Monday, July 21, 2014
The Secret to Lasting Community Change
Moving TEDx Talk by Mozart Guerrier stressing most hopeful paths in community organizing will be forged with and based upon interpersonal trust.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Auto Workers, Isocyanates, and Breathing Problems
Are you an auto worker or former auto worker who has trouble breathing? Look at this article on the health effects of isocyanate exposure for workers who make car seat cushions: What's Making These Selma, Alabama Auto Parts Workers So Sick?
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Friday, June 13, 2014
CPWR Launches a YouTube Channel on Workers' Health and Safety
Click HERE to go to the CPWR YouTube Channel Now.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Survey details struggles of Syracuse's low-wage workers
A janitor sweeps a hallway floor at Smith Road Elementary School in North Syracuse in a file photo. Maintenance work was one of the most common professions among participants in a new survey of low-wage workers in Syracuse. (Suzanne Dunn | The Post-Standard)
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on April 28, 2014 at 6:30 AM, updated April 28, 2014 at 7:49 AM
Syracuse, N.Y. — Low-wage workers in the Syracuse area struggle with conditions that can cause health problems and make it hard to climb the economic ladder, according to a new survey.
The Low-Wage Workers' Health Project will release results of the survey at a press conference this morning. It's based on interviews with 275 low-wage workers in Syracuse.
The survey is part of a long-term effort to develop better ways to reach low-wage workers and meet their job-related health needs, said Dr. Michael Lax, medical director of the Occupational Health Clinical Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University, which led the survey.
"I think there's a lot of workers that are working in places and in jobs that are quite risky, but have been beyond our outreach efforts," he said. "It's a group of workers that deserve more attention."
Low-wage jobs carry a host of health and economic challenges that leave workers with few paths to a middle class life, according to the survey. They regularly deal with employers who fail to pay them properly and routinely face job-related injury and illness.
The average pay rate of workers who participated in the survey was $9.65 an hour. New York's minimum wage recently rose to $8 an hour.
Some of the survey's highlights:
Work hours often vary. About 40 percent of the workers surveyed reported a non-traditional schedule, including night shifts and varied hours. Jobs were often short-term, with 36 percent of the workers having held their jobs less than a year and another 32 percent in their current jobs for one or two years.
The workers were often trying to juggle public transportation, rotating schedules and fear of layoffs, said Jeanette Zoeckler, project manager at the occupational health center and the report's main author.
"They have a difficult time participating in society in the way we think of it normally," she said.
Pay practices are a concern. Most of the workers said overtime hours aren't offered to them. Among the rest, two-thirds said they receive time-and-a-half. Others either receive their usual pay rate or a combination of their usual rate and some token perk.
Sixteen percent of the workers said they don't get paid for overtime at all or get paid through another arrangement, such as cash payments. Such payments imply the employers don't pay required taxes, taking future Social Security benefits away from workers, according to the survey.
Workplace injuries and unsafe conditions are common. Nearly 40 percent of the workers in the survey reported pain at work or as the result of work in the previous month. Muscle, joint and back pain were frequent complaints. Seventy percent of the workers reported at least one hazardous condition on the job, including thick dusts, strong vapors and repetitive motions.
The survey's authors plan to convene small groups of workers in the future to delve into the issues raised more deeply.
"This is a first step," Zoeckler said. "I think it's important to begin to listen to the people who actually do this work."
The project is a collaboration based at the occupational health center. The Workforce Development Institute, a statewide nonprofit, funded the survey with a $6,000 grant.
The Low-Wage Workers' Health Project will release results of the survey at a press conference this morning. It's based on interviews with 275 low-wage workers in Syracuse.
The survey is part of a long-term effort to develop better ways to reach low-wage workers and meet their job-related health needs, said Dr. Michael Lax, medical director of the Occupational Health Clinical Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University, which led the survey.
"I think there's a lot of workers that are working in places and in jobs that are quite risky, but have been beyond our outreach efforts," he said. "It's a group of workers that deserve more attention."
Low-wage jobs carry a host of health and economic challenges that leave workers with few paths to a middle class life, according to the survey. They regularly deal with employers who fail to pay them properly and routinely face job-related injury and illness.
The average pay rate of workers who participated in the survey was $9.65 an hour. New York's minimum wage recently rose to $8 an hour.
Some of the survey's highlights:
Work hours often vary. About 40 percent of the workers surveyed reported a non-traditional schedule, including night shifts and varied hours. Jobs were often short-term, with 36 percent of the workers having held their jobs less than a year and another 32 percent in their current jobs for one or two years.
The workers were often trying to juggle public transportation, rotating schedules and fear of layoffs, said Jeanette Zoeckler, project manager at the occupational health center and the report's main author.
"They have a difficult time participating in society in the way we think of it normally," she said.
Pay practices are a concern. Most of the workers said overtime hours aren't offered to them. Among the rest, two-thirds said they receive time-and-a-half. Others either receive their usual pay rate or a combination of their usual rate and some token perk.
Sixteen percent of the workers said they don't get paid for overtime at all or get paid through another arrangement, such as cash payments. Such payments imply the employers don't pay required taxes, taking future Social Security benefits away from workers, according to the survey.
Workplace injuries and unsafe conditions are common. Nearly 40 percent of the workers in the survey reported pain at work or as the result of work in the previous month. Muscle, joint and back pain were frequent complaints. Seventy percent of the workers reported at least one hazardous condition on the job, including thick dusts, strong vapors and repetitive motions.
The survey's authors plan to convene small groups of workers in the future to delve into the issues raised more deeply.
"This is a first step," Zoeckler said. "I think it's important to begin to listen to the people who actually do this work."
The project is a collaboration based at the occupational health center. The Workforce Development Institute, a statewide nonprofit, funded the survey with a $6,000 grant.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
USW Solidarity Rally at Alcoa in Massena May 14, 2014
WWNYTV Coverage
Time Warner Coverage
Time Warner Coverage
Alcoa employees hold solidarity rally in front of Alcoa West’s main entrance
PUBLISHED: THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 AT 2:44 AM
PHOTO BY BENNY FAIRCHILD
Members of United Steelworkers Local 420-A gathered Wednesday afternoon to hold a solidarity rally in front of the main entrance to Alcoa West in Massena. From left, Todd MacDonald, Aaron Gravelle, Rob Chilton, Relani Prudhomme, 450-A member Al LaBaff, Nick Perkins and 420-A Recording Secretary Michael Kormanyos. Ms. Prudhomme, who is not a steelworker, but works with the plant’s employees through her job at Upstate Medical University said she attended the rally as a show of support for the people she works with.
HONK FOR SOLIDARITY - A group of nearly 30 USW members and supporters gathered outside the main entrance to Alcoa West Wednesday afternoon, just more than 24 hours away from the expiration of their current labor deal. From left, Mark Billings, Robin Johnson, John Parmeter, Kirk Aumell, Craig Gorrow and David W. LaClair. (Fairchild Photo)
PHOTO BY BENNY FAIRCHILD
Members of United Steelworkers Local 420-A gathered Wednesday afternoon to hold a solidarity rally in front of the main entrance to Alcoa West in Massena. From left, Todd MacDonald, Aaron Gravelle, Rob Chilton, Relani Prudhomme, 450-A member Al LaBaff, Nick Perkins and 420-A Recording Secretary Michael Kormanyos. Ms. Prudhomme, who is not a steelworker, but works with the plant’s employees through her job at Upstate Medical University said she attended the rally as a show of support for the people she works with.
PHOTO BY BENNY FAIRCHILD
Nick Perkins, who is a member of United Steelworkers Local 420-A and employed at Alcoa West in Massena was joined at Wednesday’s solidarity rally by his wife, Megan, his daughter, Sophia and even his dog, Jack.
ALCOA WEST MAIN ENTRANCE
ARTICLE OPTIONS
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MASSENA - Members of United Steelworkers 420-A gathered in front of Alcoa West Wednesday afternoon just one day prior to the expiration of their contract, for what participants were calling a “solidarity rally.”
Holding blue and yellow placards with the words “Solidarity, Unity and Strength for Workers” written on them, a group that began with just eight people at 2 p.m., but grew to nearly 30 by 3 p.m. waved the placards encouraging passing vehicles to honk their horns for support as they drove by.
“This is a rally for solidarity and we’re doing this with the employees from all of the plants in our bargaining unit,” said 420-A Recording Secretary Michael Kormanyos, who noted employees from nine other Alcoa plants across the U.S. were also holding similar rallies on Wednesday.
The contract Alcoa has with those roughly 6,100 employees expires at 1 a.m. Friday morning, midnight Central time, Mr. Kormanyos said. When asked if he was expecting a deal to be reached before then, Mr. Kormanyos said he wasn’t sure.
“We’re not at that table, but I can tell you all we’re looking for is a fair contract with no concessions,” he said. “The International has put together a package that we believe is fair and acceptable.”
In addition to members of Local 420-A, members of several other area unions also attended the rally to show their support.
Craig Garrow said he is a member of the local laborers union.
“I’m here to support the steelworkers,” he said.
Robin Johnson is a member of the local AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees).
I’m with the AFGE, but I have family that’s retired from the plant and I’m from the area,” she said. “I know a lot of people in there.”
In addition to support from other labor groups in the area, one 420-A member brought along his entire family, including his dog Jack.
Nick Perkins was joined at the rally by his wife Megan and his daughter Sophia, as well as the family’s black lab, who was even wearing a USW T-shirt.
“I pulled her out of school a little bit early,” Mrs. Perkins said. “I figured how many peaceful pickets could she ever be a part of.
Massena Mayor James F. Hidy briefly stopped by the rally to lend his support.
“I do support the local unions. They are the backbone of our local economy,” he said. “These are people who have tremendous buying power. They support our local economy and businesses.”
Mr. Hidy said he is hopeful that a deal will be reached prior to any work stoppages.
“I strongly support bargaining in good faith, but I also recognize that with the uncertainty of Alcoa that the health care and competitive wages they offer are critical for our region,” he said.
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray echoed those sentiments.
“I am hopeful for a quick and positive resolution to the negotiations,” he said.
Former USW Local 450-A President David W. LaClair now works at Alcoa West and is a 420-A member. When asked what he was expecting to see happen, he said at this point, it’s hard to tell.
“They have a deadline and they will work until the deadline comes. Sometimes you’ll see the deadline extended or you might see a strike or lockout. Until that time comes we don’t know,” he said.
Regardless of the outcome, Mr. LaClair said it’s nice to know the workers have support from the Massena community.
Speaking as dozens of vehicles drove by honking their horns and waving, Mr. LaClair said, “It’s great to see the support from Massena and the surrounding communities.”
He said Massena has a long history of supporting its unions.
“Massena and the surrounding communities have always been supportive of labor with GM, Alcoa, the Seaway, the former Reynolds plant and other local labor groups,” he said.
According to an update posted on Alcoa’s website Wednesday evening, a deal has yet to be reached, but negotiations remain ongoing.
“Talks continue toward a fair and competitive labor agreement before the contract expires tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Today, Alcoa and the USW reviewed proposals and counterproposals in economics, benefits and language,” the update read.
Steelworkers hold rally in front of Alcoa West plant in Massena
PUBLISHED: THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014 AT 12:30 AM
BENNY FAIRCHILD • JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
From left, Todd MacDonald, Aaron Gravelle, Rob Chilton, Relani Prudhomme, Al LaBaff, Nick Perkins and Michael Kormanyos picket outside the Alcoa West plant in Massena on Wednesday afternoon.
BENNY FAIRCHILD • JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS
From left, Todd MacDonald, Aaron Gravelle, Rob Chilton, Relani Prudhomme, Al LaBaff, Nick Perkins and Michael Kormanyos picket outside the Alcoa West plant in Massena on Wednesday afternoon.
ARTICLE OPTIONS
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MASSENA — Members of United Steelworkers Local 420-A gathered in front of the Alcoa West plant for a solidarity rally Wednesday afternoon while contract negotiations continued as the deadline loomed.
About 30 workers had turned out by 3 p.m. for the peaceful picket, holding blue and yellow placards reading “Solidarity, Unity and Strength for Workers.”
“This is a rally for solidarity, and we’re doing this with the employees from all of the plants in our bargaining unit,” said 420-A recording secretary Michael Kormanyos, adding that employees from nine other Alcoa plants across the country were holding similar rallies.
The contract Alcoa has with those roughly 6,100 Steelworkers expires at 12:59 a.m. Friday, and Mr. Kormanyos said he did not know whether to expect a deal by then. Health care benefits were among the issues the parties were discussing this week during contract negotiations in Pittsburgh.
“We’re not at that table, but I can tell you all we’re looking for is a fair contract with no concessions,” he said. “The International has put together a package that we believe is fair and acceptable.”
Members of several other unions also attended the rally to show their support. Craig Garrow said he is a member of the local laborers union. “I’m here to support the Steelworkers,” he said.
Robin Johnson is a member of the local American Federation of Government Employees.
“I have family that’s retired from the plant and I’m from the area,” she said. “I know a lot of people in there.”
One 420-A member brought his family. Nick Perkins was joined by his wife, Megan, and his daughter, Sophia.
“I pulled her out of school a little bit early,” Mrs. Perkins said. “I figured how many peaceful pickets could she ever be a part of?”
Massena Mayor James F. Hidy stopped by to lend his support.
“I do support the local unions. They are the backbone of our local economy,” he said. “These are people who have tremendous buying power. They support our local economy and businesses.”
Mr. Hidy said he is hopeful that a deal will be reached prior to any work stoppage.
“I strongly support bargaining in good faith, but I also recognize that with the uncertainty of Alcoa that the health care and competitive wages they offer are critical for our region.”
Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray echoed those sentiments.
“I am hopeful for a quick and positive resolution to the negotiations,” he said.
Former Local 450-A president David W. LaClair, who now works at Alcoa West and is a 420-A member, said it’s hard to tell what will happen in the final hours of contract talks.
“They have a deadline, and they will work until the deadline comes,” he said. “Sometimes you’ll see the deadline extended, or you might see a strike or lockout. Until that time comes we don’t know.”
Speaking as dozens of drivers passed by honking and waving, Mr. LaClair said, “It’s great to see the support from Massena and the surrounding communities.”
According to an update posted on Alcoa’s website on Wednesday evening, a deal had yet to be reached but negotiations were ongoing.
“Talks continue toward a fair and competitive labor agreement before the contract expires tomorrow at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Today, Alcoa and the USW reviewed proposals and counterproposals in economics, benefits and language,” the update read.
Thursday, May 8, 2014
150 Americans Die Each Day Due to Workplace Disease or Injury
According to the latest report, Death on the Job, released by the AFL-CIO, an estimated 50,000 workers died in 2012 from occupational diseases and 4,628 more were killed on the job.
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