WA Moves Up to 4th Place in Union Density!
Union membership in Washington State increased by 30,000 in 2007 to an estimated 579,000 and the state's union membership jumped to 20.2% from 19.8% in 2006, according to the US Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. That increase brings Washington State from 5th to 4th highest in terms of the unionization rates. Only, New York, Alaska and Hawaii, in that order, have higher rates.
"Washington State is proving once again that it is good for families and good for business." said Rick Bender, President of the Washington State Labor Council. "Recently Forbes Magazine named Washington's business climate 5th in the nation and that, coupled with the protection that unions bring to Washington families, it is a win, win for everyone."
Nationally union density increased by 311,000 to 15.7 million in 2007 which is the largest single-year increase in union membership since 1979.
Bender said that the increase in national union membership is a sign that American workers are recognizing the importance of representation and job protection despite the fact that current labor law is tilted in favor of business.
According to the Department of Labor's survey full-time wage and salary workers who were union members earned a median salary of $863 while those who were not represented by unions had median weekly earning of $663. Union members also traditionally receive superior benefits as compared to their non-union counterparts including better healthcare and pensions.
Note: The DOL news release on union membership statistics and related details are posted at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.toc.htm
Governor Gregoire Announces $3 Million Apprenticeship Program
A $3 million apprenticeship program for jobs in the aerospace industry in the State of Washington was announced today by Governor Chris Gregoire at a rally at Machinist District 751. The rally, dubbed “America’s Edge”, is an attempt to muster support for technical education and training for our nation’s youth to address the severe skills shortage facing America.
While saying that the state must still be frugal with the budget, when it comes to investment in training and apprenticeships, Governor Gregoire said, “This is not the time to slow up but to gear up and go forward.” The funds are intended to be used for both curriculum and equipment. The Governor said the investment is in response to aerospace suppliers throughout the state who are in desperate need of skilled workforce to fill vacancies.
Joining with the Governor and the IAM, Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack said, “This is not just about jobs and the economy; it is about what is fundamental to this country .... The challenge is to make sure there are enough of us to continue to make things and build things here in America.”
“It is great to see Governor Gregoire make investments in aerospace workers and the industry,” said Tom Wroblewski, Machinists 751 district president. “This will pay long term dividends for our competitive place in the world as we vie for these jobs in the global market.”
Community and technical colleges face difficulties funding technical and apprenticeship programs according to American Federation of Teachers President Sandra Schroeder. She praised the Governor’s program and emphasized the need for state of the art equipment and small class size in order to produce qualified, skilled workers.
Both House Speaker Frank Chopp and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown have spoken in support of the Governor’s apprenticeship program.
During her tenure the Governor has pushed hard for investment in apprenticeships. In January of 2005 there were 8,500 men and women in apprenticeship programs and now there are 14,500 apprenticeships throughout the state.
Join in on an Inspiring Movie Night
Shirley Chisolm, pioneer, activist and the first black woman to run for President of the United States, is the subject of a documentary to be shown this month at the SPEEA Headquarters building. The event, sponsored by the NW Woman’s Advocacy Committee, will kick off Black History Month and we can guarantee this film will certainly set the mood for a great month!
One reviewer commented: “For all who think that Obama is a good public speaker, and he is, Chisholm is absolutely galvanizing. When she exclaims that she is running for president because she has the "courage, the balls and the audacity" to believe she can win, it is as tough and as inspiring as any words spoken by any present-day politician.”
Don’t miss this one time special event?. But remember space is limited so please RSVP.
Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed
Thursday, January 31 – 5:30 PM
SPEEA Headquarters
15205 52nd Ave S., Seattle
RSVP 206 433-0991
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