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ATU Action Weekly Update - 7/10/06
Don't Let Them Roll Back Workers' Rights Three cases pending before the Bush Administration's National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) could strip hundreds of thousands of workers of their right to union protection by redefining the term "supervisor." The pending NLRB decisions in these cases, known collectively as "Kentucky River", could also prevent millions more from forming unions. If you've ever shown a co-worker how to perform a task or been asked to look over someone else's work, this decision could affect you! Help us push back now! Throughout this week, hundreds of thousands of union members and workers will be gathering in almost two dozens sites around the country to fight for their right to union membership. Already, some 7,000 nurses and other health care workers at eight New Jersey hospitals threatened to strike to protect nurses' right to speak out for their patients through their union. In Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 13th, workers and their allies will gather for a protest at the NLRB headquarters. Take action this week to stop this roll back of worker rights. Contact your local union or local labor council to find out if an event is planned for your area. Or, ask your member of Congress to appeal to the NLRB to reverse its decision and to allow for oral arguments in the "Kentucky River" cases.
In the past nine years, workers making the minimum wage haven't gotten a single raise. Not one. And while the minimum wage of $5.15 an hour has stayed the same, its value has dropped precipitously, putting workers further and further behind. That is why the ATU is asking its members to join with other union Brothers and Sisters in calling on our federal and state governments to give America a Raise. Efforts are currently underway in more than 20 states to raise the minimum wage, either through legislation or voter initiatives. In addition, the ATU, along with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, is calling on Congress to pass the Fair Minimum Wage Act, introduced by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA). The Fair Minimum Wage Act would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years. That means an additional $4,370 a year for someone making the minimum wage in a full-time job -- enough to pay for nine months of rent, 18 months of heat and electricity or tuition at a community college. The bill will directly help 7 million working families as soon as it goes into effect and indirectly help millions more as the rising tide lifts wages. You can help by going to http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/fairminwage and becoming a citizen co-sponsor of the bill. To find out what is happening in your state, and how you can help go to: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/livingwages/americaneedsaraise_findyourstate.cfm
ATU Sisters: Take the Ask a Working Woman Survey What's on your mind? Rising healthcare costs? Good child care? Finding a job? Earning a Living Wage? Whatever it is, let us know. The AFL-CIO is inviting women to take part in the 2006 Ask A Working Woman survey. This Labor Day, the tens of thousands of responses will be delivered to every member of Congress and state and local officials around the country. If you are a Working Women, take a moment to fill out the 2006 Ask A Working Woman survey by clicking here: http://www.aflcio.org/issues/jobseconomy/women/wwsurvey2006.cfm Let's make sure that the candidates in this November's elections hear what matters to America's working women. |
