people's economy

New campaign calls for state budget to put people’s rights and needs first

Vermont Workers’ Center launches Put People First! The People’s Budget Campaign

* * * FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE * * *
Vermont Workers' Center
Contact: James Haslam, 802-272-0882, james@workerscenter.org
http://www.workerscenter.org/budgetreport

December 10, 2010
Vermont falls short of protecting economic and social rights

New Vermont Workers’ Center report finds public service cuts hurt Vermonters

The People’s Budget Campaign

"Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control." Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

The City of Burlington is considering whether to implement a fair trade “Project Labor Agreement” (PLA) for the Moran Plant reconstruction. A PLA is essentially a one-job collective bargaining agreement between the owner and all the contractors that outlines terms and conditions of employment (family-supporting wages, benefits, disciplinary procedures, work schedules, safety expectations, etc.). Most importantly, a PLA would give Burlingtonians access to state-certified apprenticeships and quality health insurance and retirement benefits through the local building trades union halls.