Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Shares Stories of Members Facing Down COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Whether they are an academic researcher looking for a drug to fight the deadly virus, an autoworker making a quick pivot to manufacture ventilators, masks or shields, a maintenance worker disinfecting the plant, or a health care worker making sure the sick can receive treatment, UAW members are courageously doing what they can to battle COVID-19. The union profiled some of its members on the front lines who are fighting every day to deal with the public health crisis.
David Gordon, an associate researcher at the University of California, San Francisco and member of UAW Local 5810, is racing to find a treatment for COVID-19. Robert Nadler is working 12-hour days to produce face shields as a die repairer and member of UAW Local 245 in Michigan. Sandy Welch, a member of UAW Local 95 and a medical transcriptionist in Wisconsin, continues to go to work at a medical clinic despite being at high risk for complications from the coronavirus because of preexisting conditions. These are just a few of the thousands of union members who are playing their part to keep our country safe and protect our communities. Read more of their inspiring stories here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/02/2020 - 12:39Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Economy Gains 4.8 Million Jobs in June; Unemployment Declines to 11.1%
The U.S. economy gained 4.8 million jobs in June, and the unemployment rate declined to 11.1%, according to figures released Thursday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The improvements reflect the continued resumption of economic activity that previously was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the June job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs said:
The growing number of workers who are facing more than five weeks looking for work signals a "typical" recession driven by weak demand. The spike in the short-time unemployed, those unemployed less than five weeks, was related to our health crisis. So, even after we get the health crisis in check, we face a recession the size of the Great Recession in terms of unemployed workers.
He also tweeted:
The Black unemployment rate fell in June reports @BLS_gov on the strength of adult Black women's rate going from 16.5 to 14.0%, but it rose for adult Black men from 15.5 to 16.3%. That increase foreshadows the difficulty of the cyclical component of the crisis. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020There are two unemployment crises. The #JobsReport shows big spikes in unemployment since last June for Leisure & Hospitality (mostly restaurant & bar workers), but the jump for durable goods manufacturing and mining are from the collapse in demand and will clear slowly. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/jvYC8wtIXF
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020But, now the #JobsReport shows the labor market returning it racial "equilibrium," as since April the white male unemployment rate continues to fall, while the Black male unemployment rate continues to climb. At 16.3 to 9.0, the ratio is at 1.8:1 @AFLCIO @rolandsmartin
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020The #JobsReport shows the difficulty of the "hustle." Women, more than men, compensate low earnings by holding two jobs. In this crisis, that's much harder than last year. The big problem is you can't unemployment insurance to make up for that second job. @AFLCIO @IWPResearch pic.twitter.com/5OYehKsYPH
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020In April, the big jobs shock was to leisure & hospitality and retail, but they are slowly leading a bounce back. So, let's put to rest the stupid comments that unemployment benefits are hurting low wage workers return to work. The numbers show that is simply not true. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/X2aXUm7uXn
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020The tale of the two jobs crises: The loss of jobs because of our health crisis spiked the unemployment rate in April, and the number who experienced short spells of unemployment; but, the collapse of demand is fueling the typical recession problem of longer term spells. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/EHBASvhfq2
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020Trying to make sense of the continued big numbers claiming unemployment? The net flows are toward employment, but there are still a large number of workers who are losing jobs. Women, who lost the most in April, are having bigger net flows into work. @AFLCIO @IWPResearch pic.twitter.com/FSFpZjMACI
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020Greater detail for understanding the "misclassification" of temporary layoff in the @BLS_gov report:
Who are the Potentially Misclassified in the Employment Report? | The Hamilton Project https://t.co/gRILLcaQ7A
#JobsReport , reporters, please stop being business shills asking if the $600 Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is discouraging workers. More unemployed workers in May went into employment in June than dropped out of the market; discouraged. People want work. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/JoqAhEn7IY
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020The broadest measure of unemployment, including those who are discouraged and those who are part-time looking for full-time jobs, also fell in June. But, at 18% gives the sense of stress in American households over this job market. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/O7m4SyeRS0
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) July 2, 2020Last month's biggest job gains were in leisure and hospitality (+2.1 million), retail trade (740,000), education and health services (568,000), other services (357,000), manufacturing (356,000), professional and business services (306,000), construction (158,000), transportation and warehousing (99,000), wholesale trade (68,000), financial activities (32,000) and government employment (33,000). Mining lost 10,000 jobs in June.
In June, the unemployment rates declined for teenagers (23.2%), Blacks (15.4%), Hispanics (14.5%), Asians (13.8%), adult women (11.2%), adult men (10.2%) and Whites (10.1%).
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) increased in June.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/01/2020 - 14:47Pass the HEROES Act: 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:
There have been 37,327 new coronavirus cases in Florida since Actors' Equity called on @Disney to delay opening until regular testing is available to our members. https://t.co/cVairwpIcM pic.twitter.com/ilUHpQnLO8
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) June 30, 2020AFGE:
The administration should boost its communication with federal employees and create clearer benchmarks for when agencies should call their workers back to the workplace.https://t.co/FsiXb0OIOB
— AFGE (@AFGENational) June 29, 2020AFSCME:
The corporately-backed Freedom Foundation was behind the Janus v. AFSCME case. The same group has filed a lawsuit to overturn a mandatory masking order in a Washington state county. They clearly care more about playing politics than safety. https://t.co/Peqmkne4CR
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 30, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
In a letter to Congress last week, the leaders of the @afa_cwa, ALPA @CWAUnion the @MachinistsUnion the @transportworker and the @TTDAFLCIO called to extend to the Payroll Support Program in the #CARESAct through 3/31/2021. Read the letter here: https://t.co/RBRD8VbZGp
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) June 30, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
Older Mainers shouldn't have to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote during the #COVID19 pandemic. Today we sued to make voting safer for all. Learn more here: https://t.co/UTD7HpSlSL @votedotorg pic.twitter.com/YL4TXEXghp
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) June 24, 2020Amalgamated Transit Union:
#CanadaDay2020 #Labour pic.twitter.com/0eyeoFzNXk
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 1, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
.@Indy_Symphony furloughed musicians and eliminated health insurance—despite having an endowment w/more than $97 million. Outrageous! ???https://t.co/TaYxfkS7jC
— AFM (@The_AFM) June 26, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
RT & Share: #COVID19 is decimating state and local budgets. Teacher, EMT, and public employee layoffs are inevitable without federal help. That’s why the Senate needs to pass the #HEROESAct. https://t.co/rAieWeQa3e
— AFT (@AFTunion) July 1, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
Over 2 million petition signatures demanding urgent postal funding were delivered to Congress. APWU members & supporters joined in a National Day of Action to Save the Post Office! https://t.co/EpQsoakbFf
— APWU National (@APWUnational) June 26, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Amplifying our AAPI communities' voice starts through on-the-ground organizing. Listen to Sophie, with @ApalaPhilly, & Amy, with APALA Seattle, on how they've registered and turned out AAPI voters during #COVID19 to prepare for Nat'l Voter Reg Day! https://t.co/vbBLOkgtgL pic.twitter.com/CHyEfRbD6x
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) June 29, 2020Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
We remember the 128 lives lost, 11 crew members & 117 passengers, who perished when United Airlines Flight 718 & Trans World Airlines Flight 2 collided over the Grand Canyon National Park on 6/30/1956. It was the first commercial airline crash to result in more than 100 deaths. pic.twitter.com/t3eSNYj3rB
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 30, 2020Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
We stand with the thousands of @MachinistsUnion members protesting for a fair labor contract at Bath Iron Works (@GDBIW) ship-building facility in Maine.
✅ Fair Wages
✅ Stop out-of-state sub-contracting
✅ Affordable healthcare
❌ Outsourcing jobs
❌ Union-busting pic.twitter.com/D9Lvg70c3R
Boilermakers:
Nice article featuring #Boilermaker apprentice Harrison Parker out of Local 45. Way to represent, Harrison! ? https://t.co/5NsIn2JbVX
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) June 30, 2020Bricklayers:
IUBAC supports H.R. 2, The Moving Forward Act which includes The Rebuild America’s Schools Act. Read our full statement: https://t.co/0YhJ3JIfZo
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) June 30, 2020California School Employees Association:
The #CABudget for 20/21 maintains funding for schools & colleges & protects classified staff because we can't reopen safely for our students w/o full staffing. Thanks to @Rendon63rd, @toniatkins & @GavinNewsom for their support of all school employees! https://t.co/PmLFBjekGb
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) June 24, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
We stand with our sisters and brothers in Colombia. https://t.co/uhtSmyUKAH
— CBTU (@CBTU72) June 22, 2020Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Interested in joining the Coalition of Labor Union Women? Hear officers and a member explain how to get involved and what CLUW means to them. #CLUWSNAP pic.twitter.com/PoFMrMfPSF
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) June 22, 2020Communications Workers of America:
Check out this week's CWA organizing update! #1uhttps://t.co/09ckmyUBX4
— CWA (@CWAUnion) June 28, 2020Department for Professional Employees:
We're so excited for the professionals at @CarnegieMembers who are organizing with the @steelworkers! @UMWpgh #1u https://t.co/VS909l8n3G
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) June 30, 2020Electrical Workers:
— IBEW (@IBEW) July 1, 2020Fire Fighters:
Listen to our new #IAFF podcast featuring Rick Swan, the IAFF Director of Health and Safety Services as he discusses the 2020 #wildfire season.https://t.co/afVF0ZNWx6
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) June 30, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers has been trending "green" for more than 115 years! Learn all about what the HFIAW has been doing to remain environmentally friendly for all these years here: https://t.co/QWExwH762D
— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) July 1, 2020International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
The "leadership" at the Tennessee Valley Authority is destroying lives, and hurting our communities by outsourcing essential public infrastructure jobs to foreign multinational corporations!! #DISGUSTING! Keep these jobs at home!! https://t.co/dabxsGyxo7 pic.twitter.com/FtE9AuRILC
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) June 29, 2020Ironworkers:
Ironworker Daniel Miranda didn’t think twice before taking off his boots to dive into murky water when he saw a car quickly sinking into an irrigation ditch in Tracy last week.https://t.co/1RSudP8Zqi
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) June 15, 2020Jobs With Justice:
With #COVID19 cases rising, we know that deregulation has done nothing but put more Americans at risk.
But the plan was never to keep the American people healthy — the plan was to keep the stock market healthy.https://t.co/aghyqljo5p
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
No child should ever be locked up! Releasing undcumented immigrants amid an unprecedented pandemic is ensuring their basic human right to life. Guaranteeing the freedom of these innocent children is our duty as a community! #KeepFamiliesTogetherhttps://t.co/ylcYsnghYF
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 30, 2020Laborers:
#LIUNA in the news: Union Leaders Voice Optimism about Projects https://t.co/m4OS9h2mXw via @TheBizJournal
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) June 22, 2020Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp @NYSANEWS MUST SEE VIDEO FROM ILA - Black Lives Matter: A look at ILA-USMX June 9th Peaceful Protest Hour. https://t.co/tEI0HC28kw
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) June 18, 2020Machinists:
“We will not allow outside contractors to take over," said IAM Eastern Territory GVP @IAMConigliaroSr. https://t.co/mOxsq9rAZk
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) July 1, 2020Metal Trades Department:
MTD and Its Allies Call on Congress to Pass the Heroes Act | Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO https://t.co/bNkly64gUG
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) June 29, 2020Mine Workers:
“The new owners have agreed in writing – as part of a collective bargaining agreement our members ratified in April – that they will rehire UMWA members when they take ownership of the company.” - International President Cecil E. Robertshttps://t.co/XrwPHvYsl9
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) June 26, 2020Musical Artists:
AGMA is using today as a launching pad for learning more about the history of #Juneteenth and how AGMA can better support the Black artists in our industries.
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) June 19, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Salt Lake Center (ZLC) NATCA members Tyler Ellis & Caryn Morrison had a virtual meeting with Rep. Ben McAdams (top right) and his Chief of Staff Nichole Dunn. Dunn mentioned to Ellis how much she loves the stand-out bright yellow NATCA shirt he wore on the call. pic.twitter.com/3450RA9dsG
— NATCA (@NATCA) June 30, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
Traveling letter carrier Gerome went to Philadelphia! He attended an employee appreciation event held at Spring Garden Station in Philadelphia, and met with employees there.
Gerome is a 5-inch-tall traveling letter carrier. Learn more about him here: https://t.co/XgDZrRdfJa #1u pic.twitter.com/VqFNMyaMTS
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Happening Now: On the Road to Justice!! @TPS_Alliance leads Caravan of immigrant TPS families to the US Senate, demand Permanent Residency! WATCH LIVE ??https://t.co/TKO3EIyfk6#RoadtoJusticeTPS #AlwaysEssentialTPS #ResidencyNow
— NDLON (@NDLON) June 24, 2020National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Black domestic workers are at the center of three overlapping crises — but they continue to work to keep us all safe. It's time for @senatemajldr to pass the #HEROESAct to #ProtectEssentialWorkers: https://t.co/dlHwSdrvoh pic.twitter.com/IpxZa0htw1
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) June 24, 2020National Federation of Federal Employees:
NFFE-IAM Local 1431, has been saying there's a serious problem at the East Orange (#NJ) VA since the beginning of this pandemic. The time is now to help the hardest hit VA HCS in the country. #COVID19 #veterans https://t.co/RzLcVgcx2j
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) June 25, 2020National Nurses United:
Taxpayers funded the development of this #COVID19 drug.
Now, @GileadSciences wants those same taxpayers to pay billions more for the very medication that they already paid the corporation to develop.
Nurses say, the people deserve better! #Gileadhttps://t.co/9JeT6BsyVU
NFL Players Association:
NFLPA President @JCTretter covers some of the common phrases football players have been hearing around getting back to work & highlights our mission of keeping player safety at the forefront.
His latest column: https://t.co/bPyY5o0eVa pic.twitter.com/cMVvv7XPiF
North America's Building Trades Unions:
NABTU’s Registered Apprenticeship programs thrive through providing the BEST education for ALL students.
That’s made possible by the use of state-of-the-art technology to ensure each apprentice firmly grasps the fundamentals of their respective trade.#ASCAatHome #ASCA2020 pic.twitter.com/U5zx1eUOlE
Office and Professional Employees:
From the White House to Capitol Hill, there are too many elected officials who would privatize USPS in a heartbeat. This November, we must vote them out. #SaveTheUSPS #1u @APWUnational https://t.co/gf94bXj9cC
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) June 29, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
What is happening in #Nashville? A sixteen year old Construction Worker? Where is @OSHA_DOL U.S. Department of Labor? This is what happens when you systematically deregulate the construction industry. @NABTU @AFLCIO https://t.co/ooN3bu1tji
— GoIUPAT✊ (@GoIUPAT) June 24, 2020Plasterers and Cement Masons:
COVID-19 has slowed work progress everywhere. With the mass loss of jobs and money no longer coming in, health insurance is surely going to take a hit. Act now to tell Congress to support worker health care coverage amid the worst pandemic in 102 years! https://t.co/XeelokRl88
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) June 28, 2020Pride At Work:
We couldn't hold our annual Celebrating Solidarity Awards Reception in June due to COVID-19, but we're not going to let that stop us from telling you about our great honorees this year! https://t.co/wAQGQr3s44
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) June 30, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS-represented workers at FAA rightfully concerned re: health & safety as agency pushes return to normal operations & training in Oklahoma City where cases going up. FAA Admin Dickson says "we’re focused on data, not dates" but they've targeted week of 7/6 for training in OKC? https://t.co/PccPWrmLka
— PASS (@PASSNational) June 29, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
We stand in #Solidarity with @_verdi members on #strike @amazon this week in #Germany with our @uniglobalunion
sisters and brothers. The company needs to start putting #Healthbeforeprofit #1U #Union #Amazon pic.twitter.com/gEJmND1og7
SAG-AFTRA:
Remembering Carl Reiner #sagaftramember https://t.co/mag91S54QJ
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) June 30, 2020Seafarers:
Admiral Buzby is a true friend of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Congrats! #maritime @DOTMARAD @AMPmaritime
SCA Honors Adm. Buzby - Seafarers International Union https://t.co/UrBVKB8LZK
Solidarity Center:
"Given the vague wording and the lack of judicial oversight, the information law's threat to freedom of speech and the media cannot be overstated," said Mihra Rittmann, senior Central Asia researcher at @HRW. #humanrights https://t.co/EIUkWc9qak
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) June 30, 2020TCU/IAM:
TCU VP Jack Dinsdale said, "Congress is stating the obvious: no one wants to eat multiple boxed meals on long train trips, when part of the onboard experience is enjoying the freshly prepared food service.”https://t.co/soId2ySqYI
— Transportation Communications Union/IAM (@TCUnionHQ) June 30, 2020The NewsGuild-CWA:
The union that represents journalists at all 10 @TribPub brands is taking it nationwide. "In a sweeping vote of no confidence in Tribune's current leadership, NewsGuild members … are seeking local investors who recognize that local newspapers are vital community institutions." https://t.co/67oTm9Nmou pic.twitter.com/dnQcDLNLLt
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 1, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
International Vice President C. Faye Harper Talks Elections and Being On The General Executive Board https://t.co/QOkFCkCh4o
— IATSE (@IATSE) June 30, 2020Transport Workers:
WATCH: Philadelphia bus operator and TWU Local 234 member Tom Shaw shares his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as we fight for hazard pay and other protections for frontline workers. pic.twitter.com/bQtj9lAylm
— TWU (@transportworker) June 30, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
The House's debate on #HR2 AV & TNC provisions ignores the objectionable behavior of @Uber @Lyft & @RideWithVia detailed in our recent report. These companies push costs onto drivers, deny them basic employee rights, then come begging for federal subsidies?https://t.co/1oDJWPVWus
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) June 30, 2020UAW:
Student workers at Harvard University made history today, voting in favor of ratifying their first union contract. https://t.co/ko9ZgCS7ES
— UAW (@UAW) June 30, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Tell Labor Secretary Scalia: Ensure Employer Standard for Workplace Safety! - National Employment Law Project https://t.co/uedAXArrpq
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) June 26, 2020Union Veterans Council:
We have fought for this right??, now it is time to protect it.
All Americans should have the safest and most efficient access to the ballot box?. #1u pic.twitter.com/5p0xiFmne1
UNITE HERE:
LGBTQ+ Activist Cleve Jones welcomes viewers to UNITE HERE's first-ever "Union Pride" livestream event. pic.twitter.com/PqRq3OwP5a
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 1, 2020United Food and Commercial Workers:
America's frontline workers are keeping us safe from #COVID19, but #retirement benefits are in danger as CEOs raid worker pensions in bankruptcies.
Enough. It's time to end this corporate greed and put hardworking Americans first. https://t.co/Ko2zigMbVUhttps://t.co/hl1coJxTlX
United Steelworkers:
Labor Unions Fight for Emergency Temporary Standards to Protect Workers from COVID-19 Exposure https://t.co/0UYmOZygMu #1u
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) June 30, 2020United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
Ladder levelers reduce the risk of falls from extension ladders by improving stability. Learn more at: https://t.co/G70JFynLZh #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/g3uwPCPHgZ
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 1, 2020Utility Workers:
Check out “Lifting Worker Voices in the Pandemic” for a @cornellilr @workerinstitute interview where Derrick Williams, general pipefitter & member of UWUA Local 223 in MI, discusses how life has changed for him & his partner amidst the #COVID19 #pandemic. https://t.co/DaF8p0EuX7
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 1, 2020Working America:
The NC General Assembly is ending yet another session without expanding health coverage to the most vulnerable.
Join @ncjustice and others for a discussion on expanding Medicaid at https://t.co/lK40tUFhTH or tune in live on the NC Justice Center FB page at 6:30pm, July 1. #ncpol pic.twitter.com/gKPFZZFdaj
Writers Guild of America, East:
"'LITTLE FIRE has set a really high bar to be able to write a story about race, and class, and motherhood, and queerness." - @liztigelaar, showrunner for the Hulu series LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE, in the latest episode of WGA East's OnWriting Podcasthttps://t.co/yIEbAhOIJ8
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) June 29, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/01/2020 - 14:40Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Milwaukee Area Labor Council Hosts Rallies to Thank Front-Line Workers
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, under the leadership of President Pam Fendt (LIUNA), has been hosting weekly events on Wednesdays for union members to thank front-line workers. The labor council's “We Thank You Wednesday” event last week recognized city of Milwaukee workers. Members of the labor council gathered to show support for AFSCME Council 32 members who are city sanitation workers and to call for increased funding for state and local governments. Union members and allies met outside the city’s sanitation garage with signs and banners to thank the sanitation workers as they returned from their shifts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/01/2020 - 08:52Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Fights to Save Members' Lives, Help Those on the Front Lines
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
In a press conference on Thursday, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) announced that 238 UFCW members have died from COVID-19 and nearly 29,000 workers have been infected or exposed to the coronavirus over the past 100 days.
The union announced it would take action on three key priorities to protect and help workers during the pandemic:
- Reinstating hazard pay and establishing a $15-per-hour minimum wage for all front-line workers.
- Establishing a public mask mandate in all 50 states.
- Creating a new national public registry to track COVID-19 infections in front-line workers and require companies with more than 1,000 employees to submit monthly reports on their worker deaths, infections and exposures.
International President Marc Perrone said, “With our country now 100 days into the COVID-19 pandemic, America’s front-line workers still face many of the same dangers they faced on day one. In grocery stores, meatpacking plants and health care facilities, our country’s front-line workers are still getting sick and dying. It’s high time for America’s CEOs and elected leaders to pull their heads out of the sand and take the strong action needed to protect these brave workers and the communities they serve.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/30/2020 - 15:52Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Paramedic Says, ‘The Anger Is Blinding’
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
The Washington Post interviewed Anthony Almojera, a paramedic for the New York City Fire Department and vice president of AFSCME Local 3621, DC 37. He illustrated how the words of gratitude for workers like him are not matched by their meager paychecks:
“Do you know how much EMTs make in New York City? We start at $35,000. We top out at $48,000 after five years. That’s nothing. That’s a middle finger. It’s about 40% less than fire, police and corrections—and those guys deserve what they get. But we have three times the call volume of fire. There are EMTs on my team who’ve been pulling double shifts in a pandemic and performing life support for 16 hours, and then they go home and they have to drive Uber to pay their rent. I’m more than 15 years on the job, and I still work two side gigs. One of my guys does part time at a grocery store.
“Heroes, right? The anger is blinding.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/29/2020 - 11:19Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Respect at Work: 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.
The President Must Stop Scapegoating Immigrants: "This week, under the guise of protecting workers, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending immigration and a number of work visa programs through the end of the year. We know what this is really about. We’ve seen it many times before. The president is trying to distract from his failure to lead us through this pandemic by returning to one of his favorite themes—scapegoating immigrants."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Needing Journalists Now More Than Ever: "Michael Hutton is a sports reporter for the Post-Tribune in Gary, Indiana, and a member of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34071. For Hutton and his co-workers, everything is now a COVID-19 story."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: During COVID-19 Pandemic, Oregon Workers Are Helping Workers: "Working people in Portland, Oregon, have stepped up to fill community needs by hosting the Workers Helping Workers food drive and distribution program."
Respect at Work Has to Become the New Normal: ILO Convention 190 and Rebuilding for a Fairer Economy: "The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into stark relief the direct correlation between the exploitative labor model that fuels our global economy and the systemic racism and discrimination that leads to attacks on Black people’s bodies and lives. It is a system rooted in discrimination and oppression, one that strategically devalues and dehumanizes Black and Brown workers, particularly women."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Across the Nation Join Workers First Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice: "Thousands of workers across the country joined together on June 17 in a national day of action. We called for the Senate to pass the HEROES Act and for Congress to take actions to address structural racism."
Has the Supreme Court Shielded Us from Trump Administration Health Care Rules?: "The Supreme Court last week handed down a landmark decision barring employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—a significant step forward in the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in the workplace and in broader society. While this case is an important advance in civil rights, it may also undermine the Trump administration’s new health regulations designed to eliminate existing civil rights protections."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Member Uses Seat on City Council to Lead Fight to Ban Tear Gas: "Braxton Winston knows what it’s like to be tear-gassed by the police while exercising his First Amendment rights to nonviolently protest police brutality. A member of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and a City Council member in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 2017, he has led the fight to ban the use of tear gas in his city."
Working People Join Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice: "On Wednesday, working people across the United States joined the Workers First Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice. In observation of social distancing guidelines for public safety, working people took to their cars and joined caravans across the country. America faces crises on three critical fronts: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. To address these crises, we must focus on America’s Five Economic Essentials, which cannot be addressed without also taking on racial injustice directly."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New York State's Labor Movement Stands United for Racial Justice: "The horrific and senseless death of George Floyd has left Americans reeling during an already uncertain time. Leaders of the labor movement are speaking out and fighting for equality, justice and civil rights."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Members of UNITE HERE Local 17 Say ‘No’ to Facism, White Supremacy in Their Union: "Members of UNITE HERE Local 17 in Minnesota adopted a resolution last week that excludes members of facist or white supremacist organizations from their union."
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Fighting for Equality and Justice: "The latest episode of the 'Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly' features the fight for equality and justice, a new version of 'Solidarity Forever' and more."
Pride Month Profiles: Aimee Stephens, Gerald Lynn Bostock and Donald Zarda: "For Pride Month, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ Americans who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights. Our first profile this year is the three plaintiffs in the 2020 Supreme Court cases that led to the landmark decision protecting the workplace rights of LGBTQ Americans: Aimee Stephens, Gerald Lynn Bostock and Donald Zarda."
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Ohio University Workers Rally to Save Jobs: "In Athens, Ohio, Southeast Ohio Area Labor Federation President John Johnson (AFSCME) coordinated a protest last week with dozens of members of AFSCME Local 1699 at Ohio University, demanding that pending layoffs of 140 workers be stopped and that all furloughed workers be brought back."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/26/2020 - 09:40Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Flight Attendants Are Essential Workers
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Not only are flight attendants first responders in the air, they also face the risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. These women and men provide an essential service. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is raising awareness through the collecting and sharing of "mask selfies." If you are a flight attendant, send your mask selfie to crewlife@afacwa.org and check out this slideshow highlighting the importance of these front-line workers.
Thanks, aviation’s first responders, for continuing to provide essential service to our nation throughout this pandemic. Fly safe & be sure to send your “mask selfies” to crewlife@afacwa.org, as we love to highlight the important work of frontline workers. ❤️✈️ #whywefly #1u pic.twitter.com/ieygYvXrf3
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 22, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/25/2020 - 16:07Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Workers First: 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 Twitter.
Alaska State AFL-CIO:
Workers’ First Caravan in Anchorage #Alaska. #BlackLivesMatter#SenateActNow #1u@AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/aZEzfJ1Qym
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) June 17, 2020California Labor Federation:
Eden Alva is right. The #Uber/#Lyft ballot measure is nothing more than a corrupt campaign that will exempt gig corporations from paying their workers. Call it what it is - Wage theft! #SickofGigGreed https://t.co/rVTlrAEysz
— California Labor Federation #BlackLivesMatter (@CaliforniaLabor) June 24, 2020Colorado AFL-CIO:
Colorado unions stayed strong and fought to ensure every Coloradan can access paid sick time! Thank you union members for calling your legislators! And thank you #CoLeg! We are proud to help pass paid sick in Colorado. #COVIDResponse #5EconomicEssentials pic.twitter.com/E49PFLmE1m
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) June 15, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
The Connecticut @AFLCIO Executive Board adopted the following resolution on police accountability and systemic racism earlier this morning. Read it here --> https://t.co/ZVH4x8aHZV pic.twitter.com/iBHjHE7GAW
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 19, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
In March, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation launched a portal to file complaints about businesses failing to follow COVID safety policies. At the end of May, the state shut it down right as cases began to climb again.https://t.co/Ait8ZriTk0
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) June 24, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
The Chamber of Commerce wants to give corporations that are getting workers sick from COVID-19 a free pass. Tell your state legislator to listen to frontline workers and protect their safety instead!https://t.co/XrjM9x99Cq
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 24, 2020Idaho State AFL-CIO:
#JUNETEENTH2020 pic.twitter.com/C51Bsw0aEZ
— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) June 19, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
In recent decades
(As the U.S. economy expanded
and CEO salaries skyrocketed)
Workers have been left behind. #1uhttps://t.co/KJT9urKSKy
Iowa Federation of Labor:
The people behind the profits: Who’s who in the battle for Hudson County’s hospitals https://t.co/tt20o0BUCn by @njdotcom
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) June 22, 2020Kansas AFL-CIO:
It's Official! KS AFL-CIO endorses early in federal races. https://t.co/fmI3J8IQoz
— Kansas AFL-CIO (@KansasAFLCIO) June 17, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
Supermajority strike is on! Bring your #solidarity! The strike authorization vote was approved by 87%. 84.5% of the eligible 4350 workers voted. @MachinistsUnion #UnionStrong https://t.co/9ZLExTp9GS #mepolitics #FairContract
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) June 21, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The @massaflcio has worked hand-in-hand with @MassCOSH during the COVID-19 pandemic.?@MassCOSH has been a crucial partner in uplifting stories from union brothers and sisters in the media. ???
See their full report here: https://t.co/hTMPh8w9Ni pic.twitter.com/PAUbIdy2in
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Out at the Capitol with our @IATSE brothers and sisters calling for action on extended unemployment benefits to help gig workers #WorkersFirst pic.twitter.com/ERiC36g6Py
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) June 24, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Voting Is Now a Public Health Issue https://t.co/CNj1fUhk16 We strongly support efforts to make it easier for Minnesotans to vote by mail so we can make our voices heard and keep people safe. #mnleg pic.twitter.com/3IieBSkag9
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 23, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
Please see following link for information on the “2020 Stamp Out Hunger Donor Drive." https://t.co/SAHjSHwNVW
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) June 20, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
Make no mistake, education on is on the ballot in the Governor's race. @GregForMontana wants to private education so schools can discriminate against students. @CooneyforMT will continue to provide great opportunities for all Montanans. #mtgov #mtpolhttps://t.co/GKgjOAhMfS
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) June 23, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Today is #NationalHVACDay. Special thanks to our sisters and brothers working to make Nevada livable during extreme heat summer months!
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) June 22, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
From the NH Senate to the Governor's Office to the US Senate, Maggie Hassan has always been an ally. Thanks for your ongoing support of the US Postal Service and of the labor movement! #WorkersFirst #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/7jy03TsiC0
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) June 17, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Joseph Patero's advocacy in the state Assembly for workers’ benefits and safety put New Jersey in our nation’s forefront. https://t.co/uD396ZUYJQ
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) June 24, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
#UnionStrong Podcast Ep 44: Union Avoidance Exposed - On this podcast, what companies are doing to try to silence working people. Listen at https://t.co/cwVpWuWS7j #LaborRadioPod pic.twitter.com/PU5UAhQWho
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) June 24, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Join @TimmonsGoodson, @DeborahRossNC, @KathyManningNC, @MoeNc11 plus @marybemcmillan next Tues, 6/30 for this Town Hall for union members and their families. We’ll be talking about labor issues and taking questions! Register now (required) at https://t.co/c26CwOJIyb. #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/ABP4ixu6aR
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) June 23, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
We have been fighting to #UnrigTheSystem for a fair economy for all working people. We welcome anyone to our rooftop that wants to shout with us that all working people are essential, not expendable. https://t.co/lK8qv24x83
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 24, 2020Oregon AFL-CIO:
Without a strong response from state and local governments, the impact of COVID-19 on working people will only worsen. Send a message to your legislators calling for increased protections for working people and families #1uhttps://t.co/zZZXmNMvwV
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 24, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Thank you so much for your powerful remarks. Our black sisters and mothers are the cornerstone of our unions, and we need to honor and respect their experience. We have a responsibility to serve and fight for them. @PhillyAFLCIO @Philaposh1 @NickCFuller #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/4UUJZRYfPT
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 19, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Coming home: Vietnam Veteran, longtime teacher returns to beloved Block Islandhttps://t.co/7RKNhGzKBv
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) June 23, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
No worker should have to worry about whether or not they'll make it home safely at the end of the day. Period.
In a state that ranks 33 out of 50 for its fatality rate (which has been increasing), there is no excuse not to do better.https://t.co/SMdk33F36V
Texas AFL-CIO:
Editorial: Abbott's foolish denial about coronavirus spike is leading Texas into a disaster https://t.co/CIUeJ47uFQ
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) June 23, 2020Virginia AFL-CIO:
That’s us. We can do that. We do that. We have the answers. https://t.co/c2LTzpi6dp pic.twitter.com/GA9uRJSDvN
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) June 22, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Workers mobilizing to protect workers. See more at: https://t.co/frvizq0ort pic.twitter.com/Hf25bIzBYf
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 24, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/25/2020 - 15:03The President Must Stop Scapegoating Immigrants
This week, under the guise of protecting workers, President Trump issued a proclamation suspending immigration and a number of work visa programs through the end of the year. We know what this is really about. We’ve seen it many times before. The president is trying to distract from his failure to lead us through this pandemic by returning to one of his favorite themes—scapegoating immigrants.
America’s unions have a clear list of steps the administration could take if it really wants to protect workers amidst this crisis and promote a just recovery. Suspending immigration isn’t one of them.
Working people have had enough of the divide and distract tactics—we are rising up to demand real measures to enact our Five Economic Essentials and promote an inclusive pro-worker agenda for our country.
Unions have long called for reforms to our work visa programs to protect workers’ rights and prevent employers from pitting workers against each other to drive down standards. Those changes are needed now more than ever, but they require a thoughtful approach, not a blunt instrument like a ban.
The proclamation does little more than pause visa programs that harm America's workers and migrant workers alike. That is no substitute for real reform. These programs were broken before the onset of the pandemic and, absent congressional action, will remain broken when the economy fully reopens.
As we have for more than a decade, the labor movement will continue our push to restructure work visa programs so they can only ever be used in cases of real need and so that all workers in affected industries are assured full rights, fair pay and equal treatment.
Working people know the difference between callous campaign stunts and real solutions. We will not be misled by proclamations that only serve to rob America of what truly makes us great: our diversity.
Union members and our families come from every country in the world, and our labor movement has trade union partners around the globe. These connections are a source of strength and vitality for our country, our workforce and our movement. Each new travel and asylum ban imposed by this administration undermines our values, our competitiveness and our standing in the world—but it will never undermine our solidarity.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/25/2020 - 09:32Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Needing Journalists Now More Than Ever
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Michael Hutton is a sports reporter for the Post-Tribune in Gary, Indiana, and a member of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA) Local 34071. For Hutton and his co-workers, everything is now a COVID-19 story. He writes about students not finishing the season, tournaments being canceled and coaches dying. As a result of the pandemic, Hutton, and everyone at the Post-Tribune, has been furloughed for three weeks and is worried about losing his job in the fall. Learn more about how journalists and the whole journalism industry are being affected during these dangerous times.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/24/2020 - 11:01Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: During COVID-19 Pandemic, Oregon Workers Are Helping Workers
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Working people in Portland, Oregon, have stepped up to fill community needs by hosting the Workers Helping Workers food drive and distribution program. The program is led by President Jeff Anderson (UFCW) of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor (IBEW) and Labor’s Community Service Agency. In response to layoffs, furloughs and record unemployment, the unions came together to distribute 1,000 food boxes in the first of at least three planned distributions.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/23/2020 - 14:20Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Respect at Work Has to Become the New Normal: ILO Convention 190 and Rebuilding for a Fairer Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown into stark relief the direct correlation between the exploitative labor model that fuels our global economy and the systemic racism and discrimination that leads to attacks on Black people’s bodies and lives. It is a system rooted in discrimination and oppression, one that strategically devalues and dehumanizes Black and Brown workers, particularly women. Returning to “normal” is not an option or even desirable—we must instead rebuild an economy designed to meet human needs and protect fundamental rights, including safety and respect on the job.
After years of campaigning by the global labor movement, workers, governments and employers came together June 21, 2019, at the International Labor Organization to negotiate a global standard to end violence and harassment in the world of work. The ILO Convention that resulted from those discussions, C190, was the first international treaty to recognize the right of every worker to be free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment, and the responsibility of governments and employers to ensure safe, respectful workplaces. Uruguay recently became the first country to ratify the convention, and others are soon to follow its lead. One year later, as we confront racial, economic and health crises, the convention takes on an even greater role in addressing the many forms of work-related violence and harassment workers are reporting related to the pandemic.
With increased incidence of domestic violence and health and safety violations during the current crisis, unions are using the C190 framework to negotiate with employers and governments for policies that address the forms of violence they confront. Female workers throughout the global economy often are the first to lose their jobs as the economy contracts or are forced to work in low-paid positions with few health and safety protections. C190 requires that employers recognize gender-based violence and harassment in their safety and health protections. It is clear the convention provides an important framework for addressing the systemic discrimination and exploitation workers face around the world.
Rebuilding our economy will require that we proactively design and implement systems that empower and protect workers and address systemic power imbalances. As countries shape policies for reopening and rebuilding economies, the C190 framework provides guidance on how to ensure workplaces are safe and address the continuum of violence workers often experience. C190 calls on all governments to address the root causes of violence and harassment at work, including discrimination, and develop strategies to address the underlying factors that support these systems.
Women, particularly women of color, have been on the front lines of the pandemic, many working for very low wages. Overall, front-line workers are 64% women and disproportionately people of color. According to the National Domestic Workers Alliance, 73% of Black immigrant domestic workers report not being provided with any form of personal protective equipment (PPE) by their employers. Women particularly are overrepresented in care work, making up more than 85% of child care workers and 75% of health care workers. Caring for others sustains our communities and allows our economy to function, but it has long been dismissed as women’s work and systematically devalued, informalized and underpaid. Not coincidentally, these professions also face high rates of violence and harassment on the job.
In addition, women, along with marginalized groups such as migrant workers, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming individuals, are disproportionately pushed into the precarious workforce. And while precarious work arrangements—aka corporations using subcontractors, franchises and gig models to avoid a formal employment relationship and escape liability for some or all labor rights—predate COVID-19, the pandemic has spotlighted how these jobs operate with little to no regard for worker safety.
C190 explicitly requires governments to address precarious work arrangements and ensure that everyone in the working world has legal protections from violence and harassment. It also contains protections for others in the workplace who are often left unprotected by labor laws and social protection systems, including people looking for work, unpaid interns and apprentices. As unemployment rises and state reopenings foreclose many from qualifying for emergency assistance, people will become increasingly desperate for income and can be forced into more dangerous and exploitative situations.
Critically, C190 also recognizes the importance of addressing underlying power relationships at work. Ending violence and harassment requires shifting more agency and control into the hands of workers themselves. This pandemic has made clear that far too often, workers are not viewed as human beings deserving of dignity and safety, but as expendable cogs in a machine. Violence and harassment exist in this system not as a glitch, but as a feature—tools of control used to reinforce hierarchy both in the workplace and in society.
To get all of this done, we need to build alliances across our movements. Feminist, worker, climate, racial justice, migrant and human rights organizations must build joint analysis and campaigns that work toward ratification and implementation of C190. All workers must have the ability to organize collectively to proactively shape their own working conditions. A union is how change is made, and one of the few inspiring outcomes of the pandemic has been the rise of new waves of worker and community organizing. Going forward, we must create an enabling environment for organizing to demand respect on the job by protecting everyone’s fundamental right to come together and act in concert to demand better.
One of the most heartbreaking elements of the COVID-19 crisis is that so much of the suffering is the result of political choices, made to prioritize the stock market and uninterrupted markets, rather than human life. C190 provides us a framework for a worker-centered response and recovery that builds systems for all workers and addresses the power imbalances created by systemic discrimination. We can and must make different, better choices—choices to recognize the inherent dignity and value of all workers, to require respectful, safe working conditions, and to allow people more agency in shaping their working lives.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/23/2020 - 12:37
Tags: COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Across the Nation Join Workers First Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Thousands of workers across the country joined together on June 17 in a national day of action. We called for the Senate to pass the HEROES Act and for Congress to take actions to address structural racism. The HEROES Act is grounded in America’s Five Economic Essentials that are desperately needed to keep working people safe and financially secure. This day of action was just the beginning. Today and every day that follows, working people will mobilize like never before to make the HEROES Act the law of the land and rid our institutions of systemic racism. Check out this video recapping the various actions around the country.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/22/2020 - 12:50Has the Supreme Court Shielded Us from Trump Administration Health Care Rules?
The Supreme Court last week handed down a landmark decision barring employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—a significant step forward in the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in the workplace and in broader society. While this case is an important advance in civil rights, it may also undermine the Trump administration’s new health regulations designed to eliminate existing civil rights protections.
The AFL-CIO applauds the Supreme Court for its decision in Bostock v. Clay County. Our affiliates represent people in a broad array of work settings and organizational cultures. We believe a person should be judged by their actual performance on the job, not stereotypes of a particular occupation or a particular gender. Union members are protected from invidious discrimination by their employers because of union contracts that protect them from being fired or discriminated against without just cause. But the court’s ruling provides essential workplace protections for millions of workers in the 27 states without LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws.
The case also may have implications for work-based health coverage and other benefits. For example, employers may need to adjust group health plan coverage of gender dysphoria and related services, adjust benefits for same-sex and opposite-sex spouses, and review the need for gender assignment as an identifier in benefit plan administration.
The court’s ruling also undercuts the legality of harsh new regulations from the Trump administration issued three days before the court’s decision that would allow doctors, hospitals and other providers to withhold medical care from transgender people.
The court’s decision in Bostock rests on an interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act—so it doesn’t address the health care regulations directly. But those regulations rely on an interpretation of sex discrimination in Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and other laws that are quite similar to Title VII. Courts often look to interpretations of Title VII when they decide the meaning of the anti-discrimination provisions in Title IX. With the Supreme Court rejecting the administration’s narrow understanding of Title VII when it comes to hiring and firing, most experts believe the courts will look skeptically at new health regulations that seek to reduce protections against discrimination in the same way.
The AFL-CIO, along with hundreds of other organizations, submitted comments to the administration last year urging them not to go forward with these new regulations, which are part of a broader Republican effort to undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As an organization that recognizes the importance of work-based health insurance, we believe it is critical that payers and health care providers provide the full range of medically necessary health care services, regardless of whether or not a worker conforms to the stereotype—whether it is a stereotype for that particular occupation or a stereotype for a particular gender.
By preventing insurers from denying coverage based on gender identity, the ACA protections have saved lives. One study found that the suicide rate among transgender and gender-nonconforming people dropped by as much as 50% in states that barred such discrimination.
Of course, the timing of these new rules couldn’t be worse—limiting access to health care during a pandemic. Turning away patients based on their sexual orientation or gender identity not only may have life-threatening implications for those individuals but the well-being of the broader community.
The next big test will be later this month when the administration must decide whether or not to publish the regulations in the Federal Register. The Supreme Court has given the administration valuable guidance on the scope of federal nondiscrimination laws. One can only hope that the administration is listening because going forward with these regulations would do nothing to help the Department of Health and Human Services fulfill its mission to promote the health and well-being of people across the nation.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/22/2020 - 09:07Tags: LGBTQ Rights
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Member Uses Seat on City Council to Lead Fight to Ban Tear Gas
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Braxton Winston knows what it’s like to be tear-gassed by the police while exercising his First Amendment rights to nonviolently protest police brutality. A member of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and a City Council member in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 2017, he has led the fight to ban the use of tear gas in his city. Last week, the Charlotte City Council voted to stop funding chemical agents for the police department. Winston wrote an editorial column for The Washington Post, in which he described his experience and what led him to fight for this change:
“No chemical agents should be used on a human being anywhere in this world. And that certainly includes American streets as citizens exercise their First Amendment rights. Being exposed to tear gas and pepper ball rounds is a miserable experience that I will never forget….
“Our police chief has argued that without chemical agents, police will be forced to use batons to break skin and bones. But that is not an acceptable answer to the people of Charlotte. What’s more, comments like that hurtfully evoke Bull Connor’s German shepherds and fire hoses. If the current police chief, or the new chief set to take over in September, cannot figure out how to deal with human beings without the tactics of violence and fear, the people that make up this city will be here, step by step, to show him how to deal with us as the sentient beings we are.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/19/2020 - 10:41Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Working People Join Caravan for Racial and Economic Justice
On Wednesday, working people across the United States joined the Workers First Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice. In observation of social distancing guidelines for public safety, working people took to their cars and joined caravans across the country. America faces crises on three critical fronts: a public health pandemic, an economic free fall and long-standing structural racism. To address these crises, we must focus on America’s Five Economic Essentials, which cannot be addressed without also taking on racial injustice directly.
America's Five Economic Essentials are:
1. Keep front-line workers safe and secure.
2. Keep workers employed and protect earned pension checks.
3. Keep state and local governments, our public schools and the U.S. Postal Service solvent and working.
4. Keep America healthy by protecting and expanding health insurance for all workers.
5. Keep America competitive by hiring people to build infrastructure.
Here are some highlights of yesterday's caravans from around the country:
Just finished up an Executive Council meeting and am headed to the Capitol to join the #WorkersFirst Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice. #1u pic.twitter.com/Y8SMSPDeJ8
— Richard Trumka (@RichardTrumka) June 17, 2020I’m heading to the US Capitol in Washington DC for the @AFLCIO #WorkersFirst Caravan - we’re demanding Congress hear our voices and pass the HEROES Act and put an end to systemic racism and inequality! #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/kXkRH7KQhT
— Liz Shuler (@lizshuler) June 17, 2020#WorkersFirst #HeroesAct pic.twitter.com/gKDzb90ANe
— streetheat@dclabor.org (@DCLabor) June 17, 2020Kicking off Workers First Caravan❗️❗️#WorkersFirst #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/GUUCBIBqqE
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 17, 2020AFT President @rweingarten is in a car on the way to the #WorkersFirst Caravan for Racial + Economic Justice! Tune in live: https://t.co/Rk1mH97z0q pic.twitter.com/rfGPexowH0
— AFT (@AFTunion) June 17, 2020Set-up for #WorkersFirst news conference at #TxAFL-CIO to all for #HEROESAct to see all families through pandemic and demand racial justice. #SenateActNow #1u pic.twitter.com/pP1ayRKR52
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) June 17, 2020The #WorkersFirst Caravan in Atlanta is headed out! Honk if you see us! #UnionStrong #gapol pic.twitter.com/ccsfJycP7Q
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 17, 2020HAPPENING NOW: The Workers First Caravan is beginning in the Washington, D.C. area. CLUW President Elise Bryant is on board! We are demanding that Senators support the #HEROESAct, the proposed COVID-19 financial and social relief bill. #WorkersFirst pic.twitter.com/elqfeUaEQu
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) June 17, 2020.@unitehere folks getting everyone ready for the #WorkersFirst caravan, where hundreds of cars will be driving from Arlington + Maryland to the Capitol pic.twitter.com/joC7H7yTtc
— Kalina Newman (@KalinaNewman) June 17, 2020The #WorkersFirst caravan is lining up in #Columbus #Ohio to demand Mitch McConnell take up the #HeroesAct and help restore funding to local governments. We can’t call workers essential one day and make them expendable the next. pic.twitter.com/1ewcA3BFXS
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 17, 2020Workers First Caravan for Racial & Economic Justice is getting underway in Nashville! @NashvilleCLC is getting folks out in droves #WorkersFirst pic.twitter.com/Qggihk18aq
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) June 17, 2020The video is too long to fit us all, but we are heading out in our caravan! #WorkersFirst #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/zFVH7b1uJG
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) June 17, 2020Pride at Work South Florida members are out on the streets today for racial and economic justice #WorkersFirst #1u #SenateActNow #1uPride pic.twitter.com/6CtLWtsYiN
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) June 17, 2020We stand with working people who are standing up for what is right via the #workersfirst caravan. Working families are demanding Congress hear their voices, pass the HEROES Act, and put an end to systematic racism. cc @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/Wvl7B7UQ0h
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) June 17, 2020Cars lined up and ready to go for the @coloradoaflcio #WorkersFirst caravan around @SenCoryGardner ‘s Denver office #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/ebLRztlBG5
— UNITE HERE Local 23 (@unitehere23) June 17, 2020That's why we showed up this morning to put #WorkersFirst. The Senate must pass the #HeroesAct ASAP! #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/do9kPX883x
— Northern Nevada Central Labor Council (@northernnvlabor) June 17, 2020Decorating our cars and getting ready to kick off our #WorkersFirst caravan in Indianapolis! pic.twitter.com/AWMS1Nao11
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) June 17, 2020Workers rallied nationwide seeking action from elected leaders on three fronts: the coronavirus pandemic, the resulting economic devastation, and the long-standing structural racism that has sparked protests. #WorkersFirst https://t.co/GSvcifF4UE
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 17, 2020Int. Pres. John Costa joined @ATULocal689 Pres. Ray Jackson today as hundreds of cars with members from ATU, @unitehere, @AFSCME, and others at the Tommy Douglas Conf. Ctr. for the #workersfirst caravan for Racial + Economic Justice around the U.S. Capitol. #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/IFD5ju58X0
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 17, 2020Thank you to everyone who came out to support Workers First Caravan Broward County #WorkersFirst#SenateActNow #CWA #IATSE #AFT #UFF #BTU #FOPE #OPEIU #SEIU #1union #FLAFLCIO #BRAFLCIO #FFLL pic.twitter.com/tyhqopNGFO
— Broward AFL-CIO (@BRAFLCIO) June 17, 2020We kicked off the #WorkersFirst caravan in York PA today with our union sisters and brothers from across the Commonwealth. It’s time for the Senate to take action, fight for equality and put #WorkersFirst! @AFLCIO @PhillyAFLCIO @sepaalf @AlleghenyLabor @afscmecouncil13 pic.twitter.com/qB9j5QAmHL
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 17, 2020#1U #Workersfirst #WorkersFirstCaravan https://t.co/29y57PtFj1
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) June 17, 2020Today is a national Day of Action for the @AFLCIO highlighting the importance of the 5 economic essentials paramount to America's recovery.
1: Keep front-line workers safe and secure
2: Keep workers employed while protecting their pensions pic.twitter.com/LC5NAcO4Ig
Local 1 was proud to join our @MOAFLCIO Brothers and Sisters on the Workers First Caravan for Economic and Social Justice! #WorkersFirst @RepAnnWagner @FjacobsLU1 @AFLCIO @UFCW655 pic.twitter.com/24AN8ITkwd
— IBEW Local One (@IBEWLocal1) June 18, 2020Today we had a great action in Orlando to call on Congress to pass the HEROES Act! We demand Rick Scott and Marco Rubio put workers first!#WorkersFirst#SenateActNow#1u pic.twitter.com/OMDc6nA5NU
— CentralFloridaAFLCIO (@CentralFLAFLCIO) June 18, 2020I’m proud to stand with folks across the country participating in today’s #WorkersFirst Caravan. Senate Republicans need to pass the #HeroesAct now and take action to root out systemic racism. https://t.co/s5zCJBXYIp
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 18, 2020American workers are paying the price for Leader McConnell’s efforts to slow-walk our response to COVID-19. Truly inspiring to witness today’s caravan of workers in Washington, driving together to demand that the #SenateActNow to pass the #HeroesAct. #WorkersFirst pic.twitter.com/W4I4w5wxxZ
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) June 17, 2020I was inspired to see swarms of cars circling the U.S. Capitol as part of @AFLCIO's Workers First Caravan for Economic and Social Justice. Workers from around the region are demanding Congress take decisive action to end racial prejudice in policing. #WorkersFirst #SenateActNow pic.twitter.com/SztXNFTGcg
— Rep. Andy Levin (@RepAndyLevin) June 17, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/18/2020 - 10:18Service + Solidarity Spotlight: New York State's Labor Movement Stands United for Racial Justice
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
The horrific and senseless death of George Floyd has left Americans reeling during an already uncertain time. Leaders of the labor movement are speaking out and fighting for equality, justice and civil rights. On the New York State AFL-CIO’s “Union Strong” podcast last week, state federation President Mario Cilento (TNG-CWA) and Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin (CSEA-AFSCME) addressed racial injustice in America and what the labor movement can do to change it.
“There is no contract that allows murder on the job. There is no contract that allows a worker to supersede any local, state or federal law,” said Melvin, who is also the president of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). “What has to happen is long-term reform. Institutional reform to reflect the needs of the community. Reform that humanizes the citizens and devalues the problem….Our elected officials can do more than they want to do and are comfortable blaming the union and the contract.”
“I know right now there is so much pain, there is so much anger, there is so much frustration, there is so much tension,” Cilento said. “But our goal should be to match those feelings with an equal amount of hope, and that only happens if we stand united in our commitment to make real and lasting change. Let me start by being very clear, as a labor movement in New York state, we recognize, we believe and we know that Black Lives Matter.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/18/2020 - 09:41Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Members of UNITE HERE Local 17 Say ‘No’ to Facism, White Supremacy in Their Union
During the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread protests in response to the killing of George Floyd, working people across the United States have stepped up to help out their friends, neighbors and communities. In our new Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Members of UNITE HERE Local 17 in Minnesota adopted a resolution last week that excludes members of facist or white supremacist organizations from their union. The resolution states: “The majority of our members are immigrants, people of color or LGBTQ. We are proud to be a diverse union, [and] we know diversity is our strength.” Local 17, led by President Christa Mello (front row, center), represents thousands of hospitality workers in and around Minneapolis, where George Floyd was tragically killed. The Sioux Falls AFL-CIO in South Dakota has passed a similar resolution.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/17/2020 - 10:43Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Fighting for Equality and Justice
The latest episode of the "Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly" features the fight for equality and justice, a new version of "Solidarity Forever" and more. This week’s highlights from labor radio and podcast shows focusing on working people include:
- On the latest SAG-AFTRA podcast, SAG-AFTRA officers, President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White, discuss their personal journeys and the union's role in the fight for equality and justice: “We are going to bring this around to the issue of police brutality, social inequality, the organization's role on that.”
- A new, millennial version of “Solidarity Forever” from the RadioLabour podcast.
- WorkWeek talks with a Chicago bus driver: "We have at least four dead bus operators in Chicago from COVID-19. I was one of many dozens who have gotten COVID-19."
- Plus Labor History in 2 and a teaser for the latest episode of The Gig podcast.
Check out all the shows on Labor Radio/Podcast Network.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/16/2020 - 16:27Tags: Podcast
