By now you no doubt are aware of how destructive so-called “right to work” laws are, not just for union members but for all workers. They result in lower wages, fewer benefits and more dangerous workplaces for all. For years, we have been able to keep these laws out of Pennsylvania.

Now, out-of-state interests are making a full-court press to eliminate public-sector workers’ ability to use payroll deduction to collect dues. By threatening our resources, those advancing these bills are undermining our ability to operate successful unions. We need unity to oppose this, or we’ll also be facing a “right to work” fight imminently.

Our first step of our work is to find out where lawmakers stand on the bills that will eliminate payroll deduction, House Bill 1507 and Senate Bill 1034. We need all USW members in Pennsylvania to contact your state legislators as soon as possible.

Find contact information for your State Senators and House members here: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/

When You Call: Ask the lawmakers what their position is on House Bill 1507/Senate Bill 1034. Make sure to share your name, where you’re from and that you want them to oppose the bill and any similar legislation. The information on lawmakers’ positions is extremely important. Please share any information you receive with Bob McAuliffe, District 10 Rapid Response Coordinator, right away. Bob is reachable at 412-303-6235 or rmcauliffe@usw.org.

Thank you!

If you have had trouble using the Benny Visa card you received through your USW Health Reimbursement Account, you are not alone. Sentinel Benefits, which administers the program, has experienced computer glitches that have led to some cards being denied as “unauthorized.” If this happens to you, don’t worry – just hold on to any receipts for medical related expenses starting January 1, and you will be reimbursed when the situation is corrected.

I was honored to be chosen to attend the 17^th Biennial CLUW Convention in Reno, Nevada as both a delegate and a member of the CLUW Resolutions Committee. I flew to Reno on Monday, November 11.

Tuesday, November 12, at 9 a.m., the Resolutions Committee met to take a final look at the Resolutions chosen for Convention approval and whether or not the Resolution Committee supported the Resolution. We also discussed what order the Resolutions would be presented to the CLUW delegates during the conference. We worked straight through successfully completing support of all the Resolutions with the exception of Resolution 1, the Four Year Plan, which we decided would be best tabled for the delegates to decide.

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USW Local 3657 member Donna Shaver from District 9 was featured on the Union Sportsman Alliance website as this week’s ‘Shot of the Week’ for harvesting a 10 point buck with her muzzleloader.  Congratulations Donna–we’re expecting you to send up some venison chili for this year’s chili cook off!

From http://www.UnionSportsmen.org

USW Local 3657 members (both regular and excluded) who work at the International Headquarters in Pittsburgh are invited to join us for the annual Local 3657 Holiday Party on Thursday, December 5, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Lobby Conference Room.

Please RSVP by Friday, November 22, to Barb Pugliese or Lisa Nutter if you plan to attend.

Happy Holidays!