The Civil & Human Rights Committee met at the PSSU 668 Harrisburg office on February 6, 2009. Those in attendance were: Paul Gambill, RayShiang Lin, Lester Wright, Carmen Hopson and Mildred Walker.

Lester reported to the committee his resignation as Chapter Chair of Chapter 13 for health reasons.  He will continue to be a participating member on the Civil & human Rights committee.  Lester also spoke about the Union's need for outreach efforts to newer workers. Those efforts will allow to locate our next generation of Union local leaders.

RayLin also forwarded information on President Obama signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. The measure is designed to make it easier for workers to sue for pay discrimination.  The bill is named for Lilly Ledbetter. She worked for Goodyear Tires, based in Ohio, for 19 years. In that time she lost more than $200,000 in salary, social security benefits and pension because of unfair pay practices.

President Obama made it clear this Act will enable women who don't discover discrimination until years into their employment to seek compensation without a statute of limitation. The bill amends the 1964 Civil Rights Act which also applies to discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability or age.

Finally, Paul Gambill reported on SEIU's support of Immigrant Rights. SEIU continues to support a fair and balanced approach toward undocumented Workers. Physical attacks, Homeland Security raids against illegal immigrants and outright racially discriminatory policies have taken place against illegal immigrants here in the State of Pennsylvania.

Carmen Hopson has recommended her alternate to the committee, Wanda Lorenzi-Bibbs, become our liaison with the SEIU Headquarters on Immigration issues. This suggestion was strongly endorsed by the Chair.

Next meeting will take place on Friday, June 5th, 2:00pm at PSSU 668 Harrisburg office. Lunch served at 1:00 pm. 

Report respectfully submitted by Paul Gambill, Chair.