Altmire’s possible labor pains

One labor leader was so incensed with Congressman Jason Altmire’s (D-4) opposition to health care reform that considered a run against the sophomore lawmaker. Ultimately, Jack Shea opted against the uphill battle of an independent or write-in campaign—but that doesn’t mean he’s embracing Altmire ahead of the November election.

In a recent interview with pa2010.com, Shea reiterated his dissatisfaction with Altmire’s health care votes, and predicted that the congressman might struggle to rally…

June 7, 2010 at 1:45 pm | Comments (3)

Wagner looks to showcase union support

PITTSBURGH—Auditor General Jack Wagner rolled out a slew of union endorsements on Tuesday, seeking to demonstrate his support within the organized labor community even as the state’s largest umbrella labor group did not make an endorsement in the Democratic primary for governor.

About 35 members from six local unions stood behind Wagner in the lobby of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center here, where the AFL-CIO was holding its state convention.

April 13, 2010 at 5:15 pm | Comments (1)

Big labor doesn’t endorse in race for governor; backs Saidel

Pennsylvania’s organized labor community can’t come to a consensus in the four-way Democratic primary for governor.

The state AFL-CIO, the state’s largest umbrella union organization, overwhelmingly endorsed former Philadelphia City Controller Jonathan Saidel for Lieutenant during a meeting of its executive committee over the weekend in Pittsburgh. But no top-ticket candidate was able to garner the two-thirds vote needed for a formal endorsement.

An AFL-CIO official couldn’t be reached for comment. But a labor insider…

April 13, 2010 at 10:14 am | Comments (9)

Clunky messaging spoils Specter’s new ‘Workers’ Bill of Rights’ (Updated)

In a speech to U.S. Steelworkers Thursday morning, Senator Arlen Specter unveiled a 5-point plan that he called his “worker’s bill of rights.” The Hill reported that his plan included forcing China to end its practice of pegging its currency to the U.S. dollar; more aggressive American enforcement of trade laws; rescinding the president’s authority to overrule the International Trade Commission’s recommendations; speedier remedies for illegal trade claims; and stronger “Buy American” requirements under the stimulus package.

April 1, 2010 at 9:00 am | Comments (8)

Union endorsement just another sign of Specter’s bedrock institutional support

The AFL-CIO’s announcement Tuesday that they are

March 30, 2010 at 4:19 pm | Comments (9)