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April 11, 2008
California Labor Federation Endorses Candidates For June 2008 Primary
This week, more than 400 union delegates from across the state came together to vote on labor's official endorsements for state legislators, U.S. 
representatives, and statewide ballot measures for the upcoming primary election on June 3rd.
The convention provided union members with the opportunity to weigh in on this year's important political races. All union members and allies are encouraged to consider these endorsements before heading to the polls in June.
The full list of endorsements can be found at http://www.calaborfed.org/political/june_08.html
Assembly Labor Committee Approves Paid Sick Days Bill
On Wednesday, April 9th, the Assembly Labor Committee voted in favor of a AB 2716, sponsored by Assembly Member Fiona Ma (D- San Francisco) that would allow all California workers to earn paid sick days. The vote came after a new report from the Institute of Women's Policy Research found that paid sick days would benefit employers as well as workers.
"AB 2716 will save employers $2.3 million per year, mainly from reduced turnover costs," said Vicky Lovell, Ph.D., the author of the study.
The bill will be heard next by the Assembly Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, April 15. If passed by the legislature and signed into law, California would be the first state in the nation to require employers to provide paid sick days.
Learn more at www.PaidSickDaysCA.org
75 Arrested During Union Demonstrations
Last week, AFSCME members, community leaders, religious supporters and political allies picketed and rallied in San Francisco and Los Angeles for a new contract for workers at UC medical centers. The rallies resulted in the arrests of more than 75 people who blocked the streets during the peaceful, nonviolent demonstrations.
Despite the arrests, these workers are still dedicated to getting a new contract that includes fair benefits and wages. Show your support for UC medical center workers by sending a letter to the CEOs of the medical centers asking them for a fair contract.
Visit http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/patientcare/86eessgro7nxmi85 to send a letter.
Labor's Joint Legislative Conference: April 30th to May 1st
The Joint Legislative Conference of the California Labor Federation and the State Building and Construction Trades Council is fast approaching. All are welcome to attend and help shape Labor's legislative priorities.
The conference will be held at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. The room block at the Sheraton is full, but additional reduced-rate accommodations are available within walking distance at the Holiday Inn Express Sacramento Convention Center and Best Western Sutter House.
Register online at http://www.events.org/CLF01/cpage.aspx?e=13520
Union Training Programs Receive Government Grants
The California Labor Federation's Workforce & Economic Development program (WED) has helped three more union training programs receive grants from the California Employment Training Panel (ETP) this year.
Building Skills Partnership, a non-profit training program of SEIU Local 1877, received $195,896 to train union janitors and other building service employees.
Teamsters Joint Council 42 Training Academy was awarded $414,576 for training new and existing workers in the freight and transportation industry throughout the state.
Sacramento Area Electrical Workers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust was awarded $213,600 to provide retraining for 300 journey-level electricians in the construction industry.
For additional information on ETP funding opportunities, call (213) 219-2388 or email jborunda@calaborfed.org
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