Nurses Association Honors Members at 2011 State Nurses’ Convention

NIAGARA FALLS, NY, September 26, 2011 — On September 24, at its annual convention in Niagara Falls, the New York State Nurses Association honored members who have made outstanding contributions to caring for the public and the advancement of the nursing profession.

Barbara Zittel, RN, PhD, former executive secretary to the State Board for Nursing, received the association’s highest honor of Honorary Recognition. The award is given to the member who has rendered distinguished service or valuable assistance to the nursing profession. Zittel’s leadership of the State Board for Nursing helped to secure needed legislative, regulatory and administrative changes that include the establishment of the Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses Program, protection of the title “nurse,” clarification of differentiated practice for RNs and LPNs, and a model for the educational advancement of nurses.

Susan Casadone, RNC, release-time nurse at St. John’s Riverside Hospital in Yonkers, NY, received the Economic and General Welfare Award. The award is presented to the member who promotes terms and conditions of employment and practice consistent with the responsibilities of registered nurses. Casadone helped to successfully organize the nurses of St. John’s Riverside Hospital in 1999 and as president of her local bargaining unit, continues to establish vital support networks and information for bargaining unit members.

M. Gorete Crowe, RN, ADN, staff nurse at Westchester Medical Center, received the Legislative Award. The award is presented to the member who has directly influenced the conceptualization, interpretation, mobilization of support or enhancement of significant legislation. Crowe has held numerous leadership positions within the association and is currently chair of the Council on Legislation where she is a strong advocate for nursing practice regarding violence in the workplace, mandatory overtime and safe nurse-to-patient ratios.

Dorothy Williams, RN, BA, retired nurse manager at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, received the Membership Award. The award is presented to the member who promotes membership and active involvement of other nurses in the affairs of the association. Williams has been a member of several association committees and currently serves on the Membership Committee and as a Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN) group facilitator.

Irene Macyk, RN, MS, PCNS-BC, director of nursing education for Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York in New Hyde Park, received the Nursing Education Award. The award is presented to the member who promotes innovative educational methods, patterns or systems. Macyk, a consistent advocate of educational support and lifelong learning, was instrumental in developing a program at her facility that uses evidence-based strategies for improving patient safety during intershift handoff reports.

Victoria Arrick, RN, staff nurse at Westchester Medical Center, received the Nursing Practice Award. The award is given to the member whose work clearly reflects standards of practice enunciated by the profession. Arrick is an advocate for safe workplace environments for direct care practitioners, safe staffing for quality care, and educational advancement. As a mentor and preceptor of new nurses, Arrick emphasizes adherence to the Nurse Practice Act and the need for evidence-based practice in the workplace.

Margaret Armento-McDowell, RN, MSN, president and administrator of Bermac Home Aids in New Paltz, NY, received the Nursing Service Administration Award for creating a climate which promotes professional practice. Much of Armento-McDowell’s career in behavioral, home and public health has involved supervision and coordination of staff. She is characterized by colleagues as an innovative nurse leader and consistent advocate for patient care.

Robert J. Herzog, a dentist in Buffalo, NY, received the Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses Award (SPAN). The award is given to the member who creates a climate that promotes opportunities for nurses to recover from alcohol/drug use, misuse and addiction. Herzog regularly offers his office space for SPAN advocate meetings and as facilitator of one of only four Caduceus Groups in the state, he extends an open invitation to nurses to join this group for recovering medical professionals.

Elizabeth Dollinger, graduate of St. John Fisher College Wegman’s School of Nursing, received the Nursing Student Leadership Award. The award is given to the student nurse whose leadership is demonstrated by participation in volunteer activities of community service or other healthcare organizations. Dollinger has spearheaded numerous volunteer opportunities at the school of nursing, including traveling to Kenya with fellow students and faculty to provide benches and equipment for a newly established clinic in that country.

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

Statement of PEF President Ken Brynien

Albany – The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) is prepared to present to the state new ideas which we believe will lead to a tentative contract agreement that will meet everyone’s needs and our members will ratify.

Although the governor has said he will not change the state’s proposal we remain hopeful we can reach an agreement. The next few days will be critical as we try to preserve state services while meeting the savings the state requires.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional, scientific and technical (PS&T) employees and other public and private employees. The contract covers the PS&T employees.

PEF Members Reject Tentative Agreement

Albany – For the first time in the 34 year history of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF), members voted to reject the tentative agreement negotiated with the state.

Nearly 70 percent of the membership voted, resulting in a “No” vote by a count of 19629 to 16906.

“PEF’s ratification process is very democratic,” said PEF President Ken Brynien.

“The decision to reject the tentative agreement was made by our rank-and-file members who clearly feel they are being
asked to sacrifice more than others, particularly in light of the pending expiration of the state’s millionaire’s tax.

“We will ask the governor to direct his negotiators to immediately return to the bargaining table to work out an agreement which our members will ratify. We are calling on the governor to resist laying off thousands of our members as he has threatened and, instead, work with us to identify savings that would preserve the state’s depleted workforce and services, especially during this economic downturn and in light of the recent flooding,” said Brynien.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional scientific and technical (PS&T)
employees and other public and private employees. The contract covers the state’s PS&T employees.

PEF President to announce contract vote count Tuesday

Albany – The president of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) will hold a press conference Tuesday, September 27, at the American Arbitration Association in Manhattan to announce the ballot count results on the union’s tentative contract agreement with the state.

All ballots must be received by the American Arbitration Association no later than 5 pm Monday, September 26.

PEF President Ken Brynien will release and discuss the ballot count in the board room at the American Arbitration Association offices at 1633 Broadway, 10th floor at 2pm Tuesday, September 27.

Members of the news media who are not able to attend in person will be able to participate through teleconference. Video of the press conference will be available through a designated FTP site.

To access the teleconference, reporters should call 800.501.8979 ten minutes prior to the start of the conference. The access code to participate is 7851900.

To access video from our FTP site, please call us at 518-785-1900 ext. 277 and provide your email address.

PEF is the state’s second-largest state-employee union, representing 56,000 professional, scientific and technical (PS&T) employees and other public and private employees. The contract covers the PS&T employees.

Unions File Multi-Million Dollar Racketeering Lawsuit Against Major Developers Who Conspired to Cheat Workers Out of Wages And Benefits

Unions File Multi-Million Dollar Racketeering Lawsuit Against Major Developers Who Conspired to Cheat Workers Out of Wages And Benefits; Suit Signals Unions’ Stepped Up Efforts to Prosecute Companies That Violate Collective Bargaining Agreements

Today, leaders and members of the Metallic Lathers Union Local 46 and the Mason Tenders District Council of NYC gathered to announce the filing of a multimillion dollar racketeering lawsuit against major NYC developers for illegally conspiring to bilk union construction workers out of millions of dollars in wages and benefits. If found guilty, the defendants, Lalezarian Developers, JMH Development and the principals of HRH Construction, will be forced to pay out more than $21 million under the federal Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The suit was filed in Federal Court in Westchester.

The unions announced the lawsuit in front of “The House That RICO Built,” a new residential building at 350 West 37th St where union construction workers were cheated out of millions in wages and benefits.

According to Robert Ledwith, Business Manager of Local 46, “Today NYC unions are sending a strong message to the real estate industry that we are stepping up our efforts to monitor and prosecute illegal behavior that harms working people.” Ledwith added, “We think that this case is merely the tip of the iceberg. We know this kind of illegal activity is widespread throughout our industry.”

According to the suit, from 2007 through 2011 NYC builders Lalezarian Developers and JMH Development conspired with unionized construction manager HRH Construction to knowingly violate the company’s collective bargaining agreements and illegally perform millions of dollars of construction work under the guise of a phony non-union alter-ego firm named Leviathan Construction Management. The projects identified in this suit are:

• The Townsend at 350 West 37th St, built by Lalezarian Developers;
• Brooklyn Gold at 235 Gold St in Brooklyn, built by Lalezarian Developers; and
• 184 Kent Ave in Brooklyn, built by JMH Development.

As a result of this conspiracy, the developers along with HRH’s principals, cheated workers out of more than seven million in wages and benefits that should have been paid to union members and their funds under HRH’s collective bargaining agreements. If found guilty under federal racketeering law, these developers will be forced to pay triple damages which could total more than $21 million.

Local 46 discovered this ruse while investigating the ongoing bankruptcy of HRH construction. The union uncovered specific documents and communications between the various developers and HRH which demonstrate the ongoing conspiracy to perform HRH’s work under the phony alter ego Leviathan, to illegally transfer money from HRH to Leviathan and to defraud union members out of millions in wages and benefits.

“It’s very clear that HRH joined with these developers to fraudulently avoid the obligations of the collective bargaining agreements it signed,” said Tom Kennedy, partner in the law firm Kennedy, Jennik and Murray, who is bringing the case on behalf of the unions. “The dummy corporation, Leviathan, is owned and controlled by the same family, the Singers, who own HRH, and Brad Singer, the CEO of HRH, even admitted this under oath. It’s a particularly shameful ploy at a time of great economic turmoil and hardship for American workers,” he added.

At the press conference, the unions were joined by supporters, including Councilmember Steven Levin, whose district includes JMH’s 184 Kent Avenue. “Developers like Lalezarian and JMH need to respect the rights of working people,” said Councilmember Steve Levin. “I am standing with Local 46, the Mason Tenders and all NYC unions to confront this kind of illegal behavior,” he added.

The suit explains the carefully plotted “Singer Criminal Enterprise,” including transfers of money to the dummy Leviathan Construction Management, the signing of phony agreements, and how the family retained ownership and control of the shell corporation. A chart detailing the conspiracy and the “Singer Criminal Enterprise” was unveiled at the press conference. (The same chart is available for download at Local 46’s website.)

This isn’t the first time the Singer family has been involved in questionable activity. In 2007, an arbitration panel ordered HRH to pay the MTA $6.5 million for overbilling the agency for no show jobs on a major construction project. Gary Singer, who is named in this suit, was sentenced to two years in prison in 1994 for fraud, money laundering and racketeering related to a junk bond insider trading scheme. As a result, Mr. Singer has been barred from being involved with any publicly traded company.

“After helping to investigate this case, we are sure that this kind of activity is happening throughout the industry,” said Mike Locker, President of Locker Associates, a consulting firm that specializes in corporate and industry analysis for unions. “This lawsuit is just the beginning of a more aggressive campaign to weed out this kind of corruption and to ensure that workers get the pay and benefits they deserve,” he added.

Local 46 and other building trades unions are pursuing all avenues available to protect their wages, benefits and market share and to challenge the growing threat of non-union work in the NYC construction industry.

Copies of the lawsuit, a factsheet about the case, and charts detailing the conspiracy are available at Local 46’s website at http://www.ml46.org/.

Major city contractor files bankruptcy to avoid paying MTA, workers millions of dollars: Suit

by Brian Kates

A major city contractor fled into bankruptcy to dodge paying the MTA $6.5 million and cheated workers out of millions more through a dummy company that skirted labor agreements, court papers charge.

The scheme was hatched in March 2007, when HRH Construction LLC launched “a series of actions intended to render [it] insolvent” to avoid paying the MTA an arbitrator-ordered $6.5 million, two construction workers unions charged Monday in a civil racketeering suit.

The award settled charges that as construction manger, HRH overbilled and charged the MTA for no-show workers at its office tower at 2 Broadway. The job ran a staggering $300 million over budget.

To hide money from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, HRH chief Brad Singer and his relatives shifted millions in company assets to other firms controlled by the Singers, including one named Hades, the suit charges.

The Mason Tenders District Council and Metallic Lathers Union Local 46 charge that while the Singers were draining HRH, they conspired with developers to form a bogus nonunion company – Leviathan Construction Management Services LLC.

That let HRH cheat the unions out of millions in benefit fund payments, said the suit, which seeks $21 million in damages.

The unions brought the action in Manhattan Federal Bankruptcy Court, where HRH is trying to stave off creditors.
The MTA, which has not seen a penny from HRH, declined to comment.

HRH’s unionized employees did the actual work on projects in Manhattan and Brooklyn but were disguised on payrolls as Leviathan workers, according to the suit.

Local 46 business manager Robert Ledwith estimated that on one project alone, members of his union suffered $4 million to $5 million in lost wages and fringe benefits.

The Singers have a checkered past.

Brad Singer was an officer in Mars-Normel – the company of his late father, Martin – when it was caught in a payoff scheme involving the School Construction Authority. Martin Singer pleaded guilty in 1992 to tax evasion charges to settle federal racketeering charges.

In 1994, Brad’s brother Gary was convicted of 21 counts of racketeering, money laundering and fraud – and barred by the Securities and Exchange Commission from serving as an officer in any publicly traded company.

HRH lawyer Arthur Goldstein did not return a call for comment.

Nurses at Brooklyn Hospital Approve Contract

Agreement avoids possibility of nurses’ strike

Brooklyn, September 14, 2011 – The resolve of the 500 registered nurses at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in demanding a fair contract has paid off. The nurses Tuesday ratified an agreement with hospital management that acknowledges the hospital’s distressed financial situation, but also provides nurses with the ability to support their families and maintain their quality of life.

The agreement ends the possibility of a strike by the nurses and was reached just days after the New York State Nurses Association, which represents the nurses at Brooklyn Hospital Center, presented the hospital with a strike notice.

The three-year contract, which runs from 9/13/11 to 9/12/14, includes a two percent across-the-board salary increase in July 2012, a $500 lump sum bonus in April 2013 and a three percent across-the-board salary increase in January 2014.

The nurses’ primary issues during negotiations were their health insurance benefits and pension. Nurses will contribute to their health insurance premiums, but in January 2014 will be upgraded into the NYSNA Benefit Fund’s top-tier plan. The contract maintains the current pension plan, freezing the nurses’ progression of seniority “steps” during the life of the contract, but granting an increase of two steps at the expiration of the contract.

“Thanks to the nurses’ willingness to stand up for themselves, we were able to negotiate a fair contract,” said Roberta Murphy, MS, RN, associate director of the New York State Nurses Association’s Economic and General Welfare program. “We are pleased to have averted the possibility of a strike and to be able to return fully to the business of caring for our patients.”

NY Lawmakers File Petition Requiring 9/11 Health Czar to Consider Covering Cancers

New York, NY – U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, Peter King, Charles Rangel, Nydia Velázquez, and Michael Grimm; Denis Hughes, President of the New York State AFL-CIO; Pat Lynch, President of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; Al Hagan, President of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association; John Feal, President of the FealGood Foundation; and 9/11 first responders and survivors gathered at ground zero today to announce that the lawmakers have filed a petition with 9/11 Health Program Administrator Dr. John Howard that will require Dr. Howard to consider within 60 days whether or not to add coverage for cancers under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. A copy of the petition, which was also signed by New York Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, follows.

The lawmakers filed their petition following the release last week in The Lancet of a peer-reviewed study by the New York City Fire Department that indicated an elevated risk of melanoma, thyroid and prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among firefighters who served at ground zero compared to the general population, and an overall increase in cancer among firefighters exposed to toxins at the World Trade Center site compared to firefighters who weren’t exposed to those toxins.

In July, Dr. Howard announced that, following a review of the available medical evidence, cancers would not yet be considered covered conditions under the Zadroga Act. However, the only peer-reviewed study of possible 9/11-related cancers available at that time was a small study showing a possible rise in multiple myeloma among 9/11 responders.

“Doctors at the 9/11 health clinics have been telling us for years that cancers would likely result from the toxic dust that lingered near ground zero following the attacks. Last week’s study showing elevated cancer rates among firefighters who served at ground zero provided alarming evidence that calls for action, so we are filing a petition that requires Dr. Howard to consider covering cancers under the Zadroga Act,” Maloney said. “I believe that we should provide proper care for cancer-stricken 9/11 heroes and heroines, even if that means treating a few cancers that may not have been caused by the attacks. The benefits far outweigh the costs. It took decades for scientists to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that smoking causes cancer. 9/11 responders and others exposed to the deadly toxins can’t wait that long.”

“Many of us have known for years that exposure to Ground Zero contaminants has led — and will continue to lead — to increases in cancer among 9/11 responders and survivors,” said Nadler. “With last week’s publication of the FDNY study in The Lancet, we believe we have sufficient scientific evidence to make the case to the medical establishment and put this question to rest. As the study shows, toxins are strongly linked to the development of melanoma, thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among responders at Ground Zero.”

“It is imperative that Dr. Howard add cancer to the list of covered conditions so that these responders can get the care they so obviously need and deserve from their time at Ground Zero,” said King.

Senator Gillibrand said, “Our first responders and their families continue to suffer physically and financially from deadly cancers, and the longer they have to wait on a cancer determination, the longer our 9/11 heroes will continue to suffer without proper treatment or compensation. For many responders, this is a matter of life and death and we will do everything possible to speed up this process.”

“In the last ten years, so many of our first responders developed rare cancers that it is very plausible there is a link between their illnesses and the toxins they were exposed to at Ground Zero. With the release of last week’s study, we finally have new evidence,” said Senator Schumer. “I urge Dr. Howard to promptly review the study because its data argues that we should add certain cancers to the list of illnesses covered under the Zadroga Act.”

“The freedom we enjoy today is not free. We have an obligation to care for those who rise to the defense of our nation. We don’t leave our injured soldiers on the battlefield, and we certainly shouldn’t leave the 9/11 first responders who are at increased risk for cancer and other ailments with no funding,” said Rangel. “While we can never fully express our gratitude for their sacrifices and patriotism, we can provide them the care they need and deserve. I am proud to stand alongside my dear friends and colleagues to stand up for the heroes who now most need our help.”

Velázquez said, “The evidence is clear– toxins released at Ground Zero cause cancer. It would be unconscionable to deny assistance to New York residents and first responders who contract these diseases as a result of 9/11.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that the high cancer rates among 9/11 firefighters are due to their exposure to toxins from the WTC site. On 9/11, our first responders selflessly rushed into the toxic dust cloud to save the lives of others, and now we have a responsibility to save theirs. We cannot turn our backs on these brave heroes, which is why I proudly stand with my colleagues in urging that cancer be added to the list of ailments covered by the Zadroga Act,” said Grimm.

“I applaud U.S. Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler and Peter King for taking the lead in filing a petition requiring federal health officials to consider adding cancer coverage under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, I join the voices of my colleagues and other New Yorkers to ensure that 9/11 first responders are adequately covered for the illnesses and ailments they have suffered because of their selfless acts immediately following the attacks. We owe it to these brave men and women who sacrificed their lives for the sake of so many ten years ago,” stated Clarke.

“We as a nation have a moral obligation to the brave first responders who put their lives at risk to toil day and night at the World Trade Center site. This latest study suggesting an elevated risk of cancer among firefighters who served at ground zero provides a compelling case that we should expand the Zadroga Act to cover cancers. We cannot wait for endless studies to tell us what we all know: Those who were exposed to the toxic dust at the World Trade Center deserve the fullest possible healthcare coverage. They made incredible sacrifices for our community and our nation and it is past time to give them the benefits they are due,” said New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

“Recent studies have shown evidence of a rise in cancer related illnesses for 9/11 first responders. As a result, it is important that cancers be added to the list of covered conditions under the Zadroga Act. We have a responsibility to protect the long term health of our heroes. Including coverage of cancers is an important step in that direction,” said Denis Hughes, President, New York State AFL-CIO.

Sec. 3312(a)(6) of the Zadroga Act states that an interested party, defined as “a representative of any organization representing WTC responders, a nationally recognized medical association, a Clinical or Data Center, a State or political subdivision, or any other interested person,” may petition the Program Administrator to add a condition to the list of WTC-related health conditions. Once the WTC Program Administrator receives a written petition, the law states that “not later than 60 days after the date of receipt of such petition the Administrator shall—(i) request a recommendation of the Advisory Committee; (ii) publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register to add such health condition…; (iii) publish in the Federal Register the Administrator’s determination not to publish such a proposed rule and the basis for such determination; or (iv) publish in the Federal Register a determination that insufficient evidence exists to take action under clauses (i) through (iii).”

Nurses at Brooklyn Hospital Plan to Strike Sept. 19

Nurses issues 10-day strike notice to hospital Tuesday

Brooklyn, September 7, 2011 – Following another unproductive day at the negotiation table, the New York State Nurses Association, which represents the 500 registered nurses at the Brooklyn Hospital Center, Tuesday issued the required ten-day notice of a strike and announced plans to strike Sept. 19.

“For their patients and their community, the nurses regret the fact that a strike is looking increasingly unavoidable, but they will not accept a contract that downgrades their ability to support their families,” said Roberta Murphy, MS, RN, associate director of the Economic and General Welfare program of the New York State Nurses Association.

“This is not about the hospital being unable to provide a fair and reasonable contract to the nurses; they have said they are choosing other priorities. Investing in retaining experienced nurses and recruiting well qualified new ones is a priority that would provide a strong return to the hospital in terms of quality patient care,” Murphy said.

The Nurses Association remains willing to negotiate a fair contract with Brooklyn Hospital management, and negotiations are scheduled for September 8, 13, 14, and 15. Negotiations have been ongoing since the nurses’ most recent one-year contract expired in December 2010, but have been unproductive.

Hospital management is seeking concessions that cut nurses’ pension, health benefits, and take-home pay. The union is willing to work with management on a reasonable contract in light of the current economic climate, and in fact is proposing ways to provide substantial cost savings to the hospital. Hospital management, however, seems fixated on slashing the nurse’s benefits.

Management is seeking to downgrade the nurses’ pension plan, cutting benefits and removing the option for nurses to retire at 60 without penalty. They are also seeking cuts in the nurses’ health insurance benefits and overall are asking for concessions that would cost experienced nurses at least an estimated $6,180 per nurse over three years and equate to a pay cut of $1,680.

“The nurses still hope to avoid a strike, but we are absolutely resolved that we are not going to accept a contract that does not recognize the value of the critical work nurses do every day. This is a quality-of-life issue for the nurses and a serious issue for the community, which has an interest in knowing that its local hospital is committed to retaining and recruiting highly qualified nurses,” Murphy said. “We are asking the local community to stand with us by letting hospital management know that the community supports its nurses.”

The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 37,000 members, it is New York’s largest professional association and union for registered nurses. The association represents registered nurses, and some all-professional bargaining units, in New York and New Jersey. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.

Heinz realized importance of civility and bipartisanship

By Jeffrey Lewis

As the race for the Republican nomination for the White House intensifies and as members of Congress enjoy a long respite from the daily grind of life in Washington, D.C., Americans are bombarded minute-by-minute with the latest vitriolic he-said she-said. From the left to the right, Democrats, Republicans, tea party supporters, labor unions and other raucous voices are all divulging their opinions. The Internet serves as America’s very fertile new petri dish of opinion.

Throughout this long summer of political pontification, a constant current and undercurrent of incivility has frayed the national psyche as much as the record-setting temperatures that have sent thermometers across the country soaring. Americans have watched in disbelief as the nation’s economic woes worsened while seemingly trivial and disheartening issues have dominated political discourse.

Newsweek bashes Michele Bachmann with a picture that appears purposefully unflattering, while the congresswoman holds fast to her declaration that immigration reform will never be on her agenda. Republicans debate the truth and consequences of global climate change and engage in bare-knuckle infighting over who can declare themselves the real truth torchbearer of the scientific unknown. Congressional Democrats — particularly members of the Black Caucus — apparently have decided that they too need to flex their muscles against President Obama. The list of ugly and uncivil actions and statements goes on and on.

Where are the Republicans and Democrats who used to live in a political world where compromise was not a four-letter word? While politicians from both parties in Congress and the White House continue to hurl nasty accusations at each other, the next budget crisis looms. And the only solution that has emerged from these verbal slugfests is a so-called congressional supercommittee (six Republicans and six Democrats from the House and Senate) that is preparing to meet when Congress reconvenes after Labor Day.

As these 12 men and women flex their muscles and strut peacock feathers, 523 senators and members of the House will sit on the sidelines waiting for the holy budget Grail. Civility surrounding the supercommittee disappeared almost as fast as it was created when a fundraising letter was sent out touting one particular member’s seat at the supercommittee table.

Now, Labor Day is fast approaching and we are reminded of our history, of the many contributions working men and women have made to making America what it is today, and their never flagging can-do spirit. Working men and women have never suffered from a deficit of spirit or courage. What every American wants is the ability to contribute, to earn a living wage, to be ensured of a comfortable retirement and to have affordable access to decent health care. These are the simple truths that are not uncivil, just real.

The late Sen. John Heinz, R-Pa., understood that bipartisanship, civility and integrity were the roots of legislative success and political longevity. He stated, “We are losing our tolerance of diversity, our understanding of different circumstances and points of view. … Americans have always been renowned for our ability to meet and conquer tough problems.”

We are reminded by his words that leadership — real leadership — is not bestowed upon members of Congress when they are elected. Rather, like the tough American spirit, leadership, respect and civility are earned.

Every Labor Day is ultimately about civility and common sense, not unkept political promises. Divisive political rhetoric — regardless of from where it emanates — further destroys the tattered fabric of this nation. Perhaps this Labor Day, members of Congress will stop slinging bitter one-liners and instead honor their differences by engaging in informed and respectful deliberation and constructive expression. Our country needs them to rise above personal and partisan agendas and begin acknowledging reality, starting with acceptance of the fact that truth is not uncivil.

Jeffrey Lewis is the former Republican staff director for the late Sen. John Heinz.