Jay Hoffman, Cornell ILR Extension, to area unions on forming a joint labor body

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CORNELL UNIVERSITY

; de York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations
atutory College of the State University EXTENSION DIVISION

February 24, 1984

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Representatives from over a dozen unions in Ithaca and Cortland
recently met to explore ways in which they might work together to
promote the mutual concerns of labor in the region. While many sug-
gestions were made to advance the cause of area unions, some of which
are described below, the meeting focused on two topics. First, much
of the evening's discussion centered on the need to establish a joint
body of Ithaca/Cortland labor unions. The second major focus was la-
bor's involvement in the upcoming 1984 elections. A consensus was
reached to give more serious consideration to the idea of forming a
labor council and that this body might initially undertake a project
of political action and education for 1984.

As mentioned above, other concerns were brought up and should be
considered for future action. Among these were suggestions for a li-
brary or resource center which could serve, for example, as a clearing-
house on labor legislation or legal referrals; establishing a labor
newsletter; planning educational programs for school children as well
as programs for our members; and support for each other during nego-
tiations, strikes, or when under attack by union busters.

It was clear from our initial meeting that now is an especially
critical time for labor unions to act in a united fashion. Therefore,
to further work out*the proposals for a labor council and political
action, a meeting for all Ithaca/Cortland unions was called for Tuesday,
March 8 at 6:15 p.m. in the North Room of the Statler Inn on the
Cornell campus. The ILR school will provide dinner for the meeting.
Please let Cathy Todd know by no later than March 6 if you or a rep-
resentative of your union will be able to attend or not. Cathy can

be reached at 256-4423.

For all those present at our last meeting, we look forward to
seeing you or a delegate from your local on March 8. If you have any
further questions concerning the meeting, don't hesitate to call me
at 256-4405 (days) or 277-1285 (evenings).

In solidarity,
ony: ot man

Jay Hoffman, ILR Extension
On behalf of area unions

JH/cjt

Enclosures a
P.S. Enclosed are by-laws developed by local unionists which you

may want to read and consider for future action.

EOC cccc