pilsenprole

Latinos to Obama: enough promises, we want action!...

2011-08-16T21:40:00.006-05:00

As President Obama shifts into campaign mode in preparation for the 2012 presidential election, one element of his base, Latino voters, are increasingly voicing their disappointment with the President. Today in six cities around the country members of the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC) and Presente.org organized a series of protests to expressing their opposition to the so called “Secure Communities” (S-COMM) program which encourages local law enforcement to act as extensions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).

In Chicago members of both organizations presented a letter to staff at Obama’s national campaign headquarters calling on the President to end the program.

Immigrant rights activists argue that the poorly named Secure Communities program actually creates insecurity in immigrant communities as undocumented immigrants are afraid to report crimes to the police out of fear that they will be reported to immigration agents.

Opposition to the S-COMM program is just one element of a growing disenchantment of Latino’s with President Obama’s record on immigration issues. At the heart of their frustration is the increased number of deportations carried out by ICE under Obama’s leadership. The Obama administration has deported over 1 million people in little more than two years, a historically high number and a massive increase over the Bush Administration.

In response to increased criticism of the President for not passing immigration reform legislation during his over two years in office, the Obama administration has pointed the finger at the Republican dominated House which is sure to block any legislation which seeks to aid undocumented immigrants. But immigrant rights activist point out that the President can take executive action to end deportations and programs like S-COMM.

Immigrant rights activists want the President to hear their message, that Latino voters are tired of pro-immigrant rhetoric and promises that is not backed up with pro-immigrant policies.

For my 60 sec. segment on this topic on today’s Free Speech Radio News broadcast, see the following link…

http://fsrn.org/audio/headlines-tuesday-august-16-2011/8976

There will be much more extensive coverage on next Monday’s episode of Labor Express Radio.

For photos from today’s rally, see the following link…

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/NALACCRallyObamaHQ?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Here is a good article on the topic on Huffington Post…

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/latinos-to-obama-dont-cou_n_928732.html

NALACC calls on President Obama to end the "Secure Communities" program...

2011-08-12T16:40:00.002-05:00

The National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC), is calling on President Obama to ended the so called "Secure Communities" program which actually leads to insecurity and fear in immigrant communities. They further call on Obama to end his massive program of deportations. Please see below for more and sign on to the online petition. And please join us for a protest here in Chicago next Tuesday, August 16th at 11:00 AM at the Chicago Cultural Center, 79 E. Washington to march to Obama's campaign HQ...

Secure Communities Brings Insecurity: Latino Immigrant Communities Reject President Obama’s Deportation Scheme

The ill-conceived program known as “Secure Communities” has been harmful to community & police relations and it should end once and for all

Chicago, IL – On Friday, August 5, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security, announced its decision to unilaterally move forward with the national implementation of the ill-conceived program known as "Secured Communities" or "S-Comm." The alleged purpose of this program is to deport immigrant criminal offenders who reside unlawfully in the U.S. However, it has mainly served to deport individuals whose only infraction is to live in this country without a visa. In most cases, these foreign nationals (primarily from Mexico and Central American and Caribbean countries) are deported for violating the U.S. immigration law, which is known to be broken, obsolete and inhumane.

To read the full press release, please click here

Take Action NOW!

NALACC will join the following national actions and encourages allies to do the same.

Presente.org and its allies are planning to collect and deliver thousands of petitions to the Obama Administration demanding an end the S-Comm program at 11 am on Tuesday, August 16th at the national headquarters of the Obama for America campaign office in Chicago and are also asking allies to organize similar deliveries in other cities that same Tuesday, the 16th.

For more information contact Carlos Roa, at carlos@presente.org or (305) 744-1951.

Also, please sign the petition asking Obama to end the S-Comm program immediately! To see petition click on the following link:

http://act.presente.org/sign/s-comm

The National Day Laborer Organizing Network along with other groups, including NALACC member organizations such as Centro Presente, plan to mobilize actions during the following ICE community hearings.

August 12th:
Protest against S-Comm in Tucson, Arizona.
Contact:chita.garcia@yahoo.com
August 12th:
Protest Against S-comm in SF, march to SF ICE Field Office 11:00am meet at Montgomery Bart Plaza, 11:30 March to ICE Building.
Contact: cinthya@cjjc.org or renee@lrcl.org
August 15th:
Los Angeles protest and hearing against S-Comm.
Contact: cbergquist@chirla.org orveritofede@yahoo.com
August 16th:
Release of Shadow Report asking to end S-Comm.
To do a local release contact: sarahi@ndlon.org
August 17th:
Chicago Illinois rally and hearing against S-Comm.
Contact: ftsao@icirr.org
August 18th:
Portland Oregon Press Conference Against S-Comm.
Contact: natalie.patrick.knox@googlemail.com
August 27th:
Oakland, CA Community forum on S-Comm.
Contact: angelac@asianlawcaucus.org
September 21st:
Boston Forum on S-Comm and Immigration Enforcement.
Contact: pmontes@cpresente.org

For more information contact Sarahi Uribe at sarahi@ndlon.org

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NALACC aspires to become an entity recognized for its ability to articulate the challenges faced by transnational immigrant communities, as well as viable solutions to those challenges.

Don't forget to visit our new NALACC Facebook!

Honeywell lockout ends with some wins, but painful concessions...

2011-08-06T23:30:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday, a slim majority of the members of Steelworkers Local 7-669 in Metropolis Illinois voted to ratify a new contract laden with major concessions. The union did win on some key issues including retiree health care, current workers pensions and overtime pay. But the hosts of concessions they agreed to will certainly be painful for the membership.

It has been a great pleasure to get to know the members of Local 7-669 over the past year. Working with the Local to tell their story has been a highlight of my many years of labor activism. In particular I have been inspired by Local 7-669 militants like Stephen Lech, John Paul Smith, Luckie Atkinson, Christian Musselman and others who where transformed by this experience over the past year. None were seasoned union activists when this fight started, but in the course of this experience they have become some of the most spirited and creative union militants I know. And I expect this is not the end to the fight in Metropolis. I will certainly been in touch with the local to follow their still unfolding saga.

I had not had a chance to post my full unedited version of the report I wrote after my visit to Metropolis on June 25th, so I post that here now. Following that are links to my most recent update on the situation which was published on Labor Notes’ website on Friday. Monday's episode of Labor Express Radio will carry a further update including an interview with Stephen Lech...

Return to Metropolis

On June 28th, the lockout of the 228 workers at the Honeywell uranium conversion plant in Metropolis, Illinois entered its second year. A year is a long time to be locked-out. The strain on the workers and the community was evident as soon as I arrived in town. The signs declaring support for the locked-out members of Steelworkers Local 7-669 were less numerous than during my visit last September, though it appears that the community remains largely united behind the workers’ cause. My first conversation with Local 7-669 Executive Board member and leading activist Stephen Lech shortly after my arrival also revealed that even members of the Local are growing frustrated as the lockout wears on. “Monday’s union meeting was rough”, explained Lech. A few members of the Local questioned the reason for holding a rally the weekend before the one year mark, concerned that the event might be seen as a celebration of a situation that has made life very difficult for many. But there are small victories that members of Local 7-669 should feel proud to celebrate. The union’s corporate campaign has raised the stakes for the company and management has backed off some of its more egregious contract demands. As the lock-out drags on, the surrounding community’s fears about the danger of an accident at this highly toxic facility continue to grow.

The Road Warriors
The company’s efforts to gradually return to full production and the workers’ inability to prevent this, is at the heart of many Local member’s frustration with what they see as a lack of progress in resolving the lockout. Seeing few options to disrupt production locally, union activists have taken to the road, traveling from coast to coast in an effort to raise the stakes for Honeywell in a corporate campaign. The first stop was a visit to Honeywell corporate headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey for the company’s annual shareholders meeting in April. The union did not come with a specific shareholder resolution in mind, but hoped that the its presence at the meeting would both raise awareness among other shareholders of the situation in Metropolis and embarrass Honeywell CEO David Cote.

Most of the members of the Local are shareholders and with the combined holdings of the Steelworkers International, the workers own some roughly one hundred thousand shares of company stock. Despite this, company security did its best to deny the union members access to the meeting. They were particularly incensed by Local 7-669 member Steve Allan as he had come to the meeting wearing a Tyvek jump suit with the slogan “Honeywell - Toxic for Workers” painted on the back. When asked to remove it, he explained, “would you rather I wear this or nothing, there’s nothing else on underneath this thing.” Only when a Steelworkers International representative threatened to contact the Securities and Exchange Commission to inform them of the irregularities and call for a redo of the shareholders meeting, did security relent. In the end, the twenty or so union members in the meeting made up nearly half of the meeting’s entire attendance. Union members where virtually the only attendees to offer any questions during the meeting, which lasted less than 20 minutes.

Presented with the opportunity to vote on a 54% raise for Cote (bringing his total compensation up to $20 million), Stephen Lech came to the mike to ask Cote if it was fair that he receive a raise while 228 workers in Metropolis were locked out of their jobs. Cote replied, “I think it's fair all the way around.” For Luckie Atkinson, union member and one of the most active road warriors, it was proof that “he’s just a different type of person, people who are super rich have a different opinion than a working man. They think is all perfectly great that they get more money and they think its perfectly fair that they take away benefits from the working man, and woman, and retirees’ health care to give them more money.” Atkinson also asked why as an appointee to President Obama’s deficit commission, Cote prided himself as a job creator. “Is locking-out 228 workers creating jobs?” Cote refused to answer. It is not the first time Atkinson and Cote have sparred in public. When Cote showed up to the plant in Metropolis in 2008 to complain that the plant wasn’t profitable, Atkinson asked Cote if that wasn’t his own fault and whether he should be the one fired. When the time came, all the worker-shareholders voted against Cote’s raise. But in the end the resolution passed by over 99%. The workers’ hundred thousand shares were a mere drop in the bucket to the massive shares held by banks and other major investment entities, most of whom were not even present at the meeting.

Perhaps even more significant was the union’s efforts on the other side of the continent. In April the Local was contacted by immigrant rights activists in Los Angles who were working to oppose a bid by Honeywell to manage one of the city’s waste water treatment plants. The immigrant rights groups oppose the contract as it is being made by a Honeywell division in Arizona. Arizona-based businesses are being boycotted in response to the extreme anti-immigrant laws passed in that state last year. Javier Gonzalez of the California organization The Sound Strike, a coalition of artists that works to uphold the Arizona Boycott, started researching Honeywell when they became aware that their Arizona division was pursuing a contract with the City of Los Angeles. Javier contacted Local 7-669 when he learned of the lockout and encouraged the union to send representatives to Los Angeles to add their voice to those opposing the contract. In Los Angeles, Luckie Atkinson talked with the Mayor’s office, Eric Garcetti President of the Los Angeles City Council, and other members of the City Council. Atkinson also convinced Los Angeles union locals and labor bodies to call on the City to oppose the contract. So far the union’s efforts have brought success. The $106 million contract is on-hold, and union members have been told it is unlikely to move forward as long as the workers are locked-out.

The workers even journeyed across the Atlantic in an effort to raise the profile of the lockout and put pressure on the company. The Local was instrumental in organizing a “Honeywell Council” over the last several months, a body that brings together not only Honeywell workers from a variety of unions across the country, but even internationally. The Steelworkers feel that by communicating their experiences at Honeywell with other Honeywell workers at hundreds of facilities around the globe, all Honeywell workers will be better prepared when dealing with management. One of the first results of these efforts was an invitation to speak to the German and the European Honeywell Works Councils in May. Stephen Lech and John Paul Smith both traveled to Belgium and Germany to meet with workers from across Europe. Honeywell was so angered by Lech and Smith’s presence in Belgium that the company arranged to have them banned from the premises of the hotel where the European Honeywell Works Council met. But the European workers quickly arranged an event at a nearby location and all of the worker members of the Works Council attended.

The visit has not yet resulted in any shop floor or other types of direct actions on the part of European workers. But European unions who represent Honeywell workers, many of whom have contract negotiations coming later this year, have sent letters to David Cote expressing their solidarity with the workers in Metropolis. Communications are ongoing between Local 7-669 and the European unions. If nothing else, the statements of solidarity have helped raise the spirits of the Steelworkers. According to Stephen Lech, every letter the Local receives from Europe really inspires the members to keep fighting. “It was truly building international solidarity. That kind of solidarity, you can’t replace that, you can’t buy that and Honeywell can’t take it away. This small fight that Honeywell picked, now they’ve woken the sleeping dragon. Somewhere in an office in Honeywell’s corporate headquarters where they were looking at a best case scenario and a worst case scenario, we are going down the road now of the worst case scenario where all the workers are united. They are all in communication.”

Progress in Negotiations
The members of Local 7-669 feel their corporate campaign efforts have already paid off with significant progress in negotiations. The company has abandoned its plan to eliminate retiree health care coverage, one of the contract concessions most firmly opposed by the union. Management has also backed down on their demand that the union concede to the elimination of seniority rights. The company has backed off some of its efforts to contract out as much as 25% of the workforce, though some contracting out issues are still unresolved. Increases in health care premiums have not been eliminated, but have been reduced. Of the remaining issues in negotiations, the one that I heard most often mentioned by the workers was the company’s proposal to end defined benefit pensions for new employees. Instead new employees would be offered what the workers refer to as a “2% and out” plan or a defined equity plan. The company has backed off its demand that current workers give up their defined benefit pension plan, but if the company gets its way, new hires would receive a fraction of the retirement benefits that current workers receive. According to Stephen Lech, “we figured a worker would get about $30,000 in a lump sum at retirement after 30 years of service. Not acceptable, as far as I'm concerned.” The Local recognizes that two-tier benefits packages are a poison pill for an organized workplace. Another major stumbling block is how the company wants to pay overtime. Under the company’s plan, workers could be asked to work well over 8 hours, even as much as 16 hours without receiving time-and-a-half.

Ever Present Danger
While the lockout drags on, the danger to the entire community of a poorly managed, incredibly dangerous nuclear fuel/chemical plant becomes increasingly apparent. Their have been two accidents at the facility in the past year. On September 5th, shortly after the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had allowed the plant to return to full production with the new, inexperienced replacement workers (as reported in my previous article in the October edition of Labor Notes), an explosion caused by the accidental mixing of hydrogen and fluorine by scabs in the plant resulted in an explosion that could be heard for a mile. On December 22nd, an even more dangerous release of hydrogen fluoride gas (HF) set off alarms at the facility and activated the plant’s emergency response system. According to Atkinson, by the company’s own admission, if there was a substantial release of HF at the plant, 125,000 people in 25 mile radius could be killed by the toxic gas. Luckily for the replacement workers in the plant, the locked-out workers on the picket line, and the thousands that live within close proximity to the facility, neither incident resulted in any reported injuries and the environmental contaminants were allegedly contained within company grounds. But the deficient practices at the plant that led to these incidents have caught regulators’ attention.

In November, Honeywell was cited by the NRC for illegally coaching and assisting its replacement workers on the exams that had convinced the NRC to allow the plant to resume full production in September. In March, Honeywell pleaded guilty in federal district court to knowingly storing hazardous radioactive waste improperly at the Metropolis site without the required permit, and paid $11.8 million in fines. According to Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, Honeywell’s “illegal storage practices put employees at risk of exposure to radioactive and hazardous materials.” On June 22, OSHA cited Honeywell with 17 serious safety violations and issued the company a $119,000 fine. OSHA defines “serious” violations as situations with “substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result.” The OSHA fine came after Honeywell management had refused OSHA access to the Metropolis facility on several occasions over the past year.

In addition, the union has organized in the community to oppose Honeywell’s plan to cover over a toxic waste site on the property with dirt. By law Honeywell was mandated to clean up the toxic waste dump by 2020. The company recently announced that their solution is simply, in Atkinson’s words “to cover up the site with dirt and grow flowers on it.” The union doesn’t think that’s is enough and has organized people to oppose the plan. The union has highlighted some of these concerns in a report they released in January entitled “Communities at Risk”, which is available on the Local’s website, usw7-669.com. As far as Atkinson is concerned, all of this is just proof that Honeywell’s management “really don’t care about the people in this community. This community is where I was born and raised for 48 years and 80% of my family live here. Most of my family live right near Metropolis. So if they were to have a catastrophic release of one of these tanks, that could potentially kill almost everyone in my family.”

End Game
Despite the apparent success of the corporate campaign, the question that remains is whether it is enough to force Honeywell to abandon its demands for serious concessions. The workers are well aware that they have not been able to stop production. A multi-billion dollar corporation like Honeywell can make that “one day longer” an awful hard goal to achieve. Some of the members of the Local I talked with said they have contemplated forms of civil disobedience like blocking the plant gates to try to halt production, but they feel the costs of such actions would be too high and would not make much difference. Hanging over the union’s head is an injunction issued last fall which provides strict requirements and limitations to the union’s activity on the picket line. The judge who issued the injunction has threatened fines of hundreds of thousands of dollars for even the smallest infractions. Fines of that amount would completely decimate the Local’s treasury. “The International would bail us out no question,” says Stephen Lech “but it wouldn’t accomplish anything anyhow.” Given that the facility falls under special Department of Homeland Security protections, interference with production could result in charges brought against the union from the federal government. This despite the fact that it is the union that has repeatedly contacted Janet Napolitano to point out that the company’s methods of storage of hazardous waste are the biggest national security threat on the premises. They also fear that such actions might cost them public support they feel has been key in their struggle. And they argue that even acts of civil disobedience are unlikely to stop production for more than short periods of time. Besides, according to Local President Darrell Lillie, despite the company’s claims to the contrary, “production can’t be more than 40% currently.” Friendly sources inside the plant, and the workers own knowledge of what they should see coming in and out of the plant gates, tell them that the unskilled scabs still can’t produce the quantities of product that skilled workers are able to produce. “They keep falling further and further behind with their orders,” states Lillie. The constant investigations by the EPA, OSHA and the NRC have also contributed to reduced production. Lillie thinks this may be just as important a reason as the corporate campaign for the company’s willingness to concede on some of their demands at the negotiating table.

The union’s strategy is to continue to go after similar contracts with local and state governments around the country as they did in Los Angeles. They also continue to work with regulators like the NRC, EPA and OSHA to bring maximum pressure to bear on a company that they feel is being dangerously mismanaged by their replacements. And they will continue to pursue CEO Cote around the country and even around the world. In Lillie’s words “We want Cote to think of us every morning when he wakes up and every night before he goes to bed and all day long.” “We have already won on some of the stuff that most concerned us in the contract, and I am confident we are going to win this thing. I think will be back in before the fall,” argues Lech, whose militant optimism is infectious. Despite the strains that the lock out has clearly brought on members of the Local, for now that optimism seems to continue to inspire Local 7-669 to continue the fight. “We haven’t put together a celebration rally because we don’t know when it’s going to happen, but it’s going to be one heck of a party.”

For a more recent update, including details on the new contract, see the following article on the Labor Notes website...

http://labornotes.org/blogs/2011/08/honeywell-uranium-workers-end-lockout-accept-concessions

End is near for Honeywell Lockout...

2011-07-21T17:04:00.002-05:00

My next piece on the Honeywell lockout in Metropolis Illinois was due to come out in next month's edition of Labor Notes. But earlier this week a tentative settlement was reached. So here is the updated version online...

Elements of Victory Emerge as Uranium Lockout Nears End

Jerry Mead-Lucero

| July 21, 2011

After more than a year outside the gates, the lockout at the Honeywell uranium conversion plant in Metropolis, Illinois, looks to end. Details of the July 19 settlement were scant.

Members will consider the deal this week and union leaders will take questions Monday. A vote could take place next week—unless members reject the deal outright.

For the rest go here...

http://labornotes.org/2011/07/elements-victory-emerge-uranium-lockout-nears-end

Today's Labor Express Radio program is up on the web...

2011-07-04T21:48:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, the locked-out Steelworkers of Local 7-669 in Metropolis Illinois held a rally marking one year since the 228 workers at the Honeywell Uranium Processing plant were locked-out. And on today's program I will bring you an update of the efforts of the Steelworkers to bring the lock-out to a close. This will be part 1 of a multi-episode update. Definitely some interesting, inspiring and disturbing stuff that you want to stay tuned for.

On today's program will also get an update on the struggle over La Casita in the Pilsen neighborhood. We will hear from Chicago Teachers Union Vice President Jesse Sharkey about new Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's attack on teachers in Chicago. We will hear from nurses about cuts to the Cook County hospital system. And we will hear from labor journalist Mike Elk about a boycott of the Huffington Post...

http://www.archive.org/details/LaborExpressFor7-4-11

Return to Metropolis...

2011-07-03T11:48:00.003-05:00

I traveled down to the far southern tip of Illinois last weekend to participate in a rally marking 1 year since members of Steel workers local 7-669 have been locked out at the Honeywell uranium conversion plant. Tomorrow's episode of Labor Express Radio will be part 1 of a multi-episode update on the lock-out. Next month's edition of Labor Notes will also include an article on recent developments in the lock-out. As a teaser and to provide some context for those not aware of the situation, I thought I would post the full version of my reflections on my visit to Metropolis last September. This piece was edit for publication in Labor Notes October edition and in the November edition of News and Letters, but I have not previously posted the full version...

The Men of Steel Locked-Out in the Home of the Man of Steel

Metropolis - Labor Land:

As you approach the tiny town of Metropolis it is abundantly clear, as much as 25 miles out, that this is union friendly territory. It’s at that point that you begin to see the lawn signs declaring “Proud Supporter of USW Local 7-669”. The signs only become more numerous the closer you get to town, competing with and perhaps even outnumbering the signs supporting this or that candidate for county sheriff. It is perhaps not surprising given 3 of the 4 major employers in town are union, the only non-union facility being the lowest paid place to work around, the Harrah’s Riverboat Casino. Much of the rest of the workforce outside of these 4 major employers are union construction workers, carpenters, plumbers, pipe fitters and other members of the trades. Metropolis is without a doubt a blue collar town.

Metropolis is known by the few tourist that pass thorough as the place with the larger than life Superman statue outside city hall. In the 1970’s, town officials hoped to build a Superman themed amusement park in town. In the end the only thing that ever came of those plans was the statue. But the 6,000 plus residents of Metropolis know well that their town should be more famous for the Honeywell International Inc. plant that sits right on the outskirts of town. The Honeywell plant is the only uranium conversion plant in the United States and one of just a handful around the entire globe. The plant produces UF6 a fuel used to power nuclear power plants around the world. The milled uranium product that comes from the mines, know as yellow cake, is transformed at Honeywell in to UF6 gas in a 4 step process that involves some of the most dangerous chemicals know to man. It is not kryptonite that the workers at Honeywell and the residents of the town need fear, instead its radiation poisoning and sever burns from hydrofluoric acid, a major component of the production process.

Given the toxic substances they deal with on a daily bases, it is not surprising that some 42 workers have died of various cancers and another 27 have contracted a form of cancer in recent years. The federal government has recognized the dangers of working in this industry with the establishment of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program, which provides funds to help effected workers deal with their health care costs. A number of workers told me when they first came to work at Honeywell they were warned that this job could take 10 years off their lives, though Honeywell publicly denies there is any connection between their production process and the aliments suffered by the workers. A few workers have received server hydrofluoric acid burns while working at the plant, including Bill Klinghammer, a former president of the Local who received burns to his face that required hospitalization and left scars. For this reason, it is not surprising that workers balked when Honeywell management demanded the elimination of retire health care and increases in premiums, co-pays and deductibles that would have cost current employee’s thousands of dollars a year during contract negotiations which began late last Spring.

Contentious Contract Negotiations:

Retired members of Steelworkers Local 7-669 will tell you that in previous years, relations between the workers and management had generally been positive. The last major labor dispute at the plant dates back to 1974 when the workers struck and won substantial improvements in their contracts which continued over the next couple decades. Workers noticed a marked change in the demeanor of management in recent years. The 2007 contract negotiations were more contentious than in the past. But as the June 2010 contract expiration date loomed, it became clear that management was going to take a harder-line against the plants workforce than ever before.

Honeywell’s last and final offer asked the workers to except a practical elimination of the current seniority system. Management demanded the right to contract out as many as 54 jobs in the plant, nearly a quarter of the current workforce and potential eliminating the entire maintenance department. The proposal included the replacement of the worker’s defined benefit pension plan with a lump sum payment plan that workers figured would amount to less than $60,000 after 30 years of service. But perhaps most concerning of all, was the proposal to substantial increase worker’s health care premiums, co-pays and deductibles by thousands of dollars annually and the complete elimination of retire health care. Interestingly, the wage proposal the company offered was 3% higher than what the union had asked for. The Union had actually agreed to a wage freeze over the life of the contract. According to Darrell Lillie, President of Steelworkers Local 7-669, “It was a contract we just couldn’t accept…and they knew we couldn’t accept it.”

The workers increasingly sensed that Honeywell wanted the union to strike. But the negotiating team, while publicly doing everything they could to make it look to the company that a strike was possible, was leery of taking such action. A strike at USEC in 2003, a nuclear power plant across the river in Paducah Kentucky, which purchases product from Honeywell, had lasted 5 months with minimal gains in the eventual contract. And everyone in Metropolis remembers the Missouri Portland Cement Co. strike of 1984 in nearby Joppa, Illinois which ended in violence and all the workers losing their jobs. Perhaps even more importantly, as retiree Doc Greer explains, it is not like 1974. “In the 70’s jobs were plentiful…now days there not.” When the union announced their willingness to continue to report for work past their contract expiration date, in the hopes of reaching a settlement, the company seemed frustrated. Negotiations continued for seven more days with no movement and on June 28^th, the company took a move the workers had not fully expected, the company locked-out its union workforce.

Using a Lock-out to Play the Market:

Though the lock-out came as something of a shock, it wasn’t whole unexpected. The company had already brought in possible replacement workers hired by the Shaw Group, weeks before the lock-out, to observe how the workers performed their jobs. As soon as the company locked-out the Steelworkers, they brought in over 200 Shaw replacements. Given fears that the scab workers would not be welcome in town, a likelihood confirmed in my conversations with local business owners, they are bussed in every day from where they are housed, some 40 miles away at an old lake side resort that had all been shut down until its was transformed into what the union workers call “scab city”. The replacement workers are offered catered meals at work and at the resort, so they can avoid all contact with the angry residents of Metropolis.

Members of the union tried to calculate the costs the company was racking up in housing, feeding and bussing replacement workers into the plant, who were reportedly receiving wages substantial in excess of what the union workers normally receive. There were the costs of the new security personnel that the company hired to surveil workers on the picket line. And management was also paying salaried employees for extra time, as much as 80 hours a week, to keep the plant minimally functional. Despite all this, because the replacement workers lacked the specialized training necessary to operate a nuclear fuel processing plant safely, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had prevented the company from performing the final two steps of the production process, meaning the plant was unable to produce any saleable product. It was hard for Local 7-669 to understand why the company was willing to go to such expense in carrying out the lock-out. But than they developed a theory.

Members of the local began researching the company’s contracts with their customers. In reviewing these contracts they discovered a “force majeure” clause in the contracts which included a strike or lock-out as a cause that could allow Honeywell to break the contracts. According to the union, many of the long-term contracts the company was obligated to fulfill had locked in a price of $5 to $6 per Kilogram, while the current market price for UF6 is closer to $11 or $12 per Kilogram. Could Honeywell be using the lock-out to void its low price contracts in order to demand a higher price once the labor dispute ended? Members of the union have communicated with a reporter for the industry publication Uranium Intelligence Weekly who they claim has confirmed that their theory has plausibility. The reporter has not been available for comment on this story.

A Town Terrified:

Meanwhile the residents of Metropolis are living in fear. The toxic substances processed at Honeywell are a danger not only to Honeywell’s workforce but to the entire town and even the region. Doc Greer, a retired Honeywell worker and former president of the local told me that when he was asked by the company to attend a meeting at which the dangers of a release of hydrofluoric acid (HF) was discussed that he was told… “if they lost a whole HF tank…you would actually wipe out the whole city of Metropolis” and “for 25 miles actually people would have trouble breathing.” “And you could smell HF for a hundred miles...from here to Clarksville Tennessee or nearly to St. Louis…you’d be able to smell HF.” Fear for the safety of the town is not unwarranted. Twice in the past, once in the 1960’s and again in December of 2003, their have been accidentally releases of HF at the plant. In the 2003 incident, 75 homes had to be evacuated and hundreds more were instructed to “shelter in place” which means to shut all windows and turn off any climate control systems that might bring outside air into the home. Honeywell is currently being investigated by the EPA over problems with the company’s handling of toxic sludge, a waste product of the production process.

In my conversations with area residents the fear of a major accident at the plant, now staffed with replacement workers with little experience or training in running the facility, was foremost on their minds. According to Jerry Baird, the owner of Diamond Lil’s, a nearby diner…. “…they need to get the trained professional union men back in there so this community can be safe…I think it is very important that anybody that fools with chemicals, uranium, or any type of chemical of that nature needs to be professionally trained and these guys are not that’s in there now.” Greg Henry worked for a short time at the plant before becoming the owner of L & W Tire and Exhaust. He knows from the time he worked that “…you need trained people in there to run that place, you really do, because it could be very dangerous.”

The town’s fears were nearly realized the Sunday before Labor Day. The NRC had decided to reverse its position on limiting the company too the first two steps of the production process. On Saturday Sept. 5^th, the company attempted to resume full production. But on Sunday afternoon the ground shook under the feet of the workers on the picket line as a loud boom was heard for miles around. Conversations between workers on line and NRC officials later in the day confirmed exactly what the workers expected, that in their attempts to bring the plant back on-line, the company had not been careful about moisture collected in the equipment in the fluorine plant and as a result they blew up one of the fluorine scrubbers. A Honeywell press release called the incident “a noise” and nothing to worry about. But the state police were called to the scene after a flood of 911 calls came in reporting an explosion. Luckily there were no reported injuries or releases of toxic gas in this case.

Preparing for a Fight:

The lock-out may have been a bit of a surprise to Local 7-669 and the negotiating team may have wanted to avoid a strike, but the union was preparing for the possibility of a labor action for months prior to the lock-out. A key element of these preparations was the creation of Contract Action Teams. The Steelworkers International trained ten of the local’s members in how to build solidarity and prepare the local’s membership for a worst case scenario through the “Building Power Program.” The Contract Action Team or CAT team was quick to act when the company’s propaganda effort picked up as negotiations wore on. Management begin distributing in the plant “fact sheets” entitled “Just the Facts”. The content of these flyers attempt to convince workers that they were overpaid, had unaffordable benefits and that they had to accept concessions if the wished to keep their jobs. Almost immediately the union countered this effort with their own “Just Some More Facts” which was styled to be nearly identical to the flyers distributed by the company. Stephen Lech, one of the members of the CAT team explained that “they looked so much a like that even the managers would get confused about which one was which”. But the union’s fact sheets demolished the arguments put forward in “Just the Facts.” For instance “they had pointed that their health care expenses had doubled in ten years… we realized that our portion had tripled in the same amount time. And so we started to point facts like that out on these documents…there were foremen that were trying to figure out where these where coming from because most of the time the same day they put those out we were prepared with 250 copies of our own…and we wanted management to see these.”

At one point Honeywell attempted to create dissension within the families of union members. A mailing went out addressed to the family members of employees arguing that the union members were being unreasonable and that they needed to make concessions or potentially loss their jobs. The union countered once again sending out a mailing along with the actual contract proposal that explained in detail why the union could not accept the contract. The mailing included a self addressed, stamped postcard addressed to plant manager Larry Smith asking that their household be removed from the company’s mailing list. Within days, postcards were flooding into Smith’s office. After the lock-out had begun, members of the union went on the offensive. They sent out their own mailing to all the neighbors of a number of the plants top managers informing their neighbors of the hardship that these managers were attempting to impose on the workers at Honeywell.

The local also made other preparations like stocking a food pantry and stocking up on school supplies and baby care items for the handful of expectant mothers among the worker’s families. These preparations not only served to offer relief in the event of a labor action, but sent a psychological message to management that the local was not going to give-up without a fight. One of the membership, Rachel Spence, even established a support group for spouses of the workers to help deal with the potential strain a strike or lock-out might have on the member’s families. But according to many of the workers I talked to, the advice and training offered by the International had the most impact on how the negotiating committee operates. In the past, the committee carried out negotiations largely behind closed doors, only consulting with the membership when they had reached an agreement with management. According to Darrell Lillie, “now everything is done out in the open.” Their seems to be near unanimous agreement among the workers that this has been a key element of their strong sense of solidarity and willingness to carry out this fight as long as necessary.

Stephen Lech has also referred to the Troublemakers Hand Book as an indispensable resource in helping the local prepare for what the company might through at them and how to counter attack. In particular, it helped make Lech wary of attempts by the company to push a two-tiered wage and benefit structures or pit current employees against retires.

A Waiting Game:

Given the Local’s theory that the company’s primary reason for the lock-out is the force majeure clause of their contracts with their customers, many of the workers hope that the 90 days required by the clause being meet by the end of September, that the next negotiation session, scheduled for Oct. 11^th will result in some movement in negotiations. Regardless, the Local say’s they will continue this fight as long as it takes. The workers seemed convinced that the given the uniqueness of their specialized skills and experience that the company will find it ultimately impossible to replace them permanently. And federal labor law forbids permanent replacements in the case of a lock-out. But as the conflict wears on, the company is slowly bringing production back online. As of Friday, Sept. 10th, the company had restarted production with the NRC’s blessing. In the meantime, the well being and perhaps the continued existence of a small Illinois town on the Ohio River is endangered.

For pictures from my visit last September, see the following link...

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/SteelworkersLockedOutInMetropolisIL?authuser=0&feat=directlink

For pictures from my visit last weekend, see the following link...

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/MetropolisRallyJune252011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCODp3LGB8LXxpwE&feat=directlink

For the version of this report that appeared in the October edition of Labor Notes, see the following link...

http://labornotes.org/2010/09/locked-out-illinois-uranium-processing-plant-steelworkers-and-community-wait-nervously

For the version of this report that appeared in the November edition of News and Letters, see the following link...

http://www.newsandletters.org/issues/2010/Nov-Dec/HoneyNovDec_10.asp

Night 1 of the re-newed 24-7 occupation of La Casita...

2011-06-23T03:50:00.002-05:00

On Wednesday morning the police, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) security and construction crews showed up a La Casita, the field house on the grounds of Whittier Dual Language Academy in the Pilsen neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest side. As the construction workers setup up fencing that blocked access to La Casita from three sides, the police tried to prevent Whittier moms from entering La Casita. True to form, the moms ignored the police and marched right past. Soon after word was sent to the majority of Whittier Parents Committee members who were at that moment supporting the teachers at a rally at a school board meeting downtown. Suspicions are high that CPS was deliberate in their choice to show up with a demolition team on the very morning that La Casita would be least defended. But once again, CPS underestimated the Whittier moms and their determination to defend their community center.

Things had been heating up for a couple weeks. Ever since CPS announced its intentions to build the library, not in La Casita as requested by the Parents Committee, but instead inside the school building, taking over a special needs classroom for the purpose. CPS has largely broken off communication with the Parents Committee, and refused to answer their questions about what would happen to the special needs students who were losing their classroom. The Whittier parents also question CPS’ use of the funds that were originally intended for renovation of La Casita. It appears that some $18,000 of the over $500,000 raised through the parents activism, was used to pay an architectural firm, for a walk through at Whittier that resulted in the recommendation to use the special needs classroom for the library. The Whittier parents point out that they arranged for the pro-bono work of an architecture firm who have put forward a impressive plan for the renovation of La Casita that the parents claim will be paid for with the funds they helped raise.

Over the course of the day, the parents uncovered a document from CPS verifying that CPS had contracted on May 31st to have a company demolish La Casita and move forward with plans to create a soccer field for use of a neighboring Catholic high school. It appears that CPS has clearly violated ever aspect of the agreement reached with the parents committee after there 43 day occupation of La Casita last Fall. With the threat of demolition once again hang over their heads, a 24-7 occupation of La Casita has recommenced. As of 3:45 AM as I write this, a crew of supporters is well into their first over night shift. Outside a man in a vehicle seems to be keeping close tabs on who enters and who leaves La Casita. It is unclear whether he is with the police or with CPS security, but the message seems clear - the minute La Casita is no longer defend, the demolition team will be mobilized to move in.

I appeal to all of you who have been inspired by the bold, militant struggle of the Whittier Parents committee over the last year, to join the fight once again. Maintaining a 24-7 occupation is no easy feat. Your time, your energy, your support is desperately needed. You can find out more at...

www.saveourcenter.com

But more importantly come down to La Casita. Anytime, day or night, and lend your support... 1900 W. 23rd St.

La Lucha Continua

La Casita under threat! Press Conference tonight 7:30 PM...

2011-06-22T15:25:00.002-05:00

I have received a urgent request from the Whittier Parents Committee. The police tried to prevent access to La Casita today and a fence has been constructed around two of three entrance to the school grounds. It appears as if an attempted demolition might be imminent.

The Whittier Parent's Committee is calling on all allies to show up at La Casita tonight. They need as many people as possible there to possible prevent demolition.

Here is the statement from their Facebook page...

UPDATE: PRESS CONFERENCE @ 7:30PM TODAY. PLEASE COME THROUGH! We need as much support as possible. More info will be available at the press conference

And...

UPDATE: Call Alderman Solis NOW @ 773.523.4100 to make sure the TIF money allocated for Whittier is used for the renovation of La Casita as he committed to. Solis stated the following during a meeting at La Casita on October 21, 2010 “the money from this district’s [Pilsen Corridor] Tax Increment Financing that would have been used to demolish the community center will be used to renovate it.”

For more info see their Facebook page...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_162379610443160

Statement of solidarity with Cuban workers...

2011-06-06T19:40:00.002-05:00

This months edition of the Industrial Worker, the newspaper of the IWW carried a powerful statement of solidarity with the workers of Cuba, as they now face not only repression at the hands of a Stalinist state apparatus but also "economic reforms" which will likely mean an even greater lowering of living standards for some in a country in which outside free health care and education, living standards are already precariously low. Unfortunately the Industrial Worker is no longer available online, but the statement, issued by a long list of supporting unions and anarchist groups around the globe was available on one of the anarchist websites...

Statement in support of Cuban Anti-Authoritarian/Horizontalist organizers, workers, activists, artists, musicians y mas in Cuba. Scroll down to see current list of endorsements and the original statement in Spanish.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The Communist Party of Cuba's VI Congress has just closed with an endorsement of the liberal reforms (“to each according to his labors”) promised in the realm of the economy: but along with these come cuts in social services and an increased presence for military and for technocrats in the machinery of government, with a reduction in the presence of intellectuals and workers.

In terms of rhetoric and deeds alike, efficiency, control and discipline replace equality, solidarity and partnership. Against this backdrop we have indications of a crackdown in the cultural realm, heralding yet another set-back to Cubans' exercise of their fundamental freedoms. Performing artists find their names blackened by cultural officials-turned-censors engaged in frantic campaigns, the length and breadth of the country peddling false rumors and spurious accusations. A prestigious Cultural Theory Center finds its facilities and equipment being sabotaged again by “thieves” who forget to take anything and whom the authorities cannot seem to identify and punish. Poets and community activists are visited by police personnel who threaten to haul them before the courts as “counter-revolutionaries” and to leave them to the mercy of the “people's wrath”, thereby demonstrating that said wrath is not “of the people” nor independent of the powers that be who direct it.

Damage to social property, defamation and physical and psychological bullying (and violence) are not only offenses punishable under legal codes the world over – Cuba included – they are also considered acts of State Terrorism. For decades, the Cuban people gave their best efforts to their children and to the world in order to build up a fairer country with universal and high quality culture, health and education despite the irrational and begrudging bureaucracy that always depicted the people's gains as its own creations. Are the repressiveness and lying of such “apprentice Stalins” to go down in History as the features by which the Cuban process is to be remembered, rather than the day to day heroism of the Cuban people? This is not justice...

For the rest see the following link...

http://libcom.org/news/international-statement-solidarity-cuban-anti-authoritarians-you-are-not-alone-16052011

More craziness from Arizona...

2011-05-26T22:55:00.001-05:00

Another Latino dies in a strange home invasion incident, this time by the Police...

On May 5 at around 9:30 a.m., several teams of Pima County, Ariz., police officers from at least four different police agencies armed with SWAT gear and an armored personnel carrier raided at least four homes as part of what at the time was described as an investigation into alleged marijuana trafficking. One of those homes belonged to 26-year-old Jose Guerena and his wife, Vanessa Guerena. The couple's 4-year-old son was also in the house at the time. Their 6-year-old son was at school...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/25/jose-guerena-arizona-_n_867020.html

Greenpeace Scales Polluting Smokestack at Fisk Plant in Pilsen...

2011-05-24T17:59:00.003-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2011

Greenpeace activists climb deadly smokestack at Fisk coal plant in Chicago
Activists call on Edison International to “Quit Coal” and shut down Fisk and Crawford

CHICAGO— Before dawn, a team of eight Greenpeace activists climbed the 450 foot smokestack at the Fisk power plant in Chicago. From the stack, they demanded that the operators shut down the dirty, dangerous Fisk and Crawford coal plants.

The Fisk and Crawford plants – operated by Edison International subsidiary Midwest Generation are among the oldest in the United States. More people live in range of these plants than any other coal plant in America; nearly one in four Chicagoans live in a three mile radius of one or both plants.

Coal fired power plants kill between 13,000 and 34,000 people a year--as many as one person every 15 minutes. That staggering figure includes the 42 Chicagoans who die as a result of pollution from Fisk and Crawford, including residents in the severely affected communities of Pilsen (near the Fisk plant) and Little Village (near the Crawford plant). According to a report from the Clean Air Task Force, residents are at risk for heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illness because of pollution from these plants.

“As a Chicago resident, I know that we must shut this plant down—to make our air cleaner, our communities safer, and to stop the effects of global warming. All across America, companies like Edison International are poisoning communities with their coal plants—and people like us are fighting to have those communities voices heard. We’re going to stay up here until Edison International hears our message,” said Kelly Mitchell, one of the activists who climbed Fisk’s stack.

In addition to the toxic pollution, coal fired power plants are the biggest single source of global warming pollution in the United States, which will cause sea level rise and extreme weather, as well as droughts and lower crop yields. Together, Fisk and Crawford generate about 18 times the emissions of O’Hare airport’s ground operations and equal two-thirds of the CO2 emissions generated by all modes of transportation in Chicago.

Leila Mendez, a resident of the Pilsen community affected by this plant said, “We’re fighting for our lives. This plant has a significant impact on the health of our communities and our children. These plants don’t power Chicago; the profits go out of state, and we get stuck with the pollution. It’s time to stand up to Edison International and demand more for our future.”

Earlier this spring, the Chicago City Council failed to vote on the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance, which would have forced the plants to clean up or shut down.
“Chicago is facing a serious challenge,” says Chicago-based community activist Edyta Sitko. “Will the Council lead the country by quitting coal and standing up to corporate polluters? Or will it be the last major American city with two dirty coal plants within its borders? “

The EPA is holding a hearing in Chicago today on a rule that will place a limit on the amount of mercury and other poisons coal plants are allowed to emit.

More updates will follow later today.

###

On twitter: follow #quitcoal and @greenpeaceusa for updates
On the web, read Kelly’s live blog at: http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/quit-coal-chicago

Photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenpeaceusa09/sets/72157626758322756/
(high resolution images upon request)
Video available at: http://comms.greenpeaceusa.org/20110523_Chicago/
This is an ftp link. Right click on video file to begin download (this is not a streaming video link).

Labor Beat Fundraising appeal...

2011-05-09T16:11:00.003-05:00

For link to PDF with hot link for ordering see the bottom of this message...

Spring Fundraising Offer
Donate $50 or more,
Get 4 essential DVDs
Support Labor Beat, and also add these essential labor DVDs
to your library. Read below how you can get them...

1. Workers’ Republic
Independently produced by filmmaker (and Labor Beat producer) Andrew Friend, Workers’ Republic tells the story of factory workers in Chicago who stood up to their boss and his financial backers to demand severance when their factory was closing. Winner of the John Michaels Human Rights Film Award (Big Muddy Film Festival 2010), this special fund raising offer represents the rare last stock of Friend’s non-profit version produced with music by indie artist Moby. 60 min.

2. Raid on A Nation
After September 2010 FBI raids on Chicago anti-war activists, solidarity networks spring up. Scenes, speeches from first-of-its-kind 9/27 big protest in front of Chicago FBI headquarters. Also, mass anti-war protest at 2008 RNC, where Joe Iosbaker speaks. Third International Video Festival Against War and Poverty – Japan. 30 min.

3. Corporate Media and the Plunder of Chicago Public Education
Corporate tv tries to spin the story of new union militancy. An up-close study in how the ‘sausages’ are made at the corporate news ‘sausage’ factory. 30 min.

4. Battle Front Wisconsin
The first, intense days of the mass protest at the capitol building in Madison, as the governor attempts to strip public sector unions of collective bargaining rights. Interviews with union activists, U of W students. Panoramic wide-screen vistas of huge crowds. The opening battle in an interstate war for workers’ rights. 30 min.

To donate $50 or more via PayPal to Labor Beat (Committee for Labor Access)
and get these 4 dvd’s, click here:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9872013
(Enter “Spring 2011 Fundraiser” in description.)

To visit us on facebook, click here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LABOR-BEAT/167503422257

Labor Beat (Committee for Labor Access) is a CAN TV Community Partner and member of Evanston Community Media Center. Labor Beat is a non-profit 501(c)(3) member of IBEW 1220. Views are those of the producer Labor Beat. mail@laborbeat.org • www.laborbeat.org

For pdf see this link...
http://www.laborexpress.org/PDFs/LaborBeatFund_2011.pdf

May Day 2011 pics...

2011-05-03T15:18:00.002-05:00

What a May Day it was here in Chicago! Only 2006 was more memorable. It was a week packed with great events. For audio from some of those events, tune in to next week's episode of Labor Express Radio - Monday, 10 AM on 88.7 FM WLUW. For more info see… www.laborexpress.org

Here is a collection of pictures from May Day 2011...

First, the April 30th Haymarket re-enactment at DesPlaines & Randolph...

May Day 2011 - Haymarket Re-enactment

Second, the May 1st re-dedication of the Haymarket monument at Waldheim Cemetery...

May Day 2011 - Waldheim Cemetery Statue Re-dedication

Third, the May 1st Marcha for Immigrant and Worker Rights from Union Park to Pilsen...

May Day 2011 - Marcha from Union Park to Pilsen

Three MUST attend events this May Day!....

2011-04-28T14:52:00.007-05:00

As you know from my previous posts, there is a LOT going on this May Day. For the complete list check this post...

http://pilsenprole.blogspot.com/2011/04/updated-pilsenprole-guide-to-may-day.html

There are three events which stand out as must attend events...

Haymarket Reenactment...

Saturday, April 30, 2:00 PM Plaque Dedication & Reenactment of the Haymarket Tragedy Haymarket Square, Randolph & Des Plaines

For more... http://pocketguidetohell.tumblr.com/

Rededication of the newly renovated Haymarket monument in Waldheim cemetery (the original)...

Sunday, May 1st, 1:00 PM

Forest Home Cemetery - 863 Des Plaines Ave., Forest Park

Next to the Eisenhower (I-290)

For More... http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/

Immigrants Right March from Union Park to Pilsen...

Sunday, May 1st: May Day March & Rally for Immigrant & Workers’ Rights

2:00 PM gathering at Union Park, Corners of Lake St and Ashland Ave.

3:00PM March Begins heading to Pilsen Neighborhood

4:00PM March Ends and Rally Starts at Plaza Tenochtitlan in Pilsen (18th St and Blue Island Ave)

For More... http://moratoriumondeportations.org/

Congressman Gutierrez calls on City of Chicago to support the Clean Power Ordinance...

2011-04-20T15:30:00.003-05:00

Congressman Gutierrez calls on City of Chicago to support the Clean Power Ordinance as coal continues to haunt Latinos in Chicago

On Wednesday Congressman Gutierrez joined the rapidly growing list of supporters for the Clean Power Ordinance, a measure that would reduce the pollution at the Fisk and Crawford coal plants in Chicago.

"For years I have looked at the smoke billowing out over my Congressional District and known that something was not right, which is why I have been a supporter of the ordinance and supportive of the advocates fighting for the community's health and safety," Rep. Luis V.Gutierrez said. "Children in Chicago face a lot of barriers to their success and the very air they breathe should not be one of them, so I urge the city to take action on this matter and to do so quickly."

In the midst of Mayor Daley’s departure from City Hall, national and local Latino leaders are rallying to demand all politicians stand with the people and not polluters. For years, the Pilsen and Little Village communities have lived in the shadow of the Fisk and Crawford coal power plants. With Congress' lack of action on a climate bill, local communities are demanding city government take action to protect their health and environment. The ordinance that was introduced last April will be heard in a joint hearing with the Environmental and Health Committee, Thursday, April 21st.

“The Little Village Community is proud to have the support of Congressman Gutierrez. Our community has been fighting forClean Air for over eight years and we are excited that we havethe support of Washington DC,” said Kim Wasserman Coordinator for the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization.

“Increasingly many Latinos are being forced to migrate because of the effects of global warming in their countries of origin. They move to communities like Pilsen where they suffer from respiratory illness from the same power plants that cause global warming. It is time that we end this cycle of destruction of our health and the environment” said Claudia Lucero, president of Durango Unido and a member of the Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization.

The Center for American Progress recently released a study that states that “two thirds of Latinos in the United States live in areas that do not comply with federal standards for air quality and Hispanics are three times more likely than whites to die from asthma.” Leslie Fields, the National Environmental Justice Director for the Sierra Club says that, “Across the U.S. we see communities of color disproportionately impacted by pollution, particularly from coal plants. We want to thank Congressman Gutierrez for his support in this environmental justice challenge.”

In a recent response to Republican efforts to gut EPA regulations, a coalition of environmental and Latino organizations, led by Voces Verdes, issued a statement pointing out the fact that Latino communities are highly impacted by air pollution. In their press statement the coalition explained that Latino children are “60% more likely to develop asthma than non-Hispanic white children.” And that “Latinos are also three times as likely to die of asthma as white non-Hispanics.” The pollution from the Fisk and Crawford coal plants bringthese statistics to life for the Pilsen and Little Village communities.“These old coal plants are relics, and they are responsible for increased asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even premature death. It is time for the City of Chicago to do something about it,” said Joel Africk, President and CEO of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. “We welcome Cong. Gutierrez’ support in this life-saving effort.”

The Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO), the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO), SierraClub of Chicago and many other organizations have been working withcommunity members from Chicago to get the Chicago Clean Power ordinance heard and passed. The 2010 Clean Air Task Force report “The Toll from Coal” stated that the pollution from Fisk and Crawford contribute to 42 deaths, 66 heart attacks, 720 asthma attacks, 31 hospital admissions and 26 cases of chronic bronchitis each year. As Mayor Daley prepares to leave his legacy as Mayor of the City of Chicago we join the Congressman in calling on him to see this ordinance pass for the health of our communities and the City of Chicago.

For more info go to: www.lvejo.org or www.pilsenperro.org

Updated Pilsenprole guide to May Day 2011...

2011-04-17T19:53:00.002-05:00

The Pilsenprole complete guide to May Day 2011 in Chicago:

Note, some events have changed from a previous post...

Monday, April 25, 6:00 PM Getting the Voice of Workers Heard Loud & Clear — from Haymarket to the Present Haymarket Brewery and Pub, Randolph & HalstedA panel of labor journalists including Steve Franklin, David Moberg, Kari Lydersen, Jeremy Gantz, and Estelle Carol discuss media coverage of the workers’ story yesterday and today.

Wednesday, April 27, 6:00 PM Screening of Documentary Film on Sacco & Vanzetti Haymarket Brewery and Pub, Randolph & Halsted Following the showing, Professor Alison Fraunhar will lead a discussion of the film and the Sacco & Vanzetti case. Music will be provided by the group Mezcolanza.

Thursday, April 28, 6:00 PM Panel Discussion on Constitutional Issues for the Workers Movement from Haymarket to the Present Newberry Library, 60 West Walton This event is co-sponsored by a number of Chicago-area lawyers’ organizations. A panel will examine and debate legal issues in the Haymarket Tragedy and their implications for today. Free reception begins at 7:30 PM.

Friday, April 29, 5:30 PM Public Release of the Updated & Expanded Edition of The Day Will Come Gage Gallery, 18 South Michigan Ave, Chicago Issued in 1994, this ILHS publication contains a mapping and brief biographies of the men and women who are buried or have their ashes scattered alongside the Haymarket Martyrs’ Monument. The newly expanded edition will be introduced by project coordinator Mark Rogovin. Free reception with music provided by the Chicago Federation of Musicians. Complimentary beer and wine donated by the Haymarket Brewery & Pub. Also view the Gage Gallery photo exhibit, “The Working Class Eye of Milton Rogovin.”

Saturday, April 30, 2:00 PM Plaque Dedication & Reenactment of the Haymarket Tragedy Haymarket Square, Randolph & Des Plaines, Chicago ILHS will formally dedicate a prominent bronze plaque on the Haymarket statue to mark the 125th Anniversary of the Haymarket tragedy. The ceremony will be capped by a reenactment of the Haymarket events directed by stager Paul Durica. We need hundreds of our supporters, who will be aided by professional actors and musicians, to take part in portraying the crowd of workers present on the scene 125 years ago.

Sunday, May 1st, 1:00 PMForest Home Cemetery863 Des Plaines Ave., Forest ParkNext to the Eisenhower (I-290) and Blue Line, nine miles west of Chicago’s downtownRededication Ceremony of the Haymarket Martyrs Monument2011 will mark the restoration and rededication of the Haymarket Martyrs' Monument, the statue of liberty for workers around the world. As a symbol of international labor solidarity, come together to honor our history. The ceremony will have special guest Liz Shuler, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, and other dignitaries.

Sunday, May 1st: May Day March & Rally for Immigrant & Workers’ Rights2:00PM Reunion at Union Park, Corners of Lake St and Ashland Ave.3:00PM March Begins heading to Pilsen Neighborhood4:00PM March Ends and Rally Starts at Plaza Tenochtitlan in Pilsen (18th St and Blue Island Ave)

Sunday evening, May 1st, 7:00 PM Special May Day Concert Old Town School of Folk Music 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago Local artists coordinated by Bucky Halker will pay musical tribute to the 125th anniversary of the Haymarket Tragedy. Tickets are $15 and are available online at http://www.oldtownschool.org/ or by calling the box office at (773)-728-6000.

For more see...

http://moratoriumondeportations.org/2011/04/09/marcha-march-rally-for-immigrant-workers-rights/

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/

http://www.portoluz.org/

Fight for the Chicago Clean Power ordinance reaches critical stage...

2011-04-15T12:50:00.003-05:00

The fight for the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance maybe decided in the next several weeks. The ordinance will be heard in a joint hearing with the Environmental and Health Committees on Thursday, April 21st. If the ordinace is approved at that hearing it will be voted on by the full City Council in early May.

Next Tuesday, April 19th, Sierra Club, LVEJO and PERRO will hold a press confrenece with Congressman Luis Gutierrez about how pollution from power plants has a major health impact in Latino communities like Pilsen and Little Village.

Here is the media advisory for that press conference...

For Immediate Release: April 15, 2011

Contact: Jerry Mead-Lucero, PERRO, 312-502-7867, jerrymeadlucero@gmail.com

Kim Wasserman-Nieto, LVEJO, 773-656-5099, info@lvejo.org

Christine Nannicelli, Sierra Club, 508-740-9202, Christine.nannicelli@sierraclub.org

Congressman Gutierrez calls on City of Chicago to support Clean Power Ordinance as coal continues to haunt Latinos in Chicago

Press Conference with Latino Leaders to call on Mayor Daley and City Council to stand with people, not polluters

In the midst of Mayor Daley’s departure from City Hall, national and local Latino leaders are rallying to demand all politicians stand with people not polluters. For years, the Pilsen and Little Village communities have lived in the shadow of the Fisk and Crawford coal power plants. With Congress' lack of action on a climate bill, local communities are demanding city government take action to protect their health and environment. A city ordinance has been introduced to mandate a cleanup of the plants in the next four years. The ordinance will be heard in a joint hearing with the Environmental and Health Committee, Thursday; April 21st. Community members will be joining Congressman Gutierrez in support of his recent decision to support the ordinance. Speakers include Alderman Daniel Solis and Leslie Fields, National Environmental Justice Director for the Sierra Club, and number of local Latino community organizations including Centro Sin Fronteras, FEDECMI, Durango Unido and the March 10th Committee as well as community residents. Thirty-nine percent of the Latino population lives within 30 miles of a power plant – the distance within which the maximum effects of fine particle soot from the smokestack plume are expected to occur. Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization (PERRO), the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, Sierra Club of Chicago and many other organizations have been working with community members all around Chicago to get this ordinance heard and passed. As Mayor Daley prepares to leave his legacy as Mayor of the City of Chicago we join the Congressman in calling on him to see this ordinance pass for the health of our communities and the City of Chicago.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 19th – 12:30 pm

WHERE: Dvorak Park, 1119 West Cermak

For more information, please contact…

Jerry Mead-Lucero, PERRO, 312-502-7867, jerrymeadlucero@gmail.com

Kim Wasserman-Nieto, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, 773-656-5099, info@lvejo.org

Little Village Environmental Justice Organization work with families and neighbors to improve the environment and lives of people in Little Village and throughout Chicago through democracy in action

For more info: http://lvejo.org

PERRO is an environmental justice organization based in the Pilsen neighborhood. For more info: pilsenperro.org

Are Solis’ campaign mailings immigrant fear mongering?…

2011-04-02T01:03:00.002-05:00

The run-off in the Aldermanic elections in the 25^th Ward of Chicago have been packed with controversy already. Much of the story has revolved around Alderman Daniel Solis’ decision to become a co-sponsor of the proposed Chicago Clean Power Ordinance. Solis’ opposition to the ordinance was met with a 9 month long community campaign spearheaded by PERRO (The Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization). The campaign included protests outside a number of Alderman Solis’ fundraisers, a number of large rallies in the community, a petition campaign and even a 24 hour vigil outside the Alderman’s ward office. PERRO, along with other members of the Chicago Clean Power Coalition reached out to SEIU (The Service Employees International Union) last fall, encouraging them to join the coalition. SEIU financed multiple mailings before the February 22^nd municipal elections calling Solis to task for not supporting the proposed ordinance. When the election resulted in Solis receiving less that 50% of the vote meaning Solis would face Cuahutémoc Morfín in a run-off, a long time support of the ordinance, it was clear that the issue of the ordinance would be the number one issue threatening to lead to Solis’ possible defeat on April 5^th. After consulting with PERRO and other coalition partners, SEIU agreed to make support for the Clean Power Ordinance a must if SEIU was going to endorse Solis in the run-off. Facing the possibility of a continued community campaign and more SEIU financed campaign materials highlighting the Alderman’s opposition to the ordinance, Solis gave in and announced his support for the proposed ordinance.

Solis’ support was welcomed by PERRO and the Chicago Clean Power Coalition who declared victory in their campaign to bring him on board. But the controversy did not end with the Alderman’s change of position. A barrage of T.V. and print press coverage of the Alderman’s decision focused on lingering questions. Why had the Alderman been willing to accept over $50,000 in donations from the neighborhood’s biggest polluter for many years? Why did Solis appoint a Midwest Generation executive to his re-election finance committee? And what about rumors that the Alderman had told political allies that he would only support the ordinance until his re-election was assured? Questions were also raised about whether the Alderman was considering weakening aspects of the proposed ordinance, especially those dealing with CO2? All of these questions continue to dog the Alderman as the run-off election rapidly approaches.

But now a new controversy has emerged. Recent mailings from the Solis campaign have accused his opponent Morfin of supporting a “Arizona-style ID card.” The claim is an oblique reference to Morfin’s support for a municipal ID card in Chicago. The purpose of the municipal ID card is to provide undocumented immigrants a form of identification they could use in various transactions were a legal ID is required. In order to ensure the ID does not end up identifying individuals as undocumented immigrants, the ID would either be mandatory for all Chicagoans, or would come with extra inducements that would encourage citizens to apply for the ID. Its is an innovative idea of how to better protect Chicago’s thousands of immigrant residents. The concept has already been embraced in San Francisco and New Haven Connecticut…

http://www.sfgov2.org/index.aspx?page=110

http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Mayor/ReadMore.asp?ID=%7b07CFC88D-8584-4B16-BE7F-324B79103307%7d

The idea has not been without controversy and not everyone in the immigrant rights movement thinks it is a good idea, but all have recognized it as an attempt to help protect immigrant residents of the city.

So why does Alderman Solis who has presented himself as a leader in the immigrant rights movement call the proposal a “Arizona-style ID Card”? Some immigrant rights activists argue it is an attempt to generate fear amongst the 25^th Ward’s immigrant residents. The use of the word “Arizona” is meant to allude to the infamous anti-immigrant measures pursued by the State of Arizona in recent years, especially SB1070. The Arizona laws seek to demonize undocumented immigrants, encourage racial profiling and violate immigrant’s civil rights. Interestingly, the Arizona laws do not call for a new ID card for residents of Arizona. Solis might have confused Arizona with neighboring Utah were such a law is being considered. But Arizona is a powerful buzz word that Solis knows will raise fears in the immigrant community.

Some immigrant rights activists are calling such “fear mongering” dangerous and surprising from a politician who claims to speak for the immigrant community. It is sure to be yet another hot topic as 25^th Ward residents head to the polls next Tuesday.

Below are copies of the mailings referred to above with the statement, “Arizona-style ID Cards”…

Series of events planned to mark the 125th Anniversary of Haymarket...

2011-03-27T21:46:00.004-05:00

Your guide to celebrating May Day 2011 and the 125th Anniversary of the Haymarket Affair...

April 7, 3 pm Gage Gallery 18 S. Michigan Ave. Triangle Fire 100th anniversary event featuring Professor Jo Ann Argersinger from Southern Illinois University, co-sponsored by Roosevelt and UIC History Departments and the New Deal Center at Roosevelt.

April 9, 3 pm Chicago Temple Washington and Clark. New New Deal Forum with John Conyers on Full employment legislation.

April 12, 7 pm Oak Park Public Library Forum on meaning of restoration of Haymarket Martyrs Monument in Forest Park.

April 27, 6 pm Haymarket Brewery and Pub at Randolph and Halsted. Film Screening of Sacco and Vanzetti. Music will be on tap along with beer.

April 28, 5:30 pm Newberry library. Forum and debate and reception with labor movement lawyers the American Constitution Society and others discussing Haymarket to the present.

April 29, 5:30 pm Gage Gallery, 18 S. Michigan, Chicago – Free reception for International Trade unionists and public and release of new ILHS publication on Forest Home Cemetery of The Day Will Come by Mark Rogovin and viewing of his fathers photos, Milton Rogovin.

April 30, 2 pm Plaque dedication at Haymarket Square at Randolph and DesPlaines by Illinois Labor History Society and re enactment of the Haymarket Tragedy at the site followed by gathering of all who wish to come to Haymarket Brewery at Halsted and Randolph. Music will be part of the events.

May 1, 1 pm World wide gathering to celebrate 125th anniversary of the Haymarket and the restoration of the Monument in Forest Park featuring AFL-CIO secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler and other dignitaries.

May 1, 7 pm Old Town School of Folk Music concert titled Music and Rebellion with Bucky Halker, his band, and some international groups. Tickets are 15 dollars. Download the concert's poster, and visit the website.

For more, check the following links...

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/get-involved/events.html

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/images/stories/schedule_of_events.pdf

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/images/stories/haymarket1.pdf

http://www.illinoislaborhistory.org/images/stories/ConcertPoster.pdf

Interesting event on global worker's solidarity planned for tomorrow...

2011-03-27T21:23:00.003-05:00

Join Chicago Jobs with Justice for this very special event featuring a worker from a Wal-Mart sweatshop in Bangladesh. We will explore the connection between workers here and abroad who are impacted by the global supply chain created by companies like Wal-Mart.

Gage Gallery at Roosevelt University

18 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60603

Chicago, IL

For more information check the following link...

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196797977027256

Incident at Reagan National the product of a 30 year history…

2011-03-25T12:58:00.007-05:00

The incident at Reagan National Airport is almost poetic in its irony. Exactly 30 years ago this coming August, President Ronald Reagan fired all of the nation’s over 11,000 air traffic controllers, busting PATCO the controller’s union and replacing them with less experienced replacement workers. Not only did Reagan’s move turn out to be the opening salvo in a 30 year long war on the American working class, the latest battle of which we are seeing waged in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and other states currently, but it dramatically reduced safety for the flying public. It is one of the clearest examples of the right wing’s disregard for worker rights and public safety when it interferes with their objective of leaner, meaner government.

Over the past 30 years, the air traffic controllers were able to re-organize into the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), but their power is nothing like that of PATCO 30 years ago. One outcome of this reduced power is that their regular complaints of un-safe staffing levels have gone largely unheeded. On Labor Express Radio over the past several years, primarily through our WIN segment (Workers Independent News), which has had excellent coverage of this topic, we have continually addressed NATCA’s desperate calls for attention to sever staffing problems at our airport’s control towers. Nothing highlighted the problem better than the Aug. 27, 2006 incident at the airport in Lexington, Kentucky when 49 people lost their lives aboard Comair Flight 191 because there was only one controller in the tower handling multiple controllers' responsibilities.

Now we see the right wing pushing for severe budget cuts at the federal and state levels for everything from fire departments to nuclear power plant safety. At the same time they are attempting to savage public sector unions much like Reagan did in 1981. Infamous Republican Governor Scott Walker regularly attributes his inspiration to his hero Reagan. How many lives will be lost to the Reagan philosophy on government and public safety? How many families will pay the price of the right wing’s budget cuts and union bashing either through increased poverty or lost family members? And for God sakes, can we now rename Reagan National for a real American hero as opposed to the right wing’s favorite anti-labor cult figure? How about for Steve Wallaert, President of PATCO Local 292, the first PATCO member to be JAILED by Reagan when he resisted the firing of the air traffic controllers. Now there’s a hero for you.

Here is a link to NATCA’s statement on the recent incident at Wallaert (I mean Reagan) National Airport…

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/natca-statement-on-safe-staffing-for-air-traffic-control-shifts-118589264.html

Great report on fight over the coal plant in Pilsen...

2011-03-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

WGN aired an amazingly good report on the struggle to clean up the Fisk coal fired power plant in Pilsen last night. If you missed, you have to check it out...

http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/b8f9b7b9-7b0d-4ab7-a4e5-7e4e9d2803d7/News/Politics-of-Coal

Michigan Law Would Overturn Local Democracy, Shred Contracts | Labor Notes

2011-03-21T12:17:00.000-05:00

Michigan Law Would Overturn Local Democracy, Shred Contracts | Labor Notes

What’s Next for Wisconsin? | Labor Notes

2011-03-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

What’s Next for Wisconsin? | Labor Notes

Ohio Governor Gets 3,000 Boos | Labor Notes

2011-03-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

Ohio Governor Gets 3,000 Boos | Labor Notes

Indiana Anti-Worker Bills Skid to a Halt | Labor Notes

2011-03-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

Indiana Anti-Worker Bills Skid to a Halt | Labor Notes

Judge Halts Implementation of Anti-Union Law in Wisconsin...

2011-03-18T17:49:00.001-05:00

I guess the Wisconsin courts agree with the assessment that the Wisconsin Republicans move to pass the anti-union measures was illegal, as stated in my previous post...

http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/03/18/judge-halts-implementation-of-anti-union-law-in-wisconsin/

Day 26 in Madison...

2011-03-18T01:02:00.004-05:00

The Great Labor Uprising in Wisconsin continues, despite the Republican senators, quite possibly illegal maneuver to push through their anti-union bill without a quorum. Day 26 in Madison turned out to largest protest yet outside the Wisconsin State Capitol. As many as 150,000 attended last Saturday’s rally. The character of the protests that day was particular interesting. One could feel the spirit of old Bob La Follette and the Progressive Party in the air. Thousands of members of Wisconsin’s Farmers Union attended the rally, many arriving in the dozens strong “tractorcade”. The theme of the day was worker / farmer unity. One of the farmer’s I interviewed, Randy Jasper, told me…“Its time for a worker farmer government, or at least a worker farmer party.” One of the most common chants of the day was the perennial favorite “this is what democracy looks like”, but as I watched farmers marching side by side with steelworkers, plumbers, electricians, nurses, farm laborers, Teamsters, restaurant employees, teachers, painters, Wobblies, fireman, policemen, students, and immigrant rights activists, I couldn’t help but think the chant should have been – this is what a social movement looks like. I can’t think of any other movement that I have experienced in some 25 years of activism, where the popular support was so broad. It feels like a subterranean fire has been tapped; that after decades of a one sided class war of the elite against the working class, working people’s simmering anger has finally reached the boiling point.

As is to be expected, with the 24 hour occupation of the capitol ended by a ruling of the Wisconsin courts, and attention being re-directed to the recall effort, the daily protests in Madison have waned in the past week. But that doesn’t mean people are not still mobilizing. Protests have dogged Governor Walker wherever he has turned up around the state, including a rally of thousands in Green Bay on Monday and hundreds of protesters who rushed passed security guards and occupied the lobby of a building in Washington D.C. where Wisconsin Republicans held a corporate fundraiser on Wednesday. There have been actions across the state and across the country over the past week in solidarity with Wisconsin’s public sector workers. And workers in Michigan and Missouri have held their own protests to try to stop similar legislative efforts in their states. The proposed legislation in Michigan is particularly disturbing as it would give the governor practically dictatorial powers to remove elected local governments and place them under the control of unelected “financial managers” who could than abrogate local union contracts. Truly scare stuff. For more on this see the following links…

http://www.freep.com/article/20110310/BLOG24/110310002/Mike-Thompson-Michigan-emergency-financial-managers

http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/03/were_all_dps_now_senate_moves.html

An attempt to pass a “right to work” law in Missouri was defeated today after a rally of nearly 5,000 in St. Louis. Apparently Republicans there are also trying to repeal minimum wage and child labor laws. Yes, the good old days the tea baggers long for really are the days of the robber barons of the 19th century when kids worked in factory for 12 hour shifts.

The Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) are planning a big rally for Madison on Saturday. For more info on that check the following link…

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193875367309986

There are also major public meetings planned for Madison on Sunday to discuss plans for continued direct action to defeat Governor Walker’s anti-labor agenda. One is organized by National Nurses United, the other by the IWW…

http://madison.iww.org/content/march-20th-madison-strategy-meeting-and-organizer-training

Much of the focus of the movement in Wisconsin at the moment is around the re-call effort. But talk of a general strike is still a hot topic as well, though it has received scant attention by the mainstream media and is being down played by most of the labor leadership. One exception to this is the Ed Schultz program on MSNBC which on March 10th discussed the idea of a general strike. Despite Schultz talking against the idea and suggesting it would play into Scott Walker’s hands, giving him an excuse to fire public sector workers, a phone poll on that same show resulted in nearly 70% in favor of a strike. The South Central Wisconsin Federation of Labor’s endorsement of a general strike really kicked off serious discussion of the topic. You can read there statement here…

http://www.scfl.org/?page=generalstrike

The concept has received support from surprising quarters. Here is Madison Firefighters union President Joe Conway talking about his support for a strike…

http://theuptake.org/2011/03/10/madison-firefighters-prez-calls-for-general-strike/

But the Republican’s parliamentary trick to push through passage of the anti-union law caught the movement by surprise and has complicated the question as to the effectiveness of a strike and when to declare one. Nonetheless, militant activist in the labor movement continue to call for a general strike and are advocating that the movement start now to prepare for one. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) has been one of the leading voices in Madison pushing for a general strike. They held a meeting at the Madison Labor Temple last Saturday attended by roughly a 150 people to discuss the idea. Excerpts of that discussion aired on last week’s episode of Labor Express Radio. You can also here my interview with Farmer Randy Jasper on the program…

http://www.archive.org/details/LaborExpressFor3-14-11&reCache=1

I recorded the entire meeting which is now online, minus a couple speakers who asked not to be recorded…

http://www.archive.org/details/IWWGeneralStrikeMeetingMadison3-12-11&reCache=1

The topic of a general strike will be discussed at both of the public meetings planned for Sunday in Madison listed above.

One final personal note on the rally last Saturday in Madison. I am not the type to get excited about celebrities attending rallies, or to get excited about celebrities under any circumstances. I am certainly glad when high profile figures lend their support to social causes, as this can bring more attention to these struggles. Indeed it is frustrating that we don’t see this happen more often. But I rarely give celebrities much attention as the focus of attention needs to remain on the people who are at the center of the struggle – in this case the public sector workers in Wisconsin and their fellow worker allies. Despite this, I was, perhaps surprisingly (an embarrassingly) thrilled by the attendance of one celebrity at the rally. Not Susan Sarandon, whose attendance was not much of surprise as she is one of the few in Hollywood who has been a consistent progressive and lent her support to many social movements over the years. But by the attendance of Wisconsin native Tony Shalhoub. I don’t watch much T.V. and have almost no time to follow particular T.V. programs, but somehow I did devolpe an attachment for the USA Network show Monk, one of the very few contemporary TV comedies I actually found really funny. Perhaps because I myself had once worked for a very eccentric individual with sever obsessive-compulsive disorder. So I did get a kick out of his speech at the rally.

To see pictures from day 26 in Madison, including pictures of Farmer Jasper, the Wobblies and Susan Sarandon check out the following link…

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/Day26InMadison?feat=directlink

Thousands rally in Indianapolis for workers rights...

2011-03-10T23:33:00.002-06:00

The rally in Indianapolis today helped draw some attention to a front in the current labor war that has been overshadowed by Wisconsin. Crowd estimates as usual ranged widely from a low of 8,000 to a high of 30,000. Somewhere around 10,000 seems a likely accurate guess. The numbers were lower than organizers expectations but were still massive for a state not known for mass demonstrations. Tune in to next Monday's episode of Labor Express Radio for more.

Here are some pics of today's rally...

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/IndianapolisRallyMarch102011?feat=directlink

Wisconsin State Capitol Re-occupied...

2011-03-09T22:47:00.002-06:00

The Wisconsin Republicans have pulled a parliamentary maneuver to push through the anti-union measures without a quorum. The protesters have re-occupied the Capitol. Here is a live feed from the capitol...

http://www.livestream.com/theuptake

Day 19 of the Great Labor Uprising in Wisconsin...

2011-03-07T18:04:00.010-06:00

I finally made it up to Madison last Saturday. I was concerned that Day 19 might be a let down. I have been receiving reports from others who had made the trip north over the last two weeks and the reports were filled with excitement over what is clearly one of the most significant labor battles of the last 50 years. Could such energy still persist in week three? Certainly the numbers were smaller Saturday than in previous weeks. The number of protestors has peaked at around 100,000 and has numbered in the tens of thousands on numerous occasions. On Saturday I would estimate there were around 5,000 people marching through the streets and listening to speeches on the capitol lawn. But after 19 days, 5,000 people is an awfully impressive number. And the enthusiasm of the protestors seemed to be as high as ever. Perhaps the excitement has only increased as it is increasingly clear that the protests have found broad public support across the country.

My most lasting impression of the protests was the incredibly politeness of the protestors. After nearly 25 years of activism I have attended rallies on hundreds of occasions across the nation and in two other countries. I can’t remember another rally where folks were quite so friendly and concerned over their neighbors safety. At one point I tried to climb a top a snow pile to take photos of the crowd. The snow was quite slippery and I was having trouble with my footing. Instantly four sets of hands were supporting me to ensure that I didn’t tumble over. When I broke for lunch at a restaurant near the capitol, the place was crowded with union activist and their supporters. Individuals like my self dining alone sat with other single diners and quickly struck up conversations. My lunch companion Kathie Free was the subject of one of the interviews I aired on today’s episode of Labor Express. I like labor uprisings Wisconsin style, and its not just because of my love for good chesse.

You can hear more from the Great Wisconsin Labor Uprising on today’s episode of Labor Express Radio…
http://www.archive.org/details/LaborExpressFor3-7-11

You can see pics from Saturday here…
https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/WisconsinStateCapitolDay19?feat=directlink

On Thursday there will be a major mobilization to support public sector workers in Indianapolis. You can find out more here…
https://spreadsheets0.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFJqTXVONDlYSzkyQnBOWDhURGlIUUE6MQ

And on Saturday a massive protest is planned for Madison, including tractors this time! You got to be there…
http://www.defendwisconsin.org/

Great labor history/labor action planned for this Sunday!...

2011-03-02T22:59:00.002-06:00

Great labor history/labor action planned for this Sunday!...

THE PARADE OF THE UNEMPLOYED

Sunday, March 6 - 2pm

at the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum (800 S Halsted St)

JANUARY, 1915: 1500 people gather at Hull House to talk about the high levels of unemployment throughout Chicago, then march to City Hall, demanding hunger relief and public works projects. Police break up the parade and make arrests.

MARCH 2011: Paul Durica and Pocket Guide to Hell recreate the parade, in solidarity with current unemployment rates. Ever been out of a job or know someone who has? Come march with us.

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL, JUST LIKE THE ORIGINAL PROCESSION.

COSTUMES AND PROPS WILL BE PROVIDED!

starring ALMA WASHINGTON as LUCY PARSONS

props by MICHELLE FAUST, KENNETH MORRISON, & NAT WARD

music by ENVIRONMENTAL ENCROACHMENT

PLUS: fake horses! hatpin-wielding women! an undercover cop named Fred Krueger!

AFTERWARDS: Chicago Jobs With Justice’s Susan Hurley will link these events to today’s, discussing unemployment, the current economic crisis, and what we can do together + refreshments!

WANT TO HELP SHAPE THE EVENT?

WANT YOUR ORGANIZATION TO BE INVOLVED?

that would be great! email pocketguidetohell@gmail.comor call (425) 241-8881 - thank you!

For more info see...

http://pocketguidetohell.tumblr.com/

Historic revolt in Wisconsin on tomorrow's episode of Labor Express Radio...

2011-02-27T16:10:00.010-06:00

Tomorrow's episode of Labor Express Radio will focus on coverage of the ongoing labor revolt in Wisconsin. Make sure to tune into the program - 10 AM at 88.7 FM

Until than check out this great video by Labor Beat video producer Andrew Friend...

http://blip.tv/file/4813751

And check out these articles on Huffington Post...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/25/wisconsin-workers-overpaid_n_828077.html

and...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-vines/millionaire-teachers-and-_b_826326.html

And take a look at this from the South Central Wisconsin Federation of Labor which is considering a GENERAL STRIKE!...

http://www.gsmlaborcouncil.org/node/7005

Pictures by Labor Express contributor Tessa Campagna. Tessa is a great photographer. You can find more of her work here...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tisaface/

http://www.flickr.com/people/tisaface/

Pictures from today's Libya solidarity rally...

2011-02-26T21:46:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures from today's Libya solidarity rally. I love the pictures of Gaddafi for people to stomp on. Listen to Monday's episode of Labor Express Radio for audio from the rally, 10 AM Monday morning on 88.7 FM.

For the rest go here...

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/LibyaSolidarityRallyFeb262011?feat=directlink

Updated: The revolt in Egypt is a test for Hugo Chavez and the American left...

2011-02-26T21:43:00.000-06:00

Update: Chavez has very disturbingly expressed support for the "Libyan Government" as Gaddafi massacres the Libyan people...

http://af.reuters.com/article/egyptNews/idAFN2616789920110226

Below is my original article from Feb. 6th...

The revolt in Egypt is a test for Hugo Chavez and the American left...

As I scanned over articles about the revolution under way in Egypt, one article in particular caught my attention. It was an article discussing the reaction of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to the situation in Egypt. You can find the article in question here...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2011/01/egypt-venezuelan-president-says-us-role-in-crisis-shameful.html

What I found particular interesting about the article was Chavez’s clear effort to avoid taking a side in the conflict in Egypt. Chavez was quick to condemn U.S. meddling in Egypt, an easy (and correct) position to take as one of the most pronounced voices of anti-imperialism in the world. But clearly Chavez found it more difficult to distance himself from Hosni Mubarak’s regime. Perhaps his must disturbing comment was his suggestion that the U.S. should have extended a visa to Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, the deposed former dictator of Tunisia, whose ouster by pro-democracy forces in January set off the events in Egypt. Note too, Chavez’s two buddies in the region, which he mentions consulting on the situation in Egypt, Libya’s Muammar al-Gaddafi and Syria's Bashar al-Assad, leaders of regimes equally as autocratic as that of Egypt’s. As the article suggests, it should come as little surprise since Chavez has worked hard to present himself as “pro-Arab, opposed to the policies of Israel and the United States”. Chavez’s anti-imperialism is admirable, but his embrace of some of the world’s most brutal rulers, such as Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Iran, in an attempt to construct a global counter to U.S. power is not.

I scanned over the Internet for further comments by Chavez on the situation in Egypt to no avail. I found this perhaps slightly surprising given Chavez’s proclivity to express his opinion on a wide variety of matters, especially international politics. But it than occurred to me that the situation in Egypt could be seen as a test of Chavez’s true motivations and intentions regarding the “Bolivarian Revolution”. Latin America’s left turn over the course of the last decade has been exciting for anyone committed to social and economic justice and the empowerment of the working class. The elections of Chavez in Venezuela, Evo Morales in Bolivia, and to a lessor extent (with major graduations) Rafael Correa in Ecuador, Lula da Silva (an his successor Dilma Rousseff) in Brazil, Fernando Lugo in Paraguay, the Kirchners in Argentina, Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, and Mauricio Funes in El Salavador where major steps forward for a region that only two decades ago was dominated by right-wing authoritarian regimes propped up by the United States. It proved that the left could contest for power electoral with great success. The attempted coups in Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, and unfortunately the successful coup in Honduras, which were the right’s response to the left’s electoral success, proved definitively, that at least in the Latin American context, it is the right that is the quickest to abandon democratic principal and resort to repressive violence in their struggle to keep elites in power. But winning state power through elections is far short of the revolutionary transformation so desperately needed in the region and across the global. To be sure the lot of the working class and the most marginalized (peasants, indigenous communities, women) has improved substantial as a result of Latin America’s left turn. Economic growth has been impressive with GDPs up and unemployment and poverty down. In places like Venezuela policies like higher minimum wages and various programs to re-invest the nation’s oil wealth into the countries poorest communities has resulted in concrete gains for the majority of citizens. But the situation in Venezuela is illustrative of how this has been achieved by many of the left learning governments in the region. 50% of government revenues and 90% of export earnings are dependent on the countries oil resources. This dependence on one major natural resources has allowed the state to improve life conditions for the countries poor majority, but is a precarious asset on which to peg the nation’s future. In the meantime, class relations, social structure, and concentrations of wealth and power have hardly been effected by the “Bolivarian Revolution.”*

After scanning the net for more comments by Chavez on the situation in Egypt, I decided to see if Evo Morales in Bolivia had anything to say on the matter. Evo Morales, though often portrayed as Chavez junior partner in Latin America’s left turn, is in some ways perhaps a more revolutionary figure than Chavez. Morales is Bolivia’s first Indigenous president in a country in which Native Americans constitute 55% of the population, the highest percentage in Latin America. He comes directly out of a mass movement of peasant coca farmers unlike Chavez who was a product of the military. Not surprisingly, I found nothing in regards to Morales’s thoughts on the situation in Egypt. Unlike Chavez, Morales is a quiet man, normally content to focus on what he knows best, the plight of his country’s poor farmers. But I did run across something interesting that had escaped my attention. In December Morales, the man who has been one of the world’s leading critics of neo-liberalism, attempt to impose serious austerity measures that would have had a devastating impact on the countries impoverished majority. Morales removed subsidies on fuel, sugar and flour, leading to steep increases in the price of gasoline and basic foodstuffs. He was forced to back down from his decision only after major protests by poor coca growers the very people that brought him to power.** What this reveals, is something that remains the greatest weakness of Latin America’s left turn. Much like the social forum movement which was both a product of and inspiration for the left victories in the region, the contemporary Latin American left (and the left worldwide for that matter) is defined by what it is against. The left turn was a rejection of the neo-liberal model of economic development. In the words of the social forum...”another world is possible.” This was an important and necessary breakthrough in the era of American triumphalism that followed the end of the cold war under which the “end of history” was declared and any possibility of opposition to militant neo-liberalism was unthinkable. The Latin American left shattered that illusion, but unfortunately, the movement never got around to providing many concrete details about what the other world should look like or on what basis it wold be built. Such aversion to utopian scheming was in many ways healthy, a reaction to so many failed 20th century revolutions. But without a positive vision - without a clear concept of what you are for, not just what you are against, it is impossible to move from critique to construction of that alternative.

Chavez’s Bolivarian Revoultion has been one of the greatest casualties of this. At the center of the problem of the movement in Venezuela has been its focus on Chavez as its messiah. Yes, the Bolivarian movement has at its base a network of unions, peasant groups and other popular organizations, but I think it is undeniable that the energy and focus of the movement has been largely top down. If this was not the case, if the movement was truly bottom up, built on mass popular organizations with deep roots in the Venezuelan working class - organizations so democratic that they regularly produce a mass cadre of organic leaders, who at the same time, are total beholden to their movement’s rank-and-file, their would no need for Chavez to continue as Venezuela's president indefinitely to maintain his revolution.*** For the movement to reach real maturity as a revolutionary movement it must eclipse Chavez the man. But the reality is, the Bolivarian movement is still too much of a cult of personality. And Chavez himself has never seemed to be able to decide if wants to really advance something new, a “21st century socialism”, or grasp on to failed models of the past, like Castro’s Cuba which he so admires.

Let me be clear here. I am not suggesting that Chavez is a dictator in any way, shape or form. Unlike the mainstream press in the United States which has never acted more like a apparatus of the U.S. State Department than when it comes to their reporting on Venezuela. Indeed, their is probably no other leader in the world that has been more democratically chosen by his nation's people than Hugo Chavez. Chavez, and his party have won free and fair elections over a half dozen times in the past 12 years, and survived an attempted coup, only because of the Venezuelan people’s feverant support for him. No U.S. president in recent years has near the claim to type of popularity and democratic legitimacy as Chavez has been able to maintain in Venezuela despite serious challenges. But Chavez popularity and more than numerous electoral victories do not alter the fact that he has pursued changes in the countries Constitution and laws (a constitution he lead the country in writing) that threaten elements of Venezuela's democracy.**** And what are Chavez intentions for the future of his movement? Does he really believe the Bolivarian Revolution requires a life time presidency, even if comes with a popular stamp of approval every six years?

This brings me back to original point. Does Chavez’s position on the Egyptian revolution reveal something about his concept of the way forward, of the future of the struggle for global social transformation? Chavez’s international alliances have been the most disturbing aspect of his politics. Chavez was one of the first to recognize the “victory” of Ahmadinejad in Iran after the fraudulent elections of 2009, squarely placing himself on the side of the oppressors against that of the oppressed. The situation in Egypt is even more interesting. As a U.S. ally, the Mubarak regime in Egypt would seem a natural enemy of Chavez, but even in this circumstance, it seems Chavez is uncomfortable fully embracing the masses from below who are challenging the secular, nationalist, corporatist dictatorship of Mubarak. If Chavez is truly committed to a global movement of working class empowerment from below, rather than the creation of his own left-corporatist autocracy in Venezuela, why should he seem reluctant to advocate for Mubarak’s overthrow, or distance himself from the Gaddafis, the Assads, and the Ahmadinejads of the world, and instead embrace the burgeoning freedom movements in each of these countries.

This is not merely a test for Chavez but also for the U.S. left which has beaitified Chavez in their desperate longing to grasp on to any force that represents an counter to U.S. global hegemony. Much of the U.S. left considers even the slightest critique of Chavez or that matter Morales as beyond the pale, pure treason. So far the same left has embraced whole heatedly the revolt in Egypt. It must seem odd than that St. Chavez has not been as ready to join them in their demonstrations of solidarity. It is also worth noting that the U.S. left’s enthusiasm for the Green Movement in Iran was much less pronounced and Chavez’s non-existent. Anti-imperialism is again a position in the negative. Yes, U.S. global domination must be resisted, but a positive movement of global workers solidarity must be the ultimate goal. Simple being opposed to U.S. power does not automatically guarantee a just society - Iran is the perfect case in point.

Of course it is beyond anyone’s predication at this moment what direction the Egyptian revolution itself will take. The U.S. political establishment is busy stirring up fears of an Egyptian theocracy, rooted in the power of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood. Comparisons between the situation in Egypt and the events leading to the 1979 revolution in Iran is a persistent theme of commentaries on all the mainstream news programs. But despite the similarities there are vast differences between the two situations. One of the most interesting developments in the last few days was the Muslim Brotherhood’s reaction to Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s statement that the events in Tunisia and Egypt were an “Islamic awakening”, inspired by the example of Iran’s 1979 revolution and the theocracy that has ruled Iran since. The Muslim Brotherhood explicit rejected Khamenei’s view as soon as he issued his statement. In their own statement, the Muslim Brotherhood stated “The MB regards the revolution as the Egyptian People’s Revolution not an Islamic Revolution”. This indicates that even the Islamists in Egypt recognize that Egyptians desire for real democracy will not allow for the substitution of a secular autocracy for a religious one. It also indicates the rulers in Iran are desperate to ensure that Iranians don’t recognize the obvious affinity between the Egyptian pro-democracy protesters and Iran’s Green Movement. It’s beyond a doubt that the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions have shook up the region and the world and challenged all sorts of long held political certainties.

The reality is the movement in Egypt is pleasantly leaderless, but also, to this point, founded purely on a negative - Mubarak’s removal from power. Those of us who find the revolution in Egypt, and its rapidly expanding ripples throughout the region exciting, are eagerly waiting to see what positive content the movement generates. What type of society do the masses in Egypt want to replace the Mubarak regime? This is yet to be determined. But what is abundantly clear is that this is a revolt from below that deserves our whole hearted support. But I wonder, where is Hugo Chavez’s heart?

* For an insightful analysis of the true state of the Venezuelan state and the Bolivarian process see the following link...http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/5615

** For info on Morales attempted austerity measures see the following link...http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iZxViZHqh0-3g9b03iyC9vrum8zA?docId=a8d2c0973083417e9d5c2204c39dee16

*** An interesting sideline, the electoral victory of Lula da Silva in Brazil, unlike Chavez’s in Venezuela was more bottom up in the sense that is was a more organic development, the result of years of organizing and base building by the Workers Party and the Brazilian labor movement. Indeed, this is in part the reason the electoral victories have outlived Lula himself and the baton has been passed on to Dilma Rousseff. Unfortunately, Lula’s government in Brazil could hardly be called revolutionary and Chavez has moved much further in reconstruct society in Venezuela in favor of the working class than Lula did in Brazil.

**** See the following links for more info on Chavez’s less than democratic political maneuvers...http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/venezuela/report-2010

http://www.hrw.org/en/americas/venezuela

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7891856.stm

Of course it is worth noting political and human rights are much, much better in Venezuela than they are in neighboring Colombia, the U.S. most significant ally in the region. Yet the mainstream press in the U.S. hammers Chavez for real and perceived human rights failings while remaining largely silent about the serious human rights violations in Colombia.

A great new film needs your support…

2011-02-25T23:59:00.004-06:00

WARNING MINOR SPOILER BELOW

Tambien La Lluvia (Even the Rain), a new film featuring the 2004 Cochabamba Water War as both backdrop and major theme, has finally made it to theaters in Chicago. Here is a brief description from the distributor…

“A Spanish film crew arrives in Bolivia to make a film about Columbus in the New World. Idealistic director Sebastian (Gael García Bernal, The Motorcycle Diaries) wants to denounce the injustices of the past, focusing on exploitation of the indigenous people. Practical producer Costa (Luis Tosar, Cell 211), working on a tight budget, has chosen Bolivia, one of Latin America's poorest countries, to stand in for Santo Domingo because extras will work for only $2 a day. After an open casting call almost degenerates into a riot, Sebastian hires outspoken Daniel (Juan Carlos Aduviri) to play the rebel Indian leader. But when the locals begin demonstrations against a multinational's plans to privatize water-even the rain-Daniel is in the thick of them, endangering the film's shooting schedule. The thought-provoking screenplay by Paul Laverty (The Wind That Shakes the Barley) cunningly parallels the Spanish conquest of the Americas with the modern spread of capitalism. This fascinating mixture of past and present, fiction and fact, features spectacular scenes of the period film within a film. Directed by Icíar Bollaín...”

You can find out more at the films Facebook page…
http://www.facebook.com/EventheRainMovie?sk=info

The film just missed being selected as a contender for the Best Foreign Language Film in the 2011 Academy Awards. I couldn’t care less about the Academy Awards as many of the best films ever made received zero attention from the Academy, but even a nomination for the awards would have meant hundreds of thousands more people might have seen the film. So it is up to us to spread the word. I wouldn’t say it’s a perfect film by any means, but so few films address such important issues like globalization and the Bolivian Water War, that a move like this that does needs to be celebrated.

One of the most powerful lines in the film is delivered by Sebastian, the director of the film that is the plot of the movie. At one point he says… (and I paraphrase from memory) “this stuff will be forgotten but the film will live forever” or something to that effect, indicating in an extremely egotistical way that his film is more important than the Bolivian’s struggle for public ownership over their water resources. The line is supposed to be dark comedy highlighting the absurdity of Sebastian’s obsession over the film and his blindness to the importance of the events around him. But sadly, there maybe more truth to his statement than we might like to admit. How many people in the United States know about the Bolivian Water War. I would guess far less that 1%. Ironically, his film could in a small way help correct that injustice.

The film is playing at least through next Thursday at the Century Landmark Theater on North Clark Street.

Dark day for Chicago, but a ray of light in the 25th Ward...

2011-02-23T00:25:00.002-06:00

So Rahm Emmanuel has been elected the next privatizer in chief. Wisconsin is looking much closer to Chicago than ever before. Lets just hope we can organize the same type of labor rebellion against Rahm they have so successfully organized in Madison. Let’s see who loses their jobs first. Will the unions that decided to play nicey, nicey with Rahm really believe they will be spared Rahm’s meat cleaver? I suggest they bend over and kiss their collective asses good bye. Rahm is a man who loves to be feared not loved. I give it one year before even the most feverent Daley opponent (myself included), long wistfully for the return of daddy Daley, when evil step dad Rahm takes over.

But all is not hopeless tonight. Here in the 25th, in good old Pilsen, we live to fight another day. Danny Solis has finally paid a small price for his host of sins. We have a run-off! Here are the totals as of 10:47 PM with 31 of 31 precincts counted and 100% of the vote in…

CUAHUTÉMOC MORFÍN 2,451 27.96 %
DANIEL ''DANNY'' SOLIS 4,291 48.94 %
AMBROSIO MEDRANO JR. 2,025 23.10 %

Morfín, who nearly forced Solis into a run-off in 2007, missing it by .5% of the vote that time, has succeeded to force a run-off this time. It is an impressive feat for a progressive candidate, running a nearly all volunteer operation on a shoe string budget, facing off against one of the city’s most powerful alderman. It was quite a site today to see Morfín’s rag tag army of volunteers, many of them long time or more recent community activists, many recent immigrants with limited English ability, face off against Solis’ well oiled (and well compensated) patronage machine. As the exact numbers for each precinct come in, the complete results of today’s election will become more clear. But I expect that they results will be similar to previous elections. Danny will have probably lost most of Pilsen, perhaps by as much as 70% compared to Morfín and Medrano’s combined numbers. Danny will probably once again have carried areas outside Pilsen, especially Taylor St. and Chinatown by wide margins. The big question mark might be University Village, the area with the newest residents and Danny’s new home post domestic squabbles last Fall.

Danny Solis was clearly on the defensive all day. Even many of his supporters at the polls indicated that they recognized, perhaps for the first time, that Danny was vulnerable. What is quite interesting is that a number of Solis campaign staff indicated part of this vulnerability was a result of the hard work done in the past year by PERRO (Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization) who have highlighted Solis’ close financial ties to Midwest Generation, owner of the Fisk Plant on Cermak Avenue, the neighborhoods (and one of the state of Illinois) biggest polluters. With unbelievable timing, Michael Hawthorne had an excellent article in today’s Chicago Tribune highlighting the fact that Midwest Generation has been lying when they say they are doing everything possible to clean up the plant. The article reveals precisely what the Clean Power Coalition has said all along, that the company will not make any serious improvements until required to by law. To read this incredible article, check the following link…

http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-chicago-coal-plants-20110221,0,579546.story

This clearly put Danny Solis on edge. When I asked him today if he planned to call Charley Parnell, an executive at Midwest Generation and a member of Danny Solis campaign finance committee, and ask him why he has been lying about cleaning up the plant, Danny told me, and I quote…”Go ask your Mom the same thing!” A rather bizarre grade school taunt from Danny that I don’t quite understand – am I supposed to ask my mom why Charley Parnell is lying to Danny Solis and the Pilsen community?

The big question now is whether Morfín, Medrano and their supporters will unite to fight Solis. Both committed to the other that they would do so, and it will be absolutely necessary as Morfín will need every single Medrano voter and than some to win. Ambrosio Medrano Jr. is a good guy, with a passionate heart and a deep love for the Pilsen community. He recognizes that the neighborhood we both love is seriously at risk if Solis wins another election. I believe he will wholeheartedly support Morfín in the next phase of this fight.

It is interesting how well each of the three candidates represents a different part of our community. Medrano, despite being the youngest of the three, represents some of our oldest residents. The Chicanos, the 2nd generation Mexican-Americans who grew up in the neighborhood. Long time residents, working class people, the people feeling the sting of Solis gentrification the most. Morfín represents a part of Pilsen that is both new and ancient. Morfín’s people are what has made Pilsen a port-of-entry neighborhood for a 150 years, but these people are relatively new to the neighborhood – recently arrived immigrants from Mexico. He also represents another element of what has been at the heart of Pilsen’s chracater for the past century and a half – the bohemian (in the creative, not ethnic sense in this case), the artist, the young progressive to radical activist community. His constituents are the lowest levels of the working class, the type of people who for so many years could find a home in Pilsen, but will not be able to much longer if gentrification firmly takes hold. And than there is Danny, who represents all the things that threaten the others very existence – the real estate developers, the corporate big wigs, the White gentrifies now in a disturbing alliance with a new class of Latino yuppies. It is a battle for Pilsen’s very soul. Will Pilsen continue to be a port of entry, a place vibrant with working class, immigrant culture. Or just another Taylor St., a once great Italian immigrant neighborhood whose only real remaining Italian immigrant character is a few high priced Italian restaurants. Can the Chicanos, the Mexicanos and the activistas unite, and hold back the gentrifying tide ready to wash over our neighborhood, or will the forces of big money be to difficult to withstand. The future is up to us.

PERRO holds rally outside Solis fundraiser...

2011-02-17T13:20:00.003-06:00

CHICAGO, February 16 – Frustrated by Alderman Danny Solis’ reluctance to become a co-sponsor or advocate of Chicago’s Clean Power Ordinance, Pilsen residents are asking, who does Alderman Solis represent – the community or Midwest Generation?

The proposed Chicago Clean Power Ordinance would require Midwest Generation to reduce the pollution produced by the Fisk and Crawford coal fired power plants by roughly 90%. A study by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health links air contaminants from Fisk and Crawford alone to over 40 premature deaths, around 500 emergency visits, and thousands of asthma attacks every year.

Alderman Solis has received over $50,000 in campaign contributions from Midwest Generation. “An average donation for a company of that size," Solis told the Chicago Sun-Times, but the company is Solis’ 3rd largest contributor. Half of all the company’s contributions to Chicago aldermen have gone to Solis. Midwest Generation executive Charley Parnell is a member of the Alderman’s Campaign Finance Committee. Is this why Alderman Solis opposes the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance?

Pilsen residents held a rally outside a fundraiser for the Alderman and distribute leaflets to those in attendance revealing the Alderman’s financial ties to the Midwest Generation and calling on the Alderman to become a co-sponsor of the Clean Power Ordinance. Over 50 people attended the rally and a number of print publications covered the event. I will post those stories once the are published.

For pictures of the rally, go to the following link...

https://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/PERRORallySolisFundraiserFeb2011?feat=directlink

The most under-reported story of the year so far?...

2011-02-15T21:45:00.003-06:00

I normally argue that the mainstream press spends way too much time on crime stories. The nightly news is filled with stories of this or that murder trial, not because they are all that relevant to the general public interest, but simply for the sensationalism factor. So it is truly perplexing, that when a murder trial comes around that actually highlights truly important social issues there is a virtual media blackout on the event.

Yesterday, in a Pima County, Arizona courtroom, Shawna Forde was convicted of the brutal murder of 9-year-old Brisenia Flores and her dad, Raul Flores after breaking into their home in 2009. Forde is a leader of Minutemen American Defense, a organization affiliated with the anti-immigrant border vigilante group the Minutemen. She is also an activist in the Tea Party movement in Arizona and with FAIR (the Federation for American Immigration Reform). On May 30th 2009 Forde and two accomplices broke into the home of Raul Flores and executed Raul at point blank range. They than executed nine-year-old Brisenia who was begging for her life. Forde and her friends also tried to kill Brisenia’s mother Gina Gonzalez, but she survived.

The case seems to be a clear cut example of the danger represented by the anti-immigrant movement and the increasingly violent views of the American right wing. But there has been almost no coverage of the case in the mainstream press. Don’t believe me? Do a Google search for yourself and see how few stories from mainstream press sources you find. What is really disturbing about this is the fact the media has spent a great deal of time over the past few years reporting on cases of violence by drug smugglers, immigrant smugglers and undocumented immigrants along the border against ranchers and Border Patrol agents. The lopside coverage smacks of racism and plays into the hands of the growing, militant anti-immigrant movement. If the press is not going to report on this story, WE NEED TO!

Earlier today the National Alliance of Latin American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC), held a press conference at Casa Michoacan in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood to issue an organizational statement on the case. For audio of the full press conference go here (it alternates between English and Spanish)...

http://www.archive.org/details/NALACCPressConference2-15-11&reCache=1

Here are links to a few articles on the case. Note they are mostly from independent, non-mainstream news sources. Those from mainstream sources are tiny, back page type stories...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/14/shawna-forde-convicted_n_823206.html

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2011/02/brisenia_flores_verdict.php

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/15/arizona-woman-vigilante-killed-mexicans

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-02-15/shawna-forde-guilty-of-murder-exclusive-interview-with-arizona-minuteman/?cid=bsa:moreauthor1

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_az_border_activist_trial.html http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/us/15brfs-BORDERACTIVI_BRF.html

From Egypt to Pilsen - It's time for change...

2011-02-14T20:33:00.008-06:00

Below is the full text of a letter to the editor I submitted as the Green Party's 25th Ward Committeeman to a number of local newspapers. I expect at least a couple to publish a shortened version...

The residents of Pilsen face many challenges. Many residents are themselves undocumented immigrants or have family members that are. The majority of residents are working class, many are low wage workers who have been hit hard by the current economic crisis. The health of Pilsen residents has been adversely effected by pollution from point-source polluters like the Fisk coal fired power plant on Cermak and the H. Kramer brass smelting facility on 21st Street. Long time residents are being pushed out of the neighborhood by rising property taxes, home prices and rents.

For all these reasons and more, Pilsen residents are desperate for change. Change that will not come if Danny Solis’ 15 year tenure as alderman is extended for another 4 on February 22nd. The proposed Chicago Clean Power Ordinance would require Midwest Generation to reduce the pollution produced by the Fisk and Crawford coal fired power plants by roughly 90%. Air contaminants from these plants result in over 40 premature deaths, around 500 emergency visits, and thousands of asthma attacks every year. Scientific studies released just in the last year and a half by the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and Physicians for Social Responsibility have re-confirmed the results of the original study conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health in 2001. These recent studies have also found linkages between these pollutants and other health problems like cardiovascular diseases. It is a public health crisis of major proportions. Solis opposes the ordinance while both of Solis’ opponents in the race, Cuahutémoc “Temoc” Morfin and Ambrosio Medrano Jr. support the ordinance.

Solis’ opposition to the Clean Power Ordinance is not the only way the Alderman has shown a disregard for the well being of residents of the 25th Ward. Solis also voted against the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance which would have dramatically improved the lives of low wage workers at stores like Wal-Mart and Target. Solis did not play a significant role in efforts to unionize workers at V. & V. Supremo or at the Casa de Pueblo grocery store. Not surprisingly unions consider Solis one of their biggest opponents on the Chicago City Council. Morfin has the support of the Chicago Teachers Union, the largest and most progressive union in Chicago. Medrano has the backing of the Services Employees International Union.

Solis has tried to present himself as of late as an advocate for undocumented immigrants. But his contributions to the immigrant rights struggle have been symbolic at best; unlike Morfin who who has been an active participant in the immigrant’s rights movement for many years. Solis has also angered the Whittier School Parents Committee which feels the Alderman was reluctant to assist them in their struggle to save a field house on school grounds. Morfin was an early ally of the Whittier parents and played a major role in the expansion of Juarez High School.

Perhaps Solis’ greatest failing is his closeness to real estate developers in the ward and his lack of concern over the growing gentrification of the neighborhood. The ability of long term residents to continue to be able to afford to live in the neighborhood is a top concern of those living in the 25th Ward. During his 15 year tenure as Alderman, Solis has demonstrated little concern for those displaced by gentrification and has expressed support for high end, high cost housing developments. Morfin has been active in efforts to combat gentrification in Pilsen for almost a decade, supporting such efforts as Pilsen Alliance’s down zoning proposal and the attempt to create a zoning advisory board.

The people of the 25th Ward are desperate for change. On February 22nd, they will have the opportunity to turn that desire for change into reality.

Jerry Mead-Lucero, 25th Ward Committeeman for the Green Party

Photo of Solis by Kate Gardiner/ WBEZ

Egyptian working class plays key role in the revolution...

2011-02-11T16:05:00.002-06:00

The people of Egypt have brought down a 30 year dictatorial regime. They have set an example for the entire region and the world. It appears that a turning point in the Egyptian revolution was the rising of the Egyptian working class which begun in a big way last week with strikes across the country. I have heard reports that women workers were particularly important. The future of the country now depends on what role Egyptian workers and women will play in constructing a new society in Egypt. For more on Egyptian labor's role in the revolution, check out the following links...

http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6936/bread_and_butter_revolution_egypts_workers_mobilize_for_a_new_future/

http://www.democracynow.org/seo/2011/2/10/egyptian_uprising_surges_as_workers_join

http://www.economicpopulist.org/content/forces-behind-egyptian-revolution

http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidANA20110210T110723ZQZR13/Egypt%20textile%20workers%20stage%20strike

http://www.almasryalyoum.com/en/news/independent-labor-protests-fuel-egypts-tahrir-uprising

http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/6933/afl-cio_backs_egyptian_worker_protests_says_obama_policies_not_clearly/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U-Gjm0fMUg&feature=player_embedded

UGTT and the Tunisian revolution...

2011-02-05T22:51:00.004-06:00

The UGTT (Tunisian General Labour Union), the union federation of Tunisia has operated as a type of corporatist union for most of its history. Meaning, it was integrated with the government, supposedly to represent the workers, but mostly to ensure the government labor peace. The revolution which broke out last month and lead to the ouster of dictator Ben Ali, forced the union into a dilemma - side with the repressive state apparatus of which it had been a part to a great extent or join the forces of revolt and attempt to become an independent, truly representative body for the working class. In January, the UGTT decided to side with the anti-regime forces and its organizational power was key to the success of the movement. But now the leadership of the UGTT seems to be once again, creating alliances with the remnants of the regime that remain in power. More radical elements with in the union federation are resisting this development.

Here are two articles describing some of what has been going on. The first reflects the position of the UGTT in late January when it was on the side of the protesters in the street....

Tunisia: Interview with UGTT Deputy Secretary General Hacine El Abassi

On January 14, 2011, Ben Ali, the Tunisian dictator, was forced to flee the country as a result of the revolutionary mobilizations of an entire people.

No sooner had Ben Ali fled than all the reactionary forces -- both inside Tunisia and on a world scale -- rushed to form a government of national unity structured around Ben Ali's party, the RDC, but also incorporating liberal "opponents" to the old regime. Key to this attempt to put a halt to the revolution under way in Tunisia, and to rescue the old regime, was the effort to co-opt the leadership of the General Union of Tunisian Workers (UGTT) trade union federation into joining the government of national unity.

Initially the UGTT accepted this proposal from Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi. But as soon as it was announced that three representatives of the UGTT had joined the government, a revolt took place at all levels of the UGTT federation against this decision. The UGTT had been a backbone of the revolution; its local and regional leaders and activists were central leaders of the revolution, its headquarters had been used widely as the organizing centers and launching pads for the mass mobilizations.

Under huge pressure from the members and officers of the union federation, the NationalAdministrative Council of the UGTT convened an emergency meeting 12 hours after its initial decision and voted a resolution announcing that it was withdrawing its representatives from the national unity government and from all elected positions on a national, regional level and local level.

This opened a new chapter in the unfolding Tunisian Revolution.

We are publishing below an interview with Hacine El Abassi, Deputy Secretary General of the UGTT. it is reprinted from the Jan. 26, 2011, issue of Informations Ouvrières, the weekly newspaper of the Independent Workers Party (POI) of France. The interview was conducted on January 24 by the Informations Ouvrières correspondent in Tunisia. -- Alan Benjamin

INTERVIEW with Hacine El Abassi, Deputy Secretary General of the UGTT:

"If there is no other way to get the Ghannouchi government to step down, we will call ageneral strike."

Question: What is the position of the UGTT in the current political situation?

Response: I remind you that on January 18, the UGTT adopted a resolution that states:

"Considering that the coalition government does not correspond to our ideas, that it does not express the demands we have put forward and that it does not represent the aspirations of the people and workers, [the UGTT] decides to withdraw our representatives from the coalition government; to have our elected union officials resign from the National Assembly, from the Assembly of the Council, and from the local councils; and to suspend the participation of the UGTT in the Economic and Social Council."

The UGTT also demanded, "[t]he dissolution of the RCD ... and the rejection of any foreign intervention in the internal affairs of our people, as they were the ones who overthrew a president that repress[ed] the people; the people therefore should be the ones to determine their destiny without outside interference."

The trade union federation also called for the "nationalization" of the Ben Ali clan's property, that is, the takeover by the Republic of Tunisia of a large portion of the economy. In this vein, the UGTT called for a "Constituent Assembly through free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people."

It is in this sense that the Secretary General of the UGTT and three members of the National Executive Committee, of which I am one, will meet tomorrow [Tuesday, Jan. 25 -- Ed.] with the political forces that want to end the RCD regime and its government. The goal is to discuss with them the conditions for the formation of a Government of Public Salvation, as per the January 18 resolution adopted by the UGTT's National Administrative Council.

The UGTT will play its role as a catalyst until a solution is found that is consistent with the interests of the people and their revolution. It will help ensure that opposition political parties will become part of the Government of National Public Salvation, constituting thereby a transitional political alternative to the RCD government, which has been rejected by the Tunisian people.

The only goal we pursue is the fulfillment of the goals of our revolution.

The UGTT will play its role to help gather and unite all opposition political forces in this direction. On this basis, we will be an obstacle to all internal and external enemies, who are able to weave their webs only to the extent that they are in our midst and are still willing to collaborate with our enemies.

Question: What are the objectives of the Tunisian revolution?

Response: Economic development, democracy, social justice, and a constitution. The first spark that will indicate that our country has changed course is the development of the interior regions, regions that have been totally abandoned by the RCD regime.

During 2010, we had undertaken an economic study of the Sidi Bouzid region and had warned the government of the risk of social explosion because of the alarming unemployment rate and the total lack of economic projects and job prospects. Development projects were implemented only along the coast.

Numerous studies show that the Ben Ali government's policy of privatization since he came to power has been responsible for the destruction of the economy.

They did not even know how to administer their own privatization policies. Workers in many privatized sectors are now demanding the nationalization of their companies. I cite, as an example, the public transport company, Tunis Air -- and there are many others.

In the face of the failure of the privatization policies, we had demanded a halt to the process to see if the privatized enterprises were functioning or not. We have always demanded a halt to privatization and the conservation of our companies as public enterprises.

Today, we ask that all of our companies are restored to the State because they must serve the objective of development and employment in our country. More specifically, we are calling for the the restoration of all privatized public enterprises into the hands of the State. This is imperative.

The French people have suffered for many years from this damaging privatization policy, dictated by the European Union (unemployment, the dismantling of public enterprises, the blows to social rights, etc.)

We are aware of this situation and know the harmful social effects that privatizations are causing in Europe as well. In each of our union battles against privatization, the government told us: "Even Europe is compelled to privatize."

The union federation in basic education has called today [January 24] for an indefinite strike. The strike has been followed massively, according to the reports we have received. But faced with the deafness of Ghannouchi and the RCD government, what can be done?

For our part, we will use all legal means to ensure that the demands of the Tunisian people are carried out -- for the departure of the Ghannouchi government and the dissolution of the RCD. Strikes are taking place in many sectors, as are marches and demonstrations.

If there is no other way to get the Ghannouchi government to step down, we will call a general strike. But we believe that the pressure of the street and that of workers in their workplaces, schools, etc. is in the process of making the government tremble.

The second describes the recent moves by the UGTT to accommodate itself to the current government, and those within the federation who oppose this. Read it at the following link...

http://www.ilcinfo.org/?p=17

New Egyptian union federation born out of recent struggle for democracy...

2011-02-03T15:44:00.002-06:00

To see original posting go here...

http://www.unionbook.org/profiles/blogs/egypt-founding-declaration-of

This is an attempt to create a new union federation, independent of the corrupt official central labor body, the Egyptian Trade Union Federation (ETUF), which has ties to the government...

Egyptian Federation for Independent Unions

Constitutional Body Creation

Egypt is going through historical moments… Its people is courageously struggling to defend the right to live a decent life… the right to dignity, freedom and social justice… to decent opportunities and just pay… to a democratic society for all, offering every single citizen a share in its wealth and GNP… a society that does not allow few to buy private jets whereas the rest of the population cannot even afford public transportation… a society that refuses to pay the top of the pyramid salaries higher thousand of time than minimum wage.

A society that allows its people to breathe freely… to freely speak, interact and express itself… a society that allows all people categories and classes to defend their interests and negotiate freely… a society that does not oppress its people, inhibits its ambitions and natural tendencies to develop workers capacities and improve their life conditions.

Workers and people struggled for decades and participated, especially since 4 years, in unprecedented recurrent protest actions to defend their legal rights. They succeeded in their endeavor despite the lack of independent union organization, stolen piece by piece for decades. They succeeded in attracting larges social sectors, and mobilizing greater sympathy among the Egyptian society, workers and union movements.

Workers defended their right to work to face unemployment specter – that devours youth – and demanded to set a new fair minimum wage that guarantees decent living for all workers. They fought courageously to defend their democratic right to organize and create independent union organizations.

Labor struggles paved the way to today’s people revolution. That is why Egypt workers and employees totally refuse that the “governmental” general federation represents them and speaks in their name, because it often denied their rights and claims and even issued the famous statement on January 27 claiming to oppose every single protest action during this period.

Therefore, independent unions and committees [RETA, Retired Workers Union, Health professionals Union, Teachers Independent Union] along with workers independent groups in industries declare the creation of Egyptian Federation for Independent Unions and its constitutional body on Sunday the 30^th of January 2011 and emphasizes on the following:

Egypt citizens right to work – and binding the government to “unemployment compensation”.

Define a minimum wage no less than 1200 LE, with a yearly raise proportionate to inflation; guarantee workers rights to bonuses and benefits according to work value, especially work compensation for those facing work hazards. Moreover, maximum wage should never exceed minimum wage by more than ten times.
The right for all Egyptian citizens to fair social security including the right to health care, housing, education “ensuring free education and syllabus development to cope with science and technology evolution”, the right for all retired to decent pensions and benefits.

Workers and employees right to organize, to create their own bylaws, to remove all legal restrictions regarding this right.

Free all detainees imprisoned after January 25^th.

Egypt Federation for Independent Unions Constitutional Body invites all Egypt workers to create civil committees in order to defend their workplace, workers and citizens during these critical times and to organize protest actions and strikes in the workplaces, except for vital sectors workplaces, to realize Egypt people claims.

Egyptian Federation for Independent Unions

The “Constitutional Body”

30/01/2011

Blizzard brings out best in Chicagoans…

2011-02-02T21:46:00.002-06:00

It comes as no surprise, but the adversity of the last 24 hours has brought out the best in people across the city from what I have seen. It is amazing how easy it is to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger anywhere – on a subway platform, a bus stop, a street corner (or more correctly right now the middle of the street as close to the corner as you can get). Perhaps the most common way to make a new friend in the city since last night is helping someone free their car which has become immobilized in a snow bank that once was a street intersection. The best were the workers I spoke with downtown last night - CTA employees, streets and sanitation guys, building maintenance guys, surprisingly friendly and cheerful despite the circumstances. The bus and trains were running smoothly and the sidewalks and streets amazingly clear, due to these guys hard work. Hats off to the workers of Chicago, keeping this city running in the most extreme of circumstances.

And all of this makes me slightly ashamed of some of my recent thoughts. As of late I have been contemplating a move to join the rest of my family in Southern California. Weather being at the heart of my growing temptation to abandon my home town of 40 years. But today has reminded me of some of the reasons I love this city so much. I remember my mother telling me a few years after she moved to L.A. that Southern Californians can’t deal with any adversity in their lives, because they are used to everything being so easy. I saw it first hand myself on a few of my recent visits. Last June, when I was in L.A. I couldn't help but laugh at the constant moaning about the “June gloom”. Everyday, for half the day it was 70 degrees and sunny. But because the mornings were on the cool side and a grey fog hung over the town till noon each day, everyone complained about the terrible “June gloom”. They need to try 10 degrees and two feet of snow and see how that compares to the “June gloom.” Living in Chicago really does develop a type of toughness that I think needs to be celebrated.

So for the moment I am enjoying the Blizzard of 2011. But I am sure those feelings will wear off pretty damn quick. And lets keep blaming all the problems from the Blizzard on Rahm Emmanuel. Maybe we can turn this into his Bilandic moment. I can dream can’t I.

Blizzard 2011 Part 2 - The Aftermath...

2011-02-02T17:22:00.015-06:00

Can't we find a way to pin the blame for the blizzard on Rahm so as to assure he isn't elected?...

For more, go here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/Blizzard2011Part2TheAftermath?feat=directlink

Blizzard 2011 Part 2 - The Aftermath

Blizzard 2011...

2011-02-02T02:38:00.008-06:00

For more pics, go here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/Blizzard2011?feat=directlink

Blizzard 2011

"What Can Direct Action Do For You?" on CAN TV 21 tomorrow night...

2011-01-30T15:34:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow night - Mon. Jan 31, 9 pm -CAN TV Channel 21
"What Can Direct Action Do For You?"

Labor Express Radio examines direct action as a tactic for unions and other social movements, with a panel composed of four guests who have already won victories using this approach…

Toussaint Losier of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign – The campaign has successfully kept people in their homes by blocking home evictions with mass numbers of supporters.

Mark Meinster of UE – The UE’s factory occupation of Republic Windows and Doors, not only won the workers their legally mandated severance, but eventually lead to the re-opening of the factory.

Michael Kozlowicz of the IWW – The IWW has throughout it history promoted direct action as a primary way for workers to win demands in the work place. Everything from refusals to work, to walk outs, to work to rule, to free speech fights, to sabotage have been a part IWW history. And the organization continues to use these tactics to great effect from Jimmy Johns, to Starbucks, to warehouse workers on the East Coast. Now the Chicago IWW is organizing a direct action case work workers center – the Lucy Parsons Workers Center.

Claudio Gaete of the Whittier Parents Committee – By occupying the field house on the grounds of Whittier Elementary School for over 40 days, parents were able prevent the buildings demolition and win their demand that the facility be used as a library for the children and a community center for the parents.

The Last Night at Decima Musa...

2010-12-24T00:13:00.001-06:00

I will try to post more comments after the Holidays, but here are some pics from Decima Musa's Gran Finale...

Last Night at Decima Musa

The Last Days of Decima Musa…

2010-12-14T16:12:00.005-06:00

The only way to describe the feeling of receiving news of Decima Musa’s imminent demise was the proverbial punch in the gut. But I quickly relieved myself by convincing myself that the bearer of the bad news had to be mistaken. “Closing on the 15th, you mean just for the holidays” is what I keep telling myself and anyone who dared try to contradict my illusion. It wasn’t until I heard the words directly from Rosario’s mouth that I was forced to face the truth – Pilsen was losing another one of it cultural icons. I’ve told friends that my tearful conversations Rosario over this decision since have been filled with great memories but are harder to endure than most wakes I have attended. It truly feels like the final days of a dear friend.

Pilsen has been an immigrant, working class community since its earliest days in the mid-19th century. Because of these demographics it has also been a neighborhood of struggle. Few businesses or institutions in Pilsen during the last 30 years have embodied this spirit of struggle more than Decima Musa. The 10th muse has indeed inspired countless struggles for social, economic, and cultural justice in our beloved barrio. A list of regular attendees on Thursday nights would read like the who’s who of Pilsen activist of the last quarter century. It’s loss is a devastating (but lets hope not mortal) blow to what makes Pilsen the greatest neighborhood in the country.

I will try to post more reflections after the Gran Fiesta, the final Thursday night. Below are some pictures taken over the past week, a few taken with my low res cell phone camera. Hopefully I will have better pictures later this week from the last night. And to all you Pilsenites, I will see you Thursday…

Last Days of Decima Musa

Decima Musa’s Gran Finale

Thursday, December 16th

8:00 PM til ?

1901 S. Loomis

Tellez family fights eviction...

2010-12-03T14:46:00.006-06:00

Alvaro and Silvia Tellez have been trying for months to negotiate with the bank that holds the mortgage on their home. They want to renegotiate the terms of their sub-prime mortgage and are willing to keep making regular payments that are within their budget. Over the past year, their monthly payments have jumped from $3,000 to $4,700. The family moved into the basement of their building in order to rent the two floors above in effort to continue making regular monthly mortgage payments. But the bank would rather add one more vacant property to a neighborhood already riddled with them rather than find a way to keep the Tellez family in their home.

Alvaro and Silvia followed the legal process and looked for relief from the courts, but were callously told by a judge, after a hearing that took minutes, that they most vacate their property by December 4th. But the Tellez family is taking a stand. With the support of the Chicago Anti-Eviction Committee, the Tellez family announced on Thursday, their intention to stay put regardless of the court's decision. They held a press conference Thursday with a couple dozen supporters who plan to help the family stay in their home, even if it requires physically blocking the eviction with their presence. The Chicago Anti-Eviction Campaign is calling for solidarity on Saturday, when the 30 day period has expired and the possibility of attempted eviction becomes eminent. Supporters are urged to show up at the families home at 10:30 AM.

For more info check the campaigns facebook page... http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=238610161031

Below are pictures from the meeting and press conference at the Tellez family residence at 2221 N. Latrobe Ave on Chicago's west side. The Tellez Family served soup and hot chocolate to the dozens who showed up to support the family, crowding the tiny basement apartment in which the family lives....

Tellez Family

PERRO’s 25th Ward Aldermanic Candidates Forum...

2010-11-27T18:55:00.003-06:00

Join us for PERRO’s 25th Ward Aldermanic Candidates Forum. Find out were the candidates for Alderman of the 25th Ward stand on issues such as the environment, education, TIF funds, gentrification, and social and economic justice. Tuesday, Dec. 7th from 6 to 8 pm at Decima Musa - 1901 S. Loomis. All three candidates have been invited.

Pics from PERRO's Day of the Dead procession...

2010-11-09T15:22:00.005-06:00

PERRO's Day of the Dead Procession was a lot of fun, attracting roughly 100 hundred participants, many of the them students from UIC and Loyola University, as well as our partners from LVEJO, RAN, EcoJustice Collaborative, Sierra Club, Greenpeace and others. We received excellent media coverage on Univision on both the 5 pm and 10 pm news, despite the elections being the next day. 25th Ward Aldermanic candidates Temoc Morfin and Ambrosio Medrano Jr. spoke in favor of the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance. Alderman Solis was a no show.

Here are some pictures from the procession from friend of PERRO, Pam Richart...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49938785@N05/sets/72157625218311929/

and...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52853490@N02/sets/72157625171509181/

Midwest WobFest 2010 is coming...

2010-11-06T19:56:00.004-05:00

Chicago IWW hosts MidWest WobFest 2010, November 12th-14th

The Chicago IWW is hosting the 2010 Midwest Wobfest at the UE hall on 37 S. Ashland Avenue. All IWWs and other workers are invited. Presentations require a $20 registration fee.

Friday night will be a music performance and party that is open to all (no registration required). The show is a $5 sliding scale cover, free with registration. On Saturday, will be the presentations and speakers followed by films and socializing. Sunday is a Labor History tour, including Haymarket Square and a tour of Forest Home, the final resting place of the Haymarket Martyrs.

This years presentations will include Occupations and Takeovers, Workers Self-Management, the UE Republic Windows strike & occupation, the Spanish Civil-War, Self-Management in Brazil, and more!
Meals will be provided (vegan.) Please let us know if you have any special needs, food allergies, gender preference, need housing or child care. Tabling space is still available!

You can register by mail, email, or at the door. See the attached documents for the schedule and registration information.

NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS!

To RSVP or for more info...

wobfest2010@gmail.com or (312) 638-9155

The occupation has ended but the struggle goes on…

2010-10-27T20:56:00.001-05:00

The occupation of La Casita at Whittier was brought to a close tonight. The Whittier parents are declaring victory in the battle of La Casita as Ron Huberman’s office put in writing today the guarantee not to demolish the field house and to lease it to the parents group at $1 a year. However the war is far from over…

The issue of the library is yet to be resolved. CPS still insists that they can find space inside the school building for the library. The parents insist there is no space in the school and that the library should be located in the field house.

The parents insist that Huberman and Alderman Solis already agreed that TIF funds would be used to complete the repairs necessary at La Casita. Huberman’s letter today did not make this clear.

A half block away from Whittier is the abandon police station on Damen which has sat vacant for several years. The parents say that Solis promised them that the building would be used for an expansion of Whittier. But the city now claims this can’t be done because of concerns over asbestos in the building. The parents argue that TIF funds should be used to remediate the building and fund the expansion.

The parents are still ask supporters to contact Ron Huberman and insist that the library be located either in La Casita our somewhere else outside the already overcrowded school. That TIF funds pay for repairs to La Casita. And that the expansion of Whittier into the police station proceed. You can contact Huberman’s office at… 773-553-1550

For more tune into next Monday’s episode of Labor Express Radio - 10 am Monday morning on WLUW 88.7 FM or live online at… www.wluw.org

Join PERRO Nov. 1st - Day of the Dead Procession...

2010-10-20T23:03:00.006-05:00

PERRO (The Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization) invites all to join their November 1st Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) Procession through University Village and Pilsen...

4:30 PM - rally at UIC’s Quad 750 S. Halstead
5:30 PM - procession begins into the Pilsen neighborhood, past the Fisk Plant and to Alivio Medical Center.
6:30 PM - rally at Alivio Medical Center - 966 West 21st Street.
Will have music, food, art making and a lot of fun. Feel free to come in costume and bring your own sign expressing your concern about the pollution coming from the

Fisk coal fired power plant.

You can find out more at... pilsenperro.org

Here are some pictures from PERRO's Sept. 27th 24 hour vigil outside Alderman Danny Solis office...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/54940497@N02/sets/72157625069804845/show/

And from the 10-10-10 rally at Alivio Medical Center...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/101010?feat=directlink

Message from Claudio Gaete with the Whittier Parents...

2010-10-15T18:01:00.000-05:00

Please, Call Ron Huberman at (773) 553-1550 and fax him at (773) 553-1502 to tell him to accept the parents' demands that were delivered to him on Thursday, October 14th. He has ignored us for too long. Let him know that the Whittier Parent Committee has support throughout the city! It is exactly a month now. Encourage others to do the same.

Another article on the Chilean miners worth taking a look at...

2010-10-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-k-black/capitalism-would-have-kil_b_764948.html

Lessons of the Chilean miners...

2010-10-14T22:47:00.002-05:00

It was thrilling for me as I am sure it was for all of you to witness the successful rescue of the 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground for 69 days following a collapse at the San Jose copper and gold mine on August 5^th. Much of the Spanish language press here in Chicago turned over their entire broadcast yesterday to coverage of the rescue. But amidst all the media attention on the “miracle” in Chile, what has not been given as extensive coverage was the host of issues that this near tragedy raises.

For one, there are the dangerous working conditions faced by miners world wide and by Latin American miners in particular. Chile is much safer than a place like China were hundreds of miners die ever year, or closer neighbors like Mexico or Colombia, were dozens have died in the last couple years. But the life of a Chilean miner still carries great risk. And by most reports the situation is getting worse. The San Jose mine, owned by Compañia Minera San Esteban Primera, has racked up some 42 safety violations in recent years and some 16 miners have been killed at the mine in the last decade. Miners union leaders have regularly complained about working conditions at the mine and charged mine owners with ignoring worker’s safety concerns. One of the safety violations behind the miners entrapment at San Jose was the lack of a escape tunnel as required by law. And while the world has focused on the fate of the 33 miners trapped under ground, some 300 other employees of the San Jose mine have been struggling without any paychecks after the was mine shut down. The miners have complained of company and government insensitive to there fate.

Chile’s mines are the cornerstone of the Chilean economy and provided 40% of the governments revenues. Miners have a long history of struggle in Chile and were the backbone of Allende’s Socialist government which was overthrown by a coup in 1973 ushering in a brutal military dictatorship under August Pinochet. Indeed many believe Allende’s decision to disarm the miners who had seized control of the country’s mines after his election, was one of the major factors that allowed the right wing to successfully carry out their military coup. Today Chile’s mining sector includes private mines like Compañia Minera San Esteban Primera, and the state owned mining company Codelco. Within days of the August 5^th disaster, Compañia Minera San Esteban Primera was discussing bankruptcy and crying out to the government for aid claiming it could not afford to rescue the miners. In the end it was the expertise of Codelco the state owned mining company and funds provided by the Chilean government who spared no expense, that lead to the miners rescue. This should stand as a powerful lesson on the bankruptcy of the private sector in general. It is also interesting that Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, a billonaire media mogul right winger with family ties to the Pinochet regime, has nonetheless been steadfast in demanding that Compañia Minera San Esteban Primera reimburse the government for its expenses, bankruptcy or not, and has restructured the governments mine regulation ministry in the face of its failures to ensure mine safety. President Pinera is even supporting legislation that hikes taxes on foreign mining companies operating in the country. All of this has increased the president’s popularity, whether warranted or not. Indeed, despite President Pinera being a right winger, it appears President Obama, allegedly a progressive, could learn a thing or two from Pinera about standing up to corporate interests in favor of the public good. At the same time, it was distributing and perhaps revealing the other day when Pinera declared that now perhaps the world, when they think of Chile, won’t think of the coup or the dictatorship but will think of this rescue effort.

Much is being made of the showering of gifts on the miners from wealthy benefactors around the world, including free trips to Europe. Indeed, for the moment, they are deservedly instant celebrities. The 33 freed miners will each receive roughly $10,000 through a mix of donations from the government, the state mining company and private donations. For workers who earn roughly $1,600 a month, that amounts to a little more than 6 months pay. But than they will need to find other jobs in a country in which miner’s wages are considered high in compassion to most workers. But the miners are likely to suffer for years from the psychological if not physiological effects of their two months of confinement underground.

But in the end it is worker solidarity and resilience that is the most ennobling element of this story. In the words of blogger Lucian E. Marin of 21stcenturymanifesto.wordpress.com... “The way in which the 33 organized themselves underground, especially during the initial 17 days before they were found – a period they survived on only 48 hours of rations between them – was truly exemplary, reflecting humanity at its best.” Or in the words of Partha Banerjee of Countercurrents.org… “What courage, what resilience, what organization and optimism even against the most extreme adversities! Miracle? Sure, we all know that; we'd say the same thing if one of our family members had experienced the situation. But it's also much more than that. It's the fighting spirit of the working people. It's their solidarity.” And international miners solidarity has been evident throughout, from support in the rescue effort, to vacation time in Greece at the expense of a Greek mining company (an idea put forward by Greek miners), to invitations to visit England from Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton, the son of a miner. Like in so many other recent tragedies around the world, it is workers solidarity that provides the bright light amidst the darkness.

Here are some links that can help shed light on the lessons of the Chilean miners...

http://www.countercurrents.org/banerjee141010.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/americas/15chile.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2010/10/mining-accidents-latin-america.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-heffernan/how-a-government-takeover_b_763017.html

http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=362450&CategoryId=14094

http://21stcenturymanifesto.wordpress.com

http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=10352

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/chile/8063050/Chile-mine-rescue-winners-and-losers.html

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/for-every-rescued-miner-hundreds-far-less-lucky/?src=twt&twt=nytimesgreen

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/world-news/days-of-hope-and-fear-chile-s-trapped-miners-face-up-to-ordeal-1.1051225

http://technorati.com/business/article/were-the-chilean-miners-to-be/

Article on Metropolis Lock-Out...

2010-10-12T23:33:00.002-05:00

Here is a link to my article for Labor Notes on the lock-out in Metropolis Illinois...

http://www.labornotes.org/2010/09/locked-out-illinois-uranium-processing-plant-steelworkers-and-community-wait-nervously

Negotiations between the company and the union resumed Monday, but despite some positive signs Monday, negotiations broke down today. You can read the full report here...

http://www.usw7-669.com/mission.html

Check back in a couple days for a longer version of my report on my visit to Metropolis on Labor Day.

One Nation Rally DC Pics

2010-10-04T01:49:00.000-05:00

Pics from the One Nation Working Together Rally in DC...

2010-10-04T01:47:00.001-05:00

Here is a link to the pics...
http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/OneNationRallyDCPics#

PERRO 24 hr vigil a great success...

2010-10-01T13:40:00.003-05:00

Last Monday PERRO (Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization), held a 24 hr vigil outside the office of Alderman Danny Solis of the 25th ward, to encourage him to become a co-sponsor of the Clean Power Ordinance. Dozens of people participated and the news coverage was extensive especially the Spanish language press. Univision covered the vigil on it 5 pm and 10 pm news broadcasts. Telemundo aired pieces on the vigil at 5 pm, 10 pm and on Tuesday mornings news cast. WBBM News radio 780 mentioned the vigil throughout the day Monday.

I will post more later, include pictures, put here are two good print stories on the vigil...

http://www.progressillinois.com/quick-hits/content/2010/09/27/turning-heat-chicagos-clean-power-bill

http://www.publicnewsservice.org/index.php?/content/article/16182-2

Labor Beat Fundraiser...

2010-09-18T23:50:00.003-05:00

Come out next Friday. We need your support...

Labor Beat Fundraiser

Evanston Community Media Center

1285 Hartrey Ave. (off Dempster)

Evanston, IL

For more info go here...

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=150629768304141&ref=ts

Labor Beat Fundraiser
6:30 pm, FRIDAY, SEPT. 24
$20 Suggested Donation

Evanston Community Media Center
1285 Hartrey Ave.
Evanston, Illinois
free parking on site!

Join us in an evening of:
* Short video segments with comments by Labor Beat producers
* Refreshments will be served
* Discussions on labor and the media issues
* Hosted by Jerry Mead-Lucero of the Labor Express radio show

For more info on fundraiser: lduncan@igc.org * 312-226-3330

Links related to the 9-20-2010 episode of Labor Express Radio program...

2010-09-18T23:48:00.000-05:00

Here are some links related to the 9-20-2010 episode of Labor Express…

GET ON THE BUS! Come to D.C. for the One Nation Working Together March on Washington. Find out more here…

http://www.onenationworkingtogether.org/content/main

For more on the Siege of La Casita, you can check out my blog…

http://www.pilsenprole.blogspot.com/

For more on the Chicago Teachers Union’s planned rally tomorrow, check out the CTU’s website…

http://www.ctunet.com/

For more on charter school teacher organizing in Chicago, go here…

http://www.chicagoacts.org/

More pics from Whittier...

2010-09-18T13:39:00.002-05:00

Photographer Sarah Jane Rhee was kind enough to send me these pics from the occupation of the Whitter field house which she took last night...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraromeo/5001403178/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraromeo/5001402250/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sierraromeo/5000800179/

The police apparently came by and harassed some of the sit-in participants last night, but they have not attempted to arrest anybody so far.

The Siege of La Casita...

2010-09-17T17:16:00.005-05:00

The Siege of La Casita:

The war at Whittier Elementary School is far from over, but at least the most recent battle has been won. The siege of la casita, the field house which sits in Whittier’s playground, has been lifted. Since Wednesday parents and community activists have occupied the facility to prevent its demolition by Chicago Public Schools (CPS). They want the field house protected and used, at least temporarily, as a library, a resource the school has been left without for years. They currently use the field house as a community center and a place for various activities for the children. They question CPS’s desire to spend over $300,000 on demolishing the structure rather than spend that money ensuring that the school has the resources its needs.

The struggle at Whittier is nothing new. For much of the past decade, parents and community allies have had to fight to keep the school open and than fight yet again to make the smallest of improvements in what is an overcrowded and physically deteriorated facility. Rumors have been a foot for sometime that the decision to demolish the field house is a land grab. Nearby Cristo Rey, a Jesuit High School, has expressed in the past its interest in acquiring more land in the area for soccer fields and other purposes.

CPS contends that the field house is structurally unsound. But it is a case of the dueling building engineers. The firm hired by CPS has declared the building dangerous and recommended that it be placed off limits for any activity. The company hired by the parents and community groups found instead that the roof needed replacement but that otherwise the building was sound. Those currently occupying the building are aware that the outside of the building has seen better days, but given the overcrowded conditions at Whittier and the lack of investment in the school by CPS, they are not interested in conceding any space for demolition.

After 2 days of occupation it looked as if today the police were going to make their move. They surrounded the field house restricting any movement in or out. By mid day the perimeter of the siege had extended for a block around the school. Streets were cut off and even local residents found it nearly impossible to enter their neighborhood. Only a handful of press who we already inside when the police arrived were allowed near the field house. And most importantly, community members arriving with food for those inside were prevented from getting that food to those inside. Police commanders on the scene threatened arrest for anyone attempting to bring food to those occupying the field house. Even James Finnerty, the lawyer for those inside the field house, was prevented from entering the school grounds.

Calls to Alderman Danny Solis for his aid in lifting the siege fell on deaf years. Once again, the community was told Danny was out of town (man that guy takes a lot of vacations). This time it was to D.C. at least and not to China. But other politicians proved more helpful. In particular, State Rep. Cynthia Soto tried her best to get through to Ron Huberman , the CEO of CPS (what a title, he was apparently also out of town - I wonder if he was with Danny), and pressure him to call of the cops.

The parents and community members inside told the growing crowd of supporters outside that they had been told that at 2:45 pm, just as the school day was ending and children would be exiting the school building, the police would arrest anyone who persisted in refusing to leave. But the end of the school day just brought a fresh wave of solidarity. A large group of parents, school children and community supporters pushed past police lines with food for those inside. Some started to jump the low fence that had served as the perimeter closest to the field house all day. Frustrated police at first seemed to try to prevent this but were quickly overwhelmed and gave up the attempt to stem the tide. Shortly after that, for reasons that are not fully clear, the police left the area and removed the cordon they had created around the school. CPS security than opened the gate to the playground and all the supporters, many of whom had observed from the fence line all day, swarmed in for an informal pizza party.

It is not clear what CPS next move will be. Negotiations between CPS and those in the field house were inconclusive. CPS indicated perhaps some willingness to dialogue with the concerned parents and area residents, but only if those inside vacated the building and lock smith changed the locks. CPS also put up signs on the outside of the building declaring it condemned and off limits to the public. At least for now the police have been called off, and the Whittier warriors are staying put. But the police could return at anytime so the Whittier warriors could use your solidarity.

Bring food, bring drink, but most of all bring your solidarity...

Whittier Elementary School - 1900 W 23rd St

Audio interviews from those occupying La Casita and supporters outside will air on this Monday’s Labor Express Radio program, 88.7 FM at 10:00 AM. Or live online at… www.wluw.org

You can find pics of the events described here…

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/TheSiegeOfLaCasita#

Pics from El Grito protest…

2010-09-16T20:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday’s celebration of Mexico’s bicentennial of its struggle for independence at Millennium Park was great fun. Not only because the music was great (man that kids choir from Michoacán was really something). Not only because the crowd was so festive. Not only because it was terrific to see so many friends and family I haven’t seen in awhile. But because of the surprise protest targeting the Consul General which took place during the El Grito. It was a huge embarrassment for the Consul who was at the center of yesterday’s festivities.

Members of Chicago’s local Mexican community have long felt that the Consul has been disrespectful towards them, placing greater emphasize on creating a cozy relationship with the powers that be than serving the community’s needs.

The protest involved the unfurling of 4 banners at strategic locations letting the Consul know he is no longer welcome in Chicago.

Now that’s the way to celebrate a revolution.

You can find links to my pictures of the protest here…

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/PicsFromElGrito#

The Men of Steel Locked-Out in the Home of the Man of Steel...

2010-09-13T11:01:00.004-05:00

This Monday’s episode of Labor Express Radio is a “don’t miss” episode. The entire program will be devoted to my Labor Day weekend visit with the locked out Steelworkers in Metropolis, Illinois, a small blue collar town in the Southernmost corner of the state. Metropolis maybe know as the home of Superman, but the danger to the residents of Metropolis isn’t kryptonite, it is the toxic substances handled at the Honeywell International Inc. plant located on the outskirts of town.

The only uranium conversion plant in the United States, members of Steelworkers Local 7-669 are uniquely skilled and trained to handle radioactive material and highly corrosive acids. But now, locked-out of the plant, the facility is being staffed by poorly trained scabs. There has already been one explosion at the plant on the Sunday

before Labor Day.

Hear more about how proposed cuts to health care and pension benefits lead to a contract impasse and the eventual lock-out. Hear how the town of 6,000 has rallied around the locked-out workers. And hear how a town lives in existential fear. On this Monday’s Labor Express Radio program – The Men of Steel Locked-Out in the Home of the Man of Steel.

You can download today's program by going here...

http://www.archive.org/details/LaborExpressFor9-13-10

Or...

http://www.radio4all.net/index.php/program/45511

You can see pics from my Labor Day weekend trip to Metropolis here...

http://picasaweb.google.com/jerrymeadlucero/SteelworkersLockedOutInMetropolisIL#