Labor unions get tough

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/opinion/editorials/view.bg?articleid=1070486

When organized labor groups give out those much-coveted ratings to lawmakers (often accompanied by campaign contributions), it’s usually all about them - issues that relate to, say, union voting regs or wage and hour laws. In other words, issues of little interest to those not part of a union.

But this year, according to some state labor leaders, could be different here in Massachusetts. This year the state AFL-CIO is being urged to make the casino gambling bill filed by Gov. Deval Patrick just such a key issue - for ratings purposes.

And, since this is one issue which could not only put money in the hands of union workers, but into state coffers as well - and with minimal impact on taxpayers - we can only admire labor’s feistiness on it.

Too often labor has been willing to settle for the easy stuff from Beacon Hill lawmakers, giving legislators their backing for votes that cost them little political capital.

Getting serious about separating labor friends from foes on a real bread and butter issue like casino gambling truly ups the ante. But this is worth the fight.

[gamblingisforlosers]

1. Unions gird for battle over casinos

By Scott Van Voorhis | Wednesday, January 30, 2008 | http://www.bostonherald.com

Bay State unions are preparing to play hard ball on Beacon Hill in an all-out drive to win approval for casino gambling.

State labor leaders - as they prepare for an annual confab next week organized by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO - are weighing a revamp of the rating system by which legislators are judged on their records on labor issues.

One concern is that lawmakers can win high marks by voting for lots of noncontroversial bills, even as they fail to follow the union line on big issues such as expanded gambling.

Some union officials are urging the state AFL-CIO to significantly reduce a lawmaker’s labor rating if he or she fails to back the union on a key issue such as casinos, said state Rep. Brian Wallace (D-South Boston), who attended a recent strategy session.

It is a view endorsed by Louis Ciarlone, president and business manager of IBEW Local 123, which represents workers at Suffolk Downs, the site of a proposed casino.

“We have to fight fire with fire,” Ciarlone said. “You can’t be with us 99 times and buck us on this.”

Meanwhile, winning a low rating from the AFL-CIO could have dire consequences for some lawmakers as they face re-election, Wallace said.

Overall, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO rates lawmakers’ voting records on a percentage scale, measuring how many times they line up behind bills endorsed by the labor group. If a legislator’s labor rating falls below a certain threshhold, the union stops making campaign contributions, Wallace said.

“It’s an election year. Having labor with you in a district like mine, it makes a big difference,” Wallace said.

Labor leaders are looking for ways to pressure recalcitrant lawmakers as unions prepare to aggressively lobby for Gov. Deval Patrick’s casino proposal. The casinos will create thousands of new jobs, union officials contend.

“We have to fight at least as hard as the governor is going to fight on this,” Ciarlone said.

Article URL: http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1069938

[louis c]

2. You do know that.....

I'm a duer.

Gaming jobs are a labor issue.

Labor is a strong Democratic base.

DU is for Democrats.

louis c

[gamblingisforlosers]

3. Do You Know...

I am a Casino Employee, currently involved in an Organizing effort at a MAJOR Gaming Corporation.

So YES, I am WELL AWARE that Gaming jobs are a labor issue

YES I do Know that Labor is a strong Democratic base

YES I do know DU is for Democrats

I am a Democrat, and a newbie on this website. If my posting of this article is in any way contrary to the DU agenda, I am not aware of it.

[louis c]

4. Hi newbie

I just wanted you to know that the article quotes me. So, it was quite a surprise to read it here.

Your Du name being so anti-gambling is what I was referring to.

However, you haven't done anything wrong, we here at Du welcome open debate.

[Omaha Steve]

5. I was a little confused too

Thanks for straightening me out. Welcome to the DU Labor Forum.

And it is nice to see people in the news reading and commenting here.

[gamblingisforlosers]

6. I can see why you might

Be confused by my choice of DU name, don't know WHAT I was thinking :crazy: when I registered as such. Does anyone know if & how one can change their moniker on this site?

Thank You for the welcome, guys.

Thank you Steve for the WEALTH of info you post here. :yourock:
Hope all is going well with your recovery.

[louis c]

7. Well, if you are interested, check this out

On New Years' eve of 06, the racing bill in Mass. expired and all me members were out of work until the legislature reconvened a special session.

Here's a segment of the press conference that was carried on the local news.

Link:
http://wbztv.com/local/Racetracks.Close.Suffolf.2.584191.html
Everything turned out OK after two days, but it was a little nerve wracking for that time.

Now we're trying to bring expanded gambling to Mass, and our Liberal, Democratic Governor, Deval Patrick, is our biggest supporter.