TSA Nominee Erroll Southers Withdraws

President Obama's nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration withdrew from consideration on Wednesday, saying his nomination was "obstructed by political ideology."

Updates

The web page is still being updated. The links are still being reorganized and increased to provide our members access to vast amounts of information. The current postings allow the member to click on the "Subject" or "Title" and go to the source of the article without having to enter a web address or find the corresponding link on the sidebar. The older postings are being updated with the same functionality.

Only in rare exceptions will the entire article be in the posting.

The Search Box at the top of the sidebar is a very powerful tool. If the words health care reform were entered then every link containing that phrase would appear. The member can click on the corresponding link and go to that article.

Many members have commented in person how great the website looks but "The Voice of 731" would like to have your comments about the content, what do you like or don't like, what you would like to see added. Please take a few moments and click on Contact Us and send an email to thevoice731@gmail.com

Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, Inc. (FLARA)

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA), a non-profit organization based in Wellington, Florida, actively pursues and promotes legislation and public policies that are in the best interest of current and future retired Floridians. Through the active civic involvement of it’s over 200,000 members, FLARA advocates programs and activities at all levels of government to prepare for the growing population of older Floridians who desire to remain self-sufficient.

FLARA President, Tony Fransetta is pictured above right.

Class-Action Lawsuits Continue at Wal-Mart

On the heels of a $40 million settlement with its Massachusetts employees regarding wage-and-hour violations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. now finds itself hit with another class-action lawsuit.

According to Workers Independent News, Wal-Mart warehouse workers in Chicago have announced a class-action lawsuit asserting that the hiring of workers from temporary staffing agencies is, in effect, stealing their wages.

It was only a year ago that Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, agreed to pay $640 million to settle 63 wage-and-hour lawsuits, which was quickly followed earlier this year by a $54 million settlement in Minnesota and then a $172 million settlement in California.

Remembering the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. has now been dead longer than he lived. But what an extraordinary life it was.

At 33, he was pressing the case of civil rights with President John Kennedy. At 34, he galvanized the nation with his "I Have a Dream" speech. At 35, he won the Nobel Peace Prize. At 39, he was assassinated, but he left a legacy of hope and inspiration that continues today.

North Florida Central Labor Council (CLC) January 2010 Business Meeting

The January 2010 Business meeting of the North Florida Central Labor Council (CLC) was held on Wednesday, January 13. Robert Campbell, Flytele/BA, was sworn in as a delegate representing LL731.

The guest speaker was State Senator Dan Gelbert, Democratic candidate for Florida Attorney General. He presented his qualifications to be the next Attorney General for the state of Florida and took questions from the members.

Information packets were handed out for the "Jobs for Jacksonville" rally to be held on Tuesday, January 26, at 3:00 pm.

Machinists Non-Partisan Political League (MNPL)

The Machinists Non-Partisan Political League
is the political arm of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. It was created in 1947 to allow IAM members to gather individual contributions, coordinate political activity, and elect candidates who support IAM members and their families.

Candidates we support know that the MNPL stands for economic justice, security in the workplace and equality for every member. They do not take us for granted.

The MNPL scrutinizes each candidate thoroughly. We ask tough questions such as their positions on trade, labor law reform, economic conversion, transportation policies, and enhancement of the U.S. manufacturing base.

Labor News on Talk Radio

President Ernie Hartless (at left) as a "Guest DJ" on "The Brother Stan Labor Show". The program can be heard on WJSJ, FM 105.3, every Wednesday, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

The Brother Stan the Union Man Show - Stan Swart offers an hour of political talk from the labor perspective, with regular guests from the labor community.

Legislative Report - January 13, 2010

The Florida AFL-CIO Political Conference was held in Orlando, January 9th - 10th. Mike Williams, President, opened the conference by thanking each member for giving up their weekend. Brian Empsey, Secretary-Treasurer, advised the members that the Florida AFO-CIO is looking for activists with heart and conviction. Ken Johnson, Regional Director/AFL-CIO, thanked all the staff and volunteers that worked so hard dring the past election. Congressman Alan Grayson, District 8, received a standing ovation - look for a bill in the near future to STOP the Billions of dollars going to companies sending our jobs overseas!

Jobs for Jacksonville - Rally

PLEASE JOIN WITH US JAN 26, FOR A RALLY AT THE NEW DUVAL COURTHOUSE JOBSITE. AFTER THE RALLY, WE’LL MARCH TO, AND ATTEND THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING

WHEN: TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, AT 3:OOPM

WHERE: CORNER OF WEST ADAMS, AND NORTH PEARL STREETS

WHY: For the last six months, volunteers from ‘JOBS FOR JACKSONVILLE’, have been regularly attending City Council Meetings, voiced our disapproval of Turner Construction, and have been virtually ignored.

As taxpaying citizens, many unemployed, we are tired of being ignored, and the time is NOW to expose Turners’ unlawful practices to the entire Nation!

FACT: Turner Construction, through their subcontractors have employed undocumented labor, while turning away qualified applicants who are taxpaying Duval County Citizens.

FACT: While acknowledging Turners’ unlawful behavior, rather than entering breech of contract with Turner, the Mayors approach has been an endless series of warnings. Our polls indicate that ten to one, Duval Taxpayers want their Courthouse constructed by local crafts people!

Please come and join us. We anticipate hundreds of taxpayers that agree with our stance, will show up and support our cause. We will not be satisfied until The City adheres to the law and replaces Turner with a reputable contractor, and shows preference to local workers. Bring your family, wear RED shirts, and please BLOG at www.jobsforjacksonville.org

Thank you

RALLY AT THE COURTHOUSE!