Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
MURAL HOSTAGE VIGIL: DAY 33
' "Commissioned for the Department of Labor and
administered by the Maine Arts Commission" and under that it says
"Building Maine Communities through the arts." photo by [Kelly DeFreitas Staples]
This photo was taken yesterday (4/28) at the DOL in Augusta...
It hangs at the DOL-as a placeholder for the mural(at least in the eyes of those who know it should be returned there)... it makes a statement similar to the empty frames that hang in the Gardner Museum in Boston-in place of the stolen paintings.
Maine's child-labor mess
Maine's child-labor mess
' ..the teenage employment bills might have passed through the legislature quietly by now had LePage not made a controversial decision to remove a labor history mural.'
' ..the teenage employment bills might have passed through the legislature quietly by now had LePage not made a controversial decision to remove a labor history mural.'
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Sun Op-ed: Governor premature in celebrating mural victory
In today's Portland Daily Sun:
"Editor,
Judge John Woodcock’s decision to deny a temporary restraining order in the Maine Labor History Mural case came as no surprise. Judge Woodcock noted during oral arguments that federal courts are reluctant to interfere in state affairs and that he was inclined “to allow the status quo to exist while a more ordered and thorough process is completed.”
Though Gov. LePage declared to a handful of his supporters that “We won,” his claim of victory is as premature as Pres. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech in 2003, during which he declared victory in a war that rages on eight years later.
According to arts professional and activist Edgar Beem, “We won the moment the US DoL put in writing that LePage was out of order with the terms of the federal funding when he seized the mural. We won the moment Taylor stated publicly that LePage had not consulted her – as required by her business contract – when he seized the mural. The injunctions before Judge Woodcock are simply about the disposition of the mural and what happens next.”"
For the rest of the letter, see:
http://portlanddailysun.me/letters/story/governor-premature-celebrating-mural-victory
"Editor,
Judge John Woodcock’s decision to deny a temporary restraining order in the Maine Labor History Mural case came as no surprise. Judge Woodcock noted during oral arguments that federal courts are reluctant to interfere in state affairs and that he was inclined “to allow the status quo to exist while a more ordered and thorough process is completed.”
Though Gov. LePage declared to a handful of his supporters that “We won,” his claim of victory is as premature as Pres. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech in 2003, during which he declared victory in a war that rages on eight years later.
According to arts professional and activist Edgar Beem, “We won the moment the US DoL put in writing that LePage was out of order with the terms of the federal funding when he seized the mural. We won the moment Taylor stated publicly that LePage had not consulted her – as required by her business contract – when he seized the mural. The injunctions before Judge Woodcock are simply about the disposition of the mural and what happens next.”"
For the rest of the letter, see:
http://portlanddailysun.me/letters/story/governor-premature-celebrating-mural-victory
MURAL HOSTAGE VIGIL: DAY 32
Just found this: "The mural, putting up the mural, or taking down the mural, never created a job and that’s my position"[LePage] "Hmm, the artist who was hired to paint the mural might disagree." (quoted from a comment to a blog post)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
MURAL HOSTAGE VIGIL - DAY 31
Please leave comments below posts here- or go to our facebook page and join in the conversation there- or both!
The bully-in-chief's required reading
Pat Le Marche speaks about our Bully-in-chief in Bangor Daily News
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
MURAL HOSTAGE VIGIL - DAY 28
Judge John Woodcock’s decision to deny a temporary restraining order in the Maine Labor History Mural case came as no surprise. Judge Woodcock noted during oral arguments that federal courts are reluctant to interfere in state affairs and that he was inclined “to allow the status quo to exist while a more ordered and thorough process is completed.”
Though Gov. LePage declared to a handful of his supporters that “We won,” his claim of victory is as premature as Pres. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech in 2003, during which he declared victory in a war that rages on eight years later.
According to arts professional and activist Edgar Beem, “We won the moment the US DoL put in writing that LePage was out of order with the terms of the federal funding when he seized the mural. We won the moment Taylor stated publicly that LePage had not consulted her – as required by her business contract – when he seized the mural. The injunctions before Judge Woodcock are simply about the disposition of the mural and what happens next.”
Contrary to what the governor seems to believe, Judge Woodcock did not “throw the case out.” He simply and predictably denied a temporary restraining order seeking to restore the mural. The legal and moral fight for justice in the mural censorship case will continue.
Still to be answered are the U.S. Department of Labor’s demand for the mural to be re-hung (or the Reed Act funds that paid for the mural returned), the issue of LePage’s breaching the artist contract and whether the LePage administration violated the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990.
As well, if Woodcock orders the LePage administration to allow members of the public to check on the disposition of the mural and either LePage refuses or the mural is damaged, there will be serious legal consequences.
As Judge Woodcock himself points out in his decision, “Maine’s political leaders are ultimately responsible to the electorate.” Who ultimately wins the battle over the Maine Labor History Mural may not be decided until the next gubernatorial election. According to activist Joan Braun, “We have already been proven right in the court of public opinion, but we do not intend to wait four years for justice.”
Though Gov. LePage declared to a handful of his supporters that “We won,” his claim of victory is as premature as Pres. Bush’s “Mission Accomplished” speech in 2003, during which he declared victory in a war that rages on eight years later.
According to arts professional and activist Edgar Beem, “We won the moment the US DoL put in writing that LePage was out of order with the terms of the federal funding when he seized the mural. We won the moment Taylor stated publicly that LePage had not consulted her – as required by her business contract – when he seized the mural. The injunctions before Judge Woodcock are simply about the disposition of the mural and what happens next.”
Contrary to what the governor seems to believe, Judge Woodcock did not “throw the case out.” He simply and predictably denied a temporary restraining order seeking to restore the mural. The legal and moral fight for justice in the mural censorship case will continue.
Still to be answered are the U.S. Department of Labor’s demand for the mural to be re-hung (or the Reed Act funds that paid for the mural returned), the issue of LePage’s breaching the artist contract and whether the LePage administration violated the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990.
As well, if Woodcock orders the LePage administration to allow members of the public to check on the disposition of the mural and either LePage refuses or the mural is damaged, there will be serious legal consequences.
As Judge Woodcock himself points out in his decision, “Maine’s political leaders are ultimately responsible to the electorate.” Who ultimately wins the battle over the Maine Labor History Mural may not be decided until the next gubernatorial election. According to activist Joan Braun, “We have already been proven right in the court of public opinion, but we do not intend to wait four years for justice.”
Saturday, April 23, 2011
MURAL HOSTAGE VIGIL - Day 27
Come join the conversation on our facebook page...
http://www.facebook.com/mainelabormural
http://www.facebook.com/mainelabormural
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The Universal Notebook: Reign of error in LePage's state of me | The Forecaster
The Universal Notebook: Reign of error in LePage's state of me | The Forecaster
"Now, you may not think this is a big deal, but, ladies and gentlemen, if the governor can remove any work of art he doesn’t like from public view, does he also have the power to remove any book he doesn’t like from the state library? Based on the state’s argument, we have to presume he does:
“The present administration has now decided to remove that artwork because it was not satisfied that the message conveyed by the work at that location was appropriate.”
"Now, you may not think this is a big deal, but, ladies and gentlemen, if the governor can remove any work of art he doesn’t like from public view, does he also have the power to remove any book he doesn’t like from the state library? Based on the state’s argument, we have to presume he does:
“The present administration has now decided to remove that artwork because it was not satisfied that the message conveyed by the work at that location was appropriate.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Judge taking time to decide case
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/19/politics/hearing-set-tuesday-on-plea-to-return-maine-labor-mural/
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Official information for the Tuesday rally & press conference in Bangor
PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY TO RETURN THE HISTORY OF MAINE LABOR MURAL
OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, OUR MAINE!
CONTACTS:
Rob Shetterly (207)326-8459, robert.shetterly@gmail.com
Natasha Mayers (207)549-7516, mayersnatasha@gmail.com
Joan Braun (207)585-2218, joanhenrybraun@yahoo.com
Check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mainelabormural) and blog (http://mainelabormural.blogspot.com) for updates.
WHAT: Press conference and Rally
WHERE: Pierce Park, next to Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor
WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, starting at 11:30, depending on when the court hearing ends, until 1 p.m.
In case of rain, the rally will move to the Lecture Hall of the library.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Attorney Jeff Young or Jonathan Beal, Rob Shetterly and Natasha Mayers from the Union of Maine Visual Artists, author Edgar Beem, art historian Daniel Kany, and representatives from the Maine State Nurses Association and from Food and Medicine.
MUSICIANS INCLUDE: David Dodson, Strong Like Bull, Nine to Nine.
PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY TO RETURN THE HISTORY OF MAINE LABOR MURAL
OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, OUR MAINE!
(Bangor, Maine) Supporters of the effort to return Judy Taylor’s History of Maine Labor mural to its rightful place in the Department of Labor in Augusta will rally on Tuesday, April 19th at about 11:30 at Pierce Park, next to the Bangor Public Library.
The rally will follow a 10:00 a.m. hearing in the Federal Courthouse on a suit charging that Governor LePage violated citizens' First Amendment right of access to the mural by removing it. The court proceedings are open to the public. Those who attend the hearing will march at its conclusion in a parade from the courthouse to the rally in Pierce Park. Everyone who supports the First Amendment, labor rights, and ethical governance is invited to join in.
“Whatever happens at the hearing,” notes artist Joan Braun, one of the plaintiffs in the suit against the governor, “we know that we will ultimately prevail. The will of the people of Maine cannot be disregarded without serious consequences. I think we all want the Governor to do the right thing and return the mural to the DoL immediately.”
In case of rain, the rally will take place in the Lecture Hall of the Bangor Public Library. For updates and additional information, please check the Maine Labor Mural Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mainelabormural) or blog (http://mainelabormural.blogspot.com).
Those who plan to attend the hearing should enter the courthouse on the left side of the building through the security checkpoint. Cell phones should be left in cars, as they are not allowed on the floor where the hearing rooms are located. It is best to park in the Abbott Square parking lot across from the library because parking at the Federal Buildling is limited to one hour.
OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, OUR MAINE!
CONTACTS:
Rob Shetterly (207)326-8459, robert.shetterly@gmail.com
Natasha Mayers (207)549-7516, mayersnatasha@gmail.com
Joan Braun (207)585-2218, joanhenrybraun@yahoo.com
Check our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mainelabormural) and blog (http://mainelabormural.blogspot.com) for updates.
WHAT: Press conference and Rally
WHERE: Pierce Park, next to Bangor Public Library, 145 Harlow Street, Bangor
WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, starting at 11:30, depending on when the court hearing ends, until 1 p.m.
In case of rain, the rally will move to the Lecture Hall of the library.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Attorney Jeff Young or Jonathan Beal, Rob Shetterly and Natasha Mayers from the Union of Maine Visual Artists, author Edgar Beem, art historian Daniel Kany, and representatives from the Maine State Nurses Association and from Food and Medicine.
MUSICIANS INCLUDE: David Dodson, Strong Like Bull, Nine to Nine.
PRESS CONFERENCE AND RALLY TO RETURN THE HISTORY OF MAINE LABOR MURAL
OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, OUR MAINE!
(Bangor, Maine) Supporters of the effort to return Judy Taylor’s History of Maine Labor mural to its rightful place in the Department of Labor in Augusta will rally on Tuesday, April 19th at about 11:30 at Pierce Park, next to the Bangor Public Library.
The rally will follow a 10:00 a.m. hearing in the Federal Courthouse on a suit charging that Governor LePage violated citizens' First Amendment right of access to the mural by removing it. The court proceedings are open to the public. Those who attend the hearing will march at its conclusion in a parade from the courthouse to the rally in Pierce Park. Everyone who supports the First Amendment, labor rights, and ethical governance is invited to join in.
“Whatever happens at the hearing,” notes artist Joan Braun, one of the plaintiffs in the suit against the governor, “we know that we will ultimately prevail. The will of the people of Maine cannot be disregarded without serious consequences. I think we all want the Governor to do the right thing and return the mural to the DoL immediately.”
In case of rain, the rally will take place in the Lecture Hall of the Bangor Public Library. For updates and additional information, please check the Maine Labor Mural Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mainelabormural) or blog (http://mainelabormural.blogspot.com).
Those who plan to attend the hearing should enter the courthouse on the left side of the building through the security checkpoint. Cell phones should be left in cars, as they are not allowed on the floor where the hearing rooms are located. It is best to park in the Abbott Square parking lot across from the library because parking at the Federal Buildling is limited to one hour.
Recent, related articles
http://www.kjonline.com/opinion/removal-of-murals-drove-wedge-between-lepage-many-mainers_2011-04-15.html
http://www.timesrecord.com/articles/2011/04/15/opinion/commentaries/doc4da86ecbee6e9958727949.txt
http://thedailynewsonline.com/entertainment/article_b59debd4-64aa-11e0-bc3c-001cc4c002e0.html
http://www.wabi.tv/news/19316/judge-is-asked-to-intervene-on-labor-mural-issue
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/11/2161973/maine-ag-says-mural-removal-is.html
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/opinion/letters/workers-struggles-are-part-of-u_s_-maine-history_2011-04-10.html
http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineHeadlineNews/tabid/968/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3479/ItemId/15960/Default.aspx
http://www.newmainetimes.org/articles/2011/04/11/editorial-maine-crossroads-when-art-becomes-threat-establishment/
http://www.timesrecord.com/articles/2011/04/15/opinion/commentaries/doc4da86ecbee6e9958727949.txt
http://thedailynewsonline.com/entertainment/article_b59debd4-64aa-11e0-bc3c-001cc4c002e0.html
http://www.wabi.tv/news/19316/judge-is-asked-to-intervene-on-labor-mural-issue
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/11/2161973/maine-ag-says-mural-removal-is.html
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/opinion/letters/workers-struggles-are-part-of-u_s_-maine-history_2011-04-10.html
http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineHeadlineNews/tabid/968/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3479/ItemId/15960/Default.aspx
http://www.newmainetimes.org/articles/2011/04/11/editorial-maine-crossroads-when-art-becomes-threat-establishment/
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
STOP the roll-back of Child Labor Laws! A note from Charlotte Warren, Associate Director of Maine Women's Lobby
STOP the roll-back of Child Labor Laws!
Join us this Friday for the public hearing of L.D. 1346
First, Governor LePage went after the mural portraying Maine's child laborers. Now, he's going after Maine's child labor laws.
Maine’s child labor laws were first enacted in 1847.
Room 208, Cross State Office Building, Augusta, Maine. Please join us at the public hearing this *PLEASE* share this event! Let's STOP the roll-back of child labor protections. At a time when business leaders recognize that student achievement is critical to Maine's economic growth, these bills would shortchange students and impair Maine's economic success. A sub-minimum wage of $5.25 an hour. Now, there is L.D. 1346, which eliminates all those protections and does much more. Most startling is the sub-minimum wage the bill would create for any secondary student under the age of 20 or trainee for the first 6 months of employment. and keep them working until 11 o’clock on a school night. First, there was L.D. 516 which would permit employers to schedule teens to work up to 24 hours during the school week, up to six hours on a school day And, now, there is an attempt in Augusta to roll-back those protections. These child labor laws have been strengthened repeatedly over the years because educators complained that students forced to work long hours outside of school were falling asleep in class.
Questions? email me at cwarren@mainewomen.org.
Charlotte Thank you! http://bit.ly/fbnZoU http://bit.ly/h0eg5z http://bit.ly/g9ujFC Want more info about these bills? Check out some of our recent action alerts here:
Charlotte M. Warren
Associate Director
Maine
Women's Lobby
Phone: (207) 622-0851, ext. 24
Cell: (207) 441-9116
E-mail: cwarren@mainewomen.org
Web site: www.mainewomen.org
The Voice of Maine Women
Join us this Friday for the public hearing of L.D. 1346
First, Governor LePage went after the mural portraying Maine's child laborers. Now, he's going after Maine's child labor laws.
Maine’s child labor laws were first enacted in 1847.
Room 208, Cross State Office Building, Augusta, Maine. Please join us at the public hearing this *PLEASE* share this event! Let's STOP the roll-back of child labor protections. At a time when business leaders recognize that student achievement is critical to Maine's economic growth, these bills would shortchange students and impair Maine's economic success. A sub-minimum wage of $5.25 an hour. Now, there is L.D. 1346, which eliminates all those protections and does much more. Most startling is the sub-minimum wage the bill would create for any secondary student under the age of 20 or trainee for the first 6 months of employment. and keep them working until 11 o’clock on a school night. First, there was L.D. 516 which would permit employers to schedule teens to work up to 24 hours during the school week, up to six hours on a school day And, now, there is an attempt in Augusta to roll-back those protections. These child labor laws have been strengthened repeatedly over the years because educators complained that students forced to work long hours outside of school were falling asleep in class.
Questions? email me at cwarren@mainewomen.org.
Charlotte Thank you! http://bit.ly/fbnZoU http://bit.ly/h0eg5z http://bit.ly/g9ujFC Want more info about these bills? Check out some of our recent action alerts here:
Charlotte M. Warren
Associate Director
Maine
Women's Lobby
Phone: (207) 622-0851, ext. 24
Cell: (207) 441-9116
E-mail: cwarren@mainewomen.org
Web site: www.mainewomen.org
The Voice of Maine Women
OUR RIGHTS, OUR FUTURE, OUR MAINE!
OUR Mural,OUR History.....
There will be a court hearing in Bangor on Tuesday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. to hear and address the lawsuit against LePage and others and the removal of our mural from the Maine Department of Labor.
There will be a Press Conference and Rally at NOON also in Bangor! Please Stay tuned here and on our our FACEBOOK PAGE for updated info!
There will be a court hearing in Bangor on Tuesday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. to hear and address the lawsuit against LePage and others and the removal of our mural from the Maine Department of Labor.
There will be a Press Conference and Rally at NOON also in Bangor! Please Stay tuned here and on our our FACEBOOK PAGE for updated info!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Restraining Order Request Filed Against Governor LePage in US District Court
For Immediate Release
April 8, 2011
Contact:
Attorney Jeff Young 207-725-5581
207-841-1881
McTeague Higbee
Attorney Jonathan Beal 207-879-1556
Debra Tenenbaum 207-286-4271
gBritt PR
Request for Temporary Restraining Order Filed Against Governor LePage to Return Labor Mural to Department of Labor Lobby
PORTLAND, Maine – In a new development in the lawsuit filed in United States District Court against Governor LePage last week, attorneys Jeffrey Neil Young and Carol Garvan of McTeague Higbee, and attorney Jonathan Beal of Portland, filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Federal Court today. The request for TRO seeks to compel Governor LePage to return the mural to its proper place for public exhibit, at the Maine Department of Labor office in Augusta.
In the request for TRO, Plaintiffs also ask the Court to order Governor LePage and the other defendants to reveal the location of the mural that was removed from the Maine Department of Labor’s (MDOL’s) lobby on March 26, and to ensure the mural is in good condition and is protected. Attorney Jeff Young stated, “We are filing a TRO today in order to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, and hopefully return the mural to its rightful place. It is important to remember that by removing the mural, Governor LePage is infringing on the people of Maine’s First Amendment rights and denying everyone the opportunity to learn about, and be inspired by, the history of Maine’s workers. Our Constitution prohibits our government from taking down artwork simply because it disagrees with a viewpoint.”
The Complaint alleges that Governor LePage’s removal of the mural denied plaintiffs their First Amendment right to view the mural. Attorney Jonathan Beal commented, “this kind of censorship, based on the artist’s portrayal of episodes in the history of struggle and achievements of Maine workers, is contrary to every principle of this democracy, and the principles of the people of this State.”
The Plaintiffs are Don Berry, training director of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 567, of Sumner; John Newton, an industrial hygienist, of Portland; and three Maine artists: Robert Shetterly of Brooksville, Natasha Mayers of Whitefield, and Joan Braun of Weld. The sixth plaintiff is attorney Jonathan Beal of Portland, who requested a public hearing prior to the removal of the mural.
About McTeague Higbee:
McTeague Higbee, founded in 1976, is a plaintiffs-only firm dedicated to giving voice to people who often don’t have one. With experience in both state and federal courts including national litigation, McTeague Higbee has particular prominence in asbestos litigation, workplace discrimination, workers’ compensation, construction accidents, and personal injury. McTeague Higbee and Jeffrey Neil Young, the lead counsel in this case, have brought a number of successful class, collective, and mass actions on behalf of workers for violation of the ADEA (partnering with Goldstein Demchak in a suit against IBM), the WARN Act, ERISA, and wage and hour laws, as well as individual civil rights actions. For more information about McTeague Higbee, visit www.mcteaguehigbee.com.
About Jonathan Beal:
Jon Beal is an attorney practicing in Portland, Maine and focusing on representing Maine workers and their unions, as well as disabled workers. Jon is licensed to practice in both Maine and New Hampshire, and has extensive experience in litigating before the National Labor Relations Board and other state and federal agencies, as well as in arbitrating on behalf of Unions in both states.
# # #
April 8, 2011
Contact:
Attorney Jeff Young 207-725-5581
207-841-1881
McTeague Higbee
Attorney Jonathan Beal 207-879-1556
Debra Tenenbaum 207-286-4271
gBritt PR
Request for Temporary Restraining Order Filed Against Governor LePage to Return Labor Mural to Department of Labor Lobby
PORTLAND, Maine – In a new development in the lawsuit filed in United States District Court against Governor LePage last week, attorneys Jeffrey Neil Young and Carol Garvan of McTeague Higbee, and attorney Jonathan Beal of Portland, filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Federal Court today. The request for TRO seeks to compel Governor LePage to return the mural to its proper place for public exhibit, at the Maine Department of Labor office in Augusta.
In the request for TRO, Plaintiffs also ask the Court to order Governor LePage and the other defendants to reveal the location of the mural that was removed from the Maine Department of Labor’s (MDOL’s) lobby on March 26, and to ensure the mural is in good condition and is protected. Attorney Jeff Young stated, “We are filing a TRO today in order to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, and hopefully return the mural to its rightful place. It is important to remember that by removing the mural, Governor LePage is infringing on the people of Maine’s First Amendment rights and denying everyone the opportunity to learn about, and be inspired by, the history of Maine’s workers. Our Constitution prohibits our government from taking down artwork simply because it disagrees with a viewpoint.”
The Complaint alleges that Governor LePage’s removal of the mural denied plaintiffs their First Amendment right to view the mural. Attorney Jonathan Beal commented, “this kind of censorship, based on the artist’s portrayal of episodes in the history of struggle and achievements of Maine workers, is contrary to every principle of this democracy, and the principles of the people of this State.”
The Plaintiffs are Don Berry, training director of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 567, of Sumner; John Newton, an industrial hygienist, of Portland; and three Maine artists: Robert Shetterly of Brooksville, Natasha Mayers of Whitefield, and Joan Braun of Weld. The sixth plaintiff is attorney Jonathan Beal of Portland, who requested a public hearing prior to the removal of the mural.
About McTeague Higbee:
McTeague Higbee, founded in 1976, is a plaintiffs-only firm dedicated to giving voice to people who often don’t have one. With experience in both state and federal courts including national litigation, McTeague Higbee has particular prominence in asbestos litigation, workplace discrimination, workers’ compensation, construction accidents, and personal injury. McTeague Higbee and Jeffrey Neil Young, the lead counsel in this case, have brought a number of successful class, collective, and mass actions on behalf of workers for violation of the ADEA (partnering with Goldstein Demchak in a suit against IBM), the WARN Act, ERISA, and wage and hour laws, as well as individual civil rights actions. For more information about McTeague Higbee, visit www.mcteaguehigbee.com.
About Jonathan Beal:
Jon Beal is an attorney practicing in Portland, Maine and focusing on representing Maine workers and their unions, as well as disabled workers. Jon is licensed to practice in both Maine and New Hampshire, and has extensive experience in litigating before the National Labor Relations Board and other state and federal agencies, as well as in arbitrating on behalf of Unions in both states.
# # #
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
EMAIL RESPONSE FROM REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE LES FOSSEL TO A CONSTITUENT-Mark Melnicove
Tue, Apr 5, 2011 at 5:40 PM
subject RE: E-Newsletter courtesy of Rep. Les Fossel
mailed-by legislature.maine.gov
5:40 PM (3 hours ago)
Mark:
Thank you for your e-mail.
It looks like the Federal Government is going to do our work for us. This is a relief to me since I just don't have the time to take this on as a cause. I don't think the mural should have been removed. I think the best thing at this point would be that the Governor put it back without any further comment. There are too many more important things that I am responsible for, that I must do, for me to go further. You are welcome to pass on my comments.
Les
subject RE: E-Newsletter courtesy of Rep. Les Fossel
mailed-by legislature.maine.gov
5:40 PM (3 hours ago)
Mark:
Thank you for your e-mail.
It looks like the Federal Government is going to do our work for us. This is a relief to me since I just don't have the time to take this on as a cause. I don't think the mural should have been removed. I think the best thing at this point would be that the Governor put it back without any further comment. There are too many more important things that I am responsible for, that I must do, for me to go further. You are welcome to pass on my comments.
Les
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Maine GOP responds to mural controversy..
AND a response from Poet and Educator, Lee Sharkey...
"We all need to respond to this with letters to the editor, etc.. It's a timely reminder that, however attractice a target LePage may be, he is not the source of the problem. I've sent the following to the Bangor Daily:
The statement the Maine Republican Party issued today about the Maine labor history mural shows that it’s not just Governor LePage who refuses to recognize the struggles Maine’s working people have gone through to earn a living wage and better their families’ lives. The mural depicts Mainers working in the textile and paper mills, garment factories, shoe shops, granite quarries, and woods. To call it “a waste of taxpayer funds” is an act of disrespect for the generations of Maine workers it depicts and for the labor of the artist, Judy Taylor, who spent a year researching and painting the mural. To call it “a self-honoring monument selected by Baldacci Labor Commissioner Labor Fortman” is an uncalled-for personal attack. Perhaps it is a tactic to keep us from remembering that the Republicans in the state legislature are every bit as responsible as the governor for the legislative program that would eliminate environmental protections, drastically modify child labor laws, cut medical benefits for seniors and low-income Mainers, and give a big tax cut to the richest among us while using the fiscal crisis this contributes to as an excuse to cut essential programs. We need to let our legislators know what we think about their disrespect and the plans they have for us."
"We all need to respond to this with letters to the editor, etc.. It's a timely reminder that, however attractice a target LePage may be, he is not the source of the problem. I've sent the following to the Bangor Daily:
The statement the Maine Republican Party issued today about the Maine labor history mural shows that it’s not just Governor LePage who refuses to recognize the struggles Maine’s working people have gone through to earn a living wage and better their families’ lives. The mural depicts Mainers working in the textile and paper mills, garment factories, shoe shops, granite quarries, and woods. To call it “a waste of taxpayer funds” is an act of disrespect for the generations of Maine workers it depicts and for the labor of the artist, Judy Taylor, who spent a year researching and painting the mural. To call it “a self-honoring monument selected by Baldacci Labor Commissioner Labor Fortman” is an uncalled-for personal attack. Perhaps it is a tactic to keep us from remembering that the Republicans in the state legislature are every bit as responsible as the governor for the legislative program that would eliminate environmental protections, drastically modify child labor laws, cut medical benefits for seniors and low-income Mainers, and give a big tax cut to the richest among us while using the fiscal crisis this contributes to as an excuse to cut essential programs. We need to let our legislators know what we think about their disrespect and the plans they have for us."
EXCELLENT VIDEO OF APRIL 4 RALLY IN AUGUSTA BY ART MAYERS (approx 13 min)
link to "Put Back the mural"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3BzVza6uM
Bangor Daily News on the US Dept of Labor letter and the capitol rally
BDN regarding the US Department of Labor's insisting that the mural it paid for be put back up:
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/04/politics/us-labor-dept-steps-into-maine-mural-dispute/
BDN regarding the rally in the Capitol Building's Hall of Flags:
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/04/politics/us-labor-dept-steps-into-maine-mural-dispute/?ref=relatedSidebar
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/04/politics/us-labor-dept-steps-into-maine-mural-dispute/
BDN regarding the rally in the Capitol Building's Hall of Flags:
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/04/politics/us-labor-dept-steps-into-maine-mural-dispute/?ref=relatedSidebar
Monday, April 4, 2011
NPR reports on todays actions at the capital
http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=135121171&m=135121157
Michelle Norris from "All Things Considered" introduces MPB Susan Sharon on today's action at the capital, the lawsuits filed, and LePage's relationships to Obama, the NAACP, Republican senators and the people of Maine.
Michelle Norris from "All Things Considered" introduces MPB Susan Sharon on today's action at the capital, the lawsuits filed, and LePage's relationships to Obama, the NAACP, Republican senators and the people of Maine.
Actual DoL letter to LePage regarding misuse of funds
http://media.kjonline.com/documents/US+Labor+Dept.+letter+to+Maine+Labor+Dept..pdf
Notice that the letter indicates the LePage administration must comply with the terms of the letter "as a condition of the continued participation in the Federal-State UC program" - not something LePage can afford to mess around with...
Notice that the letter indicates the LePage administration must comply with the terms of the letter "as a condition of the continued participation in the Federal-State UC program" - not something LePage can afford to mess around with...
Sunday, April 3, 2011
UPDATE: Current list of Speakers and Sponsors for Return Our Mural Press Conference tomorrow,April 4 at noon in the Hall of Flags, State House, Augusta
Speakers:
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA) Don Tuski, MECA president
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
Lee Sharkey, poet and educator
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
David Marshall, Portland City Council, artist and gallery owner
a statement from Judy Taylor, read by Joan Braun, artist
Sponsors:
Maine College of Art (MECA)
MSEA-SEIU Local 1989
Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
CodePink
Maine Green Independent Party
Common Cause of Maine
Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Veterans for Peace, Maine Chapter 001
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Galleries
Carlo Pittore Foundation (Carlo was the founder of the Union of Maine Visual Artists)
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA) Don Tuski, MECA president
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
Lee Sharkey, poet and educator
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
David Marshall, Portland City Council, artist and gallery owner
a statement from Judy Taylor, read by Joan Braun, artist
Sponsors:
Maine College of Art (MECA)
MSEA-SEIU Local 1989
Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
CodePink
Maine Green Independent Party
Common Cause of Maine
Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Veterans for Peace, Maine Chapter 001
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Galleries
Carlo Pittore Foundation (Carlo was the founder of the Union of Maine Visual Artists)
RETURN OUR MURAL Press Conference Tomorrow,April 4!
How are those creative and eye-catching signs and posters coming?
Satirically 'Business Friendly' or just Sincerely outraged! OR,if it's more your style,respectfully disappointed! Colorful,eye-catching and on point!
OUR MISSION?
RETURN OUR MURAL TO ITS PROPER AND INTENDED HOME!!!!!!!!!
JOIN US TOMORROW AT NOON IN THE HALL OF FLAGS,STATE HOUSE, AUGUSTA.
We value the support of those who can attend in spirit only and WE HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU THERE!
Satirically 'Business Friendly' or just Sincerely outraged! OR,if it's more your style,respectfully disappointed! Colorful,eye-catching and on point!
OUR MISSION?
RETURN OUR MURAL TO ITS PROPER AND INTENDED HOME!!!!!!!!!
JOIN US TOMORROW AT NOON IN THE HALL OF FLAGS,STATE HOUSE, AUGUSTA.
We value the support of those who can attend in spirit only and WE HOPE TO SEE MANY OF YOU THERE!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
A poem by Barbaria Maria 3/2011
Identity Theft (for the workers, artists, poets of Maine-many of whom are one & the same)
America, I hear you gasping,
mugged. Your home, your job,
your pension, your unions, your history,
your art. And when even
the memory of these is gone,
how will you stir? For what? For poetry.
Because poetry is not the ex-mayor
or the next mayor or the governor.
Poetry is not a Koch brother but what he heard
a neighbor say when he was eight and how his collar
scratches the back of his neck when he’s nervous
or how the light swept across his kitchen counter this morning.
Poetry is queen and king and everything,
the small gust of air from a battery powered
pocket fan that helps Betty
catch her breath when she reels
toward the floor on the company production line
after a double shift because a rag
got mangled in one of the machines
dispersing itself into hundreds of donuts
the first time around. Poetry is breath.
Poetry is not the talk, talk, talk,
or the big bloated idea
pushing a bad transaction,
but the other eye watching,
the ear making note of how words
that look like they’re going somewhere
start twisting backward to the opposite of truth,
and wrap around the throat.
Poetry is not the crosshairs
marking an Arizona Saturday
that coughs blood for lunch,
but the scope of things to come,
the angle begging the future
to slide toward us unharmed.
Poetry is not bodies dropping on the street
but the last thing they touched,
a rayon sleeve, a folded paper falling,
a hammered silver spiral pin below the collar.
Poetry is hunger, a thirst
rising off the lips of workers.
Poetry is spit and beauty.
Poetry is DNA. Our history
in minute detail. Was it yellow or gold,
cloth or plastic the little dog charm
she kept in her left pocket?
Was it blueberry pie your grandmother baked?
Try to remember?
America I hear you gasping, mugged.
Get some air, before you drift
unconscious and wake up jangling
with the sticky spare change
in the corporate cat’s pocket,
a legal alien in another world
than the one you were born in.
Get some air,
look for a detail you remember.
Count on the poetry.
Because poetry is not the ex-mayor
or the next mayor or the governor.
Poetry is not a Koch brother or a bank.
Poetry is queen and king and everything.
Poetry is oxygen.
©Barbaria Maria 3/2011
America, I hear you gasping,
mugged. Your home, your job,
your pension, your unions, your history,
your art. And when even
the memory of these is gone,
how will you stir? For what? For poetry.
Because poetry is not the ex-mayor
or the next mayor or the governor.
Poetry is not a Koch brother but what he heard
a neighbor say when he was eight and how his collar
scratches the back of his neck when he’s nervous
or how the light swept across his kitchen counter this morning.
Poetry is queen and king and everything,
the small gust of air from a battery powered
pocket fan that helps Betty
catch her breath when she reels
toward the floor on the company production line
after a double shift because a rag
got mangled in one of the machines
dispersing itself into hundreds of donuts
the first time around. Poetry is breath.
Poetry is not the talk, talk, talk,
or the big bloated idea
pushing a bad transaction,
but the other eye watching,
the ear making note of how words
that look like they’re going somewhere
start twisting backward to the opposite of truth,
and wrap around the throat.
Poetry is not the crosshairs
marking an Arizona Saturday
that coughs blood for lunch,
but the scope of things to come,
the angle begging the future
to slide toward us unharmed.
Poetry is not bodies dropping on the street
but the last thing they touched,
a rayon sleeve, a folded paper falling,
a hammered silver spiral pin below the collar.
Poetry is hunger, a thirst
rising off the lips of workers.
Poetry is spit and beauty.
Poetry is DNA. Our history
in minute detail. Was it yellow or gold,
cloth or plastic the little dog charm
she kept in her left pocket?
Was it blueberry pie your grandmother baked?
Try to remember?
America I hear you gasping, mugged.
Get some air, before you drift
unconscious and wake up jangling
with the sticky spare change
in the corporate cat’s pocket,
a legal alien in another world
than the one you were born in.
Get some air,
look for a detail you remember.
Count on the poetry.
Because poetry is not the ex-mayor
or the next mayor or the governor.
Poetry is not a Koch brother or a bank.
Poetry is queen and king and everything.
Poetry is oxygen.
©Barbaria Maria 3/2011
UPDATE TO SPONSORS AND SPEAKERS APRIL 4 RETURN OUR MURAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Carlo Pittore Foundation,(founder of the Union of Maine Visual Artists(UMVA)
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Carlo Pittore Foundation,(founder of the Union of Maine Visual Artists(UMVA)
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
PLEASE VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE! Check out new posts there...
we've just posted A Letter to the Editor from Alan Crichton, Board President On behalf of the Board of Directors of Waterfall Arts,Belfast,Maine
(facebook link can be found in the right-hand column)
(facebook link can be found in the right-hand column)
UPDATE TO SPONSORS AND SPEAKERS APRIL 4 RETURN OUR MURAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Reverend Linda Campbell-Marshall, retired United Methodist pastor
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
PLEASE VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE!
WE HAVE OVER 1000 'FRIENDS' OF MAINELABORMURAL ON FACEBOOK--MUCH SHARED COMMENTARY AND POSTING OF ARTICLES AND BLOGS. CHECK IT OUT!
(There is a link to our page in the column to the right)
(There is a link to our page in the column to the right)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Artists File Federal Lawsuit Over Maine Labor Mural
04/01/2011 4:20 PM ET from MPBN
The suit has been filed against Maine Gov. Paul LePage and other state officials for taking down an 11-panel mural depicting the history of labor in Maine that LePage ordered removed from the state's Department of Labor.
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court against Maine Gov. Paul LePage and other state officials for removing the labor history mural from the lobby of the state's Department of Labor.
The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of three artists, an attorney who requested a hearing before it was removed and two people in the labor community who have meetings in the building.
Artist Judy Taylor, who created the 11-panel mural that depicts the history of labor in Maine, is not one of the plaintiffs. Among other things, the plaintiffs are asking that the mural be restored.
The suit has been filed against Maine Gov. Paul LePage and other state officials for taking down an 11-panel mural depicting the history of labor in Maine that LePage ordered removed from the state's Department of Labor.
A lawsuit has been filed in federal court against Maine Gov. Paul LePage and other state officials for removing the labor history mural from the lobby of the state's Department of Labor.
The lawsuit has been filed on behalf of three artists, an attorney who requested a hearing before it was removed and two people in the labor community who have meetings in the building.
Artist Judy Taylor, who created the 11-panel mural that depicts the history of labor in Maine, is not one of the plaintiffs. Among other things, the plaintiffs are asking that the mural be restored.
UPDATE TO SPONSORS AND SPEAKERS APRIL 4 RETURN OUR MURAL PRESS CONFERENCE
UPDATE TO SPONSORS and SPEAKERS AT APRIL 4 RALLY IN AUGUSTA
some of the speakers and sponsors: (sponsors in bold)
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
some of the speakers and sponsors: (sponsors in bold)
Robert Shetterly and Natasha Mayers, Union of Maine Visual Artists
Maine College of Art (MECA)
Don Tuski, MECA president
Veterans For Peace, Maine Chapter 001
Worker from MSEA-SEIU Local 1989 (Christopher G. Quint Executive Director)
a statement from Charlie Scontras, labor historian
Maine Green Independent Party
Bruce Gagnon, Maine Campaign to Bring Our War $$ Home
Codepink
Common Cause of Maine
Rachel Talbot or another representative from NAACP
Jose Joey Lopez, state director, Maine League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
Ed Beem, writer, critic, The Forecaster
Rep. Bruce MacDonald, District 61
Lee Sharkey, Poet and Educator
Jeff Young/John Beal, lawyers
statement from Judy Taylor
The Jim Harney Chapter VFP 003
Aucocisco Gallery
SNOW DATE ---RETURN OUR MURAL PRESS CONFERENCE
Will be held on APRIL 4 AT NOON
HALL OF FLAGS,STATE HOUSE
AUSUSTA
HALL OF FLAGS,STATE HOUSE
AUSUSTA
A STATEMENT FROM LAWCHA (Labor And Working Class History Association)
Dismantling Labor's Past in Maine
March 31, 2011
Over the weekend of March 26-27, 2011, Maine Governor Paul LePage had removed a mural celebrating labor history from the Department of Labor offices. In ten panels painted by Maine artist Judy Taylor and installed in 2008, the mural depicts the working people who were central in the making of Maine’s rich industrial history. The panels portray diverse groups of working-class Mainers, including colonial-era artisans; nineteenth-century loggers and child laborers; shoe workers on strike with the CIO in Auburn and Lewiston in 1937; and women workers riveting ships at Bath Iron Works during World War II. Together with the renaming of department conference rooms previously named after important figures in the nation's labor history, such as Frances Perkins, the first female secretary of labor, whose family has Maine roots, this act constitutes an attempt to erase the historical memory and heritage of Maine's working people.
For those interested, Judy Taylor's website has detailed photographs of the mural.
The Museum in Lewiston-Auburn and Portland City Hall are deliberating with state officials to take the mural off the state's hands. The Portland City Council is set to vote on April 4 on accepting the mural. The state AFL-CIO and Union of Maine Visual Artists, which has coordinated protests on this, seems to be working to pressure Portland and the museum not to take the mural at this time, in hopes that it might be returned
LAWCHA Resolution
The following resolution has been adopted regarding the Governor Paul LePage's actions in Maine:
The Labor and Working-Class History Association, the largest organization of labor historians in the United States, supports efforts to preserve public art that represents the nation's labor history in local, state, and federal buildings. We deplore Maine Governor Paul LePage's removal of the labor history mural from Maine Department of Labor offices over the weekend of March 26-27, 2011. In eleven panels painted by Maine artist Judy Taylor and installed in 2008, this mural depicts the working people who were central in the making of Maine’s rich industrial history. The panels portray diverse groups of working-class Mainers, including colonial-era artisans; nineteenth-century loggers and child laborers; shoe workers on strike with the CIO in Auburn and Lewiston in 1937; and women workers riveting ships at Bath Iron Works during World War II. Together with the renaming of department conference rooms previously named after important figures in the nation's labor history, such as Frances Perkins, the first female secretary of labor, whose family has Maine roots, this act constitutes an attempt to erase the historical memory and heritage of Maine's working people. LAWCHA urges Maine's elected officials to reinstall the mural in its original location and to return the names of distinguished labor activists to the rooms where they belong.
Labor and Working-Class History Association
Executive Committee
President, Kimberley Phillips
Vice President, Shelton Stromquist
Secretary, Cecelia Bucki
Treasurer, Thomas Klug
Immediate Past President, Mike Honey
Executive Assistant, Ryan Poe
Board
Randi Storch, SUNY - Cortland
Moon-Ho Jung, University of Washington
Laurie Green, University of Texas - Austin
Franca Iacovetta, University of Toronto
Erik Gellman, Roosevelt University
Thavolia Glymph, Duke Universityn
Ruth Milkman, University of California, Los Angeles
Joan Sangster, Trent University
Emilio Zamora, University of Texas, Austin
Francisco Barbarosa, University of Colorado, Boulder
Eileen Boris, University of California, Santa Barbara
Brian Kelly, Queen's University
Clarence Lang, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Priscilla Murolo, Sarah Lawrence
More Information
Maine Labor Mural Blog - the most recent news on the event.
Kevin Miller, The (Maine) Times Record, "Moved Mural Uproar Persists" (March 29, 2011)
Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post, "Maine Department Of Labor Quietly Removes Mural Over The Weekend" (March 28, 2011)
New York Times Editorial, "He Dreamed He Saw Kim Jong-Il" (March 27, 2011)
March 31, 2011
Over the weekend of March 26-27, 2011, Maine Governor Paul LePage had removed a mural celebrating labor history from the Department of Labor offices. In ten panels painted by Maine artist Judy Taylor and installed in 2008, the mural depicts the working people who were central in the making of Maine’s rich industrial history. The panels portray diverse groups of working-class Mainers, including colonial-era artisans; nineteenth-century loggers and child laborers; shoe workers on strike with the CIO in Auburn and Lewiston in 1937; and women workers riveting ships at Bath Iron Works during World War II. Together with the renaming of department conference rooms previously named after important figures in the nation's labor history, such as Frances Perkins, the first female secretary of labor, whose family has Maine roots, this act constitutes an attempt to erase the historical memory and heritage of Maine's working people.
For those interested, Judy Taylor's website has detailed photographs of the mural.
The Museum in Lewiston-Auburn and Portland City Hall are deliberating with state officials to take the mural off the state's hands. The Portland City Council is set to vote on April 4 on accepting the mural. The state AFL-CIO and Union of Maine Visual Artists, which has coordinated protests on this, seems to be working to pressure Portland and the museum not to take the mural at this time, in hopes that it might be returned
LAWCHA Resolution
The following resolution has been adopted regarding the Governor Paul LePage's actions in Maine:
The Labor and Working-Class History Association, the largest organization of labor historians in the United States, supports efforts to preserve public art that represents the nation's labor history in local, state, and federal buildings. We deplore Maine Governor Paul LePage's removal of the labor history mural from Maine Department of Labor offices over the weekend of March 26-27, 2011. In eleven panels painted by Maine artist Judy Taylor and installed in 2008, this mural depicts the working people who were central in the making of Maine’s rich industrial history. The panels portray diverse groups of working-class Mainers, including colonial-era artisans; nineteenth-century loggers and child laborers; shoe workers on strike with the CIO in Auburn and Lewiston in 1937; and women workers riveting ships at Bath Iron Works during World War II. Together with the renaming of department conference rooms previously named after important figures in the nation's labor history, such as Frances Perkins, the first female secretary of labor, whose family has Maine roots, this act constitutes an attempt to erase the historical memory and heritage of Maine's working people. LAWCHA urges Maine's elected officials to reinstall the mural in its original location and to return the names of distinguished labor activists to the rooms where they belong.
Labor and Working-Class History Association
Executive Committee
President, Kimberley Phillips
Vice President, Shelton Stromquist
Secretary, Cecelia Bucki
Treasurer, Thomas Klug
Immediate Past President, Mike Honey
Executive Assistant, Ryan Poe
Board
Randi Storch, SUNY - Cortland
Moon-Ho Jung, University of Washington
Laurie Green, University of Texas - Austin
Franca Iacovetta, University of Toronto
Erik Gellman, Roosevelt University
Thavolia Glymph, Duke Universityn
Ruth Milkman, University of California, Los Angeles
Joan Sangster, Trent University
Emilio Zamora, University of Texas, Austin
Francisco Barbarosa, University of Colorado, Boulder
Eileen Boris, University of California, Santa Barbara
Brian Kelly, Queen's University
Clarence Lang, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Priscilla Murolo, Sarah Lawrence
More Information
Maine Labor Mural Blog - the most recent news on the event.
Kevin Miller, The (Maine) Times Record, "Moved Mural Uproar Persists" (March 29, 2011)
Amanda Terkel, Huffington Post, "Maine Department Of Labor Quietly Removes Mural Over The Weekend" (March 28, 2011)
New York Times Editorial, "He Dreamed He Saw Kim Jong-Il" (March 27, 2011)
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