Bush rescinds responsibility rule
When it comes to presidential executive orders, what Bill Clinton giveth, President Bush can taketh away.

In the Dec. 27 "Federal Register," the Bush Administration cancelled a Clinton Administration rule that barred firms from federal contracts if they had recently violated labor, environmental or other laws.

Clinton instituted the executive order in the waning days of his presidency, and it took effect on Jan. 19, 2001. Clearly, it was an outgoing gesture of friendship by Clinton to labor unions. The federal government issued a stay in the regulations in April.

The AFL-CIO said the regulations were based on the "simple, common-sense proposition that the government should take a company's track record of complying with the law into account before giving that company a federal contract worth millions of dollars." The federation called Bush's action "an outrage."

The rule made it clear that complying with federal labor, consumer, tax, antitrust, workplace safety, environmental and civil rights laws is part of the test for being a "responsible contractor."

Numerous business groups, including the Associated General Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hailed President Bush's action. Some called the contractor responsibility rule "blacklisting."

636 BA Inmanrunning for commissioner
Building trades workers and their families are urged to vote for Pipe Fitters Local 636 Business Agent Chuck Inman, who is running for Oakland County Commission, 4th District, in a special election.

The primary election will take place on Monday, Jan. 8; but the more important general election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5. Inman is running on the Democratic ticket in a heavily Republican area, which includes Clarkston and portions of Waterford and Independence Twp.

A 32-year member of Local 636, Inman has been an elected union official for the past 14 years.

"I am proud to be a part of the success my local has accomplished in keeping the membership of our union well informed on our issues," Inman said, "while providing a voice for the working men and women of our local."

If you can help by posting a lawn sign or in any other way, Inman can be paged at (248) 523-1841.

Scholarship available through building trades
A five-year renewable scholarship to attend Western Michigan University is available to current Michigan Building Trades Council-affiliated building trades union members, their spouses or dependents.

The single five-year renewable scholarship is valued at $5,500 per year and can be used to pay for tuition and fees. It is intended for students seeking an undergraduate degree at WMU. Scholarship renewal is based on Western's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

One renewable scholarship is awarded per year. As part of the scholarship application process, the applicant must complete a 250-word essay that answers the question, "How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals at WMU?" Applicants will be judged on the basis of the essay and academic history. The member submitting the application must have the form signed by his/her local union business manager.

This is the third year that the scholarship has been awarded. The origin of the scholarship came from the settlement of a lawsuit brought by the Michigan Building Trades Council against Western Michigan, which was in violation of the state Prevailing Wage Act.

To obtain a scholarship application and to learn more about the process, contact your local union.