Labor for Gephardt: The Fight for Working Families is in his bones!

2003-11-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

Twenty-One International Unions! The Transport Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO, (TWU) today announced its endorsement of Rep. Dick Gephardt for the Democratic nomination for President. TWU represents 125,000 transportation and allied workers nationwide.

"For transportation workers, there's only one choice: Dick Gephardt," TWU International President Sonny Hall said outlining three compelling reasons for the union's decision to endorse Gephardt. "First, Dick Gephardt, if nominated, can, and will defeat President Bush in the 2004 election. Second, while we believe that several of the other Democratic choices would be a good president for America's working families, we know Dick Gephardt will be a great president for America's working families because Dick Gephardt has already done it. Time and time again, Congressman Gephardt has gone to the wall for us and the labor movement, and in the process has even taken on the president of his own party to protect America's working families, the retired, the elderly, and the young people who hope for good paying jobs. Finally, working people, in particular, TWU families, owe our support to Congressman Dick Gephardt. If we do not stand up for a man who time and time again has stood up for us, the message we would be sending to other political leaders is that we in labor only know how to take, but not give back. We in TWU are happy and proud to add our name to the list of unions supporting Dick Gephardt."

TWU has approximately 9,000 members in Oklahoma and 5,000 members in Arizona, two of the February 3rd primary states.

2003-10-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Major Trade Policy Speech by Richard Gephardt: Delivered 10/25/2003

*Read the Speech

In a recent trade speech, Dick Gephardt reminded folks that he's no "johnny-come-lately" on the trade issue and understands that our trade policies have been devastating to millions of workers not only here, but also overseas. I ask all who visit this blog to read this speech. It's amazing and very informative. Dick Gephardt understands we need a level playing field and that one way to do that is to implement an "International Minimum Wage." Here are some excerpts from the speech:

"The truth is, when you look at our national trade policy, the real outsiders are American workers. They are the ones losing their jobs because of bad trade agreements that are not good for anybody. The fact of the matter is, we have been giving away the store for decades. The idea that any trade agreement is better than no trade agreement is at best naïve and at worst a betrayal of the American worker. Our trade policies remind me of the Red Sox sending Babe Ruth to the Yankees. They are bad deals that haunt us for decades."

"The trade imbalance is both an American crisis and a global tragedy. Around the world, millions of workers have no choice but to work for meager wages under inhumane conditions. In the race to the bottom, multinational corporations have thrown morality to the winds and sought out those countries where exploitation knows no bounds.

"And here at home, millions of Americans have also suffered from misguided trade policies. Jobs have been lost, lives shattered, and families torn apart. Democratic reforms earlier this century may have raised American workers out of the depths of poverty but political indifference threatens the safety and security of the American middle class, the very heart and soul of this country."

"As president, I will press the World Trade Organization to take the landmark step of establishing an international minimum wage, the IMW. It is an idea clear in its simplicity. By raising wage standards around the world, we address both the chronic abuse of workers in low-wage countries and the competitive disadvantage faced by American workers.

"The IMW would be different for each country, but always high enough so we do not compete with slave, sweatshop and child labor around the world. Clearly, the level of minimum wage in Pakistan would be different from that in Spain. But the goal would be the same - raise wages and living standards and promote the growth of the middle class in countries around the world, rather than pitting those countries against each other and rendering them uncompetitive.

2003-10-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

International Union of Journeymen Horseshoers and Allied Trades Becomes the 19th Union to Back Gephardt.

One by one, the unions of this country are studying the candidates, polling their rank and file, and looking at who is best equipped to defeat George Bush and for nineteen of them the choice is obvious--Dick Gephardt. We're not stopping here though. More unions will come onboard.

2003-10-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

Citing His Health Care Plan the 4th Largest Union in AFL-CIO Endorses Dick Gephardt!

From the press release, "Dick Gephardt stands up for working America when working America needs to be stood up for," said UFCW Secretary-Treasurer Joe Hansen. "Most Americans get health care at work, and we want to keep it that way because the UFCW believes if you do the work, you've earned affordable health care. If you have medical benefits at work, the Gephardt plan will make sure you keep them and that they stay affordable. If you work, but don't get benefits, the Gephardt plan will make sure you do. The UFCW intends to be a player in Iowa and every state that there's a primary race so Dick Gephardt becomes President of the United States."

The UFCW endorsed Gephardt after they polled their membership and found that they are frustrated by current economic conditions and are ready for new leadership in this country. The UFCW's research found that 97% of its member felt that a candidate's position on protecting health care at work was import and 75% felt it was crucial in making a decision about their choice for president in 2004.

"I am honored to have the support and endorsement of the United Food and Commercial Workers," said Gephardt. "With their grassroots support in Iowa, New Hampshire and other early states, we will build a winning campaign around my bold plan to create jobs, get our economy moving again and get every American covered with quality health coverage that can never be taken away. Together, we will beat George Bush and bring the fight for middle class families to the White House."

2003-10-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

The Union endorsement scorecard now is 17-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0! Just this week, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) and the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, AFL-CIO (MEBA) became the sixteeth and seventeeth international labor unions to endorse Dick Gephardt's campaign for the presidency!

Frank Hurt, International President of BCTGM, a 120,000 member union which has 2,000 members in Iowa, had this to say, "
"The BCTGM takes great pride in endorsing Dick Gephardt for President...Dick Gephardt offers a solid plan for putting people back to work, keeping jobs in this country and ensuring that all Americans have adequate health care coverage."

MEBA President Ron Davis released a statement saying the following, "Dick Gephardt's twenty-six year track record in Congress, his consistent advocacy for sensible policies for ordinary Americans, and his work experience and commitment to the labor movement are to be applauded...Time and again he has stood for working men and women in the maritime community and recognized the valuable role unions and the merchant marine play in our nation's economy and defense. MEBA is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Dick Gephardt."

2003-09-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Laborers’ International Union Becomes the 14th International Union to Endorse Dick Gephardt!

This is a very big endorsement for the campaign. The Laborers’ Union is among the largest construction trades unions in the AFL-CIO, representing over 800,000 workers in diverse fields, including building and highway construction and hazardous materials remediation. Members also include public service employees and health care workers.

Here is the union's offical press release:
Chicago (Tuesday, September 23) -- Nearly 1,000 members, leaders and activists of the Laborers’ International Union voted overwhelmingly today to back U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt for president.

Washington, D.C. -- Gathering in Chicago for a series of conferences, those voting represent a cross-section of the diverse union, which has more than 800,000 members in construction, public service and health care.

Rep. Gephardt is expected to address the Laborers at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 24, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency at 151 E. Wacker Drive in Chicago.

“There are many excellent candidates seeking the Democratic nomination, but Dick Gephardt is the one who has been a lifelong friend of working families,” said Terence M. O’Sullivan, general president of the Laborers’ Union. “Our members have spoken and will sweat and toil to put Dick Gephardt in the White House in 2004.”

The union intends to put unprecedented resources and staff in key primary states to inform and mobilize its members.

O’Sullivan said, “For 27 years, Dick Gephardt has fought for Laborers and all workers with his bold stands against NAFTA, his support for an economy that creates good jobs, a plan to provide health care coverage for all Americans and by steadfastly standing up for the freedom of workers to choose to form and join unions.”

The vote on Tuesday culminates the union’s endorsement process, which has included discussions around the country with members and with the campaigns of the Democratic candidates.

The Laborers’ Union is among the largest of the 14 unions to endorse Rep. Gephardt.

2003-09-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association Endorse Dick Gephardt for President

From the offical press release, Washington, DC – Today, the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association became the thirteenth international union to endorse Dick Gephardt for president of the United States.

"Dick Gephardt has done the right thing for American workers no matter the cost, and now is our chance to stand up and fight for him," said OPCMIA President John Dougherty. "Dick shares our union's commitment to providing every American with quality health insurance and keeping good paying jobs here in the United States. There is no one who has been a better friend and ally to labor and we are proud to endorse him for president of the United States."

The Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association represents 50,000 workers in a wide variety of industries including plastering and cement masonry throughout the U.S. and Canada.

"I am honored to have the endorsement and support of the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons," said Gephardt. "With the help and grassroots support of those in the labor movement, we will lift this lagging economy and get every American covered with quality health coverage that can never be taken away. Together, we will beat George Bush and reverse his dismal record on job security, economic security and health security."

2003-08-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

PACE International Union Endorses Gephardt for President

The Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers (PACE) International Union, the fourth largest manufacturing union in the AFL-CIO, represents 300,000 workers in the pulp, paper, oil, chemical, industrial, auto supply, atomic and mining sectors, and is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. endorsed Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) as the Democratic party’s nominee for president today. It marked Dick Gephardt's 12th union endorsement. Never before in any presidential campaign have so many individual International Unions come out for 1 candidate.

“Dick Gephardt has a long track record of supporting workers’ issues,” said PACE Intl. Union President Boyd Young. “Time and time again he has proven his support for the American worker, whether it was concerning unfair trade agreements or health care for all"....“We know Gephardt has the ability to beat George W. Bush for the presidency,” said Young. “He is the best candidate to represent the interests of working people.”

2003-08-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

AFL-CIO WILL MEET IN OCTOBER TO DECIDE ON AN ENDORSEMENT!

While it would have been nice to secure the full endorsement this early, we all realize just how difficult that is. I mean the AFL-CIO did not endorse Gore until October and he was only running against 1 opponent. Gephardt is running against 8. Nevertheless, I still see this as good news for the Gephardt campaign. Now we have two months to push more unions and eventually the full AFL-CIO into Congressman Gephardt's corner. Personally, I think we need to do three major things to help ensure this endorsement. 1). Fundraise! Fundraise! Fundraise!. 2) Pressure SEIU (this is a large union and one I think would go along way in helping). 3) Get the more and more unions to formally come out for Gephardt. Let's force the AFL-CIO's hand.

Here is the Reuters article:

CHICAGO (Reuters) - The nation's largest labor organization agreed on Wednesday to meet in mid-October to decide whether to endorse a Democratic presidential candidate before the 2004 primary season.

The executive council of the AFL-CIO voted unanimously to set the meeting on Oct. 15, giving Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt two months to drum up support from unions representing two-thirds of the federation's 13.1 million members.

Gephardt, who has a long pro-labor record, is the only candidate among the nine Democrats vying to challenge President Bush who is given a shot at reaching the plateau and earning only the third endorsement ever given by the powerful group before the primaries.

"Right now, it's Gephardt or no endorsement," Andrew Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union, told reporters during the meeting.

2003-08-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

UNITED STEELWORKERS OF AMERICA ENDORSE GEPHARDT!

The union realized that no other candidate for President could compare to Congressman Gephardt's record on issues important to Steelworkers. In Congress Gephardt has helped USWA combat the American Steel Crisis head on. He has co-sponsored legislation such as H.R. 4646: Steel Industry Legacy Relief Act of 2002, HR 808: The Steel Revitalization Act, and HR 975: The Steel Import Limitation Bill. He has also led the way against unfair trade proposals like NAFTA, China PNTR, Fast Track 1997, Fast Track 2002, and most recently the Singapore and Chilean Trade agreements. Time and time again Congressman Gephardt has been there for the Steelworkers of this country and will continue that charge in the White House. I commend Leo Gerard and the Steelworkers for doing the right thing.

"The results really come as no surprise," said Union President Leo Gerard. "Our members are well aware that Dick was a leader in the struggles crucial to their well-being long before he became a Democratic leader in the House of Representatives and a presidential candidate. He shares our deeply-held conviction that America's trade policies are the cause of more than two million manufacturing jobs having been lost in recent years, and he has never failed to make the case, no matter the odds of victory."

2003-08-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

TEAMSTERS WANT GEPHARDT IN THE WHITE HOUSE

"Dick Gephardt is a strong candidate for working families," Teamsters spokesman Bret Caldwell said Thursday evening in an interview. "He has a tremendous record when it comes to issues that are important to labor. He has been a friend of the Teamsters since Day 1."

Teamsters President James Hoffa Jr. is scheduled to make a formal announcement of the endorsement Aug. 9 in Detroit before traveling to Iowa and New Hampshire with Gephardt, a Missouri congressman who had been aggressively courting the union.

*Teamsters Set to Back Gephardt

2003-07-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

2 More Unions On-Board. Pun Intended: Two Maritime Unions representing about 85,000 workers realize this election is too important to sit out! The Seafarers International Union of North America and the American Maritime Officers announced their endorsement of Congressman Gephardt’s campaign today. Gephardt now has the endorsement of 9 International Unions! I hear more are on the way! So stay tuned! That is actually 9 more than his closest rival.

2003-07-29T06:20:00.000-07:00

Gephradt's Union Support Continues to Grow!!!
The International Alliance of Stage Employees, Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Technicians (IATSE) Endorse Dick Gephardt!!!!

WASHINGTON (AP) - Democratic presidential candidate Dick Gephardt is picking up another union endorsement - his seventh.

The International Alliance of Stage Employees, Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Technicians, or IATSE, will officially announce its support of the Missouri congressman on Tuesday in New York. The union has more than 100,000 members in the United States and Canada.

Union President Thomas C. Short said Monday that Gephardt "has demonstrated through words and most importantly his actions, that he supports working families. He has fought to protect the rights of unions to organize, bargain and represent their members."

2003-07-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the letter I emailed to the International President of the United Steelworkers urging him and the USWA to endorse Congressman Gephardt for President. Please feel free to use my letter (although you may want to change the 1st sentence) and email it to webmaster@uswa.org with it to the Attention of USWA's International President: Leo Gerard.

Leo Gerard International President
United Steelworkers of America
Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Dear Mr Gerard:

Although I am not a member of the USWA, I am a union member and realize just how important this upcoming election is to working families all across this country. At this very moment your union has the opportunity to effectively alter the shape of a presidential primary campaign. By making an early endorsement, the United Steelworkers of America will prove to elected officials all across this country that standing with this union means something. Not only that, but it will also go a long way in helping nominate a candidate for President that has stood with the Steelworkers time and time again. That is why I am writing to urge you to endorse Dick Gephardt for President. He has been there for you and now it is time for you to be there for him!

Now more than ever, the United Steelworkers need a President who will make your issues his issues. And as his record demonstrates Dick Gephardt is that man. In Congress Gephardt has helped you guys combat the American Steel Crisis head on. He has co-sponsored legislation such as H.R. 4646: Steel Industry Legacy Relief Act of 2002, HR 808: The Steel Revitalization Act, and HR 975: The Steel Import Limitation Bill. He has also led the way against unfair trade proposals like NAFTA, China PNTR, Fast Track 1997, Fast Track 2002, and most recently the Singapore and Chilean Trade agreements. Time and time again Congressman Gephardt has been there for the Steelworkers of this country and will continue that charge in the White House. I urge you to reward his hard work and passion by endorsing his candidacy for President!

“I think it’s time that labor and workers in this country stood up and said ‘we want a President who knows what working families are going though and will stand with unions and working families- every day on every issue!’”—Dick Gephardt’s Address to the Machinists on 7-11-2003

2003-07-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

The United Steelworkers of America is a great union representing over 700,000 steelworkers throughout our country. Today they released a report on where the candidates for President stand in regards to issues important to them. As you can see and not surprisingly, Congressman Gephardt again leads the way. USWA is having a legislative conference this week in Pittsburgh. I urge all of you to write them and encourage them to become another major union firmly in the Gephardt corner. He deserves it! Gephardt's record on issues important to USWA is second to none! Check out the comparison charts and write USWA's headquarters.

Where the Candidates Stand on Steelworker Issues

Candidate Background and Positions

Here is the USWA's Contact info. I'm going to send an email to the generic listing (webmaster@uswa.org), but put: Attention Leo Gerard in the Subject Heading. If you know any members of USWA I ask to to urge them to write also. I'll post a copy of my letter after I sent it! Feel free to use my basic form letter!

Leo Gerard, International President
United Steelworkers of America
Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-562-2400 - Voice
412-562-2484 - Fax
webmaster@uswa.org

2003-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make everyone aware of 2 blogs out there working to help get Congressman Gephardt in the White House

*SeeDickWin!

*Gephardt Grassroots

Keep up the good work!

2003-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

Gephardt Garners a Huge Endorsement! On Friday, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) voted to endorse Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt for President. The over 700,000 strong member union is the largest union to endorse so far. This is a huge step in the right direction, now we all just need to work hard to get some and more unions on board. This guy has a stellar record and career of fighting for working families and can beat George Bush.

Get behind him today!

Check out some video of the endorsement!

http://216.211.131.3/iamaw/video.ram?c=4557

2003-07-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

Be part of a Grassroots Movement Today! Sign up Now by Sending Us an Email

Join This Group

Send Me an Email to Join!

After that Click on our Take Action Action Link and Send the AFL-CIO A Message Urging Them to Endorse Gephardt

2003-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

5 International Unions have already decided to push forward and endorse Congressman Gephardt for President (see links to right). Now we believe it is time for the full AFL-CIO to grant Dick Gephardt the endorsement he rightfully deserves. With that said, we have decided to start a letter writing campaign to the AFL-CIO Executive Council to urge their endorsement of him.

Please join us! You can send your letter via the Internet or mail a hard copy to the headquarters.
Here is the contact information:

John Sweeney, President
AFL-CIO
815 16th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006

Conatct AFL-CIO

The Executive Council meets August 5th, so we have about 1 month. I ask all to contact President John Sweeney and
Urge Him and the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO to Endorse Dick Gephardt for President. He Deserves the Endorsement!!!
Let's get the ball rolling on this.

Here is a copy of our letter to President Sweeney!
_______________________________________________________________________

President Sweeney:

First off, thank you so much for your leadership over the years, the AFL-CIO is stronger today because of your guidance. The purpose of my letter is to address my concerns about the upcoming Presidential campaign and the AFL-CIO's possible endorsement of a candidate. This campaign is too important for the AFL-CIO. It cannot afford to sit on the sidelines throughout the Democratic primary process. President Bush and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao have proven themselves to be full blown enemies of organized labor. And for that reason, we need not only a candidate who has a proven record
of fighting for our causes, but more importantly we need to get behind someone who can defeat George Bush. Dick Gephardt is that man! We urge the Executive Council to issue a full AFL-CIO endorsement for Congressman Gephardt's campaign for President.

Just looking at Dick Gephardt's voting record on issues important to organized labor does not do the guy justice. In reference to Congressman Gephardt, AFL-CIO Legislative Director Bill Samuel stated, "I cannot think of an issue Gephardt has not led on." That statement says everything. Congressman Gephardt has used his position of leadership in the US House to fight for the causes and concerns of the AFL-CIO. As he says, "the fight for working families is in my bones." With most politicians a line like that would just be political rhetoric, but Dick Gephardt has the record to back it up!

I know you are familiar with the Congressman's record, but given the fact that no other candidate for President can compare I thought I'd quickly list some highlights. In Congress, he has unequivocally opposed trade agreements that hurt America's workers, constantly fought for a guarantee of overtime pay instead of mandatory comp time, sought protections for US Steelworkers against foreign steel imports, worked hard to ensure benefits for all workers, strengthened enforcement of rules to protect workers, and sought Ergonomic Rules to improve worker safety. This is just a small portion of some of the fights Dick Gephardt has led on organized labor's behalf.

Now to the question of Congressman Dick Gephardt's ability to win, I think George Will said it well "the democrat [Dick Gephardt] who would be the most formidable candidate against President Bush, and who is the most plausible president in the Democratic field, is thriving." http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/920475.asp) Moreover, a recent 2004 Electoral College 'crystal ball' forecast by University of Virginia Political Scientist Larry Sabato also indicated just how tough Congressman Gephardt would be in a match-up with President Bush. The Professor's forecast has Dick Gephardt winning a General Election over President Bush with 276 Electoral Votes. (http://www.centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/pres_college-gephardt.htm)

Unlike several of his opponents, Congressman Gephardt is much more than a ˜regional candidate". Through his humble roots, he understands the perils and challenges working families face. Dick Gephardt has been fighting for causes important to the AFL-CIO, because he knows those are the things important to working families. Reward Dick Gephardt for his constant battle.

It's time a true friend of working families occupied the White House.

Please stop by our Labor for Gephardt Blog at

Labor for Gephardt

________________________________________________________________________

2003-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

While in Congress, Dick Gephardt has led the fight on so may issues important to us. With President Bush and Secretary of Labor Chao doing all they can to weaken organized labor, now more than ever is the time to elect a "Working Families Hero" like Dick Gephardt. Just check out some of the highlights of his career. He has led the fight on so many issues:

*Steered House Victory on President Clinton's Economic Package - 22 Million Jobs Created
*Fought to Improve Trade Agreements
*Unequivocally Opposed Trade Agreements that Hurt America's workers
*Led the fight against Gingrich-era Cuts to Worker Safety and Job Training
*Won Battle to Raise Minimum Wage
*Fought for Guarantee of Overtime Pay Instead of Mandatory Comp Time
*Ensuring Benefits for All Workers - No Carve-Outs for New Classifications
*Fought Attempts to Silence Workers' Voices
*Making Corporations Take Responsibility for Protecting Pension Funds
*Ensuring that Corporations Legally Respect Organizers
*Strengthening Enforcement of Rules to Protect Workers, and Ensure Fair Hiring Policies
*Key Voice Opposing NAFTA
*Fought Administration's Grab for "Fast-Track" Trade Authority
*Opposed Permanent "Normalized" Trading Status for China
*Sought Protections for US Steelworkers Against Foreign Steel Imports
*Sought Ergonomic Rules to Improve Worker Safety
*Protecting & Expanding Unemployment and Health Benefits for Displaced Workers
*Protecting Freedom to join a Union
*Leader on Job Training & Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)