NC State A.F.L. – C.I.O.

‘Citizens United’ ruling a disaster for democracy

If we thought the flow of money in politics was bad before, we ain’t seen nothing yet.

Last week, in a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States elevated corporations to the level of actual persons with a free-speech guarantee under the first amendment to advocate for the election or defeat of candidates. This was the work of activist conservative judges, ignoring precedent and invalidating over a century of established campaign finance law dating back to the trust-busting days of Teddy Roosevelt.

The ruling frees companies like health insurance reform villain Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC, Big Oil companies like Exxon Mobil, and major Wall Street banks like Goldman Sachs to spend whatever it takes to make sure candidates friendly to their interests win at the ballot box.

Even more dangerous than mega-companies being able to right a blank check to buy an election, the ruling leaves the door open to foreign controlled corporations and foreign sovereign wealth to pour into the United States.

The ruling on constitutional grounds invalidates state and local laws, too – like those on the books in North Carolina which prohibited corporations from this type of electioneering.

Ostensibly, the ruling applies to unions and other non-profits because we are also corporations, albeit of a different kind than for-profit multinationals with literally billions of dollars to spend to protect their interests. In reality, there’s no comparison to the economic power (now turned political power) of these companies.

Here’s the AFL-CIO’s statement on the Citizens United ruling:

By allowing unlimited corporate treasury expenditures that explicitly support or oppose particular candidates, the Court has increased the already excessive influence corporations exert in our electoral system. And we believe the Court wrongly treated corporate expenditures the same as union expenditures, contrary to the arguments we made in our brief in this case. Unions, unlike business, are democratically-controlled, non-profit member organizations representing working men and women across the country, and their independent speech should accordingly be given greater protection.

The AFL-CIO supports a system of campaign finance regulation that promotes democratic participation in elections by individuals and their associations; protects legitimate independent speech rights; offers public financing to candidates while firmly regulating contributions to them; and guarantees effective disclosure of who is paying for what.

Of course, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is also a non-profit member organization – one to which it’s member corporations are now free to give whatever amount of money they see fit to push a pro-corporate, free trade, anti-worker, and anti-environment agenda at the ballot box.

By Fred Azcarate, Voice@Work Director for the AFL-CIO

In a blog entry for USAService.org, a web site designed to promote President-elect Barack Obama’s call for a national day of service on Monday, January 19, Fred Azcarate shared his own thoughts on how best to honor those who have come before us:

“The Labor Movement – the Folks that Brought You the Weekend,” is more than a bumper sticker cliché. Unions, at our best, are at the forefront of transformational social change. Serving not just our own members but helping to build a more just world. It may be no surprise unions have fought to ensure workers have the freedom to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits. In fact, we are still working today to enact the Employee Free Choice Act because we know (just as Dr. King knew standing with those sanitation workers in Memphis) that when workers have a voice on the job they help build an economy that works for everyone. But we have also helped lead the fight for the minimum wage, a 40-hour work week, Medicare, Social Security and Civil Rights.

Read the rest of Fred’s message, and visit USAService.org and sign up to take part in a service event near you.

Labor racks up big wins for working families in N.C.

Together, the NC State AFL-CIO and Central Labor Councils supported a total of 102 endorsed candidates in the November 4th general election. Based on unofficial results, 85% of our candidates won their election.

We endorsed a total of 12 candidates running for federal office.

James Andrews with Barack Obama before a campaign rally in Greensboro earlier this year

At the top of the ticket, Barack Obama and Joe Biden won with 49.7% of the vote. It’s the first time since 1976 that our state voted Democratic for president.

Kay Hagan soundly defeated incumbent Elizabeth Dole to become the next U.S. Senator from North Carolina, winning by a 53% to 44% margin. Toward the end of the campaign, Dole and her big business allies attacked unions and Hagan repeatedly for her support of the Employee Free Choice Act.

Larry Kissell won a commanding 10-point victory over Robin Hayes to become the new Democratic Congressman in the 8th District. Kissell narrowly lost to Hayes by less than 400 votes in 2006. Kissell’s defeat of CAFTA sell-out, anti-worker, “liberals hate America” Robin Hayes is especially gratifying.

Kay Hagan at our 2008 Convention

G.K. Butterfield, Bob Etheridge, David Price, Mike McIntyre, Heath Shuler, Mel Watt, and Brad Miller each easily won re-election to the U.S. House.

Not including Barack Obama and Kay Hagan, we endorsed a total of 17 candidates standing for election statewide.

In the race for who will become Governor, endorsed candidate Lt. Governor Bev Perdue defeated Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory 50.2% to 46.9%. Perdue is the first female elected governor in North Carolina.

Our candidate for Lt. Governor, State Senator Walter Dalton won with 51% of the vote.

Beth Wood, our endorsed candidate for State Auditor, pulled off a stunning upset victory over Republican incumbent Leslie Merritt, winning 54% to 46%. Incidentally, Wood will be our state’s first female auditor.

Bev Perdue at our 2008 Convention

Janet Cowell won her race for State Treasurer by the same 54-46 margin, making her the first female elected to that position as well.

Wayne Goodwin defeated John Odom 52% to 45% to become the new Commissioner of Insurance.

Roy Cooper, Elaine Marshall, and June Atkinson each easily won re-election, and John C. Martin, Cheri Beasley, James Wynn, and Linda Stephens won their elections for the Court of Appeals.

In the race for Commissioner of Labor, our candidate, Mary Fant Donnan, narrowly lost to incumbent Cherie Berry 49.4% to 50.6%.

We endorsed 54 state legislative candidates, of which 89% won their election. We endorsed 19 candidates in local and district court races, of which 95% won their election.

Read the full list of results for our endorsements (PDF) .

Kay Hagan defeats Liddy Dole

We wanted to Turn Around America, and we did it!

Barack Obama is the next President of the United States.

Kay Hagan, a Democrat, will take the same seat in the U.S. Senate as Jesse Helms, having soundly defeating incumbent Elizabeth Dole.

This has been a historic night, indeed.

UPDATE: The Associated Press has called North Carolina for Barack Obama!  According to a canvass of remaining uncounted ballots, there are not enough cast for McCain / Palin to overcome Obama / Biden’s lead of 13,000 plus votes.

Thanks to all of our members, released staff, our allies, friends and families who worked so tirelessly to win for working families.

After an election about change and the need to Turn Around America, North Carolina is now on the right side of history.

What you need to know:

Time: Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm.

Place: Use the State Board of Election’s precinct locator to find your polling place.

Registration: You must be registered as of October 10, 2008 in order to vote. The best thing to do is check your registration before going to the polls.

Provisional Ballots: Under the law, voters must receive provisional ballots when their names do not appear on voting rosters when they go to vote. If that happens to you, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot! If a poll worker tries to turn you away, demand to cast a provisional ballot. Do not leave the polls without voting!

Stay in Line: We cannot stress this enough – STAY IN LINE! Expect record turnout and long lines, so be prepared to wait. If you’re in line at 7:30 pm, you have the right to cast a ballot, no matter how long the line ahead of you is.

The Weather: Forecasts predict rain in much of the state, today. Be prepared for precipitation by bringing a coat, poncho, or umbrella.

Clothing: Contrary to popular rumor, a voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.

Ballot Reminders: You have to vote for President separately. Voting for president should be the first thing you do when you receive your ballot. Straight-party-ticket voting DOES NOT INCLUDE PRESIDENT!

After you vote for president, you can vote a split ticket by:

1. Selecting the party as if you were voting a straight ticket and then selecting any candidate you wish to vote for of a different party; or
2. Not marking the party and selecting each candidate, one at a time, in each race you wish to vote for.

Judicial races are non-partisan and are thus excluded from a straight party ticket. They must be voted for separately!

Who to Call for Help: If you feel like you are mistreated when you vote, contact the national Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE, Democracy North Carolina at 1-888-OUR-VOTE or call the State Board of Elections at 1-866-522-4723.

What you need to know:

Endorsed Candidates: Go to our web site for more information.

Time: Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm.

Place: Use the State Board of Election’s precinct locator to find your polling place.

Registration: You must be registered as of October 10, 2008 in order to vote. The best thing to do is check your registration before going to the polls.

Provisional Ballots: Under the law, voters must receive provisional ballots when their names do not appear on voting rosters when they go to vote. If that happens to you, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot! If a poll worker tries to turn you away, demand to cast a provisional ballot. Do not leave the polls without voting!

Stay in Line: We cannot stress this enough – STAY IN LINE! Expect record turnout and long lines, so be prepared to wait. If you’re in line at 7:30 pm, you have the right to cast a ballot, no matter how long the line ahead of you is.

The Weather: Forecasts predict rain in much of the state, today. Be prepared for precipitation by bringing a coat, poncho, or umbrella.

Clothing: Contrary to popular rumor, a voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.

Ballot Reminders: You have to vote for President separately. Voting for president should be the first thing you do when you receive your ballot. Straight-party-ticket voting DOES NOT INCLUDE PRESIDENT!

After you vote for president, you can vote a split ticket by:

1. Selecting the party as if you were voting a straight ticket and then selecting any candidate you wish to vote for of a different party; or
2. Not marking the party and selecting each candidate, one at a time, in each race you wish to vote for.

Judicial races are non-partisan and are thus excluded from a straight party ticket. They must be voted for separately!

Who to Call for Help: If you feel like you are mistreated when you vote, contact the national Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE, Democracy North Carolina at 1-888-OUR-VOTE or call the State Board of Elections at 1-866-522-4723.

First time voters benefit from a helping hand

Saturday, November 1st was the first day of our massive GOTV mobilization drive and the last day of one-stop same-day registration and early voting.

For two new voters in Wake County, union volunteers made the difference.

Courtney Willis (pictured above), age 18, had not registered to vote when Jeff Sciunas of the Letter Carriers union knocked on his door.

“I was happy union people came to pick me up so that I could vote for the first time,” Courtney said when we interviewed him for this story.

Elsewhere, Annette Farrington (pictured left), who is partially disabled, didn’t think she would be able to participate in this historic election. Thankfully, Zita Dixon of the Service Employees Union paid her a visit.

“I was glad when the people from the campaign came and got me to vote because I had never voted before.” Ms. Farrington told us. “I’m 47 years old, and I really enjoyed voting! I appreciate them coming to get me and returning me home safely.”

Jeff and Zita are two of many union members volunteering to go door-to-door and get out the vote in North Carolina.

With less than a half hour before the one-stop polls closed at 5:00 pm, both Mr. Willis and Ms. Farrington were able to register and vote for the first time ever only because two volunteers from the union knocked on their door and gave them a helping hand with a ride to the polls.

The union difference is more than a contract, better wages, and having a voice at work. It’s about empowering people to take an active role in their workplace, in their government and in their lives.

For Courtney Willis and Annette Farrington, in this election, the union made all the difference in the world.

Cliff Ayers of Eden, NC

Layoffs lead to new priorities for voters in N.C.

Media General News Service on Friday highlighted factory workers in small towns like Cleveland and Eden, NC who have to reconcile their politics with some new, unwelcome circumstances.

John Stewart was a proud Republican who voted for George W. Bush twice.

That was before the truck manufacturer he worked for, Freightliner, built a second plant in Mexico, and before Stewart and 1,500 other workers lost their jobs here in June.

“I understand the world needs trade,” Stewart said. “But when it costs us jobs going to China, Mexico, there’s nothing free or fair about that.”

There’s no denying it. Free trade agreements have hit North Carolina hard. Textile, furniture, and other manufacturing job losses have devastated communities and continue to do so. The pain is felt by Democrats and Republicans alike.

Clifford Ayers once had steady work on the line at the same rug plant in Eden. Though he still has a job, the plant has cut back on shifts, and he has not worked in three weeks.

Ayers, a self-described conservative Democrat, voted for Bush in 2004 largely because he identified with the Republican’s anti-abortion stance. This year, that issue has taken a back seat to the economy.

“I’m not foolish enough to believe that we wake up tomorrow and all these textile companies will come back. But we have to stop the bleeding,” said Lewis Dishmon, a local union leader.

Read the full story at Media General’s Washington Bureau web site.

1 p.m. deadline extended in some counties

Are you registered? Have you voted yet?

Today is the last day to register to vote and vote early in one-stop in North Carolina.

Same-day registration will not be available on November 4th. If you missed the deadline to register in order to vote on Election Day, today is your last chance to vote at all.

Polls open in most counties by 10 a.m. or earlier. Several counties have extended hours so check the list of one-stop locations for updated closing times where you live.

Vote today, volunteer tomorrow

For the first time since 1976, North Carolina is a battleground state in a presidential election, and we have a hotly contested U.S. Senate seat. Union members, community organizers, and anyone concerned about issues that affect working families will play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2008 election.

After you’ve voted, you can still do more. Volunteer. Contact AFL-CIO State Political Director Carlos Carrillo at (919) 833-6678 or ccarrill@aflcio.org for information about volunteering.

Four days and counting down to Turn Around America! Can you think of anything scarier than forgetting to vote in this election?

Record turnout continues. As of yesterday, 2 million people have voted early in North Carolina. That’s more than half the number of all votes cast in 2004!

For the first time ever, North Carolina voters can register to vote and vote in just one-stop at early voting locations in every county.

Vote today and volunteer for GOTV on Nov. 4

Early voting ends Saturday, so there’s still time for you to exercise the franchise and free up time on Election Day to Get Out The Vote!

Contact AFL-CIO State Political Director Carlos Carrillo at (919) 833-6678 or ccarrill@aflcio.org for information about volunteering.

Sen. John McCain continues to trot out his favorite political prop and substitute for actually addressing the concerns of middle class voters – Samuel “Joe the Plumber” Wurzelbacher.

It turns out at Wurzelbacher isn’t even a licensed plumber, makes far less than $250 thousand, and is a member of a non-union trade group that has endorsed John McCain.

We’d like to introduce you to some real, licensed and trained professional Plumber Joes:

• Joe “the Plumber” Vicena, UA Local 75
• Joe “the Plumber” Martinez, UA Local 3
• Joe “the Plumber” Tatum, UA Local 10
• Joe “the Plumber” Gutzwiller, UA Local 440

In a stunning dose of straight-talk to CNN, senior McCain campaign economic policy advisor Douglas Holtz-Eakin admits employer-based coverage is superior than anything you could buy for yourself with McCain’s $5,000 tax credit:

“What [workers] are getting from their employer is way better than what they could get with the credit.”

There’s more from the AFL-CIO Blog:

As Newsweek economics correspondent Jane Bryant Quinn points out, a $5,000 tax credit in the McCain plan falls far short of the cost to replace most workers’ employer-provided coverage, especially for older workers who could face annual premium costs of $12,000 or more.

Just yesterday we told readers about new reports that show McCain’s health plan would cost 608,559 North Carolina residents their coverage – leaving them to find individual insurance on the private market.

Would veto “in a New York minute”

Today, speaking to CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo, McCain made clear once again his anti-worker, anti-union outlook:

I will do everything in my power to block such legislation. And imagine, Sen. Obama and Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid pushing the union agenda, it would be very, very, very unfortunate.

From the AFL-CIO Blog:

Let’s see. Along with the freedom to form unions, what other “very, very, very unfortunate” items are on the “union agenda“?

There’s quality, affordable health care for all and we can’t forget good jobs with good wages.

Then there’s retirement security and quality public education and affordable higher education.

How about fair trade agreements that don’t ship U.S. jobs overseas and trade agreements that protect workers’ rights and the environment?

Who exactly does John McCain think will find this agenda so unfortunate?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that as of Monday, October 27, 1.2 million voters have cast their ballots in North Carolina during One-Stop Early Voting.

Have you voted yet?

From now until Saturday, November 1, you can register to vote and cast your ballot to Turn Around America at one-stop voting locations across North Carolina.

The State Board of Elections has produced a complete list of One-Stop early voting locations in every county. Click here to download the list as a PDF.

Last week, NC AFL-CIO members of Change to Win protested outside the Republican Party office in High Point, NC. The group included our board member, Lewis Dishmon, President of UNITE HERE 294T, who spoke to WXII-12 news.

Watch the video.

This is our time! Please join us in our intensive GOTV efforts to move our 100,000 union members to the polls.

Today until Monday, Nov 3rd – Phone banks
Locations: Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Asheville, Wilmington, Statesville, Dallas.

Saturday, Nov 1st – Walking for Change
Locations: Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville.

Tuesday, Nov 4th – Massive GOTV efforts
Locations: Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville.

For information re times and locations call Carlos Carrillo @ 919-833-6678 or email ccarrill@aflcio.org

Questions to ask yourself about McCain’s health plan

Do you know the truth about McCain’s health care plan?

Do you know that McCain’s plan will tax your healthcare benefits just like income?

Do you know that under the McCain plan, 608,559 North Carolina residents would lose employer-sponsored health insurance?

The web site Insurance Company Rules for All has startling answers to questions about what kind of health care system John McCain is proposing for America:

Two new reports from the Center for American Progress Action Fund and the Economic Policy Institute found that 608,559 North Carolina residents, 12.9% of people with employer-sponsored coverage, would lose their job-related health benefits under the McCain health care plan.

If your employer pays $12,000 a year for you to buy health insurance through work, not only would McCain’s health care plan make you pay income tax on that amount (in addition to the tax you pay on your actual income) – your employer’s payroll taxes will also go up.

Employers will be left with a choice: pay higher taxes or stop offering health insurance through work. Which do you think they’re going to choose?

When you no longer have group health insurance, try getting individual coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. It’s not going to happen because McCain’s plan leaves insurance companies free to deny coverage to people with any pre-existing condition.

Read the full North Carolina report (PDF) and compare the candidates health care plans.

One-Stop polls open until Nov. 1

From now until Saturday, November 1, you can register to vote and cast your ballot to Turn Around America at one-stop voting locations across North Carolina.

The State Board of Elections has produced a complete list of One-Stop early voting locations in every county.

Click here to download the list as a PDF.

Same-day registration

For the first time ever in a presidential election, North Carolinians can register to vote and vote at the same time. Same-day registration is only available during early voting.

Here’s what you need to know to register at One-Stop voting sites:

1. Go to a One-Stop early voting site
2. Fill out a voter registration card
3. Present a proof of ID

Appropriate ID includes a N.C. driver’s license, utility bill, government issued document with name and address (ex. passport, military ID), student ID with name and address, a bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement.

National AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka spoke the truth at the national Steelworkers convention earlier this summer, saying there’s only one bad reason to vote in this election – a candidate’s skin color.

With so much at stake for workers and working families, the American Federation of Government Employees isn’t taking anything for granted either.

Listen to the new radio ad that is now airing on stations nationwide. Read the transcript below:

“I’m a union member. My name is John Gage. I’m old enough to appreciate the union movement’s contributions to civil rights, and I’m white enough to pick up on the code words of prejudice.

“In this economic crisis, every American worker should be hopping mad. Working families have been left behind like never before. Gender bias, racism, they’re not free. They have a cost, because the real issues – Wall Street, health care, jobs, Iraq, gas prices, Social Security – have serious financial consequences for all of us.

“But I’m optimistic. As union members, as Americans, we will get beyond gender bias and racism and get down to the real issues. We built the middle class, and we’re not giving it up.

“There are a hundred good reasons for how you vote this year and only one bad reason – prejudice. Let’s talk about the real issues.” — John Gage, AFGE President

Senator’s contempt for murdered unionists in Columbia caught on video

At the final presidential debate, Sen. John McCain, a self-proclaimed free-trader, asked Sen. Barack Obama why he won’t support the Columbia “Free” Trade Agreement.

Sen. Obama responded, correctly, that there’s a history in Columbia of labor leaders being targeted for assassination without prosecution by the Columbian government.

McCain’s reaction to his opponent’s response is telling – he rolled his eyes. You have to see it to believe it (click the picture to watch the clip)

On September 18, 2008, the Smoky Mountain Times published this letter to the editor:

The most important presidential election of our time is approaching soon and the residents of North Carolina, and Swain County in particular, have a lot of issues to consider when deciding who they will support to lead our country.

A few things to consider are that since President Bush took office, we’ve lost more than 3 million good manufacturing jobs. Poverty has increased by 25 percent. The price of gas has increased from $1.50 to almost $4.00 a gallon and we are going broke as a nation financing, by borrowing from the Chinese, tax breaks for the wealthy that never should have been given and at the same time financing a war that never should have been started – a war that’s costing $10 billion a month.

Another huge issue is the fact that 47 million Americans are without health insurance. That is a national disgrace. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Table H1A-4, the numbers in North Carolina are even more startling. When George Bush took office in 2000 there were 1,191,000 North Carolinians without health insurance. During the next six years, when the Republicans controlled the White House, and both houses of Congress, that number rose to 1,585,000 hard working citizens of our state unable to afford health insurance. That is a whopping 52 percent increase in uninsured people in North Carolina alone! These statistics can be verified at www.census.gov. A vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin is a vote for more of the same.

What is the Republican response to this national disgrace? John McCain and Sarah Palin want to make those of us fortunate enough to have employer-provided health coverage to pay income tax on those benefits. They want to cut back employer-provided health care, leaving workers to fend for themselves in the private insurance market.

McCain has also tried to repeal the minimum wage and he continues to support tax breaks for Big Oil.

The choice is clear for ordinary working people. Unless you have done a whole lot better than I have in the last eight years, you should be ready for a change in Washington. That change can only come by supporting Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Mike Morris
Bryson City

Cherie Berry slashing fines for campaign cash

An investigation by the Charlotte Observer, also reported in the News & Observer, has uncovered special treatment for companies whose executives and managers donated to Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry’s campaign for re-election:

For Berry’s contributors, half of OSHA fines were reduced more than 70 percent. Reductions that large are far less common for most other companies, occurring in about 12 percent of inspections. –N&O, 10/9/2008

Perhaps the most important job of the Commissioner of Labor is enforcing OSHA regulations to protect workers who are injured on the job by punishing employers that break the law. Under Cherie Berry’s leadership, companies cited for multiple and serious safety violations have had little to fear from fines – in exchange for campaign contributions:

HOUSE OF RAEFORD: Executives and managers of this poultry company have contributed $15,000 to Berry’s campaigns. Since 2001, N.C. OSHA has cited the company for more than 60 serious violations — some following chemical accidents that killed one worker and sent 17 others to the hospital. Inspectors proposed $117,000 in fines, but the fines were reduced to $26,500. –Charlotte Observer, 10/9/2008

The Observer investigation found that half of Commissioner Berry’s campaign receipts came from executives and managers at companies investigated by her since her tenure began in 2001. Berry is also taking PAC money from employer groups:

Berry has also raised $17,000 from political action committees, including the N.C. Home Builders Association and the N.C. Construction Industry PAC. Most of the PACS represent industries that are accustomed to Labor Department inspections. –Charlotte Observer, 10/9/2008

Bob Hall, Director of Democracy North Carolina, had this to say about the Observer’s findings of potential favoritism for contributors to Berry’s campaign:

“It raises questions about whether people think they’ll get special treatment — and may in fact get special treatment — because of their political contributions,” he said. “It’s something that should be examined and explained.” –Charlotte Observer, 10/9/2008

AFL-CIO report shows state’s fines among nation’s lowest

According to the latest edition of the AFL-CIO’s annual report Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, North Carolina ranked 47th in the average fines levied by states against employers that violate health and safety laws.

The average fine levied by Berry’s Labor Department in 2007 was $433, down from $529 in 2006.

“There is almost no consequence for employers who violate the law, even when workers are killed,” AFL-CIO Safety Director Peg Seminario said in reference to the Carolinas.

Responding to the AFL-CIO report, released last spring to coincide with Workers Memorial Day, Commissioner Berry told the News & Observer in April that “the AFL-CIO report will not alter her approach to workplace safety.”

Law to protect against retaliatory firings goes un enforced by Berry

North Carolina’s Retaliatory Employment Discrimination Act (REDA) makes it illegal for employers to fire or otherwise punish employees for filing workers’ compensation claims or for reporting unsafe working conditions.

REDA was passed after a fire at the Imperial Food Products plant in Hamlet, NC killed 25 workers in 1991 because the plant owner chained shut the exits.

Unlike most states, REDA provides for paid staff at DOL to investigate complaints of retaliation. The Employment Discrimination Bureau is charged with conducting these investigations, but its ability to do so has been curtailed by budget cuts of 25% under Berry’s leadership.

According to the results of an investigation conducted by the Charlotte Observer in September:

Of the roughly 800 people who file REDA complaints each year, about 1 percent get their jobs back. North Carolina has not taken a REDA case to court on behalf of a worker in seven years. And investigators sometimes dismiss cases without interviewing workers. –Charlotte Observer, 9/14/2008

That’s nine workers, on average, who get their jobs back – out of 800 complaints filed each year.

“I see retaliation every single day in the work force,” said Charlotte lawyer Mark Sumwalt, who has represented hundreds of clients who alleged retaliation after filing workers’ comp claims. “ … People get hurt and then fired the next day. It’s just that blatant.” –Charlotte Observer, 9/14/2008

Berry: Labor Commissioner is “partner to business”

The choice for who will lead the North Carolina Department of Labor for the next four years could come down to which philosophy voters think best describes what a Labor Commissioner should be – an enforcer of labor laws or a tool for business interests.

The News & Observer ran this story, which has each candidate for Labor Chief in their own words. Here is current Republican Commissioner of Labor, Cherie Berry:

“I have a proven record of success,” [Berry] said.

“[My approach] also helps businesses with their bottom line,” said Berry, who has been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses. “And that’s critical, critical during these stressful economic times, to help our businesses be profitable in every way we can.”

“In the past, companies wouldn’t just pick up the phone and … say come out and help us,” [Berry] said. “But they do now. … And that’s so important.”

Here is Berry’s opponent, Democrat Mary Fant Donnan, about what North Carolinians should expect from their Commissioner of Labor:

“The position is about being balanced and focused on the best interests of the state and looking at both sides of that equation,” [Donnan] said.

“Folks go to work each day, and their families want to know that they’re coming home at the end of the day and they’re coming back intact,” Donnan said.

Voters in past elections have probably had this experience at least once: It’s Election Day, and you’re in the voting booth. You’re prepared to mark your ballot for President, Vice President, U.S. Senator, and Governor – but what about District Court Judge or Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor? Without any information on the candidates, you may choose not to vote in those races.

Newly registered voters or those who haven’t voted in years may face a different challenge. How can you know if your voter registration information is correct before you go to the polls? How do you know where to go vote?

Check voter information, view your sample ballot anytime, online!

The State Board of Elections is here to help. A new tool on the SBOE web site lets you review your registration information and even view a sample ballot tailored for where you live – all the way down to municipal races and district court judges.

You can print out your sample ballot, identify the Labor 2008 endorsed candidates, research candidates in non-endorsed races, and avoid ballot surprises on Election Day.

The tool also lets you see your voting history, at what address you are registered, and where your polling location is including driving directions and a Google map.

Important dates and deadlines

If you want to vote on Election Day, the last day to register to vote is October 10.

Otherwise, you can register to vote and immediately cast a ballot during the One-Stop Early Voting period, which begins October 16 and runs through November 1.

If you want to register in person during early voting, here’s what you need to know:

To use this process, a citizen must (1) go to a One-Stop Voting Site in the county of residence during the One Stop Absentee (Early) Voting period, (2) fill out a voter registration application, and (3) provide proof of residency by showing the elections official an appropriate form of identification with the citizen’s current name and current address.

Appropriate ID includes a state driver’s license, utility bill, government issued document with name and address, student ID with name and address, a bank statement or bank-issued credit card statement.

See How to Register and Vote at One-Stop Absentee (Early) Voting Sites for more information.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Polls open at 6:30 am and close at 7:30 pm.

Due to the intense interest in this year’s Presidential election and record new voter registration in North Carolina, expect long lines if you wait to vote on Election Day. One-Stop Early Voting is the best way to cast your ballot at your convenience and avoid the wait.

Download our flyer about things to do before election day, early voting, ballot reminders, and knowing your rights.

Ballot reminders

After voting for President and Vice President, you can vote for all candidates of one political party [straight ticket] by selecting that party.

You can vote a split ticket by:

1. Selecting the party as if you were voting a straight ticket and then selecting any candidate you wish to vote for of a different party; or
2. Not marking the party and selecting each candidate, one at a time, in each race you wish to vote for.

Judicial races are non-partisan and are thus excluded from a straight party ticket. They must be voted for separately!

Know your rights

Under the law, voters must receive provisional ballots when their names do not appear on voting rosters when they go to vote. If that happens to you, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot!

Contrary to popular rumor: a voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.

From the State Board of Elections:

A voter may enter a voting place to vote wearing political items as long as they proceed to vote in an orderly and timely manner, and do not attempt to electioneer within the voting place. A voter wearing a T-shirt saying “Vote for X” who shouts “vote for X” or places his T-shirt in the sight line of voters asking support for “X” is obviously electioneering and will be asked to refrain from the conduct at once, and if they continue will be removed.

A voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.

If you feel like you are mistreated when you vote, you can contact the national Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE, Democracy North Carolina at 1-888-OUR-VOTE or call the State Board of Elections (1-866-522-4723).

It’s okay to wear candidate apparel to the polls!

Contrary to popular rumor: a voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.

People can wear buttons, T-shirts, hats, whatever, with the name or picture of a candidate but they can NOT engage in electioneering inside the polling place (or outside, within 50 feet of it). They need to proceed in an orderly manner to vote and leave without making any effort to bring attention to their campaign handout, clothes, etc. If they point to their shirt or tell others, “Hey, vote for [name on hat],” then they are electioneering and they will be asked to stop immediately, and if they persist, they will be asked to leave.

From the Don Wright, North Carolina State Board of Elections:

“This is a false rumor that is growing like wildfire. Of course it is false.

“The rumor started from statements made on the Steve Harvey Radio Show. I visited their website and looked at the e-mails and this rumor was there.

“Our position is and always has been……

“A voter may enter a voting place to vote wearing political items as long as they proceed to vote in an orderly and timely manner, and do not attempt to electioneer within the voting place. A voter wearing a T-shirt saying “Vote for X” who shouts “vote for X” or places his T-shirt in the sightline of voters asking support for “X” is obviously electioneering and will be asked to refrain from the conduct at once, and if they continue will be removed.

“A voter who is wearing a political cap, T-shirt, or button and does not electioneer within the polling place will be allowed to vote in a normal matter.”

Please spread the word about this false rumor

If you feel like you are mistreated when you vote because of what you are wearing, or for some other reason, you can contact the national Election Protection hotline (1-866-OUR-VOTE), Democracy North Carolina at 1-888-OUR-VOTE or call the State Board of Elections (1-866-522-4723).

Gloria Craven of Eden, NC spoke Tuesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO.

Gloria, a member of UNITE HERE, and her husband lost their jobs as textile workers when Pillowtex closed its doors in 2003. She had worked at the plant for 30 years when the company shipped her job overseas with no notice and no severance pay.

After going to community college using Trade Adjustment Assistance, Gloria encountered work-related medical problems. Now the bad economy, rising prices and lack of health insurance have left her and her husband in tough times.

In her speech to the DNC, Gloria said she’s ready for a government that will look out for people like her. Watch the clip.

Gloria Craven introduced Sen. Obama at last week’s Town Hall Meeting in Raleigh. North Carolina Public Radio WUNC did a great piece on her for that event, “Introducing Obama“.  The News & Observer also covered it in an article, “Former Pillowtex worker introduces Obama“.

How many houses do you own?

From the AFL-CIO Blog:

In the past week, Sen. John McCain has proven repeatedly he just doesn’t get it. He’s said, once again, that the economy is strong. He thinks you’re “rich” only if you make $5 million or more a year. And now, in the thick of a housing crisis, he’s made a startling admission: He doesn’t even know how many properties he owns.

In an embarrassment of riches, Sen. John McCain told a reporter in New Mexico last week, “I’ll have my staff get to you,”when asked how many homes he has.

The correct answer? Ten. John McCain owns 10 houses.

Brave New Films has teamed up with SEIU to create this video about McCain’s Mansions.

If John McCain has his way, it’ll be your last

Seventy-three years ago on August 14, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. Today, more than 42 million Americans count on that monthly check to help buy groceries, pay the rent or get medicine. For all these 73 years, Social Security has never missed a payment.

But if retirees, people with disabilities and other Social Security beneficiaries had to count on Wall Street and the stock market to ensure Social Security’s stability – as Sen. John McCain, President Bush and other Republican privatizers of Social Security have long sought – that reliability would replaced by an unacceptable risk.

Retired and active union members in NC defend Social Security

Members of the NC Alliance for Retired Americans took that message to the headquarters of the NC Republican Party on Wednesday, where they walked a picket line and demanded GOP candidates drop their efforts to undermine the longest running and most successful government run family program ever. See pictures of their protest.

Today, members of the Triad At-Large Union Retiree Club hand delivered a signed birthday card and cake to the Social Security Administration office in Winston-Salem.

In July, John McCain gave folks at a town hall meeting in Denver a dose of “straight talk” by describing Social Security as “an absolute disgrace.” Watch video of his remarks.

This from a Senator who himself collects over $1,929 a month in retirement benefits – despite owning eight homes and having a net worth of over $40 million!

So if he’s collecting benefits, what’s John McCain’s beef with Social Security, anyway?

“Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today. And that’s a disgrace. It’s an absolute disgrace and it’s got to be fixed.” – John McCain

Said APWU State Council President Larry Sorrells in a letter to the Asheville Citizen-Times:

“Does he not understand how this system works? Our parents paid Social Security taxes for elder retirees, and I pay the same for present-day retirees… It may be a “disgrace” to him but it is the only means of support for millions of Americans. Most retirees would be proud to get his benefits.”

The Wall Street Journal is reporting today that Wal-Mart has taken its campaign against unions to a whole new level – holding mandatory meetings for employees to warn them against voting for Sen. Barack Obama or any Democrat in November.

The WSJ quotes a customer-service supervisor who was forced to attend one of the meetings:

“The meeting leader said, ‘I am not telling you how to vote, but if the Democrats win, this bill will pass and you won’t have a vote on whether you want a union.’ I am not a stupid person. They were telling me how to vote,” she said.

Why, you may be asking, does Wal-Mart care so much about which party their employees vote for on Election Day?

Because Sen. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), legislation that would replace our broken system of NLRB elections with majority signup, impose stiff penalties on employers that violate the law, and force companies like Comcast, Cintas, and Verizon into binding mediation if they refused to agree to a first contract.

Sen. John McCain is on record opposing EFCA, having voted with most of his Republican colleagues in the Senate – with the support of President Bush – to fillibuster the bill earlier this year.

Take your Tax-Free shopping elsewhere this weekend

North Carolinians will enjoy a holiday on the state sales tax this weekend. Many will be shopping for back-to-school clothing, supplies, and electronics – most of it tax-free.

Major retailers like Wal-Mart are counting on your business during the tax-free holiday, but Wal-Mart has yet again shown nothing but contempt for your union labor.

Wal-Mart Watch has setup a petition here where you can send a message to Wal-Mart to stop intimidating its workers. Even better, however, is taking your dollars elsewhere this weekend and beyond.

Every dollar you spend at Wal-Mart is used to pay for mandatory meetings – like the ones exposed today in the WSJ – and other efforts to undermine workers’ rights and defeat legislation vital to restoring our bargaining power in the United States.

Wal-Mart says, “Don’t vote for Democrats because they’ll vote for workers.”

We say don’t vote for Wal-Mart by taking your union secured paycheck somewhere – anywhere – else.

The men and women who served our country in the military deserve more than lip service. They deserve the best.

Some 2.1 million union members, or 14 percent of all union members, are veterans of military service. The AFL-CIO is bringing together union leaders and members who are veterans to speak out to and hold government officials and candidates accountable to the needs of our returning heroes—not only for Labor 2008, but beyond. The newly formed Union Veterans Council will see to it.

Watch the video of Jim Wasser, Vietnam Combat Veteran, US Navy.

The Western North Carolina Central Labor Council hosted the first Union Veterans Council event in our state on Monday, July 14, 2008. The event drew television coverage which further spread the word on the formation of a Veterans Council.The Greater Sandhills CLC held its own Union Veterans Council meeting this past Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Check our photostream for pictures from each event.Veterans will play a large role in the upcoming election and beyond, and the Veterans Council will be a conduit for their voices to be heard.

At both events, union veterans shared experiences, talked about their service to their country, and discussed the voting records of both candidates for President of the United States.

Union Veterans deserve the best from the country in which they served and continue to serve. They pledge to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections and from this day forward through the Union Veterans Council.

On July 16, labor leaders from around the state met at the state fed headquarters to discuss plans for our Labor 2008 program. The meeting laid out the groundwork and timeline for running a successful member-to-member political education program.

President James Andrews announced that the national AFL-CIO has assigned two staff to work in North Carolina through the election: Carlos Carrillo will be the director of our state Labor 2008 program and Cathy Howell will be the Zone Coordinator for eastern North Carolina.

During the meeting, Carlos and Cathy along with President Andrews and Secretary-Treasurer McMillan discussed key elements of the political program like leaflet distribution, phone banks, local union mailings, and voter registration.

Labor leaders and rank-and-file members are excited about this election and are more committed than ever to running a successful political program. Please help us win in November by working the Eight-Point Plan. With your local’s help, we can turn around America this year by electing worker-friendly candidates at the federal, state, and local levels.

NC State AFL-CIO endorsed candidate for state Commissioner of Labor, Mary Fant Donnan, won her runoff election decisively on June 24. Turnout in the runoff was extremely low, amounting to under 2% of registered voters statewide. Nevertheless, Donnan won 2 to 1 with about 22,000 votes more than her opponent.

Our endorsed candidate for the 5th state Senate district, Don Davis, won his primary runoff with 63% of votes cast to 37% for his opponent. Davis’ margin of victory was over 2,200 votes.

We also mailed material in support of Triangle Labor Council (TLC) endorsed candidate for the Durham County school board, Leigh Bordley. Bordley won her primary with 83% of the vote.

Nationally, union members comprise about 25% of all voters, double our percentage of the workforce as a whole. The union advantage for candidates endorsed by working families is clear. Thanks to our members for supporting these candidates in the June 24 runoff.

Sen. John McCain is clearly not a fan of workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages and benefits. He has spoken out against unions and consistently voted against collective bargaining rights for workers. Union members know the right to bargain is essential to preserving good jobs with good wages and benefits.

McCain Voted Against the Employee Free Choice Act but For a National Right-to-Work for Less Law. McCain voted against the Employee Free Choice Act, which would level the playing field for workers trying to form unions. He voted for a National Right-to-Work for Less law that would attempt to eliminate unions altogether. [H.R. 800, Vote #227, 6/26/07; S. 1788 Vote #188, 7/10/96]

McCain: Teachers’ Unions Serve Unions’ Interest, NOT Children’s Interest. McCain has repeatedly attacked teachers’ unions. “It’s time to break the grip of the education monopoly that serves the union bosses at the expense of our children,” he said. [The New York Times, 2/11/00]

McCain Voted to Allow Employers to Hire Permanent Replacements During a Strike. McCain voted against ending debate on a bill that would bar employers from hiring permanent replacements for striking workers. [S. 55,Vote #189, 7/13/94]

McCain Did NOT Co-Sponsor the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. McCain did not co-sponsor S. 2123, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, legislation to grant fire fighters and police officers minimum collective bargaining rights. [S. 2123, 10/1/07; IAFF]

McCain Voted Against Collective Bargaining Rights for TSA Screeners. McCain voted against a measure to grant Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport screeners limited collective bargaining rights. The measure would not have allowed them to strike or negotiate for higher pay. [S. 4, Vote #64, 3/7/07]

Gov. Mike Easley has what he calls a “painless solution” to increase teacher salaries and fund mental healthcare: higher taxes on cigarettes and alcohol.

In his last budget proposal as governor, Easley would have lawmakers increase the tax on a pack of cigarettes by an additional 20 cents to 55 cents total. The increase of cigarette taxes would pay to raise the average salary for teachers in our state up to the national average of $50,000 a year.

Higher taxes on cigarettes are bad news for NC tobacco workers already facing layoffs and plant closures as domestic production continues to decline.

Easley’s budget also calls for raising the tax on beer 4 cents a can, on wine 3 cents a bottle, and on liquor 4 percent. The governor’s budget would use these increases to fund changes in mental-health care reform.

While we support higher teacher pay and improvements in the mental health care system, we strongly oppose these proposed tax increases and are lobbying against them. Since this is an election year, many legislators appear reluctant to raise taxes. An article in the News & Observer calls the tax increases unlikely. We are hopeful that General Assembly will not vote to increase taxes on cigarettes and beer.

So-called ’sin taxes’ are regressive – falling disproportionately on lower-income workers – and are an unreliable and an ultimately diminishing source of revenue. Finding real solutions to below average teacher pay and our broken mental-health care system requires political leadership and the collective will of all North Carolinians – not just smokers, drinkers, and those who work in the tobacco and alcohol industries.

AFL-CIO endorsed candidate for Commissioner of Labor, Mary Fant Donnan, won the most votes in the May 6 primary but not the 40 percent required to become the Democratic candidate in November and will have to take part in a runoff.

The State Board of Elections has yet to determine who Donnan’s opponent will be in the runoff election scheduled for Tuesday, June 24. Stay tuned for more information.

Together, the NC State AFL-CIO and Central Labor Councils endorsed a total of 34 candidates with primary opposition in the May 6 election. Based on unofficial primary results, 79% of our candidates won their primary election.

Nine candidates competed for statewide office, and of that group, 77% will advance to the general election November 4. The remaining 25 labor endorsed candidates competed for local or legislative office, and 80% won their primary.

In the race to be the Democratic nominee for Governor, in which we made no endorsement, Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue defeated Richard Moore 56% to 40%.

Our candidate for Lt. Governor, Hampton Dellinger, lost to Sen. Walter Dalton 34% to 46%.

One candidate, Mary Fant Donnan, will face a runoff election to be the Democratic candidate for Labor Commissioner. As of this writing, who her runoff opponent will be is too close to call.

James Wynn and Kristin Ruth, our candidates for the Court of Appeals, both advanced and will face Jewel Farlow and Sam Ervin IV, respectively, in November.

Congratulations to the Winners

These labor endorsed candidates won their primary (sorted by region, office):

Democracy North Carolina, a nonpartisan elections reform organization, called for an investigation of an automated phone message that it says is designed to depress participation by black voters in North Carolina’s May primary.

The Lie: The “robo” calls are from a “Lamont Williams” and tell voters to wait for a voter registration form to come in the mail, which they need to complete and mail in – THEN they can vote on Tuesday. Listen to the call: http://www.democracy-nc.org/nc/spprncall.wav

The Truth: anyone not already registered who wants to vote in the NC Primary can go to any One-Stop Early Voting location through Saturday, May 3, register to vote on the spot, and cast a ballot.

It is a Class I felony in North Carolina “to misrepresent the law to the public through mass mailing or any other means of communication where the intent and the effect is to intimidate or discourage potential voters from exercising their lawful right to vote.”

Said Bob Hall, Executive Director for Democracy NC:

“This is another in a long line of deceptive practices used in North Carolina and elsewhere that particularly target African-American voters. In our view, this phone message plainly violates North Carolina law. We ask the Attorney General, State Bureau of Investigation, and the State Board of Elections to investigate, expose, and prosecute the sponsors of these calls.”

Voter Protection Hotlines

If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of voter intimidation or interference, call toll-free to 888-OUR-VOTE or 866-OUR-VOTE or the State Board of Elections hotline: 866-522-4723.

You only have until Saturday to vote early by absentee ballot with no excuse. If you haven’t registered, you can – for the first time ever in North Carolina – take advantage of our state’s new same-day registration law. Same-day registration allows voters to register and immediately cast a ballot at any one-stop early voting location.

Same-Day registration is only available during Early Voting – not on Primary Day, May 6.

For One-Stop Early Voting locations in your area, visit the State Board of Elections online or call (919) 733-7173 to get the number for your county board of elections.

The Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council is organizing a special welcome party for Sen. John McCain as he makes a stop in North Carolina on Monday, May 5.

What: Union welcoming party for Sen. McCain

When: Monday, May 5, 2008 at 4:45 PM

Where: The Westin, 601 South College St, Charlotte NC

Download the flyer for this event.

For more information contact CLC President Will Cashion at 704-953-3033.

2008 will surely be the most expensive election in history, and political parties at every level will need to raise and spend vast sums of money to secure victories in November.

But when Theresa Kostrzewa, contract lobbyist for Smithfield Foods and Smithfield Packing, came with check in hand, the NC Democratic Party said, “Thanks but no thanks.”

In typical fashion for a company that profits from the abuse of their workers, Smithfield responded with threats and intimidation. Well the NCDP is apparently not to be cowed by Smithfield.

Party Chair Jerry Meek wrote a scathing indictment of Smithfield and the company’s history of law breaking, union busting, and malicious corporate behavior. You can view the letter in PDF here.

The Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a continuation of the Bush administration’s failed trade policies, an agenda that has contributed to the loss of more than 3 million manufacturing jobs since 2000, skyrocketing trade deficits and shrinking paychecks.

The Columbia deal was drafted and signed by the Bush administration before the expiration last summer of its “fast-track” trade authority – authority that required the House and Senate to vote up or down without amendments on trade agreements within 90 days of their being introduced to the Congress, which the President did last week.

Unable to amend the language of the Columbia FTA, the Democratic controlled House voted to change House rules and eliminated the deadline, without which this dangerous “free trade” agreement hopefully will just die in the Congress.

How did your Congressman / Congresswoman vote on the rule change?

Colombia remains the most dangerous country in the world for union members–39 trade unionists were murdered in 2007 and another 17 to date in 2008. Of the more than 2,500 murders of trade unionists since 1986, only some 70 cases–about 3 percent–have resulted in convictions.

Balanced trade agreements must guarantee the right to organize, lift the lives of workers in both countries and prevent exploitation. But this can’t happen in a country where workers who try to organize are killed.