GBLC and Boston Building Trades Council Push for REO in Somerville
The Greater Boston Labor Council has partnered with the Boston Building Trades Council in seeking adoption of a Responsible Employer Ordinance for the City of Somerville. REO’s require contractors that bid on municipal construction projects to provide health care coverage to their employees and document that they have access to certified apprentice training.
On March 26th a strong contingent of union leaders and Somerville residents testified in support of the REO at a hearing of the Somerville Board of Alderman’s legislative committee. Representatives of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Builders and Contractors, the anti-union trade association, spoke in opposition.
The opposition is lobbying feverishly against the Somerville REO. GBLC union leaders and activists are urged to contact members of the Somerville Board of Alderman asking them to support the REO which protects tax-payers and workers against unscrupulous contractors. Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone co-sponsored the REO, so a simple six person majority of the eleven member Somerville Board of Alderman will bring this much needed worker protection to adoption.
Hospital Rally Set for Thursday May 8th
The historic campaign to organize Boston’s teaching hospitals, spearheaded by SEIU 1199 and the Area Trades Council, a bargaining coalition comprised of IBEW Local 103, the New England Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 877, Painters DC 35 and Plumbers Local 12, is gaining momentum. A rally to demonstrate worker and public support to bring unionization and a better life to Boston hospital workers has been set for Thursday May 8.
The demonstration and march will kick-off at 4 PM at the park at the corner of Brookline Avenue and Park Drive across from the Landmark Center in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area. GBLC unions are urged to attend wearing your union colors. Political leaders will be joining the march and the IBEW Local 103 bagpipe band and the Dropkick Murphy’s will provide entertainment. ‘We need a strong turnout to provide support for 1199 and the Area Trades call for a code of conduct and free and fair elections. The success of this massive effort will strengthen our entire labor movement.’ Noted GBLC Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rich Rogers.
Workers Memorial Day Event set for April 29th
The State House steps will serve as the venue for the annual Workers Memorial Day tribute, which recognizes workers who lost their lives on the job in the prior year. The GBLC is co-sponsoring the event along with MassCosh and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO on Tuesday April 29th beginning at noon at the State House. This annual event has received significant media coverage in past years and provided moving testimony for the need to enforce occupational health and safety laws and to enact tough new standards. The event is scheduled to end at 1:15 and everyone is welcome to attend.
GBLC News and Notes
IBEW Launches COMCAST Organizing Drive: If you have relatives, neighbors or friends that work for COMCAST the IBEW would like to talk with them. The IBEW has initiated a nation wide campaign to bring the benefits of unionization to COMCAST workers. GBLC executive-board member Gerry Leary from IBEW Local 2222 is leading this effort in Eastern Massachusetts. Brother Leary can be reached at 617-929-6000.
UPS Freight Workers Join Teamsters: Hundreds of UPS freight workers across New England recently ratified their first union contract and became Teamsters. The former OverNite workers had fought valiantly but unsuccessfully for union representation for many years. UPS freight workers have been joining Teamsters locals across the nation thanks to a card check recognition clause the Teamsters negotiated as part of its contract with UPS. Sean O’Brien President of Teamster Local 25, and a GBLC board member served as chief negotiator for the Teamsters in New England. Congratulations!
Letter Carriers Food Drive Set for May 10th: The National Association of Letter Carriers will be holding their 16th annual food drive on Saturday May 10th. NALC members have made a tradition of helping the millions of Americans who face hunger every day. Union members are urged to leave canned goods or non-perishable items next to their mailbox on May 10th.
On Tuesday, April 29th Community Labor United will be holding its second annual fundraising dinner at 6pm at the China Pearl Restaurant, 9 Tyler Street in Chinatown. Tickets are priced at $50. Donna Shaw and the Boston Cab Drivers seeking respect with the USW and Lauren Jacobs SEIU 615’s Organizing Director who is spearheading the campaign to organize Boston area security guards are among the honorees at the event.
