME and Chicago charter schoolteachers by Chicago ACTS. The martyrs “taught us we won’t win unless we stick together,” said Ramirez.
Larry Spivak, president of the Illinois Labor History Society, a key force behind construction of the new monument, noted May Day was a workers holiday observed all over the world and finally it’s being reclaimed by working people in the U.S. As part of the observance each year plaques are presented for installation by trade unions, both here and internationally, as an expression of labor solidarity. Federations in Columbia, Iraq, and elsewhere have presented plaques. This year the AFL-CIO presented a plaque.
Ross Hyman, of the AFL-CIO expressed the great optimism of the moment, “This is a religious site and May Day is a religious holiday. Like Passover, May Day associates worker liberation with the coming of springtime after a long winter. Like Easter, it calls us to walk in the footsteps of the activist executed by the state.”
Hyman, who said he was leaving the next day to join hundreds in Pennsylvania to lobby Senator Arlen Specter on the Employee Free Choice Act, read a statement from AFL-CIO president John Sweeney, in dedicating the federation’s plaque,
“Because we deeply believe in solidarity with workers everywhere, we're proud that the AFL-CIO now has a plaque at the place where May Day itself—the international day for workers—was born.
“As long as working people struggle for what is right and fair, they'll tell the story of Haymarket.
“And we know very well that the best way for each generation to honor the Haymarket Martyrs is to advance the cause they fought and died for. Here and now, that means restoring the freedom of workers to organize into unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.
“We promise to continue their beautiful struggle. We promise that we will fight with all of our hearts and souls for the freedom to organize into a union and win a better life. The dream of the Martyrs is inscribed on the AFL-CIO plaque:
"Power—Dignity—Respect—Union Yes! We promise above all that we’ll march and vote and lobby and speak and struggle to make their dream finally come true.”
Full message from AFL-CIO officers, John Sweeney, Richard Trumka and Arlene Holt Baker to the Chicago Haymarket Memorial Ceremony.
May 1, 2009
For all of us in the AFL-CIO—for the millions of women and men who build our houses, teach our kids, fight our fires, and nurse us back to health—this is a special day. On this May Day, we join our sisters and brothers from Chicago, and Colombia, and Iraq, and all over the world at one of the most sacred sites for working people everywhere—the Chicago Haymarket monument. Because we deeply believe in solidarity with workers everywhere, we're proud that the AFL-CIO now has a plaque at the place where May Day itself—the international day for workers—was born. That is happening because the Illinois Labor History Society and the Chicago Federation of Labor played a key role in the building of this monument. We will always be grateful to them for what they've done.
As long as working people struggle for what is right and fair, they'll tell the story of Haymarket. We, our children, and their children will never forget the great demonstration for the eight-hour day—the bomb—the terribly biased trial of eight activists—and the execution of four of those activists, who will always be martyrs in our cause.
And we know very well that the best way for each generation to honor the Haymarket Martyrs is to advance the cause they fought and died for. Here and now, that means restoring the freedom of workers to organize into unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act. It says that when most of the employees where you work sign statements that they want the union, then you get your union. It sounds fair because it is.
The freedom to choose a union is precious to us, but we know that this freedom won't just fall from the heavens. Today, just as in 1886, the corporations are using every loophole and hiring every lobbyist they can to keep us powerless. They're fighting the Employee Free Choice Act tooth and nail. They'll stop at nothing.
So today, as we all remember the Haymarket Martyrs, we know exactly how to honor them. We promise to continue their beautiful struggle. We promise that we will fight with all of our hearts and souls for the freedom to organize into a union and win a better life. The dream of the Martyrs is inscribed on the AFL-CIO plaque:
Power—Dignity—Respect—Union Yes! We promise above all that we'll march and vote and lobby and speak and struggle to make their dream finally come true.
People's Weekly World
CHICAGO – As the skies began clearing here May 1, several hundred enthusiastic labor activists gathered for the annual celebration at the Haymarket Monument to honor the Haymarket martyrs and step up the fight for workers rights. Workers from December’s Republic Windows sit-in and a group of young anarchists also participated.
The monument sits at Randolph and Des Plaines Avenues, the site of the famous Haymarket rally for the 8-hour day in 1886 in which a bomb was thrown by an unknown assailant killing several police and injuring many protesting workers. Mass hysteria followed, authorities ransacked trade union halls and eight labor leaders were rounded up. After a show trial four of the leaders were framed on false charges and hanged. The others were later pardoned. And so the Haymarket Martyrs were born.
In what Tim Yeager, secretary treasurer of UAW Local 2320 termed, “the dawning of a new day” in the wake of the November election victory, speakers expressed great hope that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and immigration reform would occur in congress this year. Hope was tempered by acknowledgement that passage would take a great and determined fight.
“Democracy is not rich unless labor laws are strong,” said James Thindwa, director of Chicago Jobs with Justice. “The same forces opposing EFCA oppose changing immigration law. We can’t allow 12 million people to stay on the margins without rights. The only answer is a path to citizenship and the right to join unions with other workers.”
The observance came after thousands of people marched and rallied for immigration reform earlier in the day. The Haymarket Martyrs were organizing workers in Chicago’s booming industrial factories, most of who were recent immigrants. The parallel to today’s struggles was not lost on Marguerita Klein, an organizer for Workers United. She said, “Hopefully we will have a new immigration reform law by the end of the year. But we can’t stop there. We don’t want exploited immigrant workers with documents.”
“Until there is justice for all workers, our work is not done,” said Jorge Ramirez, secretary treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor. Ramirez said many of those attending the celebration were deeply involved in ongoing organizing drives in Chicago seeking justice from unscrupulous employers blocking their organizing efforts. These include Comcast being organized by IBEW, Resurrection Hospital by AFSCME and Chicago charter schoolteachers by Chicago ACTS. The martyrs “taught us we won’t win unless we stick together,” said Ramirez.
Larry Spivak, president of the Illinois Labor History Society, a key force behind construction of the new monument, noted May Day was a workers holiday observed all over the world and finally it’s being reclaimed by working people in the U.S. As part of the observance each year plaques are presented for installation by trade unions, both here and internationally, as an expression of labor solidarity. Federations in Columbia, Iraq, and elsewhere have presented plaques. This year the AFL-CIO presented a plaque.
Ross Hyman, of the AFL-CIO expressed the great optimism of the moment, “This is a religious site and May Day is a religious holiday. Like Passover, May Day associates worker liberation with the coming of springtime after a long winter. Like Easter, it calls us to walk in the footsteps of the activist executed by the state.”
Hyman, who said he was leaving the next day to join hundreds in Pennsylvania to lobby Senator Arlen Specter on the Employee Free Choice Act, read a statement from AFL-CIO president John Sweeney, in dedicating the federation’s plaque,
“Because we deeply believe in solidarity with workers everywhere, we're proud that the AFL-CIO now has a plaque at the place where May Day itself—the international day for workers—was born.
“As long as working people struggle for what is right and fair, they'll tell the story of Haymarket.
“And we know very well that the best way for each generation to honor the Haymarket Martyrs is to advance the cause they fought and died for. Here and now, that means restoring the freedom of workers to organize into unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act.
“We promise to continue their beautiful struggle. We promise that we will fight with all of our hearts and souls for the freedom to organize into a union and win a better life. The dream of the Martyrs is inscribed on the AFL-CIO plaque:
"Power—Dignity—Respect—Union Yes! We promise above all that we’ll march and vote and lobby and speak and struggle to make their dream finally come true.”
Full message from AFL-CIO officers, John Sweeney, Richard Trumka and Arlene Holt Baker to the Chicago Haymarket Memorial Ceremony.
May 1, 2009
For all of us in the AFL-CIO—for the millions of women and men who build our houses, teach our kids, fight our fires, and nurse us back to health—this is a special day. On this May Day, we join our sisters and brothers from Chicago, and Colombia, and Iraq, and all over the world at one of the most sacred sites for working people everywhere—the Chicago Haymarket monument. Because we deeply believe in solidarity with workers everywhere, we're proud that the AFL-CIO now has a plaque at the place where May Day itself—the international day for workers—was born. That is happening because the Illinois Labor History Society and the Chicago Federation of Labor played a key role in the building of this monument. We will always be grateful to them for what they've done.
As long as working people struggle for what is right and fair, they'll tell the story of Haymarket. We, our children, and their children will never forget the great demonstration for the eight-hour day—the bomb—the terribly biased trial of eight activists—and the execution of four of those activists, who will always be martyrs in our cause.
And we know very well that the best way for each generation to honor the Haymarket Martyrs is to advance the cause they fought and died for. Here and now, that means restoring the freedom of workers to organize into unions by passing the Employee Free Choice Act. It says that when most of the employees where you work sign statements that they want the union, then you get your union. It sounds fair because it is.
The freedom to choose a union is precious to us, but we know that this freedom won't just fall from the heavens. Today, just as in 1886, the corporations are using every loophole and hiring every lobbyist they can to keep us powerless. They're fighting the Employee Free Choice Act tooth and nail. They'll stop at nothing.
So today, as we all remember the Haymarket Martyrs, we know exactly how to honor them. We promise to continue their beautiful struggle. We promise that we will fight with all of our hearts and souls for the freedom to organize into a union and win a better life. The dream of the Martyrs is inscribed on the AFL-CIO plaque:
Power—Dignity—Respect—Union Yes! We promise above all that we'll march and vote and lobby and speak and struggle to make their dream finally come true.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Despite low turnout on May Day hopes remain high for immigration reform
By Pepe Lozano
People's Weekly World
CHICAGO – Thousands of immigrant rights advocates marched in cities from coast to coast including here May 1, to honor the most widely celebrated holiday on the planet, International Workers Day. Thousands took to the streets in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Denver, Chicago and New York to press for comprehensive immigration reform, a halt to raids and deportations and a path toward legalization for the country’s estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
Workers with and without documents, labor unions, religious leaders, students, and community organizations rallied for immigration reform and to celebrate working class unity on May Day. Together they commemorated May 1, 1886 when labor leaders in Chicago fought and died for the eight-hour workday and worker solidarity. Like the 19th Century immigrant activists who fought for workers rights back then, this years marches vowed to continue that legacy proclaiming the U.S. was founded and built by immigrant workers.
Nearly 3,000 people marched throughout the streets of Chicago despite fears of the swine flu outbreak. Chicago’s May Day turnout has steadily diminished since 2006 when millions came out nationwide. Nonetheless organizers in Chicago charge nothing has changed and the fight for immigrant rights is still front and center in 2009.
“This is International Workers Day,” said Jorge Mújica to the crowd at Federal Plaza in Chicago. Mujica was one of the main organizers of the demonstration and said an important message is still getting across despite the low turnout.
“We are American workers – incorporated into the American economy, working in American companies, earning American dollars and paying American taxes,” said Mújica.
Hector Gonzalez is a youth organizer in Chicago and said he was marching for his mother who was deported three times to Mexico before he was born.
“Our voices here today have to be heard in Washington and we’re marching for all the people not here who are hiding behind closed doors,” said Gonzalez. “People are still aware and are not sleeping especially now with President Barack Obama in office,” he said.
Hopes for immigration reform is high now that Democrats control Congress and President Obama has moved into the White House. More than 2,000 people rallied outside the White House calling for a change in immigration policy on May Day.
Last week Obama said he wants to convene an immigration working group that would include Chicago Congressman Luis Gutiérrez who is a staunch advocate of immigrant rights. The Department of Homeland Security announced recently new worksite enforcement guidelines that shift the focus to employers rather than undocumented workers, which is a significant break from the policies under the Bush administration. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee also took up immigration last week for the first time in the new Congress.
“Today is not just about fighting for the legalization of immigrants,” said James Thindwa leader of Chicago Jobs with Justice. “It’s also about the fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act so that it’s easier for all workers to organize and join unions.”
Jane Ramsey is the executive director with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and said, “We’re here in solidarity with our Muslim, Christian, and Catholic brothers and sisters and all faith based groups to support the rights of undocumented workers.” Ramsey added, “We as Jews understand that it’s part of our prophetic teaching to seek justice for all people.”
Hundreds of Chicago and suburban students missed school to attend the march including 17-year-old Erika Nuñez. Nunez was born in Mexico but came to the U.S. with her parents when she was six-months old. She is currently waiting to become a permanent U.S. resident.
“It’s been real difficult for me to attend college because I can’t get federal aid,” said Nuñez. She wants to study English at a private liberal arts school but can’t afford it.
“I’ve taken AP Government courses and I know more than anyone what it means to be a U.S. citizen,” said Nuñez. “I’m marching today because I support passing the Dream Act which would make it easier for students like me to apply for federal aid,” she said. “I won’t give up because we are part of this country and no human being is illegal.”
Jane Kim, 27, marched with the Korean American Resource Cultural Center and is feeling hopeful that immigration reform will finally pass now that Obama is president.
“A lot of Korean families have to deal with the issue of broken families where mom’s and dad’s are separated from their children,” said Kim. “And it’s unfair for the children who have lived here all their lives,” she said.
Immigrant rights leaders charge immigration raids no matter how sensibly or tactfully redesigned will never fix the broken immigration system. Such workplace raids only make matters worse, they say. Raids do not uphold or reinforce worker’s rights, where employers erode conditions for Americans by hiring workers at deplorable conditions and pay, they point out.
Bad immigration policies do not protect undocumented workers from the arbitrary cruelties of the detention and deportation system, in which due process is limited and detainees face unacceptable risk of sickness, injury and death in prison.
Raising the minimum wage, supporting the right to organize including better health and safety protections and raising the standards for all workers are good steps toward immigration reform that all workers could rally for, they note.
plozano@pww.org
People's Weekly World
CHICAGO – Thousands of immigrant rights advocates marched in cities from coast to coast including here May 1, to honor the most widely celebrated holiday on the planet, International Workers Day. Thousands took to the streets in Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Denver, Chicago and New York to press for comprehensive immigration reform, a halt to raids and deportations and a path toward legalization for the country’s estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
Workers with and without documents, labor unions, religious leaders, students, and community organizations rallied for immigration reform and to celebrate working class unity on May Day. Together they commemorated May 1, 1886 when labor leaders in Chicago fought and died for the eight-hour workday and worker solidarity. Like the 19th Century immigrant activists who fought for workers rights back then, this years marches vowed to continue that legacy proclaiming the U.S. was founded and built by immigrant workers.
Nearly 3,000 people marched throughout the streets of Chicago despite fears of the swine flu outbreak. Chicago’s May Day turnout has steadily diminished since 2006 when millions came out nationwide. Nonetheless organizers in Chicago charge nothing has changed and the fight for immigrant rights is still front and center in 2009.
“This is International Workers Day,” said Jorge Mújica to the crowd at Federal Plaza in Chicago. Mujica was one of the main organizers of the demonstration and said an important message is still getting across despite the low turnout.
“We are American workers – incorporated into the American economy, working in American companies, earning American dollars and paying American taxes,” said Mújica.
Hector Gonzalez is a youth organizer in Chicago and said he was marching for his mother who was deported three times to Mexico before he was born.
“Our voices here today have to be heard in Washington and we’re marching for all the people not here who are hiding behind closed doors,” said Gonzalez. “People are still aware and are not sleeping especially now with President Barack Obama in office,” he said.
Hopes for immigration reform is high now that Democrats control Congress and President Obama has moved into the White House. More than 2,000 people rallied outside the White House calling for a change in immigration policy on May Day.
Last week Obama said he wants to convene an immigration working group that would include Chicago Congressman Luis Gutiérrez who is a staunch advocate of immigrant rights. The Department of Homeland Security announced recently new worksite enforcement guidelines that shift the focus to employers rather than undocumented workers, which is a significant break from the policies under the Bush administration. A Senate Judiciary subcommittee also took up immigration last week for the first time in the new Congress.
“Today is not just about fighting for the legalization of immigrants,” said James Thindwa leader of Chicago Jobs with Justice. “It’s also about the fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act so that it’s easier for all workers to organize and join unions.”
Jane Ramsey is the executive director with the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs and said, “We’re here in solidarity with our Muslim, Christian, and Catholic brothers and sisters and all faith based groups to support the rights of undocumented workers.” Ramsey added, “We as Jews understand that it’s part of our prophetic teaching to seek justice for all people.”
Hundreds of Chicago and suburban students missed school to attend the march including 17-year-old Erika Nuñez. Nunez was born in Mexico but came to the U.S. with her parents when she was six-months old. She is currently waiting to become a permanent U.S. resident.
“It’s been real difficult for me to attend college because I can’t get federal aid,” said Nuñez. She wants to study English at a private liberal arts school but can’t afford it.
“I’ve taken AP Government courses and I know more than anyone what it means to be a U.S. citizen,” said Nuñez. “I’m marching today because I support passing the Dream Act which would make it easier for students like me to apply for federal aid,” she said. “I won’t give up because we are part of this country and no human being is illegal.”
Jane Kim, 27, marched with the Korean American Resource Cultural Center and is feeling hopeful that immigration reform will finally pass now that Obama is president.
“A lot of Korean families have to deal with the issue of broken families where mom’s and dad’s are separated from their children,” said Kim. “And it’s unfair for the children who have lived here all their lives,” she said.
Immigrant rights leaders charge immigration raids no matter how sensibly or tactfully redesigned will never fix the broken immigration system. Such workplace raids only make matters worse, they say. Raids do not uphold or reinforce worker’s rights, where employers erode conditions for Americans by hiring workers at deplorable conditions and pay, they point out.
Bad immigration policies do not protect undocumented workers from the arbitrary cruelties of the detention and deportation system, in which due process is limited and detainees face unacceptable risk of sickness, injury and death in prison.
Raising the minimum wage, supporting the right to organize including better health and safety protections and raising the standards for all workers are good steps toward immigration reform that all workers could rally for, they note.
plozano@pww.org
Latino Community Gears up in Favor of Universal Health Care
By Sijisfredo Aviles
Thirty- Five (35) community and church leaders met in the First Spanish Congregational Church of Chicago to discuss Single Payer Universal Health Care legislation in Illinois and Congress. This was the second meeting of a group of concerned citizens who have begun an informational campaign explaining what and how an universal health system benefits the Latino and and other communities.
Dr. Nike Mourikes, a member of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), an organization of 15,000 doctors who support single-payer national health insurance; Dr. Anne Scheetz, also a member of PNHP and of the Illinois Single Payer Coalition; and community activists Oscar Delgado and Sijisfredo Aviles, led the discussion and collected petitions from all of the participants to send to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid.
Participants agreed that there was great opposition from corporate and insurance lobbyist who advocate the continuation of the present health system that promotes profits for health providers and not universal health service for all who live in the country irregardless of income and health care needs. They realize that the struggle for Congress to pass Rep. John Conyers bill HR 676 is an uphill fight buy that they are willing to fight to have health care accepted as a human right in the US.
The participants made the commitment to do more outreach, forums and petition drives within the Latino community and prepare more Spanish speaking presenters.
Thirty- Five (35) community and church leaders met in the First Spanish Congregational Church of Chicago to discuss Single Payer Universal Health Care legislation in Illinois and Congress. This was the second meeting of a group of concerned citizens who have begun an informational campaign explaining what and how an universal health system benefits the Latino and and other communities.
Dr. Nike Mourikes, a member of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), an organization of 15,000 doctors who support single-payer national health insurance; Dr. Anne Scheetz, also a member of PNHP and of the Illinois Single Payer Coalition; and community activists Oscar Delgado and Sijisfredo Aviles, led the discussion and collected petitions from all of the participants to send to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid.
Participants agreed that there was great opposition from corporate and insurance lobbyist who advocate the continuation of the present health system that promotes profits for health providers and not universal health service for all who live in the country irregardless of income and health care needs. They realize that the struggle for Congress to pass Rep. John Conyers bill HR 676 is an uphill fight buy that they are willing to fight to have health care accepted as a human right in the US.
The participants made the commitment to do more outreach, forums and petition drives within the Latino community and prepare more Spanish speaking presenters.
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