By Richard Rogers and Marjorie Decker

Cambridge - We are in a recession, and all signs indicate things will only get worse. So what does President Bush insist upon? A "free trade agreement" with a country notorious for rampant human rights and workers' rights abuses.

Never mind that the Bush trade agenda contributed to a trade deficit of $712 billion in 2007. Never mind the loss of three million U.S. manufacturing jobs during the Bush presidency. Never mind that we are losing ground in advanced technology products, autos, even aerospace.

IBEW Launches COMCAST Organizing Drive: If you have relatives, neighbors or friends that work for COMCAST the IBEW would like to talk with them. The IBEW has initiated a nation wide campaign to bring the benefits of unionization to COMCAST workers. GBLC executive-board member Gerry Leary from IBEW Local 2222 is leading this effort in Eastern Massachusetts. Brother Leary can be reached at 617-929-6000.

UPS Freight Workers Join Teamsters: Hundreds of UPS freight workers across New England recently ratified their first union contract and became Teamsters. The former OverNite workers had fought valiantly but unsuccessfully for union representation for many years. UPS freight workers have been joining Teamsters locals across the nation thanks to a card check recognition clause the Teamsters negotiated as part of its contract with UPS. Sean O’Brien President of Teamster Local 25, and a GBLC board member served as chief negotiator for the Teamsters in New England. Congratulations!

GBLC and Boston Building Trades Council Push for REO in Somerville

The Greater Boston Labor Council has partnered with the Boston Building Trades Council in seeking adoption of a Responsible Employer Ordinance for the City of Somerville. REO’s require contractors that bid on municipal construction projects to provide health care coverage to their employees and document that they have access to certified apprentice training.

On March 26th a strong contingent of union leaders and Somerville residents testified in support of the REO at a hearing of the Somerville Board of Alderman’s legislative committee. Representatives of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Builders and Contractors, the anti-union trade association, spoke in opposition.

Legislative Breakfast a huge success

A capacity crowd of nearly 350 unionists, lawmakers and administration officials attended the Greater Boston Labor Council’s annual legislative breakfast on Monday March 3rd. The venue for the event was the rooftop ballroom of the OMNI Parker House in downtown Boston.