RWDSU Executive Board Meeting: Working People and Today's Economy (12/4/09)

At the RWDSU Executive Board Meeting on Thursday, December 3, the spotlight was placed on the experiences of working people during this difficult economy, and how union activists are responding to it.

AFL-CIO Legislative Policy Analyst Kelly Ross spoke about the ways unions are trying to help workers deal with the economy politically, including efforts to push for a jobs creation program, the Employee Free Choice Act, and health care legislation that helps working families.

Kelly Ross

 “Job losses and unemployment are a devastating problem,” Ross said. “Now is not the time to be reducing the deficit.  We need further economic stimulus and we need it now.”

Member of Parliament from Sudbury (and NDP member) Glenn Thibeau (above) spoke about how the Canadian health care system has been beneficial for Canadians.

“The Canadian health care system works,” said Thibeau. “It is a system founded on equality. We cover more people and pay less than in the States.”

Bob Seltzer (above right with RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum), an attorney for the RWDSU, spoke about the union’s experiences at Meadowcraft, a wrought iron furniture manufacturer in Alabama.  The company went bankrupt this year and the union worked hard to help save the jobs of workers in Wadley and Selma, Alabama.

“We need bankruptcy reform.  The current system doesn’t protect workers," Seltzer said.

Alabama and Mid-South Council President Henry Jenkins,  Secretary-Treasurer John Whitaker and RWDSU Assistant to the President David Mertz spoke about the union’s efforts on behalf of the Meadowcraft members. The union mobilized political and community support and pressured the banks funding Meadowcraft to keep the company open longer.  During that time a buyer was found for part of the operation saving some 400 jobs.

Local 1102 President Frank Bail with Local 1102 Executive VP Gemma de Leon.

Vice Presidents Frank Bail (Local 1102 president), Ken Bordieri (Local 1-s president) and Ida Torres (Local 3 president) spoke about the toll that the economy has had on members in the retail industry.

“Its been a tough year, but we have done what we can to protect members interests and hope that we will see improvements in the economy that lift retail in the coming year,” said RWDSU Local 1102 President Frank Bail.

Vice President and Local 108 President Charles N. Hall, Jr., (above)  talked about the effect of the economy on retail workers in New Jersey, and he detailed the fight to protect Strauss Auto workers when the company declared bankruptcy this year.

"The support we had from across the labor movement and from all the RWDSU locals helped us to secure a new contract at Strauss.  But it was a difficult and at times ugly fight."

Board members detailed organizing activities that have continued to bring in new members to the union.

“We work hard to bring the message of the union to workers in the South,” said Vice President and Southeast Council President Tom Stuffflebean (above).  “Our stewards play an important role in building the union and we are proud of the work they do.”