A recent report by the AFL-CIO on workplace safety, Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, showed a growing problem in Kansas. In 2011, 78 workers were killed on the job in Kansas, a rate of 5.9 deaths per 100,000 workers. Additionally, 41,400 workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in the state, a rate per worker higher than the national average. Sadly, this has earned Kansas a dismal national ranking of 40th in workplace safety, with 1 being the best and 50 being the worst.

While these numbers would be cause for concern for most reasonable people and perhaps spur corrective action by state policy makers, the Kansas Legislature has taken an entirely different tack. For the Legislature, the safety of Kansas worksites is not the problem; it’s the Kansas worker who’s to blame. Thus, lawmakers have embarked on an effort to alter the system for compensating injured workers to rectify their perceived problem.

Bruce Tunnell, Executive Vice-President of the Kansas AFL-CIO put it this way, “Far too many people are dying on the job in this state and instead of strengthening protections for working people, our elected officials are further rigging the system against Kansas workers. Their misplaced priorities will mean that the health and well-being of more working people are at risk on the job.”

Now most legislators would simply dismiss this statement as mere hyperbole. But a look at recent actions by the Kansas Legislature lends merit to the notion that our lawmakers are in fact “rigging” the system against injured workers.

Take for example 2013 Senate Bill 187. This bill, pushed by the Kansas Department of Labor and signed by the Governor, changes the way workers compensation judges are selected and places the appointment of these judges in the hands of businesses and workers comp insurance providers. Business and insurance carriers are litigants in the system and have a vested interest in the outcome. Allowing these interests to hand select the judges makes a mockery of the system and makes a fair hearing for injured workers all but impossible.

But it doesn’t stop there. Our lawmakers went even further with 2013 Senate Bill 73. Instead of rigging the workers comp hearing process, this bill goes directly after injured workers. Under the bill, injured workers will have far less time to even report a workplace injury and be eligible to file a legitimate claim. If they don’t meet this new restrictive timeline, they’re out of luck. Additionally, the bill throws out long-standing guidelines used by doctors to rate the level of impairment of injured workers, and thus their compensation, in favor of new guidelines that have been questioned by practitioners in other states as being too costly and stringent.

The 2013 Legislature will go down as one of the most anti-worker ever to grace the halls of the Capitol…and for good reason. Kansas is one of the ten most deadly states when it comes to a worker’s safety. Unfortunately, for the families of workers who have lost their lives and the thousands of other Kansans injured on the job, their elected officials think the problem is theirs alone to bear.

Check it out today.

Every year in late April, the unions of the AFL-CIO observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have suffered and died on the job and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces. This year the struggle continues to create good jobs in this country that are safe and healthy and to ensure the freedom of workers to form unions and, through their unions, to speak out and bargain for respect and a better future. It’s time for our country to fulfill the promise of safe jobs for all.

Please join the Wichita / Hutchinson Labor Federation as we commemorate Workers Memorial Day with our annual dinner on Thursday April 25th, 6pm at the Machinist Hall – 3830 S. Meridian, Wichita. We will have a free catered dinner from Stroud’s Fried Chicken as we remember those Kansas Workers who lost their lives on the job and renew our commitment to fight for good, SAFE, jobs.

Download a high quality pdf version of the flyer to print here.

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From AFT Kansas President Lisa Ochs:

The Kansas legislature will reconvene Wednesday, May 8 for the veto session. While this has been a brutal session for worker attacks, the veto session does not signal the end of attacks but rather the beginning of more to come.

To that end, the Working Kansas Alliance is sponsoring a rally Saturday, May 4 beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the State Capitol South Steps, prior to the legislature’s return for the veto session. Because these attacks impact real people in all our communities, we’d like to have all of labor, community, and faith-based groups and their families to gather for this event.

This is our continuing effort to send a message to our Kansas legislature that labor and community are willing to stand up and fight back – now and as long as we must – to defend and preserve a fair and compassionate way of life.

To that end, we’re seeking volunteers for coordinating the rally because together, we really can do more!

You are invited to attend a presentation by State Senator Tom Holland to learn how Brownback’s reckless tax policies will hurt Kansans. The event is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex.

Holland will discuss the income tax cuts signed into law last year and the law’s effects on the state budget. He will also address the supply side economic theory that Governor Brownback references. Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. The event is free.

Who: Senator Tom Holland
What: A presentation on Governor Brownback’s tax plan
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16,
Where:  Hughes Metropolitan Complex.  5015 E. 29th Street N. Wichita.

Holland is the ranking minority member of the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee. He serves the Kansas Senate’s 3rd District, which includes portions of Douglas and Leavenworth counties. 2013 marks Holland’s eleventh legislative session.

USD 259 Board of Education:
District 2 – Scott Poor (Endorsed by United Teachers of Wichita)

Wichita City Council:
District 1 – Lavonta Williams (Endorsed by Firefighters’ Local 135)
District 3 – James Clendenin (Endorsed by Firefighters’ Local 135)
District 4 – Joshua Blick (Endorsed by Firefighters’ Local 135)
District 6 – Janet Miller (Endorsed by Firefighters’ Local 135)

Please go vote on Tuesday, April 2nd!

Crossland Construction Company, a major contributor to Governor Brownback and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, is currently pushing legislation in the Kansas Legislature to limit the wages of Kansas workers on construction projects funded with taxpayer dollars.

The bill, HB 2069, would prohibit any local unit of government from enacting local ordinances that require contractors to pay prevailing wages or anything more than minimum wage on public works projects.

Currently Kansas law does not require prevailing wage to be paid on construction projects that receive taxpayer funds but certain local municipalities such as the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/ Kansas City, KS have instated local policies requiring any project funded with taxpayer money pay prevailing wages to the workers.

Crossland Construction is a major contractor, who’s business model is based on public projects.  Over the course of the last ten years Crossland Construction has received close to $200 million in government contracts. So, Crossland has pocketed millions in taxpayer dollars, while they openly champion limited government, pushing back workers compensation laws, and lowering workers’ wages.  We guess limited government is only good if it is limited to Crossland’s coffers.

A large amount of this money over the last ten years has found its way to the Kansas Chamber of Commerce’s PAC to back the effort to purge the Kansas Senate of moderate Republicans, and advocate for anti-worker policies and candidates. Now, Crossland is calling in favors with the conservative candidates they bought with taxpayer dollars and pushing legislation that will supress wages accross Kansas.

The legislation is a shameless attempt to sacrifice worker’s wages so Crossland can suck more from the government trough and use to buy the loyalty of more legislators in future elections.

Call your legislator today.  Tell them political paybacks are wrong for Kansas, and tell them to stand up for hardworking Kansas taxpayers.

May 9, 2012

Working people believe in equality and fairness and that’s why we are happy to stand with millions of Americans and with President Obama in supporting marriage equality.

LGBT working people face numerous inequities in the workplace and in society as they struggle to care for their families. Civil unions do not guarantee the 1,138 rights, benefits and responsibilities that are triggered by the word “marriage” under federal law.

Most important, we should respect and honor our friends, neighbors, and family members who want to take care of their families and their loved ones – whatever their sexual orientation. We are proud to come together for a more just America.

AFSCME Statement on President Obama’s Remarks on Marriage

May 9, 2012

(Washington, D.C.) AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee and Secretary-Treasurer Lee Saunders issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s remarks today on marriage:

“President Obama’s announcement today recognizes a fundamental American right – that every citizen is entitled to respect and dignity, and the equal protection of our laws.  For too long, lesbian and gay Americans have been denied the right to marry the person they love, raise a family and live as equal citizens in our country. They are denied access to pension benefits, Social Security survivor benefits, family health and bereavement leave and family immigration rights.  That discrimination harms all of us, not just LGBT Americans.  We have an obligation to work to overturn unjust laws and amendments to state constitutions that codify prejudice and promote discrimination against fellow citizens.  The President deserves praise for recognizing that this issue is about equality under the law and the right of all Americans to live their lives free from discrimination.”

AFT Applauds President Obama’s Support of Marriage Equality

May 9, 2012

“Every American Is Entitled to Equal Shares of Equality, Liberty and Happiness.”

WASHINGTON—Today American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten praised President Barack Obama on his announced support of marriage equality.

“Today President Obama took the right and just position on marriage equality. As president of the AFT and as a gay American, I strongly support President Obama for his bold action.

“America’s greatness has been based in large part on our continual journey toward equality. President Obama’s action today on marriage equality continues that journey. I am proud to lead an organization that has, from our founding, stood firm against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, physical disability or sexual orientation. The fight for civil rights not only in the workforce but also in every aspect of American life, is ongoing. Every American is entitled to equal shares of equality, liberty and happiness.”

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA Commends President Obama On His Support Of Marriage Equality

May 9, 2012

Washington, DC – Today, Veda Shook, International President of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), sent a letter to President Obama commending him for his support of marriage equality. AFA has been a longstanding supporter of equal rights for all, as evidenced in 1976 when the union’s Board of Directors amended its by-laws to include the following objective: “To unite all Flight Cabin Crew members regardless of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation or nationality.” In addition, in 2006, the AFA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution in support of marriage equality.

AFA is a leading advocate for the Flight Attendant profession and is proud to be part of labor’s decades-long tradition of standing up for fair and equal treatment for all workers. We support marriage equality for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) sisters and brothers. Marriage equality is not only an economic and social justice issue, but also a human rights issue.

CWA: Rights and Liberties of the U.S. Constitution Must Apply to All

May 9, 2012

Washington, D.C. — Following is a statement by CWA President Larry Cohen on efforts to block marriage equality.

“The Communications Workers of America stands with the President and those who support equality and human rights.  We oppose all discrimination and recognize the direct linkage between civil and workers’ rights, and the attempts to divide Americans based on these issues.

Nearly ten years ago, CWA convention delegates called for full and equal rights including civil marriage, pointing out that far too many benefits and protections of civil marriage are denied to people on the basis of sexual orientation.  These often include health care and survivor benefits as well as other legal rights for partners.  It’s time to move forward. “

Maria Elena Durazo Issues a Statement on President Obama’s Support of Same Sex Marriage

May 9, 2012

(Los Angeles) – Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Maria Elena Durazo issued the following statement [May 9th] on President Obama’s announcement today in support of the same sex marriage.

 “As the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, and a National Co-Chair for the Obama Campaign, I applaud President Obama for his announcement today in support of the freedom to marry for loving and committed same-sex couples. The freedom to marry affects same-sex couples’ ability to take care of themselves and their families by ensuring critical economic protections and fair treatment. As a leader of the labor movement, which has a long tradition of supporting freedom for all, I am very pleased to see that after listening to the stories of why marriage matters to all Americans, the President has completed his journey on marriage and is standing up for all families.”

National Education Association (NEA)

November 6, 2012

Following is a statement by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel on two big wins for families in Maryland with the passing of Question 4 implementing the Maryland Dream Act and Question 6 regarding marriage equality.

“At a time of increasing class sizes, inadequate school resources, and attacks on public schools nationally, voters made clear that they want to do more to help Maryland’s children. They were the big winners with the passage of Ballot Questions 4 and 6. The Maryland Dream Act gives more students the opportunity to attend college, increase their lifelong earning potential and improve the quality of life for their families and themselves. Likewise, by ensuring that ALL families have equal rights, Maryland’s families will be stronger and we know that strong families help our kids achieve in the classroom.. We applaud Maryland for making the right choices at the ballot box,” said Van Roekel.

P@W Lauds President Obama’s Stand for Marriage Equality

May 9, 2012

“Thank you, President Obama, for standing up for justice and standing in solidarity with the LGBT community.”

Pride at Work applauds President Obama’s groundbreaking and moving statement today in support of marriage equality.

Relationship recognition matters for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers as a basic union issue, an economic justice issue and as a social justice issue.  Thank you, President Obama, for standing up for justice and standing in solidarity with the LGBT community.

Same-sex couples take a unique financial hit because their relationships aren’t recognized under federal law due to DOMA; and they have less ability to care for and support their families in times of need.  The right to equal pay and benefits for equal work is a fundamental component of labor struggles, as is the ability to work and support one’s family with dignity and respect.

The ability of leaders and average citizens alike to have thoughtful conversation, to listen, and develop their views is part of how change happens.  We appreciate President Obama for having the grace and dignity to engage in real dialogue and ultimately stand in support of the LGBT community on the issue of marriage equality.   We look forward to continuing those conversations this year and beyond on other key issues, particularly with the vital need to prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

The President’s groundbreaking statement today follows on the heels of a track record of actions that have made a real difference in the lives of LGBT workers and their families, including:

·         Hospital visitation & decision making rights for gay and lesbian couples

·         Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

·         Enactment of the Affordable Care Act, expanding access to health care

·         Signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Prevention Act

·         Ensuring Transgender Americans can get their true passport regardless of surgery status

·         Ended discrimination against LGBT people in federal housing

We have more work to do.  Today, President Obama showed true leadership, and this country took a vital step forward in the march for equality and justice for all people.

SEIU on President Obama’s Support of Marriage Equality

May 9, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC - Service Employees International Union (SEIU) International President Mary Kay Henry issued the following statement after President Obama announced his support for marriage equality:

“Earlier today, President Obama joined a host of faith, civil rights, business and political leaders who have publicly voiced their support of marriage equality. The president’s support comes at a critical moment as the rights of LGBT people are under legislative attack in Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina and elsewhere. The president understands what we do – marriage equality is about family, community, love and justice.

“Across this country, right-wing Republican politicians are seeking to divide us with attacks on immigrants, the middle class, women’s health, the environment and the LGBT community – but the growing numbers of Americans who believe in marriage equality reminds us that we cannot live up to our promise as a nation until we extend equal rights to all.

“To those who have chosen to stand on the wrong side of history, we say this: There is growing momentum for equality in this country. And with each American that believes in equality, we are reminded that the continued dream of equality is our birthright, our heritage and our promise.

“For anyone who counts equality among the basic tenets of a free and just America, Pres. Obama’s announcement today is a victory.”

UAW proud to stand with President Obama on support of marriage equality

05/10/12

UAW President Bob King issued this statement regarding President Obama’s announcement on his support for marriage equality:

“The UAW applauds President Obama’s remarks on same-sex marriage, and we regard it as a historic and courageous leap toward equality for all Americans.

“We oppose all discrimination and believe there is a definite connection between civil, human and workers’ rights. This belief continues to define us today.

“Solidarity means economic and social justice for all, regardless of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. This commitment to civil and human rights for all helped fuel many early UAW organizing victories. The UAW helped organize African-American workers during the 1930s when companies used race as a divisive anti-union strategy. In 1955 we were the first industrial union to establish a Women’s Department, its mission to encourage female participation in the predominantly male UAW – and to ensure that a woman’s place was in her union. We were arm in arm with the Civil Rights movement in the 1950s and ‘60s.

“The ongoing struggle for civil and human rights for everyone – including LGBT Americans – cannot be separated from the fight for justice for all workers. That’s something the UAW has known from the start.”

UFCW President Joe Hansen: I Support President Obama’s Support of Marriage Equality

May 10, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Joe Hansen, International President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), today released the following statement:

I commend President Obama for his support of marriage equality, and I’m proud to support him as he takes this historic stand.

Marriage equality is an economic justice issue, and a social justice issue – and that makes it a union issue. In the UFCW, we have a long, proud history of standing up for fair and equal treatment for all workers – regardless of what they look like, where they come from, what language they speak, or who they love. These values are heartfelt. We work every day to fight discrimination and unfair treatment against LGBT people on the job. That’s why our union is a strong supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which would ensure justice in the workplace for LGBT workers. UFCW members have been negotiating equal health care coverage for same-sex couples into their union contracts all over the country for years. It’s the right thing to do, and the fair thing to do. I’m proud that the UFCW’s advocacy on behalf of families includes all families.”

UNITE HERE Statement on Marriage Equality

May 10, 2012

UNITE HERE applauds President Obama’s statement in support of marriage equality. Our members support full equality for LGBT Americans in all matters governed by civil law, and we are grateful for the President’s courage and leadership. The United States took an important step towards fulfilling the Constitution’s promise of equal protection under the law. UNITE HERE stands with working families of all descriptions in the ongoing struggle for social and economic justice.

We are proud that UNITE HERE is on the side of justice for the LGBT community. Thanks, and congratulations on this important step, to all those in our Union who work to achieve full equality for our LGBT members, and for all our members. President Obama’s announcement is an important step. The struggle continues.