Labor Unions are involved in politics to protect and advance the best interests of all workers and their families. Wages and benefits achieved through collective bargaining can be lost by the "stroke of a pen" if anti-worker laws are enacted by your elected local, state and federal legislators. Get involved--FIGHT BACK!

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, CWAers and members from more than 190 environmental, civil rights, and community organizations will be out in force at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in Washington, D.C. We'll be speaking with one voice, as one nation, in a historic march on Washington. You won't want to miss this event. You don't want to miss this time to make your voice heard.? Progressive groups from every part of our movement: union members, environmentalists, community organizers, civil rights and immigrant activists, members of religious groups, and many more. It's time to reset our national agenda and get things done for working and middle class families. That means a strong, progressive program for quality jobs now, bargaining rights, retirement security and government that works for all of us. That's what every group in the coalition supports, but we know we can't do it alone. Together we are stronger. We'll make our voices heard again on November 2, Election Day. That's when elected leaders will figure it out: they can't take us for granted any longer. Our coalition is too big to be ignored. We know we can make a difference. We know we can make things right again. And we know that Congress will hear our voice, on October 2 and on Election Day, November 2.CWA will sponsor buses to Washington, D.C., for members, family and friends from mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states. Join your union co-workers and be a part of this historic movement. Together, we're putting America back to work and bringing America back together. ALL CWA Illinois/Indiana Members & Retirees can reserve your seat by contacting Liz VanDerWoude, President Local 4250 at evp4250@sbcglobal.net. Download PDF flyer for more information or call Liz at 708-757-4065.

Democrats unveiled a 26-page proposal on immigration that closely follows a bipartisan draft hashed out by Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) earlier this year. The Democratic proposal focuses on border security first, including expanding the number of border patrol officers and deporting illegal immigrants in prison. But it also creates a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country. A person would begin by passing a criminal background check and paying pending fees and taxes. Eight years later, they could apply for legal resident status by demonstrating, among other things, English-language skills. Opponents criticize this measure as "amnesty," but supporters say it is a necessary part of the plan. Click the appropriate link below to send your letter to President Obama and your Members of Congress. Let the debate begin!

"Wiring Up The Big Brother Machine...And Fighting It", by Mark Klein is a personal account of government surveillance activities at AT&T by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the author's battle to bring it to light in the face of what he believes was a reluctant media and a disinterested Congress. A technician for more than 22 years at telecom giant AT&T, Klein was working in the Internet room in San Francisco in 2003 when he discovered secret NSA surveillance activities which, due to the lack of warrants, were eventually denounced as violations of the law and the Constitution. Klein believed he had uncovered documentary evidence of these violations. He fought for months to draw media attention to the story and later became a witness in a lawsuit brought against AT&T by the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "I was horrified by the massive trampling on democratic rights by the government, especially regarding the Fourth Amendment, and frustrated that I had been forced to be a silent part of it by actually wiring up part of the apparatus as part of my job as a technician," Klein says. "Now that Congress has given the telecom companies retroactive immunity, I decided to write my own book about the whole episode, so everyone would know what really happened." Klein's discovery garnered national attention after a 2005 report in The New York Times uncovered the existence of the warrantless surveillance program. Engineering documents obtained by Klein, which came out in court and are featured in the book, reveal how equipment was installed on fiber optic cables that carried daily Internet communications-e-mail, Web browsing, phone conversations, pictures, business transactions and more-to the NSA for copying and further analysis. Klein states that the setup amounted to a massive "dragnet" on Americans' personal information. "Wiring Up The Big Brother Machine...And Fighting It" is available for sale online at Amazon.com, BookSurge.com and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

Labor balladeer Pete Seeger has been a musician, songwriter, political activist, and union organizer since the 1930s. He wrote the song "Talking Union" with Millard Lampell, Lee Hays, and other members of the Almanac Singers, while they were helping to organize CIO unions in 1941. It is recorded on the album Talking Union. This song explains to workers how and why they should join a union. Like contemporary "rap music," it is a "talking" song with music in the background. RIGHT CLICK and "save to desktop" and then listen to Pete Seeger on your media player. Today, the need for unions in the USA is greater than ever!

CWA is launching "Speed Matters"--one of the most important public issue campaigns in our history. This effort has the potential to boost the economy, bring high speed Internet to rural and urban America and create thousands of quality union jobs. We've created a dynamic website which will be a clearinghouse for information on the potential for change and the challenges we face. The site features a tool that allows you see how your Internet connection speed compares to others in your area and around the world. Download PDF file below for more information and a link to test your Internet speed.

Your senators and congressional representative had dozens of chances to cast their votes for/against working families over the past year. Access your individual member of congress' AFL-CIO voting record here!

Printable form to REGISTER to Vote in Illinois elections. Also Q&A about Illinois voter registration with a live link to the Illinois elections website.

Click below to donate online. CWA members, their family members and retirees are eligible to contribute to CWA-COPE

By: Barbara J. Easterling Imagine if Social Security were put on trial. We've all seen enough movies to know how it would begin: jury selection. Now imagine a room filled with potential jurors. There is a talkative one who stands out. He's calling senior citizens "greedy geezers," and those with lower incomes, "lesser people." He says too many Social Security beneficiaries drive luxury cars to the restaurant to get their seniors discount. He tells a policy advocate for older women to "call when you get real work." And there is more. Our prospective juror says he thinks Americans are too dependent upon Social Security. He calls it a "milk cow with 310 million tits." But this isn't some Law and Order re-run. The trial is the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, and the "juror" is Alan Simpson, the panel's Co-Chair. There isn't a judge in the land that would let Alan Simpson stay on this jury. And we shouldn't let him stay on the commission. The Alliance for Retired Americans is calling upon President Obama to replace Simpson with someone who can, like a juror, weigh the evidence without bias. The millions of Americans who count on Social Security to make ends meet deserve a fair trial. Barbara J. Easterling is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans. She was previously the secretary-treasurer of the Communications Workers of America. For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org or call 1-800-333-7212 Download**Post**Distribute, in PDF format.

With just five weeks until more than a quarter of a million One Nation marchers gather at the Lincoln Memorial, now's the time to sign up for a CWA bus ride to make your voice heard. In a new video, CWA President Larry Cohen is asking CWAers, their families and friends to take part in the historic Oct. 2 march and rally at the Lincoln Memorial. "We believe that across this country working families want change, that working families have had enough with 'Go Slow,'" he said. The website is also the place to sign up for one of the buses, which will be available from 11 states within driving distance from D.C. in the East and Midwest. More than 200 organizations have signed on to the event, united around quality jobs, bargaining rights, retirement security and a government that works for all of us. In its official call for participants, the One Nation coalition says, "We are determined to build a more united America - with jobs, justice and education for all...We are students and newly-returned veterans persevering in the face of mounting debt, determined not to be the first generation to end up worse off than our parents. We are baby boomers and seniors & We are conservatives and moderates, progressives and liberals, non-believers and people of deep faith, united by escalating assaults on our reason, our environment and our rights. We are workers of every age, faith, race, sex, nationality, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation and ability who have suffered discrimination but never stopped loving our neighbors, or our nation." View the video and SIGN-UP To Reserve your seat TODAY!

On behalf of the hungry men, women and children served by: President Liz VanDerWoude, Secretary-Treasurer Debbie Slimko, Chief Steward Sylvia Chapman, Patricia Spikes, Doc VanDerWoude, Kevin Slimko, Hannah Lawrence and Kayla Decker's hard work, we, Local 4250, would like to thank them for volunteering 3 hours at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Saturday, August 21st. Because of them someone will be able to eat today. This past year, over 100,000 volunteer hours were generously donated to the Food Depository by individuals like them. Without their time and efforts, the Food Depository would be unable to provide 119,000 meals a day through over 600 agencies. These agencies, consisting of pantries, soup kitchens and shelters, rely heavily on the 58 million pounds of food they annually distribute. Today, time is a precious commodity. The time our volunteers spent at the Food Depository testifies not only to their awareness of hunger in our community, but also their desire to help feed hungry people. We are truly grateful for their support. In Solidarity, Liz VanDerWoude President Download letter from President VanDerWoude and Picture of Local 4250 volunteers taken at the Chicago Food Depository, in PDF format.

Dear Members and Retirees: The Chicago Federation of Labor and your CWA Local 4250 Executive Board invite you to join us this year for Labor Day 2010 at Millennium Park in Chicago. This special event for our Union families will take place Monday, September 6, from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm at Chicago's beautiful, union built, Millennium Park in the Pritzker Pavilion and Great Lawn. Following a short program at 11 am will be a picnic with hamburgers, hotdogs, snacks, beverages and entertainment. Families will have the opportunity to take advantage of the park's many attractions including the popular Crown fountain, the Cloud Gate sculpture (The Bean) and the Lurie Gardens. Take advantage of the Free Trolley operating regularly between Navy Pier and the park. Millennium Park (Michigan Ave and Randolph Street) is easily accessible by public transportation and there is also garage parking underground for a fee. If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP by e-mail by Sunday August 15th, so the Local can buy your tickets and have plenty of time to mail your tickets to your home. Don't forget to let me know how many tickets you will require and hope to see Local 4250 well represented at this special event. In Our Unity....There is Strength Elizabeth VanDerWoude President CWA Local 4250 evp4250@sbcglobal.net Download, Post & Distribute

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Saturday August 21, 2010 9 am to Noon Greater Chicago Food Depository 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place Chicago, Illinois For more information contact Chief Steward / Executive Board Member Sylvia Chapman at: newday8681@sbcglobal.net In Our Unity....There is Strength Elizabeth VanDerWoude President CWA Local 4250 Download, Post & Distribute

We, the undersigned organizations, write to reiterate our requests that you cosponsor the Trade Reform, Development, Accountability and Employment (TRADE) Act - H.R. 3012. As you are aware, past trade deals like NAFTA have failed. Unfair trade has hurt working families, devastated the environment, bankrupted family farmers, exposed consumers to unsafe food, toys and other products, stifled economic development in poorer countries, and undermined our democratic laws by subjecting them to extraconstitutional tribunals. The majority of Americans reject this failed approach to global economic engagement.The TRADE Act paves the path forward towards a fair trade model we can all support. Organizations as diverse as ours all agree that the TRADE Act is our best hope to create sustainable global economy that benefits the majority of people and respects the environment. Opponents of change who have benefited from the damages inflicted by unfair trade, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have sought to undermine this growing consensus, and we implore you not to be fooled. The TRADE Act presents a measured, common-sense approach to refining our engagement in the global economy, not withdrawing from it. In the past year, all our organizations have contacted you, many of us on multiple occasions, voicing our support for trade reform; such is its importance to our members and constituents. We sincerely urge you to fully consider the substance and merits of this bill, and to become a cosponsor. Please inform us of your final decision on this matter by responding to Bill Looby at the Illinois AFL-CIO (bill@ilaflcio.org or fax (217) 492-2812), who will relay your response to other signatories. Download copy of letter sent to Illinois Congressman Quigley (D-5) in PDF format.

"Growing U.S. trade deficits with China due, in part, to the Chinese government's manipulation of its currency caused 2.4 million U.S. jobs to be lost or displaced in manufacturing and other trade-related industries between 2001 and 2008 alone, and 100 million workers experienced lower wages due to competition with imports from low-wage countries. Ending China's currency manipulation could help create at least 1 million U.S. jobs in the next few years, but Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner delayed a semiannual report on currency manipulation, scheduled for release on April 15, in which the Treasury would have been forced to name China as a manipulator. There may have been sound reasons for delaying the report, but there is no reason why Secretary Geithner needs to wait another day to simply identify China as well as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan as currency manipulators and then to immediately begin formal negotiations with those countries. President Obama went one step further at the recent nuclear summit when he said "China rightly sees the issue of currency as a sovereign issue." But there is no need to give in to China on currency. While it may be literally true that the United States cannot "force" China to revalue, the United States can make China's policy of currency manipulation so expensive that China will have no choice but to revalue. The failure of the Treasury and the president to act does not prevent other policy makers from doing something to stop currency manipulation. Congress should immediately pass legislation to bypass the failed Treasury foreign exchange review process, require the Treasury secretary to begin negotiations with these countries, and impose tariffs of at least 25% within 90 days if any country fails to revalue when identified by the Treasury as a currency manipulator." Download entire report in PDF format.

Candidate Obama promised to fix NAFTA and craft a new job-creating trade strategy going forward. He promised his trade agreements would put working people, the environment, family farms and consumers first. Now the moment of truth is upon us: the Obama administration has begun negotiations with seven Asian/Pacific countries on what could be its first trade agreement - known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Urge Congress to ensure any Obama trade deal moves away from the disastrous NAFTA model and toward a new American fair trade agenda. Take part in Action Alert below:

If you're not already on your way to New York City to join AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and 10,000 union and community activists as they march on Wall Street's big Banks this afternoon, it's not too late to join the call for real Wall Street reform. You still can be part of the more than 13,000-strong virtual marchers to let the Big Banks know its time to pay to restore the millions of jobs their reckless practices destroyed and to let Congress know that working Americans will settle for nothing less than real Wall Street Reform. Click below to join the virtual march. Download article for more information and link to participate.

TODAY Wednesday April 28th March for Good Jobs Now-Make Wall St. PAY! 11:00 A.M. Thousands will gather at Willis Tower 11:30 A.M. March to Financial District! This event is organized by the National AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor. 5:30 P.M. Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington America's Workforce: Too Big to Fail!: Understanding and Solving the Jobs Crisis The Workers Rights Board of Chicago Jobs with Justice is hosting a forum on the jobs crisis featuring the voices of workers from every sector of the economy and what needs to be done to put people back to work! Due to Limited Capacity, Please RSVP: susanh@jwj.org!

More than 2,000 hopefuls have signed an on-line petition to convert a Joliet hospital into a military veterans health care clinic. "To let the Department of Veterans Affairs know there's community backing behind extending veterans' health care services into the region," noted Ryan Vanderbilt, spokesman for U.S. Representative Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete. "The petition will help us show community support for the project." Those who haven't yet signed the petition are urged to log on to http://www.supportourvets.com to do so." Download entire article with a link to SIGN PETITION!

Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday canceled a hearing called to hear concerns by AT&T and other corporations about new employer costs in the health care overhaul, saying the companies now believe the overhaul could ease their costs if implemented properly. AT&T, Caterpillar, AK Steel and other companies said last month they would be forced to take billions of dollars in writedowns because of changes in how health care subsidies will be taxed. But Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., issued a statement late Wednesday, saying he canceled a hearing scheduled for next Wednesday at the request of several companies that want more time to see how the law is implemented. "Companies like AT&T, Verizon, and a range of stakeholder associations are hopeful that the benefits of the new law will outweigh the costs," Waxman stated. Beginning with construction equipment maker Caterpillar, a succession of companies said the health care plan signed into law last month would require them to pay new taxes on a subsidy for retiree drug coverage. Some companies said they could decide to scale back benefits to absorb the costs. Under the Medicare prescription drug program, companies that provide prescription drug benefits for retirees have been able to receive subsidies covering 28 percent of eligible costs. But they could deduct the entire amount they spent on these drug benefits - including the subsidies - from their taxable income. The new law allows companies to only deduct the 72 percent they spend. However, company executives have apparently changed their minds about the extent of that cost. Waxman's statement quotes an AT&T vice president saying that if other parts of law aimed at lowering health care costs are successful, "self-insured companies like AT&T would likely benefit from such reduced costs." According to a Waxman memo distributed to committee members, the companies were required to estimate the impact of the new health care law to comply with financial regulations. But the charges they cited will be spread out over decades, making it "only a fraction of the amount of the noncash charges reported." Waxman said he would "schedule hearings on the impact of the law as appropriate," but set no timeframe. Download entire article and committee report in PDF format.

First President Obama and Congress passed healthcare reform. And then, just this weekend, President Obama took another strong stand for working families. He filled much-needed vacancies on the National Labor Relations board (NLRB), the agency tasked with protecting workers' rights. So we're putting together a thank you card, to show the president our appreciation. Will you add your name? Send a thank you card to President Obama and encourage him to keep the momentum going for working families. Click below to send your card:

President Obama, making a muscular show of his executive authority just one day after Congress left for spring recess, said Saturday that he would bypass the Senate and install 15 appointees, including a union lawyer whose nomination to the National Labor Relations Board was blocked last month with the help of two Democrats. Download entire story in PDF format.

Some 132 members of Congress signed a letter urging President Obama to use his legal authority to make recess appointments to install Mark Pearce and Craig Becker on the National Labor Relations Board. Download CWA Press Release and copy of letter to President Obama in PDF format.

In a legal brief filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Thursday, March 25, the IBEW urged that commissioners reject the proposed sale of Verizon's landlines to Frontier as being contrary to the public interest. The union's final "brief in reply to exceptions" submitted to the ICC, refuted the two companies' pleadings and reiterated its support for Administrative Law Judge Lisa M. Tapia's proposed order denying the Verizon-Frontier application and rejecting the proposed merger. The union's 20-page brief supports the ALJ's findings that Frontier's business model is not viable and that the deal would harm customer service. "The IBEW and CWA only want to ensure that the people who work for Verizon in Illinois, and the public they serve, will not be harmed by the proposed sale," said Ron Kastner, Business Manager of Local 21, the largest IBEW telecom union in Illinois. "As the ALJ correctly found, the deal as it is presently structured is just too risky, and Frontier is too financially unstable, for the sale to be in the public interest." Download entire news item in PDF format

Two of Congress' leading fair-trade champions - Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) -have worked with an array of labor, environmental, consumer, faith and family-farm organizations to develop legislation that offers a progressive path to a new trade and globalization policy. This initiative sets forth what we are for -what a good trade agreement must and must not include. Plus, it shuts down the bogus claim that we are anti-trade or have no alternative vision because we oppose the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) & World Trade Organization (WTO) model that benefits the largest multinational corporations at the expense of workers, family farmers, food & product safety, the environment and human rights in the U.S. and around the world. Your Senators and Representatives work for YOU: Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and it never will. The corporations who cooked up WTO and NAFTA are pushing your members of Congress to do the wrong thing on trade and globalization -more of the same. U.S. trade policy is made by Congress. To force change, we must obtain the support from a majority in Congress. With polls showing the public opposes more of the same, every activist must speak for that majority by explicitly demanding that both of your Senators and your Representative cosponsor the TRADE Act. Call Illinois Senator Durbin and Illinois Representatives Quigley (5th), Halverson (11th) and Foster (14th) today: You can connect by calling 202-225-3121, the Capitol switchboard. From the representative's office, ask to be transferred to your senator. When you are connected to the representative's and senators' offices, ask for the "trade LA." This is the staffer who handles trade. Tell them you want your representative or senators to cosponsor the TRADE Act. Ask for a formal letter or email in response - as a constituent you'll get one. Please utilize the attached talking points and fact sheets for Illinois when talking to Senator Durbin and Representatives Quigley, Halverson and Foster. Included are facts depicting how Illinois' 5th, 11th & 14th Congressional Districts have been affected during the NAFTA-WTO period (1994-2009). In Unity: Liz VanDerWoude, President CWA Local 4250 Download talking points and fact sheets in PDF format below:

Wall Street executives don't want you to read this. Hearings have begun on Capitol Hill over the proposed Comcast-NBC merger. The merger would give Comcast unprecedented control of not just your television, but also all forms of online media. What makes things worse? Comcast has a long history of trampling on the rights of workers. When Comcast merged with AT&T Broadband in 2002, it launched a deliberate campaign to purge itself of the existing unions. The same can happen to NBC/Universal employees unless we speak out now. Take a moment and sign this petition to the U.S. House and Senate Committees who will be hosting the hearings and tell them why this merger is a bad investment for America: SIGN PETITION to your Senators and Congressman below:

Union membership rose by 1 percent in Illinois in 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. Since 1989, when comparable state data became available, Illinois has had union membership rates above the U.S. average, the report stated. Union members accounted for 17.5 percent of wage and salaried workers in Illinois in 2009, compared with 16.6 percent in 2008, the Labor Department said. At its peak in 1993, the union membership rate was 21.0 percent. Download entire article in PDF format.

Keep the Calls Pouring In Last Friday, thousands of you called Whirlpool Corp. headquarters asking them to Keep It Made in America and Save Our Jobs. More than 1,100 jobs, most of them held by IUE-CWA members, are at stake. Keep the pressure on. Give Whirlpool a call toll free today: 800-705-7083. Take Action below:

In December, we told you about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's campaign against the TRADE Act -- legislation to fix NAFTA and the WTO and head in a new direction on trade. The club that includes top corporate culprits like Wal-Mart, Bank of America and others that pushed the failed NAFTA/WTO trade model is lobbying to stop trade reform - that is, when they are not busy trying to kill President Obama's first-term agenda. So, it was quite a shock this week to learn that Obama's U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk has on his agency's website a direct link, listed as 'trade data', to the Chamber's lobbying materials!1 This is outrageous. Sign our petition to President Obama's trade representative telling him the Chamber of Commerce's trade distortions should not be cited by this administration. SIGN petition below:

The Whirlpool Corp. is closing a refrigerator manufacturing plant in Evansville, Ind., putting more than 1,100 IUE-CWA members out of work. Even worse, Whirlpool will continue to produce these refrigerators, but not in Evansville and not anywhere else in America. They are planning to manufacture them in Mexico, where weaker labor and environmental laws make them "cheaper" for Whirlpool to produce. Too many people have lost their jobs. Too many jobs have been sent overseas. Enough is enough. Whirlpool's management can't take our money, shut down our factories and lay off our workers. It's not acceptable, and together we're going to deliver a loud and clear message to Whirlpool: Keep It Made in America and Save Our Jobs. Sign our petition today.

President Obama must act immediately to restore the ability of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect the rights of American workers by giving recess appointments to two nominees who are being blocked by Senate obstructionists, said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Saying, "Enough is enough," Trumka is urging working people to call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1111 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 202-456-1414 and demand that President Obama use his executive power to appoint Craig Becker and Mark Pearce to the NLRB during the Presidents Day recess. We also ask that you to send an email to the President. Send him your email now by clicking on MORE below:

As you may have heard, there is concern Asian carp are making their way eastward along the waterways towards Lake Michigan. Asian carp can grow to be over 100 pounds and eat much of the food on which other fish depend. In order to stop the spread of carp, we've placed electric barriers on the waterway just outside our district, and I've fought for legislation that would provide funds for another barrier to be built. However, legislators in Michigan would like to see the locks that help maintain water flow in the Illinois waterways closed off, meaning barges could no longer move through the waterways from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi. This would put thousands of Illinois jobs in jeopardy. We should continue to protect the Great Lakes from these invasive species, but we must do so in a way that is balanced and protects the jobs that sustain many Illinois families. Download entire newsletter from Illinois 11th District Congresswoman Debbie Halverson in PDF format.

Thanks to your advocacy, the TRADE Act - the comprehensive reform bill that turns around our failed trade policy - has reached a key milestone. The bill has won support from over half the Democrats in the House of Representatives. That's right: because of you, we have a new trade reform majority! The legislation now has 137 cosponsors, but to actually implement President Obama's campaign commitments to trade reform - to replace NAFTA and make sure future agreements work for most people - the TRADE Act must have even more sponsors. Check to see if your Representative is a co-sponsor. If not, contact them NOW!

Wall Street executives don't want you to read this. This week, hearings began on Capitol Hill over the proposed Comcast-NBC merger. The merger would give Comcast unprecedented control of not just your television, but also all forms of online media. What makes things worse? Comcast has a long history of trampling on the rights of workers. When Comcast merged with AT&T Broadband in 2002, it launched a deliberate campaign to purge itself of the existing unions. The same can happen to NBC/Universal employees unless we speak out now. Take a moment and sign this petition to the U.S. House and Senate Committees who will be hosting the hearings and tell them why this merger is a bad investment for America: Click below to Sign the petition.

As you presumably know, in January the Supreme Court issued an outrageous decision that held for-profit corporations have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts of money from their treasuries to influence election outcomes. Public Citizen and our allies have launched a campaign for a constitutional amendment to overturn this decision, by establishing that corporations do not have the First Amendment rights (except for freedom of the press). The First Amendment was intended to protect the political and expressive interests of real, live humans, not artificial entity corporations. Our campaign aims to re-establish this modest principle. Sign our petition calling for such an amendment, which you can do by clicking below:

The clock is ticking on the Senate's chances to confirm the NLRB nominees. President Obama made his nominations right after he took office last January, but they're being held up because Republicans have blocked one of them, Craig Becker, due to his strong support of organizing rights. Republicans will continue to filibuster these nominations, and their ability to do so will only get stronger when Scott Brown takes his Senate seat on February 11th. To prevent that, we must act right now to push through confirmation of the NLRB nominees before Brown is seated. Waiting any longer will jeopardize the opportunity to confirm a Democratic majority on the NLRB. That would mean far weaker protections for workers across the country. Help us remind Senator Reid of the importance of these nominations by participating in our Twitter campaign. Click below to post your tweet, sign the petition, and stand up for stronger workers' rights:

A corporation isn't a person. But the U.S. Supreme Court, in its Citizens United decision, had no problem granting corporations the First Amendment rights that citizens enjoy. The court's 5-4 decision overturned federal and state campaign laws dating back to the early 19th century and declared that corporations have a constitutional right to use unlimited treasury funds to make so-called "independent expenditures" supporting or opposing candidates for public office. It's true that the court's decision applies to unions, too. But CWA continues to support a ban on using treasury funds to support or oppose political candidates, for corporations and unions. CWA, the United Auto Workers and the millions of active and retired workers that we represent know this is a flawed decision. It will allow corporations to dominate the political process, just like they are able to dominate the workplace, undermining laws that are supposed to protect worker bargaining and organizing rights. Corporations will be able to use the millions in their treasuries to exert massive pressure on elected officials. Just the threat of a "Swift Boat" type campaign will be enough, in most cases. The result: the voices and interests of ordinary Americans will be lost and their faith in representative democracy undermined. Until we can enact the real reforms needed, including public financing laws, CWA and the UAW are calling on Congress to act quickly and hold hearings that document the corrosive impact that these independent expenditure campaigns have on decision-making by public officials. Congress also must look to impose new requirements on corporate independent expenditure campaigns, including shareholder approval provisions and tougher disclosure and accountability measures. Ultimately, our nation needs a Supreme Court filled with justices who understand that corporations aren't people and simply don't have the first amendment rights that citizens enjoy. That's the only way we will prevent corporate wealth from dominating our political process. Download a statement by CWA President Larry Cohen on the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision:

CWA leadership, locals and our members have led the opposition to the excise tax. From the start, CWA leaders made it clear that a tax on workers' health care was the wrong way to finance health care reform. We fought against this plan in the Senate and supported our friends in the House of Representatives who outlined better ways to finance health care reform. We supported Connecticut House Representative Joe Courtney in obtaining 190 signatures on a letter opposing the excise tax. Because of this work, organized labor has been "at the table" and President Cohen and other labor union leaders have spent many hours talking with President Obama and White House officials to work out ways to ease the negative impact of this tax on our members. At the same time these discussions were taking place, you were keeping the pressure on: first the House, then the Senate, and then back to the House. All of this work set the stage for several days of continuous tri party bargaining and through these negotiations we made significant strides, not only in protecting our members, but in protecting all middle-class families who have health insurance coverage. Download PDF file below for more information

Add your voice to the national call-in day for health care reform today. Please call your U.S. representative now and urge him or her to vote for health care that will work for working families. After a long, hard fight, we're down to our final opportunities to make a difference on health care reform. Both the House and Senate have passed health care bills that will be merged into final legislation over the next few weeks. The House version is far better for working families -so please call your representative now and urge him or her to stick with working families and vote for health care reform. Download PDF for more information and phone number to call

Voting early is fast, easy and convenient in Illinois. Early voting for the February 2, 2010 Primary Election begins on Monday, January 11, 2010 and ends on January 28, 2010. In the 2008 General Election, nearly one out of every five Illinois voters cast their vote before the polls opened on Election Day. Download PDF flyer for more information

"Michigan Democrat John Dingell, at 83 the longest-serving member of the House, used two crutches to navigate the ice outside the Senate chamber as he made his way inside with his wife, Debbie, at his side. The galleries quickly filled with the guests of senators, as the lawmakers themselves trickled into the chamber and took their seats under the gaze of Kennedy's widow, Vicki. As the vote progressed, she grew tearful." 'Mr. President, this is for my friend, Ted Kennedy,' intoned Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., the longest-serving member of Congress in history, as he cast his vote for the bill. Download two articles in PDF format

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The U.S. Senate will soon vote on legislation that would tax CWA-negotiated employer health plans. The tax will be passed directly onto working families. To avoid the tax, employers will try to significantly cut benefits for active workers and pre-Medicare retirees. Download very informative CWA fact sheet that shows how it could affect CWA AT$T members and retirees

A leading bill in the U.S. Senate will tax our health care plans. This could mean thousands of dollars a year added to the cost of health insurance coverage for those employers that provide it. To avoid this tax, employers will try to cut our benefits. To keep what we have, we must stop this tax. Why tax our health plans when some employers don't pay for health care at all? Call your Senators today! 1-888-580-0792 Tell them: Don't tax our health plans! Every employer should pay! We need health care reform that helps us keep our plans. This tax will destroy them. DOWNLOAD**POST**DISTRIBUTE TO ALL!

Thank you for contacting me regarding the critical issue of health care reform. Hearing from my constituents allows me to better serve the 11th District. I was proud to support H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This legislation guarantees every American access to quality health care at an affordable price and will also end deceptive and discriminatory insurance practices which deny coverage to those who need it most. Download entire letter from Congresswoman Halverson in PDF format.

Join people from ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY as we TAKE ON the Insurance Industry at their national conference in downtown Chicago! When: Tuesday, November 17th 12:00 Noon Where: 12:00 PM - March Begins: Blue Cross H.Q. (300 E. Randolph) 12:30 PM - March Ends & Rally Begins: Renaissance Hotel (1 W. Wacker) Tell the Insurance Industry:"Get Out of the Way! We Demand Real Health Care Reform!" DOWNLOAD**POST**DISTRIBUTE TO ALL PDF FLYER

Calls, Calls, Calls Possibly the Most Important Week in 100-Year Fight for Health Care Reform Before you even read the rest of this article, call your U.S. Senators Today! DOWNLOAD**POST**DISTRIBUTE

Download ADOBE PDF slideshow of yesterday's AFL-CIO: 10/27/09 -"Showdown In Chicago." Pictures and sound provided by Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Chicago

More than 5,000 people packed the streets of downtown Chicago this morning, chanting, marching and rallying against Big Bankers and financial institutions that have taken taxpayer money and are using it to give big bonuses to CEOs and to lobby against financial reforms that would ensure they don't go back on the public dole. The crowd marched to the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, site of the American Bankers Association meeting, to protest the banking industry's greed and irresponsibility that crippled our economy, leaving millions of workers behind. After the house of cards they built collapsed, bankers and the financial industry took $700 billion in taxpayer funds for a bailout. But rather than reform their failed practices, they want to go back to business as usual -with the chance of again precipitating another financial collapse and need for taxpayer bailout in coming years. Download entire story in PDF format

To: All AT&T Local Officers and Members Please find attached the letter of agreement between CWA and AT&T on National Health Care Reform. This letter resulted as an offshoot of our recent bargaining. Thank you for your attention to this matter. In Unity, Lois J. Grimes-Patow Administrative Director Download letter of agreement in PDF format

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! IF YOU ARE ABLE - PLEASE join us outside the American Bankers Association convention to demand common sense financial reform that helps us rebuild our communities, our lives and our economy. We plan to join together outside their convention to demand common sense financial reform that helps us rebuild our communities, our lives and our economy. They will hear from Labor ON TUESDAY! We're going to remind the banks that they took a loan from us and the payment is PAST DUE. Join AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka TUESDAY, OCT. 27, 11 A.M. Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers 301 E. North Water St. Outside the American Bankers Association Convention (Gather at 10:30 a.m. at Wacker and Michigan -we'll march to the hotel). DOWNLOAD**POST**DISTRIBUTE TO ALL

The health care bill that passed the Senate Finance Committee this week would be a disaster for working families and retirees. CWA is continuing to work with the Obama administration, supporters in Congress, other unions and allies for real reform. There are now three legislative proposals on health care. H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act, is the bill that best meets CWA's priorities: no tax on health care; all employers must pay their fair share; a public plan option; and protections for pre-Medicare retirees. Download PDF document for more information

The Communications Workers of America has called on the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that its rulemaking process and discussions on how to preserve a free and open Internet take into account investment and job creation. CWA has long contended that the FCC is the appropriate place to address this issue, and the process should lead to "reasoned discussion among all stakeholders about the technical requirements of network management and the economics of broadband build-out to ensure continued private sector investment in advanced high-speed Internet networks while protecting an open Internet," CWA President Larry Cohen said in a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Download CWA position and copy of president Cohen's letter in PDF format.

HONEA PATH, S.C. (AP) - All that remains of the abandoned South Carolina textile mill that was the site of the deadliest violence during a national labor strike 75 years ago are crumbling brick walls, creaky wood floors and whispers of the tragedy. The fate of Chiquola Mills is unknown, the site slated for auction in November after the owner failed to pay $5,000 in taxes and stopped demolition amid tough economic times. There are some who want the horrific memories to fade with the building. Others see an opportunity to preserve a historic site where seven mill workers were gunned down when the superintendent, who was also the town mayor and judge at the time, ordered armed guards, many of them fellow townspeople, to fire into the striking workers. On Sept. 6, 1934, workers mired in the midst of the Great Depression and angry over low wages and harsh working conditions took to the streets and descended upon the mill as other employees were headed into work. Dozens of people were injured in the shooting and melee in Honea Path, a rural town in northwest South Carolina about midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, N.C. Download entire article in PDF format.

This was written by Al Mumm, the Vice President of the Nebraska Alliance for Retired Americans and the ex-President of Installation CWA Local 7290. Download opinion article in PDF format.

Watching the health care debate unfold these days is a little like watching scenes from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" - the ones showing a collage of strung-out, deranged or otherwise incapacitated patients rotting away in a squalid psychiatric ward. As the insurance industry's Nurse Ratched lurks in the background, congressional Democrats cower in the corner, fearing the phantom menace of their own shadows. Standing next to the window, suicidal Republican leaders rant about "death panels" and threaten to splatter their electoral prospects onto the pavement below. Nearby, White House officials struggle with multiple-personality ailments as they mumble contradictory statements about the public option. Meanwhile, Tea Party protesters lie on the floor in a fetal position, soiling their hospital diapers as they throw incoherent tantrums about everything from socialism to communism to czarism to Nazism. And, not surprisingly, Washington reporters just stare off into the distance, having been long ago lobotomized in the wake of their Watergate heyday. Download entire article in PDF format.

Yesterday was a great day at the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention: Delegates elected a historic ticket. Our new President Richard Trumka will be joined in leadership by two women, Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler and Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker. Shuler, 39, is the youngest person ever to become an officer of the AFL-CIO. The dynamic team will lead the union movement into an exciting future. Trumka, who previously served as AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer, Shuler, formerly the executive assistant to Electrical Workers (IBEW) President Edwin Hill, and Holt Baker, who was re-elected as executive vice president, were voted into office by acclamation Wednesday afternoon. Read & View Details Below:

President Barack Obama had a strong, inspiring message for delegates to the 2009 AFL-CIO Convention: We're going to make this country work again. In a speech punctuated by chants and standing ovations, Obama said he's committed to the same goals as the union movement: restoring the economy, getting health care for everyone and passing the Employee Free Choice Act. Take Link below to AFL-CIO website to view VIDEO of President Obama's address to the AFL-CIO convention.

This Labor Day weekend, we are taking a moment to reflect on the future of America's working men of women. Young workers today have lower-paying jobs than they did 10 years ago -those able to find jobs at all. Health care is a luxury, and retirement security is something for their parents, not them. In fact, 34 percent of workers younger than 35 still live at home with their parents. Low-income young workers are as likely to live with parents as on their own. A new report by the AFL-CIO and Working America, "Young Workers: A Lost Decade," finds that the economic meltdown over the past decade has handicapped young workers' ability to transition into adulthood and financial independence. Download enrire Labor day Message from the AFL-CIO.

"As we now see, union dues underwrote Democratic lawmakers who today block serious labor law reform and ignore past promises to fix NAFTA. Green groups' resources elected a government that pretends sham "cap and trade" bills represent environmental progress. Health care groups, promising to push a single-payer system, got a president not only dropping his own single-payer promises, but also backing off a "public option" to compete with private insurance. And antiwar funding delivered a Congress that refuses to stop financing the Iraq mess, and an administration preparing to escalate the Afghanistan conflict." Download entire opinion article by David Sirota in PDF format.

CWA Separates Truth From Lies: There is an organized movement to spread lies and distortions about health care reform. Legislation pending in the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 3200, is endorsed by President Obama and strongly supported by CWA. The insurance industry and other special interests are trying to derail reform by making false and misleading claims about health care legislation. Don't be fooled by their propaganda. Here are some common questions and answers:Download CWA Fact Sheet in PDF format.

Join the Communications Workers of America (CWA) for a candlelight march on Thursday, July 16 to shed some light on AT&T's attempt to cut the healthcare benefits for over 115,000 workers and our families across the country. AT&T is a highly profitable company. They made $12.9 1billion in profits last year alone and are on track to make huge profits again this year. So, why is AT&T trying to cut our healthcare? AT&T is the largest unionized company in the world. Instead of joining CWA and being a leader for healthcare reform, they are leading an ideological fight to diminish good, union jobs. CWA has fought hard over generations to move our members into the middle class. We've sacrificed wages, deferred retirement and other benefits to protect our families with decent healthcare coverage. Even Wal-Mart has joined the battle for healthcare reform! How sick is That? Download flyer in PDF format.

Last month, testimony in front of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation by a former health insurance insider named Wendell Potter made news even before it occurred: CBS NEWS headlined: "Cigna Whistleblower to Testify." After Potter's testimony the industry scrambled to do damage control: "Insurers defend rescissions, take heat for lack of transparency." In his first extended television interview since leaving the health insurance industry, Wendell Potter tells Bill Moyers why he left his successful career as the head of Public Relations for CIGNA, one of the nation's largest insurers, and decided to speak out against the industry. "I didn't intend to [speak out], until it became really clear to me that the industry is resorting to the same tactics they've used over the years, and particularly back in the early '90s, when they were leading the effort to kill the Clinton plan." Download PDF file with link to "Must See" Bill Moyers Video Interview

You all have so much to be proud of with the huge splash you've made with introduction of the 2009 Trade Reform Accountability, Development and employment (TRADE) Act. The bill was introduced at the end of June with 106 Original Cosponsors! - exactly DOUBLE the number at the moment of introduction last year. You access the materials on the unveiling, and the full cosponsor list to find your pickups here: http://www.citizen.org/hot_issues/issue.cfm?ID=2289 Download complete notice in PDF format.

Who were the 7 Senators who switched and brought us victory on E-Verify in the Senate today? Attempts to attach mandatory E-Verify to the Stimulus Bill in March failed when 50 Senators voted to kill the amendment by tabling it. But today, 7 of those 50 came over to our side. Click to see which NumbersUSA activists from what states we should be thanking. The vote today put the Senate on record as saying that returning military veterans and other unemployed Americans -- not illegal aliens -- should have government-paid jobs. Download vote information in PDF format.

Watch a new video on why we need the Employee Free Choice now. It includes footage of President Barack Obama, a strong supporter of workers' right, along with workers who have fought hard for a union voice and leaders like CWA President Larry Cohen.

America's labor law is broken. CWA has engaged in a campaign for the past 17 years that aims to fix it. After lots of hard work by our members, allies, and friends in Congress, an amazing opportunity exists right now to put in place a new law that set us on the right track -namely, the Employee Free Choice Act. The Employee Free Choice Act is legislation that will restore fairness in labor law that today overwhelmingly favors employers. Download CWA "EFCA Fact Sheet" in PDF format.

Some 3,000 CWA members joined in a rally at the Capital and two days of lobbying to demand that the government fix our broken health system. The rally was sponsored by Health Care for America Now!, one of CWA's partner organizations. An estimated 10,000 people attended. CWA President Larry Cohen, joining other labor, political and community leaders, told the rally crowd, "We have a message to employers: 'Get off our backs and get by our sides and fight together for health care for all.' " Download below for more information including videos, in PDF format.

While many workers are fighting for the right to form unions, a successful union election is often not the end of the battle. In recent years, most U.S. employees who have managed to form new unions have still been unable to bargain first contracts with their employers in a timely way, as companies use stalling tactics to effectively uphold the status quo. One widely advocated solution is first-contract arbitration, which gives a new union or the employer the option of entering binding arbitration when the parties cannot resolve their first collective bargaining session. EPI's June 25 Issue Brief, First-Contract Arbitration Facts: The Canadian Experience, outlines how this practice is more common in Canada, where it has been used successfully to help union employees win contracts and could be used as a model for win-win bargaining in the United States. The paper, which was co-authored by EPI Vice President Ross Eisenbrey, notes that first-contract arbitration has been used without weakening employers or the overall economy of Canada. Download EPI paper in PDF format.

Click below to view entire speech.

The Communications Workers of America broad principles for healthcare reform are that it should guarantee every one quality affordable healthcare with comprehensive benefits; let workers keep the health coverage they currently have; significantly control costs; provide for a strong government role, especially with respect to enforcing the rules by which private insurance companies operate; improve quality; and be based on progressive financing. The following are CWA's four specific priorities that will help achieve our principles for reform: 1.Employers should be responsible for covering their workers. 2.Guarantee coverage for pre-Medicare retirees. 3.Guarantee people a choice of private and public health insurance plans. 4.Do not tax the healthcare benefits of working families. Download details of CWA' Healthcare priorities in PDF format.

Download slideshow (pictures) from Healthcare Reform Rally held in Washington, DC on Thursday, June 25, 2009 in conjunction with the Annual CWA Legislative/Polical Conference, in Adobe PDF format.

CWAers were in Washington, D.C. for the 71st convention/legislative-political conference at exactly the right time, with Congress set to take action on Employee Free Choice, health care reform and many more critical issues for working families. CWA District 4 members and Vice President Seth Rosen meet with Indiana Senator Evan Bayh. During more than 200 appointments with members of Congress and their staffs, CWA members made sure that elected representatives were put on notice: "we're watching your votes on our top priorities and we'll make sure we know which side you're on." Download entire CWA Newsletter in PDF format

CWA Local 4250 representatives will participate in the CWA Annual Convention & Legislative Political Conference in Washington, DC June 21-26, 2009. Local 4250's TOP priority will be to demand that Illinois and Indiana Senators and Congressional Representatives SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR US in our ongoing contract negotiations with at$t Corp. at$t has the LARGEST UNIONIZED workforce in the United States and is VERY PROFITABLE yet they continue to demand unjustified "give backs" from CWA and IBEW members and retirees. In addition to requesting our Congressional Representatives support in our 4 month battle against at$t, we will also demand their support for "Rebuilding The Middle Class" issues such as, Health Care Reform, The Employee Free Choice Act and The T.R.A.D.E. Act, just to name a few.You may download CWA Fact Sheets on these items below:

Last night, CWA members from around the country tuned in to watch our second AT&T Unity e-Meeting. We apologize for the technical difficulties many of you experienced. To watch an archived version of the broadcast, please watch by clicking below.

Our second National Unity e-Meeting to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations with AT&T will happen -- on Wednesday, May 27th at 9 pm EDT. Register now to attend this exciting and important event. CWA's bargaining teams continue to work hard to reach an agreement with AT&T, but as of today we remain far apart from the company on some key issues. During the National Unity e-Meeting we will provide updates on the negotiations with AT&T. CWA President Larry Cohen, Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Rechenbach, and the Vice Presidents who are involved in bargaining will join me to answer questions from CWA members like you about the issues that matter most. To participate in the e-Meeting, you must register in advance. Take a moment to sign up and submit your question right now:

SAMPLE LETTER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA:(From CWA Local 2252) President Obama, I respectfully support all your initiatives in regards to the Economic Stimulus Package. To that end, I would like to make you aware of a situation that is attempting to undermine what you are trying to accomplish. On Feb. 24, 2009 at&t and the Communications Workers of America started Contract negotiations affecting 180,000 employees across the USA, and probably twice as many retiree's. There are 5 separate contracts that expired April 4, 2009, with a 6th expiring in August 2009. AT&T is trying to undo all that has been accomplished in negotiations over the last 50 years. Of paramount concern is the fact that as of this date, at&t intends to stop paying for retiree health care. Thus far they have refused to even discuss retiree health care. In addition at&t intends to triple current employee's health care costs. All this, despite the fact that at&t profited 12.8 billion dollars last year with revenues of 122 billion dollars. CEO Randall Stephenson is trying to compare at&t to General Motors. General Motors is on the verge of bankruptcy, at&t is an extremely profitable company that is well positioned for the future. Any assistance you can provide in this endeavor, would be greatly appreciated Respectfully, (your name) To send your letter to the President, please click below and fill in the form. Write your letter in the message space or Copy and Paste the sample letter above to President Obama in the message section, after filling in the form, then click SUBMIT. That's all there is to it. DO IT, TODAY AND ASK YOU FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALSO

The time for comprehensive fair trade reform is upon us: the 2009 version of the Trade Reform Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act will be introduced into Congress shortly after the spring recess (April 6-April 17.)The TRADE Act lays out a new way forward for U.S. trade policy to achieve important goals such as creating good jobs, ensuring food safety, as well as promoting basic human rights, healthy communities and environmental protection. We've attached here a fact sheet outlining the TRADE Act and the actual text of the House version of the bill. Many of you worked alongside us last year to make the 2008 TRADE Act a huge success that won the co-sponsorship of 82 Senators and Representatives. Dozens of freshmen members of Congress campaigned on a progressive trade reform platform bringing us an tremendous opportunity to increase congressional support for the TRADE Act. We look forward to working with you to make the most of this chance for trade reform. Download FACT SHEET for the 2009 TRADE ACT, in PDF format.

AT&T is trying cuts its workers' health benefits. In contract negotiations with CWA, the telecom giant has proposed huge increases in health care costs for its workers and their families - in some cases tripling what they would pay. Even though its profits continue to grow, the telecom giant is trying to use the current recession as an excuse to squeeze its workers out of the benefits they've earned. Given our nation's economic condition, a strong company like AT&T should be leading the way, showing how America can grow jobs, build communities, and achieve guaranteed health care for everyone. Write to your members of Congress and urge them to contact AT&T's CEO Randall Stephenson about his company's attempts to cut our benefits. If companies like AT&T don't step up in this recession -- and instead hide behind it to squeeze their workers even more -- we will never be able to turn our economy around. But if we work together with strength, unity, and solidarity, we can reach a fair agreement that protects benefits for workers at AT&T and their families. Thank you for standing strong. In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Click below To Write Your Congressional Representative and Senators:

Between now and May 8, 2009, all Local 4250 at$t Corp. Members and retirees must focus on obtaining as many letters as possible from your individual members of Congress and U.S. Senate in Illinois and Indiana. I have enclosed a list of all Congressional and U.S. Senate Representatives in the States of Illinois and Indiana. I have included a fact sheet on the background of CWA and AT$T negotiations and a "sample letter" to Randall Stephenson, CEO of at$t Corp. The purpose of your call to your elected member of Congress is to request they send a letter to Randall Stephenson. I suggest you ask for their fax number to send them the "sample letter" and "background of AT$T and CWA negotiations". If your Representative agrees to send a letter, request a copy and give it to your Chief Steward ASAP! CWA also would like your representative's permission to use their names publically as we may want to collectively use their names in an ad or in some other way. Finally, I have included a copy of an excellent synopsis of our current "Pace of Bargaining" written by Christina Huggins, Executive Vice President of CWA Local 9415. I could not have said it better, Christina. I can not emphasize how critically important this mobilization request is. Today, is MAY DAY! In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Download entire mobilization activity package in PDF format.

On April 28, union members across the U.S. will observe Workers' Memorial Day to remember and honor those who have been killed or injured on the job. The theme of this year's observance is "Good Jobs. Safe Jobs. Give Workers a Voice for a Change." Under President Obama's leadership, American workers have a strong voice in Washington for the first time in eight years. We have seen positive changes that will help protect workers' rights on the job. But the struggle continues to uphold and enforce the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act that was signed over 30 years ago, guaranteeing safe working conditions for us all. If you know of a worker, union or nonunion, who was killed on the job in 2008 please contact your local Central Labor Council so we can make sure they are honored at the local event. Please check back to see a complete list of Workers' Memorial Day events in Illinois sponsored by AFL-CIO Central Labor Councils. Click below to view the Workers' Memorial Day flyer in PDF format.

What a night! Over 20,000 of you joined us to make CWA's first ever National Unity e-Meeting a great success. If you missed the showing, you can take a look at the video on demand at www.cwaunion.tv by entering your email address. Thank you to everyone who submitted questions and sent in your recordings. We hope we can count on your continued support and participation. Our solidarity and our unity will help us get the contract we deserve. Annie Hill Executive Vice President p.s. I will be in touch next week about the next steps you can take to help us engage members of Congress in our fight. Click MORE below to view video of last night's meeting.

Be part of a historic, national online Bargaining Membership Unity E-Meeting for 125,000 CWA members at AT$T. Listen and watch live over the Internet. Hear from your coworkers across the country and from CWA President Larry Cohen. Be There! We're Standing Together For A Fair Contract! Also, contains a live link to register for the membership meeting. DOWNLOAD***COPY***POST***DISTRIBUTE the attached PDF flyer to ALL CWA at$t Corp. "core" members and retirees. Be part of history!

Labor unions and workers will once again gather to celebrate the annual reclaiming May Day at Haymarket Square. This year's plaque will be dedicated by the AFL-CIO. A national AFL-CIO representative will speak about labor's fight to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. The President of United Electrical Workers Local 1110 will talk about the local factory occupation of Republic Windows and how they inspired workers all over the world to stand up and save jobs. Please come to the Haymarket Monument Friday, May 1st at 4:00PM Randolph St. and DesPlaines Ave.,Chicago. Download flyer in PDF format.

Proceeds go to Ana' Garden of Hope, a benefit for Analise Deanching, who was diagnosed at 20 months old with Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Ana is the grand-daughter of former CWA Local 4250 member, Ken Lowenstrom. Download flyer for more information, in PDF format.

For AT&T to risk a strike when it has no reason to push the Unions to this extreme measure is just irresponsible. It shows they care more about their own bottom line than they do about the business customers AT&T serves. We want a fair agreement that rewards our hard work and helps us take care of our families and our futures. Certainly, AT&T can afford to do right by employees and retirees. Please tell AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson to protect your AT&T services and to come to a fair agreement with AT&T employees. You can leave a message with Mr. Stephenson's office at 210-351-5401 or e-mail him at rs2982@att.com Thank you for your support. Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Download entire letter in PDF format. PRINT***COPY*** DISTRIBUTE to ALL at$t business customers in your hometown area between today and Saturday, April 4, 2009.

IBEW Union Local 21 has invited CWA Local 4250 members/retirees to "Walk In Solidarity" in the annual South-Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 15, 2009. Download PDF flyer for more information. Call CWA Local 4250 Executive Vice-President, George Sullivan to reserve a spot. George can be reached at 312-307-4250.

"I write today about another of the state's Democrat, this one a candidate in Tuesday's special primary election for the overwhelmingly Democratic congressional district in Chicago's North Side that until recently was represented by Rahm Emanuel. As events would have it, this candidate has a lot in common with Obama. Both are Harvard Law grads. Both have authored notable books. Both worked on behalf of unemployed steelworkers: Obama as a community organizer, this candidate as a lawyer who won 2,500 of them their pensions after their employer refused to pay up. And both have politically problematic names. Little about Tom Geoghegan resembles Ronald Reagan, but his hard-to-decipher last name rhymes with the former president's. A wry, heterodox liberal intellectual with a lifelong passion for American workers." Download entire article by Harold Meyerson in PDF format.

Click on below to open a detailed rally flyer * PRINT * COPY * DISTRIBUTE *

Fair Trade Letter Signers: The letter that each of your Organizations has endorsed was just sent to all Members of the House and Senate with 347 organizational signatures - a huge success! A version of the final copy is attached.Your efforts are much appreciated. Thanks to your dedication, 2009 offers the best chance yet to turn back the tide and being to construct a global economy that prioritizes working people, the environment, sustainable agriculture, equitable access to medicine, food & product safety, human rights, and just people-centered development. We look forward to being in touch in the coming weeks regarding next steps to promote true reforms like the comprehensive reform bill called the TRADE Act, and to stave off any hangover Bush NAFTA expansions that might real their heads. Your willingness to take action and translate your convictions into deeds is what's brought our movement this far. More of the same will be needed if we are to make the most of the opportunity to remake the global economy - one that looms amidst the all uncertainty of the economic crisis and despite its devastating toll on our communities. In Solidarity, - James Ploeser Senior Organizer, Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch jploeser@citizen.org & www.tradewatch.org + 202.454.5111 (office) 202.547.7392 (fax)++ Check out our blog at www.EyesOnTrade.Org! (NOTE:)CWA Local 4250 and IBEW Local Union 21 endorsed this Fair Trade Policy inititive sent to all members of the U.S. House and Senate. Download copy in PDF format.

Twenty years ago Elizabeth Glaser set out to change the world -- to save her son's life after her daughter died and to make sure that every child with HIV/AIDS had a chance for a healthy life. Two years later, Barbara Easterling and the Communications Workers of America heard her powerful voice at the annual convention, and there began a great partnership that is alive today. While Barbara retired in 2008 after a distinguished term of service, the Foundation was pleased to welcome Annie Hill, CWA's new Executive Vice President, as her replacement on our Board of Directors. To say that the Foundation has come a long way since then is an understatement. We also are now working in more than 3,200 sites in 18 countries around the world. In a day and age when the word "global" has taken on a whole new meaning, the support of CWA has been crucial in the Foundation's efforts to create a generation free of HIV. Download entire message from Annie hill, CWA Executive Vice-President, in PDF format.

"CHICAGO, Jan. 22, 2009 - In response to President Barack Obama's recent call for all Americans to participate in an annual national day of service on January 19, Share Our Strength and AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), along with the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the AT&T Pioneers, recently announced two programs to fight childhood hunger. The initiatives include a text-donation program and a nationwide AT&T food drive that involves employees in the Chicagoland area. Today, AT&T announced that its Chicago food drive collected the equivalent of nearly 6,700 meals that will be distributed by the Greater Chicago Food Depository." Download Press Release with pictures added by CWA Local 4250 Chicago, in PDF format.

If you or any of your family or friends live in the following Zip Codes in Will Township, Illinois, (60468 - Peotone, 60401 - Beecher, 60449 - Monee, 60940 - Grant Park or 60417 - Crete) please VOTE for Dave Fazzini, for Will Township Supervisor in the Tuesday, April 7, 2009 election. Dave is an IBEW Local 134 System Technician and has been an AT$T employee for 23 years and is currently with AT$T DataComm. I have included a brief biography and a flyer for a fundraiser to be held in Dave's behalf on Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Aurelio's Pizza at 436 Dixie Highway, Beecher, Illinois from 1:30 PM till 3:30 PM. If you can't attend, send a donation. Information can also be found at the Will Township Unity Website at: http://www.willtownship.com/17.html In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Lynwood. Illinois

"Here's a delightful surprise from, of all places, Fox News. When Neil Cavuto interviewed Stewart Acuff, special assistant to the president at the AFL-CIO, about the Employee Free Choice Act, he was pleasantly surprised to find that, contrary to corporate spin, the Employee Free Choice Act does not take away the secret ballot process. Here's a message to Neil Cavuto and the media covering the Employee Free Choice Act: Stop taking the corporate lobbyists, lawyers and shills at their word, and start looking at the facts. Corporate misbehavior has prevented millions of workers from having the freedom to bargain for a better life, and the Employee Free Choice Act will restore the balance and put the power back where it belongs." The SPIN STOPS HERE! Download entire AFL-CIO blog in PDF format.

As you can see from Tom's announcement speech this week, his campaign is fundamentally about the question he asked in his famous book - the haunting question of the labor movement: Which Side Are You On? Tom's on our side. That sounds like a cliche because so many hack politicians have used that kind of rhetoric - but it's actually genuinely true with Tom Geoghegan.This race will likely be low-turnout and low-media and it will almost certainly be decided in the Democratic primary. That means grassroots fundraising is going to be key. Please throw a few bucks his way. If we had even one Tom Geoghegan in Congress, it would be a huge step forward for our movement. Rock the boat, David Download entire view of David Sirota in PDF format.

The erosion and elimination of employer-sponsored health care coverage for retirees took a step forward on September 25, 2008 when NRLN President Bill Kadereit testified before an important U.S. House of Representatives Committee. In the hearing on "Safeguarding Retiree Health Benefits," Bill told the Committee on Education and Labor that maintenance of health care benefits in effect on the day of retirement is a top NRLN priority. He also said that two other NRLN priorities are the inclusion of catastrophic coverage in Medicare and the creation of a Medicare buy-in option, at cost, for all under age 65 retirees. Click below to read the report on Bill's appearance before the Committee and the text of his testimony presented for support of HR 1322.

"The first and biggest test of Mr. Obama's commitment to labor, and to Ms. Solis, will be his decision on whether or not to push the Employee Free Choice Act in 2009. Corporate America is determined to derail the bill, which would make it easier than it has been for workers to form unions by requiring that employers recognize a union if a majority of employees at a workplace sign cards indicating they wish to organize. Ms. Solis voted for the bill when it passed the House in 2007. Senate Republicans prevented the bill from coming to a vote that same year. Mr. Obama voted in favor of bringing the bill to the Senate floor and supported it during the campaign. The measure is vital legislation and should not be postponed." Download entire New York Times Editorial in PDF format.

"From the presidency to both chambers of Congress and from the traditionally "free trade" Florida to Colorado and New York to New Mexico, successful candidates in 2008 election races ran on a platform of fundamental overhaul of U.S. trade and globalization policies including a growing number of Republicans, with a net increase in Congress of at least 30 fair trade supporters, according to our new report, Fair Trade Gets an Upgrade (PDF). The number of fair-trade pick-ups in Congress may increase depending on the results of several races not yet called. Download new report in PDF format.

When given the opportunity to be "naughty or nice" this holiday season, Bush has clearly opted to go down as one of the naughtiest, most sinister presidents in our nation's history. We've created a satirical spin on the famous poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, in order to show President Bush crafting his last-minute agenda for health care, the environment, civil liberties, and labor practices -- rules that will affect everyone and will be difficult for the next administration to overturn. We are using humor here in the hopes that it both commands people's attention and enables us to shine a light on these all-too-serious midnight regulations. Download PDF article for more information and link to watch the video.

I think it's time for a little levity in another Illinois political scandal!

"There are defining moments in politics. Here Republicans defined themselves. They are not free-market conservatives, for they were willing to do the bailout. They don't object to nationalizing the banks or micromanaging the auto industry on the fly. They are class warriors, willing to risk a worse global economic calamity in order to break a union and force workers into bankruptcy. "Herbert Hoover time." Let's not forget this last ignoble obstruction, committed just as the Senators went home for the holidays." Download two articles from Campaign For America's Future in PDF format.

Look what happened to the workers at Chicago-based Republic Windows and Doors. The company was losing business, and according to some of its employees, had been in recent weeks secretly moving some heavy equipment out of the plant, possibly in preparation for relocation to some lower-wage location. Then its bank, Bank of America, one of the nation¹s largest financial institutions, and a recent recipient of $25 billion in federal bailout funds from the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank, informed the company that it would not supply credit for the firm to meet payroll. The workers were told by management that the plant would be shut down in three days. At many companies across America, such news would be met by groans and tears, but by little else. What can an employee do when the boss says the company is closing its doors? Well, Republic¹s workers, members of the United Electrical Workers union, didn¹t take the news lying down. They took it sitting down on the factory floor. Download entire article in PDF format. Workers in America need the Employee Free Choice Act NOW!

CWA locals across the country will mark International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 with a colorful reminder that human rights include workers' rights, starting with the right to form a union. Download PDF flyer for more information, distribution and posting.

"It's now clear that Obama intends to stimulate the economy through large direct government spending on infrastructure projects as well as through business and individual tax cuts," said Mr. Bledsoe, now an official of the National Commission on Energy Policy, a nonpartisan research group in Washington. "He is advocating things like guaranteeing every American a college education, wiring the entire country for Internet, putting in a smart electric grid. If he can do it, these will be major systemic advantages for the United States in the competitive global economy." Although Mr. Obama is weeks away from taking office, Friday's grim jobs report heightened pressure on him to assert leadership before his inauguration. Download New York Times article By PETER BAKER and JOHN M. BRODER in PDF format.

Red Cross "Holiday Mail Call" Program 2008 Guidelines The American Red Cross is pleased to announce that it will sponsor a national "Holiday Mail Call" program in 2008 as it did in 2007! Last year the red Cross reviewed and distributed over 600,000 cards to our wounded service members at hospitals around the country and overseas.! Download guidelines flyer in PDF format for posting and distribution to all members. DEADLINE is Wednesday, December 10, 2008.

Since World War II, Democratic presidents have increased the national debt by an average of 3.7 percent per year, and Republican presidents have increased it an average of 10.1 percent. During the same time period, the unemployment rate was, on average, 4.8 percent under Democratic presidents; it was 6.3 percent under Republicans. That's the historical record. Download article by Arthur L. Blaustein in PDF format.

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"The change that Obama talks about so much is not simply a change in this policy or that one. It is not fundamentally about lobbyists or Washington insiders. Obama envisions a change in the way we deal with one another in politics and government. His opponents may say this is empty, abstract rhetoric. In fact, it is hard to imagine how we are going to deal with the grave domestic and foreign crises we face without an end to the savagery and a return to civility in politics. ----------------------- This endorsement makes some history for the Chicago Tribune. This is the first time the newspaper has endorsed the Democratic Party's nominee for president." Download the entire Editoral from the Chicago Tribune in PDF format.

Download an Important message from the Communications Workers of America.

Don't let John McCain and his health care tax plan undermine our health care and raise our taxes. Download CWA flyer for more information.

"McCain was a staunch opponent of the bipartisan Webb/Hagel GI Bill. This bill would have provided better educational opportunities to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. McCain called this bill "too generous" and tried to introduce his own watered down bill. McCain didn't even bother to show up to vote for the bill. After it passed the two staunchest opponents of the GI Bill, President Bush and John McCain, tried to take credit for its passage." Download entire blog in PDF format.

Back in October 2007, when McCain's candidacy still appeared dead and buried, the Senator berated the two Republican front runners for lacking the necessary political experience to handle commander in chief responsibilities. "I have had a strong and a long relationship on national security, I've been involved in every national crisis that this nation has faced since Beirut, I understand the issues, I understand and appreciate the enormity of the challenge we face from radical Islamic extremism," the Senator declared. "I am prepared. I am prepared. I need no on-the-job training. I wasn't a mayor for a short period of time. I wasn't a governor for a short period of time." View Video below:

Let's say that you enjoyed watching last week's Republican National Convention on television. Let's say you drank in the almost uniformly white faces and the regimented revivalism, you clapped when speakers belittled Democratic nominee Barack Obama's work organizing impoverished communities, indeed, you cheered with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's zinger, "Drill, baby, drill!" Let's further stipulate that you were not at all discomfited by the convention's incessant "Country First" mantra that defines loyalty to America as lockstep fealty to the Republican Party. Let's say - for sheer argument's sake, of course - all of this is true. What, then, of the substance? Stripping away the partisanship, passion and propaganda, what about the veracity of the claim that the GOP puts this country first? Well, let's just say it's a little dicey. Download entire perspective by David Sirota in PDF format. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Download CWA PDF flyer comparing Obama and McCain on various issues. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Download comparison flyer between Barack Obama and John McCain on various veterans' issues, in PDF format. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Innovation drives long-term national economic growth and has in fact been responsible for 80 percent of the growth in the U.S. economy since World War II. This places technology and innovation squarely at the center of the issue the economy that voters have identified as the most important in the 2008 Presidential election. The report presents one of the most comprehensive reviews of the two Presidential candidates views on issues relating to technology and innovation, including: tax, R&D funding, education, trade, broadband, e-government, energy, and related policies. Download excellent comparison report in PDF format. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Download CWA Flyer from Barbara Easterling, CWA Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus, a trail-blazer for women's rights and breaking the "Glass Ceiling." YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

What does vice presidential nominee and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin have to say on crucial issues that affect real people's lives? Remarkably little, as it turns out. Palin, like Sen. John McCain and other politicians, gave a speech at the Republican National Convention that was heavy on biography, filled with vague rhetoric and misleading, easily debunked statements about her public record. What she--and McCain--didn't offer were any proposals that would help workers and families struggling in the economy. We've done some research and pulled together information on Palin here, as part of our Working Families Vote website. Download PDF file for more information. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

The issue isn't so much what we heard from the Republicans. The attacks the Republicans launched were the same tired, old lines we heard in 2000 and 2004. The issue is what we didn't hear.We didn't hear about the middle class, or housing, or a concrete plan to keep American jobs here. It can be tempting to listen to all the jeering and get sucked in, but it's no substitute for a plan. And Joe Biden saw right through it.Check out Joe tearing apart the Republican distraction tactics and share the video today below: YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Last night John McCain accepted the Republican nomination for President of the United States.In his speech, Senator McCain bragged about taking on "union bosses," grouping the labor movement in with corrupt lobbyists, crooked defense contractors, and dishonest tobacco and drug companies.This is just the latest example of John McCain's hostility toward unions. But don't just take it from me -- watch this video of Bill McGlashen, a member of the AFA-CWA in Arizona and a lifelong Republican, talking about why he won't support John McCain: Download entire message from Annie Hill, EVP CWA, in PDF format. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

It may be working for greedy insurance and drug companies - but it sure is not working for workers, retirees or employers. What ails the system can't be fixed at the bargaining table. We must elect candidates who will reform our nation's health care system so that we all have health care we can count on.But do you know what the candidates are proposing? We've developed a fun tool to help you learn about Barack Obama and John McCain's health care plans. The CWA Health Care Challenge puts the candidates on stage as you match each candidate to the policy he supports and identify which policies support CWA's principles for health care reform. Play the game now - the results may surprise you! YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

"I intend to win this election and keep our promise alive as President of the United States. What is that promise? It's a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have the obligation to treat each other with dignity and respect. It's a promise that says the market should reward drive and innovation and generate growth, but that businesses should live up to their responsibilities to create American jobs, look out for American workers, and play by the rules of the road. Ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves - protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools and new roads and new science and technology. Our government should work for us, not against us. It should help us, not hurt us. It should ensure opportunity not just for those with the most money and influence, but for every American who's willing to work. That's the promise of America - the idea that we are responsible for ourselves, but that we also rise or fall as one nation; the fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper; I am my sister's keeper. That's the promise we need to keep. That's the change we need right now. So let me spell out exactly what that change would mean if I am President." Download text of entire speech (PDF) and a link to view the video. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

"Hello, fellow Democrats! Are you ready for November? (Cheers, applause.) This one's for you, Stephanie. Fellow Democrats, let's go to Election Day. It's Election Day 2008. And we Democrats are giving America a wake-up call. Wake up, America." Download entire text of Kucinich speech at the Democratic convention and YouTube video link.

John McCain's record and words speak for themselves. Why won't he help protect Harley workers jobs. Why does he oppose "Buy American" rules? Download flyer for more information. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Download CWA Flyer comparing candidates Obama and McCain position on several issues important to retired Americans. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

Union members respect Sen. John McCain's service to our country. When will he start respecting ours? Although McCain talks about his support for veterans, he repeatedly votes against increased funding for veterans' health care, and more. We call on John McCain to join us in supporting our veterans and working to turn around America. Download CWA and AFL-CIO flyers on John McCain's voting record on veterans' and other issues. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

"Honoring these ideals must mean honoring the men and women who defend them in the uniform of the United States.... It requires giving them the care and benefits they have earned. And it requires standing shoulder to shoulder with our veterans and their families after the guns fall silent and the cameras are turned off." __ Barack Obama, Fargo, N.D., 7/3/08. Download AFL-CIO flyer on Obama's record on benefits for veterans. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

"John McCain doesn't care about Social Security, and I guess if you're married to an heiress you don't have to. But for the rest of us, it's the difference between staying afloat when you're retired or living in poverty." - James Starr, President CWA Retired Members Council. Download CWA PDF flyer on McCain's voting record on Social Security benefits. YOU decide who will bring REAL CHANGE to America!

"We must get the Republicans totally out of power, or we will have no country left for the Democrats to mess up. I say this as a person who has done as much for the Republican Party as anyone. I helped to devise and to get implemented an economic policy that cured stagflation and that brought Republicans back into political competition after Watergate. If I could have looked into a crystal ball and seen that under a free trade banner, Republicans would enable corporate executives to pay themselves millions of dollars in "performance pay" for deserting their American work forces and hiring foreigners in their place, thus destroying the aspirations and careers of millions of Americans, I never would have helped the Republicans. If a crystal ball had revealed that a neoconned Republican Party would launch wars of naked aggression against countries that posed no threat to the United States, I would have shouted my warnings even earlier.The neoconned Republican Party is the greatest threat America has ever faced. Let me tell you why." Read entire article, in PDF format.

Download today's New York Times Op-Ed in PDF format.

The Democratic-led Congress this afternoon voted to put an end to the NSA spying scandal by approving a bill to immunize lawbreaking telecoms, terminate all pending lawsuits against them, and vest whole new warrantless eavesdropping powers in the President. The vote in favor of the new FISA bill was 69-28. Barack Obama joined every Senate Republican (and every House Republican other than one) by voting in favor of it, while his now-vanquished primary rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, voted against it. The bill will now be sent to an extremely happy George Bush, who already announced that he enthusiastically supports it, and he will sign it into law very shortly. Download complete story in PDF format.

Join the group on Senator Obama's website Blog to tell him to vote NO on Telecom immunity.

WASHINGTON - A federal judge in California said Wednesday that the wiretapping law established by Congress was the "exclusive" means for the president to eavesdrop on Americans, and he rejected the government's claim that the president's constitutional authority as commander in chief trumped that law. Download entire article in PDF format.

Democrats are trying to rationalize capitulating on surveillance and telecom immunity in the new FISA bill by calling it a compromise. It isn't. A "compromise" usually involves parties in conflict each giving something up to seek a middle ground. So it was strange to see the term bandied about on Friday, when the House of Representatives -- after holding strong for months against White House demands -- passed a surveillance reform bill that will grant legal amnesty to telecoms that participated in the National Security Agency's program of warrantless wiretapping, and give George Bush carte blanche to continue listening to our international calls with only the most anemic court oversight. A vote in the Senate could come as early as today. Download entire article in PDF format.

Senator John McCain's presidential campaign has strong connections to the high-powered lobbyists employed by AT&T and other telecommunications companies to escape from responsibility for violations of federal law, with paid lobbyists occupying prominant positions in the upper echelons. Last fall Newsweek reported on the telecom's "secretive lobbying campaign to get Congress to quickly approve a measure wiping out all private lawsuits against them for assisting the U.S. intelligence community's warrantless surveillance programs." The magazine named some of the chief telecom immunity lobbyists: Download complete article in PDF format.

In his statement, Biden wrote that the FISA statute, which he helped draft, "made clear the exclusive legal steps the President must take in order to conduct national security surveillance." "President Bush chose to ignore the law and now it seems Senator McCain will continue this policy," Biden writes. "Once again - there is no daylight between President Bush and Sen. McCain." Download article in PDF format.

"To require a review of existing trade agreements and renegotiation of existing trade agreements based on the review, to set terms for future trade agreements. to express the sense of the Senate that the roll of Congress in trade policymaking should be strengthened, and for other purposes." Download Senate text of the "TRADE Act of 2008", in PDF format.

" In our nation corporate management is hollowing out our economic capacity. Our good jobs in manufacturing are disappearing. The manufacturing deficit alone is $500 billion - that's twice the size of our bill for OPEC oil. Manufacturers producing in China annually send us $256 billion more in goods than we send them. That's the equivalent of having exported 2.2 million jobs between 1997 and 2006. Since China became a member of the WTO in 2001, we've seen a steady loss of manufacturing jobs. Those goods are produced by Chinese workers who earn between 49 and 98 cents an hour, plus 30 percent of that paltry wage in benefits, according to Supply Chain Digest. Think about the implications of a total trade deficit of more than $700 billion dollars. The US has lost more than 3 million well-paid, middle-class jobs since 2001. In addition, the offshoring of service, technical and professional jobs has expanded dramatically. Download entire statement of Larry Cohen President CWA in PDF format.

WASHINGTON - "United States Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today was joined by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Congressman Mike Michaud (D-ME), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez (D-Lakewood), and other members of Congress at a Capitol Hill news conference to introduce the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development, and Employment (TRADE) Act. Endorsed by more than a dozen fair trade groups, the TRADE ACT is a first of its kind pro-trade bill that would revamp U.S. trade policy. The bill would mandate trade pact reviews, establish standards, protect workers in developing nations, and would help restore Congressional oversight of future trade agreements. "The TRADE ACT will help Congress and the White House craft a trade agreement that benefits workers, business owners, and our country,"{ said Brown. "We want trade, and we want more of it. The TRADE Act is a critical first step on a new path for trade." Brown, who led the bipartisan House opposition to the Central American Free Trade Agreement, was also joined by International Brotherhood of Teamsters President James Hoffa, Communication Workers of America President Larry Cohen, and fair trade advocates from faith-based, farm, and environmental groups. "Trade done right means new jobs and new industry at home " and means lifting up workers in developing nations," Brown said. "For too long our nation's trade policy has exploited workers, betrayed middle class families, and destroyed communities. It is time for a trade policy that works for everyone, not just a few." Download Summary and House language of "The TRADE Act" in PDF format.

"For your information, attached is a press statement that I am releasing today, as a Democratic super delegate, announcing my personal endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. This is an individual endorsement; CWA has not yet taken an official position on the race. As most of you know, Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Easterling, who is also a Democratic super delegate, earlier pledged her support for Senator Hillary Clinton. We will put the issue of a national endorsement by CWA to delegates at our convention next month. Following our online political poll last fall, which showed our members divided in their support among several candidates, CWA's Executive Board encouraged locals to get actively involved in the political process in support of the candidate of their choice. That remains the Board's policy.: Signed by Larry Cohen. Download statement issued today in PDF format.

House leadership is on the precipice of caving in and handing over everything the President has demanded: expanded surveillance powers, and immunity for big phone companies that broke the law. Help stop them. Your member of Congress needs to hear that there will be a major backlash if he or she caves on FISA. Take action today and let your representative know you are watching (we'll also copy House Speaker Nancy Pelosi). Click below to Take Action Now!

The debate over a new surveillance authorization is likely to be complicated by figures showing sharp increases in the government's electronic eavesdropping on U.S. citizens. One report filed with the office of the administrator of the U.S. Courts shows that standard wiretaps approved by federal and state courts jumped 20 percent last year, from 1,839 in 2006 to 2,208 in 2007. Later this week another report is expected to also show increases in secret wiretaps and break-ins approved by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) in terror and espionage cases. But even these secret wiretaps and break-insestimated to be about 2,300tell only part of the story. They don't include other secret methods the government uses to collect personal information on U.S. citizens.Download article in PDF format.

"One court declaration, for example, confirms the existence of notes showing that a telecom representative called an Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) lawyer last fall to talk about "various options" to block the lawsuits, including "such options as court orders and legislation." Another declaration refers to a letter and "four fax cover sheets" exchanged between the telecoms and ODNI over the surveillance matter. Yet another discloses e-mails in which lawyers for the telecoms and the Justice Department "seek or discuss recommendations on legislative strategy." Download article in PDF format.

Workers around the globe today are celebrating International Labor Day, better known as May Day, to make it clear they want to live in a world where people live in peace and prosperity. On the U.S. West Coast, thousands of dockworkers are participating in a voluntary action by members of the Longshore Division of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union ([1] ILWU). The workers are refusing to work on the docks for eight hours today to demand that the United States immediately end the war and occupation in Iraq and Afghanistan and withdraw U.S. troops from the Middle East. The dockworkers action has drawn support from workers throughout the country, including the [2] Washington State Labor Council and the [3] Martin Luther King Jr. County Labor Council in Seattle. Workers in Seattle will march along the waterfront to demand an end not only to the war in Iraq but also to the war on workers, both here and abroad. Download entire article in PDF format.

"On Friday, the House of Representatives adopted H.R. 3733, the FISA Amendments Act. This carefully crafted legislation gives our intelligence agencies all the tools they need to protect our country and also protects our fundamental civil liberties. But, even before we were to consider the bill, we held a rare closed session to discuss surveillance legislation in a classified setting in light of Republican claims that they had important secret information. But those claims turned out to be false. Even behind closed doors, the Republicans were unable to provide any information that would support the overreaching changes sought by the White House. The House passed legislation that gives our intelligence agencies all the tools they need to defend our country consistent with the Constitution. It helps make changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act so that security and liberty are both protected." Download entire story in PDF format.

"Three powerful House Commerce Committee Chairmen strongly urged their colleagues Thursday to defer acting on requests for retroactive immunity and to demand more information from the White House and the telecommunications companies in the wake of disclosures by another whistleblower that the government apparently has been granted an open gateway to customer information and calls by a major telecommunications company." Download entire article ans copy of letter to Congress, in PDF format

"As the House of Representatives takes the time it needs to negotiate a bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the White House has launched a public assault on the legislative body. The administration claims that the House has endangered the country by letting the Protect America Act (PAA) expire and should pass the bill already approved by the Senate. The Senate bill, however, is unconstitutional and contains immunity for the telecommunications companies that aided the president's warrantless wiretapping program. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is urging the House to continue to stand strong for the Constitution." Download FACT sheet in PDF format.

Mark Klein is a retired AT&T telecommunications technician who blew the whistle on the government's warrantless surveillance program. When news reports of the illegal spying surfaced in December of 2005, Klein realized that he had been witness to -- and participated in setting up -- massive surveillance technology that violated the rights of millions of Americans. In early 2006, Klein brought EFF authenticated documents showing how AT&T diverted customers' communications to a room controlled by the National Security Agency. EFF now represents AT&T customers in a class-action lawsuit over the illegal spying. "The Pioneer Award winners this year show us how one person can truly make a difference in our digital world," said EFF Executive Director Shari Steele. "It's hard work to protect freedom, and we are so grateful for the invaluable contributions of Mitchell, Michael, and Mark." Download entire article in PDF format.

Finally, the House of Representatives has stood up to President Bush's fear-mongering. This week, the Bush White House tried to bully the House of Representatives on an important bill that affects your privacy. With cries of 'soft on terrorism," they insisted that the House pass a bill giving immunity to telecommunications companies that handed over the phone and email records of innocent Americans without a warrant. But House leaders refused to be steamrollered by Bush's fear tactics. Now the Bush administration is doing everything they can to force Congress to cave in to their demands. Tell the House to stand strong against such tactics. The truth is, the government has all the power its needs to keep us safe and this legislation is unnecessary and unconstitutional. Join me and tell the House to put "Facts Over Fear." Please sign our petition by clicking below. In Unity-Strength & Solidarity: Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250 Chicago

"The Senate approved granting legal immunity to telecom companies alleged to have helped the government's warrantless spy program, a victory for the White House. What's Next: The battle shifts to the House, where a bill passed last year doesn't include the immunity provision." Download on-Line WSJ article in PDF Format.

"After all, if the government need not bother with court orders to spy on Americans as part of its 9/11 Terrorist Surveillance Program, why should telecom companies have to respect the privacy of their customers? If there was ever a filibuster-proof amendment, this should have been it. We can't imagine why so many -- 18 Democrats and all Republicans, minus Sen. Lindsay Graham, who skipped this one -- voted against the amendment supported by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as well as Sens. Chris Dodd and Russell Feingold. In case you're keeping track, Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell voted for the amendment (bravo!), as did Sen. Barack Obama, whereas Sen. Hillary Clinton chose to sit this one out. To the 68 senators who sold us out by voting for the bill: You've really outdone yourselves this time. President Bush couldn't hope for better minions." Download complete article in PDF format.

Washington, D.C. - Today, a formidable trio of House Committee Chairmen sent a stern letter to their colleagues urging them to oppose immunity for phone companies that assisted in the NSA's warrantless wiretapping program. Download copy of letter in PDF format.

"Sorry, Mr. Bush. The eavesdropping provisions of FISA have obviously had no impact on counter-terrorism, and there is no current or perceived terrorist threat, the thwarting of which could hinge on an e-mail or a phone call going through room 641-A at AT&T in San Francisco next week or next month. "Because if there were, Mr. Bush, and you were to, by your own hand, veto an extension of this eavesdropping, and some terrorist attack were to follow, you would not merely be guilty of siding with the terrorists, you would not merely be guilty of prioritizing the telecoms over the people, you would not merely be guilty of stupidity, you would not merely be guilty of treason& but you would be personally, and eternally, responsible." Download entire article in PDF format.

"Bush will veto anything that does not include outright telecom immunity, and it is highly unlikely 17 Republicans will be willing to buck his demands and support even Feinstein's flawed "compromise." Feinstein will then be left with only two options - give Bush and the telecoms the immunity they seek, or stand with Senators Dodd and Feingold in defense of the Constitution, the rule of law, and fundamental American rights. Dodd has already taken the lead on this, and did so partly at the behest of the American public, as he explained on the Senate floor last Friday: "For several months now, I've listened to the building frustration over this immunity and this administration's campaign of lawlessness. I've seen it in person, in mail, online"the passion and eloquence of citizens who are just fed up. They've inspired me more than they know." It is my hope that Senator Feinstein will listen to the passion and eloquence of Californians, and stand with us against this indefensible power grab and subordination of the rule of law. Take action now and tell Senator Feinstein what you think!

"As the events of the last two months demonstrate, if citizen opposition is channeled the right way, it can make a genuine difference in affecting the course of events in Washington. Defeating telecom immunity will keep alive the lawsuits that will almost certainly reveal to some extent what the Government did in illegally spying on Americans over the last six years or, at the very least, produce a judicial adjudication as to its illegality. And, in turn, the effects from that could be extremely significant. Because victories are so rare, its easy to get lulled into believing that none of these campaigns are ever effective and that citizens can never affect any of it, which is precisely why its so important to remind ourselves periodically of how untrue that proposition is." Download entire article in PDF format.

"While we all know how Bush and his pals, big telecom, want this legislation to go, I want to know what the next president has to say. And three key senators (Clinton, McCain, and Obama) who happen to also be presidential candidates, have a unique platform and the country's attention. I'm urging these presidential candidates to get off the campaign trail and get back to Washington D.C. to vote against amnesty." If you want to join in taking action, click below.

President Bush wants Congress to pass a bill that lets the government spy on the phone calls and emails of Americans without a warrant. He also wants a bill that makes sure the truth about illegal spying on the emails and phone calls of Americans is never exposed. He does this by stopping lawsuits against phone companies that illegally handed over the phone calls and emails of Americans to the government. But very soon, the Senate will vote on a bill to regulate spying on the emails and phone calls of Americans. What we don't know is whether Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will ask the Senate to take up a bill that was written closely with the Bush administration, or a more reasonable bill. Tell Senator Reid you don't want lawbreakers to be let off the hook. And you don't want the government to seize your phone calls and emails without a warrant. The bill Bush wants stops pending lawsuits against phone companies that illegally handed over the phone calls and emails of Americans. Stopping lawsuits that could uncover the truth about illegal spying lets him off the hook. And it gives no incentives for companies to follow the law in the future. Senator Reid needs to hear from every American who wants him to stand up for our privacy and not let phone companies off the hook. You can take action by signing a petition to Senator Reid now. Take Action - Join The FICA Flood Below To Oppose Telecom Immunity, Today!

"In this time, at this moment, Congress must stand for truth," Wexler said in a speech on the House floor Monday night. "A growing chorus of Americans is calling for accountability. The response from Congress thus far has been silence and denial." Wexler's speech was met by applause from spectators in the House gallery, resulting in a warning to them to be quiet. Wexler has created a website (wexlerwantshearings.com) and plans to enter into the Congressional Record the names of Americans who support impeachment hearings on Cheney. "I was overwhelmed with the response," Wexler said of his website. "188,000 people from all 50 states have signed a petition demanding that Congress have hearings regarding the impeachment of the vice president. I am going to present those petitions, those online petitions, to the Congress." Wexler said he would enter into the Congressional Record the maximum number of names each day over the next few months until every person's name is recorded." Download complete article in PDF format.

"Sen. Dodd has a reputation, in some quarters anyway, of being "invisible." Based on recent events, that label is unwarranted. Dodd has made a very big splash regarding one of the signature issues of our time. What did Dodd do? Remember the controversy when the government asked the telecoms for their records? They wanted to sift through the data for indications of terrorist activity. Some of the telecoms complied with the request, apparently more concerned with assisting the administration than in protecting the civil liberties of customers. At least one telecom, however, asked to see the court order. Surprise, surprise. There was none. " Download entire editorial opinion from the darien news.com in PDF format.

"It seems the telecoms, who are claiming they were just being 'good patriots' when they allowed the government to spy on us without warrants, are more than willing to pull the plug on national-security investigations when the government falls behind on its bills," said former FBI agent Michael German, the ACLU's national-security policy counsel. "To put it bluntly, it sounds as though the telecoms believe it when the FBI says the warrant is in the mail but not when they say the check is in the mail." Download entire article in PDF format.

You don't have to wait until February 5, 2008 to cast your ballot in the Illinois Primary Election and you don't need a reason!! Your first chance to vote for Illinois Labor endorsed candidates is Monday, January 14, 2008. Download PDF file with live links to locate all Illinois early voting locations and lists of all Illinois Labor endorsed candidates.

"Can't we all get along?" is the plaintive cry of the Democrats, who persist in thinking the Republicans will play by the rules. "We don't want to start any unpleasantness," the Democrats say, as they once again take impeachment off the table-just as they previously declined to pursue it over Arms-for-Hostages and Iran-Contra-while the Republicans gleefully use it as a political weapon as they impeach Bill Clinton for lying about his inability to keep his pants zipped up. The answer is "No, goddamn it, we can't all get along." Not when one side is determined to win by any means, fair or foul, and the other dithers about like a bunch of effete debate-society wusses. There's no point in bleating about the Marquis of Queensbury's Rules when the other guy is beating the hell out of you with a tire iron. As long as the Democrats persist in playing Little Miss Goodie Two-Shoes to the Republicans' Schoolyard Bully, the Republicans are going to eat our lunch every day. We don't deserve to win if we don't want to win, and if we want to win we ought to be willing to stand up for the things we believe in, instead of running off and wetting ourselves every time a Republican says "Boo!" Download entire article in PDF format.

The debate we're having now about telecom amnesty is not likely to be the last round in the Administration's attempt to immunize its private partners. It's only an opening round. In America, we should be striving to make more entities subject to the rule of law, not fewer. Giving in to the Administration now will start us down a path to a very dark place. Think about what we've been hearing from the White House in this debate. The President has said that American lives will be sacrificed if Congress does not change FISA. But he has also said that he will veto any FISA bill that does not grant retroactive immunity. No immunity, no new FISA bill. So if we take the President at his word, he is willing to let Americans die to protect the phone companies. The President's insistence on immunity as a precondition for any FISA reform is yet another example of his disrespect for honest dialogue and for the rule of law. It's painfully clear what the President's request for retroactive immunity is really about. It's a self-serving attempt to avoid legal and political accountability and keep the American public in the dark about this whole shameful episode. Like the CIA's destruction of videotapes showing potentially criminal conduct, it's a desperate attempt to erase the past. The Senate should see this request for what it is, and reject it. We should pass this amendment to strike Title II from the FISA bill. Our focus should be on protecting national security, our fundamental liberties, and the rule of law, not protecting phone companies that knew they were breaking the law." Download speech in opposition to Telecom immunity amendment by Senator Ted Kennedy in PDF format.

Connecticut senator Christopher Dodd's threatened filibuster of a bill giving immunity to telecoms that helped the government spy on Americans unexpectedly carried the day Monday, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid decided to postpone the vote on the measure until after the winter break. "I felt so strongly about this issue I was determined to do everything in my power to stop it," Dodd said. "I am grateful we are moving on to other issues and that we will return to this matter in January. My hope is between now and then we can resolve this matter. If it's not I'll be back here opposing those provisions giving immunity." Download entire article in PDF format.

"The move comes after weeks of speculation over whether Reid would prefer the Senate Intelligence committee's version - a bill favored by the Administration -- or the Senate Judiciary's version. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Connecticut has a hold on the Intel bill, since it includes amnesty for telecoms being sued for helping with the government's secret, warrantless wiretapping program, but Reid decided to override that hold. Civil liberties groups prefer the version from the Judiciary Committee, led by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), since it requires an investigation into the warrantless spying program, is mum on immunity and more tightly limits warrantless wiretapping inside American soil. Dodd has also promised to filibuster any bill granting retroactive immunity to telecoms, a move that fellow Senators/Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama (Illinois) and Hillary Clinton (New York) said they would support. Opponents of the Intel bill contend that setting that bill as the default and the Judiciary as the substitute makes it nearly impossible to substitute the latter for the former, since it could require up to 60 votes to do so. If Reid had reversed the order, putting the Judiciary bill first, it could have taken 60 votes to include amnesty." Download complete article in PDF format.

"Three senior members of the House Judiciary Committee have called for the immediate opening of impeachment hearings for Vice President Richard Cheney. Democrats Robert Wexler of Florida, Luis Gutierrez of Illinois and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin on Friday distributed a statement, A Case for Hearings, that declares, "The issues at hand are too serious to ignore, including credible allegations of abuse of power that if proven may well constitute high crimes and misdemeanors under our constitution. The charges against Vice President Cheney relate to his deceptive actions leading up to the Iraq war, the revelation of the identity of a covert agent for political retaliation, and the illegal wiretapping of American citizens." Download entire article in PDF format.

"The United States abides by the laws of war. ... Wanton killing, torture, cruelty, or the working of unusual hardship on enemy prisoners or populations is not justified under any circumstances. Likewise respect for the reign of law is expected to follow the flag wherever it goes." Those words are from the middle of the last century; but they could have been written at any time in our history - this idea that the rule of law extends even to those enemies we most despise; that our Constitution's principles are transcendent; that in America, right makes might. Download opinion by U.S. Senator Christopher J. Dodd in PDF format.

"The US House of Representatives and two different Senate committees have approved competing versions of a bill that would modify a law governing spying on domestic and international communications. All versions of the bill would expand government-spying powers by modifying the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which requires a warrant for electronic surveillance of US citizens. The bills differ on whether or not to grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that participated in the Bush administration's National Security Agency (NSA) warrantless wiretapping program. Congressional Democrats are split on whether or not to include the immunity provision, while the administration has pledged to veto any bill that does not include it." Download an analysis of this bill by Joe Kay, in PDF format.

For the first time since 1952, there is neither an incumbent nor a sitting Vice President running for the White House. Both parties have wide-open primaries. Currently there are six Republican and eight Democratic candidates seeking their party's nomination. Given this unusual situation it is no surprise that CWA members are split in choosing among the candidates. Our recent e-poll shows that our members do not have a clear majority favorite. Instead, our members' support is spread fairly evenly among the Democratic front runners. Our members also were evenly divided on the question of whether CWA should make an early endorsement. By a slim margin, members expressed their preference for "no endorsement" at this time. As a result, the CWA Executive Board has decided not to endorse a presidential candidate at this time and to release Councils and locals to endorse the candidate of their choosing. The following resolution was adopted today by the CWA Executive Board,in PDF format.

VIEW 11/08/07 "C-Span - Washington Journal" interview of former at$t Communications Technician Mark Klein. "That makes me feel like maybe we've had a teeny bit of impact," said Mark Klein, a former AT&T employee who has alleged the company has allowed the National Security Agency to monitor all Web traffic on the company's network. Klein's allegations and internal documents he obtained form the basis of a key lawsuit against AT&T brought by the Electronic Frontier Foundation on behalf of AT&T customers." Download latest news article by Nick Juliano, a link to view the video and e-mail list for all U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Members.

Senator Chris Dodd has posted a YouTube video of an interview with AT$T Whistleblower Mark Klein. Click MORE to access updated news article with link to YouTube Video.

Mark is in Washington, DC today, November 8, 2007, as the Senate Judiciary Committee considers a bill to give AT$T IMMUNITY for spying on U.S. citizens. If AT$T didn't violate any laws while spying on U.S. citizens, WHY do they need immunity? Contact your U.S. Senators TODAY and ask them WHY? Former AT$T technician Mark Klein is the key witness in the Electronic Frontier Foundation's class-action lawsuit against the telecommunications company, which alleges that AT$T cooperated in an illegal National Security Agency domestic surveillance program. Here we present Klein's statement in its entirety, with inline links to all of the document excerpts where he cited them. You can also download the complete file here (pdf). The full AT$T documents are filed under seal in federal court in San Francisco. Click MORE to an external link for more information...

The Cook County Board of Commissioners has proposed a new tax of $48 per phone per year, which could raise some phone plans by as much as 131%! The proposed tax would apply to every phone, even to every cell phone and broadband line. If passed, this tax would hit the pocketbooks of all consumers and businesses in Cook County. The new proposed tax would increase every year at the rate of inflation. This means that in five years, the total tax would be more than $250 per phone! The County claims it needs the revenue from these taxes to save the health care system. We know that there are better ways for Cook County to save money, such as affordable technologies that can eliminate inefficiencies in our health care system and save millions of dollars. Creating a new phone tax on top of the many federal, state and local taxes that consumers already pay for each phone line is not the answer. Click MORE to TAKE ACTION TODAY!

"If you're displeased with the way a company treats you, you're free to air your feelings in public, right? Not necessarily if you receive high-speed Internet access from AT&T Inc. or Verizon Communications Inc. Buried deep within both companies' voluminous service contracts is language that says your Net access can be terminated for any behavior that AT&T or Verizon believes might harm its "name or reputation," or even the reputation of its business partners. The language came to light the other day after AT&T sent notices to thousands of customers revising their service contracts as part of the company's merger last year with BellSouth. It follows an incident last month in which Verizon Wireless blocked an abortion-rights group from sending text messages over the company's network, deeming the messages too controversial. The company subsequently backtracked from the decision. Before that, AT&T was caught in August censoring political comments made by Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder during a concert webcast. The company later said it had made a mistake. AT&T and Verizon say they've never enforced the can't-criticize-us contract terms, which have been in place for years." Download entire column by David Lazarus, Consumer Confidential LA Times, in PDf format.

"Skvara, who retired on a disability from LTV after 34 years, became a spokesman on the issue of national health care during the nationally televised AFL-CIO presidential debate at Soldier Field in Chicago last month.A crowd estimated to be between 12,000 and 15,000 gave Skvara a standing ovation after he told the Democratic presidential hopefuls that he hasn't been able to afford to pay for his wife's health insurance since LTV went bankrupt, which caused a two-thirds cut in his pension and the loss of his family's health care benefit. "What is wrong with America, and what will you do to change it?" Skvara asked the presidential candidates." Download entire story By Andrea Holecek / Northwest Indiana Times in PDF format.

"Republican U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller, recently named one of the most corrupt members of Congress by a watchdog group, announced Friday that he will not seek an eighth term." ..."A watchdog group recently declared him one of the most corrupt members of Congress. He's fighting a subpoena in a former colleague's bribery trial, and he faces criticism that he did not reveal to Congress the extent of Nicaraguan land purchases." Download entire story, in PDF format.

"Former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.) and 11 of their House colleagues are fighting subpoenas to testify in a criminal case linked to disgraced former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham of California. In addition, Weller has landed on a Washington watchdog group's list of the "22 most corrupt" members of Congress." Download entire story, in PDF format.

Millions of union members have already made endorsements for the 2008 presidential election. Do you want CWA to get in on the action? CWA wants to hear from as many local activists as possible about the upcoming election. Who do we support for President--and what role should the Communications Workers of America play? Note: This survey is for CWA members and members of the Retired Members Council or a Retiree Chapter only. Click below to take the survey.

"If you read the news very carefully, you can see exactly what is going on inside the Washington debate over the Iraq War. One party is lying, and one party is telling the truth - but which ones are doing what may surprise you (or, perhaps, not)." Download full article by David Sirota, in PDF format.

"The man who will oversee the federal government's investigation into the disaster that has trapped six workers in a Utah coal mine for over a week was twice rejected for his current job by senators concerned about his own safety record when he managed mines in the private sector. President George W. Bush resorted to a recess appointment in October 2006 to anoint Richard Stickler as the nation's mine safety czar after it became clear he could not receive enough support even in a GOP-controlled Senate." Download Richard Stickler, Bush Nominee, background information in PDF format.

My Dear Colleagues; The Officers and Executive Board of NABET-CWA, Local 41 thank you very much for the solid support you gave us today! Your support has uplifted our memberships spirits and has energized our very firm resolve to achieve a fair and equitable contract. Respectfully, Ray W. Taylor President NABET-CWA Local 41 PS: CALL Channel 7 General Manager, Emily Barr (312-750-7001) and tell her you're not interested in supporting a Disney/ABC television station that doesn't support and respect its workers! Download PDF flyer for more information.

The Technicians and Newswriters, represented by NABET-CWA Local 41, who bring you the ABC-7 News have worked without a contract for the past 4 months as a result of Disney/ABC Management's aggressive, anti-worker stance during these negotiations. Download PDF flyer for more information.

State legislatures, grappling with the failure of the federal government to overhaul the immigration laws, considered 1,404 immigration measures this year and enacted 170 of them, an unprecedented surge in state-level lawmaking on the issue, according to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Download complete story in PDF format.

Attached below, for everyone's information, are details about a recent vote taken to eliminate card check from all Collective Bargaining Agreements that could impact our future organizing. You should know who voted for it and who voted against it, and remember that in the next elections. Download PDF file for more information.

"I am calling on each presidential candidate to pledge to refuse their free government health care until every person in this country also has it. I want every candidate who said they'd work for the minimum wage as president to work uninsured, too, until health care is universal. And I want the other candidates to join them. (Yes, I'm looking at you, too, Republicans. I know you can afford to do it.)" Download question to Presidential Candidates submitted by Michael Moore, in PDF format.

"Due to federal election law, only AFL-CIO union members and their families may attend the forum, but it will be broadcast live in full for the public on MSNBC. You also can listen to the debate on XM Satellite Radio." Download PDF flyer for ticket information.

On Tuesday August 7 at 6 p.m. CDT, the AFL-CIO will host a presidential forum with the top seven Democratic candidates to be held at Soldier Field in Chicago. MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, host of the network's popular Countdown with Keith Olbermann, will moderate the forum, which will be broadcast live nationally on MSNBC and XM Satellite Radio. Download PDF flyer for more information and a live link to submit a question for the candidates.

"Senator Durbin's leadership in developing and promoting this innovative exchange of ideas will help America create a road map to a return to leadership in the deployment of high speed Internet access, and I am pleased to be able to participate. Ensuring that all Americans have access to affordable, high speed Internet connections is critical for our future, yet the United States is the only advanced industrial national without a high-speed broadband policy. As a result, we have fallen to 16th in the world in broadband penetration, behind Canada, Japan, South Korea, and France. That's according to the International Telecommunications Union." Download letter from Jeff Rechenbach, Executive Vice President Communications Workers of America, in PDF format

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani portrays himself as the hero of Sept. 11, and the media takes this claim for granted. But New York City firefighters, who know best, say it's a different story. The Fire Fighters (IAFF) union is releasing a new video today, featuring New York firefighters and their families, that challenges Giuliani's claims of leadership. His performance before, during and after the Sept. 11 attacks, they contend, is marked by serious failures,failures that cost lives. Download complete story in PDF format. Includes a link to view the video.

Some businesses in Georgia argue that they need large numbers of immigrants because there are not enough native-born Americans to fill jobs that require relatively little education. However, state employment data show that as the number of less-educated immigrant workers has grown dramatically, the share of less-educated natives holding a job in Georgia has declined significantly. Download report in PDF format.

The Illinois State Senate on Tuesday voted 54-0 for the bill, which the House earlier approved, 113-0. Download complete story and IBEW Local 21 Press Release in PDF format.

FIVE MINUTES -That's all we're asking. You need to take 5 minutes and make two phone calls, one to each of your Senators to tell them we need a vote on the Senate floor on the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA). Download PDF file for more information.

With your help, this bill passed in the U.S. House on a vote of 241-185. Now we need your help to get it through the U.S. Senate. Tell your senators to support the Employee Free Choice Act. Please contact Senator Durbin and Senator Obama to thank them for supporting EFCA. Download PDF flyer for more information.

Ten demonstrators were killed by police bullets during the "Little Steel Strike" of 1937. When several smaller steelmakers, including Republic Steel, refused to follow the lead of U.S. Steel (Big Steel) by signing a union contract, a strike was called by the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC) of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). External link for more information.

"The nation's largest veterans organization is calling on Congress to reject proposed legislation that would grant fast track citizenship or amnesty to the 12 million -20 million individuals who are in this country illegally. Instead, The American Legion advocates aggressive enforcement of immigration laws and stronger border security as a means to reduce the illegal population in the United States. The American Legion's National Executive Committee, meeting in Indianapolis, Ind. on May 9-10, outlined a five-point strategy to address illegal immigration." Download Press Release and the American Legion's comprehensive 5-point immigration plan to address illegal immigration in the United States of America in PDF format.

"Rush Limbaugh is the master of the preemptive strike. Sometimes when Limbaugh says something controversial, he'll immediately launch into a bit about how the "drive-by media" will misinterpret his remarks. A few days after the Virginia Tech shootings, Limbaugh said the killer "had to be a liberal . . . it's a liberal that committed this act." He added, "Now the drive-bys will read on a Web site that I'm attacking liberalism by comparing this guy to them." That's the move. Before the "mainstream" media can jump on Limbaugh, he will predict his comments will be taken out of context and misconstrued." ... "Now, you watch. Some people will take this out of context and claim I'm making fun of El Rushbo. Damn media." Download today's column by Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times columnist in PDF format.

"Over 500 telecom workers converged on the State Capitol on Tuesday, April 24, 2007, to gain support for Illinois House Bill 1500. Traveling from every corner of Illinois, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 21 traveled by bus, using the opportunity to contact and lobby their own legislators to vote to pass House Bill 1500. Click here to read entire Media Advisory."

"The President says he will veto legislation already passed by the Senate that both funds the troops and responds to Americans demands for an end to the Iraq war, Feingold said. Since the President refuses to change his failed Iraq policy, that responsibility falls on Congress. By setting a date after which funding for the President's failed Iraq policy will end, we can give the President the time and funding he needs to safely redeploy our troops so we can refocus on the global terrorist networks that threaten the lives of Americans." Download entire Press Release in PDF format.

"It's high time the Bush Administration quit ignoring the overwhelming public opposition to this war. While similar measures have passed in scores of cities across the country, California is the first state in the nation to pursue an advisory vote on Iraq. We've had nearly 3,300 Americans killed and spent more than $350 billion on this war, with no end in sight. We've established a democratic government in Iraq, and now it's up to the Iraqis to make it work. With the possible exception of George Bush, we all know it's time to go." Download complete article in PDF format.

Download a letter (PDF) from Harold Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, about Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York. The letter is what the Fire Fighters believe are the facts of an account with regard to "Ground Zero", after the 9/11 attack, that reveals Giuliani's true character.

"The message from Washington, D.C. to all of us out here in the heartland is very clear: Our government is the exclusive gated community of Big Money interests, their appointed pawns in Congress, and a select group of self-declared "experts" in the media and at think tanks (which are, of course, funded by many of those same Big Money interests). Inside this gated community, actually listening to or shaping policy on behalf of the vast majority of Americans is considered either laughably outdated or disgustingly unsavory." Download entire blog by David Sirota in PDF format.

Find out if your U.S. representative voted for or against the Employee Free Choice Actthe most important legislation in 70 years to ensure workers' freedom to form unions and bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. Please thank your representative if he or she voted for the Employee Free Choice Act. If your representative voted against the bill, please let him or her know how disappointed you are. External link to check RECORDED VOTE and send a fax to your Congressperson.

The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) has endorsed candidates in the February 27,2007 Chicago Municipal Election who will stand up for working men and women in the Chicago City Council. Download entire article and a list of endorsed candidates in PDF format.

Like the temperatures in a severe winter freeze, union membership continues to sink to record lows. The latest numbers indicate that 7.4% of working Americans in the private sector were union members in 2006 (BLS 2007), compared to over 30% in 1960 (Greenhouse 2007). If you include government workers, then the numbers inch up to a still-meager 12%, which is down from 12.5% in 2005 (BLS 2007). Does this mean that Americans no longer want to join unions? Not according to the most recent polls. A Peter Hart poll conducted in December 2006 reports that 58% of non-managerial working Americans indicated they would join a union if they could, a record number (Peter D. Hart Research Associates 2007). Download entire report by Harley Shaiken in PDF format.

If you watched freshman Virginia Sen. Jim Webb deliver the Democratic response to Bush’s State of the Union speech, you witnessed something historic -- a Democrat on national TV unabashedly ripping into six years of Bush rule for an uninterrupted 10 minutes. With no O’Reilly or Hannity to disrupt or out-shout him. Webb offered a populist, anti-corporate stand on economics and a blunt attack on Bush for “recklessly” dragging our country into the Iraq war – a sharply-worded address that must have startled millions of TV viewers accustomed to Democrat vacillation. Download entire story and complete text of Senator Webb's response, in PDF format.

"Here at home the city of New Orleans is on life support, struggling to survive the combined effects of a catastrophic flood, the unconscionable neglect of the federal government, and the monumental ineptitude of its own local officials. As ordinary residents of New Orleans continue to suffer, the rest of the nation has casually turned away. The debacle is no longer being televised. So it must be over.---"New Orleans matters. And the long dark night of the war in Iraq must surely matter. But not enough voices of protest are being raised in either case. The anger quotient is much too low. You can’t stop America’s involvement in a senseless war or revive a dying American city if your greatest passion is kicking back with pizza and beer and tuning in to American Idol.” Download entire opinion in PDF format.

Most Illinois workers will need time off work at some point for a health or family needs. But many can't afford to take unpaid time off to handle their own serious illness, let alone that of a loved one or to care for a new child. Utilize the following link to send a postcard to your Illinois legislators to let them know you want them to help all Illinois workers meet their obligations to both job and family and urge them to vote for the Paid Family Leave Bill. Please pass the link on to other union members, family and friends.

"Back in the 1990s when I was a huge NBA fan, they used to say about Michael Jordan: "You can't stop him, you can only hope to contain him." Except for people like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Rep. Jack Murtha (D-PA), Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and a few others, the Washington Democrats, Republicans and the pundit class are all using the Jordan description as their motton about the Iraq War - that Congress can't stop it, and actually worse - it can't even contain it. Sen. Joe Biden (D-MBNA) said as much this Sunday, as did Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD). The Washington Post's Dana Milbank basically said it as a matter of fact on Keith Olbermann's show last night. They all are basically saying that Congress simply "can't" stop funding for President Bush's military escalation, even though, last I checked, the Constitution gives the U.S. Congress the power of the purse, and the Washington Post's Walter Pincus has previously laid out very obvious ways to use that power without putting troops in harm's way. Here's a newsflash: The Iraq War is not Michael Jordan, and the Congress doesn't have to be Craig Ehlo - the Cleveland Cavaliers guard who got perpetually posterized by Jordan. Congress can stop the Iraq War, or at least the escalation of it, no matter how many people in Washington use these Jordan-esque descriptions to justify their own pathetic refusal to do what the vast majority of Americans want. Thankfully, as I said, Pelosi, Murtha and Kennedy have all said they are going to use their power in the majority to, at the very least, force President Bush to get congressional approval for a military escalation. Just today, in fact, Kennedy introduced bold legislation (linked below) saying that no funds can be spent to send additional troops to Iraq unless Congress approves the President’s proposed escalation of American forces. This is going to tear the Iraq War as Michael Jordan narrative to pieces, forcing lawmakers to publicly state whether they have the guts to exercise their constitutional responsibilities or not. Stay tuned!

Download today's letter from Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi to President Bush in PDf format.

During World War II, 30 percent of all wounded soldiers died of their injuries, a number that dipped to 24 percent during the Vietnam War and then to 9 percent for the Iraq conflict. Though this is a positive development, it also means that more soldiers are coming home with life-changing injuries, including amputations and brain trauma. More than 22,000 soldiers have been wounded in Iraq. Download entire article in PDF format which includes an interactive link to "Faces of The Dead."

.."some soldiers expressed doubt that Saddam's death would be a significant turning point for Iraq. "First it was weapons of mass destruction. Then when there were none, it was that we had to find Saddam. We did that, but then it was that we had to put him on trial," said Spc. Thomas Sheck, 25, who is on his second tour in Iraq. "So now, what will be the next story they tell us to keep us over here?" Download entire AP story in PDF format.

"The Ford interview -- and a subsequent lengthy conversation in 2005 -- took place for a future book project, though he said his comments could be published at any time after his death." Download article by Bob Woodward, Washington Post, in PDF format.

"Military affairs commentator General Barry McCaffrey issued this sober warning in the December 18 Newsweek: "We're setting ourselves up for a potential national disaster in which some Iraqi divisions could flip and take 5,000 Americans hostage, or multiple advisory teams go missing in action." Nothing destroys troop morale faster than being in a war you know is pointless." Download entire article in PDF format.

15,000 Steelworkers are waging a tough fight for jobs and health care at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. They have been on strike at Goodyear since October 5, 2006 and need the help of the entire labor movement as they fight back in response to Goodyear's demands to gut their healthcare, close factories, and import tires from China and other low-wage countries. With Goodyear turning to replacement workers to make tires for sale here in America, consumers should also question their safety. NEW RALLIES PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2006! Click here for information on upcoming rallies at Goodyear Tire stores in Illinois.

Nearly 16,000 Goodyear employees are facing the holidays without paychecks. For two and a half months, the United Steelworkers (USW) members have been on strike in a brutal fight for job security and a fair deal on retiree health care. They are sacrificing and fighting for good jobs for all of us—and they need our support.Tell Goodyear to respect workers and keep its promises. Please take an important step for them and sign the petition now. CLick below to Sign the petition.

, "as the nation approaches the grim milestone of 3,000 war fatalities, the seaside memorial in one of California's most popular coastal destinations has reached a crossroads of its own. The group of veterans that organizes the weekly tribute has decided to stop adding crosses because it is struggling to keep pace with the tally of death." Download complete story in PDF format.

"The American people voted for a new direction for Iraq - - out. This election was a national referendum on the war, whether or not those who will join the 110th Congress took a position on the war. Democrats will be held accountable on Iraq in the 2008 Primaries, whether running for reelection to the House, or the Senate. Unless Congressional Democrats are prepared to truly take a new direction in Iraq, the 2008 Presidential election will be dominated by Iraq. The war in Iraq will not go away as an issue. If Congress does not act and the war continues until 2009, upwards of 5,000 US troops and perhaps as many as one million Iraqis will have been killed during the US occupation, and the war expenditures would top $600 billion." Download opinion by Congressman Dennis Kucinich in PDF format

"As we make plans to cut off funds for continuing to prosecute a war in Iraq, America must simultaneously pursue a dramatically different approach to achieve peace. Here is a five point plan to accompany a cut off of funds:" Download Plan from Congressman Dennis Kucinich, in PDF format

"We Americans are better than what has been done in our name. A majority of us were upset and angry after 9/11 and we lost our minds. We didn't think straight and we never looked at a map. Because we are kept stupid through our pathetic education system and our lazy media, we knew nothing of history. We didn't know that WE were the ones funding and arming Saddam for many years, including those when he massacred the Kurds. He was our guy. We didn't know what a Sunni or a Shiite was, never even heard the words. Eighty percent of our young adults (according to National Geographic) were not able to find Iraq on the map. Our leaders played off our stupidity, manipulated us with lies, and scared us to death. But at our core we are a good people. We may be slow learners, but that "Mission Accomplished" banner struck us as odd, and soon we began to ask some questions. Then we began to get smart. By this past November 7th, we got mad and tried to right our wrongs. The majority now know the truth. The majority now feel a deep sadness and guilt and a hope that somehow we can make make it all right again. Unfortunately, we can't. So we will accept the consequences of our actions and do our best to be there should the Iraqi people ever dare to seek our help in the future. We ask for their forgiveness. We demand the Democrats listen to us and get out of Iraq now." Download entire opinion article by Michael Moore, in PDF format.

Download calendar of Holiday events in the Chicagoland Area in PDF format.

"Nancy Pelosi is to be congratulated for her backing of John Murtha for the position of House majority leader. To be sure, this was partly payback to a political ally of the speaker-designate. Far more important, however, it was the first installment on a huge debt owed to the voters who swept the Democratic Party into control of both houses of Congress, based primarily on their frustration over the dismal war in Iraq.Pelosi, in supporting Murtha, rejected the path of opportunism that has so hobbled the Democratic Party in recent decades. If the Democrats fail to keep faith with the voters on the war, they can forget gaining back the White House in 2008, and it would be a rebuke much deserved." Download entire article in PDF format.

"The new Democratic Congress must resist the temptation to be "responsible" on Iraq. They were not elected to be responsible. They were elected to end this stupid and immoral war. James Baker, who in Florida in 2000 showed how skilled he is in turning defeat into victory, may well provide a face-saving way out for the president, but even that will not hide the truth that his legacy will be the memory of a scarred battleground presidency, devastated by vicious partisan politics and a deadly blend of ignorance, arrogance and incompetence." Download entire article by Andrew Greeley in PDF format

For today, let's enjoy the victory. So many people worked incredibly hard; I can't possibly name all of you. However, on behalf of the members of District 4, I thank all of you who volunteered your time. Together we made the difference. Download letter from CWA District 4 Vice President Seth Rosen in PDF format.

The Illinois AFL-CIO held its General Election Endorsement Session at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield on June 6, 2006. Delegates representing Affiliated Labor Unions, Central Labor Councils, Building Trades Councils, State Organizations and Political Education Committees (COPE) participated in the voting. Endorsements were made for state-wide candidates, state legislative candidates, Federal congressional candidates and in state judicial races. Download Illinois AFL-CIO list of Illinois AFL-CIO and Chicago Federation of Labor endorsed candidates, in PDF format. Print and take with you to the polls when you VOTE TODAY.

It’s important for the voices of all working men and women to be heard by our elected officials and we encourage everyone to get involved in the political process and take an active role in selecting people who represent the best interests of labor. Download PDF file with a link to Chicago Federation of Labor website for extensive information on the 2006 election.

"In recent months, military officers and enlisted marines say, the insurgents have been using snipers more frequently and with greater effect, disrupting the military’s operations and fueling a climate of frustration and quiet rage. Across Iraq, the threat has become serious enough that in late October the military held an internal conference about it, sharing the experiences of combat troops and discussing tactics to counter it. There has been no ready fix." Download entire story in PDF format.

Download information on how to make sure your VOTE counts and what to do if you have reason to believe it won't!

Approve Your Own Message and VOTE on Tuesday, November 7, 2006! Link to new animation by Mark Fiore.

"Poll after poll shows the U.S. war is uppermost in the minds of the gray-haired legions as they help decide whether President George W. Bush's Republican Party will keep control of Congress in the November 7 election." Download entire article in PDF format.

"Gray Panthers encourage you to speak with your vote. Let your elected officials know you are watching their votes and demand they bring our troops home. Participate in demonstrations and write your local press." Download Gray Panthers Resolution on The Iraq War in PDF format.

"I visited your U.S Congressional website to obtain your position on various key issues and was totally shocked that the War in Iraq is not listed as an issue. In fact, a word search on your site brought up only one (1) item regarding your bill to name a post office in Morris, Illinois after a fallen hero killed in Iraq. Why isn't the Iraq War listed as an issue? Is it not important to you and your constituents, or are you trying to hide the issue from us?" Download letter to U.S. Congressman, Jerry Weller, (Illinois R-11 Dist), In PDF format

"Kevin Tillman joined the Army with his brother Pat in 2002, and they served together in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pat was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Kevin, who was discharged in 2005, has written a powerful, must-read document." Download entire document in PDF format.

Download PDF file for List of All Dupage and Cook County, Illinois Early Voting Locations and Hours of Operation. Sites will also be available for Absentee Voting on November 3 and 4, 2006. All sites are 100% compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"One key finding is that when told the scale of immigration (legal and illegal), voters overwhelming thought it was too high. Also when told how much the Senate bill would increase legal immigration voters tended to reject it. This would seem to undermine the argument that voters are only concerned about illegality and not the level of immigration. The level of immigration used in the questions are those widely agreed upon by experts based on government data. Download a poll released on October 16, 2006, from the Center For Immigration Studies in PDF format

“Over the past two weeks, consumers throughout Illinois have been loud and clear in their protest of the big utility companies’ plans to impose unfair rate hikes of 25% to 55%. Thousands of Ameren and ComEd customers have mailed or e-mailed teabags to those big utility companies, showing that the spirit of the Boston Tea Party is alive and well here in the Land of Lincoln." STATEMENT FROM LT. GOVERNOR PAT QUINN. Click below to send your electronic Tea-Bag.

"Duckworth, running against Republican state Sen. Peter Roskam, contended a national intelligence report that was leaked last week revealed that the Iraq war has incited more terrorism. Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran who lost her legs when a grenade hit the helicopter she was piloting outside Baghdad, said the White House response was "a predictable `stay the course.'" "And anyone who challenges our failed policies, or suggests the need for a new strategy, is accused of `cutting and running,'" she said. "Well, I didn't cut and run, Mr. President. Like so many others, I proudly fought and sacrificed. My helicopter was shot down long after you proclaimed `Mission Accomplished.'" To hear the entire audio of Tammy's response to President Bush, RIGHT CLICK below and SAVE to your desktop and play with your media player

VOTE on Tuesday, November 7, 2006! The question is: Do we continue to "Stay The Course" and the Bush policy of "LIE and DIE" or, face reality and BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW! View Video by clicking below!

"Duckworth, who copiloted a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed while under a rocket grenade attack almost two years ago, also criticized Bush and others in his administration for accusing anyone who challenges the president's policies of "cutting and running." "Well, I didn't cut and run, Mr. President. Like so many others, I proudly fought and sacrificed," Duckworth said. "My helicopter was shot down long after you proclaimed 'mission accomplished.'" Download complete story in PDF format.

Many registered voters in Illinois are unable to vote in person at the polling place on election day. Early voting was created to allow the voter to vote in a designated polling place during the 22nd day through the 5th day preceding an election without having to supply an excuse or reason. This document provides general information regarding the correct procedures to follow in order to vote early in Illinois. Download PDF file for imformation on Early Voting for Illinois Voters In The 2006 Elections.

VP Rosen asked that I send out highlights of the new Pension Protection Act of 2006. I have worked with Bob Patrician/CWA Research and have enclosed them. While I don’t have all of our represented companies finances [in terms of pension plan funding], nor do I have all of the contract language to determine current methodology used for calculating lump sums or even if your contract allows for the lump sum option; I have tried to [generally] highlight the most questioned pieces of the new legislation [which is 907 pages long]. I hope this helps you answer questions. Download Summary of 2006 Pension Reform Act by CWA Reps Kristie Darling and Bob Patrician, in PDF format.

"Mayor Richard Daley demonstrated his political muscle on Wednesday, bucking proponents of the "big-box" minimum wage ordinance and making his veto of the measure stick. Daley persuaded three aldermen who originally voted in favor of the ordinance to switch sides, successfully turning away an override attempt at Wednesday's City Council meeting. Download complete article in PDF format.

Rally to support the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 outside of the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, followed by a march to City Hall. Even though the ordinance passed 35-14 at last month's City Council meeting, Mayor Daley has threatened to veto it. We need your support now, and before the next council meeting on September 13! Click on the link below to download a flyer in PDF format.

"As for the real labor of organizing and of arguing the value of unions to a dubious public, that's too much trouble. The unions have folded the tent, conceded defeat, and look to the City Council to fight their battles." Download entire article by Chicago Sun-Times columnist David Roeder, in PDF format.

“This afternoon, the Chicago City Council took the historic step of passing the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance requiring large, profitable retailers with stores larger than 90,000 and generating at least $1 billion in annual sales to pay a living wage of $10 per hour and $3 in benefits to their employees." Download entire statement by Dennis Gannon, President Chicago Federation of Labor, in PDF format.

The November 2006 midterm elections are some of the most critical elections in our lifetime. The votes you cast in these elections will determine our standard of living for many years to come. We have all seen, heard or in some cases unfortunately experienced how some ruthless CEO’s have reduced our pensions and health care benefits. These reductions can only happen with the help of misguided judges and politicians. CWA wants to assure that members get the information from their union that they need to make an informed decision. Please help us provide you with useful information by taking a few minutes to answer the following survey. Please fax completed survey to: 440-333-1491. Download PDF copy of survey.

"Between 1999 and 2003, work-site enforcement operations were scaled back 95 percent by the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which subsequently was merged into the Homeland Security Department. The number of employers prosecuted for unlawfully employing immigrants dropped from 182 in 1999 to four in 2003, and fines collected declined from $3.6 million to $212,000, according to federal statistics. In 1999, the United States initiated fines against 417 companies. In 2004, it issued fine notices to three. Download entire article in PDF format.

Based on the outcomes of the last amnesty in 1986, we expect that nearly 10 million illegal aliens will receive amnesty under the Hagel-Martinez bill. That is, they will legalize and eventually apply for permanent residence and be eligible for citizenship. As in 1986, we also expect that one-fourth (2.6 million) will get amnesty fraudulently. The bill will also allow an estimated 4.5 million family members of illegal aliens to join their legalized relatives, for a total of 14.4 million beneficiaries. These estimates do not include the very large increases in future legal immigration in the bill. Download a report released today by the Center For Immigration Studies, in PDF format.

The 21st Century Paul Revere Ride of 2006 is a summer-long cross-country motorcycle ride that will visit all state capitols to inform the public and their elected public servants of the severity of the illegal immigration crisis. The ride began in Denver and will terminate in Washington, DC. The ride is underway! Riders left Denver on May 29, 2006, after a successful rally. See photos of the team, their motorcycles and the rally. Link to website for more information about the route, dates, etc.

Landmark legislation to secure U.S. borders and offer millions of illegal immigrants a share of the American dream cleared the Senate on Thursday, a rare election-year reach across party lines and a triumph for President Bush. Download complete story and copy of the Senate Roll Call vote to see how your Senators voted.

Memorial Day 2006 is celebrated on Monday, May 29, 2006. Pause for a moment to remember our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and all American veterans from past wars and conflicts. While you stop to reflect, you may want to listen to Ray Charles sing: "America The Beautiful" by clicking below.

This study titled, "Immigration Law Sanctions and Enforcement in Selected Foreign Countries," evaluates the policies and practices of Brazil, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, and Switzerland. These countries were selected to provide a geographically and racially diverse group for comparison purposes. "Mexico has the harshest punishment frame for repeat illegal entry offenders, who are subject to a maximum prison sentence of ten years. First-time offenders are punishable with up to two years imprisonment. Mexico criminally sanctions illegal presence with a prison term of up to six years." Download complete article and copy of the full report, in PDF format.

"Those who favor unrestricted immigration care nothing for the people. They are simply desirous of flooding the country with unskilled as well as skilled labor of other lands for the purpose of breaking down American standards." Download their stated views in PDF format.

The nation's immigration laws need to be strengthened, not weakened or repealed. Employer sanctions set the moral tone for immigration policy at the workplace. The identification loopholes need to be plugged and worksite enforcement given priority, not neglect. There should not be more mass amnesties for persons who have brazenly violated the laws that, since 1986, clearly state that illegal immigrants should not be in the workplace in the first place. Such amnesties only encourage others to enter illegally and hope for another amnesty. Moreover, the mass amnesty of persons who are overwhelmingly unskilled and poorly educated only adds to the competition for low wage jobs with the citizens and permanent resident aliens. Download entire report in PDF format.

Amnesties always lead to more illegal immigration, as millions more people will be encouraged to come here in the expectation that eventually they, too, will be rewarded. We granted what was supposed to be a one-time-only amnesty to some 3 million illegal aliens in 1986, only to find that today they have been replaced by an estimated 9-11 million new illegal aliens. Amnesty doesn't cure the problem; it exacerbates it. Download entire perspective in PDF format.

What differentiates the new guest worker proposals currently being considered by Congress from those of the past is that they have dropped all pretense that these workers will be here temporarily. Most of the "guest worker" bills now under consideration include provisions for the guest workers to become permanent residents. Because these guest worker programs are open-ended, employers know they never have to improve wages and working conditions to retain workers, because once the current crop of guest workers achieves permanent resident status and move on, they can simply bring in the next group of guest workers to take their place. Download entire perspective in PDF format.

The demonstrators stretched for about 10 blocks as they headed down Broadway. Organizers said 300,000 people marched, though a police spokesman declined to give an estimate. There were no reports of arrests. Download entire article in PDF format.

On Wednesday, April 26,2006 at 9:15 AM, there will be a rally at Thompson Center (Clark and Randolph) in support of the Big Box Living Wage ordinance currently before the Chicago City Council. Download PDF flyer and more information on this issue, in PDF format.

In the Senate on April 4, Senator Byrd talked about the dangers of granting amnesty to illegal immigrants in the United States. There are millions of people waiting in line in their home countries to come into the United States legally; those people should not be forced to wait even longer because others have chosen to flaunt the law. Rewarding those who break the laws would serve to encourage more people to rush the borders and break the laws. Senator Byrd’s remarks can be download below, in PDF format.

Adopted by the CWA Executive Board April 18, 2006. America needs and deserves an immigration policy that protects all workers within our borders – both native-born and immigrant – and at the same time ensures our nation's safety and security without compromising fundamental civil rights and civil liberties. Link to CWA Executive Board Resolution on U.S. Immigration Policy.

"Tancredo helped to shape a House bill, approved in December, that would impose stiff penalties on employers who hire illegal workers and would require businesses to eventually run the names of every employee through a national database to confirm their legality. The bill would end the "catch and release" policy for immigrants other than Mexicans who are caught sneaking into the country." Download complete Washington Post article in PDF format.

This report responds to a Congressional request that we investigate potential security weaknesses related to the installation of radiation detection equipment at U.S. ports of entry. We focused our efforts on testing whether the radiation portal monitors installed at the U.S. ports of entry would detect radioactive material transported in vehicles attempting to enter the United States. We also agreed to provide our observations regarding the procedures that Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspectors followed when the radiation portal monitors detected such material. We have reported on the security of our nation's northern border in terms of detection of illegal transport of radioactive material into the United States in our previous work. Download GAO report in PDF format.

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, overseen by the Treasury Department, reviews deals that give foreigners control over operations involving classified matters, export-controlled information, American infrastructure regarded as vital or a sole-source supplier to the Defense Department. Download entire article in PDF format.

"Unions provide a check on employers who are already outsourcing jobs and boosting corporate profits faster than they're raising workers' wages. They fear U.S. living standards will collapse if unions disappear. "The American job will absolutely crumble without their presence," says Sean McAlinden, chief economist at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. "Job security, health care, vacations and pensions are fragmenting and falling away. I fear the worst." Download entire article in PDF format.

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people." Download 1907 quote by Theodore Roosevelt in PDF format.

Download a December 2005 report by the Center For Immigration Studies (CIS) in PDF format.

President Bush has utterly failed in his responsibility as commander in chief. He sent our troops to war without the proper equipment, based on flawed, inaccurate intelligence and with no plan for success. Too many lives are being lost and too little progress is being made because of this president's failures as costs continue to escalate and Iraq becomes the international training ground of choice for terrorists. Our troops, our allies and the American people deserve better. Download Joliet-Herald, Illinois Letters to Editor For Sunday, March 26, 2006 in PDF format.

"We are not a nation of "guests", who, by definition, have only short-term and short-lived interests, but a nation of people who believe in investing in our communities, in our future, in the future of our children, and our democracy. It defies everything that our nation stands for to legitimize a system that forces our communities to simply be "hosts" for "guests" who are only here to lend their labor, and have no reason to become invested in that community, and who will never have a voice in their future within that community. We are not a nation of guests; we are a nation of citizens." Download entire AFL-CIO Executive Council Statement on Responsible Reform of Immigration Laws, issued on February 29, 2006, in San Diego, Ca. in PDF format.

There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living and working in the United States. Their presence signals the intense demand for labor in the country, as well as the ineffectiveness of policies for regulating the flow of people across U.S. borders. U.S. legislators are nearing action on a raft of proposals for dealing with the situation, ranging from building barriers and tightening border security to instituting guest-worker programs and amnesty. Debate has intensified during this election year, causing divisions within political parties and between groups usually allied on other causes. Download a comprehensive article in PDF format. There are also many links to more information on this important issue

"So, here we have 7,000 people -- most, if not all legal U.S. citizens -- walking at 7 o'clock on a Saturday night under the close control of heavily armed police in riot gear. And, of course, the politicos who were vote stomping at the immigration protest were nowhere to be found at the peace rally" Download letter to editor of Chicago Sun Times by Jeff Kamien, Chicago, in PDF format.

In Chicago, rally organizers had sought protest permits to march down Michigan Avenue since the war's first anniversary, only to have their proposals rejected on grounds the proposed march would snarl traffic.The rally came on the third anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and capped three increasingly fitful years during which polls have shown falling public support for the war. "When it was on the move, the crowd of protestors stretched for blocks, the cold making apples of cheeks and numbing hands as people clapped and called out, flags and placards fluttering. It glowed sporadically with flashlights and the flicker of candles. A quartet of floats led the march, followed by clamorous thousands that included a marching band wedged into the crowd, marchers with bicycles and children in strollers. Helicopters rattled overhead. Bystanders watched from sidewalks and police patrolled the median as traffic in the still-open northbound lanes of Michigan Avenue honked in support. The dark shadows of store employees lined the dimmed windows at the J. Crew store and Nordstrom shopping center like mannequins, watching the tumult pass below. The crowd seemed to grow as supporters joined the procession from the warmth of restaurants and coffee shops along the fence-lined route. Download complete story and pictures in PDF format

Join Chicago in saying, End The War and Occupation! Bring Our Troops Home Now! Money for Jobs, Health Care, Schools! Saturday March 18, 2006. Join and/or watch the the "FESTIVAL OF RIGHTS" MARCH down Michigan Avenue beginning at Michigan & Walton Street at 7PM Sharp! Download PDF flyer for more information.

CWA's Executive Board this week voiced support for the brave men and women deployed in Iraq and for a major demonstration April 29 in New York where labor activists, veterans and community groups, students and others will gather to demand that our troops be brought home. The demonstration also will call for a new focus on our needs here at home. Download Notice from CWA and flyer regarding April 29, 2006 Rally in New York, in PDF format.

The single word most frequently associated with George W. Bush today is "incompetent,” and close behind are two other increasingly mentioned descriptors: "idiot" and "liar." All three are mentioned far more often today than a year ago. Download NEW Pew Research Survey results in PDF format.

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold has announced that he will introduce a resolution in the U.S. Senate on Monday to censure the President of the United States. Feingold’s resolution condemns the President’s actions in authorizing the illegal wiretapping program and then misleading the country about the existence and legality of the program. Feingold calls the resolution an appropriate and responsible step for Congress to take in response to the President’s undermining of the separation of powers and ignoring the rule of law. Download Press Release and fact sheet in PDF format.

"Our Constitution hangs by a thread. Make no mistake, this is twilight's last gleaming. It's time to defend America, not sell it down the river of corporate greed. It is time to stand up, not slink away to fight another day, because there are no more days. The monarchs of mendacity under George Bush are dismantling democracy at every opportunity. Democrats, you want my vote? Earn it! Get up off your ass and take a stand! Take back America. Stop whimpering. Throw out your Republican-lite Bush lickspittles and suit up for battle. We the people will support you if you speak up for the America we live in and want to preserve. You cannot claim victory simply because you kept the GOP from burying the Constitution while you let them drive it underground.This is twilight's last gleaming. Who will speak up for America? Download complete article in PDF format.

Tammy Duckworth has served her country honorably in and out of the military and seems to be a good person. But here is her position on Iraq, straight from the Republican talking points: "The fact is that we are in Iraq right now and we can't simply pull up Stakes and create a security vacuum."Duckworth is not a backer of setting a timetable in the Iraq War and getting out. And her lead sponsor is Emanuel, the man who infamously said, when asked about Murtha's effort to stop the war, that "At the right time, we will have a position." Christine Cegelis is a true progressive on all the issues, and, in here is her position on the illegal and immoral occupation of Iraq: Download opinion article by Cindy Sheehan in PDF format.

Same old UAE. Just when you thought homeland security couldn’t get more inept and incompetent, we find out the Bush administration casually and secretly planned on approving sale of control of six of our major ports to an company controlled by The United Arab Emirates (UAE). Isn't this the same United Arab Emirates that was one of the few to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan? Isn't this the same United Arab Emirates that has been the transfer point for rogue nuclear weapons components, and who have harbored al Qaeda terrorists? Steve Tisza New Lenox, Illinois. Download today's letters to editor page in PDF format.

Download a summary of the September 2005 GAO study to strengthen the effectiveness of the "Byrd amendment" (CFIUS Committee) regarding foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies that may harm national security. Contains a link to download the complete GAO report, in PDF format.

"This rotten, $6.8 billion deal is a new milestone in Bush’s corporate agenda gone wild. I could go on and on. But let’s move on to solutions." Download entire opinion article by Teamsters President, James P Hoffa, in PDF format.

The president's national security adviser said the White House would keep trying to persuade lawmakers -- there's more time since the company offered to delay its takeover -- but the administration wouldn't reconsider its approval. Download story and a PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS!

More than 25 million Americans—including nearly 9 million children and 3 million seniors—receive emergency food assistance each year from America's Second Harvest—The Nation’s Food Bank Network of charitable agencies, representing an 8 percent increase since 2001, according to a report Hunger in America 2006, released on Thursday, February 22, 2006. Download Press Release and link to view the report.

The irresponsible stewardship of our economy by the "free" traders led to the largest trade deficit between two nations in the history of the world. Our trade deficit with China was a jaw-dropping $200 billion. This lack of leadership led to the following letter being sent to all members of Congress from CWA Executive Vice President Jeff Rechenbach, in PDF format.

On Monday a $6.8 billion dollar deal put the operation and control of the major New York and New Jersey ports in the control of a firm in the United Arab Emirates and owned by the Government of Dubai, Dubai Ports World. Today, Senators Chuck Schumer, Tom Coburn, Frank Lautenberg, and Chris Dodd are being joined by Reps. Chris Shays, Vito Fossella and Mark Foley in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary John Snow urging him to review the deal immediately. Download Press Release, copy of Bipartisan letter to Secretary Treasurer John W. Snow and information on the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS)in PDF format.

Please support Chicago Federation of Labor endorsed candidates in the March 21, 2006 Primary elections. Download CFL March 2, 2006 Get-Out-The Vote Rally information and list of CFL endorsement recommendations in PDF format.

With all the enduring mysteries about the Bush Administration’s doings, one looms as large any: Why was Michael Brown in charge of protecting Americans when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast?A new investigation released earlier this week by Real News reveals why Brown—a man with virtually no experience in government or management of any type, and no familiarity with disaster response—secured the job of chief of America’s disaster response. Download report by Russ Baker investigative reporter in PDF format.

AFA Members will be leafleting this week in conjunction with the "Leave All Blades Behind International Day of Action" on Monday, January 30, 2006. Join us in demanding that we reinforce the Prohibited Items List and keep all dangerous items off our airplanes. Download entire PDF flyer for more information for locations and times for informational picketing.

The mine explosion at the Sago Mine, just outside of Buckhannon, West Virginia, where 12 miners lost their lives and one miner is in critical condition is a tragedy at many levels; not only in the way that the families were informed of the deaths of their loved ones but, in the negligence of the owners of the mine regarding the unsafe conditions that the miners worked under at the mine. Download complete article in PDF format.

While Bush spoke at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Hotel, about 500 protesters were across from the entrance of the hotel at 720 S. Michigan Ave. Protesters chanted: "U.S. out of Iraq," "Bush terrorist of the world," "Bring our troops home now," and "No more blood for oil." Download brief Chicago Tribune story and pictures taken by CWA Local 4250, Chicago in PDF format.

We are pleased to announce the twenty-third annual competition for the William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship Awards, open to members and children of members of local unions affiliated with the Chicago Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO. All CWA Local 4250 members and their children are eligible for these awards. Deadline for completed applications is March 1, 2006. Please download News Release and "Request For Application" in PDF format.

President George Bush will be speaking to hand-picked members of the Economic Club of Chicago this Friday, January 6th, at the Hilton & Towers Hotel, 720 S. Michigan Avenue. Join bus and car caravans from United Steelworkers District 7*, other union delegations, faith, peace and community activists to protest the devastating policies of this administration at the Chicago Hilton Hotel at 11:00am. Download flyer for more information in PDF format.

External link to new animatiom by Mark Fiore.

For nearly a decade, Representative Tom Tancredo, Republican of Colorado, has been dismissed by his critics as little more than an angry man with a microphone, a lonely figure who rails against immigration and battles his own president and party. So radical were his proposals - calling for a fence along the United States border with Canada, for instance - and so fierce were his attacks on fellow Republicans who did not share his views that many of his colleagues tried to avoid him. Mr. Tancredo said Karl Rove, President Bush's senior adviser, had told him not "to darken the doorstep of the White House." Download complete story in PDF format.

As President Bush and his aides scramble to explain new revelations regarding Bush's authorization of spying on the international telephone calls and emails of Americans, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has begun a process that could lead to the censure, and perhaps the impeachment, of the president and vice president. US Representative John Conyers, the Michigan Democrat who was a critical player in the Watergate and Iran-Contra investigations into presidential wrongdoing, has introduced a package of resolutions that would censure President Bush and Vice President Cheney and create a select committee to investigate the Administration's possible crimes and make recommendations regarding grounds for impeachment. Download complete article by John Nichols, The Nation, in PDF format.

"What is the President thinking? Congress has provided for the very situations which the President is blatantly exploiting. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, housed in the Department of Justice, reviews requests for warrants for domestic surveillance. The Court can review these requests expeditiously and in times of great emergency. In extreme cases, where time is of the essence and national security is at stake, surveillance can be conducted before the warrant is even applied for." Download entire statement by Senator Robert Byrd in PDF format.

U.S. Senators Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., and Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, are leading the effort to stand up for American steelworkers and tens of thousands of working families across the country. Byrd and DeWine are fighting an effort by the White House and the Republican Congressional Leadership that would undermine American manufacturers and allow foreign traders to illegally dump products on U.S. markets."The United States Congress must not abandon working families. We must stand with them. We must fight for them," Byrd said. Download Press Release in PDF format.

When Martin Unzueto got involved in an organizing campaign at a local printing company, he saw it as a way to improve conditions for workers. But his pro-union stance put him on an unexpected path. "My hours were cut, and then I was fired," and workers voted against unionization, said Unzueto, who now works for the Chicago Workers Collaborative. His story isn't unique, according to a new report. When Chicago area employers faced union organizing campaigns, 30 percent of them fired workers involved, nearly half threatened to close or relocate their business and 82 percent hired consultants to help them fend off unions, the new study found. The report from the University of Illinois at Chicago's Center for Urban Economic Development is based on a survey of 62 organizing campaigns conducted in the Chicago metropolitan area during 2002. Download complete story, Press release and link to the full report, in PDF format.

In 2002, Clinton broke with more progressive Democrats such as Wellstone, the late senator from Minnesota, Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd and Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, to support authorizing President Bush to use force in Iraq. And during the 2004 presidential campaign, she echoed the sentiments of the most hawkish Republicans when she criticized Bush for not sending enough troops to Iraq. She has also refused to side with another backer of the 2002 resolution, Jack Murtha, who is now pushing for a quick exit strategy. Clinton claims that, "I do not believe that we should allow this to be an open-ended commitment without limits or end." But, she adds, "Nor do I believe that we can or should pull out of Iraq immediately." And a close read of her letter reveals that, while the senator is quick to criticize Bush, she is still in the camp that says America has "a big job to do" in Iraq. Download complete article in PDF format.

Thirty partial college scholarships of $3,000 each are being offered for the 2006-2007 school year. Download PDF flyer for links for general information and access to On-Line application forms.

As part of International Human Rights Day, the Chicago Labor movement is speaking out to demand workers are guaranteed a fundamental human right: The freedom to have a union voice on the job. We will be rallying on Thursday, Deember 8, 2005, at 4:30PM at the Haymarket Memorial. Please download the attached PDF flyer for more information.

On October 31, 2005, the appeals court reversed the Board’s ruling, arguing that the majority used reasoning “in derogation of nearly four decades of employee protection.”3 The court asserted that by accepting the company’s defense without a substantial business justification, the Board’s approach “would allow employers acting under the guise of maintaining business operations to engage in exactly the type of action Midwest undertook: punishing those who stood with the union and rewarding those who crossed picket lines.” Download complete article, in PDF format.

The largest motorcycle parade in the world. Thousands of motorcycles each with a NEW toy contribution. Your NEW toy donations are welcome (PLEASE NO stuffed animals). Lineup starts at 7:00AM Dan Ryan Woods (83rd & Western Avenue,Chicago)on Sunday, December 4, 2005. Download PDF flyer for more information.

The screening will take place on Sunday, November 13, 2005 at 4:15PM at Grace Place at 637 South Dearborn (1 1/2 blocks South of Congress on Dearborn). The public is invited to attend. External link to Chicago Federation of Labor Website for more information.

To sweeten the no-competitive-bidding contracts and guarantee an additional layer of profits for the companies that will repair the damage left by the hurricane, Bush signed an executive order that allows companies to pay substandard wages for all of the cleanup and construction work. Wages in Louisiana are already 19 percent below the national average; wages for workers in Mississippi are only $586 a week, 28 percent below the national average. Download entire article in PDF format.

The cost of health insurance for working Americans climbed 9.2 percent this year, the lowest rate of increase since 2000 but still far ahead of both general inflation and workers' pay increases, according to a nationwide survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Download entire story and press release with links to survey results, in PDF format.

In Part one of this series, I discussed how the Dept. of Homeland security has waived the I-9 requirement, ostensibly so that flood victims who want a job but can't get documents can work. As far as DHS is concerned, there is no difference between a U.S. citizen who may have lost documents in the flood, and illegal aliens who violated our immigration laws to enter the U.S. - all of these people are lumped into the category of "undocumented workers". Download entire article, in PDF format.

Have you no shame? By suspending the Davis-Bacon laws in the areas devastated by the hurricane you are taking advantage of those already suffering. Davis-Bacon laws require federal contractors to pay laborers and mechanics at least the prevailing-wage rates (and fringe benefits) that other similar workers in the area receive. Once again, wealthy contractors, who are being awarded contracts without competitive bidding that guarantee them a certain profit regardless of how much they spend, will reap millions from this disaster. At the same time, the Americans doing the hard work of restoring these ravaged cities are forced to live without even a basic living wage. And now, in the cruelest irony, you are saying that in New Orleans—where a quarter of the city is poor, 40 percent of its children live in families below the poverty level and the prevailing wage for construction labor is less than $10.00 per hour—that working families should have a pay cut as they rebuild their destroyed communities. By suspending Davis-Bacon, you are forcing more people into the poverty we have so dramatically witnessed in the past week and undercutting the economic recovery of these ravaged areas.Download letter to President Bush, by Beth Shulman.

So let me spell out what's going on: President Bush has authorized the robber barons to use illegal aliens to rebuild the damage done by Katrina. Bush Inc. won't have to worry about breaking immigration laws because they exempted themselves. NO LAW, NO WORRY! Companies such as Halliburton will reap immense profits from their contracts while low paid illegal aliens toil in the disease-infested floodwaters of New Orleans.All of you have seen the pictures of the homeless and dispossessed that have been forced into shelters such as the Superdome. It's an undeniable fact that most of them are poor African Americans that are in desperate need of those construction jobs. While the evacuees sleep on cots in the Superdome and spend their $2,000 debit cards to survive, the illegal aliens, who are mostly Mexican, will go to work to rebuild New Orleans. Bush and Cheney will probably call this "competitive bidding", but I think a better name for this behavior would be "ethnic cleansing". Download entire Newsletter by Rob Sanchez and Dr. Gene Nelson, in PDF format.

Apparently nothing, even the greatest natural disaster in the history of the U.S., is allowed to get in the way of GOP President George W. Bush's anti-worker crusade. Link to CFL website for entire story.

Link to animation by Tocci.

These are our courageous Chickenhawks—guts enough to send the country to war without ever having to set foot in a combat zone themselves. This is bad enough as it is, but is even worse when the war they want people to give their lives for is a fabrication—one fought for fictitious reasons.

Cindy has asked supporters to start candlelight vigils in their communities to remind people of the terrible price of war. TrueMajorityACTION and Democracy for America have teamed up with MoveOn to organize nationwide "Vigils for Cindy Sheehan" (and for all military families and Gold Star families) this coming Wednesday, August 17, starting at 7:30 p.m. local time. The vigils are an easy way for people to come together to show support for Cindy and to speak out against the war. You can either find a vigil in your neighborhood or start one of your own. Click below to get started

"The only shortage that exists is decency among the elite like Gates and Greenspan and the Beltway morons of both parties. They are expanding work and student visas and the caps at this very moment. The caps they put on them are a charade. The caps are about as tight as 25-year-old elastic on a pair of size 26 women's shorts." Expect the cretins in both parties, along with the Bush White House, to expand the visa system even more. They will create a never-ending supply of foreign students that universities demand as well as scientists and engineers replacing our own. There is no shortage of scientists and engineers at the moment. Considering that unemployment among U.S.-born engineers is high, the shortage exists in their pea brains and the corporations who want quality on the cheap. Haven't you figured it out yet? We are of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation. Trade treaties like CAFTA and FTAA add even more visas to the pile in the great American sell-off. America for sale – cheap." A lengthy article, but well worth the read, in PDF format.

Download Moveon.org Contest Winner Poster of "Loose Lips - Pink Slips Fire Karl Rove" Poster, in PDF format.

Our Union has a long tradition of involvement with United Way, with its roots in our earliest days. The Joseph Beirne (CWA's founding president) Community Service Award, which annually recognizes labor leaders who have rendered outstanding United Way volunteer service, was established to commemorate the partnership CWA has with United Way. Download message from CWA President Morty Bahr in PDF format.

"Enough is enough. The 15 so-called Democrats who voted for the Central American Free Trade Agreement must pay a heavy price for turning their backs on labor: None of them should receive a dime from labor unions and each one should face a labor-backed primary challenger next year. And the recruitment of good candidates should start now. If the CAFTA 15 do not suffer the political consequences for their vote, labor will look weak and the march of so-called “free trade” will continue." Download complete article in PDF format.

"MELISSA BEAN OF ILLINOIS, Jim Cooper of Tennessee, Henry Cuellar of Texas, Norm Dicks of Washington, Ruben Hinojosa of Texas, William Jefferson of Louisiana, Jim Matheson of Utah, Gregory Meeks of New York, Dennis Moore of Kansas, Jim Moran of Virginia, Solomon Ortiz of Texas, Ike Skelton of Missouri, Vic Snyder of Arkansas, John Tanner of Tennessee, and Edolphus Towns of New York -- are on the wrong side of history, and of humanity." Download complete article from The Nation, in PDF format.

At 12:03 am this morning, like thieves in the night, the U.S. House of Representatives passed CAFTA by a 217 YES to 215 NO Vote with 2 members not voting. Download the final roll call vote and REMEMBER, the YES votes in November!

The House is beginning debate on CAFTA today, with a VOTE coming as early as tonight. Read the following AP report about president Bush's unusual lobbying tactic, then take the external link to CONTACT YOUR representative NOW!

Download article by Cindy Richards, Chicago Sun-Times columnist, in PDF format.

"It's probably wise not to take Bush's Supreme Court nominee at face value." Download cartoon by, Joshua Brown

External link to a MUST SEE, animation by Mark Fiore.

"Stressing safety and security risks, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Pat Friend told a House subcommittee on July 14 that cell phone use has no place in the friendly skies." Link to CWA National website to view complete article.

Chicago area working families, union leaders, activists and community leaders are invited to participate in a rally with the John Sweeney Solidarity Team on Solidarity Sunday! July 24, 2005 12:00pm-2:00pm at the Chicago Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Download (PDF) flyer for more information.

Join AFL-CIO Constituency Groups, other union leaders and activists and AFL-CIO convention delegates to discuss diversity, inclusion and representation in the union movement at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers on Saturday July 23, 2005 from 8:30am - 3:30pm. Download PDF flyer for conference information and registration form. (Registration is FREE)

In an effort to reach out to Illinois' veterans and help them get the benefits they earned while fighting to preserve our freedoms, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs are hosting Illinois' First ever "Supermarket of Veterans Benefits" on Saturday, July 9, 2005 from 7am to 7pm at Navy Pier, Chicago. Download PDF flyer for more information.

CAFTA, which is built on exactly the same model as NAFTA, will cause the same harm to workers. CAFTA must be renegotiated to protect workers' rights and support robust job creation at home and abroad. Download this recent AFL-CIO report, in PDF format.

"Read a letter to the President signed by all House Democrats - "Dear Mr. President, Funding for Veteran's Health Care is urgently needed, Do It Before The 4th of July." Download PDF file for more information and a link to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the GI Bill of Rights For The 21st Century.

"Senator Robert Byrd delivered the following remarks during debate of the legislation to approve "CAFTA", the Central American Free Trade Agreement." Download his entire statement, in PDF format.

"When the white-maned lion of the Senate engaged the steely-eyed defense chief in verbal combat over the war in Iraq this past week, Americans saw the terms of our dilemma in sharp relief. At one point, Sen. Robert Byrd, Democrat of West Virginia, said he couldn't take it anymore. He said Americans have a right to know what's happening in Iraq because they're paying for the war with the lives of their young men and women and billions of tax dollars." Download complete story, in PDF format.

"Who's Left? A Century Ago, Labor Activists Saw Chicago As The Militant Center Of Their Movement. Now Only A Few Remain To Keep The Dream Alive." Download today's Sunday Chicago Tribune Magazine feature article, in PDF format.

The United Steelworkers of America, along with steelworkers retiree groups ReUNION and SOAR, organized a tribute to the massacre victims Sunday at Memorial Hall, 11731 S. Avenue O. Hundreds attended the Memorial Day Remembrance. Download complete article from nwitimes.com on line news, in PDF format.

"Martyrs, Heroes, Unionists." The words describing the 10 murdered strikers are etched into a small monument along with the names of the deceased outside the office of the United Steelworkers of America, Local 1033." Local 1033 will honor these fallen members with a reunion of steelworkers and their families at 2p.m. Sunday at their office, 11731 South Avenue O on Chicago's Southeast Side. Download complete story in PDF format.

Join the celebration to commemorate the Republic Steel Massacre of 1937. The Memorial Hall located at 11731 South Avenue "0", Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, May 29, 2005 2pm. Download PDF flyer for distribution.

Get your minds around it. Our country is guilty of torture. To quote myself once more: "What are you going to do about this? It's your country, your money, your government. You own this country, you run it, you are the board of directors. They are doing this in your name. The people we elected to public office do what you want them to. Perhaps you should get in touch with them." Download complete article by Molly Ivans in PDF format.

Download this letter from AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, in PDF format. It clearly lays out the impact of President Bush's plan for Social Security on America's working families. Please share this information with fellow members, family, neighbors and friends. Together, we must mobilize a grass roots movement across the nation that gets through to the President. KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY!

"They commiserated about their battles. They sang about solidarity. They prayed and then, with heads bowed, labor activists in Chicago showed their respects on May Day, not just to American workers but to laborers everywhere." Download complete article from Chicago Tribune Staff Reporter, Stephen Franklin, in PDF format. Pictures inserted by Steve Tisza, President CWA Local 4250, Chicago.

"May Day, the political version, is an American holiday, one celebrated for the last century everywhere in the world, except America, and one whose origins are well worth remembering. Because May Day began as a strike for a basic right we're now in the process of losing." Download entire article by Geov Parrish and a picture of the May Day Rally held in Chicago on Sunday, May 1, 2005.

Join the Chicago Labor Community, Sunday, May 1, 2005 at 2:00PM. Meet at the site of the "NEW" Haymarket Memorial located on Des Plaines Avenue between Randolph and Lake Street. Download flyer, in PDF format, for more information.

On Thursday, April 28, 2005 the labor movement will once again observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those fallen workers who have suffered or died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. Take this link to the CFL website for more information.

Illinois Congressman Hyde said; "I can't say it wasn't." Download complete article in PDF format.

"For the good of the party, DeLay needs to answer the questions that dog him about campaign contributions and lobbyist-paid trips and nepotism hires, and step aside as majority leader." Download entire editorial in PDF format.

73 Democrats SOLD-OUT Consumers as House Republicans were jubilant after eight years of failed attempts to change bankruptcy law. Download complete story and the list of the 73 democrats as a reminder for November 2006.

Every year, shareholders and America's workers learn of new jaw-dropping executive compensation packages that seemingly defy rational explanation. In 2004, the average CEO of a major company received $9.84 million in total compensation, according to the New York Times. Extenal link to AFL-CIO - "Executive Paywatch" to access information on the top 10 most highly paid CEO's. Also, compare your wages to the CEO of many major employers.

"He's going after people like teachers, nurses, police and firefighters, people who have deep roots in their local communities. We didn't even do a mailing to get people here. We just talked to our members and had them call thire family and friends," said Rose Ann DeMoro of the nurses union.

Download UPI story about AFL-CIO nationwide rally against Charles Schwab's involvement in Social Security privatization. Also, pictures from the Chicago rally at Charles Schwab, 150 South Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago.

"Supporters of President George W. Bush's plan to privatize part of Social Security are losing the public relations war. Some of them have decided to fight dirty." Download complete story by Marie Cocco, in PDF format.

As part of a National Day of Action for Retirement Security, the Chicago Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO invites you to attend a rally opposing President Bush's efforts to privatize Social Security. It will be held at 12 Noon on Thursday, March 31, 2005 at the Charles Schwab office located at 150 South Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago. Download PDF file for more information and a link to TAKE ACTION NOW!

The tightening of homeland security since 2001 has not stemmed illegal immigration into the United States, with a report released Monday showing the number of Illegal Aliens growing roughly 485,000 people a year. Download story by Michelle Morgante, AP Writer San Diego, in PDF format.

Battle lines were drawn Tuesday in the debate over the government's counterterrorism powers, as an unlikely coalition of liberal civil-rights advocates, conservative libertarians, gun-rights supporters and medical privacy advocates voiced their objections to crucial parts of the law that expanded those powers after the attacks of September 11, 2001. Download complete story and copy of their letter to President Bush, in PDF format.

"organized labor must recommit itself to the origins of the union movement and put the well-being of American workers first and foremost. Let's hope that our unions can recapture their spirit and their soul." Download complete opinion article by Lou Dobbs, in PDF format

"Republicans have traditionally championed respect for the delicate balance the founders created. But in the Schiavo case, and in the battle to stop the Democratic filibusters of judicial nominations, President Bush and his Congressional allies have begun to enunciate a new principle: the rules of government are worth respecting only if they produce the result we want." Download today's New York Times Editorials in PDF format.

Call your Senators and Representatives at 202-225-3121 and urge them to sign the AFL-CIO pledge to oppose legislation to privatize Social Security. Download flyer for more information, in PDF format.

On the second anniverary of the War, hear Lila Lipscomb, mother of Michael, killed in Iraq. Lila was featured in the documentary Fahrenheit 911. She will speak at 3pm in the Chicago Temple, 77 West Washington, Chicago, Illinois. This will be followed by a horse-drawn procession led by military families to a Grant Park ceremony and vigil. Download flyer in PDF format.

There are members of both the House and Senate who see no conflict in accepting significant political campaign contributions from corporations and executives who have profited by selling pornography. Self-righteous proclamations of morality notwithstanding, these Members are apparently blind to the vice of greed. The next time you see one of these members stand up and rant about how pornography is destroying the moral fabric of our society, look closer. You may see that the only fabric that these folks really care about is the type on which United States currency is printed. Download complete story and the report by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), in PDF format.

On Saturday, March 19, 2005, the 2nd anniversary of the War on Iraq, Chicago will again join the world in saying "Bring the Troops Home Now!" A rally will be held at the Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn Streets at 2pm. Thank you in advance for having the courage to publically voice your opposition to the War in Iraq. Download flyers in PDF format.

"Senator Byrd delivered the remarks below warning the Senate and the American people about a procedural effort being considered by some Senators to shut off debate and shut down minority voices and opinions. Byrd believes that such an effort strikes at the very heart of the Senate, the freedom of speech and debate." Download compete text of Senator Byrd's remarks on the Senate floor March 1, 2005, in PDF format.

Download fact sheets on how Bush's Budget cuts will affect all Illinois taxpayers, in PDF format.

President George W. Bush's plan to privatize Social Security is as ill-considered as his "cakewalk" invasion of Iraq. Download commentary by: Paul Craig Roberts in PDF format.

"Taking its cues from the success of last year's Swift boat veterans' campaign in the presidential race, a conservative lobbying organization has hired some of the same consultants to orchestrate attacks on one of President Bush's toughest opponents in the battle to overhaul Social Security." Download complete story in PDF format.

AARP believes a radical overhall of Social Security could spell disaster, the end of Social Security as we know it. Is the current Social Security system really at death's door, or are the rumors of its demise greatly exaggerated? Link to the AARP website for some common misconceptions.

The city expects to install 4,000 wireless antennas along lampposts across the city in the next 18 months, creating a network of broadband signals. City officials hope to extend service into homes and businesses in neighborhoods, using nonprofit organizations to provide low-cost equipment, training and services. Download complete article in PDF format.

Walmart, the nation's largest employer, and one of the nation's largest political donors, was cited for using children in dangerous jobs in its US stores; and, then got a sweetheart deal that gives the company fifteen days ADVANCE NOTICE before the government will initiate any investigation of future violations of federal workplace laws. Download press release from UFCW in PDF format.

Link to new animation by Mark Fiore.

"Many of my colleagues have different rules when it comes to voting on Cabinet members. I set a bar that's very high because I think these positions are very powerful, and others set them lower because they think the most important thing is that the president gets who he wants. I take "advise and consent" very seriously, perhaps more seriously than others, That's their choice." Download entire article in PDF format.

"A conservative government sweeps to power for a second term. It views its victory as a mandate to slash the role of the state. In its first term, this policy objective was met by cutting taxes for the wealthy. Its top priority for its second term is tackling what it views as an enduring vestige of socialism: its system of social insurance for the elderly. Declaring the current program unaffordable in 50 years' time, the administration proposes the privatization of a portion of old-age benefits. In exchange for giving up some future benefits, workers would get a tax rebate to put into an investment account to save for their own retirement. George W. Bush's America in 2005? Think again. The year was 1984, the nation was Britain, the government was that of Margaret Thatcher-- and the results have been a disaster that America is about to emulate." Download complete perspective by Norma Cohen, a senior corporate reporter at The Financial Times who covers pension issues, in PDF format.

In the Senate, the vote was 74 to ONE, Mrs. BOXER STOOD ALONE. Download complete story in PDF format.

"It is your turn, Senators, to stand in the breach. If you fail to add your voices to those heroic House members as they demand an investigation into the desecration of our democracy that occurred in Ohio, as well as those we are surely yet to witness, you will have failed your country, your supposed ideals, and your party; you will also have failed your children and yourselves. To fail to act at such an historical juncture as this, is to fail historically." Watch LIVE on C-SPAN at 9am EST, Thursday, January 6, 2005. See for yourself, if ONE democratic Senator Stands with his House colleagues on this issue! Download complete perspective in PDF format.

Republicans took control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1995 after an election that they PROMISED GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR LAWMAKERS. Today, in the 109th Congress' first vote, ALL House Republicans voted to gut the rules of the House ethics process. Download complete story in PDF format.

"Today let's focus on one piece of those scare tactics: the claims that social security faces an imminent crisis. That claim is simply false. Yet much of the press has reported the falsehood as a fact." Download Op-Ed by Paul Krugman in PDF format.

Call your U.S. Senators today. Ask them to object to the certification of the election results. This causes a 2 hour discussion in both the House and the Senate on election irregularities in Ohio. Download information not seen on the evening news.

Cintas and Comcast are 2nd and 3rd runers-up in the national contest to determine who did the most harm to workers and their families this year. External link to read about the results of the voting.

"Salivating at the chance to radically remake the Supreme Court, the president and his loyal lapdogs in the World's Most Exclusive Club are plotting to obliterate over 200 years of Senate tradition by eliminating the use of FILIBUSTERS against judicial nominees." Download entire Arianna Huffington opnion article in PDF format.

New animation from Mark Fiore.

"When elected representatives of the people allow themselves to be coerced into a process that encourages the abdication of our responsibility to understand and thoroughly review legislation, the people are robbed of their voice in their government." Download remarks delivered to the U.S. Senate by, the Dean of the U.S. Senate, Robert Byrd of West Virginia in PDF format.

"Union members and other working family activists don't just vote our moral values, we live them. We fight for them, day in, day out. Our commitment to economic and social justice propels us and everything we do." Download entire letter from President Sweeney in PDF format.

"While we all feel a tremendous sense of disappointment at the outcome of the elections, we also feel an enormous sense of pride in how well we performed together in a cause in which we care so deeply." Download entire letter in PDF format.

Download complete speech in PDF format.

"There's an old saying in Tennessee--I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee--that says, fool me once, shame on--shame on you--fool me--you can't get fooled again." Download today's column by Richard Roper, Chicago Sun-Times, in PDF format.

YOU DECIDE! Link to WorkingAmerica.org

External Link to AFL-CIO.

Voting is the most direct way for you to affect your government. Don't let anyone deprive you of your precious right! Be aware of your rights BEFORE you go to the polls. Please download the attached flyer (PDF) containing information on your rights in the event you encounter any harassment or intimidation when you go to VOTE!

"If we were together in a car driving the wrong way down a one-way street, you'd want to change direction, right? But what if I kept my foot on the gas pedal while boasting of my steely resolve? Would you admire me from your passenger seat? Would you ignore those headlights getting closer and closer? Would you keep me in the driver's seat? Download entire article in PDF format.

Author, Ken Buchdahl, will be available to discuss and autograph his powerful new book at Barnes & Noble, 1 South 550 Route 83, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois on Sunday, November 14, 2004, 2:00 - 4:00 PM. Download flyer for more information in PDF format.

As we enter the final week of this national election, CWA members need to make a choice. As you consider the key issues in the Presidential race, you might be interested in a recent study that shows that Bush supporters "are more likely to be mistaken about factual issues." In addtion to being on the side of jobs, universal health care and retirement security, it is also important to be on the side of reality. Download access to article in PDF format.

George W. Bush wants to eliminate union contracts so employers, such as AT$T, can pay you less. AT$T is following Bush's policies by contracting out union work to SCAB CONTRACTORS! Download flyer in PDF format.

"Voting for president is a leap of faith. A candidate can explain his positions in minute detail and wind up governing with a hostile Congress that refuses to let him deliver. A disaster can upend the best-laid plans. All citizens can do is mix guesswork and hope, examining what the candidates have done in the past, their apparent priorities and their general character. It's on those three grounds that we enthusiastically endorse John Kerry for president." Download complete editorial in PDF format.

Michael Moore offered to let Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. air the movie for free. Such a deal would likely get a chilly reception at Sinclair, a broadcaster with a reputation for conservative politics that plans to air a critical documentary about John Kerry's anti-Vietnam War activities on dozens of TV stations two weeks before the election. Download AP report in PDF format.

It's not hard to predict what President Bush, who sounds increasingly desperate, will say tonight. Here are eight lies or distortions you'll hear, and the truth about each: Download complete Op-Ed By Paul Krugman in PDF format.

A report on the civil rights record of the George W. Bush Administration, 2001-2004 that won't be released to the public until after November 2, 2004 in PDF format.

FREE Transportation and refreshments will be provided for any Chicago Area CWA member, retiree or activist who would like to volunteer their time to participate in this event. Download flyer for more information, distribution and posting in PDF format.

"One of the uncommitted voters in the audience sensibly asked President Bush to name three mistakes he'd made in office, and what he had done to remedy the damage. Mr. Bush declined to list even one, and instead launched into an impassioned defense of the invasion of Iraq as a good idea." Download complete editorial in PDF format.

"As son of a Republican President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, it is automatically expected by many that I am a Republican. For 50 years, through the election of 2000, I was. With the current administration's decision to invade Iraq unilaterally, however, I changed my voter registration to independent, and barring some utterly unforseen development, I intend to vote for the Democratic Presidential candidate, Sen. John Kerry." Download complete guest commentary by John Eisenhower in PDF format.

"As Democratic nominee John F. Kerry criticized President Bush in Thursday night's presidential debate, Bush scowled, squinted, clenched his jaw and appeared disgusted as he hunched over his lecturn--images that were beamed into millions of American homes." Download complete article in PDF format.

Download NEW Mark Fiore annimation in PDF format with a link to view his latest animated cartoon.

The tour will reach 11 states and 33 cities, winding up with a concert by 13 of the headliners on October 11, 2004 at the MCI Center in Washington. That show, to be televised LIVE on the Sundance cable channel, will also include John Fogerty, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Keb Mo', Keneth Edmonds and the hip-hop group Jurassic 5. Download complete story in PDF format.

"I know in my heart that this is what needs to be done." Kristen Breitweiser said, clenching her jaw. "I have a 5 year-old that lost her father and thinks a dad is an image in a photo. She has no idea that a dad is supposed to be real and hug you. I want to know that she's going to be safer. That when she grows up, she's not going to die because of payback for a bad foreign policy. " Download complete article by Matthew Mosk, Washington Post Staff Writer in PDF format.

Despite fewer health benefits for working families, health insurance premiums rose much faster than earnings over the last four years, according to a report released by Families USA, the national nonprofit and nonpartisan organization for health care consumers. Download Press Release from Tuesday, September 28, 2004 and a link to download the full report in PDF format.

Download flyer in PDF format with links to compare Kerry and Bush on Veterans' Issues and a link to sign-up for the AFL-CIO Union Veterans E-Mail News.

"We know that profits from the production of illegal narcotics flow into the coffers of warlord militias, corrupt government officials and extremist forces," said Pentagon official Peter Rodman. Download complete BBC report in PDF format.

"Last year, 43.4 % of people who began receiving state unemployment benefits ended up exhausting all the benefits to which they were entitled without finding a job. This exhaustion rate is the highest rate since 1941, and it exceeds the 38.5% rate for 1982 when the unemployment rate was over 10%." Download file in PDF format.

"This campaign isn't about George Bush and John Kerry. (And it certainly isn't about Ralph Nader; a progressive vote for Nader is in effect a vote for Bush.) It's about a corporate class that has gained unprecedented ground in the last four years and, by extension, the territory ceded by the rest of America." Download complete Opinion by Congressman Bernie Sanders, the only elected Independent in the U. S. House of Representatives and the longest-serving congessional Independent in American history, in PDF format.

"Growing evidence suggests that George W. Bush abruptly left his Texas Air National Guard unit in 1972 for substantive reasons pertaining to his inability to continue piloting a fighter jet." Download complete article in PDF format.

"The tragedy is the Bush administration has misled the American people into believing front line officers have been trained and equipped to fight terrorism in America." Download the National Coalition of Public Safety Officers/CWA Press Release in PDF format.

Download letter to Senator Zell Miller (D-Georgia) from former President Jimmy Carter in PDF format.

"Don't get your hopes up for seeing "Fahrenheit 9/11" on TV before the election. Get it from video stores on October 5, 2004 and hold house parties. Share it with everyone you know, especially your "non-voting" friends." Download complete letter from Michael Moore in PDF format.

"Roaring back at his Republican rivals, Senator John Kerry called President Bush "unfit to lead this country" for "misleading" America into War in Iraq and said Mr. Bush and Vice President Cheney avoided fighting in the Vietnam War. Download entire article and text of Kerry's speech in Ohio in PDF format.

"It is time for a truthful debate about the choices America faces. To look past the misleading sound bites, slogans and attacks coming from the Republican convention next week and watch as they disguise the president's failed record. Download complete press release and link to Kerry/Edwards Plan to Strengthen the Middle Class in PDF format.

"The United States Department of Labor should know that Illinois Law will continue to protect Illinois workers, even when the federal Department of Labor decides not to." Download Press Release from Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, his letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and Voice Of The People letter from Dan Hynes, Illinois Comptroller, author of the Illinois bill to protect 375,000 Illinois workers from Bush administration changes in federal overtime rules.

Download AFL-CIO Fact Sheets on how the Bush administration has charged taxpayers for politics and more since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

William Rood, an editor on the Chicago Tribune's metropolitan desk, said today, he broke 35 years of silence about the February 28, 1969 mission that resulted in Kerry's receiving a Silver Star because recent portrayals of Kerry's actions published in the best-selling book "Unfit for Command" are wrong and smear the reputations of veterans who served with Kerry. Download Chicago Tribune articles in PDF format.

Newly obtained military records of Larry Thurlow, one of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's most vocal critics, who has accused him of lying about his wartime medals, CONTRADICT HIS OWN VERSION of EVENTS. Download complete article and PDF copies of Thurlow's military records and contradictory affidavit of July 2004 obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by the Washington Post.

"When I hear this coming from Dick Cheney, who was a coward, who would not serve during the Vietnam War, it makes my blood boil," said Harkin. "He'll be tough, but he'll be tough with someone else's kid's blood." Download complete AP article in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO Fact Sheet on Bush record on Medicare and Social Security since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

How do John Kerry and George W. Bush's records of service during Vietnam stack up? Download the full story in PDF format.

A NEW "Non-Partisan" Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Report confirms that George Bush is shifting the tax burden to the middle class. Download entire press release in PDF format.

Learn the issues, check the records. An AFL-CIO "Special Report" on the record of Bush v. Kerry. Take this external link to download the candidates' position on various issues affecting America's Working Families.

"On August 29, 2004, thousands of Chicagoans will gather at the Federal Center at Dearborn and Adams to say in one voice, NO to the Bush Agenda! YES to a Better World!" Download letter from Rally sponsors in PDF format.

"It is through the truthful exercising of the best of human qualities - respect for others, honesty about ourselves, faith in our ideals - that we come to life in God's eyes. It is how our soul, as a nation and as individuals, is revealed. Our American government has strayed too far from American values. It is time to move forward. The country we carry in our hearts is waiting." Download Op-Ed by Bruce Springsteen, writer and performer in PDF format.

A message from CWA Local 4250 on Who Will Stand For Working Families in PDF format.

"Politicians will stretch the truth. They'll exaggerate their accomplishments, paper over their gaffes. Spin has long been the lingua franca of the political realm. But George W. Bush and his administration have taken "normal" mendacity to a startling new level far beyond lies of convenience. On top of the usual massaging of public perception, they traffic in big lies, indulge in any number of symptomatic small lies, and, ultimately, have come to embody dishonesty itself. They are a lie. And people, finally, have started catching on." Download complete article by Ron Reagan in PDF format.

"What we've got now is a president of the United States who is actively misleading the American people on the financial condition of the country," said Kent Conrad of North Dakota, top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee. "Shame on him." Download complete article in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheet on Bush record on Healthcare since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

"What does it mean in America today when Dave McCune, a steel worker I met in Canton, Ohio, saw his job sent overseas and the equipment in his factory literally unbolted, crated up, and shipped thousands of miles away along with that job? What does it mean when workers I've met had to TRAIN THEIR FOREIGN REPLACEMENTS? America can do better. So tonight we say: HELP IS ON THE WAY." Download complete text of John Kerry's acceptance speech to the 2004 Democratic National Convention in PDF format.

"Your agenda is our agenda. So let me give you some specifics. First, we can create good-paying jobs in this country again. We're going to get rid of tax cuts for companies who are outsourcing your jobs, and, instead, we're going to give tax breaks to American companies that are keeping jobs right here in America." Download complete text of John Edwards address in PDF format.

"This is not just about winning an election. It's about preserving the principles on which this very nation was founded. Look at the current view of our nation worldwide as a result of our unilateral foreign policy. We went from unprecedented international support and solidarity on September 12, 2001, to hostility and hatred as we stand here tonight. We can't survive in the world by ouselves." Download complete text of address in PDF format.

"Democrats are the party of the minimum wage, the 40-hour week, time and a half for overtime. We are the party of the right to organize, the right to collective bargaining, the right to strike, the right to a decent workplace, the right to a secure retirement." Download complete text of address in PDF format.

"A star is born. Like Shaq he will be known by one name, Obama. Obama, reached well beyond the party base and immediately emerged as a new shining star. The son of a goat herder from Kenya and a white woman from Kansas. Obama was the first African American President of the Harvard Law Review, and will very likely be the first black male Democrat in the United States Senate." Download complete perspective by Scott Galindez and entire text of Obama's keynote address to the Democratic Convention in PDF format.

Download the Platform Committee report, as approved on July 10, 2004 and adopted by the 2004 Democratic National Convention Delegates on Tuesday, July 27, 2004, in PDF format.

CWA Local 4250 has purchased twenty-five (25) coupon books. They will be made available to CWA Local 4250 members/retirees on a "first call first served basis." Download flier in PDF format for more information on how to request a coupon book.

Download flier (PDF format) comparing John Kerry and George Bush positions on Jobs, Social Security and Prescription Drugs.

John F. Kerry, democratic presidential candidate, has criticized the administration for declining to meet directly with North Korean officials to resolve the impasse. Download complete Washington Post article in PDF format

The Democratic Convention will open on Monday, July 26, 2004 in Boston. Download a summary of the platform that also contains a link to download the complete platform in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheet on Bush record on privatizing government since taking office in January 2001 in PDF format.

"Sorry, but the great state of Illinois cannot be represented in Washington by Limp Ditka. Who knew, when I coined that nickname last year for the beloved coach and erectile-challenged Levitra pitchman, that he would become the potential replacement for a political candidate ruined by a kinky sex-club scandal?" Download complete article by: Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times sport columnist in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheet on Bush record on Tax Cuts For The Wealthy since taking office in January 2001 in PDF format.

A California paid family leave state law takes effect on Thursday, July 1, 2004. The law, the first of its kind in the nation, will allow most workers to take up to six (6) weeks off to attend to a new baby or adopted child, or care for an ailing spouse or parent, while receiving at least part of their pay. Download complete article in PDF format

With these eight words, this past weekend Sen. John Kerry illustrated the stark difference between himself and George W Bush on workers' rights, including workers' freedom to form and join unions. Download complete story with links to share information with others in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheets on Bush record on Trade and Exporting U.S. Jobs since taking office in January 2001 in PDF format.

The Employee Free Choice Act, co-sponsored by Sen. John Kerry and more than 220 other Members of Congress, would help protect the right of Americans to form a union. TAKE ACTION NOW! Call the White House at 202-456-1111. Download flyer for more info in PDF format.

New legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), would give workers the power to choose for themselves whether to have a union, free from the harassment and intimidation employers now use to stop workers from coming together in unions. TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES STAND ON WORKERS' RIGHTS! Download an important message from CWA Local 4250 in PDF format.

The Employee Free Choice Act was introduced on November 21, 2003, by Senator Edward Kennedy (S. 1925) and U.S. Representative George Miller (H.R. 3619). Download a summary of their bills in PDF format.

The National Workplace Week of Action is June 28 - July 4, 2004. This July 4th, the labor movement will focus on the freedom to bargain collectively and to form a union. We'll be collecting postcards about the need to restore the right to bargain to send to President Bush and Senator Kerry. You may learn more about the war on workers and the Voice@Work Workplace Week of Action at this external AFL-CIO website.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheets on Bush record on Workers' Freedom To Join A Union since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

Over one thousand union activists to attend rally and civil disobedience on Tuesday, June 15, 2004, Congress Hotel 520 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois - 4:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Download flyer in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheets on the Bush record on Civil and Human Rights since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

Download AFL-CIO fact sheets on the Bush record on Jobs and the Economy since taking office in January 2001, in PDF format.

After reading the article below, IS E-VOTING SAFE?, TRY this website that is dedicated to verifiable Election Results. Take their Demo by choosing a "machine test" or "Real Election" Machine tests give accurate final tallies, but real elections might not! This is because, in a real election, one particular candidate is "programmed to win!

Millions of American's will cast their ballots this year using voting machines based on PC technologies. PC World Magazine answers the most pressing questions about ballot box secutity. Download complete article in PDF format.

Download Proxy vote recommendations from the CWA C&T Office in Washington, DC in PDF format. VOTE YOUR PROXY TODAY!

Voters in Inglewood, CA., a racially diverse working-class suburb of Los Angeles, have soundly rejected a ballot initiative to permit the building of a 60-acre Wal-Mart shopping complex exempt from virtually all state and local regulation. Download complete article in PDF format.

On April 28, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew the fight for safe workplaces. Download flyer and suggested mobilization activities PDF format.

Since taking office in January 2001, the Bush administration has turned its back on workers and workplace safety. Siding with its corporate friends, the Bush administration has overturned or blocked dozens of important workplace protections and weakened job safety programs, leaving workers in danger. Download fact sheet from the AFL-CIO in PDF format.

Illinois becomes the first state to decouple from new federal overtime rules. The bill signed by the Governor today rejects the federal changes and keeps current job classification definitions in place, preserving overtime rights for Illinois workers who currently qualify! Download Press Release from Governor Blagojevich office in PDF format.

The CWA supports efforts to restore confidence in the booming call center market, save precious jobs here in America and help provide a measure of security for telephone transactions. That is why CWA supports THE CALL CENTER CONSUMER'S RIGHT TO KNOW ACT OF 2003, S 1873 introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) and H.R. 3816 by REp. Ted Strickland (D-OH). Download CWA legislative Fact Sheet in PDF format.

To rectify the inequities that have chilled the aspirations of millions of workers to join a union, the bill would require union certification through democratic card check procedures. S 1925 and H.R. 3619 would provide for certification of a union if the NLRB finds that a majority of workers have signed written forms designating the union as their collective bargaining representative. Download CWA Legislative Fact Sheet on the bill in PDF format.

Our tax system should be fair to all workers. last year CWA opposed the largest tax cut plan in the history of this country, the bulk of whivh went to multi-millionaires. Last years tax cut plan gives millionaires an average tax cut of $93,500, while the average tax cut for middle-income households was only $217. Download CWA Legislative Fact Sheet in PDF format.

Wal-Mart's $20 million entry into the Chicago market suffered a serious, and perhaps fatal setback Thursday, when organized labor flexed its muscle against a company it calls "public enemy No. 1" and derailed a West Side zoning change. Download complete article in PDF format.

AT$T Concerned Employees (ACE) Council On Retirement Protection is conducting their 2004 membership drive. Over the years, CWA and "ACE" have collaborated on various retiree pension, healthcare and AT$T shareholder proxy proposals. All concerned AT$T management employees should consider joining ACE which has been an effective advocate for all active and retired AT$T employees. Download a recent letter from ACE to AT$T Retirees and Future Retirees in PDF format.

The Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) has endorsed a slate of Cook County Democratic incumbants and the Illinois AFL-CIO recently voted on their endorsed candidates in Congressional races, Illinois House and Senate races, as well as State Supreme Court and State Appellate Court contests. Download a list of Illinois Labor endorsed candidates in the upcoming Primary election on March 16, 2004 PDF format.

TAKE ACTION on Health Care Today! Call your Illinois State Senator and Representative to Support HB 4562 and SB 2581. Download PDF flyer with information on how to contact them.

On March 16, 2004, VOTE for John Kerry in the Illinois Democratic Primary. He's the real deal for Local 4250 families. John Kerry is the only Democrat who can beat George Bush and put the White House on the side of America's workers...but only if CWA families help him make it happen. Download, print, post and distribute CWA Local 4250 flyer in PDF format.

The Illinois Primary Election is Tuesday, March 16, 2004. The CWA has endorsed Dan Hynes for the U.S. Senate in the Democratic Primary. Hynes, who is in his second term as Illinois Comptroller, has been an outstanding advocate for Labor's issues. Hynes used the power of his office to enforce the prevailing wage law by issuing a first-of-its-kind executive order refusing payment to companies who are not paying prevailing wage to their workers in Illinois. Download PDF document containing Illinois AFL-CIO election information and flyer.

The Illinois legislature had a busy year in 2003, enacting numerous pieces of significant legislation that became effective on January 1, 2004. These new laws could dramatically impact the rights of workers in Illinois. Download summary of new laws in PDF format.

Download PDF file containing all Illinois AFL-CIO endorsed candidates for the March 2004 Illinois Primary Elections.

Under a proposal by President Bush, more than eight million workers might not be paid extra for the overtime hours they work. President Bush can make the changes through executive order, even over objections from Congress. Please show your support for overtime pay by signing this petition. Tell President Bush to Withdraw Your Overtime Pay Take-Away Now!