In an effort to change the laws so US workers working on US funded projects overseas are protected by US laws, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has initiated talks with the appropriate members of Congress. I know the wheels of change move slowly, but at least they are moving.
Also, the NW Labor Press, a northwest union labor publication, recently published an article about the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Hearings and our efforts to make changes in the laws. Click HERE to read that article. It also looks like, Press Associates Inc., which is the Associated Press (AP) for labor newspapers, may be picking up the story as well. Plus the NW Labor Press has received calls from labor papers in Minnesota and California seeking permission to reprint. Whatever it takes to keep the story alive and get the laws changed.
The American people just can not fathom how poorly US Civilians are being treated by some of the DoD contractors. These are the same US Civilians who are feeding our soldiers, keeping their lights and air conditioners on, repairing their vehicles. These are ordinary American workers, not Corporate executives. They are coming home with severe PTSD and qualify for no benefits. They are coming home injured and qualify for no benefits. At what point did an injured employee no longer qualify for benefits? This has got to stop.
For more information on the lack of rights of injured American contractors go to American Contractors In Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ms Sparky
If ever union help was needed it is in Iraq. It starts off in Houston. You spend at least two weeks going through all the orientation stuff and then it’s contract signing night. You get a stack of papers and you “Initial here…here….and here and sign here!”. You shouldn’t need a labor lawyer to go to work for..who? Not KBR! Once you get to Iraq you find out you don’t work for KBR you work for SEII and that you just signed all your damn rights away! And then the real shit starts.
I was never union in the States, but I can see where they are needed here. I hope they can help.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I know the story all too well. I did it too.
I hope so.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Me Too.
I also agree that something needs to be done, but what union group would be appropriate? You have the licensed group (electricians, plumbers, HVAC, etc), the food service workers, the laundry staff, the drivers (CDL A w/endorsements and Bus Drivers), the medical personnel (Paramedics, Nurses, EMT’s), Firefighters, Administrative/Clerical with all of their various intricate levels.
Then you get into the “gray” area of just who exactly is you employer . .
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The first thing that needs to get changed is this whole shell company BS. That should be damn illegal. Second….If the law applies to US workers in the States it should apply to US workers working on US government funded projects overseas. Organized labor, starting with the IBEW should be able to start the ball rolling on that. The more publicity we have on these issues the better. Baby steps!
It’s going to take more than just the electricians union to get these laws changed. All the labor organizations need to band together. We probably won’t be able to organize Iraq, even though it needs it more than any place I’ve seen lately, but those are Americans working there. Our family and friends. They are serving out soldiers and out country. They deserve to be treated better. We need to get the word out to the other unions.
Thanks for getting this started. It’s been a long time coming.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
That is a very good point. I will email the IBEW Political Department in DC on Mention that!