Protect Employees and Customers: 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.
Historic Child Care Organizing Victory in California a Win for AFSCME, SEIU: “In a union election victory 17 years in the making, child care providers across California voted overwhelmingly to be represented by Child Care Providers United (CCPU). The organizing campaign was a joint effort of United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930 and SEIU locals 99 and 521, with 97% of represented workers who voted choosing to join CCPU."
#HeroesActNow: 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.”
Union Members Work on Missouri Power Plant: “Members of United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 562 continue to deliver quality work, despite the challenges of working during the pandemic.”
Report: Retail Banks Must Take Urgent Steps to Protect Employees and Customers: “A new report released by the Committee for Better Banks (CBB) shows the urgent need for major financial institutions to protect the physical health of employees and customers and to protect customers’ economic assets. CBB analyzed 12 of the nation’s top banks, with combined total assets of $8.5 trillion and $155 billion in profits last year. The report ranked banks according to worker protections, lending policies, consumer protections and charitable contributions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Executive Paywatch: 1,000-to-1 Pay Ratio CEOs Furlough Workers: “AFL-CIO’s Executive Paywatch report, released today, shows that the imbalance between the pay of corporate CEOs and working people persists as a problem. In particular, the report shines light on the 20 companies with pay ratio disparities higher than 1,000-to-1 that furloughed workers in 2020.”
Machinists Rally for BIW Strikers in Maine: “Members of Machinists (IAM) Local S6 in Maine are entering their sixth week on strike against shipbuilder Bath Iron Works (BIW), but they are staying strong.”
Members of Rockford United Labor Help Build a ‘Strong Neighborhood House’: “Members of Rockford United Labor, led by President Bill Corey (UBC), are working with contractors to build a new United Way ‘Strong Neighborhood House’ in Rockford, Illinois.”
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Manufacturing, Union Dues and More: “The latest episode of the ‘Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly’ features manufacturing, union dues and more.”
Apprentices Help Conserve Marine Life in the Chesapeake Bay: “Earlier this month, apprentices at the Plasterers and Cement Masons (OPCMIA) Local 592 training center in New Jersey finished constructing 60 reef balls that were loaded up and sent off to their new home in the Chesapeake Bay.”
Fire Fighters Rack Up Organizing Wins Across the South: “The Fire Fighters (IAFF) union has organized four new bargaining units in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia over the past few weeks. These are significant organizing wins for the union and part of its strategy to increase membership within the IAFF across the South.”
On the Passing of the Rev. C.T. Vivian and the Hon. John Lewis: “Over the weekend, the civil rights community suffered the loss of two giants in the movement—the Rev. C.T. Vivian (95) and Rep. John Lewis (80). As the nation grapples with protests and demands for racial equality, we remember their unwavering commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Both friends to labor and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their lives were the embodiment of ‘good trouble, necessary trouble.’”
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council Fights for Workplace Safety Enforcement: “Too many front-line workers across the country are working in fear for their health and safety. As the federal government fails to intervene by mandating safety and health guidelines, many states are not acting, either.”
San Diego’s Labor Movement Holds Food Distribution Event: “On Saturday, members of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, led by Executive Secretary-Treasurer Keith Maddox (IAM), held a food relief drive-through at Palomar College.”
IBEW Women’s Committee Raises Money for Dubuque Area Labor Harvest: “The Women’s Committee of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) 11th District, made up of IBEW women from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, has been raising money to help support workers in need during this time of crises by collecting bottles and cans and through private donations from its members.”
An Unstoppable Force for Change: 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.”
Keeping Kids Safe Never Stops: “Colorado AFL-CIO President Josette Jaramillo (AFSCME) is a lead caseworker for the Department of Social Services in Pueblo County, Colorado. For Jaramillo, work never stopped when COVID-19 hit.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/03/2020 - 11:57Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Members in Arizona Donate Supplies, Masks to Navajo and Hopi Nations
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 those stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Arizona AFL-CIO, under the leadership of Executive Director Fred Yamashita (UFCW), took part in a donation delivery of nonperishable food, supplies and “Union Yes” face masks to the Navajo and Hopi nations.
Along with the AFL-CIO, Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99 and Teamsters Local 104, the state federation dropped off more than $10,000 worth of donations and over 2,000 masks. Safeway also donated several thousand bottles of drinking water. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez thanked all those in attendance, calling them “friends of the Navajo Nation.”
The state federation is facilitating another drop-off of supplies and donations in the coming weeks, including a $15,000 donation from the AFL-CIO and a $10,000 donation from Local 99.
Native American tribes have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic in Arizona and many other parts of the United States.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/03/2020 - 10:50Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Historic Child Care Organizing Victory in California a Win for AFSCME, SEIU
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
In a union election victory 17 years in the making, child care providers across California voted overwhelmingly to be represented by Child Care Providers United (CCPU). The organizing campaign was a joint effort of United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930 and SEIU locals 99 and 521, with 97% of represented workers who voted choosing to join CCPU. “This has been a long time coming,” UDW Assistant Executive Director and AFSCME Vice President Johanna Hester said Monday. “This win gives 40,000 family child care providers in California the opportunity to bargain for higher pay, better training and increased access to care for every child who needs it.” With AFSCME’s and SEIU’s strong support, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law the Building a Better Early Care and Education System Act (A.B. 378) in September, paving the way for this historic victory, one of the largest union organizing wins in America so far this century.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/31/2020 - 12:33Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
#HeroesActNow: 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:
#Alaskans are mailing @lisamurkowski and @SenDanSullivan to pass the #HeroesActNow to provide essential funding for the USPS. #SaveThePostOffice @AFLCIO #1u @NALC_National @APWUnational pic.twitter.com/LPEi5X0Xxr
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 29, 2020Arizona AFL-CIO:
Vote for Senator @Rios_Rebecca for AZ Senate in #LD27 in the August 4th Primary! #AZLabor2020 #Labor2020 #VOTE pic.twitter.com/OBcuZynIYV
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) July 13, 2020California Labor Federation:
ICYMI: The vote for California Child Care Providers United represents a massive win for workers. #UnionsForAll #ChildCareisEssential https://t.co/LPalsABeis @SEIU @AFSCME @SEIULocal99
— California Labor Federation #BlackLivesMatter (@CaliforniaLabor) July 30, 2020Colorado AFL-CIO:
Thank you @GovofCO for putting the health and safety of Coloradans first! https://t.co/Lu1JAJIN7X
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) July 16, 2020Connecticut AFL-CIO:
CT @AFLCIO President Sal Luciano: "We are grateful to @GovNedLamont for signing an executive order today that will help hundreds, and possibly thousands, of essential workers who were stricken with #COVID19." Full statement: https://t.co/8pLbbEv6r1 pic.twitter.com/smFzaE14Ij
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) July 24, 2020Florida AFL-CIO:
“What people need to do to protect themselves is to get a collective voice for a union or else their employer has no reason to listen to them,” Appelbaum said, noting Target’s past resistance to a unionized workforce."https://t.co/mlCRFySw8Q
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) July 29, 2020Georgia State AFL-CIO:
?Action Alert ?The $600 unemployment boost is critical to helping families keep food on the table and rent paid- but the extended unemployment is expiring tomorrow. Don't let @SenLoeffler leave workers behind.
☎️Call 866-832-1560 #HEROESAct pic.twitter.com/TaJoNq2xNb
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
.@SenateMajLdr & the @SenateGOP have proposed a massive reduction in unemployment benefits that would increase hardship for already struggling families.
What do we really need? To #Savethe600 and #ExtendUI! pic.twitter.com/eGaXBjPoU3
Iowa Federation of Labor:
An overwhelming majority of American voters support at least $1 trillion in federal aid to our states, cities, towns and schools. @SenateMajLdr: Go back to the drawing board because it's clear the next relief package MUST have this aid. #FundtheFrontLines pic.twitter.com/i7u0bLNmBp
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) July 30, 2020Maine AFL-CIO:
A Winterport small business owner explains why she couldn't qualify for a PPP loan & why she is depending on @SenAngusKing & @SenatorCollins to extend the full $600 weekly benefit to save her home & her business. https://t.co/ycAPoyKFVp #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) July 28, 2020Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Today is the day when @GovLarryHogan’s moratorium on evictions expires, putting 290,000 MDers at risk of homelessness due to losing their jobs because of COVID-19. Governor, please extend the moratorium. Please help working families stay in their homes. pic.twitter.com/4TCqmWzeCj
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) July 25, 2020Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
The Massachusetts AFL-CIO is proud to endorse another group of candidates for the upcoming 2020 elections. These candidates have demonstrated that they will be champions for working people and in their respective communities. See below?
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) July 29, 2020Michigan State AFL-CIO:
GET THE FACTS: Find out whether your State Representative is a friend of labor based on key votes taken this legislative session >>> https://t.co/A3JWuykQPZ pic.twitter.com/T8DfXAmxkh
— Michigan AFL-CIO ? (@MIAFLCIO) July 14, 2020Minnesota AFL-CIO:
If Congress doesn't act before the end of August, more than 13,000 federal workers at USCIS will be furloughed. Visit https://t.co/pisKgZRlp9 to take action today to save the jobs of these hardworking Americans. #SaveUSCIS pic.twitter.com/UUW16X3G5s
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 30, 2020Missouri AFL-CIO:
Protect yourself and others. Wear a mask. pic.twitter.com/WXYpdyrfyV
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 28, 2020Montana State AFL-CIO:
"...it doesn’t take a real reach to guess why out of state real estate developers, investors, and pharmaceutical companies would see donating to Gianforte as a sensible investment." https://t.co/u7aERhdZT9
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) July 28, 2020Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
Essential meatpacking plant workers need essential protections. Join me in signing this petition to tell local health departments to take action. https://t.co/XmikPYk7l6
— Nebraska State AFL-CIO (@NE_AFLCIO) July 28, 2020Nevada State AFL-CIO:
If Congress doesn't act this week, more than 13,000 federal workers at USCIS will be furloughed. Visit https://t.co/Hr8ViM0g8Y to take action today to save the jobs of these hardworking Americans! #SaveUSCIS pic.twitter.com/6GDtEiDafq
— Nevada State AFL-CIO (@NVAFLCIO) July 29, 2020New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Leadership matters - Chris Sununu, we need safe schools. My Turn: Schools need more than ‘flexible’ guidelines https://t.co/73wN0PAuis
— NewHampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) July 29, 2020New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Our frontline heroes are getting sick at their workplaces, but they must prove that their infection with COVID-19 coronavirus was job-related to get their well-deserved workers compensation benefits.https://t.co/rkzwob1Kw3
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) July 27, 2020New Mexico Federation of Labor:
This is a non-partisan issue. Our families need help now! #Savethe600 #ExtendUI pic.twitter.com/sHeXTt087e
— NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) July 30, 2020New York State AFL-CIO:
$10 billion PER WEEK! That’s how much money our families will be losing out on if @SenateMajLdr, @SenateGOP, and @RealDonaldTrump get their way! Tell your Senators to #Savethe600 NOW! #ExtendUI pic.twitter.com/fWw5gRIwIK
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) July 30, 2020North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Patricia is one of many that relies on the $600 weekly boost to unemployment benefits to support her family. We need to #Savethe600 before it expires tomorrow! Congress must #ExtendUI! #WeAreTheEconomy pic.twitter.com/cHgjbuPfFs
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2020North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Rally attendees deliver message to Sen. John Hoeven's office in Grand Forks | Grand Forks Herald https://t.co/NMJnNOaXL1
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) July 30, 2020Ohio AFL-CIO:
A good cause if you have a few dollars to donate. https://t.co/Jqo3wAoZoi
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 29, 2020Oregon AFL-CIO:
“Oregon’s immigrant communities have received more than $10 million in disaster relief through the Oregon Worker Relief Fund since its launch on May 10, according to the coalition of advocacy groups that pushed to establish the program.” https://t.co/OHOgE911Wa
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 30, 2020Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Nearly 2 million Pennsylvanians have filed for unemployment insurance since March. #ExtendUI #SaveThe600 #HEROESActNOW pic.twitter.com/0lUYgEPHZu
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 30, 2020Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Lawmakers more responsive to working class in districts with strong unions, data show https://t.co/y9MFrfOux8 #1u #Unions #UnionStrong #Solidarity
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) July 28, 2020Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Communities of color continue to be disproportionately impacted in many ways by the COVID-19 pandemic.https://t.co/RxOW4G6xRh
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) July 30, 2020Texas AFL-CIO:
Members from the San Antonio AFL-CIO demand #HeroesActNow
Call Senators Cornyn and Cruz at 1-866-832-1560 @AFLCIO @TexasAFLCIO @CWAUnion @CWA6186 @TexasAFT pic.twitter.com/8F9vlRkQe1
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Thanks @8NEWS ! Check out the story on the new workplace standards below! https://t.co/8qZTnEsvaW
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 17, 2020Washington State Labor Council:
That's right, Matt. Everyone should take the time to read @WashingtonEA's thoughtful explanation of why we need to put #SafetyFirst at our schools this fall: https://t.co/QoBMaqueRv https://t.co/C6hD1PDGky
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 30, 2020West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“Let’s face it, America’s bankruptcy system is a scam. It’s rigged to siphon off millions of dollars from working-class communities and send it to Wall Street.” #wvpol https://t.co/M0rv5MdGpS
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) July 28, 2020Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
TWU, NYU Collaborate on Study Of Impact of Coronavirus on Workers https://t.co/ipKYSwcXe3
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 30, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:29Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Members Work on Missouri Power Plant
Members of United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) Local 562 continue to deliver quality work, despite the challenges of working during the pandemic.
The UA and its leaders recognized their members who are working at the Portage Des Sioux Power Plant in Missouri. “It is amazing to walk on the site and see our men and women doing such quality work. They really do make each jobsite better every day. [We’re] very proud of everyone for their hard work,” said Local 562 Business Representative William Doherty.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/30/2020 - 16:12Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Report: Retail Banks Must Take Urgent Steps to Protect Employees and Customers
A new report released by the Committee for Better Banks (CBB) shows the urgent need for major financial institutions to protect the physical health of employees and customers and to protect customers' economic assets. CBB analyzed 12 of the nation's top banks, with combined total assets of $8.5 trillion and $155 billion in profits last year. The report ranked banks according to worker protections, lending policies, consumer protections and charitable contributions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nick Weiner, lead organizer for CBB, said:
Throughout the pandemic, CBB has heard from bank workers across the country about the lack of safety measures and financial protections both for employees and their customers. This led us to do a deep, comprehensive review of how U.S. banks have responded to COVID-19 and ensure that, as new cases are skyrocketing, bank executives know what they must improve. While banks’ poor grades did not surprise us, the inconsistencies across the banking industry around worker and customer protections is truly alarming and speaks to the urgent need to secure a place at the table for front-line workers. In 2008, taxpayers ended up footing the bill for bailing out Wall Street and big banks for malfeasance perpetrated on millions of homeowners, while working people lost their homes and were left struggling. With 30 percent of Americans missing their housing payments in June and experts warning of a looming housing apocalypse, we cannot afford to make that same mistake again.
Read the full report and sign the petition that calls on the banks to take the following steps:
- Form a committee to develop industrywide policies in support of the health and financial well-being of front-line workers and consumers.
- Provide front-line workers with increased protections, including hazard pay, paid sick leave, adequate personal protective equipment and job security.
- Increase employment levels, improve training and transparency of policies to ensure communities, ensure customers and small businesses receive the real financial support they need, including increased flexibility for customers in need and waiving fees for customers, while maximizing support for small businesses.
Tags: COVID-19
Executive Paywatch: 1,000-to-1 Pay Ratio CEOs Furlough Workers
AFL-CIO's Executive Paywatch report, released today, shows that the imbalance between the pay of corporate CEOs and working people persists as a problem. In particular, the report shines light on the 20 companies with pay ratio disparities higher than 1,000-to-1 that furloughed workers in 2020.
AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) expanded on this new feature of the report:
With the COVID-19 shutdowns earlier this year, we saw many CEOs take salary cuts as a token of their solidarity with furloughed workers. While these CEO salary cuts made for good headlines, they are mostly window dressing. Base salary makes up less than 8% of total compensation for CEOs of S&P 500 companies. Most CEO pay is in equity awards. The real story in executive compensation was that companies ramped up their equity awards to senior executives at the beginning of this year. Meanwhile, millions of working people have been furloughed or laid off due to COVID-19 related shutdowns. This disparity represents a fundamental imbalance in our economy. Working people are being treated as disposable employees. Now these cast-off workers, as a result of COVID-19, are at risk of having their unemployment benefits cut.
The Executive Paywatch website is the most comprehensive, searchable online database tracking CEO pay. Key highlights of this year's report:
- In 2019, CEOs of S&P 500 companies received, on average, $14.8 million in total compensation.
- The average S&P 500 company CEO-to-worker pay ratio was 264-to-1.
- S&P 500 CEO pay has increased, on average, $3.4 million over the past 10 years. Meanwhile during the same period of time, the average U.S. production and nonsupervisory worker’s pay increased just $8,360. From 2018 to 2019, the average production and nonsupervisory worker received barely more than a $1,500 raise, bringing their total pay to $41,442.
- Abercrombie & Fitch had the highest disclosed ratio of CEO-to-worker pay of any public company: 4,293-to-1. Abercrombie’s CEO received $8.4 million in total compensation compared to the company’s median worker who received less than $2,000 in compensation.
The data presented is particularly striking given that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the highest unemployment levels since the Great Depression. Nearly 15% of workers were unemployed in April of this year compared to a high of 10% unemployment after the 2008 Wall Street financial crisis.
The report highlights the importance of passing the HEROES Act to address the negative effects of the pandemic on working people. Shuler said: “We are demanding that the Senate pass the HEROES Act and provide the relief that working families need. The HEROES Act will extend unemployment insurance while keeping companies that paid more than $1 million in executive pay from getting refunds of previously paid corporate income taxes.”
Visit the Executive Paywatch website and read the full report.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/29/2020 - 15:28Tags: Paywatch
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists Rally for BIW Strikers in Maine
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Members of Machinists (IAM) Local S6 in Maine are entering their sixth week on strike against shipbuilder Bath Iron Works (BIW), but they are staying strong. On Saturday, IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. and IAM General Vice President Brian Bryant addressed hundreds of Local S6 members and community allies at a rally, saying that Bath Iron Works, a subsidiary of General Dynamics, “is showing the nation what corporate greed looks like.” Martinez said, “This company is taking our Maine jobs and subcontracting them to outside contractors who take their paychecks back to Alabama, Mississippi and other places outside our state….I think we need to stand up and question [BIW President] Dirk Lesko on this $45 million tax break.” Some 4,300 members of IAM are on strike in the largest current strike in the United States. U.S. Senate candidate Sara Gideon and allied elected officials also spoke at the rally.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/29/2020 - 14:12Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Members of Rockford United Labor Help Build a ‘Strong Neighborhood House’
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Members of Rockford United Labor, led by President Bill Corey (UBC), are working with contractors to build a new United Way “Strong Neighborhood House” in Rockford, Illinois. The Strong Neighborhood House is being built to create a safe place for residents of the area to interact with law enforcement, obtain human service resources they may not be directly connected to and to provide children with learning experiences that may not otherwise be readily available. Contractors are donating the supplies and union members are providing the labor.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/28/2020 - 11:55Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Manufacturing, Union Dues and More
The latest episode of the "Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly" features manufacturing, union dues and more.
On the latest Activate LIVE podcast, Owen Herrnstadt, chief of staff at the Machinists (IAM), takes a look at presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's new manufacturing proposal: "We are tired of hearing about all the jobs that are being re-shored. When we know our members are out of work, when we know their jobs are still going to China, when we know their jobs are still going to Mexico and what we really need are real solutions that are going to put U.S. workers back to work and put our economy back together."
On the Firefighter Kingdom podcast, arson investigator Capt. Ramon Martinez: "Our specialty is fire. We don't go out and look for pulling people over for DUI’s. We don't look for domestic violence, but when we do show up on scene, it's, it's incredible because we have the knowledge of being a fireman and we're able to see the fire for what it is."
Labor Express Radio host Jerry Mead-Lucero highlights reports from the Work Week podcast on the West Coast, the Heartland Labor Forum in Kansas City and the Building Bridges radio show in New York City: "I've been mentioning on our recent programs how excited I am that Labor Express Radio is now a member of the Labor Radio Podcast Network, a network of now over 50, and it keeps growing labor movement orientated radio programs or podcasts from across the USA. I never knew that there were so many of us out there, and that is one of the network's goals; to make all of us more visible to all of you out there. So to celebrate this new partnership, I thought I would provide you a small sample of what the network has to offer, a sort of coast-to-coast tour."
On The Break Time Breakdown podcast, Mark and Jeremy talk union dues: "You're paying $120 a month to make $2,000. I said, 'Go to any nonunion company and get that $2,000 from him and have health insurance and have a pension.'"
On America’s Work Force Radio, Labor lawyer Joyce Goldstein, on the Trump National Labor Relations Board: "This board has overturned well over a dozen precedents. And in every single case—every single case—it's been in favor of an employer and against workers in their unions."
Plus, Labor History in 2: Chicago Stockyards Workers Kick Off Historic 1919 Strike.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/27/2020 - 12:28Tags: Podcast
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Apprentices Help Conserve Marine Life in the Chesapeake Bay
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Earlier this month, apprentices at the Plasterers and Cement Masons (OPCMIA) Local 592 training center in New Jersey finished constructing 60 reef balls that were loaded up and sent off to their new home in the Chesapeake Bay. The Coastal Conservation Association will place them there to provide an improved aquatic habitat for a wide range of marine life. The reef balls were built as part of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s Work Boots on the Ground program, putting union members’ skills to work and fulfilling the mission of the program by uniting the labor movement through conservation.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/27/2020 - 11:55Tags: COVID-19, Community Service, Union Sportsmen's Alliance
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Fire Fighters Rack Up Organizing Wins Across the South
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
The Fire Fighters (IAFF) union has organized four new bargaining units in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia over the past few weeks. These are significant organizing wins for the union and part of its strategy to increase membership within the IAFF across the South. The IAFF has been organizing firefighters in large- and medium-sized cities to help bring the power of collective bargaining to unrepresented workers. “We decided to organize not only to formalize our relationship with the fire board, but also to develop a health and wellness program,” said David Silva, president of the newly formed IAFF Local 5271 in Irmo, South Carolina. “Our members want to focus on cancer prevention and to protect their overall health.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/24/2020 - 10:18Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
On the Passing of the Rev. C.T. Vivian and the Hon. John Lewis
Over the weekend, the civil rights community suffered the loss of two giants in the movement—the Rev. C.T. Vivian (95) and Rep. John Lewis (80). As the nation grapples with protests and demands for racial equality, we remember their unwavering commitment to social, racial and economic justice. Both friends to labor and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., their lives were the embodiment of “good trouble, necessary trouble.”
AFL-CIOJohn Lewis, a revered member of Congress serving in Georgia’s 5th District for more than three decades—and the longest-serving member of the Congressional Black Caucus—carried his passion for equal rights throughout his career. He began his fight for civil rights by using his young voice to dismantle the Jim Crow South. At age 23, Lewis was the youngest person to speak at the historic 1963 March on Washington. He also participated in lunch counter sit-ins, joined the Freedom Riders in their quest to register Black voters, and helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Most notably, Lewis was on the front lines of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, to demand African Americans’ constitutional right to vote.
C.T. Vivian was a minister, civil rights leader and key adviser to King, organizing critical civil rights campaigns that shaped our country. His work spans more than six decades beginning with sit-in demonstrations in Peoria, Illinois, in the 1940s—more than a dozen years before the momentous lunch counter protests made national news. Referred to by King as "the greatest preacher to ever live," Vivian was a national director of affiliates for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and an active participant in the Freedom Rides in Mississippi, which made headlines across the South.
President Obama honored both Vivian and Lewis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, noting their lifelong work and commitment to the movement for equal rights.
The labor and civil rights communities mourn their deaths and take this moment to celebrate the incredible work they led. In remembrance of their legacies, we will continue to carry the torch for social justice and equality for all.
As we face a new wave of vicious attacks aimed at dismantling the voting rights for which these brothers so valiantly fought, we must be more resolved than ever to restore the Voting Rights Act, combat voter suppression and ensure every eligible voter in our nation is registered. As Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democracy." It is our duty to protect and defend this tool, and may the passing of these civil rights giants renew our commitment to the fight for fairness, equity and justice.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/23/2020 - 12:04Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council Fights for Workplace Safety Enforcement
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Too many front-line workers across the country are working in fear for their health and safety. As the federal government fails to intervene by mandating safety and health guidelines, many states are not acting, either. Despite hundreds of complaints to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the state agency has no legally binding safety standards related to COVID-19, and therefore cannot issue citations when employers fail to protect their workers from infection. Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council President Billy Dycus (USW) told the Tennessean, “Probably one of the best things they could have done is [gotten] ahead of it when this started and started looking at implementing some workplace safety standards that would have given employers guidelines and allowed them to have some more enforceable rules.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/23/2020 - 10:35Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: San Diego’s Labor Movement Holds Food Distribution Event
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
On Saturday, members of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, led by Executive Secretary-Treasurer Keith Maddox (IAM), held a food relief drive-through at Palomar College. More than 400 families were served at the labor council’s North County food distribution event. The labor council said on social media it plans to hold a similar event at the same location in San Marcos, California, on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:27Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IBEW Women’s Committee Raises Money for Dubuque Area Labor Harvest
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
The Women’s Committee of the Electrical Workers (IBEW) 11th District, made up of IBEW women from Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, has been raising money to help support workers in need during this time of crises by collecting bottles and cans and through private donations from its members. The committee was able to raise $2,325 for the Dubuque Area Labor Harvest, a food pantry affiliated with the Dubuque Federation of Labor, led by President Tom Townsend (IBEW), that is staffed and run by retired and active union members. The Dubuque Area Labor Harvest will use the money to support its Sunday breakfasts and monthly food giveaway programs. This past Saturday, the organization was able to give away 264 boxes of food to people who came to the food pantry, and delivered another 72 boxes to those who are shut in.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/21/2020 - 11:15
Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
An Unstoppable Force For Change: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
There have been 241,033 new coronavirus cases in Florida since Actors' Equity called on @Disney to offer regular testing for our members. No masks and no testing for performers puts workers and guests at risk. $DIShttps://t.co/SJikn2GyVE pic.twitter.com/jNqu6b4s71
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 20, 2020AFGE:
Federal prisons have become a hotspot for COVID-19. #1u https://t.co/YvFg3ImutU
— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 17, 2020AFSCME:
AFSCME President Lee Saunders, paying tribute to civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis: “He was a man of great personal gentility and modesty, but that did not stop him from being an agitator, disruptor and unstoppable force for change.” #GoodTrouble https://t.co/chn60OESGY
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 20, 2020Air Line Pilots Association:
Pilot Pioneer Emily Howell Warner Flies West: https://t.co/oW6Qmupafb #womeninaviation pic.twitter.com/EHFWIi3qmp
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) July 15, 2020Alliance for Retired Americans:
If you have lost your health insurance during the pandemic, there are some options to get coverage: https://t.co/3flQg1l8up #MedicaidMatters pic.twitter.com/r4AuHPDSDD
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) July 20, 2020Amalgamated Transit Union:
Mandatory masks for riders is critical to help protect #transit workers and stop the spread of coronavirus. https://t.co/qiOF2EFbnm #Labour #1u #COVID19 #FrontLineHeroes
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 20, 2020American Federation of Musicians:
#UnionMusicians stand with 4,300 @MachinistsUnion families in Maine! Time to negotiate a fair contract, @GDBIW. #1uhttps://t.co/1CU6qk74SV
— AFM (@The_AFM) July 15, 2020American Federation of Teachers:
Randi Weingarten: Teachers want to be in a classroom — Congress must make it safe https://t.co/LlyCwDEoEi via @usatoday @rweingarten #ReopenSafely
— AFT (@AFTunion) July 19, 2020American Postal Workers Union:
The HEROES Act requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease within 7 days! #PasstheHEROESACT #1u #1usafety pic.twitter.com/Cg5QZoNV8R
— APWU National (@APWUnational) July 20, 2020Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Evan's father Harry, contracted COVID-19 and died just two weeks after he was hired at an Amazon warehouse.
This is heartbreaking and happening to so many of our community members.
We need to adequately protect workers in the next COVID-19 relief bill! #HEROESAct (Thread 1/5) pic.twitter.com/r0ASefDiUp
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
"Hello, I am a constituent calling to ask Rep/Sen to help save my job as an essential worker. Take legislative action in July to extend CARES Act Payroll Support Program for aviation workers to avoid massive job loss in Oct. Keep us connected to our jobs, paychecks, & healthcare" https://t.co/ZhNflKNeIk
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 20, 2020Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
The clock is ticking. The virus is surging. The economy is sinking. And the Senate is still sitting on its hands. #HeroesAct pic.twitter.com/vU8dETSJAK
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 20, 2020Boilermakers:
Hey #Boilermakers: Ready for your close up? ? The Comms Dept is looking for short videos about what it means to be a #Union Boilermaker and how organizing with the Boilermakers has been beneficial. See details and submit your video here: ➡️ https://t.co/GJjLY8Xm3Y
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 14, 2020Bricklayers:
BAC Local 2 Michigan members gave @DrBiden & @GovWhitmer a virtual tour of @imiweb’s training center in Warren today. Members told their stories about how they discovered their trade and learned how @JoeBiden’s plan will create more union jobs #RebuildAmerica pic.twitter.com/1qV4q6nqK1
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) July 17, 2020California School Employees Association:
CSEA supports @GavinNewsom's new @CAPublicHealth guidelines on schools reopening. Read our statement:https://t.co/P4Xjvg8bmV
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) July 18, 2020Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
We are devastated by the passing of John Lewis. No one believed deeper or marched longer than our beloved brother. He was always on the frontlines with working people across America and around the world. Lewis is irreplaceable. CBTU extends our sincerest condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/f2PfTaTBeb
— CBTU (@CBTU72) July 18, 2020Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Survivors of #domesticviolence & #sexualassault are particularly vulnerable during this #COVID19 crisis. @SenateGOP & @SenateDems must build on the #HEROESAct to address the needs of ALL survivors of violence.
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 16, 2020Communications Workers of America:
Action Alert! Send a message to @ATT telling them you stand with workers in Memphis fighting for racial justice and COVID-19 protections. #CWAforBlackLives #WeAreMemphis
Sign the petition: https://t.co/7R10bJnTGE pic.twitter.com/6bSDmwigOi
Department for Professional Employees:
“All government employees, including our own legislative staff, should be able to voluntarily organize and bargain collectively for safe working conditions and better pay.”✊✊✊ #1u https://t.co/nE6B00yBlw
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 20, 2020Electrical Workers:
It might not be a household name, but the Council on Industrial Relations has been keeping the labor peace in the construction industry for 100 years. Here's how. pic.twitter.com/uNwzxykrY3
— IBEW (@IBEW) July 20, 2020Fire Fighters:
Please review the IAFF’s website for information and guidance on the #Coronavirus. https://t.co/jT90b2KKO5
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) July 20, 2020Heat and Frost Insulators:
Thank you to all of our members who have updated their information.
The listing that can be found on our website of the members who have served our countries has been updated.
If you do not see your name listed, contact your Business Manager. Thank you!https://t.co/vxC5xyh6TF
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
A renowned civil rights org running to the Trump administration to save them from their own workers? Yea, that sounds bad to us too. https://t.co/jdYQrN32QY
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 14, 2020Ironworkers:
Statistics are indicating construction work may be approaching pre-coronavirus numbers. https://t.co/02QZYSNFcm #coronoavirus
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) July 17, 2020Jobs With Justice:
Yessss - @jwjsf brought the PAINT ??
If they won't hear our demands, we'll make them see our demands ?#StrikeForBlackLives #DefundThePolice https://t.co/OZbtN3JrH1
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
Trump might issue an executive order that would prohibit undocumented immigrants from participating in the census. We are committed to continue defending our right to partake in the #2020Census as it is crucial in the process of uplifting our communities! #TodosContamos
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 20, 2020Laborers:
#LIUNA on the Passing of Congressman John Lewis...
Read full statement here: https://t.co/nbPEsLjLvC pic.twitter.com/47DCKd03Ia
Longshoremen:
@ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp ILA Supports ILWU @ILWU and Condemns #SewardAlaska Company.https://t.co/QgFqZPKbZB pic.twitter.com/VoyHLb6vJL
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) July 11, 2020Machinists:
#OTD in 1969, a Machinists Union-built spacecraft allowed for @TheRealBuzz and the #Apollo11 team to take humankind's first steps on the Moon.
We are incredibly proud of our place in the past, present and future of @NASA. pic.twitter.com/DntTkZrt1R
Maritime Trades Department:
State and local govts are laying off public service workers b/c of decimated budgets. The job losses are piling up. The Senate must pass IMMEDIATE aid to states, cities & towns. Our communities can’t afford to see a decline in essential public services. #FundtheFrontLines
— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) June 11, 2020Metal Trades Department:
More than 1,000 TSA employees have tested positive for coronavirus - The Washington Post https://t.co/H7TPBTnYiF
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 15, 2020Mine Workers:
We just called my U.S. Senator and urged them to pass the #HEROESAct w/ the @AFLCIO #1u Take action here: https://t.co/fve6PMRNnB
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 20, 2020Musical Artists:
From @OPERAAmerica: Discover pathways to a successful career beyond the main stage in this session on creating a portfolio of work as a performing artist. https://t.co/jb7AckDHzf pic.twitter.com/xZ5KL7bK5B
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 17, 2020National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)’s Spirit of Aviation Week will take place virtually this year, July 21-25, to showcase the whole spectrum of flight and celebrate the aviation community.
Learn more and register at: https://t.co/1iviMmP4fW
National Association of Letter Carriers:
When he heard loud cries coming from a house, carrier Seth Sims rushed to help. After looking around, the carrier saw a toddler banging on the back door. Seth also knocked on the door, but when no one responded, he called 911 and stayed until responders arrived. #HeroesDelivering pic.twitter.com/tZGuQ7X7pv
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 20, 2020National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Immigrant day laborers were essential before the pandemic, we are essential now, and we will continue to be essential. Across New York State we are demanding that @NYGovCuomo accept that and act accordingly. #FundExcludedWorkers #EsencialesYExcluidos #EssentialAndExcluded pic.twitter.com/vwdFZe8AOk
— NDLON (@NDLON) July 17, 2020National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Black home care workers risk their lives without hazard pay or #PPE to provide essential care. Enough is enough — we’re walking off of the job today for 8 minutes and 46 seconds for respect, and security, and our lives. #StrikeForBlackLives https://t.co/4JX7I9djqU
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 20, 2020National Nurses United:
“We’re in full surge mode. The hospitals are completely full. It feels like Covid’s everywhere," warns Kim Smith, an NNU intensive care nurse at an HCA Healthcare Inc. facility in Corpus Christi, Texas.https://t.co/WPpkO7FFcc
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 20, 2020National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Check out this beautiful sea of cabs lined up to join the March against Cuomo’s Billionaires! pic.twitter.com/Kk8xs3oW9s
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 17, 2020NFL Players Association:
Our Executive Director, @DeSmithNFLPA, penned a guest column for @theMMQB–touching on the passing of Congressman John Lewis and how Covid-19 is reminding us that we're all in this together. https://t.co/YYFWAAvEsE
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 20, 2020North America's Building Trades Unions:
Energy sector jobs provide Americans without a college education a VITAL pathway to a career with family-sustaining wages and benefits.
REPORT: https://t.co/hSpY4dGHre pic.twitter.com/JhfEIPyh3N
Office and Professional Employees:
One job should be enough. #FightFor15 #1job https://t.co/5zsHrpFBup
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) July 16, 2020Painters and Allied Trades:
Great work @IUPATDC711 Our members, the country needs to know how we have to keep our families safe without an @OSHA_DOL guidance that holds contractors responsible for our safety. @AFLCIO @NABTU @chuckschumer https://t.co/VXc6mk9T0w
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 17, 2020Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“Extreme economic inequality...is pernicious. It threatens to transform us from a democracy into a plutocracy, and it makes a mockery of the ideal of equal citizenship.” In the current crisis, we must “rethink our conception of ourselves as a society.” https://t.co/As4oyOLsxd
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 20, 2020Pride At Work:
Congress has failed to deliver ANY relief to millions of immigrant workers who’ve been on the front lines but thus far excluded from government support. The House took action. @SenMajLdr, when will the Senate? #FundExcludedWorkers
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 16, 2020Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Public service comes in many forms; none greater than that embodied by @repjohnlewis On behalf of dedicated men & women PASS represents at FAA & DoD; we send our condolences to the family of Rep. Lewis & people of Georgia he represented w such passion. Thank you, sir. #JohnLewis pic.twitter.com/2U8Bc6yJZC
— PASS (@PASSNational) July 18, 2020Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Together we are united for fairness in our workplaces. What does that look like where you work? RT and tell us! #1U #Union pic.twitter.com/4TGraCHfat
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 20, 2020SAG-AFTRA:
Want to know why you should vote “YES” for the 2020 TV/Theatrical Contract? Join @AlecBaldwin and SAG-AFTRA President @thegabrielle_c TODAY to learn more. #sagaftramembers #streamingforward #contracts2020 pic.twitter.com/g3hYpqijfj
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 20, 2020School Administrators:
#ReopeningSchools 3 indisputable facts:
Safety of students, school district employees and the community must be paramount. Parents must play a prominent role. A safe reopening will cost a great deal of money. #education #ReopenSchools #schoolsreopening #SchoolReopening
Seafarers:
300,000 Seafarers Trapped at Sea: Mounting crew change crisis demands faster action from governments https://t.co/xGCY0fPXPl
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) July 17, 2020Solidarity Center:
How we do we eliminate violence in the workplace? With union organizing, creating new collective bargaining clauses that educate & protect our members w/ what is in C190 (1st global treaty on #GBVH at work)—Nolvia Suyapa, union president, #Honduras. @AWIDhttps://t.co/E4MrvdL0nN
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 19, 2020Theatrical Stage Employees:
Megan Gaddini of Local 488 is featured in this piece and is just one of 25 million who will be impacted if congress does not act to extend UI in the next 5 days. Call your reps at 866-832-1560 and remind them that working families are watching, and will vote accordingly come Nov. https://t.co/JSwPlBnu57
— IATSE (@IATSE) July 20, 2020Transportation Trades Department:
This kind of revenue problem doesn’t just impact our roads, bridges, & transit systems: it has serious consequences for the people who build, operate, & maintain these systems. More than ever we need to ensure working families have access to good jobs. https://t.co/MSYrRMCjsX
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) July 20, 2020UAW:
COVID-19 has spurred a groundswell of union activity among healthcare workers. https://t.co/MsXboUXWUG
— UAW (@UAW) July 20, 2020Union Label and Service Trades Department:
'Attempted Murder of Your Post Office': Outrage as Trump Crony Now Heading USPS Moves to Slow Mail Delivery | Common Dreams News https://t.co/0DVR0kxEak
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) July 15, 2020Union Veterans Council:
While this administration slashed protections for military families, @TammyforIL stands tall with the #VSO community fighting?to protect our service members and their families.#LeadershipWeNeedhttps://t.co/qyZvYKkZ8G
— Union Veterans Council (@unionveterans) July 16, 2020UNITE HERE:
“Who the hell can live off of $300 per week unemployment? Extend the HEROES Act to the end! My plea is to the Senate to pass the HEROES Act now. Do your damn job!”
—@local24nia, President, @UHMWJB #MitchBetterHaveMyMoney #SenateActNOW https://t.co/3dSRMorbQu
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Our families have the food they need thanks to the brave grocery and meatpacking workers putting themselves in harm's way during #COVID19.
Thanks to @GovWhitmer for standing with #Michigan workers and keeping families safe during this crisis. https://t.co/Ix9My5QfYV
United Steelworkers:
Inside the fight for denied compensation for healthcare workers https://t.co/mO2wMwSJR5
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) July 20, 2020United Students Against Sweatshops:
USAS staff is committed to the following proposals addressing anti-Blackness, structure, and transparency within our organization. https://t.co/77G3tlDWcB pic.twitter.com/GR6rqCl5b2
— USAS (@USAS) July 15, 2020United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers:
These are just some of our members featured in the latest issue of The Journeyman Roofer & Waterproofer magazine. Check out the spread, then send your best hi-res photos of Union Roofers to roofers@unionroofers.com --you might see them next quarter! https://t.co/NKgdlrUe5C pic.twitter.com/c709ni0zj9
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 17, 2020Utility Workers:
Ready to get up and get moving?
UWUA’s Women's Caucus is organizing a Virtual #5K Run/Walk to assist those that have been impacted by #COVID19. EVERYONE IS WELCOME, so invite your family and friends!
Register by THIS FRIDAY, July 24th to participate.https://t.co/QwhKzHzSFt pic.twitter.com/NbHEqvlxCR
Working America:
Call 1-888-981-9704 to tell your senator to provide immediate aid to states, cities, counties and schools. As cases spike across the country, our communities can’t afford any more delays. We need to save our public services. #FundtheFrontLines pic.twitter.com/RrVd6zhl1I
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) July 16, 2020Writers Guild of America, East:
We're thrilled to welcome the newest members of our ever-growing union family. Congratulations, @JCurrents_Union! #1u https://t.co/fw1ZusQGW6
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) July 15, 2020 Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/20/2020 - 15:57Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Keeping Kids Safe Never Stops
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Colorado AFL-CIO President Josette Jaramillo (AFSCME) is a lead caseworker for the Department of Social Services in Pueblo County, Colorado. For Jaramillo, work never stopped when COVID-19 hit. The pandemic only makes it harder to protect the foster children she helps. “We really try hard to meet the kids where they’re at,” she said. “Caseworkers all around the country are on the front lines.” Learn more about how foster care children and social services have been affected during these dangerous times.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/20/2020 - 09:47Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Laborers Step Up to Provide Food Relief to Other Union Members
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 those stories every day. Here's today's story.
Members of Laborers (LIUNA) Local 773 delivered fresh produce and dairy products to their union brothers, sisters and friends in Madison County, Illinois. Local 773 set up shop in the bus lot at two local school districts, where members gave out 200 boxes of produce and 250 boxes of dairy products to union families in need. “Our strength comes from the willingness to stand together as a united front,” Local 773 Business Manager Jerry Womick told the Labor Tribune. “It is this commitment to each other that has allowed us to prosper through good times and preserve through bad.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/16/2020 - 09:47Tags: COVID-19, Community Service
Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly: Museum Workers, Mimes, Nurses and More
The latest episode of the "Labor Radio–Podcast Weekly" features Museum Workers, mimes, nurses and more.
Gabi DiDonna of the United Museum Workers union, on the Belabored podcast: "We really just felt like our voices weren't being heard and worse, sort of actually being told to be quiet.”
WorkWeek Radio talks with playwright and actor Michael Sullivan about the new San Francisco Mime Troupe production "Tales of Resistance": “Normally, we tour all over the world doing shows, but now that’s too difficult. So we decided instead it was like, well, what can we do? And so I was like, well, why don't we do radio plays?”
On The Valley Labor Report, a nurse talks about unionizing her hospital and the process of bargaining the first contract: “We don't need hospital employers to help us ‘poor little nurses,’ help us learn how to vote.”
On The SAG-AFTRA Podcast, actors Michelle Hurd and Jason George continue the discussion of race and media in a time of social transformation and cultural reform: “Back in the day, I didn't see myself, you know, a little beige curly-haired girl on television, and I needed to make sure that I put myself on TV so that other kids that look like me would see themselves represented.”
On We Do The Work, an interview—and songs—from singer George Mann.
Plus: Labor History in 2, and sneak previews of The Gig and Labor History Today.
Check out all the shows on Labor Radio/Podcast Network.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/15/2020 - 15:22Tags: Podcast
