The United Association International Action Task Force NEW
[2/24/2010] -   Dear JOHN ZUBRICKS, Tell President Obama: Fill the NLRB Vacancies Now! February 18, 2010 President Obama must act immediately to restore the ability of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to protect the rights of American workers by giving recess appointments to two nominees who are being blocked by Senate obstructionists, said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. The NLRB's job is to protect workers' rights—but for more than two years, it has been functioning with only two members instead of the five it should have. Working people need an NLRB that can enforce the National Labor Relations Act—not one hobbled by vacancies. Current NLRB chair, Wilma Liebman, has expressed concern about the board's ability to function. "The board has been in limbo for a long time...unable to move forward on the most significant cases before it," she said. The Senate entered its President's Day recess without confirming President Obama's nominees to the National Labor Relations Board.  Nominees Craig Becker and Mark Pearce need to be confirmed as soon as possible. The constitution allows a President to make an appointment to a position when the Senate is on a recess, or break. The individual can then serve in that position until the end of the next session of Congress, which is usually at the end of the next calendar year. Every president dating back to Jimmy Carter has made recess appointments to the NLRB. President George W. Bush made his first recess appointment seven months after taking office, on August 31, 2001 and less than a year into his term, President Bush made two recess appointments to the NLRB. Ronald Reagan made 243 recess appointments. George H.W. Bush made 77 recess appointments. Bill Clinton made 140 recess appointments. George W. Bush made 171 recess appointments. President Obama should act now to break the gridlock in Washington.  The President must use his Constitutional ability to make recess appointments this week to end further delay on important issues. TAKE ACTION Saying, "Enough is enough," Trumka is urging working people to call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1414 and demand that President Obama use his executive power to appoint Craig Becker and Mark Pearce to the NLRB during the Presidents Day recess. We also ask that you to send an email to the President. Please follow the link and send your message(s). After you make your call please contact IBEW Local 21 COPE Director Rosetta Shinn with the results of your call.  She can be contacted at 630-960-4466 ext.327. Solidarity! link

Help Get our Local Back to Work
[2/8/2010] - Dear Brothers and Sisters, At our last union meeting Thursday, February 4, 2010 I talked about the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act and once again it has been sponsored by the U.S. Congress H.R. 1194 and the U.S. Senate S 2949.  Illinois has two (2) Senators and nineteen (19) Representatives.  As of this writing neither of the Senators are on board, and only seven (7) of the Representatives.  I have written Senator Durbin informing him of the urgency and necessity of this bill in regards to job stimulation for Illinois and the country.  The letter is included.  Please use it for a sample letter to modify and use as your own letter to send to your representatives and Senators Burris and Durbin.  This act still remains our best bet to stimulate work in our local and every local in the United States.  This bill has the potential to put many people back to work in our industry and many other industries, as well. Please take the time to contact your representatives and senators.  The link provided will assist you in finding your local lawmakers. Fraternally, John Zubricks Business Manager link

Chicago Alderman's Resolution
[2/8/2010] - U.S. Congress H.R. 1194 and U.S. Senate S. 2947 more

Letter to Senator Durbin
[2/8/2010] - Please modify this letter and use it to send to your representatives and senators. more

Making Homeownership Affordable
[11/12/2009] - We have learned of federal programs that have been designed to assist homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage payments.  There are two programs that have been set up by the federal government.  The first one was created to assist people who have homes that are now worth less than what is owed on the mortgage.  The second program is to modify mortgage loans for people who are experiencing a significant loss of income.  This may apply to individuals who are unemployed, individuals whose spouse is unemployed, or individuals who have had their hours or pay reduced.  These programs were brought to our attention by unemployed members that were able to qualify to have their monthly mortgage payments reduced.  The following is a link to a website for the Making Home Affordable program.  This website explains the programs that are available.  It also explains the criteria that must be met to qualify for the programs. You may also speak to a housing counselor from the Making Home Affordable program by telephone at (888) 995-4673. I hope that members of Local 281, U.A. and their families find this information useful. link

Capital Plan by regions of the state, grants, conferences and more
[8/8/2009] - New $31 billion Capital Construction Plan will mean more than 439,000 jobs more

Statement from leading American Economists
[4/14/2009] - Passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is critical to rebuilding our economy and strengthening our democracy. link