tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79146434049675455022024-03-14T01:07:31.215-05:00Dallas Workers' Rights BoardCommunity Leaders Dedicated to Justice for Workerswrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-35180925191392973492013-09-18T16:17:00.000-05:002013-09-18T16:17:09.914-05:00Labor Day Workers Rights Board Hearing, March, and Rally
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Workers’ Rights Board Hearing on the
Impact of Low-Wage Work<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Labor Day Weekend<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dallas, August 31, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">On Saturday, August 31, Jobs with Justice
and the Worker Rights Board hosted a Labor Day action: “Can’t Survive on $7.25!”
which included the first Annual Dallas Labor Day March and Rally since the
1940s. The purpose of the actions, which included a discussion panel involving
state and<br />national representatives as well as representatives from the AFL-CIO
and OUR Walmart, was to bring to attention the plight of workers with minimum
wage jobs. As the title suggests, $7.25 an hour pay is not nearly enough to
cover the basic necessities for one person, let alone a family. The members of
the panel Congressman Mark Veasey, Texas House Representative Roberto Alonzo,
the AFL-CIO’s Education Director Rick Leavey, and OUR Wal-Mart organizer Colby
Harris, along with the moderator, Professor Dr. Joerg Rieger, discussed this
issue and offered some insights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">First to speak was Congressman Veasey,
who represents District 33 (Oak Cliff). Not earning enough is not a question of
laziness, he explained, as even if a person worked full time a minimum wage job
would only earn them $15,000 a year. Veseay says he will continue to fight for
a higher minimum wage, mentioning that he is the co-sponsor of the Minimum Wage
Act that is currently going through Congress. This bill, HR 1010, will raise
the minimum wage to $8.50/hour in three months, and from there to $10.10/hour
over the next two years to keep pace with inflation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next was Texas House Representative
Roberto Alonzo, who talked about economic justice, immigration reform, and
creating awareness about economic issues. He told the audience that the best
way to move economic justice issues such as equal pay forward is to be supportive
and persistent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Afterwards the AFL-CIO’s Education
Director Rick Levy spoke about the decisive role unions played in the past to
get such staples such as weekends and a 40-hour workweek. He emphasized that we
cannot be “armchair activists” but need to get out and close loopholes, invest
in public education, reform immigration policy, and work on economic equality
together in order to move things forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lastly, Colby Harris, an organizer for
OUR Walmart and part of the new Peer Chaplain program spoke about his
experience as a Walmart worker and emphasized that we need to work together as
a group, for if one person is left behind all are left behind. He concluded by
mentioning some ways in which one can help out: by coming to actions, signing
petitions, leafleting, and even wearing an OUR Walmart shirt while shopping at
Walmart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Annika Rieger <o:p></o:p></div>
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9/5/13<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>First Annual Labor Day March and Rally<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>-“Can’t Survive on $7.25!” –<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>August 31, 2013<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This past Labor Day weekend North Texas Jobs with Justice
and OUR Walmart led more than 200 people on a historic march down Jefferson
Boulevard in Oak Cliff. This was the first march commemorating workers and the
contribution of Labor since the 1940’s. Triple digit temperatures did not deter
the marchers representing various area unions, churches, and community groups
as well as fired Walmart workers from showing support for low-wage workers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Labor Day events started at the Texas Theatre with a
Workers’ Rights Board hearing and discussion on the impact of low-wage work on
the community. Congressman Marc Veasey, State Representative Roberto Alonzo,
AFL-CIO leader Rick Levy, and Colby Harris, a Walmart worker and OUR Walmart
member, shared their insights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Immediately following the hearing marchers with banners and
signs followed in one of three contingents: Expand Democracy, Defend Human
Rights, Good Jobs and Wages. The march ended at the nearby Oak Cliff United
Methodist Church with a free picnic and cold drinks. Speakers such as Mark
York, head of the Dallas AFL-CIO, George Rangel of Alliance AFT (American
Federation of Teachers), Juanita Wallace, President of the Dallas NAACP, Pastor
Edgar Bazan, and the Reverend Dr. Freddie Haynes all emphasized the importance
of workers having a sustainable wage. Everyone agreed that justice for workers
is a struggle that needs to be put in the forefront. One of the popular chants
of the march summed it up perfectly: “Worker rights are under attack! What do
we do? – Stand up, fight back!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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R. Rieger <o:p></o:p></div>
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9/5/13<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-7863891243188529612013-08-02T16:37:00.003-05:002013-08-02T16:40:03.029-05:00First Annual Dallas Labor Day March and Rally <span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dear Workers' Rights Board Members and Friends,</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We are excited about our annual Labor Day Hearing and invite you to attend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We have expanded our August hearing to include a march and rally with food.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Please join us and spread the word. Bring your friends and family! </span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Labor Day: Learn, take action, march, eat!</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Join North Texas Jobs with Justice, United Food and Commercial Workers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">(UFCW) International, OUR Walmart, UFCW Local 540</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">at the Texas Theatre, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">231 W Jefferson Blvd, Oak Cliff, Dallas on </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Saturday, August 31, starting at </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">10 AM </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">for </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">"Can't survive on $7.25!" i</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">nvestigating </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">the effects of low wages on </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">area workers </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">and our Community </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Workers' Rights Board Hearing w</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">ith Congressman </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Marc Veasey </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">and other panelists including </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">testimony by a Walmart worker.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">As it becomes harder to support a family, we need jobs with wages that keep </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">people </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">out of poverty. The largest population of minimum wage workers in the </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">US lives in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Texas. Worker rights are a community concern!</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Immediately following the hearing we can take action by joining the </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">First Annual </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dallas Labor Day March and Rally</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">- in solidarity with Low-Wage Workers demanding change-</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">We will march from the Texas Theatre (231 W Jefferson Blvd, Oak Cliff,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Dallas) </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">at noon down Jefferson Street to Oak Cliff United Methodist Church </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">(547 E</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Jefferson Blvd, oak Cliff, Dallas) where we will gather for free hot dogs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">and drinks will be offered from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Additional speakers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">will offer their insights on low-wage jobs and their impacts.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">For more information contact North Texas Jobs with Justice at 214-632-5695</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">or e-mail </span><a href="mailto:jobswithjusticetexas@gmail.com" style="font-family: Helvetica;">jobswithjusticetexas@gmail.com</a><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Let's be there for each other! Let's be there in solidarity!</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Rosemarie</span>wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-10602657346341539332013-05-29T14:55:00.003-05:002013-05-29T15:05:45.670-05:00WRB Letter to Congressmen Harkin and Alexander<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">May 17, 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">As Jobs with Justice/American Rights at Work has written: "We have long been</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">witnessing growing inequality and a decline in job standards due to both the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">steady weakening of U.S. labor laws, ever increasing corporate influence on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">our democracy, and a weakened political will to modernize labor laws to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">accommodate significant shifts in the workplace. This country is</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">fundamentally in need of better labor laws and a stronger NLRB but the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">NLRB is still where workers turn to when they are fired unfairly, their free</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">speech is threatened, or their working conditions are unsafe.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Recently, a combination of Senate obstructionism and judicial overreach has</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">put the NLRB on ice, further stripping workers of basic protections for</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">their right to organize and bargain collectively."</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Helvetica;" />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">For this reason North Texas Jobs with Justice's Workers' Rights Board (WRB)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">took the recent call to action to demand a functional National Labor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Relations Board (NLRB) seriously. A letter drafted by national Jobs with</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Justice was signed by many of our WRB members and sent to Congressmen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Harkin, Alexander, Cornyn, and Cruz.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Honorable Tom Harkin <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">428 Dirksen Senate Office Building <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Washington, DC 20510</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Honorable Lamar Alexander <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">428 Dirksen Senate Office Building <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Washington, DC 20510<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Dear Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Alexander:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">As leaders representing faith, civil rights, social justice,<span style="mso-text-raise: 2.0pt; position: relative; top: -2.0pt;"> </span>human rights,
and academic communities in North Texas, we believe the strength of our democracy
is tied to our nation's ability to uphold and uplift workers' rights. We have
witnessed the decline of job standards and shared <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">prosperity </span>due to ever- increasing
corporate influence on our democracy, the steady weakening of U.S. labor laws,
and the lack of <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">political
</span>will to modernize these laws to accommodate significant shifts in the
nature of work.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">This country is fundamentally in need of better labor laws and a
stronger National Labor Relations Board <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">(NLRB). </span>In the absence of such reforms,
it is imperative that America's workers still have government protection in
their attempt to secure basic rights and respect from their employers. We are
therefore writing to urge swift confirmation of the fulI package of nominees
submitted by President Obama for the NLRB.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In January 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
ruled that the Obama administration's January 2012 recess appointments to the
NLRB were unconstitutional <span style="mso-text-raise: -2.0pt; position: relative; top: 2.0pt;">- </span>a ruling at odds with other circuit court decisions, but one
that put the status of the current NLRB recess appointees, and the full
operations of the agency, in legal doubt.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) provided for bedrock rights
for workers to <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">join
</span>together to improve their standard of living and conditions at work.
This protected right to collective action and collective bargaining is as
critical to our economy and democracy today as it was in 1935 when the NLRA
became law. The NLRB is still where workers turn to when they are fired
unfairly, their free speech is threatened, or their working conditions are
unsafe. Recent Unfair Labor Practice strikes by Walmart workers and fast food
workers across the county show that workers continue to seek collective action
to better their jobs and lives.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">In order for our labor laws to work effectively and for workers to
have the ability to seek redress for workplace injustice, it is essential that
the agency responsible for enforcing these laws be operational. Current and
future vacancies on the NLRB, together with the uncertainty created by the D.C.
Circuit's recent Noel Canning decision, make it imperative that the Senate move
quickly to consider the full slate of nominees.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">America's workers deserve much more than the status quo to fully
protect their rights on the <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">job. </span>Yet they do not deserve to have their basic
workplace rights invalidated due to Congressional inaction. Please act on the
opportunity to approve the nominations and ensure the NLRB will be able to
operate, protecting the vital rights of employees to collectively improve their
<span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">job standards.</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Signed,</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Rosemarie Rieger, <i>North Texas
Jobs with Justice</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Rev. Isabel Docampo <i>North
Texas Workers' Rights Board</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Thomas Berry Retired, <i>United
Transportation Union</i>, <i>Dallas, TX</i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Stacey Cottongame, Leader, <i>Our
Walmart</i>, <i>Ennis, TX</i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Rev. Irene Jackson, Senior Pastor, <i>Southwood United Methodist Church</i>, <i>Irving, TX</i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Kit Jones, <i> Fort Worth, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Evelyn Kelly, <i>Forney, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Dr. Gene Lantz, President, <i>Texas
Alliance for Retired Americans, Dallas, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Philip Lynch, <i>Denton, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Tim McAninley <i>TWU , Hurst, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">A. Patterson, <i>Texas State
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Danna Pyke, <i>Dallas, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Dr. Joerg Rieger , SMU, <i>American
Association of University Professors Dallas, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Katie Simpson, <i>Richardson, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">John Stephenson II, <i>Bedford,
TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Rebecca Tankersley, Student,<i> Perkins
School of Theology Dallas, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Bradley Walker, <i>Arlington, TX</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Dr. Ronald Wilhelm, <i>Dallas, TX</i></span><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Affiliations are
listed for identification purposes only.</span></i><i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">CC:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Honorable John Cornyn, Senator from Texas <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The Honorable Ted Cruz, Senator from Texas</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Information about Workers' Rights Boards:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">At a time when the rights of workers are increasingly under attack,
North Texas Jobs with Justice has formed a Workers' Rights Board. About a dozen
of these boards already exist in other cities across the U.S. Their goal is to
bring together community leaders from all sectors who understand that workers' rights
are an important pillar of the community.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Members of Workers' Rights Boards include state representatives,
religious leaders, organizers and activists, educators and academics, lawyers, <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">journalists, </span>and
many others. The work of a Workers' Rights Board includes hearings where
workers can present their struggles, addressing the violations of workers' rights
through writing letters to employers demanding fair treatment, delegation
visits to management or <span style="mso-text-raise: 1.0pt; position: relative; top: -1.0pt;">public </span>officials, speaking out through the media when necessary,
and demonstrating solidarity with workers in various other ways. The Dallas Workers'
Rights Board works closely with North Texas Jobs with Justice in order to identify
worthy campaigns and issues. For more information see: http://wrbdallas.blogspot.com/</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Jobs with Justice has a long history of bringing together a broad
range of community leaders, including faith communities and other organizations
who care about the common good. For further information about Workers' Rights
Board please check the following link: http://www.jwj.org/projects/wrb/history.html</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-74590630433637689612012-11-28T12:00:00.001-06:002012-11-28T12:00:20.095-06:00Walmart Workers Protest on Black FridayThis event was supported by members of the Dallas Workers Rights Board and is connected to the last WRB hearing on Wage theft and Wage Depression. Thanks to all who participated for making a difference.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Walmart-Workers-Protest-on-Black-Friday-180641191.html">http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Walmart-Workers-Protest-on-Black-Friday-180641191.html</a>wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-68774106887045363582012-10-31T12:12:00.000-05:002012-10-31T12:12:09.259-05:00Workers' Rights Board Hearing Sept.1, 2012
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On September 1, 2012, the North Texas Jobs with Justice’s
Workers’ Rights Board (WRB) convened a hearing entitled, “Wage Theft and Wage
Depression: The Jobs Crisis Continues.” The hearing began with an introduction
by Dr. Joerg Rieger who talked about the basic values and aims of this group.
He reminded the group that these issues are rampant in Dallas, and that as one
member of our community suffers, everyone suffers. While Wage Theft is morally
wrong and has no official support, Wage Depression is often defended by
employers and workers alike as a necessary evil. Yet <a href="" name="_GoBack"></a>both
Wage Theft and Wage Depression are connected because they show that we fail to
appreciate the value of work and the accomplishments of workers, while
employers take credit and gain. As the following testimonies show, both
problems are rampant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiuK95G2nCsIZUMbbjO986omcfkri8YBBjxRochY8f3qd4_nbsdPDLBGSJD5_ITLT18dB-5OMNxzd9lFZ-5H_AObNvwf6xN8WC1noh7_NO-0XQrF9cPikOyruFQKfZdX0n3Tc0foVvg4/s1600/wrb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiuK95G2nCsIZUMbbjO986omcfkri8YBBjxRochY8f3qd4_nbsdPDLBGSJD5_ITLT18dB-5OMNxzd9lFZ-5H_AObNvwf6xN8WC1noh7_NO-0XQrF9cPikOyruFQKfZdX0n3Tc0foVvg4/s320/wrb1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Helen Rieger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Rosemarie Rieger then offered a “state of the community”
report. Since last year unemployment has declined minimally, though other
factors indicate substantial problems remain. The panel consisted of Allison Prochnow,
who works for the Workers’ Defense Project, Scott Gleeson with the Los Manos
Negras project, Roberto Corona from Pueblo Sin Fronteras program, Stacy
Cottongane and John Burnane from OURWalmart (Organization United for Respect
for Respect at Walmart), and Ryan Haney with the Iron Workers Union. Gene
Lantz, who is President of the Alliance of Retired Americans and a long-time
organizer of Jobs with Justice, and Isabel Docampo, Workers’ Rights Board
member also spoke to the group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prochnow initiated the Wage Theft portion of the hearing,
discussing the launch of the new Workers’ Defense Project (WDP) in Dallas. WDP
has fought wage theft in Austin for 10 years with great success, enabling some
1100 workers to recover over $900,000 in wages. WDP’s primary goals, however, involve
training workers about their rights and advocating for legal change. They have
effectively promoted policies at local and state levels using direct action of
visits and protests as well as looking to developers for accountability and
responsibility. Prochnow noted that in Dallas, ¼ of all workers have
experienced wage theft. They anticipate more resistance in Dallas, with the
city council not as willing to work with WDP and workers, but they will work
tirelessly to educate workers and live the reality that “in unity there is
strength.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gleeson followed with a description of his project, which
received funding from the prestigious 2012 Idea Fund Andy Warhol Foundation Grant.
As a visual artist and art historian specializing in public art projects
directed toward marginalized constituencies, Gleeson developed Los Manos
Negras, “the black or dirty hands,” to highlight workplace injustice among
migrant day laborers in East Dallas. Gleeson’s project advocates for and
communicates with migrant workers, trying to be a vehicle for worker expression
as opposed to representation of them. In addition to harnessing the long
history of revolutionary iconography and the tradition of Chicano art, he also
distributes information about how to get in contact with groups that can help
with recovery of wages and offers training in remittance letter writing. He
offered one story of an undocumented worker who runs a successful lawncare
business. The worker was stabbed while he was working, but was afraid to go to
authorities. He discovered he might be eligible for a visa as the victim of
violent crime, and Gleesons’s group connected him with Catholic Charities, who successfully
followed up. Don’t miss the full-scale exhibition of his work at Eastfield College,
running Oct 8-Nov 2!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Next, Corona spoke about the work of Pueblo Sin Fronteras.
PSF, an entirely volunteer organization with many student workers, also helps
workers learn rights, educates the community about their rights, and helps workers
stand up for themselves individually and communally. The also educate the
broader public about migration and the reasons persons leave their countries of
origin. The group meets every Thursday morning at 9am and the 1<sup>st</sup>
Sunday of every month. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Cottongane and Burnane shifted the hearing’s attention to
the issue of Wage Depression. Cottongane, who has worked at the Ennis Walmart
for 12 years, testified to the store cutting hours or asking workers to work
extra hours while being cut hours at the end of the week in order to pad
profits. Walmart also requires employees to cut an hour out of every shift on
days during a holiday week to make up for holiday pay on Labor Day. She also
pointed out that Walmart will lower wages when accidents are reported—even ones
not requiring medical attention—creating an incentive for employees to withhold
accident reports. Cottongane reported that $30,000 gets knocked off bonuses immediately.
She asked supporters to come to the Rally on Sept. 22 in Dallas. Burnane spoke
more broadly about the OUR Walmart mission, which is about education, laws and
rights, as well as policies of the company (which are often shrouded and
inaccessible). For instance, in January Walmart changed its policy so that new
hires do not receive bonus pay for work on Sundays. Managers began immediately
primarily scheduling new hires to work on Sundays. Corporate executives for
Walmart also changed its policy so that full-time employees have to work a full
year before becoming eligible for benefits. Managers, consequently, have been
waiting until just before that year arrives and then cutting hours, rendering
employees ineligible for benefits. This group in Dallas has support from many
organizations and will be ramping up efforts to make these injustices visible
to the broader community so that Walmart will be pressured into creating more
humane policies and practices.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzXoBnovULGoxcSVjpXwamDYWQ6VTw8kaxV0kmZeCObDdR6kFrQFVT0ASjoYLjhvHDKMg0WJLfNBpucdzrpMVQYXYxJKyFH3dNMYjCZab2wnCiNzWCEeheIR6xGPmdHFIG29fdc0yKFI/s1600/wrb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzXoBnovULGoxcSVjpXwamDYWQ6VTw8kaxV0kmZeCObDdR6kFrQFVT0ASjoYLjhvHDKMg0WJLfNBpucdzrpMVQYXYxJKyFH3dNMYjCZab2wnCiNzWCEeheIR6xGPmdHFIG29fdc0yKFI/s320/wrb2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Helen Rieger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Finally, Haney reported on his research with the Iron
Workers Union. These workers reinforce concrete shells of buildings, bridges,
and facilities. Reinforcing iron is skilled work, requiring years of training.
It is also dangerous, hard work, creating back issues, fall dangers, and heat
exhaustion. In Dallas, water is not regularly supplied by employers like Great
Western Erectors, who are also not required to provide rest breaks and who
often deny legally-mandated safety training and equipment. The Iron Workers
Union is working hard to organize in Dallas where there are currently no
unionized reinforcing iron contractors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gene Lantz followed Haney with a call to celebrate the
recent decision by the federal government to turn back Texas’ re-districting of
voters as well as the proposed voter id law. He also expressed hope in the
presence and active involvement of so many young people in the various efforts
represented at the hearing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Docampo closed the hearing by opening up the floor for
audience feedback and by reminding attendees of the role of WRB in uniting
groups with overlapping interests and commitments. We hope to consolidate our
efforts to strategically work for change, advocacy, and solidarity. We would
love to see even greater cooperation and alliances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The hearing hosted a number of groups and community members,
including WRB, WDP, Occupy Dallas, Environmental Groups, Jobs with Justice,
Alliance for Retired Americans, SMU faculty and students, Iron Workers Union,
OUR Walmart, Pueblo Sin Fronteras, Los Manos Negras, various clergy, and
workers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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It was a day to expose problems, share resistance struggles,
support one another, and celebrate these many efforts demanding justice living
in oppressive systems that negatively impact each and every one of us in different
ways. The Worker’s Rights Board and North Texas Jobs with Justice are dedicated
to supporting workers and their struggles and to connect them with the
community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Report by Julie Mavity Maddalena</div>
<!--EndFragment-->wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-63129390895023028112011-10-14T14:13:00.001-05:002011-10-25T22:44:11.577-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQx0YdQV7lNFdnDnKHNhgS6HfoFkz_GO03enIXMKrUempnGSf0Exgk2uE9Bn6cCCg0l8YhoTVpJLuzjyqe7_cWPkHLRQbhxfvgLUKYqH1J92j-msARuCQG_XghyVMZ0fCkxMQ3EQE4I4/s1600/editDSC7828.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexf_1VIrJfUHl8CgPDYaEzk704HviYoB5HIsVjOIHEgo1_s4JZUk0fJvA9eas7QVROU3_5AGW3528lop8UrXqwYxF-tjzP-HsQ68omDg99yTNbbb3XXs3-iux0oy0i0n2wwgh-8lAKLs/s1600/edi2t_DSC7833.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexf_1VIrJfUHl8CgPDYaEzk704HviYoB5HIsVjOIHEgo1_s4JZUk0fJvA9eas7QVROU3_5AGW3528lop8UrXqwYxF-tjzP-HsQ68omDg99yTNbbb3XXs3-iux0oy0i0n2wwgh-8lAKLs/s320/edi2t_DSC7833.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667640477748548322" /></a><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>437</o:Words> <o:characters>2496</o:Characters> <o:company>Southern Methodist University</o:Company> <o:lines>20</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>4</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>3065</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Workers’ Rights Board Members Visit Representative Hensarling’s Office </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Last Tuesday Isabel Docampo, Ed Middleton, Annika Rieger, Helen Rieger, and Rosemarie Rieger visited the office of Representative Jeb Hensarling in Congressional District 5. All are constituents of the district and members of the North Texas Jobs with Justice’s Workers’ Rights Board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The group met with District Director Michael Garcia and presented him with the findings of the Board’s past two years of investigations on the economic and jobs crisis. These investigations based on testimony from unemployed and employed workers, worker rights advocates, union organizers, community activists, and others lead to the following conclusions:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-There is no such thing as a jobless recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-Unemployment/underemployment is not a personal problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-The wealthy and the corporations are benefitting from this crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-There is something we can do.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Therefore, the group asked District Director Garcia to pass on five items that the Workers’ Rights Board would like to see Representative Hensarling support, namely:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-The creation of good jobs with living wages, green jobs while rebuilding and modernizing America and its infrastructure;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-the implementation of fairer tax rates (such as taxing the wealthy), ending tax breaks for corporations, and introducing a Wall Street speculation tax;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-the termination of the wars;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-the protection of social security;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">-and investments in public education.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Mr. Garcia listened patiently to the presentation, but he reiterated Hensarling’s stance on not supporting any new jobs legislation until its payments are secured without increasing taxes. In Hensarling’s view, this can be achieved by closing corporate tax loopholes and cutting corporate taxes to stimulate economy. According to our research, however, <a name="_GoBack"></a>cutting corporate taxes has not led to the production of jobs and has not brought significant stimulation to the economy. On the contrary, the yield for every Dollar spent is only 20 cents.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQx0YdQV7lNFdnDnKHNhgS6HfoFkz_GO03enIXMKrUempnGSf0Exgk2uE9Bn6cCCg0l8YhoTVpJLuzjyqe7_cWPkHLRQbhxfvgLUKYqH1J92j-msARuCQG_XghyVMZ0fCkxMQ3EQE4I4/s320/editDSC7828.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667640884227617890" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 320px; " /></span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Representative Hensarling is co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction, which is in charge of reducing the federal deficit by an additional $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. For this reason the delegation felt that it was extremely important to pass on the findings of the Workers’ Rights Board.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Two days earlier a delegation sent by the Alliance for Retired Americans met with the same office to deliver a similar message. Seven members of the Alliance for Retired Americans, six of whom live in District 5, talked about their concerns that the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction would have negative effects on seniors and others. Cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits would greatly increase poverty among seniors and other recipients.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">Later this week Move-On.org has called for a rally to fight for the American Jobs Bill outside of Representative Hensarling’s Dallas office. The motto is: Jobs not cuts!—Make them pay!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">By Rosemarie </span>Rieger <span style="font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;">10/11/11<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-21763768656333192772011-09-12T16:48:00.007-05:002011-09-21T11:27:17.018-05:00Workers Rights Board Meeting Sept. 3, 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JW5AuHF6VU_Gw2ntFMIiR8Odp1mzqVzGkAMUBJUvojkyapg_0za2Y-GqQi4p6fpfUBQ87i_JQqHXufUCNfIfR5W8s4iKZArW1BIhuGe2bGO5YrO0_5FwJAgO1nNObZfsV1tjk-mWDW0/s1600/ldayjwjrieger.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT18t3OgL7ZysAcTxYKlPXov_kis1_rrqpV57yb7sA0sFcQRApQAObPT_GXncNMyB820e-vi90rQU1hDHgxjFImaihISgTM_6vqG_qVj3RYpcs7_Gw_6mhM1p_8_bjDGtmU0NjNfeK60/s1600/wrbpanelalonzo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT18t3OgL7ZysAcTxYKlPXov_kis1_rrqpV57yb7sA0sFcQRApQAObPT_GXncNMyB820e-vi90rQU1hDHgxjFImaihISgTM_6vqG_qVj3RYpcs7_Gw_6mhM1p_8_bjDGtmU0NjNfeK60/s400/wrbpanelalonzo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651593491529976930" /></a><br /> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>888</o:Words> <o:characters>5066</o:Characters> <o:company>Southern Methodist University</o:Company> <o:lines>42</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>10</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>6221</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">On Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend representatives from the workforce, labor unions, state government, schools, and churches gathered at the Beckley courthouse in Dallas to attend the latest Workers’ Rights Board meeting. Presentations from Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger, Rev. Dr. Joerg Rieger, Elaine Lantz, and the honorable state representative Roberto Alonzo offered perspectives on the current jobs crisis, the impact of the crisis on the unemployed as well as on job-holders, and practical suggestions on approaching elected officials. This meeting built upon the foundation of information garnered through testimonies and research over the last few years concerning labor issues amidst the growing crisis. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Dr. Joerg Rieger, <span style="mso-bidi-;font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Wendland-Cook Professor of Constructive Theology at Perkins School of Theology-SMU</span>, introduced the meeting by posing the questions, “What is going on in the Jobs Crisis and how does it effect not only those who lost their jobs but all of us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How do we respond?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How do we deal with these issues when we understand that all are affected?” He asserted that community organizations and religious communities have a role to play in the solution. The disconcerting trend of a growing gap between the rich and the poor, which is now at record levels, only accentuates the need for cooperation and communication of those <a name="_GoBack"></a>who are not experiencing the benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-size:100%;">Rosemarie Henkel-Rieger, who spent many years in the bio-tech industry and teaching elementary through high school grades, presented research collected by North Texas Jobs with Justice and findings based on testimony heard during the Workers’ Rights Board meetings over the past few years.<span> </span>The research emphasizes four main points:</span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There is no such thing as a jobless recovery</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The current problem is NOT a personal problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is affecting all of us.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Someone has to be benefitting from all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who is it?</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-font-family:Cambria;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">-<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->There are solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We often think, “What can we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s the economy and out of our hands.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, there are actions that can be taken for constructive change.</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:.75in;mso-add-space:auto"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-size:100%;">The staggering numbers within this research indicate that the wealthiest 5% in the nation hold almost 65% of the nation’s wealth.<span> </span>One of the primary problems in the crisis is that even in the midst of the recession, the incomes of the rich and the profit margins of many national corporations have had banner years.<span> </span>At the same time, all sectors of the economy have experienced a declining ratio of jobs to job seekers.<span> </span>Thus, while many seeking jobs cannot find them, the brunt of the recession is loaded onto the backs of those working who are now expected to maintain growth and to be more productive with fewer full time workers.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-size:100%;">Elaine Lantz, working as a union organizer for National Organization of Legal Service Workers (NOLSW), expounded on w</span>hat the unemployment crisis does to people who are still employed. She noted that the situation is much more vicious for those not protected by a labor agreement, as they are susceptible to the increased and often unjust forms of discipline and layoffs which have been exacerbated as the crisis has intensified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lantz accentuated many aspects of the jobs crisis that fly under the radar of prominent unemployment statistics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Throughout the jobs crisis, there has been an influx of part-time work and temporary employees as many businesses are sub-contracting work out to temps in order to avoid the provision of full-time benefits. The average hours worked per week has dropped again: it is now at 34.2 hours in August.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was noted that the official unemployment had stayed unchanged at 9.1 percent nationwide. This number, however, only counts people actively looking for work while having filed for unemployment and does not include part time workers who are not receiving benefits and those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits still seeking work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When the under-employed and those who remain unemployed without receiving benefits any longer are considered, the “un-official” unemployment rate rises to a shocking 23 percent. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="mso-bidi-;font-size:100%;">The Honorable Roberto Alonzo, a Texas State Representative, provided insightful advice on h</span>ow we can speak to lawmakers on these issues of concern. His first exhortation was to “be persistent—that’s how things get done.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He emphasized the role of the voter in the elections and the need for involved communication with political officials making decisions as the primary means for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The people decide who gets the political positions. He encouraged everyone to utilize the resources of this technological age to share thoughts with political officials through email, texts, phone calls and whatever means possible, asking the question, “For whom among us is this a crisis?” </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">In response to the issue of job creation he stated that a major issue is that companies are paying fewer taxes than ever before. Verizon is one such example, as they posted a 2009-10 income of $24.2 billion, paid $0 in taxes, claimed a refund of $1.3 billion, paid a combined $46 million to its top 6 executives, and outsourced thousands of jobs to lower wage contractors in the United States and other countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many jobs could be created by working together with political officials to address fair taxation of major corporations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">In conclusion, the Workers’ Rights Board acknowledged that within a crisis that is as large as any since the great depression, “what we are after is of historic proportions.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>With historic crisis comes historic opportunity for the afflicted to rise together on behalf of nation, state, and neighbor as a movement for change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As more and more laborers are affected by the downturn of the economy, the increasing number of voices from the community might address law makers, companies, and partners in solidarity, striving for life and hope with the acknowledgement that the unemployment crisis truly affects everybody.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">The Worker Rights Board members committed themselves to form delegations that will visit with government officials in order to present the findings of the Board and to ask for increased commitment to resolve the unemployment crisis.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">At the meeting Jann Aldredge-Clanton shared prophetic lyrics that she has written to be sung to the tune of traditional Christian hymns. These challenging lyrics which connect the life of faith to the current jobs crisis are listed below:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Where are Liberty and Justice?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Amos 4:1, 5:11-12,24; Proverbs 1:20-23, 3:13-18</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Where are liberty and justice when so many live in need?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Let us rise to caring action, showing faith and love through deeds.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Holy Wisdom, give us courage; help us be Your prophets bold,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Joining You to end oppression, truth and fairness to uphold.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Now the rich are growing richer, while the poor cry in distress;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">heads of corporations flourish, while the poor have less and less.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Unemployment still is growing; many more are underpaid;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">give us power, Holy Wisdom, so that changes can be made.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">How unjust that some make millions, crushing others with their greed,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">basic rights of workers flaunting, never hearing those in need.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Holy Wisdom, come to help us faith communities unite,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">moving hearts and changing systems, joining hands to work for right.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Holy Wisdom, send us forward, working for equality,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">economic fairness bringing, making dreams reality.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">As we join with those who suffer, fill us with Your loving care;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">may we take Your peaceful pathways, bringing justice everywhere.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Word copyright 2011 Jann Aldredge-Clanton<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>EBENEZER, or BEACH SPRING <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;">or AUSTRIAN HYMN 8.7.8.7D</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We Hear the Cries of Millions</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Amos 5:11-12, 21-24</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">We hear the cries of millions, weighed down with stress and strain;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">the rich are growing richer; the poor cry out in pain.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Come, Sister-Brother Spirit, and help us all unite,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">to join in loving kindness and faith to work for right.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Now jobs are getting scarcer, while corporations thrive;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">the unemployed are struggling to keep their hope alive.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Come, Brother-Sister Spirit, and guide us to be fair,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">to change oppressive systems so everyone will share.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Join hands for jobs with justice, with workers' rights ensured,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">with safe and fair conditions, health care for all secured.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Come, Sister-Brother Spirit, and fill us with Your power;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">inspire our words and actions in this most urgent hour.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Now let us walk together to bring equality,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">so all are fully nourished to be all we can be.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Let justice roll like waters, like ever-flowing streams;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">come, Brother-Sister Spirit, awaken hopes and dreams.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:85%;" >Words copyright 2011 Jann Aldredge-Clanton<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> PASSION CHORALE, or AURELIA, or ANGEL'S STORY, or WHITFIELD 7.6.7.6 D</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Rise and Speak Out</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Proverbs 1:20-23, 3:13-18; Luke 4:18</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">When we look all around, unemployment abounds,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">and we're filled with distress, fear, and doubt.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Then we hear Wisdom say, "We can show a new way."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">And She leads us to rise and speak out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">There are millions in need, crushed by others with greed,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">who abuse and oppress with their clout.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Wisdom calls us to go,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">And Her justice to show,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">And She leads us with love to speak out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">There'll be fairness and peace; worker's rights will increase,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">when we wake up and hear Wisdom shout.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Let us come and unite, working daily for right;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">join together to rise and speak out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Refrain:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">Rise up and shout,</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">for its time to speak out;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">let us cry out for justice;</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">let us rise and speak out.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Words copyright 2011 Jann Aldredge-Clanton<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TRUST AND OBEY</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Irregular</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JW5AuHF6VU_Gw2ntFMIiR8Odp1mzqVzGkAMUBJUvojkyapg_0za2Y-GqQi4p6fpfUBQ87i_JQqHXufUCNfIfR5W8s4iKZArW1BIhuGe2bGO5YrO0_5FwJAgO1nNObZfsV1tjk-mWDW0/s400/ldayjwjrieger.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653437365253491266" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 208px; " /></span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">Emily Everett, Joerg Rieger, and Elaine Lantz at the annual AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast</span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-65981588028117556202011-03-01T17:22:00.007-06:002011-03-01T22:19:43.222-06:00Crisis in Wisconsin and Texas: Workers’ Rights Board Investigates Growing Pressures on Jobs Affecting the Community and Possible Solutions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPPc-LdIlpwl7-HGasIEMqtoyW9cBYDBu3MkhiaMMh2-D8ZWzyxQ3HJcwl3Mb1rftEncSQk1s-DVJiPv4p9noZMngWFfFadvgkF-qstdgJTFO90rQwdawslcZfZs3UoIjY8M7S44iLRY/s1600/editDSC01697.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPPc-LdIlpwl7-HGasIEMqtoyW9cBYDBu3MkhiaMMh2-D8ZWzyxQ3HJcwl3Mb1rftEncSQk1s-DVJiPv4p9noZMngWFfFadvgkF-qstdgJTFO90rQwdawslcZfZs3UoIjY8M7S44iLRY/s400/editDSC01697.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579331390691767026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">article by Kevin Minister<br />photos by Helen Rieger<br /><br /></span>With concern about workers’ rights rising up across the country, the Dallas workers’ rights board met to hear about the struggles workers are facing here in Texas and what is being done to protect these workers’ rights. The workers’ rights board hearing, convened by the Rev. Dr. Joerg Rieger, Wendland-Cook Professor of Constructive Theology at SMU Perkins School of Theology, packed the courtroom of the Beckley Courthouse beyond capacity with local clergy, labor leaders, workers, and concerned citizens.<br /><br />The community leaders on the workers’ rights board arraigned the hearing to find out how proposed budget cuts in Texas affect not only workers and the unemployed but everyone in the community. The testimonies of the hearing were clear: the proposed budget cuts by the state of Texas are not only going to increase unemployment and pressure on workers, the budget cuts are going to have ripple effects that increase the stresses on all persons in Texas. But those that spoke out were also clear that something can be done to make a difference if enough people join together.<br /><br />The workers’ rights board heard testimony from April Cumberbatch of the Texas State Employees Union, Hobie Hukill from the Executive Board of Alliance AFT (American Federation of Teachers), and Elaine Lantz representing the National Organization of Legal Service Workers (a UAW local) about how the budget cuts would not only cause big problems for workers in their industries but also pose mounting issues for our communities at large. Cumberbatch testified that the proposed budget cuts will result in approximately 9,600 layoffs of social service workers that serve the community through Child Protective Services (CPS), in nursing homes, healthcare, and education.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCBvEdppYdpRQuSf5fpYVe7DClg6oMjb6lxp031GQTTxDhOG8md4dy3hO-lyC8gO6fJun1bcofoYArQbgkAHCpAcG3rkiAZeBe-J1-Z-9Ik9xLAELKsCYc9-0LjuNOuVfMDtlsA0dH1Y/s1600/editDSC01712.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCBvEdppYdpRQuSf5fpYVe7DClg6oMjb6lxp031GQTTxDhOG8md4dy3hO-lyC8gO6fJun1bcofoYArQbgkAHCpAcG3rkiAZeBe-J1-Z-9Ik9xLAELKsCYc9-0LjuNOuVfMDtlsA0dH1Y/s400/editDSC01712.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579331687224191634" border="0" /></a><br />Cumberbatch was clear though that her concern was not only for jobs but for the well-being of the most vulnerable citizens that these workers serve: “More important than our jobs are [the safety of] our children and babies having enough formula.” Because budgets are already tight, CPS workers such as herself already manage a hundred cases at a time and do not have adequate resources to help provide enough infant formula. This will only get worse with further budget cuts and layoffs that will not only endanger the welfare of our children in the short term but will increase the cost of caring for children in state foster homes and medical programs long term.<br /><br />Hukill testified that the budget cuts to education will result in the firing of 100,000 public educators in Texas and the drastic increase of already overfull classrooms. When Texas fails on its “most important constitutional obligation” to educate its children, our communities really end up paying big in the long term through the costs both social and financial of increased crime and incarceration.<br /><br />Lantz shared that the budget of legal services in Texas, which helps provide legal services for those living near or below the poverty line who have for example been wrongly evicted or fired, has so few resources they have to turn away “4 out of 5” people in need of legal advice. The US House of Representatives has already approved a further 17% cut to the budget of legal services and they expect more cuts from the state. It is becoming increasingly clear that when we cut the jobs and services that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, our communities become leaner and meaner for everyone with costly long term effects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOgVIPeUVvsH0FxpBfYdmLjIn8dr_ch1xX0lfViZh9JNvqjGYkp1urp7wFoGlo2LKGff7Q3ln8lD3XgtFlvhRPncAShWErYUU3fQb-Q0DKPX7I2vC0kbMe2vA0k6D64FhNN2APXZ8sV4/s1600/editDSC01690.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOgVIPeUVvsH0FxpBfYdmLjIn8dr_ch1xX0lfViZh9JNvqjGYkp1urp7wFoGlo2LKGff7Q3ln8lD3XgtFlvhRPncAShWErYUU3fQb-Q0DKPX7I2vC0kbMe2vA0k6D64FhNN2APXZ8sV4/s400/editDSC01690.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579332073120840146" border="0" /></a>Rieger summed up the testimony heard by the workers’ rights board, saying “This is not a natural crisis; some people are benefiting [by using the crisis to ratchet down wages and benefits where it may not be necessary]. The point is not to blame someone but to organize for change.” From a religious perspective, he noted, it was organizing common people for change that made Jesus and early Christianity dangerous to the Roman Empire, not just the radical preaching. While the concerns over job loss and long term social costs were high, the energy and commitment to solutions stirred through the courtroom.<br /><br />Cumberbatch and Hukill advocated a balanced approach to resolving the budget shortfall that taps the State of Texas’ rainy day fund to cover short term losses of revenue while fixing Gov. Perry’s new franchise tax to provide the long term funds he said that it would. Lantz emphasized that a government jobs program like the one that helped end the Great Depression could make a difference in unemployment by fixing our national infrastructure today. Furthermore, she advocated protecting what rights still exist for workers here in Texas and around the country and the need to be educated and share with others the widespread benefits organized labor has had in our communities (like creating the 40 hour work week with weekends off).<br />But, everyone was adamant that solutions such as these are only possible if concerned citizens organize together to make their voices heard. Lantz believes that the politicians really do listen to what people have to say but emphasized that people would have to organize together to make sure that their voices are heard. Rieger encouraged people to continue organizing by making sure everyone they know, in their families, work places, neighborhoods, and especially their churches that are often oblivious to these issues, is informed about what is going on.<br /><br />Those in attendance shared that opportunities to speak out were going to be happening regularly in Austin over the coming weeks and invited everyone in the community to join in at least one rally and to contact their representatives to make sure their voice was heard.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-76567418466578239662010-09-21T22:13:00.008-05:002011-06-07T11:47:57.953-05:00WRB HEARING INVESTIGATES UNEMPLOYMENT IMPACT AND SOLUTIONS – FINDS REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHOLE COMMUNITY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-xLZWL4WSkDFczJfOH6ZYZ2nDUIAackUxw9986oENBzSVHYXR5QA8qWIfZ5mpvfF4S7xrTux4MPae5-xxM7XmPGwWjWRvSbIwmoY3K3ra6uM0-2epyxuPIosucVWAhyphenhyphengita149mDyMU/s1600/P1160994.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-xLZWL4WSkDFczJfOH6ZYZ2nDUIAackUxw9986oENBzSVHYXR5QA8qWIfZ5mpvfF4S7xrTux4MPae5-xxM7XmPGwWjWRvSbIwmoY3K3ra6uM0-2epyxuPIosucVWAhyphenhyphengita149mDyMU/s320/P1160994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519574285224313362" border="0" /></a><br />With the unemployment rate at 9.6%, the Worker Rights Board in Dallas held a second annual Labor Day hearing that was as much about responding to the jobs crisis as it was about improving working conditions for laborers. The hearing explored how unemployment and labor issues are a community wide issue that affects everyone. The co-convener of the Worker Rights Board, Rev. Dr. Joerg Rieger, identified the objectives of the hearing, saying “We want to know what is actually happening, what is happening to [unemployed] individuals”, but we also want to know “what is this doing to the community”, and what are some solutions that we can be part of. After hearing testimony, it became clear that the economic situation for the unemployed, laborers, and the whole community is under a lot of pressure, but it could get much worse for everyone if alternative options are not enacted soon.<br /><br />The hearings on September 4th, held in the courtroom of the honorable judge Luis Sepulveda, were attended by leaders from religion, labor, and community organizations around Dallas, along with concerned citizens. Those in attendance represented a blossoming coalition between religion and labor, many of whom share pews with one another and all who share a concern for promoting just working conditions for everyone in Dallas. Religious groups represented included the Perkins School of Theology, the Dallas Area Christian Progressive Alliance, the D. L. Dykes Foundation, Progressive Christian Center of the South, Jobs with Justice, and several local pastors.<br /><br />Co-convener of the Worker Rights Board, Isabel Docampo, set the hearings in the context of the economic facts of the situation of laborers and the unemployed today: 15 million are looking for jobs of which 6.2 million have experienced extended unemployment and who average 33.6 weeks unemployment on the average. But Docampo was clear that this is not just a problem for the unemployed, because even those who have kept their jobs are experiences losses in wage growth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QFWC9wNvMn8npn_EWRoMo_4RUQHCajzbTBjoCZqoFGjL_AvR6t6xCMe4rrqelONpWl4VIXAp9EQiw8U4E-vK4bUqjROHhl6mbw-YmFvxGqT4k5PpNOAR4vDf0JRlLU9SN2B44hF0Yzc/s1600/WRB+Hearing+Close+Up.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QFWC9wNvMn8npn_EWRoMo_4RUQHCajzbTBjoCZqoFGjL_AvR6t6xCMe4rrqelONpWl4VIXAp9EQiw8U4E-vK4bUqjROHhl6mbw-YmFvxGqT4k5PpNOAR4vDf0JRlLU9SN2B44hF0Yzc/s320/WRB+Hearing+Close+Up.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519578916647976866" /></a>The Worker Rights Board heard testimony from three individuals connected with labor and issues of unemployment: Mickey Morris, Gene Lantz, and Perry Forshee.<br /><br />Mickey Morris, the president of the Texas Letter Carriers and a retired postal carrier himself, expressed concern about the plan to cut between 600 and 700 jobs from the postal service in Dallas County. Morris testified that large scale job loss in the postal service will not just hurt letter carries, but will “bring down wages everywhere and affect community livelihood” because more kids will not be able to go to college and more families won’t be able to put dinner on the table. Morris proposed that a solution to the problem cannot come from unions alone that it would have to come through community coalitions, emphasizing the importance of bring unions together with religious communities. Morris said how proud he has been of the Dallas community that has supported decent wages for postal employees in the past and proud to be part of the postal service who has a strong record for employing a diverse workforce, but worries about the future of Dallas if the trend of cutting jobs to cut spending continues.<br /><br />Gene Lantz, the head of Jobs with Justice in Dallas, spoke on behalf of the UAW 848 (United Auto Workers) in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who are currently in the process of contract negotiations. The UAW 848 contract expires October 3rd and sets the terms for some of the highest paying production jobs in the area, many of which are in the aerospace industry. Lantz emphasized that the situations of those with jobs is closely tied with the situation of those who are unemployed or underemployed, because those with jobs “can’t have a better working environment when there are many people unemployed or [underemployed].” Lantz said that restoring employment through political action like the Local Jobs for America Act currently before congress or returning to proven job creation programs likes the Works Progress Administration (WPA) will benefit the working conditions of employees across the board.<br /><br />Forshee is the head of the Fair Budget Campaign which is concerned to ensure that the current budget hearings in Dallas serve to benefit the whole community. In the budget hearings, Forshee testified that “overwhelmingly we hear people talk about the quality of life.” The outcome of the budget hearings will have a major impact on life, work, and community well being in Dallas. Facing a budget shortfall, the city council is deciding between raising property taxes and cutting jobs and reducing services likes public pools, libraries, youth recreation facilities, and senior citizen services. Forshee emphasized that the decision to cut jobs and services would not just increase the already high unemployment in the short term, but would be detrimental for job creation, working conditions, and community well being long term. Forshee said “People want to know who’s going to create jobs . . . Companies that are considering coming in [to the community] want to know about education, public facilities, and want to see people working.” Forshee’s point was that cutting jobs and services now will make the community undesirable for new companies that could create jobs while putting our youth under increased pressure that will reduce the long term quality of life in Dallas. The Fair Budget Campaign, with the support of many local community organizations, is advocating a minimal 1¢-5¢ raise on property taxes to offset the budget shortfall. Forshee said, “citizens are saying they wouldn’t mind paying a little more to restore our city.”<br /><br />While the testimony painted the economic situation in stark terms, the witnesses were each clear that there are solutions and there is hope if the community can organize together to enact the solutions. The witnesses and the conveners emphasize the important role religious communities can play in educating the community about economic injustice and collaborating with labor to make the community’s voices hear. In response to the testimony, the Worker Rights Board adopted a resolution calling on the state and federal government to acknowledge the current unemployment situation as a crisis and act accordingly by passing the Local Jobs for America Act currently before congress and by creating federal programs like the proven WPA to put the unemployed back to work at a fair wage, improve the working conditions of those with jobs, and secure the livelihood of our communities.<br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" style="float: center; value=" com="" v="" fs="1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01""><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-tcV-Rsd2uE?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-28109332521523316982010-08-20T17:04:00.002-05:002010-08-20T17:15:20.447-05:00Area Leaders Speak Out About the Jobs Crisis<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5ow3QTbVWM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g5ow3QTbVWM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />Hear local Dallas leaders and workers speak out about unemployment in their own words. Hear how they are getting involved in the jobs crisis and some ways that we can all get involved.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-65049546709332200872010-08-15T09:30:00.002-05:002010-08-15T09:42:13.660-05:00Another Concerning Report About Working Conditions At Great Western Erectors - This Time in Arizona<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmBMG4S4GQymCAXKSVAKqOHGutniIj3qaDs_Z5cAWOnLf_VWP0BFZuslksj1nfc6oxzIq_p-y4YBVFROI4HA2xdm8NWGt77o7bM6h-Wlj7ZzqNQ-2zCoXZepojRt-9IqBv9dr7fogmIE/s1600/GWE+Employees+Demand+Justice.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmBMG4S4GQymCAXKSVAKqOHGutniIj3qaDs_Z5cAWOnLf_VWP0BFZuslksj1nfc6oxzIq_p-y4YBVFROI4HA2xdm8NWGt77o7bM6h-Wlj7ZzqNQ-2zCoXZepojRt-9IqBv9dr7fogmIE/s320/GWE+Employees+Demand+Justice.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505646591293866818" border="0" /></a>The Coalition for Justice at Great Western Erectors and Arizona Interfaith Worker Justice released more concerning result about the operating practices of Great Western Erectors in Arizona.<span style=""> </span>The <st1:city st="on">Dallas</st1:city> Workers’ Rights Board has been a vocal witness concerning unjust working conditions at Great Western Erector worksites in <st1:place st="on"><st1:state st="on">Texas</st1:state></st1:place> and advocates for a local group of striking iron workers employed by Great Western Erectors.<span style=""> </span>This report confirms the findings of hearings held last Labor Day by the Dallas Workers’ Rights Board with a current Great Western Erectors employ here in <st1:state st="on"><st1:place st="on">Texas</st1:place></st1:state>. The report also supports the conclusion that unjust working conditions are widespread and systemic within Great Western Erectors standard operating practices. <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Coalition for Justice at Great Western Erectors and Arizona Interfaith Worker Justice published the following findings from interviews with current employees of Great Western Erectors in Arizona: </p> <p class="MsoNormal">“From these workers’ reports, the investigative delegation quickly discovered a disturbing pattern of injustice and abuse at Great Western Erectors. The workers discussed a number of problems, including lack of vocational or safety training, irregular hours, favoritism, low wages, a lack of affordable health care or other benefits, and insufficient drinking water on the job site.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In light of the fact finding delegations interviews, the report recommends two steps necessary to promote just working conditions for workers at Great Western Erectors and, by extension, all their industry competitors:<br />”1. Phoenix area developers and general contractors should develop and enforce ethical policies in order to ensure contractors and subcontractors working on their sites provide all workers living wages, affordable benefits for the whole family, safe and healthy working conditions, adequate vocational and safety training, adequate drinking water, and the freedom to organize. These agents should be monitored on a regular basis for compliance.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“2. Great Western Erectors, as an industry leader, should increase wages, provide affordable health insurance, adequate safety training, and respect workers’ rights to organize.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Read the full report by clicking on this link: <a href="http://www.joergrieger.com/GWE%20Fact%20Finding%20Report%20Interfaith%20worker%20justice.pdf">http://www.joergrieger.com/GWE%20Fact%20Finding%20Report%20Interfaith%20worker%20justice.pdf</a></p>wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-84688202103530112662010-07-12T18:22:00.000-05:002010-07-12T18:23:05.315-05:00Concerned UMs show support for 'Jobs with Justice' 3/26/2010<i><span style="font-weight: normal;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">From the </span><st1:place style="font-family: times new roman;" st="on">North Texas</st1:place><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Conference United Methodist Reporter (</span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.ntcumc.org/news/detail/1510">http://www.ntcumc.org/news/detail/1510</a><span style="font-family:times new roman;">)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></i> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF87Ld-Fuuj7u1B6F-TcAYQg2UXkeGJuAOUAfCSZvSvadw9fs96DJOVv9AvFKzPpcHxNAe_vYnCXuQ3S87hflC9BTPGUW6qbwV9y22BNYzHSM8iaslT9AbS596ZMR8O_7Gagcpkdcwqs/s1600/WRB+Hearing.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF87Ld-Fuuj7u1B6F-TcAYQg2UXkeGJuAOUAfCSZvSvadw9fs96DJOVv9AvFKzPpcHxNAe_vYnCXuQ3S87hflC9BTPGUW6qbwV9y22BNYzHSM8iaslT9AbS596ZMR8O_7Gagcpkdcwqs/s320/WRB+Hearing.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493163169795456034" border="0" /></a><em>From left, event moderator, Dr. Joerg Rieger, Perkins School of Theology, SMU; Rev. Gerald Britt, Central Dallas Ministries; community members Jorge Ortega, Eddie Ortega and Katherain Magdalena; and Gene Lantz, "Jobs with Justice," listen to personal testimonies at the Feb. 26 session.</em></p><p><br /></p><p>BY DENISE JOHNSON STOVALL<br /><em>Special Correspondent </em><o:p></o:p></p> <p>Though unemployment is on the rise in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> and economic recovery fails to materialize for millions of citizens, members of the North Texas Annual Conference are investigating its causes and challenges.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The Workers’ Rights Board of North Texas Jobs with Justice listened to testimony of the unemployed on Feb. 26 at the Dallas County Beckley Courthouse, in the courtroom of the Hon. Judge Luis Sepulveda.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The Workers’ Rights Board addresses the violations of workers’ rights by writing letters to employers demanding fair treatment; making delegation visits to management or public officials; speaking out through the media when necessary; and demonstrating solidarity with workers in various other ways.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The co-conveners of the local Workers’ Rights Board are Dr. Isabel Docampo, coordinator of the intern program, Perkins School of Theology, SMU; Dr. Joerg Rieger, Wendland-Cook Professor of Constructive Theology, Perkins; and Gene Lanz, organizer, North Texas Jobs with Justice.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>About a dozen of these boards exist in other cities across the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> Their goal is to bring together community leaders from all sectors who understand that workers’ rights are an important pillar of the community.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>At the <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Dallas</st1:place></st1:city> hearing, three workers spoke to 40 persons about their struggles with getting hired and the difficulties keeping a job. The persons were Jorge Eduardo Ortega, Kathairein Magdalena, and Jorge Cruz Ortega.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Jorge Eduardo Ortega told the group about three generations of Latinos living under one roof due to unemployment. A forklift operator, he has experienced discrimination when applying for jobs because he is Latino and an ex-convict.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>“My family tried to apply for food stamps and they said I made too much money,” he said. “And when I try to apply for a better job to support my family I can’t get hired because I served time.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>“I’m tired of going through the revolving door of the state. I just made a mistake when I was young and dumb. I’m just trying to change. I ask God every day to help me survive.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Dr. Rieger said, “Communities and churches need to learn again that issues of labor and unemployment affect not just individuals but all of us. The Workers’ Rights Board assumes our shared responsibility for these issues, by listening to workers and the unemployed and by involving our communities in the solutions”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The board plans to organize the unemployed so that their voices will be heard. They also planned an event with the AFL-CIO, at which young people were invited to speak out in protest.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>“Many jobs that were lost as a result of the economic crisis are projected not to come back,” the theology professor explained. “Disgracefully high unemployment is projected by virtually all economists to drag on for several more years. The jobs crisis affects persons fromvaried backgrounds, both blue collar and white collar. It appears to be especially hard on African-Americans, Latinas/os, and female heads of household.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>Lanz contends that millions of Americans are surviving on unemployment insurance and simply can’t find jobs.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>“It would be irresponsible for Congress to allow benefits to lapse due to inaction,” he said. “The Senate must extend unemployment insurance through the end of the year.”<o:p></o:p></p> <p>The Workers’ Rights Board also plans to lobby Congress and other politicians to become active in the jobs crisis. They say large-scale political action is needed in this case because individual employers either cannot or will not act without this broader framework.<o:p></o:p></p> <p>“Jobs with Justice” has a long history of bringing together a broad range of community leaders, including faith communities and other organizations that care about the common good. For further information about Workers’ Rights Boards see <a href="http://www.jwj.org/projects/wrb/history.html">http://www.jwj.org/projects/wrb/history.html</a>.</p>wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-70630457368293520882009-10-15T17:24:00.002-05:002009-10-15T17:26:45.217-05:00Dallas Iron Workers Suffer Abuse & Neglect on the Job<span style="font-style: italic;">From WRB members Danna Pyke and Rosemarie Rieger:</span><br /><br />Did you know that Dallas iron workers are being abused and neglected on the job? Hearing their stories of lack of adequate water, verbal abuse and being forced (against OSHA standards) to buy their own safety equipment was sobering and motivating. Learning that they were not treated when injured on the job, that they worked in fear of falling due to unstable scaffolding and that little safety training was offered. . .well, that left us feeling angry.<br /><br />We are members of the North Texas Jobs with Justice Workers' Rights Board. The Board is composed of concerned community leaders, including clergy, social workers, academics, labor organizers, teachers, students and lawyers. Workers' Rights Boards review worker complaints and conduct hearings, giving employers the chance to respond. Boards, like the one in Dallas, can act as mediators between employees with unresolved grievances and employers who may be too focused on their company's profit margin. <br /><br />Last fall, we were alerted to the struggle of workers employed by Great Western Erectors. Great Western Erectors (GWE) is based in Dallas and is one of the largest rebar and concrete reinforcing contractors in the nation. Our Workers' Rights Board assembled to hear testimony of workers and to begin the process of connecting with employers. Previously, groups of workers had met with GWE, hoping to have problems of safety and adequate water addressed by their management. Workers attempting to organize to gain rights were threatened with loss of job and blacklisting. The GWE workers had become discouraged and were interested in finding new ways to get their on-the-job needs met.<br /><br />Following the hearing, the Workers' Rights Board began to discern how best to intervene between workers with complaints and their employer. Because GWE had been unresponsive, we decided to contact GWE's “employer”, Austin Industries. Great Western Erector is hired as a subcontractor by Austin Industries in Dallas. The Austin Industries website notes that:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Austin Industries maintains a healthy, competitive and trust-based relationship with our subcontractors. We believe fair treatment and trust must be reciprocal to maintain a quality relationship."<br /></blockquote><br />Encouraged by this statement, we wrote a letter to Austin Industries, appealing to them to use their influence to improve working conditions for their subcontracted employees. We respectfully requested a meeting with them to discuss how best to meet the needs of employees and employers. We received no response to the letter, or to subsequent follow up letters. Numerous phone calls to Austin Industries went unreturned, as well. When a Workers' Rights Board member eventually made phone contact with an Austin Industries representative, she was told they were powerless to change the working conditions for their subcontracted employees.<br /><br />A follow up hearing this summer revealed that iron workers in Dallas are still subjected to inadequate water and unsafe working conditions. The discussion continues between the workers and the Workers' Rights Board. Justice and fairness for all are our goals. Austin Industries, we invite you to join us at the table.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-49626910541349641152009-09-30T10:06:00.003-05:002009-09-30T10:12:04.296-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrOA-BXXM1gANNBPhdwOtZP_TJhupXk9Y8Ie-LfkNiz3DYX3nHPMqE3wl5Vs_dw7iUW9gNtFJuHMGLjFbCKn4k-KmfgjCl4-cjPkCU4aTXmu6vHRleEDQZEW276d_2FFJLB4kk2wzG4M/s1600-h/moellerrieger925.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrOA-BXXM1gANNBPhdwOtZP_TJhupXk9Y8Ie-LfkNiz3DYX3nHPMqE3wl5Vs_dw7iUW9gNtFJuHMGLjFbCKn4k-KmfgjCl4-cjPkCU4aTXmu6vHRleEDQZEW276d_2FFJLB4kk2wzG4M/s200/moellerrieger925.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387277991006516850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Town Hall Meeting Brings Together Labor Activists, Religious Leaders<br /><br /><br /></span>PCCS co-founder Joerg Rieger joined Texas AFL-CIO President Becky Moeller as featured speakers at the Town Hall Meeting for Economic Justice on September 25, 2009. Sponsored by North Texas Jobs with Justice and held at UAW 848 Hall in Grand Prairie, Texas, the gathering drew a diverse crowd of 65, including labor activists, religious leaders, and candidates for public office.<br /><br /> By bringing together labor activists and religious leaders for a frank discussion of healthcare and economic issues, the Town Hall Meeting was a major step forward in the process of building a progressive coalition in the north Texas area.<br /><br /> Moeller gave an update on Texas AFL-CIO's efforts to push for universal access to healthcare and to build new alliances. She also spoke about the need for workers to seek coalitions with the religious community, and expressed her appreciation for Rieger's efforts on this front.<br /><br /> In his remarks, Rieger drew attention to the increasingly religious nature of mainstream economics, which holds to blind faith in the benevolence of the market despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. He also noted that while the Bible explicitly calls for economic justice, and the major mainline Christian denominations officially support worker rights, local congregations do little to make members aware of those teachings. Workers, Rieger said, should urge their church leaders to support their struggles for economic justice. Rieger also mentioned how PCCS is helping to facilitate coalition-building between religious leaders, labor activists, and other progressives.<br /><br /> Following the speakers, the audience engaged in a lively Q&A session, which provided additional insights and inspiration. There was criticism of the "Blue Dog" Democrats and their resistance to healthcare reform, and support for the Employee Free Choice Act. Audience members also noted that healthcare reform would lessen the bleeding of American jobs to other countries, and would lessen the unemployment crisis by making it possible for more older workers to retire.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-20574505253269084822009-09-11T08:41:00.005-05:002009-09-11T09:43:36.443-05:00Coalition for Justice at Great Western Erectors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFhrm02qoKzZkg4a4lYHVWD6J5mgvJzjIFaJCpzGXKL2PKk4ufwHQAd6Fsrl14wzMVjIewxI08IVKjPnxnOJC2sbO9AwKXoFILCXnONIFyB2w6jeDfQCKIiP_Rf-p9SeD4t_XO04a2LQ/s1600-h/GWE+Strikers.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimFhrm02qoKzZkg4a4lYHVWD6J5mgvJzjIFaJCpzGXKL2PKk4ufwHQAd6Fsrl14wzMVjIewxI08IVKjPnxnOJC2sbO9AwKXoFILCXnONIFyB2w6jeDfQCKIiP_Rf-p9SeD4t_XO04a2LQ/s320/GWE+Strikers.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380220055833492946" border="0" /></a>An important part of the work of WRB Dallas has been to support workers on strike for safe working conditions at Great Western Erectors. A <a href="http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B075laDOdJvMMTYwYTg3NDUtYTgwYi00MzYwLTg4N2EtMzQ5MmVmM2RlNTI2&hl=en">2008 Whitepaper</a> discusses their concerns and the coalitions that support their struggle. Here's an excerpt:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;">Great Western Erectors based in Dallas, Texas is one of the largest rebar and concrete reinforcing contractors in the nation. Great Western employs some 300 workers at a time--with operations primarily in Phoenix, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; and Dallas, Texas...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In May 2005, workers went on strike because of the company's refusal to provide adequate drinking water on all jobsites for the employees. Since then, Great Western workers are still on strike over the mistreatment, disregard and indifference the company shows its workers...</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Among the workers' other concerns are the generally poor working conditions and the lack of vacations and affordable family health insurance. Additionally, wokers are often forced to work through breaks and lunch periods by managers who are regularly abusive and disrespectful...</span><br /></blockquote>Read the full whitepaper <a href="http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B075laDOdJvMMTYwYTg3NDUtYTgwYi00MzYwLTg4N2EtMzQ5MmVmM2RlNTI2&hl=en">here</a>.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-75319012914684731102009-09-08T11:19:00.002-05:002009-09-08T11:22:33.350-05:00KDFW-TV Coverage of Sep 5 WRB Hearing<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypXLpvBRqQQmM-COfkHFEojHBNZb4wIKzn89GAX95gSmEsl7VdHteVIxcxqMooiT5bPgXMQEeCDCRUrgDLVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />The North Texas Jobs with Justice website also has a <a href="http://www.labordallas.org/wrb95.htm">rundown</a> of the WRB hearing.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7914643404967545502.post-76516980440772022782009-09-08T11:11:00.002-05:002009-09-08T11:12:46.512-05:00Updated Press Release September 4, 2009<br /><br />Contact:<br />Dr. Joerg Rieger, Co-convener of the Workers’ Rights Board,<br />Wendland-Cook Professor of Constructive Theology, SMU<br /><br />Update:<br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Unemployment in Construction Industry has risen to 18.2</font> <font style="font-weight: bold;">Percent: Are Companies Putting Even More Pressures on</font> <font style="font-weight: bold;">Remaining Workers?</font><br /><br />Event:<br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Construction Workers in Dallas without Water and Safety</font> <font style="font-weight: bold;">Equipment: Workers’ Rights Board Investigates Labor</font> <font style="font-weight: bold;">Rights Violations on Labor Day Weekend</font><br /><br />Time:<br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday, September 5, 2009, from 10 a.m.-noon.</font><br /><br />Place:<br /><font style="font-weight: bold;">Beckley Courthouse, 410 S. Beckley Ave., Dallas, TX, in the</font> <font style="font-weight: bold;">courtroom of the Honorable Judge Luis Sepulveda.</font><br /><br />Just in time for the Labor Day Weekend, the Workers’ Rights Board of North Texas Jobs with Justice will have a hearing on Saturday, September 5, from 10 am-noon.<br /><br />At this event, the Workers’ Rights Board will hear cases of construction workers in the Dallas area. Common problems on many building sites include insufficient drinking water in the summer heat, lack of safety equipment, and a pervasive lack of fair treatment of workers.<br /><br />While worker rights abuses in construction are not uncommon, the current economic crisis and the special challenges of labor in Texas have exacerbated this problem.<br /><br />The public and the media are invited to witness this hearing, as the members of the Workers’ Rights Board are investigating the current abuses and make decisions about how to respond to the crisis, which has the potential to give the city of Dallas and its inhabitants a bad name.<br /><br />Information about Workers’ Rights Boards:<br /><br />At a time when the rights of workers are increasingly under attack, North Texas Jobs with Justice has formed a Workers’ Rights Board. About a dozen of these boards already exist in other cities across the U.S. Their goal is to bring together community leaders from all sectors who understand that workers’ rights are an important pillar of the community.<br /><br />Members of Workers’ Rights Boards include state representatives, religious leaders, organizers and activists, educators and academics, lawyers, journalists, and many others. The work of a Workers’ Rights Board includes hearings where workers can present their struggles, addressing the violations of workers’ rights through writing letters to employers demanding fair treatment, delegation visits to management or public officials, speaking out through the media when necessary, and demonstrating solidarity with workers in various other ways. The Dallas Workers’ Rights Board works closely with North Texas Jobs with Justice in order to identify worthy campaigns and issues.<br /><br />Jobs with Justice has a long history of bringing together a broad range of community leaders, including faith communities and other organizations who care about the common good. For further information about Workers’ Rights Boards please check the following link: <a href="http://www.jwj.org/projects/wrb/history.html">http://www.jwj.org/projects/wrb/history.html</a>.wrbdallashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09098976379285870729noreply@blogger.com0