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PhillyUnions.com News Archive - 2007 Current News December '07:
November '07:
October '07:
September '07:
August '07:
July '07:
June '07:
May '07:
April '07:
March '07:
January '07:
December 17, 2007: Holiday Fundraisers PhillyUnions.com is pleased to bring you the following outstanding fundraisers just in time for the holidays:
Officer Cassidy Memorial Tee Shirts (Union/American Made) From Matthew J. McIntyre Dear Friends, Please click on the links below to view the shirts we are selling to benefit the family of slain Philadelphia Police Officer, Chuck Cassidy. Officer Cassidy is a true American Hero who was gunned down in the line of duty while protecting the citizens of Philadelphia. We must always keep his memory alive. We are selling long sleeve tee shirts in gray or navy blue for $20.00 a piece and gray and navy blue short sleeve tee shirts for $15.00 a piece. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Cassidy family. These shirts are Union made in the USA and the quality is second to none. If you are interested in purchasing a shirt to show your support for the Cassidy family, please contact me at your convenience. My information is listed below. Best regards. Respectfully, Matthew J. McIntyre http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa212/mcintyre1015/?action=view¤t=102_2420.jpg http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa212/mcintyre1015/?action=view¤t=102_2419.jpg Giving the Gift of Time - Aging with Grace™ and the Twilight Wish Foundation From Pro-Union Preferred Partner Patricia Grace, Aging with Grace Aging with Grace™ has joined with the Twilight Wish Foundation to offer distance caregivers the opportunity to give the best gift for the Holidays--the Gift of Time. During the busiest time of year, it is often hard to spend time with those special people in our lives, especially when they may not live nearby. Patricia Grace, Founder & CEO, has created the perfect opportunity for families that live at a distance to make a difference in a loved one's holiday. With one simple phone call, relatives or friends can arrange for a one-hour visit along with the gift of a seasonal plant, cookies and eggnog. In addition, the Twilight Wish Foundation has been selected as the beneficiary of this annual holiday program and will receive $100 for each "Gift of Time" purchased. The Twilight Wish Foundation grants wishes to seniors who cannot make their own wishes come true. "With the help of many people across the country we will reach our goal of $50,000 to donate to this wonderful organization," said Grace. "Knowing that the holidays can be a very lonely time for many seniors as well as a frantic time for caregivers, Aging with Grace is once again providing an opportunity for all to embrace this holiday season," said Elizabeth Adams, Director of Care Management. For additional information about Aging with Grace visit the web site at www.agingwithgrace.net or call 1-800-626-9440. To learn more about Twilight Wish Foundation visit the website at www.twilightwish.org. From Pro-Union Preferred Partner Patrick Clark of Divi-Vest Advisors, Inc. Join Us For A Night of Fun, Food & Prizes, In Support & Honor Of Those Who Protect & Serve Us! Sign up NOW To Play... $$$ CASHFLOW FOR COPS $$$ Helping the Families of Our Fallen Heroes Philly Cops and their families need your help! Over the past 14 years, 14 Philadelphia Police Officers have been killed in the line of duty while protecting and serving our community. Our mission is to provide awareness in the minds and hearts of the general public about the situation Police families face when their bread winner is hurt or killed in the line of duty. We also want to promote Financial Education and investing as a solution for long-term stability for the family, and as a vehicle to lower crime in Philadelphia by upgrading the neighborhoods and the standard of living for the working class in Philadelphia. That's why we are playing a board game called Cashflow. The Cashflow board game is like "Monopoly on steroids!" (according to USA Today) and was created by the author of the NY Times #1 Bestselling book Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki. The Cashflow Game takes the most boring subject (accounting) and the scariest subject for most people (investing) and makes them both fun! To find out more about the game go to: www.richdad.com/richdad/richcontent.aspx?cpid=21 Here's What We're Doing: We need your help to raise $14,000 from the general public and our Real Estate community while providing you with a good time playing a game that will help you better understand money and investing in a very practical way. This $14,000 will be personally matched by $14,000 of our own money. Here's Who It's For: The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Hero Scholarship Fund! The FOP HERO SCHOLARSHIP FUND provides scholarships for the children of slain Philadelphia Police Officers. The program is administered by the Philadelphia FOP and there is no administrative overhead for this program. It is 100% Volunteer/Donor effort. Date: January 4, 2008 Time: 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM Address: Michael G. Lutz FOP Lodge #5 The registration fee is only $79 for the night. In fact, only $9 of your registration fee will go towards expenses! Real Estate Lifestyle and the FOP will pick up the rest. We'll have some light, hot food, some adult beverages, sodas, etc. The FOP is donating the space and the staff. Fully $70 of your registration IS A DONATION to the FOP HERO SCHOLARSHIP FUND! There will be appearances by guests and dignitaries to be announced as well as local news media coverage. To sign up go to www.realestatelifestyle.com/cashflow Patrick Clark -- Divi-Vest Advisors, Inc. December 17, 2007: Convention Center Crisis Update Gov. Rendell today cancelled a meeting scheduled for this afternoon with members of City Council, state lawmakers and members of the Convention Center Authority regarding the recent dispute over the possible use of non-union labor on the $700 million expansion of the center. The governor said he saw no reason for the meeting thanks to an agreement hammered out late last week specifying that non-union labor would not be used in return for concessions regarding racial diversity on the part of the participating unions. A special Council meeting this Wednesday is planned to discuss and give final approval to the plan. For more information see this article posted today on Philly.com: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/12562581.html For details about the agreement and the dispute, please click here: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20071215_Council__unions_dispute_eases.html December 12, 2007: Important: Convention Center Labor Crisis: City Council Debates Tomorrow Today, Philly.com and the Inquirer published a very important article concerning a critical issue to be decided in City Council by tomorrow. Up for debate is an amendment that would allow non-union labor on the $700 million expansion of the Convention Center, a proposal that would obviously have a deep and long-term impact on the Philadelphia area union community. We highly recommend that all union members and supporters of organized labor read the following article by Jeff Shields, Inquirer Staff Writer, and be aware of its implications: http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20071212_Clash_over_labor_proposal_looms.html December 4, 2007: Getting Through the Holidays Workshops Offered at UWSEPA Mothers In Charge Presents: When the Holidays Aren't Happy -- Getting through the holidays when you have lost a loved one to violence Information & Support Workshop Series Beginning December 6, 2007 At the United Way Building 6:00 PM Lite refreshments served at 5:30 PM Please view the printable flyer here. For more information & to RSVP: 215-235-SAVE (7283) or email: momsforpeace@aol.com December 4, 2007: Revised: PHILAPOSH Honors IW #401's Joseph Dougherty, DC#47's Tom Cronin and More REVISED: For the purpose of properly recognizing the entire staff of the USW Local 10-86 Safety Committee, who were presented with the Outstanding Health and Safety Committee Award at last Friday's PHILAPOSH awards ceremony, PhillyUnions.com is redistributing this message and is happy to present the names of the individual members of this highly deserving committee of men and women who make a huge difference in improving the safety standards and conditions of all working men and women in the Philadelphia area Union Community and beyond. This past Friday, November 30, 2007, PHILAPOSH hosted its annual awards banquet at which they honored some of Philadelphia's most dedicated and respected union leaders, members and supporters. For their hard work, dedication and contributions to their own unions, PHILAPOSH, and the Philadelphia union community and for their successful efforts in supporting and helping to improve the working conditions for all working men and women throughout Philadelphia and vicinity, PHILAPOSH is proud to honor the following recipients:
On behalf of the entire Philadelphia area union community, congratulations to all of the award recipients for their valued contributions! November 27, 2007: Spotlight on IATSE (Stage Hands) Local 8 Business Manager Mike Barnes PhillyUnions.com is proud to present a Spotlight on IATSE Local 8 Business Manager Mike Barnes. A longtime member of IATSE 8, Business Manager Mike Barnes was the featured guest at the November 7th Union Leader Meet & Greet Event. Mike comes from a long family tradition of proud IATSE 8 union members going back several generations. His pride for his union shone clearly, and his reflections of the many productions he has worked on at the event were fascinating to say the least. It is a well known fact throughout Philadelphia and vicinity that efforts by IATSE 8 leadership including Mike Barnes along with Philadelphia Film Office executive Sharon Pinkinson are largely responsible for the ever growing film industry in our town. Mike also glowingly announced the construction of the brand new south Philadelphia based state of the art IATSE 8 union hall and training facility complete with a premier catering hall that will certainly be a model facility in our Philadelphia union community. PhillyUnions.com would like to sincerely thank Mike Barnes for his leadership and commitment to his membership and to the Philadelphia area union community! We would also like to thank Pro-Union Preferred Partner Larry Pitt & Associates for sponsoring our Nov. 7 event. For details about the Union Leader Meet & Greet Program please visit our B2B Events Page. November 9, 2007: ACTION ALERT: ** UPDATED 11/12 ** SEIU/UNITE-HERE Rally 11/13, 3:30 PM Service Workers Rising, A Project of SEIU And UNITE-HERE, Needs Your Help! ** UPDATED 11/12 ** Please note this action starts at 3:15 PM at 5th and Market, at which time we will march up to 1101 Market St. WHAT: Rally at Aramark HQ IT'S TIME FOR ARAMARK TO PLAY FAIR AND PAY FAIR! We're not going to let Aramark Drag Down Standards for Service Workers!!! Aramark doesn't treat people the way they should. Whether it's school children in Philadelphia, cafeteria workers in New York, janitors in Chicago, or taxpayers in cities and states across the country - ARAMARK has been more concerned with making millions for company execs than doing what's right by their employees and the communities they serve. COMMUNITIES AND EMPLOYEES SHOULD COME FIRST! Jeff Hornstein November 9, 2007: Magee Rehab Award Dinner Honors Lynne Abraham Announcing Magee Rehabilitation Hospital's 20th Annual Humanitarian Award Dinner Honoring The Honorable Lynne Abraham, Philadelphia District Attorney When: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia Reception at 5:30 PM Dinner and program to follow reception Dress: Business attire For more information please click here to visit www.mageerehab.org now. October 26, 2007: ACTION ALERT: Mid-Atlantic Mobilization to End the War on 10/27 Join the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, many union affiliates, and hundreds of rank and file union members tomorrow, Saturday, October 27th, in a mass regional anti-war action in Philadelphia! (Actions will be going on in 10 other cities around the country.) Most unions will congregate in the blocks between 22nd & Walnut and 31st & Walnut, as labor's links in the Human Chain, that will be the opening action in this day-long event. SEIU members will be in the 1300 block of Market Street. Come to 22nd & Walnut at 12:15 PM. Bring your banners, signs and union regalia and be a visible, living voice in opposition to the war and occupation in Iraq. Our theme for the day is "End the War Now! Bring the Troops Home, Care for them when they Return!" We will form the Human Chain, stretching from the Vets Hospital at 38th & Walnut to 6th & Market Streets. More than 100 unions and organizations have adopted parts of the route and will fill the blocks with their members. A march will begin at 1:00 at the Vets Hospital, and will follow the route of the chain. Those willing and able will fall in behind the leaders as they pass, and continue to the rally that starts at Independence Mall at 2:00 PM. Please join us! Spread the word to your members! Bring family and friends! For more info, go to www.oct27.org/philadelphia and/or download this printable flyer. In Solidarity, October 23, 2007: Spotlight on Plumbers Local Union 690 Business Manager John Kane PhillyUnions.com would like to thank new Plumbers Local 690 Business Manager John Kane for being the guest speaker at our Union Leader Meet & Greet Event on October 17. John has taken over the position of Business Manager at Local 690 for longtime BM and union community icon Edward Keenan who retired at the start of 2007. Since taking over at Local 690, John has done a fantastic job of leading the local into the next millennium by representing his membership in an exemplary fashion. He is particularly proud of the quality craftsmanship and work ethic of the members of Local 690 and speaks glowingly about their apprenticeship program which is 2nd to none in the nation. John has also implemented an outstanding internet presence for Local 690 with the launch of their new website at http://www.plumbers690.org PhillyUnions.com would also like to acknowledge all of the new officers of Local 690 including Business Agent Tom Golden who also made an appearance and spoke at our Meet & Greet event. There's no question that with the new leadership of Local 690, the Plumbers union will maintain its status as one of the premier unions throughout Philadelphia and vicinity as well as helping to continue our tradition of making our Philadelphia area union community the #1 union region in America! For details about the Union Leader Meet & Greet Program please visit our B2B Events Page. October 18, 2007: SEIU Local 32BJ Wins Contract City Cleaners Win 16% Wage Hike and Fully Employer-Paid Family Health Care New Contract Rolls Back Health Care Premium Sharing, Averts a Strike at Philadelphia Buildings PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 16 -- The Local 32BJ Bargaining Committee today announced agreement on a tentative four-year contract covering more than 2,300 Philadelphia commercial property service workers that provides a nearly 16% pay increase and ends premium sharing for family health care. The contract covers cleaners, engineers and building maintenance workers at nearly 70 commercial office buildings, including Centre Square, Commerce Square, the Blue Cross Building, and Cira Centre. "This $480 million contract provides real gains for property service workers that will help them better support their families and their community," said Wayne MacManiman, Local 32BJ Mid-Atlantic Director. "Most importantly, by rolling back an unaffordable premium for family health care, cleaners can actually afford to take their kids to the doctor when they get sick." The tentative agreement will provide an additional $23 million in health care coverage -- a 42% increase from the previous contract. Further, the contract provides a 20% increase in pension benefits and significantly raises wages for temporary workers. Local 32BJ reached the four-year agreement with Building Owners Labor Relations, Inc. (BOLR), an organization representing Philadelphia's major commercial office building owners, managers, and cleaning companies, at midnight, just as the previous agreement expired. Union membership and the BOLR Board of Directors must still ratify the agreement. "The contract is an important victory for Local 32BJ members in Philadelphia who are united with 32BJ members from Hartford, Connecticut to Washington, D.C. in this campaign," said Mike Fishman, Local 32BJ President. "As a result, Philadelphia cleaners will finally receive health care benefits that are on par with cleaners in New York and throughout the region." "Family health care is a huge victory for me and my co-workers," said Kirk Shelton, a cleaner at 833 Chestnut Street. "And the wage hikes will help me to start saving for my future." Local 32BJ began contract negotiations on September 7th. Philadelphia is the first district in Local 32BJ's six state jurisdiction -- from Hartford, Connecticut to Washington, D.C. -- to negotiate new commercial contract this fall. Bargaining for a new commercial contract in New York City begins next week, followed by similar negotiations in New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland. Altogether, nearly 50,000 commercial members are united in a campaign to secure new contracts that raise wage and benefit standards. With more than 85,000 members in six states, including 5,000 in Philadelphia, Local 32BJ is the largest property services union in the country. October 17, 2007: Spirit of Jeanne Jugan Award Presentation to Msgr. James Howard on 10/26/07 Msgr. James Howard (chaplain to the Police & Fire) is being honored as the 2007 Recipient of the Spirit of Jeanne Jugan Award by the Little Sisters of the Poor. Any former Police or Fire personnel will know the Msgr. and any union member that grew up in Southwest Philadelphia will know the Little Sisters of the Poor. WHEN: October 26, 2007
WHERE: The Union League Individual Ticket $125.00 (You may also purchase a ticket for one of Holy Family Home's residents) Retired Police and Fire Personnel will be discounted to $100.00 Table of 10 - $1,250.00 A commemorative journal is being put together to honor Monsignor Howard. Please help us honor Monsignor Howard by raising necessary funds to care for the elderly poor. For reservations or information please contact: Elizabeth Burns, For full details please view or download the invitation (PDF file) here. October 17, 2007: 3rd Annual P.O. Gennaro Pellegrini Jr. Scholarship Fund Beef & Beer on 11/3 To Whom It May Concern, On Saturday, November 3, 2007, we will be having a Beef & Beer Benefit in memory of our fallen brother, Gennaro Pellegrini, Jr. to be held at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA on Southampton Rd. and Roosevelt Blvd. at 7 PM. Gennaro "Jerry" Pellegrini was a Phila. Police Officer assigned to the 26th District, a pro boxer, and a Reservist in the PA National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq in 2004, and due to return home October 2005, when he was killed on August 9, 2005, with three other local men, in an ambush bombing by the enemy. He died a hometown HERO to all of us. Shortly after his death his family and the Phila. Police Dept. started a scholarship fund in his name to continue Jerry's tradition of helping neighborhood children. With the generous contributions of many businesses and residents from the tri-county area, the 1st Beef & Beer in October 2005 gave the fund a huge start. Those donations have helped numerous children continue to get a good education. It seems when something is not fresh in the news, people lose interest in helping, or other more recent events take precedence. We are hoping this 3rd Annual Beef & Beer fundraiser can be as successful as the 1st one was. The purpose of this letter is to ask you to open your hearts again. Any donation that you can offer would be greatly appreciated to ensure the success of this year's Beef & Beer, enabling The Pellegrini Scholarship Fund to continue financially helping the needy children and families in the neighborhoods where Jerry grew up, lived, and worked. Please note that we are in need of the normal essentials for this type of function. Paper products, food, utensils, food servers, beer, gift certificates, and any items we could use for prizes or auction baskets. And we will always accept monetary donations. Please contact any of the following officers for donation pick-ups, tickets to this year's event, or any other questions: Police Officer Michelle Winkis - 215-776-2216 Thank you for your time and consideration. View or download informational flyer here. October 17, 2007: AOH/LAOH 87 Ad Book & Ball on 11/3 - Congressman Bob Brady is Honored Ancient Order of Hibernians & Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 87 Dear Friends, Our annual Hibernian Ball will take place on Saturday, November 3rd, 2007 at Romano's Caterers. Open bar, full buffet and live music, tickets cost $50.00 per person. A.O.H. Man of the Year L.A.O.H. Woman of the Year Putso Award Recipient Slainte Award Recipient If you are interested in placing an ad to congratulate one or all of the award recipients, please contact me at unionmatty@aol.com or (215) 704-6302. Ads range from $300.00 for a cover page to $200.00 for a premium page, $100.00 for a standard page, $50.00 for a half page and $25.00 for a quarter page. Checks should be made payable to the A.O.H. Division 87 and mailed to my attention at 8130 Winthrop Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136. United in our Motto, Matthew J. McIntyre October 17, 2007: United Way of Southeastern PA Job Postings The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is currently recruiting for several open positions, including the position of Community Services Liaison (Labor Department). The Community Services Liaison supports activities, community relationships and outreach programs that reflect the shared priorities of UWSEPA and organized labor. For information about the Community Services Liaison opportunity and other open positions please visit http://www.uwsepa.org/info/employment.asp. October 1, 2007: Please support the passage of House Bill 163 "Lacey's Law" A note of progress since the untimely passing of Lacey Gallagher is House Bill 163. House Bill 163 was first introduced to the Transportation Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives back in January of 2007 by State Representative Katharine Watson (Bucks-R). This bill, if passed, would strengthen teen driving laws by limiting the number of passengers under the age of 18 who are allowed to drive with an individual operating a motor vehicle under a junior driver license. This bill would also require 65 hours of driving experience, up from the previous 50 hours, 10 hours of night time driving experience and 5 hours of inclement weather driving experience. In addition to House Bill 163, State Representative John Sabatina Jr. (Philadelphia Co. D) introduced Amendment 702 to the bill which would require House Bill 163 to be referred to as "Lacey's Law." If House Bill 163 passes and is signed into law, it will not only make the roads safer for all motorists, it would let the Gallagher family know their daughter and sister did not die in vain. Just last week, the Pennsylvania House Transportation committee voted unanimously to support House Bill 163 and Amendment 702. This sounds like great news and it is, but it is only the first hurdle in a series of hurdles we will have to clear in order to make this bill a reality. House Bill 163 has been voted out of committee which means it goes to the full House of Representatives (203 members). They will discuss, debate and vote on this bill. Hopefully they will vote to support this measure and if so, the bill moves on to the Senate. If and when House Bill 163 is passed on to the Senate, they will have several options. The Senate can vote to support House Bill 163 in its current state which would mean it would be sent to Governor Rendell to be signed into law. Or the Senate can choose to amend the bill which means it would have to be sent back to the full House of Representatives for their approval. Or, the Senate can let the bill sit until the end of the year which means the bill would die. We can not let this bill fade away! We need to contact our state representatives and senators and urge them to support House Bill 163. Write letters, make phone calls, send e-mails to your elected officials, to let them know you support House Bill 163 and the naming of "Lacey's Law" and urge them to do the same. Lacey Gallagher was a beautiful person on the inside as well as the outside. She left an immediate impression upon meeting people and that is evident by the amount of support the Gallagher family has received from others. Please keep the memory and spirit of Lacey alive by contacting your Pennsylvania State lawmakers to urge them to support House Bill 163 in memory of our fallen angel, Lacey Gallagher. Please visit the web site at www.thelaceyfund.org. To contact your PA State lawmakers, please visit the following web sites: * www.house.state.pa.us - House of Representatives (203 members) * www.pasen.gov - Pennsylvania State Senators (50 members) Best regards, September 17, 2007: City of Hope Annual "Spirit of Life" Award Reception on 10/3/07 - UPDATED LOCATION City of Hope is pleased to announce the annual "Spirit of Life" Award Reception Honoring Edward F. Mooney & Anthony F. Visco, Jr. Wednesday, October 3, 2007 Proceeds will support a Research Fellowship in Pediatric Oncology at the City of Hope National Medical Center For information contact Harry Giordano at 215-985-0869 Ads must be emailed by tomorrow, Thurs. 9/20 to cfanelli@coh.org. Please click on or download this ad form for more details or to submit your ad. Thank you! PLEASE NOTE the location has been changed from the non-union Park Hyatt to the union Sheraton CC. All other details remain the same. Update courtesy of Lynne Fox, Business Manager, Philadelphia Joint Board, UNITE HERE. September 6, 2007: Passing of PFT Union Member Dan Ezzio We sincerely regret to announce the passing of Dan Ezzio, a member of PFT Local 3 as well as a longstanding member of the Tri-State Labor Day Committee. Shortly after returning the PFT van from the parade, Dan had a fatal accident. You can read the article in yesterday's Daily News here: A more detailed Daily News story: Services Info: A viewing for Ezzio will take place from 7 to 9 PM this evening (Wed. 9/6) at Pennsylvania Burial Co., 1327-29 S. Broad St. A funeral will be held at 9:30 AM Friday at St. Rita's Church, Broad and Ellsworth streets. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Route 70, Cherry Hill. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, or to the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Scholarship Fund, 1816 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. August 28, 2007: 20th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade & Family Festival this Mon. 9/3 Monday, September 3, 2007 WHERE: Sheet Metal Workers' Local 19 Union Hall
Co-Sponsored by Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and The Tri-State Labor Day Parade Committee. 215-665-9800. Click the following links for parade materials (Links open in a new window): Printable parade flyer (PDF) August 17, 2007: Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia presents Singles Build When you think of Habitat for Humanity, no doubt you think about scores of volunteers helping to build affordable housing. Indeed that is what Habitat does and those houses are matched to partner families who help build the homes and then purchase them through zero interest mortgages held by Habitat. Over the past 20 years Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has matched more than 130 families to Philadelphia homes built using volunteer labor. Beginning in 2007, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia will begin matching singles who share a passion for social change through a new event called Singles Build. For one Saturday per month eligible bachelors and bachelorettes can swing a hammer together while helping Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia complete construction on one of 11 homes to be completed this year. Build sites include two Bon Jovi sponsored homes in Point Breeze, a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans home in South Philadelphia, and the seven homes in East Parkside that comprise Habitat Philadelphia's Green Affordable Philadelphia project. These environmentally friendly homes are the first low income housing in Philadelphia to be included in the LEED for Homes Pilot Program. Tickets for the event are $75 and include a 1/2 day build, a box lunch, and an after-party later that evening. If you bring a male friend, your tickets will be at a discount of $50 per person. Each single will also be given contact cards to hand out to fellow volunteers they want to meet again as well as the opportunity to network through myspace.com. The idea of "Singles Build" was generated by members of Habitat's construction staff who share a passion for social justice -- particularly relating to affordable housing -- and an interest in meeting other available singles who share that passion. Thus far, public response has been strong and each event looks like it will have a full cadre of 150 single participants. Interested parties may register on our website or by calling Larisa Forest at 215.SOLO.NOMO. Proceeds from the event will be used to cover the material costs of building. Singles Build Dates: Saturday, September 29, 2007 Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia builds and rehabilitates houses and neighborhoods by providing simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Reaching out from Christian roots across denominational, faith, economic and racial lines, Habitat works in partnership with prospective and existing homeowners, volunteers, donors, community organizations and all those who can help reach these goals. Since 1984 over 135 homes have been provided for families who face a more hopeful future made possible by their partnership and the caring gifts of this community. (www.habitatphiladelphia.org) Please click on this flyer for more details. Thank you! - Larisa August 17, 2007: Discount Football Tickets for Union Members - Temple vs Navy Temple University Football is offering significantly discounted tickets ($5 and $15) for union members and their families to the home opener against Navy on Friday, August 31, at 7:30 PM at Lincoln Financial Field. Please click on this flyer for details on the game or on this flyer for info about a special "Fan Fest" being held this Wednesday, August 22. The Fan Fest is free and open to the public. Details on payment and ticket pickup for unions and individuals are as follows:
August 17, 2007: Spotlight on Boilermakers (IBB) Local 13 Business Manager James W. Banford, Jr. PhillyUnions.com would like to sincerely thank Jim Banford, Business Manager of Boilermakers (IBB) Local 13, for being our honored guest speaker at our August 9 Union Leader Meet & Greet Event. The Union Leader Meet & Greet Event program is designed to provide unprecedented opportunities for our Pro-Union Preferred Partners and their guests to meet Philadelphia's top union leaders up close and personal. For details about the Union Leader Meet & Greet Program please visit our B2B Events Page. Jim Banford has been a Boilermaker for 33 years, a union official for 12 years and a Business Manager for six years. One of our union community's outstanding Business Managers, Jim did a fantastic job representing his union at our event. His pride for his union and his dedicated, hardworking members, who keep our city's refineries and other industrial facilities in fine working order providing our city with vital power and resources, showed through clearly. Jim Banford is truly a tribute to his members and a great asset to both his local and our union community as a whole. July 25, 2007: Spotlight on AFSCME District Council 47 President Thomas Paine Cronin PhillyUnions.com is pleased to announced that Thomas Paine Cronin, President of AFSCME District Council 47, will be our honored guest speaker at today's Union Leader Meet & Greet Event, being held at the Penthouse Lounge and Grille, located at 460 N. 2nd St. (on 2nd between Spring Garden and Callowhill), Philadelphia from 6 - 8 PM. The new Union Leader Meet & Greet Event program is designed to provide unprecedented opportunities for our Pro-Union Preferred Partners and their guests to meet Philadelphia's top union leaders up close and personal. For details about the Union Leader Meet & Greet Program please visit our B2B Events Page. THOMAS PAINE CRONIN President, AFSCME District Council 47 - 1980 - Present After years of civil rights struggles in the South and North, Thomas Paine Cronin began his career in City employment as a Civil Rights Investigator with the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations in 1970. He was one of the original members of The Administrative, Professional and Technical Association (APTA) and was one of the original organizers of APTA District Council 47. Tom occupied several positions on the District Council 47 Executive Board before he became President of Local 2187 in 1978. In 1980 he was elected President of AFSCME District Council 47 which presently has approximately 5,500 members. AFSCME D.C. 47, under Cronin's leadership, is a strong supporter of the labor union principle of "solidarity" whether here or abroad. "Solidarity doesn't end at the borders of the United States," Cronin has said on many occasions. D.C. 47 continues to fight aggressively for active members as well as retirees. Health care, pensions, wages, health and safety issues are our main issues, but we continue to struggle on many fronts. Recent victories in organizing new members in previously non-traditional employment has been a big plus for AFSCME International and District Council 47 in particular. July 25, 2007: SEIU/NCFO Local Union 1201 Presents Free Financial Workshop on Thursday 7/26 You're Invited Making Your Wealth Work for You Please join us for an educational workshop on key concepts every investor should consider when making smart financial decisions. Learn investment basics and how to navigate today's markets with your long-term financial goals in mind. This will be the first in a series of educational workshops. Join us for this special workshop -- and make your wealth work for you. Hosted by: SEIU/NCFO Local Union 1201 Speaker: PhillyUnions.com Preferred Partner Jim Buggy, Financial Advisor Date: Thursday - July 26, 2007 (tomorrow) Time: 6:00 PM Place: SEIU/NCFO Local Union 1201 Hall For reservations call Dennis Biondo at (215)-627-9220 You MUST reserve a spot for this workshop. This workshop is completely free. Seating is limited to the first 30 people. To reserve your place, please RSVP at the above phone number. We welcome your friends, family, and colleagues as well. July 18, 2007: Spotlight on Teamsters Local 830 BM Dan Grace PhillyUnions.com is pleased to announced that Daniel Grace, Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager of Teamsters Local 830, will be our honored guest speaker at today's Union Leader Meet & Greet Event, being held at the Penthouse Lounge and Grille, located at 460 N. 2nd St. (on 2nd between Spring Garden and Callowhill), Philadelphia from 6 - 8 PM. The new Union Leader Meet & Greet Event program is designed to provide unprecedented opportunities for our Pro-Union Preferred Partners and their guests to meet Philadelphia's top union leaders up close and personal. For details visit our B2B Events Page. Daniel Grace Daniel H. Grace began his career as a production worker at Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in 1976 before he graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1977. In 1979 Dan received his Degree in Automotive and Diesel Technology at Lincoln Technical Institute in Philadelphia. Dan also carries a Commercial Drivers License Master Instructor Certificate and a Driver Trainer Instructor Certificate for the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. In June of 1979 Dan worked as a Transport Driver for the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in Philadelphia. He was elected shop steward in 1980 and in 1995 started his labor career as a Business Agent and Organizer for International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 830. Dan was promoted to Recording Secretary in 1997 and then appointed to President in 1998, then in January of 2000 was elected to the position of Secretary-Treasurer/Business Manager and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 830, which represents over 3800 active members. As Secretary-Treasurer he maintains the position of Trustee on several funds, including the Local 830 Health and Welfare Fund, Pension Fund and Retirement Savings Plan. In 2001, Dan was elected to the position of Vice President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the AFL-CIO. Dan also serves as a Trustee for the JC 53 Pension Fund. He is also a Vice President for the Brewery & Soft Drink Workers Conference with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Dan is an active member of AOH - Division 1 in Bristol, PA. He also has been a member of the Irish Society since November 1995. A traditional family man, Dan has been married for over 28 years to his lovely wife, Frances. They have 3 sons and 1 daughter and four grandchildren, Kyle, Shaun, Daniel, and Hannah. July 10, 2007: Spotlight on GCU 16-N Business Manager Joe Inemer PhillyUnions.com is pleased to announced that Joseph L. Inemer, Jr., Business Manager of Graphic Communications Union Local 16-N, will be our honored guest speaker at today's Union Leader Meet & Greet Event, being held at the Penthouse Lounge and Grille, located at 460 N. 2nd St. (on 2nd between Spring Garden and Callowhill), Philadelphia from 6 - 8 PM. The new Union Leader Meet & Greet Event program is designed to provide unprecedented opportunities for our Pro-Union Preferred Partners and their guests to meet Philadelphia's top union leaders up close and personal. Joseph L. Inemer Jr.
July 10, 2007: Charity Car Wash on 7/14/07 $2.00 from every wash will be donated by Cherry Hill Car Wash to the SEIU, Firemen & Oilers Local 1201 College Scholarship Fund. WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2007 WHERE: Cherry Hill Car Wash Free Ice Cream & Prizes from Wired 96.5 from Noon - 1 PM Free Hot Dogs and Sodas! Come out and support the children of our hardworking union members and leave with a full belly and a shiny car! For more information please contact Mike Karafin of Chase Home Finance at 609-506-9373. Sponsored by Chase Home Finance June 29, 2007: SEIU 32BJ Contract Support Petition Dear Friends, As part of the kick-off of our 2007 Commercial Contract Campaign, Local 32BJ has launched an online petition to show community support for a fair contract for over 2,100 property services workers in Philadelphia. Please take a moment to read and sign, and of course, feel free to circulate the link far and wide. Citizens of Philadelphia Support Philadelphia's Property Service Workers in Their Struggle for a Fair Contract: http://www.petitiononline.com/32BJCCC/petition.html In Solidarity, Jeff Hornstein June 29, 2007: Labor to Neighbor Stuff a Bus Event 7/31 - 8/1/07 STUFF THE BUS Tuesday, July 31st, We all know how important and exciting it is for children to start the school year with the tools they need to be successful. But, for children living in our region's homeless shelters, being ready for school is not easy. Organized labor and the United Way of SE PA invite you to help us make a real difference for 1,000 homeless children across our region by taking part in our "Stuff the Bus" community project this summer. The goal is simple: to fill 1,000 school book bags with needed school supplies, and deliver them to homeless shelters in Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties before school starts. We need you! Donate a specific item or items. Select an item or items from the list below. We will be collecting items at the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO (22 S. 22nd St. 2nd fl) until Friday, July 27th.
Join us as we stuff book bags for children! July 31st & August 1st! Marriott Hotel 7/31: Time to be announced (midday) View printable flyer (PDF) here: To sign up or for more information: Janet H.Ryder June 29, 2007: ACTION ALERT: Rally to Support Wackenhut Security Officers HEY WACKENHUT, WHAT PRICE LIBERTY?
Rally for Justice For more info, call Yvette at the Union office at 215-226-3600 Jeff Hornstein June 18, 2007: ACTION ALERT: SEIU 32BJ Rally & March for a Fair Contract on 6/20 PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR CONTRACT CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF RALLY WANTED: A fair contract for 2,300 Janitors * SEIU LOCAL 32BJ's Collective Bargaining Agreement with Philadelphia's leading commercial office owners and janitorial contractors expires on October 15, 2007. This contract covers over 2,300 commercial office cleaners in all the major office buildings in this City. * We anticipate a struggle to maintain our members' health benefits and make progress on wages and other important issues. * Philadelphia's cleaning contractors and building owners have done well in the past few years, with office vacancies down and rental rates up, according to recent market reports. * IT'S TIME TO SHARE THE WEALTH with those who keep the buildings clean and well-functioning! RALLY & MARCH FOR A FAIR CONTRACT For more information, call Jeff Hornstein at 267-250-6480. June 6, 2007: Iraqi Labor Leaders Tour on 6/19/07 Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, Iraq Veterans Against the War, & US Labor Against the War Present IRAQI LABOR LEADERS TOUR Tuesday, June 19, 2007 5:30 PM Reception and Public Forum Tickets: $30; $15 for low-income/unemployed - No one turned away for lack of funds Featuring: Faleh Abood Umara, General Secretary, Southern Oil Company Union, Iraqi Federation of Oil Workers Unions Hashmeya Mohsen al Hussein, President, Electrical Utility Workers Union To reserve your place at the reception, mail your check payable to: Philadelphia Council, AFL-CIO (memo: Iraqi Union Event), 22 South 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. Be sure to include the following information: Number of seats at the reception X $30 each = Total Enclosed Name, Phone #, email address, union/organization (Tickets will also be sold at the door -- space permitting.) Co-sponsored by AFSC; AFSCME DC 47, AFSCME 2187, Coalition of Labor Union Women, Phila.; Nat'l. Organization For Women, Phila; SEIU 1199P; Temple Assoc. of University Professionals, AFT 4531; Temple U. Hospital Nurses Assn,; Veterans for Peace Chapter 31; Veterans for America; AFT 2026 at CCP (List in formation). Contact: Kathy Black, 215-893-3770, kblack@dc47.org; or John Braxton, 215-751-8555, morbraxton@aol.com June 6, 2007: Spotlight on SEIU Local 473 Firemen & Oilers President Ron Kirschner PhillyUnions.com is pleased to announced that Ron Kirschner, President, Local 473 Firemen & Oilers, SEIU, will be our honored guest speaker at today's Union Leader Meet & Greet Event, being held at the Penthouse Lounge and Grille, located at 460 N. 2nd St. (on 2nd between Spring Garden and Callowhill), Philadelphia. The new Union Leader Meet & Greet Event program is designed to provide unprecedented opportunities for our Pro-Union Preferred Partners and their guests to meet Philadelphia's top union leaders up close and personal. Today's Union Leader Meet & Greet Event is sponsored by Rite Aid Health Solutions (http://www.riteaidhealthsolutions.com). Ronald H. Kirschner Title: President, Local 473 Firemen & Oilers, SEIU Education: Ridley High School Affiliations/Memberships: Vice President, Pennsylvania State AFL/CIO; "To treat everyone the way you would want to be treated. And that goes a long way in this world today!" May 29, 2007: ACTION ALERT: Benefit Dinner for a Union Sister on 6/8 Brothers and Sisters, As you may be aware, PhillyUnions.com Pro-Union Preferred Partner Esther Diller recently lost her home to a devastating fire. Esther Diller and First Choice Lending have been a friend and supporter of the Philadelphia Council and its member unions. First Choice has helped union families secure home mortgages at a considerable savings to union members and she has supported all of our union programs. We now have an opportunity to help a true friend by joining the Philadelphia Council and her co-workers who are hosting a benefit dinner for Esther and her family on June 8, 2007 from 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM at the Newportville Fire Hall, 2425 Newfalls Road in Newportville, PA 19053. Tickets for the dinner are $30 and all the proceeds will go to a fund set up for Esther's family. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Donations directly to the fund in any amount are also welcome. Donations can be made to Lakernick-Diller Family Fund c/o Joni Bernard @ Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, 22 South 22nd Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Please join us as we help a union sister and a dear friend and her family get back on their feet. Contact Joni Bernard for any questions about donations or ticket purchases at 215-665-9800. Ext 206. In Solidarity, Patrick J. Eiding May 29, 2007: ACTION ALERT: Transit Action on 5/31 - Help Put Transit Back on Track! HELP PUT TRANSIT BACK ON TRACK! THURSDAY MAY 31 Without adequate, dedicated funding, SEPTA is facing service cuts of up to 20% and fare increases of up to 30%. Come out on May 31st and show your support for extensive, affordable mass transit! Call 215-665-9800 for more information. May 24, 2007: A Perspective on Firemen & Oilers (SEIU) Local 1201 President George Ricchezza PhillyUnions.Com Feature: "Perspectives" On Union Leaders in Our Community Because the mainstream media does not always represent the best interests of our labor leaders, issues, standards, conditions or rights, PhillyUnions.com presents a continuing periodic editorial feature that provides a new perspective on some of the most high profile and influential labor leaders throughout Philadelphia and vicinity. For our third installment of the "Perspectives" series we have chosen to feature Firemen & Oilers (SEIU) Local 1201 President George Ricchezza. George was born in Philadelphia on May 20, 1951 to Lucy and Joseph Ricchezza, the youngest of six children. George attended King of Peace and Bishop Neumann High School graduating in 1969. George and Maryann married in May of 1975 and have two children, Genna and Gian. They are the proud grandparents of Alexisann and Jimmy Junior. Gian attends Rutgers University and will graduate in 2008. George started with the School District in 1975 as a general helper in the Maintenance Department. He tested for the Trades Trainee Program, became a B Mechanic, then a Journeyman Mechanic in the Iron Worker Department. In 1992, he became Leaderman. In 1988, George was elected to a position on the Executive Board of Local 1201 representing the Maintenance Department. It was at this time that George negotiated his first contract with the School District of Philadelphia. In 1999, he was elected as Business Agent and served three consecutive terms. In 2006, he was elected President of Local 1201. Along with Philadelphia, he also represents members in three outlying school districts and a transportation company in Schuylkill County. As President, he serves on many boards, including Health and Welfare, Scholarship, and the Legal Trust Fund. He also holds positions on the AFL-CIO, PALM, and Good SchoolKeeping Executive Boards. George also serves on the SEIU State Council Board. Something near and dear to George's heart is the Special Olympics, which were held each year in the School District. He hopes the School District will restore Special Olympics and pledges his commitment and support, along with Local 1201, to this worthwhile event. May 23, 2007: Fundraising Concert: Branford Marsalis, Rodney Mack, Time for Three - Special Price for Union Members For Immediate release. Contact: Sabina Clarke sabinapatti@yahoo.com Branford Marsalis and Rodney Mack Headline Concert at University of Pennsylvania's Irvine Auditorium Grammy® award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis, internationally acclaimed trumpeter Rodney Mack and the Philadelphia Big Brass and Time for Three headline a Tribute Concert on Sunday, June 3, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce Street on the University of Pennsylvania's campus. SPECIAL UNION MEMBER TICKET RATE: $25.00. To purchase tickets call Upstages box office at (215) 569-9700 and identify yourself as a union member to get the special price. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Paul Robeson House Historical Renovation Project. * This is going to be a spectacular concert with solo performances by Branford Marsalis and his cousin, trumpeter Rodney Mack, with the Philadelphia Big Brass and Time for Three. May 7, 2007: A Perspective on Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Patrick J. Eiding PhillyUnions.Com Feature: "Perspectives" On Union Leaders in Our Community Because the mainstream media does not always represent the best interests of our labor leaders, issues, standards, conditions or rights, PhillyUnions.com presents a continuing periodic editorial feature that provides a new perspective on some of the most high profile and influential labor leaders throughout Philadelphia and vicinity. For our second installment of the "Perspectives" series we have chosen to feature Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Patrick J. Eiding. A leader in the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania labor movement, Mr. Eiding is active in many civic, charitable and government affairs. Prior to being elected President of the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO in January 2002, Mr. Eiding served for 29 years as Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 14 covering Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. He began working with the Insulators in 1959 before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Following an honorable discharge, he was admitted to the Union in 1963 as an apprentice. After becoming a journeyman, he continued working in the field until his election as Business manager. Mr. Eiding has risen through the ranks of leadership throughout his career. His union leadership roles include serving as past President of the Asbestos Workers Middle Atlantic States Conference, and past President of the Mechanical Trades Council in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He currently serves as Vice President of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council, Secretary/Treasurer of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, and as a member of the Executive Council of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. Mr. Eiding represents the interests of working families by serving as an active member of numerous boards and commissions. He is the co-chairman of PALM (Philadelphia Area Labor Management), and sits on the Board of Directors of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Comey Labor Institute of St. Joseph's University, and the nominating panel for Community College of Philadelphia, and most recently, the Committee of Seventy. He is on the Executive Committee of Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (WIB), and serves as a Commissioner for the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), and the Philadelphia Planning Commission. Mr. Eiding is very involved in this community and has invested many hours in civic and community endeavors. His favorite charity event is the Asbestos Workers Mesothelioma Fund. In 1992, he spearheaded the negotiations to inaugurate the Fund as part of the Insulators Collective Bargaining Agreements to aid in the research of this most dreadful disease. In 1995, he chaired the first Annual Mesothelioma Golf tournament, which has raised more than $1,000,000 to date for the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Since being elected President of the Philadelphia Council AF-CIO, he has made the voice of labor heard throughout this region. He has co-hosted the weekly "Labor to Neighbor" radio show which strives to educate listeners about current working family issues, and to serve as a voice for those who need it most in our community. April 24, 2007: Support Temple Guards, Honor Rev. Sullivan Reverend Leon Sullivan (Oct. 16, 1922 - April 24, 2001) lived a life dedicated to fighting for African-American workers and against poverty. This remarkable man made his mark on the world but his struggles for justice were centered in N. Philadelphia. Today, Temple University ignores this legacy by allowing 300 African-American security guards to work for poverty wages, inaccessable health care, no pensions or sick-days... What's At Stake: Since 2004, security officers and students have been urging Temple University to enforce its own business ethics policies. Temple University, which is just blocks away from the historic Zion Baptist Church, is a signatory to the Global Sullivan Principles (see page 16 of http://policies.temple.edu/getdoc.asp?policy_no=05.50.01). Despite making this pact, and pledging to only do business with companies that follow ethical guidelines, Temple University has contracted Allied-Barton to provide campus security. Allied-Barton security guards are paid poverty wages (between $7-$9.25/hr), have health care that is too expensive to afford, have no pension options, and get no paid sick-leave or bereavement-leave. Allied-Barton has systematically violated the right of these workers to freely associate with one another, to freely express their grievances with the company in their off-work hours, and to form an independent worker association. The Global Sullivan Principles http://www.thesullivanfoundation.org/gsp/principles/gsp/default.asp state (excerpted for brevity): "As a company which endorses the Global Sullivan Principles... we will:
Guards and students have been organizing to win improvements in wages and benefits for years. Despite Temple's promise as a signatory to the Global Sullivan Principles, the calls for justice have gone unanswered. In fact, Temple University President, Dr. Ann Weaver, had refused to even meet with the Student Labor Action Project to discuss meeting Temple's own guidelines. Temple does not "Respect our employees' voluntary freedom of association" - In 2005, five security officers at the University of Pennsylvania were suspended for organizing a human rights petition among co-workers and students. Student activists on both campuses demanded that school administrators intervene in the heavy-handed retaliations. Temple University refused to speak up for human rights. Temple University does not "Compensate our employees to...to raise their social and economic opportunities" - Allied-Barton security officers at Temple University earn poverty wages. Jobs with Justice estimates that a family-sustaining wage in Philadelphia is $12/hour. The national average for security professionals is $10.15/hr. Security officers at Temple earn between $7.00 and $9.15/hr. This puts many Temple security officers below the Federal poverty level. Does Temple University "Accept bribes" - Dr. Weaver has developed an ethically questionable relationship with Ronald O. Perelman, owner of Allied-Barton. Perelman makes significant donations to the Temple endowment. The Fox School of Business has named a professorship after Perelman because of his ongoing contributions. In turn, Temple University gives Mr. Perelman the Allied/Temple contract. This contract brings significant revenue to Mr. Perelman's company and to his personal fortunes. Temple University does not promote the Global Sullivan Principles to Allied-Barton - Temple University has refused to meet with activists for more than three years. Temple University refused to intervene when Allied-Barton violated the rights of worker activists with impunity. Temple University and Dr. Ann Weaver turn their backs on hundreds of black workers and the legacy of the Reverend Leon Sullivan. Campaign Expiration Date: May 24, 2007 Click here to take action now! April 11, 2007: Operating Engineers #542 vs. American Red Cross I am writing to alert you to a problem we are having with the American Red Cross. In May of last year this Local won an election unanimously among the bio-med techs employed at the Red Cross facility in Philadelphia. Not even a week after the election, Management retaliated against these employees by taking away breaks and changing other conditions. Since then we have been bargaining but they refuse to come to a fair agreement. I am sure that you're aware that their labor relations history is full of strikes and anti-union campaigning. On behalf of this Local, I am requesting that you inform Pennsylvania affiliates of our dispute with the American Red Cross and ask them not to cooperate or hold any Blood Drives with The American Red Cross until they treat their employees fairly and sign a contract. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Robert T. Heenan April 11, 2007: Invitation to the PhillyUnions.com Friday Union Happy Hour Party Attention: All Union Members, Friends, Families and Preferred Partners, As part of our "Union Philadelphia Celebration," PhillyUnions.com once again cordially invites you to attend a complimentary After Work/Happy Hour Party this Friday 4/13 from 4PM - 8PM at Philadelphia's newest ultra lounge and restaurant, the Penthouse Lounge and Grille. This event which will continue on a weekly basis every Friday will include free entry, a free buffet and drink specials. We welcome all of our Union brothers, sisters, friends and families to this weekly Friday event to celebrate solidarity, friendship, camaraderie and flat out fun, Union style. The Penthouse Lounge and Grille is a union facility located at 460 N. 2nd St., Phila. (2nd St. between Spring Garden and Callowhill). For more info please visit http://www.penthousephilly.com/. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we build the city's premier union After Work/Happy Hour Party. Sincerely, Joe Dougherty March 27, 2007: Working America Philadelphia Movie Event Tomorrow 3/28 Working America Philadelphia proudly presents the first installment of Reel Change: Movies For Activists this coming Wednesday, March 28. We are showing the film At the River I Stand, which is an amazing documentary about civil rights and labor struggles in Memphis in 1968. The film documents the famous Memphis sanitation workers strike, the last campaign that MLK worked on before his assassination. Please feel free to bring your friends and family! At the River I Stand 215-988-9145 to RSVP or for more info. March 16, 2007: Andrews Announces Legislation to Extend Worker Safety Program to State, County and Municipal Workers On behalf of PhilaPOSH On March 13, Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), the new Chair of the House Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, announced federal legislation to extend important health and safety protections to public sector workers. The "Fairness for State and Local Workers Act" will extend OSHA protections to state, county and municipal employees. This is LONG overdue. Pennsylvania is one of the 26 states that provide no coverage to public sector workers. Please circulate the following press release. We will keep you informed about future local actions in support of this historic legislation. Barbara Rahke PRESS RELEASE: Andrews Announces Legislation to Extend Worker Safety Program to State, County and Municipal Workers Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Washington, DC -- Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ), chairman of the House Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions Subcommittee, announced legislation today to extend important worker health and safety protections to public sector employees. The Fairness for State and Local Workers Act will widen the Occupational Safety and Health Act's protections to state, county and municipal employees. Public employees are currently not covered under federal OSHA protections. Although states may provide coverage under a federally approved program with matching funds, 26 states have chosen not to participate. "For far too long thousands of state, county and city workers have not been covered by the workplace health and safety standards that protect private sector employees. That is why today, I am proud to introduce the Fairness for State and Local Workers Act, which will fix this problem by expanding worker health and safety protections to the public sector workers," said Rep. Andrews. "This plan simply requires all workplaces to abide by the same safety and health standards and provides public employees the protections everyone deserves." A report released today by the US Chemical Safety Board on a fatal workplace accident in Florida highlights the need to extend important safety protections to public sector workplaces. A January 11, 2006 explosion at the Bethune Point Wastewater Treatment PLant -- owned and operated by the City of Daytona Beach, Florida -- fatally burned two municipal workers; a third worker suffered grave injuries. The CSB concluded that the plant's safety standards were inadequate. Florida does not require public employers to follow OSHA standards. The Board called on the Florida legislature and governor to require workplace safety protections for Florida's state, county, and municipal employees. The Occupational and Safety Health Act protects workers by requiring employers to provide their workers with an environment free from dangers to their health and safety. OSHA issues basic standards that employers must follow. It also allows employees to file a complaint and receive an OSHA inspection without fear of employer retaliation. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2007: ACTION ALERT: SEIU Local 668 Support Rally This Mon. 3/19 Dear Brothers and Sisters, The members working at the Unemployment Compensation Service Center (UCSC) in Philadelphia are constantly being intimidated by their local management. Fairness at the workplace is one of the major rights union members have. When that right is being violated it is a time that we all stand together to fight against it. Please join our PSSU Local 668 brothers and sisters on Monday, March 19, 2007 at 12:30 PM. The rally is located at 2901 Grant Avenue. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Carolyn Giddings, Business Agent at 215.561.2350. March 13, 2007: ACTION ALERT: Community College Teachers on STRIKE Your Solidarity is needed now! The Faculty Federation of Community College of Philadelphia will start the pickets at 7:30 AM, 1700 Spring Garden St., Phila. Come out and show your support and grab a picket!!! The Community College Administration is demanding that the teachers give back significant portions of their wages and health care. In the long run, no one in Philadelphia benefits by taking away good wages and health care from these workers. Come out and support their struggle. Stand up with them and show the Community College administrators and Mayor Street that we do not support taking away from our neighbors. We need to bring the students back into classes and the teachers back to work. Only your support can make this happen in a way that doesn't take away the things that these hard working teachers need! Also, call Community College President Steven Curtis, PhD., at 215-751-8028 and demand that he end the strike by giving fair raises and maintaining current health care. March 13, 2007: Maritime Food Festival on 4/23 Has your organization made a difference? Every day, men and women associated with our labor unions and the maritime industry make positive contributions to our community, but are rarely recognized for their efforts. We would like to recognize your efforts RPC Productions, producers of the Happenings TV network, is presenting its 7th Annual International Maritime Food Festival on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center. The Festivities will take place from 6 to 9 PM, at the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal, 5100 Broad Street. The Highlight of the festival is the presentation of the "You Have Made a Difference" awards. These beautifully designed plaques will be presented to individuals or associations who have distinguished themselves through their unselfish contribution to the community. If you know of an individual or organization that is deserving of this award, please let us know. Our impartial committee will select the most deserving individuals or organizations. The submission process is easy. Simply fill out this form and submit it to the address below: RPC Productions - Happenings TV If you'd like to sponsor the event please use this form. This is a wonderful way to honor a deserving individual or association. We look forward to receiving your nomination, and seeing you at the 7th Annual International Maritime Food Festival on April 23rd. March 13, 2007: Peggy Browning Fundraiser on 3/22 Dear Brothers and Sisters, I am asking each local union to support the Annual Peggy Browning Fundraiser. This year's honoree is National AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. The fundraiser will be held on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Penn's Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Blvd., Phila. Cocktails and dinner buffet will be served at 6:00 PM and the Awards Ceremony will begin at 7:15 PM. If your schedule does not allow you to attend, an ad or donation would be greatly appreciated. This fund recruits aspiring attorneys by supporting them in summer internships with labor friendly advocacy groups and law firms. As leaders we understand how crucial this is in our constant quest for both qualified and sensitive legal counsel. The prices for purchasing an ad or tickets are as follows:
Levels of Contributions: Friend - $500.00; Supporter - $100.00 Ads can be sent electronically to Maryann Moffa at mmoffa@peggybrowningfund.org or contact her at 215.665.6815 for more information. Please supply ad ASAP. If you have already made a contribution to this worthy cause your support is greatly appreciated. March 13, 2007: ACTION ALERT: IBEW Local 614 Rally this Thurs. 3/15 On behalf of IBEW Local 614 Please Join our Rally! Stop PECO's Corporate Greed from stealing the standard of living from their employees. We need your support on Please wear your union colors and show your union pride! More information: http://www.614ibew.com/ March 13, 2007: ACTION ALERT: SEIU 32BJ Rally Thurs. 3/15 to Defend Union Standards Dear Friends of SEIU Local 32BJ, We are still struggling to achieve justice for the commercial office cleaners who work for Statewide Environmental Services, one of the last janitorial services contractors in Philadelphia to insist on paying poverty wages with no benefits. Statewide cleans 325 Chestnut Street (home to Buddakan and many law firms), 400 Market Street (Philadelphia Business Journal HQ), and 714 Market Street (Liberty Resources among other tenants). They pay as little as $6.50 an hour, with no meaningful benefits. STATEWIDE IS A DIRECT THREAT TO THE STANDARDS THAT LOCAL 32BJ'S MEMBERS HAVE FOUGHT FOR YEARS TO MAINTAIN: Family-sustaining wages, quality health coverage, pension benefits, job security. So, once again, we're calling on our allies to help send Statewide a message that THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE IN PHILADELPHIA, A UNION TOWN! WHAT: Rally to Defend Union Standards WHEN: Thursday, March 15, 2:30 PM WHERE: Meet at 5th and Market, march to 325 Market RSVP or MORE INFO: Call Jeff Hornstein, 267-250-6480 In Solidarity, March 13, 2007: UPDATE: Stand for Youth and Education Expo on 3/31 On behalf of the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) and the Judge Mathis Foundation Dear Brothers and Sisters, On Saturday, March 31, 2007, the Laborers-Employers Cooperation and Education Trust (LECET) and the Judge Mathis Foundation will present the "Stand for Youth & Education Expo!" Launched four years ago in Detroit, Michigan, this initiative is an education-focused event for parents, youth and young adults created by award-winning television personality, Judge Greg Mathis. We are requesting your support in this important effort. The Expo will provide a platform and activities for youth and their parents, and young adults to become more informed and empowered about the issues of, and relationship between, crime and education. Incorporating the theme "Education over Incarceration," the goal is to increase academic achievement while lowering the incidents of crime and incarceration among youth in the city. The Expo will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. It will bring together national and area leaders, parents, youth and young adults to discuss concerns and expose them to the diversity of services available throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley that support the goals of educational accomplishment and life success for youth and young adults. If you wish to sponsor this important event please use this Sponsorship Confirmation form. Please respond by Friday, March 16, 2007. If you need additional information, please contact Marvetta Coleman at 215-783-4593. We also ask that you share information about the Expo with parents, youth and young adults throughout your networks. Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to your joining with us in taking this "stand for youth and education!" Sincerely, Sam Staten, Sr. Judge Greg Mathis March 1, 2007: United Way invites you to the Stand for Youth and Education Expo on 3/31 Dear Friend: United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania is proud to join the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, the Laborers' International Union, the Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity and many other organizations in sponsoring the Stand for Youth & Education Expo, scheduled for Saturday, March 31st at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Over 2500 people are expected for this important event. I am writing to invite you to participate in the Expo by becoming an exhibitor. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to share information on their services with those attending and spread the word on the many positive opportunities available in our community for children and families. There is no charge for becoming an exhibitor but space is limited so we need to hear back from you quickly. The Expo will provide a platform for youth and their parents to become more informed and empowered about the issues of, and relationship between, crime and education. Incorporating the theme, "Education over Incarceration," the goal is to increase academic achievement while lowering the incidence of crime and incarceration among youth in the city. It will not be an event to simply talk about how "bad" things are, but one that will emphasize and demonstrate how "good" things can be. The Expo will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA, 9:00 AM -- 3:00 PM. It will bring together national and area leaders, parents, youth and young adults to discuss concerns, to explore and acknowledge what is and isn't working, and to increase awareness of the diversity of services available throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley that support the goals of educational accomplishment and life success for youth and young adults. Components of the day include:
Please act now to reserve your table at the event, and to let your clients and constituents know about the forum. If you're interested in being an exhibitor, please use this Exhibitor's Reservation Form, which includes instructions on where to submit it to make sure you have a table at the event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Marvetta Coleman of TiMC Associates, who are coordinating the event, at 215.783.4593 or contact me by email at dfair@uwsepa.org or by phone at 215-665-2467. I hope to see you on March 31st! Very truly yours, David R. Fair March 1, 2007: PhilaPOSH Presents Aftermath to 9/11 at the WTC: Health Hazards to Residents and Responders on 4/5 Thursday, April 5, 2007 Aftermath to 9/11 at the World Trade Center: What health hazards were residents and responders (including volunteers) really exposed to, and how many are now getting sick and dying. 9/11 Workers and Volunteers: Get registered on the NY State Workers Compensation list to protect your rights. LOCATION: Ironworkers Local 401 Hall, 11600 Norcom Road, Philadelphia 19154 TIMES: 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM (exact times for each session to be announced) SPEAKERS: Representatives from Mt. Sinai World Trade Center Project, and from NY Committee on Occupational Safety and Health SPECIAL: Workers and Volunteer responders who went to NY City will be able to register on site with the NY Workers Compensation Bureau. MORE INFORMATION: http://www.philaposh.org or call 215-386-7000. Thank you. January 29, 2007: UPDATED 1/29: All Star Labor Classic Celebrates 20 Years on 4/1/07
Come be part of the excitement as Philadelphia's Organized Labor supports United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and area high school basketball standouts. On Sunday, April 1 at St. Joseph's University Fieldhouse (54th & City Avenue) you'll have the chance to see the best of the best senior high school basketball players (boys and girls) face off in two "city vs. suburbs" basketball games. Fun for the whole family, the day includes an exhibition game between members of the media and our own unions, area cheerleader and dance team performances, prize giveaways and more! In addition to benefiting children and adults with disabilities in the Greater Philadelphia area, the Labor Classic awards our student athletes scholarships to put toward their continuing education. Tickets are free for students and $5 for adults. For more information on this year's All Star Labor Classic contact United Cerebral Palsy's Development Department at (215) 242-4200 ext. 289 or email seucp@aol.com. Visit www.ucpphila.org to learn more about the organization. Sponsor the 2007 All Star Labor Classic! Download the sponsorship form here and follow the included instructions to submit your sponsorship application by the deadline of March 2, 2007. January 19, 2007: Official Guild Bulletin/Minority Members Meet With PN Publisher On Tuesday, 1/16/07, several of our members, with the support of the National Association of Black Journalists, met with top executives of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News. The following is a summary of their talking points, passed on with their permission. The Philadelphia Inquirer January 16, 2007 African American (11.3 percent), Asian American (4.7 percent) and Hispanic American (2.1 percent) journalists are the minorities represented on The Inquirer's newsroom staff, according to the latest survey of the American Society of Newspaper editors. African American (16) and Asian American (5) journalists represent a disproportionate share (28 percent) of the newsroom staff identified to be laid off by The Inquirer. Philadelphia's population is 45 percent African American, 5 percent Asian and 10 percent Hispanic, according to U.S. Census figures, meaning that even before the layoffs, The Inquirer newsroom staff was a poor reflection of the community it covers. Inadequate consideration was given to diversity not only in naming those to be laid off, but in subsequently carving out specific newsroom jobs to be protected from the layoffs. (For example, immigration is one of the hottes |
Sunday, April 1, 2007