Labor Day 2010

9to5 Hosts Day of Action for Paid Sick Days Milwaukee

• 9to5 Milwaukee Board members Rosie Caradine-Lewis and Teresa Mambu-Raasch
• Rep. Sandy Pasch (AD22)
• Pastor Joe Ellwanger
• Larry Miller, Milwaukee School Board Director (D5)
• Annie Wacker, Milwaukee Area Labor Council Vice President
• Nikiyah Harris, Milwaukee County Board Supervisor (D2)
• Rhonda Willette, 9to5 Milwaukee Organizer

Milwaukee County Needs an Independent Building Safety Investigation

MILWAUKEE – Three county board supervisors called for an independent investigation at O’Donnell Park at an event organized by SEIU today.  Citing County Executive Scott Walker’s pattern of blatant neglect of county facilities, the Supervisors asked  the state of Wisconsin to conduct an independent building safety investigation for Milwaukee County.

A teenage boy was killed and two others were injured in a horrific accident last month, which supervisors say may have been prevented with more vigilant maintenance at O’Donnell, a building whose structural problems have been widely known since its construction.

In turning to the state for an independent investigation, supervisors point to Walker’s neglect at O’Donnell, and to false and misleading claims about building maintenance and inspections made by Walker in the days following the tragedy. 

The supervisors are particularly stunned that Graef USA Inc., a contributor to Walker’s gubernatorial campaign and the engineer of record at O’Donnell, was awarded a $300,000 contract to conduct an emergency safety inspection of county facilities.

Calling the no bid contract to Graef “reckless and irresponsible in the face of tragedy” supervisors demand that Walker immediately return to Graef USA the $15,000 he has received from the engineering firm.

Local Coverage

• WISN
• WTMJ

Tom Barrett Walks a Day in the Shoes of Home Care Workers

After a rigorous endorsement process, the members of SEIU in Wisconsin have announced support of Tom Barrett for Governor. SEIU has a proud history of working to elect candidates across the nation that support working families despite political affiliation.

All candidates for governor were sent an invitation to take part in the SEIU endorsement process which included an interview by members and participation in the “Walk a Day in My Shoes” program. After an interview with more than 40 members, Barrett was invited to spend a day on the job as a home care worker in Stevens Point.

Barrett learned of the challenges facing home health care workers through his visit with Nick Dufek and Kathryn Burton. Barrett assisted around the house for a day, and traveled with their consumer Don Zivney as he filled candy vending areas in Stevens Point.  Burton and Dufek provide 24 hour live-in care for Don who has cerebral palsy. Their work allows Don the independence to live in his own home, and the ability to be a productive part of the community.

“I was excited to have Tom Barrett walk a day in my shoes,” said Burton. “We need elected leaders like Barrett who understand the challenges working people face.”