CFL April

Report of the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) Delegates Meeting 

By George Milkowski

1. From the Minutes of the Executive Board March 1, 2021

The CFL’s E-Board voted to give the Woman of the Year Award to Carole Pollitz, IBEW Local 134.

The CFL has established a few COVID 19 vaccination clinics for union members who are in categories 1a, 1b, and 1c..

A number of pro-labor bills have passed House committees in the General Assembly.  They include a bill that would establish an representative, elected school board in Chicago, pay equity for mechanics, energy, paid leave, and more.

The E-Board passed a resolution supporting an amendment to the State’s constitution that would preclude any diminishment of workers’ rights.  The resolution cited numerous anti-labor actions taken by former Governor Bruce Rauner and the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus decision as a reason for working to get this into our constitution.  It will be on the ballot in the 2022 elections.

2. President’s Report

President Bob Reiter addressed suburban elections going on today.  He specifically concentrated on Orland Park and a challenge to the current mayor, who he described as a Rauner acolyte and one who has further political aspirations.  He hopes a defeat would end this man’s ambitions.  If the anti-union mayor is re-elected, he said it “…would not be for a lack of trying on our part”.

Reiter spoke of the 1,200 vaccinations given just today at one of our clinics and that Vice President Kamala Harris had visited it today.

In presenting Cartole Pollitz with the CFL Woman of the Year Award, Pres. Reiter mentioned how she started out in the IBEW as an apprentice “wirewoman” and eventually moved up and became their Business Manager in the last few years.

3. Good and Welfare

If you like to golf, IBEW 134 is planning a golf outing fundraiser for their scholarship program on June 12.  Contact Martin Dwyer at their union for more details.

Scott from the painters union asked if the CFL would again get involved in a NASCAR “Tribute to Labor” that had been held at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet.  Pres. Reiter responded that we wouldn’t be doing that this year.

Scott Marshall, retired union steelworker and member of Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR – of which I am a member), again brought up the proposed opening of a recycling plant that is being moved from Lincoln Park to the 10th Ward.  He brought this up at last month’s meeting and had asked that the CFL take a stand in favor of the business, citing that there would be jobs available.  Pres. Reiter said the Federation has not acted on doing this as there is some conflict with some other Local that needs to be worked out.

Bea Lumpkin (CTU Local #1) announced that there will be a memorial ceremony to commemorate the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre murders by police of ten striking workers at Republic Steel.  The ceremony will take place at 117th and Avenue “O” on May 22.

Andy Grimm (Chicago Newsguild Local 34071) announced that there are two new competitive bids by people to buy the Chicago Tribune.  He is concerned what this may mean for union news workers and asked the CFL to petition the SEC and other federal agencies to investigate the proposals.

Lastly, there was a random drawing of names of students to receive CFL scholarships.  The winners are:

Lauren Saxton – Carl Sandberg High.  Parent is in Carpenters Local #13

Hope M. Maniez – Lake Park High.  Parent is a member of the Brickmakers and Allied Trades Local 21

Michael Klein who is a member of the UFCW

P. Cannon.  Parent is a member of Engineers Local 399

Aidy Manmo – Loyola Academy.  Parent is also a member of Engineers Local 399.