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PhillyUnions.com News Archive - 2008 Current News December '08: October '08:
September '08:
August '08:
July '08:
June '08:
May '08:
April '08:
March '08:
February '08:
January '08:
December 30, 2008: Happy New Year and More from PhillyUnions.com PhillyUnions.com would like to wish our entire Philadelphia area union community a Happy and Healthy New Year. 2009 promises to be a ground breaking year for PhillyUnions.com and the Philadelphia area union community. As will soon be officially announced by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, as of February 1, 2009, the PhillyUnions.com Pro-Union Preferred Partners Program will be transitioning to the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO "Buy Union" Program to be administered by PhillyUnions.com. The new program will maximize opportunities for all Philadelphia area union members and families to find premium screened and authorized union and union friendly businesses, products, services and professionals while at the same time offering them fantastic discounts and preferred services. Additional details and information will be officially announced in January 2009 by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO. Happy Holidays from PhillyUnions.com! October 17, 2008: City of Hope Annual Spirit of Life Award Reception this Mon. 10/20 You are cordially invited to attend the City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute Tri-State Labor & Management Council Spirit of Life® Award Reception, honoring Jerry Jordan, President, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, and PUdotcom Pro-Union Preferred Partner Larry Pitt, President, Larry Pitt & Associates. Monday, October 20, 2008 Award Reception 6 PM - 9 PM Proceeds will support an Honorary Cancer Research Fellowship in the Honorees' name at the City of Hope National Medical Center. For details please view the PDF invitation here. For more information or to RSVP please contact Harry Giordano at phone 215-985-0869, fax 215-985-0871, or email cfanelli@coh.org. October 10, 2008: Senator Barack Obama Upcoming Events We need all union members to attend and welcome Senator Obama to Philadelphia! Progress Plaza 1501 N. Broad Street Mayfair Diner 7373 Frankford Avenue Vernon Park 5789 Germantown Avenue between E. Chelton Avenue and W. Rittenhouse Street South 52nd Street and Locust Street Intersection of South 52nd Street and Locust Street These events are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged at http://pa.barackobama.com/PhiladelphiaChange. For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed. Also on Monday, October 13th, Senator Hillary Clinton will appear in Horsham. Graeme Park Historic Site The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged at http://pa.barackobama.com/HorshamChange. For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. Signs and banners are not permitted. October 2, 2008: Labor 2008 - Philadelphia Fall Labor Walk Schedule SATURDAY OCTOBER 4th Walk Site 1: Walk Site 2: SATURDAY OCTOBER 11th Walk Site 1: Walk Site 2: ** COLUMBUS DAY WALK ** - MONDAY OCTOBER 13th NALC 157 SATURDAY OCTOBER 18th Walk Site 1: Walk Site 2: SATURDAY OCTOBER 25th Walk Site 1: Walk Site 2: GOTV WALK - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 1st Walk Site 1: Walk Site 2: ADDITIONAL GOTV WALKS FOR NOVEMBER 2nd - 4th WILL BE ADDED!! For more information on the Philadelphia Labor 2008 Walks or to volunteer, please call either of the Zone 1 Walk Coordinators, Lisa Powell or Clay Smith, at 215-665-9800. * Additional walk sites and dates may be added. October 2, 2008: Election '08 Editorial by Ironworkers Local 401 Business Manager Joseph J. Dougherty Dear Union Members & Friends of Labor: Joseph Dougherty, Business Manager/Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Ironworkers Local Union 401, has written a powerful editorial and open letter to the union community about the 2008 Presidential election. The leadership of Local 401 requests that you read the editorial here and share it with your friends, family, and all those concerned with the cause of the labor union in America. Please direct any comments about the editorial to Ironworkers Local 401. Thank you. October 1, 2008: Salute to a Fallen Officer PhillyUnions.com wishes to salute and pay homage to fallen officer Patrick McDonald, who was gunned down in the line of duty last week after chasing down a hardened criminal during a traffic violation. Patrick McDonald was a true hero, an exemplary officer and a credit to the Philadelphia Police Department as well as the city of Philadelphia for which he gave his life. He was studying for the Sergeant's exam and was posthumously and deservingly presented with the promotion by Philadelphia Police Commissioner Ramsey during his eulogy. On behalf of the Philadelphia area union community, PhillyUnions.com wishes to offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire McDonald family, and all the heroes of The Philadelphia Police Department and FOP 5. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Sgt. Patrick McDonald for his courage and service, and for paying the ultimate price in order to protect the lives of the citizens of Philadelphia. You will be missed our hero, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN! MCDONALD, PATRICK Highway Patrol Officer with the Philadelphia Police Department, tragically in the line of duty on September 23, 2008 at the age of 30. Beloved son of Lawrence and Patricia McDonald (nee Gillin). Loving brother of Megan McDonald and the late Michael McDonald. Grandson of the late James and Ann McDonald, and the late George and Marion Gillin. Boyfriend of Joanne Heary. Patrick lived the life of a warrior, filled with pride and discipline. Everything he did reflected his intensity and determination to achieve excellence. Patrick was a tremendous athlete who played football for the Liberty Bell Patriots, Little Quakers all-star team, Archbishop Ryan High School (where he achieved All-Catholic honors), and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Department's Blue Flame football team. Patrick graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in 1996. He joined the Philadelphia Police Department in January 2000 and was assigned to the 25th police district where his record of excellent service culminated in his appointment to the elite Highway Patrol Unit in 2004. During that time, Patrick completed night courses and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph's University. Patrick's many commendations demonstrate his bravery and commitment to serving the people of Philadelphia. Donations may be made to the "Officer Patrick McDonald Memorial Scholarship Fund", c/o Archbishop Ryan High School, 11201 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. October 1, 2008: Fundraiser for Police Officers Isabel Nazario & Patrick McDonald Dear Friends, Once again, tragedy has stricken the Philadelphia Police Department, not once, but twice in a month with the deaths of our Fallen Heroes, Police Officer Isabel Nazario and Police Officer Patrick McDonald. To show our support for these officers who gave their lives while protecting the citizens of Philadelphia, we will be hosting a benefit for the Nazario and McDonald families. This benefit will take place on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 at the Bridesburg VFW which is located at 4638-40 Richmond Street in Philadelphia, 12 noon until 5:00 PM. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. The requested donation is $25.00 which includes draft beer, soda, food, entertainment for the kids and live music. In conjunction with this benefit, we will also host a Chinese Auction so if you would like to donate an item for the auction, anything and everything will be accepted. Here is a sample of such items: sports memorabilia, sporting event tickets, gas grills, electronic devices, microwave ovens, power tools, etc., you get the idea. Officer Nazario and Officer McDonald memorial tee shirts will also be for sale at this event. The shirts are UNION/AMERICAN MADE AND PRINTED. If you are interested in purchasing tickets and/or donating an item for the Chinese Auction, please contact one of the individuals at the numbers listed below. The proceeds will go to the Nazario & McDonald families and/or other selected charities which help the families of these fallen officers. If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, please make a check payable to the "Friends of Fallen Heroes Fund" and mail to my attention at 8130 Winthrop Street, Philadelphia, PA 19136. Thank you in advance for your support and please spread the word for this very worthy cause. Best Regards, Matt McIntyre Sharon McIntyre Timothy Kelly October 1, 2008: Election Day Volunteers Needed HELP US PROTECT THE RIGHT TO VOTE! Election Day, November 4th VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Sponsored by AFL-CIO Constituency Groups Poll Monitor Training Training provided by the Committee of Seventy Call Thelma for more info and to sign up 215-665-9800 Training signup deadline: Monday, October 6th. September 17, 2007: PhillyUnions.com Announces Union-Yes Philadelphia Campaign and Event Series Through the new Union Leader Meet & Greet Event Series which features our respected Philadelphia area union leadership, the Union-Yes Philadelphia Campaign is a concerted effort by PhillyUnions.com to educate the Philadelphia area public and business/professional communities about the rich diversity and quality of Philadelphia area unions as well as the importance of union standards, workers' rights and the union way. The program has been an invaluable tool in bridging the communication and information gap between Philadelphia area unions, the general public and the area business/professional communities. Below are some of the qualities about Philadelphia area unions that the Union-Yes Philadelphia Campaign and Event Series promotes to Philadelphia area businesses, professionals and citizens about why they should say Union-Yes: Philadelphia area unions represent the following:
The PhillyUnions.com Union-Yes Campaign is seeking to make a positive impact on the Philadelphia area union community through education, communications and public relations. We look forward to your union's participation. Sincerely, Joe Dougherty Jr. For additional information about the PhillyUnions.com Union-Yes Campaign please visit: http://phillyunions.com/unionyes.php UPDATED September 12, 2008: SEIU 1201 Monday Night Football Fundraiser this Mon. 9/15 McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon Citizens Bank Park and SEIU Local 1201 Present The 2nd Annual 1201 Monday Night Football Fundraiser To Benefit the 1201 Scholarship Fund This Monday September 15th 2008 8:15 PM Start Time EAGLES VS DALLAS On 16 HD TVs Ticket ONLY $30 Includes 2 Hours of Food, Soda & Beer Anyone interested in attending the Event please contact Dennis Biondo ASAP at the SEIU 1201 School Employees Union Office at 215-923-5488 or email him at dennis.biondo@ncfo1201.org. September 12, 2008: Penn Athletics Union Appreciation Day Exclusive Ticket Offer for all Area Union Members The University of Pennsylvania is proud to host Union Appreciation Day at Franklin Field on Saturday, November 1, 2008. All area union members are invited to historic Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania to watch the Penn Quakers take on Ivy League rivals the Brown Bears in the annual Homecoming Football Game. Kickoff is set for 12 noon. Union members can purchase tickets at the discounted price of just $4 per seat! Just head over to PennAthletics.com -- The Official Website of University of Pennsylvania Athletics and enter the password "phillyunion" to activate this exclusive offer. For any questions regarding the game or Franklin Field policies please contact Penn Athletics Assistant Ticket Manager Brian Haggerty at 215-573-3932 or by email at bhagg@pobox.upenn.edu. September 12, 2008: USW Local 10-286 Press Release: Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Bus Drivers and Aids for Special Needs Students, Join the United Steelworkers Union September 9, 2008 - For Immediate Release On Friday, September 5, 2008, the First Student Bus drivers in Doylestown, overwhelmingly in an N.L.R.B. election, voted to become members of USW Local 10-286 in a 54 to 10 vote. The drivers and aids, who were acquired by First Student, Inc. from Levy Bus Company, were concerned about healthcare, wages, route assignments and seniority. Neil Dunlap, a First Student driver and former Union Steward for 11 years with a different International, stated he was very pleased with his co-workers' solidarity. He also was very impressed with the USW International's Organizing Coordinator Phil Ornot and retired Organizer Bill Lenz in addition to the local representatives for their professionalism and leadership throughout the process and would recommend the USW to any workers looking to have a voice in their work place. Vincent Smith, Lead Organizer for the local, from the initial contact was encouraged with the commitment of the group to attain a contract for their labor, and he invites any workers in the area with such commitment to contact the Local at 215-829-9212. August 29, 2008: Union Discounted Tickets for Pig Iron Theater's Live Arts Festival Presentation of "Sweet By-and-By" Discounted tickets for union members are available for just $20 for the 7 PM performance on September 3rd of Sweet By-and-By. The show is based on the life and music of martyred union leader Joe Hill. [More information below]. The performance will take place at Arts Bank at the University of the Arts located at 601 South Broad Street. Tickets are available online at: http://livearts-fringe.org/2008/details.cfm?id=2884 or by calling the Live Arts Box office at 215-413-9006. The password to receive the union discount is "AFL-CIO." This should be a fun night of union activist theater! Please come out and support the arts in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO and Philaposh are Honorary Sponsors for the night of Sept. 3rd. From the website... "Sweet By-and-By is an all-acoustic whistle-stop tour of America in a time of union martyrs, Seventh-Day Adventists, and lost souls. A forerunner of Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, and Billy Bragg, Joe Hill was a Swedish immigrant, well known on California picket lines as a union organizer and radical songwriter. Sweet By-and-By features Hill's wickedly funny songs on banjo and concertina, while following his journey from Sweden to California to a Utah jail (on trumped-up charges) and on up to Mars, where all good union leaders go to die. Dan Rothenberg and Dito van Reigersberg of OBIE Award-winning Pig Iron Theatre Company team up with Daniel Rudholm, Swedish independent musician, to create this one-man, multimedia, semi-autobiographical hootenanny that returns to an almost forgotten time when work was hard and faith was strong." August 5, 2008: USW 10-1 Presents An Evening With Charles Kernaghan "The Man Who Made Kathie Lee Cry" Charles Kernaghan is the executive director of the National Labor Committee in Support of Human and Worker Rights. Charles Kernaghan is the world's foremost expert on sweatshops and child labor. Besides exposing the fact that Kathy Lee Gifford's Wal Mart clothing line was made by children in Central American sweatshops, he has also taken on companies like Nike, Gap, Kohl's, JC Penney, Alcoa, Toyota, Mattel and many others and has forced them to change the ways in which they treat their workers. Also, Kernaghan's partnership with the USW has helped end human trafficking and 21st century slavery in Jordan for tens of thousands of workers making products for the U.S. marketplace. "Because of Charlie' s crusades... we're beginning to learn the awful truth about workers around the world who are slaving away their lives in sweatshops, who are denied the right to join or form a union in order to fight back a provide a better life for their families." Wednesday August 13, 2008 -- 6 PM Invited Special Guests Include Several Local Elected Officials and Candidates Directions To Union Hall: From Philadelphia and North: From Wilmington and South: July 25, 2008: Phila. and DC33 Reach Tentative Agreement According to KYW, District Council 33, the city's largest municipal workers union, has struck a tentative one-year agreement with Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. The deal gives blue collar city workers no raise but a $1,100.00 bonus. Please read the full details at KYW1060.com. July 25, 2008: Fallen Hero Day to Benefit Michael G. Lutz Lodge 5 Phila Survivors' Fund on 7/27 The Michael G. Lutz Lodge 5 Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Survivors' Fund has been depleted substantially due to recent police deaths and injuries. Please come out this Sunday, July 27, to a benefit at Keenan's Irish Pub (newly expanded), 113 Old New Jersey Avenue @ Chestnut Street (Entertainment District), North Wildwood, New Jersey, from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Tickets are $30, available at the FOP and can be purchased at the door. Live Entertainment by "Deezzguyz," "Touche," Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and DJ Music. For further information contact Steve Weiler at 267-249-1486 or the FOP site at www.fop5.org or visit www.keenansirishpub.com. Thank you. July 16, 2008: SEIU Local 1201 Annual Health Fair on 9/20 The 13th Annual Local 1201 Health Fair will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the Sheet Metal Hall on Washington Ave. and Columbus Blvd. from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. We usually get around 600 people, members and family. Any vendor interested in putting up a display booth for free call Dennis Biondo as soon as possible; space is very limited. We ask for vendors that are related to the Medical, Health Care or Healthy Lifestyle fields. For more information please call Dennis Biondo at the Fund Office 215-627-9220 x16. July 16, 2008: Philadelphia Unemployment Project Race for Jobs on Sat. 8/30 A new Labor Day tradition benefiting the Philadelphia Unemployment Project Race for Jobs Saturday, August 30, 2008, 8:00 AM Philadelphia Art Museum 5K USATF Certified Race Course * All participants receive a T-Shirt Contact Information - email: raceforjobs@yahoo.com; phone: 215-557-0822 For full details and registration form, please download or view the PDF flyer here: Call PUP at 215-557-0822 or visit our website at www.philaup.org. July 16, 2008: Monday Night Football Fundraiser for SEIU Local 1201 Scholarship Fund on 9/15 SEIU Local 1201 is having their 2nd Annual 1201 Monday Night Football Fundraiser for the Local 1201 Scholarship Fund. The date is set for September 15, 2008. EAGLES VS DALLAS COWBOYS AT THE HALL!! 2 giant screen TVs, food and drink! Tickets will be $20. Space is limited to 150 people. Anyone interested in being a sponsor for the event please call Dennis Biondo as soon as possible at 215-627-9220 x16. July 16, 2008: Fundraiser for Children with Autism this Friday 7/18 What: Beef and Beer When: Friday 7/18/08 at 7:30 PM Where: Keenan's Valley View Inn, Domino Lane Why: All proceeds go directly to local children with autism to undergo treatment with Dr. Gregory Ellis (www.autismcounselor.com). Plus there will be food, fun, a DJ and tons of prizes including a drawing for a 42" Toshiba LCD HDTV. Tickets are $30 in advance (available at the office) and $40 at the door. Bring a friend!! July 10, 2008: Summer Flip Fitness at Roberts Family Chiropractic Dr. Lenny Roberts will be hosting a 4-week special presentation "Get Fit While You Sit" using Functional FLIP FITNESS. Wednesdays at 7 PM in July beginning 7/10 Call 215-487-2500 or stop by the office to register! Only 10 spots! If you are tired & have no energy and are ready to do something about it... This is the class for you! Trolley Square Pain Relief Center Wilmington, DE July 10, 2008: Cardinal Dougherty High School Football/Soccer Annual Golf Outing 8/8 Friday, August 8, 2008 $125/person Includes: Golf at John F. Byrne G. C. Check in: 8:00 AM Cart/green fees - coffee/doughnuts - beverages - BBQ Lunch Followed by 19th Hole Happy Hour at McNoodles Pub With food - beverages - awards - door prizes For information contact: Jim Grugan, Head Football Coach 215-806-1482 coachg64@verizon.net Larry Teal, Head Soccer Coach lteal@cardinaldougherty.org Hole Sponsorships available at $100 July 10, 2008: TWU Local 234 Health Fair on 7/19 Transport Workers Union of Philadelphia Local 234 The Women's Committee Presents "It's Your Health" July 19, 2008 from 11 AM to 4 PM Free Health Screenings See you under the tent located in the parking lot next to the TWU Union Hall located at 2233 Spring Garden St. Rain or Shine Food - Face Painting - Massages If you have any questions please call TWU Local 234 at 215-972-4140. July 10, 2008: See the Bush Legacy Bus at 10 AM on Thurs. 7/10 at the National Constitution Center Check out the Bush Legacy Bus Thursday, July 10 In front of the National Constitution Center Sponsored by Americans United for Change and the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO On July 10 please join us for a press event welcoming to Philadelphia Americans United for Change's 28-ton rolling reminiscence on just how awful the last eight years of the Bush Administration have been. The Bush Legacy Bus is a unique, interactive museum on wheels that neatly encapsulates the now-discredited conservative ideology of President Bush and his allies. Through video, guide-by-cell technology, artifacts and more, this bus makes clear that the failures of the Bush Administration were not his alone. They belong to not only Bush but his allies in Congress. The facts speak for themselves. You'll see exhibits covering the Bush-Conservative Legacy on Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, education, the environment, the economy, health care, the state of the American worker and one devoted to a progressive vision for America. You'll relive the tragedy of Katrina on film, find out for yourself how much more you are paying for gas than ever before, and hear from real people with real stories from the trenches of the health care crisis. The Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO will be hosting the bus in front of the National Constitution Center and invite you to come take a look, participate in the press conference and share your stories about what eight years of conservative governance has done to you and your family. Contact: Julie Blust, Americans United for Change, 202-340-4744 Share your opinions of President Bush and take a virtual tour of the bus at www.bushlegacytour.com. July 10, 2008: SEIU Local 1201 Health and Wellness Program Starting Monday July 7th and Wednesday July 9th 2008 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM there will be an exercise program available at the 1201 Union Hall called "Boot Camp." The class will run every Monday and Wednesday thereafter. If you or anyone you know are interested, please contact 1201 Representative Angela Miller at 267-244-4852 or on the Nextel 168*751662*9. SPACE IS LIMITED. YOU MUST RESPOND TO BE ON THE UPCOMING LIST. * Please note: The instructor for this class, Angela Miller, has explained that this is a very vigorous class. Therefore, all participants should dress appropriately for this level of exercise. All are welcome!! June 20, 2008: AFTRA Seeks Ratification of Primetime TV Contract PRESS RELEASE -- AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION AND RADIO ARTISTS SEEKS RATIFICATION OF PRIMETIME TV CONTRACT New Agreement Provides Higher Pay, Improved Working Conditions and Preserves Performer Consent for Use of Excerpts in New Media The National Board of Directors of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) overwhelmingly approved and sent to its membership for ratification the tentative agreement its negotiating committee recently reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on a new three-year primetime television contract (Exhibit A of the AFTRA Network Television Code) at its meeting of June 6, 2008. "The working performers on the AFTRA negotiating committee worked hard to craft a new AFTRA agreement for primetime television that makes sense for all performers," said AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon. "AFTRA members now have the opportunity to vote 'yes' for higher pay, improved working conditions, and continued right of consent for use of excerpts in New Media." AFTRA--the nation's second largest performers' union--represents more than 70,000 actors, recording artists, broadcasters, and other talent working in the entertainment and media industries. Negotiations with the AMPTP over the AFTRA Primetime TV contract began on May 7. They concluded on May 28 with a tentative agreement that was unanimously recommended for approval by AFTRA's 31-member negotiating committee chaired by actor Matt Kimbrough. AFTRA primetime TV dramas and situation comedies include "Rules of Engagement," "Cashmere Mafia," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Flight of the Conchords," "Dante's Cove," "Til Death," "Reaper," the new CBS programs "Project Gary" and "Harper's Island," and the ABC comedy "Roman's Empire." The current contract expires on June 30, 2008. In other business, the AFTRA National Board unanimously rejected a request from the Screen Actors Guild to delay ratification of the new AFTRA contract until SAG concludes its negotiations with the AMPTP. During its meeting, the National Board learned that SAG officials had voted to allocate SAG resources to undermine AFTRA's ratification efforts. In a response to SAG leadership that was unanimously approved by the national board, AFTRA National President Reardon and National Executive Director Kim Roberts Hedgpeth said in part: "In our view, delaying this process would not be in the best interest of our members. Nor do we believe there is anything about AFTRA's ratification process that would 'distract' either SAG or the industry from good faith negotiations, or in any way be 'interfering' with the guild's negotiations with the AMPTP. In any event, given our timeline, by the time the results of our ratification vote are announced, SAG will have been back at the table with the employers for more than five weeks. We believe this provides sufficient time to allow SAG and the AMPTP to focus on negotiations and hopefully reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion. "We are reserving judgment about the accuracy of statements that SAG elected leaders and staff intend to undermine the merits of our members' tentative agreement and disrupt our ratification process. Such unprecedented interference in the internal affairs of another union is the antithesis of good unionism. We expect that if SAG really is concerned about improving wages and working conditions for performers in the entertainment industry, its efforts and resources will be directed towards negotiating a good agreement for SAG members, not to attempting to undo our efforts to serve AFTRA members. We hope it will not be necessary to pursue legal remedies, but be aware that we would view any attempt by SAG or its leadership to undermine or interfere with our ratification process as a violation of both the law and the AFL-CIO Constitution." The ratification ballot is expected to be mailed to AFTRA members in good standing by mid-June, with votes due back three weeks later. About AFTRA The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, is a national labor union of over 70,000 actors, singers and recording artists, dancers, announcers and other broadcast talent performers, journalists, and other artists working in the entertainment and news media. With more than 30 Local unions across the country, AFTRA promotes the success and welfare of members in a variety of ways, including contract negotiation and enforcement, advocating on legislative and public policy issues, supporting equal employment opportunities, and sponsoring or supporting health and retirement benefits and programs. For more information, visit http://www.aftra.com. For more information contact Shelley Figures -- 215-732-0507 or sfigures@aftra.com. June 20, 2008: PenTrans Forum in Cooperation with SEPTA On Wednesday, June 25, PenTrans, in cooperation with SEPTA, is hosting a forum on public transportation. Click on the links below for registration and sponsorship opportunities. Public Transportation - A PenTrans Forum Joseph Casey Dr. Richard Voith Panelists: Rina Cutler Donald Shanis, Ph.D. Dr. Rachel Weinberger Wednesday, June 25 4 - 6:30 PM at the Vesper Club Directions: http://www.vesperclub.com/directions.php Registration & Sponsorship: http://www.pentrans.org/events.shtml PenTrans: http://www.pentrans.org June 20, 2008: FANS - Fight Autism Now Supporters To: Philadelphia Unions. We need your help. Fight Autism Now Supporters (FANS) is a newly formed non-profit organization. Our mission is to raise funds in an effort to combat autism. We are seeking donations and support from your Union in hopes of providing alternative treatments for those afflicted with this disease. These treatments are expensive and are not covered by insurance. Autism is a complex neurological disorder typically appearing in the first three years of life. It affects development, communication and interaction with others. In February 2007 the CDC Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that autism had risen to 1 in every 150 American children. Autism has no cure and children do not outgrow autism. Studies have shown that with early diagnosis and intervention including alternative treatments their lives can be greatly improved. Our goal is to raise $24,000 for local children who suffer with autism on a daily basis. All donations and monies raised by our Beef and Beer Night at Keenan's Valley View Inn on July 18th 2008 will go directly to these children so they can begin an amazing new treatment that has shown some remarkable results. Please pledge your support and help us help them. Thank you in advance for your generous efforts. All donations can be mailed to FANS c/o Marianne McFarlane, 822 Crestview Road, Philadelphia, PA 19128. For more information please email us at Fightautismnow08@aol.com. June 12, 2008: Septa Talks with Police Go Into Overtime Last-Minute Talks Aimed to Avert Septa Police Strike KYW1060.com is reporting that "a 2PM strike deadline passed on Thursday as negotiators for the union representing Septa police officers and the transit agency were holding last-minute discussions in an effort to avert a transit officers' strike." For full details and breaking developments on this important situation, please visit KYW's web site at: http://www.kyw1060.com/Septa-Talks-with-Police-Go-Into-Overtime/2354697 June 12, 2008: Philadelphia Teachers Union Briefed on Contract Talks Also from KYW, the membership of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers met on Wednesday night at the Liacouras Center to get an update on negotiations with the school district over their current contract, which expires at the end of August. According to PFT president Jerry Jordan, much work remains to be done. For details please visit KYW online at: http://www.kyw1060.com/Philadelphia-Teachers-Union-Briefed-on-Contract-Ta/2356456 June 12, 2008: Roonan Family Benefit and Auction Tomorrow 6/14 CAN YOU HELP A FRIEND? A benefit is being planned for Saturday, June 14th at St. Martha Parish Hall to benefit the family of Ian Roonan, one of our kindergarten students. Ian was recently diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and is now receiving chemotherapy treatments at CHOP. Saint Martha Parish is hoping to help Ian's family by raising funds for any medical treatments and care which are not covered by insurance. To help ease some of the family's financial burden, we are hosting the: Roonan Family Benefit and Auction ($25.00) Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008 A huge part of a successful benefit is the generosity of others. Please help us make this a success by donating items for the auction. Our goal is to have approximately 50 gift baskets with a value of at least $100.00 per basket. Your generous donation will help us achieve our goal. If you can help us or need more information please feel free to contact Mary Devlin at (267) 249-0380 or Maria Gilbert at (215) 501-0946. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. Monetary donations can be made payable to: The Ian Roonan Fund For corporations, the non-profit tax ID number for donations is 45-0595601. June 3, 2008: "FROM WHARF RATS TO LORDS OF THE DOCKS" on 6/28 at Saint Joseph's University THE HARRY BRIDGES PROJECT (http://www.theharrybridgesproject.org) and THE COMEY INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS Present Ian Ruskin in the one-man play "FROM WHARF RATS TO LORDS OF THE DOCKS" At SAINT JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY For more information call: 610-660-3372 or e-mail: tcronin@sju.edu Free Parking TO PURCHASE TICKETS ($15 EACH) PLEASE MAIL THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: "FROM WHARF RATS TO LORDS OF THE DOCKS" Name ______________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ Union ______________________________________________________ Telephone # _________________________________________________ Cell # ______________________________________________________ E-Mail address _____________________________________________ How many tickets? _______ @ $15 Total enclosed: $__________ Make checks payable to: Saint Joseph's University Mail to: Saint Joseph's University June 3, 2008: In Memoriam - AFSCME Local 810's Mark Anthony Burems; Plus Contract Negotiations and More On February 14, 2008, Local 810 lost a 21 year veteran hearing officer from Domestic Relations at 34 South 11th St. Mark Anthony Burems was born on October 30, 1960 and was a graduate of West Chester University and had his Master's degree from Temple University. Mark was the youngest of eight children and the first to pass away. He will be terribly missed by his family, friends and co-workers. Mark had been sick for some time and although he had approximately 80 days in his sick bank, he had been disciplined for taking time and racking up "occurrences." Sadly, he did not know that he would have had only one "occurrence" for one health reason. As a result, each time he took off he got yet another "occurrence" and was called on the carpet after these "occurrences" built up. On the day Mark died, he came to work extremely ill. He was due to be suspended if he took off another day. Mark collapsed at work and was rushed to the hospital where he passed away later that evening. On Friday, April 25th, 2008, Mark along with others was honored by the Philadelphia Area Project on Occupational Safety and Health (Philaposh) and the Philadelphia County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO at their Workers' Memorial Day Ceremony. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS Local 810 had its first meeting with the Courts on March 17, 2008 to begin negotiating a new contract. Our present contract expires June 31, 2008. A comprehensive list of our proposals was presented by DC 47 President, Cathy Scott. The First Judicial District expressed a desire to work diligently with Local 810 to change the existing sick leave policy. In addition, the FJD, in a letter to the mayor, identified the salary inequity between 810 members and city social workers and asked the city to fund the raises needed to eliminate this inequity. Local 810 is starting negotiations with the city to address all our economic issues including, but not limited to: pay parity; pension adjustments; retroactive pay; and overtime pay. Stay tuned... IMPORTANT LETTER FROM LOUISE CARPINO, PRESIDENT, AFSCME LOCAL 810 DC47 REGARDING THEIR URGENT ISSUES Please take a moment to read the following important letter from Local 810 President Louise Carpino regarding some of the difficult issues their local is currently facing. These challenges affect the safety of all residents of the Philadelphia area and should be of concern to all union brothers and sisters: http://www.dc47afscme.org/local_810/80430lcletter.htm June 3, 2008: Union Privilege Awards PUdotcom Preferred Partner Aging with Grace National Contract for Eldercare Management FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PhillyUnions.com Pro-Union Preferred Partner Aging with Grace, a national eldercare resource company headquartered in Montgomery Co., PA. has been awarded an exclusive contract to provide eldercare services to the members of Union Privilege. Union Plus benefits, offered by Union Privilege, serve the interests of today's working families. Union Plus provides services to 13 million members, including the American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Teachers and The Alliance for Retired Americans. Employees affiliated with these organizations include lawyers, environmentalists, police officers, nurses, school administrators, state, county and municipal employees, teachers, flight attendants and more. Patricia Grace, Founder and CEO of Aging with Grace, noted, "The partnership of AWG with Union Privilege to provide eldercare services to their members is a perfect collaborative effort. Both organizations strive to provide the highest quality products and services to improve the life of working families." Aging with Grace is the nationally recognized solution to eldercare stress in the workplace as well as a resource for retired Americans and their families. In providing services for the members of these groups, AWG will educate, coordinate and facilitate individualized eldercare options to their members. Rita Files, COO and Partner of AWG stated, "The exclusive contract with Union Privilege was awarded to Aging with Grace after extensive evaluation by their organization. The endorsement speaks to the level of service and the outstanding reputation that AWG has established in the eldercare arena." Grace and Files bring more than 43 years of combined experience in senior living including insurance; senior move management; assisted living administration; and nursing. "We recognized that our portfolio of services needed an eldercare resource provider. Aging with Grace came highly recommended by several benefits consultants and organizations with national ties," said Iles Minoff, VP of Union Privilege. As the American workforce continues to be confronted with eldercare issues, forward thinking employers and labor groups are offering services to assist employees. By addressing the need for eldercare solutions such as those offered by Aging with Grace, employers and health and welfare funds are taking good care of their business by taking good care of their employees and members. To learn more about Aging with Grace or to become a member please visit their website at www.agingwithgrace.net or call toll free 800.626.9440. Contact Person: Patricia Grace June 3, 2008: 2008 Union Leader Honor Roll PhillyUnions.com would like to commend and thank the following outstanding union leaders for their participation in our PhillyUnions.com Union Leader Meet & Greet Program. Their fantastic insights and commitment to their own unions and our union community in its entirety is why Philadelphia and vicinity remains amongst the premier union regions across America. For this and more we salute them as follows: * Patrick Eiding - President, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO * John Dulczak Sr. - President and Business Manager, Teamsters Local #837 * Mike Fera - President and Business Manager, Cement Masons and Plasterers Local 592 * Vince Tarducci - President, APWU (American Postal Workers Union) and John Gushue, APWU Union Official * Joe Dougherty - Business Manager, Ironworkers Local #401 * Joe Sellers - Business Manager; Rob DiOrio - Business Agent; Thomas J. Klingenberg - Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Sheet Metal Workers Local #19 * Louise Carpino - President, AFCSME Local #810 DC47 * Brian McBride - President, Fire Fighters Local #22 May 23, 2007: Announcing Working Families Vote 2008 website from the National AFL-CIO The National AFL-CIO is asking for your help in promoting their new Working Families Vote 2008 website. You can check it out at www.workingfamiliesvote2008.org. The website was created as a hub for the extensive activity at all levels of the AFL-CIO to push the concerns of working families front and center in the national political debate and to provide information to their members about where the candidates stand on the issues that are central to working families' lives -- jobs, health care and more. The website serves as an online voter guide and gives members a way to make their voices heard, feeding into the AFL-CIO endorsement process. Even more interactive features are planned for the coming months. The new website includes:
We're entering an exciting new phase of our work leading up to 2008. The Working Families Vote 2008 website is a great tool for informing and engaging our members for the coming fight. Thanks for all you do. Mike Cavanaugh May 7, 2007: Yuengling Beer Boycott On behalf of Teamsters Local Union #830 PLEASE DO NOT BUY YUENGLING BEER Why support a company that does not treat their employees fairly? The Yuengling family and their management team have done the following:
Teamsters Local Union #830 This appeal is directed to the general public and we are not asking anyone to cease work or to stop making deliveries. UPDATE as of 5/16/07: Teamsters Local 830 requests that you please call Yuengling at 570-622-0153 and ask for Nonie Zukas, V.P. of Human Resources and Administration and Dave Casinelli, Chief Operating Officer to tell them to negotiate a fair contract with the Teamsters local 830. We also need you to please contact Local 830 Business Agent Glen Fulcher at 215-671-9850 or email gfulcher@team830.org to let him know that you have contacted Yuengling. Thanks to all for your ongoing support. May 15, 2008: Working Women's Awareness Week Awards Reception on 6/4 The Philadelphia Chapter of the Coalition of Labor Union Women invites you to join us for our annual Working Women's Awareness Week Awards Reception. Wednesday, June 4, 2008, 5:30 PM UNITE/HERE Joint Board Room (Limited parking available in adjacent garage after 5:00 PM.) Come celebrate our outstanding 2008 honorees, their impressive personal achievements and their important contributions to our movement for economic, social and civil justice! * Joni Eiding-Bernard, Facilities & Events Coordinator, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO * Robin Bryant, Financial Secretary & Diane Heller, Grievance Committee Chairperson, USW Local 10-234 * Kelly Dougherty, Executive Director, Iraq Veterans Against the War * Sisters in the Brotherhood, Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters * Sue Rosenthal, PFT member, Activist Extraordinaire Open to the public. Door Prizes and 50/50 Raffle! Food and beverages will be served. Minimum donation of $25 requested. Be a sponsor for $100 and receive three tickets and acknowledgment in our program. Make checks payable to "CLUW," payable in advance or at the door. Please mail checks and RSVP to CLUW, 1606 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Please bring a new book for a child age 11-14. The books will be given to children of incarcerated women by "Messages from Mom," a joint project of local women's organizations. Please join us for this annual CLUW event where we recognize the contributions of working women and honor outstanding leaders in the fight for justice and equality for women in the workplace, in the local and global communities, and in legislative and policy-making arenas. For more info contact Kathy Black at (215) 893-3770 or kblack@dc47.org. May 15, 2008: Labor 2008 Walks on 5/17 This year, we can make a significant change in the direction of our country -- toward affordable health care that doesn't jeopardize our wages at the bargaining table, an economy that works for all of us and a positive future for our children. Join us as we talk to our union brothers and sisters about the issues at stake in this election and the candidates' positions in our first national walk day of 2008. WHEN: SATURDAY MAY 17th - 10:00 AM WHERE: Sprinkler Fitters Local 692 TO SIGN UP, Contact: Liz McElroy HELP US TURN AROUND AMERICA! May 15, 2008: Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski Memorial Shirts For Sale Friends, Police Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski is a true American Hero and we can never let him be forgotten. Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski memorial tee shirts will soon be available for sale. Long sleeve tee shirts will cost $20.00 and short sleeve tee shirts will cost $15.00. These shirts are Union/American made and printed and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the Liczbinski family. If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact me to make arrangements. Please spread the word for this worthy cause.
Best Regards, Matt McIntyre May 7, 2008: Happy Mother's Day 2008 PhillyUnions.com would like to sincerely thank all of the mothers in our Philadelphia area union community for their commitment and support every day of the year. It means everything! We wish all of you a healthy, prosperous and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!! May 7, 2008: Artists For a Cure For Breast Cancer Top 10 adult contemporary recording artist Cloning Einstein would like to support the effort to raise awareness, promote early detection and ultimately find a cure for breast cancer, a disease that has devastated the lives of countless mothers, daughters, sisters and families. Let Hope Reign! * To Help Make a Difference, Cloning Einstein will contribute a portion of our iTunes artist proceeds from downloads of our music to the Susan G. Komen For The Cure Foundation. * For the full story and to Download and Make a Difference Now, go to: http://cloningeinstein.com/breastcancer/ Please note that PhillyUnions.com administrators Joe Dougherty and Jeff Beck are also members of Cloning Einstein and although this is not exactly a union issue, it is a humanitarian issue that may unfortunately affect the lives of many of our union sisters and families. For this reason, we are committed to making a difference! April 25, 2008: 2008 Labor Day Parade Sponsorship Opportunity TRI-STATE LABOR DAY PARADE Attn: Businesses Space and sponsorship opportunities for this fantastic event are VERY LIMITED and you need to respond ASAP if you want to lock in your spot. This is one of the year's best opportunities to show off and promote your business to the area's union leadership as well as our community of union members and their families. For full details and package rates please contact Joni at joni.bernard@philaflcio.org or call 215-665-9800 Ext 206. Checks should be made payable to "Tri State Labor Day Committee" and mailed to: Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO April 25, 2008: Northeast Shoot for the Cure Benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Thursday, May 8th Pocono Manor Resort and Spa (Rod & Gun Club) This event was well attended last year and everyone had fun and helped a great cause! Please see the following flyers for details: April 25, 2008: Philadelphia Soul Union Night This Monday 4/28! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE "PHILADELPHIA SOUL HOST THE HARDEST WORKING UNIONS IN TOWN" FOR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL! PHILADELPHIA -- "The Undefeated Philadelphia Soul" will be honoring every Union member on Monday night, April 28th, 2008 when the undefeated Soul battle the Undefeated Dallas Desperados in the nationally televised ESPN Broadcast! The Philadelphia Soul Union Package includes a Commemorative Official Soul Union Hard Hat, autographed by Team President, Ron Jaworski. The package also includes a two-hour All You Can Eat/Drink Pre-Game Party at McFaddens at the ball park from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM and a VIP lower level seat for the game. The total cost per member is only $43/person. Participants from the participating Unions will also be selected to participate during the game and each Local will receive recognition at the game. (1) Union member will be selected to compete to win a trip to the Arena Bowl in New Orleans. Please download and use this flyer and registration form ASAP to reserve your tickets. The Soul are celebrating their fifth anniversary this season. The team has drawn an AFL-best 514,226 fans combined during the past four years. Following last season, the Soul were recognized with the Commissioner's Award as the Organization of the Year and were an honorable mention for the PRISM Award in the category of fan appreciation. Season tickets for the Soul's 2008 season are on sale now. Tickets start as low as $90 for a nine-game plan including a postseason home game. For more information call (888) PHIL-AFL or log on to www.philadelphiasoul.com. April 25, 2008: Support Your Firefighters - Ice Cream Night 4/30 For Ice Cream Lovers, Baskin Robbins is honoring America's Firefighters by selling ice cream for $.31 per scoop on Wednesday, April 30 between 5 and 10 PM. Grab your friends and/or the kids and have a cool one! This fundraiser for the firefighters is an important one for them, so lets go out and have ice cream and support a great cause. http://www.baskinrobbins.com/Promotion/31cent.aspx April 11, 2008: Spotlight on Fire Fighters Local #22 President Brian McBride PhillyUnions.com would like to thank Fire Fighter's Local #22 President Brian McBride for being the featured speaker at our Preferred Partners event on Wednesday, 3/26. Brian McBride has been the president of Local #22 for the past three plus years and is passionately committed to maintaining and continually improving the working conditions and safety standards of each and every fire fighter, EMT and paramedic throughout the Philadelphia Fire department. Covering topics such as keeping fire houses open and keeping fire fighters and paramedics equipped with the maximum quality equipment including currently upgrading the two way radios that help members communicate with each other during emergency situations, President McBride spoke with great pride about all of the firemen and EMTs that help protect the lives of the citizens of the city of Philadelphia. It was the consensus of all attendees that the commitment Local #22 president Brian McBride displays every day for the heroes of the Philadelphia Fire Department directly affects the emergency system and therefore the lives of every citizen in Philadelphia. Judging by President McBride's conviction and dedication, the members of Local #22 as well as we the citizens of Philadelphia could not have a better person fighting for our well-being than a hero like Brian McBride! April 11, 2008: 17th Annual William J. McKeown, Jr. Cadillac Golf Invitational for Alzheimer's Care on 5/19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SWING ON BY THE 17TH ANNUAL WILLIAM J. MCKEOWN, JR. CADILLAC GOLF INVITATIONAL FOR ALZHEIMER'S CARE ON MONDAY, MAY 19, 2008 HUNTINGDON VALLEY, PA--Every swing counts at the 17th Annual William J. McKeown, Jr. Cadillac Golf Invitational for Alzheimer's Care, being presented Monday, May 19, 2008, at Philmont Country Club in suburban Philadelphia, by the McKeown Foundation. Joe McKeown and his brothers Bill and Charlie established this event after the death of their father, William, from Alzheimer's. The McKeown Foundation has raised over $1.6 million for Alzheimer's care, education and research through this event in the past 16 years. Money raised provides direct support to local families and individuals affected by Alzheimer's. Last year's proceeds helped Christ's Home in Warrington and Little Brothers and Sisters Senior Program. This premier golf event attracts more than 230 golfers to the beautiful North and South courses at Philmont Country Club, a private exclusive country club located at 301 Tomlinson Road in Huntingdon Valley. The North course, designed by famed architect William S. Flynn, is well known for its immaculate condition and fast greens. The South course, designed by Willie Park Jr., is slightly less difficult, but still offers a challenge for golfers of all levels. The ninth hole on the North course was listed in the Top 100 Holes in America by Golf Magazine. Philmont has hosted numerous GAP, PA, USGA, and Philadelphia section events and previously hosted two NIKE Tour Events. This year, participants can visit the Tiger Woods Buick Clubhouse, sponsored by Eckenhoff Buick of Jenkintown, featuring an individual Tiger Woods Fantasy Photo, Tiger Woods poster, a sleeve of golf balls and a personalized computerized video swing analysis DVD--all free of charge! This exciting experience will be previewed May 17 and 18 at the Willow Grove Pointe shopping center, located at 3900 Welsh Road in Willow Grove. "It's a wonderful day because everyone has fun playing golf on these two gorgeous courses, while helping to create a better future for Alzheimer's patients -- something that is very dear to our hearts," said Joe Mckeown. "My family appreciates all the support we get every year, and we are looking forward to another successful event in May." Scott Eckenhoff, owner of Eckenhoff Buick of Jenkintown, has been involved in the event for the past ten years. "I was invited to the golf tournament as a guest at first, and I loved it," Eckenhoff said. "I thought it was such an amazing event, not just because of the quality of the golf, but because of the passion of the organizers and the volunteers for Alzheimer's. I have been a major sponsor ever since and I have seen other businesses and individuals continue to support this event for the same reason over the years." Event Information Registration will begin at 9:30 AM with tee-off at 11:00 AM. Lunch and beverages will be served all day. After a day of golf, the event features a silent auction and a live auction with a fantastic array of items such as airline tickets, vacation home stays, and much more. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will begin at 4:15 PM, followed by dinner and an open bar at 5:30 PM. Golfers can support the McKeown Foundation by purchasing tickets to the event for $325. In addition, there are a wide variety of attractive individual and corporate sponsorship packages ranging from $150 to $15,000 that include a variety of extras such as advertisement and acknowledgement on the event Web site. Golfers will receive gift packs that include a variety of useful golf accessories. There will also be opportunities to win a number of prizes at this event. The top golf foursome will receive trophies, individual Callaway Golf gift cards and invitations to participate in the Cadillac Invitational National Finals at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. The 17th Annual William J. McKeown, Jr. Cadillac Golf Invitational for Alzheimer's Care is being held at 9:30 AM, Monday, May 19, 2008, at Philmont Country Club, 301 Tomlinson Road, Huntingdon Valley. For information, contact Joe McKeown at 215-669-7999 or visit: http://mckeowngolfclassic.com/. About the Mckeown Foundation: The Mckeown Foundation was established to raise funds for Alzheimer's care, research and education. Local nonprofit organizations that support the foundation's mission can visit www.mckeownfoundation.org or call 215-669-7999 to apply for a grant. About Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's is a form of dementia that results in extensive memory loss. The cause of Alzheimer's is unknown, and it can occur as early as age 30. An estimated 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's. For more information and facts on Alzheimer's and related illnesses, visit the Alzheimer's Association Web site at www.alz.org. Joe McKeown, VP/Outside Sales and Development April 11, 2008: Michael S. Monaghan Memorial Scholarship Concert on 4/26 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bill Monaghan 10th Anniversary celebrates the memory of a fallen hero with music and family entertainment Warminster, PA -- Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 7:30 PM The Monaghan Family cordially invites all to join a musical evening of fundraising for today's students while paying tribute to a fallen hero and to the memory of all sons and daughters who must pass on before their parents and siblings and leave behind longing hearts. This year marks the 10th anniversary of this musical fundraising tradition. The Michael S. Monaghan Memorial Scholarship Concert will be held Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 7:30 PM at Archbishop Wood High School, 655 York Rd., Warminster, PA. Held in the school's Sophia A. Friedman Auditorium, the concert will feature the following performers: Celtic Pride, Bill and Jim Monaghan, with appearances by friends and local musicians, including singer/songwriter Irene Molly, and special guest ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND JOEY WELZ, Gold Charter Member of the ROCK AND ROLL HALL of FAME and Pianist/Vocalist from BILL HALEY and the COMETS(MCA). Opening bands will begin in a festival style atmosphere at 4:30 PM, changing every 30 minutes and featuring Brooke Shive & the Bluescasters, as well as local singer/songwriters. A silent auction beginning at 6:30 PM will feature signed sports memorabilia from the Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, Flyers, and more. Michael Shamus Monaghan graduated from Archbishop Wood in 1995, joined the U.S. Navy, and eventually served as crew chief of SAR (Sea & Air Rescue) missions. On February 18, 1998, Michael and four others died as a result of a Navy training mission when his helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in Sequoia National Park, California. Michael was only 21 years old. The Monaghan Concert celebrates Michael's life and love for music and is the primary fundraiser for his Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are given out to graduating 8th graders from St. Vincent's and Nativity parishes entering Archbishop Wood as freshmen and to one senior student in their final year. Candidates are required to complete essay questions, which are then reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Since its inception in 1998, 31 Michael S. Monaghan Scholarships, including 4-year renewable scholarships totaling $51,750 have been awarded to students at Archbishop Wood. Regarding the scholarships, the Monaghan family has provided the following statement: "In Michael's spirit to achieve, to learn, to grow, we dedicate these scholarships to subsequent students so that they may share Michael's joy of discovery. Whatever paths the Michael S. Monaghan Scholarship recipients may pursue, we trust Michael provided an example of what can be achieved by those who do not allow the fear of failure to cloud the hope of success." The concert is presented by Monaghan Music, LLC, and will feature the music of the Blues Brothers, Elvis, Billy Joel, Rock 'n Roll Oldies, Celtic Pride, Patriotic America and original songs by Bill Monaghan. All proceeds go to the Michael S. Monaghan Memorial Scholarship at Archbishop Wood. For information on the concert or the scholarships, visit http://www.monaghanmusic.com/2006website/scholarship1.htm or view the flyer at http://www.monaghanmusic.com/images/08monconcertflyer.pdf. Tickets (suggested donation): Adults $15, seniors and students $10 and children 4 and under are free. Call 215-357-4679 for ticket information and reservations or e-mail Tickets@MonaghanMusic.com. Visit http://www.MonaghanMusic.com for more information. April 11, 2008: Workers' Memorial Day 4/25 "Pray for the Dead, Fight Like Hell for the Living." Mother Jones Friday, April 25th, 2008 Sheet Metal Workers Hall 8:30 AM: Registration PROGRAM: 9:15 AM Welcome and Invocation 10:45 AM Procession to the Great Plaza, Penn's Landing Reading of the names of those who died from work-related injuries and illnesses in the Tri-State area in 2007. Casting of flowers into the Delaware River, symbolizing continuing life flow and reaffirming the struggle to prevent injury, illness and death on the job. Accompanied by Brian Wydlitz on the bagpipes, playing "Amazing Grace." Seating at Breakfast: $45.00 per individual For more information, call Philaposh at (215) 386-7000. Download the registration flyer here: http://phillyunions.com/files/2008WMD_registration.pdf Co-Sponsored by: Labor Donated March 26, 2008: ACTION ALERT: Rally for Fairness on 4/1 at Temple U. TEMPLE EMPLOYEES & STUDENTS UNITE! Stop Temple's ALL Merit Pay Plan Support:
RALLY FOR FAIRNESS April 1, 2008 Come Out and Be Counted BRING YOUR CO-WORKERS & FRIENDS Union Rights Are Human Rights This rally is sponsored by the Coalition of Labor Organizations and Unions at Temple (CLOUT)/Student Labor Action Project (SLAP)/Jobs with Justice. Participating CLOUT members are: AFSCME Local 1723, BUE Local 612/SEIU, IUOE Local 835, TAUP/AFT Local 4531, TUGSA/AFT Local 6290, PASNAP/Temple Local, HPAE/Episcopal, the Temple University Law Professors Bargaining Unit, 1199C, and SPFPA Local 511. LABOR DONATED March 14, 2008: Volunteers Needed to Assist the PA AFL-CIO in Stuffing Convention Bags Updated 3/17/08: JOIN US Saturday, March 29th Sheraton Hotel LUNCH PROVIDED Sign-up or questions? March 6, 2008: Dougherty For Senate Announces Two Major Events Press Release: And so it begins. On Thursday, business and community leader John Dougherty will launch his 1st District Senatorial Campaign at the place where it all began for him: the Edward O'Malley Athletic Center. As a youngster, Dougherty participated in the sports leagues and as an adult, he has supported the facility with dedicated efforts as a coach, mentor and booster. As part of his campaign platform, Dougherty will be focused on offering our children after-school programs and recreational activities to provide the safe haven that keeps them on the straight and narrow, much like opportunities the EOM afforded him as a child. "I know firsthand the need to provide positive influences for our children," Dougherty says. "EOM is a perfect symbol of what this campaign will be about: Protecting our children from the rampant violence on our streets. Tough times call for a tough guy who's ready, willing and able to make our neighborhoods safer for our children." FIRST EVENT: WHEN: Today, Thursday, March 6th TIME: 3:30 PM (Media parking available in lot between Athletic Center hall and baseball field; additional parking on Front Street) WHERE: Edward O'Malley Athletic Center, 138 Moore St. (Access off Front Street via Pierce; if you pass the baseball field on your right, you've gone too far.) SECOND EVENT: The second big event takes place Saturday, March 8th, when the Dougherty for Senate campaign will host grand-opening celebrations at his campaign headquarters in the East Passyunk Business District and field offices in the Pennsport and Fishtown communities. "I've been out in neighborhoods throughout the district for weeks now, talking to residents about their concerns. I've been listening closely and will take their issues with me to Harrisburg when they honor me with the right to represent them in the Statehouse," said Dougherty. "This campaign isn't about me. It's about giving a voice to those who've been voiceless for too long, so come on out Saturday and get involved!" The schedule for the day is as follows: 11 AM: 1941 E. Passyunk Ave. (campaign headquarters; a half-block from Broad and Passyunk) 12 PM: Corner of 2nd and McKean (Pennsport field office) 1 PM: 225 E. Girard Ave. (Fishtown field office) At each stop, there will be food, live entertainment and opportunities to meet John. Campaign information, including how to get involved as a volunteer, and window signs will also be available. Please join John as he takes his campaign to the streets! February 11, 2008: Phila. Building Trades Unanimously Endorse IBEW #98's John J. Dougherty for PA's 1st District Senate Seat Press Release Philadelphia, PA -- The member unions of the Philadelphia Building Trades have unanimously endorsed IBEW Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty for Pennsylvania's 1st District Senate seat. Dougherty is running against incumbent Senator Vince Fumo and community activist Anne Dicker. The Pennsylvania Primary is set for April 22nd. "I am deeply gratified by the Building Trades' unanimous endorsement of my candidacy," said Dougherty. "I want to sincerely thank all of my union brothers and sisters for their support and belief in me. I am running to protect working families in Philadelphia. I am running to restore people's trust in their government. And I am running to create more economic development opportunities and improve the quality of life for every resident of the 1st District. I am in it to win it and this important endorsement is a great springboard for a successful campaign." February 8, 2008: ACTION ALERT: Rally for Catholic Teachers on Sun. 2/10 The Scranton Diocese Association of Catholic Teachers (SDACT) will be rallying this Sunday February 10 in Philadelphia to call attention to the opposition the union has faced from the Diocese in re-gaining recognition. Members of the Philadelphia Catholic Teachers Association and the Catholic Teachers Union of New Jersey, as well as other Philadelphia union members, will meet in front of St. Charles Seminary at City Line and Lancaster Avenues, at 1:00 PM on Sunday. The march will go down City Avenue and onto Wynnewood Road where union leaders and supporters will speak. Please try to come out and show your support for the brothers and sisters from Scranton. January 25, 2008: Phila. Newspaper Management Calls For More Cuts According to an article posted on kyw1060.com on Thurs. 1/24, the Newspaper Guild of Greater Philadelphia says newspaper executive Brian Tierney told them they have to cut another 10 percent or the paper won't be able to make debt payments by the summer. Please click here to read the full article: http://www.kyw1060.com/Phila--Inquirer-Daily-News-Management-Calls-For-Mo/1534181 PhillyUnions.com will be monitoring this situation and will continue to post any updates as they happen. January 17, 2008: The 2008 AFL-CIO Health Care For America Survey Working men and women of every age, race and income know the importance of health care to our families. This survey is our chance to make our voices heard and ensure that leaders and candidates at every level understand what working families are experiencing. Survey responses will be given to the presidential candidates, every U.S. senator and representative, every candidate for Congress and state and local officials in every state in our country. The 2008 Health Care for America Survey is sponsored by the AFL-CIO, the largest organization of working people in America, and Working America, the 2-million-member community affiliate of the AFL-CIO. Those who complete the survey will receive the compiled, nationwide results. Click here to take the survey: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/healthcare/survey/?source=hc_survey_aflcioblog January 17, 2008: ACTION ALERT: Support SEIU Healthcare's ManorCare Campaign This Fri. 1/18 Join SEIU Healthcare PA this Friday morning January 18, 2008, at 8:00 AM in front of the Park Hyatt at Broad and Walnut as they gather to send a message to David Rubenstein, CEO of Carlyle Group, where he will be speaking. Carlyle Group recently purchased the ManorCare nursing home chain which is the largest nursing home provider in Pennsylvania. ManorCare workers and family are demanding that CEO Rubenstein fix the problems of short staffing and lack of supplies in the ManorCare nursing homes. For more information on the action or SEIU Healthcare's ManorCare campaign contact Dennis Short at 814-360-4819. January 1, 2008: IATSE Local 8 is On Strike against Elliott Lewis Corporation at the Pennsylvania Convention Center Press Release: The Stagehands are going on strike at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in response to management's demands to start using non-union workers to perform work the union has performed since the Convention Center opened. This issue has also prevented the Elliott Lewis Company from offering a final wage package to the union. After a month of negotiation, with a December 31, 2007 deadline looming, Elliott Lewis states that the persons they need to consult with to make a final offer are not available. IATSE Local 8 Stagehands have worked with Governor Rendell and the present and past Convention Center Board members to keep costs at the Pennsylvania Convention Center competitive. During the 2001 negotiations, stagehands agreed to eliminate overtime hours Monday through Friday to reduce cost. In 2004, the stagehands took a wage freeze. Throughout our history in the building, it is documented, we have worked with customers, exhibitors and employers to reduce billable hours on all shows. Going back to the opening of the facility in 1993, the stagehands voluntarily gave up their historical jurisdictional claims of work to maintain labor peace. During the Customer Satisfaction Agreement negotiations in 2001, the stagehands jurisdiction in the building was dramatically redistributed which was the key component to getting all the unions to sign on to the CSA. Since the CSA agreement was signed in 2001, there has been no labor stoppages or slow downs in the building. In the current negotiations, the stagehands have already agreed to reducing premium time hours, reducing the number of holidays and recalculating compensation for meals. If the Employers pass these savings on to the PCC Customer, the shows will see a dramatic savings! Management's demand to exclude stagehands from all work in meeting rooms located in the PCC is a breach of the Customer Satisfaction Agreement. While at the same time Management's refusal to abide by the Customer Satisfaction Agreement is a violation of law. Management's failure to abide by the CSA has been the driving force behind increased cost at the Center. The CSA is a contract between the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Elliott Lewis (Labor Broker), IATSE, IBEW, Carpenters, Laborers, Riggers, Teamsters and contractors. The CSA was based on the recommendations of a report by Econosult Corporation. Econosult made a number of recommendations to resolve labor issues and lower cost in the Center. While some of the recommendations were implemented, key components incorporated into the CSA were not enforced resulting in higher cost for the Center's Customers. A sub-committee called for under the CSA drafted a letter to the Convention Center Board outlining the sections of the CSA that have not been implemented. The failure of management to implement these sections of the CSA has resulted in higher cost and lost shows for the Center. The stagehands union has agreed to change the economic proposals put forth by management. Our union agrees that the Pennsylvania Convention Center needs to be competitive. However, it is our position that management's failure to run the Center under the guidelines signed off by all parties should not be balanced on the backs of working men and women. The Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion is being built with tax-payers' money. The burden of paying off the debt will be reduced through wage taxes if jobs are created for area workers. The practice of the non-union audio visual contractor is to pay their workers as 1099 subcontracted employees. Many of these contractors and non-union employees are from out of state and do not pay the city or state wage tax. The local non-union workers do not receive health benefits increasing the burden on the area hospitals. Union employees pay all appropriate taxes and are covered under union sponsored benefit plans. A quick study of the surrounding non-union hotels indicate, hourly charges by union and non-union contractors are comparable. The acceptable profit margin established by union contractors is dramatically increased by the non-union contractor by their avoiding the wage taxes and by not offering benefits. Management's attempt to lower cost at the Center by allowing a non-union workforce to perform the work is flawed and a violation of the CSA. IATSE Local 8 is hopeful management will withdraw this illegal demand and accept the changes we have agreed to at the bargaining table.
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