Local 881 UFCW Donates Books to Community Libraries
In January, Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) donated 39 copies of the book "Mother Jones and the Union Miners Cemetery" to community libraries throughout Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The books were donated to the local library of each Local 881 Union Representative.
The biography chronicles the life of Mary Harris "Mother Jones" who spent more than 50 years of her life helping workers to unite and fight for fair wages and better working conditions. The book also highlights the Union Miners Cemetery at Mt. Olive, Illinois, where Mother Jones is buried. It is the only union-owned cemetery in the nation, and it contains the remains of those who participated in many of the early efforts that lead to unionization of the Illinois coal industry, including miners killed in Virden, IL, in 1897.
"We believe this book serves as an excellent resource for young people who are interested in studying the struggles of workers," noted Ron Powell, Local 881 President and UFCW International Vice President. "In addition to highlighting the life of a prominent and tireless advocate of workers' rights, it also sheds light on what workers and their families endured during unionization efforts throughout the Industrial Revolution and the years preceding the Great Depression."
"Mother Jones and the Union Miners Cemetery," a compilation of articles published about Mother Jones, was edited by Leslie Orear, President of the Illinois Labor History Society (ILHS) and published by the ILHS in collaboration with Charles H. Kerr Publishing Company. The book project was completed in honor of Michael (Mike) Walsh (1942-2000), a long-time staff member of Service Employees International Union Local 73 and officer of the Mother Jones Foundation, who worked to preserve historical memory of the Labor Movement.
For information regarding ordering and pricing for "Mother Jones and the Union Miners Cemetery," contact: The Illinois Labor History Society, 28 E. Jackson, Room 1012, Chicago, IL 60604-2215, 312/663-4107.
LPN's at Kankakee Nursing Home Vote 'Yes' to Join Local 881 UFCW
In a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, held on April 15, the Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN's) at Kankakee Nursing Home overwhelmingly voted 'yes' to become members of Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW).
In January, the 12 LPN's embarked on a Union organizing campaign to join Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). Concerned about offering the best possible patient care, the LPN's believed Union representation would reduce job stress, ensure adequate staffing levels, and clarify policies and procedures.
A majority of the LPN's signed Union authorization cards in an effort to become Local 881 members; 40 of their co-workers in other job classifications already belong to Local 881. Those workers are currently in contract negotiations.
The NLRB is still investigating Unfair Labor Charges filed against Kankakee Nursing Home by the Union on behalf of the workers during the campaign. The charges allege that two of the nurses were illegally fired and in addition, allege that managers at the facility threatened, intimidated, and retaliated against the employees due to their support of the Union. Results of the investigation are expected soon.
"Local 881 is proud that the LPN's voted to have us serve as their bargaining representative." stated Ron Powell, President Local 881 and UFCW International Vice President. "We are eager to move forward and negotiate with the facility to achieve a first contract. These workers have remained focused on joining the Union despite the negative tactics utilized by management to dissuade unionization."
Negotiations for the LPN contract are expected to begin soon.
May 6, 2003
Local 881 UFCW Encourages Legislation to Create
Leukemia Treatment and Education Fund
At the request of Local 881 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW), Senator Terry Link (D-30) introduced Senate Bill 881 which amends the Illinois Income Tax Act by creating a tax check-off for the Leukemia Treatment and Education Fund. This fund will be used for research and education on leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Every nine minutes, another child or adult is expected to die from leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma; 160 people each day; seven every hour. These blood-related cancers account for over 10 percent of all cancer deaths in the United States.
The legislation will enable the Department of Public Health to provide grants from the Leukemia Treatment and Education Fund to public or private hospitals, medical centers, medical schools, and other organizations for education on and treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Under the Illinois Income Tax Act, taxpayers may make charitable contributions to a variety of charities listed on the Illinois Income Tax Form. Taxpayers may elect to contribute any amount over $1.00 to any of the charities listed. When making contributions, a taxpayer’s refund is reduced by that amount or increases the amount owed if the taxpayer owes additional tax. The Illinois Department of Revenue transfers the amounts donated to special state funds established by the General Assembly to make disbursements of the contributions.
SB 881 was passed out of the Senate by a unanimous vote in March. The bill is being sponsored in the House by Representative Lou Lang (D-16) and was passed out of the House Revenue Committee by a unanimous vote. Additional Senate co-sponsors: Senator Don Harmon (D-39); the Reverend Senator James Meeks (D-15); Senator Debbie Halvorson (D-40); Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-16); and Senator Susan Garrett (D-29). Additional House co-sponsors: Representative Susana Mendoza (D-1); Representative Kevin McCarthy (D-37); Representative Marlow Colvin (D-33); and Representative Patrick Vercshoore (D-72).
“I commend Senator Link and Representative Lang for their leadership in sponsoring this initiative on behalf of the people of Illinois,” stated Ron Powell, Local 881 President and UFCW International Vice President. “With the assistance of Illinois taxpayers, this important bill will allow for the development of new drugs and treatment options, in addition to expanded education and support programs for victims and their families.”
SB 881 has been placed on the Calendar for Second Reading before the full House of Representatives.
“Senate Bill 881 is necessary to provide much needed support to the medical community and other organizations who are seeking cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma,” noted Senator Terry Link. “Through persistent research efforts, the fatality rates have been reduced, but we cannot withdraw our assistance until cures are found that will wipe out these devastating diseases. Creating the Leukemia Treatment and Education Fund is an additional resource that is necessary towards eliminating these blood-related cancers.”
“Leukemia and blood-related cancers impact countless families each year, including my own,” asserted Representative Lou Lang. “Continued research and education is critical if we ever hope to eradicate these cancers. I am proud to provide support to efforts toward finding a cure and giving hope to families.”
“Senator Link and Representative Lang are to be commended for their leadership and support for all those families who must cope with a diagnosis of a blood cancer,” said Greg Martin, Executive Director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Illinois chapter. “The enactment of this legislation will provide much needed support to researchers, doctors and health care providers and will also give hope and assistance to the thousands of blood cancer patients and their families in Illinois.”