Sunday, June 8
at 6:00pm

Show Map
Space 2640
2640 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Find Tickets
Tickets Available
www.eventbrite.com

Join United Workers for a night of fun, food and celebration!

It has been an incredible year in the life of the United Workers. Please join us to celebrate amazing leaders, and breakthroughs in the Fair Development Campaign. Along with our human rights champion awards, this year's event will be special in that we create a Dinner Theater where guests will be treated to excerpts from Anu Yadav's play "Meena's Dream". Her play grapples with complexities of poverty, immigration and our inadequate healthcare system.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance on EventBrite- http://www.eventbrite.com/e/united-workers-9th-annual-human-rights-dinner-tickets-11470676101?aff=erelexporg

We look forward to celebrating with you!


_____________________


We need a strong and serious progressive Presidential challenger




Progressive Democrats of America is launching a drive to persuade Senator Bernie Sanders to run for President in the 2016 Democratic primaries.

If you agree we need a serious progressive candidate to run, please sign this petition.


According to John Nichols of The Nation, Bernie Sanders is considering lots of advice on whether or not to run for President—and whether or not to run as a Democrat—right now.

He needs to hear from you.

Peace and Justice,


Tim Carpenter
PDA National Director


P.S. When you sign the petition, please be sure to use the petition Share tools.
_______________________________________
Action on Thursday 3/13/2014
Unite Here Local 7
Tomorrow we march! PLEASE SHARE our graphic to show your support for BWI workers! And, if you're anywhere near Annapolis, come out and join us tomorrow for the action!

For friends in Maryland please come to this rally in Annapolis for our workers at BWI forced to deal with poverty wages and workplace abuses!Tomorrow we march! PLEASE SHARE our graphic to show your support for BWI workers! And, if you're anywhere near Annapolis, come out and join us tomorrow for the action!

Action info: https://www.facebook.com/events/254806021363881/?ref=22 _________________________________________________________________________
I would encourage all labor and justice citizens go to these union meetings and ask-------why is Maryland one of the wealthiest states and yet income equity......wages/pensions lost to fraud......labor law enforcement......union-busting is in full swing?

Maryland is the worst for labor and yet, unions back these same neo-liberals every year.

                  



                   PRESIDENT                 
              Fred D. Mason, Jr.                  

                                                                                            
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Donna S. Edwards
______________________________________________________ .

FROM:        Donna S. Edwards, Secretary-Treasurer

TO:             Labor Leaders and Activists

.


MARYLAND STATE AND D.C. AFL-CIO

LABOR LOBBYISTS’ MEETING

February 10, 2014

5:00pm-6:30pm

7 School Street, Annapolis MD

.


Lobbyists' meetings are held every Monday night from

5pm-6pm during the session.

.


The meetings are open to Leaders and activists of all affiliates wishing to lobby labor's agenda and stay informed about the legislation affecting workers in Maryland.

.


In general, legislators and paid lobbyists should only attend when invited to permit open discussion among unions regarding opportunities and challenges on all labor bills. If either have expressed interest in presenting a bill to labor, please have them contact me to schedule sufficient time.

.

Donna S. Edwards

Secretary-Treasurer

Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO

41-913-7235



______________________________________________________________________
VOTING AGAINST GLOBAL CORPORATIONS AND THEIR POLS WILL REVERSE THIS MESS!  RUN AND VOTE FOR LABOR AND JUSTICE IN ALL PRIMARIES!

SUPPORT THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE FIRED LEADERS OF USWA 8751!



Sunday, December 22, 2013

This weekend the amount raised for this campaign passed the $3,000 mark. It now stands at $3,340. 

Our overall goal for the campaign is $10,000 -- triple the amount collected so far. We can do it!

A crowdsourcing fundraising campaign is all about spreading the word as far and wide as possible. Whether someone can donate a lot, a little or nothing, everyone can participate by sending an email to their contacts.

It’s worth noting that the fired drivers were offered a settlement by the company. In other words, Veolia dangled a bribe to them – if they would accept the firings and let the company rip up the union's 38-year contract.

It won’t surprise you to know that the four rejected this offer out of hand. They know the attack on them is ultimately an attack on all the workers in their union, and in typical fashion are fighting back with courage and principles.

Of course, they are doing so having lost an essential source of income -- a situation now in its second month.

The amount we have raised is climbing steadily, which shows that it’s worth the effort. Please send an e-mail to your friends, families, and contacts in the movement requesting that they spread the word about this fundraising campaign, and to donate if they can.

Here’s a sample e-mail, with links at the bottom:

"Hi there,

Please help our crowdsourcing campaign for the Boston School Bus Drivers Union, whose members are fighting for their lives against the union-busting Veolia Corporation and their backers in the Boston School Department. Four drivers have been unjustly fired for their tireless organizing efforts on behalf of their union and all workers. They are leaders in a union that supports the l/g/b/t/q struggle, marches against every war, fights against racism and shows exemplary solidarity in the labor movement. Feel free to donate, but make sure to spread the word to any and all of your contacts! Thanks!!"

Link to fundraising page

https://www.wepay.com/donations/friends-of-the-school-bus-5

WW Article on Veolia’s Attacks on the contract

http://www.workers.org/articles/2013/12/04/veolia-guilty-union-busting-contribute-campaign-reinstate-fired-boston-school-bus-drivers/



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Did you notice how the complete void of news about these protests on mainstream media was glaring?

THE MORE PEOPLE ARE AWARE THAT MAINSTREAM NEWS IS CAPTURED THE MORE IRRELEVANT THAT MEDIA BECOMES!


Towson Walmart protests go forward Group wants retailer to pay higher wages
  • By Natalie Sherman, The Baltimore Sun 7:21 p.m. EST, November 29, 2013


A labor protest outside the Walmart in Towson went forward peacefully Friday, despite a court order that barred demonstrators from trespassing on the retail giant's properties in Maryland.

The two-hour demonstration, which drew about 60 people, was one of hundreds nationwide planned for Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Protesters also went to the Walmart in Arbutus.


***********************************************************************************

Activists Are Arrested Protesting Walmart’s Low Wages Allison Kilkenny on November 29, 2013 - 3:37 PM ET

Activists in Secaucus, New Jersey, engage in an act of civil disobedience during a Black Friday Walmart protest. All photos by Allison Kilkenny

*****************************************
15 Arrested Following Protest at NorCal Walmart Store By Mario Sevilla  KRON 4

Fri Nov 29th, 2013 3:03pm America/Los_Angeles

Wal-Mart protester Karl Hilgert, dressed as Santa Claus, is led away after being arrested for failure to disperse after sitting down with nine other protesters in the middle of an intersection on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, in Ontario, Calif. A labor group and supporters used the Black Friday shopping period for a demonstration over wages and working conditions at Wal-Mart. The San Bernardino Sun reports that more than 100 demonstrators gathered near the Wal-Mart in Ontario at 6 a.m. (AP Photo/The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Will Lester)
****************************************************************************************************
Friday, Nov 29, 2013 07:40 PM EST

Tens of thousands protest, over 100 arrested in Black Friday challenge to Wal-Mart

After rallies across the country, burning question remains whether more Wal-Mart employees will defy retaliation Josh Eidelson   SALON

Protesters outside Walmart in Los Angeles, November 7, 2013. (Credit: Reuters/Lucy Nicholson) Organizers say 111 people were arrested in eight Black Friday civil disobedience actions against Wal-Mart, with more arrests expected at a ninth and final such demonstration now underway in San Leandro, California. Those actions are among 1,500 total protests promised for today by the union-backed group OUR Walmart, which last year said it mobilized 400-some Wal-Mart employees to strike.
************************************************************************************

https://www.facebook.com/bob.witanek/media_set?set=a.10202398005331888.1073741858.1245814215&1&notif_t=likeWalmart Manville NJ Picket Support Livable Wage, Regular Hours, Respect and Fairness for Walmart Workers!By: Bob WitanekPhotos: 21

******************************************************************


Live from the Black Friday Protests at Walmart Middle Class Action Project yesterday If you liked this show, you can follow Middle Class Action Project. Default player New Window < />Embed MCAP actionists joined outraged workers as they stand up to the corporate greed practiced by Walmart.

_______________________________________________________________________





As low wage workers across this country are poised to go on strike and stand up for their rights from Walmart to McDonalds – from November 29 to December 5 – lets here show our support in Baltimore and Maryland – please join the “We Deserve Better” Workers Assembly.

What can you do see: https://us7.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=319065
Face book event https://www.facebook.com/events/768568173170197/?ref_dashboard_filter=calendar
RSVP at https://actionnetwork.org/events/respect-4-walmart-workers-community-civil-rights-student-union-supporters-protest?referrer=sharon-black-2&source=facebook
Join us for a planning meeting/training and work session this Saturday, Nov. 23, 4 P.M. at 2011 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 (one block north of North Ave., Trayvon Martin picture in window, near #3 bus line). We will be discussing what we will be doing on that day and later making signs and banners. For more information call 410-218-4835.


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Please stand with these union workers as grocers are just as bad as retail in what they pay workers.  Giant and Safeway have raised profits to billions with the restructuring of wages and benefits and with the self-checkout model.  Now, the customer is the checkout and the products they are buying are more expensive than ever.  IT IS RIDICULOUS FOLKS----SHOUT OUT FOR ALL LABOR!


Giant, Safeway workers to picket outside new Giant Food in Washington Workers and management wrangle over health care as contract negotiations continue

By Lorraine Mirabella, The Baltimore Sun 4:33 p.m. EST, November 20, 2013

Giant Food and Safeway workers, who are negotiating with management over a labor contract that expires Dec. 20, plan to picket Thursday outside a new Giant store in northwest Washington.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 400, one of two UFCW locals representing 28,000 Giant and Safeway workers in the Baltimore-Washington area, organized the "informational picket" planned for the grand opening of Giant at 8th and O streets N.W. Local 400 voted last week to authorize union leadership to call a strike against the supermarket chains if the sides fail to reach an agreement before the contract expires.

Health care and implications from federal health reform remain the big issues on the table, the union said. In contract talks across the country, "companies have tried to eliminate health care for part-time workers, retirees and spouses," Local 400 said in a statement.

"We are refusing to go backward," said Vivian Siguion, a Safeway worker on the bargaining committee for the union. "We've worked this hard to earn the benefits we have, and for the companies to propose to eliminate them feels like a slap in the face to the 29 years I've put in to this company."

Giant spokesman Jamie Miller said Wednesday the parties are continuing "intensive negotiations." The company is aiming for an agreement that offers competitive wages and benefits but reflects "our market realities," he said in an email.

Grocery competition has intensified in recent years as non unionized supermarket chains such as Harris Teeter, Wegmans and Whole Foods have entered the Baltimore market or expanded. Meanwhile, big-box stores such as Walmart, drug chains and convenience stores are taking a bigger share of consumers' grocery dollars.

Throughout negotiations, workers have distributed leaflets at stores, joined in flash mobs and gathered pledges from thousands of shoppers. The Thursday picketing is planned for 5:30 p.m. at the Washington Giant.



__________________________________________________________________
  • EVERY PLACE
  • ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MINIMUM WAGE:
    A Call to Make Thurs., OCTOBER 24
    WORKERS DEMAND A RAISE DAY...See More
PostsView DeclinesPosts
  • RECENT POSTS
  • Baltimore People's Power Assembly In Baltimore: A Day of activities -- In the early morning we will be distributing flowers and flyers on "Workers Demand a Raise Day" to Hunt Valley's factory workers - at 4 P.M. major rally at Eutaw & Saratoga Streets (near Lexington Market) Marching to McKeldin Square - past low wage work places. Come to our organizing meetings for the details. Call 410-218-4835
______________________________________________________________________________


ALL OF MARYLAND PUBLIC SERVICE UNIONS SHOULD BE SHOUTING AS VEOLA IS PRIVATIZING AND UNION-BUSTING IN MARYLAND!

USW 8751 Puts the Brakes on Veolia/City Union Busting

Oct 19,2013Updated 19 hours agoStarting at 4:00am, the united,militant rank and file shut down Veolia/Boston Public Schools fraudulent "October Bid". Their 100% rock solid unity with the solidarity of labor and the community proved decisive. This was a most brilliant expression of real workers power!

_________________________________________________
WE NEED PEOPLE TO SHOUT LOUDLY AND STRONGLY THAT THE POST OFFICE BE MADE STRONG AND VIABLE......THEY ARE DISMANTLING IT PIECE BY PIECE AND IT WILL NOT SURVIVE THESE CHANGES!!!

Make no mistake ending Saturday delivery for the Post Office will end the ability to compete and if not competitive the Post Office will not survive.  Your Third Way corporate democrat knows this and was also the ones who voted for the prepayment of pensions some years ago that created huge funding obligations that no other private business must make.  If that one requirement was lifted and those hundreds of billions of prepayment were allowed back onto the Post Office's balance sheets.....they would be just fine for years to come.  It is the systematic privatization of all of the Post Office's revenue that has left it compromised.  Think of Maryland's public transit and how defunding has made it abysmal....these Third Way pols want to privatize all that is public and the defund first and disable next.

Saturday service is critical for the Post Office.  Think next day air or priority deliveries like medications both big business for the Post Office.  Once they can no longer offer Saturday..this business is compromised..there goes more revenue!  Just think what it will be like with no method of public communication.  How much will private corporations charge without the Post Office offering lower rates?  That's right..it will become a Verizon/Comcast price-fixing deal that maximizes profits.  How will you communicate when all private comm becomes too expensive?  Smoke signals!


Postal Service says will end Saturday mail delivery


The U.S. Postal Service will stop delivering mail on Saturdays but continue to deliver packages six days a week under a plan aimed at saving about $2 billion, the financially struggling agency says. (Feb. 6)

Reuters 10:49 a.m. EST, February 6, 2013  Baltimore Sun


WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Postal Service plans to drop Saturday delivery of first-class mail by August in its latest effort to cut costs after losing nearly $16 billion last fiscal year, the cash-strapped mail agency said on Wednesday.

The plan would save about $2 billion a year, the Postal Service said. The mail agency will still deliver packages six days a week and will not change post office operating hours.

The Postal Service has been losing billions of dollars each year as it grapples with massive payments for future retiree health benefits and as Americans' increasing online communications drive down mail volumes.

"The Postal Service is advancing an important new approach to delivery that reflects the strong growth of our package business and responds to the financial realities resulting from America's changing mailing habits," Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said in a statement.

The 237-year-old institution ran into its legal borrowing limit last year and defaulted twice on required payments to the federal government.

Postal officials have said for years that the agency needed to cut back on delivery days, as well as close underused facilities and reduce its workforce. But officials have said they needed permission from Congress to make the changes.

It was not immediately clear whether congressional approval was needed to drop Saturday mail delivery.

Lawmakers spent more than a year on postal legislation, including proposals to eliminate Saturday delivery, but were unable to agree on a bill.

Donahoe told reporters on Wednesday that the laws governing the Postal Service do not allow it to adapt.

He said the changes would allow the Postal Service to continue benefiting from rising package deliveries as Americans order more products from sites such as eBay Inc and Amazon.com Inc.

Package deliveries were a bright spot in a bleak 2012 fiscal year, with package revenue rising 8.7 percent during the year. The agency has said it could face a cash shortfall this fall unless it makes significant cost-cutting changes.

___________________________________________________________________
WE'RE BACK! Sheraton City Center Picket Line!
Public · By Unite Here Local 7
  • The men and women who cook, clean and serve at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel have not had a raise in years. Their employer, Crossroads Hospitality Management, continues to drag its feet in contract negotiations.

    ***Last week the bargaining committee met again with management. This week, the workers are voting down the Company's proposal.***

    Join us to show the Company that we'll keep coming back as long as we need to to win a fair contract.

    For more Information call 443-438-5607 ext. 10
    Like us on facebook: www.facebook.com/UniteHereLocal7
____________________________________________________________________

*Wed. January 30th, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.*
*HEAR DIRECTLY FROM OUR WALMART WORKERS*
Dinner and Discussion at Sharp Hall, Govan’s Presbyterian Church,
5828 York Rd.,
Baltimore, MD 21212 on the #8 bus line, near the Senator Theater
(parking lot in the rear).

Featuring Walmart workers, including OUR Walmart founder, Cindy
Murray, who will explain why they are fighting for justice.

Sign up for a special community campaign “Justice for Low Wage
Workers” a focus group of the Baltimore Southern Christian
Leadership Conference and the Baltimore Peoples Power Assembly. This
committee will begin a campaign to educate the community at large
about OUR Walmart and justice for Walmart workers.

ALSO Sign on to a community, civil rights, religious, student
activist LETTER TO WALMART

Justice for Low Wage Workers
(A focus project of the Baltimore SCLC and the Peoples Power
Assembly)
2011 N. Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21218
410-500-2168 or 410-218-4835

Dear Super Walmart
<http://webmail.earthlink.net/wam/msg.jsp?msgid=5272&folder=INBOX.Sent&isSeen=false&x=-1682226430#>
Manager,

We the undersigned, community, civil rights, student, and religious
leaders, have picked this special weekend, the weekend commemorating
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, to call on you to
provide justice for your workers.

Dr. King Jr. marched for justice for all! He called for an end to
poverty, and poverty wages. He spoke out for worker’s rights on and
off the job. He was jailed for fighting against discrimination.

Low wages, inadequate health care coverage, lack of right’s on the
job including retaliation for speaking out, among many other things,
are problems for all of us.

Surely, the multi-billion dollar Walmart corporation can do better!

We ask you to seriously take up the demands of OUR Walmart, your very
own workers, and hear their voices.

“An injury to one, is an injury to all.”

Signed,

Let us know if you or your organization would like to sign on,
deadline for press and other purposes is 8 A.M., Wednesday, January
16, 2013 call us at 410-500-2168 or 410-218-4835 or email back to this
email or to sclcbaltocity@gmail.com or apcbaltimore@pipeline.com

____________________________________________________
PLEASE HELP THIS GREAT JUSTICE ORGANIZATION FIND A NEW HOME.  THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER IS ACTING AS AN ANCHOR INSTITUTION JUST AS JOHNS HOPKINS DID AND THAT MEANS PUSHING ALL THAT IS WORKING CLASS AND POOR OUT!!!!!!


 

The fight for Fair Development hits home. United Workers is being evicted from its office and community space due to the expanding presence of the University of Maryland (UM) in West Baltimore.

Over the last few years, UM has bought much of the property around our current office for its business school and biopark, setting in motion the dominos of displacement that development inevitably triggers. Due to the UM development, our non-profit landlord has been priced out of a number of community spaces and is now forcing us out to make room for its own relocated community programs. While fighting to keep open the precious few community resources, such as rec centers and fire stations, we see this eviction as part of the untold story of human rights abuses systemic across Baltimore. The actions of the University of Maryland have largely gone unnoticed – from demolishing low-income housing in the community to massive land purchases that led to our eviction and, no doubt, the displacement of other community residents and institutions. The result has been increased power for the few, while the livelihood and empowerment of the community has been completely undermined.

Our landlord is imposing an eviction deadline of January 31, 2013. We are attempting to push back and may need your help! We will keep you posted. What we need now are solid leads on new locations for our office and community space. Though this is a frustrating situation, it also allows us an opportunity to find a space that can make us even more accessible to our community. We want to stay in West Baltimore, particularly either in the Hollins Market area, where we are currently located (21223), or in Sandtown Winchester (21217). West Baltimore has been important to our organizing, particularly in recent years. It is where we have fought to keep the rec centers open and succeeded in saving the Truck 10 fire station. We have been working to launch a food distribution program in the neighborhood around our office this month. That being said we will consider any space that is available.

This is also an unexpected situation for which we did not budget. If you would like to make a donation to help us cover the cost of moving and a likely increase in rent, that would be extremely helpful and ensure our ability to continue our programming at current capacity. You can donate by going here: http://engage.unitedworkers.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=1

Thank you for your support and leadership over the years. We are grateful to know we have allies who will help ensure that we get through these challenging times, grow, and become ever more connected to our neighborhood and the larger Baltimore community.

- United Workers

 



__________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING AND TELL JACK YOUNG THAT THESE BILLS THEY ARE SENDING OUT ARE FULL OF LOOPHOLES THAT WILL ALLOW THE BOARD OF ESTIMATES AND THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW AS OFTEN AS THEY WANT.  JACK YOUNG HAS DELIBERATELY WRITTEN THIS BILL TO GIVE EVERY CONTRACTOR THE OPPORTUNITY NOT TO MEET THIS GOAL!!!!

VOTE JACK YOUNG OUT OF OFFICE.  HE IS KILLING LABOR IN BALTIMORE!!!


Jack,

We know this legislation is so full of loopholes that the Board of Estimates and the Finance Department will circumvent this law just as much as they do the MBE and the Living Wage law.  As someone who watches you all do this every week I am here to say we know this bill is only window-dressing.

We saw headlines that said 'City Council gets tough with EBDI on hiring minorities' by ending funding until they do.  This happened at the very time EBDI had finished and was disbanding.....now we have a new developer who is also refusing to hire minorities.

We read of Carl Stoke's fairness piece that placed a requirement for 17 underserved families and a percentage of the profits from the Lexington developers in exchange for tax breaks and a record low selling price for property.....only he had a loophole that allowed the developer to simply sell the operation to a shell company when profits grew in order to avoid the profit-sharing.  Who will choose those 17 families in the midst of luxury housing?  Why not a multi-economic block with lots of affordable housing?

The people see through all of these PR ploys and we are shouting loudly and strongly to WORK FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ELECT YOU NOT THE DEVELOPERS!!!




Cindy Walsh

Citizens Oversight Maryland



Join in Support for Local Hiring Initiative

Dear Baltimoreans,

I encourage you to join an important hearing at City Hall tomorrow that will shape the future of local hiring here in Baltimore.

In November, I introduced legislation called Finance and Procurement-Local Hiring that is intended to help Baltimore get back to work. The bill would require 51 percent of all new jobs created as a result of a city contract above $300,000 or a project that includes a subsidy of $5 million or more to be filled by residents of Baltimore City. Waivers may be issued, on a case-by-case basis, under certain special conditions that are outlined in my bill.

Nationally, cities from Boston to San Francisco have found ways to legally institute local hiring preference programs, said Joshua Arce, executive director of the Brightline Defense Project, a policy advocacy nonprofit that promotes sustainability and opportunity in traditionally underserved communities through public policy advocacy and partnerships.

Baltimore should follow the lead of these cities and work to overcome legal challenges and make our local hiring policy work for residents and businesses alike. Please join me tomorrow as we begin to tackle this important issue.

WHAT: Taxation, FInance and Economic Development Committee Hearing on Council President Young's Local Hiring Legislation

WHEN: Thursday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: "Du" Burns Council Chamber, 4th Floor, City Hall, 100 N. Holliday Street



Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President
Baltimore City Council

_________________________________________________________________________

Make Dr. King Jr.'s Birthday - Workers & Poor Peoples Rights Day! Protest at Walmart

Public · By Sharon Black and Cortly C D Witherspoon

  • Super Walmart 3601 Washington Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21227
  • RECLAIM REV. DR. KING JR’S DREAM
    MAKE DR. KING’S BIRTHDAY –
    WORKER’S & POOR PEOPLES RIGHTS DAY!
    PICKET & RALLY AT THE SUPER WALMART STORE
    360l Washington Blvd. Baltimore, MD 21227
    Sat. January 19, 2013
    12 Noon to 1 P.M.
    • Demand justice for low wage workers from Walmart to McDonalds.
    • Stand for workers rights from Michigan to Maryland!
    • Say NO to so-called “right to work” laws and YES to raising the minimum wage!
    • No to inadequate health care and lack of right’s on the job!

    One out of every four persons in Baltimore City is reportedly living in poverty. Many of those who live in poverty actually work, but at jobs that pay next to nothing. In many cases these same workers are employed by multi-billion dollar greedy corporations like Wal-Mart and MacDonalds.

    Let’s stand together! If Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today he would be leading such a protest.

    HEAR: Representatives of the OUR Walmart campaign; low wage workers fighting to raise the minimum wage; and many others. Let’s let Walmart know that those in the community support the Walmart workers; that “an injury to one is an injury to all”.

    Initiated by: Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Baltimore and the Baltimore Peoples Power Assembly
    For more info: call 410-500-2168 or 410-218-4835 Join the Maryland Justice for Low Wage Workers! J4LWW a focus group of the Peoples Power Assembly



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Picket Line at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel!Public · By Unite Here Local 7

  • Sheraton Baltimore City Center 101 West Fayette Street
  • Stand up For Workers’ Rights!

    The men and women who cook, clean and serve at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel have not had a raise in years. Their employer, Crossroads Hospitality Management, has been dragging its feet in contract negotiations.

    Please join us on the picket line!

    For more Information call 443-438-5607 ext. 10
    www.facebook.com/UniteHereLocal7

____________________________________________________________________________
I cannot believe that 99% of labor in this city/state do not feel the effects of a diminished private sector union presence.  Baltimore's working class is one of the poorest in the nation with all of the workplace laws neglected and wages circumvented, Right to Work labor brought in from other states.  I attend many workers meeting across the region and unlike the few commenters here, all of labor in Maryland understand the importance of unions/strikes.

We hear Third Way corporate democrats calling for rebuilding the middle-class that was destroyed by Third Way corporate democrats.  We see Maryland's labor decimmated while Third Way democrats lead the state.  The key here is running/voting for fiscal progressive/labor democratic candidates to be rid of corporate pols and to support unions, public and private.

Longshoreman have a good wage as do your UPS delivery people.  They are strong unions who fought for a middle-class wage from corporations making billions in profit.  They work hard to be paid well.  If other workers in Baltimore were paid well they would work harder?  Of course, if you are paid $7.25 when $14 an hour is the Living Wage you feel driven to work half the time as is to be expected.  Why do we not have the $14 an hour wage? Maryland voters keep voting for Third Way corporate democrats rather than labor/justice candidates. 

Get out and support this strike!!


Baltimore's port readies for strike as deadline nears Widespread stoppage could cripple retailers, drive up cost of consumer goods

Retail giants, shipping companies and federal agencies are racing the clock to make plans as an East Coast and Gulf dock strike this weekend appears imminent.

The International Longshoremen's Association, representing nearly 15,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents shipping companies and port operators, are scheduled to meet with a federal mediator Saturday afternoon in a last-ditch effort to head off a crippling work stoppage. In Baltimore, about 1,200 workers are represented by the union.

If they don't reach an agreement or reject another contract extension, negotiators still might have a sliver of wiggle room. The contract is set to expire at one minute past midnight Dec. 30 — a Sunday. Monday and Tuesday are union holidays. That means the full effect of a walkout wouldn't be felt until Wednesday, Jan. 2.

The American Apparel and Footwear Association, which represents a $350 billion industry, is meeting Friday with Deputy U.S. Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari to discuss the looming retail crisis and ways to restock shelves after the holidays and avert shortages.

"When ports go black, it's almost like America isn't open for business," said association spokesman Scott Elmore. "Our economy can't afford a hiccup like this."

Ports America Chesapeake, which operates the Seagirt Marine Terminal in Baltimore, has extended hours to move as many shipping containers as possible and has established storage terms for containers caught in port during a strike.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued guidelines on how it will process and inspect ships that could be prevented from docking or forced to divert to a foreign port.

Some clothing and footwear companies anticipated the possibility of a port shutdown and ordered early while others are making plans to use West Coast and foreign ports and then ship merchandise by truck or rail to the East Coast. But every alternative is expected to drive up the cost of goods to the consumer, Elmore said.

A strike would stop all container traffic at the port of Baltimore but allow bulk cargo, autos and machinery, and cruise ship arrivals and departures to continue. However, if management locks out workers in retaliation, port activity would cease.

Although 106 trade organizations have urged President Barack Obama to order an 80-day cooling off period, there is no indication that the administration is contemplating that step.

candy.thomson@baltsun.com


______________________________________________________________________________
Call Walmart to show solidarity with striking workers Walmart Chairman of the Board Rob Walton must meet with Walmart workers about their demands for better pay and working conditions. Make a call today.

Walmart, (877) 545-2267
Make the Call
  • First dial the number. Please be respectful toward the person who answers. (Ranting won't help the cause.) Here's a suggested script: I am calling to express my support for Walmart workers who deserve a safe workplace and a decent standard of living.

    Rob Walton, your chairman of the board, should meet with Walmart workers about their demands for better pay and working conditions as soon as possible, and Walmart must stop retaliating against workers who stand up for their rights.

  • Close the call:Thank you for your time!

  • Tips for your call:
    • - Be friendly and nice.
    • - Try again if the phone is busy or no answer
    • Report your call back to us!

    Fill out the form on the right and click the "Report your call" button on the bottom.

Report back Walmart, (877) 545-2267

What was the result of your call to Walmart, (877) 545-2267?

  • Called and spoke to a staff member
  • Left a voicemail
  • Line was busy or call wasn't answered
Any other notes or comments? (optional)

  Problems? Contact info@credoaction.com


talk to us. 800.555.7774 w

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Great! There are so many ways you can contribute to the Black Friday Walmart strike. Check out the options below, and let’s kick this campaign into high gear!
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LET'S USE BLACK FRIDAY TO SHOUT LOUDLY AND STRONGLY AGAINST ALL CORPORATE INFRINGEMENT ON WORKERS RIGHTS, WAGES, AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOSING THEIR NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN THE NEVER ENDING PURSUIT OF PROFIT!!!!!

SIGN THIS PETITION!!!

Stand in Solidarity with Walmart Workers on Black Friday

On Black Friday, Walmart workers are refusing to work in protest of Walmart's continuing retaliation against employees who speak out for better pay, affordable health care, improved working conditions, fair schedules, and most of all, respect.

You can show your support for the Walmart strikers by signing this pledge. Take action here.



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WITH CORPORATE POLICY HAVING A HOLD ON ALL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WE SEE SIMPLE LABOR ISSUES THAT WERE TAKEN AS MAINSTREAM NOW BEING CALLED 'EXTREME' AND 'RADICAL'.  IT IS TRULY DISCONCERTING TO WATCH THIS TRANSITION AND TO SEE IT GRABBING PUBLIC MEDIA AS WELL.  YOU MUST SHOUT OUT FOR BALANCE IN PUBLIC MEDIA LOCALLY AND ATTEND SUCH 'RADICAL' PROGRAMS LIKE THAT BELOW TO GAIN A SENSE OF COLLECTIVE (OH NO, A SOCIALIST WORD) DIRECTION.  NOTICE ALL SYSTEMS THAT BUILD COLLECTIVE/COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS ARE BEING 'PROFESSIONALIZED'?  THERE IS A CORPORATE REASON!  REMEMBER, WE HAD CAPITALISM FOR DECADES WHILE HAVING STRONG LABOR CONDITIONS......LABOR IS NOT NECESSARILY ANTI-CAPITALIST


Monday Oct 29, 7PM @ Red Emma's, 800 Saint Paul StreetCliff DuRand presents "Recreating Democracy in a Globalized State"

Cliff DuRand, retired professor of philosophy at Morgan State University and founder of Baltimore's Research Associates Foundation, presents his most recent book, "Recreating Democracy in a Globalized State." The book is a collection of essays on corporations, globalization and the state takes a radical look at the role of the state in globalization and its transformation thereby. It addresses such key questions as: What role is the state (in both the North and South) playing in its own rollback and demise? How has the emergence of global production chains facilitated the emergence of a transnational capitalist class? ? Do states still serve the interests of the peoples they govern, or do they now primarily serve the interests of global transnational capital? It is unique in that it includes work from and about Cuba in relation to globalization. The editors and contributors are long-time social activists approaching the issues from the perspective of the global South.


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I WANT TO REMIND PEOPLE THAT BALTIMORE HAS A POLICY OF PAYING WORKERS THE LOWEST WAGE IN THE COUNTRY.  THE HYATT WORKERS CALL IT THE 3/5 BECAUSE BALTIMORE HYATT WORKERS ARE PAID THAT MUCH LESS THAN ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY.  IF YOU ASK A CITY COUNCIL MEMBER WHY THAT IS THEY WILL SAY THAT JOHNS HOPKINS LOBBIES HEAVILY TO KEEP WAGES LOW AS THEY ARE THE LARGEST EMPLOYER.  IT WAS HOPKINS WHO PUSHED TO ALLOW A  WALMART COMING TO BALTIMORE PAY LESS THAN THE $10 AN HOUR WALMART PAYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.  SO KNOW WHAT IS BEHIND THE ISSUE.......AND FOR WALMART AS A WHOLE.......$14 AN HOUR IS THE LIVING WAGE.......GIVE UP YOUR BILLIONS IN PROFITS TO PAY A FAIR WAGE!

Activist Alert

[10.10.12]


Dear Cindy,

In the past week, almost 90 Wal-Mart workers have gone on strike at 28 stores in 12 cities across the country in the first strike against the company in its 50 year history. Yesterday, workers in the DC Area joined the ranks as workers at the Laurel, Maryland Wal-Mart walked out.

From environmental degradation, to awful labor conditions, wage theft, to high powered lobbyists, Wal-Mart carries the dubious recognition among the least socially responsible businesses on the planet. These problems, manifested in Wal-Mart's practices, are part of a growing trend of businesses lowering their investment in their workers. Considering that Wal-Mart employs 1.4 million people in the U.S. labor force, these practices have detrimental affects on a large portion of working Americans.

Now, the movement to hold them accountable seems to be spreading like wild-fire, with strikers citing illegal silencing of workers as they spoke out against the company’s low take-home pay, unpredictable work schedules, and unaffordable healthcare benefits as their reason for standing up against the company. These workers are bravely challenging corporate power with worker power, and refusing to be so grossly exploited for any longer.

Looking at this strike and remembering the Chicago Teachers’ Union’s strike just a few short weeks ago, this is an exciting sign of the growing power of the labor movement nationally, and our collective willingness to stand up against forces preventing us from building the world we want.

Locally, Respect DC has been doing great work for the past two years by working to hold Wal-Mart accountable in their plans to open stores in DC. Check them out here. Meanwhile, sign the petition in support of the striking workers here.

Finally, please take a moment to celebrate folks in our community who are working to make the world a better place! Now's your last chance to nominate someone for an Activist Award this December!

In Solidarity,

Sonia, Dany, Stephanie & Caitlin

Want to stay in the loop? Click here for our full list of progressive events in the DC Metro Area.





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Rally at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore: End 3/5 in Baltimore!Public Event · By Unite Here Local 7

  • McKeldin Square (Pratt and Light Streets, Baltimore MD)

  • There are hotel workers in Baltimore who make only 3/5 of what union hotel workers make in Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, Philadelphia, San Francisco Airport and Chicago Airport markets. In these same markets, the room rates that customers pay are comparable to those in Baltimore.

    Workers at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore have come forward to fight for a fair and democratic process to decide on union representation. Baltimore hotel workers should not be making 3/5ths of what union hotel workers are making in cities where the rooms cost the same!

    UNITE HERE Local 7 (443) 438-5607 www.facebook.com/UNITEHERELocal7

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ACTION/RALLY - END 3/5ths IN BALTIMORE! Submitted by DonnaSimone on Thu, 07/05/2012 - 11:38am When:  Thursday, July 26, 2012 - 4:30pm Where:  MCKELDIN SQUARE
PRATT AND LIGHT STREETS

Come out to support the Hyatt Regency Baltimore hotel workers in their struggle for a fair process to decide on union representation. Theses courageous men and women have taken a stand for justice, and it's crucial that the community stand with them in their ongoing effort.

UNITE HERE LOCAL 7

https://www.facebook.com/events/132036836935043/

https://www.facebook.com/UniteHereLocal7

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WE NEED TO BOYCOTT THESE CORPORATIONS THAT ARE ALLOWED BY LAW TO ABUSE THEIR WORKERS THROUGH BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT THEM.  WE MUST GET LOCAL OFFICIALS TO MONITOR THESE BUSINESSES FOR FAIR LABOR ABUSES.

If you believe its marketing hype, you’d think Chipotle does everything it can to source its ingredients ethically. But you just have to unwrap the burrito a little bit to realize the way Chipotle purchases the tomatoes for its salsa undercuts the advances in working conditions Florida farmworkers have fought to win.

Chipotle is refusing to sign the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a group of farmworkers who’ve successfully convinced major corporations like Burger King and Subway to participate in a program that helps ensure that tomato pickers are treated well and paid fairly for their work.

Send a message to Chipotle’s CEO Steve Ells, calling for him to commit to real “food with integrity” by signing the Fair Food Agreement.

And it actually gets worse. Chipotle is misleading its customers by trumpeting the work of the CIW on its website. In reality, Chipotle broke off talks with the CIW, opting instead to go it alone — no partnership, no verification, no commitment for the long term. By refusing to partner with the CIW, Chipotle is undercutting the life-changing work the CIW has done to protect farmworkers from the often-brutal conditions workers face at farms not participating in the Fair Food Program.

Since organizing in the mid-90s, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers has successfully pressured large corporations like Aramak, Compass Group, and Whole Foods to sign its Fair Food Agreement, guaranteeing a fair wage and worker protections to the men and women who pick tomatoes across Florida. And just this past February, SumOfUs.org members helped convince Trader Joe’s to sign the Fair Food Agreement!

Join the movement for fair food by sending a message to Chipotle’s CEO, urging him to sign the Fair Food Agreement now.

**********

More Information:

What is the Fair Food Agreement?
According to the Coalition of Immokalee Workers who are negotiating Fair Food Agreements with various corporations, “the agreements require those companies to demand more humane labor standards from their Florida tomato suppliers (including a zero tolerance policy for slavery), to pay a price premium for more fairly produced tomatoes, and to shift purchases to growers who meet those higher standards. Over 90% of Florida tomato growers have shown their early support for this effort by agreeing to pass along the pay premium to their tomato harvesters, and to abide by a code of conduct under which workers have a voice and slavery is not tolerated.”

Is slavery a reality for some tomato workers?
Farm labor bosses have repeatedly been brought to court for their treatment of workers, including most recently in 2008 for beating their workers who refused to work or tried to leave, holding their workers in debt, and chaining and locking workers inside U-Haul trucks as punishment. The U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the 2008 case called the situation “slavery, plain and simple.” If Chipotle were to sign the Fair Food Agreement, it would be guaranteeing that none of their tomatoes come from growers who treat its workers as modern-day slaves.

Who else signed the Agreement?
Fair Food Agreements have been reached between the CIW and McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, and Yum! Brands, as well as foodservice providers Compass Group, Aramark, Sodexo, and Bon Appetit Management Company, and grocery store chains Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.

Why hasn’t Chipotle signed?
Like many corporations before it, Chipotle has offered a number of excuses, many demonstrably false or misleading, and has attempted to circumvent the CIW with its own, half-hearted plan. They have said, essentially, “Trust us, we’re doing it right”. But without signing the agreement, Chipotle has no way of knowing if the growers they’re purchasing from meet CIW’s standards. In fact, a recent audit by the Fair Food Standards Council revealed Chipotle was paying a smaller premium than it should have been.

Why does this matter for Immokalee farm workers?
The Immokalee farm workers, a coalition of people who work on farms in the Immokalee region of Florida (where most of the tomatoes are grown in the US) are organizing because they are some of the lowest paid workers in the country, often making less than $12,000 a year. They work ten-hour days picking tomatoes in order to pick enough (nearly 2.5 tons per day) to make minimum wage. They have no rights to collective bargaining or overtime pay. Each penny a pound increase that they have won brings more people out of poverty, and each buyer requiring workplace protections ensures more people are treated fairly in their jobs and fewer farm workers are subjected to slave-like conditions.


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I WANT PUBLIC UNIONS TO KNOW THAT YOUR CREDIT UNION HELPS FINANCE BALTIMORE DEVELOPMENT'S PLANS.....A GOOD DEAL OF MONEY COMES FROM MECU USED TO LEVERAGE LOANS.  IS BERT HASH WORKING IN YOUR INTEREST?  IT IS IMPORTANT TO GO TO THESE BALTIMORE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS TO HERE WHAT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IS SAYING. 

THE NEXT MEETING IS THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 AT 7:30 23 S. Charles St.  17th fl.  BE THERE!!!

Mr. Bert J. Hash, Jr.
President & CEO
Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore, Inc. (MECU)


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On Tuesday, July 24, City Council President Jack Young will join other council members, minimum wage workers, clergy, and community supporters to call for the council to support the Rebuild America Act in Congress.
  The act will raise the minimum wage.  Tuesday  July 24 at  2:00 PM in City HaLL (room TBA)

The minimum wage is one way to reduce income inequality in our society.

For more information call 443-449-2048 or visit www.GoodJobsBetterBaltimore.org

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WE ALL MUST SHOUT LOUDLY TO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO STOP THESE TAX BREAK AND STIMULUS GIVE-AWAYS TO CORPORATIONS THAT WE KNOW ARE ONLY GROWING GLOBALLY, NOT DOMESTICALLY.  IT IS A GIMMICK AND IF YOUR POLITICIAN IS SELLING THIS POLICY........

VOTE OUT YOUR INCUMBENT!!!

BELOW IS A PETITION  TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE TO $9.80 FALLS FAR SHORT OF THE $14 LIVING WAGE WE NEED, BUT IT IS A STEP WHILE WE ELECT NEW POLITICIANS TO DO THE JOB RIGHT.  SIGN THE PETITION ON THE CREDO WEBSITE!


Clicking here will automatically add your name to this petition to Rep. Elijah Cummings: "It is time to raise the minimum wage to jump start our economy. Co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.80 by 2014 then index it to inflation thereafter." Automatically add your name: Learn more about this campaign

Rep. Elijah Cummings: Stand up for working class Americans, raise the minimum wage.

Dear Cindy,

Thanks to the activism of more than 112,000 CREDO Action members who have petitioned their Senators to support Senator Tom Harkin's (D-IA) legislation to raise the federal minimum wage, we are gaining momentum.

The need to keep pressing Congress on behalf of working class Americans who desperately need a raise remains urgent. At just $7.25 an hour, or roughly $15,000 per year, the current federal minimum wage is leaving millions of hard working Americans in poverty.

A key member of the House Democratic Leadership — Representative George Miller from California — is planning to introduce legislation that increases the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.80 by 2014 then indexes it to inflation thereafter. He has circulated a letter asking his colleagues in the House to co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012. Rep. Elijah Cummings has not yet done so.

Tell Rep. Cummings: Co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 to raise the minimum wage. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

It is crucial for us to generate support for Representative Miller's effort because it will provide broader momentum for increasing the minimum wage in both chambers of Congress. That is why we are joining with Service Employees International Union and National Employment Law Project in calling on House members to support the Fair Minimum Wage Act.

Representative Miller's legislation is significant for a number of reasons. It will index the minimum wage so that it automatically increases every year, giving workers a raise they can count on without having to wait for Congress to act. At a time when corporate profit margins in the U.S. economy are at an all-time high, employees' wages as a percent of the economy have hit an all-time low.1 Raising the federal minimum wage rate so that it at least keeps up with inflation is the least this Congress can do to address this out-of-control economic disparity, and provide much needed relief to millions of Americans.

Representative Miller's legislative approach to raising the minimum wage is a necessary and common-sense step to take during a fragile economic recovery. According to a recent study, disproportionate numbers of new jobs created in the current economic climate are jobs that pay by the hour, and many of the fastest growing types of jobs pay well below $10 per hour.2 With the economy still struggling, Congress needs to use every tool available to ensure the quality of new jobs created, so that we have a meaningful recovery — and nothing will have greater impact than increasing the minimum wage for all workers.

Tell Rep. Cummings: Co-sponsor the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2012 to raise the minimum wage. Click here to automatically sign the petition.

The Fair Minimum Wage Act also remedies an injustice that has persisted for decades — the freezing of the minimum wage for tipped workers. Over the course of five years, it would raise the tipped minimum wage to 70% of the federal minimum wage and thereafter, index it as well. This is of particular importance for women workers who make up a disproportionate part of not just the low-wage work force, but the tipped workforce as well.3 Thus, raising the minimum wage, especially the tipped minimum wage, is an essential component of the ongoing fight to close the wage gap.

The more members of Congress sign on to his legislation, the more attention the issue will generate at the federal level, giving a boost to Miller's effort to get an up-or-down vote on his bill in Congress.

Click below to urge Representative Cummings to co-sponsor Representative Miller's legislation to raise the minimum wage today:
http://act.credoaction.com/r/?r=6903800&p=miller_minimum_wage&id=42736-5766099-RnVZ%3Dgx&t=10

Thank you for speaking out in support of working class Americans.

Murshed Zaheed, Deputy Political Director
CREDO Action from Working Assets

1. Henry Blodget, "Corporate Profits Just Hit An All-Time High, Wages Just Hit An All-Time Low," Business Insider, June 22, 2012.
2. National Employment Law Project Data Brief, "Where the Jobs Are: A First Look at Private Industry Job Growth and Wages in 2010," NELP.org, August 27, 2010.
3. Restaurant Opportunities Center United, "Tipped Over the Edge — Gender Inequity in the Restaurant Industry,"," rocunited.org, February 13, 2012.

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Fewer U.S. CEOs plan to hire, boost spending Posted: 11:23 am Wed, June 20, 2012   By Associated Press  Maryland Daily Record

WASHINGTON — A survey of chief executives shows fewer large U.S. companies plan to hire or boost spending in the next six months, reflecting a weaker U.S. economy.

The Business Roundtable says 36 percent of its CEO members plan to add workers over the next six months. That’s down from 42 percent when the survey was last taken three months ago.

Only 43 percent say they plan to step up spending on machinery, computers and other large goods, down from 48 percent. Most CEOs still expect sales to increase in the next six months.

The gloomier outlook follows a sharp pullback in hiring over the past two months, which has raised concerns that the economy could be slumping after a fast start

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This is a labor action that pushed these politicians to do the right thing.  Believe that nothing would have happened if local organizations did not shout loudly, demonstrate, write, and advocate.  We will be watching.....do not assume that talk will become action!  I think the $28 million for minority business owners is far too low as it is.


East Baltimore delegation calls for stop to EBDI project State and city officials say minority hiring falls short of goals

By Lorraine Mirabella, The Baltimore Sun 9:42 p.m. EDT, May 30, 2012

Elected officials from East Baltimore want to block the $1.8 billion urban renewal project in Middle East until more neighborhood residents and minority contractors are hired and displaced residents can benefit from the revitalization.

Members of the Eastside Leadership Team criticized the 88-acre project for what they said was slow progress and a poor record of minority hiring during a news conference Wednesday outside the offices of East Baltimore Development Inc, the nonprofit leading the large-scale redevelopment just north of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The group of state senators, delegates, City Council members and former officials said they intend to halt agreements and block legislation, permits and zoning changes needed to advance the plans. They also intend to sign on as plaintiffs in an existing lawsuit against state agencies to stop a $99 million state health laboratory that's under construction on the site.

"We're giving EBDI a vote of no confidence," and calling for a stop to new construction, contracts or hiring, "until our goals are met," state Sen. Nathaniel McFadden said.

The project displaced 800 families from what was a blighted neighborhood. Some moved to newly rehabbed rowhouses nearby.

Hundreds of houses were razed to make way for 1,500 to 2,000 new and renovated residential units and up to 1.7 million square feet of commercial space. One office building and several apartment buildings have been completed.

An additional $300 million worth of projects are under construction or nearing completion, including the state health laboratory, a 351-unit graduate student housing tower and a garage with a Walgreens drugstore. Plans also call for a state-of-the-art elementary school, a grocery store and restaurants, additional office buildings, a park lined with loft-style apartments and a hotel.

But over 10 years the work, for which EBDI has partnered with Johns Hopkins and master developer Forest City East Baltimore Partnership, has yet to deliver promised new housing and jobs, critics said.

Chris Shea, president and chief executive of EBDI, stood along with spectators during the event. Afterward, he said that the organization has listened to community concerns and has worked to improve its hiring practices.

"Their frustration is genuine. It's real," Shea acknowledged. "EBDI understands and supports the elected officials."

On Wednesday, the Eastside Leadership Team joined the chorus of criticism for the project.

"We're going to slow this train down," state Del. Talmadge Branch said. "There are too many contractors bringing in employees from other parts of Maryland."

Branch likened the project to "having an event in your backyard, but you can't come to the event. You can't come to the party. You can't work and businesses here can't get a contract. … It's not right and it's not fair."

He cited an analysis of hiring for the state's lab project that showed that of the $57.5 million in contracts awarded so far, only $13.4 million went to businesses in Baltimore and only $4.4 million to local minority-owned businesses. To reach the original inclusion goals laid out for the overall redevelopment project, an additional $28 million of contracts would need to be awarded to minority businesses, Branch said.

Shea called the goals "aspirational," saying in an email that the agreement was laid out before the EBDI was even formed and a developer chosen.

"The elected officials and EBDI mutually agreed last fall that it was obsolete and needed to be revised and brought into alignment with the actual development," Shea wrote.

He said EBDI has been working with elected officials to draft a revision.

With the millions of dollars flowing into the neighborhood, City Councilman Warren Branch said, "there should be no one in East Baltimore looking for employment. I'm tired of seeing … outside contractors and outside workers flourishing while the community suffers, overlooked as if they don't exist. We want our fair share of construction contracts."

Councilman Carl Stokes noted that more than 80 percent of the workers who built the soon-to-open graduate student apartment tower lived outside the city, with less than 8 percent from East Baltimore.

"We are standing in solidarity that the project cannot go any further," said Council PresidentBernard C. "Jack" Young. "We want jobs, and meaningful jobs."


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The United Workers gave a powerful march and rally this wekend demanding living wages and workers rights...............IT SEEMS OUR DEMOCRATIC SENATE AND PRESIDENT ARE NOT PROTECTING WORKER'S RIGHTS.  REMEMBER, THE LAWS ARE ON THE BOOKS; THEY ARE JUST NOT BEING ENFORCED.  WHEN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SWORN TO UPHOLD THE LAW TURN THE OTHER WAY......THAT IS CONSPIRACY.  That is what is happening in Baltimore with our developers and their business tax credits.  These marchers let everyone know about it as we marched 4 miles along the way to the Inner Harbor where the abuse is taking place.  You'll not see mainstream media here.....they are busy declaring the Occupy Movement dead!  This well-attended, passionate march shows the people otherwise!



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IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR PENSION FUNDS ARE BEING USED AS FODDER FOR THE GAINS OF THE WEALTHY.  PUBLIC SECTOR UNION PENSIONS WERE DEFUNDED BY POLITICIANS AND COMPTROLLERS WERE STEERING THESE FUNDS INTO HIGH-RISK INVESTMENTS NOT IN THE PUBLIC'S INTEREST.  WHERE ARE THE LABOR UNION LEADERS IN ALL THIS?  WHY ARE THEY NOT SHOUTING LOUDLY AND STRONGLY AGAINST HOW THESE PENSION FUNDS ARE INVESTED?  I SENT THE ARTICLE BELOW TO ALL MAJOR LABOR UNIONS SAYING 'WHY ARE YOU NOT PROTECTING LABOR INVESTMENTS'?

TALK WITH YOUR UNION-----ALL UNIONS ABOUT THIS!



The Fracking Industry and natural gas is a prime example of how labor is manipulated against its own best interests and that of its union members (I'm not going to mention now the environmental catastrophy unfolding).  It's hard to find a balance, but what needs to be clear....if labor does not hold out against these privatizing shifts now.....there will be no tomorrow in our lifetimes.  The 'Progressive think tank', I joke, below let's you clearly see their intent.  They see the price of natural gas as flat because of over-abundant supply so they push export to raise price and profit.  They warn against public subsidies to lower costs for the public as it distorts the profit/market mechanism.  WARN AGAINST PUBLIC SUBSIDIES to defray the costs of free market export.  This is the same thing happening with the gas for our cars.  Free market speculators drive the prices up artificially making tens of billions until Obama threatens to enforce some law he never plans to enforce.  Obama can nationalize the oil refineries being closed because of exporting raw oil, as they are planning for natural gas.  This would allow us to have affordable gas while they make their billions overseas, but they don't want to lose even that money.  WARN AGAINST PUBLIC SUBSIDIES.  CORPORATE SUBSIDIES ARE THE NEW WELFARE~!

So, labor is told all these jobs will be created in building the infrastructure of these private corporations, with taxpayer subsidies, but these are only temporary jobs that will disappear as all these resources are exported as raw materials.  The US is becoming the Nigeria in energy but you and I will see no benefit in corporate tax revenue collected, jobs created, or price reduction....the money will all go to profit.  The labor unions are working against their own and their members interests simply for a few years of work.  Union members see the downside of these negotiations and lose the value they placed in being unionized.  THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS WAY OF ENGAGING LABOR....AND IT TAKES AWAY FROM LONGTERM ORGANIZING CAPABILITY.  That is why I shouted at labor unions in Maryland and DC who voted for these corporate politicians for short-term jobs, rather than the Progressive who would fight for policy that created stable, middle-class employment. 

Liquid Markets: Assessing the Case for U.S. Exports of Liquefied Natural Gas

Charles K. Ebinger, Director, Energy Security Initiative
Kevin Massy, Assistant Director, Energy Security Initiative
Govinda Avasarala, Senior Research Assistant, Energy Security Initiative

The Brookings Institution (Remember, Brookings calls itself a progressive think tank)      May 02, 2012 —

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Driven by technological breakthroughs in unconventional gas production, major increases in U.S. natural gas reserves and production have led to supply growth significantly outpacing forecasts in recent years. As a result, natural gas producers have sought new and additional sources of demand for the newfound volumes. One proposed end-use is the exportation of U.S. natural gas in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While the United States already exports modest quantities of natural gas, mostly via pipeline, current proposals, some of which have already received full or partial approval from the federal government, would increase substantially the volume of LNG exports. There is a growing debate between policymakers, industry, and energy analysts as to the merits of exporting greater quantities of U.S. natural gas. Some domestic natural gas consumers contend that exporting U.S. gas would result in an increase in domestic natural gas prices and therefore in higher prices for businesses and households. Proponents of natural gas exports argue that they would provide valuable foreign exchange and would be a source of economic growth and job creation. RELATED CONTENT Assessing the Case for U.S. Exports of Liquefied Natural Gas

This report, the result of a year-long study, addresses the merits of increased LNG exports through an examination of the feasibility of exports and their likely implications. It concludes that, given current information on resources, increased LNG exports from the United States are technically feasible. While new policies may serve to change the logistics or economics of shale gas production, under current circumstances, the challenges to LNG exportation, including physical and human capacity and demands for natural gas from competing domestic sectors, are not insurmountable. It also finds that, in light of current global supply and demand projections, some amount of U.S. LNG exports is likely to be competitive in global markets. The study finds that U.S. LNG exports are likely to have a modest upward impact on domestic prices, and a limited impact on the competitiveness of U.S. industry and job creation. It finds that U.S. LNG is likely to make a positive, albeit relatively small, contribution to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), trade balance, and that the potential for U.S. LNG exports to make a positive impact on global greenhouse gas emissions is minimal. It further finds that there is potential for positive foreign policy impacts from U.S. entry in the global gas market, through both increased supply diversity for strategic gas-importing allies, and as a contributory factor in weakening the oillinked contract pricing structure that works to the advantage of rent-seeking energy suppliers.

The study recommends that U.S. policy makers should refrain from introducing legislation or regulations that would either promote or limit additional exports of LNG from the United States. The nature of the LNG sector, both the costs associated with producing, processing, and shipping the gas, and the global market in which it will compete, will place upper bounds on the amount of LNG that will be economic to export. Incremental increases in the price of domestic gas (as a result of domestic demand or export) negatively impact the economics of each additional proposed export project, which even with government approval will still require private financing and interested buyers. Efforts to intervene in the market by policy makers are likely to result in subsidies to consumers at the expense of producers, and to lead to unintended consequences. They are also likely to weaken the position of the United States as a supporter of a global trading system characterized by the free flow of goods and capital.