Labor Union Blog

Economic Report:

Sixty-three percent of workers polled in a new survey who said they were pushing off retirement cited the high cost of health care. According to a survey released last week by Watson Wyatt, 44 percent of workers 50 and older are delaying retirement. The top reason cited by those surveyed was the decline in the value of 401(k)s.

Economic Report:

Sixty three percent of workers polled in a new survey who said they were pushing off retirement cited the high cost of health care. According to a survey released last week by Watson Wyatt 44 percent of workers 50 and older are delaying retirement. The top reason cited by those surveyed was the decline in the value of 401(k)s.

Facing a nearly 30 percent drop in sales, Goodyear has announced plans to buyout 550 workers. On top of the buyouts the tire company will reduce production at a plant in Union City, Tennessee. The plant will go from a seven day a week around the clock schedule to a five day work week and three shift schedule. The scheduling changes will take effect on July 6. Meanwhile, the company plans to cut additional workers through buyouts at a plant in Akron, Ohio. Roughly 120 workers have accepted or are expected to accept the buyout offer at that plant. The company is seeking to slash its worldwide workforce by 5000 this year. The company has already cut 3,800 jobs in its first quarter.

Facing a nearly 30 percent drop in sales Goodyear has announced plans to buyout 550 workers. On top of the buyouts the tire company will reduce production at a plant in Union City, Tennessee. The plant will go from a seven day a week around the clock schedule to a five day work week and three shift schedule. The scheduling changes will take effect on July 6. Meanwhile, the company plans to cut additional workers through buyouts at a plant in Akron, Ohio. Roughly 120 workers have accepted or are expected to accept the buyout offer at that plant. The company is seeking to slash its worldwide workforce by 5000 this year. The company has already cut 3,800 jobs in its first quarter.

Nearly 10,000 Chrysler workers received good news last week when they were told they wouldn’t need to take an unpaid furlough. According to the company, they saved more money than expected during the 41-day Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Last week one idled Chrysler plant began production. Seven other plants will go back online on June 29.

Nearly 10,000 Chrysler workers received good news last week when they were told they wouldn’t need to take an unpaid furlough. According to the company they saved more money than expected during the 41-day Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Last week one idled Chrysler plant began production. Seven other plants will go back online on June 29.

Lede: The AFL-CIO says it welcomes efforts by the Obama administration to reform the financial system and protect people from Wall Street’s excess. Doug Cunningham has more.

By Doug Cunningham

The labor federation says financial system reform must include four core objectives. Bringing transparency and expanded SEC oversight to the banking system, protecting communities by stemming the foreclosure crisis, creating a system-wide regulator accountable to the public interest and building a strong commitment to consumer protection, including an agency making sure that financial products are safe and fair. The AFL-CIO says for too long working families have paid the price for Wall Street’s excess, including millions of lost jobs, billions of dollars in bailouts and trillions of dollars in retirement savings lost. The labor federation says banks should no longer have the power to fix the rules of the game and government needs new powers to seize financial institutions whose collapse would threaten the financial system. The AFL-CIO says it looks forward to fighting side by side with the Obama administration to enact real reform of the financial system.

Lede: The AFL-CIO says it welcomes efforts by the Obama administration to reform the financial system and protect people from Wall Street’s excess. Doug Cunningham has more.

By Doug Cunningham

The labor federation says financial system reform must include four core objectives. Bringing transparency and expanded SEC oversight to the banking system, protecting communities by stemming the foreclosure crisis, creating a system-wide regulator accountable to the public interest and building a strong commitment to consumer protection, including an agency making sure that financial products are safe and fair. The AFL-CIO says for too long working families have paid the price for Wall Street’s excess, including millions of lost jobs, billions of dollars in bailouts and trillions of dollars in retirement savings lost. The labor federation says banks should no longer have the power to fix the rules of the game and government needs new powers to seize financial institutions whose collapse would threaten the financial system. The AFL-CIO says it looks forward to fighting side by side with the Obama administration to enact real reform of the financial system.

If you are a member of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), there may be a brand-new Chevy truck and a finely crafted, made-in-America Beretta shotgun in your future. All USA members are automatically entered in the upcoming drawing for the truck. To take part in the contest for the Beretta, union sportsmen must submit a good hunting and fishing tale.

The drawing for the 2009 Silverado will be on or about July 2 and all USA members are eligible. The deadline for joining USA is June 30. For contest details, click here.

General Motors Corp. and its Chevrolet division are partners with the USA, the hunting, fishing and conservation club for union members, retirees and their families, and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP). Says Fred Myers, USA executive director:

In these tough economic times, we are honored that Chevrolet recognizes the importance of preserving our national resources and has stepped up to support the TRCP conservation mission and its union-dedicated hunting and fishing club. Through this partnership, we can educate sportsmen about access opportunities around the country, while enhancing the value of USA membership.

Most folks who spend time hunting and fishing in the outdoors will tell you that one of the best things about waiting for an elusive buck or a bite on your line are the stories you swap with your friends.

If you send USA a story about your most challenging hunt, your best trophy, your biggest blunder afield, your best hunting or fishing memory, or just about any outdoor adventure, you could win a U.S.-made Beretta 3901 American Citizen shotgun featuring the USA logo. All stories will be automatically entered.

To be included in the drawing, your story must be a minimum of 300 words and must be submitted online to USAmembers@trcp.org by Labor Day (Sept. 7) 2009. You are strongly encouraged to submit a photo along with your story. The drawing will take place on or about Sept. 9, 2009.

Union members can join the USA online (click here) or by calling, toll free, 877-872-2211, for an annual fee of $25. While connecting union hunters and anglers across North America, the USA extends union member benefits to the woods and water. Benefits include valuable hunting and fishing information, discounts on outdoor gear and chances to win special prizes.