Unions

The UAW has announced today that they’re open to re-negotiating their contracts with the Big 3.  It might be a necessary evil, but I can’t help but feel the auto companies themselves haven’t done enough to deserve a break from the workforce.  I appreciate the generous motives of the UAW, but only if and when [...]

Nowadays when we flip open the newspaper, almost every other day we see words like "layoff", "retrenchment". This reminds me of a report in the October 29 issue of Professional Engineering magazine:JCB workers cut own pay to save 350 jobs in UKThousands of production workers at JCB have taken pay cuts to save jobs at the firm.More than 2,500 members of trade union GMB have voted in favour of worki

Tony Lloyd MPFear of election gains sparks a bid to alter the lawTrade unions want the right under UK law to expel British National Party activists - and deny them membership - as part of Labour plans to check the electoral advance of the far right.Labour backbenchers, supported by all the biggest unions, will unveil the plan on Tuesday when they put forward an amendment to the Employment Bill tha

many of Wal-Mart's are aired in the media every day. But the Bentonville bomber is trying to clean up it's act when it comes to its manufacturing partners in China. As I am sure you are aware, China has been on a killing spree

The House of Lords has recently altered a section of a Government Bill that would have allowed trade unions to expel BNP members and other fascists from their ranks. In doing so, the Lords have actually made the situation for trade unions even more difficult. Under the revised Bill, trade unions will not only find it more difficult to remove fascists but individual BNP members will actually be aff

Credit Unions Buck Trend; Remain Solid Despite Mortgage Meltdown The subprime mortgage meltdown continues to have ripple effects throughout the economy, but a too-often-ignored bright spot in the mortgage industry is just down the street: the local credit union. And in a society in which 70 percent of all mortgage shoppers start their mortgage searches on the Internet, credit unions of all sizes

McCain believes that the family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthe

The following article came from the Los Angeles Times Opinion section and was written by By James Overtur. A recent Times Op-Ed article supporting Prop. 8 claims to advocate for children. In reality, denying equal marriage rights harms everyone. David Blankenhorn, who heads up a think tank in New York, writes in his Sept. 19 Times Op-Ed article that because marriage is historically a means to

Even the Trade Unions can see where the political tide is going - towards the Conservatives - that is why they are discussing with their trade union envoy. However, there appeara to be some who either (a) are complete idiots, or (b) really want the Conservatives to win. Why? Because they are threatening a new Winter [...]

Statutes are famous for their creative names. For example, did you know that the [USA] Patriot Act is actual short for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act? The Employee Free Choice Act (ECFA) is no exception. After all, in a democracy who's against people having a free choice? If you are an employer of a non-union shop,

We’ve lived so long under the spell of heirarchy - from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses - that only recently have we awakened to see not only that ‘regular’ citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society [...]

Quote of the Day: “Don’t be getting down on unions. We don’t get anything until the union gets it first. - Middle manager at a major U.S. corporation. Happy Labor Day!

It’s been a very busy summer and I’ve allowed myself to get off track here at Philaahzophy, essentially ignoring the fight for freedom that I started on its pages.  However, with Labor Day being celebrated this coming Monday here in the United States I thought it was about time I revisited a topic I promised to further expound upon all…

You might be aware that traditional banks and credit unions are not friends. As a matter of fact they are so unfriendly that they are participating in a Cold War of sorts. Fueled and armed, the planes remain grounded; the lobbyists on the other hand, are fully deployed in combat formation.Since the first American credit union was established in 1909 (St. Mary's Bank Credit Union of Manchester New

Unions may come in handy if your employer suddenly asks your faculty to agree to dissolve the union and take less pay than colleagues at another similar workplace. Although, unions aren’t particularly useful in political action such as the kind found in a video about “P3s” that I saw at the latest general membership meeting I [...]

The old forgotten days have returned............. History repeats itself MSF...PSF...JAMIAT...ATI... Student wing of MQM is going to be a new addition......... GOD BLESS U Students......... This... .....................

Verizon (VZ) managed to dodge a strike by about 65,000 of its workers. It would have crippled the company's landline and broadband businesses and might have... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

This just in from PolitickerME:Sen. Susan Collins agrees with the message in several ads that attack opponent and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen for his support of the Employee Free Choice Act...a spokesman for her campaign said Wednesday.So there you go.The junior senator is now on the record endorsing the view that unions, as a group, are more pernicious than mafia.She's on the record standing behind the l

Insurance Although they are controlled by members, credit unions are generally closely regulated by the government. Thus, they operate in a very prudent way. In the United States, deposits in over 9000 federal and state-chartered credit unions are insured by the National Credit union Share Insurance Fund, which is supervised by the National Credit Union Administration. [...]

Verizon, one of the biggest telephone companies in the US, have managed to extend the deadline involving contract negotiations with two unions, which has averted the strike which was seen to be imminent. It now appears that talks will continue between the two unions, with spokesman for the unions Rand Wilson adding, “a last-minute proposal [...]

Britain's TUC has set up the site We Are ZCTU in solidarity with Lovemore Matombo and Wellington Chibebe, the President and General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).Matombo and Chibebe were arrested on May 8 for criticisng state violence in Zimbabwe. Their trial has been delayed unti Wednesday July 30.You can show your support for the pair by adding your face to the photo

Major labor union supports EPA: By JASMIN BONIMY, Guardian Staff Reporter - Nassau, Bahamas: One of the nation's top umbrella trade unions has thrown its support behind the economic partnership agreement (EPA) while simultaneously calling for 17 recommendations in preparation for the signing. In a document exclusively obtained by The Nassau Guardian, The National Congress of Trade Unions of

Survey finds that more than two and a half times the usual number of couples were issued a license. By Francisco Vara-Orta, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer County clerks issued more than 8,500 marriage licenses in the first week same-sex marriage was legal in California, more than two and half times an average June week, a Times survey found. The tally includes licenses issued to both same-sex

Domestic Workers Unite!Domestic workers in America are among the most economically exploited and vulnerable to abuse by their employers. Ford tells union more cuts needed ... as ... Ford pays new CEO $39.1M in 4 months. Hmm... some slumping market, eh? Problems at Toyota: Your Prius Was Made By Abused Workers The Toyota You Don't Know Like Clock Work:Wal-Mart faces 80 class-actions, m

My new per diem position as a hospice nurse with a local visiting nurse agency entails mandatory membership in a union, the first time I have ever needed to join a union. I am woefully unprepared (and ignorant) when it comes to union issues, and I imagine that my education in this area may provide some fodder for writing as time goes on. Interestingly, the union in my new workplace has been in co

The political action committee for Pinellas County’s two largest school employee unions has announced its recommendations for School Board.The group supports Janet Clark, District 1- at large; Carol Cook, District 5; Ron Walker, District 2-at large; and Ken Peluso, District...

South Korean unions on Tuesday threatened a general strike in protest of a US beef import deal, as negotiators in Washington tried to find a way out of the crisis shaking the Seoul government. The conservative administration of President Lee Myung-Bak is desperate to revise its agreement to resume the imports after tens of thousands of [...]

California is close to making same sex marriges legal. While this is a blow to the conservatives and a victory to the gay rights advocates, the rest of us will not go away unscathed. Whether they be called "...

The ability to get affordable finance has really diminished over recent months as a result of the global credit crunch, which has resulted in poor credit conditions and reduced access to finance. Many people have found that getting an unsecured loan through their bank is now too expensive, or in some cases is impossible due to the tighter credit conditions in place. Officials are now suggesting th

The Organization of Africa Trade Unions(OATUU) expressed its outrage at the failure of the South African government to protect the rights of immigrants during the recent riots which have torn apart that nation as anti-immigrant mobs roam the streets of Johannesburg. “It is unacceptable and against African tradition for poor African migrants to be [...]

I think the obvious answer is “no” if you want a democracy where one person has one vote. The vote of a board, or union membership can lead to many people being disenfranchised in that their money/dues are used for political purposes they do not personally support. If this is a topic you find interesting, here [...]

The ability to get affordable finance has really diminished over recent months as a result of the global credit crunch, which has resulted in poor credit conditions and reduced access to finance.Many people have found that getting an unsecured loan through their bank is now too expensive, or in some cases is impossible due to the tighter credit conditions in place.Officials are now suggesting that

Unions Still Divided as Labour Day Approaches: By TOSHEENA ROBINSON-BLAIR - Nassau, Bahamas: While nixing the idea that the country’s two umbrella unions would finally unite to stage one major Labour Day march, leaders affiliated with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) unveiled plans on Thursday for their annual Labour Day parade, which is expected to be held under the theme, "The struggle for u

Apparently teachers union officials in Louisville know that some non-tenured, pink-slipped teachers are not performing up to par. But that's not stopping the union from fighting to keep them. This, despite the fact that the non-tenured teachers were only under a one-year contract, which the district apparently satisfied. A one-year contract is not a loophole. It's a one-year contract.Every time un

The Athens-based World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) has hailed the efforts made by the Chinese people in holding successful and harmonious Olympic games.    According to a recent statement of the union, the WFTU condemned the attempts to politicize the Beijing Olympics and opposed those actions to impede and jeopardize the Games.     Since ancient times, the Olympic [...]

This from C-J:It's about the kidsBrent McKim, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, has a big job: to protect teachers. He's a union guy, and that's what union guys do: protect the interests of their members.But someone has to keep eyes trained on the interests of students, and that is the job of Sheldon Berman, the superintendent of the Jefferson County Public Schools. It's his

The Athens-based World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU) has hailed the efforts made by the Chinese people in holding successful and harmonious Olympic games. According to a recent statement of the union, the WFTU condemned the attempts to politicize the Beijing Olympics and opposed those actions to impede and jeopardize the Games. [...]

Norwegian offshore unions might circle the wagons and take a vote on a strike if their employer, energy champion StatoilHydro, reorganizes its platform staff to allow freer contracted-in work at tail-end facilities and offshore installations where roaming contractors teams might need to carry out... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

If you didn’t know this - Vicky – The Brand Surgery boss is also Vice-Chairman of West Sussex Credit Union. Do you know what a credit union is? No? You are not the only one! Vicky has been so frustrated with the lack of knowledge of credit unions – until recently when two good things [...]

New Democrat bill would have returned right of card certification to workers in all sectorsMay 02, 2008 04:30 AMRobert BenzieQueen's Park Bureau ChiefThe Liberals have crushed an NDP bid to roll back a key labour measure that former Progressive Conservative premier Mike Harris introduced to limit unionization.Bolstered by the Tories, the governing party yesterday voted 55-11 against NDP Leader Howard Hampton's private member's bill that would have returned the right of card certification to all workers as it existed in Ontario from 1950-1996.Under card certification, a workplace can be unionized without a ratification vote when more than 55 per cent of workers sign cards.Labour Minister Brad Duguid – one of nine cabinet members, including anti-poverty minister Deb Matthews, called to the

If so, someone should be watching this kid. Threats made during a recent time-out: “Dad, I’m not letting you read my book tonight. Mom is!”Pfft. All the less work for me, kid. “And you know what? I’m not gonna let you film me for your W8 Loss Wednesday videos anymore!”Well… maybe my weight loss journey is in and of itself interesting. At least I still have the dogs. “And I’m not opening any more beers for you!”Dammit! Now that’s hitting below the belt!

A labor union, or trade union, is an organization of workers who have joined together to achieve goals in areas such as wages and working conditions. The union negotiates contracts and conditions with employers, keeping employee satisfaction high and protecting workers from unsafe or unfair working conditions. Most unions claim a right to exclusivity [...]

Good news... Unions are winning the fights to organize the health care system. Lets hope that the internal/inter-union conflicts do not stop the momentum.

What ever happened to Democrats that actually stood for National Security, National Defense, and Free Trade. It seems that they have been thrown under the bus by the Nutroots and the Unions. Nancy Pelosi will notbring up a Free Trade...

Okay, okay, they didn’t ruin my entire life, just one portion of it. Although I’ve only briefly mentioned my Big Brother obsession in passing prior to this point, I apparently now have yet another reason to detest labor unions and striking workers: Big Brother 9: ‘Til Death Do We Part. I’d largely avoided Big [...]

Okay, okay, they didn’t ruin my entire life, just one portion of it. Although I’ve only briefly mentioned my Big Brother obsession in passing prior to this point, I apparently now have yet another reason to detest labor unions and striking workers: Big Brother 9: ‘Til Death Do We Part. I’d largely avoided Big [...]

40 Years After King’s Death, Unions Still Best Route to Better Life for African Americans:Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated 40 years ago this week in the midst of a campaign to support striking Memphis sanitation workers who were trying to gain better pay and working conditions by joining a union. Now, a new report by the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) shows that four decades after King’s death, union membership is still the best route to a better life for African American workers. Unions and Upward Mobility for African-American Workers found that black union workers earned, on average, 38 percent more than their nonunion peers.You can read the whole report here.

Hollywood is often seen as a business operating on hardball bases rather than softball. In the union politics it is no different. Screen Actors Guild, representing mainly those in the cinema and TV movie business, have fallen out with their TV news anchor and radio jock colleagues. The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists is going in separate direction so that they can negotiate their own contracts. The movie moguls must be pleased. I've read Larry Hagman's autobiography and he explained quite candidly how brutal the business can be. Usually it is the bosses that try the divide and conquer technique. It's not usually the unions that set about promoting a divided front.The war of words has begun. "It's really tragic," said SAG president Alan Rosenberg. "It's tough enough to c

This from Del Stover at American School (the American School Board Journal):When striking teachers display a giant inflatable rat outside a school—and name their new mascot after the superintendent—it’s clear that relations between school leaders and the teachers union are not good. Another clue: Teachers are spitting on cars crossing the picket line. Name calling, rumor mongering, nails spread across the driveway of a teacher who chose not to strike, intransigence at the bargaining table—school officials saw it all during last year’s bitter, four-week strike in Richmond Heights, Ohio. “It got particularly nasty,” recalls Superintendent Walter Calinger. “The methodology was to attack unmercifully. Don’t worry about the truth of the matter. Attack. Attack. Attack.”Thankf

Recently ran across this gem in my news feeds: "Gearing Up for CRM 2.0 in Credit Unions". The article was written By Terence Roche.Article Summary: Changes in how we access credit union services (atms, web services, drive throughs, cell phone banking) are impacting how CRM is integrated and deployed within the organization. Credit unions who are able to use CRM to sustain customer loyalty amidst all of the emerging changes are the ones who will succeed. Excerpt from article:"For years, credit unions have differentiated themselves from banks and other competitors by creating strong "trusted advisor" relationships and superior banking experiences for their members. But the rules of the game are changing quickly and in a big way. This change all starts with the concept of customer relationsh

Members of South Africa’s building trade unions handed FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter a memorandum at the Home of FIFA in Zurich today. continue read..

Representatives of the three main taxi unions have asked the Department of Transport to consider introducing an appeals process for regulations applied to the taxi sector. (...)

In six years as a member of the Wal-Mart board of directors, between 1986 and 1992, Hillary Clinton remained silent as the world's largest retailer waged a major campaign against labor unions seeking to represent store workers. Clinton has been endorsed for president by more than a dozen unions.read more | digg story

Taxpayer asks: I’m a Union Steamfitter As part of a Union am I listed as a Sub Contractor? I work for a company. Taxgirl says: If you work for a company and you receive a form W-2, then you are an employee of that company and not a subcontractor. As I understand most unions, you work [...]

Fulfillment Program (*for qualified parties) - This is one option of many: At no charge, we can implement a Fulfillment Program utilizing our Call Center.  Scenario: At no charge, we will create a customized interface/landing page on your website for Term Life Insurance Quotes.  The quotes would be directed to our Call Center where our agents will be identified on the phone as your company.  [...]

Unfortunately unions were too strong years ago and so immigrants were unable to save our steel, automobile or railroad industries.

As the province of Alberta rumbles towards an expected call for a late-spring election, activity on the political scene is heating up. The pending merger of the Alberta Alliance and Wildrose Party is still topical water cooler chat, with positions for and against filling the op-ed columns. Now along comes the latest buzz. The first salvo has been fired in the unofficial campaign, and it wasn’t from the gun of the ineffective Kevin Taft-led Liberals or the sideshow Whyte Avenue New Democrats. The rocket that hit Premier Ed Stelmach’s bulls-eye (and has scored a direct hit) is courtesy of ‘Albertans for Change’, which describes itself on its website as:‘…an initiative of the Alberta Building Trades Council and other coalition members including the Alberta Federation of Labour,

Credit unions can be a very good alternative to banks as long as you meet certain conditions. In general, credit unions can perform many of the same services that banks perform, but there can be exceptions to this.Credit unions are member organizations and this is the biggest difference between them and banks. When you join a credit union you, in essence, become a stakeholder in the institution. In the past, most credit unions were formed around certain professions or formed around certain employment bonds. Today, much of that has changed. The credit union is still a membership process but the bond can be anything from regional to religious. Many different types of groups now have their own credit unions, and finding one that you can join has never been easier.According to the Credit Union

SAG - Screen Actors Guild Screen Actors Guild is the nation's largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from... Updated current casting call, audition, talent search, and agent information. Resources on getting started, scam alerts, classes, workshops, networking, Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Believe it or not, there was a time and when the rich and greedy — let’s make them monocled as well — captains of industry had something grave to fear in these United States beyond the possibility that their indefensible tactics would be caught and stopped by government oversight. There was a time when the people, yes the people, could stand up to their employers and demand better working conditions, better pay, or better practices. Before I go too far into a mythical and unrealistic vision of the unionized past, three key facts should be made explicit. First, this country was never well-unionized beyond a few enclaves—primarily the public sector and heavy industries. Second, to the extent that unions were ever powerful, they never reached high up the job ladder. And finally, unions never secured unlimited government support, tacit or explicit. Since the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, no doubt the most supportive of all American presidents, laws have been mak

SAG - Screen Actors Guild Screen Actors Guild is the nation's largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from... Updated current casting call, audition, talent search, and agent information. Resources on getting started, scam alerts, classes, workshops, networking, Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

Of late, I have had a huge number of emails asking me what I think of this particular law firm. As the premier law firm that advises doctors, it has failed miserably. Infact, in 1998 it failed me. They though know about their flawed representation and the fact that it has taken me nearly a decade to clean up their mess. They have nothing to say in this matter because they got their money from the MPS and I got nothing. The fact though is this, when I was a junior doctor - editing a controversial website wasn't on my agenda and infact it was the last thing on my mind. Sadly, we were forced to write about all our experiences to assist others who find themselves in exactly the same predicament. My previous solicitor in the libel case ( R Pal v GMC) told me that litigation is often mistaken as justice. I suppose like medicine it has its flaws - it can only go so far. Since 1999, I have had some good luck with solicitors - in that 3 of them have represented me well. The others haven't but

Local teachers unions are growing more accepting of initiatives that link pay to performance and reduce the influence of teacher seniority in transfer and staffing decisions, according to a report out today from the Citizens' Commission on Civil Rights. Among other examples, the report cites union-backed performance-pay plans in Denver and Minneapolis. It also gives a nod to a provision in Pinellas County that "gives principals more flexibility in picking their staff and creating a school culture conducive to improvement." Such moves will ultimately help disadvantaged kids, says the report, which was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "In many of these places, organization by community leaders, educators and parents served as the catalyst for change," it says. "In the end, however, change was made possible by the willingness of union leaders to abandon old ways and advocate reform." Read more here. - Ron Matus, state education reporter

Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, plans to meet union workers at its French marketing unit next week to discuss a reorganization that may include job cuts, said two people with knowledge... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Total SA, Europe's third-largest oil company, plans to meet union workers at its French marketing unit next week to discuss a reorganization that may include job cuts, said two people with knowledge of the talks.The number of positions that may be eliminated isn't known, said the people, who declined to be identified because the discussions aren't public.Total last month reported second-quarter net income was little changed at 3.41 billion euros ($4.9 billion), partly because of lower refinery output. The Paris-based company said net adjusted operating income at the downstream division, which includes marketing and refining, fell 4 percent.Sandra Dante, a spokeswoman for Total in Paris, said a meeting with union representatives is scheduled for Oct. 4. She declined to comment on the possibility of job cuts or the planned discussions.The marketing division in France employs about 1,500 workers, Dante said.Total shares today lost 0.8 percent to 57.02 euros in Paris trading. The stock

President Nicolas Sarkozy of France continued his nonstop assault on what he terms to be problems confronting France by announcing plans to eliminate special retirement plans for civil servants and to make large cuts in the number of government employees. The head of France’s major union, the CGT, Jean-Marc Canon declared Sarkozy’s plans were a “declaration of war.” In addition to taking on labor unions, Sarkozy is attempting to change the French constitution in order to allow the government to establish quotas on the number of immigrants who would be allowed to enter. He wants strict enforcement of provisions to ensure immigrants know French and are familiar with the “values of the republic.” As the child of early 20th century immigrants I doubt if more than 10% could respond to a question about the “values of America” in a manner that would satisfy immigration officials. Many people will regard as racist his endeavor to restrict immig

The Daily Mail today screamed a few headlines about Drs Gerry and Kate McCann. A emotive comment cited " I refuse to believe the McCann's are guilty". I believe this issue is now turning into the OJ Simpson trial, a media frenzy that has the entire population hooked on the issue. The UK refuses to believe that anyone is guilty. All newspapers are taking sides. The Times though cites some independent and quite brilliant reporting on the issue. Putting all the forensics to one side, I would quite like to know whats in the intercepted emails and phonecall transcripts. Nevertheless, the news that they may have to delve into the cool 1 million to fund their legal teams ( and lawyers cost money) has not made them popular. I am positive any lawyer would represent them pro bono if they approached the right people. Moreover, there is always legal aid if they have no finances. Thirdly, there is always their own defence unions whom I am positive will love the limelight. Whether it is the Medical

Shannon Proudfoot Canadians -- particularly those under 35 -- are significantly more accepting of interracial marriage than Americans, according to a new report.While 77 per cent of Americans approved of marriage between blacks and whites in a recent Gallup poll, a report released today by University of Lethbridge sociologist Reginald Bibby shows that 92 per cent of Canadians are in favour of such unions. A similar proportion approve of intermarriage between other ethnic groups.The approval rating climbs to almost 99 per cent among those under age 35.In the mid-1970s, 55 per cent of Canadians approved of marriage between blacks and whites, while 40 per cent of Americans thought the same way. By 1990, 78 per cent of Canadians accepted interracial marriage -- roughly the same proportion as Americans today -- while just 48 per cent of Americans were willing to give their blessing."We see ourselves as not just multicultural but really multi-everything," says Bibby. "Even if people don't n

Jay MoncliffIf you’re looking for financial services, you may want to consider checking out what your credit union has to offer. Many credit unions today offer more than just a checking and savings account, they’ve expanded into upgraded financial services tailored to meet many needs.Credit unions are cooperative banking and financial companies. They are usually non-profit and cater to a particular group of people that work or live in the same place, for example. Credit unions are owned by the accountholders, who also participate in the management and direction of the company.Today, credit unions offer more than just checking and savings accounts, although these low-cost basic accounts are the reason most people join. Most credit union savings accounts pay slightly more than their counterparts at for-profit banking institutions. Credit union checking accounts usually carry less restrictive requirements and lower fees than those at banks.Credit unions have expanded into the realm of

We have news today regarding the two most hypocritical politicians who are prominent candidates for their party’s nominations. Starting with the nunber one must hypocritical politician, The Boston Globe reports that Rudy Giuliani is constinuing his conservative shift. Giuliani started out with a reputation as a social liberal, but has gradually been changing his views in order to appease the social conservatives who control the Republican Party. Th e article discusses changes in positions on issues such as abortion and assault weapons but concentreates on civil unions: Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani continues to discard the moderate and liberal positions of his past. The latest is civil unions for same-sex couples, which the Republican presidential candidate has been backing away from in recent months. A campaign aide told the Globe this weekend that Giuliani favors a much more modest set of rights for gay partners than civil union laws in effect in four states offer. Giulia

Another way to manage your credit card debt is to look for credit unions which offer low interest rates for your credit card. There are credit unions which offer credit cards with incomparable advantages like waived annual fees, credit lines up to $30,000, discounts on automobile rentals, tours, hotel stay and cruise, and 100% protection against identity theft. Credit unions also offer cards for people with huge debt. This allows credit card holders to have credit line starting from $300 - $1500. Credit unions provide free access of account online, free bill pay and card usage around the world. The catch with these cards is that very high interest rates and annual fees are charged. (more…)

SEOUL (Reuters) -- Unionized workers at Hyundai Motor Co. and other automakers said today they planned work stoppages for later this month as part of protests against a U.S.-South Korea free trade agreement.Last year, Hyundai's union members staged strikes for a total of 33 days as they called for higher wages and better working conditions. Some of the protests were made in opposition to new labor laws and free-trade talks with the United States.Those actions cost 115,683 units in lost output, or 1.6 trillion won ($1.72 billion), Hyundai estimated.Members of the Korean Metal Workers' group, which include the auto industry unions, will take turns by region in staging two-hour strikes daily from June 25-27.All members will hold a four-hour strike on June 28 and a six-hour stoppage on June 29, the metal workers' union said."We, as a member, will follow the group's decision," a Hyundai Motor union official said, asking not to be identified.Workers at Hyundai affiliate Kia Motors Corp.,

Unions Take Unprecedented Farm Bill Stance, Ask Congress to Grow Conservation Union sportsmen urge support for conservation programs, inclusion of “Open Fields” provision in Farm Bill For Immediate Release Tim Zink, 202-654-4625, tzink@trcp.org WASHINGTON - May-15 - More than 3 million hunters and anglers in unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO today called on members of Congress to adequately fund key Farm Bill conservation programs and to include a measure that would allow states to establish or expand private land hunting and fishing access programs. In a joint letter signed by 17 unions (full text of Senate version follows), the unions urge Congress to follow the Farm Bill policy recommendations of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership’s Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group (AWWG). The AWWG recommendations are contained in a comprehensive report, entitled Growing Conservation in the Farm Bill, that already has

The G8-meeting in Germany has collected a lot of groups who want to say their meaning. Some more violent than other. But lets not forget that most of the people gathering around are peaceful and do an important lobbying job. The world need people who fight for a better world. As here, one example on an important issue:From The Independent: The world's biggest unions will launch a multi-fronted attack on the private equity and hedge fund industries this week with a series of protests and policy proposals at the G8 meeting of industrial nations in Germany. Members of the International Trade Union Confederation, the world's largest union federation representing more than 168m workers around the world, have marshalled their forces ahead of this week's conference in Heiligendamm. As part of a list of demands handed this weekend to Kajo Wasserhovel, Germany's Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, they will press for greater transparency from the buyout industry and a need for

He called civil unions “the New Hampshire way” and the law a way to further “the strengthening of New Hampshire families.”Dating back to the abolitionist movement,” Lynch said, “we in New Hampshire have had a long and a proud history in taking the lead in opposing discrimination. Today, that tradition continues.” That is what Governor Lynch said while signing the civil union bill into law, making New Hampshire the first state to legalize civil unions without the threat of a court hearing hanging in the balance. This is the first tough issue Gov. Lynch had to make a decision on since he has been governor. And this decision was not a popular one. Gov. Lynch has portrayed himself as a moderate Democrat and with Republican majorities in the state house and senate he was able to successfully pull this con job off. However with a Democrat majority in the state house and senate his true liberal colors are starting to show. Governor Lynch knew he was s

Today it became official as Gov. Lynch signed civil unions into law. They will begin on Jan. 01, 2008. From the New Hampshire Union Leader: CONCORD – New Hampshire became the fourth state to legalize civil unions today, as Gov. John Lynch signed the bill, calling it “the New Hampshire way.” As more than 100 supporters gathered in the Executive Council chambers of the State House, Lynch said, “Dating back to the abolitionist movement, we in New Hampshire have had a long and a proud history in taking the lead in opposing discrimination. “Today,” he said, “that tradition continues. Lynch signed the bill, declaring, “This bill is now law,” and handed his pen to Rep. James Splaine, D-Portsmouth, the bill’s chief sponsor. “I’ve listened and I heard all the arguments,” said Lynch. “I do not believe that this bill threatens marriage. I believe that this is a matter of conscience and of fairness. It is never too soon to act to prevent discrimination.” Starting tomo

As expected, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch signed into law a bill that legalizing civil unions for gay couples in his state.New Hampshire becomes the fourth state, after Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey to legalize civil unions.Maine, California, District of Columbia, and now Washington and Oregon have domestic partnership laws.Massachusetts legalized gay marriage in 2003.

It is on the initiative of the Trade Unions SOD and UNSA OFFICE DEPOT France that an Agreement on the Social Dialogue was signed this May 3, 2007. As confirms it our articles on the new U.E.S. in the site This agreement also signed by Trade Unions Cfdt, Cgc and Cftc includes/understands a Prince of: - Implementation of average materials (decent Computers and Buildings) and financial for the improvement of the exercise and the trade-union Right. - Of organization of the methods of Use of New Technologies by the installation of average data processing accessible to the employees including/understanding the right of access to the Trade-Union organizations by a trade-union transport in the Intranet of the group. - Of engagement signed by Office DEPOT not to discriminate, salarialement, syndicalement elected officials or the designated Trade-Union ones by the equal opportunity on the Formation, wages etc. - THE ESSENCE OF THE AGREEMENT – - Implementation of average materials

New Hampshire voters, I am calling you out. Last November New Hampshire voters showed up at the polls and voted in two new United States representatives, Carol Shea-Porter and Paul Hodes. They also voted out many incumbent state legislators and replaced them with Democrats. For the first time in over 100 years Democrats control every branch of the state government. Many conservatives stayed home to send Republicans a message, and there was also a record number of straight ticket ballots cast. We now face the possibility of a sales and/or income tax, many new Nanny State regulations such as a cell phone ban in cars, mandatory helmets for motorcycle riding, smoking bans, mandatory seat-belt use, trans fat ban, and even a ban on accidentally releasing helium balloons into the air. Civil unions have been passed and the governor will sign the bill into law shortly. Polls show most residents are against civil unions. Now that all these changes are taking place, I read many opinion pieces in

In what looks to be the first major flip flop of the 2008 campaign Rudy Giuliani has reversed his previously stated opinion on civil unions for gays. I would say this is an obvious ploy to appeal to the more conservative base of the Republican party. It could easily backfire on him though if the issue of civil unions were to become a topic du jour for the more centrist and socially liberal wing of the Republican Party. And it could be played as a John Kerry style flip flop by the Democrats themselves, without of course actually mentioning Kerry’s name.  On another note it is interesting to see how John McCain tries to come out against it without actually saying he is against it. ~RJH NY Sun Politics story link Giuliani's Startling Departureby Ryan SagerApril 27, 2007In a startling departure from his previously stated position on civil unions, Mayor Giuliani came out to The New York Sun yesterday evening in opposition to the civil union law just passed by the New Hampshire state Sena

When Mrs Thatcher came to power in 1979, her stated aim was to reduce the power of unions. She felt that unions were a major contributor to the declining competitiveness of the UK economy. To a large extent Mrs Thatcher was successful in reducing the power of unions. However, it is worth considering whether unions are necessarily the demonic forces that some commentators have made them out to be.Advantages of Trades Unions.1. Increase wages for its members. Industries with trade unions tend to have higher wages than non-unionised industries.2. Counterbalance Monopsonies.In the face of Monopsony employers, Trades Unions can increase wages and increase employment. Monopsony employers are those who have market power in setting wages and employing workers. Traditionally, monopsonies occur when there is only 1 firm in a town, or type of employment. However, in modern economies, many employers have a degree of market power (monopsony).3. Represent WorkersTrades Unions can also protect worker

Governor John Lynch (D-New Hampshire) has indicated he will sign into law a bill to legalize civil unions in the Granite State.The New Hampshire House of Representatives passed the bill two weeks ago and it is currently stalling in the state Senate, where it is likely to pass next week.Democrats took back control of both houses last November.New Hampshire will be the fourth state, third in New England, to legalize civil unions

New Hampshire legislature has been fast tracking a bill though the house and senate about Civil Unions. The senate abruptly halted sending the bill for a vote without explaining why. Speculation is that Gov. John Lynch intervened. The governor won’t say if he supports the bill or not so all we can do is speculate. Gov. John Lynch has record high approval ratings and he wants to keep them there. I don’t blame him, but he would rather keep his ratings then let the public know how he stands on the tough issues. He has kept his ratings up by passing legislation that has wide support in New Hampshire, while shying away from issues that are controversial. The Civil Unions issue seems to be split down the middle, or the people are leaning more towards being against them. Therefore the governor, reluctant to lose any of his approval ratings has remained silent on this issue. I can’t believe more people can’t see through this. I believe he did intervene in order to prot

The new Democratic majority in the New Hampshire General Court is not wasting any time on the issue of gay rights. The New Hampshire House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted in favor of legalizing civil unions in the states once thought to be New England's conservative stronghold.By an almost party-line vote for 243-129, the House passed the measure that's expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. The only obstacle to final passage may be the signature of Democratic Governor John Lynch, who opposes gay marriage but has not taken a stance on civil unions.If Governor Lynch does sign the bill, it would make New Hampshire the fourth US state to legalize civil unions, and the third in New England. Civil Unions are legal in Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey, while gay marriage is only legal in Massachusetts. Domestic partnerships are available in California, Maine, Hawaii and the District of Columbia. As for how it plays at the polls, a majority of New Hampshire residents s

The New Hampshire house has passed a civil unions bill. This bill is bigoted and writes discrimination into law, to use the liberal’s terms. You must be wondering how a bill that allows homosexuals the same rights as married couples can be discriminatory. I’ll explain, this bill has language in it that bans civil unions, as current marriage laws do, between uncles and nephews, aunts and nieces and first cousins. What gives them the right to stop these people from the rights other hetero and homosexual couples enjoy? I thought these incestuous practices were banned because of possible birth defects in the offspring of such relationships. If this is true, than why can’t homosexuals marry family members? There are no biological birth defects to worry about. Could it be that they are afraid it will lead to legalizing hetero sexual incest marriages? If that’s the case, who are we to say that’s wrong? They are only loving couples who happen to be related. And t

The leaders of the neighbours of Zimbabwe could not co-operate on a strong measure against the dictatorship of Mugabe, I just read in the Swedish Dagens Nyheter. Human Rights Watch (HWR) and Amnesty International are two of many organisations who asked for actions.The Trade Unions are anyhow trying to do something:Demonstration of solidarity with the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)Here is more Labour news from Zimbabwe 2007. Andra bloggar om: Zimbabwe, Mugabe, facket, fackföreningar, fackligt, demonstration

AFL-CIO has a very good blog for you who want to learn about american politics and trade union issues and a lot of interesting links: State Feds/Labor Councils         Metal Trades Department Maritime Trades Department LaborBeat (Long Island) North Shore Federation Central N.Y. Labor Fed Oregon AFL-CIO Nevada AFL-CIO                 Union & Related Blogs         AFGE NATCA LabourStart Workday Minnesota AFT EdWize AFSCME Laying It on the Line IUE-CWA Local 86782 Working Californians                 Blog Friends         Confined Space Atrios Crooks and Liars Daily Kos Free Press Justice E.R. Nathan Newman Talking Points Memo TPM Cafe Think Progress This Modern World Washington Monthly Another Opinion Charlie Averill Hardwork Democratic Underground DMI The Agonist Firedoglake Th

AFL-CIO has a very good blog for you who want to learn about american politics and trade union issues and a lot of interesting links: State Feds/Labor Councils         Metal Trades Department Maritime Trades Department LaborBeat (Long Island) North Shore Federation Central N.Y. Labor Fed Oregon AFL-CIO Nevada AFL-CIO                 Union & Related Blogs         AFGE NATCA LabourStart Workday Minnesota AFT EdWize AFSCME Laying It on the Line IUE-CWA Local 86782 Working Californians                 Blog Friends         Confined Space Atrios Crooks and Liars Daily Kos Free Press Justice E.R. Nathan Newman Talking Points Memo TPM Cafe Think Progress This Modern World Washington Monthly Another Opinion Charlie Averill Hardwork Democratic Underground DMI The Agonist Firedoglake Th

Unions can expel members who are racists. Thats the conclusion: after Union wins BNP expulsion ruling (from BBC)The European Court of Human Rights has upheld a union's decision to expel a British National Party (BNP) activist.The train drivers' union Aslef threw out Jay Lee, from Bexley, London, as he was an active member of the party.This was challenged in the courts, but the European Court ruled unions can expel BNP members without breaching the European Convention on Human Rights. Andra bloggar om: fackligt, fack, trade union, Europadomstolen

Unions can expel members who are racists. Thats the conclusion: after Union wins BNP expulsion ruling (from BBC)The European Court of Human Rights has upheld a union's decision to expel a British National Party (BNP) activist.The train drivers' union Aslef threw out Jay Lee, from Bexley, London, as he was an active member of the party.This was challenged in the courts, but the European Court ruled unions can expel BNP members without breaching the European Convention on Human Rights. Andra bloggar om: fackligt, fack, trade union, Europadomstolen

By Mimi Rothschild CEO of Apple, Inc. Steve Jobs took an opportunity to take a swing at the real problem facing K-12 schools. No, it’s not lagging technology or lack of funds; it’s the simple fact that teachers unions encourage mediocrity. “What kind of person could you get to run a small business if you [...]

AUSTIN — Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs lambasted teacher unions today, claiming no amount of technology in the classroom would improve public schools until principals could fire bad teachers. Jobs compared schools to businesses with principals serving as CEOs. “What kind of person could you get to run a small business if you told them that when they came in they couldn’t get rid of people that they thought weren’t any good?” he asked to loud applause during an education reform conference. “Not really great ones because if you’re really smart you go, ‘I can’t win.’” Source: Apple CEO Jobs attacks teacher unions | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle   Technorati tags: public education, teachers, unions, failing, schools Sponsored By: Images by Mike in WNY Custom Buffalo themed gifts here, personal or business, bulk discounts available