nwlaborpress.org | February 16, 2007

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February 16, 2007 Volume 108 Number 4

News

Bill Sizemore:
Back in business
Judging by recent initiative filings, Bill Sizemore is back. But if he thinks old methods will fly, he may have to rethink. Some Oregon lawmakers are preparing new laws to clean up the initiative process.

[Left, ballot measure activist Bill Sizemore speaks with reporters in 2002 after a jury found his groups guilty of a pattern of criminal activity.]

Former union volunteer, organizer Willy Myers elected BA at Sheet Metal Local 16
Union organizer Willy Myers was elected business agent at Sheet Metal Workers Local 16 Feb. 2. Myers said he hopes to continue an energetic effort to unionize local sheet metal workers. “There are so many people out there that don’t know what unions stand for," Myers said. "I want to take that message to every member of my craft, and tell them ‘You deserve more respect from your employer, and you can win more respect with a union.’”
Unionists rub elbows with lawmakers at legislative forum
A chance to chat up Oregon lawmakers and coordinate labor's lobbying efforts drew over 100 union members to a Feb. 3 legislative conference in Portland. Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley and a half-dozen other legislators attended, as did Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner. Political consultant Steve Novick, mulling a 2008 run against Republican U.S. Senator Gordon Smith, addressed attendees, earning an enthusiastic reception.
Labor council re-elects slate of officers
The Clark, Skamania, West Klickitat Counties Central Labor Council held officer elections Jan. 25. All ran unopposed. Re-elected secretary-treasurer were Mike Phillips of Vancouver Fire Fighters Local 452; president, Cager Clabaugh of International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 4; and vice president, Mike Carnahan of Electrical Workers Local 48.