Union City News, Midstate Central Labor Council, January [2002]

This text was generated automatically from the photograph and has not been corrected. The image is the authoritative record.

This year UAW 1326 decided to something a little
more ambitious than handing over their check to a
worthwhile agency, but instead voted to shop for

needy children that might not have had a Christmas

ne land ble oft ala yf
ends, but imagine adding 63 ue an ae
credit for this years special project is owed to Chrissy
Westendorf and her family who at the last minute
took on the challenge of doing all of the shopping for
UAW 1326’s community gift. Sister Chrissy
Westendorf enlisted her two daughters, Fharrica and
Casey, to help pick out gifts. In the end, the Westen-
dorf family was able to provide all 63 children with a
complete outfit and all of the toddlers also received a
gift boxes, and tags were also included in the final
donation. Sister Westendorf stated that, “We were a
little stressed out by the time we got done, but it was
such an incredible feeling to later organize the gifts
and sort them by child. It felt so good to do some-
thing for the community.” Having her teenage
daughters help with the project was also a special
feeling and a good Jesson about the spirit of giving.
Last year UAW 1326 donated nearly $5,000 to World
Trade Center disaster relief in NYC between shop
floor donations and a direct contribution from the lo-
éal’s general fund, but the union believes it is equally
as important to support Cortland families in their time
éf need. Many members also donate to the local
United Way, which provides valuable services for
tundreds of needy Cortland families.
The member unions of the Midstate Labor Council,
like UAW 1326, do their part fo build stronger com-
munities, By setting the highest standard for wages

an ELECTIONS
President— Linda Smith, UAW 2320
Vice Pres.— Kenneth Franklin, IAM 1607
Treasurer- Unfilled
Secretary— Mark Keith, UAW 802

3 At-Large Reps— Unfilled

The Executive Board is the governing body of the
Council between general meetings, and it is constitu-
tionally expected to meet every two months. Often
these meetings take place via e-mail and telephone
conferencing, Obviously all E-Board members are
expected to attend all monthly general meetings.
The Nominating Committee will announce their rec-
ommendations for office at the February general meet-
then and voting will take place at the March meeting.
If you want to be considered by the Nominating Com-
mittee please contact Mark Keith (758-9522 or
stew802@aol.com) or the current Executive Board

On December 14 about 50 people came out for a rally
at Northwoods Nursing Home in Cortland. We braved
the cold, pouring down rain, singing Christmas carols
with "union" lyrics and holding signs 9} oclaiming
solidarity with the workers inside. At least 12 different
local unions from Midstate Central Labor Council,
Lakes Central Labor Council were represented: UAW,
CSEA, SEIU, UUP, Musicians, OPEIU, Carpenters,
and Painters. The Tompkins Co. Living Wage Coali-
members of the religious community, and the CNY
Area Labor Federation were also on board. A GREAT
THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME OUT TO SAY IN
ONE VOICE, “ AN INJUSTICE FOR ONE IS AN

INJUSTICE FOR ALL’, Following is a summary of

where the struggle at Northwoods is today:

The intimidation, Coercion, and threats by ma:
trrscr ue Coercion, and threats by management
began almost immediately after workers at Northwoods

eons : led for union representation with CSEA.

nn) SAS AD . Workers were told on a daily
basis that supporting the union meant putting their jobs in
jeopardy. For many, who live paycheck to paycheck, the
pressure was unbearable. During a time that is usually
marked by a spirit of peace, harmony, and good will,
North woods management used their position of power to
engage in psychological violence against its own work-
force. Finally the decision was made to file formal charges
against management. The workers' right to choose a union
and go forward with the election scheduled for Dec. 28
could in no way be fair. The election had to be posponed.
* Write a letter to the Cortland Standard in support of
the workers at Northwoods, on why unions are good
for working people and our communities, or an
"educational piece" about the RIGHTS of workers to
join and support a union of their choice...and how those
rights are being violated by irresponsible employers.
which no respectable community should stand for...
* Phone or write Northwoods, attention Karen
Richardson. 753-9631...28 Kellogg Road, Cortland, NY
13045... TELL HER TO STOP THE ILLEGAL BEHAY-
IOR AND LET THE WORKERS MAKE THE CHOICE
FOR UNION REPRESENTATION IN A NEUTRAL,
NON THREATENING ENVIRONMENT. It is their
* Petitions from the community are still being ac-
cepted. Contact Mandy Ellis at mandyelliss00@hotmail.
com/ or 1-800-559-7975 for a blank copy to circulate at

your workplace.

Labor Quote of the Month:
If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who
and yet depreciate agitation,

ntay be a moral one; or it may be a physical one; or it
may be both moral and physical; but it must be a strug-
gle. Power concedes nothing without demand It never
did and it never will.

ao — Frederick Douglas