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TheGeneralAssemblyhasapprovedlegislationauthorizingtheCommissionofEducationtoestablishapilot“recoveryhighschool”inRhodeIsland.Recoveryhighschoolsaimtohelpstudentsrecoverfromsubstanceabuseproblemsandearntheirhighschooldiplomasatthesametime. TheAssemblyalsopassedcompanionSenateandHousebills—2011-S0439AaabySen.JohnJ.TassoniJr.,D-Smithfield,and2011-H6055AbyRep.FrankG.Ferri,D-Warwick. Thepilotprogramwouldlastfortwoyears,afterwhichtheschoolwouldberequiredtosubmitananalysisofgraduationrates,retentionrates,courseperformance,andperformanceonthestateassessment.Basedonthatinformation,adecisionwouldbemadewhetherornottocontinuetheprogram. Theschoolwouldenrollstudentsfromanyschooldistrictinthestatewhoareconsideredbythereferringdistricttobebothclinicallyandacademicallyappropriate.Itwouldbethedecision

ofthereferredstudentswhetherornottoattendtheschool. Accordingtothebill’ssponsors,RhodeIsland,hasoneofthehighestratesofdrugusebyhighschoolchildren.AsurveyconductedbytheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices’SubstanceAbuseandMentalHealthServicesAdministrationfoundthatamongchildrenages12to17,12.68percentusedillicitdrugs,11.14percentreportedbingealcoholabuse,5.67percent

hadillicitdrugdependencyorabuse,and5.11percentneed,butarenotreceiving,treatment. “Thereneedstobeasolutiontomeetthestate’shighpercentageofstudentswithsubstanceabuse

problems.Recoveryschoolswillgiveasecondchancetoouryouthwhoarestrugglingwithaddictions,”saidSen.Tassoni. Studentswhore-entertheirhighschoolsaftercompletingarehabilitationprogramlackaftercareandsobrietysupportsystems.Some93percentofthosestudentsreportbeingoffereddrugsontheirfirstdayback.After90days,halfofthesestudentsusedrugsandalcoholatorabovethelevelspriortotheirtreatment.

“Recoveryschoolswouldgivestudentsthesocialandenvironmentalsupporttheyneedinordertostaydrug-andalcohol-free,”saidRep.Ferri.“Studentscanfocusontheirstudieswithoutanynegativepeerpressureandinfluence.” Recoveryhighschoolsarealsolow

incost.Start-upcostsfortheschoolswouldbeprovidedbystatefunds,butongoingfundingforeachstudentwouldbeprovidedbytheirhome Recovery High Continued on page 2

RI Legislation creates ‘Recovery High School’ pilot program

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“There needs to be a solution to meet the state’s high

percentage of students with substance abuse problems.

Recovery schools will give a second chance to our youth

who are struggling with addictions,” - Senator Tassoni

TheMunicipalHealthInsuranceReformActwassignedintolawlastmonthafterseveralmonthsofdebateandrevision.Thebill,whichwasfirstintroducedintheMAHouse’s2012fiscalbudgetinApril,createsaprocessforcitiesandtownstoincreaseco-paymentsanddeductibles,andtointroducetierednetworksinanefforttosaveanestimated$100millioninhealthinsurancecosts. Gov.DevalPatrickexplainedinapressreleaseonhiswebsitethatsigningthehealthcarereformbillisthebiggeststepsofarin

savingcitiesandtownsmillionsofdollarswhilealsoallowinglabortocontributeinameaningfulrole. “Thishasbeennosmallaccomplishment,anditcamewithcooperationfromleadersintheLegislature,laborandmunicipalitiesallworkingtogethertogetapositiveresult,”saidGov.Patrick. Gov.Patrickaddedafewamendmentsofhisowntothelegislation.Heincludedprotectionsforretirees,low-incomeworkers,andemployeeswithexistinghealthconcerns,whoarelikelyto

incurhigherco-payanddeductiblecosts.Healsomadeanamendmentdelayinganincreasetothecontributionratiospaidbyretireesuntilthemiddleof2014. Theprocessoutlinedinthelegislationgivesmunicipalitiesoptionstoincreaseco-paysanddeductiblesaslongastheydonotexceedthoseofferedbytheGroupInsuranceCommission(GIC).However,iftransferringemployeestotheGICwouldresultinfivepercentmoresavingsthancouldbereachedthroughalocal Health Insurance Reform Continued on page 2

Municipal Health Insurance Reform Act becomes law in MABy Amelia Pillsbury

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Recovery High Continued from page 1districts.Annualcostsperstudentwouldbelessthan$20,000,comparedto$138,750perstudentatthestate’strainingschoolforstudentswithsubstanceabuseproblems. Recoveryhighschoolshavealsoprovenacademicallyeffective,whichhasbeenpartlyattributedtotheirsmallsize.With20to40students,teacherscanspendmoretimeworkingwitheachindividual. Therearecurrently23recoveryhighschoolsin10states,includingthreeinMassachusetts.Theyhavereportedimprovementsinacademicperformanceandincreasedgraduationrates. “Theseschoolsofferablendoflowcost,greateracademicperformanceandhighsobriety.Theeffectivenessoftheprogramhasbeenshownbyourneighboringstate,Massachusetts.WeshouldfollowMassachusetts’leadandgiveourownstrugglingyouthachanceforasuccessful,brightfuture,”saidSen.Tassoni. “It’stimetofighttheprevalenceofdrugsinourschoolsandgivestrugglingstudentsachancetolivehealthyandproductivelivesfreeofaddictionwhiletheycompletetheirhighschooleducation,”saidRep.Ferri.

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Health Insurance Reform Continued from page 1 healthcareplan,municipalitieshavetheoptionoftransferringemployees.ThelawalsorequiresthatalleligibleretireesbeenrolledinMedicare. ThemostconcerningfeatureoftheMunicipalHealthInsuranceReformActistheeliminationofcollectivebargaining.Unionswill,however,begiventheopportunitytodiscussthehealthinsurancechangeswithamunicipalauthority.Duringathirty-dayperiod,thePublicEmployeeCommittee(consistingofarepresentativefromeverypublicunionandaretireerepresentative)willdiscusswiththemunicipalauthoritythehealthinsurancechanges.Ifanagreementisreached,itwillbeimplemented.Ifnoagreementisreached,thehealthinsuranceplanchangeswouldgotoareviewpanelcomposedofamunicipalandlaborrepresentativeaswellasathirdmemberchosenfromalistprovidedbytheExecutiveOfficeforAdministrationandFinance.Thereviewpanelhastheauthoritytodeterminetheappropriatenessofthehealthinsurancechangesandmakechangesasneededwithoutexceeding25percentofthefirst-year’stotalsavings. Inastatementonline,thePublicEmployees’CoalitiononMunicipalHealthCareisagreeabletothefinallegislation.Theyrecognizethatmanyhavebeenhurtbytherecessionandskyrocketingcostofhealthcareandtheylookforwardtodoingtheirsharetopreservejobsandprograms. “Nowthatwehaveeliminatedthisdistractionfromthepublicdebate,wemustallfocusontherealcrisis,whichistheever-spiralingcostofhealthcareforallresidentsofMassachusetts,andthecoalitionstandsreadytoworkwiththeLegislatureandgovernoraswemoveforwardtoaddressthiscriticalissue,”saidthecoalition. ThePublicEmployee’sCoalitiononMunicipalHealthCareincludesrepresentativesfromAFSCMECouncil93,AFTMassachusetts,InternationalUnionofPainters&AlliedTradesDistrictCouncil35,MassachusettsAFL-CIO,MassachusettsCoalitionofPolice,MassachusettsandNorthernNewEnglandLaborersCouncil,MassachusettsMunicipalPoliceCoalition,MassachusettsPoliceAssociation,MassachusettsTeachersAssociation,ProfessionalFireFightersofMassachusetts,RetiredState,CountyandMunicipalEmployeesAssociation,SEIULocal888,SEIU/NAGE,UnitedSteelWorkersandtheAFL-CIO/CLC.

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Off-Duty RI IBPO Member saves drowning child in Massachusetts Athree-year-oldboywhonearlydrownedinaMassachusettspondisaliveandexpectedtorecoverthankstothequickresponseofanoff-dutyIBPOmemberfromCranston,RhodeIsland,whohappenedtobevacationingnearby. MalloryReis,aCranstonpoliceofficerandmemberofIBPOLocal301,wasvacationingatMylesStandishStateForestinPlymouthonJuly9,2011. “Iwasjustsittinginthesun,watchingthewater,andallofasuddenIsawthislittlegirltakingaboyoutofthewaterandhisbodywas

limpandeveryonestartedscreaming,”Reistoldlocalmedia.Theboywasblueandnotbreathing. ReisranacrossthebeachatCurlewPondandbeganadministeringCPR.Anoff-dutyNewBedfordfirefighterandaformerchildcarecenterdirectorassistedwhiletheywaitedforEMStoarrive.ThechildstartedrespondingtoCPR,breathingandthenvomitingasfirefightersarrived.Rescuersspeculatedthathemayhavechokedoncrackersashefellintothewater. “Theminutehecametowasthebiggest

sighofrelief,”Reistoldreporters.ThechildwastakenbyambulancetoJordanHospitalinPlymouth,andthenairliftedtoaBostonhospital.Heisexpectedtorecover. “Policeofficersandfirstrespondersneverthinkofthemselvesas‘off-duty’whensomeone’slifeisatstake,”saidDavidHolway,IBPO’snationalpresident.“OfficerReis,andtheotherfirstresponderswhoarecalledtoemergenciesdayandnight,deserveoursincerestthanksandsupport.”

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August is National Immunization Awareness Month Withanewschoolyearrightaroundthecornerandfluseasononlyacoupleofmonthsaway,Augustistheperfecttimetogetup-to-dateonvaccines.Nomatterhowoldoryoungyouare,vaccinesareaneffectiveandimportantwaytomaintaingoodhealth.Bystayingontopofyourvaccines,youcanprotectyourself,yourfamilyandfriends,andyourcommunityfromserious,life-threateningillnesses.BlueCross&BlueShieldofRhodeIslandstronglyencouragesallRhodeIslanderstogetvaccinestohelpprotectagainstharmfulillnesses. Thebestwaytoavoidthefluistogetvaccinatedeveryfall.Aflushotisrecommendedforeveryone,especiallythosewhohaveaweakenedimmunesystemorachronichealthcondition,andpregnantwomen.Ifyouhaveaneggallergy,donotgetaflushotbeforetalkingtoyourdoctor.Youcanreceiveyourshotfromyourprimarycaredoctororatalocalflushotclinic. Ifyouareoverage65,haveahistoryoflungproblemsoraweakenedimmunesystem,orareNativeAmerican,talktoyourdoctoraboutreceivingapneumoniavaccine. Ifyou’reyoungerthanage65,getaone-timedoseofTdap,followedbyaTdboosterdoseevery10yearstoprotectagainsttetanus,diphtheriaandpertussis(whoppingcough). Aone-timedoseoftheZoster(shingles)vaccineisrecommendedforadultsage60andolder. Ifyou’reaBCBSRImember,someorallofthevaccinationslistedabovemaybecoveredat100percent.CallBCBSRICustomerServiceat(401)-459-5000toconfirm.Itisimportanttospeaktoyour

doctoraboutanyothervaccinationsyoumightneed,suchasvaricella(chickenpox),hepatitisandmeningitis.Speakingwithyourdoctoraboutyourjob,healthhistory,andtravelplanscanhelpdeterminetherightvaccinesforyou. Visitwww.bcbsri.comandfollowthemonTwitter@BCBSRIformoretipsabouthowtoliveyourhealthiestlife.

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ThehorroroftherecentearthquakesandtsunamiinJapanhasincreasedinterestinthesafetyofnuclearreactorsandthedangersofradiationingeneral.TherecenttragedyinJapanhasdemonstratedonceagaintheprofoundimpactofradiation,bothnaturalandman-made. Sincethediscoveryofx-raysin1885,manysourcesofionizingradiationhavebeendevelopedinbothmedicineandindustry.Ionizingradiationisalsoproducedwhennaturallyoccurringelements,suchasuranium,radiumandradondisintegratetocreateotherelements.Weconstantlyreceivesmalldosesfrommineralsandbuildingmaterials,fertilizer,andcrushedrock.Thehumanbodycontainsisotopesofpotassiumandcarbon,whichproduceinternalradiation.Tomanycellbiologistsandhealthphysicists,thisisasignthatalllifeonearthhasadaptedtoexposuretoaminimumamountofradiation. Therearethreemaintypesofionizingradiation.Alphaparticleshavehighlevelsofenergy,buttheymoveslowlyandcannotpassthroughtheskin.Betaparticlesarehighenergyelectronsthatcanpassthroughtheskinandthebody.Gammarays,orx-rays,arehigh-energyandhighlypenetrating. Theimpactofionizingradiationonacell’sDNAcanhaveseveraldifferentoutcomes.Itmaykillthecell,oralterthewaythecellfunctions.ThecellmayrepairanydamagedDNA.Radiationmaycausethecelltodivideuncontrollably(cancer). Manyworkersare

occupationallyexposedtoionizingradiation.Theseincludeairlinecrews,atomicenergyplantworkers,dentalassistantsanddentists,firealarmmakers,televisionrepairmen,industrialradiographers,petroleumrefineryworkers,physicians,pipelineworkers,alloyworkersandx-rayworkers.Severaloccupationalstudieshaveestablishedclear,significantassociationsbetweenlow-doseionizingradiationandexcesscancers. Protectionfromradiationentailsacombinationofdistance,shielding,andtime.Useeveryreasonableefforttominimizedoseisthebasisofhealthphysicsguidelinescodifiedasthe“ALARA”principle:AsLowAsReasonablyAchievable. Isocyanatesisageneralnameforagroupofchemicalsincludingmethylenebisphenyldi-isocyanate(MDI),toluenediisocyanate(TDI),hexamethylenediisocyanate(HDI),isophoronediisocyanate(IPDI),whichhavebeenbuiltoutofthesechemicalbuildingblocks.Theyareusedtomakepolyurethanefoams,paints,sealants,adhesives,caulksandawidevarietyofothermaterials.Thelargestuseofisocyanatesisintheconstructionindustry. Isocyanatesarereactivechemicalsandworkbyeagerlybindingtootherchemicals.Theyarethehardenerintwo-partpaints.Inspray-onfoams,isocyanatemoleculesbondwithalongchemicalchain,causingthematerialtohardenorholditsshape.Itcanalsoreactwithproteinsinourskin

andrespiratorytract,potentiallycausingallergicasthma.Whenanasthmaattackoccurs,yoursystemmistakesthiscombinationofisocyanateandproteinasanenemyandtriestonarrowyourairwaystokeepitout. Airborneexposuresaremostcommoninsprayingpolyurethanepaintsoradhesivesorspray-in-placefoamsusedinroofingandinsealantsusedaroundpipesandducts,andaswallinsulationusedforenergyconservation. Skinexposurecanoccurwhenanypolyurethaneproductsthatarenotfullycuredareincontactwiththeskin.Exposurestopre-formedpolyurethanearelesshazardousasthesurfacesshouldbecompletelycured,butifthesurfaceiscut,freshunreactedisocyanatecanbereleasedtocontactskin. Thereisprobablylittleairborneisocyanateexposureincaulksandothernon-sprayapplications,butskinexposuremaystillbeadanger.Howmuchtimeittakesforeachoftheseproductstofullycure,toreachthepointwhentheynolongerpresentanydangertoworkers,isstillasubjectofresearch.Somecureinstantaneously,andotherscantakeaslongastwoweekstofullycure. Therearemanymanydifferenttypesofisocyanates,buteachonehasadistinctChemicalAbstractorCASnumber.SomeformofMDIisoftenfoundinfoams,sealants,adhesives,andcaulks.HDIanditspolymers(anothertypeofisocyanate)arecommonlyfoundinoutdoorcoatingssuchasprimersandtopcoats.

Tocontrolexposure,wearaTyveksuitwithlongsleevesandahoodtoprotectyourskinifyouareapplyinganyspray-onpolyurethanematerial.Wearnitrilegloves.Afullfacerespiratorwithsuppliedairisrecommended. Staywellbackandupwindofanyonesprayingapolyurethanefoamorcoating,thefurtherthebetterbutatleast20-25feet.Ifyoumustworkwithin20feetofthesprayapplication,wearthesamePPEandafullfacemaskwithorganicvaporcartridges,aswellasanN95padoverthecartridges. Ifyouareusingacaulkornon-sprayedapplication,wearnitrileglovesandprotectanyskinwhichmightcomeincontactwiththepolyurethanematerial. Ifyouaretrimmingorfinishingfoam,wearnitrileglovesifitisnotcrumbly.Ifitcrumbles,creatingdust,wearaTyveksuitandeyeprotection.ItisbesttouseanAirPurifyingRespirator(APR),andtochangethecartridgedaily.Ifyouaresandingapolyurethanecoating,usethesamerespiratortype(APR)andaddnitrilegloves,aTyveksuit,andeyeprotection. Itisrecommendedthattherebea12hourperiodaftertheendofsprayingbeforeunprotectedworkerscanenterthearea,24hoursforresidentsandtenants. Donotallowopenflames,cutting,welding,highintensityheatsources,orsmokinginisocyanatestorageorapplicationareas.DonotmixunusedA&Bpartstogetherfordisposalormixwithotherwasteliquidsfordisposal.

Radiation in the environment


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Lastmonth,theBristolFourthofJulyCommitteeaskedInternationalUnionofOperatingEngineersLocal57’sparadefloattoleavemomentsbeforethestartoftheBristolFourthofJulyParade,theoldestFourthofJulyParadeintheUnitedStates. Committeemembersoftheparadesaidthatthefloatdidnothaveapatrioticthemeandinsistedthatitwasforadvertisingpurposes,whichisnotpermitted.JamesWhite,presidentofIUOELocal57,explainedhisfrustrationtoJudySquires,generalchairoftheBristolFourthofJulyCommittee,inaletterhesentherJuly8. “Theunionfloatwasdeemednottohavea‘patriotictheme’andwassolelyforadvertising.Ithoughttomyselfhowironicitwasthatit

wasorganizedlaborwhomadeitpossibleforthousandsoftheparadespectatorstobeabletoenjoythedayoutofwork,asapaidholiday,onlytohavetheunionfloatbedeemednottohavea‘patriotictheme,’”saidWhiteinhisletter. Whitewentontoadmitthatheknewthattherulesforentrystated,“floatswhicharedeterminedtobesolelymobileadvertisingdisplaysforcommercialand/orfor-profitentitieswillnotbeaccepted.” WhitedefendedIUOE’sfloat,writingthat“unionsareneithercommercialnorfor-profit.Unionsexistforthesolepurposeofimprovingthequalityoflifeforworkingclasspeople.ThisconceptofimprovingthequalityoflifewaswhattheFoundingFathershadinmindwhendraftingthe

DeclarationofIndependenceforwhichyourparadecelebrates.” Aweekaftersendinghisletter,WhitereceivedaphonecallfromDickDevault,vice-chairmanoftheFourthofJulyCommitteeandchairmanoftheparade.Devaultmaintainedthattheotherfloatsfromothercompanieswereforentertainment,andthatIUOE’struckwasnotafloat,butratheranadvertisement. “IhaveneveradvertisedforLocal57,”Whitesaidinaninterview,“WhywouldIneedtostartnow?” WhilespeakingwithDevault,Whitecounteredthatthetruckhadflagsattachedtoenhanceapatriotictheme.DevaultthenexplainedtoWhitethatitwasactuallythedriverofthetruckwhodecided

toleaveandnotparticipateintheparade. “Iknowmytruckdriverdidnotdecidetoleavetheparade,”Whitesaid.“Thedrivertoldmehewasaskedtoleave.” CommonGroundcontactedDevaulttoaskforalistoftheotherfloatsenteredintotheparade.Thelistwassentviaemailandtheonlyunion-sponsoredfloatlistedwasIUOE’sLocal57whichwasaskedtoleave.However,numerousvehicleswerelistedfromcommercialcompaniessuchasMonroeDairy,Dell’sLemonadeandTDBank.OtherfloatscontainedmarchingunitsfromcompaniessuchasSeekonkSpeedwayandAAA.

Union snubbed by Bristol Fourth of July CommitteeBy Amelia Pillsbury

Looking for some good news for a change?

View past issues at www.commongroundnews.net.Rhode Island's only newspaper for unions, and about unions.

www.commongroundnews.net • 401.451.1305


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TheRhodeIslandDepartmentofLaborandTrainingannouncedlastmonththatthestate’sseasonallyadjustedunemploymentrateforJune2011was10.8percent,downone-tenthofapercentagepointfromthepreviousmonthanddowneight-tenthsofapercentagepointfromJune2010. TheU.S.unemploymentratewas9.2percentinJune,upone-tenthofapercentagepointfromthepreviousmonthbutdownthree-tenthsofapercentagepointfromJune2010. ThenumberofunemployedRIresidents—thoseresidentsclassifiedasavailableforandactivelyseekingemployment—decreasedby700overtheMayfigures,fallingto61,300inJune,the15thconsecutiveover-the-monthdecline.Overtheyear,thenumberofunemployedRIresidentsdroppedby5,700,adecreaseof8.5percent. Duetonumerouseligibilityrequirements,thenumberofunemployedRIresidentsdiffersfromthenumberofRIUnemploymentInsurancerecipients.TheaverageweeklyclaimloadforRIUnemploymentInsurancebenefitsinJunewas30,947,down1,166(-3.6percent)fromtheMayaverageof32,113anddown6,582(-17.5percent)fromtheJune2010

averageof37,529. ThenumberofemployedRIresidentsdecreased2,000overtheMayfigures,totaling505,700inJune.Overtheyear,thenumberofemployedRIresidentswasdown3,800fromJune2010. TheRhodeIslandlaborforcetotaled567,100inJune2011,down2,600fromMayanddown9,400fromJune2010estimates.Theover-the-monthdecreaseinthenumberofunemployedresidents,combinedwiththedecreaseinthenumberofemployedresidents,causedtheJunelaborforcetodroptoitslowestlevelsinceSeptember2009. Theestimatednon-farmpayrollinRhodeIslandtotaled462,400inJune,reflectingalossof1,500jobsfromtherevisedMayemploymentestimateof463,900.TheMay-to-JunepayrolldecreasemarkstheendoffourconsecutivemonthsofjobgainsinRhodeIsland. EmploymentintheEducationalServicessectordeclinedsharplyinJunewiththelossof1,900jobs.Smallerover-the-monthemploymentlosseswerereportedinProfessional&BusinessServicesandHealthCare&SocialAssistance,witheachsectorshedding400jobs.Manufacturing(-300)andFinancialActivities(-200)alsoreportedjoblossesinJune.

ThedeclineinEducationalServicesemploymentisattributedtolargelossesamongthestate’sprivatecollegesanduniversities.WithinProfessional&BusinessServices,EmploymentServices,whichincludestemporaryhelpagencies,waslargelyresponsiblefortheloss.JobdeclinesintheHealthCare&SocialAssistancesectorwerereflectedinhospitalsandresidentialcarefacilities,whileManufacturingsectorlosseswereindurablegoodsproduction. OffsettingthejoblossesweregainsreportedintheConstruction(+700),Accommodation&FoodServices(+700),Arts,Entertainment&Recreation(+200)andOtherServices(+100)sectors.JobgrowthintheConstructionsectorwasfueledbygainsinthespecialtytradecontractorssubsector.Theadditionof700jobsintheConstructionsectormarksthelargestover-the-monthgainwithinthesectorsinceApril2005(+800).LocalrestaurantsandlodgingestablishmentsprovidedtheemploymentboostintheAccommodation&FoodServicessector. EmploymentintheWholesaleTrade,RetailTrade,Transportation&Utilities,Information,GovernmentandNaturalResources&Miningsectorsremainedunchangedover

themonth. Overtheyear,employmentwasup4,500(+1.0percent)fromJune2010,withjobgainsreportedineighteconomicsectors:RetailTrade(+4,000)Accommodation&FoodServices(+2,400),Information(+700),HealthCare&SocialAssistance(+600),Professional&BusinessServices(+500),WholesaleTrade(+500),Manufacturing(+400)andOtherServices(+400).Transportation&UtilitiesandNaturalResources&Miningemploymentremainedevenovertheyear. Governmentemploymentwasdown2,000overtheyear,duetocutbacksoffederalcensusworkersandmunicipalemployees.EducationalServices(-1,900),Construction(-500),FinancialActivities(-500)andArts,Entertainment&Recreation(-100)alsoreportedover-the-yearjoblosses. InJune2011,workersintheManufacturingsectorearned$15.96perhour.Theaveragehourlywagewasup26centsfromMay2011,andup$1.27fromJune2010.Manufacturingemployeesworkedanaverageof39.7hoursperweekinJune,upahalf-houroverthemonthandupeight-tenthsofanhourovertheyear.

RI unemployment rate drops to 10.8 percent


Affiliated with the INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS

121 BRIGHTRIDGE AVENUE, EAST PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02914www.teamsterslocal251.org

EXECUTIVE BOARD BUSINESS AGENTS Joseph J. Bairos Steven Labrie Secretary-Treasurer Principal Executive Officer Kevin Reddy Kevin Reddy Joseph Boyajian President Daniel Manocchio James Croce Vice President Michael Nunes Recording Secretary Dennis Mello Trustee Susan Folan Trustee Janet O’Grady Trustee

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Verizon Wireless Fund Raising Program comes to New England AreaTwoentrepreneursofachainofVerizonWirelessstoresareexpandingtheirfundraisingopportunitiesfornon-profitsandotherorganizationstotheNewEnglandarea.Theopportunityallowsanyorganization,non-profitorotherwise,toraisefundsbysimplypurchasingtheirwirelessservicesfromoneoftheiragents.Thisprogrambenefitsorganizationsbyallowingthemtosignupforaprogramthatisariskfreeopportunity.Thereisnobuyingofinventory,noinvestment,productselling,productdistributionorcollection.AlltheorganizationneedstodoishavetheirmemberscalloneoftheexclusiveVerizonagentsandpresentthemwithacouponfortheirphone.Theprogramhashadgreatsuccessinotherareas,withover30organizationsparticipatingforthesecondconsecutiveyear.

ForfurtherinformationonthisprogrampleasecontactJohnTassoniat4014511305orjohn@jtsentinelgroup.com.

ThefoodandbeverageworkersatT.F.GreenAirportvoted75tooneforathree-yearcontractwithHMSHostthatcoversalloftherestaurantsattheairport,accordingtoastatementfromUNITEHERE,Local217. TheunionrepresentsworkersattheDunkin’Donuts,Starbucks,ProvidenceOysterCompany,TGIFridays,Quiznos,JohnnyRockets,FamousFamigliaandWolfgangPuckrestaurants.HMSHostispartofAutogrillS.p.A. Theagreementincludesraisesof$1.35perhouroverthreeyears

forthenon-tippedclassificationsincludinggrillcooks,baristas,dishwashers,utilityworkers,linecooks,cashiers,prepcooksandmaintenanceworkers.Bartendersandwaitstaffreceivesmallerraisesinconsiderationofthegratuitiestheyreceive. Amongotherprovisions,thepartiesagreedtolowerthepercentageofhealth-carepremiumcostspaidbyemployeesforcertaininsuranceplanoptions,andtoreducethehoursneededtoqualifyforhealth-carecoveragefrom35to30hoursperweek.

Food and beverage workers approve contract at T.F. Green


AFSCME Local 2881

Representing RIDEM and CRMC

www.local2881.org

Robert J. Haynes Louis A. Mandarini, Jr.President Secretary-Treasurer

For more information call (781) 324-8230 or visit www.massaflcio.org

During these difficult times, now more than ever, workers need a strong, unified voice speaking out on each other’s behalf. By advocating for all workers, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is working

to preserve the middle class, and protect you and your family.

Whether you are a union member or not, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is committed to preserving the rights of all workers and advocating for decent wages, health and retirement ben-

efits, safer workplaces, and a dignified quality of life for all working families.

AccordingtoTheWashingtonPost,leadingcongressionalDemocrats“immediatelyrecoiled”fromanewproposaltocut$600billioninMedicarespendingoverthenextdecade—inpartbyraisingtheeligibilityage.Sens.JosephLieberman(I-CT)andTomCoburn(R-OK)unveiledtheproposalaspartofabipartisanefforttoproducethekindofsavingsnecessarytoachievethe$2trillionindebtreductionbothpartiessayisneededtoconvincelawmakerstovotetoraisethedebtceiling. Thesenators’planwouldraiseMedicare’seligibilityagefrom65to67andassesshigherpremiumsonwealthierseniors.Democratssaythatnodealonthedebtlimitispossiblewithoutanagreementtoclosetaxloopholesthatbenefitthewealthy,includingsubsidies

formajoroilcompaniesandataxbreakprovidedtocompaniesthatbuyprivatejets.TheyhavepromisedtheywillnottrimbenefitstoMedicarebeneficiaries,“apointunderscoredbytheirchillyreceptionoftheplanadvancedbyLiebermanandCoburn.” Thetwosenatorsconcededthattheirplanwouldbeunpopular.Democraticrejectionoftheproposalwasswift.SenateMajorityLeaderHarryReid(D-NV)termedit“abadidea.”HouseMinorityLeaderNancyPelosi(D-CA)calledit“unacceptable.”Economistsandcreditratingagencieshavewarnedthatfinancialmarketsmaygrowturbulentifanagreementtoraisethedebtlimitisnotreachedsoon. John A. Pernorio is President of Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans

Top Democrats reject Coburn-Lieberman plan to cut MedicareBy John A. Pernorio

Southern New Englands Neighborhood Union

David P. FlemingPresident

James P. Riley Secretary-Treasurer

United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 328278 Silver Spring Street • Providence, RI 02904-2593 • 401.861.0300 • 800.624.7776 • www.ufcw328.org


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JOSEPH A. ANDRIOLEVice President

DAVID HANOSSecretary Treasurer

MARCEL E. FONTENAULT, JR.Exec. Bd. Chairman

1ST DISTRICT V.P. John Silva

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Bread and Roses Labor Festival to showcase Lawrence’s cultural diversity The2011BreadandRosesLaborFestivalwillbeheldonLaborDay,Sep.5,ontheLawrenceCommoninLawrence,MA.Thefestivalmarksthe27thyearofrememberingthe1912LawrenceTextileStrike.Admissionisfreeandtheday’sactivitieswillrunfromnoonto6pm. Thefestivalwillhosthistoricaltours,children’sentertainment,foodvendors,andmusic.AmongtheparticipantswillbethefemalebandZiliMisik,whohavebeeninfusing

Haitian,BrazilianandWestAfricanrhythmsintooriginalcreationsfor11years. AlsoperformingwillbetheBreadandPuppetTheater,featuringhugepuppetsmadeofpapier-mâché,whoseshowsareoftenpoliticallyandmorallymotivated.TheAngkorDanceTroupe,anon-profitorganizationaimedatteachinganappreciationforCambodianculture,willperformtraditionalCambodiandances.OtherbandsperformingatthefestivalwillincludeTenTumbao,anAfro-Latin-

Caribbeanband,andtheItchyFeetJazzBand. TheBreadandRosesstrikeinLawrenceisalsoknownastheStrikeforThreeLoaves.Thestrike,consistinglargelyoffemaleandimmigrantworkersattheLawrencemills,camesoonafteranewlawshortenedtheworkweek.Onemillownerdecidedtolowerwagestomatchthereductioninhours,andastrikespreadquicklyfromhismilltotherestofthetown,growingtomorethantwentythousandstrikersandlastingmorethantwomonths.

Highways at risk Barry Schiller

TherewasonceaperceptionthatRIDOT,(theRhodeIslandDepartmentofTransportation)wouldrideintotownandimposemassivenewroadswithoutmuchconcernforlocalwishes.Ifthatwasevertrue,itisn’tanymore.NowRIDOTishard-pressedtomaintainexistingroadsandbridges,andoftenhastosaythereisnomoneywhencommunitieswantaproject.Butthissituationmightsoongetworse. WehaveheardaboutpossiblecutbacksatRIPTA,butourhighwaysarealsoatriskfromthebudgetcutters.RIDOTisalreadyplanningforasignificantdropinfederalsupport.Whatwouldthatmeanforourhighwayprogram? RIDOThasalreadydraftedtheoutlineofatransportationimprovementplan(TIP)basedonexpectedreductionsinfederalaid.Sincesomeprojects(suchasthenewSakonnetbridge,theI-95ViaductinProvidence)justhavetobedone,mostotherprogramswouldneedtobecutback.Forexample,“PavementManagement,”whichmeansresurfacingand

sometimesfixingsidewalks,currentlyaveragesabout$45millionayearbutneedsabout$71milliontomakeadentinthebacklogofroadsthatneedrepair.Butthisprogrammaydroptoabout$8million.Thus,onaverage,localroadconditionsarelikelytogetworse.Ourbridgeprogram,withitsbacklogof164structurallydeficientbridges,nowspendsabout$80millionayear,needsabout$128million,andisprojectedtoget$45million.Longdelaysarepossibleformajorroadimprovements,evenifthey’vealreadybeenapprovedorareunderstudy.Thebikeandpedestrianprogramislikelytobeeliminatedentirely,leavinguswithnonewsidewalksandseveralunfinishedbikeprojects.Withbadroads,postedbridges,inadequatetransitandhalf-finished,unconnectedbikeways,StatewidePlanninghassaidthatwearelikelyto“sink.” Thatscenariowouldn’tdomuchforourconstructionindustryeither. Underlyingthisisafederalgastaxof18.4centspergallon,whichproducesabout$35

billionayear.We’vebeenspendingabout$50billionontransportation,withtheGeneralFundmakingupthedifference.ThenewHouseGOPleadership,unwillingtoevenconsiderraisingthegastax,wantstoreducespendingtothe$35billion.ConsideringthecompetitionwithnearbyMassachusettsforsales,raisingtheRIgastaxformorerevenueisunlikelyunlessregionalcooperationpermitsit.However,RIDOTwillprobablytrytoputtollsonI-95topayfortheProvidenceViaductwork. Thesolutionsmaynotbepoliticallyeasy,butourstatecannotaffordtomaintainitsinfrastructurewithafundingstreamthatlosespurchasingpowereveryyear.Transportationhastobepaidfor,andweneedtostanduptotheanti-taxzealotswhohavescaredthepoliticians. Barry Schiller is a member of the State Planning Council’s Transportation Advisory Committee and can be reached at [email protected].

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Healthcare Reform Commission recommends executive order to create exchangeBy Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts

Lastmonth,theRhodeIslandHealthcareReformCommission(HRC),ofwhichIchair,votedtorecommendthreeoptionstoGovernorChafeeontheissueofcreatinganonlinehealthbenefitsexchange.TheexchangeismandatedbythePatientProtectionandAffordableCareAct,whichCongresspassedlastyear,anditrequiresstatestoprovideanonlinemarketplaceforindividualsandsmallbusinessestopurchasehealthcarecoverageby2014.Overthepastfewmonths,RhodeIslandhasreceivedseveralgrantstotalingoverninemilliondollars,largelytoassistinthecreationandmanagementoftheexchange.ItiscriticallyimportantthatthestructureoftheexchangebeinplacebySeptember30th.IfRhodeIslanddoesnothaveanestablishedauthoritytocreatetheexchangebythatdate,itmaybeineligibletoapplyfortensofmillionsofdollarsinfederalgrants. Initially,thecommissionhopedtohavetheGeneralAssemblypasslegislationtocreatetheexchange,whichwouldhavebeenstructuredasaquasi-publicinstitution.However,disagreementoverthebill’sfinallanguagedelayedthelegislativeprocess,andthebillwasnotpassedwhentheGeneralAssemblyendeditssession. Inresponse,thecommissionconsideredanalternativestrategy,recommendingthatthegovernorissueanexecutiveorderestablishingtheexchange.Whilestatelawdoesnotallowanexecutiveordertoreplicatepreviouslyproposedlegislation,theordercouldadherecloselytotheintentoftheoriginalbill.Intheirmostrecentexecutivecommitteemeeting,onJuly16,thecommissiondiscussedthreeoptionsforthedelegationofresponsibilityfortheexchange.ThefirstoptionisthattheexchangeberunbytheHealthDepartment.Underthesecondoption,anewdepartment,oranewagencywithinanexistingdepartment,wouldhosttheexchange.Thethirdoptionwouldcreateanonprofitagencytomanagetheexchange.Afterconsideringpublicfeedbackfromthepreviousweek’sstakeholdermeeting,thecommissiondecidedonthesecondoption.Whilethecommissionhadconcernsaboutoptionone,primarilythattheHealthDepartmentmayalreadybeoverburdened,itremainsopentothisoptioniftheadministrationdeemsitmorelegallyviable.Thethirdoptionwasruledoutduetoconcernsaboutoversightandanonprofit’spotentialisolationfromstateagencies. ThecommissionvotedunanimouslyattheJuly16meetingtorecommendthatGovernorChafeeissueanexecutiveorderfollowingthesecondoption,establishingtheexchangeinanewdepartmentoragency.Withtheissuanceoftheexecutiveorder,RhodeIslandwillcontinuetobenefitfromthenewhealthcarelawandsecuremillionsofdollarsinfederalfundingtocreateanonlinemarketplaceforaffordablecoverageforindividualsandsmallbusinesses.

FormoreinformationonthePatientProtectionandAffordableCareActanditsbenefitstoRhodeIsland,pleasevisitwww.healthcare.ri.gov. Elizabeth Roberts is Lt. Gov. of Rhode Island.

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TheFederalAviationAdministrationissuedadditional“stopworkorders”lastmonthtoconstructionandtechnologycontractorsforcriticalmodernizationprojectsaroundthecountryafterCongressfailedtopassanFAAbill.TheFAAhalteddozensofmajorprojectsrangingfromlong-termrunwaysafetyinitiativestoNextGenairtrafficcontrolresearchandtesting. TheFAAtoldcontractorstostopworkonmillionsofadditionaldollarsofconstructionprojectstobuildandmodernizecontroltowersandotheraviationinfrastructureacrossthecountry. “IammakingasimpleandstraightforwardrequesttoCongress:passacleanFAAbillandimmediatelyputthousandsofFAAemployees,constructionworkers,plannersandengineersacrossAmericatowork.Inthesetougheconomictimes,wecanillaffordtolayoffhard-workingAmericanswhosefamiliesdependonthem,”saidTransportationSecretaryRayLaHood. “TherealworldimplicationsofCongressionalinactionareserious.PeopleareoutofworkandtheFAAcannotconductnecessaryworktokeepouraviationsystemcompetitiveandmovingforward,”saidFAAAdministratorRandyBabbitt. TheFAAishaltinghundredsofmillionsofdollarsinconstructionprojectsandresearchandtestinginareasrangingfromGeneralAviationandfiresafetytonavigation,weatherandvoicecommunication.BecauseCongresshasfailedtopassanFAAbill,constructionworkers,technicians,engineers,programmanagersandplannersacrossthecountryhavebeentoldnottoreporttoworksitesandtestingcenters.

Nearly4,000FAApersonnel,manyneededtooverseevariousaspectsoftheseprojects,werefurloughedonSaturday.Stoppingworkontheseprojectswillsignificantlyincreasetheultimatecostsofconstructionfortaxpayersandcoulddelaytheprograms. Oneprojectthatisbeingstoppedisrunwaystatuslights.Over$250millionincontractstodesignandinstallrunwaystatuslightsarestoppedatairportsaroundthecountry.Theserunwayandtaxiwaylightshelppilotsknowwhenitissafetoenter,crossortakeoffonarunway.Thelightsareslatedforinstallationatthefollowingairports:Seattle-TacomaInternationalAirport;HoustonGeorgeBushIntercontinentalAirport;PhoenixSkyHarborInternationalAirport;NewYorkLaGuardiaAirport;LosAngelesInternationalAirport;NewarkLibertyInternationalAirport;Ft.Lauderdale-HollywoodInternationalAirport;ChicagoO’HareInternationalAirport;CharlotteDouglasInternationalAirport;Washington-DullesInternationalAirport;Minneapolis-St.PaulInternationalAirport;andLasVegasMcCarranInternationalAirport. Anotherproject,costingnearly$20millioninconstructionandengineeringcontractstostrengthenairtraffictowersinearthquakeproneareas,wasalsoaffected. Finally,over$14millioninprojectstoresearchNextGenweathertechnologysystemsforairtrafficfacilitiesandforaircraftcockpitswerestoppedasaresultofCongressnotpassingthebill. TheFAAiscurrentlyworkingtodeployanewautomationsystematcertainairtraffic

facilitieswhichwillserveasafoundationforNextGen,themodernizationofourairtrafficsystem.Currently,theEnRouteAutomationModernizationorERAMsystemisoperationalinSeattleandSaltLakeCitywhereairtrafficcontrollersareusingittohandlelivetraffic.TheFAAisputtingonholdanaggressivetestinganddeploymentschedulefor18morefacilitiesduetothelackoffundingandemployeefurloughs. Nearly4,000FAAemployeesin35states,andtheDistrictofColumbiaandPuertoRico,havebeenfurloughedandforcedtogowithoutpay.LargenumbersofemployeesinNewJersey,NewYork,California,Georgia,Oklahoma,Texas,Washington,IllinoisandtheDistrictofColumbiaarebeingaffected.ThisincludesmanyoftheFAA’sengineers,scientists,researchanalysts,administrativeassistants,computerspecialists,programmanagersandanalysts,environmentalprotectionspecialists,andcommunityplanners. InadditiontotheFAA’sworkontheconstructionofaviationfacilitiessuchascontroltowers,thelackofanFAAauthorizationhasaffectedotherairportprojectsthroughtheAirportImprovementProgram.WithoutcongressionalauthorizationandasaresulttheFAAisunabletogetroughly$2.5billionoutthedoorforairportprojectsinall50statesthatcouldputthousandsofpeopletoworkingoodpayingjobs. WhilethislapseinFAA’sauthorizationaffectsthousandsofpublicandprivatesectorjobs,itisimportanttonotethatthesafetyoftheflyingpublicwillnotbecompromised.

Aviation projects stopped and jobs lost due to Congressional inaction

PresidentObamaaskedAFL-CIOPresidentRichardTrumkaandUnitedFoodandCommercialWorkersPresidentJosephHansentoserveonhisCouncilonJobsandCompetitivenesslastmonth.TheCouncilonJobsandCompetitivenessischargedprimarilywithrebuildingAmerica’smiddleclassbycreatinggoodjobs. AccordingtoajointstatementbyTrumkaandHansen,thejobscrisisfacingournationthreatensourlong-termeconomicsecurity,thestrengthandcohesionofourfamiliesandcommunitiesandourabilitytocompetesuccessfullyintheglobaleconomy. “America’sworkingfamiliesurgentlyneedleadershipthatwillgetAmericansbacktogoodjobs,payingtaxes,spendingintheircommunitiesandsavingforretirement,”saidHansenandTrumka. Lastmonth,aWhiteHouseeventhighlightedWalmart’sexpansioninurbanareasbecausetensofthousandsofWalmartassociatesqualifyforandutilizefoodstamps,MedicareandMedicaid. “Walmartundercutsthemessageoftheneedforgoodjobsthatcanrebuildourmiddleclass.WhenWalmartopensinacommunity,itregularlydisplacesexistingjobswithpoverty-leveljobs,”saidHansenandTrumka. TheAFL-CIOPresidentandUFCWPresidentagreethatthereisnoeconomicjustificationforthenation’slargestprivateemployertopaywagessolowthatanyofitsemployeesqualifyforpublicassistance.Theyfurtherfeelthereisnojustificationforhighlightingaprivateemployerwithabusinessmodelbasedonsuppressingwagesforits1.4millionhourlyworkers. InTrumkaandHansen’sstatement,theycalledontheAdministrationtoremainfocusedontheimportanceofastrongmiddleclassandprotectingandcreatinggoodjobsonthescalethatisneeded.TheyaskedtheAdministrationtostandwithcommunitiesthathavecalledonWalmarttostrengthenthecommunitiesitentersratherthandrivestandardsandwagesdown.

Richard Trumkaand UFCW President to serve on Council on Jobs andCompetitiveness

National Labor News


Homeowners Welcome!

Making It in AmericaBy Congressman David Cicilline

Americahasaproudtraditionofmakingthings.Webuilttheworld’sstrongestmiddleclassbecausesomuchofwhatmadetheworldrunwasmadeinAmerica.

FormillionsofAmericans,ourtraditionofmanufacturinghasbeenasourceofopportunityandpride.Andtoday,withmillionsofAmericansstilloutofwork,it’stimetorestorethattradition. WehavearealopportunitytostrengthenandexpandthemanufacturingsectorinRhodeIsland.Whilemanufacturingjobshaveincreasedinrecentmonths,thenumberofAmericansinvolvedinproducinggoodsisstillnearitslowestpointsinceWorldWarII.Themanufacturingjobswe’velostwerewell-payingandreliablejobs.Infact,averagetotalcompensationisabout$63,000fornon-manufacturingjobs,butnearly$74,000formanufacturingjobs—adifferenceofmorethan17percent. Manufacturingiscentraltoourentireeconomy,asitstimulatesmoreeconomicactivitythananyothersector.MakingthingsandsellingourgoodsallovertheworldisacentralpartofAmerica’seconomichistory.Wehavetomakesurethatit’spartofournation’sfuture. That’swhyIrecentlyintroducedmysix-pointManufacturingPlanforRhodeIsland,

includingtheofficialintroductionofmyMake It in AmericaBlockGrantActof2011.ThissetofbillsisbasedontheideathatwhenwemakethingsinAmerica,moremiddle-classfamilieswillbeabletomakeitinAmerica. ThefutureofmakingthingsinAmericaisimportantbecauseourinternationalcompetitors,suchasGermanyandChina,arerampingupinvestmentsinalternativeenergyandinfrastructure.They’redoingtheirbesttoensurethattheindustriesandjobsofthefuturewillbecreatedthere,nothere.Whenourcompetitorsoutdousinbuildingproductsandpreparingaworkforce,innovationandopportunitymigrateoverseas.Americausedtoleadtheworldinhigh-techindustrieslikecomputerchips,precisionoptics,andphotovoltaiccells—butasweletothercountriestaketheleadinmanufacturingthoseproducts,wegraduallylosttheexpertiseneededtomakenewadvancesandcreatenewjobsinthosefields. TheManufacturingPlanforRhodeIslandtakesseriouslyourcountry’sneedtoinvestinmanufacturing,infrastructure,andawell-preparedworkforce.ThisplanisrootedinmyMakeItinAmericaBlockGrantAct—legislationtosupportandstrengthenourareamanufacturers,oncebustlinginthecostumejewelryandtextileindustries,butwhonowneedsupportinadaptingtocompeteintheneweconomy. TheplanalsorequiresthePresidenttodevelopanationalmanufacturingstrategy.Itexpandsandmakespermanenttheresearchanddevelopmenttaxcredit,whichgivesbusinesses

anincentivetoinvestinthetechnologiesthatleadtonewproducts,newindustries,andnewjobs.IfwewanttoturnaroundthetrendofcountrieslikeJapanandChinaovertakingusinpatentapplicationsandotherinnovations,wehavetorecommitourselvestoinvestinginresearchandscience. Themanufacturingplanalsoincludespoliciesthatmakesureeveryoneistradingbythesamerules.ItallowsforthecreationofManufacturingReinvestmentAccounts,whichprovidetaxincentivesformanufacturerstoinvestinre-toolingprojectsorworkforcetraining.ItcallsfortheextensionoftheBuildAmericaBondsprogram,whichleveragesprivatecapitaltocreatejobsandrebuildourinfrastructure,andthecreationofaNationalInfrastructureBank—apublic-privatepartnershiptofinancetheconstructionofroads,bridges,andtransitandinformationsystems. There’sareasonwhybusinessandlaborleadersbothsupportaMakeItinAmericaagenda:wherevertheyareonthepoliticalspectrum,Americanscanagreeontheimportanceofout-innovating,out-educating,andout-buildingourcompetitors.Inordertodoso,wecandrawonourproudtraditionofmakingthings,andtheenergy,hopefulness,andcompetitivedrivethatbuiltourmiddleclass.Thosevaluesarestillwithus—andtheymattermorethanever. U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline represents the First Congressional District of Rhode Island.

Climate change and transportationBy James Celenza

Thereisasolidscientificconsensusthattheearth’sclimateischangingduetoemissionsfromhumanactivity.Thesechangesincluderisingsurfacetemperatures,meltingicecaps,risingsealevelsandincreasingweathervariability.Andeachofthesechangesisexpectedtohaveadramaticimpactonhumanhealth. Whilethemainsourceofclimatechangeistheproductionandconsumptionofenergy,ourtransportationsystemmakesasignificantcontributionbecausetwoprincipalgreenhousegases—carbondioxideandwatervapor—comeoutofthetailpipe. Passengercars,lighttrucksandSUVscontributeabout17.5%oftotalUSgreenhousegasemissions,accordingtotheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency.(mediumheavytruckscontributeanadditional5.7%).IntheNortheastthepercentageisevenhigher.TheUnionofConcernedScientistssuggeststhatthetransportationsectorrepresentsthelargestsourceofCO2emissionsintheNortheast,roughly30-40percentofNewEngland’stotalcontributiontoglobalwarmingpollution.

Publichealthadvocatesseesupportforpublictransitascrucialtoreducingtheimpactofglobalclimatechange.Masstransitagenciescouldreducegreenhousegasemissionsconsiderablybyincreasingridershipandmakingefficiencygains.Householdscouldreducetheircarbondioxideemissionsbyasmuchas30percent,or2metrictons,byforegoingasecondvehicleinfavorofpublictransportation,accordingtotheAmericanPublicTransportationAssociation.

Investmentsinpublictransportationalsohavethebenefitofsupportinghigher-densitylandusesthatallowforfewervehiclemilestraveled.If60percentofnewdevelopmentsweredesignedtominimizedrivingandencouragewalking,bikingandpublictransit,upto85millionmetrictonsofcarbongasemissionscouldbesavedeachyear,accordingtotheUrbanLandInstitute. Anaverageprivatevehicleemitsabout1poundofCO2permile.Anautomobiledrivenbyasingleperson20milesroundtripwillemit

20poundsofCO2(vehiclessoldafter2012mustmeetastandardof250gramspermile).Currently,thereare1,148personalvehiclesforevery1000eligibledriversintheUS.Overthecourseofayear,eachvehiclereleasesmorethan4,800pounds(4metrictons)ofC02intotheatmosphere. James Celenza is director of Rhode Island Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.


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Massachusetts nurses arrested after joining Unite Here! Local 26 in Hyatt protestBy James Celenza

AspartofanationwideprotestagainsttheHyatthotelcorporation,morethan250unionmembersfromUniteHere!Local26,communitysupportersanddozensofnursesfromtheMNA/NNUmarchedinfrontoftheHyattRegencyinCambridge.Thedemonstrationhighlightedthetwo-yearstruggleof100housekeepers,whosefiringsfromthreeBoston-areaHyatthotelssparkedanongoingnationalprotestandalocalboycott. Theprotestculminatedwithanactofcivildisobedience,when35protestorswerearrestedafterstagingasit-inatthefrontentrancetothehotel.AgroupofCambridgepoliceofficersapproachedtheprotesters,andafterrepeatedrequestsfortheprotesterstoleave,eachwashandcuffedandescortedtoawaitingsheriff ’sbus,whilethecrowdcheeredandchanted,“Whatwewant?Justice.Whendowewantit?Now!” MNAPresidentDonnaKelly-Williams

explainedwhytheMNA/NNUhasjoinedthedemonstration.“Weareherebecausewhathappenedtothesededicatedworkerscouldhappentoanyemployee.Andforanyofustoallowthisbehaviortogounopposedallowsallemployerstojointheracetothebottominthetreatmentofworkingpeople.Weareheretostandupfortheseworkers,andworkerseverywherewhoarebeingabusedandcastoffbyanunrestrainedcorporateculturethatsaysprofitsaremoreimportantthanpeople,thatthebottomlineforWallStreetismoreimportantthanthequalityoflifeonMainStreet,”saidKelly-Williams. The“Hyatt100”wereforcedtounknowinglytraintheirownreplacementsandwerethendismissedwithoutwarning.Thehotelchainrefusestoreinstatethefiredhousekeepersdespiteclimbingprofits.HyattistheonlymajornationalhotelchaininBoston

thatoutsourcesitshousekeeping. KarenHiggins,formerpresidentoftheMassachusettsNursesAssociation,saidthatthisisjustoneofseveralactivitiestheMassachusettsNursesAssociationandNationalNursesUnitedareplanning.TheprotestagainstHyattwaspartofacampaignforMainStreetContractfortheAmericanPeople,anefforttoreversepoliciesthathaveplacedtheinterestsofWallStreetovertheinterestsofnursesandotherworkers.Thecampaigncallsforjobswithlivingwages,equalaccesstogoodeducation,guaranteedhealthcareforall,goodhousing,asecureretirement,acleanenvironmentandafairtaxationsystem. “Wenursesaredemonstratingtodaybecausewearecommitted,notonlytohealingourpatients,buttohealingournationbycombatingcorporategreedandabusewhereverittakesplace,”saidHiggins.

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Russell LachancePresident

DISTRICT 4 - LOCAL 12431

172 Longfellow SreetProvidence, Rhode Island 02907p. 401.527.6792 f. 401.284.3677

Joseph A. MontanaroPresident

Gary GlittoneVice President

Steven KirbyFinancial Secretary

Gordon HuffmanTreasurer

Mark BoyajianRecording Secretary

MA Unemployment rate at 7.6% TheExecutiveOfficeofLaborandWorkforceDevelopmentreportedlastmonththatthepreliminaryJunejobestimatesshow3,235,100jobsinMassachusetts,anincreaseof10,400jobs,with10,300addedintheprivatesector.ThetotalunemploymentrateinJunewasunchangedat7.6percent. At7.6percentfortwoconsecutivemonths,theMassachusettsunemploymentremainswellbelowthe9.2percentnationalrate.BoththeunemploymentrateandthenumberofunemployedresidentsarethelowestsinceFebruaryof2009. SixofthetenprivatesectorsaddedjobsinJune.Thelargestover-the-monthgainswereinManufacturing,followedbyConstruction;Professional,ScientificandBusinessServices;LeisureandHospitality;FinancialActivities;andEducationalandHealthServices.June’smonthlygainfollowsarevisedMaymonthlylossof4,100jobsstatewide,withalossof1,300jobsintheprivatesector. SinceMarchof2011,theCommonwealthhasadded26,600jobs(+0.8percent),withagainof30,300jobs(+1.1percent)intheprivatesector.Alsointhistimeframe,Construction,Manufacturing,Information;Professional,ScientificandTechnicalServices;andAccommodationandFoodServiceshaveallpostedsolidjobgains. Overtheyear(June2010-June2011),jobsareup50,000,foragrowthrateof1.6percent.Privatesectorjobsareup60,300,foragrowthrateof2.2percent,withgainsineightofthetensectors.Bycontrast,thenationalrateofovertheyearjobgrowthis0.8percent,withprivatesectorjobgrowthup1.6percent. Manufacturingsectorjobswereup2,900(+1.1percent)asNon-DurableGoodsadded1,600(+1.8percent)andDurableGoodsjobswereup1,300jobs(+0.8percent).Overtheyear,thesectorhasgained4,100jobs(+1.6percent)primarilyduetothegainof3,300jobs(+2.0percent)inDurableGoods,comparedto800jobs(+0.9percent)inNon-DurableGoods. TheConstructionsectorgained2,500jobs(+2.3percent)withgainsinfiveofthelastsix

months.Overtheyear,thissectoradded4,200jobs(+3.9percent),whileadding5,100jobs(+4.8percent)sinceMarch2011. Professional,ScientificandBusinessServicesgained2,300jobs(+0.5percent).Withinthissector,Professional,ScientificandTechnicalServicesgained1,100jobs(+0.4percent)totaling4,600jobs(+1.8percent)overthelastthreemonths.Administrative,Support,andWasteManagementServicesalsoadded1,100jobs(+0.7percent)whileManagementofCompaniesandEnterprisesgained100jobs(+0.2percent).Overtheyear,Professional,ScientificandBusinessServicesadded13,300jobs(+2.9percent)withthelargestgaininProfessional,ScientificandTechnicalServicesaccountingfor9,600jobs(+3.9percent). TheLeisureandHospitalitysectoradded1,400jobs(+0.4percent).Thissectorhasnowpostedgainsinnineofthelasttwelvemonths.AccommodationandFoodServicesgained3,000jobs(+1.1percent),whileArts,EntertainmentandRecreationlost1,600jobs(-3.2percent).Overtheyear,jobsinLeisureandHospitalityareup13,000(+4.3percent)asAccommodationandFoodServicesgained12,700jobs(+4.9percent)whileArts,EntertainmentandRecreationadded300jobs(+0.6percent). FinancialActivitiesgained1,200jobs(+0.6percent)asgainswererecordedinbothcomponents.Thissectorhasadded1,900jobs(+0.9percent)sinceMarch2011.ThemajorityofthemonthlygainwascapturedinFinanceandInsurance,up900jobs(+0.5percent),whileRealEstateandRentalandLeasingadded300jobs(+0.7percent).Overtheyear,FinancialActivitieshasgained2,600jobs(+1.3percent)withgainsinbothcomponents. TheEducationandHealthServicessectoradded1,100jobs(+0.2percent)asHealthCareandSocialAssistanceadded3,500jobs(+0.7percent)whileEducationalServiceslost2,400jobs(-1.5percent).Over-the-year,EducationandHealthServicesjobsareup15,800(+2.4percent)asHealthCareandSocialAssistanceadded12,800jobs(+2.6percent)andEducationalServicesadded3,000jobs(+1.9

percent).MiningandLoggingemploymentremainedunchanged.Overtheyear,jobsinthissectoraredown100(-8.3percent). Trade,TransportationandUtilitieslost500jobs(-0.1percent).Year-to-datejobsareup2,300(+0.4percent)inthissector.WholesaleTradeemploymentremainedunchangedfollowingagainof600jobsinMay.Transportation,WarehousingandUtilitieslost100jobs(-0.1percent),andRetailTradelost400jobs(-0.1percent).Overtheyear,Trade,TransportationandUtilitiesjobsareup3,700(+0.7percent),withRetailTradeaccountingformostofthegrowth. OtherServiceslost400jobs(-0.3percent).Overtheyear,jobsinOtherServicesaredown400(-0.3percent). TheInformationsectorlost200jobs(-0.2percent)thesector’sfirstmonthlylosssinceSeptember2010.Overtheyear,jobsareup4,100(+4.8percent). Governmentadded100jobs(+0.0percent)inJune.LocalGovernmentgained800jobs(+0.3percent),andFederalGovernmentgained200jobs(+0.4percent),whileStateGovernmentlost900jobs(-0.8percent)duetocontinuedlossesinEducationalServices.Overtheyear,Governmenthaslost10,300jobs(-2.3percent)with9,800jobslost(-17.4percent)inFederalGovernmentduetotheemploymentofcensusworkersin2010.StateGovernmentlost400jobs(-0.3percent)while100jobs(0.0percent)werelostinLocalGovernment. TheJuneestimatesshowthat3,224,100Massachusettsresidentswereemployedand263,800wereunemployed,foratotallaborforceof3,487,900.Thelaborforcedecreasedby9,400from3,497,300inMay.SinceOctober2009,thereare55,700moreresidentsemployedand40,600fewerresidentsunemployed.TotalsforJunemaynotaddexactlyduetorounding.Theunemploymentrateisbasedonamonthlysampleofhouseholds,whilethejobestimatesarederivedfromamonthlysamplesurveyofemployers.Asaresult,thetwostatisticsforJuneexhibitdifferenttrends.

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Retiree leader reacts to AARP position on Social Security cutsBy Ed Coyle

AstoryintheWallStreetJournal—whichstatesthatAARPsupportscuttingSocialSecuritybenefits—makesitapparenttomethatAARPisnotrepresentingtheirmembersonthisissue.IwillleaveittoAARP’smemberstodecidehowtheyfeelaboutthis.AARPdoesnotspeakforallseniors.Andonthistopic,probablynotformanyoftheirownmembers. ThereisnoambiguityaboutwheretheAllianceforRetiredAmericansstandsonSocialSecurity—neverhasbeen,neverwillbe.WeareagainstSocialSecuritybenefitcutsforseniors.ThecurrentrecessionisalltheproofweneedthatSocialSecurityisoftentheonlysafetynetformillionsofseniors.We

haveheardtheargumentthatwhentheBabyBoomersretire,theywillbreakthebank.Ofcourse,theirretirementwillputademandontheTrustFund,buttherearemanyalternativestostrengthenSocialSecuritybesidescuttingbenefitssuchasraisingthepayrollcap.Thevoicesofdoomarewrong.TheSocialSecurityTrustFundhasa$2.6trillionsurplus,anditisprojectedtogrowto$4.3trillionby2023.Wedonotneedtocutbenefits.TheAllianceforRetiredAmericanswillalwaysstandupforseniorsandthemiddleclass.WeareforstrengtheningSocialSecurityfortoday’sseniorsandforgenerationstocome. OurmembershopethatAARPwilldirectly

answersomebasicquestionsofsupportingcutsinbenefits,araiseintheretirementageandmeans-testing. Thesearequestionsthatanyseniors’organizationoughttobepreparedtoanswerdirectly. TheAllianceforRetiredAmericanshasfoughtside-by-sidewithAARPonmanyissuesinthepast.ButifthestoryintheWallStreetJournalisaccurate,wewillbepartingwaysonthisissue,becausewejustcan’tletseniorsdown. Ed Coyle is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans.

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Common Ground MA August, 2011

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