Unions

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 [...]

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

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.  [...]

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.

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... Hannah Montana casting call, talent search, and audition information will be posted as it becomes available. JONAS (J.O.N.A.S.) auditions will be ongoing. Acting jobs will be posted when available for High School Musical 3, Wizards of Waverly Place, Suite Life of Zach & Cody, That's so Raven, and Cory In The House.

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... High School Musical 3 casting call, talent search, and audition information will be posted as it becomes available. JONAS (J.O.N.A.S!) auditions will be ongoing. Acting jobs will be posted when available for Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, That's so Raven, and Cory In The House.

SAG - Screen Actors GuildScreen 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 standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists' rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. The Guild exists to enhance actors' working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists' rights. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. The Screen Actors Guild is associated with the Associated Actors and Artists of America (AAAA), which is the primary association of performer's unions in the United States. The AAAA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. SAG claims

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

being the sad political junkie that i’ve become, i watched the democrats try to win the hearts and minds of a stadium full of union rank and file, which appeared to be as easy a test as finding a ten year old in a singapore sweat shop.that said, other than the occasional kucinich non sequitur, it was ho hum.however, i was left wondering one thing: how in the world could edwards’ haircut cost $400?

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

Bring on the union goons!  Congress just might legitimize their heavy-handed activities.  Workers will no longer be able to vote against union organizing without the fear of retaliation. Miller, the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, has introduced a bill, the inaptly named "Employee Free Choice Act," which would allow unions to circumvent secret ballot voting by employees on whether they want to unionize. Employees instead would be expected to sign (or refuse to sign) union cards in public. This "card check" procedure leaves workers open to well-documented high-pressure tactics and intimidation by union organizers. Rep. George Miller (D-CA) deserves a well publicized public flogging for this latest assault of freedom. Source: Competitive Enterprise Institute Technorati tags: George Miller, congress, union, goons, intimidation, freedom, liberty Sponsored By: Images by Mike in WNY Coffee Mugs, T-Shirts, Framed Prints, Posters & More

Dayton, Ohio - Getting into debt is easy; removing oneself from debt is an uphill battle that many people will lose. One major reason for this is the position they are put in by predatory payday lenders, according to the creators of StretchPay, a new program at many Ohio credit unions that offers small loans without the compiling high interest rates of many predatory storefront lenders.

Madison, Wisconsin - Through programs aimed at youth and immigrants, credit unions in Wisconsin are carving out a niche to serve groups that might not be highly targeted customers at other financial institutions.

The last edition of the Sunday Herald carried an article investigating the payment by British Nuclear Fuels of £15,050 to a pro-nuclear Trade Union lobby group called Nuklear21. That an employer should directly fund a trade union is peculiar to say the least; that a state-owned company should hand over more than 15 grand of taxpayers' money to a trade union is obscene: Nuklear21's expense claims were released to the Sunday Herald by BNFL in response to an appeal under the Freedom of Information Act. The company had initially claimed that it did not hold any information about the group's funding. But this was overturned after a review by BNFL's head of taxation, David Canfield. He said the company's initial attempts to trace documents about Nuklear21 funding were "evidently not sufficient". All very secretive. A spokesman for Nuklear21: brushed aside criticism of BNFL paying for dinners out in Brighton. "We've got to eat, haven't we?" he said. Very percepti

With the average 30 year and 15 year fixed-rate mortgages jumping up to several basis points over recent days, consumers who have been holding out hoping to catch the best level of the refinance wave may wonder if they have missed the boat. Not necessarily. At present the equity markets are making a rebound. If the Dow goes above 9,000 mortgage rates could rise to or through 7 percent. Two weeks

Connaissez-vous le Loto-Réunionite ?Le but du jeu, c'est de cocher sur une grille des mots prononcés en réunion (bien sûr, le genre de mots que vous n'entendez généralement pas venant de la bouche de quelqu'un qui n'a pas de cravate et qui vous vaudraient un 0 de la part de votre prof de français de 4°)Le site web matériaux numériques vous propose une version 2.0 (n'ayons pas peur des mots) de ce jeu, qui propose une nouvelle grille à chaque chargement (à partir d'une base de mots définie) et qui permet de jouer en ligne, en cliquant sur les cases pour les cocher.Bien entendu, la fonction "sendtofriend" n'a pas été oubliée...

When the going gets tough, the unions file lawsuits. Yesterday, seven unions including the UAW asked the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to order employers to bargain with them, even if they don't represent the majority of employees. The union claims the National Labor Relations Act requires this. Daniel Halem, a lawyer who represents many employers, disagrees. He told the New York Times that "Unions must have the support of a majority of employees. This concept is totally at odds with [the petition]." The unions know they won't have much of a chance of getting the Bush-appointed NLRB to side with them. However, they're banking "that there will be a Democratic president someday who will appoint a board that will look favorably upon their argument." Hope springs eternal, or are they setting themselves up for a fall?

LOS ANGELES, California AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) and SAG (Screen Actors Guild) have, for a long time, snipped at each other concerning who better signifies the 44,000 actors and actresses who are associates of both the groups reported the Associated Press. The previous straw, as said by Roberta ...

Filed under: CellphonesNokia's decision to close that factory in Bochum, Germany and move its operations to a cheaper site in Romania might lower costs in the long run, but for now things seem decidedly in red: Nokia and the German unions who represented the 2,000 laid-off workers at the plant ...