Massachusetts Common Ground June 11

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JUNE 2011

MASSACHUSETTS

Mark C. Fortune, PresidentMartin J. Walsh, Secretary/Treasurer & General Agent

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HIT to invest $58 Million to build Boston’s Charlesview apartments TheAFL-CIOHousingInvestmentTrust(HIT)announcedlastmonthitwillinvest$58.2millionofunionpensioncapitalinconstructionofthenewCharlesviewApartmentsinBoston.Withatotaldevelopmentcostof$152million,theprojectwillbuild240unitsofaffordablerentalunits,whilecreatingapproximately860unionconstructionjobs. TheCharlesviewApartments,whichwillbebuiltinBoston’sBrightonneighborhood,willreplaceanolder213unitapartmentdevelopmentofthesamenamelocatedapproximatelytwoblocksaway.Thenewdevelopmentwillalsohave213unitsofaffordablehousingwhileaddinganother27housingunits.Thenewcomplexfeaturestownhouseandmid-riseapartmentbuildings,aswellasparkingandover23,000squarefeetofretailandcommunityspace.

Currenttenantswillberelocatedtothenewdevelopment. “ThissubstantialnewinvestmentfromtheAFL-CIOHousingInvestmentTrustwillhelpBostonaddresstheever-growingdemandforhighquality,affordablehousing,”saidBostonMayorThomasMenino.“WevaluethecommitmenttheHIThasdemonstratedovertheyearstomeetingthediversehousingneedsofourresidents,especiallylow-incomehouseholdsandworkingfamilies.” JohnJ.Sweeney,ChairmanoftheHITandPresidentEmeritusoftheAFL-CIO,said,“TheHITisproudtobepartoftheCharlesviewdevelopmentteamthatisworkingtomaintaingood,affordablehousinginBoston.” OftheCharlesview’s240units,221willbesetasideforhouseholdsthatmeetSection8

orLowIncomeHousingTaxCrediteligibility.Theremaining19willbereservedforcurrentCharlesviewresidentswithoutincomerestrictions. Tohelpfinancetheproject,theHIThaspartneredwithTheCommunityBuilders,thelargestnonprofiturbanhousingdeveloperinthecountry,andMassHousing,thestatehousingfinanceagency.TheHITisprovidingbridgeloansthroughthepurchaseof$34.7millionoftax-exemptbondsand$23.5millionoftaxablebondsfromMassHousing.“TheHIT’sinvestmenthashelpedleverageadditionalcapitaltomakethismuch-anticipatedhousingprojectareality,”saidTomO’Malley,directoroftheHIT’sNewEnglandRegionalOfficeinBoston. Allon-siteconstructionworkatCharlesviewApartmentswillbeperformedby100%unionlabor.

Massachusetts Senate proposal makes slight changes to House’s municipal health plan TheMassachusettsStateSenateapprovedlegislationtotheitsproposedstatebudgetlastmonththatmovestocurbcollectivebargainingrightsoverhealthcareformunicipalworkers.Twodaysofdebateledtotheapprovalofthelegislation. Somelast-minutechangeswereapprovedincludingrequiringcitiesandtownstoprovehowmovingtothestatehealthinsuranceplanwouldsavemoremoneythanbycreatingtheirownplan. InastatementreleasedbytheMassachusett’sAFL-CIO,PresidentRobertHaynesexplainedthatachievingsavingsandmaintainingcollectivebargainingrightsarenotmutuallyexclusive. “Whilecertainlynotperfect,thisSenateproposalisfairandgoesalongwaytoprovingthatpoint,”saidHaynes. Thesenatereleasedits$30.5billionyearlybudgetproposalpriortothedebatewhichincludessimilarlimitstopublicemployee’s

collectivebargainingrightsoverhealthcareastheapprovedHousebudgetdid. UnliketheHouse’sbudgetthatgiveslocalofficialsunilateralauthoritytochangehealthplansregardlessof30-daynegotiationswithunions,theSenateproposalcallsforathree-membercommitteethatwouldvoteonhealthcarechangesifnoagreementwasmetduringthe30-daynegotiationperiod.Thethree-membercommitteewouldbemadeupofaunionrepresentative,amanagementrepresentativeandsomeoneappointedbythegovernor’sbudgetchief. ThenSenateproposalgivesmoresavingsbacktounionmembersduetohealthcarechangesthantheHousebudgetdid.TheproposalalsorequireslocalpublicunionstojointheGroupInsuranceCommission,thestate’sinsurancebenefits,oragreetoahealthplanthatdoesnotcostmorethantheGIC. TheMassachusettsAFL-CIOexplainedina

publicstatementthattheSenateproposaldoesincludeprotectionsforworkersandretireesregardingshiftinghealthcarecosts. “WeappreciatethethoughtfulapproachoftheSenatetothiscomplexissue,”saidtheMassachusettsAFL-CIOinapressrelease. Haynesexpressedthatwhileheiswillingtomakesacrificesincostshiftingintoughtimes,collectivebargainingisnotsomethingthatwillbesacrificed. “InthefinalanalysiswehopetheConferenceCommittee,Governor,andthelegislaturewillbuildonthisfairproposalandchoosetodeliversavingsthroughcollectivebargaining,”saidHaynes. TheSenatedebatebeganMay25andwillbefollowedbytheSenateandHousecomingtoacompromiseinthecomingweeks.GovernorPatrickisexpectedtoapproveafinalbudgetbyJuly1.

HIT - Continued on page 2

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“WithconstructionunemploymentstillunacceptablyhighhereinBoston,thesefamily-supportingjobswillmeanalottoourmembers,”saidMartinJ.Walsh,Secretary-TreasurerandGeneralBusinessAgent,MetropolitanDistrictBuildingandConstructionTradesCouncil.“Thisisamajorprojectthatwillkeephundredsofunionmembersworkingasitmeetstheneedforaffordablehousingforlocalresidents.” InadditiontoCharlesview,threeotherHIT-financedprojectsarecurrentlyinprogressinBoston,generatinganestimated650unionconstructionjobs.Theprojectsare: WashingtonBeech:TheHITinvested$13.5millionforconstructionof56affordablerentalunitsatthispublichousingpropertyin

Roslindale,incooperationwiththeBostonHousingAuthorityandMassHousing. OldColony:TheHITinvested$26.7milliontohelpredevelopBoston’smostdistressedpublichousingproperty,withconstructionof116unitsofaffordablehousinganda10,000-square-footcommunitycenter.Thisispartofthe$56.8millionfirstphaseofarevitalizationeffortbytheBostonHousingAuthorityandMassHousing. FranklinPark:TheHITinvestedof$25.7milliontosupportthe$34millionrehabilitationof220scatteredsiteresidentialunitsinBoston’sDorchesterandRoxburyneighborhoods. ThejobscreatedbytheCharlesviewprojecthavehelpedtheHousingInvestment

Trustexceeditsgoalofcreating10,000unionconstructionjobsinlessthantwoyearsthroughitsnationalConstructionJobsInitiative.Launchedinmid-2009tohelpcommunitiesinneedofgoodjobsandaffordablehousing,theConstructionJobsInitiativehasproducedorpreservedmorethan9,600housingunitson32projectsin18citiesacrossthecountry,includingBoston,Chicago,Minneapolis,NewYork,St.Louis,andSanFrancisco. TheCharlesviewinvestmentispartoftheHIT’sMassachusettsHousingInitiative,throughwhichtheHIThassupportedover$448millionofhousingdevelopmentandpreservationsince2007,withinvestmentsof$187million,creatingmorethan2,300housingunitsand2,100unionconstructionjobs.

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RI AFL-CIO President George Nee counters union misconceptions By Common Ground StaffCommonGroundsatdownwithGeorgeNee,presidentofRIAFL-CIOtoaskpoignantquestionsaboutcurrentlaborissuesandthe

futureofthelabormovement. We have seen some anti-union legislation in Wisconsin and now Massachusetts recently. Why do you think this anti-union sentiment exists among some legislators? Ithinkthereissomeanti-unionsentimentamongcertainlegislatorsbecausethereisuneaseinthesedifficulttimes,andtheyseeagroupthathassomethinggood,namelygoodunionbenefits,andinsteadoftryingtoraiseallothersuptothosestandardstheywanttobringthemdown. Wehaveanunprecedentedfiscalcrisisatthestateandlocallevelallacrossthiscountry.Thiscrisiswasnotcausedbyunionmembersmakingdecentwagesandbenefits,butbyWallStreetinvestorswhousedtheAmericanpublicasagiantcasinotomakespeculativebetsonoureconomywheretheycouldn’tlose.NowthosebetsarecomingdueandWallStreethaspassedthetabontothegovernment. Howcouldunionmembersmaking$35,000-$50,000ayearonaveragehavecausedmulti-millionandbilliondollardeficitsacrossthecountry?Theansweristheydidn’t.Itwastaxbreakstothewealthyintheformofincometaxcuts,capitalgainstaxcuts,corporatetaxcuts,taxincentivestocorporationsforjobsthatnevermaterialized.UnionmenandwomenwhohavefaithfullyworkeddayinanddayouttomaketheircommunitiesbetterforeveryoneshouldnotbetheonestoshouldertheburdensofWallStreet. IthasbeenaconcertedeffortoftheRightWingoverthepast30or40yearstoteardowntheAmericanlabormovementandgreedisthedrivingforcebehindthiscorporateledmovement.Howdoyouthinkcommongroundcanbefoundbetweenpublicandprivatesectorunionsandtheirnon-unioncounterpartsintheworkforce?Thereisplentyofcommongroundtobefoundbetweenunionworkersandnon-unionworkers.UnionmembersareaverageRhodeIslandcitizenswhowantthesamethingsfortheircommunitythatnon-unionRhodeIslanderswant.Howisyourneighborthatisafirefighter,nurse,schoolteacher,supermarketworkerwhojusthappenstobeinaunionanydifferentfromanyothercitizen?Theypaytheirtaxes,sendtheirchildrentopublicschools,coachintheLittleLeague,attendchurch,volunteerattheseniorcenter,vote,andwantthebestfortheircommunity. Unionmembersareaveragemiddle-classAmericanswhoseuniongivesthemtheopportunitytobandtogetherandhaveavoiceintheirworkplace.Thereismuchmoreincommonamongunionandnon-unionmiddleclassRhodeIslandersthanthosewhowanttodemonizethemforhavingrightsonthejob,decentwagesforhardwork,goodhealthcareforwhentheyortheirfamilymembersgetsick,andamodestpensionsotheycanhavepeaceofmindwhentheyretireandlivewithdignity. How have unions helped the every-day non-union Rhode Islander who works just as hard as a union member does each day? Unionshavealongtraditionofstandingupforallworkerswhetherornottheybelongtoaunion.TheRhodeIslandAFL-CIOhasconsistentlystoodupforallRhodeIslandersthroughoursupportofminimumwageindexing,whichtiestheminimumwagetotheCPIsoit

increasesautomaticallyeveryyearwithouthavingtogetlegislationpassed;astrongandrobustworkers’compensationandTemporaryDisabilityInsurancesystemsothosethatareinjuredatworkreceivefairtreatmentandcompensationfortheirinjuriesaswellaspayforlostdaysofwork;theweeklypayrequirementthatinsuresemployeesgetpaidinapromptmannerfortheirhardwork;unemploymentinsuranceforthosethathavelosttheirjobs;smart,strategicandfocusedeconomicdevelopmentthatwillallowRhodeIslandtoprosperasnewindustriesandsectorsoftheeconomycomeintoourstate;fightingforfairandequitabletaxpolicies;increasedenforcementofhealthandsafetyregulationssoRhodeIslanderscangotoworkinasafeenvironment;andmanymoreissuesthatimpactallRhodeIslanders.Allworkersbenefitfromastronglabormovement,notjustthosethatbelongtounions. Many people claim that unions are the reason for our state’s financial situation. What do you tell people who claim this? How have unions helped our state in the past and what will they do in the future to help our state financially? Injustthepast5yearstheRhodeIslandstateemployeeshavehadtheirpensionschanged3times,givenupnegotiatedraises,takenunpaidfurloughdays,workedwithseverelyunderstaffeddepartments,andcontinuetogotoworkdayinanddayouttodotheirjobs. Onthemunicipalside,thestoryisthesame.Therehavebeencontractsrenegotiated,lay-offs,staffreductions,increasedhealthcareco-pays,etc.RhodeIsland’spublicemployeeshaveavestedinterestinseeingourstatesucceedandwantRhodeIslandtothriveasmuchasthenextperson.RhodeIslandunionmemberswillcontinuetoworkwithourelectedleaderstomakesurethatRhodeIslandisingoodshapefinanciallywhilestillprotectingtherightsandbenefitsthatsomanyhavefoughtforsolongtoachieve.Where do you see the labor movement 10 years from now? Iseethelabormovementmuchstrongerthanitisnowin10years.Ibelievethatpeoplewhodonotbelongtoaunionwillgetfedupwithbeingaskedtodomoreforlessandtheywillstandupanddemandavoiceonthejob.ItismyhopethathardworkwillberespectedagainandleadtoarebuildingoftheAmericanmiddleclassthroughincreasedwages.USmanufacturingwillmakeacomebackwhencorporationsrealizethatoutsourcingcostsmorethanmakingitinAmerica-wearealreadyseeingthishappeninhighendmanufacturing.ItwillcontinueasournationalleaderschangeourtaxandtradepoliciestoremovetheincentivesUScompanieshavetomovetheirjobsoverseas.Laborwillcontinuetobuildrelationshipswithimmigrantandminoritycommunitiesmakingthemovementmorediverseandreflectiveofsocietyasawhole. ItismyhopethatintenyearsfuturelaborleaderswillnolongerhavetonegotiatehealthcarebenefitsfortheirmembersbecausetheUSwillhavejoinedtherestoftheindustrializedworldandwillprovidecomprehensiveuniversalhealthcareforallAmericans.

HIT - Continued from cover

JUNE 2011 Common Ground Page 3

Maximize revenue by treatingaddiction in the workplaceBy Michael Blackburn

Arecentnationalsurveyofhumanresourcesprofessionalsrevealedthatalthoughsubstanceabuseandaddictionareamongthemostseriousproblemsfacedintheworkplace,employersarenotfullyaddressingtheproblem.Thesurvey,conductedbytheHazeldenFoundation,foundthatmanyemployersdonotproactivelydealwithsubstanceabuseissuesanddonotreferemployeestotreatmentprograms,althoughmanycompaniespayforthem. “Addictionisthiscountry’snumberonepublichealthproblem,”said

JillWiedemann-West,SeniorVicePresidentofClinicalandRecoveryServicesattheHazeldenFoundation.“Weknowthattreatingdrugandalcoholaddictionresultsinmorepeoplefindingtheirpathtorecovery,itresultsinmoreresilientfamilies,moreproductiveworkplacesandhealthierandsafercommunities.” Accordingtothesurvey,morethan67percentofHRprofessionalsbelievethatsubstanceabuseandaddictionaresomeofthemostseriousissuestheyfaceintheircompany.Themajorproblemsstemmingfromsubstanceabusethataffectcompaniesareabsenteeism,reducedproductivity,andlackoftrustandobviouslyadiminishedbottomline.However,lessthan22percentofHRprofessionalssaytheircompaniesopenlyandproactivelydealwiththeiremployee’ssubstanceabuseandaddictionissues.Thisisastaggeringfigure–consideringthefactthatithasbeendocumentedforyearsthattherearesimplestepstofollowwhenitcomestodealingwithaddictionintheworkplace.Granted,thosearesomeofthemostdifficultstepstotakeifyou’retheaddict;however,tonotbeprovidingasimplepathtorecoveryforyouremployeesisdifficulttounderstand. Morethanhalfofthesurveyedprofessionalsbelievethebiggestchallengeisgettingemployeestoacknowledgeandtalkabouttheirsubstanceabuse.Inaddition,abouthalfidentifiedfourmajorhurdlesinhelpingtheiremployees:lackofexperienceinidentifyingsubstanceabuseandaddiction;lackofinformationregardingtreatmentoptions;personaldiscomfortinapproachingemployeesabouttheissue;andnothavingenoughtimetodealwiththeissues. Therealityisthereisnogoodreasonfornothavingaplaninplace.WhatanamazingjobbytheHazeldenFoundationtoilluminateanissuethereissimplynoexcusefor.Therearesomanyoptionsforemployerswhenitcomestoprovidinghelpfortheiremployeesthatnoexcuseisacceptablefornotprovidinghelp.AtTreatmentSolutionsNetwork,wehavebuiltourvastnetworkaroundprovidingtheseveryservicestoemployersandemployeesonanationalscale.Weareheretohelpyouhelpthepeoplewhoyoucareaboutandseetoitthatyourbusinessthrivesasaresult. WhetheryouchoosetocontactTreatmentSolutionsNetworkornot,ifyouareanemployerwithinthat22percentilethatisnotopenlydealingwithaddictionintheworkplace,pleasedosomethingaboutitassoonaspossible.Ultimately,peoplewilldiefromaddictionandbusinesseswillbleedrevenueunlesstheproperstepsaretaken.CallmedirectlyandIwillpersonallyhelpyoucarveanewpathforyourbusiness. After retiring from the Providence Fire Department as Battalion Chief in 2003, Michael J. Blackburn currently works as Senior Vice President for Treatment Solutions Network. He can be reached for questions or comments at [email protected] or by phone at 401-255-4622.

Workers in Southeastern Mass and Cape Cod are uniting for community care WorkersinSoutheasternMAandCapeCodwillkickoffthenewly-createdUnitedforCommunityCarecampaignonJune18tofightsomeofthechallengesthatarefacingcommunityhospitalsandtohelpsupportthehealthcaretheyprovide.TheJune18eventwilltakeplacealongtheCapeCodCanalinBuzzardBayandincludeapicnicandrallytokickoffthenewcampaign. OnCapeCodandinSoutheasternMA,communityhospitalsplayavitalroleinkeepingourcommunitieshealthyandsafe.However,communityhospitalsarefacingseveralchallenges,andunionmembersatthesefacilitiesarefacingriskstoqualitycare.Thatiswhytheyhavekickedoffthecampaigntoprotectandstrengthenjobsandcareatourcommunityhospitals.Together,theysavelivesandkeepourcommunitieshealthy.Now1199SEIUmembersaremobilizingcommunitysupportandunityforcommunityhospitals. TheUnitedforCommunityCarecampaignincludesprioritiessuchasadequatefunding,regulationsthatgivepatientsmorepriorityandcreatingstrongerjobs. Thecampaigncallsforcommunityhospitalstobeadequatelyandfairlyreimbursedbyinsurancecompaniesandthestateforthecaretheyprovide.ChangesarecomingtohowhealthcareispaidforinMAandfundingforcommunityhospitalsshouldbeprotectedduringandbeyondthesetransitions. “Iworkhardtomakesurethatourfacilitygivesthebestcarepossible.Ifwelosefunding,itcouldaffectstaffing,theprogramsweoffer,andourrevenue.It’simperativethatwecontinuetostaywellfunded,”saidCaroleSpear,an1199SEIUmemberwhoworksintheemergencyroomatCapeCodHospital. Thecampaignfurtherasksthattheglutofprivatemedicalfacilitygrowthinthecommunityberegulatedtoprotecthealthcareaccess,preventdiscriminationagainstfamiliesbasedontheirinsuranceprovider,

providealevelplayingfield,andtocontrolhealthcarecosts.Thesenon-hospitalfacilitiesdriveuphealthcarecostsforeveryoneinthelongtermandputcommunityemergencyroomsatrisk. “Withsurgicalcentersandothernon-hospitalmedicalfacilitiespoppingup,ourpatientsareturningtootherplacestogettheircare.Thatmeansweloserevenueandhavetomakesometoughdecisionsastohowwecontinuetooperate,”saidMichelleJoyce,an1199SEIUmemberatJordanHospital. Finally,thecampaignwillencouragehealthcarejobstobegoodjobsforastronglocaleconomy.Localhealthcareemployersshouldstopoutsourcingjobstocompaniesthathavelittleornoconnectiontocommunities.Healthcareemployersareentrustedwithprivateandpublicfundstodeliverthebestmedicalcarepossible.That’sdonebyretainingexperiencedcaregiversandinvestinginknowledgeablestaffthatcareabouttheirlocalcommunity. “It’slikethesayinggoes,‘Apennysavedisapennyearned.’Ifwekeepqualified,knowledgeableworkersonourstaff,wesaveourfacilitiesmillionsofdollarandprovidequalitycareatthesametime.It’sawin-winsituation,”saidVickiLinnell,an1199SEIUmemberattheCapeLaboratory. Thefacilities1199SEIUarelookingtosupportareCapeCodHealthCare(includingCapeCodHospital,FalmouthHospital,CapeLaboratory,CapeCodHumanServicesandHeritageatFalmouthNursingHome),TobeyHospital,JordanHospital,Martha’sVineyardHospital,NantucketCottageHospital,MarineBiologicalLaboratory,BrocktonHospital,OurIslandHome,WindemereNursingHomeandMartha’sVineyardCommunityService. For more information or to RSVP for the rally, contact Jerry Fishbein at 877-409-1199 (ext. 166).

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Electrical workers’ union put charge into Rebuilding TogetherBy Paul V. Palange

PROVIDENCE–Fueledbythedesiretoassistpeoplewholacktheresourcestokeeptheirhomessafe,membersoftheInternationalBrotherhoodofElectricalWorkers(IBEW)Local99arecarryingonthetraditionofhelpingRebuildingTogetherrepairareadwellings. TheIBEWistheonlyuniontoformallyworkwithRebuildingTogether,saidJaneC.Eskelund,thenonprofit’sexecutivedirector.“They

arejustamazing.Theyaresogenerous,”shesaidoftheelectricalworkers.“Wehavehadupto75electriciansworkingatonceonhouses.” OneoftheleadersoftheIBEW’svolunteereffortisMichaelD’Amico,whoservesontheunion’sexecutiveboard.“He’satiger,”EskelundsaidofD’Amico,whocoordinatestheIBEWparticipantsandsolicitsandcollectsmaterialsnecessarytodoelectricalworkatthehomestargetedbyRebuildingTogether. WhileRebuildingTogetheroperatesyear-round,theorganizationconductsanationwideAnnualRebuildDay.The18thconsecutivecampaignwasconductedinGreaterProvidencethispastApril30,whenhundredsofvolunteersrenovated12homesandnon-profitsites,accordingtoEskelund. SheexplainedRebuildingTogetheristhenation’sleadingnonprofitorganizationworkingtopreserveaffordablehomeownershipandrevitalizeneighborhoodsbyconductingextensiverehabilitationandmodificationprojectsatnocosttothoseinneed.Someprojectsareaimedatseniorcitizenssotheycanliveinasafeenvironmentwhileaginginplace. “Wehavenotseenonehousethatdoesn’tneedelectricalwork,andwewanttomakesurecriticalrepairsaredone,”Eskelundsaid.TheonlyvolunteersallowedtodotheelectricaltasksaremembersoftheIBEWteams. “Wearehelpingpeoplewhocan’thelpthemselves,”D’Amicosaid.“Manyofthemareelderly.Theylivealoneanddon’thavetheresourcestohavetheworkdone.Someofthemthankyouwithtearsintheireyes,andthatputsatearinmyeye.” D’Amico,whoistheheadelectricianattheRhodeIslandConventionCenterandDunkin’DonutsCenter,saidIBEWvolunteershavereplacedwiring,installednewlightfixturesandsmokedetectorsandcompletedotherworktoensurehomeownersaresafeandcomfortable. Beforetheworkisdone,D’Amicospends100hoursormorecontactingelectricalsupplycompaniestosolicitmaterials;collectingthedonations;andorganizingthesuppliesforeachlocation. AddressingtheimpactRebuildingTogetherhasonpeople,Eskelund

said:“Wejustdon’trebuildtheirhomes,werebuildtheirlives.Wearerebuildinghomes,livesandhopethatwecanreachoutandhelponeanother.…Wedoanythingyoucanthinkofthatwillallowpeopletostayintheirhomes.” Thelargestofthisyear’sprojectswasa“cluster”inEastProvidence,wherevolunteersfromLocal99,theMetLifeFoundation,SearsHoldings,FureyRoofing,TextronInc.,GilbaneBuildingCo.,BlueCrossandBlueShieldofRhodeIsland,RhodeIslandHousingandothercommunitypartnersmadecriticalrepairsforfamilies,theCapeVerdeanCommunityCenterandtheWhiteknactElementarySchool,Eskelundsaid. IntheRiversideareaofEastProvidence,employeesfromtheWashingtonTrustCo.repairedanelderlyperson’shomewhileevenmorevolunteersstartedrenovationsattheOldhamElementarySchool. Theseniorcitizenisfromamilitaryveteranfamily,whichalsoqualifiedherforassistanceunderRebuilding’sHeroesatHomeproject,accordingtoEskelund.Theseniorisaperfectexampleofahomeownerwhodesperatelyneededhelp. Shehaslivedinherhomefor38yearsandwitnessedherhusband’sdeathwhenhefellofftheroofofthehousetryingtomakerepairs36yearsago,accordingtoEskelund.Shewasleftwithfourchildrenandprovidingforthemwasastruggle,puttinghomerenovationsandsomerepairsonthebackburner. Volunteersguttedherkitchenandbathroominpreparationfornewfixtures;putincabinetsandfloors;installeddoors;replacedceilings;madecriticalelectricalsystemrepairs;andbuiltasafehomeentryplatformandstairs. Formoreinformation,gotowww.RebuildingTogether.org.TheorganizationcanbefollowedonTwitter@rebldgtogthroratFacebook.com/RebuildingTogether.Eskelundcanbereachedat(401)274-3000.

Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99 in Providence participate in Rebuilding Together’s recent 18th Annual Rebuild Day in Rhode Island. Led by IBEW member Michael D’Amico, dozens of union electricians worked at several sites in East Providence. The IBEW and Rebuilding Together have a longtime association that D’Amico has spearheaded for about 15 years.


ARTHUR A. COIA

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Rhode Island ranked number 2 nationally in worker safety RhodeIslandrankssecondnationallyinanewreportonworkersafetyreleasedbytheAFL-CIOthisweek.The20thannualDeathontheJob:theTollofNeglectreportfindsthattheon-the-jobfatalityrateforRhodeIslandworkersis1.4per100,000,lessthanhalfthenationalaverageof3.3per100,000. Theonlystatewithaloweron-the-jobfatalityratethanRhodeIslandisNewHampshirewith0.9fatalitiesper100,000workers.In2009,accordingtopreliminarydatafromtheBureauofLaborStatisticsthatwasusedinthereport,4,340workerswerekilledonthejob—anaverageof12workerseveryday—andanestimated50,000diedfromoccupationaldiseases.Morethan4.1millionwork-relatedinjuriesandillnesseswerereported,butthisnumberunderstatestheproblem.Thetruetollofjobinjuriesistwo

tothreetimesgreater—about8millionto12millionjobinjuriesandillnesseseachyear. “IthinkitisatestamenttotheRhodeIslandlabormovementanditsvigilancetothehealthandsafetyofallworkersthatRhode

Islandfaressowellinthesafetyofourworkforce,”saidGeorgeNee,PresidentoftheRhodeIslandAFL-CIO.“Allworkershavetherightto

speakoutaboutunsafeanddangerousworkingconditions.Unfortunately,sevenRhodeIslanderslosttheirlivestryingtoprovidefortheirfamiliesin2009.TheRhodeIslandlabormovementisstronglycommittedtothedaywhenRhodeIslandwillhavezeroaccidentaldeathsonthejob,”saidNee. RhodeIslandhasastronghistoryofprotectingandmonitoringworkplacesafety.“Ithinkoneofthereasonswefaresowellinthisreportisourstrongworkers’compensationlaws.Datingbackto1990andthereformoftheworkers’compsystemgovernment,business,andlaborcametogethertohelppreventworkplaceinjuries.Forexample,BeaconMutualInsurancewascreatedoutofthatreformandforthelasttwentyyearstheyhavemadeworkplacesafetyandprotectiononeoftheirtoppriorities,”saidNee.

I think it is a testament to the Rhode

Island labor movement and its vigilance

to the health and safety of all workers that

Rhode Island fares so well in the safety of

our work force.”-GeorgeNee


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Lou ScottiPresident

[email protected]

T: 401-233-9840C: 401-529-9690F: 401-233-0824

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Massachusetts Nurses Association reaches agreement with Tufts Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital

ThenursesofMassachusettsNursesAssociationworkinginbothTuftsMedicalCenterandSt.VincentHospitalhavereachedanagreementwithmanagementavertingstrikesatbothinstitutions. TuftsMedicalCenternurseswithdrewitsstrikenoticeandratifiedtheagreementaftera15-hournegotiatingsession.Theagreement,whichrunsfromMay18,2011toNov.19,2011,includeskeyprovisions. Thefirstkeyprovisionistolimitpatientassignmentsfornursesworkingonthemedical-surgicalfloorstosixpatientsonthenightshift,andtonomorethantwopatientsintheintensivecareunits.Thehospitalhasalsoagreedtoconvertanumberoftemporarytravelnursespositionstocorestaff. Theadditionofchargenurseswithlimitedassignmentstoanumberofthehospital’sbusiestmedicalsurgicalfloorsondayandeveningshiftsisanotherkeyprovision.Strictlimitsonmandatoryovertimeisakeyprovisionofthenewagreement.Nonursewillbe

requiredtoworkmorethan16hoursinasingleshift,andcannotbeassignedmorethan12hoursofmandatoryovertimeinacalendarquarter. Theagreementprovidesforprotectionfornurseswhoareaskedtofloattootherunits,withguaranteesthattheywillreceiveappropriateorientationandarecompetenttopracticeinthoseareas. Afinalkeyprovisionallowsforatwopercentwageincreaseacrosstheboardforallnurses. BarbaraTiller,RN,co-chairofthenurses’localbargainingunitatTuftsisproudoftheagreementandwhatitwillmeanforpatients.“Ournursesmadeacourageousstandforsafestaffingandworkingconditions,andthehospitalfinallyrespondedwithimprovementsthatwebelievewillenhanceourabilitytodeliverthecareourpatientsexpectanddeserve,”saidTiller. InWorcester,atSt.VincentHospital,nursesandmanagementagreedona3yearpactafter6hoursofnegotiating.Theagreement,similartoTufts,calledforamodestwageincrease,andfocusedonpatienttonurseratiosaswellas

staffingincreases.Staffingincreasescomeintheformofaddinga“resourcenurse”withalimitedtwo-patientassignmenttoallmedical-surgicalandtelemetryfloorsondayandeveningshifts.Thecontractalsosetsasafelimitoffourtofivepatientspernurseondaysandeveningsandnomorethanfivepatientsonthenightshift. “Thenursesspokeandthehospitalwasforcedtofinallylistentous,”saidMarlenaPellegrino,RN,co-chairofthenurses’localbargainingunitinWorcester. RobertHaynes,PresidentoftheMassachusettsAFL-CIOcongratulatedtheMassachusettsNursesAssociationandTuftsMedicalCenterfortheirworktowardtheagreementontheMassachusettsAFL-CIOwebsite:“Thisagreementshowsthatwhilecollectivebargainingrequireshardworkfrombothsides–evidencedbythemarathonnegotiatingsessionsheldduringthelastweek–itistheonlyvehicleforachievingfairnessintheworkplaceandreachingtruecompromisebetweenlaborandmanagement,”saidHaynes.

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EXECUTIVE BOARD BUSINESS AGENTS Joseph J. Bairos Steven Labrie Secretary-Treasurer Principal Executive Officer Kevin Reddy Kevin Reddy Joseph Boyajian President Daniel Manocchio James Croce Vice President Michael Nunes Recording Secretary Dennis Mello Trustee Susan Folan Trustee Janet O’Grady Trustee

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Republicans feel voter heat over plan to end MedicareBy John A. Pernorio Inback-homemeetingsduringthetwo-weekcongressionalrecess,HouseRepublicanswhowanttokillMedicareandreplaceitwithanunder-fundedvouchersystemarefindingoutfirst-handwhatthepollsaretellingus.Anoverwhelmingnumberofvoterssay“No.”HereishowTheNewYorkTimesdescribesit:“After10daysoftryingtosellconstituentsontheirplantooverhaulMedicare,HouseRepublicansinmultipledistrictsappeartobeincreasinglyonthedefensive,facingworriedandangryquestionsfromvoters.” TheschemetoendMedicare,whichprovidesguaranteedhealthcarecoverageforallseniors,andturnitovertoprivateinsurancecompaniesisakeypartoftheHouseRepublicanbudgetplancraftedbyRep.PaulRyan(R-Wis.)andpassedearlierthismonth.

AccordingtotheCenteronBudgetandPolicyPriorities(CBPP),theplanwoulddoubleasenior’shealthcarespendingoverthenextdecade.ThenonpartisanCongressionalBudgetOfficeprojectsthatRyan’splanwouldhaveseniorspaying$20,000ayearforMedicarein2030,or68percentofthetotalcostoftheircoverage.Thatamountiscurrently25percent.Inaradiocommercialairinginseveralstates,theAllianceforRetiredAmericanssaystheRepublicanswillusethemoneyslashedfromMedicare—alongwithhugecutsinMedicaidcontainedintheRyanbudget—“togivemoretaxbreakstomillionairesandcorporations.”RepublicansplantoendMedicareasweknowit,puttingusatthemercyofinsurancecompanies.WithRepublicanprioritiesupsidedown,it’stimeforustospeakup.

SeniorsandotherotherschallengedRyanatatownhallmeetinginKenosha,Wis.PoliticoreportsthatRyanwasmetbyanoverflowcrowdthatwasoverwhelminglyopposedtohisplantokillMedicare. Atleast200peoplewereleftoutsideoncethe300-seatauditoriumfilledtocapacity.ThepeopleinthecrowdlargelyopposedtheRyanplan,holdingsignssuchas“RyanCare=DyingBare,”“LeaveMedicareAlone”orsimply,“SaveMedicare!” WhileRyanspokeinside,thegroupralliedoutsideandironicallyplayedShaniaTwain’s“Ka-Ching,”whichcriticizessociety’sobsessionwithmoney.AsRyanwasleaving,theychanted,“Taxtherich,too!” John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans.

Verizon Wireless Fund Raising Program comes to New England AreaTwoentrepreneursofachainofVerizonWirelessstoresareexpandingtheirfundraisingopportunitiesfornon-profitsandotherorganizationstotheNewEnglandarea.Theopportunityallowsanyorganization,non-profitorotherwise,toraisefundsbysimplypurchasingtheirwirelessservicesfromoneoftheiragents.Thisprogrambenefitsorganizationsbyallowingthemtosignupforaprogramthatisariskfreeopportunity.Thereisnobuyingofinventory,noinvestment,productselling,productdistributionorcollection.AlltheorganizationneedstodoishavetheirmemberscalloneoftheexclusiveVerizonagentsandpresentthemwithacouponfortheirphone.Theprogramhashadgreatsuccessinotherareas,withover30organizationsparticipatingforthesecondconsecutiveyear.

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Robert J. Haynes Louis A. Mandarini, Jr.President Secretary-Treasurer

For more information call (781) 324-8230 or visit www.massaflcio.org

During these difficult times, now more than ever, workers need a strong, unified voice speaking out on each other’s behalf. By advocating for all workers, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is working

to preserve the middle class, and protect you and your family.

Whether you are a union member or not, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO is committed to preserving the rights of all workers and advocating for decent wages, health and retirement ben-

efits, safer workplaces, and a dignified quality of life for all working families.

1199SEIU MA and Senator Kerry encourage members of Congress to vote “no” on privatizing Medicare Lastmonth,1199SEIUmembersjoinedMassachusettsSenatorJohnKerryatapressconferenceattheKitClarkSeniorCenterinDorchestertoencourageMassachusettsStateSenatorScottBrownandothermembers

ofCongresstovote“no”onacontroversialbudgetplanproposedbyHouseRepublicansinCongress.ThepressconferencewasorganizedbytheMassachusettsCoalitionforaWorkingEconomy. OneofthemostcontroversialandextrememeasureswithintheGOPbudgetplanisa

proposalthatwouldprivatizeMedicare,jeopardizinghealthcarecoverageandservicesanddrivingupcostsformillionsofseniors. BrownhadoriginallysaidonFriday,May13thathewouldvoteinfavorofthecontroversialplan,butappearedtochangehispositionMonday

morninginanticipationofthepressconference–avictoryforhealthcareworkersandsenioradvocateswhohadcriticizedhisinitialstance. 1199SEIUhadlaunchedradioadslastweekencouragingBrowntochangecourseontheGOPbudgetproposal. InadditiontoprivatizingMedicare,theGOPbudgetproposal,oftenreferredtoasthe“Ryanbudget”afterHouseRepublicanPaulRyanwouldsimultaneouslyreducecorporatetaxratesto25percent. TheRyanbudgetwouldbeamassiveblowtothehealthcare,homecareandlongtermcaresystems.ReductionsinfundingforMedicaidandMedicare,couldmeanthelossofservicesforourpatients,residentsandconsumers. PersonalcareattendantIngridHoulderBaptistebecameveryemotionalwhilespeakingatthepressconferenceabouttheimpactthecutswouldhave:“Iamsorryforcryingbutthisissoemotionalforme.Comingto[myconsumer’s]homeIseehowimportanttheworkwedois.Wecan’thavethesecuts.” ThoughSenatorScottBrownannouncedonMondaythathewouldnotvoteinsupportoftheRyanbudget,SenatorJohnKerryspokeabouttheimportanceofnotallowingthebudgettopass “Wecanbalancethebudget.Wecanreducethedeficit.Wecangetridofthedebt.Andwecandoitwhilestillinvestinginthefutureofourcountryandnotdoitattheexpenseofseniorsandchildren,”saidSen.Kerry.

Southern New Englands Neighborhood Union

David P. FlemingPresident

James P. Riley Secretary-Treasurer

United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 328278 Silver Spring Street • Providence, RI 02904-2593 • 401.861.0300 • 800.624.7776 • www.ufcw328.org


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Rhode Island State Association of Fire FightersAffiliated with the AFL-CIO

PAUL C. REEDPresident

JOSEPH A. ANDRIOLEVice President

PAUL A. DOUGHTYSecretary Treasurer

MARCEL E. FONTENAULT, JR.Exec. Bd. Chairman

1ST DISTRICT V.P. John Silva

2ND DISTRICT V.P. Steve Rodrigues

3RD DISTRICT V.P. Michael Stevens

ROBERT K. NEILL, JR.Staff Representative

PAUL L. VALLETTA, JR.Legislative Agent

REBECCA D. FISHERLegislative Agent

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Put your economic fate into your own handsBy Laurie White TheGovernorledadelegationofkeyRhodeIslanders–includingMayorTaveras,SpeakerFox,PresidentPaivaWeedandacollectionofacademicandmedicalheads–totakealookatthestunningrevitalizationofanEastCoastcitythatsharesmanyofthesamecharacteristicsasProvidence.TheepicenterofthetripwastheUniversityofMaryland/Baltimore(UMB),locatedwithinamileofthecity’sInnerHarborDistrict.BaltimoreandProvidencecanpointtoacommonsetofseeminglymagicaleconomicpotions:accesstowaterandaccesstobrainpower–theforcesthatareprovengamechangers. Asrecentlyassixyearsago,alargeswathofdowntownBaltimorelayfallow.Nothingtransformationalwashappeningandnotmuchappearedtobeonthehorizon.AnimaginarylineseparatedeastandwestBaltimore.Neighborhoodssatbalkanized.Unemploymentspiked.Traditionalindustrydriftedaway,andmuchoftheregion’sinfrastructurefrayed.Theindicatorswereheadinginthewrongdirection–untiltheacademic,civic,medical,businessandpoliticalleadershiptookcharge.Thedrivetoreinvestwasmultifaceted,andtheresultswerewhattheRhodeIslanddelegationwitnessedupclose. ThefirstitemontheagendawasanoverviewoftheUniversityofMarylandMedicalSystem,aprivate,not-for-profitnetworkof12academic,communityandspecialtyhospitals.ThedelegationaskedquestionsoftheirinstitutionalleaderswhospokeabouttheUniversity’sintegrateddisciplinesincludingnursing,medicine,dentistry,pharmacy,socialworkandlaw.Theyexplainedtheirmissiontoservethelocalcommunitywithafullrangeofcareoptions,toeducateandtrainthenextgenerationofhealthcareproviders,andtobeasiteforworld-classclinicalresearch.Thedelegationalsometsomeofthemorethan1,200biomedicalresearcherswhosejobsaresustainedbythe$567millioninextramuralfunding. ThedelegationwalkedthegroundsoftheUMBcampusandwatchedconstructionworkersbuildingtheMedicalCenter’snewestteaching

facility–TheShockTraumaCriticalCareTower.Hundredsofpeoplewerevisibleonsiteerectingtheelaboratenine-story,175,000squarefootstructure--providingarealboosttotheconstructiontrades.Approximately250newjobswillbecreatedoncetheprojectiscompletein2014.Interestingly,alargepercentageofthefundingiscomingfromtheStateofMaryland–$50millionoverfiveyears. Next,thegroupmetwiththeUniversity’seconomicdevelopmentteamwhotalkedaboutthevisiontounifythedistrictbystretchingtheinstitutionalboundariesandseedingnewcapitalinvestment.TheWestsideDevelopmentmodelsparkedtheimaginationofthedelegationbecauseitshowedhowboldactionscouldquicklychangeneighborhoodsandgeneratejobs. MovingacrossthestreettotheUniversityofMarylandBioPark,theysawacommunityofinnovativebiosciencecompaniesandacademicresearchersin475,000square-feetofwetlabandofficespace.Twenty-fivetenantsemploying550peoplepopulatetwolargebuildingsonthewestsideofMartinLutherKing,Jr.Blvd.UniversityPresidentJayPerman,MDsetuptheinterplaywhenhesaidthatUMBis“committedtogrowingdiscoveries”incampusresearchbuildings,andthediscoveriesthen“willcometothemarketplace”intheBioPark.Morethan$180millionincapitalinvestmenthasbeengeneratedinthelastsixyears,withanadditional$67millioninnewlabfacilitiesbeingbuiltrightnow. UniquetotheBioParkistheembeddedpresenceoftheBaltimoreCityCommunityCollege(BCCC)whichrunsatwo-yearlifesciencestrainingprogram.Theworkforcetraininginstitutefeaturesopenenrollmentandstudentsareactivelyrecruitedfromtheneighborhoods.Theremarkablepartisthat100percentoftheirgraduatesgetjobsorgoontopursuefour-yeardegreesinsomeaspectofthehealthsciences.Baltimore’sresearch-driveneconomydoes,infact,createjobsacrossallpointsoftheskillsspectrum. Afewlessonscanbelearnedfromthedelegation’svisit.Beginbyputtingyoureconomic

fateinyourownhands.Purposefullybuildonyourcompetitivestrengths.Assembletherightcoalitionofpeopleandpower.Andmovequicklybecauseit’sallaboutactuallygettingitdone. Theuniversities,collegesandhospitalsarehugeeconomicgenerators.Forevery$1inpublicinput,$15ineconomicoutputisgeneratedtobenefittheresidentsofMaryland.ThatkindofeconomicvibrancycanbegeneratedhereinRhodeIsland. Youcanmovetheneedlefast,ifthecollaborationisreal.ThecityofBaltimorewasdecayinganditsworkforcewaslagging.Passionatepeoplesteppedinwithavisionandturnedthingsaround.ThatkindofcollaborationispresentinRhodeIsland. TheBioParkwasplanned,zoned,permittedandlicensedinunderoneyear–averyimpressivetimetable,forsure.Thedelegationgaspedwhentoldabouttheaggressivescheduling.RhodeIslandcancommittothatkindofdevelopmentexpediency. Buildinginthecommunitycollegetrainingprogramstothestart-upenvironmentwasastrokeofgenius.TheBCCCofficialstoldthegroupthattheirtraineesarescoopedupimmediatelyforjobsandthatthelevelofproficiencyisenviable.ThesamecanbedonewithourcommunitycollegeassetshereinRhodeIsland. Andfinally,civicandgovernmentleaderswerecognizantthatthewindowofopportunityindowntownBaltimorewouldnotbeopenforever.Withanenergeticvisioninplace,privatecapitalonthesidelinesandcourageouspublicleaderswillingtotrustandcollaborate,theyplungedforward.RhodeIslandcandothesame. Just10daysafterthedelegation’seconomicdevelopmentmissionBaltimoreleadershipdecidedtheywillbepayingavisittoProvidence.Morebrainstormingwilloccur.Asaresultoftheseeffortstherightcoalitionofpeopleandpowerisnowinplace,andthesmartandstrategicbuild-outoftheKnowledgeDistrictisactuallygoingtogetdone. Laurie White is president of the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce

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33 EASTLAND STREET SPRINGFIELD, MA 01109 (800) 332-9699

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Carpenters Local 94has space for rent/lease.

Suites with up to 785 sq ft 2nd floor, or 450 sq ft 1st floor.All utilities (except communication) are included along with ample parking, snow plowing and janitorial services!!

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FOR RENT/LEASE1728 Smith Street, North Providence, RI 02911

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Call 401-231-0930

“Ivy” is about 8 years old. She is a little doll! She loves to cuddle and go for nice walks. She seems to do very well with most dogs. Like most Chihuahuas she does get a little scared around high activity. She loves to play and loves to be held. She’s a true lap girl! She would make an excellent companion.

“Buster Brown” is a very young (maybe about 6-8 months old) multi breed mix that makes him his unique self. He’s a very loving, friendly adorable boy! He’s a great boy to be around, and you can really have fun with him. Buster loves to go for walks and loves to snuggle up.

“Carlos” is only about 5-6 months old. Carlos loves to play and is a fun loving energetic boy. He loves to go for nice walks and is very good with kids. Carlos would love a home that has the time to teach him all the good doggy things. He will be neutered and will have all his shots at the time of his adoption. We are now accepting application on this very handsome little man.

“Mya” is around 3 years old and is slightly on the shy side. She does well with most dogs but is not crazy about female dogs. She would be good as the only pet because she loves to get all the attention. “I do have a minor skin issue on my back but the nice people here at the shelter are taking care of it. My hair is coming in very nicely, and I’m starting to look as beautiful as I should. I love to go for walks, and I’m very good about getting a bath.” She would do best in a home with no small children, but older children 10 + are okay. Sometimes she gets jumpy with sudden loud bangs or noises. She is very well behaved at the shelter. She would love a home where she can go for walks and a family that would enjoy spending time with her.

If you are interested in adopting a companion animal from Defenders of Animals, please fill out our adoption form at http://www.defendersofanimals.org/adoption-form.htm. We will review your information and contact you as soon as possible. For questions, please call Defenders of Animals at 401-461-1922.

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We all own a piece of the bullying problem By Russell Irving Bullyingdoesn’ttakeavacation.AndweallownapartoftheBullyingPhenomena,whetherwewerethebully,bullied,orthepersonwhojoinedintheharassingsothatweremained“cool”withourfriends.Wemighthavebeentheoneswhohungbackandwatchedwithmorbidcuriosity;gladwewerenottheonegettingkickedorverballybeaten-up.Ormaybeweweretheteenwhosimplydidn’tcareaboutanythingthatdidnotdirectlyinvolveus.Orworse,maybewehavebeentheteacheroradministratorwhodidnothingbecauseoffearoflawsuitsorbecausewetrulyhadnoideawhatshouldbedone. WhereIgrewupIwasamemberofthatneighborhood’sracialandreligiousminority.Peoplewatchedmyharassmentanddidnothinguntilabuddyofthesebullies,whoalsohappenedtobehugeinsize,cametomydefense.This“gentlegiant”hadmoregutsandheartthanteachers,administrators,orpeersdid.Thepointofthistripdownmymemorylaneissimplythis:Wehaveallbeenpartofthe‘Bullying&Harassing’problem,onewayoranother.Butweallcouldbelikethatgentlegiantanddosomething. Whetherornotyouhavechildreninschool,youownthisproblem.Bulliesarethetypetobevandalsinyourcommunityortobetherude,loud,andobnoxiousneighborsyoudetest.Thosewhoarepickedoncouldsomedaybeyourgrandchildren,niecesornephewsortheyalreadyare. Youneedtolettheschoolsknowthissituationisnotacceptable.Whenadultsseefightsorthreats,theyneedtoactswiftlywithoutcowardice,fearinglawsuitsfromthebullies’parents. Administratorsneedtopunishthebully

differentlythanthebully’svictim,ifthebullybeginsafightandtheotherstudentissimplydefendingthemselves.Schoolsneedtodomorethanhaveyearly2hourassembliesdiscussingthesituation.Theyneedtoutilizestudent-runskitsandplaysregardingbullying,harassment,andtolerance.Weneedschoolsbringingin‘kids-now-adults’whocanletthebulliedknowthatlifedoesgetbetter.Weneedschoolstooffer‘LifeSkills’classeswheretheylearnwhatisneededtosurviveintherealworldofadulthood.Weneedtoaddbookson‘LifeSkills’tosummerreadinglists. Summervacationhasthepossibilityofallowingbulliesmoretimeandopportunitiesformakingothers’miserableand,possibly,suicidalwiththeextrauseofinternet.Facebook,Twitter,andcountlessothersocialnetworkingsitesprovideapowerfultoolforspreadingrumorsandharassinginnocentteens.Yourresponsibilityasaparentistokickitupanotch.Safeguardyourkids.Showthemyoucareandthatyoudonothavetobeamiserableauthoritarian.Butneithershouldyourelinquishyourresponsibilityandactasifyouwereyourteen’sbuddy.Beaparent,firstandfriend,second.Ifyourchildisbeingajerk,thencallthemonit.Donotassumegirlsarenotbulliesbecausesomeare. Bullyingcanalsofollowusintotheworkplace.Toomanyofushavehadbosseswhoarereallyjustadultversionsofthe‘meankid’inschool.Theyenjoyfindingfaultwithyourworkevenwhenthequalityisthere.Maybeyouhavetheco-workerwhosetsyouuportakescreditforyourwork. Whenthathappens,showcourage.Ifatalkwiththemdoesnotgetresults,gotoyourunionsteward.Ifthereisnounion,gotoyour

bosses’bossoryourco-worker’ssupervisor.Donotbetheheroicpoliceofficerwhotoleratestheirpartner’sharassmentofminorities,youth,orothers.Ittakesawayfromyour“badge’sshine.”Standupforyourco-workerwhenyouhearthembeingputdownoversomethingtheydidnotdo.Thebottomlineatworkisthatwearenowadults.Weneedtostandupforourselvesandothers.And,thus,setanexampleforourchildren.Bullyinghasbecomemoregrotesqueanddestructivethanithaseverbeen.Andit’suptoustospeakoutforthosewhocannotorwhodonotknowhowto. Weshouldnottolerateanymoreteensuicidesduetoapatheticorlawsuit-wearyadministrators.Youneedtocontacttheschoolsinyourdistrict,theparent-teacherorganizations,andthepoliticalpowersinyourarea. Astriteasitsounds,thebulliesoftodaycangrowuptobethe‘worktyrants’oftomorrow.Unlesswebehaveasgrownupsshould.And,takeastandforthosetooweaktodosoontheirown.Itispartoftheobvious—thingswetoooftenignoreorpurposelychoosetooverlook.Youhavethepowertomakeadifference.Useit!‘Nuffsaid. Russell Irving is the author of 2 media-acclaimed books. Improve Your Marriage – Don’t Overlook the Obvious (www.DontOverlookTheObvious.com) and Teens! Improve Your Life – Don’t Overlook the Obvious (www.TeensImproveYourLife.com). Both books are available from these websites, Amazon.com, or other book retailers. Russ is also available for speaking engagements and workshops. Reach him at: 401-354-2212 or [email protected]

Looking for some good news for a change?

View past issues at www.commongroundnews.net.Rhode Island's only newspaper for unions, and about unions.


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1199SEIU Massachusetts: We make healthcare better.

1199SEIU is the largest union of healthcare workers in Massachusetts. Together, we advocate for affordable,

quality healthcare for all. From Cape Cod to the Berkshires, 1199SEIU members work hard everyday in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home care programs to deliver quality

care to Massachusetts residents.

Healthcare is the largest employment industry in Massachusetts. To build a stronger Commonwealth,

healthcare jobs need to be good jobs that can sustain a family – and help lift up our local economies.

We support investments in healthcare and other public services to make our communities strong. 1199SEIU has a

unique history of promoting social justice in the workplace and across the world. Martin Luther King, Jr. once called 1199 his

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More than 350,000 healthcare workers in Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Washington D.C., and

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Visit 1199SEIU.org/mass today to learn more about our legacy of caring, compassion, and winning for working people.

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Riding RIPTA for funBy Barry Schiller

MostRIPTAridersusethebusforgettingtowork,school,orerrands,butconsiderthis:thebussystemcangetyoutoplentyofplacesforrecreationandfun.Ifyouaretiredofdrivingeverywhere,orpayinghighgasprices,orifyouwanttohelptheenvironmentbyreducingyouremissions,youdohaveoptionsifyouusetransit.Youcanalsohelpthestate’seconomybybeingatouristhereinRhodeIsland,andbynotsendingsomuchofyourmoneytooutofstateoilcompanies.Notethatat$100abarrelyouarepayingover$2.38pergallonjustforthecrudeoil.Soherearesomeplacestogobybus. Newportisalwaysapopulardestination,andRIPTAprovides43tripseachwaytherefromProvidenceonthe#60lineand20tripsonSundays.YougettogorighttotheGatewayCenter,closetothewaterfront,shopsandrestaurants.Thefareisjust$2allthewayfromProvidence.At$4pergallon,atypicalcarwoulduseabout$6worthofgasolineforthattrip,plusthereareparkinghassles. Oncethere,localbuses(#67)cantakeyoutotheBellevueAvenuemansionsarea,andprovideaccesstoCliffWalk.YoucanwalkCliffWalkonewayandcatchthelocalbusbackatthefarendforaneasyrideback.Or,withRIPTA’srack-and-ridebikeracks,youcantakeyourbikeonthebustoNewport(noextracharge)andridearoundOceanDriveandwinduponBellevueAvenuethatway. The#60linealsoservesEastBaytownswhichhavemanytouristdestinationsincludingtheAudubonrefuge,ColtStatePark,andBlithewoldinBristol.SomemightliketheantiqueshoppinginWarren.The#60also

givesaccesstotheEastBaybikepathinBarrington,WarrenandBristolmakingone-wayridesonthepathpossible.ThebikepathcanalsobereachedinBarringtonbybusroute#32,Riversidebythe#33line,andatitsnorthernendinEastProvidencebythe#34. OtherbikepathaccessiblewithRIPTA’sbikeracksaretheWestBay(Routes13atitswestend,30nearthemiddle,31atitsnorthernend)theWoonasquatucket(17,19,27)Blackstone(71)andSouthCounty.Thelattercanbereachedfromthemetroareabythe#66toKingstonStation,.RidingbackfromthebeachinNarragansettonthe#14isalsoapossibilityforanicedaytrip.Indeedthat#14canserveasabeachbustotheNarragansetttownbeachandnearbyCanonchetFarm. OtherinterestingdestinationswithgoodRIPTAserviceincludeSlaterMill,whichisacrossthestreetfromallPawtucketbuslines.ThebusstopthereispartoftheBlackstoneValleyVisitorsCenterwhichhasmanyexcellentsuggestionsforlocalsitesandevents.Furtherup,the#54cantakeyoutoWoonsocket’sexcellentMuseumofWorkandCulture. InSmithfield,Audubon’sRhodeIslandheadquartersatPowderMillLedges,withabout2milesoftrails(withfreeadmission!)isonthe#9route. RhodeIsland’scollegesanduniversitiesoftenhaveinterestingeventsandthereisbusservicetoallofthem.Notethefrequent#55goestoProvidenceCollegeandcontinuesontoRICwhichisalsoservedbythe#26Atwells.ForURI,the#66goes23timesadayeachweekdayfromProvidence,andthe#64connectsURItoNewport.AlltheEast

SidebusesserveBrownandRISD,that#60linegoesbyRogerWilliamsUniversityandconnectstothe#67forSalveRegina. FinallyrememberallthetouristsitesinProvidence,mostnotablyRogerWilliamsParkwherethe#6nowtakesyoudirectlytothezoo.EvenonSundaythislinehas15zootripseachway.Letsnotforgetthe“trolley”thatgoestoFederalHillandtheEastSide,includingtheThayerStreetareawithitscollegehangouts.ThoughnoteveryonethinkstheStateHouseisafunplace,thereare4buslinesthatgothere,wherethereisagreatreferencelibraryandabeautifulStateRoom. FullinformationaboutRIPTAschedulesanditsvariouspassesisavailableatwww.ripta.comorbycalling781-9400. Barry Schiller is a former member of the RIPTA Board of Directors and a current member of the State Planning Council’s Transportation Advisory Committee. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Misclassification is wage theft By Josie Shagwert

AtFuerzaLaboral,aworkerassistancecenterlocatedinCentralFalls,RI,weseedozens,ifnothundreds,ofworkerseachyearwhohavelosthard-earnedincome,becausetheyweremisclassifiedasindependentcontractorsinsteadofW-2employees.Wehaveseenthedevastatingeffectsonourmemberstimeandagain,whenfamiliescannotpayforfood,shelter,orclothingduetomisclassification,whichweviewaswagetheft.Manypeoplearenotsensitivetothisissue,becausetheythinkitdoesnotaffectthem,butinfactmisclassificationaffectsallofus.Workermisclassificationnotonlydeprivesworkersoftheirlegallyentitledwages,italsostealslegallyentitledrevenuefromthetaxpayersoftheStateofRhodeIsland.Infact,accordingtoareportissuedbytheSpecialJointLegislativeCommissiontoStudyEmployeeMisclassificationandtheUndergroundEconomyinJuneof2009,workermisclassificationstoleapproximately$50millionoflegallyentitledrevenuefromtaxpayersin2008alone. Andwhileyoufacestrongpenaltiesforstealingcandyfromastore,therearecurrentlynosuchdeterrentsfortheunscrupulousemployerswhoknowinglymisclassifytheirworkersandwithholdproperpaymentfromthestate.Worseyet,thoseaffectedhavenolegal

righttocollecttheirhardearnedwages.Theseunscrupulousemployerstakeadvantageofalackoflegalclaritytoexploitpeoplewhoaredesperateforwork. AlsoaccordingtotheCommission,nineteenstatesandthefederalgovernmenthaverecognizedtheissuewithatleastsixstatesenactinglegislationtocombatmisclassification.Andthelegislationhasproducedresults.Forexample,Massachusettscollectedmorethan$8millioninlegallyowedrevenuein2010aloneduetomisclassificationlegislationthatwasenactedintolaw.Connecticutissued220stopworkordersinatwoyearperiodthatcollectedmillionsinnewrevenue. Wecannotallowunscrupulouscontractorsandbusinessestocontinuedenyinglegallyentitledwagesfromourcitizensandrobbingourtaxpayersofrightfullyowedtaxdollarsanymore.ThatiswhyweareurginglawmakerstopasstheOmnibusFairContractingStandardsAct(H5936/S416),sothattherewillbemoreprotectionsinplacetopreventthisunfairandunacceptablesituation.Who,youmightask,wouldopposesuchlogicallegislationthatwouldensurethatworkersarepaidtheirlegallyentitledwages,returnrightfultaxrevenuetothestate,andleveltheplayingfieldforlawabidingcontractors?LedbyFederalExpress,severalentities

whoconsistentlyclassifytheirworkersasindependentcontractorstocutcostsinformedthegeneralassembly(throughtheirhighpoweredlobbyists)thatmanypeoplecouldlosetheirjobsifthislegislationpassesintolaw.WeworkhardatFuerzaLaboraltoprotecttherightsofworkers,andwedonotwanttoseeanyonelosetheirjob.However,thisobjectiondoesnotringtrue.Infact,whentheCommonwealthofMassachusettspassedsimilarlegislation,noonefromFedExlosttheirjob.Instead,FedExpaidthetaxpayersoftheCommonwealth$3.0millioninasettlement,acknowledgingthatithadbrokenthelawbymisclassifyingitsemployees. Whenanemployermisclassifiesanemployeeasanindependentcontractor,theresultisbadforworkersandforbusinessesthatworkhardtoplaybytherules.Itistimetobuildaneconomythatworksforallofus,insteadofonethatlowersourqualityoflife.WeurgeyoutocallyourrepresentativeandsenatortotellthemsupportS-416andH-5936tomakesurethatourworkersreceivetheirlegallyentitledwages,ourtaxpayersreceivetheirlegallyentitledtaxrevenue,andthebusinessesthatworkhardtoplaybytherulesarerewarded. Josie Shagwert is executive director of Fuerza Labor.


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Robinson & Cole welcomespartner Joseph B. White Robinson&ColeLLPannouncedlastmonththatattorneyJosephB.Whitehasjoinedtheirfirmasaresidentinthefirm’sProvidence,RhodeIsland,office.Mr.Whiteisamemberofthefirm’sBusinessTransactionsPracticeGroup,focusingoncorporatetransactionalworkandemergingbusinesses.Histransactionalexperienceincludesacquisitions,sales,mergers,recapitalizations,andjointventures. Mr.Whitecounselsclientsinconnectionwithpublicandprivatedebtandequityofferings,aswellasstatesecuritiesregulationsandcorporategovernancematters.Healsohassignificantexperiencerepresentinginvestorsanddevelopersofrealestateprojectswithregardtotheconstructionofhousingunits,theleasingofofficebuildings,andtheacquisitionofindustrialfacilities.Hisclientsincludepropertyandcasualtyinsurancecompanies,financialinstitutions,manufacturingcompanies,andhightechnologydevelopers. Mr.WhiteisamemberoftheRhodeIslandBarAssociationandtheRhodeIslandMunicipalCourtJudgesAssociation.HeisamunicipalcourtjudgefortheTownofNorthKingstown,isanappointeeofGovernorLincolnChafeeontheboardofgovernorsofHigherEducation,andservesontheboardoftrusteesforthefollowingorganizations:GreaterProvidenceYMCA,GilbertStuartBirthplaceandMuseum,USSSaratogaMuseumFoundation,RhodeIslandRepublicanStateCentralCommittee,andRhodeIslandCommodores.Mr.WhitereceivedhisJ.D.fromSyracuseUniversityCollegeofLawandhisB.S.,cumlaude,inbusinessadministrationfromProvidenceCollege.HeisadmittedtopracticeinRhodeIsland,Connecticut,andNewYork. Foundedin1845,Robinson&Colehas225attorneysand225professionalstaffinnineofficestoserveregional,national,andglobalbusinessclientsinmultiplepracticeareas,aswellasindividualclientsandgovernmentalandnonprofitentities.

IAFF General President Schaitberger fires up Woonsocket Firefighters WoonsocketFirefightershostedavisitbytheirInternationalPresidentlastmonth.ItmarkedthefirsttimeanInternationalAssociationofFireFightersPresidentvisitedWoonsocketFireFighterslocal732sinceitwasestablishedin1942.Woonsocketwasjustoneof400stationvisitsSchaitbergerwillmakeduringtheyear. Schaitbergerspokeoncorporategreed,sinfulcompensationpackagesandoutsourcingmanufacturing,telecommunicationsandotherjobsthatwereonceheldbyeverydayworkingpeople.Heexplainedthattherewasatimewhenoutsourcingwaseasiersaidthandone.Today,corporation’srelentlessliesandcontrolofthemediahasmadeitaseasilydoneassaid. TheIAFFPresidentalsospokeabouthowtheIAFFandfiresuppressioncompanieshavebeenworkingtogetherinadvanceswithrescueandfirefightingequipment.Whileaquickresponsebywelltrainedmenandwomenisthedifferencebetweenaclosecallandatragedy,properequipmenthelpthemdotheirjob. Firewouldseemtobethebiggestenemyofafirefighterwhohelppeopleinstressfultimes.Yetfirecanbecontrolledandextinguishedwithmanpower,trainingandequipment.


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Rhode Island attracts major grants to assist with health reformBy Elizabeth Roberts, Lieutenant Governor

LastmonthRhodeIslandwasawardedtwoimportantgrantstotalingover$9millioninfundsandtechnicalassistancetoaidinimplementingprovisionsoftheAffordableCareAct(ACA),alsoknownasthenationalhealthreformlaw. Earlyinthemonth,TheRobertWoodJohnsonFoundation(RWJF)announcedthatRhodeIslandhadbeenselectedasoneoftenstatestoreceiveapproximatelyonemilliondollarsintechnicalassistanceeachyearforthenextfouryears.Thestate’sprogresstodateinworkingtofulfillACArequirementswasacontributingfactorintheFoundation’sdecisiontoincludeRhodeIslandinits“StateNetwork.”Assistancewillbeprovidedintheformoftechnicalhelp,research,andconsumerengagementtomosteffectivelyexpandandincreasehealthcarecoverageforRhodeIslandresidents. “Expandingandimprovingaccesstohealthcare,andprovidingstable,affordablecoverageisnowinthehandsofthestates,”saidRisaLavizzo-Mourey,M.D.,M.B.A.,presidentandCEOoftheRobertWoodJohnsonFoundation.“Inthecomingmonths,statehealthleaderswillformstrategiesandconsideroptionsthatbestmeettheiruniquecoverageneeds.It’simportantthattheseideasbeshared,sothatstatescanlearnfromeachother.” TechnicalassistanceofferedthroughtheStateNetworkwillfocusonsettingupinsuranceexchanges,institutinginsurancemarketreforms,expandingMedicaidtonewlyeligiblepopulations,streamliningeligibilityandenrollmentsystems,andusingdatatodrivedecisions.Technicalassistancewillbeprovidedbyleadingnationalorganizationsandexpertsinthefieldofhealthpolicyandcoverage. RhodeIslandwasselectedthroughacompetitiveprocesstoensurethat,asawhole,participatingstatesrepresentdiversityintermsofgeography,demographics,coveragestatisticsandprogress-to-dateonimplementationofthereformlaw’sprovisions.InadditiontoRhodeIsland,othersselectedincludeAlabama,Colorado,Maryland,Michigan,Minnesota,NewMexico,NewYork,Oregon,andVirginia. “WearehonoredtobeselectedbyRWJFasoneofonly10statestoreceivethisinvaluabletechnicalassistance,”saidLt.GovernorRoberts,ChairoftheRIHealthcareReformCommission.“Aswecontinuetobeanationalleaderinfederalhealthreformimplementation,RhodeIslandfamiliesandbusinesseswillshareinthebenefitsofexpandedaccesstohealthcarecoverage,withimprovedhealthandwithcarethat’sdeliveredmoreefficientlyandaffordably,”saidRoberts. Latelastmonth,RhodeIslandwasalsoawarded$5.2millioninfederalfundsfortheLevelIExchangeEstablishmentGrant,oneofonlythreeawardedbytheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.ThegrantwillbeadministeredthroughRhodeIsland’sOfficeoftheHealthInsuranceCommissioner,andwillprovideconsiderableresourcestoaidinthetaskofcreatingthemechanisms,technologicalsystems,andconsumersupportthatareimperativetoestablishingthestate’shealthinsuranceexchange.Healthinsuranceexchangesareenvisionedasnewmarketplacesforhealth

insurance.UndertheAffordableCareAct,eachstateistoestablishoneormorehealthinsuranceexchanges,ordelegatetheactivitytothefederalgovernment.RhodeIslandplanstousethesefundstohireinitialexchangestaffanddevelopdetailedpurchasingspecificationsforinformationtechnology,consumerassistanceandbusinessoperationsservicesthattheexchangewillpurchase. “ThenumberonepriorityoftheHealthReformCommissionthisyearistoestablishahealthinsuranceexchangeinRhodeIsland,”saidLt.GovernorRoberts.“Thisfederalgrantacknowledgesandrewardstheprogresswearemakinginachievingthatgoal,towardexpandingaccesstoaffordable,highqualityhealthcarecoverageforallRhodeIslanders.” InJanuary,GovernorChafeeestablishedbyExecutiveOrdertheRIHealthcareReformCommission,chairedbyLt.GovernorElizabethRoberts,toaddressimplementationofhealthreformundertheAffordableCareAct(ACA).TheCommission’sHealthInsuranceExchangeSubcommitteehasbeenplanningfortheestablishmentofthestate’sexchangemarketplace.Supportingthissubcommittee,aninteragencyworkgroupstaffedbytheOfficeoftheHealthInsuranceCommissioner(OHIC),theExecutiveOfficeofHealthandHumanServices(OHHS),andtheDepartmentofHealth(HEALTH)hasbeenworkingtodesignanddevelopastate-basedhealthinsuranceexchange.

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Rhode Island Judicial,Professional and Technical Employees’

LOCAL UNION 808

Frank A. Ciccone Pasquale Zompa Norma M. Sousa Business Manager President Vice President

Claudia Porrazzo David GarzoneRecording Secretary Executive Board Member

Dominick J. Ruggerio Gina M. Sabitoni-ArakelianSecretary-Treasurer Executive Board Member

Green building should include air toxins Thegreenbuildingmovementfocusesonconstructingenergyefficientbuildingsandusinglesstoxicbuildingmaterials,andithasbeengainingpopularity.But,whilethereareobviousbenefitstothegreenbuildingmovement,airqualityduringconstructionisbeingleftout. BeingGreenduringtheconstructionphaseisanopportunitytodirectlyaddressthehealthandenvironmentalimpactofstationaryequipmentandmotorvehicles,ofdustandsilicateexposures,andtointegrateworkerandcommunityhealthintoaseamlesspackage.Inaddition,thisapproachwillachievereductionsingreenhousegasemissions. TheRICommitteeonOccupationalSafety&Health,incoordinationwiththeInternationalBrotherhoodofElectricalWorkersLocal99,RIBuildingTradesCouncilandtheOSHAProvidenceareaoffice,hasbeenworkingtoinformandeducationallpartiesabouttheproject.Thefundamentalgoalofthisprojectistoencourageinstitutions,developers,designers,

andprofessionalorganizationstoadoptaGreenDuringConstructionpledgeandincludekeyparametersofallthreemetricsinbidandcontractspecsforconstructionprojects.GreatstrideshavealreadybeenmadeinadoptingtheGreenDuringConstructionpledge.TheCityofProvidencehaspassedanordinancemandatingadoptionforprojectsoveracertainamount.RIPublicTransitAuthorityandBrownUniversityhavealsovoluntarilyagreedtoadopttheprotocols,andtheRIDepartmentofEducationwillincludethemintheirCollaborativeforHighPerformanceSchools(NECHPS)regulations,towhichallnewschoolconstructionmustcomply. ImprovingtheAirQualityduringconstructionisimportantbasedonconcernstoworker’shealth.Oneconcernarethecarbonmonoxide,fineandultrafineparticles,polycyclicaromatichydrocarbons(PAHs),sulfurandnitrogenoxidesthatareemittedinsignificantamountsbydieselandgasoline-poweredvehiclesandequipmentonconstruction

sites.Gasolinepoweredvehiclesandequipmentproduceprodigiousamountsofcarbonmonoxide(CO),alethalgas.TwothousandsevenhundredCOemergencypoisoningsfromworksitesoccureachyear.Gasolineemissionshavebeenshowntoexceedoneinonehundredthousandcancerriskthresholdsinnortheasturbanareas.Prolongedexposuretodieselexhaustcanexacerbateasthmaandotherlungandcardiovasculardiseases,probablyincreasingtheriskoflungcancer. Anotherairqualityconcernforworkers’healthisthecrystallinesilica(sand)createdduringconstructionbythedigginganddrillingofsoil,granite,andconcrete.Occupationalexposuretocrystallinesilicaproducessilicosis,achronic,disablinglungdiseasecharacterizedbynodulesofscartissueinthelungs.Eachyearnearly300workersdiefromsilicosisintheUS,hundredsmorearedisabled.Between3,000and7,000newcasesoccureachyear.Construction,morethananyotherindustry,leadsinprematuremortalityfromsilicosis.


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Executive Board Representatives:Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. MoreinoHans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah KenyonAnthony Toro

Creating a Metropolitan Public Health Commission OverlayamapofchildhoodasthmacasesinProvidencewithchildhoodleadpoisoningcasesandtheywillsharemanyofthesameaddresses.Alltoooftenweisolateeachissueandpresssolutionsthataredirectedtowardsthatissuealone.Butiftheyareintertwinedperhapsamorecomprehensivepublichealthapproachiscalledfor. Thegeneralmetropolitanarea(Providence,Pawtucket,EastProvidence,Cranston,CentralFalls)hasaconcentrationofnaggingpublichealthproblemsandconcerns(preventablelungdisease,leadpoisoning,asthma,airquality,communicablediseases).ThesamemetroareacontainsacriticalmassofhealthinstitutionssuchasRIHospital,Miriam,Women’sandInfants,RogerWilliams,Memorial,BradleyandButler,Brown’smedicalschool,nursingschoolsatRhodeIslandCollegeandCCRI,healthcenters,theDepartmentsofHealthandEnvironmentalManagement,andvariousfreestandinghealthprojectsandprograms. Ifcoherentstrategiesarelackingtoresolvevariousmetropublichealthproblemswhatmaybemissingisacoherentandunifiedmetrosystem.Ametrosystemthatcouldfocusondistinctmetroissuesandthatdrawsonthestandinginstitutionalhealthagenciesthatexistwithinthemetrorealm. Boston’sPublicHealthCommissionoffersamodelforourownsituation,aMetropolitanHealthCommission.Forexample,manyelderlyresidentsareathighriskforheatrelatedillnessduringheatwaves.FireDepartmentsandEmergencyRoomsarethehealthagenciesthatshoulderthisissuenow.AMetroHealthCommissioncouldformulatea

policytoanticipateandpreventheatillness(bylocatingthoseathighrisk,locatingairconditionedareas,ordistributingairconditioners)and,inconjunctionwithprimaryresponders,explorewaysandmeanstofulfillthepolicy.Thisway,aunifiedandsystematicapproachisdevelopedtoaddressapublichealthconcern. AMetropolitanHealthCommissionwouldbeengagedwithdistinctmandatestoformulatespecificmetropublichealthpoliciesinareaswithhighratesofillnesssuchasasthma,leadandimmigranthealth;tocoordinatespecificmetropolitanhealthinitiativesandtotapintostandinghealthresourcesforspecificmetroprojectsandprograms. TheMHCwouldbemadeupofpoliticalrepresentativesfromeachpoliticaljurisdictionaffected,healthcareinstitutions,communityresidentsandstateandlocalhealthofficials(aseparatehealth/technicaladvisorycommitteecomposedofhealthprofessionalswouldprovidescientific,medicalandtechnicalsupport). AMetroHealthCommissioncouldpursueafewkeythemes.Theycoulddeveloptargetedpublichealthstrategies.Clearlythereisarealneedtodevelopcoherentmetrostrategiesforleadandasthma.Thesewouldautomaticallyinvolverelationshipswithhousingandhousingagencies.Healthytransportationchoicesandhealthyhousingcanbeacomplexmix(especiallyinthoseurbanareasmostimpacted).Thecommissionwouldpresentastrongpublichealthvoiceinthatarena. TheMHCcouldalsoevaluatecurrentpublic

healthstrategies.TheproposedMHCwouldbeanopenvenuetofranklydiscusswhatworksandwhatdoesn’t,andtohelpformulatemorepracticalandstrategicprogramsbasedon“evidencebasedmedicine”toworktowardsprimarypreventiononawiderangeofpublichealthinitiatives. Theycouldassistandsupportpublicagencieswheneverbroadpublichealthissuesareinvolved.Thereareobviouslyseveralpressingissuesrelatingfromconcernaboutdeliberatebiologicalterroreventsandnaturaloutbreaks.Evenasidefromthehighorlowprobabilityofsuchdeliberateevents;therearenationalmandatestoprepareforthem. AMHCcouldfunctiontocoordinatevariouselements:roundingupinfectiousdiseasehealthprofessionalfromvarioushospitals,developingvaccinationsites,screeningorarrangingforcoordinatingdataandoutcomes. AnotherkeythemeaMHCcouldpursueistoserveasaclearinghouseforseparateanddistincthealthprograms,projects,andagencies(HealthyHousingHealthcommunities,Asthmainitiates,Brownmedical/environmentalprojects)currentlyunderwaythatimpactthemetroarea. Finally,aMHCcouldsupportandfundresearchprojectstobetterassessandevaluateprogramsandinitiatives. TheRhodeIslandCommitteeonOccupationalSafetyandHealthhasnotaddressedfundingandfinancialissues.Thisismeantonlytostimulatethoughtanddiscussionontheideaandseehowfaritcango.


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Massachusetts Common Ground June 11