The Rich Are Different. They Have Jobs
 |
||||
 |
||||
|
Goldman Sachs, one of the Wall Street firms that got the H1N1 flu shot well ahead of millions of America’s school children, sent this health tip in a memo to its pampered, out-of-touch execs: “Resist the urge to open your own car door; let your driver do it.”
Yo, Jeeves. While you’re at it, dust around the edges of those massive CEO pay packages. Because according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), top executives at four companies that jettisoned their employee pension plans received $49.5 million in retirement and severance benefits in the years before the companies filed for bankruptcy, while retirees saw their benefits cut by as much as two-thirds.
Yet Wall Street bankers are making that cash flow keeps coming: Yesterday, writes David Dayen, Senate Republicans bowed low before their corporate masters and delayed a move by Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) to immediately take up a bill that would freeze all credit card rates, charges and fee increases.
U.S. Jobless Rate Shocking: 15.7 Million Workers Unemployed
 |
Stunningly bad news on the nation’s jobless rate today: Unemployment worsened in October to 10.2 percent, a huge jump from 9.8 percent in September. That’s 15.7 million jobless workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Worse, the unemployment and underemployment rate is a shocking 17.5 percent—more than 27 million American workers without full-time jobs.
The construction, manufacturing and retail industries had the biggest losses, with 62,000 construction jobs lost in October, 61,000 in manufacturing and 40,000 in retail. Health care and temporary employment were the only bright spots, with health care jobs increasing by 29,000 and temp jobs by 44,000.
$3.4 Billion Smart Grid Investment Will Create Tens of Thousands of Jobs
The nation needs jobs—big time. So it’s good to see that a $3.4 billion smart energy grid investment announced today by the Obama administration also will generate many new jobs.
In addition to saving energy and empowering consumers to cut their electric bills, the move will create tens of thousands of jobs in 49 states. This from the White House:
These jobs include high paying career opportunities for smart meter manufacturing workers; engineering technicians, electricians and equipment installers; IT system designers and cyber security specialists; data entry clerks and database administrators; business and power system analysts; and others.
More than 100 Step Out for Employee Free Choice
 |
|
Last night, more than 100 union members and allies were treated to a rooftop view of the White House from the AFL-CIO’s eighth-floor verandas for their support of the Employee Free Choice Act.
Union leaders and activists joined the AFL-CIO’s officers—President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker—for an evening of music, food and a stunning view of the White House, where working people have an ally who will fight for good jobs, health care reform and an economy that works for everyone. President Barack Obama, who will speak at the upcoming AFL-CIO Convention, has pledged to sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law.
The AFL-CIO’s Scott Reynolds, who helped organize the event, said the event raised more than $10,000 for the Turn Around America Fund, which helps pay for the campaign to get out the truth about the Employee Free Choice Act. Reynolds said:
It was a perfect summer evening. Everybody had a great time, and we got the chance to hear inspiring words about why we need Employee Free Choice, as well as remember the bill’s sponsor and champion, Sen. Ted Kennedy.
You can still contribute to the Turn Around America Fund here and join the fight against corporate disinformation.
Get the Best View in D.C. and Help Support Employee Free Choice
|
|
Join us at the AFL-CIO tomorrow night to take in the best view in Washington, D.C.—from our top floor looking across Lafayette Park, the White House and beyond—and help support the campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act.
From our eighth-floor balcony, you’ll get a chance to enjoy food, music and a stunning view of the White House—where, after eight years, we now have a friend to working families.
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker will host the reception.
WHAT: Employee Free Choice Act fundraiser
WHERE: AFL-CIO, 815 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. If you’re taking Metro, we’re a short block from the McPherson Square station, White House exit.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept 2, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Come Out Tuesday for the Best View in D.C.
|
|
Don’t forget to join us at the AFL-CIO, Tuesday, May 26, to take in the best view in Washington, D.C., and help support the campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act.
You’ll get a chance to enjoy food, music and a stunning view of the White House from our 8th floor balcony.
AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker will host the reception.
WHAT: Employee Free Choice Act fundraiser
WHERE: AFL-CIO, 815 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. If you’re taking Metro, we’re a short block from the McPherson Square station, White House exit.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 26, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
See the Best View in D.C., Help Support Employee Free Choice
|
|
If you’ll be in Washington, D.C., May 11, come join us at the AFL-CIO for a beautiful view, food, music and a chance to take part in the fight for the Employee Free Choice Act.
The AFL-CIO is located across the street from Lafayette Park, and we have a one-of-a-kind view of the White House from our eighth-floor balcony. For the past eight years, the balcony has been closed. But now that we have a friendly new neighbor, we’re re-opening it for a reception to celebrate what we’ve accomplished towards winning the Employee Free Choice Act and move forward in our continuing efforts to turn around America.
Arlene Holt Baker, the executive vice president of the AFL-CIO, will host the reception on Monday, May 11, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the AFL-CIO, 815 16th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. If you’re taking Metro, we’re a short block from the McPherson Square station, White House exit.
Retired Americans’ Letter to Editor Program Continues in 2009
Alliance for Retired Americans President George Kourpias encourages union retirees to contact their local newspapers about key issues—and get a union-made Retirees with the Write Stuff free pen.
In 2008, all of you who are members of the Alliance for Retired Americans took action on the issues, asking tough questions of candidates and policymakers, unafraid to tell others in your community what was on your mind.
And because of you we achieved a great victory on Election Day. We will have many new faces in public office, from the White House down to our city and town halls. This is a historic opportunity to advance a pro-retiree agenda at all levels of government, one that improves the quality of life for millions of seniors.
That’s why the Alliance for Retired Americans’ letter to the editor program, Retirees with the Write Stuff, is continuing through 2009. The Letters to the Editor page is often the most widely read section of a local newspaper, and January is a good time to share your retiree perspective on the events of 2008 and what you hope to see in the coming year.
