This has been the way the system works for many years. The stronger the lobby the more likely your issues will be addressed. Remember when you were in school, the flow chart that showed how, once a bill is introduced it goes through this lengthy process and eventually (if good for the people) becomes law. Hey, it looks good on paper, but if you still believe that’s the way things really happen in the real world take a trip to Tallahassee and watch the pros.

For example, I watched in amazement (not really, I’ve seen it before) as a special interest group lobbyist hand wrote an amendment to some legislation involving Workers Compensation just moments prior to a vote being taken. This lobbyist then gave it to a legislator to amend a bill before the committee.

Now, you can bet your worker comp that this amendment was not to strengthen your access or benefits as an insured worker. There are 28 bills being introduced that effect Workers Comp, most being drafted by business interests.

Other issues before the legislature this year include dilution of jobsite safety, implementation of voluntary compliance programs (Yes, I said voluntary) and a real organized labor pleaser, a bill which would make it illegal for member so contribute to political action committees even if they do so by choice. That really streamlines the old constitution, doesn’t it? This bill is so ridiculous that even the most conservative has to raise an eyebrow. It’s patterned after the Federal proposal “Paycheck Protection Act” worded by design to be mis-leading. At the federal level, a member would be required to have written permission to use union dues or check-offs for political purposes. Florida would say no, even if authorized in writing. Remember, these folks in Washington are the same ones that opposed a minimum wage increase with “every fiber of their being”. Now, all of a sudden, they’ve taken a great interest in how union members spend their money. I wonder if they are as concerned for the stockholders of corporations, whose investment shares are being utilized for political gain and access. Think they will be required to sign off before their money is utilized in election campaigns?

Anyhow, the trip to Tallahassee was interesting. thanks to Brothers John Barrington, William Sweeney, Jerome Bostick and Holmes Davis, who took the trip to Tallahassee with me for helping forward our issues. If we as workers want access to the decision makers of our state, we simply must get involved. Register to vote, study the issues, visit with our elected representatives at home and, if possible, during session. Most importantly VOTE! Because, if you don’t vote, you don’t count.

Stephen R. Williams, President

Political footnote:

In the last edition of the Side-cutter we discussed the 3 democratic candidates for the Governor’s race. Our delegation had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with one of these candidates during our recent trip to Tallahassee. J. Keith Arnold impressed us with his energy, intelligence and, most importantly, his ability to relate to working men and women. Although he does not have name recognition at this time, he is confident that will change in the coming months prior to the primary.

Keith Arnold was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1982 and has won every election since. The AFL/CIO voting record indicates that he is ranked 98.33 in the House for 1997. Keith Arnold supports our trade competency levels and voted against the legislation proposed last year to invalidate our trade requirements. So, the good news is that labor and Florida tradesmen have a choice for a “worker’s Governor”. In my opinion the choice is J. Keith Arnold. There is no doubt that he has a long way to go before many look at him as a serious candidate. Representative Arnold recognized the work ahead of him and reminds us, that for the past 45 years the front runner did not win the “Governor’s Mansion” in the state of Florida. He also recognizes, that in order to prevail, he must have the support of working men and women of this state. Although he is extremely out gunned in the financial area, he knows full well that labor will make the difference in the “get out to vote” campaign. More on this later. Please remember the importance of the primary election in September.

Stephen R. Williams, President

SOAP BOX 98

I just got through reading the Sunday paper and there is an article regarding the C.E.O. who took home just $100,000 in salary this year. According to the article, this same man has reported the same salary for the past 17 years. I know what you’re thinking, You wouldn’t mind that salary yourself, right? So, where’s the story here, you might ask. The article went on to say that this individual happens to be the second wealthiest man in the U.S., just behind Bill “Microsoft” Gates. Although the poor gentleman’s yearly salary was a paltry $100,000 a year, (don’t pass the hat just yet) his assets are figured at $30.4 Billion dollars. So the real story, the one that is not being told is how does a man become worth 30+ Billion and pay taxes on a hundred thousand a year. That’s the story I want to hear.

Senate majority Leader, Trent Lott, on Meet the Press stated that Americans are being over taxed, well, not everybody. Certainly not the C.E.O. mentioned above. The reality of it is, that in context, this gentleman and the other 20% of this nation’s Zilloinaires that control 80% of the wealth pay no taxes. These corporate folks hire only “Dream Team” type lobbyists (see page one) to ensure that the status quo remains the status quo. That corporate welfare continue and when they need a little extra spending money just instruct their hatchet man/or woman to fire, layoff, downsize, restructure or right size a few thousand employees.

Why am I on my soapbox when unemployment is at an all time low of 5.4%? Because there are over a million, three hundred thousand behind every percentage point of unemployment. That’s seven and one half million living, breathing, feeling, people that have been reduced to a statistic. These numbers do not include the underemployed or the 25 million workers who earn under six dollars per hour (one out of every five). So I guess what all this rambling is about is, that I don’t begrudge people making a good living, so long as they don’t do it at the rest of our expense. Surely a gooo,oood living should generate a bit of revenues back into our tax base.

By the way, for you to earn 30 billion dollars working for 20 dollars an hour, it would take you...... 721,153 years. Or if you had 24,000 co-workers earning 40,000 a year and pooled your money over 30 years you could,... Oh forget it, my calculator is starting to smoke! The guy must have hit on an O.T. job.

SRW        

MEMBERS’ CORNER

Increased work opportunities are heading in our direction. Some already under contract, others are not. As most of you know we have signed a 5 year building trades agreement, with much potential for all 3 federal enclaves, encompassing the Kennedy Space Center. This, in addition to the multitude of long duration new construction projects scheduled, promises for renewed opportunities for our members.

Don’t forget our hard-hat rally to Tallahassee on April 13th. Call the hall to reserve your seat on the bus. Busses will leave at 5:30 AM Sharp!

May 6th - Nominations

June 3rd - Election

July 1st - Run-off election (if necessary)

July 8th - Installation of officers

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As most of you know, we have regrettably lost Brother Robert "Pac-Rat" Paquette due to an on-the-job accident. Brother Paquette was a member of this Local for 20 years before moving his ticket to line Local 222. He will surely be missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Line Apprentice Brett Colley, was seriously injured in the same accident. He is recovering in the burn unit at Shands Hospital, Gainesville. We extend our warmest regards to him for a complete and early recovering.

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Continuing Education Courses available: For information contact Holmes Davis, Training Director 756-2776.

 

ORGANIZING: Call Steve Williams 756-2756

Effective January 1, 1998, prescription drugs will be paid as follow and will NOT BE SUBJECT TO A CALENDAR YEAR DEDUCTIBLE:

Generic Drugs - covered at 90%

Brand Name Drugs - covered at 80%

If you have any questions, please call the Fund Office at 904-255-8331 or the hall at 904-756-2756.

VERY IMPORTANT - VERY IMPORTANT

Please check with the office regarding your beneficiaries. If you have recently married, divorced or otherwise, chances are you have not changed your beneficiary with us.

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UNION MADE

NONE REPORTED THIS ISSUE

 

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