Honoring Karen Lewis: Fighting for her students, members and Labor

Posted on October 12, 2015 by jen

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

GURNEE — Fatigue from ongoing chemotherapy treatments, combined with battling the Chicago Public School administration with contract negotiations kept Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis from accepting a recent award in person — but it didn’t stiefel the love felt for the woman who leads the nearly 30,000 teachers and educational support personnel working in the Chicago Public Schools.

Lewis was the recipient of the Person of the Year award, given by the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. This is the 20th year the council has given this award.

Chicago Teachers Union President, Karen Lewis

“I know Karen very well, and let me tell you — this is deeply meaningful to her,” said Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery, who accepted on Lewis’ behalf.

Visibly emotional while speaking to guests at the Sept. 24 event in Gurnee, Montgomery held back tears while discussing what the award means to Lewis. “I’m going to tell her the kind of reception you gave her. And that will mean a lot to her,” he said. “I spoke with Karen before coming here, and she wanted to say: ‘Tell them I’m doing much better, but we’re in negotiations. I have limited ability to drive and to speak after fooling with Rahm’s minions [CPS functionaries],’” which drew applause and laughter from guests.

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery accepts an award Sept. 24 on behalf of Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis for Person of the Year, given to Lewis by the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

During a run last year for Chicago’s mayor, Lewis suddenly was diagnosed with brain cancer. She had surgery two days after diagnoses and has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments ever since.

“She is doing well. She will tell you her scans are clear — her cancer appears to be gone, but she’s extremely weak. If you’ve seen her recently, she’s lost a lot of weight, she walks with a walker, but her mind is as sharp as ever,” Montgomery explained.

Even though CTU President Karen Lewis was unable to attend an event in her honor, guest of the 20th annual Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO Person of the Year award, stand and applaud her efforts and dedication for teaching and standing firm against the privatization of public education. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

If one thing could define Lewis, Montgomery said it would be that she is a teacher. “She’s a teacher at heart and she’s a teacher through-and-through. She bring that with her as a unionist and it’s what makes her a really good union leader,” he said.

Besides being a union leader, Lewis loves opera, speaks Italian, plays the piano and is an observant Jew. “She’s a really interesting, smart and multifarious person. She also doesn’t put up with bullshit and doesn’t tolerate foolishness. She does that in the defense of her community, her city, her teachers and the schools,” Montgomery said.

Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Tim Drea, who traveled from Springfield to attend the event, said Lewis should be honored to receive the Person of the Year award. Drea was a past recipient himself, receiving the award in 2010.

As a past recipient himself, Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Tim Drea said CTU President Karen Lewis should be proud she was chosen for the Person of the Year award. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Following tradition, Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO President Patrick Statter gave Lewis a Michael the Archangel clock, so she will “always be safe, and never be late,” Statter explained.

Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery, right, hold the traditional Person of the Year gift from the Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO – a Michael the Archangel clock, which he will give to Karen Lewis. Northeastern Illinois Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO President Patrick Statter, left, reads an Illinois Senate recognition certificate offered by Senator Melinda Bush, citing Lewis’ dedication and fight for labor. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Summit of Hope helps ex-offenders start over

Posted on September 29, 2015 by jen

The Summit of Hope event at PDC 30 in Aurora Sept. 15 was attended by more than 445 ex-inmates from the Chicagoland area. It offered parolees assistance with such tasks as obtaining a driver’s license, applying for jobs, mock interviews and education/training services. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30

Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015

AURORA — PDC 30 hosted the Illinois Department of Corrections’ Summit of Hope event Sept. 15, a “one-stop” fair to help ex-offenders land on their feet after serving time in prison. More than 445 people came to the event. During the event, volunteers guided ex-offenders through a variety community services and resources to help facilitate their reintegration into the community.

Services offered included state identification, counseling, transportation, food, clothing, shelter, child support services, primary health care referrals, health screenings, veterans’ information, Social Security Administration, employment services, mock inter views and education/training services.

State prison system’s outreach administrator Marcus King, second from left, greeted participants during the event. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30

PDC 30 had a booth at the the Summit of Hope event, educating participants on the benefits of becoming a union painter. Manning the booth was PDC 30 Organizer Lionel Espinoza, PDC 30 Director of Governmental Affairs Mark Guethle and JATF Director of Apprenticeship & Training Stephen Lefaver. Photo courtesy of Painters District Council 30

Unions can help the vision of Aurora’s future

Posted on September 29, 2015 by jen

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — Aurora is billed as the second most populous city in Illinois, but Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia doesn’t think the city looks like it houses almost 200,000 people.

“We have no skyscrapers. We have no convention centers. We’re on our way, but we’re not there yet,” she explained.

With the help of organized labor, Chapa LaVia wants to “build up” Aurora. “We can get it done. We can live somewhere we’re proud of,” she added, during a recent Labor Breakfast Fundraiser Sept. 18 for her bid as Aurora Mayor, held at the Painters District Council 30. She announced her mayoral bid June 22 to friends and supporters during a press conference at the Copley Theater in Aurora.

With the help of organized labor, Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia wants to ‘build up’ Aurora. She announced her bid as mayor of Aurora in June. She would like to see Aurora with skyscrapers and convention centers. Jennifer Rice, staff photographer

This SEIU 73 member said his union is happy to support Rep. Linda Chapa La Via. “I’m proud to have a high-ranking Latina enter this race,” he explained. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

PDC 30 Director of Membership Services Brian Dahl said Chapa LaVia has been a strong voice for labor in Springfield for organized labor. “We appreciate everything she does for labor. Her votes have been very strong for organize labor. She’s looking to take that to the city of Aurora.” Dahl added labor is backing and supporting her in her mayoral bid.

Members of organized labor listened to Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia during a labor breakfast fundraiser Sept. 18. In planning for her upcoming mayoral bid for the city of Aurora, she discussed her vision of Aurora and stressed she needs the help of unions to see her vision through. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Chapa LaVia is comfortable with maintaining her position as state representative, along with planning her upcoming mayoral bid — a format Republican candidates Chris Lauzen and Jim Oberweis have finessed over the years.

“Why is it different for Linda Chapa La Via to run this way?” she questioned attendants of her fundraiser. “Republicans will answer, ‘because she’s a Democrat.’ I don’t want it all — I just want to move families forward,” she explained.

Chapa LaVia’s father was a UAW member, working for Catapillar. “He had a fifth grade education, but the unions gave him a shot,” she said. “I have a lot of respect for unions. I want to lift you up on my shoulders, wherever I need to take you,” she told union members.

AFSCME Local 3298 member Anna Ishmael told attendants she looks forward to working with Rep. Linda Chapa La Via. Local 3298 represents the Professional, Technical and Clerical Employees in the city of Aurora. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Medical cannabis job information session

Posted on September 29, 2015 by jen

Fox Valley Labor News
staff reports
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015

WARRENVILLE — For individuals interested in working in the medical cannabis industry, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 881, in conjunction with Healthway Services of West Illinois, LCC, invites you to attend a DuPage/Kane County Medical Cannabis Dispensary Job Information Session. People can check Suzie’s Pet Treats, for medical marijuana treats.

Attendees will learn valuable information on Illinois regulation, job opportunities, and workforce skills necessary for success in this new industry.

There is no cost for this event, but pre-registration is required.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 3, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 701 Union Hall, 28600 Bella Vista Parkway, in Warrenville.

PowerForward DuPage lights up DuPage County

Posted on September 23, 2015 by jen

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

WARRENVILLE — As DuPage County’s business community has prospered and grown — its need for electrical contractors and services has grown along with it — and PowerForward DuPage has emerged to create business opportunities for area electrical signatory contractors.

Formerly known as the NECA-IBEW 701 LMCC, PowerFoward DuPage emerged in 2013 to highlight the exceptional, solution-driven contractors it represents and to differentiate from the non-signatory electrical contractors.

PowerFoward DuPage is a searchable database of all its signatory electrical contractors.

“The purpose of that database is to connect the right contractors to the right consumer,” explained PowerForward DuPage Executive Director Karyn McCarthy.

“When our member contractors are getting projects, our union electricians are going to work,” McCarthy added.

Recently, an out-of-state general contractor, representing a large national chain, contacted PowerForward DuPage for information about local signatory contractors. “Getting calls like that — it’s very exciting to hear. That means things are working,” McCarthy said.

Once on the websight, developers, general contractors, or individuals, select one of three areas: residential, industrial, or commercial contractors. From there, they select areas of specialty. Results display with contractor names and contact information.

Working alongside McCarthy is PowerForward DuPage Operations Director Lauren Mesich, who brings 20 years of experience to the organization. “We field calls from out-of-state developers who are looking for overall guidance, and we can help them. We know our contractors specialties and can connect the developer with the right contractor,” Mesich said.

Both Mesich and McCarthy firmly believe in the benefits of union labor, which focuses on education, training, safety, and emphasizes bringing projects in on-time and on-budget.

“Electricity is extremely dangerous. Why on Earth would you ever, ever gamble with that?” McCarthy asked. “There are no shortcuts in electrical contracting. Safety investments should never be compromised, and our contractors don’t compromise.”

McCarthy always takes the opportunity to discuss the advantages of using union labor versus non-signatory contractors. Whether she’s at a chamber event, industry convention or business meeting, she takes the time to open the discussion with developers and companies looking to do work in DuPage County.

“PowerForward DuPage is here as a tool to attract more business for our contractors. It’s an easy discussion to have,” she said.

Labor scholarship sends student to the Golden State

Posted on September 21, 2015 by jen

Jimmy Tunney was awarded a $2,500 scholarship made possible by the Woodruff Johnson & Palermo Labor Scholarship. He is attending Marymount California University to study accounting and law. Tunney is pictured with his mother Chris, far right, her partner, Kristen Ziman, and attorneys, from left, Dexter Evans, Mario Palermo and Jay Johnson. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — California, baseball, accounting and law don’t sound like they mix well together, but college freshman Jimmy Tunney is going to make it work.

Tunney is starting out his college career 2,000 miles away in the Golden State (the California part) at Marymount California University, where the southpaw (the baseball part) will be playing for the Mariners. His lifelong passion for baseball and math (the accounting part) is driving him towards a career of writing sports contracts (the law part) for his future clients.

In an essay submitted to the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley for scholarship opportunities, Tunney said he always, “had a plan for life and I knew that baseball and law school would be a part of it.”

With his essay, he was awarded a $2,500 scholarship made possible by the Woodruff Johnson & Palermo Labor Scholarship. (Woodruff Johnson & Palermo was not involved in the selection process for scholarship recipients.) The injury law firm created the scholarship in 2012 to give back to organized labor and to the Fox Valley community — which has helped make the firm the largest injury law firm in the greater Fox Valley area.

Because the scholarship is a labor-minded scholarship, in order to be considered, one of the criteria was Tunney had to have a parent who is a union member. Tunney’s mother Chris is member of the Aurora Association of Professional Police Officers. As an Aurora Police Department (APD) investigator, she is part of a task force, which investigates allegations of child sexual abuse.

“Unfortunately, we are always busy. Each one of us juggles 30 to 40 case loads at a time,” she explained. With a Masters in child psychology abuse and neglect and juvenile delinquency, Chris said she loves the “naughty kids.”

“I love the kids that get in trouble, because that was me when I was younger. I seem to understand them better,” she added.

After his graduation from West Aurora High School, Jimmy, 18, was accepted to several colleges, but the warm weather of California beckoned him. Due to its prestigious accounting school, a strong runner up was the University of Illinois. Chris’ partner APD Cmmd. Kristen Ziman explained Jimmy was torn between the decision to play baseball (which wasn’t an option at U of I), and that was where his passion lies.

“Jim was never a child we worried about. We know he’d made the right decision,” Ziman said.

Fighting like hell against Rauner

Posted on September 15, 2015 by jen

Aurora community leaders came together to discuss the effects Gov. Bruce Rauner’s cuts is having on area communities. Not only did lawmakers participate in the event, but also union leaders and church representatives. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

AURORA — Looking for answers to tough questions on how to help less fortunate individuals in her community, Lake in the Hills resident Paula Yensen traveled to Aurora’s Painters District Council 30 Sept. 3 to listen in on a candid discussion regarding the effects of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s cuts to Illinois’ communities.

Yensen, who wears many hats, including executive director of the United Way of Central Kane County, asked a panel of politicians, community and labor leaders the $64,000 question: “What can we do?”

The response seemed unanimous: You get educated and fight like hell.

Sen. Linda Holmes said the Democratic Party needs to get back to its values and what is important to Illinois. “Our social services are in dire straits. We’re hurting our veterans, our seniors and children with developmental disabilities,” she explained.

More than 50 union leaders, community members and elected officials turned out to be part of an event that looked at the effects of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s cuts to Illinois’ communities. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Without the passing of a state budget since July 1, an impasse has affected vital human service agencies that receive state funding.

Even though Gov. Rauner’s actions and policies have attacked organized labor again, and again, the true entity walking the line of extinction is the middle class — the people who pay the bills in Illinois.

“When the 1 percent makes a little bit more money, I don’t think that money is coming back to Illinois. But when you and I are making money, we spend that money on our kids, on computers, on clothes, and that money comes back into Illinois’ economy. That’s what we need right now for our state to grow — not people being unable to work,” Holmes explained.

Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers President Ken Christy, above, said his members see first hand the effects of poverty when his members deliver mail to homes that contain welfare checks and WIC documents. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

There is no argument the middle class is made up of union members — an organization Gov. Rauner is trying to destroy. Instead of focusing on moving Illinois’ budget forward, he is more concerned with pushing his Turnaround Agenda, which consists of anti-worker tactics, the elimination of prevailing wage and the implementation of right to work zones.

Ironworker Local 393 member Dirk Enger said the median income of Kane County was $69,000, which comes from, “hard-working, middle-class families. If we do what the governor wants, and get rid of prevailing wage, how many people do you think would remain within that median income?” He questioned.

Organized labor is here to help, Enger stressed. “When organized labor works on a project, it comes in on budget, under budget and on time.”

Mediator Mark Guethle, the Kane County Democratic Party chairman said there has never been a study done that shows that by repealing prevailing wage, a project will be less expensive.

What you do see in municipalities that don’t have prevail wage policy is out-of-state workers taking projects away from local workers. “What we see is our tax base going out-of-state,” Guethle said.

In the last election cycle, Illinois Federation of Teachers Vice President Dick Manley said his union told its members to vote their pocketbook and to vote the bread and butter issues.

“Unfortunately, we found that some of our members did indeed vote for Rauner. We can only hope they see the error of their ways now,” Manley said.

Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia asked those in attendance to be the goodwill ambassadors for the middle class people in the state. “There are people that can’t even get out of the class they are in. We’ve shut the doors, and slammed the doors in their face, and on their fingers. It is an all out assault on Democratic values of our state.”

With a budget still not passed, Springfield is a mess

Posted on September 14, 2015 by jen

Sen. Linda Holmes was disappointed with the creation of SB 1229, known as the AFSCME bill, which forfeits the right for members to strike, and forbids a lockout of workers by the governor. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

NAPERVILLE — Compared with the federal government, Sen. Linda Holmes used to think Springfield had its head on its shoulders. But now, with an impasse on the state budget and Illinois heading for a possible shutdown, Holmes feels Springfield has become as equally dysfunctional as Washington.

During the Aug. 28 Naperville Township Democratic Organization’s (NTDO) meeting in Naperville, Holmes fielded questions from members and guests, trying to keep everyone abreast of what is going on in Springfield.

With 82 percent of the budget passed, all that’s left if 18 percent, and that 18 percent is really, really important.

“What needs to be voted on are bills for social services, plans to take care of our veterans and our seniors, along with funding for autism — issues that affect our communities. The situation is simply horrendous,” Holmes explained.

Aug. 27, attorneys for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration and comptroller Leslie Munger complied with U.S. District Judge Sharon Coleman’s order, which was issued after attorneys for the people with disabilities asked her to hold state officials in contempt of court. To get legal advice one could click over here now.

“As of Aug. 28, the Department of Human Services has processed all vouchers for community-based services . . . that would have been provided in July and August 2015, on the same schedule as in previous years,” the lawyers for the state said, and “as of Aug. 28, the comptroller has paid all of the vouchers.”

As the Senate Labor Committee Vice-Chair, Holmes is outraged about SB 1229, also known as the AFSCME bill, which states if an impasse is reached in negotiations, instead of striking, or the governor being able to lock out workers, it will go to binding arbitration.

“When I first heard about this bill, I didn’t get it. AFSCME wanted this bill passed, but why would you want to give up the most powerful tool in your toolbox, which is the ability to strike in order to achieve a fair negotiation?” she questioned.

You only have to look to what Rauner said on the campaign trail, which was cite what President Ronald Reagan did in the 80’s with the striking air traffic controllers — he fired them all.

“This is what he wants — to force AFSCME to strike, so he can fire them, and start all over,” Holmes said.

Rep. Bill Foster backs Iran nuclear agreement

Posted on September 14, 2015 by jen

Congressman Bill Foster, pictured at a recent Naperville Township Democratic Organization’s meeting, announced Sept. 8 he is supporting the Iran nuclear agreement and will vote in favor of it. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

By Jennifer Rice
Managing Editor
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015
Email Jennifer Rice at: jen@foxvalley
labornews.com

NAPERVILLE — Indicating no arms control deal is ever perfect, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) publicly announced Sept. 8 he is putting support behind the Iran nuclear agreement and will be voting in favor of it.

“I am here today to add my name to that list of 29 scientists and engineers who have endorsed the deal and the growing number of members of Congress who will be voting in favor of it,” Foster said during a press conference in Washington, D.C., also attended by Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, and Richard Garwin, a physicist who helped develop the first hydrogen bomb.

He indicated his support for the agreement was determined by science, not trust. Foster, the only physicist in Congress, was a high-energy physicist and particle accelerator designer at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory for more than 20 years.

The House is expected to vote this week to disapprove the Iran nuclear agreement.

During his remarks, Foster stressed that Congress’ overriding objective must be to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. “After carefully weighing all the options and possible outcomes, I do believe voting for this deal will make it less likely Iran will develop nuclear weapons. Voting against this deal, with no better options in sight, makes the potential for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon more likely,” the Congressman explained.

Many of Foster’s comments said during the Washington, D.C. press conference were echoed from discussions Foster made Aug. 28 at the Naperville Township Democratic Organization’s (NTDO) meeting in Naperville, where, at that time, he indicated he, “was undecided on his vote.”

He told NTDO members and guests the Iran nuclear agreement was the first treaty he knew of that had technical operating parameters for nuclear reactors, which was an important part of the deal. “There has been a lot of very wise input to our negotiating stance, and one thing that I am really impressed with, is the technical competence of our team in these negotiations,” Foster explained at the NTDO meeting.

At both appearances, Foster made it known voting for or against the agreement is not an easy vote. At the Washington, D.C. press conference, Foster indicated that if Iran walks away from the negotiating table, there will be no guarantee of any inspections at all, which Foster called, “the worst-case scenario for the security of the United States and Israel.”

“I am supporting this deal because I believe that it sets us on the path to the most secure future for the United States, for Israel, and for the world,” he explained.

If world leaders want to get serious about stopping nuclear activities in Iran, the Mideast and around the world, Foster would like to see the treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons strengthened, including key enforcement and inspection provisions.

Scabby the Rat sighting

Posted on September 5, 2015 by jen

July 23, 2015 – Union members handbill July 17 to customers who were patronizing Twin Peaks restaurant in Warrenville. From left, Laborers Local 68 Vice President/Business Agent Michael J. Van Wagner, Operating Engineers Local 150 Task Force/Business Representative Mike Drew and Laborers Local 68 Organizer Bryan Hacker. At the same time, Carpenter’s Local 558 was bannering the Twin Peaks restaurant under construction in Oakbrook Terrace. Jennifer Rice/staff photographer

Oct., 2014

Nov., 2014

In October 2014, far left, IBEW Local 701 union members and Scabby the Rat protested Dave’s Electric working at Twin Peaks in Warrenville for violating area standards. In November 2014, left, members of Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Local 1889 were on strike for area standards against DBI Dunaway Brothers.

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Category Archives: News

Honoring Karen Lewis: Fighting for her students, members and Labor

Summit of Hope helps ex-offenders start over

Unions can help the vision of Aurora’s future

Medical cannabis job information session

PowerForward DuPage lights up DuPage County

Labor scholarship sends student to the Golden State

Fighting like hell against Rauner

With a budget still not passed, Springfield is a mess

Rep. Bill Foster backs Iran nuclear agreement

Scabby the Rat sighting