Senator Tester hosted a public meeting on Jobs and the Economy in Helena on August 31st, 2010.  Montana State AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jim McGarvey was among the distinguished panelists invited to speak.

Jim said that the state's budget will be a hot topic at the next legislative session. McGarvey said in a state like Montana that relies on income taxes, every good-paying job created directly supports state government through a strong tax base. Hence, his focus was on the need for sustainable jobs for Montana's working families and the strength of our economy.

McGarvey stressed the critical need for sustainable jobs that offer wages that will support a family and have healthcare insurance and defined benefit retirement plans.  He pointed out that 401(k) plans have failed along with many other forms of unsecure "pension" plans, leaving the defined benefit plans that are offered to union members as the only secure plans available. He continued by saying that all workers should have this benefit.

Executive Secretary McGarvey also stressed the need for safer working conditions. He commended Senator Tester on his work supporting quality, public education and healthcare reform saying that " we must get people back on their feet". He pointed out that, in the effort to get people ready for work, union apprenticeship programs offer the greatest quality training available.

Jim McGarvey thanked Senator Tester for keeping working families at the center of the discussion. He closed by saying, "I believe everyone should be union"!

Pictured here from left, immediately following the meeting, are;

John Roeber, President of the Montana Bulding and Construction Trades Council;

Chris Cavazos, Montana State AFL-CIO Political Coordinator;

Jim McGarvey, Montana State AFL-CIO Executive Secretary;

Steve Gross, Assistant Business Manager of the International Operating Engineers Local 400; and

Randy Sobeck, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 400.

Labor Day Picnic information

has just been released for

Helena, Missoula, Great Falls, Butte, and Billings! 

See the spreadsheet below for all the details on date, time, location, and contact information for each location.  It's an Annual tradition that the Central Labor Councils host community celebrations on Labor Day where all food and events are free to all; including food, drink, kids games, live union bands,etc. 

Central Labor Councils are local area labor organizations dedicated to community and political action in support of working families.  Each Council is host to delegates from unions representing all walks of life and sectors of employment.

Field Organizer Job Posting

Reports to:      Executive Secretary and Political Coordinator

Location: one position in Great Falls, one position in Billings

Status:       Hourly

Work Hours:   30 Hours per week

Start Date:       August 15^th, 2010

Position Overview:

The position’s objective is to effectively communicate to rank and file union members the political issues of the Montana State AFL-CIO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Member Contact (60%)

• Communicate with union members about Montana State AFL-CIO endorsed candidates and issues

Logistics (23%)

• Utilize voter file to effectively speak with union members
• Build voter contact reports to track progress in targeted races

Affiliate Outreach (17%)

• Identify and attend affiliate events, in order to build a strong relationship with local stake holders.
• Recruit and identify new leaders
• Organize large scale volunteer events with local union members

Required Qualifications

• Experience working on political campaigns
• Willing to work irregular hours, including weekends and evenings
• Strong written and oral skills
• Computer literacy and experience interacting with data management tools
• Ability to multitask

Term of Employment and Compensation

• This job is temporary in nature. Term of employment begins August 16^th, 2010 and ends November 5^th, 2010.
• Salary range for this position is $12-$14/hr DOE

Join this community of union sportmen and women. They've coordinated with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership to "guarantee all americans a place to hunt and fish".  Many member gifts and discounts apply. Members enjoy tips and info on hunting and fishing, weather, gear and access discounts, directions to your destination, an outfitter directory, outdoor magazine subscription, details on linceses and regulations, and much more. Go to http://unionsportsmen.org for more information.

The Montana Labor Management Alliance (MLMA) investigates claims of lost wages. The website offers workers the ability to contact MLMA if they have questions or concerns about their paychecks or work/wage practices of employers. MLMA aids workers who have wage claims. They are funded by union employers and union workers.  The work they do benefits workers as well as good employers who want to compete for work based on a level playing field where all bidders are meeting the requirements of the project for which they are bidding.

FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:  www.ml-ma.org

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Support the American worker and get great products too! Go to www.unionlabel.com to shop union made.