Political Notebook

Local Republicans reject state employee contract

Two local lawmakers joined fellow Republicans on Thursday in rejected a state employee contract proposal negotiated by DFL Gov. Mark Dayton's administration and labor unions.

Rep. Mike Benson, of Rochester, and Rep. Steve Drazkowski, of Mazeppa, serve on the Subcommittee on Employee Relations and voted against the contract. The committee rejected the contract 6 to 4 on a straight party-line vote. That means the full Legislature will have to vote on the proposal when it reconvenes in January.

The contract covers more than 27,000 employees represented by two unions — the American Federal of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees.

Republicans spoke out against the plan, which included a 2 percent across-the-board pay increase and tenure-based pay increases known as "steps."

“Wage increases based on seniority are a poor proxy for rewarding performance,” Drazkowsi said in a written statement “Minnesota can no longer afford to reward people based on how long they have been in state service. A 7 to 9 percent increase in salary is simply unsustainable, particularly looking into the next biennium.”

Under that agreement, individual state employees would not have to contribute anything toward their health insurance coverage. Republicans argue it's time these employees start chipping in.

Democrats on the committee said this is the latest example of union bashing at the hands of Republicans. State Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, issued the following statement after the vote:

"Today anti-union extremists chose to attack a fair and modest contract for our hard-working employees. Unlike the legislators who constantly attack them, state employes have sacrificed. State employees lost $65 million in wages — nearly 6 percent pay cut — during the Republican government shtudown last year."

State employees will continue to work under the terms of an existing contract that expired in June 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

The proposal included a 2 percent across-the-board pay raise for employees beginning next year. It also allowed for tenure-based pay increases known as "steps."

Reaction to judge's ruling blocking child care unionization vote

Rochester daycare provider Jennifer Parrish was thrilled by news that a Ramsey County judge today blocked a child care unionization vote set to begin this week.

"We're definitely relieved," she said.

Parrish, a member of the Coalition of Family Child Care Providers, said opponents had been hard at work discouraging other daycare providers from supporting the unionization. DFL Gov. Mark Dayton last month ordered that in-home daycare providers who receive state subsidies vote on unionization. Ballots were expected to go out this week to roughly 4,300 out of the state's 11,000 in-home childcare providers.

Parrish argued it was unfair that all childcare providers didn't get a chance to vote. She argues if a vote to unionize succeeded, all daycare providers would end up being represented by the unions whether the like or not.

"Our coalition started last week calling every single one of the 4,287 providers who were eligible to vote and we were down to 1,000," she said.

But while Parrish is celebrating the judge's ruling, unions are voicing disappointment. In a released statement, SEIU Local 284 Executive Director Carol Nieters said the court's decision derails efforts to make sure the voices of daycare providers are heard in St. Paul. Here's part of the statement:

“Minnesota’s family child care providers have been asking for a voice in St. Paul since 2005. Now, on the eve of their opportunity to choose a representative for meetings to support vital and threatened state programs, conservative corporate interests from the Freedom Foundation of Minnesota and their lapdogs in the Minnesota state legislature have succeeded in throwing a wrench into the wheels of democracy.

“This sham lawsuit and their entire campaign of misinformation is just another example of the vicious attacks on working families by national corporate interests and the politicians who do their bidding.  From Ohio to Wisconsin and New Hampshire to Minnesota, the story is the same: they will stop at nothing to deny working people the right to form a union for a voice in our democracy."

The next court hearing in the case is set for mid-January. Dayton said he plans to meet with the state's Attorney General to decide what steps to take next.

 

Organized labor in the spotlight at upcoming forum

The Olmsted County DFl is sponsoring a forum on organized labor this week entitled, "Organized labor in the 21st Century: New Missions, New Strategies." 

This forum comes at a time when unions have lost their political clout at the Capitol with Republicans in charge. Several bills were introduced this session aimed at curbing the power of unions. That includes a proposed constitutional amendment by Mazeppa GOP Rep. Steve Drazkowski to make Minnesota a right-to-work state. Other proposals this session that drew fire from unions included a measure to cut the state's workforce by 15 percent and one that would prohibit teachers from striking. Those proposals failed to go anywhere with DFL Gov. Mark Dayton opposed to them.

The forum runs from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the Rochester Public Library Auditorium. Topics include:

"The Year Ahead: Defending the Middle Class," presented by Laura Askelin, president of the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO

"Protecting Workers' Rights in the Private Sector," presented by Allan Stork, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

"The Political Impact of Organized Labor," presented by Russell Hess political coordinator of the Laborers' District Council of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be time for questions and discussion following the presentation.

Walz speaks out in favor of union protesters in Wisconsin

1st District DFL Rep. Tim Walz took to the House floor to offer his support for union workers protesting in Madison, Wis. The workers are speaking out against Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to cut public employees' benefits and get rid of their right to collective bargaining. Walz, a high school teacher, said that the employees turning out at these rallies include kindergarten teachers.

"The audaity of their demand? The ability to negotiate a living wage, safe working conditions and a dignified retirement. These public servants make our society safe and functioning at an average wayge of $30,000 a year. They did not cause the financial catastrophe in this country. That was the speculators and robber barrons who received billions in TARP funds and then offshored it to avoid paying taxes."

Go here to watch video of his speech.

Teamsters launch ad campaign against bill to cut state workforce

Teamsters Local 320, which describes itself as "Minnesota's Most Powerful Labor Union," is launching a massive ad campaign on Sunday targeting a bill that would reduce the state's workforce by 15 percent over the next four years.

The union plans to spend $100,000 on TV and radio ads in cities across the state — including Rochester. Dubbed the "Stop the 15% Slash" campaign, the ads warn that if the bill advances it will mean the loss of key state workers including 1,275 cops. 

To make that point, one of the newspaper ads features a burglar armed with a crowbar about to smash the window of a home. Above the picture, the ad text states "The 15% slash will cost Minnesota 1,275 cops. And some folks couldn't be happier."

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Keith Downey, R-Edina. He argues that the bill is aimed at restructuring state government. It has already cleared to House committees. It must pass the House Ways and Means Committee before heading to the House floor for a vote.

Click here to  Download Teamsters newspaper ads

Swanson, Dayton and Thissen pay a visit

Rochester is proving to be a popular spot today for DFL candidates.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson spoke at an Olmsted County Darn Fine Luncheon today. After the presentation, she took questions from the audience. Some of those questions centered on letters received by Swanson calling on her to join in a federal lawsuit to block the health care reform bill. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and all 68 GOP members of the state legislature are asking her to consider joining in a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 13 other states that argues the bill violates the Constitution.

Swanson emphasized that the lawsuit centers on a provision in the bill that would  require people to buy insurance, which does not take effect until 2014. She said she wants to take time to review the bill before making a decision.

"I believe in reviewing things before I comment on them," she said.

Swanson said she is slowly beginning to review the bill.

"I have printed it off, it is 2,400 pages long and it's about this high and I am reviewing the bill. I am on page 5 or so," she said.

This afternoon, the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council is organizing a march and rally that starts at 4 p.m. at the Labor Temple in Rochester and will stop at Wells Fargo at 21 1st St. S.W. The march is part nationwide protests by labor groups focused on banks that took bailout money. They want these banks to loosen tightened lending restrictions to help average citizens. The march will end at the Kahler Grand Hotel at 20 2nd Ave. S.W.

DFL gubernatorial candidates Mark Dayton and Paul Thissen are expected to attend and address the crowd. Thissen is also having a meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dos Amigos Restaurant, 20 4th St. S.E.

Swanson, Dayton and Thissen pay a visit

Rochester is proving to be a popular spot today for DFL candidates.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson spoke at an Olmsted County Darn Fine Luncheon today. After the presentation, she took questions from the audience. Some of those questions centered on letters received by Swanson calling on her to join in a federal lawsuit to block the health care reform bill. Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty and all 68 GOP members of the state legislature are asking her to consider joining in a lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 13 other states that argues the bill violates the Constitution.

Swanson emphasized that the lawsuit centers on a provision in the bill that would  require people to buy insurance, which does not take effect until 2014. She said she wants to take time to review the bill before making a decision.

"I believe in reviewing things before I comment on them," she said.

Swanson said she is slowly beginning to review the bill.

"I have printed it off, it is 2,400 pages long and it's about this high and I am reviewing the bill. I am on page 5 or so," she said.

This afternoon, the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council is organizing a march and rally that starts at 4 p.m. at the Labor Temple in Rochester and will stop at Wells Fargo at 21 1st St. S.W. The march is part nationwide protests by labor groups focused on banks that took bailout money. They want these banks to loosen tightened lending restrictions to help average citizens. The march will end at the Kahler Grand Hotel at 20 2nd Ave. S.W.

DFL gubernatorial candidates Mark Dayton and Paul Thissen are expected to attend and address the crowd. Thissen is also having a meet and greet from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dos Amigos Restaurant, 20 4th St. S.E.

Union members to thank Walz for vote today

Members of the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council are gathering at 1st District Rep. Tim Walz's office in Rochester at 4 p.m. to thank the Democrat for voting for the health care reform bill.

Just talked with Liz McCloone with the council. She said they are planning to present his office with an oversized thank-you card. Members will also share why they are thankful this legislation has passed.

This support for Walz comes as Republicans are ramping up their attacks on the congressman. Shortly after Walz cast a "yes" vote, the Republican Party of Minnesota and the National Republican Congressional Committee sent out news releases blasting Walz for his vote.

Republican Party of Minnesota Chair Tony Sutton issued the following statement attacking Walz's vote.

"Tim Walz betrayed Southern Minnesota by voting for a reckless nearly trillion dollar spending bill that increases premiums, raises taxes by $500 billion and cuts Medicare by over $470 billion. In November, Walz will lose his seat for his decision to ram this deeply unpopular and partisan bill down the throats of the American people."

Local Tea Party group launches 'October Suprise'

Members of the Rochester Tea Party Patriots have organized a week of events to protest Presidents Obama's efforts to overhaul the nation's health reform. The series of events, dubbed "October Surprise," kicked off yesterday with about a dozen Tea Party Patriots waving signs along the 2nd Street Southwest bridge over U.S. 52.

Today, the group plans to protest at 2nd St. S.W. and Broadway over the lunch hour and later this afternoon they are scheduled to decorate cars and drive around town. Registered nurse Rita Gillmore was among those rallying against health reform yesterday. She said she is worried about the changes will end up hurting the health care system.

"We're going to lose our freedom of choice," Gillmore said. "I don't know how in the world we'll pay for it."

The Rochester Tea Party Patriots have been quite active on health care reform and are now focusing other issues, including the cap-and-trade bill. Here is a link to their calendar of activities.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see whether this party ends up embracing local Republican candidates in the upcoming election or opts for other candidates. The Wall Street Journal had an interesting article about how the tea party movement is causing headaches for the GOP nationally. The reason? They are backing candidates they see as more ideologically pure instead of candidates backed by the Republican Party who are deemed more likely to win. Here's a link to the article. 

Meanwhile, supporters of health care reform will speak out at 5 p.m. today. Members of the Southeast Minnesota Area Labor Council will gather at the Rochester Labor Temple with the message "Don't throw away health care reform."