Virginia AFL-CIO 18th Biennial Business Meeting and Political Seminar
(From left) John Grandestaff, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) and
John Kennedy at the Virginia AFL-CIO Political Seminar.
The Virginia AFL-CIO 18th Biennial Business Meeting and Political Seminar
met on August 17th and 18th, 2007. John Kennedy and I attended the convention
in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
The Business Meeting occurred on August 17th. Delegates considered five
resolutions deciding the direction of the VA. AFL-CIO. After heavy debate,
delegates approved all resolutions except for one which was eventually
approved after amendment. See me for details of each resolution; I would be
glad to provide you with more specific information on a one-on-one basis.
On August 18th the Political Convention was held to endorse candidates in the
November 2007 Virginia State House and Senate election. Each candidate was
asked questions that fell under 7 categories.
Those categories were as follows:
1. Right to Organize -- with the candidates signing a pledge to support
freedom of association at work, to support workers trying to organize and to
urge employers to stay neutral in organizing campaigns.
2. Minimum Wage -- (this was issued before the Congress approved the
increase).
3. Outsourcing - with the candidates being asked if they would support
legislation that state contractors and subcontractors notify the state if they
plan to outsource jobs and, if so, where.
4. Workers' Compensation -- seeking support for legislation allowing
Alternative Dispute Resolution Program.
5. Safety and Health -- seeking support for legislation to require public
bodies to adhere to the same standards as private employers regarding fine and
penalties for safety violations.
6. Education -- looking to see if candidates support the use of public funds
or vouchers, tax credits, etc. to subsidize students at private schools. (The
only no answer of the 7 topics.)
7. State Employees -- Allowing state employees the right to meet and confer to
discuss workplace issues.
Based on the results of the questionnaires, the body voted to endorse, have no
position or to not endorse. Due to space constraints I cannot list every
candidate here but I would be more than happy to provide our position on your
candidates in your area. Feel free to contact me or John Kennedy at the Union
Hall at 703 318-8487, leave a message and I will get back to you when I’m in
the office.
In solidarity,
John Grandestaff
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or governor's pen. Labor, therefore, must actively participate in the
legislative process to ensure that the voice of working families is heard.
Links:
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