Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wellesley Non-Tenure-Track Faculty and Postdoctoral Scholars Win Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Faculty on term appointments, instructors in science laboratories and postdoctoral scholars at Wellesley College in Massachusetts voted by an overwhelming majority to form the Wellesley Organized Academic Workers-UAW. The unit will represent approximately 125 workers.
“The non-tenure-track faculty teach 40% of the classes at Wellesley and the vast majority of us identify as women. Yet our salaries are too low to live independently in the Boston area,” said Erin Battat, a lecturer in the writing program. “I look forward to negotiating a strong contract that reflects Wellesley's core values of gender equality and being a community in which each member thrives. Together we'll make Wellesley a better place to teach, learn, and grow.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/31/2024 - 10:22Service & Solidarity Spotlight: United Campus Workers of Virginia Lobby at State Capitol
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, members United Campus Workers of Virginia (UCWVA), Local 2265 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), participated Lobby Day at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond. The members lobbied to secure collective bargaining for university workers and Child Care for All, a program designed to achieve universal pre-K child care, staffed by workers paid a living wage, for every campus worker in Virginia. The UCWVA members also held a rally on the Capitol grounds.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/29/2024 - 09:46A Sense of Urgency: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Journalists at New York Daily News Walk Off Job for a Day: “Journalists at The New York Daily News walked off the job on Thursday for the first time in more than three decades. Newsroom workers at The Daily News Union, which formed in 2021, are in negotiations for their first contract. The union called a one-day work stoppage to protest staffing cuts, as well as a new policy that requires workers to get advance approval for overtime.”
Forbes Union Stages 3-Day Work Stoppage in Protest of Stalled Negotiations: “According to the guild, Forbes staffers have been fighting for two years for a 'first contract, only to be met with tired, union-busting tactics by Forbes management.' On Thursday, the NewsGuild of New York filed an unfair labor practice charge on behalf of the Forbes Union, 'or the company’s interference with protected union activity, discrimination based on protected union activity, and refusing to bargain in good faith.'”
Trulieve Magnolia Employees Unionize in First-Ever Election for Arizona Cannabis Agriculture Workers: “On Thursday, January 25, workers at the Trulieve Cannabis Corp central Phoenix production facility voted 37-4 in favor of unionizing with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 99. The successful union election at Trulieve Magnolia is the first for Arizona agricultural workers in the cannabis industry, and only the second-ever union election to be administered by the Arizona Agricultural Labor Relations Board (AERB). Established in 1993, the AERB’s statutes are patterned after the National Labor Relations Act, which specifically excludes agricultural workers from its jurisdiction. The last and only time workers petitioned for union recognition through the board was in the year 2000 when workers at the Eurofresh tomato hothouse in Willcox voted to join UFCW Local 99.”
700 Culinary Union Workers at Strat Reach Deal: “Culinary Local 226 members at a north Strip casino reached a tentative agreement with employers, the union announced late Tuesday. The hospitality union representing about 700 employees at The Strat negotiated a five-year deal with improvements on wages, work quotas, protections from technology and more.”
Group of Seaport Hotel Workers Vote to Join Union After Months of Uncertainty: “A subset of workers at a hotel in the Seaport won a long-fought union vote last week, a conclusion to a year-long struggle after more than half of the workers lost their benefits. The Banquets and Convention Services department, composed of about 60 workers, at the Seaport Hotel Boston voted to join UNITE HERE Local 26 six months after they filed for an election, the union said.”
The Texas Tribune Is Unionizing: “Just under six months after the Texas Tribune weathered its first-ever round of layoffs, staff announced this morning that they are unionizing with the NewsGuild-CWA and asking for voluntary recognition from management by January 31. CEO Sonal Shah sent an email to staff 15 minutes after management was made aware of the union, writing, 'Our response is simple. If Tribune employees want to be represented by a union, we will respect their right to representation… We respect our colleagues’ right to collectively bargain.' Talk of unionizing began when management alluded to budget shortfalls in the spring of 2023, but it was the layoffs that 'created a sense of urgency to mobilize across the newsroom,' says Uriel García, an immigration reporter based in El Paso. Those layoffs, which affected 11% of the staff, were shocking—particularly the decision to fire the Tribune’s only dedicated criminal justice and demographic reporters. Many journalists were frustrated by the lack of explanation from management about the rationale behind the cuts.”
Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Recruiting Apprentices In the HV: “The local Plumbers & Steamfitters union will conduct a brief recruitment drive from Feb. 20 through March 4 for 20 plumber and steamfitter apprentices and five refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentices in four Hudson Valley counties. Applications must be obtained in person and filled out at Local Union #21, which is located at 1024 McKinley Street in Peekskill.”
Condé Nast Union Workers Walk Out Following Layoff Announcement: “Roughly 400 members of the unionized staff at several Condé Nast brands, including Vogue, GQ and Vanity Fair, are walking off the job Tuesday in New York City, the NewsGuild of New York said.”
Hollywood Unions Show Solidarity as American Federation of Musicians Enters Negotiations with AMPTP: “The Hollywood unions are throwing their support behind the American Federation of Musicians as it begins its contract negotiations with the studios. The AFM entered into negotiations with the AMPTP for its new collective bargaining agreement on Monday, fighting for many of the same things the WGA and SAG-AFTRA did during last year’s dual strikes, including AI protections, increased wages, and improved streaming residuals.”
The ‘Year of Labor’ in 2023 Was Just the Beginning: “When people ask me why the Labor Movement just had its most dynamic and successful year in a generation, I tell them about workers like Alicia—people whose lives changed because they stood together with their co-workers. For all the talk about macro trends and economic factors, the driving force behind the 'Year of Labor' was simple: Being in a union makes your life better. We’re in a moment of profound uncertainty and disillusionment across this country. Americans are fed up with politicians, institutions and the status quo. Approval ratings for Congress and most major institutions have plummeted to well below 50%. The Labor Movement is the one exception. Polling shows 71% of Americans believe in unions—more than two-thirds of people in this country, the highest number in the past 60 years. Unions are where people seem to have increasingly placed their hopes, their dreams and their aspirations for a better future.”
What Labor Advocates Want from AI Policy: “Ask AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler what she wants from the federal government on artificial intelligence, and her first answer isn’t a surprise: Strengthen collective bargaining rights, like, generally. 'Through every industrial revolution, labor has been the force that has harnessed the technology and channeled it in a way that’s productive and safe,' Shuler said in an interview this month, speaking from a summit alongside the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. But Shuler is also laying out some more specific asks. For one: She’s lasering in regulations and investments related to training workers for jobs in the event of displacement.”
Feb. 2 Strike Deadline: Las Vegas Hospitality Union Works on New Contracts: “Ahead of their Feb. 2 strike deadline, the Culinary Union has reached tentative deals with two properties. On Saturday, the union negotiated a tentative agreement with Westgate for 1,000 employees. 'I’m really happy that we got this contract. I’m excited that the working people of Las Vegas are going to get the money they need to live fruitful lives,' said Brian Torres, a food runner for Westgate, in a written statement.”
L.A. Times Guild Calls for Strike as Owner Warns of Layoffs: “Union leaders at the Los Angeles Times have called for a one-day, multi-city walkout Friday following news that the esteemed newspaper will see dramatic staff cuts due to a widening budget deficit. According to the Times, the single-day strike would be the first in the paper’s 142-year history. The decision comes following news that Patrick Soon-Shiong, the publication’s owner, intended to trim the paper’s staff to address a budget deficit, with the Times reporting cuts could be as deep as 20% or the equivalent of at least 100 journalists.”
Unionized ‘Ridiculousness’ Staffers Leaflet Production In Effort to Start Negotiating First Contract: “Early on Friday morning, 10 unionized creative consultants on the MTV comedy show Ridiculousness distributed leaflets at the show’s production location in Van Nuys in an effort to start negotiating a first contract. The staffers unionized with the Writers Guild of America West after a National Labor Relations Board vote in September, but according to the WGA West, the production has yet to respond to their attempts to begin negotiating a contract. 'We are fighting for a fair contract with improved compensation and benefits for the 336 episodes of Ridiculousness we help to create annually,' the leaflets handed out on Friday state. 'We are currently compensated at a rate well below our peers writing for WGA-covered shows like Ridiculousness. While our workloads have increased substantially, our compensation has been stagnant.'”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/26/2024 - 11:17Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NewsGuild Reaches Two-Year Agreement with Indianapolis Star
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Indianapolis NewsGuild (an affiliate of The NewsGuild-CWA) who work as reporters and photographers reached a two-year agreement with The Indianapolis Star. The contract includes salary increases and other benefits.
"We're thrilled to have reached an agreement after more than three years at the table. The biggest win is our economics package, which will benefit every member of our bargaining unit," said Jenna Watson, president of TNG-CWA Local 34070 and a veteran photographer for the newspaper.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/26/2024 - 10:29Worker Wins: Fighting for Worker Power
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
New York Uber, Lyft Drivers to Receive Big Payouts from Historic AG Settlement: New York State Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with Uber and Lyft to recover $328 million in wages stolen from Uber and Lyft drivers in New York based on the complaint filed by the National Taxi Workers Alliance (NTWA). This case is the largest wage-theft back pay settlement in the history of the New York attorney general’s office. The NTWA first went to the office in 2015, but says it only took action under James’ leadership. Uber and Lyft had been withholding drivers’ wages as sales taxes and black car fund fees, cheating these workers out of their hard-earned income and preventing them from receiving valuable benefits available under New York labor laws. Additionally, under the settlements, Uber and Lyft have agreed to an “earnings floor,” guaranteeing drivers across the state are paid a minimum rate, from dispatch to completion of the ride, paid sick leave, proper hiring and earnings notices, and other improvements to working conditions.Nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center Vote to Unionize: Registered nurses (RNs) at Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC) in Fort Kent, Maine, voted on Jan. 17 to join Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). Nearly two-thirds voted in favor of unionizing after filing the petition to organize late last year. Their core concerns include staffing and retention issues and nurses feeling as though they lack a say in the hospital policies that directly impact them and their patients. These concerns are all too common at nonunion hospitals around the country. The American Nurses Foundation released a study in 2022 that reported that nine out of 10 nurses surveyed believe their facilities are short-staffed. “Developing a solid union contract is what we have to do. A contract with staffing grids and ratios in place. That’s the big key to improving patient safety and working conditions for us,” NMMC RN Abby Pelletier said.Workers at News Site San Antonio Report Vote to Organize: San Antonio Report’s staff publicly announced on Tuesday that they are joining Media Guild of the West (a local of The NewsGuild-CWA) in order to secure better pay, job security and policies that will protect their journalistic integrity. With 100% support from all union-eligible employees at the local nonprofit news outlet, this decision was partly informed by witnessing staffing- and budget-related issues at similar publications. About five months ago, The Texas Tribune, one of Texas’ most visible nonprofit news websites for politics and public policy, announced it was laying off 10% of its staff after failing to hit revenue goals. "A Union is the best way—as part of our inevitable evolution—to codify the progress we’ve made and sustain our journalism for the future," said Iris Dimmick, a senior reporter for the San Antonio Report.Tentative Agreement with University of Oregon Averts Graduate Worker Strike: The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—representing graduate workers at the University of Oregon (UO), announced on Monday it had reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The agreement comes after 10 months of contract negotiations between GTFF and the university, averting a large-scale strike that was slated to begin this week. The deal increases the minimum salary floor for graduate workers, provides more summer employment opportunities, improves child care resources and more. “We hope and expect that our members will be eager to ratify this historic contract, and we look forward to continuing to fight for worker power on our campus—as well as celebrating the powerful changes we have pushed forward at this institution already,” the bargaining team said in a statement released on Monday.Missouri Adopts CWA Labor Standards for $1.7B Broadband Expansion Program: Thanks to the local organizing work of Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 6’s Broadband Brigade, Missouri has adopted CWA’s proposed labor standards, which will create good union telecommunications jobs as broadband access expands throughout the state. Missouri received more than $1.7 billion in federal funding for its Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment Program to expand high-speed internet access to underserved communities through President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure law. CWA’s labor standards include prioritizing telecom companies that use a directly employed workforce (not subcontractors), that hire locally, and that use training/apprenticeship programs to recruit and train a highly skilled workforce.Supreme Court Rejects Alaska’s Attack on Public Unions: On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy's attempt to undermine and weaken unions that represent state workers. In 2019, Dunleavy issued an order preventing public sector unions from automatically collecting union dues, rehashing the same argument that it infringes on free speech. ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, which represents workers who keep the state’s government agencies functioning, sued over this union-busting activity and won. Lower courts in Alaska then overturned the policy and now the highest court in the country has refused to hear the state’s appeal. This failure is the latest attempt by anti-worker groups to extend the Supreme Court’s 2018 Janus v. AFSCME ruling.Wells Fargo Workers in Florida Win Union Election: Bankers and tellers at a Wells Fargo branch in Daytona Beach, Florida, voted last week to join the Communications Workers of America’s (CWA’s) Wells Fargo Workers United. This is the second-ever successful election at the megabank. Momentum around organizing Wells Fargo branches is building quickly across the country. Just weeks ago staff at a branch in Albuquerque, New Mexico, became the first to win a union election, and workers in Wilmington, Delaware, filed for a union election soon after. Despite Wells Fargo’s anti-union attacks, these workers are fighting to secure a meaningful voice on the job to improve conditions for themselves and their customers.Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/25/2024 - 10:19
Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Health Care Workers in Virginia Ratify a Strong New Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
More than 100 members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 who work at Elizabeth Adam Crump Health and Rehab and Elizabeth House Assisted Living in Glen Allen, Virginia, ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and benefits. The two facilities are owned by Trio Healthcare. The three-year contract includes wage increases averaging 13% in the first year and 17% over the life of the agreement. The contract also includes an additional flexible holiday, improved arbitration procedures and other benefits.
“This was awesome, one of the best contracts we’ve ever had,” said Druscilla Mitchell, a Local 400 shop steward and certified nursing assistant. “We got a lot of people signed up as Local 400 members and that made a huge difference in bargaining. Everyone is pleased with the raises, the extra personal day and the other improvements we got. Union is the way to go!”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/25/2024 - 09:54Union Momentum Remains Strong: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Last month, four swings came together to discuss the highs and lows of swinging, how their place in the theatre has evolved and what the industry can do to better support swings – and strengthen their productions in the process. Visit the portal for more - https://t.co/nhsNGNlxAZ pic.twitter.com/qQDeQfkgpH
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 21, 2024
AFGE:
Federal workers have been organizing like crazy this past year, adding tens of thousands of members, growing our ranks, and building the next generation of worker power.
🧵Here’s how we did it: pic.twitter.com/6DiVE2V049
— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 23, 2024
AFSCME:
As union momentum remains strong, the need to organize more workers is clear. The annual federal report on union strength shows a slight decline in the membership rate. https://t.co/bCydoOvycu
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 23, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Social Security is an essential earned benefit that older Americans have paid into with each paycheck.
A "fiscal commission" will shield politicians so they can cut benefits without public oversight. https://t.co/FZKugV7ac9
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 23, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Elections have consequences and politics matter for our jobs, our Union, our communities, and our families. 2024 is an important year with a Presidential election that will be critical to our future. ATU U.S. members contribute to ATU-COPE today at https://t.co/CXMiablsVV! pic.twitter.com/BjhIf5uJ0g
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 23, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
AFM’s president and chief negotiator Tino Gagliardi told CNN the union “is going to be prepared to do whatever it needs to get what we have to have, in order to make the lives of musicians better.”https://t.co/yCIdrwkipP pic.twitter.com/EBuxyRHbs9
— AFM (@The_AFM) January 21, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint will build a pipeline of workers for good union jobs, using resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, #CHIPSAct & American Rescue Plan, and includes partnerships with unions, businesses, and government.https://t.co/JUzWDJ1r4O
— AFT (@AFTunion) January 24, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
If partnered with the Federal Reserve, the postal service could expand banking access to everyone in the country. But a new piece of legislation is trying to block the opportunity. Read more: https://t.co/aOQ3UVf1n7
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 21, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
In announcing their campaign, Breeze Flight Attendants cited issues with constantly-changing work rules, drastically substandard pay for time on the job, hotel accommodations, insufficient work hours, and disrespectful treatment from management. https://t.co/iT9fXlUN5d
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 22, 2024
Boilermakers:
Tuesday Newsday: James Hall, president of L-19 (Philadelphia), was among four union leaders honored during the Philadelphia APRI chapter's annual awards dinner for furthering APRI's work in advocating for workers' rights and civil rights. Read more ➡️ https://t.co/JoNB3cqFpl pic.twitter.com/3QLzZ01r7p
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 23, 2024
Bricklayers:
BAC and @imiweb representing at #worldofconcrete2024 pic.twitter.com/8HPIRdoozU
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 23, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
Greed is destroying our newspapers. Shame on @PittsburghPG. https://t.co/8Bf60Aj2qT
— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 23, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
We've released our annual union professional organizing recap for 2023 which shows how DPE affiliates contributed to the 185,000 member growth of professionals in the labor movement. #1u https://t.co/EOcSgHClu5
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 23, 2024
Electrical Workers:
What's your #IBEW story? https://t.co/FUnL7ouwdO pic.twitter.com/1eTNIAjQo4
— IBEW (@IBEW) January 23, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Local 39 Omaha members recently participated in a Dollars Against Diabetes (D.A.D.’s) Day bowling event fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who participated and raised funds for this important cause. pic.twitter.com/Kqd89thoez
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 23, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
The overturning of #RoeVWade has a disproportionate impact on Latinas and women of color. At LCLAA, in the 51st Anniversary of a milestone decision, we stand strong defending reproductive justice for women.
Read our statement here: https://t.co/RBG5lSyNta pic.twitter.com/VzMz2aRQbF
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 22, 2024
Laborers:
Together, we build strength. WE ARE LIUNA – a union of hardworking individuals dedicated to shaping a better future. #FeelthePower
Are you #IntheKnow?
WATCH NOW: "We Are LIUNA" pic.twitter.com/ka7dGFAZ2w
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 22, 2024
Machinists:
IAM President @IAMBrianBryant and leadership joins labor allies for meeting with @GovLauraKelly today in Topeka, KS, to discuss how to move the governor’s pro-worker agenda forward. pic.twitter.com/KNlMTH3fRY
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 24, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
Maritime labor groups thank military for protecting commercial shipping, urge continued vigilance.@TTDAFLCIO @SeafarersUnion @MMP_Union @MEBAUNION @marine_firemen @US_TRANSCOM https://t.co/95WRDP5zOD
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 22, 2024
Mine Workers:
“I do not understand why any government official would oppose safeguarding the health and safety of miners. .....it is crucial to have a majority on the commission that cares about workers and their safety first, not corporate profits.” @CecilRoberts https://t.co/uxYfoByEvD
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 24, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMA Announces Unanimous Union Victory for Dancers of Ballet Austin: https://t.co/UREYLPyyIC pic.twitter.com/KyMelH8F4c
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 19, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Every year, NATCA offers a scholarship program for spouses and children of active, retired, and deceased members in good standing. Danielle Strebel, the child of Elias Strebel (Houston Center, ZHU) is among this year’s scholarship winners. https://t.co/3vnHXVGsJG pic.twitter.com/KLcVAXoDAi
— NATCA (@NATCA) January 24, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
OPM’s unfair valuation of Postal Pension Fund obligations has resulted in a loss of over $90 billion. Let’s stop the raid on Postal Pension funds. Click here for more info: https://t.co/pGC46a1mFP pic.twitter.com/pDAyPRl5vH
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 23, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Domestic workers from across the country turned out this weekend to see @ava’s @ORIGINTheMovie!
The film is and incredible and insightful look into the experience of racism in America, and a necessary story to see reflected on screen. #Mvt4Origin #Movement4Origin @ARRAYNow pic.twitter.com/21wCOvFRZo
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 23, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
Last week, NFFE finalized a partnership with @jkbootsusa to offer all union members a 15% discount on their collection of fire boots. Read our story for more info: https://t.co/aKBv1BgStN
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) January 23, 2024
National Nurses United:
🚨BIG NEWS!🚨 A @CDCgov advisory committee was planning to weaken infection control guidance, but has altered its course — thanks to months of tireless nurse advocacy!
Here are the latest updates and why this is such a BFD. 👇🧵 (1/8)
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 24, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
#BuildingTrades recruitment for the Brightline West rail project connecting Vegas to Southern Cali is about to ramp up! 👀
"It’s just like football: everybody has their position to play. We all work together to bring home the win.” - @SNBTU1960.https://t.co/kGhwDDHbqH
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 22, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
NOW: Nurses at Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women and Children in Hawai’i are on ULP STRIKE!
The nurses, members of Hawai’i Nurses’ Association/OPEIU Local 50, are demanding an end to the unsafe staffing crisis. pic.twitter.com/JXsu4XnZ5G
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 21, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
We are celebrating our fantastic Glazing Apprentices at DC36 / LU636! Hats off for their incredible efforts, and we're eagerly anticipating the moment they walk the graduation stage. pic.twitter.com/ZSLdsJxFoU
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 23, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“The benefits of union construction jobs are almost too great to calculate. Local workers are paid a fair & liveable wage with which they can support a family. Those wages then re-circulate throughout the local economy.” @Mass_BTU Pres. Frank Callahanhttps://t.co/QgnPcRqMh9
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 20, 2024
Pride At Work:
Hearing from @unitehere on “How to tell your story for organizing” at the FIRST ever Labor Institute at @TheTaskForce Creating Change Conference. #1upride #1u #unitehere @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/0JGZD2OMyR
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) January 19, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
What is a union authorization card? Workers sign these cards to indicate that they want to unionize. Once a majority signs union cards, an employer may voluntarily recognize the union. If they refuse to do so, an NLRB election will be set. https://t.co/tKHYkzUU8n #Unions101 pic.twitter.com/Kbqr3Uk63i
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 23, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Falls are preventable! https://t.co/yxaaxjxN8V has a number of resources to help you prevent falls, including videos and webinars on a variety of fall-related topics. To view the collection, visit: https://t.co/T2ZVKn1QZd #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/WcN39q7Xoq
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 22, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
The @SAGawards are just around the corner! 🤩 Check out the special digital issue of the SAG-AFTRA magazine to see how we (and some of your fave actors!) kicked off #AwardsSeason with the inaugural #SagAwards Season Celebration: https://t.co/F8TLPMGxde pic.twitter.com/MxhzAdRSuc
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 24, 2024
Seafarers:
Long but worth it:
What Trade Studies Has Cato Done, Who Was Mr. Stiefel & Who Funds Cato’s Jones Act Attacks? by John D. McCown https://t.co/sMs9wTnVFm #JonesAct #Maritime
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) January 18, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Our yearlong labor organizing and apprenticeship Union School in #Mexico graduated its first class of #labororganizers, with 28 students from diverse backgrounds. pic.twitter.com/roBPOnpY37
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 18, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
In a major win for Texas journalism, workers are forming a union at the Texas Tribune! https://t.co/WlHXqxXxvt
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 24, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
BREAKING: 6 New International Executive Board Members, One Trustee Elected to Serve Members.
Newly elected VP's Carlos Cota, Vanessa Holtgrewe, Carl Mulert, Apple Thorne, Toni Burns, & Chris O’Donnell are among the most accomplished & respected labor leaders in our union. pic.twitter.com/qbDnnzd6uf
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 22, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
Good News from @twulocal320 @transportworker @TwuSamuelsen pic.twitter.com/tzPgYX8ejs
— TWU (@transportworker) January 23, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
At @TTDAFLCIO we proudly represent 37 labor unions & millions of transportation workers. Follow our #TransportationTuesday series to meet the union leaders on the TTD Executive Committee.
First up: @afa_cwa President Sara Nelson, who represents nearly 50,000 flight attendants! pic.twitter.com/0vYwrKNyzT
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
UAW:
UAW 2024 National CAP Conference 1/24/24 https://t.co/1lzqzFJLw3
— UAW (@UAW) January 24, 2024
UNITE HERE:
"Richmond council declares boycott on hotel behind picket lines": https://t.co/fL1xGn0gV5@TheRichmondNews @SheratonYVR #livingwage #canlab #bclab #cdnpoli #bcpoli #vanpoli #canada #britishcolumbia #richmondbc #vancouver #yvr #solidarity #strike #boycott #union
— Unite Here Local 40 (@UniteHere40) January 17, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Have a contentious relationship with technology? We are here to help!
UFCW offers a computer essentials course that can help you achieve your goals & advance your skills.
Seats are limited - Register now!
Learn more: https://t.co/iGpoPznmEM pic.twitter.com/3jTgHdLQ3R
— UFCW (@UFCW) January 23, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Merit Aluminum CEO/Pres Mike Rapport responded to workers unionizing by hiring anti-union lawyers & fighting against basic rights 👎 Sign our petition to show solidarity as workers at Merit continue to fight for a 1st contract: https://t.co/weQ0LH0xZV.
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 21, 2024
Utility Workers:
UWUA VP Craig Pinkham recently traveled with a diverse labor delegation to see two European projects focused on hydrogen as an energy source. The tour was an opportunity to see how hydrogen might evolve in the United States under the H2Hubs program.https://t.co/noZ0jiuJLB pic.twitter.com/dPcyLjqIvc
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 23, 2024
Writers Guild of America, East:
Fair contract for @RingerUnion! #1u https://t.co/0Y5uOXz3Dj
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 24, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Support a Fair Contract for WGAE Members at Onion Inc.
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Please participate in this action from the Writers Guild of America East:
"At contract negotiations on Thursday, January 11, WGAE members at Onion, Inc. presented G/O Media—Onion, Inc.'s parent company—with a strike pledge signed by 97% of the bargaining unit.
"The message of the pledge was clear: if they do not reach a fair deal before their current contract expires on January 31, the workers at Onion, Inc. are prepared to strike.
"Please take a moment to show your support for the Onion Union—the 34-member unit that comprises the creative staff at The Onion, The A.V. Club, Deadspin, and The Takeout—by sending a letter to executives at G/O Media urging them to agree to a fair contract by before January 31."
Click here to write a letter to G/O Media.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:28Strikes Work: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Fred Meyer West Fairbanks is one of the most profitable stores in the company's portfolio, and these workers deserve a raise and benefits.
Stand with these workers and tell Fred Meyer to bargain a fair contract!https://t.co/F55zXxopXY
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Strikes WORK! 🥳✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 https://t.co/dqUO2tWIY1
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 23, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Labor Exchange - Tune In Tonight (1/22) at 6:00 PM on KGNU 88.5FM 1390AM! 📻
Listen here: https://t.co/kHfRxHER02 Don't miss it! After it airs, listen here: https://t.co/pg77DTf9Gj
We're talking about the Grace Carroll Rocky Mountain Labor School with Joe Maloney & Aspen Cyr pic.twitter.com/HsYmB83V7r
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) January 22, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Anti-working family lawmakers in Florida are quickly mobilizing to pass devastating legislation that would roll back critical labor protections and put childrens’ lives at risk.
Call your state legislators here: https://t.co/awtxsLQDMl pic.twitter.com/ZFGSMHRCJ2
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Born in Atl. on Jan. 30, 1961, he was named after Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, where his father served his first pastorate. He was the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King and is only seven years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. pic.twitter.com/k7ZWUXAWqe
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 23, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
On the 51st anniversary of #RoeVWade, a reminder that unions can bargain for reproductive rights.
Visit @AFLCIO for model contract collective bargaining agreement language. pic.twitter.com/jkRLYCtB1R
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Looks like the General Assembly is serious about child labor law rollbacks this session...we CANNOT afford to go backwards! https://t.co/IcOD95hjux
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
USW members at the state’s paper mills have been putting positive pressure on their employers through Senate President Troy Jackson’s legislation, LD 1794, that would place limits on forced overtime in the paper industry!https://t.co/cbQxwJ5GZC #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
One day longer, one day stronger! https://t.co/Ano7oCf58D pic.twitter.com/8EogjIQReL
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 19, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Brainerd Lakes Essential Grocery Store Workers Reject Employer Offers for Second Time at Cub Foods, SuperValu, Super One Foods https://t.co/xUame5AR8J #1u @UFCW663
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Winter months can be hard for many. There is hope. When you connect with the #988Lifeline, there is always someone to talk to. You are not alone. Your #mentalhealth matters. #YouMatter If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat https://t.co/iGsbwE0wNF. pic.twitter.com/qWAvMqEzND
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 21, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Happy Birthday to pro-labor champion, Assemblyman @ReubenDSilvaNV! 🎉 https://t.co/1jpiIEoJuh
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our @condeunion family who walked out today. Shame on Condé Nast management for bargaining in bad-faith! https://t.co/LEZk0Mc2af
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
When our freedom to thrive and have a voice in our democracy is under attack, we need the courts to have our back. That's why we're proud to endorse Justice Allison Riggs for NC Supreme Court! Learn more at https://t.co/1siWNgL036. @AllisonJRiggs #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/65LIcAGrKl
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Great night with the #dayton-Miami Valley @AFLCIO Labor Council as we trained nearly 40 activists who are ready to collect signatures for the @CitizenMapsOH campaign to finally end #gerrymandering in #ohio pic.twitter.com/T0EMMcyuQq
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 23, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Whenever workers take up picket signs and strike it’s critical we come to their aid to help them win.
Sharing our struggles unites the working class and brings us greater strength. #UnionStrong #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/tD2Jvd5Hx4
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 23, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Good for unions. Good for District 140. The PA AFL-CIO is proud to support @jimfor140 and encourages all members to vote in the February 13th special election. #District140 #SpecialElection #PAAFLCIO #PowerToThePeople #1u #YearOfTheWorker pic.twitter.com/8MSZozvlLI
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 20, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @RISpeaker Shekarchi, @CortneyNic, Director Alviti and our own Pat Crowley for being recognized as part of the top ten influential list https://t.co/NDZScNAoLj
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 19, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
🚨ACTION ALERT! With funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) potentially running out by April, our @CWAUnion family needs our help. Tell lawmakers to pass the bipartisan ACP Extension Act to support good jobs & keep families connected to high-speed broadband! #1u pic.twitter.com/pdaqKoa6z7
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 23, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
A staggering 633 teachers have resigned from Houston ISD from August to January.
That’s nearly double from the previous school year.
Why? The state-appointed school board & leadership kneecapped teachers’ autonomy in the classroom and created a culture of “fear & intimidation.”
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 22, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
🔥🔥 🗣️Say it louder for the people in the back @SenLouiseLucas ‼️ https://t.co/YkywPHNReY
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 19, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Shoutout @senjoenguyen for introducing a bill to allow public employees to sign union cards digitally.
Removing logistical barriers to organizing isn't flashy policy, but it is absolutely essential. Thank you, Senator! #WAleghttps://t.co/VRuN9wicjH pic.twitter.com/V9wDOz9rng
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Take Action to Protect Licensing in Wisconsin https://t.co/jI6h45LboH
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 18, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 11:11Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Politico and E&E News Staffers Win First Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Politico and E&E News reached a tentative agreement for their first-ever union contract and are seeking to form The PEN Guild after 20 months of negotiations. The three-year contract includes higher pay that helps close inequities in the newsroom, layoff protections, enhanced protections against adoption of artificial intelligence and stronger benefits. The more than 270 members of PEN Guild, represented by The NewsGuild-CWA, must still vote to ratify the contract.
“We formed this union because our colleagues were overworked, underpaid and lacked basic protections,” said unit chair Tanya Snyder, a transportation reporter for Politico Pro. “This contract will benefit our journalists and lead to a healthier, stronger newsroom.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/23/2024 - 09:57AFL-CIO: Reproductive Rights Are Worker Rights
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement on the 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision:
Equal access to contraception and reproductive health care, regardless of where someone works or lives, is essential to workers’ fundamental freedoms and economic security. The 51st anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision is a solemn reminder that reproductive health care rights are also worker rights.
No one should feel like their doors of opportunity are slammed shut based on their pregnancy status. No one should worry about losing their paycheck or job to travel hundreds of miles to see a doctor. And no one should have their collectively bargained health care benefits infringed upon by laws that criminalize doctors and their patients.
Unions will continue to fight to level the playing field for low-income workers and workers of color who bear the brunt of policies that make it harder to access health care, family and medical leave, universal high-quality child care, food assistance, housing and other critical programs.
The AFL-CIO and its 12.5 million members are poised to vigorously defend our workers’ right to bargain for quality health care and the right to control our own bodies, and we will mobilize like never before ahead of the critical 2024 election to protect all the fundamental freedoms that matter to working people.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 14:33Union Members Help People: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
What's Ahead for the Labor Movement in 2024?: “CNBC's Kate Rogers on the gains workers saw in 2023 as a result of union activity, and what's ahead this year for companies, including Starbucks, on the labor front.”
Schoolhouse Electric Signs First Union Contract with IBEW Local 48: “A unit of about 50 electrical manufacturing workers at Schoolhouse Electric in Portland started 2024 with their first union contract as members of IBEW Local 48. The three-year agreement sets starting wages at $20 an hour, up from $18 an hour. Workers with at least nine months experience immediately received a 3% wage increase or 50 cents per hour pay bump, whichever was higher.”
Biden’s Acting Labor Secretary Su Critiques Corporate Greed: “It’s a presidential election year, and that means Cabinet secretaries often deviate from official duties to laud their presidential bosses, while the secretaries speak out on the hustings. Which is what Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su did on January 12 in addressing the AFL-CIO’s Martin Luther King commemorative conference—but with a difference. She said one aim of President Biden’s pro-union, pro-worker agenda is to combat the corporate greed that particularly has oppressed workers of color. ‘Dr. King preached that we cannot have racial justice without economic justice and we cannot have economic justice without racial justice,’ Su told the MLK delegates, meeting in Birmingham, Ala. ‘He dared us to imagine a world in which both exist.’”
‘There Needs to Be a Deadline’: Culinary Leader Mulls Stalled Contract Talks: “The head of Culinary Workers Union Local 226 said he expects to see hospitality worker picket lines in front of as many as 20 Strip and downtown casinos on the weekend before Las Vegas begins to host festivities surrounding Super Bowl LVIII. In an interview Saturday with The Nevada Independent, Culinary Secretary-Treasurer Ted Pappageorge said the union and representatives of Bartenders Union Local 165 are scheduling negotiating sessions with management from the 20 hotel-casino operators over the next 17 days. Any property that does not have a tentative agreement with the unions by 5 a.m. on Feb. 2 will see non-gaming employees represented by the labor organizations walk away from their jobs and set up picket lines.”
Madison's Newest Labor Unions Face Next Fight: Getting a Contract: “In Madison, other workers currently waiting for contracts include game testers at Middleton video game studio Raven Software, who voted in a union in May 2022; seamstresses and screenprinters at custom clothing company Crushin’ It Apparel, whose votes were tallied in November 2022, and bakers and bread sellers at Madison Sourdough Company, who voted in a union last April. Hundreds of office workers at Madison-based financial services company TruStage, who went on strike in May for the first time since unionizing in the 1940s, finally ratified a new contract in December after close to two years of negotiations—likely the longest lag in the company’s history.”
King's Dream: Rooted in Labor’s Rising: “This Martin Luther King Day comes just weeks after a year that’s been dubbed ‘the year of the strike’ because in 2023 there were well over 300 such work stoppages involving 450,000 union workers willing to take the risk of walking out on their employer—a 900% increase from just a few years earlier. Automakers, actors, writers, nurses and a long list of other occupations were fed up enough that they walked off their job by the tens of thousands. Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board reported in 2022 receiving over 2,500 applications for workplace union representation, a 53% increase over the previous year.”
Annual IBEW Breakfast Honors MLK and Promotes Strength of Organized Labor: “Friday morning, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union 613, hosted their annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast at their Pulliam St. headquarters. Senators Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock were in attendance. They were joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman. Additionally, Ambassador Andrew Young and Wanda Cooper-Jones, the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, were in attendance.”
At MLK Conference, Unionists Strategize on Organizing the South: “Unionists at the AFL-CIO’s annual Martin Luther King conference, held January 12-14 in Montgomery, Ala., tackled what one panelist called a decades-long problem for the labor movement: Organizing the South. And that means both for more union victories, and members, and politically, too. ‘Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” Together, we are building a multiracial labor movement that fights for ALL working people to dismantle structural racism, protects our democracy, and defends our right to organize!’ Shuler said.”
‘Union Members Help People, Whether on the Shop Floor or Out in the Community’: “The AFL-CIO’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference began on Friday ‘at a crucial moment for the labor and civil rights movements, as workers across the country are organizing at historic rates for dignity, respect and justice, both on the job and in our communities,” says the AFL-CIO. ‘We are facing unprecedented attacks on our rights from politicians and judges who would rather put the interests of corporations over the needs of working people.’ The movements came ‘together not only to strengthen the bond between our two movements, but also to reignite our shared commitment to democracy and winning racial and economic justice for all.’”
Nearly Half of SoCal Hotels Involved in Local Strike Have Reached Tentative Deals with Workers: “The new year has brought more progress in contract talks between Southern California hotels and the union that represents their workers. Unite Here Local 11 this week secured tentative agreements with four more properties in Los Angeles County. The union announced a deal with the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica on Monday. The union said Friday it had also secured deals with Sheraton Universal, Line Hotel and 1 Hotel West Hollywood.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 08:51Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Baton Rouge Paratransit Drivers Secure First Union Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Paratransit drivers at Baton Rouge Capital Area Transit System in Louisiana ratified their first union contract, which includes 17.25% in wage increases. The workers, who provide on-demand transit for people with disabilities, are members of Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 260.
The contract also includes a training pay increase, matching employer contributions to workers' 401(k) accounts, life insurance, paid sick and bereavement days, a grievance procedure and other benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 01/22/2024 - 08:49Service & Solidarity Spotlight: More Cannabis Workers in New Jersey Join UFCW Local 152
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the MPX/iAnthus cannabis dispensary in Atlantic City, New Jersey, voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 152. The 12 workers are employed as budtenders, who provide customer service, facilitate retail sales and fulfill online orders. Local 152 also represents workers in the state at the MPX/iAnthus grow facility in Pleasantville.
“These workers have put their trust in our union to help improve their lives, and we will fight for what they deserve,” Local 152 President Brian String said. “As the Local 152 Cannabis Division continues to grow, so does the power of our members in all of the industries we serve. These workers are seeking improvements to their wages, health care benefits, and scheduling accommodations. Their hard work has helped MPX become a success in Atlantic City and their first contract should reflect their contributions.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 01/19/2024 - 08:562024 is All About Worker Power: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Swings get the job done! Swipe through to read even more thoughts from members of #EquityTeamSwing on #SwingDay pic.twitter.com/rHwpIqduTi
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) January 17, 2024
AFGE:
Social Security Disability Claimants Face Record Waits
"Tight budgets and staff attrition have had 'disastrous effects on customer service,' said AFGE, which represents more than 42K SSA workers, urging Congress to enact a long-term funding increase."https://t.co/empgi0IZNW
— AFGE (@AFGENational) January 18, 2024
AFSCME:
Being in a union means Rosina can travel to 🇲🇽, 🇹🇷, 🇦🇪 and more! How does being an AFSCME member help YOU be you? pic.twitter.com/85kKXDJbdQ
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) January 18, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
If lawmakers want to actually help seniors, they should strengthen Social Security and make the wealthy pay their fair share into the system. https://t.co/ioRsbExVvQ
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) January 18, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
The ATU celebrates National Mentoring Month, recognizing our rockstar ATU mentors making a difference in our members' lives. #NationalMentoringMonth #1u pic.twitter.com/DhZThQHlKC
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) January 18, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
Did you know? @The_AFM musicians are finding it harder to make a living as Made-for-Streaming work continues to eclipse traditional film/TV work. Made-for-Streaming work doesn't produce residuals for musicians, leaving them with less money. https://t.co/QEXaGQfrmp #FS4M pic.twitter.com/lY6IaWtX3u
— AFM Fair Share For Musicians (@fairshare4music) January 17, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Great news for students which includes many philanthropic and national partners working with communities to increase attendance, provide high-dosage tutoring, and increase summer learning and extended or afterschool learning time. @POTUS @VP @SecCardona https://t.co/BIvdgtAFOF
— AFT (@AFTunion) January 18, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
APWU national, regional, and local officers are working diligently to protect our job security and services to the public: an update on management’s “network modernization” plans.https://t.co/zpqHZlAqwd
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) January 17, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Today marks 15 yrs since US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the icy waters of NY's Hudson River. The "Miracle on the Hudson" would not have been a miracle w/o everyone doing exactly what needed to be done at just the right moment. Proud of the 1549 crew. Aviation's First Responders pic.twitter.com/xYUapK88I7
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) January 15, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Martin Luther King, Jr. knew unions are one of the best tools we have to dismantle systemic racism and build power for the working class.
BCTGM honors this #MLKDay by re-committing to The Dream through our activism and exceptional contracts. 🫱🏾🫲🏼 pic.twitter.com/YIrHpwbUC2
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) January 15, 2024
Boilermakers:
2024 is all about worker power and we are here for it! ✊#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/ydEe2EWfpt
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) January 17, 2024
Bricklayers:
We are proud of our BAC sisters who are passionate about their crafts and dedicated to our trades.#womenintrades #WomenBuild #bacsisters #tradeswomen #unionstrong #1u https://t.co/pi2uiiIVrp
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) January 17, 2024
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
CBTU co-founder Cleve Robinson with Dr. King. https://t.co/bJ6YPXfVPV
— CBTU (@CBTU72) January 15, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA Local 9003 members handed out flyers at Fordham’s Alumni Presidential Reception in Los Angeles where Fordham University President Tania Tetlow was speaking.
Graduate students workers have been fighting for a fair contract & living wage at Fordham for over a year. pic.twitter.com/8qnkvRWZWA
— CWA (@CWAUnion) January 17, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to the graduate employees at University of Oregon on their TA for a new union contract that would raise salaries by 18.98% to 45.32% over the lifetime of the contract. @GTFF_3544 https://t.co/wDTfpCVQet
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) January 17, 2024
Electrical Workers:
Collective bargaining gets the goods. For workers at this Ohio factory, it means real overtime pay. #IBEW. https://t.co/ahA5icIag6 pic.twitter.com/FOiksMmrU2
— IBEW (@IBEW) January 17, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Happy anniversary to the Brothers and Sisters of Local 87, San Antonio. Local 87 has been an established union for almost 100 years. pic.twitter.com/DjABfB23zS
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) January 18, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
BIG WIN out of Arizona this past week! 🤑
The City of Tucson, under the leadership of Mayor Regina Romero, City Council, and support from AZ JWJ and labor unions, recently passed a Prevailing Wage Ordinance, emphasizing the city's dedication to supporting its workers. pic.twitter.com/dskkCiXdBM
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) January 16, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Last weekend was outstanding!
We participated in the @AFLCIO 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference. We met with Secretary of Labor, @JulieSuCA and we share with Latino workers, members, friends y la familia LCLAA @AFTEVPDeJesus @MiFamiliaVota pic.twitter.com/0D6sQ5p1AG
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) January 16, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
LABOR HERITAGE POWER HOUR
Photojournalist David Bacon on “Working Coachella: Images of the farmworker community of the Coachella Valley”. Read this and more LHF Newsletter https://t.co/hFeeoeMa6b
Read about this LHF Newsletter https://t.co/hFeeoeMa6b pic.twitter.com/Mi9T38dpDU
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) January 11, 2024
Laborers:
Happy Martin Luther King Day! Let's honor Dr. King's vision by standing in solidarity with the labor movement. Together, we strive for justice, equality, and fair working conditions. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/gxwUgp8MqL
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) January 15, 2024
Machinists:
Solidarity in action! ✊
Representatives of the IAM/@IAM_DeltaRamp @DeltaAFA/@afa_cwa and @Teamsters joined forces for a @Labor_Caucus powerful roundtable discussion on organizing efforts for Delta Air Lines workers.#OrganizeAndFly pic.twitter.com/IaMQGcIw5D
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 18, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
PENTAGON POSTS STATEMENT ON PROTECTING MARINERS, VESSELShttps://t.co/Cgf2EtTZqU
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) January 12, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
Washington, DC — The Metal Trades Department (MTD) Executive Council in January announced the appointment of Edward Jones as the next president of the Department. Jones will fulfill the unexpired term of James Hart who retired in November. https://t.co/b6x4DjObDB
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) January 16, 2024
Mine Workers:
.@CecilRoberts: When I was growing up on Cabin Creek, my Dad said, “Son, there are two kinds of people in this world,good ones and bad ones; most are good.”Years later Dr King told us to judge people by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.” 1/2
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) January 15, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMAzine Spotlight: AGMA President Ned Hanlon. Read more: https://t.co/tmqrobwWgV pic.twitter.com/SbltzmHhGd
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) January 17, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA member Jeffrey Duckworth (Birmingham ATCT, BHM) recently attended an event with @SenKatieBritt and @SenJoniErnst. https://t.co/t3UqrUc4wY pic.twitter.com/nqRFja9387
— NATCA (@NATCA) January 18, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
When a disaster strikes, the NALC Disaster Relief Foundation (DRF) is there for you and your family. 100% of donations from NALC members go directly to assist other members affected by natural disasters. Learn more by following the thread below.⤵️ pic.twitter.com/xIYupfOTMj
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) January 18, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Today we honor the life of radical leader, #MartinLutherKingJr by reclaiming his political vision.
MLK Was an Exemplar of a Black Socialist Traditionhttps://t.co/EI7UgMOaDV#ReclaimMLK
— NDLON (@NDLON) January 15, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
The New Jersey #DomesticWorkersBillofRights is officially the law of the land!
This historic bill establishes rights and protections for New Jersey's 50,000 nannies, house cleaners, and home care workers who often experience wage theft, lack of breaks, and lack of sick leave. pic.twitter.com/TL1Wz5K0mL
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) January 17, 2024
National Nurses United:
Thank you to @BeaHero for hosting us, along with friend of nurses, Congressman @GregCasar, and many others this weekend for a memorial to honor the activism and celebrate the life of Ady Barkan. #RememberingAdy pic.twitter.com/HOUtvPD1ud
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) January 16, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
What a weekend it has been! ✨
Congratulations to everyone drafted in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and for those who were not, remember that there’s more than one right path to the league!
We can’t wait to see the impact this rookie group has on the NWSL for years to come!
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) January 14, 2024
NFL Players Association:
We remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his encouragement to commit to the work of social, racial and economic justice. May we all strive to do what’s necessary to uplift humanity. #MLKDay2024 pic.twitter.com/lLYAER5ukj
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) January 15, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Congratulations, Sisters! https://t.co/WvsZqU0XEp
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) January 16, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Today we reflect on the life and lasting legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. King actively worked to bridge the modern civil rights and labor movements which shared, he said, "a unity of purpose." #MLK2024 pic.twitter.com/zY0ZpkBp6y
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) January 15, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
What is an industrial painter?
IUPAT Industrial Painters apply coatings to surfaces in various industries, protecting and beautifying them for years at a time.https://t.co/n1rbWvUm42 pic.twitter.com/qYebaCcNVP
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) January 17, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
👏 @ActSecJulieSu: ICYMI...the Biden-Harris administration announced a final rule saying that most construction projects with more than $35 million in federal funding have a Project Labor Agreement.
Why this matters: https://t.co/rtT24X9vbm
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) January 17, 2024
Pride at Work:
The Pride at Work National Executive Board met at @TheTaskForce Creating Change conference to discuss our victories in 2023 and organize our 2024!
We are looking forward to a year of solidarity actions, trainings and more in 2024! #1u @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/TaD9Veir2M
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) January 18, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
BREAKING: the bakers, porters, wholesale drivers, and market staff of She Wolf Bakery have filed for a union election with @RWDSU! The workers at the Brooklyn bakery have been organizing in conjunction with @brandworkers and RWDSU: https://t.co/mtAgvzm6VH pic.twitter.com/w5VCuwZLmV
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) January 18, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
A personal fall arrest system can stop a fall – but only if it’s used properly. Learn more: https://t.co/G8tgwV4EuH #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/0WjThKj4s7
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) January 16, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
SAG-AFTRA NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI joined fellow labor leaders on the "Workers in Focus" session to discuss the future of labor at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. #WEF24
You can watch the full @wef discussion here: https://t.co/y2CET9JSCp pic.twitter.com/gXiQ9f2cGr
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) January 18, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Our yearlong labor organizing and apprenticeship Union School in #Mexico graduated its first class of #labororganizers, with 28 students from diverse backgrounds. pic.twitter.com/roBPOnpY37
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) January 18, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Our members @AustinNewsGuild are planning to strike --- support them https://t.co/JM3ioLQhg9
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) January 11, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Bravo to the Local 33 crew behind this year’s #CriticsChoiceAwards. Great job everyone! #unionproud pic.twitter.com/ooJoVKE8XF
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) January 17, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
TWU Intl. Pres. Samuelsen says the @JetBue @SpiritAirlines court decision “ends a period of uncertainty for our members at JetBlue and Spirit, & both work groups gain in the end.” Hard-fought raises for JetBlue Inflight Crewmembers. Spirit Guest Service Agents’ contract protected
— TWU (@transportworker) January 16, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
☀️Good morning from the first meeting of @USDOT's new Transforming Transportation Advisory Committee.
As a committee member, @TTDAFLCIO's Chief of Staff Matthew Colvin will provide a voice for workers who are impacted by automation, innovation, and technology. pic.twitter.com/sgCD20fNa8
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) January 18, 2024
UAW:
“Economic justice cannot end at the doors of the factory or worksite. Social justice cannot end at the border of our country.”
-- #UAW President Shawn Fain | @ShawnFainUAW#StandUpUAW #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/uPoTqscqKD
— UAW (@UAW) January 18, 2024
UNITE HERE:
“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Today and every day, we continue his legacy by fighting for equality and justice for working people. pic.twitter.com/RxcNA2nsmK
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 15, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
State social equity efforts for cannabis businesses are vulnerable to being dismantled unless federal law guidelines step in to protect them.
Find out how certain federal law provisions can help preserve these important programs. pic.twitter.com/puWPFmBe4k
— UFCW (@UFCW) January 17, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Sign our petition urging Merit Aluminum to bargain a fair contract: https://t.co/weQ0LH0xZV. Workers at Merit voted to unionize & have been fighting for a first contract for months. CEO/Pres Mike Rapport responded by hiring anti-union lawyers & fighting against basic rights 👎
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) January 18, 2024
Utility Workers:
The 2024 @aflcio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference took place last weekend in Montgomery, Alabama. UWUA joined more than 800 union members to honor Dr. King’s vision for collective action at the voting booth, in the community and in the workplace. pic.twitter.com/AUDF4252OU
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) January 17, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
Our members at @OnionIncUnion are fighting to secure a fair contract before January 31.
At their latest bargaining session, the Onion Union presented mgmt with a strike pledge signed by 97% of the bargaining unit. They’re prepared to strike to win the fair contract they deserve. pic.twitter.com/Qngc8pDLnh
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) January 12, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/18/2024 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Registered Nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center Vote Overwhelmingly to Join MSNA/NNOC
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Registered nurses at Northern Maine Medical Center in Fort Kent, Maine, voted 62% in favor of joining the Maine State Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee (MSNA/NNOC). NNOC is an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). They say they joined the union because maintaining high levels of patient care requires that nurses have a say in decisions about patient care, and about recruitment and worker retention.
“We are thrilled that our co-workers voted ‘yes’ to join Maine State Nurses Association," said Brad Martinez, RN in the intensive care unit at NMMC. "Together, we share a vision of improving the level of care our families receive in our hospital."
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 01/18/2024 - 08:18Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Former Senator Doug Jones opens day two #MLK2024 in Montgomery AL. pic.twitter.com/tE5C0zzkKl
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) January 13, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
We kick off our labor walks this SATURDAY! Join us and help get out the #UnionVote! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/xbHKzXprTU
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) January 17, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
United in Solidarity! 🤝✊ We stand strong with our affiliates at the MLK Day Celebration, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, we continue the fight for justice, equality, and a brighter future. #MLKDay #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/ee3YvbcwiS
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
On #MLK Day, we recognize the vital link between civil rights & labor rights, knowing they're inseparable.
Today, we honor Dr. King's legacy by organizing for economic and social justice for all working people ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/wAu3lrzpwK
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) January 15, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Project labor agreements ensure local workers are hired and guarantees apprenticeship opportunities for community members. All while completing the project on time and under budget. https://t.co/p3kq25dewW
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Rain, snow, or shine, utility workers are there to keep the lights on. Thank you all - we really appreciate you. pic.twitter.com/DnoJ5XW1pJ
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
All #Labor #fun at the #MLKMarch #❤️ #ThankYou #Solidarity #1u #Georgia #MLK2024 #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/zrJPkVFqd2
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) January 15, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
The cold does not stop us when we are #unionstrong.
Thanks to all the Committee on Political Education (COPE) members who braved the weather to kick off the political endorsement process. #1u pic.twitter.com/TTuvAE2QMh
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
On this #MLKDay2024, we honor both a man and a movement. As Dr. King knew better than anyone, racial and economic justice are two sides of the same coin. We must constantly fight in solidarity of both to find ourselves in a world in which there is dignity for all. pic.twitter.com/NfeQ4pXlvs
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
On this #MLKDay2024, we honor both a man and a movement. As Dr. King knew better than anyone, racial and economic justice are two sides of the same coin. We must constantly fight in solidarity of both to find ourselves in a world in which there is dignity for all. pic.twitter.com/NfeQ4pXlvs
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
On Sunday, February 4th, attend A Conversation with Kim Kelly - What Past Labor Struggles Can Teach Us About Future Labor Struggles pic.twitter.com/cxsxVfI2P7
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) January 16, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
The fight for civil rights and the fight for workers' rights have always been intertwined. Dr. King's legacy lives on in the labor movement's constant march towards racial and economic justice for all. #MLKDay2024 pic.twitter.com/a0h27SqY1N
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) January 15, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Doctors’ union certified over Allina objections https://t.co/9IXiFvig0f #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
We are in the "best run of wage increases won by labor since the period right after the end of World War II."
Working people are fighting together and we are winning together! https://t.co/kU99rAZGBl
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) January 14, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Glenn Norton will be sorely missed by all of us at the Nevada State AFL-CIO pic.twitter.com/TNtLFSDszZ
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
THIS: “The roots of “Right-to-Work” are steeped in racism from the Jim Crow era. HB-1377 is not about worker freedom and it belongs nowhere near New Hampshire.”
Thank you to our sister, @maggie_fogarty for words and #Solidarity!#NHPolitics #RTW #1u #NHLabor pic.twitter.com/VWjfFXotuV
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) January 10, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
This rule from @USDOL is huge for the millions of gig workers in the US. Here’s why:
- Independent contractors aren't covered by protections like workers comp & the right to unionize
- 30% use SNAP, 2x the rate of regular workers
- 1 in 7 earn less than federal hourly min wage https://t.co/RrW3QjL8eY
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
We are reminded at the #OtisDream event this #MLKDay from Rev. Otis Moss, Jr. that the “sound of voting is music. Freedom music.” We must continue to fight voter suppression and #gerymandering in #Ohio. Sign the @CitizenMapsOH to ensure we vote in @OhFairDistricts pic.twitter.com/TZk053To37
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) January 15, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Stay safe out there and THANK YOU to every single worker who is helping keep Oregon running during these storms. https://t.co/dNGcVvAxOc
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) January 16, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
The PA AFL-CIO is proud to support Jim Prokopiak for District 140 State Representative because we know he will advocate and fight on behalf of our members. Make a plan to vote in the February 13 special election. #UnionsUnited #AFL-CIO pic.twitter.com/w0hq9GgK8h
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) January 16, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Tomorrow! 1/18 at noon
Join us for our first virtual Lunch and Learn of 2024!
This month we address Gun Violence as a labor issue with the @RICAGV1, NEA RI, and @MEAFLCIO
Please register here: https://t.co/viW9uAajbW pic.twitter.com/oeC8s033y2
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) January 17, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Congratulations to the @NJAFLCIO on this exciting accomplishment! One of the best ways to ensure that working families' needs are addressed is to elect union members to office at all levels of government. #1u https://t.co/UgdJgc0sQZ
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) January 11, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Our 2024 COPE Convention is coming up!
On January 28th and 29th, union members from across Texas will come together to chart a path for this years election efforts, fight for the future of our state, and gain the skills we need to mobilize like never before. pic.twitter.com/rIV2P4kVg0
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) January 11, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
We love to see new additions to our favorite committee. 😆 And finally the name change we’ve all been missing ! Union sister @JeionWard , so glad to have you back, leading the charge on labor issues in VA ! #UnionStrong #UnionsForAll https://t.co/3XnqIHCF3k
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) January 12, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Thank you @GovInslee for lifting up important economic policies that our communities have fought for, like Paid Family Medical Leave. Together, we’ll continue to ensure Washington remains the best state to live and work in. #WAleg https://t.co/mLWbD4dGht
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) January 10, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
United Food Operation Chair (and WV AFL-CIO Vice President) Elaine Harris led the kickoff of the 2024 Food Drive today. Thanks to all who participated! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/3c2tnh5qKU
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) January 12, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
“This bill does not eliminate a mere technicality but eliminates essential rights of workers,” said WI AFL-CIO President Bloomingdale. https://t.co/vHo2USqPY4
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) January 14, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/17/2024 - 10:11Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of Oregon Graduate Students Reach Tentative Agreement, Avoiding Strike
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF), an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), reached a tentative agreement on Jan. 15 with the University of Oregon on a new three-year contract. The agreement avoids an employee strike that was scheduled to start Jan. 17. The deal brings a substantial pay raise to graduate employees, continues tuition and fee waivers, increases summer employment opportunities, continues health care coverage and includes other benefits.
“The deal we secured today will bring the minimum salary of all [half time] graduate employees…up to $2,550 a month in the first year,” GTFF’s announcement said. “The cumulative increases of GE salaries range from 18.98 percent to 45.32 percent over the life of the 3-year contract, depending on GE level and rate.”
A ratification vote is expected to be held later in the week.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 01/17/2024 - 09:29Worker Wins: Ensuring the Future
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Phoenix Passes Prevailing Wage Ordinance: Beginning July 2024, construction companies working on city of Phoenix projects that are valued at $4 million or more will have to give their employees union-level wages and benefits “consistent with local standards for a given type of work.” On Tuesday, Phoenix became the only city in Arizona to pass a prevailing wage ordinance for construction contractors. This local law will ensure that all construction workers receive fair compensation for skilled labor and is yet another example of how union wages raise industry standards for all workers.New Jersey Labor Movement Has Record Number of Union Members Sworn into the Legislature: The labor movement in New Jersey is making history with a total of nine union members serving in the 2024–2025 state Legislature. In addition to these newly elected lawmakers, 39 union members were sworn into office at all levels of government, from county commissioner to the school board. A brand new legislative session has just started in New Jersey and working people are ready for our officials to get to work fighting for us. Having union members in the General Assembly, Senate and other state agencies means working families have advocates on our side who are committed to protecting the right to join a union, the right to collective bargaining and the right to have a safe workplace.Journalists Organize at The Evansville Courier & Press: On Monday, journalists at The Evansville Courier & Press in southwestern Indiana launched their union, demanding Gannett, the largest owner of newspapers in the country, recognize them. One hundred percent of the workers signed a union card. Citing slashed resources, dwindling staff numbers and oversized workloads, the award-winning journalists at the Courier & Press joined together in a union to ensure they’ll be able to continue providing compelling and critical local reporting. These workers join the ranks of more than 600 industry colleagues from 17 other Gannett-owned newsrooms that have unionized with The NewsGuild-CWA since 2019. “We want to ensure a future for ourselves and news in Evansville,” said Sarah Loesch, a government reporter at the Evansville newspaper.Millions of Gig Workers Could Qualify as Employees Under New Biden-Era Rule: In a win in the fight against employee misclassification, the Department of Labor released a final rule Tuesday that could change the status of millions of gig economy workers from independent contractors to employees. It would take effect March 11. By changing their designation to employees, gig workers who previously didn’t have access to things like minimum wage standards, overtime pay, unemployment insurance and Social Security would now get these important, hard-fought protections and benefits. This walks back a Trump-era rule from 2021 that made it easier for corporations to categorize workers as independent contractors and therefore deny full protections to workers under federal labor law. Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su said this rule would “help create a level playing field for businesses, protect workers from being denied the right to fair pay and affirm the vital role true independent contractors play in our economy by allowing them to thrive.”BodyVox Dance Company Stagehands Win IATSE Contract: Union stagehands at BodyVox—a dance company in Portland, Oregon—unanimously ratified their first contract in December since joining Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 28. BodyVox is an internationally touring dance troupe, performance space and dance school that routinely hires temporary carpenters, camera operators and other stagehands for shows. While it’s common for dance companies to invite the same technicians back regularly, getting rehired can depend on unreliable factors like whether the production manager personally likes you. Now, rehiring is guaranteed through the contract. “It’s a relief to know that whoever the manager is, we will still have a job,” said Iain Chester, a stagehand electrician. Major wins also include a base wage that’s double what stagehands were making before announcing plans to organize with IATSE, annual cost-of-living adjustments, premium pay for certain holidays and more.Collapse of Planned Essentia, Marshfield Merger a Win for Patients, Workers and Minnesota: The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA)—an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU)—is rightfully celebrating a huge win in the fight against corporate consolidation, as the proposed merger between Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota, and Wisconsin’s Marshfield Clinic Health System crumbles. For months, the two health care giants have pursued plans to combine, raising serious concerns between patients and workers that the merger would threaten jobs, worsen working conditions, increase medical costs and concentrate even more corporate control over our health care system into the hands of the few. This victory is thanks in part to the efforts of MNA members and local community members who organized last year at the Minnesota Legislature for the passage of a new law to provide critical public oversight of proposed hospital mergers like the one considered by Essentia and Marshfield. This bill gave state officials power to check corporate interests driving mergers and regulate these consolidations based on their impact on patients and workers.Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin Resident and Fellow Nurses Overwhelmingly Vote to Join NNOC/NNU: Last week, registered nurses in the resident and fellow programs at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas (ASMCA) voted overwhelmingly—with 96% in favor—to join the National Nurses Organizing Committee (NNOC), an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU). The union family at ASMCA is growing! Despite Ascension’s stance that RNs in the resident and fellow programs shouldn’t join their unionized colleagues, there are now more than 1,000 nurses represented by NNOC/NNU at ASMCA, bringing the total number of members represented throughout the Ascension system to more than 2,500. “Ascension has attempted to silence RNs here and across the country from speaking up about patient care issues. But, fortunately for our patients, our RN movement—including now five union election victories across four facilities in three states—continues onward,” said Zetta Hackleman, RN in the perioperative department and member of the contract bargaining team.Detroit Bus Drivers to Get Immediate Raise, Bigger Bonus Under New Agreement: The city of Detroit announced last Thursday that Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) bus drivers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 26 will see an immediate $3-per-hour raise. The raise comes after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and ATU. While the collective bargaining agreement doesn't expire until July 1, 2025, Detroit has been struggling with a bus driver shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic, so the city and ATU worked together to reopen the contract early to give drivers a raise. Under the MOU, the quarterly attendance bonus also will increase to $1,500 for every driver who has no more than three unexcused absences per quarter. “This increase will help us hire and retain more drivers, so the public can know when they are at a stop and need to get to work or the doctor, DDOT is going to show up when we are supposed to. That’s everyone’s goal,” said ATU Local 26 President Schetrone Collier.Health Care Workers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Vote to Join IAM: Nearly 1,000 patient care associates (PCAs) and psychiatric care technicians (PCTs) at the Ohio State University (OSU) Wexner Medical Center voted to join the Machinists (IAM) this week. Like so many health care professionals, at both Wexner Medical Center and other hospitals around the country, workers have sought out dignity at work, fair wages and the standards of care necessary to protect patients. “Alongside my colleagues, we came together knowing that we deserve to be heard to have a better quality of life for ourselves and others surrounding us. Having a union at OSU will strengthen us as a team and as a whole alongside the nurses. I am looking forward to our future with the IAM,” said Lyndsee Cody, PCA at Wexner Medical Center.Board Game Cafe Workers in NYC Win Election: Workers at Hex & Co.—the largest board game cafe company in Manhattan with three locations across New York City—have unionized with Workers United. Citing needs for fair wages, clear paths to promotions and better staffing levels, Hex Workers United is the first union at a board game bar in the city. Members emphasize that they share a passion for working with customers of all ages and want to be treated fairly while inspiring a love for games in others. “If an owner comes in and says, ‘We’re a family,’ you aren’t really going to buy that,” said Zev Anderman, a Hex & Co. worker. “That’s them trying to play nice so they don’t have to pay you more. But [in the union], I think we are a family.”Workers at Princeton’s Labyrinth Books Move to Stand Together in a Union: A few days before the end of 2023, Labyrinth Books staff members announced their intent to unionize with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) so they can improve standards at both the official bookstore for Princeton University and across the industry. Labyrinth Books opened in 2007 and has since become the official partner of Princeton University and a hugely popular bookstore in the small college town. But despite the store’s well-loved community presence, worker wages don’t keep up with the staggering cost of living, and staff say insufficient leave and lack of transparency from management have been pain points. Rebecca Ziemann, who has been an employee since 2022, said of the union campaign: “If we didn’t care [about Labyrinth], we wouldn’t be working so hard to improve it.” This exciting momentum comes on the heels of workers at Barnes & Noble at Rutgers University voting unanimously last spring to unionize with RWDSU-UFCW, making it the first union bookstore in New Jersey.Colorado Alamo Drafthouse Workers Vote to Unionize: Workers at the Westminster, Colorado location of Alamo Drafthouse are organizing with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7777. The Alamo Drafthouse’s flagship Austin, Texas theater’s workers voted to unionize in February 2022 and since then, staff at locations across California, New York and Texas have followed suit. Despite the movie theater chain seeing record profits, workers report issues like delayed paychecks, withholding of owed workers’ compensation and unaddressed workplace harassment complaints. Additionally, CWA says that three people involved in unionization efforts have been unlawfully fired—part of a larger string of union-busting activities workers in Colorado have faced.Connecticut’s First Cannabis Union Contract Ratified: Workers at Advanced Grow Labs (AGL) have made Connecticut history by voting to ratify the first union cannabis contract in the state. Represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 919, the contract ratification comes months after workers at AGL formed the union in March 2023. Contract highlights include up to 25% wage increases over the next three years, increased holiday pay, job protection, secured retirement and more. “I am proud to be a part of the first cannabis union in Connecticut,” said AGL Production Technician Alanna Daniels. "This has been a huge milestone for the industry in the state and our company. I hope other workers can come together like we have.” Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/16/2024 - 10:07Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Workers Join UFCW Local 371
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
More than 90 Ben & Jerry’s ice cream processing workers at the Waterbury, Vermont, plant joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 371.
“The UFCW is extremely proud to welcome the hard-working ice cream processors at Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury, Vermont, plant to our union family,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “From Cherry Garcia to Chunky Monkey, Ben & Jerry’s workers at the Waterbury plant proudly make some of the country’s most recognizable ice cream flavors. As America’s food processing union, we are thrilled at the opportunity to not only represent, but uplift workers at such an iconic American brand, and we look forward to bringing this opportunity to other Unilever plants across the country. These workers know better than anyone that whether it’s in a cup or cone, union victory tastes sweet.”
“We applaud the Ben & Jerry’s Waterbury plant employees who made their voices heard today by joining the UFCW through card check recognition,” said Local 371 President Ronald Petronella. “Ben & Jerry’s are well known for their progressive politics, and we held them to their word.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 01/16/2024 - 09:35Tags: Organizing
