Great Plains Laborers' District Council

July 19, 2019

Welcome

Safety - One OSHA Inspector for every 79,000 workers

The AFL-CIO released its 28th annual Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect report. This year's report shows that 5,147 working people were killed on the job in 2017. Additionally, an estimated 95,000 died from occupational diseases. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) called for action: This is a national crisis.

Protect union apprenticeship programs

Union Laborer apprenticeship and training programs give labor the quality edge. This protects union jobs and creates a pathway for young people to the trade. The Trump Administration’s Department of Labor is proposing a new program that would undercut union apprenticeship.

$45B construction bill passes

After ten years with no action, the Illinois State House and Senate came together shortly after their scheduled adjournment to pass a $45 billion construction bill, awaiting signature by Governor J.B. Pritzker. “Rebuild Illinois” is the largest construction program in state history.

Nate Silver - Union voters could be decisive in 2020 Presidential contest

Bulletpoint No. 1: The union vote could be key in both the primary and the general election In 2016, unionized workers were essential in helping Hillary Clinton maintain her lead over Bernie Sanders. Although a handful of major unions endorsed Sanders, most of the biggest ones — including the NEA, the SEIU, AFSCME, UFCW and the UAW — endorsed Clinton.

Democratic candidates are "talking union" again

For more than a quarter century, the American labor movement has been struggling to convince Democrats of the value of unions and the crucial role they play in the struggle for social and economic justice.

How "keep it in the ground" anti-energy initiatives harm Laborers' jobs

A report from the U.S Chamber of Commerce and LiUNA - how environmental anti-energy initatives hurt jobs for Laborers. https://www.globalenergyinstitute.org/infrastructure-lost

2019 message from General President Terry O'Sullivan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4Q14-sNuZ8&feature=youtu.be

Infrastructure investement could boost economy by $5.9T

The old saying that you have to spend money in order to make money gained more support on Friday. The Business Roundtable released a report that federal spending of $737 billion over 10 years in infrastructure projects like surface transportation, aviation and water resources could generate an additional $5.9 trillion in gross domestic product over a 20-year period.

LiUNA VP Penn named to Pritzker Infrastructure Transition Team

Chicago, IL — Today, Governor-elect JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor-elect Juliana Stratton announced the formation and members of the transition’s Restoring Illinois’ Infrastructure Committee.

New Congress - time for an infrastructure bill?

In the wake of Democrats’ House takeover and Republicans widening their Senate majority in the midterm elections, talk has quickly revived about taking on infrastructure legislation in the new Congress. Construction industry officials welcome the pro-infrastructure rhetoric from congressional leaders and President Trump.

Bloomington IL YMCA honors the Penn Family

The Bloomington, IL YMCA honored Midwest Region Manager & Vice-President John Penn, along with his father Paul, brother Donald, sister Linda and late brother David, at their "Legacy Dinner" on October 11, 2018. Here's a facebook link to a very touching video they produced. https://www.facebook.

The New York Times’ Trump Exposé Is a Compelling Case for Class War

In the summer of 2012, Barack Obama informed America’s capitalists that they were not the sole authors of their success. “If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help,” the president explained. “Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you’ve got a business — you didn’t build that. Somebody else made that happen.

Prevailing wages don't hurt the economy, they boost it - new Minnesota study

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Hidden Agenda - How the Koch Brothers transformed Wisconsin

The cries of “Shame! Shame! Shame!” rang throughout the marbled walls of the Wisconsin state assembly chamber. Disgusted Democratic politicians, some of whom had been up for over 60 hours by this point, punctuated their chants by throwing papers – and even drinks – at their Republican counterparts.

Why Illinois politics gets a bad reputation - Rauner supporter passing out cash at a Chicago church

It's here on video, WGN-TV. Rauner speaks at the New Convenant Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on July 22 -- one of his supporters then passes out cash to church members.... https://wgntv.