United Steelworkers: Rapid Response News

The End of the 40-Hour Week?

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The U.S. House of Representatives is taking up a bill that would replace our guaranteed overtime pay with a new “comp time” system. That means rather than paying you overtime for extra hours worked, your employer could assign extra work only to those who “chose” more time off instead of overtime wages. It is a blow to the idea of the 40-hour work week, as there would be no more incentive for employers to avoid excess overtime. Proponents – including the corporate community and HR managers – are calling it “The Working Families Flexibility Act” (HR 1406). That couldn’t be more misleading.

This will impact union and non-union workers alike. While collective bargaining agreements may protect union workers initially, it will be increasingly hard to retain our overtime pay if our employer’s competitors are gaining an advantage through “comp time.” Before long, overtime pay will be one more contentious subject of bargaining. In many USW workplaces, excessively long hours of work can mean more danger and problems on the job. This is one more pressure we need to avoid.

It’s a pay cut. If “comp time” becomes law, employees can expect to work overtime but not get any extra income.

That “flexibility” is for employers. Want to use “comp time” to catch the grandchild’s play? Looking to bank time for maternity leave? There are no guarantees. Under this bill, workers couldn’t just use their “comp time” whenever they wanted. Employers could reject requests that “unduly disrupt the operations of the employer” or that are not made “within a reasonable period.” This leaves all the power on the employer’s side, not the worker’s.

That 40 hour week we fought for? This will be a major setback. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 established the 40-hour work week. The FLSA allows employees to spend more time away from work and encourages employers to hire more staff when workloads increase. The FLSA’s only incentive for employers to maintain a 40-hour week is the requirement that they pay time-and-a-half cash premium for overtime.

Like mandatory overtime and unpredictable work schedules? You’ll love this. “Comp time” legislation would make mandatory overtime less expensive for employers, therefore encouraging the practice. We can expect more unpredictable work schedules. If you have kids, expect more issues with finding child care and having to incur more child care costs.

Rapid Response will continue to track this legislation. For regular updates, please like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/USWRapidResponse.

Bring Jobs Home is Back!

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Did you know that over the last decade, we have lost more manufacturing jobs (as a percentage of the total) than during the Great Depression? That's 50,000 facilities and nearly six million manufacturing jobs gone. This outsourcing has spread to other sectors as well, like call centers, health care, administrative services and more. A 2009 study by economists Alan Blinder and Alan Krueger estimated that one in four U.S. jobs is vulnerable to offshoring. The Bring Jobs Home Act helps shine a light on these issues and provide an end one of the tax breaks that encourages shipping jobs overseas. It has once again been introduced in the current Congress.

Last summer, the Senate failed to get enough votes to overcome a filibuster on the Bring Jobs Home Act, falling four short in reaching the sixty votes that were needed to move forward with a straight up or down vote. (CLICK HERE to see the vote). Once again, despite a majority of Senators being in favor of a good bill, a small number were able to hold the process hostage and we continue to suffer as corporations receive incentives to ship jobs overseas. The Bring Jobs Home Act would eliminate the tax incentive that outsourcing companies receive for moving expenses as they ship jobs overseas. It also rewards those companies that bring jobs back with a tax credit.

But, our work has not been wasted! Thanks to your many events last summer from coast to coast and your countless actions in workplaces across the country, we are keeping this issue front and center. This is one more step in our ultimate fight for good, secure jobs.

Because of your continued effort to keep holding our lawmakers' feet to the fire, the Bring Jobs Home Act is back! The legislation has been reintroduced in the 113^th Congress by Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). We will be watching it closely and updating you on its progress.

To see more great pictures of last year's actions, CLICK HERE!

Latest Developments: On March 22,2013, Senator Stabenow attempted to advance the Bring Jobs Home Act as an amendment during the Senate debate on the budget. This time around, we would have only needed 51 votes, and Steelworkers once again rallied around the cause by making calls to Senators. Unfortunately, there were hundreds of amendments filed, and this one ultimately did not get a vote. We did, however, remind our legislators that jobs are a priority to their constituents, and that we will not stop fighting until we BRING JOBS HOME!

To stay up to date on how this legislation is progressing and check to see if your legislator is Cosponsoring, go to www.thomas.gov and type H.R. 851 or S.337 in the search box.

Sequestration . . . What Are Our Priorities?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Massive budget cuts known as the sequester are causing a lot of pain for average Americans in ways we can see and ways we often don't. Too many lawmakers want even more cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Meanwhile, tax loopholes and trade policies continue to encourage companies to outsource jobs, and proposals are on the table for even more tax breaks for the very richest and Wall Street.

The Washington Post recently released a handy state-by-state breakdown of how the sequester cuts will affect jobs and services in every state. These figures are based on White House estimates. Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) also details these harmful cuts here.

So how do we stop these devastating cuts? There is one simple way we can deal with the manufactured budget crisis: eliminate it. Working families across the United States are asking their elected representatives to protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from benefit cuts, repeal the sequester and close tax loopholes for corporations and the wealthiest 2%. Have you made a call to your legislators yet?

Want some more great graphics and charts to help spread the word on your social media networks about why we should repeal sequestration? Check out these from the AFL-CIO's website.

The 2013 Rapid Response and Legislative Conference is Fast Approaching!

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In just a few weeks we will be back in our nation’s capital for the 2013 Rapid Response and Legislative Conference, April 16-18, at the Washington Hilton. With a newly-convened Congress and a host of pressing issues, we’re presented with a great opportunity to advance policies that matter to Steelworker families at a very critical time. If you have not registered yet, please do so – you can do this online by clicking HERE.

Because registration has been so strong, we want to be absolutely sure that everyone has their hotel accommodations set. You can view the latest hotel information by clicking HERE. If you are having difficulty making your hotel reservations, please let us know right away by calling us at Headquarters at 412-562-2291.

Want to see what is in store? Check out this great video from our 2011 Rapid Response and Legislative Conference!

We will have something for everyone at the conference, whether you are just starting out and building a program or working on taking your program to the next level. From dealing with unique state legislatures to using social media for legislative action – we are certain to have the workshop for you! See you on the Hill!

The Affordable Care Act . . . Three Years Later

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Even after 39 unsuccessful attempts to repeal it, the Affordable Care Act is celebrating its third birthday! So just what has the Affordable Care Act done in the last three years? Try some of these fast facts from a recent New York Times article.

· Some 6.6 million people ages 19 through 25 who have been able to stay on their parents' insurance plans and more than 3 million young adults getting health insurance.

· 17 million getting some kind of free preventive service, like flu shots, and 34 million Medicare recipients getting free preventive services in 2012;

· 17 million children with pre-existing conditions being protected against being uninsured;

· More than 107,000 adults with pre-existing conditions finally having insurance under the federally run insurance program;

· 21 million received care from expanded community health centers, 3 million more than previously served;

· $1.1 billion in rebates, an average of $151 per family paid by insurers that failed to meet the benchmark of 80 to 85 percent of premium revenues on medical claims or quality improvements;

· Since 2010, more than 6.3 million older or disabled people have saved more than $6.3 billion on prescription drugs.

Want to know more about what is in store? CLICK HERE TO SEE.

For a quick look at how the ACA has benefitted women, CLICK HERE.

Want to access some quick tools on Health Care reform? Check out the USW Health Care Reform Tool Kit.

Who the Heck is ALEC?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500

As we continue to deal with a barrage of state focused legislative battles, it is imperative that we understand exactly who is behind them. The answer? The American Legislative Exchange Council, or better known as ALEC.

Devil in Disguise

ALEC claims to be a "nonpartisan public-private partnership of America's state legislators, members of the private sector and the general public." According to their website, http://www.alec.org/, ALEC serves solely as a resource for its members; it does not lobby state legislatures. ALEC claims it provides a constructive forum for state legislators and private sector leaders to discuss and exchange practical state-level public policy issues. It also claims to develop model bills and resolutions on economic issues. ALEC contends that these bills and resolutions can be helpful resources for state legislators who have an interest in free markets, limited government and constitutional division of powers between the federal and state governments.

Truth be told, ALEC is something much more sinister and powerful. Bill Moyers, author of "The United States of ALEC", says it best.

ALEC is "the most influential corporate-funded political force most of America has never heard of."

Check out this great explanation by Alex Wagner of MSNBC.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Want a more simple explanation? Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan sums it up very well.

ALEC "operates much like a dating service, only between legislators and special interests. It matches them up, builds relationships, [and] culminates with the birth of special interest legislation."

Let's go back to our childhood. Remember School House Rock? That great little clip, "I'm Just a Bill"?

HOW OUR GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSED TO WORK . . .

HOW THINGS WORK WHEN ALEC IS INVOLVED . . .

So what is ALEC behind?

ALEC boasts that it has over 1000 pieces of model legislation, none of which will benefit the working class. Legislation such as right to work, voter ID laws, the elimination of the public sector unions, and the eradication of collective bargaining rights. These are only a few. For a list of more ALEC Model Bills, go to http://www.alecexposed.org/. Let's take a quick look at ALEC's dangerous agenda.

State legislators return from ALEC meetings and bring these "Model Bills" back to their home legislature, introducing them as their own bills. Occasionally, some of these legislators even forget to remove the ALEC tagline.

In November 2011, Florida State Representative Rachel Burgin (R), introduced legislation to call on the federal government to reduce its corporate tax rate. The text still included the boilerplate "WHEREAS, it is the mission of the American Legislative Exchange Council to advance Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism, and individual liberty..." The bill was quickly withdrawn; the phrase removed, and was resubmitted as HM717.

CLICK HERE to see another example of an ALEC "Model Bill".

Who Funds ALEC?

More than 98% of ALEC's revenues come from corporations, corporate trade groups and corporate foundations. Each corporate member pays an annual fee somewhere between $7,000 - $25,000. Corporations can also give money to ALEC directly through grants. ExxonMobil gave $1.4 Million in "grant money" to ALEC between 1998-2009. It has also received grants from some of the biggest and most powerful foundations that are funded by corporate CEOs. Does the name "Koch" sound familiar? Two of the foundations, the Charles G. Koch Foundation and the Koch managed Claude R. Lamb Foundation, help to fund ALEC and then take a nice tax deduction because ALEC's status is deemed as nonprofit!

Since 2006, ALEC has raised an estimated $4 million from its corporate members to send lawmakers on trips. (CLICK HERE for a full list of ALEC sponsors). As a matter of fact, less than 2% of ALEC's funding comes from the $50.00 per year "Membership Dues" that the state legislators pay. Doesn't sound very legitimate to the working class constituent that these lawmakers are supposed to be representing, does it?

ALEC is Under Fire!

The public is starting to catch on to ALEC's motives. In the last year, public outcry and protest have caused over forty major corporations and seventy legislative members to drop out of ALEC. Corporations such as Coca-Cola, Kraft, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson and General Motors have all been listening to their customers and cut their ties with ALEC. You can make your voice heard too, by sending a letter to other ALEC corporate funders and telling them to do the same. You can CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION.

Is your legislator a member? ALEC boasts on their website that over 2,000 state legislators are members of their organization. Not all of them have been identified, but nearly 1,000 have come to light. To see if your lawmaker is one of them, CLICK HERE.

THE ONLY WAY TO STOP ALEC IS TO CONTINUE TO EDUCATE OURSELVES, OUR COWORKERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY. LET THEM KNOW THAT IT IS TIME TO TAKE BACK OUR STATEHOUSES FROM CORPORATIONS.

Goodbye 2012 . . . Bring on 2013!

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600

As the year comes to a close, we want to acknowledge the work that you do to make sure the voices of working people are part of the debate wherever policy is decided. Once again, nobody does it like our union! In 2012, you:

Took on China. This time, you stood up for hundreds of thousands of Steelworkers whose livelihood is threatened by China’s predatory, protectionist and illegal tactics to dominate manufacturing in the auto supply sector. You pushed your lawmakers to sign on to a letter to the President and wrote letters to the editor. The result? The President launched a trade case.
Stood up to outsourcing. You supported the Bring Jobs Home Act by calling Congress and taking part in over 90 events nationwide. You rallied to expose outsourcers and highlighted those who are insourcing. You met with lawmakers to build support and protested outside of the offices of opponents. You marched in parades and spoke out in the press. Despite the bill being blocked in both the House and Senate, the issue would resurface in the year-end fiscal negotiations.
Got voters registered. We have reports of over 14,000 voters getting registered through this year’s national voter registration drive, while countless others confirmed their registration status. Special thanks goes to Districts 12, 7 and 9 for topping the nation in both numbers registered and the percentage of locals participating.
Stood up to bad cuts. You fought cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid in the year-end fiscal negotiations and spoke out against more tax breaks for the wealthiest 2%. You participated in multiple call-in days and local events across the country. The most recent reports show this is making a difference.
Fought for workers’ rights everywhere. You opposed deceptive “right to work” laws and other anti-worker legislation (and ballot initiatives) in states across the country. You acted proactively to maximize Buy American in state projects and put pro-worker issues on the ballot.
Educated, empowered and engaged. In one year’s time, you circulated over 150 different InfoAlerts, ActionCalls, Feedback Reports and Candidate Comparisons. You also joined us on our new facebook page, which hit 1,000 “likes” this fall.
Took part in hundreds of training sessions designed to build local Rapid Response programs. That includes the 700+ attendees taking part in the first-ever Regional Rapid Response Conferences held earlier this year.

We know that our work is far from done, but with great activists like you and a drive to bring back the middle class, we will make a difference. Have a very happy New Year, and we’ll see you in 2013!

USW Rapid Response & Legislative Conference

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600

USW Rapid Response & Legislative Conference
April 16-18, 2013 - Washington, D.C.

We are pleased to announce that the 2013 Rapid Response and Legislative Conference will be held during the third week of April in Washington, D.C., at the Hilton Washington. This conference comes at the start of a new Congress, presenting an opportunity for us to advance policies that matter for Steelworkers and our families at a critical time.

We urge all locals to make a strong effort to send representatives to this important conference, including as many members of your Rapid Response Team as possible.

Click Here for a copy of the call letter.

Schedule

As in years past, we will again run our conference simultaneously with the Good Jobs, Green Jobs Conference. This will begin on Tuesday morning, April 16. USW members are encouraged to join with our Steelworker leadership for a day of Good Jobs, Green Jobs general sessions and Steelworker-specific workshops. We have partnered many times in the past with labor advocates from around the globe, students and others to fight for common goals. This continues in that tradition. We will wrap up on Tuesday with USW District meetings and a Steelworker reception.

Wednesday, April 17, will feature Steelworker-only sessions focused on the key issues of our union: rebuilding the economy, securing the jobs we have now and into the future, and continuing to improve the quality of our working and retirement lives. We will hear from experts on key issues, legislators and our union’s leadership. The conference will also feature key workshops that will help refine advocacy skills and build Rapid Response programs. On Wednesday evening, we’ll join with Good Jobs, Green Jobs for a reception.

Thursday, April 18, will begin with a general session in preparation for a day of lobbying and action on Capitol Hill. The conference will conclude by 5:00 p.m.

Registration

Online registration is now available

Please pre-register online, by mail or by fax before April 1, 2013. There will be a registration fee of $125 per delegate to cover conference costs. Checks should be made payable to USW Secretary-Treasurer.

Online Registration – Go to our Rapid Response website at www.uswrr.org and follow the instructions, then mail your check to the address below; or

Mail Registration – Fill out and mail the registration form and your check to the address below; or

Fax Registration – Fill out and fax the enclosed registration form to the USW Rapid Response Department at 412-562-2266, then mail checks to the address below:

United Steelworkers
Rapid Response Department
5 Gateway Center, 7th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Hotel Information
PLEASE NOTE: We are down to a handful of rooms at the Washington Hilton for Wednesday and Thursday nights. If you are having problems booking rooms, please use the Overflow Hotel (listed below) or call the Rapid Response Department at 412-562-2291.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, for all USW attendees. Attendees should make their own hotel reservation by calling the hotel number below and referring to the Group Code “GJRR.” If you wish to book your hotel reservation online, click here and enter the Group Code “GJRR” as well. The hotel will accept reservations until April 1, 2013. Making reservations after this date will likely result in higher rates and possibly being sold out.

Washington Hilton Rates (per room, per night): Single/double occupancy rate is $249; triple rate is $269 and quad rate is $289. All rates are subject to 14.5% tax. A first night deposit by check or credit card is required. Credit cards will be charged immediately. If you need to cancel, do so three days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation penalties. There is a $50 early departure fee after check-in.

Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: 202-483-3000 or 1-800-HILTONS (ask for code) Fax: 202-939-3271
Website for Conference Registrations at the Hilton: http://bit.ly/TnUfGC

Overflow Hotel
Marriott Courtyard DC/Dupont Circle
1900 Connecticut Avenue
Washington DC 20009
To book: Email Digna Olivarez, Director of Sales at Digna.Olivarez@crestlinehotels.com (reservations only being taken by email currently)
Hotel Code: USW
Rate: $229 Single/Double + 14.5% tax

The Churchill
1914 Connecticut Avenue
Washington, Dc 20009
CALL: 1.202.797-2000 and refer to Good Jobs Room Block
Room Type: King rooms with sofabeds only
Cutoff: March 29
Rate: $309

If you have any trouble securing a room, please contact Josh Keirsey at 412-562-2291.

Room Share Program – If your local would be interested in partnering with another local to split room costs, please contact Josh Keirsey with Rapid Response at 412-562-2291 or jkeirsey@usw.org for details.

If you have any questions regarding the registration process, please contact the Rapid Response Department at 412-562-2291. We look forward to your local’s participation in what promises to be a very exciting conference.

In solidarity,

Leo W. Gerard
International President

Stan Johnson
International Secretary-Treasurer

Medicare 101: What's a Voucher?

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Vouchers have been called: the end of Medicare as we know it, a rhetorical bit of ideological hogwash and a Medicare killer. Today we look at why health advocates, senior associations and the American people are increasingly concerned about this proposal and the implications it can have for your retirement.

Background – In 2011, Rep. Paul Ryan included a proposal in his budget that would shift Medicare from a program in which the government provides universal access to essential care to one where individuals would be responsible for payment. To make the payments to insurance providers, vouchers would be given out to help offset costs. Any difference between the amount of the voucher and the cost of decent insurance would be the responsibility of the individual. The plan would apply to those under 55 and also include an increase in the eligibility age from 65 to 67. Ryan’s budget proposals have passed in the U.S. House for the last two years, but have gotten no traction in the Senate.

Will Vouchers Reduce Costs? – Proponents say that the power of the marketplace will introduce competition to reduce costs. As Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman argues, there are significant problems with that argument:

“All, and I mean all, the evidence says that public systems like Medicare and Medicaid, which have less bureaucracy than private insurers (if you can’t believe this, you’ve never had to deal with an insurance company) and greater bargaining power, are better than the private sector at controlling costs. . . You can see this fact in the history of Medicare Advantage, which is run through private insurers and has consistently had higher costs than traditional Medicare. You can see it from comparisons between Medicaid and private insurance: Medicaid costs much less. And you can see it in international comparisons: The United States has the most privatized health system in the advanced world and, by far, the highest health costs.”

How Much Could a Voucher Plan Cost You? – The Center for American Progress released a report in August that looked at long-term impacts of a voucher plan. Voucher amounts will increase based on the rate of growth of gross domestic product plus 0.5 percent – slower than projections for healthcare costs. Looking at just this one cost-shifting factor will mean:

If you turn 65 in 2023 (today’s 54 year olds), you’d pay $32,900 more in retirement.
If you turn 66 in 2030 (today’s 48 year olds), you’d pay $73,600 more in retirement.
If you turn 67 in 2040 (today’s 39 year olds) you’d pay $139,100 more in retirement.

The Bottom Line – Vouchers would fundamentally change how Medicare operates, moving from a system of shared risk and guaranteed benefits to one where risk is placed on our shoulders at a time when we need security the most. Polling shows that Americans are not sold on the idea – and for good reason.

Sources: The Medicare Killers, Paul Krugman, New York Times, 8/30/12; Increased Costs During Retirement Under the Romney-Ryan Medicare Plan, Center for American Progress Action Fund, 8/24/12.

Medicare 101: Paying for Medicare

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Medicare provides coverage at a time when our healthcare needs are often the greatest – and the most expensive.

Cost-Effective Coverage
The good news is that Medicare has a long track record of providing coverage more cost-effectively than private insurance. Since 1979, Medicare’s cost per beneficiary has grown cumulatively 40 percent more slowly than equivalent benefits provided by private insurers. To put this figure in real terms consider that the average family insurance plan provided by employers today is roughly $15,000 annually. If the private sector was as effective in controlling costs as Medicare over the same time period, that same family coverage would cost only $9,100. Why does it save? There are fewer administrative costs, no million dollar CEOs to pay, negotiating power that provides significant discounts and a focus on service rather than being profit-driven.

Finances
Medicare is primarily financed by a payroll tax, general revenue and premiums paid by beneficiaries:

Part A is mainly funded by a payroll tax of 1.45 percent on current employees and employers. Next year, this rate will increase for higher-income taxpayers (more than $200,000/individual and $250,000/couple) by 0.9 percentage points (from 1.45% to 2.35%). The revenues are placed in the Hospital Insurance (HI) trust, which, like Social Security is designed to be self-supporting.
Part B is financed through monthly premiums paid by Medicare enrollees and general revenues. Income from these sources is credited to a Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) trust.
Part C is paid for by the government making payments to private insurers on the enrollees’ behalf in appropriate parts from the HI and SMI trust funds.
Part D funding comes from a separate account in the SMI trust fund and is financed by general revenues, state contributions and beneficiary premiums.

Important Information About the Medicare Trust Funds
A board of trustees makes an annual report to Congress on the status of the trust funds, including a projection for the date when the HI fund will be able to cover a portion of costs rather than 100 percent. Since 1970, the dates have ranged from as little as two years out to as many as 28. The fund has always covered 100 percent of costs, in part due to legislative changes.

The passage of the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) included a series of improvements and funding changes to Medicare. According to the 2010 Medicare trustees report, those changes strengthened the HI trust fund a significant number of years to 2024. Because of the way it is funded, the SMI trust fund does not face exhaustion.

Sources: Medicare.gov; Economic Policy Institute; Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Congressional Research Service

Medicare 101: Do You Know the Basics?

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Medicare has become one of the most discussed issues in recent days given Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget proposals. Beyond the sound bites, what do we know about Medicare? Read on to find out the basics of the program and watch for more information to come in this multi-part series.

Medicare is our nation’s health care insurance for all people ages 65 and older, regardless of income. It also covers people under the age of 65 who have certain disabilities as well as those with end state renal disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease. Prior to the enactment of the program in 1965, about half of America’s seniors lacked healthcare coverage. Today, nearly all have coverage, with almost 50 million Americans currently benefitting from the program. Medicare has four parts. Parts A and B are considered “traditional” or “original” Medicare. Recent changes to the program are in italics.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health care and hospice. If you or your spouse worked 40 quarters or more (10 years), you pay no monthly premium for Part A. Deductibles and coinsurance (paying a percentage of the cost of care) apply.
Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover doctor and other health care provider services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment, and some home health care not covered under Part A. Part B also covers a number of preventative services. The monthly premium for Part B in 2012 is $99.90. Premium costs go up somewhat for those earning in excess of $85,000 as an individual. Assistance is available for those who are low income. Deductibles and coinsurance apply to Part B services. The Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”) did away with many deductibles and coinsurance costs for preventative care. Nearly 33 million people have already experienced this benefit.
Part C (“Medicare Advantage”) was enacted in 1997 so that Medicare beneficiaries could have the option of receiving their benefits through private health insurance plans. Under Part C, also known as “Medicare Advantage,” private insurers run plans that Medicare approves. Costs and restrictions vary by plan. Approximately one quarter of Medicare beneficiaries choose Medicare Advantage plans. Costs from the Medicare accounts to pay for Part C have been outpacing costs for traditional Medicare. The Affordable Care Act will bring the costs back in line and provide incentives for the best-quality and best-value plans.
Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) was enacted in 2003 to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. It is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. Beneficiaries choose their plan and pay a monthly premium that varies (for those using Medicare Advantage, Part D premiums are part of the overall premium). Deductibles and copayments may apply and vary depending on the plan that is selected. Part D has what is referred to as a “doughnut hole” meaning that after a certain amount is spent on drugs, there is a gap in coverage until a catastrophic level is reached. The Affordable Care Act offered a one-time $250 benefit to those in this coverage gap and phases out the “doughnut hole” by 2020. Approximately 3.6 million seniors have seen costs go down to date.

Sources: Medicare.gov, Kaiser Family Foundation, Healthcare.gov and Whitehouse.gov

The Affordable Care Act - Looking Ahead

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

This article takes a look ahead at some of the changes to come with the Affordable Care Act over the next few years.

2012-2013

Integrated Health Systems – The law will provide incentives for doctors to join groups to better coordinate patient care, improve quality, and help prevent disease, illness and unnecessary hospital stays. (started earlier this year)
New Incentives for Quality Care – A new Medicare program offering financial incentives to hospitals to improve the quality of care begins. Hospital performance on medical issues related to heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, health-care associated infections and more will need to be publicly reported.
Reducing Administrative Costs – More provisions to increase efficiency go into effect, including changes that standardize billing, streamline record-keeping and reduce medical errors through easier information-sharing.
Covering Children – The Affordable Care Act will provide two more years of funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program to cover children who are not eligible for Medicaid.

2014

Exchanges – If your employer does not offer insurance, you will be able to buy it directly in an Exchange. These are expected to be transparent and competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses can buy affordable healthcare plans. They will offer a variety of health plans that meet standards. Some workers who cannot afford their employer’s coverage may also be eligible. As long as an individual can afford basic health insurance coverage, he or she will need to get coverage or pay a fee to help offset the costs of caring for uninsured Americans. Those making between 100 and 400 percent of the poverty level – up to $92,200 for a family of four in 2012 – are eligible for tax credits. Starting in 2014, Members of Congress will be getting their healthcare insurance through the Exchanges.
Annual Limits on Coverage Eliminated – New plans and existing plans will no longer be able to impose an annual dollar limit on the amount of coverage an individual may receive.
No More Discrimination Due to Pre-Existing Conditions or Gender – Insurance companies will no longer be able to refuse to sell coverage or renew policies because of an individual’s pre-existing condition. The law also eliminates the ability of insurance companies to charge higher rates due to gender or health status (for individual and small group markets).
Small Business Tax Credits Go Up – The second phase of a tax credit for small businesses that provide health insurance to employees begins.

2015

Paying Physicians Based on Value Not Volume – Physician payments will be tied to the quality of care they provide. Those with higher value care will receive higher payments than those who provide lower quality care.

Check out questions and answers on the new law HERE.

The Affordable Care Act - How Does it Benefit You?

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cut through the misinformation that is circulating around the Affordable Care Act – “Obamacare” – and make sure you understand what it means to you, your families and your contract. Here is a timeline of some key features of the new law.

2010

No More Lifetime Coverage Limits – Insurers can no longer limit the total dollar amount they will pay over a person’s lifetime.
Key Insurance Reforms – Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to a customer because of a paperwork error or unintentional mistake. Consumers also have new options to appeal an insurance company’s decisions.
Coverage Extended to Young Adults – Young adults may be covered by their parents’ insurance until age 26 if the young adult’s employer does not offer insurance. 3.1 million young adults are benefitting.
No More Refusing Children Coverage Based on Pre-Existing Conditions – This provision will extend to all Americans in 2014.
No More Limits for Essential Benefits – Insurers may no longer set an annual limit for the amount they will pay for certain benefits, such as hospitalization, maternity, newborn care and prescription drugs, that are considered essential. These maximums will be entirely eliminated in 2014.
Closing the “Donut Hole” – Roughly four million seniors who reached this gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage received a tax-free rebate check to help cover expenses.
Provides Small Businesses Health Insurance Tax Credits – Small businesses are now eligible for the first phase of a new tax credit for employees’ health insurance. Four million small busineses are eligible to receive this tax credit.
Free Preventative Care – All new plans must cover certain preventative services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance.
Expanding Coverage for Early Retirees – A five billion dollar program is providing needed financial help for employment based plans to continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as spouses and dependents.

2011

Help for Seniors – Seniors who reach the coverage gap will receive a 50 percent discount when buying Medicare Part D covered brand name prescription drugs. The “donut hole” will ultimately be phased out, keeping millions of seniors from facing rising prescription costs. Certain preventative services, such as wellness visits and personalized prevention plans for seniors on Medicare are now being provided for free. Nearly 33 million seniors are already benefitting.
Lowering Healthcare Premiums – The law requires that 85 percent of all premium dollars be spent on services or healthcare quality improvement (80 percent for smaller employers). If goals are not met because administrative costs are too high, insurance companies must provide rebates for consumers. This requirement amounts to more than a billion dollars back in the hands of individuals and businesses as a rebate from insurance companies.

Who is Really Pulling the Strings?

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500

As we continue to see an onslaught of anti-worker legislation bombard our state houses, it is vital that we understand where these destructive ideas began. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), is an organization that boasts 2,000 legislative members and three hundred plus corporate members. The unelected corporate representatives (often registered lobbyists) sit as equals with our elected representatives on task forces that create “model” legislation. Many of the model bills benefit the corporations whose agents write them, shape them, and vote to approve them. This organization is more than 98 percent funded by corporations, corporate trade groups and corporate foundations, essentially buying legislation and making old-fashioned lobbying obsolete.

ALEC boasts that it has over 1,000 bills introduced by our elected representatives a year, with one in five of these bills enacted into to law. It is no secret that right to work for less efforts, the attack on our public sector workers, and bills that raise our health insurance costs got their beginnings through ALEC, behind closed doors.

Watch this video to learn more about ALEC and its destructive agenda!

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Find Rapid Response on facebook at www.facebook.com/USWRapidResponse

Bring Jobs Home!

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Did you know that over the last decade, we have lost more manufacturing jobs (as a percentage of the total) than during the Great Depression? That’s 50,000 facilities and nearly six million manufacturing jobs gone. This outsourcing has spread to other sectors as well, like call centers, health care, administrative services and more. A 2009 study by economists Alan Blinder and Alan Krueger estimated that one in four U.S. jobs are vulnerable to offshoring.

Recently introduced legislation, the Bring Jobs Home Act (S. 2884/H.R. 5542), would eliminate the tax incentive that outsourcing companies receive for moving expenses as they ship jobs overseas. It also rewards those companies that bring jobs back with a 20 percent tax credit on expenses incurred when moving employment back to the U.S.

We decided to change the debate and let Congress know how working families felt about companies shipping our jobs overseas.

From late June up until the end of July, all across the country, Steelworkers made their voices heard by hosting press events, rallies, marching in parades and turning up the heat on their legislators to Bring Jobs Home. Because of the success of these efforts, the Senate took up a cloture vote on the Bring Jobs Home Act.

Unfortunately, the Senate failed to get enough votes to overcome a filibuster, falling four votes short in reaching the sixty needed to move the bill forward with a straight up or down vote. Once again, despite a majority of Senators being in favor of a good bill, a small number were able to hold the process hostage. The House also took a procedural vote that would have allowed for a vote on the House floor, but it too failed. Because of this, we continue to suffer as corporations keep getting incentives to take our jobs overseas.

But, our tireless work was not wasted! Thanks to the many events coast to coast and countless actions in workplaces across the country, we are keeping this issue front and center. This was just one more step in our fight for good, secure jobs for our families for generations to come.

SENATE

All Democrats voted RIGHT.

All Republicans voted WRONG except for: Collins (ME), Snowe (ME), Heller (NV), and Brown (MA)

Two Senators did not vote: Kirk (R-IL) and Kohl (D-W)

HOUSE

All Democrats voted RIGHT except for: McIntyre (NC), Shuler (NC), and Boren (OK).

All Republicans voted WRONG.

Nine Representatives did not vote: Akin (R-MO), Hirono (D-HI), King (R-IA), Gutierrez (D-IL), Jackson (D-IL), Platts (R-PA), Sullivan (R-OK), Miller (D-CA), and Bonner (R-AL).

To find out how Steelworkers put the pressure on, check out our BRING JOBS HOME ACTIONS 2012 album or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USWRapidResponse.

Update on Key Legislation - November 2011

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Our union is continually advocating for policies to create or retain jobs, especially in these difficult economic times. Here are updates on two USW priorities:

Supporting the American Jobs Act – The President launched a bold initiative to boost job creation in early September. The American Jobs Act would provide the action needed to begin to restore our economy by rebuilding manufacturing through infrastructure investment with strong Buy American provisions. Despite the potential to create 1.5 million jobs, the inclusion of many bipartisan proposals and the desire of the American people for Congressional action on jobs, the legislation was blocked in the Senate earlier this month. View the USW’s toolkit on the American Jobs Act at www.usw.org.

Key Vote: The Senate vote on the American Jobs Act was 50-49, but 60 votes were needed to advance the bill. Two Democrats (Nelson, NE and Tester, MT) joined all Republicans in opposition while Coburn (R-OK) did not vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid also voted against in a tactical move that would allow him to call the bill back in the future under Senate rules.

Current Status: The Senate is voting on individual pieces of the American Jobs Act now. A bill to prevent layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers and first responders was recently voted down. We anticipate a Senate vote on the infrastructure portions of the Act next. The House has refused to act.

Saving Jobs by Curbing China’s Currency Manipulating – Earlier this month, the Senate advanced a key Steelworker priority, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619), by a vote of 63-35. This bill would curb nations like China from manipulating their currency. When this happens, their products are given an edge over ours, resulting in millions of U.S. job losses.

Key Vote: All Democrats and Independents supported the bill except for Cantwell (WA), Inouye (HI), McCaskill (MO), Murray (WA) and Lieberman (I-CT). All Republicans voted against the bill except for Brown (MA), Burr (NC), Chambliss (GA), Cochran (MS), Collins (ME), Crapo (ID), Graham (SC), Grassley (IA), Hoeven (ND), Isakson (GA), Johanns (NE), Portman (OH), Risch (ID), Sessions (AL), Shelby (AL) and Snowe (ME). Coburn (R-OK) and Shaheen (D-NH) did not vote.

Current Status: The bill now needs action in the U.S. House. A majority of Representatives support the legislation, but the Republican leadership has not yet agreed to take up the bill.

Check out USW members acting out the tug of war for the American Dream – including our jobs, public services and more – in this flash mob video clip: http://youtu.be/-iaqvPO1DTE

Congress Passes Trade Deals with Colombia, Korea and Panama

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Congress passed failed trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama on October 12, 2011. The President followed by signing the agreements into law on October 21.

USW International President Leo Gerard summarized our union’s position, saying, “Historically, these agreements have closed American manufacturing facilities and cost American jobs. It is foolish to think that this latest round will do something different.”

While the outcome is disappointing, our continuing efforts helped create more intense debate and more votes in opposition. We are grateful to each and every Steelworker who acted. Through your letters, calls, trips to D.C. for lobby days in February and October, as well as many more targeted efforts, Steelworkers let lawmakers know that the United Steelworkers will never back down when it comes to a fight to protect our jobs!

Votes in the U.S. House of Representatives

Korea Free Trade Agreement (278 to 151)

All Democrats voted right (against the agreement) except for:
Ackerman, Becerra, Berman, Blumenauer, Boren, Carney, Castor (FL), Chandler, Clyburn, Connolly (VA), Cooper, Costa, Crowley, Cuellar, Davis (CA), Davis (IL), DeGette, Dicks, Eshoo, Gonzalez, Hanabusa, Himes, Hoyer, Inslee, Johnson (Eddie Bernice), Kind, Larsen (WA), Larson (CT), Levin, Lowey, Maloney, Matheson, Matsui, McCarthy (NY), McDermott, Meeks, Moran, Neal, Owens, Pelosi, Peterson, Polis, Price (NC), Quigley, Rangel, Richmond, Ross (AR), Rothman (NJ), Sanchez (Loretta), Schiff, Schrader, Schwartz, Scott (VA), Sewell, Smith (WA), Thompson (CA), Van Hollen, Walz (MN) and Wasserman Schultz

All Republicans voted wrong (for the agreement) except for:
Aderholt, Bishop (UT), Coble, Duncan (SC), Duncan (TN), Ellmers, Foxx, Gowdy, Griffith (VA), Hunter, Hurt, Jones, LaTourette, LoBiondo, McHenry, McKinley, Mulvaney, Myrick, Rohrabacher, Smith (NJ), Wilson (SC)

Colombia Free Trade Agreement (262 to 167)

All Democrats voted right (against the agreement) except for:
Ackerman, Berman, Boren, Cardoza, Castor (FL), Connolly (VA), Cooper, Costa, Crowley, Cuellar, Davis (CA), Dicks, Engel, Farr, Gonzalez, Himes, Hinojosa, Hoyer, Inslee, Kind, Larsen (WA), Matheson, Meeks, Moran, Polis, Price (NC), Ross (AR), Sires, Smith (WA), Van Hollen, Wasserman Schultz

All Republicans voted wrong (for the agreement) except for:
Bishop (UT), Duncan (TN), Jones, LaTourette, LoBiondo, McKinley, Smith (NJ), Stearns, Young (AK)

Panama Free Trade Agreement (300 to 129)

All Democrats voted right (against the agreement) except for:
Ackerman, Becerra, Berman, Bishop (GA), Blumenauer, Boren, Cardoza, Carney, Castor (FL), Clyburn, Connolly (VA), Cooper, Costa, Crowley, Cuellar, Davis (CA), DeGette, Dicks, Doggett, Engel, Eshoo, Farr, Fattah, Gonzalez, Himes, Hinojosa, Hoyer, Inslee, Johnson (Eddie Bernice), Kind, Larsen (WA), Larson (CT), Levin, Lowey, Maloney, Matheson, Matsui, McDermott, Meeks, Moran, Neal, Olver, Owens, Pascrell, Pelosi, Peterson, Polis, Price (NC), Quigley, Rangel, Richmond, Ross (AR), Schiff, Schrader, Schwartz, Scott (David), Sewell, Sires, Smith (WA), Thompson (CA), Tsongas, Van Hollen, Wasserman Schultz, Watt, Waxman, Welch

All Republicans voted wrong (for the agreement) except for:
Bishop (UT), Jones, LaTourette, LoBiondo, McKinley, Smith (NJ)

The following did not vote in any of the House trade votes: Giffords, Slaughter, Wilson (FL) and Paul

Votes in the U.S. Senate

Korea Free Trade Agreement (83 to 15)

All Democrats, Republicans and Independents voted wrong (for the agreement) except for the following who voted RIGHT:
Blumenthal (D-CT), Brown (D-OH), Cardin (D-MD), Casey (D-PA), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), Leahy (D-VT), Manchin (D-WV), Merkley (D-OR), Reed (D-RI), Reid (D-NV), Rockefeller (D-WV), Snowe (R-ME), Tester (D-MT), Whitehouse (D-RI)

The following did not vote: Coburn (R-OK) and Sanders (I-VT)

Colombia Free Trade Agreement (66 to 33)

All Democrats Republicans and Independents voted wrong (for the agreement) except for the following who voted RIGHT:
Akaka (D-HI), Begich (D-AK), Blumenthal (D-CT), Boxer (D-CA), Brown (D-OH), Cardin (D-MD), Casey (D-PA), Collins (R-ME), Coons (D-DE), Durbin (D-IL), Franken (D-MN), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Kohl (D-WI), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Levin (D-MI), Manchin (D-WV), McCaskill (D-MO), Menendez (D-NJ), Merkley (D-OR), Mikulski (D-MD), Reed (D-RI), Reid (D-NV), Rockefeller (D-WV), Sanders (I-VT), Schumer (D-NY), Snowe (R-ME), Stabenow (D-MI), Tester (D-MT), Udall (D-NM), Whitehouse (D-RI)

The following did not vote: Coburn (R-OK)

Panama Free Trade Agreement (77 to 22)

All Democrats, Republicans and Independents voted wrong (for the agreement) except for the following who voted RIGHT:
Akaka (D-HI), Begich (D-AK), Blumenthal (D-CT), Boxer (D-CA), Brown (D-OH), Casey (D-PA), Franken (D-MN), Gillibrand (D-NY), Hagan (D-NC), Harkin (D-IA), Inouye (D-HI), Manchin (D-WV), Merkley (D-OR), Mikulski (D-MD), Reed (D-RI), Reid (D-NV), Rockefeller (D-WV), Sanders (I-VT), Stabenow (D-MI), Tester (D-MT), Udall (D-NM), Whitehouse (D-RI)

The following did not vote: Coburn (R-OK)

Fed Up? Hit the Streets and Support an Occupy Wall Street Event Near You!

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The USW is no stranger to fighting for a more just economy for everyone. It’s in our blood and has been from the day we were formed. It’s why we’re fighting against bad trade agreements and fighting for jobs right now. And, it’s why we’re supporting the 99 percent who have been left behind as the grassroots “Occupy Wall Street” movement grows.

USW International President Leo W. Gerard offered our union’s support last week and since then many other unions have also expressed solidarity. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said the union movement is “opening arms and hearts” to these brave activists who are fighting for all of us.

Around the nation, Steelworkers and other unions are joining Occupy Wall Street events and lending support to the students, the unemployed and others who are demanding jobs, a fair economy and a better future. We’re opening our union halls, buying pizza, making signs, joining demonstrations and helping out in any way we can.

Join in and speak out!

Find a march, rally or activity near you by visiting: http://www.meetup.com/occupytogether/

Or, check here for an alternative listing of 200+ links to city events and facebook pages: http://bit.ly/of5cKV

After you take part, send us your photos and video!
Click HERE for more information.

2012 USW Regional Rapid Response Conferences

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500

** Discounted rooms for the Detroit conference are available through April 25**

Click Here for the Call Letter

Click Here For the Registration Form

Click Here for On-Line Registration

The first-ever Regional Rapid Response Conferences will take place in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Detroit within the first five months of 2012. This will be an entirely new type of Rapid Response Conference, focused heavily on skill-building workshops, networking and strengthening our ability to impact the legislative process in order to defend and promote our members’ needs.

Dates and Locations

Registration

Registration Fee: $135 per member
* Check Made Payable to: USW International Secretary-Treasurer

Please register for the regional conference by the dates listed above in one of the following ways:

Fill out and mail the enclosed registration form and your check (made payable to USW International Secretary-Treasurer) to the following address; or

United Steelworkers - Rapid Response Department
5 Gateway Center, 7th Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Click here to register online and follow the instructions (checks mailed to the address above); or
Fill out and fax the enclosed registration form to the USW Rapid Response Department at 412-562-2266 (checks mailed to the address above).

Hotel Information

A block of rooms has been reserved at each of the locations listed below for USW attendees. Attendees should make their own hotel reservation by calling one of the hotel numbers below and referring to “United Steelworkers Rapid Response.” If you book your hotel reservation online, please utilize the links provided on the Rapid Response website in order to ensure our conference rates. One night’s deposit is required at the time of reservation. See hotel rates and reservation deadlines below. Making reservations after these dates will likely result in higher rates and possibly being sold out.

ATLANTA
Hyatt Regency Atlanta
265 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
404-577-1234
Reservations: 888-421-1442
Ask for “United Steelworkers Rapid Response”
Rates: $165 single/double; $175 triple; $185 quad
15% tax to four in each room; 14.12% tax

LOS ANGELES
Westin Bonaventure
404 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-624-1000
Reservations: 888-627-8520
Ask for “United Steelworkers Rapid Response”
Rates: $169 single/double; $20 each extra person up

PHILADELPHIA
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel
201 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-448-2000
Reservations: 800-325-3535
Ask for “United Steelworkers Rapid Response”
Rates: $189 single/double; $219 triple; $239 quad; 15.2% tax

DETROIT
Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center
600 Renaissance Center #1740, Detroit, MI 48243
313-568-8000
Reservations: 800-266-9432
Ask for “United Steelworkers Rapid Response”
Rates: $139 single/double/triple/quad; 15% tax
Reservation Deadline: Detroit Deadline has been extended to Wednesday, April 25

Rapid Response - A History Worth Fighting For

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Steelworker Activism Helps to Save Northampton County's Gracedale Nursing Home

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The nurses at Northampton County’s Gracedale Nursing Home in Pennsylvania are proud members of United Steelworkers Local 2599. The nurses – along with the leadership and Rapid Response Team from the local – are providing a great example of activism that rises to meet the challenges of today’s work environment.

In the name of “fixing the budget,” Northampton County leaders proposed to sell Gracedale to a private company, turning over control to the highest bidder and fundamentally changing the facility into a profit-seeking entity. The county tried very hard to ensure that the sale of the nursing home went as quickly and as quietly as possible. Reports from the council meetings showed the desire of the county executive to push the sale through at any cost.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan (center) with USW 2599 Rapid Response members

The attempt to sell the facility happened against the backdrop of strained labor relations between the county and the union. The county sought to delay collective bargaining with unions there until after a possible sale of the facility to a private operator. By selling off the nursing home, they would no longer have to sit down and bargain with the Steelworker nurses and the other workers represented by AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

“We have gone to the county numerous times, asking them to sit down and bargain,” expressed Local 2599 President Jerry Green.

The Local decided upon a new strategy, and activated their Rapid Response network to start a petition drive to put the question of selling Gracedale on the ballot. This would let the citizens of Northampton County decide the fate and value of an institution in their community. Rapid Response Team members went to the mall, door to door and other local areas to secure the significant number of signatures needed to satisfy the ballot requirements. Despite attempts to challenge the signatures by those who didn’t want the issue on the ballot, the union prevailed. Ultimately, the union secured over 23,000 signatures.

Once the measure was approved for the ballot, it was more work right up until Election Day. Steelworkers and their allies went out again and knocked on doors and canvassed neighborhoods to educate voters to “Vote YES to Save Gracedale”. The local also built strong allies amongst AFSCME, other local unions, advocates for the residents and community members, engaging them in the fight to protect and preserve the nursing home for the good of the community.

2599 Rapid Response members gather with District 10 RR Bobby Mac after 2011 Primary Election results

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 – Election Day – was a huge success. The vote was three to one in favor of saving Gracedale. The victory ensures that the Gracedale Nursing home will remain a county property for the next five years. The citizens spoke and they decided that people were more important in Northampton County than corporate profits.

While the fight for a good contract and long-term stability for Gracedale will continue, this ballot measure gave Northampton county residents the chance to fight back. Through their hard work, Local 2599 led the way in providing that chance.

USW District 10 Rapid Response Coordinator Bob McAuliffe reports, “Local 2599 gives us an inspiring story of taking on a local government in defense of workers and a vital part of the community, as well as a great example of how a dedicated local – engaged, informed and activated – can make real and positive change in the lives of many.”

USW President Gerard Joins Democratic Leader Pelosi on Jobs Bill

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600

Event introduces federal bill: ‘Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act’

Contact: Gary Hubbard, 202-778-4384 (O); 202-256-8125 (C); ghubbard@usw.org

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 11, 2011) – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined House Democrats and USW President Leo W. Gerard to raise their voices yesterday, sending a clear message that the number one national priority is to create jobs.

“Americans are demanding that we put jobs first; that we act to invest in our future and help our economy grow,” declared Leader Pelosi at a news conference in a U.S. Capitol room jammed with more than 100 USW members and activists of the union’s Rapid Response Network.

Speakers at the U.S. Capitol Press Event (l-r): U.S. Rep. John Carney, Jr. (D-DE); Barry Mortimer, USW Local 1001 activist at Osram-Sylvania Co., Wellsboro, PA; Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi; Aaron Patterson, USW Local 1152-L President at Cooper Standard Automotive, Bowling Green, OH; Leo W. Gerard, USW International President; U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA); U.S. Rep. Gerry E. Connolly (D-VA) - Photo by Steve Dietz

USW President Gerard reminded reporters behind the “Jobs Now” podium sign that more than 50,000 factories in American have shutdown in the past decade. “Everyone in these communities is affected,” he said. “The schools with reduced taxes from fewer pay checks in the community, to the little corner stores and the suppliers. If we are concerned about getting out of debt, we need to be making things and getting everyone back to work.”

He cited proposals for infrastructure repair, high speed rail and rebuilding water treatment plants as examples.

U.S. Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) and John Carney (D-DE) each spoke to the bill introduced in the new congressional session by Leader Pelosi, the Build America Bonds to Create Jobs Now Act, (H.R. 11). As a lead sponsor of the bill, Connolly called the Build America Bonds program a jobs bill. “During the last two years, $4.4 billion from the Recovery Act leveraged $181 billion in bonds needed for school construction, bridge and road repairs that created jobs.” He said the bonds expired in December and need to be renewed.

USW Local 1152 President Aaron Patterson told the media gathering that the manufacturing recovery wasn’t working for them after their rubber auto parts maker, Cooper Standard Automotive in Bowling Green, Ohio, last Friday announced the shutdown of their plant that’s transferring jobs to Mexico, because Ford Motor Corp. wanted the cheapest hoses they could get. A group of 24 of the 200 workers at the Ohio plant were present.

The Bowling Green local union president looked at Pelosi, saying: “We need you to work with members of Congress to create policies that sustain our jobs.”

The USW activists at the press event were among 700 participating in a ‘Lobby Day’ on American worker job advocacy issues legislation such as currency reform, extension of enhanced Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), opposition to the U.S. – Korea and Colombia free trade agreements, and approaching the budget deficit battles with common sense solutions that don’t endanger economic recovery and job growth.

Also speaking was Barry Mortimer of USW Local 1001, a rapid response coordinator at his plant of 110 at Osram-Sylvania in Wellsboro, Pa., where halogen light bulbs are fully U.S. made with energy saving standards. “Everything is made in America, including the box the light bulbs are packaged in,” Mortimer said. “We need every government building in America to be buying and installing our bulbs to promote domestic jobs and energy savings.”

Pelosi said, “Working together, we can expand our economy through innovation and public-private partnerships. We can invest in transportation, in clean energy and manufacturing in new industries.”

The Democratic Leader’s Jobs Program can be accessed at: http://www.democraticleader.gov/

# # #

Foreign Money Influencing U.S. Elections

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500

On a recent appearance on MSNBC’s Ed Show, United Steelworkers President Leo W. Gerard discusses how the Chamber of Commerce has received hundreds of thousands of dollars—if not millions—in foreign donations from countries like Bahrain, Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.), India, Russia, China, and elsewhere following an aggressive public fundraising campaign and is using that money for attack at to control the November election.

"No other country on earth would tolerate this," said Gerard. "America is not for sale to the Chamber of Commerce or foreign corporations." Listen below for more.

U.S. House Vote for China Currency Reform Gets Big USW Nod

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500

America’s Working Families Need Jobs as Casualties of Currency Policies

Today’s U.S. House 348-79 vote approval of the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (H.R. 2378) was given a big nod by Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) with the following statement. He testified Sept. 10 before the Ways and Means Committee and has mobilized workers’ calls on the issue in union halls and Washington forums.

“Our USW members and working families across America will be gratified with news of today’s strong vote by the U.S. House that approved the Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act as the way forward to stop the egregious behavior of China and other nations that put our manufactured goods at an unfair disadvantage with deliberate currency undervaluation ... more

United Steelworkers Send 100,000 Letters Urging Action on Clean Energy Jobs Legislation, Creating and Maintaining Manufacturing Jobs

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Contacts: Kelly Schwinghammer, BlueGreen Alliance, 612-466-4483, kellys@bluegreenalliance.org 
Gary Hubbard, United Steelworkers, 202-778-4384, ghubbard@usw.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 20, 2010) As the U.S. Senate prepares to take up clean energy legislation, members of the United Steelworkers, along with USW International Secretary-Treasurer Stan Johnson and BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director David Foster, today highlighted the more than 100,000 letters sent from USW members urging action on strong clean energy jobs legislation with critical policies aimed at creating and maintaining good manufacturing jobs across the United States.

“Union members sent more than 100,000 letters urging action on clean energy jobs legislation that includes the investments that we need to create and maintain good, middle class manufacturing jobs in this country,” said Dennis Barker, a member of the United Steelworkers from Granite City, Illinois. “Now it is time for the Senate to get moving on clean energy jobs legislation.”

USW local union Rapid Response Network coordinators gathered at the Nation’s Capitol on July 20 to deliver 100,000 letters to the U.S. Senate from USW members calling for investments in clean energy to sustain and create manufacturing jobs

“We have an opportunity to make America a leader in building the components for the emerging clean energy economy, but we can only do that if we make the necessary investments in manufacturing that will ensure that clean energy technologies are built here at home, creating and maintaining jobs in every community in America,” said Wilma Buckley, a member of the United Steelworkers from Collierville, Tennessee.

“We have to build a clean energy economy that maintains current and creates new jobs in America,” said USW Secretary-Treasurer Stan Johnson. “For example, every wind turbine has 250 tons of steel and 8,000 parts. Solar panels, energy-efficient windows and numerous other clean energy products use glass, aluminum, steel, paper products and other materials. We already have the domestic capability to produce everything here in the U.S., but only if we make the necessary investments in American manufacturing.”

At a Capitol Hill press event, Wilma Buckley, Local 7655 Rapid Response Coordinator, read one of several thousand letters she collected from USW members employed at Carrier Corp., Collierville, TN.

“The United States is poised to be a global leader in the production of clean energy technologies, but only if we act now and only if we implement policies that build clean energy manufacturing,” said David Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national partnership of labor unions and environmental organizations, including the United Steelworkers and the Sierra Club.

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