Laborers' Local 231
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  • SOUL e-Newsletter May 2013
    May 13, 2013
    Click on the link below for access to the May 2013 SOUL E-Newletter.
    Download:
    SOUL e Newsletter May 2013.docx

    SOUL Group Update 1-17-2012
    Jan 18, 2012
    At the meeting held Tuesday, January 17, 2012, Laborers' Local 231 SOUL Group discussed and voted on the following issues.
    Soul e-Newsletter 12-22-2011
    Dec 23, 2011
    .
    Download:
    SOUL e-Newsletter 12-22-2011.docx

    January 2012 Meeting
    Jan 04, 2012
    The Laborers' Local 231 "SOUL" group - Sisters of Union Labor, will meet Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 5:00p.m. at the Local 231 Meeting Hall. If you know someone that has not yet joined our "SOUL" group you may bring them to the meeting and they can get signed up.
    231 SOUL Group Chartered!
    Dec 06, 2011
    It's official!  Laborers' Local 231 has now officially Chartered its "SOUL"  - Sisters of Union Laborers group at a meeting held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011.
    Soul E-Newsletter 11-21-11
    Nov 22, 2011
    SOUL e-Newsletter November 21, 2011   Staying on Budget During the Holidays The holidays are fast approaching.  With the economy the way it is, you may be experiencing a tingle of fear in your wallet with each shopping ad you see.  Let's look at a few helpful hints to get you through the holidays with your wallet intact.
    SOUL's 1st Meeting 11/29/2011
    Nov 14, 2011
    Click on the download below to retrieve the informational letter regarding the SOUL 231 Charter Meeting to take place Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.  If you have not already done so you may come out that evening and sign up for SOUL.  Its never too late to sign up.  If you prefer, you may log onto Laborers' Local 231 website at www.laborerslocal231.org, print the form, and send it in to register. You will see "JOIN SOUL" in the left hand column under Member Resources.
    Download:
    SOUL First Meeting to Charter Loca 231.docx

    Soul e-Newsletter 10-24-11
    Oct 24, 2011

     

    SOUL e-Newsletter
    Monday, October 24, 2011
     
    HERvotes
    Lately it seems that women's rights have been under attack and a group of women's organizations have decided it’s time to mobilize women voters and fight back.  HERvotes (Health and Economic Rights) was created by a coalition of women's organizations and introduced on August 24th, 2011 as a "year-long, multi-organizational voter registration and get-out-the-vote project."  The goal of HERvotes is to "mobilize women voters in 2012 around preserving women's health and economic rights."  The coalition assembled a list of what they consider to be the Top 10 of historic laws that provided a positive impact on the lives of women that are now in jeopardy of being weakened, cut or eliminated.  To see the list of laws and how they are being attacked, click on the following link:
     
     
    "The top priorities of HERvotes are to educate and engage more women to use their voices and their votes to urge lawmakers who seek to represent them to:
    • Stop attacks on historic advances for women;
    • Preserve successful policies, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act;
    • Respect women's contributions to the economy; and
    • Act on jobs at livable wages and equal pay for our families' economic security."
    HERvotes plans to use a "blog carnival" and social media on participating groups websites in addition to a national Get Out the Vote and voter registration effort.  Speaking of voter registration, are you registered to vote?  If not, I encourage you to do so.  Its important to educate yourself on issues that can affect you and your family and vote for those who will look out for the best interest of your family. 
     
    Breast Cancer Awareness Month
    Seeing pink everywhere?  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Do you know the signs to look for?  How about how often you should be checked or when you should begin having a mamogram done?  Attached to this e-Newsletter is a fact sheet put out by the Susan G. Komen titled, "Facts for Life: Breast Cancer Detection."  Your health is important, so do what you can to take care of it!
     
    Flu Season
    Its that time of year again--the dreaded flu season!  And with flu season comes the great debate--to get a flu shot or not.  Flu is caused by the influenza virus that can cause fevers, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue.  Those most vulnerable to the flu are people over 50, young children, pregnant women, individuals with heart or lung disease, those with diabetes or those that have a chronic medical condition and health care and child care workers. 
     
    The CDC recommends that those eligible to receive a flu shot get one.  These days flu shots are widely available.  If you have concerns about the flu shot, talk with your physician.  Other ways to protect yourself from the flu include: washing hands with soap and water often, cough or sneeze into a tissue, avoid touching, your eyes, mouth or nose and avoid contact with sick people.  If you do come down with the flu be sure to stay home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours without the help of fever reducing meds.  More information can be found at www.flu.gov.
     
    SOUL Update
    SOUL 1140 will receive their charter Tuesday, October 24th!  Congratulations ladies!
     
    Thank you to all the SOUL members that attended the Keystone XL Pipeline hearings!  Your support is greatly appreciated!
     
    If you haven't already, join SOUL's Facebook page!  Simply sign onto your Facebook account, search for Sisters of Union Laborers, then click on the request to join button.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX
     

    SOUL e-Newsletter 9-28-2011
    Sep 30, 2011

     

    S.O.U.L. e-Newsletter
    Wednesday, September 28, 2011
     
    National Women's Law Center Webinars
    Recently the National Women's Law Center (NWLC) did a series of webinars regarding women and planning for the future.  The September 7th webinar concentrated on what women need to know about Social Security, while the September 12th webinar focused on what women need to know about pensions and savings.  Both webinars were very informative and comprehensive.  If you were unable to attend the webinars, fear not!  You can download the slides from the webinar and listen to the webinar on the NWLC website!  Just click on the links below for the information:
     
    "Planning for the Future: What Women Need to Know About Social Security"
     
    "Planning for the Future: What Women Need to Know About Pensions and Savings"
     
    Department of Labor Women's Bureau Update Phone Conference
    On September 20th, the Department of Labor Women's Bureau held a phone conference that concentrated on Women and the American Jobs Act.  During the phone conference, Adriana Kugler, Chief Economist for the Women's Bureau, reviewed all aspects of the American Jobs Act and how it will benefit women.  Attached to this email you will find a fact sheet entitled, "The American Jobs Act: Impact for Women and the Economy" which looks at how the American Jobs Act will be beneficial to women.
     
    National Disability Employment Awareness Month
    The month of October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).  This year’s theme is “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.”  A common concern for individuals with disabilities is that they will be discriminated against.  They fear being looked over for a job, being fired, that their hours will be reduced or their position will be eliminated.
     
    In 1990, The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was passed to help prevent the discrimination of individuals with disabilities.  The ADA applies to the following:
    1.     Private employers who have at the minimum 15 employees (includes employers who have more than one location and the combined total of employees from all locations is more than 15).  This includes labor unions and employment agencies.
    2.     State and Local government
    3.      The ADA does not apply to the federal government except for the U.S. Senate.  Federal workers are protected by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
     
    Under the ADA, disability means, “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”  Life activities “include caring for one self, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, leading, concentrating, thinking, communicating and working.  Life activities also can include, “operation of a bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine and reproductive functions.  To be covered by the ADA, the individual must qualify for the job (has the need skills, educations, experiences, licenses, etc.) and “must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.”
     
    On October 12, Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations School will host a free webcast featuring Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy from 12p-1p Eastern. Topics will include why employing people with disabilities are important to U.S. business and economy, what organizations can do to support and hire people with disabilities, and more. If you are interested in viewing the webcast, please click on the link below.
     
     
     
    Keystone XL Pipeline Field Hearings
    The Keystone XL Pipeline Field Hearings began this week! Laborers have been out in full force with their orange shirts showing their support for the pipeline and the living wage jobs it will create. So far field hearings have been held in Topeka, Kansas, Port Arthur, Texas, Lincoln, NE and today’s hearing is in Austin, TX. Thursday hearings will be held in Pierre, South Dakota, and Atkinson, NE. The final hearing will be held in Midwest City, Oklahoma. Thank you to all the Brothers and Sisters who have attended the hearings so far! Your support and solidarity is greatly appreciated! If you would like to participate in the remaining field hearings, please contact your Local for more information.
     
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX

    mhardy@midwestlaborers.org


    Soul e-Newsletter 9-12-2011
    Sep 26, 2011

     

    SOUL e-Newsletter
    September 12, 2011
     
    American Jobs Act
    On Thursday, September 8, President Obama unveiled his American Jobs Act to a joint session of Congress.  As we all know many Americans need not just jobs, but good paying jobs that can allow a person to support and provide for their family.  So how will the American Jobs Act create good jobs and stimulate the economy?  The White House provided a Fact Sheet that breaks down the American Jobs Act.  The following is taken directly from the Fact Sheet:
     
    1.  Tax Cuts to Help America's Small Businesses Hire and Grow
    • Cutting payroll tax in half for 98% of businesses:  The President's plan will cut in half the taxes paid by businesses on their first $5 million in payroll, targeting the benefit to the 98% of firms that have payroll below this threshold. 
    • A complete payroll tax holiday for added workers or increased wages:  The President's plan will completely eliminate payroll taxes that increase their payroll by adding new workers or increasing wages of their current workers (the benefit is capped at the first $50 million in payroll increases).
    • Extending 100% expensing in 2012:  This continues an effective incentive for new investments.
    • Reforms and regulatory reductions to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access capital.
    2.  Putting Workers Back on the Job While Rebuilding and Modernizing America
    • A "Returning Heroes" hiring tax credit for veterans:  This provides tax credits from $5,600 to $9,600 to encourage the hiring of unemployed veterans.
    • Preventing up to 280,000 teacher layoffs, while keeping cops and firefighters on the job.
    • Modernizing at lease 35,000 public schools across the country, supporting new science labs, Internet-ready classrooms and renovations at schools across the country, in rural and urban areas.
    • Immediate investments in infrastructure and a bipartisan National Infrastructure Bank, modernizing our roads, rail, airports and waterways while putting hundreds of thousands of workers back on the job.
    • A New "Project Rebuild", which would put people to work rehabilitating homes, businesses and communities, leveraging private capital and scaling land banks and other public-private collaborations.
    • Expanding access to high-speed wireless as part of a plan for freeing up the nation's spectrum.  
    3.  Pathways Back to Work for Americans Looking for Jobs
    • The most innovative reform to the unemployment insurance program in 40 years: As part of an extension of unemployment insurance to prevent 5 million Americans looking for work from losing their benefits, the President's plan includes innovative work-based reforms to prevent layoffs and give states greater flexibility to use UI funds to best support job-seekers including 

       -  Work-Sharing:  UI for workers whose employers choose work sharing over layoffs. 

     -  A new "Bridge to Work" program:  The plan builds on and improves innovative state programs where those displaced take temporary, voluntary work or pursue on-the-job training. 
    -  Innovative entrepreneurship and wage insurance programs:  States will also be empowered to implement wage insurance to help reemploy older workers and programs that make it easier for unemployed workers to start their own businesses.
    • A $4,000 tax credit to employers for hiring long-term unemployed workers.
    • Prohibiting employers from discriminating against unemployed workers when hiring.
    • Expanding job opportunities for low-income youth and adults through a fund for successful approaches for subsidized employment, innovative training programs and summer/year-round jobs for youth.
    4.  A Tax Relief for every American Worker and Family
    • Cutting payroll taxes in half for 160 million workers next year:  The President's plan will expand the payroll tax cut passed last year to cut workers taxes in half in 2012--providing a $1,500 tax cut to the typical American family, without negatively impacting the Social Security Trust Fund.
    • Allowing more Americans to refinance their mortgages at today's near 4% interest rates, which can put more than $2,000 a year in a family's pocket.
    5.  Fully Paid for as Part of the President's Long-Term Deficit Reduction Plan.  To ensure that the American Jobs Act  is fully paid for, the President will call on a joint Committee to come up with additional deficit reduction necessary to pay for the act and still meet its deficit target.  The President will, in the coming days, release a detailed plan that will show how we can do that while achieving the additional deficit reductions necessary to meet the President's broader goal of stabilizing our debt as a share of  the economy.
     
     
    SOUL Updates
    Ladies of Local 231, prepare yourself--a charter is coming your way!  With all the interest flyers that come in daily, it has been decided that your Local will be the next to charter.  Once a date is set, we will send out a letter with the details.  Congratulations!
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX
     
     

    Soul e-Newsletter 8-29-2011
    Aug 29, 2011
    SOUL e-Newsletter
    August 29, 2011
     
     
    LIUNA Phone Banking
    Since August 4, LiUNA! members throughout the country have been reaching out to other LiUNA! members urging them to contact their Congressperson and ask them to say no to the job killing Republican transportation bill.  There is still time for you to help in this battle for good jobs!  If you would like to make phone calls, there are two ways to do so.  You can contact your Local for a phone banking code or you can go to www.liunacalls.org and register as a LiUNA! activist.  If you haven't already contacted your Congressperson, do so today!  We need good jobs and we need them now!
     
    Women's Equality Day
    This past Friday, August 26, marked the 91st anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote and hold an elective office.  The Women's Suffrage Campaign lasted 72 years, having started at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848.  According to the National Women's History Project, this campaign is considered to be "one of the most remarkable and successful nonviolent civil rights efforts the world has ever seen."
     
    Thank you women of the past who refused to give up despite obstacles and who fought hard for this right of citizenship so that we, women of today and the future, can make our voices heard by exercising our right to vote!
     
    "I Have a Dream"
    On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stood before a crowd of over 200,000 supporters of civil rights at the National Mall in Washington D.C.  It was there, for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Dr. King gave his powerful "I Have a Dream" speech calling for racial equality and the end of discrimination.
     
    Now, 48 years later, a memorial dedicated to this great man was unveiled at the same site Dr. King gave his famous speech.  Dr. King's memorial is the first in the National Mall to be dedicated to a person who was not a war hero, a president or a white man.  The memorial includes "the four fundamental and recurring themes throughout Dr. King's life--democracy, justice, hope and love."  The dedication of Dr. King's memorial was scheduled for August 28 but was postponed due to Hurricane Irene.
     
    Labor Day
    In New York City, on September 5, 1882, a group of approximately 200,000 workers paraded up Broadway demanding an 8-hour work day and other labor reforms.  This event, sponsored by New York's Central Labor Union, is considered the first Labor Day celebration.  This led to other events happening throughout the country.  In 1894, following the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland made the first Monday in September Labor Day and signed legislation declaring it a federal holiday.
     
    According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Labor Day is the a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American Workers.  It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being or our country."  This Labor Day, let's remember to celebrate our hard working laborers who are tirelessly building America, our laborers who continually train and hone their craft providing high quality workmanship on every job, our laborers who fight for a good wage, safe working conditions, and other work-related issues.  Thank you LiUNA! Laborers! 
     
    SOUL Updates
    SOUL 177 is busy, busy, busy!  They are working hard to pack candy bags for the Labor Day parade.  Also, they set up a recruitment table at the South Central Iowa Picnic and mailed SOUL flyers to all Local 177 members.   
     
    SOUL 1140's first family activity was a success!  They had 12 children decorate shirts for the Labor Day Parade.  To see pictures, check out the SOUL Facebook page!
     
           
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX

     


    SOUL e-Newsletter 8-15-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    SOUL e-Newsletter
    Monday, August 15, 2011
     
    Wisconsin Recall Election
    Ever since Scott Walker was elected governor and began his attacks on the working class, all eyes have been on Wisconsin.  After Gov. Walker proposed his "budget repair bill," a series of protests by angry citizens, appalled by Walker's bill to cut benefits to state workers and severely reduce collective bargaining rights for the majority of public employees, descended on the capitol.  Fourteen Wisconsin State Democratic Senators fled to Illinois in order to block passage of Walker's budget proposal, only to have the Wisconsin State Republican Senators call a special meeting and pass the budget without them.  
     
    The citizens of Wisconsin responded to this by setting in motion a recall effort of Republican and Democratic Senators.  The first of the recall elections had Sen. Dave Hanson (D-Green Bay) easily holding on to his seat back in July.  The latest recall election had six Republican Senators defending their seats.  Prior to the recall election, Republicans dominated the Senate 19 to 14.  In order for the Democrats to take control, three seats would need to be won by them.  The working class citizens of Wisconsin fought hard and managed to unseat two Republicans, bringing the Senate ratio to 17-16.  The GOP looks at this as a major victory and believes this confirms their conservative agenda.  But is it really a victory for them?  Sure the Democrats didn't win the majority, but according to Today.com, "there has been only 13 other successful recalls of state-level office holders nationwide since 1913."  Which means it's not easy to effectively pull off a recall election, yet working class citizens in Wisconsin managed two successful elections in one day.  Also, as State Sen. Tim Collins (D-Janesville) pointed out to the Huffington Post, this "means [Republicans] have no margin of error.  They've got to have legislation that all 17 Republicans, without exception, are for."
     
    The last of the recall elections are set for August 16 with Democratic State Senators Jim Holperin and Robert Wirch defending their seats.  Although these elections will not affect the State Senate majority, they can increase the Republican's control.  So eyes will continue to remain on Wisconsin, but no matter the outcome, we, the working class, have sent a clear message--we will not be bullied by politicians that put corporations before people and we will fight hard to protect the middle class.
     
    SOUL Updates
    Members of SOUL 177 have been busy!  First they developed a new logo for SOUL and contributed to the SOUL handbook and by-laws.  For those of you who are not a member of SOUL's Facebook page, I have attached the new logo to this email.  Now they are busy volunteering in their community!  SOUL 177 members will be volunteering for Meals from the Heartland, donating their time filling plastic bags with protein laden meals for Third World Countries.  In September, they will be volunteering at a Special Olympics Golf Outing, helping register athletes, distributing t-shirts and cooking them lunch.  SOUL 177 also plans to walk in the Labor Day Parade.
     
    SOUL 1140 doesn't let a lack of charter slow them down!  Their fundraiser of selling meals on monthly meeting night, is going very well.  Also, SOUL 1140 will be hosting their first family activity on Saturday, August 27.  Members and their families are invited out to the hall to decorate t-shirts for their kids to wear when walking in the Labor Day Parade.
     
    If you haven't already joined us on Facebook, we hope you will soon!  Its a great place to learn what's going on in locals all over the Midwest Region, in addition to many other great topics like, politics, health, finances, and retirement to name a few.   
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX

    SOUL e-Newsletter 8-1-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    SOUL e-Newsletter
    August 1, 2011
     
    Recruit, Train, and Employ (RTE) Program
    Laborers Local 319 is offering free construction training to Joplin residents to help rebuild the areas of the city that were devastated by the May 22nd tornado as well as the lives of those affected by it.
     
    The 3-week Recruit, Train and Employ (RTE) program teaches participants basic construction skills, OSHA safety training and offers possible opportunities for employment with construction companies active in the rebuilding of Joplin, MO.
     
    "The last thing a community trying to rebuild needs is low wage unskilled workers shipped in from outside the area," said Stacey Salmon, Special Marketing Representative for LIUNA Rebuilds Joplin, Local 319's post-tornado outreach program to help put Joplin and it's residents back on their feet.
     
    "Training local folks, especially those that have been displaced, marketable skills that are needed to rebuild our homes, commercial buildings and infrastructure is a win-win situation," said Salmon, "putting people right here in Joplin to work rebuilding our city will help rebuild our economy and, hopefully the lives of some folks who lost everything."
     
    LIUNA Local 319 has received more than 300 inquiries about the program and signed up more than 100 applicants since July 18th.  The first 3-week session began Monday, July 25th and has 24 participants.  Of those 24, one is female.
     
    Find them on Facebook: laborerslocal319rebuildjoplin
     
    Great Plains LIFE and "Stay 4" Project
    In the United States, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school each year.  That places the U.S. at 19th in the world for high school drop out rates, down from #1 in 1970.  
     
    Midwest Regional Vice President John Penn saw a need to combat this continual decline.  In 2004, he founded the Great Plains LIFE Foundation (Laborers' International Funding for Education).  The mission of Great Plains LIFE, which is based in Normal, IL, "is to strengthen America and is workforce by providing committed volunteers to help encourage and inspire students with limited resources to graduate from high school and assist them with future educational opportunities, scholarships and financial support for their continuing efforts."
     
    The "Stay 4" Project is a special program that has been embraced by Great Plains LIFE. "Stay 4" works to identify and support students that have the potential to succeed but are looked at as being at risk for dropping out.  Students are chosen at the start of their junior year.  In order to stay in the program, the students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, participate in at least 1 extra-curricular activity and provide 10 hours of community service each year.  Great Plains LIFE "help(s) each student with the opportunities to explore prospective colleges, financial aid, and scholarships."  All students that graduate the program and choose to enroll in trade school, community college or a 4-year college will be awarded a minimum $1000 support grant by Great Pains LIFE to aid in furthering their educational endeavors.
     
    2008 marked the first year students were selected to be a part of "Stay 4".  The initial group consisted of 33 students.  In 2010, 29 of those 33 students graduated from high school and 26 went on to a community college or a 4-year college!  Today there are 96 students participating in "Stay 4" from about 20 high schools throughout Central Illinois.  This is an amazing program that the Laborers are involved in!  To learn more, visit www.stay4.org.  Interested in donating your time, treasure or talent to this wonderful program or want to know how to bring "Stay 4" to a high school in your area?  Contact Great Plains LIFE at (309) 828-3406 or gplife@hotmail.com.
     
    SOUL Update
    On July 23, Anna and I attended Laborers Local 231's Family Picnic in Pekin, IL!  Despite the heat, we had a wonderful time and signed up 33 women for SOUL!  We just may have another Local ready to charter!  Keep spreading the word about SOUL!
     
    SOUL 177, our first chartered group, is off and running!  Keep on the look out for the new SOUL logo designed by members of SOUL 177!
     
    Don't forget to join us on Facebook!  Just search for Sisters of Union Laborers and request to join!    
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX

    mhardy@midwestlaborers.org


    SOUL e-Newsletter 7-18-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    SOUL e-Newsletter
    July 18, 2011
     
    Seneca Falls Convention
    On July 13, 1848, a small group of women gathered together for a social visit on a summer day in upstate New York.  Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock, and Jane Hurt, while having tea, began to discuss the injustices women of their time were experiencing.  It was during this discussion that they decided to host "a convention to discuss social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of women."  So they picked a date, found a location and placed an advertisement in the local paper.  Also, in preparation for the convention, Elizabeth Cady Stanton drafted the Declaration of Sentiments by using the Declaration of Independence as her guide, along with a eleven resolutions.  The Declaration of Sentiments listed areas in life where women were treated unfairly.
     
    A mere six days later, on July 19, at the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, NY, a crowd of 300 (including 40 males) met for the convention.  After two days of discussions, the Declaration of Sentiments and twelve resolutions (one added during the convention by Lucretia Mott) were passed.  The only resolution that did not pass unanimously was women's right to vote.  One hundred people signed the Seneca Falls Declaration, 68 were women and 32 were men.
     
    Although the newspapers ridiculed what went on at the convention and the Declaration of Sentiments, the negative publicity actually helped.  Some editors actually printed the Declaration of Sentiments and the Resolutions which got the issues out to the public, women activist became energized and more conventions of this type were held elsewhere.  What started as a group of friends gathering together for a social visit, a movement was born, shaping the lives of women even to this day.
     
    As we approach the 163rd anniversary of what is considered the first women's rights convention, Sisters of Union Laborers keep in mind this quote by Margret Mead--"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed it's the only thing that ever has."
     
    If you would like to read the Declaration of Sentiments please click the link below.
     
    SOUL Update
    SOUL 177 is off and running having recently held their first official meeting!  Check out the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page or the LiUNA! Women's Caucus website for pictures from their charter meeting!
     
    SOUL 1140 (although not charted yet) held its second fundraiser!  Plus the ladies got to use their "new" grill!  Check out the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page to see pictures!  It is awesome!
     
    Anna and I will be attending the Local 231 Family Picnic this Saturday to talk about SOUL and get the women of Local 231 interested in starting a charter there.  
     
    If you are on Facebook, remember to join the Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page!  You'll find interesting articles, photos taken at different events, announcements being made and more! 
     
    Remember to spread the word about SOUL!  If you know of any women laborers or family members that would be interested be sure to have them fill out a SOUL Interest Flyer and send it in!  Feel free to contact me for Interest Flyers!    
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX
     

    SOUL e-Newsletter 7-5-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    S.O.U.L. e-Newsletter
    Tuesday, July 5, 2011
     
    We hope you all had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!  Celebrating with family and friends, good food, fireworks--what a way to spend your weekend!
     
    National Labor Relations Board NLRB)
    The NLRB protects and enforces the laws established in the National Labor Relations Act by investigating and resolving unfair labor practices.  The NLRB also conducts elections for Labor Union representation.  Recently, the NLRB issued a "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking."  According to the NLRB, the "proposed amendments are intended to reduce unnecessary litigation, streamline pre- and post- election procedures, and facilitate the use of electronic communications and document filing."
     
    Attached to this e-Newsletter, you will find a table put together by the NLRB that shows side-by-side comparisons of current and proposed procedures.
     
    Highway Bill
    On June 29, 1956, President Eisenhower's signing of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, also known as the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act, led to the creation of the Interstate System.  In addition, the Highway Trust Fund was established to pay for 90% of highway construction, while states paid the remaining 10%.  Not only would this Act ease travel, it would change the trucking industry, lead to a building boom but most importantly, it created jobs.
     
    In March of this year, President Obama signed a 6-month extension to the current highway bill.  This means there will be funding for highways and public transportation through September of this year.  But what happens after September?  There is a need to preserve and maintain the infrastructure we currently have, but funding needs to be there and not just for 6 months.  Working on our highway infrastructure will do what it did in the past--improve travel, provide much needed jobs, and help our economy.  
     
    Right now, there is a proposal by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) that would allocate $339.2 billion over a six-year period  for surface transportation but even she acknowledges that her proposal may have to drop to a two-year bill.  Why?  Funding is the big issue.  The gas tax has always been a major source of funding for these projects, but this has been decreasing due to more fuel efficient and electric automobiles on the roads.  Solutions to this problem and others must happen.  Our roads and bridges are an integral part of our society.
     
    S.O.U.L Update
    Local 177 charted the first SOUL Chapter on June 28!  Congratulations!  It was a great turnout for their first meeting and election of officers!  Check out our Sisters of Union Laborers Facebook page for photos of the Charter members and officers! 
     
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET     mhardy@midwestlaborers.org

    SOUL e-Newsletter 6-20-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    S.O.U.L e-Newsletter
    Monday, June 20, 2011
     
    Woman Up
    Women working in construction have many struggles.  Women in this industry struggle for recognition in what has primarily been a male dominated field and acceptance that they can do the same work just as well as their male counterparts.  Something else women struggle with is the need for properly fitting work clothing and gear.  Deidre Douglas, a construction worker from New York, became fed up with this and decided to do something about it.  Douglas opened up "Woman Up," a store that caters to blue collared women in Brooklyn, NY.  Properly fitting gear is not about looks when working construction, its about staying comfortable while working hard and its about safety.  As Douglas pointed out in a recent news article "oversized gear is dangerous."  Most of her merchandise comes in small men's sizes since she has had difficulty finding work brands that come in a separate women's line.  But at least this is a start.  Checkout the online store atwww.workingwomansworld.com and maybe you can find some gear that fits.
     
    Rosie the Riveter
    The Rosie the Riveter poster is an iconic symbol representing the women who took factory jobs while the men went off to fight in World War II.  These days, Rosie the Riveter is a symbol of feminism and women's economic power.  After gathering a group of women together to introduce what would eventually become S.O.U.L., a program developed to further engage, educate and instill pride in women laborers, family members and friends, a Facebook page was designed and Rosie became our symbol until a logo could be designed.  Recently I was asked about the Rosie the Riveter t-shirts some of our women members have seen that read, "A Woman's Place is in her Union."  So I set about discovering where these could be found.  The best website I found to purchase these shirts and other merchandise is www.rosietheriveter.com.  According to the shirt descriptions, the shirts are "American made and Union printed."   What the requests for this t-shirt say to me, Union Pride is strong in our Sisters of Union Laborers and we want to show that Union Pride off!     
     
    S.O.U.L. Update
    The paperwork portion is almost done!  What does this mean?  It means that soon S.O.U.L. charters will start popping up all over Midwest Region LIUNA!  A S.O.U.L. Interest Flyer is attached to this e-Newsletter.  If you know of any members or family members that are interested in being a part of S.O.U.L., have them fill out the form and send it in.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    MR LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX

    SOUL e-Newsletter 6-7-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    S.O.U.L e-Newsletter
    Tuesday, June 7, 2011
     
    With the heat and humidity upon us, its time to refresh our memories on how to beat the heat and stay safe this summer.  Here are a few tips to help you stay healthy this summer:
    1. If you don't have to be outside, find a nice air conditioned place to hang out at
    2. If you do have to be outside, find a shady spot to periodically rest under.
    3. Drink plenty of cool, beverages (nonalcoholic).  Try and avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages which can actually make you lose more body fluid.  Sports drinks can replenish salt and minerals you sweat.  If you are on a low salt diet, be sure to check with your doctor before drinking.
    4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and protect your skin with sunscreen.  Be sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 15, is marked broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection and you remember to reapply it often.
    5. Dress for the heat by wearing light weight, light colored clothing. 
    6. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.  If you have to, limit strenuous activity to morning or evening when the temperature is cooler.
    7. Eat small meals and more often.  Try to avoid high protein foods, they can actually increase your metabolic heat.
    8. Never leave anyone, pets included, in a closed, parked vehicle.
    9. To avoid mosquitos, try not to go out at dawn or dusk.  This is when the little buggers are most active.  It is recommended that you use a bug spray that contains DEET.  The CDC has also approved picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
    10. When using both repellent and sunscreen, it is recommended that you apply the sunscreen first. 
    We hope you have a fun and safe summer!
     
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    MR LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX
     

    "SOUL" e-Newletter 5-23-2011
    Aug 17, 2011

     

    S.O.U.L. e-Newsletter
    Monday, May 23, 2001
    S.O.U.L. Update
    It was a busy couple of days for S.O.U.L planning at the Midwest Regional Office last week.  The meetings went very well and our excitement for this program just keeps growing.  Here is what we accomplished:
    • A logo for S.O.U.L., designed by Midwest Region LECET Researcher Anna Koeppel, was selected.  Stay tuned for the reveal of the S.O.U.L. logo!
    • In addition to the logo, a discussion on t-shirts and other promotional items geared toward women occured.
    • By-laws for S.O.U.L. were drafted and sent to the Midwest Regional Office attorney for review.
    • The S.O.U.L. website, with the help of the Midwest Regional Office Communications Team, is in the process of being built.
    • A "How to set up S.O.U.L at your Local" packet is being put together for distribution.
    Memorial Day
    Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for those who died while serving our country, is just a week away.  Did you know that each year on Memorial Day  a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00pm local time?  Please be sure that you and your family take time to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for us and for our country.  For more information on Memorial Day please go to:
     
     
    Memorial Day is often refered to as the "unofficial start to summer".  Please remember to to be safe and enjoy your three day weekend!
     
    Koch Brothers
    Recently, I reposted and item from the MROC facebook page onto the SOUL facebook page concerning the Koch brothers.  I became curious as to what items the Koch brothers manufactured.  Originally I was going to type the list into the newsletter but the list is too long.  So, if your are interested in knowing what items the Koch brothers manufacture please follow the link below:
     
     
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Megan Hardy
    Researcher
    Midwest Region LECET
    (402) 305-3305 CELL
    (402) 734-0132 FAX
     

    "SOUL" Information
    Aug 16, 2011

    Click on the link below to download the informational flyer for "SOUL"  -  Sisters of Union Labor, and join today!  Please spread the word and hand out as many flyers as possible!  We would like to be the union with the most female members involved!  Thank you!

     

     


    Download:
    SOUL Article.docx

    "SOUL" SIGN UP FORM
    Jul 08, 2011

    PRINT THIS DOWNLOAD FORM, COMPLETE, AND SEND IN TO JOIN "SOUL" - SISTERS OF UNION LABOR!!


    Download:
    SOUL_flyer1Updated_5_25_11.pdf



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