Chris Rock Joins Bill Maher To Discuss Health Care (VIDEO)

Chris Rock made a surprise appearance on "Real Time With Bill Maher" last night, chiming in on a panel discussion on health care reform. Rock, caught off-guard that he was suddenly engaged in a heated discussion, was able to make an apt analogy, comparing the Republicans' opposition to the health care reform to buying a first class ticket on an airplane and sitting next to someone to who got a free upgrade from coach. "Republicans are like, 'How the hell you gonna sit next to me and you didn't buy the seat?'"

US Airways and Brussels Airlines Code Share Agreement

US Airways Group Inc. and Brussels Airlines are awaiting approval of their new code-share agreement by U.S. Department of Transportation and the Belgian government.

The carriers have agreed to a bilateral code-share relationship, which means each airline may market flights operated by the other carrier as if they were its own. That would improve access for U.S. Airways customers, with single-source booking and baggage connection to more than 20 new destinations in Europe and Africa.

IAM National Pension Fund Board of Trustees

Find out more about an individual Trustee by clicking on his name. You'll get a look at the Trustee's background and learn his answers to questions about the IAM National Pension Fund and the Trustee's role.

Thousands Tell Whirlpool: Keep It Made in America

by James Parks, Feb 26, 2010

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (far right) rallies with workers at the Whirlpool plant in Evansville, Ind.

Nearly 5,000 workers, community and religious activists from at least six states converged in front of the Whirlpool plant in Evansville, Ind., to say with a unified and loud voice: “Keep It Made in America.”

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka along with 40 people, including children and grandchildren of workers, clergy and retirees, used a Whirlpool refrigerator to wheel petitions with 65,000 signatures to the plant’s locked front gate. The petitions urged Whirlpool executives to reconsider their decision to shutter the Evansville plant, laying off 1,100 people and moving jobs to Mexico. Union members also made more than 1,700 phone calls today alone to Whirlpool headquarters in Benton Harbor, Mich., and the Evansville offices with the same message.

Employment and Earnings - January 2010

The unemployment rate fell from 10.0% to 9.7% in January. Employment in manufacturing increased by 11,000 over the month.

Average hourly earnings in the U.S. for all employees in the private sector rose by 0.2% in January, and there was a 2.0% improvement over wages from one year ago. With the softened labor market, workers share lost bargaining power since the Clinton-era economic expansion.

UCubed Message Gains Traction

With a new video, editorial and a growing list of partners, the IAM community service project known as Ur Union of Unemployed, nicknamed UCubed, is beginning to resonate among labor organizations and unemployed workers, who have created more than 40 individual “cubes” to share their experiences and gain the benefits of collective action.

Using social networking tools like Facebook and Twitter, the word about UCubed is spreading from city to city, worker to worker and from organization to organization. The AFL-CIO has joined the effort as a supporting partner, as have AFSCME, AFT, NEA, IUPAT, CWA and others. For more information about joining the partnership, contact UCubed@iamaw.org.

UCubed Catching Hold and Gaining Momentum

Ur Union of Unemployed, or UCubed, generated record-breaking numbers over the last 24 hours, with membership jumping from almost 480 job activists yesterday to well over 800 today. Ninety-six new cubes were created within the same time period, adding to the 84 cubes already created (six people within the same zip code make one cube). UCubed is now up-and-running in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

Voting Rules, Interference Stymie Delta Workers

Despite a high number of votes for the IAM, the election for 91 flight simulator technicians at the recently merged Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines was declared invalid by the NMB when fewer than 50 percent plus one of eligible employees participated in the Internet and telephone voting. The Machinists Union received 40 of the 43 valid votes cast.

IAM Supports Bankruptcy Reform

IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger has sent a letter to Congress requesting support for thousands of IAM members and retirees who have seen their wages, benefits and pensions shredded as airlines and manufacturing companies use bankruptcy to gut union contracts, while at the same time rewarding executives with big bonuses.

IAM Signs Historic Agreement with Japanese Aviation Federation

From left, Hiroya Yamaguchi, Chairman of the Japan Federation of Aviation Workers’ Unions (KOHKUREN) and IAM Transportation General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. sign a historic alliance agreement at KOHKUREN’s National Convention in Japan.

The IAM is the first North American transportation union to enter into an alliance agreement with the Japan Federation of Aviation Workers' Unions (KOHKUREN), the largest federation of air transport workers in Japan. Both the IAM and KOHKUREN represent workers at the same airlines, including Northwest/Delta, United, Continental and others.

AFL-CIO Unions Rally for TSO Workers

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the AFL-CIO are calling for an end to the Bush-era policy that has been used to prevent lawful collective bargaining rights for 40,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSO) who work for the Transportation Security Agency (TSA).

National Pension Fund Contribution Rate Table

The following table lists the acceptable contribution rates and monthly benefit values for years of Future Service Credit for National Pension Plan Service for covered employees with 600 Hours of service in 1998 or later and a Pension Effective Date on or after January 1 of 1999, and whose contributing employers initial contribution date is prior to April, of 2003.

How To Apply For Pension Benefits From the National Pension Plan

We have to receive your application before your pension effective date. In addition, Federal law requires that we send important information about your pension no more than 180 days before your Intended Retirement Date.

The application will be sent to you in about 1 week and will contain estimates of your pension with various optional forms of payment.

Your pension effective date is the first of any month following the later of your last day worked or receipt of your completed application. The following chart will help in making your pension application request:

Share Your Job Crisis Story, Connect with Activists at Our New Good Jobs Now! Site

by Mike Hall, Feb 23, 2010

Good Jobs Now!, the AFL-CIO’s new interactive website, gives workers, people who have lost their jobs and activists a chance to take action, share their stories, find resources and, most importantly, be part of a grassroots movement to help the nation climb out of its 10-million jobs hole created by the recession.

Just launched this morning, Good Jobs Now’s! first featured action is a petition calling on Whirlpool Corp., to reverse its decision to close its Evansville, Ind., plant and send work to Mexico, eliminating 1,100 good jobs.

Senate's 'First Step' Jobs Bill Moves to Vote

by Mike Hall, Feb 23, 2010

The U.S. Senate cleared the way last night for a vote this week on a jobs bill that must be just the first step in closing the nation’s staggering 10 million jobs deficit created by years of Wall Street recklessness and failed Bush-era economic policies.

By a 62-30 vote, the Senate broke a filibuster against the bill. Five Republicans voted to end the filibuster and one Democrat, Sen. Ben Nelson (Neb.), voted against the cloture motion.

Shuler: Youths, Unions Together Can Change the Nation

by James Parks, Feb 23, 2010

Saying today’s young workers are the “guinea pigs of the new normal economy,” AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler called for a new national economic strategy that addresses the real needs of young people in the workforce and creates good jobs that provide the security and prosperity previous generations enjoyed.

Speaking at the national conference of United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS), one of the union movement’s staunchest allies, this past weekend in Knoxville, Tenn., Shuler said the union movement must reach out to its younger members and young workers in general. She said the AFL-CIO is convening a national youth summit in June 2010 to explore ways younger workers can become even more involved in helping build the kind of country we all want to live in.

Time Is Now For TSO Bargaining Rights

Hundreds of workers braved the cold Washington, D.C., weather today to send a message to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Give transportation security officers (TSOs) who protect the flying public the opportunity to protect themselves with the right to bargain a union contract.

"Chanting Union Rights for TSOs," members of dozens of unions rallied at AFL-CIO headquarters this morning. Speaking within earshot of the White House, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker said:

Scott Brown Helps Democrats Advance 'JOBS' Bill

AP – Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., talks to reporters after he voted for cloture on the Jobs Bill on Capitol …

By ANDREW TAYLOR, Associated Press Writer Andrew Taylor, Associated Press Writer – Mon Feb 22, 6:30 pm ET

WASHINGTON – A Democratic "jobs" bill has advanced past a GOP filibuster in the Senate, helped along by the vote of the chambers newest Republican. Scott Brown of Massachusetts was joined by several other Republicans to help Democrats defeat a filibuster orchestrated by GOP leaders by a 62-30 tally. The tally sets up a vote on Wednesday to actually pass the measure.

Activists Step Up Health Care Fight

By Ambreen Ali

Activists are getting ready for the final showdown on health care.

As Democrats renew their push on health care this week, advocacy groups on both sides have stepped up their efforts to energize their bases and influence lawmakers.

President Obama's health care plan — released ahead of Thursday's bipartisan health summit — resembles the Senate bill (HR 3590) with a few concessions that could get House Democrats to pass the overhaul with a simple majority.

Health Information Technology

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009. The law includes the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, or the "HITECH Act," which established programs under Medicare and Medicaid to provide incentive payments for the "meaningful use" of certified electronic health records (EHR) technology.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a role in three areas of the HITECH Act:

• Implementation of the EHR incentive programs, including defining meaningful use of certified EHR technology;


• Establishment of standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for EHR technology.


• Privacy and Security protections under the HITECH Act

Medicare Health Plans and Prescription Drug Plans in Florida

This list shows you basic information about plans in your area.

Click on a plan name for more detailed cost and coverage information, including whether or not the plan covers the drugs you take.

You can choose a plan based on this information, or you can find out what your drugs cost by comparing Medicare drug plans.

Medicare and You 2010

This is the official government handbook with important information about the following:

* What's new
* Medicare costs
* What Medicare covers
* Health and prescription drug plans
* Your Medicare rights
* Health information technology

Suitable and Affordable Senior Housing

For elder Floridians to live self-sufficiently, one of their basic needs is suitable and affordable housing. Secure, affordable housing can mean the difference between anxiety and peace of mind, poverty and well-being and even illness and health.

Affordable Elder Health Care

Affordable health care for all elder Floridians is at the heart of a contented retirement. But far too often, our seniors and all Americans live just one serious illness away from financial ruin. Health care should not be based on what’s best for the business but what’s best for the people. That is why FLARA supports the Single Payer National Health Care proposal as our most important health goal. Also known as the United States National Health Insurance Act, the plan presented by Sen. John Conyers of Michigan, would essentially expand Medicare to cover everyone, with the federal government negotiating rates for all Americans just as it does now for seniors. The program will lower the cost of health care in several ways. It allows for the biggest possible risk pool and eliminates the inefficient layers of billing and processing that exist in today’s private insurance system. It benefits employers by eliminating the need for companies to provide health care plans to their employees. Additionally, it ends health care as a profit-driven enterprise available based only on peoples’ ability to pay.

Senate Report Ties GlaxcoSmithKline Diabetes Drug Avandia to Heart Attack Risks

By Associated Press
Sunday, February 21, 2010

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline knew of possible heart attack risks tied to its controversial diabetes drug Avandia years before evidence of a link became public, according to a U.S. Senate report released Saturday.

Possible Republican Candidates for President 'Try Out' Before CPAC, Governors

By Liz Sidoti
Sunday, February 21, 2010

Republicans who might want President Obama's job flocked to Washington this weekend and repeatedly ripped into the Democrat, an early tryout of sorts for their party's nomination.

AFSCME Teaches Students Organizing Skills

by James Parks, Feb 17, 2010

Eight college students and recent graduates traveled to Delaware last month for training to become union organizers. They participated in AFSCME’s Alternative Union Break, a weeklong, intensive course conducted by AFSCME organizers and other labor unionists. The course helps participants learn about the union movement, the importance of standing in solidarity with others and the basics of organizing.

Miami-Dade County Commissioners Pass Historic Wage Theft Ordinance

by James Parks, Feb 19, 2010

With more than 100 supporters in the audience, the Miami-Dade County (Fla.) Board of County Commissioners yesterday approved the first countywide wage theft ordinance in the country. The law, which passed on a 10-0 vote, will help ensure that workers who are unpaid or underpaid for their work have a way to make their voices heard and recover their hard-earned wages.

Specifically, the new law prohibits wage theft and gives the county legal authority to intervene and help recover back pay for workers who were cheated out of their fair pay.

Executive Order - - National Commission on Fisical Responsibility and Reform

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Trumka: Creating Jobs Is Best way to Fix Deficit

by James Parks, Feb 19, 2010

The best way to reduce the growing federal deficit is to create 10 million jobs now—the number of jobs needed to close our jobs deficit—not to cut vital programs such as Social Security and Medicare, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said.

President Obama yesterday signed an executive order creating an 18-member National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to propose ways to reduce the growing national debt. Click here to read the executive order.

HHS Report Slams Insurers Premium Hikes While Pocketing Record Profits

by Mike Hall, Feb 19, 2010

Profits for the nation’s 10 largest health insurance companies increased 250 percent between 2000 and 2009—10 times faster than inflation—but that hasn’t stopped the private insurance industry from trying to reach even deeper into consumers’ pocketbooks with huge premium increases.

According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the nation’s five largest insurance companies took in combined profits of $12.2 billion last year, up 56 percent over 2008.

Tell Whirlpool: 'Keep It Made In America - Save Our Jobs'

by James Parks, Feb 20, 2010

The Whirlpool Corp. makes a big deal of its concern for the environment and the poor. But now, the company is about to throw 1,100 workers at its Evansville, Ind., refrigerator plant onto the streets and move their jobs to Mexico, where labor and environmental laws are weaker.

You can show solidarity with the Whirlpool workers, most of whom are members of IUE-CWA, by signing an online petition urging Whirlpool to reverse its decision and Keep It Made in America: Save Our Jobs. Click here to sign the petition.

Union Leaders Praise Obama's Support for Nuclear Plant

by James Parks, Feb 17, 2010

Union leaders praised President Obama’s announcement yesterday of federal loan guarantees for the construction of two advanced reactors at the Plant Vogtle nuclear power station in Georgia. They said it is a major step forward in addressing the nation’s energy needs as well as creating badly needed jobs. And they urged the president to ensure all the components used in the plant are made in America.

Obama made the announcement during a visit to an apprenticeship training facility in the Washington, D.C., suburbs that is jointly administered by Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 26 and local electrical contractors. Check out a video of the announcement here.

Sweatshop Report Throws Personal Foul Flag on NFL Jersey Maker

Chi Fung worker’s home


Some of the fancy replica jerseys bearing the names of NFL stars like Peyton Manning, which fetch upwards of $80 each in U.S. sporting goods stores, were sewn by workers in El Salvador who made about 10 cents for each jersey, according to a new report by the National Labor Committee (NLC).

The report, “NFL and Reebok Fumble: Women Paid 10 Cents to Sew $80 Peyton Manning Jerseys,” says that for the past four years the 550 workers—about 80 percent women—at the Chi Fung factory in San Salvador were forced to work unpaid overtime, cheated of wages and harassed by managers. One worker told the NLC investigators:

We knew the shirts were expensive. But now we realize the real price is $80, it makes us angry, because it isn’t fair that they pay us such a low wage. The people [who buy these jerseys] don’t imagine everything we have to bear in the factory when we sew these shirts.

With just one $80 shirt, they pay our wages for two weeks. It could be said that with the cost of a single shirt, I have to maintain my family for two weeks. The supervisors are right when they say to us that our wage is not enough to pay for a jersey if we make a mistake.

Most Workers Hurt by Tax on Health Benefits Are Not in Unions

by Mike Hall, Feb 18, 2010

A new study shows that a proposed tax on workers’ health care benefits goes far beyond union workers’ plans. In fact, at least 80 percent of the workers hit by the tax would be nonunion.

The study by the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for Labor Research and Education looked at both the excise tax on so-called Cadillac plans in the Senate health care bill and the revised version reached Jan. 14 between the Obama administration and union leaders that lessens the tax’s impact on all working families.

Ken Jacobs, chair of the Labor Center and one of the study’s authors, says the tax’s impact is not just a union issue as was portrayed in much of the media coverage.

Union members are relatively a small fraction of the total population that would ultimately be affected by the tax, under either the Senate bill or the proposed amendment….The vast majority of employees affected by the excise tax are not covered by a union contact.

One Year Later, the Recovery Act Is Working

by James Parks, Feb 17, 2010

If there’s one thing Americans agree on, it’s that we need more jobs now. That reality is often twisted by conservatives, who say the one-year-old economic recovery plan has failed. But they are just wrong.

The AFL-CIO is pushing for much greater investment to create the millions more jobs we need to get us out of our current hole. Check out the federation’s five-point plan to put America back to work here.

The fact is that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is still working, generating more than 2 million jobs and laying the foundation for future economic growth.

2010 IAM Scholarship Deadline February 26

The deadline to apply for a 2010 IAM Scholarship Award is fast-approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 26, 2010, to be considered.

Information on eligibility requirements and how to request an application is available at www.goiam.org/iamscholarship.

Urge Governors to Address JOBS Crisis

On February 20-22, 2010, governors from across the nation will converge upon Washington, D.C., for the Annual National Governors Association Winter Meeting. The governors will be meeting to discuss issues vital to each of their individual states, as well as the nation’s future. As tradition dictates, the governors will also be meeting with the president and cabinet members.

Mark Pearce, Nominee to the National Labor Relations Board

Mark Gaston Pearce has dedicated his career to the practice of labor and employment law. He is currently a principal partner in a firm representing individuals as well as public and private sector labor unions in all matters involving employment and labor relations. Previously a district trial specialist with the National Labor Relations Board and a partner at a major Buffalo law firm, Mr. Pearce has extensive trial experience in state and federal courts and agencies. He also represents clients in civil service and employment discrimination litigation, collective bargaining, contract compliance, arbitration, and Taylor law prosecution. Additionally, Mr. Pearce represents individuals in all employment matters including the negotiation of professional employment contracts, partnership, and severance agreements.

America's Workers Can't Wait Any Longer

We’ve just learned that the Senate and the White House cut a last-minute deal with obstructionist Republicans to approve some of President Obama’s nominees. But guess who was left out of the deal? Yup, that’s right: working people.

Craig Becker and Mark Pearce, highly respected labor lawyers whom President Obama nominated for seats on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), weren’t included in the deal. Meanwhile, the NLRB, tasked with protecting American workers’ rights, has been handicapped with vacancies for the past two years.

Enough is enough. Call the White House switchboard today and demand that President Obama fight Republican obstructionism and use his executive power to appoint Craig Becker and Mark Pearce to the NLRB during the Presidents Day recess.

Call the White House Switchboard NOW: 202-456-1111 OR 202-456-1414.

Becker already has received majority backing in the Senate and both won committee support, but the Republican minority has continually blocked their appointments. America’s working people are getting short shrift and it’s past time to do something about it. Workers need an NLRB that can enforce the National Labor Relations Act and protect workers' rights—not an NLRB handicapped by vacancies.

In solidarity,

Richard L. Trumka
AFL-CIO President

Support Airline Workers, Create Jobs: Complete the FAA Bill

The Federal Aviation Administration has existed on eight short-term funding extensions since it first expired in September 2007. Meanwhile, the FAA needs updated safety, infrastructure and modernization programs, as well as protections for worker rights.

Please Don't Eat at Wendy's or Arby's

Wendy's is being unfair to the employees who bake the buns for its restuarants by refusing to negoiate a fair contract with these workers. The compnay eliminated negoiated health care and defined pension benefit plans, and imposed substandard health insurance and risky 401(k) plans as replacements.

We are asking the public to refrain from patronizing Wendy's and Arby's until this dispute is resolved in a fair manner.

The Bakery Workers Local 57 had a very positive relationship with Wendy's prior to its recent takeover by Arby's. Unfortunately, the new owners are motivated by greed and do not believe in fair treatment of the workers who bake the buns.

Thank you for your support on behalf of the working men and women at Wendy's/Arby's bakeries.

*We are not asking any employee to cease working at, or any supplier to cease providing goods or services to this location.

Bennett Sticks with Labor

Appointed Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) stood with organized labor Tuesday on a tough vote over the Obama administration's nominee for the National Labor Relations Board — a vote that could have significant repercussions for his election campaign.

Unlike Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) — the two precariously positioned Democrats who broke with the party on the vote — Bennet voted to approve Craig Becker, who Republicans assert is too supportive of union interests, including the controversial Employee Free Choice Act.

GOP Blocks Obama Nominee Craig Becker

(CBS/ AP) Senate Republicans have succeeded in blocking President Barack Obama's choice of a union lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board.

The 52-33 vote to move forward with the nomination of Craig Becker fell short of the 60 needed to overcome a GOP filibuster.

Republicans have held up Becker's confirmation for months. They say Becker would push an aggressive union agenda at the agency that referees labor disputes between unions and management.

Not Too Late for Flowers for Valentine's Day

Order online, send flowers for every occasion, and save.

Flowers make the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, celebrations, anniversaries, get well, thank you, and tokens of sympathy. The Union Plus Flower Delivery Service offers a variety of flowers and plants at union member-only prices - a special 20% discount on flowers online or via phone.