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.