USWLocal207L

The Three Faces of Work-Family Conflict
The Poor, the Professionals, and the Missing Middle
Work-family conflict is much higher in the United States than elsewhere in the developed world. One reason is that Americans work longer hours than workers in most other developed countries, including Japan, where there is a word, karoshi, for “death by overwork.” The typical American middle-income family put in an average of 11 more hours a week in 2006 than it did in 1979. Not only do American families work longer hours; they do so with fewer laws to support working families. Only the United States lacks paid maternity-leave laws among … more

Jobless Rate Falls, Masking Negative Statistics
Drops in January from 10% to 9.7%, lowest since August
The surprising drop in the national unemployment rate to 9.7 percent in January, the lowest level since August, masked some disturbing statistics. While the unemployment rate for white people declined from 9 percent to 8.7 percent, the rate for black people grew from 16.2 percent to 16.5 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. And while the number of jobs lost has been declining from more than 700,000 a month in the first quarter of 2009 (according to revisions posted yesterday) to 20,000 last month, there is a record … more

Steelworker Articles
Fraser, Unions Strike Tentative Deal – District 4
Representatives of the United Steelworkers Union and Fraser Papers Inc. reached a tentative contract agreement yesterday, a day after a Fraser official said failure to reach an agreement could mean the closure of the company's Madawaska mill. The tentative agreement will be presented to the 460 workers of USW Locals 365, 291 and 1247, though union representatives said they were "not enchanted" with the contract's details, according to the Bangor Daily News. USW international representative Duane Lugdon told the paper … more

Tax Bill Affecting Steel Mill Progresses – District 12
A bill that representatives of Pueblo's steel mill say would cost the plant $2 million annually continued to move through the Legislature on Friday as part of a package of proposed tax-break repeals.  On Thursday, over the objections of the United Steelworkers of America and management at Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel, the Senate Finance Committee passed HB1190, which proposes to lift the tax exemption on energy used in manufacturing.  Friday morning, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the bill, clearing the way for debate on … more

Victaulic Workers From Forks Twp. Plant Unanimously Reject Labor Contract – District 10
Victaulic workers from the company’s Forks Township plant unanimously rejected a labor contract this morning, agreeing to work under the terms of their expired contract. Two-hundred sixty-nine members of United Steelworkers Union Local 2599 voted against the proposed labor contract through a roll call vote. Most voted to “reject” the contract, while someone else voted “Hell no” and another man said “Burn it!” Victaulic, which manufactures pipe-fitting products, maintains headquarters and a manufacturing plant in Forks … more

3 Join Labor Hall of Fame – District 11
Connolly, Lewis and Luther are inducted during the 11th annual United Labor Dinner.
An educator and legislator, a millworker and a box maker are three new members of the Dubuque Area Labor Hall of Fame. Mike Connolly, Jim Lewis and Frieda Luther were inducted Saturday night during the 11th annual United Labor Dinner at Mystique Casino. The Hall of Fame was established in 2001 with six charter members, and three members have been inducted each year since. "Dubuque has a rich labor history, and a group of us were talking about the people who helped pave the way not only for labor in Dubuque but in the state … more

Premier Urges 'Speedy Resolution' – District 6
Premier Dalton McGuinty is calling upon both Vale Inco and United Steelworkers to "come together for a speedy resolution" to the union's seven-month strike against the nickel miner. The premier declined requests from The Sudbury Star for an interview, instead issuing a statement through Jane Almeida, an aide in the Office of the Premier of Ontario. "My thoughts are with the families who are being affected by this private sector strike," said the premier in a statement e-mailed to The Star. "I also want to thank (Sudbury Liberal MPP) Rick … more