Alan Maki
Minnesota State Representative and Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party House Majority Leader Erin Murphy,
I appreciated receiving your rapid response phone call in response to my e-mail regarding these three issues suggesting you personally understand there is in urgency to these matters; but, for the time being, I would prefer we keep everything in writing. I am sure you can understand this given the importance of these three issues to Minnesota workers.
Perhaps you could tell me if these three issues were brought forward and discussed in the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party's Legislative Caucus meeting the other day? If so; what was the gist of the discussion concerning each issue and the decision? Can we expect the DFL with its super majority to take swift action on these three issues?
Several legislators have told me they don't expect to see any action on these three issues because the DFL has such a "full plate." However, with the issue of rescinding/repealing "At-will Employment" legislation I am kind of "first in line" with this issue as I did bring it before the Minnesota Democratic Farmer-Labor Party's State Convention over ten years ago where it received around 50% support, not quite enough for the resolution I introduced to pass like the Single-payer Universal Health Care Resolution I wrote finally passed; which all of you legislators seem to be ignoring even though you have this new super majority where the Republicans have no say.
I think these three issues are of such importance, and I am convinced from talking with Minnesota workers across the state, that these issues are of primary importance given the fact so many Minnesotans lose their jobs through the unjust firings provided by the law through "At-will employment" which gives an employer already with the upper-hand unjust control over workers in their places of employment; and, given the fact we see the trauma and tragedy working class families are experiencing as a result of the American Crystal Sugar Company lockout of 1,300 union employees and complicating the situation by bringing in scabs/replacement workers to do their jobs as a way to circumvent the collective bargaining process--- if the DFL does not act in a swift and responsible manner now that these issues have been properly framed and brought to your attention as I did with my previous e-mail to you--- and your phone call to me demonstrated you do understand the relevancy of these issues; but, apparently, neither you nor any members of your DFL legislative caucus understand the URGENCY of action required on these three important issues--- I have decided to take the following steps:
1. I have sent my first e-mail to thousands of people so they know these three concerns have been placed before you.
2. I will now begin to contact all these organizations and individuals always telling us we need the kind of super majority of liberal and progressive Democrats elected to public office so we can accomplish these kinds of very goals and objectives.
3. I will prepare MN DFL Precinct Caucus Resolutions to be discussed and acted at every Precinct Caucus meeting across Minnesota.
4. I will begin to initiate a discussion as to whether or not we need a new political party in Minnesota in line with the kind of party the Minnesota Farmer-Labor Party was prior to its demise/merger with the Democratic Party.
One would think that you would have learned a bit from Minnesota history the chaos and violence that is spun by employer lockouts and the use of scabs during labor disputes and strikes--- there is a history of more than 100 years to present to look at in which any person with a sense of justice would have to conclude Minnesota needs anti-lockout and anti-scab legislation lest the employer initiated violence returns with the rage of the first union organizing drives in forestry, mining, transportation, auto and now this new form of corporate blackmail and terrorism as working class families are being subjected to in this American Crystal Sugar Company lockout as scabs have been replacing workers since day one of the lockout. As you are fully aware, the lockout is fact becoming the weapon of choice by employers across North America in both the United States and Canada. Minnesotans are in a position to put an end to these employer lockouts if the DFL with its super majority acts.
I am sure you are aware both British Columbia and Quebec have anti-scab legislation and the Canadian Labour Congress is adamant in seeing to it that every province enacts
anti-scab legislation as it pushes for more uniform national legislation.
I am going to be very frank and blunt with you, Representative Murphy. As I talked with people about this people suggested that a letter should be sent to you and and the members of the DFL legislative caucus providing you with the opportunity to act on these three issues.
My intent from the beginning was that we needed to look beyond the MNDFL for political solutions to the problems of working people. Personally, I have had more than I can stand from the MNDFL as far as the way you have betrayed casino workers in the Indian Gaming Industry. So, it has been as a courtesy to others I write and communicate with you. On the pother hand, if there is any possibility at all in seeing a resolution to these three issues without having to spend a lot of time, energy and resources doing things that may not be required, I am eager to to work together with you as your phone call suggested you are ready to do in finding a resolution through legislative remedy to these three issues.
If you still wish to meet to discuss these three issues, I would be happy to do so provided several other people concerned about these problems with whom I am working would be part of any such meeting.
Sincerely,
Alan L. Maki
Director of Organizing,
Midwest Casino Workers Organizing Council
58891 County Road 13
Warroad, Minnesota 56763
Phone: 218-386-2432
Cell: 651-587-5541
Primary E-mail: amaki000@centurytel.net
E-mail: alan.maki1951mn@gmail.com
Blog: http://thepodunkblog.blogspot.com/
Cc: All members of the MN State House and Senate
Shar Knutson, President, MN AFL-CIO