In a White House ceremony on January 30, 2009 International President Bob Scardelletti and other union leaders witnessed President Barack Obama sign executive orders reversing three Bush-era anti-worker orders. The series of orders govern the way federal contractors deal with unionized workers. “The inclusion of the labor movement in this administration is a welcome change
The pending Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, center, meets with from left, TCU Assistant Legislative Director Tony Padilla and TCU International Representative Ron Kloos. Assistant National Legislative Director Tony Padilla and International Legislative Representative Ron Kloos hit the ground running January 5, 2009 when members of the 111th Congress convened in Washington, DC. Padilla and Kloos
American Rights at Work has begun a new campaign to show how the Employee Free Choice Act will help everyone. This new goal is to put a face on who needs the right to freely form a union and how helpful that right will be. Many people have spoken up in support and their voices
The inauguration of Barack Obama as President of the United States on January 20, 2009 sparks the change in government that working Americans sorely need. Many Americans will celebrate this historic event: some will go to Washington D.C. and experience first hand the inauguration events; others will watch from the comfort of their homes or
President-Elect Barack Obama and Vice President-Elect Joe Biden have released their plan to revitalize the economy. This economic crisis will require swift action. President-Elect Obama is working to get each of his cabinet appointments ready to begin as soon as possible in order to face the many challenges the new administration will have. The plan
The AFL-CIO reacted positively to the appointment of Rep. Hilda Solis as President-elect Barack Obama’s Secretary of Labor. In a brief statement, federation President John Sweeney said, “We’re thrilled at the prospect of having Rep. Hilda Solis as our nation’s next labor secretary. We’re confident that she will return to the labor department one of
Our economy is in crisis, and now U.S. auto manufacturers are on the brink of disaster. A GM, Ford and Chrysler collapse will affect far more than just the auto workers. From parts manufacturers to every store in auto plant communities, millions of jobs are on the line if Congress fails to authorize funds to keep
The best way for the incoming Obama administration to revive the tumbling economy is by investing in the nation’s crumbling infrastructure and its people, urged a group of economists, academics, union leaders and other experts at a conference in Washington, D.C. the week of November 10. So does Senator Hillary Clinton: in a letter she
In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority wants to use taxpayer funds to pay for locomotives built in Spain. The MBTA is requesting a waiver of Buy America requirements in the Federal Transit Administration statutes in order to allow locomotives to be produced overseas. The Buy America rules are included in the FTA statute to
November 5, 2008—Union voters played a key role in the historic victory last night of President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden. “TCU members joined millions of others who last night voted for change,” observes International President Bob Scardelletti. “To paraphrase Barack Obama, our votes won for democracy, liberty, opportunity and hope. After eight
