Every Day Sixteen <http://action2.bravenewfilms.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=Tw3h9uAo29GU4Xj58eo0 5HjFi7KvFKD3> workers a day are killed in America because of reckless negligence by employers. Companies that kill their workers get a slap on the wrist, or walk away scot-free. Congress needs to crack down on these killer employers and put rules in place that actually protect workers. Congress needs to pass the Protecting <http://action2.bravenewfilms.org/salsa/track.jsp?v=2&c=%2FvkJQjv5gLgld4x5pI ynXQsFKakqGjdB> America's Workers Act now. Info: Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, 731-0760, wmasscosh@verizon.net. See also Nov. 19 <> . Saturdays this Holiday Season HELP HANG UP ON VERIZON UNION BUSTING CWA Local 1400 is looking for volunteers to leaflet Verizon Wireless store across Massachusetts. Verizon is laying off workers and abandoning customers. Between now and Christmas, Verizon will lay off hundreds of our neighbors in metro area in addition to 59 who already lost their jobs. If you can volunteer a Saturday from 11am to 1pm this holiday season, the folks would be grateful. Info: Jen Cusick, jenniferjcusick@yahoo.com. Tuesday November 17 WEBCAST: AFL-CIO JOBS STRATEGY 9-11:30am, live webcast at www.aflcio.org/createjobs. President Richard Trumka will announce a national jobs creation strategy at a special Economic Policy Institute (EPI) jobs and economy panel and seminar. See also: President <http://www.unionvoice.org/ct/Bdaz1np1eBAg/> Obama will host a special White House summit on jobs. Tuesday November 17 (Third Tuesday) FRANKLIN/HAMPSHIRE HEALTH CARE COALITION 7pm, Lathrop Village Community Room, Shallow Brook Drive, off Bridge Rd, Northampton. Organizing for the Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund Bill - a universal health care system, providing universal access, a comprehensive range of physical and mental health benefits, choice of provider, quality, unified financing and cost controls, accountable governance, and stability. A Massachusetts Health Care Trust Fund will be a "single-payer" of all health care costs, statewide. Also organizing for the national alternative to state action: Medicare for All - HR 676. Info: info@fhhcc.org. Please visit www.masscare.org and www.healthcare-now.org. See also Dec. 5 <> . Tuesday November 17 AMERICAN WOMEN SINCE 1960 7pm, Hooker Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, Rt 116, S Hadley. Gail Collins will read from and sign her new book, When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present. Picking up where her previous successful, and highly lauded book, America's Women, left off, Collins recounts the sea change women have experienced since 1960. This is the definitive book about five crucial decades of progress, told with the down-to-earth, amusing, and agenda-free tone this beloved New York Times columnist is known for. Info: Odyssey Bookshop, 534-7307 or 800-540-7307; odysseybks@aol.com; www.odysseybks.com. Wednesday November 18 DEADLINE TO BE REGISTERED FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION FOR SENATOR Primary Election: December 8. Deadline to be registered for the General Election: December 30. General Election: January 19. Wednesday November 18 (changed from normally Fourth Wednesday due to holiday) GREENWORK: THE WESTERN MASS GREEN ECONOMY WORKING GROUP 12:30-2:30pm, Brown Bag Lunch at Noon, Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Boulevard, Springfield (732-7970). GreenWork consists of advocates for a Green Economy which serves local communities; guarantees workers' rights to organize; and promotes community-owned sustainable projects. On the agenda: progress report by GreenWork Organizational Subcommittee on our Articles of Organization and By-Laws; review Clean Energy Connections, November 10. Subscribe to the GreenWork listserve at http://lists.gaiahost.coop/mailman/listinfo/greenwork or send an email to greenwork-subscribe@lists.gaiahost.coop. Info: Jon Weissman, 827-0301, wmjwj@wmjwj.org, or Eduardo Suárez, 335-6224, director@echosd.org. Wednesday November 18 (Third Wednesday) MASS SENIOR ACTION COUNCIL - WESTERN MASS 1:30-3pm, 1124 Berkshire Avenue, near corner of Page Blvd, Springfield. Light refreshments, 50/50 raffle. MSAC was founded in 1981 to promote the rights, well being, and dignity of all people, particularly vulnerable senior citizens. Open to people of all ages. MSAC has a proud history of effective community organizing and legislative advocacy on health care, housing, transportation, and other issues. Info: 543-2334, http://www.masssenioraction.org. Wednesday November 18 (Third Wednesday) PIONEER VALLEY CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL 5:30pm, AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Blvd, near corner of Osborne Ter, across the street from the old Westinghouse, Springfield. Community and labor activist guests are welcome, but RSVP to Jon at 732-7970, mail@pvaflcio.org, or Rick at 374-1492, rbrown@pvaflcio.org. Wednesday November 18 SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL MEETING ON BIOMASS PLANT 6-7:30pm, Pine Point Citizens Council, 335 Berkshire Ave, Springfield. Raising community concerns about health risks of the biomass plant proposed for Springfield by Palmer Renewable Energy (PRE). Info: Michaelann Bewsee 455-3829, michaelannb@gmail.com, http://michaelannland.blogspot.com/. See also Dec. 2 <> . Meanwhile, the <http://www.gazettenet.com/2009/11/16/biomass?CSAuthResp=%3Asession%3ACSUser Id|CSGroupId%3Asuccess%3ASZoE1Pip9JHoZD0f%2B6vnLA%3D%3D&CSUserId=29396&CSGro upId=5> State is rethinking its support of wood-burning power plants. After the Patrick administration invested $1 million to jumpstart four proposed wood-burning plants in Russell, Greenfield, Springfield, and Pittsfield, State Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles says the administration now wants more information about the possible negative effects of the wood-burning plants. We at WMJwJ suspect the state will not investigate the negative effects of the plant being non-union and unsafe for its employees. The Franklin County Workers' Rights Committee is investigating that - to get involved: wmjwj@wmjwj.org. Wednesday November 18 DR STEPHANIE WOOLHANDLER: HEALTH REFORM: THE NEED FOR SINGLE PAYER NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE 7:30pm, Gamble Auditorium, Art Building, Mount Holyoke <http://www.mtholyoke.edu/campusmap/> College, Rt 116, South Hadley. Dr. Stephanie Woolhandler, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a founder of Physicians for a National Health Program, will probe the political, social, and economic facts and distortions surrounding single-payer health coverage and what's at stake if the United States fails to extend comprehensive health care to all. Throughout the last century, powerful social justice movements championed the call for universal coverage, while public opinion has overwhelmingly supported guaranteed health care for all. Why has universal health coverage consistently failed in the United States, and what hope is there for guaranteed health care for all in the future? Part of the Weissman Center for Leadership and the Liberal Arts program, Rethinking Health Care <http://www.mtholyoke.edu/wcl/23354.shtml> . Info: 538-3071, wcl@mtholyoke.edu. Thursday November 19 NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION TO STOP WAGE THEFT Find <http://www.iwj.org/index.cfm/a-call-to-action-to-stop-wage-theft> out how you can get involved in putting an end to this national scandal - and complete <http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Wp3D5antrRp_2f3PaQjQ7S1A_3d_3d> a survey to find out if you've been affected by Wage Theft. Thursday November 19 SENATOR KERRY OFFICE HOURS 10:30-11:30am, City Hall, 536 Dwight St, Holyoke; 1-2pm, Municipal Building, 212 Main St, Northampton. Three or four aides will be present to listen to citizens. Info: 785-4610. Tell them Kerry should vote for Sen. Bernie Sanders's <http://pnhp.org/blog/2009/03/27/sen-bernie-sanders-introduces-single-payer- bill/> single-payer healthcare bill, S. 703. Thursday November 19 OSHA UNDER OBAMA: A TOWN HALL FORUM 5:30-8pm, IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport St, Dorchester. Acting OSHA Director Jordan Barab or OSHA Chief of Staff Deborah Berkowitz will attend. We can -Raise priority policy concerns to OSHA leadership. -Learn what OSHA is doing to respond to these concerns. -Unite and mobilize for a stronger OSHA. Sandwiches/refreshments provided - please register! Info: Mass. Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, (617) 825-7233, info@masscosh.org. Thursday November 19 LIVING WAGE RESOLUTION AT NORTHAMPTON CITY COUNCIL 7pm, City Council meeting room, 210 Main St, Northampton. The Northampton Coalition for a Living Wage was founded out of concern for those working in our community who cannot afford to live here and meet their basic needs (for a decent home, healthy food, appropriate clothing, and health care when needed.) The Northampton City Council will vote on our living wage resolution updating the Living Wage resolution passed in 1998 to today's cost-of-living, with procedures for adjusting it annually, publicizing it, and honoring those employers who pay a Living Wage or make a genuine attempt to do so. Show the community-at-large that you value a Living Wage and recognize the importance of shopping where employees are earning one. We need you there to demonstrate to Northampton businesses strong community support for a living wage. Using data from the Women's Crittenton Union <http://www.liveworkthrive.org/> and the Northampton Housing Authority to calculate a basic needs budget for a single person without children, the Northampton living wage is $11.90 per hour. Info: Kitty Callaghan, 584-4034, kcallaghan@wmls.org. Thursday November 19 NOTE TIME CHANGE IMMIGRANT & WORKERS RIGHTS COALITION 7-8:30pm, Conference Room, second floor, room 234 &/or 236, Potpourri Plaza, 243 King St, Northampton (opposite Stop & Shop, http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map <http://maps.google.com/maps?oi=map&q=243+King+St,+Northampton,+MA> &q=243+King+St,+Northampton,+MA). Organizing for comprehensive immigration reform and local issues, including know your rights training, Franklin County Jail project, and restaurant workers project. Info: American Friends Service Committee, 584-8975, afsc@crocker.com. Thursday November 19 SLAVERY IN THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY OF MASSACHUSETTS 7pm, Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St, corner of Park & North Main Sts next to the Lilly Library (584-5048). Robert Romer will discuss his book, Slavery in the Connecticut Valley of Massachusetts, as well as what he has learned about Mass. House Bill HR3148 that would require corporations doing business in Massachusetts to research their company's or its predecessors' involvement with the slave trade or profits made from slave labor. (http://living.jdewperry.com/2009/02/massachusetts-considers-slavery-era-dis closure-law/). Info: Levellers Press, levellerspress1@gmail.com, order books online: http://www.collectivecopies.com/publishing/publishing.htm. Friday November 20 CONFERENCE ON IMMIGRATION AND THE FUTURE OF WORK 9am-3:30pm, Gordon Hall, 418 N Pleasant St, Amherst, just north of downtown Amherst and south of the main UMass campus; directions at http://www.umass.edu/lrrc/contact/. The Labor Center at UMass Amherst will host a free conference, with lunch, on immigration and work in Massachusetts. We'll have scholars present new research on: · work lives of immigrant youth · the impact of immigration raids on workers and communities in the Commonwealth · patterns of change in local labor markets · opportunities for organizing in immigrant communities Keynote Addresses: EDDIE ACOSTA, National Worker Center Coordinator, AFL-CIO; and ROBYN RODRIGUEZ, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Rutgers University, author of "Migrants for Export: How the Philippines Brokers Labor to the World". Info, to register: bberry@lrrc.umass.edu, www.umass.edu/lrrc. Friday November 20 FREE FINANCIAL SEMINARS FOR UNION OFFICIALS 9am-3pm, IBEW Local 7, 185 Industry Ave, Springfield (734-7137). Free continental breakfast and lunch included! Who Should Attend: Union officers, employees, trustees and e-board members. Topics Include: · Understanding financial statements · Budgetary control & cash flow management · Audit preparation · Investing fundamentals · Accounting processes terms and concepts · U.S. Department of Labor forms and filings · Campaign Finance Rules and Requirements Reserve your seat today by: · Registering online at www.ftub.com/register · Emailing Tom Iacobucci at tiacobucci@ftub.com · Calling Tom Iacobucci at 800-242-0272 x7309 · Faxing to 617-330-1061, attn: Tom Iacobucci · Mailing Tom Iacobucci, First Trade Union Bank, One Harbor St, Ste 201, Boston, MA 02210 Saturday November 21 MEMORIAL GATHERING FOR GEORGE MARKHAM (8/15/1909-10/25/2009) 2pm, Unitarian Society, Main St, Northampton. In lieu of flowers, Arky asks that you make a contribution to the Warren J. Plaut Charitable Trust, memo'd for the Markham-Nathan Fund, PO Box 943, Northampton MA 01061, or to UHCEF (MassCare - Mass. Campaign for Single Payer Health Care), 33 Harrison Ave. 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02111. Tuesday November 24 (Fourth Tuesday) NOTE TIME CHANGE! HAMPSHIRE/FRANKLIN CENTRAL LABOR COUNCIL 5:30pm, Northampton Fire Station Community Room, 26 Carlon Drive at King St/Route 5, Northampton (587-1148). Community and labor activist guests are welcome, but RSVP to Pres. Fiore Grassetti, 877-725-0357, org7@comcast.net. November 28 & 29 PEOPLE'S SUMMIT Seattle WA. The ten-year anniversary of the Battle in Seattle, the largest civil society demonstration against the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its vision of globalization. Info: http://seattleplus10.org/. Monday November 30 MOBILIZATION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE The Mobilization for Climate Justice invites communities, organizations and activists across North America to organize mass action on climate change on the ten-year anniversary of the successful shut down of the WTO in Seattle and preceding the upcoming UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen. Info: http://www.actforclimatejustice.org/. Wednesday December 2 (First Wednesday) FRANKLIN COUNTY WORKERS' RIGHTS COMMITTEE ~ ORGANIZING AN UNEMPLOYED SPEAK-OUT DEC. 10 7-8:30pm, Traprock Center for Peace and Justice, 24 Miles St, Greenfield (773-7427). Organizing a public event (see Dec. 10) where unemployed workers can speak out and develop community standards for lay-off and recall, etc. Also organizing local solidarity for Franklin County workers and unions; nurses and other workers at Franklin Medical Center; Greenfield municipal employees; and statewide and national workers' rights campaigns. Info: 827-0301, wmjwj@wmjwj.org. Wednesday December 2 AIR PERMITTING HEARING ON SPRINGFIELD BIOMASS PLANT 7pm, Kennedy Middle School, 1385 Berkshire Ave, Springfield. Sponsored by Dept. of Environmental Protection. Give testimony, hear others' concerns about health and environmental risks of the biomass plant proposed for Springfield by Palmer Renewable Energy (PRE). Info: Michaelann Bewsee 455-3829, michaelannb@gmail.com, http://michaelannland.blogspot.com/. Meanwhile, the <http://www.gazettenet.com/2009/11/16/biomass?CSAuthResp=%3Asession%3ACSUser Id|CSGroupId%3Asuccess%3ASZoE1Pip9JHoZD0f%2B6vnLA%3D%3D&CSUserId=29396&CSGro upId=5> State is rethinking its support of wood-burning power plants. After the Patrick administration invested $1 million to jumpstart four proposed wood-burning plants in Russell, Greenfield, Springfield, and Pittsfield, State Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles says the administration now wants more information about the possible negative effects of the wood-burning plants. We at WMJwJ suspect the state will not investigate the negative effects of the plant being non-union and unsafe for its employees. The Franklin County Workers' Rights Committee is investigating that - to get involved: wmjwj@wmjwj.org. Saturday December 5 WMSPN FALL MEETING 9:30-11:30am, Lathrop Village Community Room, 1 Shallow Brook Drive, off Bridge Rd, Northampton. The Western Massachusetts Single Payer Network is a nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of advocates committed to achieving a universal single payer health care system. At our quarterly meetings, we check in with each other to see how we're doing on meeting our Organizational Goals: 1) to increase visibility of universal single payer health care across Western Massachusetts 2) to strengthen the universal single payer movement through increasing numbers of people familiar with and committed to a single payer health care system 3) to work in concert with eastern Massachusetts single payer groups, as well as other groups throughout the country who share the single payer mission Please send agenda items to wmspn@wmjwj.org <mailto:wmpsn@wmjwj.org> and say if you are definitely coming or your organization will definitely be represented. Info: Jon Weissman, 827-0301 x1, wmspn@wmjwj.org. Tuesday December 8 PRIMARY ELECTION FOR SENATOR Deadline to be registered for the General Election: December 30. General Election: January 19. *Thursday December 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2009: UNEMPLOYED WORKERS MEET 6:30-8pm, Greenfield Community TV, 3rd floor, 393 Main St, Greenfield, between Garden Cinema and Church. On the 61st anniversary of the Universal <http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/> Declaration of Human Rights, over 17% of the workforce in America is unemployed. Come to this meeting and share experiences, talk about what we need, and what we can do. Info: wmjwj@wmjwj.org. RSVP: I <mailto:wmjwj@wmjwj.org?subject=I'll%20Be%20There%2012/10&body=Name:%0aCity% 20or%20Town:%0aHome%20and/or%20cell%20phone:%0a> 'll Be There! Thursday December 10 HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2009: CELEBRATION AND CALL TO ACTION 7pm, Unitarian Universalist Society, 220 Main St, Northampton. On the 61st anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human <http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/> Rights, keynote speaker will be human rights activist and National Priorities Project Director Jo Comerford, and people from our community dedicated to attaining those rights will read appropriate articles of the Declaration. There will be music and dancing, and a focus on the youth of our community. Info: Sara Weinberger, Northampton Human Rights Commission, spw128@comcast.net, or Marty Nathan, Pioneer Valley Coalition Against Secrecy and Torture, martygjf@comcast.net. NOTE: NORTHAMPTON LIVING WAGE COALITION meeting rescheduled to Thursday December 17, from normally Second Thursday - 7pm, Western Mass Legal Services office, 20 Hampton Av #100, Northampton (enter near Pleasant St, south of, right angle to Sylvester's). See also Nov. <> 19. Info: Kitty Callaghan, kcallaghan@wmls.org. Thursday December 10 (change this month from normally First Thursday) MASSACHUSETTS CITIZENS AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY 7-8:30pm, Unitarian Society, 245 Porter Lake Drive, Springfield. MCADP's mission is to keep the death penalty out of Massachusetts and work to abolish it nationally and internationally. Info: mcadp1@aol.com or cajowl66@aol.com, 567-3451. Friday December 11 (Second Friday) STREET HEAT - THE AFL-CIO MOBILIZATION COMMITTEE 9:30-11am, AFL-CIO Hall, 640 Page Blvd, near corner of Osborne Ter, across the street from the old Westinghouse, Springfield. On the agenda: EFCA; Mass Mutual Center workers; Safe Hospital staffing; Green Jobs; Immigration Reform; Postal job loss; Servicenet; Your Organizing! Community and labor activists are urged to attend. Info, send agenda items to: Jon Weissman, 732-7970, street_heat@pvaflcio.org. Saturday December 12 A TRIP TO NEW YORK CITY WITH WMCOSH 8am, bus leaves West Springfield High School, 425 Piper Rd. $35. It makes several stops in Manhattan at various tourist locations. Passengers are free to plan their own day; there are no scheduled activities or tours. The bus will leave New York City at 7:30pm. Sponsored by the Western Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health. Call 731-0760 for more information, or send check payable to Western MassCOSH, 640 Page Blvd Suite 104, Springfield MA 01104. Saturday December 12 (Second Saturday) HEALTH EQUITY ROUNDTABLE 9:30-11:30am, Tapestry Health, 365 Bay St, Springfield. Addressing existing disparities in health care and outcomes, and the underlying racism, poverty, and homelessness. This Springfield Health Disparities Project roundtable provides a forum to engage community people in dialogue with folks working on community health initiatives, keeping the community abreast of what is happening, and getting people involved in working with others to improve community health. Info: Betty Agin, 627-4028, betagi7@verizon.net. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO UNSUBSCRIBE, send an email to wmjwj@wmjwj.org with a Subject of "Unsub Workers' Rights". [Workers' Rights] posts opportunities for you to learn about and show solidarity with workplace and working class struggles. And these events are opportunities for JwJ members to fulfill their pledge: <http://www.jwj.org/pledge.html> "I'll be there for workers' rights at least five times a year!" This is the core mission of Jobs with Justice (www.jwj.org <http://www.jwj.org/> ), affirming that workers' rights are human rights. To subscribe, send an email to wmjwj@wmjwj.org with a Subject of "Subscribe Workers' Rights". Western Mass Jobs with Justice 640 Page Blvd #101 Springfield MA 01104 (413) 827-0301