Category Archives: News

What you need to know about ballot initiatives

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LWV_ray
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
When voting this November, you’ll need to pay close attention to questions on your ballot, which concern the state constitution and General Assembly advisory question. Common Cause Illinois Executive Director Rey López-Calderón, right, said for the first time ever, Illinois will allow election day voter registration.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

DOWNERS GROVE — The Nov. 4 ballot holds two questions that will impact the state constitution, and three more questions that are advisory to the General Assembly.

The League of Women Voters of Downers Grove and a great explanation at The Hogle Law Firm in Mesa blog, Woodridge and Lisle held an informational session Sept. 17 designed to educate voters on how these ballot questions will impact them, and what exactly they mean.

“I don’t think there is ever a more important time to educate yourself,” said Robert Saar, executive director of the DuPage County Election Commission. Saar was joined by panelist Rey López-Calderón, executive director of Common Cause Illinois.

Saar has been working with the Election Commission for more than 30 years.

“Back in 1981, nothing ever changed. We used to print the same voting guide year after year. At this current time, it’s getting difficult for a voter to stay informed about what’s on the ballot,” he said. “It’s quite a year for election law legislation.”

The two constitutional amendments must be voted on by a majority for the amendment to pass. On the ballot are the right to vote amendment, and the crime victims’ bill of rights.

The right to vote says that no person shall be denied the right to vote based on race, ethnicity, language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or income.

The crime victims’ bill of rights is a little more complicated — it has additions to the existing constitutional rights such as the right to be free from harassment, to have a hearing before a court ruling on access to the victims’ records, the get timely notification of all court proceedings, and to have the safety of the victim or their family considered in denying or fixing bail, release dates and conditions of release. If ever in trouble with the law you can check out Norwood Law Firm here! as they provide legal aid that can help one.

According to the League, with the help of the attorneys for criminal mischief charges cases, the current constitution may provide adequate protection for crime victims. The amendment is lengthy, and it is unclear how it will affect due process.

Three advisory issues will be on the ballot: A statewide minimum wage increase to $10 per hour, a vote to have any prescription drug coverage being required to cover prescription birth control, and a three percent tax on individuals whose income exceeds one million dollars, to be used on schools.

For the first time ever, Illinois will allow election day voter registration.

“There was a lot of lobbying behind the scenes to get that through,” said López-Calderón. “We’re looking at other places to add value to voting right now.”

He said negative attack ads are designed just to keep voters at home.

“People do stay home. It turns them off when they see both candidates in a bad light. That’s what negative ads do,” he said.

PDC 30 Award

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Painters District Council 30

Students that visited Painters’ District Council 30’s booth were given the opportunity to try the SimSpray virtual spray paint simulator, which provides a hands-on feel for work in the finishing trades. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30

PDC 30

PDC 30’s Apprenticeship & Training School participated in the 2014 Academy Expo and received the Best in Academy award. More than 2,000 high school students from the Rockford and Belvidere school districts attended the expo to learn from industry experts. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30

Union members helping elect local Democrats

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PDC 30

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades President Kenneth Rigmaiden talks to members and fires them up at PDC 30 before they all head out on a labor walk through the west side of Aurora. Pat Barcas/staff photographer

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

AURORA — Painters District Council 30 is doing everything it can to protect jobs and get Governor Pat Quinn re-elected this fall. They hosted a labor walk Sept. 21 featuring International Union of Painters and Allied Trades President Kenneth Rigmaiden and Congressman Bill Foster.

Foster said he’s participated in labor walks at every one of his elections, and the only one he lost was in 2010, when there was poor voter turnout.

“One of the things we’ve learned is that when people stay home, bad things happen. The amount of damage that has been done by the Tea Party Congress that was elected in 2010 is enormous. I hope everyone’s learned their lesson. It matters, a lot,” he said.

Foster warned that Quinn’s Republican challenger, Bruce Rauner, is pouring millions into his campaign as election day approaches.
“He’s got more offices in my district than I have,” said Foster.

Foster said Rauner’s campaign reported receiving 400 vote by mail applications in a small piece of DuPage County alone.
“That’s more than twice what we have. There’s a serious field effort there,” said Foster.

Rauner faced trouble in Florida Monday as a federal bankruptcy trial (by family & bankruptcy law firm) began to determine if the investment firm he ran was involved in a fraudulent scheme to bypass liability for several deaths that occurred at nursing homes owned by the firm. Rauner was the head of equity firm GTCR for about 20 years before retiring in 2012.

Foster will face Republican Darlene Senger in his 11th District race.

“The battle for the middle class is something that labor is right on the edge of. We cannot afford to lose. This country’s economy moves because of the middle class,” said Foster.

Rigmaiden praised PDC 30 for their participation.

“This is one of the strongest councils in our organization. And that’s what it’s going to take. You’re not alone, we’re with you across the country,” he said. “Good luck, and thank you so much for putting for the effort today, and thank you for what you’re going to do for the next 44 days to get Pat Quinn re-elected governor in the great state of Illinois.”

Prevailing wage is best for every one

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CISCO Prevailing Wage workshop
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Frank Manzo, policy director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, tells contractors, attorneys and public bodies the ins and outs of prevailing wage during a recent CISCO-sponsored workshop.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

DOWNERS GROVE — The changing landscape of prevailing wage coverage was discussed with public bodies, contractors and attorneys Sept. 11 in Downers Grove at a workshop put on by the Construction Service Industry Corporation (CISCO).

Robert Bruno, University of Illinois professor in the school of Labor and Employment Relations, presented his research on prevailing wage in Illinois along with Frank Manzo, policy director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute.

“Why research prevailing wage? Too often public policy gets implemented, and people who interact with it are not fully versed,” said Bruno. “Stories get told, myths get created, people get confused.”

Bruno co-published a study in Oct. 2013 about the implications for adopting right-to-work laws in Illinois. He said the analysis included the impact of repealing prevailing wage in Illinois, which has only gotten stronger in the state, never weaker.

“Let’s do some analysis, study it, put some good data in front of the people,” said Bruno. “Let’s look at the costs, the benefits, and the burdens.”

There were four conclusions in regards to prevailing wage in Illinois: There is no impact on total project cost, it builds middle-class jobs, it’s the best deal for the taxpayers, and it discourages irresponsible contractors.

“Total training hours are higher, resulting in an increase in worker skills. These are not low skill jobs, these are high skill,” said Manzo.

CISCO Prevailing Wage workshop
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Robert Bruno, University of Illinois professor in the school of Labor and Employment Relations said prevailing wage is the best deal for taxpayers because it discourages irresponsible contractors.

According to the attorneys from The Law Office of Deidra N. Haynes LLC, injury and mortality rates are also lower as a result of the higher skill, which lowers project costs. It all translates to higher worker productivity.

“We like productivity, it’s a good thing,” said Manzo.

Under prevailing wage, out-of-state contractors are reduced. The value of construction done by in-state firms is higher.

“By keeping jobs local, it allows workers to earn a market wage, and creates a self-sufficient worker,” said Manzo. “This prevents a race to the bottom. It also takes labor costs out of the equation. You pay that wage and compete in other areas, such as material costs.”

Bruno said prevailing wage is the best deal for taxpayers because it discourages irresponsible contractors.

“There would be no strong private sector without public infrastructure. You’re playing with fire if you don’t establish a strong criteria for people to work on this infrastructure,” said Bruno. “With prevailing wage, you are setting a criteria of having to constantly train and re-train for the job. It’s a competent crew who has their hands on the people’s assets.”

Vet receives Trackchair for better mobility

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Action Trackchair
Photo courtesy of Operation Welcome You Home
Capt. Anthony “Tony” Simone uses, for the first time, his Action Trackchair, which was presented to him by Operation Welcome You Home.

By Operation Welcome You Home
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

JOLIET — Operation Welcome You Home presented Joliet resident Capt. Anthony “Tony” Simone with an Action Trackchair mobile wheelchair Aug. 31 at his home.

The Trackchair provides great traction to give users the possibility of exciting adventure. The Trackchair is an all-terrain Vitess 2 scooter that allows the ultimate off-road experience traversing over numerous types of terrain.

Capt. Simone was born in Lebanon, Pa. to his parents David and Jeanne. He attended elementary and high school in Pennsylvania, the continued on to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. He graduated with his BA in aeronautical science, and continued on to USAF Officer Training School.

He then completed two years of military pilot training to become a combat search and rescue helicopter pilot with the HH-60 Pave Hawk. He completed two tours to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, Capt. Simone piloted more than 200 rescue missions. It was on this deployment that his helicopter, call sign, “Pedro 66” was shot down by enemy fire. Five men paid the ultimate sacrifice. Capt. Simone was one of two survivors.

He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and was in a coma for six weeks but thanks to the lawyers for auto accident victims for their timely help. He continues to recover from his injuries with physical, speech, and occupational therapy. He has since been medically retired from active duty. You can find personal injury attorneys who can assist you with legal help when it comes to accidents and injuries. You can also hire injury attorneys in Washington from here, in case of personal injuries.

Capt. Simone continues to live by his motto, “Semper Gumby:” always flexible, whatever God gives you, make the most!” There are also injury victims that are fighting for compensation from a long time and they require the right kind of lawyer to get them what they deserve. In such cases, the victims can take lawyers help for truck accident claims to recover compensation for the injuries and damages caused. people can check out Attorneys practicing Silver Springs, if they need the best accident attorneys.

His proud wife Andrea and their children Will and Avery were thrilled with the new Trackchair, which was presented by Operation Welcome You Home. The Trackchair comes complete with carrier, enabling Capt. Simone to transport his chair.

It also includes special accessories including LED lights, umbrella, and a fishing adapter to enjoy the outdoors.

Capt. Simone’s son Will told said, “Daddy, now we can go fishing!”

PDC 30 labor walk, phone banking a success

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By Fox Valley Labor
News staff reports
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

PDC 30 labor walk
Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30
Union members, their families and friends participated on labor walk Sept. 13 in Aurora, which was a huge success.

PDC 30 labor walk
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30
Members also phoned banked inside PDC 30 headquarters.

Non-union labor triggers union protest

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By Fox Valley Labor
News staff reports
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014

CHICAGO — Multiple building trades visited the offices of Vivify Services and Michigan Avenue Real Estate Group to protest outside their offices on West Madison Street in Chicago Sept. 3.

LiUNA's Scabby the Rat protest
Photo courtesy of LiUNA
Scabby the Rat and the Fat Cat use their presence to shame Vivify Construction for building non-union in Chicago.

LiUNA's Scabby the Rat protest
Photo courtesy of LiUNA
Inflatables from several building trades line West Madison Avenue.

LiUNA's Scabby the Rat protest
Photo courtesy of LiUNA
Union members from several different building trades came together in solidarity to shame Michigan Real Estate for employing Vivify Construction to building non-union in Chicago.

Local 701 mechanics holding strong during strike

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Mechanics Local 701 strike
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
This week marks the ninth week striking IAMAW Local 701 union members have been walking the line outside the Al Piemonte Chevrolet dealership in East Dundee. They are fighting for their health insurance and pension.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

EAST DUNDEE — “It’s gotten ugly out here,” said Bill LePinske, Mechanics Local 701 business representative as he walked the picket line Sept. 5 during a support rally at Al Piemonte Chevrolet in East Dundee.

Nine mechanics walked off the job July 9, and this week, the strikers entered their ninth week walking the line in front of the store. They held a solidarity rally to raise spirits of those on the picket line.

LePinske said all the men want is the standard automotive agreement contract, something which mechanics at the other Piemonte group stores enjoy, as well as about 150 other automotive repair shops in the Chicago area.

Mechanics Local 701 strike
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Mechanics Local 701 Business Representative Bill LePinske lifts the spirits of striking union members Sept. 5 outside the Al Piemonte Chevrolet dealership in East Dundee.

The mechanics at the Chevrolet store, 770 Dundee Ave., voted 7-2 in early May in favor of joining the union, but the store owners balked, offering half the insurance co-pay coverage and pension that their other stores have in their contract.

“I think they just don’t want this store to be union,” said LePinske.

He also claims the owners are fighting the mechanics on classification. For example, men that were doing head gasket changes and other advanced repairs before unionization are now relegated to oil change duty, making less money. Federal mediation on the matter was declined by the store owners, and no negotiations have gone forward since the strike.

LePinske said the strike line has had some issues, and now security guards patrol the perimeter of both entrances.

“A salesman punched one of our guys, and after we heckled a customer, he said he was going to go home and get his 9 mm,” he said. “Everybody’s got to learn to get along.”

Mechanics Local 701 strike
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
All IAMAW Local 701 members want is just the standard automotive agreement contract, something mechanics at other Piemonte group stores enjoy.

A restraining order against the union members was filed to make sure they stay on the public easement in front of the car dealership.

“The most discouraging thing is, they’re lying to customers,” said Chris Kujawa, a mechanic who has worked at the store nearly four years. “They’re telling customers we want more than the standard agreement, something we were never even offered. They offer that, and this is over with. The customers want to believe they are not hurting us by shopping there. They are hurting us.”

He said he and the other mechanics don’t want to return to work without union representation.

“There’s no trust there. Our biggest enemy is customer ignorance. We need to overcome that,” said Kujawa.

Across the country, Fight for $15 continues

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Chicago's Fight for $15
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
This McDonald’s worker was one of 51 arrested Sept. 4 after engaging in civil disobedience for blocking the streets in front of two McDonald’s locations in Chicago. The Fight for $15 was part of a national day of action.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

CHICAGO — The Fight for $15 movement has been ramping up protests since last year, and fast food workers certainly garnered attention Sept. 4 when 51 were arrested in Chicago as part of a national day of action.
The workers were arrested engaging in civil disobedience for blocking the streets in front of two McDonald’s locations in the city. They are fighting to win $15 per hour and a union without retaliation.

Beyond this fight for fair wages and union rights, it’s essential to address broader issues of discrimination in the workplace. Pennsylvania employees experience discrimination based on protected classes, highlighting the ongoing need to combat inequality and ensure equal treatment for all workers.

“We’re going to have walkouts all over the country,” said Kendall Fells, organizing director of the movement called Fight for $15. “There are going to be workers who don’t show up to work or who walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. or at noon.”

The Fight for 15 campaign reported that 436 fast-food workers had been arrested nationwide on the day of the protest, which came a day after President Obama highlighted their campaign in a Labor Day speech: “All across the country right now there’s a national movement going on made up of fast-food workers organizing to lift wages so they can provide for their families with pride and dignity. There is no denying a simple truth. America deserves a raise. Give America a raise,” said Obama in Milwaukee Sept. 1. “You know what, if I were looking for a job that lets me build some security for my family, I’d join a union. If I were busting my butt in the service industry and wanted an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work, I’d join a union . . . I’d want a union looking out for me.”

Chicago's Fight for $15
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
The Fight for $15 is a union-backed campaign where workers are demanding $15 an hour wage and union recognition. Supporters, above, shame big fast-food companies like McDonald’s over low pay and irregular hours.

The action came on the heels of a July convention where fast food workers vowed to do whatever it takes to win $15 and the right to form a union. Clergy, elected officials and community supporters, including Alderman Sawyer of the 6th ward and Alderman Muñoz of the 22nd ward, joined workers and union representatives from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina the strike lines in front of McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s restaurants.

Inspired by the actions of fast-food workers, Service Employees International Union home care workers have also decided to join the nationwide movement for higher pay and better rights on the job. In several cities, including Chicago, both non-union and union home care workers stood with fast food workers.

‘Those killed on the job – we’re connected to them’

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74th annual All Faiths Memorial Service
Pat Barcas/staff photographer
Rev. Gavin Quinn remembers union members lost on the job during the past year at the Sept. 6 All Faiths Memorial Service at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Darien.

By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com

CHICAGO — “When someone dies suddenly, it squeezes you pretty hard. We come together today as a people, to be with each other and celebrate life, not death. To know that you will be with that person eventually again,” said Rev. Gavin Quinn Sept. 6 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Darien.

Quinn served as celebrant to the 74th annual All Faiths Memorial Service, sponsored by the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades Council. Labor leaders, union members and their families gathered to remember those members lost on the job during the past year.

Remembered were members Gary Beno, Gustavo Briceno Jr., Russell Bull, Jacob Harper, Bruce Kamp, Martin Moreno, Jose Tafoya, Joseph Vandenover, and David Varga.

“It’s important to remember what Jesus said at the Last Supper,” said Quinn. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Have faith in God, have faith in me.”

Tom Villanova, president of the Cook County Building Trades Council served as a lector along with Ralph Affrunti, secretary treasurer, and Brian Glynn, vice president.

Quinn joked that the reason the services for Cook County members are held at a church in DuPage was due to union disagreements.

“We have the mass in DuPage because the two other churches made mistakes — they used non-union glaziers and roofers,” said Quinn.

The annual mass was first offered in 1941 by Rev. Joseph Donahue.
“Isn’t it wonderful, 74 years ago father Joe started doing this,” said Quinn. “I was 1-year-old. “It’s always good to get together. Those killed on the job — we’re connected to them. It’s all about love. We have to be there for each other.”

The Lord’s prayer was recited along with hymns before Communion was offered.

Final prayers were offered to oppressed workers around the world, for the victims of Sept. 11, for the conflict in Syria, for the safety of those who serve in the armed forces, for those who are suffering from a serious illness in the trades, for tradesmen tragically killed on the job site, and for deceased men and women in the building trades.