Bishop John Stowe's 2020 Labor Day Mass Homily
When Kentucky legislators proposed anti-union “right to work” legislation in 2017, Bishop John Stowe of the Lexington Diocese spoke out boldly in defense of Catholic social teaching on unions and worker justice. The following remarks were delivered by Bishop Stowe at the Catholic Labor Network’s first annual livestreamed Labor Day mass:
The beautiful account of creation found on the first pages of Scripture demonstrates God’s work and artistry. It reveals God’s generosity: God gives humanity dominion over all He has made. By giving us fertility and the command to multiply, God invites us to work as co-creators. Just as in the Eucharistic liturgy we offer up “what earth has given and human hands have made”; there is a partnership into which we have been invited by the All Powerful and All-Loving creator. When the work of our hands and minds, when our skills and training engage our intelligence and our sense of wonder and curiosity, when we truly partner with God to share in the ongoing work of creation-we can celebrate work, celebrate accomplishments, celebrate advances in technology and the increase of production of the fruits of the earth. We can see how work is indeed dignified, humanizing, and how it is a major factor in our sense of satisfaction with our lives.
This Labor Day finds us in the midst of a global pandemic. It invites us to consider not only the dignity of human work as a share in God’s creation, but calls us to deepened solidarity with those who have been labeled “essential workers” but too often treated as expendable when it comes to the profit margin. Those whose work in the vast field of health care and care of the elderly; in the various occupations that harvest, ship, stock, sell and prepare our food; in countless incarnations of the service industry; in the delivery of our mail (and ballots) and in a variety of government and human services; now even in the classroom and in so many venues where the threat of infection is real their compensation and benefits rarely reflect the nobility of their designation as essential.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has referred to this moment in which we are not only facing ongoing infection and the climbing death toll of the COVID-19 pandemic but are also having to face the consequences of the systematic racism that has infected our society since the times of colonization, as an “apocalyptic time”: not only in the scary sense in which we popularly use that word, but in its more original and biblical sense- that of uncovering what has been hidden. The remnants of human enslavement and the great discrepancies in the treatment of workers, especially those of color and the poor, are made all the more obvious as some of us have the opportunity to work from the safety of our homes while others have no such option. The Gospels present Jesus, the Eternal Son of God who enters into our human existence, as one who is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Jesus is not afraid to enter into the messiness of the human condition, he is unafraid of breaking bread with those considered sinners, he does not hesitate to touch the suffering even when it would render him unclean in the eyes of many, he does not hesitate to perform the essential work of healing and liberation on the sabbath. Jesus sees all of this as his mission, the work he is sent to do- the essential “work of the Father,” as it is called in John’s Gospel.
Jesus prepared himself to do the work of building the Kingdom by first experiencing the human condition in a family, like all of us. He learned a trade, was known as the carpenter’s son, used his own hands to shape, carve and build the wood that earth has given. He gathered fishermen and a tax collector to share in his mission. He preached and he exemplified solidarity with the human family- beginning at his baptism, when he the sinless one, took his place in line with the sinful awaiting the chance to be washed clean and he remained in their company through his crucifixion between two criminals. The carpenter’s son is in our midst as we face this pandemic and continue to struggle for the rights of workers in solidarity.
Recent popes have helped us meditate upon the potential of dignified work as a path to holiness, a path which can very well include, but must also transcend, what the world considers “satisfaction”. We progress from the satisfactory to the noble when our work is more than about remuneration. From the children of Adam and Eve, who tilled the land and tended flocks, to our contemporaries at keyboards designing artificial intelligence- work has the capacity to transform our world, to build upon the marvelous gifts of creation- to again combine “what earth has given and human hands have made” to create an offering to be presented to the Father.
Modern Social Catholic Teaching began with the question of work. When Pope Leo XIII wrote the encyclical that would become the basis for our social doctrine, the industrial revolution was well underway. Means of production were advanced by the use of machinery, human labor fueled the engines of industry, but the connection between what a person produced and what society consumed was no longer so clear. When the laborer could not afford to purchase what his or her sweat produced, there was a disconnect. Despite all outward signs of progress, poverty was increasing among the working class who had to work longer hours in unsafe conditions.
Pope Leo was not at all content that Karl Marx and those who shared his atheistic materialist framework should be the only ones talking about the “alienation of labor”. The disciples of the carpenter from Galilee should have something meaningful to offer the masses whose labor was diminishing, rather than building up, their dignity. Leo wrote, and inscribed into Catholic teaching, a foundational premise that workers had the right to organize to advocate collectively for fair pay and safe working conditions. He argued for a sense of the common good and for maintaining the proper balance between capital and labor, with each recognizing the need for the other and cooperating for the common good.
When subsequent popes have addressed the pressing social needs of their times, the question of the dignity of work remained the touchstone. Saint John Paul II, who had worked in a factory while attending an underground seminary, insisted that work must be “subjective”, that is the worker should exercise autonomy and dominion, rather than allowing work to become “merchandise”, bought and sold at the lowest price.
Our Catholic tradition has beautiful and meaningful things to say about the dignity and nobility of work; but what about that work which no one wants to do or that has become demeaning? A substantial part of my diocese is in the coal country of Appalachia. The extractive industries, first of timber then of coal, dominated that local economy. They provided work. Countless workers in the mines could take pride in their role of fueling industry and as they frequently say down here, “keeping the lights on.” But there was another side to that story as big companies found it more expedient to pay nuisance fines than to maintain mine safety standards and when miners who put food on the table and educated their children from their hard work underground suffered from black lung and sacrificed much of the quality of their lives. It is no wonder that coal miners feel the heaviest part of the burden when important environmental regulations and economic factors have terminated their work- they are stuck within the polluted environment but have few if any options for alternative employment.
We should also consider the plight of those whose back-breaking labor brings food to our tables- and yes, even to our Eucharistic table. Exposure to chemicals and pesticides in addition to the work itself are creating a pattern of workers trapped in a cycle that allows them to feed themselves but makes life-threatening illness almost inevitable.
We know that the need for laborers draws people from places where the opportunities for work to support a family are quite limited, places where poverty and desperation create endless cycles of violence. Yet for decades we have failed to create just immigration policies for the vast majority of hard working immigrants and create legal pathways so that they can fully participate in the society they help to build and sustain. As we prayerfully offer our own labor for sanctification, we must also be mindful of those whose work and whose very selves are exploited in the most undignified ways through human trafficking.
In just a few moments, we will place the “fruit of the earth and work of human hands” on the altar. Let us be mindful of all of our work and unite it to the labor represented in these elements. When the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, we celebrate the work of our redemption as we are nourished by the very one who invites us to share in his work as he has shared in solidarity with ours.
May our nourishment at this table strengthen and sustain us to be co-workers with the Creator and to work for the enhanced dignity of all whose labor is consumed in our society. May it strengthen us to discover what is being revealed in our times and respond in solidarity and justice.
Dennis Loney Mon, 09/07/2020 - 17:36Tags: Labor Day
Economy Gains 1.4 Million Jobs in August; Unemployment Declines to 8.4%
The U.S. economy gained 1.4 million jobs in August, and the unemployment rate declined to 8.4%, according to figures released Friday 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 August job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
Payroll employment was up 1.4 million in August and the unemployment rate fell to 8.4% in August in today's @BLS_gov report. This report shows that trends in labor force participation did not spike up from dropping the $600 in additional unemployment insurance. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
The @BLS_gov numbers for June and July were adjusted downward in this August release of the Employment Situation. June was down 10,000 and July 29,000 from before for a total of 39,000 less than previously reported. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
With hours down, average weekly pay looms large in the monthly Employment Situation report from @BLS_gov . Hours edged up in August, so weekly pay edged up from July from $1,012.92 to $1,019.66 after falling since May. This is not adjusting for inflation. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
The unemployment rate improved for all levels of educational attainment. For those who were high school dropouts, the rate is down to 12.6% below its peak of 21.2% in April. Notice that rate of 12.6% is lower than the THE Black unemployment rate of 13.0% @AFLCIO @rolandsmartin pic.twitter.com/ERD63fNH04
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
Unemployment rates fell for all categories and types of workers in August. Significantly, it fell for women maintaining families, from 12.4 to 10.4%; and for part-time workers from 12.6 to 9.0%. These workers makeup a large share of the hardest hit industries.@AFLCIO @IWPResearch
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
And here is the second part of the bad news, the increase in the number of workers struggling with longer spells of unemployment. The increases in those unemployed longer than 15 weeks, especially the long term unemployed (over 26 weeks) at 1.6 million, is hard to clear. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/GnFxEcU31I
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
The increasing duration of unemployment creates a problem of scarring for those workers: it's harder to re-attach to the labor market. The long term unemployed suffer huge losses in their household balance sheet. Dropping the $600 in UI supplement looks cruel. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
For further context on the August #JobsReport, the US unemployment rate is far higher than for the major economies. The @OECD shows in July how US unemployment was much higher than for the EU or Japan. While the US labor market is improving, we have made some clear errors. AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/r2BgBpybXy
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020
And, again, on unemployment duration in the August #JobsReport the large ,number of workers unemployed 15-26 weeks (above Great Recession levels) and transitioning to 26 weeks or more (now on a path like the start of the Great Recession, are big issues ahead. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/cvmGOiEQtI
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) September 4, 2020Last month's biggest job gains were in government (344,000), retail trade (249,000), professional and business services (197,000), leisure and hospitality (174,000), education and health services (147,000), transportation and warehousing (78,000), other services (74,000), financial activities (36,000), manufacturing (29,000), and wholesale trade (14,000). Employment changed little in mining, construction and information in August.
In August, the unemployment rates declined for teenagers (16.1%), Black Americans (13.0%), Hispanics (10.5%), Asians (10.7%), adult women (8.4%), adult men (8.0%) and White Americans (7.3%).
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) rose in August.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/04/2020 - 10:10Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement Steps Up to Provide Disaster Relief Following Hurricane Laura
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In response to the devastating destruction of Hurricane Laura, which hit the Gulf Coast the hardest last week, a relief staging location has been set up at United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 198 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Over the weekend, Local 198, Teamsters locals 270 and 988, and the Louisiana AFL-CIO hosted a milk giveaway (pictured above). Unfortunately, the Electrical Workers (IBEW) union hall in Lake Charles was destroyed. President Rick Levy (TSEU/CWA) of the Texas AFL-CIO is working on delivering generators to Louisiana AFL-CIO President Louis Reine (SMART). The Louisiana AFL-CIO is also organizing a gift card drive for those in need.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/04/2020 - 09:30Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Boilermakers Score Legislative Victory in New Jersey
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) and Boilermakers Local 28 were successful in their efforts to enact a state law that will require New Jersey high-hazard facilities, including refineries and certain chemical plants, to employ a skilled and trained workforce. The measure, signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on Aug. 13, will require 60% of the workforce to be graduates of approved apprenticeship programs, or equivalent, by 2024. The law also requires workers at high-hazard facilities to receive the state prevailing wage rate for their given occupation. “We have a lot of nonunion [workers] coming into the area that just aren’t trained,” said Local 28 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer James Chew. “Before, we’ve had issues of very shoddy maintenance done where people get hurt. With this bill, we’ve tried to nip it in the bud so our workers are safer, and we can put longevity into these plants so they don’t shut down for accidents.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/03/2020 - 09:40Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Labor Radio Podcast Network Expands to More Than 60 Members in Four Countries
Launched in April, the Labor Radio Podcast Network has recently expanded to more than 60 labor-related shows in four countries. The voices of the working class often get overlooked in the corporate-controlled media. The goal of the network is to help raise the voices of working people and organized labor to demand and achieve better treatment from workplaces and elected officials.
“The explosive growth in members of the Labor Radio Network in a few short months is testament to a movement that will continue to expand in the coming months and years,” said network founder and producer Chris Garlock, who is also communications director for the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO. Garlock hosts and produces several labor radio and podcast shows, including Union City Radio and Your Rights At Work on WPFW 89.3FM, the Labor History Today podcast and the new Labor Radio Podcast Weekly podcast.
The Labor Radio Podcast Network is both a one-stop shop for audiences looking for labor content and a resource for labor broadcasters and podcast hosts. Resources include a weekly podcast (Labor Radio Podcast Weekly, available on most podcast platforms) summarizing shows produced by network members, marketing on social media, a website listing network shows and how audiences can find them, a database for contacting expert guests, access to a private listserv for network members, and a weekly video call to increase solidarity and support among members.
Visit the links below to hear the voices of working people.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 13:19Tags: Podcast
AFL-CIO Launches New Web Tool to Help Workers Win Safety Protections at Work
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages the country, working people are looking for ways to join together to form a union in our workplaces and negotiate for strong health and safety protections. The AFL-CIO is launching a new “Am I Safe at Work?” web tool to raise awareness of what a safe workplace should be, and how a union can help achieve those goals.
The web tool contains fundamental information to empower workers to identify key COVID-19 risks in our workplaces, provides tools to join together with co-workers for better safety protections and guides workers on how to contact a union to help negotiate with an employer for safer working conditions.
“No one should be at risk of acquiring COVID-19 because they are working tirelessly to provide necessities for their family and our country,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Working people have organized to fight for safer working conditions for decades, forming unions to win protections and save lives. This web tool will help workers demand safer workplaces as the federal [Occupational Safety and Health Administration] fails to hold employers accountable. We will do all we can to help keep all workers safe, but federal OSHA needs to issue an enforceable, emergency workplace COVID-19 standard.”
This pandemic has particularly affected women and people of color. From nurses who take care of the sick to teachers and meat processing and transit workers, every day working people are risking our lives. One of the goals of this online resource is to provide information that can save lives.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the AFL-CIO has been at the forefront of fighting for safer workplaces across our country. Once again the labor movement is stepping up, sharing key tools and resources to help workers come together and demand change during this pandemic. This site is a critical tool that empowers workers to fight for COVID-19 and other safety protections and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 10:31Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CSEA Helps Members Impacted by Wildfires
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Hundreds of wildfires are now burning across California, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. California School Employees Association (CSEA) President Ben Valdepeña shared how the union is reaching out to its members to contribute through the CSEA Assistance Fund at CSEA.com/Assistance to help fellow union members who are tragically losing their homes. “I want all of you to know that we are here for you,” Valdepeña told CSEA members in a video message. “This is what a union is all about. We are here for each other, to help pick us up when we fall, to help overcome obstacles and to succeed.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 10:10Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Are You Ready to Vote? 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:
It’s time to get to work to elect pro-working family candidates at all levels of government.#AlaskaUnionStrong pic.twitter.com/XSC6J7K6KQ
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 30, 2020California Labor Federation:
Huge victory for working people! No one should lose her job for bonding with a child or caring for a family member. Thank you @SenHannahBeth & @LorenaSGonzalez for getting this critical legislation over the finish line! #SB1383 https://t.co/VHR0sByKN2
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) September 1, 2020Colorado AFL-CIO:
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) September 1, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Want to help support postal workers and letter carriers? Here are suggestions directly from the workers of the #USPS. https://t.co/aUcWF1WFEN
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 26, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
Once again, Governor DeSantis waited until the last minute to extend Florida’s eviction and foreclosure moratorium. The language in the moratorium still continues to put thousands at risk of losing their homes.https://t.co/Rrxs0NQaHq
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 1, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Union strong! ?? https://t.co/ttfGxUyHIB
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) September 1, 2020Iowa Federation of Labor:
Organizing Update https://t.co/UL2L1rGjIU #1u
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 31, 2020Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Mitch McConnell’s #BloodhoundsAreBack from 1984, but this time they’re looking for “Missing In Action” Mitch.
Call 866-832-1560 and tell him to get back to get to work and pass the HEROES Act.#WheresMitch? pic.twitter.com/7GuGpgDns2
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
This is only the beginning of voter confusion for this election. It could have been avoided if the Governor had mailed ballots to every voter, just as he did in the June 2nd Primary. There was absolutely no reason to change it. cc: @CommonCauseMD https://t.co/QKLVGcZush
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) August 28, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
We don't need another Republican politician who claims he cares about us while taking massive tax handouts to line his own pockets. Sign up to stop John James: https://t.co/QRBvYoGOjn
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) August 26, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
63 Days Until Election Day and just 17 Days until early voting starts. Check your registration status and more at https://t.co/5NJlxIvILy #1u #mnvotes #mnleg #labor2020 pic.twitter.com/N7xvxG487a
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 1, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
The Senate is on vacation while Americans are suffering from the #COVID19 pandemic and high unemployment. Yet the Senate still won't come back to pass the #HEROES Act. https://t.co/x2XquUyjOu
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 30, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
Educators back Melissa Romano for Superintendent of Public Instruction: "She will advocate for our public schools to ensure the Montana Constitutional requirement that every child has access to a quality public education."https://t.co/MY8RzwctmI #mtpol
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 25, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
There's a lot of disinformation circulating regarding voting this upcoming election. The @NVSOS has put out a FAQ dispelling frequent lies or exaggerations. Check it out at the link below.https://t.co/mEbbdq7wpm
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) August 30, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Thanks to Patch for covering our endorsement of Mindi Messmer! https://t.co/Pj5LLbrrKI
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 1, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
“But what working families really need,” New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said, “is for Mitch McConnell and the Senate to come back from vacation and pass the HEROES Act now."https://t.co/19Td1JFJ4S
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 26, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
Will #gigworkers be classified as employees? https://t.co/jKbSi9l6qX - “If you’re an employee, you’re not just an employee for one particular right,” said Mario Cilento, president of the NYS AFL-CIO. “You can’t be a little pregnant. Either you’re an employee or you’re not.”
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) September 1, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
"Time is running out. Bills are coming due." @StarNewsOnline LETTERS: #HEROESAct needs passing by @SenThomTillis. #ncpol #1u @AFGENational https://t.co/KNVLIO63pZ pic.twitter.com/Gw2eVYSFTH
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 31, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
Hey @DropkickMurphys, when we reopen and hit #Columbus for @AFLIO #Union Night, the state crew at Express Live and the Newport will now be @IATSE Local 12! #UnionStrong. Let's' congratulate these workers on their #Organizing victory!https://t.co/Fj7vtYO7A9
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 1, 2020Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Demand Safe Schools!
-Join a Twitter Storm - Wed @ 3:30 pm
-Share a ‘MASKED UP’ picture, use #DemandSafeSchools #FundPublicEducation and tag @OKC_AFT
-Contact our US Senators
Sen Lankford: (202) 224-5754 @SenatorLankford
Sen Inhofe: (202) 224-4721 @JimInhofe pic.twitter.com/Alkk8WidKW
Oregon AFL-CIO:
“According to the @ORDeptEd, Portland Public School District received $8.4 million in relief funding through the CARES Act. It will be used to build distance learning... ” https://t.co/kkrJMurshf
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 1, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Economic dignity is a key piece of fighting recidivism and restoring communities impacted by mass incarceration. We need workforce development policies that create more opportunities for the returning citizens. @ULPhilly @PhillyAFLCIO https://t.co/iO0kiiEKJf
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 1, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Teachers unions react to Raimondo's school announcement https://t.co/3zPlgb7Jtj #1u #BackToSchool #Unions
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) September 1, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Unfortunately, as is the case with many issues related to workers' rights, this is not the case in Tennessee.https://t.co/j5AtoqJxvE
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) September 1, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
Sept. 23 at 6PM - The Texas AFL-CIO Virtual Concert // Banding Together - featuring musical guest @aescovedo1
Become a sponsor today! #1u Click for details: https://t.co/W3Dh6MvhAh pic.twitter.com/dMuKYLPqgt
Virginia AFL-CIO:
https://t.co/3nWOleyuNM pic.twitter.com/FLuS3Yk2aa
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 27, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Essential not expendable https://t.co/50yppEGX1b
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 1, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/02/2020 - 08:46Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SAG-AFTRA Celebrates Women’s Equality Day
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris hosted an online event marking Women’s Equality Day and the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage. “Today’s discussion is a celebration of all women’s voices and all women’s votes,” Carteris explained. “Today, all women have the right to vote, but the struggle for equal access continues. So today we’re going to celebrate what it means for women to collectively use their power, their voices, their votes to affect change. It’s also important that women have a voice in legislation that affects women.” Secretary-Treasurer Shuler joined the conversation, along with members of SAG-AFTRA and Jasmine Jones, organizing director of Rock the Vote.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/01/2020 - 10:00Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: CBTU Launches ReadySetVote Website with Resources for Voters
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, led by President Melvin, launched ReadySetVote, its voter resource website Wednesday. This online digital tool is designed to help visitors check their voting status, register to vote and volunteer for the upcoming election. With a few clicks, any visitor can also get information about absentee ballots, early voting and polling locations in their area. This one-stop site also offers a voter education video that features CBTU members and leaders sharing their views on issues that will motivate Black voters and how best to mobilize communities under siege most impacted by COVID-19 and systemic racism.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/31/2020 - 10:33Tags: COVID-19, Community Service, CBTU
Demand Justice: 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:
Thank you to the extraordinary athletes of the @WNBA for using your voices to demand change. ?????? https://t.co/f4BX4srMnU
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 27, 2020AFGE:
This AFGE Local 4070 president explains what's happening inside federal prisons and what more should be done to protect correctional workers →https://t.co/SobgyYp2dC
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 27, 2020AFSCME:
If the federal government fails to provide immediate assistance to our communities to fund essential public services, there will be cuts and layoffs when we need our everyday heroes keeping our communities safe, healthy and strong. Congress must #FundTheFrontLines #TrumpChaos
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 27, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Today, more than 11,000 U.S. ALPA pilots have received notices of potential furlough and are at risk of being furloughed, displaced or otherwise negatively impacted. Meet four ALPA pilots who are depending on Congress to pass a clean extension of the #PayrollSupportProgram. pic.twitter.com/iDLbfWjkka
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) August 26, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
President Trump's payroll tax cut will defund Social Security by 2023. This is not a drill. Sign our petition here: https://t.co/JEyepzerEK #HandsOffSocialSecurity #Election2020 https://t.co/GbjH0LIbfi
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) August 27, 2020Amalgamated Transit Union:
Congress is on vacation, while #motorcoach companies shutdown, slash service, and lay off workers. It's time for Congress to get back to work & provide emerg. funding for the motor coach industry. Click below to send letters to your Members of Congress, then share this post. #1u pic.twitter.com/v7BtsBxoWU
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 27, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
The Knoxville Symphony Society’s notice on August 24, 2020 to furlough orchestra musicians without pay for five months violates the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the KSO & AFM Local 546 (Knoxville Musicians Assoc). https://t.co/Awv91MeM1n
— AFM (@The_AFM) August 26, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
#COVID19 has exposed the need to reinvent a century-old system of education. Now and beyond, there are significant changes policymakers and educators can make to ensure teaching and learning are equitable and empowering. #RestartReinventSchool https://t.co/3elYe65zD6 pic.twitter.com/mlollLOVt4
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 25, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
On Tuesday, we had so many incredible actions that generated so many local news stories. The takeaway? The USPS is vital to EVERY community in America and we are stronger when we take action together. #SaveThePostOffice https://t.co/zPNp3Clre1
— APWU National (@APWUnational) August 27, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
??️APALA NEWS?️?
The National Executive Board of APALA voted to adopt a resolution to stand in solidarity with the @Mvmnt4BlkLives and their demands for defunding the police and investing in Black communities #BLM pic.twitter.com/jgPG2khHab
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
We need a COVID-19 relief package with our payroll support passed TODAY. Our jobs are on the line right now and millions are hurting without this relief! Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare. We are counting on you. Thank you.”
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 27, 2020Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
No excuses. We have to make change happen in November. Our future is depending on US. https://t.co/lEcZMjEQuH https://t.co/tq6uhnofPn
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2020Boilermakers:
Update: Workers reached an agreement yesterday w/ Nicholson Manufacturing. #Boilermakers from L-191 (Victoria, British Columbia) & Machinists head back to work today after a nearly 2-week lock out from their jobs! Thank you to everyone who stood with our brothers & sisters. ✊ pic.twitter.com/B6PQdY1oRM
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 26, 2020Bricklayers:
New BAC Local 2 BC members showing off their training on the Red Seal examination. ? https://t.co/XyfQ6c6fQs
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 26, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Today is the official launch of CBTU's one-stop website for the 2020 elections -- ReadySetVote! (https://t.co/psQ2njDWx7)
ReadySetVote can help visitors check their voting status, register to vote or volunteer. Visit https://t.co/psQ2njDWx7 #Election2020 #BlackVotesMatter #1u #2p pic.twitter.com/YiciHmPAG1
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Want to register more people to vote? Please make sure to contact your local union for voter registration materials. #Unionsvote
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 27, 2020Communications Workers of America:
Our well wishes go out to those impacted by Hurricane Laura.
When hurricanes hit, CWAers put in long hours making sure critical public services are available, reporting the news, repairing downed phone lines, helping airline passengers & more. Thank you for all you do. pic.twitter.com/ADwZgswLYT
Department for Professional Employees:
On #NationalDogDay, we are throwing it back and highlighting some very good union dogs from @thedodounion! #1u #UnionDog https://t.co/yWVlhXwez3
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 26, 2020Electrical Workers:
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 26, 2020Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
While @BATPress and Reynolds have ignored calls for human rights from farmworkers who create their wealth for years they donated $14,000 to corrupt Harnett County State Rep David Lewis key in racist gerrymandering and S615 stripping our rights #boycottVUSE
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) August 27, 2020Fire Fighters:
California #Firefighters Battled Blazes While Their Own Homes Were Threatenedhttps://t.co/XDBx1jFZbY
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 27, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
"This has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made."
Local 7 5th Year Apprentice Aaron Olson
??? pic.twitter.com/OKlaGhUoJP
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
We ALWAYS Support workers on #STRIKE for what they believe in. Never let them forget THE WORLD WORKS BECAUSE WE DO! https://t.co/kxH8UejY0N
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 26, 2020Jobs With Justice:
One company literally had the words “don’t ask, don’t tell" within their covid policy.
Secrecy spreads disease. These companies are complicit. https://t.co/nsbtpks4TX
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
to the health, social and financial crisis that COVID-19 has unleashed upon working families across the Puerto Rico. Please register in advance: https://t.co/ftdoX6vooq#AllOfUs #COVID19 #TodosSomosPuertoRico pic.twitter.com/OS71Mz0TDR
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 26, 2020Laborers:
?Did you fill out the #Census yet? If not, please respond TODAY! The 2020 U.S. Census, helps determine congressional and state legislative district lines, allots federal resources for transportation, infrastructure & education. #laborcounts
Go to: https://t.co/mgfJOVGsbJ pic.twitter.com/vjceZTdpbB
Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion Boston ILA “Rocks The Vote” for Massachusetts Senate candidate Joseph Kennedy; “Dropkick Murphys”, Boston’s famed Punk/Celtic Band Joins ILA Members For “Get Out The Vote” .Outdoor Concert. #JoeKennedyforSenate pic.twitter.com/euNMYerorc
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) August 23, 2020Machinists:
From solidarity to success, IAM Local S6 shows the world how to fight for good Maine jobs at @GDBIW. pic.twitter.com/IPGeI4OZjx
— Machinists Union ✈️?? (@MachinistsUnion) August 27, 2020Metal Trades Department:
When Supply Lagged, NAVSEA Metal Trades Shipyard Workers Stepped Up to Make Half-a-Million Masks for First Responders, Peers | Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO https://t.co/fFczL0bUEX pic.twitter.com/2SmvObM5Lf
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 25, 2020Mine Workers:
Solidarity with @TheNBPA for their wildcat #strike from the union that knows more about striking than anyone! You stood up for all the right reasons today. We are with you. #BlackLivesMatter #1u @KingJames @Bucks
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 26, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
We are excited to see so many of our #NATCAfamily members participating in @NATCACharitable's 25 for 25 Pushup Challenge. ANYONE can take part in this campaign to help raise awareness and support for mental health issues and suicide prevention. https://t.co/4rO06BjR00 pic.twitter.com/W3KBu6EEZR
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 26, 2020National Association of Letter Carriers:
When railroad workers found a toddler alone on tracks behind the post office, they called police. The boy was unable to provide info about where he lived. Just then, the officers ran into carrier Shanna Erdman, who said she recognized the boy from her route & provided his address pic.twitter.com/29tXk8xOMl
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 26, 2020National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Rent week is approaching.
We belong in our homes.
We are counting on Congress and elected officials at all levels of government to take action to keep us in there. pic.twitter.com/CDQV1wv4rY
National Federation of Federal Employees-IAM:
Make sure you are prepared for campaign season. Familiarize yourself with the new #HatchAct guidance that has been released for teleworkers.https://t.co/9Ui5N2k2Ez
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) August 21, 2020National Nurses United:
NNU on the Shooting of Jacob Blake
“Nurses know that racism, police, and white supremacist violence is a public health crisis. As a society, we all have an obligation to work to stop this epidemic,” said NNU President Jean Ross, RN.
Press Release➡️ https://t.co/hgd9lQYuvj pic.twitter.com/2MS0PRqHm5
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
“We served & believed. NYC + banks lied & deceived.”
Yellow cab owner-drivers demand debt relief now! pic.twitter.com/Pkq5nukr44
NFL Players Association:
Players: we have a page dedicated to voting resources:
• Check if you're registered
• Get information specific to your local elections
• Find important dates
?: https://t.co/e4N5j5rWgb pic.twitter.com/wpuWVNAWgq
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Make TODAY the day.
Begin your path towards a family-sustaining, #BuildingTrades UNION career ✊ pic.twitter.com/Nc1ZDOGHmE
Office and Professional Employees:
Workers across the US do not make a wage that can sustain themselves or their families. They fight to form unions because the boss can always find an excuse why they aren't worth it. THEY ARE WORTH IT. #1u #nonprofit https://t.co/ZXDZA19HU7
— OPEIU Local 39 (@OPEIU39) August 26, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
The numbers speak for themselves.
Workers deserve fair union elections! pic.twitter.com/rMQTSHEYvu
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Donald Trump’s war on the US Postal Service is a war on voting, a war against our veterans, a war against the American people, and an existential threat to our democracy. Watch this great @votevets ad: https://t.co/7qmn6U17yN
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 26, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Congratulations to @AFGENational for protecting your members. Unions are more important than ever, especially in the federal sector, so that the dedicated men & women we represent can continue to serve the American public during this national emergency. #1u #publicservice https://t.co/zJMKXyhRjf
— PASS (@PASSNational) August 26, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
“Too many workers have already sacrificed their health for our community’s benefit… The New York HERO Act will honor their efforts by giving workers the tools to protect themselves while on the job." @SenGianarishttps://t.co/Y6mDMEJGyf
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 27, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
Women's Equality Day: A Celebration of Women's Voices & Women's Votes with @TheGabrielle_C @LaMonicaPeters @TichinaArnold @lizshuler @BrendaSong @bellathorne #WomensEqualityDay @RockTheVote @AFLCIO https://t.co/g9Vw1tB2df
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 26, 2020Seafarers:
SIU-Crewed NY Waterway Ferry Crew Rescues Man in Hudson - Seafarers International Union https://t.co/3jXrg5CxIA
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) August 27, 2020Solidarity Center:
"We are building capacity of women & men to end violence & harassment at work, esp violence against traditionally marginalized grps, incl women & LGBTQ community"—Isela Juarez, SITRASEMCA prez/ @red_contraVA #Honduras #RatifyC190 #genderequalnewnormal https://t.co/p632Xep867
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 27, 2020TCU/IAM:
Are you registered to vote? Need to request ballot by mail?
Your union is making it easy! Check your voter registration status and get the information you need to vote by mail safely, securely and on time.https://t.co/BPLRzFMFZd
The NewsGuild-CWA:
We asking Congress to save #localnews—#Republicans and #Democrats. Tell your elected officials to step up and help #SaveTheNews. https://t.co/xWtqIb7Q17
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 27, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
The trump campaign went out of their way to ensure that #RNC2020 is the first Republican National Convention to be done non-union in recent memory.
Now their speakers are bashing working people and their unions.
Disgraceful.
Transport Workers Union:
#WomensEqualityDay celebrates the suffragist movement. This year, there is a dire need to check your voter registration status. You can get started below. Remember, the only way to ensure equality in the workplace is by having a union contract! #Labor2020https://t.co/Opm6FQuNfC
— TWU (@transportworker) August 26, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
The #PayrollSupportProgram has successfully ensured that nearly 1M frontline aviation workers like Nicholas can keep their jobs & healthcare during these tough times. W/o an extension, they face losing both. This critical program must be extended. #ReliefNow pic.twitter.com/mjuwpDsNmx
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 27, 2020UAW:
Jermaine Harris of UAW Local 900 was a delegate to last week's Democratic National Convention. Hear why it’s important for American workers to make their voices heard in November and how Jermaine is passing that message on to his children: pic.twitter.com/xE00qdMgEx
— UAW (@UAW) August 25, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
No Unions Allowed at Republican National Convention | ucomm blog https://t.co/NlrQYiRTch
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) August 26, 2020Union Veterans Council:
That’s right @votevets,@DrBiden will Champion funding schools for military families, not steal the money for a pointless Construction project in the southwest. https://t.co/NXL6ho2QiX
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) August 26, 2020UNITE HERE:
Solidarity with our Union brothers in the NBA that are striking — during PLAYOFFS — to take a stand against police violence, anti-Blackness, and racial injustices harming all Black & brown communities alike. You're platform may be big, but pro basketball players are workers, too.
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 26, 2020United Steelworkers:
Tom Conway discusses Trump’s anti-worker NLRB on The Leslie Marshall Show https://t.co/DboBx6QvMs #USWUnity
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 27, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
Last weekend at the USAS Virtual Summer Conference, USASers discussed our campuses’ appalling reopening plans. Students across the country are making our own plans to fight back ;) #StudentSafetyOverProfit #WorkerSafetyOverProfit pic.twitter.com/ItOyCPhXj2
— USAS (@USAS) August 27, 2020United Union of Roofers and Waterproofers:
Did you know that 61% of fatal falls in construction occur in small businesses with 10 or fewer employees? https://t.co/cqSz6kZXBg #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/06QEE8rwiZ
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 26, 2020Utility Workers:
We’re very proud of our recent UMAP program graduates, who managed to safely complete their program despite the pandemic!
Show your support for #veterans in the UMAP program and across the nation today: https://t.co/pOB1WUKdbx pic.twitter.com/JWjXg6aExZ
Working America:
Michigan voters: apply to vote from home TODAY! Absentee ballot applications for the November 3 general election are available now. Apply online or download your application today at: https://t.co/aEGS2Kt98h #MIVoting pic.twitter.com/1OLPieiaw1
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) August 20, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
"We’re seeing increased interest in organizing."
Check out @nwquah's interview with WGAE Executive Director @LowellPeterson about unionizing the podcast industry.https://t.co/83PuAlWe2o
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IUPAT Members Donate School Supplies to Students in Rockford, Illinois
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 30 delivered backpacks and school supplies to more than 450 children set to return to classrooms at Lewis Lemon Elementary in Rockford, Illinois, next week. The items were purchased by the union and The Patch Foundation. City Mayor Thomas McNamara joined IUPAT members who made their delivery of the donated supplies on Monday.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/28/2020 - 09:40Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Bloomingdale: ‘We Must Not Be Satisfied by Platitudes and Cosmetic Change’
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale (AFT) issued a statement on Monday in reaction to the police shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man who was shot in the back in Kenosha:
“We were shocked by yet another police shooting of an unarmed Black man in Kenosha. Video shows a Kenosha police officer shooting Jacob Blake multiple times in the back at point blank range as he tried to get into his car. The horror was magnified by the presence of Mr. Blake’s young children in the vehicle. This is a shameful day for Kenosha, Wisconsin, and our nation.
“The Wisconsin AFL-CIO extends deepest sympathy to Mr. Blake and his family and hope for his quick and complete recovery. Black Lives Matter. The time is long overdue to address systemic racism and police violence against communities of color.
“In this unprecedented time in America, we must not be satisfied with platitudes and cosmetic change. We must take a hard look at the factors that have led to Black people unjustly facing violence at the hands of those charged with protecting us and take meaningful steps to address them.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:20Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: St. Paul Regional Labor Federation Holds Jobs and Resource Fair
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The St. Paul Regional Labor Federation, led by President Kera Peterson (IAM), held a job and resource fair to connect displaced workers with good union jobs in industries like construction, manufacturing, public schools, health care, hospitality, retail and public services. In addition to connecting job seekers with union jobs, the labor council has held information sessions on local and national union history and the advantages of union membership.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/26/2020 - 10:20Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: SAG-AFTRA Keeps Members Educated About Safe Reopening
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
SAG-AFTRA hosted a livestream event this month on the return to work in the entertainment industry. The presentation comes when productions around the country either are preparing to reopen or already have done so. In her opening remarks, President Gabrielle Carteris said, “It’s really important that [members] are empowered and understand what’s taking place so you can decide if you feel safe enough to go back to work.” The event highlighted the work SAG-AFTRA has done with their employers and other unions to ensure workers in the entertainment sector can return to work as safely as possible.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/25/2020 - 09:24Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
#SaveThePostOffice: 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:
Union women know how important it is to vote—we vote on Election Day and in our unions, too. #100YearsOfVoting https://t.co/cdf2fKCfxf pic.twitter.com/0rldJ4bSw4
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 18, 2020Arizona AFL-CIO:
#SaveUSPS #usmailnotforsale #SaveThePostOfficeSaturday #saveourpostoffice https://t.co/rj6jQ1F9aB
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 24, 2020California Labor Federation:
Having a #union on the job can be life-changing. It's still the surest path to economic security that exists. Precisely why the future must be #UnionStrong https://t.co/lmxHKH3BLZ
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 25, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Postal workers & mail carriers are rallying outside the Bishops Corner Post Office this morning to #SaveThePostOffice! @AFLCIO #1u pic.twitter.com/hZJg0UeX0c
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 25, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
The United States Postal Service is one of America’s most trusted institutions. Union leaders are calling for funding for this vital service.https://t.co/DK3VhyYLC6
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 24, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Stone, Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin, Mabel Ping-Hua Lee, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Maria W. Stewart. Let’s honor their work and make sure our voices are heard this November! #100YearsOfVoting pic.twitter.com/QLelPx5rQE
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 18, 2020Indiana State AFL-CIO:
The USPS is one of America’s greatest institutions. It connects people across the country—urban, suburban, rural.
It’s a beloved & effective agency because of dedicated public servants who work for it. These are quality jobs that support working families. #SaveThePostOffice pic.twitter.com/J5S9pcLKkC
Iowa Federation of Labor:
Our #SaveThePostOffice Day of Action demands:
$25B in relief funding ?
Reverse service cuts ⛔ ✂
Proper staffing for full delivery ?
Join us! https://t.co/4a07R0DaBq
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
“TARC workers protest, demand hazard pay
A group, including US Senate candidate @AmyMcGrathky, held a protest at TARC headquarters Thursday.”https://t.co/m2q2SgUFaN
Maine AFL-CIO:
Fortunately, @SaraGideon will vote to repeal @SenatorCollins' disastrous mandate that is bankrupting the Postal Service. #mepolitics #RetireCollins #VoteGideon #SaveTheUSPS pic.twitter.com/OrAH7WSZG1
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 18, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
We stand with @massteacher @AFTMass educators all across state to reopen #OnlyWhenItsSafe. pic.twitter.com/zUQwjET4Mc
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 19, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
REQUEST YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT TODAY!!!https://t.co/wt8cWr2ITc
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) August 20, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
70 Days until Election Day, 24 Days until early voting begins in Minnesota. Learn how to vote early by mail at https://t.co/RNagT5Xy1s #1u #Labor2020 #MNVotes pic.twitter.com/rG1uAI34kx
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 25, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
?? @nicolergalloway has released her first TV commercial today. We need a Governor that shows urgency to fight back against the coronavirus. Nicole will be that Governor. Governor Parson has proved he is not up to the task. https://t.co/saj4jOt6Gi
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 25, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
Educators back Melissa Romano for Superintendent of Public Instruction: "She will advocate for our public schools to ensure the Montana Constitutional requirement that every child has access to a quality public education."https://t.co/MY8RzwctmI #mtpol
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 25, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
?We're sounding the alarm! @APWUnational needs your help #SaveTheUSPS, demand Congress #FundTheUSPS. https://t.co/zUoavRWPSq
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) August 19, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO urges all members to know the facts about a VBM election. https://t.co/GVDRY45EOy
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 25, 2020New Mexico Federation of Labor:
Union women know how important it is to vote—we vote on Election Day and in our unions, too. #100YearsOfVoting https://t.co/69iH8oA4j9 @NMDEMS @AFLCIO
— NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) August 18, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
Listen to the full episode at https://t.co/DegEqE5Bv9
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 25, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
"What workers need are presidential leadership and the passage of the #HEROESAct.” @marybemcmillan on President Trump’s Food Line Photo Op in Mills River https://t.co/uWpRvYBTIv via @ncstateaflcio #RNCConvention2020 #ncpol #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 24, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
Thanks @KingJames for speaking up for your fellow #Union Sisters, Brothers and all your siblings working hard to keep Akron moving. https://t.co/vmBQVZiDiz
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 23, 2020Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Today marks the 100 year anniversary of Women's Right to Vote!
One of our own, Cassandra Hammond from LiUNA 107, will be speaking in a Roundtable to celebrate Women's Right to Vote and discuss working women's issues.
Tonight at 5:30pm https://t.co/iFchL8vIHx
Oregon AFL-CIO:
The Oregon Cares Fund provides cash grants to Black individuals, Black-owned businesses, and Black-led non-profit organizations who have experienced financial adversity due to COVID-19. Read more here: https://t.co/CX3DDroDeX
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 24, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
We must vote, and do it early. Our sisters and brothers of the #USPS are doing their part to protect your vote. Make yourself heard and VOTE EARLY. #VoteByMail #DemConvention2020
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 21, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
#1U #APWU @aflcio #USPS #USPSisEssential https://t.co/b4z3greHL7
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 25, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Done quietly at the end of last week, this will have chilling effects on Tennesseans' First Amendment AND voting rights. A cruel and unnecessary piece of legislation signed by a governor who isn't even willing to meet with his constituents.https://t.co/S5Zrc94KlV
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) August 24, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
The City of Houston should not use irresponsible contractors on their public projects. @houmayor @AirportsHouston @houstonzoo #ExploitationFreeZones
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 25, 2020Virginia AFL-CIO:
Currently: Delegates are learning about voter registration in Virginia and becoming certified to register members to vote. Thanks @vaELECT ! We are learning so much! pic.twitter.com/RAiQqpILe7
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 21, 2020Washington State Labor Council:
When the so-called "Freedom Foundation" isn't busy attacking unions and advocating for lower wages, they are undermining public health during a pandemic. This garbage jeopardizes lives! Despicable.
Stay masked up, Washington, so we can open up! ?? https://t.co/mgYXdfUhf2
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Candlelight vigil remembers Wisconsinites lost to COVID-19 https://t.co/tyztYFQ8Fc
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 24, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/24/2020 - 15:56It's Always the Right Time to Do the Right Thing: 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.
From the Front Lines: Britney's Story: "'It’s always the right time to do the right thing.' My union leader, William Voltz, always says that Martin Luther King Jr. quote. My name is Britney Andrews. I am a union shop steward with UNITE HERE Local 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before the coronavirus forced me out of work, I had been a bartender at Phillips Famous Seafood at the Charlotte airport for three years."
AFSA Hosts Town Hall on Strategies to Reopen Schools: "Last week, members of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) participated in an 'Ask Ernie' online town hall with President Ernest Logan. The event focused on sharing strategies on the issue of reopening schools."
Labor Movement in Milwaukee Holds Food Drive, Calls Out Johnson for Opposing the HEROES Act: "The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, led by President Pam Fendt (LIUNA), held a 'Be a Hero' food drive yesterday. For the past week, union members have been pledging to donate food to support families in need."
Save the Post Office: 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."
Iowa’s Labor Movement Responds to Devastating Wind Storm in Cedar Rapids: "A wind storm that hit the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, area last week with hurricane-force winds has left tens of thousands of people without shelter and electricity. Tent cities have popped up in neighborhoods due to widespread damage to the roofs of homes and apartment complexes."
Bloomingdale Sends Support to Organizing Workers at Milwaukee Art Museum: "On Aug. 7, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale (AFT) sent a letter of solidarity and support to 150 workers at the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) who are seeking union representation with Machinists (IAM) Local Lodge 66."
Are You Ready to Vote?: "One hundred years ago today, after a seven-decade campaign, the 19th Amendment gave the vote to millions of women across the United States. And although achieving women’s suffrage in 1920 was a major victory, it was another 45 years before the Voting Rights Act of 1965 eliminated voting barriers for women of color."
ATU and Kentucky AFL-CIO Rally for Hazard Pay, Workplace Safety in Louisville: "Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1447 protested Thursday outside Transit Authority of River City (TARC) offices in Louisville, Kentucky, to call for hazard pay and stronger safety measures to protect members during the COVID-19 pandemic."
The Strength and Solidarity of Our Membership: Worker Wins: "Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with a series of wins in Maine and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life."
NATCA Members Deliver Thanks to Hospital Staff Who Saved One of Their Own from COVID-19: "When Chelsea Corcoran, a member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Houston, Texas, fell severely ill with COVID-19, the staff at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital did everything they could to save her life and the lives of the twins she was carrying."
South Carolina’s Labor Movement Comes Together to Provide Food Relief to Families in Need: "Members of the Charleston Central Labor Council, the South Carolina AFL-CIO, the Greater Charleston chapter of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and their community allies teamed up last Thursday to provide food relief for some dozens of union families in the Charleston, South Carolina, area."
Washington State Labor Council Launches First-of-Its-Kind Naturalization Legal Aid Program: "The Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) is launching a program to offer legal aid to permanent residents seeking naturalization. The program will prioritize union members, helping members obtain the resources and legal aid needed to become citizens."
New Jersey Unions Distribute 2,000 Food Kits to Unemployed Workers During Heavy Rain: "Driving rain and thunder couldn’t stop New Jersey’s working people from helping out Atlantic City families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Jersey State AFL-CIO, in connection with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, distributed more than 2,000 food kits to laid-off union members and their families."
Working People Demand Action: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."
Economy Gains 1.8 Million Jobs in June; Unemployment Declines to 10.2%: "The U.S. economy gained 1.8 million jobs in July, and the unemployment rate declined to 10.2%, according to figures released Friday 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."
Activision Blizzard Game Workers Take Collective Action to Reduce Pay Inequities: "Employees of video game publisher Activision Blizzard Inc. are comparing their salaries after an internal company survey revealed that more than half of the company’s workers were unhappy with their pay. Activision Blizzard had promised pay increases after conducting a pay equity study, but many game workers have expressed frustration about the raises provided."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/24/2020 - 12:04Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFSA Hosts Town Hall on Strategies to Reopen Schools
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, members of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) participated in an “Ask Ernie” online town hall with President Ernest Logan. The event focused on sharing strategies on the issue of reopening schools. Logan said that safety and the mental health needs of students must be the highest priorities. “This is an opportunity for us to really talk about how we transform and be transformative, and what education looks like in the future,” he explained. “We need to talk about what it is that we need to do for our children, so that we’re able to allow them to be productive citizens going forward that can take part in the real cultural and civic life they should have.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/24/2020 - 11:04Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Milwaukee Holds Food Drive, Calls Out Johnson for Opposing the HEROES Act
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Milwaukee Area Labor Council, led by President Pam Fendt (LIUNA), held a “Be a Hero” food drive yesterday. For the past week, union members have been pledging to donate food to support families in need. For each donation pledge, the Milwaukee Area Labor Council tweeted at U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, letting him know working people in Wisconsin were standing up for each other, since he took a vacation instead of standing up for families and passing the HEROES Act. Yesterday, all of the union members who made a pledge stopped by the Milwaukee Area Labor Council parking lot to donate their food and to support families in need.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/21/2020 - 08:59Tags: Community Service, COVID-19
From the Front Lines: Britney's Story
“It’s always the right time to do the right thing.” My union leader, William Voltz, always says that Martin Luther King Jr. quote.
My name is Britney Andrews. I am a union shop steward with UNITE HERE Local 23 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before the coronavirus forced me out of work, I had been a bartender at Phillips Famous Seafood at the Charlotte airport for three years.
On Aug. 11, 2020, my union, ally organizations and I helped organize a food drive in front of Senator Thom Tillis’ office in Charlotte as part of the nationwide action to call on senators to extend the $600 for unemployment insurance. Also, I was one of the 6,000 people fasting that day as part of the Virtual #FastAction. While that day was a long and rough one, it was transformative. I am inspired that over 6,000 fasters participated in the virtual event. The whole action really made me think about what my own neighbors may be going through that I don’t know about. It opened my eyes to a bigger picture. If I could do that action every week, I would. I felt like I was making a difference, even though I’m just one person.
We gave out food and gift cards in front of Tillis’ office to demonstrate the need that is in the community. And to remind Tillis that “It’s always the right time to do the right thing.”
The people we gave food to said “thank you” and “it’s greatly appreciated.” In fact, at one point a public transit bus that came by, the driver asked what we were doing, and a passenger took a bag of food. The need in Charlotte and the rest of the U.S. is real. The news doesn’t show us the real problems in the world.
Fasting while giving food to others was transformative. It made me think about what my own neighbor might be going through that I don’t know about. I think it is fantastic that 6,000 people joined the fast on such short notice.
I’ve fasted for doctor’s appointments before, but hadn’t had to do it for a whole day. Just fasting for a 24-hour period, I felt like my own stomach was eating itself. It was a horrible feeling. I can’t imagine how children, or any other human being, go without food for one day, much less multiple days. You just never know what someone is going through until you’ve gone through it. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have my own child sitting there and not be able to feed him. I would feel like less of a parent.
My children didn’t quite understand that I was fasting. I have two 5-year-olds, a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old. My husband and my mom were really supportive about the fast and the action. In fact, my mom is one of those people who will purchase more than she needs, so she can give the extra to people who are in need. Before the pandemic and being furloughed from the airport, I was able to donate school supplies for kids who may not have been able to get them. Now the shoe is on the other foot and I’m the parent struggling just to make sure that I can get everything on the school supplies list.
HMS Host, the company I work for, has notified me and my co-workers that we will be permanently laid off if we are not recalled back to work by October 15. This means I would lose my seniority and recall rights. My health insurance has already been cut off for months now. If feels like HMS Host is only interested in what their workers can do for them now, and that if you can’t do anything for them now, they’re not going to take care of you.
It's not my fault that this happened. It’s not the government’s fault that this happened, but this is why we have a government to take care of the American people when unforeseeable things do happen.
The community needs to come together. I’m talking about the union. I’m talking about my neighbors, your neighbors, that aren't in unions. I’m talking about EVERYONE! Everyone speaking up together so that our voices can be heard. Why does it have to be about politics? The United States starts with UNITED; we need to come together and stand for what’s right! It shouldn’t be about the money and dividing people.
Thank you to all the people who participated in the fast, all those people who have been calling in to their senators, and all those taking action. I wish Senator Tillis would have a conversation with one of us. He would get a feel for what one individual person, along with thousands of others, are going through in his state and what obstacles they’ve faced that they haven’t been able to overcome. But he hasn’t answered our calls, emails or questions. None of our questions or pleas have been answered, much less resolved. While this current moment is hard, and more trying times will come, I am glad to be part of our union and to have so many people taking action with me. I don’t think I would have the perspective I do now if I hadn’t met William and joined the union. I’m not giving up on keeping my job and I’m not giving up on this fight. I just want the senators to know, “It’s always the right time to do the right thing.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/20/2020 - 16:00Tags: COVID-19
