Healthcare Workers Respond

In a previous post regarding Sal Roselli as a hypocrite here is a response from healthcare workers to that post :

The response from SEIU-UHW, posted on their website [Link] shows there is a real debate.[Link]

In particular, long term care members of UHW's Executive Board responded that Tyrone Freeman of 6434 has "repeatedly refused to participate in developing a coordinated bargaining plan for the dozens of facilities operated by national and regional chains where both UHW and your local represent nursing home workers." [Link]

UHW's Convalescent Division Director John Vellardita's response to Freeman claims ongoing efforts and calls to coordinate bargaining with 6434. [Link]

These are real healthcare workers in a real debate.

There will be future posts regrading this debate as it continues.

Hypocrite Sal Rosselli Exposed!

A letter was sent by Tyrone Freeman the President of SEIU-ULTCWU to Sal Rosselli the President of SEIU-UHW-West.

In the letter Tyrone tells Sal that he just learned that Sal has been having secret back-door meetings and deals with a group of nursing home employers over economic issues covering bargaining unit workers where the two SEIU unions have joint representation to a master collective bargaining agreement. He goes on to say it is a violation of the responsibility and fiduciary duties of a union leader and in violation of the fundamental principles of trade union democracy.

The secret deal was signed by Sal's union on 1/21/08 with the employers of Covenant Care, Kindred, Country Villa, Sun and Salva. None of SEIU-ULTCWU members or even their staff were apart of the agreement or conversations, which means member contracts were being negotiated without the members or their knowledge. The reason for this posting is the hypocrisy of Sal, who has tried to call out SEIU International's President Andy Stern for doing exactly what Sal is now caught doing himself, making deals with employers without member involvement. In addition, Tyrone states Sal has been doing this without Sal's own members, the rank and file workers, but a group of hand picked workers bound to the secrecy of a pledge.

The secret agreement uncovered states that both sides (Sal's union and the employers) will be "off-the-record", except where terms of this agreement are sought to be enforced, absent the written consent of all parties. It goes on that all parties shall not disclose their conversations to the media, the NLRB, or other government agencies, a mediator, arbitrator or court of law. However, if you are under oath with a THREAT of judicial contempt, then tell the parties, before testifying.

Tomorrow in Los Angeles Sal is arranging a protest of Andy for what Sal has just been caught doing. The interesting question who now turns out, who turns out knows about this back door deal and will they still support Sal? Finally, will Sal's own members believe these uncovered documents or follow him blindly into the abyss.

Cross-posted at Calitics.

California SEIU State Council Changes in Mid-Stream

California SEIU State Council, which represents over 650,000 members in California has changed their endorsement from former U.S. Senator John Edwards to U.S. Senator Barak Obama.

• What does this mean for Senator Edwards to have sway over the two remaining main Democratic candidates?
• Will a change of endorsement 4 days before the election make a difference, remember the absentee voters?
• Will there be mailers from the union, phone calls, precinct walks, or some thing else?
• What does U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, who will be in San Diego today, think about this endorsement?

Chris You're Fired!!

Via Daily Kos:

We found out this morning that major league asshole Chris Lehane had been fired by SEIU. I just got confirmation from Change to Win -- the coalition of seven top unions(including SEIU, Teamsters, and the Laborers) has also kicked Lehane to the curb. I was given this statement by a CtW spokesman:

Change to Win had a general consulting contract with Chris Lehane. That contract was terminated upon discovery of his role supporting the studios in the writers guild strike. As you know, Change to Win and its affiliates stand solidly behind the writers in their struggle for fairness, so we did not think twice about this decision.

Nice.

Lehane may have a great future helping corporate America bust unions, but as long as he never works in progressive politics, it'll be a net win for our side.

Now that SEIU and Change to Win have fired Chris Lehane when is Cal Labor Fed going to step up and show him the door?

Chris Lehane Fired from Union Contract!

Via FireDogLake:

SEIU Local 99 in Los Angeles -- education workers who include teacher's aids, cafeteria workers and crossing guards -- have fired former Clinton spokesman Chris Lehane from a consulting contract in support of the WGA.

"By the end of the week, I believe Chris Lehane will have no union clients because of his work for the AMPTP," says SEIU President Andy Stern, who confirms that all Change to Win Unions are severing ties with Lehane. "His days are numbered in the labor movement."[Link]

I'm glad to see some retribution taken against Chris Lehane. We need to hold Democratic consultants accountable when they go to work against progressive organization.

Cross posted at Calitics

Congressman Bilbray our Children deserve Healthcare!

Click here to open rally notice: [Link]

California's children need your help.

The State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) re-authorization bill was vetoed by President George W. Bush after it was passed by Congress. SCHIP provides health insurance for millions of low-income children and helps fund the Healthy Families program. Without SCHIP, our children many not get the healthcare they need.

SCHIP can still be saved...with your help. SEIU Local 221 and our allies are holding a rally outside the office of San Diego-area Congressman Brian Bilbray, who voted against the SCHIP bill. Congress needs a two-third majority vote to override the President's veto. Congressman Bilbray's vote will be essential to overriding the President's veto and saving SCHIP.

Come show Congressman Bilbray that funding for our children's healthcare is worth saving!

When: Tuesday, October 16th, 2007

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Where: Office of Congressman Brian Bilbray

462 Stevens Avenue, Suite 107

Solana Beach, CA 92075

For more information about this event, please contact Carlos Marquez (Government & Community Relations Representative) at (858) 560-0151 x 244

SEIU Local 221

4004 Kearny Mesa Road

San Diego, CA 92111

http://www.seiu.org/