Report: Want Better Schools? Put a Higher Value on Teachers

by James Parks, Mar 23, 2011

Governors in cash strapped states and so-called education reformers who scapegoat teachers for schools’ failures are doing the exact opposite of what needs to be done to make our schools better, according to a new report.

In countries with successful public education systems, teaching is held in much higher esteem as a profession than in the United States. Becoming a teacher in these countries is difficult, and candidates are recruited from the top of their college and university classes, the report says. These countries also provide more resources for teacher training and they give teachers more responsibility for professional development and leading reform.

The report, “What the U.S. Can Learn from the World’s Most Successful Education Reform Efforts” by the McGraw-Hill Research Foundation, found three other major differences between the successful countries and the United States:

•The U.S. spends more money per pupil than almost all countries, but most of the resources end up in the richer schools. In high-performing nations, budgets are often much smaller and extra resources go to disadvantaged schools.
•High-performing nations establish rigorous achievement standards, based on the idea that “it is possible for all students to achieve at high levels and necessary that they do so,” according to the report.
•Class differences have a much more pronounced effect on educational achievement here than in high-performing nations.

Maine Republican Governor Erasing History of Working People

One of 11 panels depicting working people’s history that Maine’s Gov. LePage wants removed.

by Tula Connell, Mar 23, 2011

Once again, Republicans are trying to erase the history of America’s working people. In Maine, Republican Gov. Paul LePage has ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural depciting the state’s labor history from the Department of Labor. The 11-panel piece in part depicts a 1986 paper mill strike and “Rosie the Riveter” at Bath Iron Works. Judy Taylor, an artist based on Mount Desert, won a 2007 competition to create the mural to depict the “History of Labor in the State of Maine.”

Further, the names of conference rooms are being changed to make them more “business friendly.” One is called the “Perkins Room,” for Frances Perkins, the first female Secretary of Labor and promoter of New Deal policies that improved workers’ rights on the job. Perkins championed labor reforms after the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire that resulted in the deaths of 146 garment workers in New York City. This Friday is the 100th anniversary of that tragedy.

In a March 22 e-mail to staff, Maine’s acting commissioner of Labor Laura Boyett wrote:

We have received feedback that the administration building is not perceived as equally receptive to both businesses and workers – primarily because of the nature of the mural in the lobby and the names of our conference rooms.

Happy Birthday Health Care Reform–Don’t Let Republicans Spoil the Party

Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions

by Mike Hall, Mar 23, 2011

Today is the first anniversary of the landmark Affordable Care Act that has already helped tens of millions of Americans acquire or receive better health care and that has reined in health insurance companies’ most abusive practices.

Yet congressional Republicans keep trying to repeal health care reform. What are they against? Take a look at just some of the Affordable Care Act’s benefits repeal would destroy.

•Millions of seniors are receiving free preventive care, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, and relief from skyrocketing prescription drug prices–such as getting $250 if they reach the “donut hole” and a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs.
•For small businesses, job-creating tax credits are available to help cover their employees. More small businesses are now providing coverage.
•Adult children can stay on their parents’ health plans until they’re 26, which provides much needed access to care and peace of mind in this tough economy.
•The Affordable Care Act ends unconscionable abuses like dropping you because you fall ill or because you made a mistake in your paperwork. It bans the practice of denying your care or charging you more for having a pre-existing condition—about 129 million people. It also ends annual and lifetime caps on coverage.
•For the first time ever, the insurance companies are being held accountable, capping how much they can charge, limiting excessive profits and putting the brakes on bloated compensation for CEOs.

Walker Now After Senior, Low-Income Health Care

by Mike Hall, Mar 22, 2011

After lining up Wisconsin’s public employees and middle class jobs in his sights, Gov. Scott Walker (R) is shifting his aim to seniors and low-income families.

His proposed budget would make huge cuts in the state’s Senior Care prescription drug program, the BadgerCare health plan, and the Family Care’s support services for the elderly, as well as tax relief for low-income workers and property owners.

Yesterday, activists with the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans condemned Walker’s recent budget proposal. At their 4th biennial convention delegates representing the group’s more than 100,000 Wisconsin retirees unanimously approved a resolution strongly opposing the proposed cuts. They then marched to the state capitol, carrying “Don’t Walker on Me” signs and delivered the resolution to the governor’s office.

Wisconsin Alliance President Leon Burzynski says “Not only does Gov. Walker malign public workers, but he also cuts programs that are aimed at those most in need in our state.”

Neither public workers nor these vital programs are to blame for our state’s fiscal challenges, but Gov. Walker is wielding his budgetary ax in their direction instead of getting rid of tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy.

IAM Responds to Crisis in Japan

Thu. March 17, 2011

The IAM is working closely with its alliance partner, the Japan Federation of Aviation Workers’ Unions (KOHKUREN) to provide information, advocacy and support for airline workers who could be impacted by the tragedy unfolding in Japan.

“Our first concern is the safety of Flight Attendants and ground workers who could face hazards associated with the earthquake and the damaged nuclear power plant,” said Transportation GVP Robert Roach, Jr. “The IAM met with KOHKUREN representatives this week in Washington, D.C. and relayed to the U.S. Department of Transportation the unique concerns of flight crews and other airline workers based in and flying through Japan.”

In addition to maintaining constant communications with Continental Airlines and continually assessing the situation, the IAM is assembling a team of volunteer Flight Attendants from Continental and United Airlines to travel to Japan to provide direct assistance and evaluate what additional support may be needed.

“We have expressed our members’ concerns to Continental management,” said District 142 President Tom Higginbotham. “Any Continental Flight Attendant who has concerns about flying through Narita should contact an IAM Representative immediately.”

Additionally, the IAM Disaster Relief Fund is available to assist members who have suffered losses from the earthquake. IAM Flight Attendants and any IAM Transportation Department members who suffer a loss due to the earthquake and its aftereffects should call the office of General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. at 301-967-4550.

“This is a humanitarian crisis of global proportions and we have a responsibility to respond without delay,” said Roach. “The IAM will continue doing everything possible to protect our members and future members.”

Montana Public Employees Join National, State AFL-CIO

by James Parks, Mar 21, 2011

Public employees in Montana have a stronger voice today after the Montana Public Employees Association (MPEA) announced it will affiliate with the national AFL-CIO and the Montana AFL-CIO. This affiliation will bring Montana’s public employees into the larger union movement at a time when support for the rights of public employees is stronger than ever.

The MPEA is a Montana-born union that has operated independently for 65 years before joining the AFL-CIO. The affiliation of MPEA will expand the size of the Montana State AFL-CIO by 7,500 members bringing the current membership to 46,000.

Quint Nyman, executive director of the MPEA, said:

We realize that by affiliating with the national and Montana AFL-CIO we become a stronger voice for our members and for all workers in the state of Montana. My organization believes in the power of one voice for the Montana labor movement and solidarity with the larger labor movement as it works to defend the rights of workers across the country.

This is the second major affiliation with the Montana state federation in three years. In 2008, the Montana State AFL-CIO welcomed 2,400 newly affiliated members of the Montana Nurses Association.

“When workers stand together on the job, in our communities, and at the voting booth we can do great things,” said Montana AFL-CIO President Jim McGarvey.

I am so pleased to welcome the MPEA into the Montana State AFL-CIO. I am grateful for the contributions they have made to the condition of working families in Montana over the years. I look forward to working with Quint Nyman and the MPEA to promote sustainable Montana jobs so every worker can support their family and have health insurance they can count on and a secure retirement.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka added:

Over the past few weeks we have seen unprecedented strength and solidarity growing within the labor movement – which makes this news so exciting. The Montana Public Employees Association has a long and proud history of successful representation of its members. We welcome them to the broader labor movement and look forward to even more success as a partner and an affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

New Hire Shows Wisconsin’s Not That Broke

by Mike Hall, Mar 21, 2011

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) says the Badger State is teetering on the brink of financial collapse, yet he finds a spare $150 million for corporate tax breaks and his top aides find a comfy job—with a $12,000 raise—for the girlfriend of one of his staunchest ally’s.

Just goes to show you that when Walker and all the other governors who use state budgets as a pretext to push through harsh cuts and strip rights from teachers, nurses, firefighters, it’s not about economics. It’s all about politics.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Valerie Cass, a former Republican legislative staffer, was hired Feb. 7 as a communications specialist with the state Department of Regulation and Licensing. According to the Journal Sentinel, Cass, 26, is the girlfriend of State Sen. Randy Hopper (R.) 45, who has filed for divorce from his wife.

Journal Sentinel reporter Daniel Bice writes that top officials in Walker’s administration recommended Cass and then hired her for $43,200 a year job that paid her predecessor $31,200.

Hopper, who voted for Walker’s attack on workers, says he had nothing to do with Cass’s appointment to the job. Click here for Bice’s full story.

BTW, Cass is no rookie to Republican politics. Before her new job, Bice reports she spent part of January in Washington, D.C., helping Reince Priebus with his bid to become the chairman of the Republican National Committee. Always good to have friends in high places.

Brazilian Workers Back U.S. Public Employees

by James Parks, Mar 21, 2011

Six Brazilian labor confederations expressed their solidarity with public employees in Wisconsin and other states who are struggling to defend their right to bargain for middle-class jobs. In a letter to President Barack Obama, who is visiting South America, the trade union leaders called on the United States to guarantee “full freedom of association, collective bargaining, and freedom of expression and assembly” for public employees.

The letter states that the Brazilian workers protest the way some U.S. state governments are limiting and even extinguishing basic rights won by public employees.

The six national confederations that signed the letter are the CUT, Forca Sindical, CTB, UGT, Nova Central, and CGTB. The signees represent nearly 5 million affiliated workers, while bargaining for some 50 million workers in the country.

Merger of AT&T and T-Mobile Good for Consumers, Workers

by James Parks, Mar 21, 2011

The announcement over the weekend that AT&T is buying T-Mobile USA could benefit both consumers and employees. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says the deal offers tens of thousands of T-Mobile USA employees the opportunity to benefit from the pro-worker policies of AT&T, the only unionized U.S. wireless company. Some 42,000 AT&T mobility employees are represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Trumka adds:

For T-Mobile USA workers who want a voice in their workplace, this acquisition can provide a fresh start with T-Mobile management.

Members of CWA joined with their colleagues at ver.di, the German telecommunications workers union in 2009 to create TU—a global union for T-Mobile workers. CWA President Larry Cohen says of all the possible partners for T-Mobile, AT&T will mean better employment security, a management record of full neutrality toward union membership and a bargaining voice.

Read Trumka’s statement here and Cohen’s statement here.

Republican Budget Cuts Would Cripple NLRB

by Mike Hall, Mar 21, 2011

Proposed Republican budget cuts to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could force the agency to furlough workers for as many as 64 days between now and Sept. 30, according to a new report by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).

The CRS report says if the $50 million cut House Republicans are seeking for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 was enacted, “the substantial reduction in work days would be dramatic.”

Other NLRB activities that could be affected include Board decisions, remedies to ULPs [unfair labor practices], collection of back pay, requests for court injunctions to stop ULPs, responses to public inquires, outreach, completion of financial and other reports, and other activities.

In a letter to the leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations committees, Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) writes:

As you know, the NLRB’s mission is vital to enforce protections for American workers and private businesses under the National Labor Relations Act. According to the CRS, “[r]educed NLRB staffing could affect employers, employees, and unions.”

Miller says that while Congress should identify and cut “any wasteful or inefficient spending”:

these cuts to the NLRB are misplaced and are inherently destructive to labor-management relations. They have no place in final legislation.