General News | Legislation News | Election News | Organizing News
General News
December 22, 2008
PRESIDENT BUSH ANNOUNCES USE OF TARP FUNDS FOR DOMESTIC AUTO MAKERS
Domestic auto workers and their families received some good news that emergency bridge loans have been released to help
For more information, please visit: www.uaw.org
December 22, 2008
2009 OSHEP CONFERENCE
The 2009 OSHEP Conference will be held on February 18, 2009 at the Hilton East Brunswick. The annual one-day conference is a great networking and educational event that attracts Safety Directors, General Contractors and Human Resources Representatives, Union Staff Representatives and Shop Stewards, and Safety and Health Professionals. A wide variety of workshops offered this year will include information on Workplace Violence initiatives in New Jersey and other states, Bloodborne Pathogens and Infection Control, Emergency Response and Disaster Planning, a Review of OSHA’s upcoming National Emphasis Programs that may impact your organization, New Jersey’s Indoor Air Quality standard and much more.
Register now for the 2009 OSHEP Conference. Space is limited.
Legislation News
December 12, 2008
SENATE REPUBLICANS FILLIBUSTER AUTO INDUSTRY BRIDGE LOAN
On Thursday, December 11, 2008 Senate Republicans blocked legislation seeking to aid struggling U.S automakers. The bill would provide $14 billion in loans to the US auto industry. The AFL-CIO and the UAW support the legislation.
The Senate rejected the legislation 52-35 on a procedural vote to avoid a filibuster, which requires a total of 60 votes. 10 Republicans joined 40 Democrats and two independents in supporting the legislation. Included were New Jersey Senators Lautenberg and Menendez.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2008 the House of Representatives passed the bill (HR 7321), titled the “Auto Industry Financing and Restructuring Act” by a vote of 237 – 170.
Election News
December 17, 2008
Labor Candidate Selected to Northfield City Council
Yesterday, union brother Mike Turon of UA Local 322 was selected to fill the unexpired term on the Northfield City Council. The ward seat became vacant when Councilman Tim Carew, IBEW Local 351 won an at-large seat on November 4th. Congratulations to Brother Turon who attended the Labor Candidates School in 2004. With his selection, union members have achieved 537 election victories through the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Program since 1997.
November 5, 2008
VICTORY 500
November 4, 2008 will hold a special place in the history of our New Jersey Labor Movement and an important milestone for the New Jersey State AFL-CIO Labor Candidates Program. It is because of your continuous support and dedication that we have the opportunity to share with you, today, the news of our 500th victorious election of a union member to public office in the state of New Jersey since 1997, more than any other state in the nation. We congratulate Brother Kenneth Utter, of UA Local 475, who was elected to the town council in Somerville, NJ, along with his 33 union brothers and sisters who were also elected to public office.
No one understands the issues affecting working families better then our own rank-and-file union members. Our members and our movement now have a stronger, more powerful voice in government, through the Labor Candidates Program, which was developed, maintained and expanded through your unwavering support and teamwork. With union members serving at the State, County and Local levels, we can be assured that our labor movement will always have an effective hand in crafting, directing, and implementing important public policy that affects our everyday lives.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, working in partnership with the national AFL-CIO, international unions, our Central Labor Councils, Building Trades Councils and affiliated unions, congratulates all union members who have won their elections and are now a member of the finest labor candidates program in the country. Working together, we will continue to win together!
Organizing News
December 3, 2008
First Contract for IUOE Local 68 Members at Heldrich Hotel
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO congratulates hotel maintenance employees at the Heldrich Hotel and Conference Center in New Brunswick, NJ, who successfully negotiated and ratified a first contract. Earlier this year, the workers voted to gain a voice at work by joining the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68. Congratulations to these workers who can now benefit from a collective bargaining agreement.