Pride Month Profiles: Rachelle Martin
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Rachelle Martin of AFSCME.
Rachelle Martin is a member of the Washington Federation of State Employees (AFSCME) employed by the Washington State Department of Health. She is also the president of the Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council and CascadiaNow!, where she works toward a liberated society based on helping people embrace their full selves in support of each other.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/10/2024 - 08:08Tags: Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Eight Tribune Publishing Units Ratify Historic 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.
After five years of negotiations between Alden Global Capital and a joint bargaining committee, journalists at eight Tribune Publishing-owned outlets voted overwhelmingly to ratify a historic first contract.
Tribune, a newspaper print and online media publishing company, was acquired by hedge fund Alden Global Capital in 2021. When this deal went through, The NewsGuild-CWA members were in the midst of bargaining for a contract and had expressed concern about the purchase given that the hedge fund had a reputation for aggressively cutting staff during media company takeovers. But despite these hurdles, journalists remained steadfast in their fight and are now celebrating a contract that includes guaranteed raises, protection of their 401(k) match, increased job security and much more. The deal covers newsrooms at Orlando Sentinel, Tidewater (The Virginian-Pilot, Daily Press, The Virginia Gazette and Tidewater Review), Morning Call, Suburban Chicago Tribune (The Beacon-News, The Courier-News, The Naperville Sun and The Daily Southtown), Design and Production Studios, Hartford Courant and Tribune Content Agency.
“Helping organize our union in 2018 gave me agency I have never felt in my career,” said Suburban Chicago Tribune Guild unit chair and member bargainer Wendy Fox Weber. “Six years later, we finally have a contract with Alden Global Capital. The company fought us every step of the way, and everything in that contract is thanks to the work of a dedicated group of member bargainers. I am honored to have helped bring it to ratification.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/10/2024 - 08:00Pride Month Profiles: David Haskins
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is David Haskins of AFSCME.
David Haskins has been with the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930), serving as the pride liaison, for about nine years. He brought UDW to the San Diego Pride Festival last year and has developed various events and programs honoring LGBTQ+ individuals within the community. He is currently working on a project to show why UDW celebrates Pride in July.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/09/2024 - 10:00Pride Month Profiles: Sasha Romero
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Sasha Romero of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Local 802 member Sasha Romero, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, is the first transgender person to hold a principal brass seat in a major U.S. orchestra. She says the visibility afforded by her position gives her both a platform and responsibility to help lift up others in the community. Romero strives to find ways for LGBTQ+ students to be seen and heard. “Trans students often reach out to me, and I offer them a safe space to talk,” she said. Outside of the studio, Romero acknowledges her position as a prominent example for others. “LGBTQ+ musicians often tell me that my simply existing in this role has helped them to see that their own aspirations are possible. If you don’t see yourself out there, you begin to doubt you can do it.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 06/08/2024 - 10:00Economy Gains 272,000 Jobs in May; Unemployment Up Slightly to 4%
The U.S. economy gained 272,000 jobs in May, and the unemployment rate was up slightly to 4.0%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
May's biggest job gains were in health care (+68,000); government (+43,000); leisure and hospitality (+42,000); professional, scientific, and technical services (+32,000); social assistance employment (+15,000); and retail trade (+13,000). Employment showed little or no change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; and other services.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers (12.3%), Black Americans (6.1%), Hispanics (5.0%), adult men (3.8%), adult women (3.4%), White Americans (3.5%), and Asian Americans (3.1%) showed little or no change in May.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in May and accounted for 20.7% of the total number of people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/07/2024 - 10:14Pride Month Profiles: Mae apGovannon
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Mae apGovannon of AFGE.
Mae apGovannon is the AFGE national pride committee chair. They are also the AFGE District 11 pride coordinator, the AFGE Local 2157 Veterans Benefit Administration (VBA) pride coordinator, and the AFGE VBA safety representative and steward. They serve the VBA as a senior veterans service representative, focusing on mentoring and training. In 2023, they were the co-recipient of the AFGE Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Champion Award. As chair of AFGE PRIDE, they dedicate their time to helping to lead and develop new programs and training opportunities for AFGE members nationwide.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/07/2024 - 10:00Worker Wins: The Priceless Value of Having a Union Contract
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Eight Tribune Units Ratify Historic First Contract: After five years of negotiations with Alden Global Capital, journalists at eight Tribune publications voted overwhelmingly to ratify a historic first contract. The two-year contract includes raises, maintenance of existing employer 401K matches for all employees currently participating, union-sponsored health insurance, new holiday pay for part-timers, an additional bereavement day, carryover of one week of vacation to the following year, guaranteed severance pay if a reduction in force were to occur, just cause provisions preventing arbitrary discipline and termination, a formalized grievance and arbitration process, notice requirements and seniority provisions for layoffs, recall rights, social media protections, byline/credit line rights, rights to a safe and sanitary workplace, among others. “We finally did it: Orlando Sentinel workers have secured a union contract for the first time in the newspaper’s 148-year history, establishing two years of raises, protecting our retirement plans and overall setting the foundation to build a stronger newsroom,” said Cristóbal Reyes, a member of the Orlando Sentinel Guild and joint bargaining committee. “This could not have happened without the passion and resilience of our members and our commitment to standing with our comrades at sister guilds throughout the Tribune chain from the bargaining table to the picket line, as we staged a historic one-day walkout. Four long years battling with ‘the Darth Vader of the newspaper industry’ have brought us to this moment, and we have no intention of slowing down. Soon it will be on to the next battle, but we fully intend to bask in the history we are building together.” Newsrooms covered by the contract include: Orlando Sentinel, Tidewater (The Virginian-Pilot, Daily Press, The Virginia Gazette, and Tidewater Review), Morning Call, Suburban Chicago Tribune (The Beacon-News, The Courier-News, The Naperville Sun, and The Daily Southtown), Design and Production Studios, Hartford Courant, and Tribune Content Agency.
AFSCME Members at Philadelphia Museum of Art Win Longevity Settlement: Members of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) Union—a chapter of Philly Cultural Workers United, AFSCME Local 397, and an affiliate of AFSCME District Council 47—and management have successfully settled a contract dispute, ensuring longtime workers get the longevity pay they deserve. In fall 2022, after two years of negotiations and a three-week strike, members ratified a quality contract that met workers’ needs and concerns. Wins included provisions like hourly wage increases, affordable health care options, paid parental leave and longevity raises. However, in April of this year, members reported that the museum had been shortchanging many staff who are contractually guaranteed to receive that agreed-upon longevity pay. Local 397, the union for cultural workers across Philadelphia, condemned this attempt at undermining the deal and a grievance was filed immediately while workers gathered thousands of petition signatures calling for PMA to do right by its dedicated workers. All this coordinated pressure paid off late last month when Philly Cultural Workers United announced it had reached an agreement with the museum that enforced the contractual language around the longevity pay members had ratified. “Public petitions, stickers, buttons, testimonials, memes, all staff meeting actions, press outreach, political outreach. A full 10 months of perseverance, collaboration, solidarity, and care went into getting to today—longevity payday,” said Philly Cultural Workers United Vice President Amanda Bock on social media. “Proud of and thankful for all my union siblings who knew that sticking together and fighting for one another was how we would win this thing.”
UFCW Members Ratify First Union Contract at Minnesota Half Price Books Stores: Workers from four Twin Cities Half Price Books locations voted to ratify their first union contracts on Friday, ensuring that their jobs are protected, safe and sustainable. Half Price Books is a chain of new and used bookstores in the United States—staff in Minnesota were the first in the nation to form a union with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). Workers in the Twin Cities, who organized with locals 663 and 1189, sparked a wave of collective action that has already spread to stores in four other states. Members in Coon Rapids (Northtown), Roseville, St. Louis Park and St. Paul won their union elections in 2022 and now have secured new contracts with wins like wage increases of 33%, a functional grievance procedure, protections for transgender workers and much more. “Through the hard work of the entire bargaining committee, we have shown all of our coworkers the priceless value of having a union contract. This is going to help everyone at Half Price Books, and it will continue for decades to come,” said Aaron Kerr, who works at the Roseville location.
Firefighters Ratify Contract to End Boeing Lockout: At the end of last week, Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local I-66 members at Boeing ratified a new contract with the aerospace company that includes key wins for workers like improved pay and a better seniority scale, ending the weekslong lockout. The four-year agreement includes wage increases of 2% to 3% per year and guaranteed overtime, increasing average annual pay by up to $21,216. These wins bring Boeing’s firefighter wages closer to parity with the pay scales at local fire departments. The union negotiating team also secured a one-time $1,000 signing bonus and some other compensation improvements that allow workers to reach top-level pay faster than the previous proposals. Workers returned to their jobs on Saturday, continuing their critical fire-prevention and medical emergency response work that has saved Boeing billions of dollars in insurance premiums. “Boeing Local I-66 fire fighters stood tall in the face of a multi-billion-dollar company trying to break their ranks. The entirety of the Labor Movement stood with them, as did President Biden,” said IAFF General President Edward Kelly. “We’re grateful our rank-and-file members got the contract they deserve, which provides them with fair pay for their critical work.” “This was a David and Goliath story, and I don’t think Boeing expected us to stand together and fight the way we did,” said I-66 Local President Casey Yeager in a press release. “The pay was important, but our members also wanted to be respected because we love Boeing, and those employees are like family. This contract shows us that Boeing values the work we do.”
New Jersey Transit Workers Ratify New 3-Year Contract: The Transport Workers Union (TWU) announced on Sunday that New Jersey Transit workers have voted to ratify a new three-year agreement with the transit agency. NJ Transit is the country’s third-largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, connecting major destinations in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia. Represented by Local 2001, the car inspectors, mechanics and coach cleaners who make safe public transportation possible in New Jersey voted with 80% of members in favor of the new contract. Wins include pay raises, the addition of Veterans Day as a contractual paid holiday and another paid sick day, bringing the total to six. The deal also has no givebacks to management, ensuring that previously secured wage and benefits improvements remain unchanged. “I want to congratulate Local 2001 for negotiating a new contract that betters the quality of life for our hardworking New Jersey Transit workers and their families,” said TWU Rail Division Director John Feltz.
Newark Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with School District: The Newark Teachers Union (NTU)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—and the district announced a tentative agreement on Friday that would increase the starting salary and give educators a 4.5% raise for each of its five years. The five-year agreement would give educators raises averaging 22.5% over the life of the contract and a $3,000 increase in the starting salary for teachers (raising it to $65,000 per year) in order to help combat understaffing and attract new, talented staff members. Additionally, the contract would empower teachers to select and design curriculum within their subject areas, putting their expertise in the drivers’ seat and ultimately helping students. The bargaining unit includes teachers, classroom aides, guidance counselors and other roles such as psychologists and reading specialists. “We felt the best way to get a contract that helps Newark students succeed and thrive would be to be partners, not combatants,” NTU President John M. Abeigon said. “What makes this contract transformational and a model for other districts is that teachers will have a genuine voice in all aspects of Newark education, including having seats on committees that deal with instruction issues and district operations.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/06/2024 - 10:22Pride Month Profiles: Hunter Chumbley
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Hunter Chumbley of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
First Officer Hunter Chumbley is a Boeing 777 pilot and serves as the vice chair of ALPA’s Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion Committee, helping to promote a culture on the flight deck where all pilots can be their authentic selves and helping to foster a future generation of commercial airline pilots that better reflects the composition of the communities ALPA pilots serve. “Ensuring that all our members are reflected in our work representing ALPA pilots is our core value. Just like the larger labor community, we strive to advance our profession now and in the future, to anyone who sees themselves as an airline pilot while maintaining a highly qualified workforce, highest safety standards and quality working conditions for all.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/06/2024 - 10:03Service & Solidarity Spotlight: LIUNA Local 814 Reaches New Contract with West Virginia University Hospitals
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.
Laborers (LIUNA) Local 814 members ratified a new contract with West Virginia University Hospitals. The deal goes through March 2027 and passed with a vote of 369–235. The contract maintains health care benefits, provides pay increases, longevity and annual discretionary bonuses, and a $1,000 ratification bonus.
“For the first time, we have been able to get the annual bonus that the hospital does based on hospital performance in our contract as well,” said Local 814 Business Manager Kristi Snider. “Our more tenured employees are getting raises instead of lump sum payments. That’s what they want and need to see in their wage.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:51Happy Pride Month: 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:
In acknowledgment of members who have passed, we invite you to our quarterly virtual memorial gathering on June 10.
This event is open to the public and anyone who wishes to speak will be given an opportunity while time allows. https://t.co/sqtSstEEsf pic.twitter.com/qzNjqGbJyS
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) June 2, 2024
AFGE:
Here's what you should know about your job-related injury rights ⬇https://t.co/A3HghOqJNA
— AFGE (@AFGENational) June 5, 2024
AFSCME:
The first contract for workers at the @afworkersunion in LA offers pay raises, leave and other benefits.https://t.co/e9xTQf0lWm
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 31, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Instead of more tax cuts for the wealthy, why don't we make them pay their fair share into Social Security? #ScrapTheCap https://t.co/hT7RfU4re5
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) June 4, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Today at the U.S. Department of Labor, ATU Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development Jamaine Gibson attended the meeting of the DOL’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA). As a member of this diverse Committee of apprenticeship stakeholders, pic.twitter.com/j74V3PoZSi
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 4, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
As an AFT member, your well-being is our priority. We’re here to support you. You don’t have to face it alone.
Our free, confidential trauma counseling program offers specialized care to help you heal and regain your strength. Learn more: https://t.co/6xQ1ZzyTgX @AFTMembBen pic.twitter.com/PgG7I3dbbq
— AFT (@AFTunion) June 5, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
Happy Pride Month! Be iridescent, celebrate diversity and the right to live freely in a world without hate. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ pic.twitter.com/kEM9AtXMil
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) June 4, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
June is #Pride Month! AFA supports all LGBTQ+ Flight Attendants and workers as we fight for protections on the job and in our communities. pic.twitter.com/y6C2tDue8T
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 1, 2024
Boilermakers:
A DOL workforce grant via the Bldg Trades Training Inst. helped L-237 (Hartford, CT) set up a 10-week Women Can Weld apprenticeship readiness class. See what they did to get more people into welding and the #Boilermakers union and on the job: https://t.co/0DKAvpIyF5 pic.twitter.com/huJE7hlVn0
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) June 4, 2024
Bricklayers:
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month.
Workers in the construction industry, including veterans, should be aware that support is available: https://t.co/KRzryUeoMq#PTSDAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/j2XNzV8USr
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) June 4, 2024
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
It's hard to believe #CLUW is 50 years old! From May 9 to May 11, the Coalition of Labor Union Women celebrated its 50-year anniversary with an Education Conference and Gala. Here's are some highlights. #1u https://t.co/Eq2rFv0Bs4
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) June 3, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
It's not rude to discuss your salary. Keeping pay a secret is a tactic used by bosses to hide discrepancies and unfair pay. You have a right to discuss your wages with your coworkers.
— CWA (@CWAUnion) June 4, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Congrats to CVS pharmacists in Rhode Island who voted to join together in union with the @MachinistsUnion! https://t.co/ulW3ASKgln
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 29, 2024
Electrical Workers:
The union advantage. pic.twitter.com/X6yY4xT3H6
— IBEW (@IBEW) June 4, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
We're excited to endorse Sue Altman for congress in NJ!https://t.co/RtTurnkKYV
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) June 4, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH to troublemakers, disrupters, and all seekers of justice! 🌈✊🔥 pic.twitter.com/3YMu0ddClN
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) June 1, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
A diverse workforce encourages equality, job security, fair pay, and inclusivity by giving all individuals regardless of their gender identity the chance to succeed and contribute in their workplace. #PrideMonth #EqualForAll pic.twitter.com/i2jhWuwpgT
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 5, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
We just hit 5,000 downloads on our podcast “Labor History Today”, hosted on @podbeancom! https://t.co/HQdoN3csfR
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) June 2, 2024
Laborers:
Brick by brick, #LIUNA builds the future of the US and Canada! Our skilled Laborers are building the foundation for a stronger tomorrow. #FeelThePower #LIUNABuilds pic.twitter.com/Dc2vjXBopW
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) June 5, 2024
Machinists:
A historic moment for the @JoeBiden campaign as it establishes itself as the first reelection team with a unionized staff - an unmistakable nod to Biden's unwavering support for labor rights. https://t.co/B9dn0ivJpM
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) June 3, 2024
Mine Workers:
"Calling all advocates for workers' rights! Join the fight against Mon County Commission's attempt to stifle voices. Discover how you can lend a hand!"https://t.co/UdDfZ3ijLb
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) May 31, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMA Ratifies 3-Year Agreement with San Diego Opera: https://t.co/vmLkCBWpP9 pic.twitter.com/kowGMqPyiX
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) June 4, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
This Pride Month, NATCA honors the history of the LGBTQ+ equal rights movement and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. https://t.co/1sqm6bDaGD pic.twitter.com/1hgFz8GfVr
— NATCA (@NATCA) June 4, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
The theme of this year's National #DogBiteAwareness Week is "Even good dogs have bad days." Unfortunately, thousands of dog bites happen every year. In order to stop these accidents, it is important for dog owners to be good stewards for safe mail delivery. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/7EwK23fFDQ
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) June 3, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Let this moment here in Kean in New Jersey serve everyone as a reminder that each of us contributes to something larger than ourselves.
We are a team, a family, a culture, a collective. Every day laborer, every organizer, every staff member - we are all… 2/3 #SomosMas pic.twitter.com/jj2WMlhLuo
— NDLON (@NDLON) June 3, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We’ve long been fighting to win respect for domestic workers with the LGBTQ + community! 🤝🌈
Celebrate #Pride with us and listen to the @SolidarityCntr’s podcast episode, “LGBTQ+ Domestic Workers Win Rights, Respect Through Their Union,” here: https://t.co/1MuyC4DiaY
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) June 4, 2024
National Nurses United:
We’re proud to announce NNU lead industrial hygienist Jane Thomason will now fight to strengthen infection control guidelines as part of the @CDCgov HICPAC working group! 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/x8zVjunIRn
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) June 4, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
Stepping into Pride Month Strong!!
We’re so excited for this collection, get yours now! https://t.co/Mf2o0i8oU1
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) May 31, 2024
NFL Players Association:
.@AZCardinals Tackle Kelvin Beachum hosted his annual, free community football camp for over 230 students in his hometown of Mexia, TX. The camp focused on football mechanics, leadership skills, and teamwork, culminating in a thrilling flag football tournament. pic.twitter.com/9COy6xJysg
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 31, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
.@CleBCTC & @JustinMBibb recognize the opportunities the building trades provides
➡️According to @PolicyMattersOH, the typical Ohioan repped by a union makes $7,000 more than someone who is not, not even considering benefits like health care coveragehttps://t.co/M0CzBOycrH
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) June 5, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Kristina Romines is an @OPEIULocal2 member working at the @SolidarityCntr (and formerly with @APALAnational)! An active member of Local 2’s Pride Caucus, we are proud to highlight her contributions to the labor movement this #PrideMonth! #UnionPride pic.twitter.com/lmSBnOR5PR
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) June 4, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
Congratulations to @Janeese4DC!
Our union was proud to endorse Janeese and even prouder to be one of the most active unions putting boots to the ground to knock doors on her behalf.
When the working class comes together, we win! https://t.co/ObcJ6GiY8Y
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) June 5, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
The #OPCMIA is a proud participant in @HelmetsHardhats!@HelmetsHardhats: Since 2004, we've been connecting military service members with fulfilling, stable careers in the building trades! Click the link in our bio to learn more. 💪👷👷♀️ pic.twitter.com/X257TPkvve
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) June 5, 2024
Pride At Work:
Learn more about The Marsha & Sylvia plan here: https://t.co/kZZp44oAG6
And more about the Pride at Work Initiative here: https://t.co/EWFIfbBuo8#Pride #LGBTQIA #UnionPride @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/ChQ7Tb1LbT
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) June 4, 2024
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Memorial Day: honor men & women who made ultimate sacrifice to defend our nation. U.S. has sent bravest souls to protect liberty & ideals we hold sacred. Many never made it home. On behalf of dedicated federal workers PASS represents at @FAANews & @MCASCPPA we will #neverforget pic.twitter.com/PpbN84cEQE
— PASS (@PASSNational) May 26, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
This is your sign to organize your workplace! Contact an @RWDSU organizer today: https://t.co/BF3hWn6nVC pic.twitter.com/8hpUMfFBgN
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) June 4, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Save your company time and money by preventing falls! This free resource is designed to help small contractors plan ahead, provide the right equipment, and train employees to keep them safe on the job. https://t.co/1Iz2b6Qo7c#roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/x5WqjrZNU2
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) June 5, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
🌟 SAG-AFTRA Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Pam Greenwalt has been named to #PRNewsTopWomen! Congratulations to our very own changemaker who is rewriting the script of success. We're proud to see her expertise and leadership recognized. pic.twitter.com/h67JwuDwIo
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) June 4, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Art is powerful. Our partners in Nigeria just produced an original play that amplified worker experiences on #genderbasedviolence & harassment on the job + spurred discussion about gender-related challenges with union & community members. https://t.co/yjmeAyLg7o @USDOL @ILAB_DOL pic.twitter.com/kCWMZjn57G
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) June 3, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Journalists at Military Times, Defense News, Federal Times, and C4SRNet successfully won their union election and formed @SightlineUnion with @WBNG32035 !🎉https://t.co/YW3csNjmPd
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) June 4, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
It's a historic week for our theatre community! 🎭✊️
📣Stand with Off-Broadway workers tomorrow by wearing your IA swag and posting a pic using #offbwayproud!
🗓 This Thursday, The Public Theater staff vote on joining our union. A YES vote will bring them closer to the fair… pic.twitter.com/APLE5io9d4
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) June 4, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
TWU International Officers and Staff from Air and Transit in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY, today w/ @TWUSamuelsen supporting @TWULocal100 Family Day! pic.twitter.com/JHclCllD2A
— TWU (@transportworker) June 2, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Mike Baldwin, President of @BRS_LaborUnion and TTD Executive Committee member, represents more than 10,000 railroad signal employees. We proudly recognize him this #TransportationTuesday! pic.twitter.com/UuMILiHD09
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) June 4, 2024
UAW:
Happy World Environment Day! Our union has a long-standing commitment to protecting the natural world. Solidarity, kinship, and harmony with the natural world - these values define us as UAW Members.
📸 UAW Education Center at Black Lake, Onaway, MI pic.twitter.com/wbNHvj2ljq
— UAW (@UAW) June 5, 2024
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
There is one way for workers to effectively push back on creeping workplace surveillance: collective bargaining. Unionized workers have a right to bargain over working conditions, including the extent of employer surveillance. https://t.co/uWdtp1UVD7
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) June 5, 2024
UNITE HERE:
Since 2020, the airline industry has gotten $54 billion in government bailouts.
Airline catering workers are done being left on the ground while industry profits soar.
It's time to fight for more. pic.twitter.com/G1XrIPFEjK
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) June 3, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
🚨 REMINDER 🚨
UFCW’s Free Language Program Summer quarter applications will open Thursday, June 20 at 1pm ET. Be sure to mark your calendar, as enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis!
➡️ https://t.co/61IC0GxzBe pic.twitter.com/gxTyHYR8V0
— UFCW (@UFCW) June 4, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Click to read USW International President David McCall’s Pride Month statement on how unions can and should uplift LGBTQ+ workers → https://t.co/lXVudyd1x4 pic.twitter.com/EddfnqIgT9
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) June 1, 2024
Utility Workers:
Congratulations to Joe Romano of UWUA Local 393, who recently retired after 40 years of service!
Our union helps ensure that utility workers can enjoy long careers and a secure retirement. pic.twitter.com/17VGtBrDkI
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) June 5, 2024
Working America:
Don't let high cooling bills drain your wallet this summer. LIHEAP is here to provide support and keep you comfortable. The program may give you cash assistance to offset cooling costs and more. Learn more about eligibility here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/sQhnkz525t
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) May 28, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
WGAE members: Register for upcoming events including Career Coaching, Diversity Training, and Media Co-Ops 101 via https://t.co/Bi14WoCydA pic.twitter.com/Leci789SiP
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) June 4, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/05/2024 - 16:15What Your Union Means To You
No matter who you love or your gender identity, your union has your back. We have no tolerance for hate in our movement.
The labor movement proudly celebrates Pride Month because everyone deserves to live and work as their full, authentic self.
Sadly, LGBTQ+ people still lack basic federal legal protections in the workplace; at the state level, protections vary. In 16 states and two territories, there’s no prohibitions for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state law.
This leaves too many of America’s workers with no legal workplace protections whatsoever based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The best tool workers have to fight back is a union contract. Union contracts are legally enforceable in every state. They protect LGBTQIA+ workers from harassment, and can mean real progress for working people and our families to gain health care, savings, a future, and so much more. Check out some model contract language from our partners at Pride at Work.
We previously asked you to share what your union means to you as an LGBTQIA+ union member. Here are some stories by workers who are protected by a union contract and are LGBTQIA+ or union allies:
“Long before marriage equality, my union bargained for and got partnership benefits and has kept them for non-married couples after marriage equality was won in the courts.”
—Anonymous
“Trans students often reach out to me, and I offer them a safe space to talk. LGBTQ+ musicians often tell me that my simply existing in this role has helped them to see that their own aspirations are possible. If you don’t see yourself out there, you begin to doubt you can do it.”
—Sasha Romero, Principal Trombone, American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
“Whenever I see a young person new to the union who feels comfortable being their whole self, and knowing that in some small way I helped create the space for them to do that, I can’t think of anything that makes me feel more pride as a queer IATSE member than that.”
—Jenny Reeves, President, Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 849
“My union, the Operating Engineers, made it possible for me to learn a trade as a heavy construction equipment operator, through a bargaining agreement of an apprenticeship, which immediately led to a way out of poverty at the age of 21. I had experienced poverty and homelessness during part of my youth.
“Homophobia has been successfully used by employers as a tool to divide workers and destroy union organizing efforts. I’ve seen this tactic used when I was an active part of my union’s efforts, and it seems particularly effective in the construction industry.
“I fully support all efforts to fight oppression and promote freedom in every way possible. The labor movement is Inclusive of the fight against oppression in all other movements, for people of color, women and the gay community.”
—Anonymous
“As an out and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have a strong conviction to be my authentic self, thus creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all people, just as my union does for me.”
—Maria Perez, Executive Assistant/Communications Director, Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 30
“Having a union job means I can raise my teenage grandchild in relative comfort. I can adequately clothe and feed him as well as music lessons. I wake up each day knowing that even if I have a bad day or make a mistake at work, I will still have a job the next day. I spent decades looking for a job like this.”
—Anonymous
Do you want to add your story?
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/05/2024 - 08:59Pride Month Profiles: Martha Grevatt
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Martha Grevatt of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW).
Martha Grevatt is a founding board member of Pride At Work. She served on the Pride At Work board from 1994–2001 and held positions in Pride At Work Ohio and Pride At Work Michigan. Grevatt has been a UAW member since 1987, when she was hired at Chrysler’s Twinsburg, Ohio, stamping plant. There Grevatt waged a long fight against sexual and homophobic harassment. She fought for—and helped win—nondiscrimination language covering sexual orientation in the 1999 UAW contracts with the Big Three. One year later, the union won domestic partner health care benefits for same-sex partners. Grevatt was a trustee of UAW Local 122 in Twinsburg and, after the plant closed and she relocated, trustee of Local 869.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/05/2024 - 08:46Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Bookstore Workers Ratify First Union Contract at Twin Cities Half Price Books
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 from four Twin Cities Half Price Books locations in Minnesota ratified their first union contracts. They are members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals 663 and 1189. The new contracts include 33% raises, job protections such as just cause, grievance procedures and union representation.
“Through the hard work of the entire bargaining committee, we have shown all of our coworkers the priceless value of having a union contract. This is going to help everyone at Half Price Books, and it will continue for decades to come,” said Aaron Kerr, a bookseller at the Roseville Half Price Books.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/05/2024 - 08:38Celebrating Pride: 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:
Our 3rd installment of the Arthur A. Almon Labor Candidate School is in the books! It's the only program in Alaska that trains union members to run for public office. Participants left with the skills and resources needed to run a successful campaign. #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/ffdaIJdsCJ
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 30, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
On #NationalHeatAwarenessDay, we're highlighting the importance of heat safety for workers in Arizona. Labor's advocacy led to the Phoenix City Heat Ordinance, setting a standard for protection. Now, Pima County is following suit. Read more: https://t.co/ebNNuI4oiL
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 31, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Get trained up on how to do a worksite engagement program for 2024! Join us for California Labor’s first Campaign Academy of the season! pic.twitter.com/3HCTPDWC8U
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) June 3, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Worker Power! We will continue to fight to make Colorado a Workers’ Rights state! #coleg #copolitics pic.twitter.com/xzonbEkewF
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) May 31, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Happy Pride Month from the Connecticut AFL-CIO!
We're wishing you a joyful Pride Month free from hate, discrimination and intolerance. And remember, the strongest protections for LGBTQ+ workers is a union contract. pic.twitter.com/y3dyRtYuMF
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
If you vote by mail, be sure to renew your request with your county supervisor of elections office! https://t.co/Z6jqGLmwzp
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 29, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Facts... https://t.co/ZibVZRG9Cv
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) May 29, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
🐠 🐟 🐡 🐠 🐡 🐟
Something fishy has been going on at the Shedd Aquarium...
In response to their union drive, @afscme31 members of the Shedd Aquarium are being subjected to CAPTIVE AUDIENCE meetings to confuse, divide and intimidate workers.https://t.co/xe9WRRxz2W pic.twitter.com/fhqNYA6X9V
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Our first Indiana @LCLAA (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement) chapter building meeting is this Sunday at 3pm EST! Join via this Zoom link: https://t.co/8E7FuVpiMW pic.twitter.com/UJUYXczFsk
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 31, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
A handful of pro-labor bills became law, but several bills to raise wages, protect workers, strengthen apprenticeship & pre-apprenticeship programs, & improve retirement security either failed to make it to the Mills' desk or were vetoed by the Governor. https://t.co/gwvTHJYxoK
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 24, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Visit https://t.co/wrQvFmk7ks to learn more about the support and resources that are out there to help. https://t.co/ddUNeqIL6D
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) June 3, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
On Memorial Day, we remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country and fighting for our freedom. pic.twitter.com/lMmDLgRoWx
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 27, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Happy #PrideMonth. Will you be joining us on June 30th in the Twin Cities Pride Parade? #1u https://t.co/H4K7jOYudK
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 1, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
#Unions benefit the rights and wages of ALL #Workers! #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/QbZJaJ0GQs
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 31, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you to our amazing volunteers for canvassing and phone banking for labor endorsed & Assembly District 17 candidate - @LindaForNevada!
🗓️ Early Vote: May 25-June 7
🗳️ Election Day: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Find your polling location: https://t.co/rsg2DuwkvQ pic.twitter.com/ljKuJiOMPd
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) June 2, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Tuesday, June 4 is Primary Election Day in New Jersey! Polls will be open from 6:00 am-8:00 pm. Go to https://t.co/VKLrkYtNyP to find your polling location or Vote-by-Mail Ballot Drop Box near you. pic.twitter.com/TpSvAo27lY
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Spotted today in the @timesunion! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/h7Wtuez6Nt
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Labor and community turned out to leaflet non-union REI stores and rally w/#Durham @REIunion members last week! Tell REI to stop the union busting: https://t.co/2ccvyp54ik #1u pic.twitter.com/4priy4TuP2
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 31, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Whether it is a "Red" state, a "Blue" state or a "Purple" state, @AFLCIO #union-produced renewable energy sources are powering America into the future. Great work, @IBEW! https://t.co/8IuGBrZ0yr
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 31, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Join #OregonLabor for the Portland #Pride Parade and Festival on July 20 and 21, as we march in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ siblings and demonstrate our commitment to defending the rights of all Oregon Workers.
RSVP for parade location and details: https://t.co/MKhitbTcLp
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 4, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
President Ferritto will be speaking at the Keystone Research Center's 2024 Awards Reception this year! Get your tickets now! https://t.co/1NU4Bm1plh
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 31, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Please Help Prevent MORE Child Fatalities!
Please take less than 60 seconds to send an email to your legislators to restore $4.6 million cuts to funding for DCYF staff salaries/benefits. https://t.co/ADBihBQz28#1u #unionstrong
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) May 30, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
That "pushback" is coming from anti-labor elected officials like our very own @GovBillLee who resort to fear-mongering in an attempt to pressure workers to vote against joining a union.
When unions are strong, ALL workers are strong! #1u https://t.co/aYiL6P0GTB
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 31, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to Penske workers in El Paso. #1u https://t.co/BzFWhBU9sY
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
For years, the US DOL has used a faulty formula to set H2A farmworker wages, resulting in low pay for these workers & depressing the wages of all farmworkers.
Now, @FUJWashington and @columbialegal have secured a court order for DOL to fix that error. https://t.co/F1WYxahWmF pic.twitter.com/MQxozSQNgP
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) June 3, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO, Union Sportsmen’s Alliance: 12th annual Take Kids Fishing Day – June 1sthttps://t.co/0eXA5QtAyi
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 31, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:41Pride Month Profiles: Temika M. Cook
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Temika M. Cook of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council.
Temika M. Cook has been a dynamic force in the San Diego labor movement for over 15 years, championing workers’ rights and social justice within her community. As a dedicated member of California School Employees Association Chapter 724 and Teamsters Local 388M, Cook consistently challenges the status quo, advocating tirelessly alongside her union siblings. In her role as a senior cook for the San Diego Unified School District, she not only nourishes the minds of students, but serves as a beacon of inspiration and resilience, demonstrating that the fight for workers’ rights and community well-being go hand in hand. Cook’s unwavering commitment and leadership continue to pave the way for a more just and equitable future.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:34Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TWU Ratifies Three-Year Contract with NJ Transit
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.
Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 2001 members at New Jersey Transit ratified a new three-year contract with 80% of the vote. The new contract goes into effect on July 1 and covers 180 car inspectors, car mechanics and coach cleaners. It includes 3% pay raises for three years, Veterans Day as a paid holiday, one additional paid sick day and does not include any givebacks to NJ Transit, “ensuring that previously won improvements to pay and benefits stay in place.”
“The TWU is proud to secure an agreement that improves the lives of workers at NJ Transit,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/04/2024 - 09:25Labor Is Having a Moment: 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.
Black Labor Leaders Say United Front Needed in November to Save Democracy: “Verrett and Saunders were expanding on similar sentiments expressed at the CBTU convention last Thursday by Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking Black trade unionist in the U.S. ‘Whether we like it or not, this election comes down to us: Black people and the labor movement,’ Redmond had said. The upcoming election determines ‘the future of this country and the future of our labor movement.’ What’s at stake in the 2024 election, according to Redmond, is the continued ability for the working class to fight for ‘worker’s rights, voting rights, civil rights, healthcare, water rights, the right to live and have a good-paying union job.’”
Biden's Dealmaker: How Julie Su Helped Broker a Union Contract in Hostile South: “Acting Labor Department Secretary Julie Su just helped secure a labor contract for more than 15,000 newly unionized workers at a school bus manufacturer in Georgia—a region typically hostile to unionization. Why it matters: The contract at Blue Bird Corp., ratified last week, shows how the administration's pro-labor stance, along with the money pouring in from its signature legislation, is changing how some U.S. businesses operate. The big picture: Su's been actively involved in several key labor negotiations over the past few years—from West Coast port workers to health care employees at Kaiser Permanente to the UAW's talks last year.”
Staff at Coolidge Corner Theatre Seek to Form Union: “Staff at the Coolidge Corner Theatre have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, a crucial first step to form a union at the Brookline cinema. The petition, which organizers filed Wednesday, lays the groundwork for the theater’s roughly 40 eligible employees to join United Autoworkers Local 1596, creating a collective bargaining for the movie house’s floor supervisors, box office, and concessions workers, among others. ‘We really just want all of us to get what we deserve for what we do for the place that we love,’ said Andrew Schlehuber, a floor supervisor who helped organize the union drive. ‘We want to have a more transparent, more equitable workplace where we recognize every single person’s contribution to the theater’s success.’”
Progressives Urge Biden Administration to Crack Down on 'Union-Busting' Industry: “Every year, U.S. employers spend millions of dollars on outside consultants who specialize in breaking up union campaigns. Because much of that work is cloaked in secrecy, progressive groups are urging the Biden administration to crack down and make it more transparent. A paper released Wednesday recommends that the Labor Department force employers and their consultants to make greater financial disclosures related to anti-union spending so workers can better understand who’s being paid to lobby them. The authors write that the firms are ‘deploying increasingly aggressive tactics to dissuade employees from unionizing.’”
House Democratic Caucus Staff Say ‘Union YES!’: “Earlier this month the Washington Public Employees Association/UFCW Local 365 filed for representation on behalf of the Washington State Legislature’s House Democratic Caucus staff. Legislative staff were prohibited from forming or joining a union until a 2022 law that went into effect on May 1 of this year. WPEA has actively supported legislative staff’s right to collectively bargain, an effort that goes back to a 2011 bill proposed by former staff-turned-member Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon (D-West Seattle).”
CVS Pharmacists at Two Rhode Island Stores Vote to Join New Union: “Pharmacists at two CVS stores in Rhode Island voted last week to join The Pharmacy Guild, the new union backed by IAM Healthcare, which is part of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. The pharmacists at the CVS stores in Wakefield and Westerly, who had previously petitioned for union representation, became the second and third CVS locations to vote to join the union, following a CVS Omnicare location in Las Vegas. The votes are pending approval by the National Labor Relations Board.”
American Folk Art Museum Workers Move to Join Union: “Staff at New York City’s American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) are organizing for fair wages, benefits, and sustainable working conditions. On June 6, workers across the Upper Manhattan museum’s departments including curators, retail staff, educators, and information technology personnel will vote on whether to unionize with Local 2110 UAW. ‘Our objective is to make AFAM a democratic institution committed to its employees; a museum that invests in professional development and continuously strives to create a healthier work culture,’ workers wrote in a post published to the newly formed Instagram account @afam_union last week.”
‘People Are Just Much More Willing to Fight’: More Health Care Workers in Clark County Push to Join Union: “Unionization efforts across the health care field continue to increase in Clark County and beyond as workers steadily organize to secure more workplace protections. Health care workers say they hope to secure better working conditions, pay equity, safe staffing and protection from workplace violence, especially in the wake of the pandemic when many nurses said they felt overworked and undervalued. ‘It’s one of the best opportunities for us to have a voice that can directly result in change. That to me is a big reason why I’m in favor of people unionizing,’ said David Watson, a hospice social worker at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. ‘I think it’s a way to make various systems better and have ripple effects for the community.’”
How Women Are Changing Labor Unions: “Across the country, labor is having a moment: Historic United Auto Workers wins (and some losses) in the union-resistant South, Amazon factory organizing, Hollywood’s SAG-AFTRA strike and Starbucks workers’ union fight have dominated headlines this year. ‘I am riding that wave and loving every minute of it,’ Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of union workers, tells Women Rule. As waves of labor activism sweep the country, women of color are leading union growth, while union women in construction and manufacturing are raising labor and safety standards for all workers. Within unions—spaces once largely dominated by white men—leaders say they are pushing women of all races and men of color to take on leadership roles and incentivizing women to join previously male-dominated industries.”
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Maps Strategy for 2024 and Beyond: “‘Staying neutral means staying silent. It means risking the rights of workers and the civil rights of all. It means the continuation of unemployment and poor wages while the powerful continue to get richer.’ That’s the warning from Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO and the highest-ranking Black trade unionist in the country. Redmond was speaking to over 1,200 Black, Latino/a, Asian, Arab, Indigenous, and white delegates and guests at the 53rd International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) that filled the Houston Marriott Marquis Hotel convention center on Thursday morning.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/03/2024 - 10:11Pride Month Profiles: Logan Howard
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Logan Howard of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Logan Howard is a journeyman electrician and president of the newly formed Utah chapter of Pride At Work (P@W). Howard’s commitment to building a stronger, more diverse union is evident in his dedication to his own union and in forming the Utah P@W chapter. Solidarity means showing up and educating others on why unions matter, and Howard epitomizes what solidarity stands for.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:42Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Newark Teachers Union Reaches Tentative Agreement with School District
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 Newark Teachers Union (NTU)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—and the district announced a tentative agreement on Friday that would increase the starting salary and give educators a 4.5% raise for each of its five years.
The five-year agreement would give educators raises averaging 22.5% over the life of the contract and a $3,000 increase in the starting salary for teachers (raising it to $65,000 per year) in order to help combat understaffing and attract new, talented staff members. Additionally, the contract would empower teachers to select and design curriculum within their subject areas, putting their expertise in the drivers’ seat and ultimately helping students. The bargaining unit includes teachers, classroom aides, guidance counselors and other roles such as psychologists and reading specialists.
“We felt the best way to get a contract that helps Newark students succeed and thrive would be to be partners, not combatants,” NTU President John M. Abeigon said. “What makes this contract transformational and a model for other districts is that teachers will have a genuine voice in all aspects of Newark education, including having seats on committees that deal with instruction issues and district operations.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/03/2024 - 09:36Pride Month Profiles: Jenny Reeves
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Jenny Reeves of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Jenny Reeves is the president of IATSE Local 849, which represents 18 different departments within the motion picture industry in maritime Canada. She has been an IATSE member for 12 years and is a member of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour human rights committee. “Whenever I see a young person new to the union who feels comfortable being their whole self, and knowing that in some small way, I helped create the space for them to do that, I can’t think of anything that makes me feel more pride as a queer IATSE member than that,” Reeves said.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/02/2024 - 09:42
