Author Archives: Joe Doc

New City GOP Player Launches Pro-Labor Political Action Committee!

Tim O’Brien is back in the city GOP political game. The 20-year incumbent bail commissioner and arraignment court magistrate judge is talking about some very interesting new strategies. First of all, O’Brien believes the city party should completely abandon the national GOP platform. “The policies of the national party are killing us in urban areas. We need a short and direct platform that appeals to the working man and woman.” When asked what that platform will be, O’Brien didn’t hesitate. He said, “The agenda would and should be as follows: 1. Law and order/public safety; 2. Lower property taxes; 3. Stronger schools; 4. Efficient city services…” Then he saved the best for last: “…5. Pro-labor.” O’Brien said good wages and health care benefits equals strong families. O’Brien has wasted little time. At the time of this story he will be the chair of “The Philly Future Fund,” a political action committee that he said will support “Pro-labor Republican candidates.” O’Brien also shared his ultimate goal: “To have a city union member step into the voting booth and have a hard time deciding between the Republican candidate and the Democratic candidate, because they are both solid, labor-friendly candidates.”
By PhillyLabor.com

Phillylabor.com Launching Pro-Union Label Program Featuring the Do Buy List and Union Protest List

With the launch of PhillyLabor.com’s new website COMING VERY SOON, PhillyLabor.com is launching the Pro-Union Label Program, a pro-union consumer advocacy campaign created to help the Philadelphia area union community identify and promote pro-union businesses and professionals as well as anti-union opponents of labor.

The Pro-Union Label Program will be comprised of three primary elements which will be available on both the upcoming new PhillyLabor.com website and smartphone app: 1. A weekly updated Union Protest List which will keep the area union community updated and informed on businesses, companies and products that are being protested or picketed by Philadelphia area unions; 2. A Do Buy – Do Patronize List, that will act as a reference for area union members and families to find quality pro-union businesses and professionals who support the union way while at the same time providing valuable discounts and preferred services to union families; and 3. The Pro-Union Label ID Logo, which will be offered to approved pro-union businesses and professionals for use on their products and promotional materials identifying them as a quality pro-union business.

By PhillyLabor.com

Why Does Mayor Nutter Hate Unions So Much?

Ask AFSCME DC’s #33 & #47, the Philadelphia Fire Fighters’ Union and the Philadelphia Police Department/FOP — is there any city union or just any union in this city that Mayor Nutter doesn’t have a problem with?

Here’s a little advice in case he’s wondering. If the Mayor doesn’t want large crowds showing up at City Hall and interrupting his speeches, he should try working with people instead of against them. Being at odds with one or two organizations in the course of a four year term is typical, but all four organizations on a constant basis? Well then, it brings up the question that is on everyone’s mind: Why Does Mayor Nutter Hate Unions So Much?

Is it because he’s against collective bargaining, or the 40-hour work week, fair wages or benefits or the other conditions that unions have achieved that have made them the voice of the middle class in America?

Is it because he didn’t get union support during his initial mayoral campaign as area unions split their vote among several other of the candidates and the Mayor walked on in under the union community’s radar?

Here we have a lame duck Democratic mayor in a largely Democratic city who doesn’t have to worry about re-election or setting the table for his party to ensure the next Mayor is a Democrat, so what does he really have to lose, right?

Well, maybe the legacy of his administration, which will be over soon enough, thankfully, and which will go down in the minds of working families as one of the least popular in the history of Philadelphia.

Point of information to our Philadelphia area unions: unlike the first time Nutter won, the next time we have a mayoral election, let’s please unite in solidarity together to support the one candidate who best supports and respects our union standards before we get stuck with another nutter like this mutter!!

By PhillyLabor.com

For Immediate Release – Philadelphia unions to hold joint news conference calling for fair contracts for city workers.

In a show of union solidarity, a number of  labor organizations representing both public and private sector workers will be holding a joint news conference at the

Northeast corner of Philadelphia City Hall
at 12:00 pm tomorrow
Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

The purpose of the joint news conference will be to announce plans for actions to take place on Thursday, March 14 at Mayor Michael Nutter’s budget address before Philadelphia City Council.

AFSCME District Council 33 President Pete Matthews and AFSCME District Council 47 President Cathy Scott, John J. Dougherty Business Manager of IBEW Local 98, Bill Gault President of Firefighters IAFF Local 22, Pat Eiding President of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Pat Gillespie President of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, as well as representatives of community groups will be calling for Mayor Nutter to address the settlement of fair contracts with City workers during his budget address.

All media are invited to attend.

Contact:        Frank Keel, 484-410-4932
Bob Wolper, 215-896-2970
Sources:    AFSCME District Councils 33and 47, IBEW Local 98, IAFF Local 22

Week of Action for Philadelphia’s City Workers – From AFSCME Disctrict Councils #33 & #47

Mayor Nutter will present his proposed City budget to City Council on Thursday, March 14th. Join us for a Week of Action to oppose his attacks on our neighbors who work hard to keep our city running!

Wednesday, March 13 — Press Conference at City Hall

On Wednesday, March 13, join us at the northeast corner of City Hall at 11:30 AM for a press conference supported by labor leaders and community members. We need to protect the important services that all of us depend on. We are calling on Mayor Nutter to fully fund our city services.

Thursday, March 14 — Mayor Nutter’s budget address

On Thursday, March 14, join us as we pack City Council Chambers to hear the Mayor’s budget address. We’ll stand with our neighbors and hold lawmakers accountable.  Let’s remind our lawmakers that it’s the vital work of our brothers and sisters that keep Philadelphia running.