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Join Rhode Island’s largest union of health careprofessionals. Call 831-3674 or email: [email protected] more info, go to www.unap.org.

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Join Rhode Island’s largest union of health careprofessionals. Call 831-3647 or email: [email protected]. For more info, go to www.unap.org.

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 12 Ground

DECEMBER 2010

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PROVIDENCE – Before stepping down last month as president of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals (RIFTHP), Marcia B. Reback says she had seven job offers. The offers are an indication of just how

effective Reback was during her 37-year tenure as a local and statewide union leader. After serving as president of the Providence Teachers Union from 1973 to 1992, Reback took over as head of the federation and held nine two-year terms. She decided to retire at the age of 65 in the wake of winning a major battle to preserve the jobs of teachers at Central Falls High School. All of the faculty members were fired when their union and school administrators disagreed on a plan to increase student performance at the high school. Union-initiated legal maneuvers blocked the terminations and mediation saved the teachers’ positions, an outcome that Reback called a “huge” victory. “I have had a couple of really good years,” she said. “It’s good to leave with my head held high.” A love of children and their ah-ha moments in the classroom drew Reback to the teaching profession, but the opportunity to solve problems bigger than those she faced as a teacher motivated her to become a union leader. Some achievements during Reback’s leadership years at the local level she feels are notable include drop out prevention initiatives, early intervention programs for children needing clinical social work and a partnership with Brown University to develop new styles of teaching. On the state level, she said, “a major portion of the (federation’s) obligation to its members is to monitor legislation and lobby to improve the lives of the members whom we serve and the clients they serve.” Her successor, Frank Flynn of the Cranston

Teachers’ Alliance, will be assuming efforts to formulate a rigorous teacher evaluation system – a process being developed thanks to Reback’s work to secure a $200,000 grant from the American Federation of Teachers, $100,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation and part of a $5 million federal innovation grant. Goals of the evaluation systems will address making struggling teachers good teachers, helping good teachers become great teachers and assisting teachers who do not have what it takes to be in the classroom find new careers. Other measures she says are needed to improve the state’s education system include: • Instituting early childhood education throughout Rhode Island, particularly for children living in poverty. • Increasing the amount of training college education majors receive on how to teach reading. • Reducing the number of children in classes, particularly in the primary grades. • Lengthening the school day. • Adopting benchmarks used in other countries that demonstrate teaching is a highly respected profession. James A. Parisi, a field representative for the state federation for the past 16 years, said during her tenure, Reback “did a tremendous job conveying our members’ perspective on all issues.” He cited her knowledge of the labor movement and said that because of her leadership, union members are more involved than ever in the legislative process and political action. Reback, who recently received Rhode Island Jobs with Justice’s

Lifetime Achievement Award, is passionate about the need for organized labor, refuting the notion it is no longer important. “The conservative media has vilified unions along with certain politicians, creating an almost palpable anti-union sentiment in Rhode Island, pitting people in unions against those who are not through jealousy and envy,” she said. “When the economy is good, no one has any complaints, and the word blame is not used because everyone is enjoying good times.” Public employees’ unions are taking some heat during the recession because mistreated private sector workers are lashing out, according to Reback, who stressed that union leaders believe “all boats should rise.” “Everyone should have a pension. Everyone should have health care. Pensions and health care benefits should not be taken away from people who have them,” Reback said. “Society’s goal should be to expand the middle class rather than watching it disappear so that all that is left in our society is the very well to do and the very poor.” Reback questions what conservatives calling for the downsizing of government would like to see eliminated. “What do they want to shrink: the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the United States Post Service? What part of government do we shrink?” she said.

See REBACK Continued on page 2

Reback leaves her mark on education in Rhode IslandBy Paul V. Palange

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Common Ground DECEMBER 2010

2 Black and White

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c. 401.451.1305 f. 401.831.6111

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Buy Local RI…and not only during the holidays!

As the holiday season rolls on, we all have a job to do. I’m talking about supporting our local

economy. In recent years, I set a goal to host a “Buy Local Thanksgiving,” with each dish made with

ingredients from our farmers’ markets and local vendors. That includes the turkey in my oven, the

cranberries in my sauce, the bread in my stuffing, the vegetables in my side dishes, the fruit in my

pies, the grapes in my wine, the dairy in my coffee ... you get the picture.

As part of my office’s ongoing effort to support small businesses in Rhode Island, I’ll be traversing

the state on my Buy Local RI tours for the third year this fall and winter. In addition to the farmers’

markets, I’ll be touring small businesses to bring attention to the importance of buying goods

and services locally. We’ll also be adding features to our Buy Local RI Web site to make it more

interactive, informative and user-friendly.

The impact we can make on the Rhode Island economy if we buy local first is no small matter.

Multiple studies have shown that each dollar spent at local independent businesses usually generates

at least three times more direct local economic benefit than dollars spent at an absentee-owned chain.

That’s something to think about the next time you open your wallet. For more information, visit the

Buy Local RI Web site at www.buylocalri.org.

Elizabeth H. Roberts is lieutenant governor of Rhode Island.

Candle-lit firesBy Brian Hunter

As the popularity of candles

grows, so does the incidence of

fires in the home. According

to the National Fire Protection

Association, candles are responsible

for starting more than 15,000

home fires each year, which is twice

the number of recorded in 1980.

An estimated 4% of all house fires

are started by candles, and four out

of ten candle-ignited fires start in

the bedroom. Candle fires also occur most frequently in December, when 13% of the fires involve

holiday decorations. Many of the fatalities caused by candle-lit fires occurred among people who

were using candles to light homes in which the power had been shut off. Homeowners are urged to

use flashlights for illumination and bulbs for decoration whenever possible.

With the holidays here, many people will be lighting candles in hallways, dining rooms, and

living rooms. Candles add ambiance and warmth to any room, but they are also a fire hazard. Never

leave a candle unattended, and be sure to have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Never

place a candle in reach of children or near combustibles such as curtains, draperies, and decorations.

Brian Hunter is the president of Hunter Insurance and can be reached at 401.769.9500

REBACK Continued from page 1State government must stop exporting dollars to other states and countries, according to Reback. The state should have a Rhode Island first policy, she said, meaning that Ocean State companies should be given first priority when public funds are used to purchase goods or services. Any additional costs will be made up with an increase of income taxes collected by the Department of Revenue on wages generated through local spending. A resident of Providence, Reback is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, receiving a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1966. In 1973, she received a master’s of arts in education from the University of Connecticut.

Additional awards she has received are the Edward J. McElroy United Way Community Services Award, Public Education Fund First Annual Award, Labor History Society Recognition Award, Institute for Labor Studies Award for Women’s Leadership in the Labor Movement, National Education Association/Rhode Island Claiborne Pell Friend of Education Annual Award and Providence College Quirk Institute Leadership Award. If Reback returns to the classroom, she will have a lot to offer whether she is a teacher or student.

DECEMBER 2010 Common Ground

3 Color

Education fund gives Local 1033 members chance to expand horizons PROVIDENCE -- The proud public servants of Public Employees’ Local Union 1033 have long recognized their commitment to our communities through their daily labor, their dedication to making their local governmental agencies work and their year-long charitable efforts. The membership’s recent efforts include three separate acts to make our society a little bit better for everyone. On Oct. 24, more than 75 union sisters and brothers joined the 1033 executive board and then-Providence mayoral candidate Angel Taveras at the 2010 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. The walk was conducted in Providence’s Roger Williams Park. Joining forces in what promises to be a long and productive relationship, Team 1033 and Theresa’s Angels, a group named after Taveras’ aunt, raised more than $4,000 for the American Cancer Society

(ACS). That money will go a long way toward fighting breast cancer. Local 1033’s team was co-chaired by two of its bravest members, Deb Wilson and Janice Lanzone, and Theresa’s Angels was chaired by Theresa Liberato. Prior to kicking off the walk, Local 1033 business manager Don Iannazzi and Tavares, the union’s endorsed candidate for

mayor addressed the combined team, praising their captains and their fellow participants for their determination in beating back a terrible disease. Iannazzi and Taveras also called for a silent prayer in memory of Kerry Brusini, a 1033 member who served the Town of North Providence and whose smile and grace will long live within Town Hall. Kerry passed away from complications caused by cancer a week before the walk. Taveras gave the final charge to the starting line and stated, “It only took one phone call to Local 1033 for all of this to happen. You

should all be proud of what we did together today. I look forward to working with all of you in January. With this enthusiasm and this dedication, the people of Providence are greatly served.” A server and 12 computers formerly in the Local’s training lab were generously donated to the New England Laborers/Cranston Public School Construction

Career Academy, where they will be used to enhance students’ learning opportunities. The computers were purchased through Local 1033’s Training, Education and Apprenticeship Fund. Local 1033 is working on its 12th Annual Holiday Food Drive. Each year union members partner with the Providence City Council to provide thousands of pounds

of food to community centers throughout Providence for distribution to families in every neighborhood. The drive shows union members’ appreciation for all that we have. What better way to demonstrate our thanks than by giving something back to Providence’s neighborhoods? Local 1033’s 4,000 members are employed by the state, City of Providence, Town of North Providence, North Providence School Department, Narragansett Bay Commission, Town of Lincoln, Lincoln Water Commission, Lincoln Public Library, Town of Narragansett, Town of North Kingstown, City of Cranston, City of Warwick, Providence/Cranston job training program and Providence School Department.

So Mike, how did you get involved in the EAP and addiction treatment business?I became involved in the EAP/MAP programs because of my own struggles with addiction, as I have been in recov-ery for many years. Twenty-five years ago, I was asked by my Union President to start a committee to assist our members and their families who needed help with addic-tion and mental health issues, because of my own experi-ences, I was excited to help. We started a silent com-mittee to offer confidential help to Firefighters and their families who were struggling with these issues. I spent several years obtaining certifications in the field and have been helping members and their families ever since!

How has this program benefited firefight-ers and their loved ones?Firefighters often experience things in the line of duty that cause mental and emotional stress that can lead to sub-stance abuse. Once we built the EAP/MAP program we were amazed at how many people came forward to get

the help they needed. Part of the rehabilitation process is learning how to deal with these stresses so they don’t negatively affect the rest of their lives and their families.

Where has life taken you since retirement?Well before I retired, I worked closely with Treatment Solutions Network to place my members, providing the care that they needed. I was so impressed with the company that I started working with them more and have now become a Vice President and shareholder in the company. We have expanded the network to include top rated treat-ment centers, not just in Florida, but across the nation as well. Our network is set up to accept most insurances, self-pay and contracted rates with health & welfare funds to make treatment affordable to everyone.

What is next for you and Treatment Solutions Network?We are working with a committee focus group comprised of leadership from Boston Fire, Boston Police, Providence Fire, MA Department of Corrections and MA Sheriff’s Department. This group is being directed by a highly accomplished therapist to de-sign programs specifically geared toward Unions, Public Safety Officers and to help us better serve the Employee Assistance Professionals we work with. Our programs are designed to find the best possible solution to Dual Diagnosis problems. Solutions that combine, long term success, financial flexibility, and clinical practice into effective services.

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Many seniors bought into Republican Party’s promisesBy John A. Pernorio

In an election marked by dramatic defections from the Democratic

Party, older voters swung hardest, seemingly threatened by President

Barack Obama’s mantra of change.

Voters over age 65 favored Republicans by a 21-point margin after

flirting with Democrats in the 2006 midterm elections and favoring John

McCain by a relatively narrow 8-point margin in 2008. Concerned by

changes to Medicare and compelled by a Republican Party that promised

a return to America’s glory days, seniors played a crucial — and often

understated — role in races across the country. They were not swayed

by ubiquitous Democratic warnings about Republican changes to Social

Security, and they put a series of campaigns out of reach for Democrats.

The exit polls and analysts suggest that older voters went to the

polls in disproportionate numbers, as they often do in non-presidential

elections. Fear that health reform was going to damage Medicare figured

in their motivation. The truth never got through the noise and fear-

mongering. The truth is that Medicare spending will continue to grow,

albeit a little bit more slowly; health reform actually adds about a dozen

years to the life of the Medicare trust fund; and, perhaps most salient

to older voters, Medicare will add benefits aimed at improving the

prevention, detection and management of illnesses, starting in January.

The truth about Social Security is that more than 900,000 children

live with grandparents who rely on the program’s benefits as their major

source of income. Without the benefits, 35 percent of the recipients

would be in poverty. We pay into Social Security while we’re working and

we get benefits when we need them. Social Security is not in crisis, hasn’t

contributed a penny to the deficit and has a $2.5 trillion surplus. There is

enough money to pay full benefits through 2037, and if high earners pay

the same payroll taxes we pay, Social Security will provide full benefits into

the foreseeable future.

John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans Inc. Contact him at [email protected].

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Operation Holiday Cheer: Support Our troops!By Elizabeth H. Roberts Without a doubt, I have a lot

to be grateful for — my family and

friends, good health, the support of

the community and the opportunity

to serve Rhode Islanders. Although I

try to give back throughout the year in

many different ways, it is always a special

pleasure to support our troops abroad

with Operation Holiday Cheer.

The initiative relies on sponsors and

the general public for donations of “wish

list” items, to fill 600 care packages, and

cash donations to pay for postage to ship

the packages. Volunteers from around the

state, coordinated by the family support

program of the Rhode Island National

Guard, are on hand to receive the

donations and assemble the care packages.

When our troops are sent overseas, it should always be our mission to

support them and their families. Operation Holiday Cheer is one way we

can show our appreciation for those men and women and provide them

with some comfort from home. We know every day away from family

and friends is difficult, but it is especially hard during the holiday season.

Care packages are the least we can do to show our thanks and remember

the troops’ continued service to our nation.

Operation Holiday Cheer includes a host of corporate and

community sponsors, including AAA Southern New England, American

Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter, Alpha Graphics, Amica Mutual

Insurance Co., Autocrat, Bank of America,

Banneker Industries, CVS Caremark,

Dunkin’ Donuts, East Bay Newspapers,

GTECH, Hasbro, Home Depot, National

Grid, New England Patriots, Ocean State

Job Lot, “The Providence Journal,” United

States Postal Service, members of the Rhode

Island National Guard and the Rhode Island

Military Family Relief Fund.

There are two important days during

Operation Holiday Cheer. On Dec. 11

between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., all donations

will be accepted at the Armory, 1051 North

Main St., Providence. No donations can be

accepted after that date for security reasons.

On Dec. 18 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.,

volunteers will assemble the care packages

at the Armory and ship them overseas with the help of the United States

Postal Service.

Monetary donations are needed to meet about $12,000 in postage

costs to ship the packages. Those wishing to donate can send a check

to the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter to the attention of

Operation Holiday Cheer, 105 Gano St., Providence, RI, 02906, or

pledge online at the Rhode Island Red Cross Web site, www.riredcross.

org.

For more information on making a donation or becoming a volunteer or corporate sponsor, visit the Operation Holiday Cheer page on my Web site, www.ltgov.ri.gov/ohc, or call my office at (401) 222-2371.


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United Food and Commercial Workers Union nears $1 million to support Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Local 328 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union

(UFCW) has been a committed supporter of The Leukemia &

Lymphoma Society (LLS), having raised more than $880,000 in southern

New England to support blood cancer research. Those dollars make

a significant local addition to the $37 million the UFCW has raised

nationally since 1983.

During fiscal year 2010 alone, the UFCW raised an amazing $1.7

million in the United States and $1.7 million in Canada. The UFCW

has 1.3 million members in North America, with the majority employed

in the grocery industry. The UFCW also represents workers in nursing

homes, clothing stores, poultry, meatpacking and food processing plants.

“We’re closing in on raising a cumulative total of $1 million this year

right in southern New England,” said Local 328 President David

Fleming.

This year UFCW will apply some of those funds to issue a $1 million

challenge grant, agreeing to match up to $1 million in donations made

by LLS supporters through a year-end giving appeal.

Local 328’s fundraising activity has involved a variety of efforts,

including some very successful charity golf tournaments. “The efforts of

David Fleming, president, and James Riley, secretary-treasurer, have been

truly amazing over the years,” said LLS Rhode Island Executive Director

Bill Koconis. Last year Local 328 raised $90,328 through its raffle sales,

a golf tournament at the Swansea Country Club and support from

customers who frequent union grocery stores.

“The LLS is grateful to all the support we have received over the years

from the members of the UFCW, and this challenge grant is a great way

to inspire our supporters to give to the mission,” said LLS President and

Chief Executive Officer John Walter.

For more information about how to support Local 328 in its efforts

to reach $1 million, call (401) 861-0300. For additional information

on programs or services provided by the LLS, contact the Rhode Island

chapter at (401) 943-8888.

The LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated

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research around the world and provides free information and support

services.

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Allen P. Durand John P. Shalvey Business Manager President

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EXECUTIVE BOARD BUSINESS AGENTS Joseph J. Bairos Steven Labrie Secretary-Treasurer Principal Executive Officer Kevin Reddy Kevin Reddy Joseph Boyajian President Daniel Manocchio James Croce Vice President Michael Nunes Recording Secretary Dennis Mello Trustee Susan Folan Trustee Janet O’Grady Trustee

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PAUL C. REEDPresident

JOSEPH A. ANDRIOLEVice President

PAUL A. DOUGHTYSecretary Treasurer

MARCEL E. FONTENAULT, JR.Exec. Bd. Chairman

1ST DISTRICT V.P. John Silva

2ND DISTRICT V.P. Steve Rodrigues

3RD DISTRICT V.P. Michael Stevens

ROBERT K. NEILL, JR.Staff Representative

PAUL L. VALLETTA, JR.Legislative Agent

REBECCA D. FISHERLegislative Agent

356 Smith Street • Providence, Rhode Island 02908 • (401) 272-6870

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PROVIDENCE FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 799INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS

Paul A. Doughty, President

Philip F. Fiore, Vice President

Scott G. Mello, Secretary

John F. Woodard, Treasurer

Executive Board Representatives

Christopher J. JannittoJoseph P. Moreino

Hans RamsdenWayne C. OliveiraZachariah Kenyon

Anthony Toro

92 Printery Street Paul A. DoughtyProvidence, RI 02904 401-569-4444 401-272-7999 (O)401-274-7999 (F) local799.com

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There are many volunteer opportunities to help animals By Dennis Tabella Defenders of Animals is an organization

that has been helping animals in Rhode

Island for more than 30 years. You can be

part of the highly-regarded organization by

becoming a member for $25 per year.

The Defenders of Animals is strictly

a volunteer organization. There are no

paid staff members so that all the funds

raised are used for direct services such as

veterinary attention, spaying and neutering

and adoption for stray animals and pets

families are forced to give up.

Some volunteers are involved in letter-writing campaigns regarding

animal issues; others wish to be involved with making arts and crafts or

baked goods for fundraising events.

The organization has volunteers that foster dogs or cats; help to

transport companion animals to hospitals or new homes; or walk

dogs. Some active members attend protests, or testify at state and

local government meetings. The organization also gets involved with

educational issues and works with students on school projects.

Defenders of Animals conducts low-cost spay/neuter clinics, which

volunteers help coordinate in cooperation with the Humane Association of

Northwestern Rhode Island’s Spay/Neuter Your Pet Program in Pascoag.

In addition, there are opportunities to be involved in the pet lost and

found program that the Defenders of Animals operates. The organization

works with individuals who have found a cat or dog and

those who have lost a companion animal.

Volunteers can make a big difference in the welfare

of animals throughout the state by being involved with

Defenders of Animals, which has been recognized by the

General Assembly for its achievements.

Please contact Defenders of Animals Inc. at (401) 461-

1922 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. We

also encourage Rhode Islanders to view group’s Web site at

http://www.defendersofanimals.org.

Dennis Tabella is director of Defenders of Animals Inc.

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David P. FlemingPresident

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United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 328278 Silver Spring Street • Providence, RI 02904-2593 • 401.861.0300 • 800.624.7776 • www.ufcw328.org


It wasn’t too many years ago that the addiction or alcohol abuse recovery process consisted of some white knuckles, lots of aspirin, countless cigarettes and maybe an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting or two. While addiction has increased at an alarming rate since the white-knuckle days of the past, it is fortunate that the science of addiction has progressed, allowing substantial improvement in the areas of treatment and recovery. For instance, until the 1970s, most substance abuse programs in the U.S. were informal, community-based, voluntary self-help groups such as AA. The development of a treatment continuum of care increased the number of effective options available for help. Unfortunately, many programs have become lost in large complicated health care bureaucracies. That is the true irony of the situation: As the quantity and quality of available programs increased, the recovery sector became a gold rush of sorts. As investors scrambled to make money in the recovery game, the insurance companies tightened the reigns on patient accessibility and catered to those who were prepared to spend the most. It is the insurance companies that made it extra difficult for the average citizen to get the treatment needed for addiction. When you consider the staggering addiction statistics, faceless insurance companies have obviously kept countless struggling addicts sick; more irony. Considering the fact that people who are employed spend nearly half of their lives working to earn a living while generating revenue for their employer, it was only a matter of time before addiction took a toll on employers who were not only losing employees, but were also losing revenue. After the research was in, we learned that it was cheaper for an employer to treat an addicted employee than to terminate them. That was the magic moment in the labor movement, the point at which union leaders recognized that they needed to help rehabilitate their members as well as protect them. Unions had always taken care of their own, and addiction wasn’t going to change that. It took some time to convince employers of the importance of programs to help employees overcome addictions, but when companies implemented such programs, businesses flourished. There were quite a few programs popping up to assist with employees’ needs, but it wasn’t until 1991 that Labor Assistance Professionals (LAP) emerged to promote the development of peer-based member assistance programs within the labor movement. If it weren’t for LAP founders Mike Blackburn, senior vice president of Treatment Solutions Network, and state Sen. John J. Tassoni Jr., publisher of “Common Ground,”

labor unions may never have found solutions to addiction-related problems that were destroying businesses and employees. LAP was organized to help reform an overly bureaucratized treatment system that made services increasingly remote from and unresponsive to the real needs of drug and alcohol-abusing workers. With roots dating back to the union beneficial societies of the 1840s, which focused on helping the alcoholic worker, LAP believes that today’s preoccupation with building large professional bureaucracies must be balanced by a return to focusing on the needs of workers and their families. It is this old-school mentality that became the glue LAP used when attracting unions in need of help. As insurance companies have sought to restrict access to treatment, LAP has begun to advocate for a revival of the traditions of worker self-help and mutual aid. “Get-tough-on-drugs” politics limits help for substance abusers and discourages them from seeking assistance because the workers are afraid of losing their jobs. Assistance programs define drug use at work as unacceptable because it creates safety risks and otherwise impairs job performance. The programs emphasize the role of peer counselors, who are trained union members volunteering their time to prevent drug abuse, motivate their co-workers with drug abuse problems to accept help and support them when they return to work. Union members help each other to stay clean and sober. The LAP mission statement explains exactly why this group is here to change lives for the better. It states: “We are committed to ensuring the availability of quality and effective chemical dependency and mental health treatment services for workers and their families by promoting the value and efficacy of such services to those within the workplace. We are dedicated to enhancing the competency and availability of Labor Assistance Professionals and programs through networking opportunities, continuing education and professional certification. We are dedicated to increasing the recognition of the key role Labor Assistance Programs have in advancing workplace wellness and safety by serving as the voice of employee assistance programs, with a specialized sensitivity to organized labor within the Behavioral Health Care industry. “LAP is dedicated first to obtaining comprehensive alcohol and drug treatment and other mental health services for its members at a reasonable and fair price. Second, they are advocating for member assistance program development within labor and for recognition of the key role labor plays from the field’s professional organization and by its treatment providers. The LAP is a thorough machine

that for over 20 years has not only guided employees and employers to a better way, but it also carved the path.” Addiction has been around forever, and proper treatment of addiction is relatively new, but teaching an entire work force how to look after and protect its members from becoming an addiction casualty is an overwhelming task that LAP has been teaching for quite some time. LAP stands for solidarity and safety. With the services it has been providing since 1991, there are a lot more thriving businesses and a lot less white knuckles. Steve Miranda is a consultant for Treatment Solutions Network’s Northeast region. If you have any questions or know someone who may need his services, contact him at [email protected] or (508) 525-5974. Visit www.treatmentsolutionsnetwork.com for more information.

Employee assistance programs have saved workers and their companies By Steve Miranda

Ex-battalion chief keeps extinguishing addiction fires In 2003, Mike Blackburn retired

from the Providence Fire Department

after a 30-year career, with the rank of

battalion chief. He was the director and

a founding member of the employee

assistance program for the Providence

Fire Department Local 799. Blackburn

also served for six weeks at Ground Zero

as part of the International Association

of Fire Fighters’ lead team, doing critical

incident work. He is still a member of

the Rhode Island State Critical Incident

Stress Team and says he is proud to be

a dues-paying member of the retirees of

Providence Fire and Police union. He

also continues to provide several fire

departments throughout Rhode Island

help with employee assistance programs.

Blackburn is a founding member and past

president of the Rhode Island Chapter

of Labor Assistance Professionals. He

is the past national labor director for

the Employee Assistance Professionals

Association. Michael also serves as vice

president of the board of directors of the

Rhode Island Council on Alcoholism.

Michael is also senior vice president of

Treatment Solutions Network. He can

be reached at [email protected] or

(401) 255-4622.


Rhode Island Judicial,Professional and Technical Employees’

LOCAL UNION 808

Frank A. Ciccone Pasquale Zompa Norma M. Sousa Business Manager President Vice President

Claudia Porrazzo David GarzoneRecording Secretary Executive Board Member

Dominick J. Ruggerio Gina M. Sabitoni-ArakelianSecretary-Treasurer Executive Board Member

Coalition gives green light to several initiatives to improve transportation By James Celenza The Coalition for Transportation Choices (CTC) sees several major issues emerging in the near future that will encourage the growth of a variety of transportation options that promote public transit and the health and economic development of our communities. The issues include: • Establishing a transportation trust fund. In 2008, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel developed a set of recommendations to increase sustainable funding sources for transportation. The CTC also developed a parallel set of proposals and introduced legislation to identify adequate and sustainable funding sources for roads, bridges and public transportation. The CTC urges a systematic review of all options. An important first step is the upcoming formation of a special Senate commission chaired by Sen. Josh Miller, D-Cranston, to conduct the review. • Ascertaining how funds used for transportation by human service agencies across the state can be more efficiently directed to support public transit. A conservative estimate of annual spending by various human service agencies for transportation is $70 million. It is believed that a joint study on human service transportation will lead to savings and efficiencies that could help strengthen public transit. • Supporting transportation alternatives in design and development. The CTC encourages the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to aggressively implement existing public laws that support alternatives to the personal automobile, such as giving priority to pedestrian and bicycle traffic when planning and constructing state projects. The Complete Streets initiative is an example of an alternative that encourages development to unite and connect communities. • Supporting implementation of the 2008 State Employee Commuter Reduction Act. The act created a task force to develop, publicize and implement a plan to provide incentives for state employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled, including the option to forego free parking in favor of a public transit pass. The panel is also considering incentives to encourage public sector employees to carpool. • Supporting execution of Safe Routes to School projects. The CTC supports implementation of infrastructure projects in communities that were awarded federally funded grants in 2007 and 2010 through the Rhode Island Safe Routes to School Program.

On the national level, the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act went into effect in 2005 to provide funding and direction for the maintenance and development of the nation’s transportation system. The act is up again for reauthorization. For the past two years Congress has simply extended the reauthorization date without revamping the act, even though many transit and public health advocates see reauthorization an opportunity to change the blueprint for transportation policy and set new priorities for spending transportation funds. The CTC supported several bills in the last Congress addressing the national transportation crisis, including the impact of vehicle emissions on climate change, but none passed. However, one bill — the Livable Communities Act of 2009 (S-1619) — did come out of committee and could be moved to a floor vote during the lame-duck Congress. The legislation would establish in the executive branch an independent Interagency Council on Sustainable Communities to formulate a program to award comprehensive planning grants and sustainability challenge grants to: • Promote integrated transportation, housing, energy and economic development activities carried out across governmental jurisdictions. • Promote sustainable and location efficient development. • Implement projects identified in a comprehensive regional plan. James Celenza is director of the Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health and a principle founder of the Coalition for Transportation Choices. Contact him at (401) 751-2015.

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One is male; the rest are female. They are dewormed, up-to-date on

vaccinations and have tested negative for feline leukemia/FIV. If you are interested in adopting any of the

kittens, contact Defenders of Animals Inc. at (401) 461-1922 or e-mail [email protected].

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Sun. 31 WorcesterSharks 1:05p.m.

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In an election marked by dramatic defections from the Democratic Party, older voters swung hardest, seemingly threatened by President Barack Obama’s mantra of change. Voters over age 65 favored Republicans by a 21-point margin after flirting with Democrats in the 2006 midterm elections and favoring John McCain by a relatively narrow 8-point margin in 2008. Concerned by changes to Medicare and compelled by a Republican Party that promised a return to America’s glory days, seniors played a crucial — and often understated — role in races across the country. They were not swayed by ubiquitous Democratic warnings about Republican changes to Social Security, and they put a series of campaigns out of reach for Democrats. The exit polls and analysts suggest that older voters went to the polls in disproportionate numbers, as they often do in non-presidential elections. Fear that health reform was going to damage Medicare figured in their motivation. The truth never got through the noise and fear-mongering. The truth is that Medicare spending will continue to grow, albeit a little bit more slowly; health reform actually adds about a dozen years to the life of the Medicare trust fund; and, perhaps most salient to older voters, Medicare will add benefits aimed at improving the prevention, detection and management of illnesses, starting in January. The truth about Social Security is that more than 900,000 children live with grandparents who rely on the program’s benefits as their major source of income. Without the benefits, 35 percent of the recipients would be in poverty. We pay into Social Security while we’re working and we get benefits when we need them. Social Security is not in crisis, hasn’t contributed a penny to the deficit and has a $2.5 trillion surplus. There is enough money to pay full

benefits through 2037, and if high earners pay the same payroll taxes we pay, Social Security will provide full benefits into the foreseeable future.

John A. Pernorio is president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans Inc. Contact him at [email protected].

Many seniors bought into Republican Party’s promises By John A. Pernorio

Of all the worries in society, how did our diets become our biggest

threat? Diet-related disease is now the biggest killer in the U.S.

If it isn’t hurting your health, it’s still hurting your wallet: Obesity is

costing Americans 10 percent, or $150 billion, a year, of their health care

bill, and it is projected the price tag will double in the next 10 years to

$300 billion. Smoking, once considered the major culprit to health care

costs, has been far surpassed by obesity.

With obesity comes increasing risks of:

• Cardiovascular disease (mainly heart disease and stroke), which is

the world’s No. 1 cause of death, killing 17 million people each

year.

• Diabetes (type 2), which has rapidly become a global epidemic.

• Musculoskeletal disorders, especially osteoarthritis.

• Some cancers, including endometrial, breast, and colon cancer.

In addition, childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of

premature death and disability in adulthood.

The World Health Organization (WHO) adds: “What is not widely

known is that the risk of health problems starts when someone is only

very slightly overweight, and that the likelihood of problems increases as

someone becomes more and more overweight. Many of these conditions

cause long-term suffering for individuals and families. In addition, the

costs for the health care system can be extremely high.”

It’s not just the U.S. According to 2010 WHO statistics, every

continent except for Antarctica is represented on the list of the world’s

top 25 fattest countries. The causes are simple yet infuriatingly difficult

to reverse -- humans are eating more and moving less.

Global trends toward urban environments and a reduction in back

breaking or even simply strenuous labor means people are not burning as

many calories as our more svelte ancestors.

In addition, the new global food chain provides an abundance of soda

and potato chips, meat and butter compared to traditional diets, which

were based on less calorie- and fat-dense foods. To make matters worse,

junk food is often cheaper than fruits and vegetables.

The WHO projects that in 2015, the number of overweight adults

will balloon to 2.3 billion, up from 1.6 billion in 2005. The number

of obese people is expected to rise from 400 million to 700 million. If

those trends are not hurting your health, they are hurting your wallet by

causing health care costs to increase by billions of dollars. Smoking was

once considered the major culprit to rising health care costs, but it has

now been far surpassed by obesity.

“We’re locked in genetically with taste buds that respond to fat, sugar

and salt,” said Philip James, chairman of the London-based International

Obesity Task Force. Those were precious commodities to be gobbled

up when we were roaming the African savanna. Now we need to stop

gobbling.

“In America, we’ve placed convenience and comfort as top priority.

We’ve ‘convenienced’ ourselves into multiple patterns of poor health. If

we don’t change, we’ll convenience ourselves to death,” he said.

Obesity is a nasty word no one likes to hear. Like it or not, obesity

is an illness millions face each day. The National Health and Nutrition

Examination Survey for 1999-2000 reported that 64 percent of adult

Americans were either overweight or obese. What exactly is obese?

Although there are many scientific definitions, obesity is the generally

accepted term for a person whose weight is more than 20 percent above

the expected weight for their age, sex, height, and build.

Obesity is generally measured by a person’s body mass index (BMI),

which is a weight-to-height ratio. A BMI of 25 is considered overweight

while a 30 is obese. The WHO says that once a person’s BMI hits 21, the

risk of related health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease

increases significantly.

You cannot change some facets of your body, but you can work to

change being overweight or obese and you can start now. Obesity is one

of the few preventable contributors to many serious health conditions, so

the sooner the change the better.

Why are so many Americans overweight? Look at restaurant row

in any American town and you’ll see more than a dozen cheap burger

restaurants. It’s hard to spot a convenient, healthy alternative for a fast

meal at a good price. Americans simply eat too many of the wrong foods.

We live in a time of supers-sized portions. Ready-made, high-fat, high-

calorie foods are the convenient norm, not the exception.

The super-sizing of America

A 2004 study proved the proposition: Americans are eating more.

Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta,

Ga., evaluated the caloric consumption of average Americans between

1971 and 2000. For men, the average daily consumption increased from

2,450 to 2,618 calories. That’s a jump of 168 calories a day. It may not

seem like much, but over the course of a year, it will add 17 pounds. The

news is worse for women, who added 335 calories a day over the 30-year

span.

Americans are eating more both at home and away. Portion size and

calories consumed increased in all food categories. The greatest increase

was in soft drinks, salty snacks, hamburgers, French fries and Mexican

food. From that list, you’ll surely predict another important finding:

The greatest increase in portions and calories occurred at fast-food

establishments.

In 2001, Americans spent more than $110 billion on fast food. The

appeal is obvious in today’s busy world, but the feeding frenzy doesn’t

depend on convenience alone. Advertising feeds the nation’s appetite for

fast food, with children a major target. It’s no surprise that one survey

found that 96 percent of American schoolchildren recognized Ronald

McDonald, placing him just behind Santa Claus among fictional icons.

Jumbo servings add to the problem. A typical serving of McDonald’s

fries contains three times more calories today than when the franchise

began. A “regular” soda at Burger King contained 12 ounces in 1954,

but a “small” cup contained 16 ounces and a medium” cup 21 ounces in

2002. The emphasis on large, relatively inexpensive portions has spilled

over to many foods, from cookies to popcorn to steaks.

In one year, an American adult consumes 40 pounds of white bread,

41 pounds of potatoes, 30 pounds of cheese and 77 pounds of added fats

(butter, lard and cooking oil), plus 52 gallons of soda. In all, the U.S.

Department of Agriculture reports that food consumption rose by 8

percent, or about 140 pounds per person per year, during the ‘90s.

There are too many couch potatoes in America

Genetic and environmental factors also play a strong role in adult

obesity, though they are often overlooked. Some people are genetically

prone to weight gain. Others face challenging environments such as

sedentary working conditions or lack of support from family and friends.

The intense effects those conditions have on an individual’s motivation

are often underestimated.

See DIET Continued on page 14

Our diets are killing us:What we can do to reverse the trend?By Malcolm Tinkham


Causes of Death, United States

Heart Disease

All Cancers

Stroke

Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases

Accidents

Diabetes

Alzheimer’s Disease

In�uenza and Pneumonia

Kidney Disease

Septicemia

Suicide

Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis

Hypertension

Parkinson’s Disease

Homicide

0% 10% 20% 30%

Leading Causes of Deathfor the Total Population in 2006

Conditions Caused by Diet and Obesity

Source National Vital Statistics Reports Volume 57, Number 14, “Deaths: Final Data for 2006” April 17, 2009


UA Local Union 51 Plumbers • Pipefitters • Refrigeration

Thomas a. handfield

Business Manager

RobeRT WalkeR TimoThy l. byRne fRedeRick foeRi William d. mello

Financial Secretary Business Agent Organizer/Agent Business Agent

Done Once. Done Right SERVING RHODE ISLAND AND SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

II Hemingway Drive, East Providence, Rhode Island 02915

Telephone: 401-943-3033. Fax: 401-943-8027

www.ualocal51.com

DIET Continued from page 13 Inactivity is

another contributor. The U.S. Surgeon General

reports that 60 percent of U.S. adults do not

exercise enough and 25 percent of adults don’t

exercise at all. Sparse physical activity combined

with poor diet contributes to about 300,000

premature deaths in the U.S. yearly.

For millions, repeated efforts to lose weight

yield few results. To succeed in losing weight,

you cannot simply end poor health habits;

many try this and fail. Instead, you must replace

poor health habits with strong, good habits.

The fastest way to do that is to

require yourself to change; alter

your circumstances so you have

to live a more “fit” lifestyle to go

about your day successfully. Make

convenience take a back seat to

the rewards of living a fit life.

What does it mean to be “fit”?

You do not need to be an

athlete to live a fit lifestyle.

Simply put, being fit means

that you can perform common

daily tasks and leisure activities

without a struggle. Many health

and fitness experts believe that 30

minutes of moderately intensive

activity such as fast walking

five days a week will gradually

improve your fitness level.

If you have not exercised

recently, check with your doctor

first and start small, with five

minutes of exercise a day. You

can work your way up. Start by

replacing one or two convenience

habits with healthy habits such

as parking far away and walking

to your destination or taking the

stairs instead of the elevator.

If you are a TV fan, require yourself to

exercise while watching. For example, walk on a

treadmill or do leg lifts while viewing a program.

Look for convenience habits you’ve adopted

that sabotage your health and create healthy

substitutions one at a time. Once you look for

them, you’ll be surprised by how many you find

and how many you have the power to change.

Once you have several healthy habits in place,

consider scheduling exercise times. Often, health

clubs offer convenient 30-minute programs to

accommodate those with busy schedules. If you

opt for more vigorous exercise such as jogging, 15

to 20 minutes at least three days a week will help

you keep fit.

Next month’s article will address how minor

diet corrections can reduce your waist line.

Malcolm Tinkham is president of The

Healthy Benefits in Cumberland. Contact him at

[email protected]. Web sites he

used for research included www.globalissues.org,

www.minnpost.com/globalpost and www.ted.com/

talks/jamie_oliver.html.


STM ERAE ST

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EH

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DISTRICT 4 - LOCAL 12431

172 Longfellow SreetProvidence, Rhode Island 02907p. 401.527.6792 f. 401.284.3677

Joseph A. MontanaroPresident

Gary GlittoneVice President

Steven KirbyFinancial Secretary

Gordon HuffmanTreasurer

Mark BoyajianRecording Secretary

LOCAL 12NBUY LOCAL

(401) 946-9940/946-3710Fax: (401) 946-5060

E-mail: [email protected]

PAUL R. ENOSVice President

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Phil FogartyPresident

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Office: (401) 738-8007Cell: (401) 932-3642Fax: (401) 738-1180

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Anthony Toro











Anthony Toro


PROVIDENCE – People wanting to know how to build strong communities can turn to organized labor for guidance. Led by members of Local 94 of the Car-penters Union, organized labor’s response to city woman Colleen Higgins, who ran out of money to have a handicap ramp installed at her home, demonstrates union members have deep concern for their neighbors. After meeting with Higgins, Tom Savoie, organizer of for Local 94, had volunteers look at the plans for the project and visit the job site. It was determined that the plans were too elaborate, putting the cost of the project out of Higgins’ financial reach. Her architect revised

the plans, and the down-sized project received approval from the city’s Building Department. Based on an estimate from the Ron Mail-hot, lead volunteer for the project, Higgins eventually purchased the materials needed to finish installing the ramp and Local 94 members went to work. Joining Mailhot, were carpenters Rick Charron, Rick Paul and Ralph Miozza. The project involved removal of brick around the front porch on Higgins’ house, which needed to be done to remove a deck and raise the porch to the level of the first floor. Apprentice instructor Anthony Cota from Bricklayers Local 3 and trainees Justin

Young and Cory Gonsalves voluntarily re-paired the brick. In addition, Michael Perrotta, fellow members of Laborers Local 271 and students from the New England Laborers/Cranston Public Schools Construction Career Academy removed a section of Higgins’ driveway and then poured a concrete pad necessary for Col-leen to get into a motor vehicle and exit her property. The laborers spoke to Teamsters Local 251 members who convinced the Baccala Concrete Corp, which is headquartered in Johnston, to donate the cement. The Teamsters represent the truck drivers for the company.

Union members hammer home organized labor’s commitment to philanthropy


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rhode island Carpenterslocal union 94

David F. palmiscianopresident

Thomas J. savoieVice president

William F. HolmesFinancial secretary

W. paul landertrustee

14 Jefferson park road

Warwick, ri 02888

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DIRECTORY OF UNION SERVICES

Bristol Branch390 Metacom AvenueBristol, RI 02809(401) 253-1313

URI BranchURI Memorial UnionKingston, RI 02881(401) 789-0253

Dexter Credit Unionwww.dextercu.org1 Village Plaza WayNorth Scituate, RI 02857(401) 934-7600

934 Dexter StreetCentral Falls, RI 02863(401) 724-6200

Woodlawn FederalCredit Union744 Main StreetPawtucket, RI 02860(401) 728-8300

The Carpenters’ Unionrepresents:

First Trade Union Bankwww.ftubhb.com14 Jefferson Park RoadWarwick, RI 028881-800-242-0272

FUNCTION FACILITIES

Biltmore Hotel11 Dorrance StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 455-3027Scott Connery, Director ofCatering

Brown University45 Prospect St.Providence, RI 02912(401) 863-1075Cynthia Schwartz, Director ofUniversity Event

Bryant University1150 Douglas PikeSmithfield, RI 02917(401) 232-6921Sheila Guay, Director of Events

BARBERS &HAIRDRESSERS

Some barbers and hairdressersare organized by UFCW Local328. For a list of union barbershops and hairdressers, pleasecontact Local 328 at(401) 861-0300 orwww.ufcw328.org

BUILDING TRADES

For home and businessconstruction, repairs, oradditions please contact oneof the following unions for areputable contractor in yourarea. For general questions orhelp please call Build RI at(401) 553-2100 orwww.BuildRI.org

BoilermakersLocal No. 29(617) 328-8400

BricklayersLocal No.1(401) 946-9940

CarpentersLocal No. 94(401) 467-7070

Elevator ConstructorsLocal No. 39(401) 423-2293

GlaziersLocal No. 1333(401) 781-4736

Heat and Frost InsulatorsLocal No. 6(617) 436-4666

International Brotherhoodof Electrical WorkersLocal No. 99(401) 946-9900

International Unionof Operating EngineersLocal No. 57(401) 421-6678

Iron Workers LocalLocal No. 37(401) 438-1111

LaborersLocal No. 271(401) 331-9682

Painters & Allied TradesDistrict Council 11(401) 467-7010

Plaster & MasonsLocal No. 40(401) 943-1185

Plumbers & PipefittersLocal No. 51(401) 943-3033

Rhode Island Building Trades(401) 438-1111

Roofers & WaterproofersLocal No. 33(781) 341-9192

Sheet Metal WorkersLocal No. 17(401) 831-7150

Sprinkler FittersLocal No. 676(860) 666-4447

TeamstersLocal No. 251(401) 434-0454

BUS SERVICES

RIPTARhode Island Public TransitAuthority265 Melrose StreetProvidence, RI 02907(401) 781-9400www.ripta.com

Peter Pan Bus LinesCorporate HeadquartersP.O. Box 1776Springfield, MA 01102-17761-800-237-8747 ext. 1209www.peterpanbus.com

CHILD CAREPROVIDERS

To arrange on-site child carecoverage for your meetings orconferences, or to locate aDCYF-licensed home-basedchild care provider in yourneighborhood or near yourworkplace, contact the unionof home-based child careproviders, District 1199 SEIU,at (401) 457-5099 orwww. seiu1199ne.org

DELIVERY SERVICES

United Parcel ServiceThe Teamsters Local 251represent Rhode Island’s UPSworkers. For the outlet nearestyou, or to schedule a homepick up, please contact UPS atwww.ups.com or1-800-PICK-UPS.

United States Postal ServiceYour local post office isrepresented by the NationalAssociation of Letter Carriers,the American Postal WorkersUnion and the National PostalMail Handlers Union (a divisionof the Laborers Union.)www.usps.com

FINANCIALINSTITUTIONS

Credit union employees areorganized by UFCW Local328.

Rhode Island Credit Unionwww.ricreditunion.orgProvidence Branch160 Francis StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401) 751-7440

Cranston Branch570 Pontiac AvenueCranston, RI 02910(401) 941-8770

Community Collegeof Rhode IslandKnight Campus, WarwickFlanagan Campus, LincolnListon Campus, ProvidenceNewport CampusCCRI Downcity(401) 825-2015Edna Mattson

Dunkin Donuts Center1 LaSalle SquareProvidence, RI 02903(401) 331-0700 ext. 150Robert Sturm, Event Manager

Newport Grand150 Admiral Kalbfus RoadNewport, RI 02840(401) 849-5000 ext. 157David Rollin

Providence College549 River AvenueProvidence, RI 02918(401) 865-1000 ext. 2070Victoria Mocshu

Rhode Island College600 Mount Pleasant AvenueProvidence, RI 02908(401)456-8022Kathy Sasso

RI Convention Center1 Sabin StreetProvidence, RI 02903(401)-458-6002Antonia Anthony, Director ofEvent Services

Roger Williams Park Casino1000 Elmwood AvenueProvidence, RI 02905(401) 785-9450 ext. 240Lisa Gonzales, Casino EventPlanner

Roger Williams University1 Old Ferry RoadBristol, RI 02809(401) 253-1040 ext. 3793Allison Chase-Padula

Twin River1600 Louisquisset PikeLincoln, RI 02865(401) 723-3200 ext. 8497Alana Barts

University of Rhode IslandKingston, Alton Jones CampusProvidence Campus(401) 874-2214Sherry Davis

HOSPITALS

UNAP members work atthe following locations:

• Fatima Hospital• Greater RI Visiting

Nurse Service• Homestead Group• Kent Hospital• Landmark Medical Center• Memorial Hospital• Rehabilitation Hospital

of RI• Rhode Island Hospital• RI Community Living &

Support Services• RI Dept of Human Services• RI Veterans’ Home• URI, CCRI, RIC Health

Services• Westerly Hospital

(Professional & Technical)• Westerly Hospital (Service

& Maintenance)• Zambarano Hospital

SEIU 1199 members work atthe following locations:

• Butler Hospital• Women & Infants

Hospital

JANITORIAL SERVICES

Some janitorial companies areorganized by SEIU Local 615.For a list of unionized janitorialservices, contact the Local 615office at (401) 521-6150 orvisit their website atwww.seiu615.org.

NEWSPAPERS

Common Ground Newswww.commongroundnews.netSubscribe401.451.1305

Providence Journalwww.projo.comSubscribe(401) 277-7600

Pawtucket Timeswww.pawtuckettimes.comSubscribe(401) 722-4000

Woonsocket Callwww.woonsocketcall.comSubscribe(401) 767-8522

NURSING HOMES

SEIU 1199 members work atthe following locations:

• Bannister House• Charlesgate Nursing

Center• Country Gardens

Skilled Nursing• Crawford Skilled Nursing• Greenville Skilled

Nursing• Hopkins Manor• Pawtucket Skilled Nursing• Parkview Associates• United Methodist Health

Care Center

PRINTERS, BANNERS& SIGNS

B Sign Graphics27 Libera StreetCranston, RI 02920Phone: (401) 943-6941Fax: (401) 943-2287

Checkmate ConsultingGroup & Printing461 Main StreetEast Greenwich, RI 02818Phone: (401) 885-0666Fax: (401) 885-0775

Cogens, Inc.1 Virginia AvenueProvidence, RI 02905Phone: (401) 421-4436Fax: (401) 331-9032

Crownmark109 Fletcher AvenueCranston, RI 02920Phone: (401) 943-1112Fax: (401) 943-1113

Dorrance Engraving635 Prospect StreetPawtucket, RI 02860Phone: (401) 725-0504Fax: (401) 725-0504

East Coast Screen Printing22 Partridge StreetProvidence, RI 02908Phone: (401) 272-1166Fax: (401) 272-1167

Federal Signs135 Dean StreetProvidence, RI 02903Phone: (401) 421-3400Fax: (401) 351-2233

Financial Innovations1 Weingeroff Blvd.Cranston, RI 02919Phone: (401) 467-3170Fax: (401) 467-3570

JB Foley Printing1469 Broad StreetProvidence, RI 02905Phone: (401) 467-3616Fax: (401) 467-8309

Lamar Outdoor Advertising360 Warren AvenueE. Providence, RI 02914Phone: (401) 421-4504,Fax: (401) 421-4757

Mandeville Sign Co.676 George Wash. Hwy.Lincoln, RI 02865Phone: (401) 334-9100Fax: (401) 334-7799

Regine Printing Co., Inc.208 Laurel Hill AvenueProvidence, RI 02909Phone: (401) 943-3404Fax (401) 944-1228

R.I. Litho Printing, Inc.1395 Atwood AvenueJohnston, RI 02919Phone: (401) 275-0760Fax: (401) 464-6002

Screen Works, LLC62 South Main StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895Phone: (401) 692-0304

Sheahan Printing Corp.1 Front StreetWoonsocket, RI 02895Phone: (401) 273-7272Fax: (401) 769-9206

Sign Lite, Inc.6 Corporate DriveN. Haven, CT 06473Phone: 1-800-544-0854Fax: (203) 234-8344

The Sign ShoppeP.O. Box 2296Westerly, RI 02891Phone: (401) 364-7442

Tarvis Graphics Inc.21 Sabin StreetPawtucket, RI 02860Phone: (401) 726-5530Fax: (401) 723-6420

SUPERMARKETS

Supermarket employees at thestores listed below aremembers of UFCW Local 328or UFCW Local 791.

Super Stop and Shop• Bristol• Coventry• Cumberland• Johnston• Lincoln• Middletown• Narragansett• Newport• North Kingstown• North Providence• North Smithfield• Pawtucket• Providence• Richmond• Smithfield• Warwick• Westerly

Shaw’s Supermarket• Barrington• Garden City• Cranston• East Providence• Riverside• Johnston• Middletown• North Providence• Pawtucket• Providence• Wakefield• Warwick• Lakewood• Westerly• Woonsocket

Eastside Marketplace• Providence

Brigidos IGA• Pascoag• North Scituate

Grand Union Family Markets• South Yarmouth• Provincetown• Buzzards Bay• South Yarmouth

C-Town Supermarket• Pawtucket

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Checkmate ConsultingGroup & Printing461 Main StreetEast Greenwich, RI 02818Phone: (401) 885-0666Fax: (401) 885-0775

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

All public school employees areorganized by the Rhode IslandFederation of Teachers andHealth Professionals or theNational Education Associationof Rhode Island.

The following Charter Schoolsare also unionized:

• Laborers Charter School• Textron Charter School• Times 2 Charter School

RECYCLING AND TRASHREMOVAL SERVICES

Waste Management ofRhode Island(800) 972-4545

TELEPHONE, INTERNET& CABLE SERVICES

AT&T Wireless1 (800) 897-7046www.wireless.att.comUnion members recieve specialdiscounts on AT&T wirelessservice plans. For moreinfomation to towww.unionplus.org

VerizonVerizon, whose employees aremembers of the InternationalBrotherhood of ElectricalWorkers Local 2323, canprovide for all of your homeand office internet, telephoneand cable TV needs throughVerizon’s new FiOS (Fiber OpticService) network.

Simply call 1-888-Get FiOSor 1-888-591-6076.

Or contact IBEW 2323 at(401) 732-IBEW (4239).

IBEW 23231150 New London AvenueCranston, RI 02920

The Sentinel Group, LLC111 Wayland AvenueProvidence, RI 02906Phone: (401) 451-1305Fax: (401) 831.6111

BUY Union Products. USE Union Services.Use your hard earned money to support hard working union members!

P.O. Box 7613Warwick, RI 02887

(401) 751-7100

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Partnering withRhode Island’s Municipalities toProvide the Most Effective and

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Common Ground December

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