Equal Time Radio

George Lovell, Vermont AFL-CIO president, and Dennis LaBounty, Political Director for the Vermont AFL-CIO, assess the legislative session from the perspective of working Vermonters. Workers rights and collective bargaining are under attack throughout the world, but particularly in the USA. However, in Vermont working people, through their organizations, have made some important political gains in this biennium. The Vermont Legislature is getting credit for raising the state minimum wage.

George Lovell, Vermont AFL-CIO president, and Dennis LaBounty, Political Director for the Vermont AFL-CIO, assess the legislative session from the perspective of working Vermonters. Workers rights and collective bargaining are under attack throughout the world, but particularly in the USA. However, in Vermont working people, through their organizations, have made some important political gains in this biennium. The Vermont Legislature is getting credit for raising the state minimum wage.

Aaron Marrotte, a residential instructor and member of AFSCME Local 1674 at the HowardCenter discusses safety issues at the Center, including multi-tasking that is putting clients at risk, lack of support for the professional staff, and availability of management. Aaron explains that Center staff provide vital services to our communities. They give opportunity to the neediest of Burlington – and do it out of love and compassion for the people they serve.

Mari Cordes, FNHP union leader, Jim Fouts, a CCTA bus driver, and Stauch Blaise, a Workers Center volunteer, discuss the vital issues of work with dignity and the right to healthcare being addressed by this May Day's Health and Dignity March, Rally and day of action. Many people in Vermont are struggling to meet their fundamental needs and fulfill their human rights, such as healthcare, education, livable wages, for bias-free policing, and paid sick days. Over the past year, we have seen these needs and rights come under attack.

VSEA Judicial Unit Chairperson Margaret Crowley and Union Representative Brian Morse explain the past sacrifices this group of workers has made to bring down costs (never-ending furlough days), and discuss how bargaining was done in the past. Now VSEA's Judicial Unit members are engaged in a member driven contract campaign for a fair contract.