IBEW Local 21 Archived News Stories

October 2006

ROSEANNE BARR HOSTS “7 DAYS@MINIMUM WAGE” OCT. 23-30, 2006

The movement to raise the minimum wage reaches the blogosphere October 23. Combining elements of video blogging, reality TV, and netroots activism, “7 Days @ Minimum Wage” at www.sevendaysatminimumwage.org (also via YouTube) shares an intimate week in the lives of minimum wage workers. Hosted by celebrated actor and comic Roseanne Barr, the video blog event is sponsored by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) and the AFL-CIO. From her production facility, Full High Tide Studios in Hollywood, Barr will produce seven videos, a new one for each day of the week, featuring interviews with low-wage workers telling what it’s like to live on or near the federal minimum wage of $5.15 an hour.

AT&T Criminally Charged in 2005 Workplace Death

As reported on Confined Space, AT&T faces up to about $1.5 million in fines and probation after being criminally charged in a 2005 workplace death. During August last year, a 28-year-old AT&T trainee was electrocuted while working on a joint pole — which of course combines both power lines and phone lines - near Lopez, California. An investigation found the trainee had not been wearing properly insulated safety gloves. [Full story]

For More News at AT&T, click here (updated October 19, 2006)

NLRB Issues Decision Expanding the Definition of a “Supervisor”

The National Labor Relations Board has issued a decision in NLRB v. Kentucky River Community Care, a Supreme Court decision which considered how to define “supervisor” under federal labor law. The decision is critical because supervisors are not protected by the National Labor Relations Act, unlike other employees who can organize and be protected by unions. [Full story from the IBEW International Website at www.ibew.org]

New Comcast Pages Added

Already proven to be a hit for Comcast workers, these new pages on our website are being used for both internal and external organizing. In addition to a short history of union organizing at Comcast in our local’s jurisdiction, these pages include tools, resources, reports, and educational links for all Comcast Workers. Several employees in non-represented shops have already contacted Local 21 electronically requesting assistance and other information for going union in their Chicagoland work locations.

All Local 21 members are highly encouraged to help Comcast workers organize by making contact with them, and by directing them to our website. Talking one on one with Comcast workers and sharing a good work or union experience with them is proving to be a great resource for communicating and coming together. Let’s help the workers organize and build power in Illinois and NW Indiana! Check out the new pages!

IBEW Local 21 Nights with the Chicago Bulls

On these special nights, all IBEW Local 21 members, family and friends have the opportunity to purchase tickets at half price! Tickets regularly priced at $40 are available for only $20. For more details and a printable order form, click on the image above.