Stand Up and Be Recognized: Worker Wins
Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with actors and actresses winning new contracts and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
SAG-AFTRA Signs New Agreement with Ad Agency BBH After 10-Month Strike: After a strike that lasted 10 months, SAG-AFTRA has negotiated a new contract with advertising agency BBH. The deal means BBH will provide union wages, pension and health contributions to all actors. David White, national executive director for SAG-AFTRA, said: "We are pleased to welcome BBH back to the SAG-AFTRA family. The tremendous solidarity of our entire membership is to thank for in helping bring BBH back to the table. Our members look forward to once again collaborating with BBH and providing their professional talent to create innovative, memorable and award-winning commercials."
Netflix and SAG-AFTRA Reach Deal with Significant Improvements for Actors: Netflix and SAG-AFTRA have reached a new three-year contract that includes several major improvements for actors that appear in the streaming service's movies and shows. The new agreement treats voice-over and motion capture the same as other actors. The contract also includes better residuals from theatrical releases, creates new protections against harassment, sets new overtime rules for stunt performers and other gains.
Workers at Spot Coffee in Buffalo Become Among the First Baristas to Unionize: Baristas at Spott Coffee in Buffalo have voted to form a union, making them among the first baristas in the country to seek to organize a union. Jaz Brisack, the lead organizer for Workers United, which helped organize the campaign, said: "It's really a relatively new thing to organize baristas, so this is a very groundbreaking campaign and it's really significant. 'I think that it will empower people to realize what's possible. Other places will say, 'If the Spot workers can do it, why can't we?'"
San Diego Unified School District Employees Join AFSA: Principals, vice principals, school police supervisors, operations managers, education, food and transportation supervisors voted to join the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). AFSA President Ernest Logan said: "This is a new day for the San Diego Unified School District. The [Administration Association of San Diego City Schools] affiliation is a milestone for the union that will give a stronger voice—locally, statewide and nationally—to school leaders in San Diego Unified. This new power will enhance their ability to deliver a better education to the children of this community."
NLRB Finds Firings of Five IAM Members at Boeing in South Carolina Unjust: A group of flight line inspectors and technicians voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the Machinists (IAM) in 2018, but the company has fought back against the organizing campaign. A National Labor Relations Board regional director found that the firings of five employees at the 787 Dreamliner facility in North Charleston were unlawful acts of retaliation against union supporters. IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. said: "This ruling is a landmark first step to victory for workers at Boeing South Carolina. Boeing has continuously and systematically ignored the law and trampled on the rights of its own employees in South Carolina. We call on Boeing to immediately reinstate our members, sit down now to negotiate a contract with its Flight Line employees, end its scorched-earth anti-union campaign and get back to the business of working with the IAM and our members to build aircraft. Now is not the time for Boeing to be abusing its safety rules to harass and fire experienced and skilled workers who are critical to the safety of Boeing airplanes."
Machinists Reach Deal with General Electric to Avoid Strike: More than 1,250 IAM members in Ohio and Wisconsin will not be going on strike after a new contract with General Electric was agreed to. President Martinez said: "Our negotiating committee worked tirelessly to secure a tentative agreement that reflects the importance of our members' role in making GE the company it is today. The voices of our membership have been heard in every step of this process."
Martha's Vineyard Bus Drivers Win First Contract After Strike: Bus drivers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) won their first-ever contract after a monthlong strike during tourist season. The drivers are contracted with Transit Connection to work for the Vineyard Transit Authority. The new contract provides pay increases and seniority protections. Driver Richard Townes said: "This is a historical day for VTA drivers and a great day for the island. We can now better provide for our families, our jobs are more secure, and we can get back to safely transporting our riders, friends and allies, whose support on the picket lines and year-round was critical in achieving this fair contract."
ACLU of Maryland Staff Join OPEIU: Staffers at the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland voted for representation by Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 2. Justin Nalley, an education policy analyst, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to negotiate a workplace that is fair and equitable for all staff. The staff of the ACLU of Maryland take exercising our rights as employees as seriously as the work we produce on behalf of our clients, Maryland residents and the broader ACLU of Maryland family. We hope the ACLU of Maryland will hold itself to the same values we use to fight for our civil liberties every day and apply those values to our internal workplace reform. While it is unfortunate the unionization process was met with increased distrust on the management side and has taken nearly half a year after asking for voluntary recognition, we expect the contract negotiation to be more efficient and collaborative as we all share the same goals."
BuzzFeed Voluntarily Recognizes Employee Union After Walkout: After months of negotiations and a walkout, BuzzFeed has finally agreed to voluntarily recognize the union employees have fought for. The employees walked off the job in order to gain union recognition and improvements to management, pay inequality and job security. In a release, the union said: "We’re excited to share that we have reached a voluntary recognition agreement with BuzzFeed. On Tuesday, a third party will conduct a card-check. Once that’s completed, our union will be certified. And we can’t wait to celebrate our victory once it’s official!”
Committee to Protect Journalists Staff Join Writers Guild of America, East: After more than 90% of the staff signed union authorization cards, the staff at the Committee to Protect Journalists have joined the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE). Natalie Southwick, who works as the program coordinator for Central and South America for CPJ, said: "We’ve grown a lot as an organization over the last four to five years, and that means that practices that were in place when our organization was half this big are no longer necessarily the ones that make sense for our current size and goals. CPJ’s growth has also made it more difficult to maintain consistency across the organization in terms of opportunities, policies and accountability. We wanted to make sure we were taking proactive steps to ensure this is a positive workplace for everyone as we continue to grow."
California Grocery Store Workers Secure Contract: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 8-Golden State has negotiated a new contract with Safeway and Vons. About the deal, UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall said: "At the bargaining table we were able to build on the key achievements of decades of union solidarity. This contract is one of our best ever, a big ‘win’ for union members."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/27/2019 - 10:44Unambiguously Pro-Worker: 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.
Presidential Candidates Warned: They Must be 'Unambiguously Pro-Worker' to Earn Union Leader's Endorsement: "The national leader that represents nearly 12.5 million union workers says the two dozen candidates running for president must be 'unambiguously pro-worker and pro-union' to earn the organization's endorsement. 'The path to the nomination and the White House runs through the labor movement,' Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, a federation of 55 national and international unions, said Wednesday via video-conference to the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO's annual convention. Trumka said the organization is looking for someone who lives and breathes unions, puts workers first every time—not just in front of a union audience—and has 'more than platitudes' on growing the labor movement."
Save Our Apprenticeships: 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."
Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers: "On Tuesday morning, as union veteran Sam Tijerina drove from Pasadena, Texas, to Dallas, he had a lot on his mind. His thoughts wandered as he passed mile markers and towns—he thought about his young family at home and the life that having a union job has provided them. 'A union card has allowed me to live with dignity,' he said."
Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup: "In addition to the AFL-CIO's own 'State of the Unions,' there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States."
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships: "On the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry."
Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work: "A new worker-centered, precedent-setting program will comprehensively address the rampant gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) denying thousands of women garment workers a safe and dignified workplace in Lesotho."
Ahead of Election Season, New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s Labor Candidates School Grooms New Crop of Office-Seeking Union Members: "It was a monumental weekend for 28 union members who graduated from the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s 23rd Annual Labor Candidates School on Sunday."
AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee's Response to Israel's Denial of Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib: "The AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee issued the following response to the government of Israel’s decision to deny entry to Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib."
Meet the 2019 NYC Labor Day Parade Grand Marshal: Elizabeth Shuler: "As a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in journalism, Elizabeth (Liz) Shuler, like many young people today, pieced together part-time jobs, lived at home and struggled to find decent work in the early 1990s. Experiencing uncertainty in the economy made her realize that every job is an opportunity to stand up for the underdog. Today, as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, the second-highest position in the labor movement, Shuler serves as the chief financial officer of the federation and oversees operations. Shuler is the first woman elected as the federation’s secretary-treasurer, holding office since 2009."
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/26/2019 - 12:00Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Elevator Constructors
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Elevator Constructors.
Name of Union: International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
Mission: To promote and protect the interests of elevator constructors, with a focus on dignity, skills and the well-being of members.
Current Leadership of Union: Frank J. Christensen serves as general president, with James K. Bender II serving as assistant general president and Larry J. McGann as general secretary-treasurer.
Current Number of Members: 29,000.
Members Work As: Elevator constructors.
Industries Represented: Construction sites across industries throughout the United States and Canada.
History: On July 15, 1901, 11 men met at the Griswold Hotel in Pittsburgh. They were all elevator constructors in the early days of that field of work and they came from several cities. They drafted bylaws and a constitution, elected officers and formed the National Union of Elevator Constructors, which would later become the IUEC.
They applied for a charter and membership in the National Building Trades Council of the American Federation of Labor and were approved. The total expense of the founding convention was $13.90 and the whole process, from the launch of the convention to approval from the AFL, took three days. The elevator constructors knew what they wanted to achieve and had a pretty good idea of how to get it done.
By 1903, the union had expanded into Canada and had become the International Union of Elevator Constructors. The growth of skyscrapers necessarily led to the growth of the elevator construction industry. Advancing technology created a need for qualified and well-trained constructors, and the new union helped establish its members as the best in the world.
Early meetings with manufacturers and the building trades led to a letter of mutual agreement that stated that only IUEC would construct elevators. The AFL granted IUEC's charter not long after. While changes in labor law and jurisdictional disputes would present challenges for IUEC, the union fought through them to continue serving the best interests of its members and the industry. In 2001, IUEC celebrated its 100th anniversary and pledged to continue the founders' commitment to the dignity, skills and well-being of its members.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: IUEC built a member memorial at its headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, and you can purchase a brick to help remember those who lost their lives in the trade. The National Elevator Constructors Political Action Committee works to ensure the industry's working people are represented in the lawmaking process. IUEC issues regular safety alerts and maintains contact with members through IUEC Connect and the IUEC app, which is available on Android and iOS.
Learn More: Website, Twitter, YouTube.
Check out our previous profiles.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/26/2019 - 10:00Save Our Apprenticeships: 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 Association:
Mark your calendar - the Pittsburgh Liaison Committee wants to see you on Labor Day! March with Actors' Equity Association at the second largest Labor Day Parade in the country.
RSVP in the Member Portal - https://t.co/OnyJV3PfPm pic.twitter.com/2tFpDx3Phg
AFGE:
It’s hard to imagine @USDA management finding more ways to demoralize the workers at these two agencies, yet they continue to top themselves at every turn. #1u via @GovExec https://t.co/CD4N22lpdi
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2019AFSCME:
One of the most important, most difficult jobs in America shouldn’t be one of the least-valued and lowest-paying. That’s why AFSCME home care workers continue to organize and mobilize, fighting for their rights and freedoms at the state and national level. https://t.co/DEfQNHepWG
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 21, 2019AFT:
150,000+ AFT members in Title I schools use @FirstBook for school supplies, multi-cultural books, books that build social & emotional learning, & take-home books. Some affiliates in low-income communities provide toiletries & care closets for their communities too! https://t.co/0GodNCsHmc
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 22, 2019Air Line Pilots:
A must read! Delta Pilot Transforms B-747 Engine into Automotive Sensation; Promotes Charities and the Profession with One-of-a-Kind Creation: https://t.co/5rvYfArHRn pic.twitter.com/eTHPm4KOvZ
— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) August 14, 2019Alliance for Retired Americans:
Drug costs are out of control. That’s why we’re rallying for lower drug prices across the country today. Send a message to your member of Congress here: https://t.co/lGIazEu93V #PeopleOverPharma @TheWIAlliance @RepGwenMoore pic.twitter.com/HRLPYVOblj
— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2019Amalgamated Transit Union:
#CATA workers to demand better work conditions at board meeting https://t.co/zjcxDONT3H #1u #publictransit #transit
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 22, 2019American Federation of Musicians:
Entering the tenth week of a lockout, @bso_musicians
performing a concert for drivers during rush hour. #1u#UnionMusicians ?✊?✊✊?? pic.twitter.com/G279MVUT9Z
American Postal Workers Union:
#APWU’s gearing up for a tough national contract arbitration & we need that #APWUnited support. Show your labor solidarity & tell us what you love about the union. Post your own #PostalSlam video & tag us! Let’s show management - WE ARE THE UNION! #1U https://t.co/U9m0QHHPww
— APWU National (@APWUnational) August 20, 2019Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Sign the petition: Demand that our lawmakers pass the PRO Act!
Working class and middle class families in the United States deserve income security and should be able to organize their co-workers to demand living wages and healthy working conditions. https://t.co/o1vzbSNFhk pic.twitter.com/0pfD8knoXd
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Happy 74th Bday, AFA! Flight Attendants around the world - this is where it all began. We’re one of the most organized professions in labor & together we’ve achieved victories for equality, workplace health & safety, & contracts that define our work as aviation's first responders pic.twitter.com/DolL8UX3lY
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 22, 2019Boilermakers:
Deadline is Aug. 26 (Monday!) ⏳to add a comment to save our apprenticeships. We need everyone’s voice ? to tell the DOL to keep us permanently exempt from their proposal. Boilermakers: https://t.co/PgDkKIqy31. pic.twitter.com/Z1vrYFplT2
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 22, 2019Bricklayers:
"If we’re going to organize #immigrants, and if we’re going to make immigrants feel like they have ownership in our unions, we can’t be afraid to have the tough conversations with all our members about why it’s so important." -@jboland on organizing immigrants @GoIUPAT Convention
— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) August 14, 2019California School Employees Association:
#csea93 pic.twitter.com/LdB4XGhlV5
— CSEA (@CSEA_Now) August 20, 2019Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Black Trade Unionists in America stand with our courageous sisters and brothers in #Zimbabwe in their just struggle against the repressive government in #Zimbabwe. A luta continua! https://t.co/7WGaUhOaFh
— CBTU (@CBTU72) August 22, 2019Coalition of Labor Union Women:
SEPTEMBER 1: Last day to make sure you're a current Regular CLUW member to be able to vote as a delegate at our upcoming 20th Biennial CLUW Convention. It's also the application deadline for the Gloria T. Johnson scholarship. https://t.co/nZA2LpSLW1 pic.twitter.com/8YzktfQboe
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 16, 2019Communications Workers of America:
NAFTA 2.0 is a corporate giveaway.
The deal falls short of truly protecting working people and will allow big pharmaceutical companies to lock in high drug prices.
Call Congress and tell them we need a new NAFTA that puts people over profits: 1-855-973-4213#ReplaceNAFTA pic.twitter.com/JcdlhU9xQP
Department for Professional Employees:
Even with more college-educated women in the labor force, men still earn higher wages at every education level. This must change, and joining together in union can help. #1u #wagegap https://t.co/wk4HWr3juc
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 21, 2019Electrical Workers:
With every summer seeming to set new high temperature records, it's becoming more critical to take your health — and that of your coworkers — seriously. https://t.co/fZ75jSNan9
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2019Farm Labor Organizing Committee:
We are headed down to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center and to the fields of North Carolina to farm labor camps. pic.twitter.com/1L3o9673vq
— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) August 20, 2019Fire Fighters:
IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist @sarahabernes and IAFF Peer Support Master Instructor @b_dreiman will lead a session on suicide and suicide prevention in the fire service on Thurs., 8/22 at #IAFFRedmond19. See what they say about the importance of forming a peer support network pic.twitter.com/IlaSuqqsvQ
— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) August 21, 2019Heat and Frost Insulators:
Check it out! We have updated the Flickr album with the graduation images from Trainer Enhancement last week. Congratulations, Instructors! https://t.co/f6sC5i02SC
— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) August 21, 2019Ironworkers:
Proud to share this video about Iron Workers Local 44 that won an Emmy Award ??? for Best Branded Content! Kudos to Dave Baker from Local 44, who did an amazing job narrating the video! #emmys https://t.co/u7TmZTXjXI
— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) August 21, 2019Jobs With Justice:
It appears DoorDash is still running out the door with tips meant for those delivering food for the service. #gigeconomy https://t.co/IRpPYxG6Xa
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 22, 2019Labor Council For Latin American Advancement:
Gender, race, and ethnicity play significant and decisive roles in the distribution of opportunity, wages and wealth in our society. The different equal pay days that are observed throughout the year are examples of these discriminatory practices. #EqualPay #Trabajadoras pic.twitter.com/wQ8LTLKSYX
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 22, 2019Laborers:
Calvin began his journey in partnership with @BuildingUpTO leading to earning hands on skills training with LiUNA. Today, a Proud #LiUNA Member, Calvin is building a better future for him and for his family with a career in the trades! Watch his story!https://t.co/7xN5cpSzR7
— LiUNA! Canada (@LiunaCanada) August 19, 2019Longshoremen:
ILA @ILAUnion @TheILAmobileApp Night At Yankee Stadium - Fri., Sept 20 @ 7:05 pm. ILA Yankee hat to all ticket holders Info: https://t.co/ymhIrUwXGz pic.twitter.com/MjZwgIK0tk
— Int'l LongshoreAssoc (@ILAUnion) August 19, 2019Machinists:
BIG NEWS: @Boeing has been found GUILTY of firing workers for their support of the IAM in South Carolina. #BeBetterBoeing https://t.co/n3sFc3f0Fj
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 19, 2019Metal Trades:
Longtime labor reporter and author Steven Greenhouse joined The Takeaway to discuss how unions are navigating the difficulties of dealing with a president who says he's supportive of labor, but whose policies often run counter to the interests of unions. https://t.co/pq7pGOy6p5
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) August 20, 2019Mine Workers:
"We're not politicians, we're coal miners." NBC News story about @mineworkers fight in Congress to preserve retirees' pensions. #TheyEarnedIt #savepensionssavelives #1u https://t.co/qMOuse3FtN
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 21, 2019National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
“You don’t have to be lonely,” writes NATCA Recurrent Training Rep Richard Kennington in EAA’s AirVenture Today magazine. “All pilots should have a basic understanding of how the ATC system works.” https://t.co/n7ASm65rvQ
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 22, 2019National Association of Letter Carriers:
NALC information is now available at your fingertips! Install the "NALC Member App" on your iPhone or Andriod smartphone & get up-to-date information & resources. Simply go to the app store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids -- then search for “NALC Member App.” #1u #NALCapp pic.twitter.com/XBbZiowX5X
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 22, 2019National Domestic Workers Alliance:
For #BlackWomensEqualPay Day @aliciagarza sat down with @meenaharris to talk about how addressing the wage gap is about more than just numbers. When we do right by Black women, the entire country benefits.https://t.co/fHkUi9soMk
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 22, 2019National Nurses United:
Ruth Somera was just one of dozens of RNs deployed to Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
Honor the selfless acts of these #nurses and help the Registered Nurse Response Network celebrate its 14th anniversary by making a contribution today ➡️ https://t.co/xdExuMWT4W #1u pic.twitter.com/t4GMAHAltu
NewsGuild:
On #BlackWomensEqualPay day, journalists are fighting for #EqualPay. Find out more about how you can too. https://t.co/XhjAM2scgF @news_guild @mlburney pic.twitter.com/DBRRTFQeXb
— NewsGuild (@news_guild) August 22, 2019NFL Players Association:
While opening their minds to new experiences, @throughoureyest is challenging the status quo to show that black men do travel and they know how to give back along the way.
STORY: https://t.co/So2NkjEv0e pic.twitter.com/n18DWSCdOl
North America's Building Trades Unions:
For 80 years, Registered Apprenticeship Programs have supplied the construction industry with the safest, most highly-skilled workers.
We now have ONE WEEK to save these programs. Comment here to make your voice heard: https://t.co/yhRxc81TYZ pic.twitter.com/OERSITyZxd
Office and Professional Employees:
Kaiser Permanente workers from California to Maryland are fighting the healthcare giant’s proposal to implement a two-tiered wage system, which pits longtime employees and recent hires against each other, and lowers standards for everyone. #1u pic.twitter.com/FRbbJuZQ8V
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) August 21, 2019Painters and Allied Trades:
Help us get us as many members as possible to stand up against IRAPs. During our #DayofAction this Friday, talk to your fellow sisters and brothers about submitting their comments. Submit yours NOW! https://t.co/Qp2hrmdhfc #SaveUSApprenticeships pic.twitter.com/UDhb45TslQ
— GoIUPAT✊? (@GoIUPAT) August 21, 2019Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Union apprenticeship programs give “us the same level and quality of training we received in the Military. This is one of the reasons why veterans choose to attend NABTU Registered Apprenticeship Programs.” Submit your comments now! https://t.co/wspFQbfvhO https://t.co/nJ6CEQUgb9
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 22, 2019Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Today at #PASSConv19, National Vice President Carlos Aguirre shared his plans and vision for PASS. He emphasized the importance of the federal workforce and ensuring federal employees are treated fairly. #PASSinPDX pic.twitter.com/6ch2Q72Jzc
— PASS (@PASSNational) August 20, 2019Professional and Technical Engineers:
ATTENTION! @RepMcNerney, @RepAnnaEshoo , and @RepJimCosta: Representing more than 20,000 hardworking professionals in the #BayArea, @IFPTE urges you to stand with working people! Support HR 1309 today!! pic.twitter.com/BpNzYIlU2z
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 20, 2019Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Workers:
The @Local_1102 members who prepare and provide food service on the NYU campus recently ratified a new contract that brings strong wage increase and improved medical coverage! pic.twitter.com/vKbzxgTDla
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2019Roofers and Waterproofers:
https://t.co/eWJbsdUnnO
The DOL is counting comments, and Roofers’ numbers are not good. We need at least 2,000 more member comments in the next week. EVERY MEMBER SHOULD SIGN THIS PETITION USING THE MEMBER LINK. pic.twitter.com/N1V6HsWPWs
SAG-AFTRA:
SBS @mega963fm and @979laraza are leading the #LA Market in LABOR VIOLATIONS! RT to support SBS employees as they fight for fair working conditions. #SOSSBS #SAGAFTRAUNIDOS pic.twitter.com/KkwySkT0IO
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 16, 2019School Administrators:
500 San Diego Unified School Leaders Join National Labor Union for Stronger Voice --especially DC https://t.co/FNA7EVxZ0u@khefling @BenjaminEW @mstratford
— AFSA Leadership (@AFSAUnion) August 19, 2019Solidarity Center:
One 2018 report found gender inequality in business costs countries $160 trillion because of the difference in lifetime earnings btwn men/women. Another in 2015 found advancing female equality in the workplace could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. https://t.co/0ZKZBQGAMR
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 22, 2019Theatrical Stage Employees:
Are Hotels' "Green Choice" programs misleading? According to @unitehere, no leading environmental studies recommend skipping housekeeping as an environmental practice. https://t.co/FeIuKhFWLX
— IATSE (@IATSE) August 21, 2019Transport Workers:
Thank you @RepEspaillat for leading the downstate New York and upstate New Jersey delegations calling on @AmericanAir & President Doug Parker to keep good, blue-collar jobs in the U.S. https://t.co/9Hx11rAxLW pic.twitter.com/7WYRg1G4iz
— TWU (@transportworker) August 20, 2019Transportation Trades Department:
This should go without saying, but when you exploit your drivers to maximize profits at the expense of their well being, their health suffers. https://t.co/FTaeLfR5NP
— Transp. Trades Dept. (@TTDAFLCIO) August 22, 2019UAW:
Millions of Californians do not have access to a workplace retirement plan — so the state has stepped in to offer a public option: https://t.co/2urceisUvt
— UAW (@UAW) August 20, 2019Union Label and Service Trades:
Not only do hardworking men and women make the leather for every NFL football, but also the leather for world famous Red Wing boots and shoes! Check out the handiwork of these UFCW 1189 members ?? #NationalLeathercraftDay pic.twitter.com/U5LeV57ApF
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) August 15, 2019Union Veterans Council:
SITTING DOWN FOR JUSTICE!
Watch @TexasAFLCIO Union Vet @Stijerina sit down and fight back with @unitehere #1u #1job pic.twitter.com/qKDtMRLKkh
UNITE HERE:
We stand with miners at #Blackjewel! Coal miners have a long history of taking on hard fights against rich, greedy bosses - we know whose side we're on.
One day longer, one day stronger! ⛏✊#NoPayWeStay https://t.co/cEEKPJz9RO
United Food and Commercial Workers:
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (@LLSusa) is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers, and UFCW has been a longstanding partner since 1982. See how one member has helped his Local raise $ for the cause ?: https://t.co/ev1yfY6rsY pic.twitter.com/WBIkehpiTs
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 22, 2019United Steelworkers:
. @repjohnlewis - One of every 6 workplace deaths are from workplace violence—more than from equipment or fires & explosions. FIGHT for #SafeJobsNow pic.twitter.com/JnrpB1nYns
— United Steelworkers (@steelworkers) August 21, 2019Utility Workers:
Even though August is nearly over, parts of the nation are still experiencing intense heat. Stay safe out there, and keep an eye out for your coworkers! pic.twitter.com/hDt98w2IwE
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2019Working America:
The devastating economic effects of NAFTA can still be felt today. We need a new policy that uplifts all workers, not another deal that benefits multinational corporations at the expense of workers. https://t.co/u96vpvRg97
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) August 21, 2019Writers Guild of America, East:
Unions: the universally flattering, must-have statement piece for this (and every) season!
Solidarity with the very fashionable @CBSNunion as they head to the bargaining table today! #1u https://t.co/w67gF0zYh4
Union Veterans Fight for Texas Catering Workers
On Tuesday morning, as union veteran Sam Tijerina drove from Pasadena, Texas, to Dallas, he had a lot on his mind. His thoughts wandered as he passed mile markers and towns—he thought about his young family at home and the life that having a union job has provided them. “A union card has allowed me to live with dignity,” he said.
Tijerina was traveling to one of the largest acts of civil disobedience that the Texas labor movement has waged in years. LSG Sky Chef workers, who are contracted by American Airlines, planned a rally with UNITE HERE to advocate for raising wages. “It was important to be part of the civil disobedience because my fellow veterans are affected by poor wages,” Tijerina said. “There are an estimated 1.3 million veteran workers who earn less than $15 an hour. It is disheartening to know my brothers and sisters have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. One job should be enough.”
More than 600 supporters showed up at the protest, including catering workers, union members from other airports and local supporters like Tijerina. He was one of 58 people who were arrested while blocking traffic during the protest.
Tijerina is an Elevator Constructor (IUEC) from Local 31 and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. The Marines taught him about selfless service and how to lead by example. “I know that it’s not just about me,” Tijerina said. “It's about fighting for everyone, no matter what their situation is.” This is the same sentiment echoed by Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig at a recent speech to the Texas AFL-CIO convention, shortly before announcing the creation of a Texas chapter of the Union Veterans Council. “Leaders lead from the front and motivate others to take action,” Attig added. “Texas union vets are ready to take action to support the working people of this state.”
Earlier this year, Attig was among a group of union leaders and activists who were arrested at the U.S. Capitol during the government shutdown, when a quarter of 1 million veteran workers faced no pay and job instability. Attig hopes this action will motivate fellow union veterans to get more involved. Attig wants Union Veterans Council members and the labor movement to know that union veterans are a force to be reckoned with.
The Union Veterans Council is working to unify our veterans by giving them the tools and platform to make their voices heard on a local and national level, along with inspiring union veterans to take an action-based role in the labor movement. Tijerina is just one of a growing movement of union veterans across the country who are using their voices to fight and advocate for fellow workers and the issues that matter to their community.
Visit us on our website or on social media
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/22/2019 - 10:21Free At Last! Labor Podcast and Radio Roundup
In addition to the AFL-CIO's own "State of the Unions," there are a lot of other podcasts out there that have their own approach to discussing labor issues and the rights of working people. Here are the latest podcasts from across the labor movement in the United States.
Follow the links below to find podcasts. They also can be found wherever you listen to podcasts:
America's Work Force: "This week's guests include Cheri Honkala, founder of the Poor People’s Economic Rights Campaign, Frank Mathews, administrative director for Communications Workers of America District 4 in Chicago, and Jim Cullen, editor of the Progressive Populist."
Building Bridges: Your Community and Labor Report: "We welcome home Janet and Janine Africa, after 41 years, and won’t rest until all our political prisoners are free at last! With:
- Sheroes Janet and Janine finally returned to the beloved community after 41 years of incarceration for a death that actually resulted from a police campaign of terror used against black community organizations;
- Carlos Africa, Move organizer;
- Pam Africa, Move organizer; and
- Commentary by Mumia Abu-Jamal, a political prisoner who remains imprisoned for life without parole and continues his work as a journalist from his jail cell in Pennsylvania. Prior to his wrongful conviction in 1981, Abu-Jamal was a political activist and president of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists."
CTU Speaks! Podcast: "The Chicago Teachers Union launched CTU Speaks! earlier this week. The monthly podcast by rank-and-file educators in Chicago Public Schools seeks to empower and unify members through discussions about the union, Chicago’s public schools and communities, and local and national public education issues. CTU Speaks! is the brainchild of the union’s member-led Public Relations and Communications Committee, hosted by committee members Andrea Parker and Jim Staros."
Heartland Labor Forum: "Missouri’s motto is 'Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law,' but the legislature still hasn’t passed Medicaid expansion. This week on the Heartland Labor Forum we’ll talk to Jobs with Justice’s Richard Von Glahn on a new coalition to use the initiative process to win health care coverage for thousands of Missourians. Then we’ll find out from Art Johnson, former president of the Social Security local in Kansas City, just how bad Donald Trump’s union-busting of federal unions is."
UComm Live with Kris LaGrange: "The governor of Massachusetts vetoes a popular bill that would protect employees' right to have a voice at work; ICE conducts their biggest workplace raid ever; Democratic candidate Jay Inslee talks green, union jobs; Rich Trumka warns the Democratic Party not to take its base for granted; what to do when a boss bargains in the press; and the Mets are only one game out of the wild card. PLUS: On Thursday, August 15th on UCOMM Live, we call out Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports for threatening his staff if they attempt to organize; Dave is scared of us, and he should be. Sarker goes into an interesting piece on where are all the union Muslims? Antonio Brown of the Oakland Raiders is not wearing his PPEs; his shop stewards are pissed. Chris Cuomo, Andy's little brother, caught on tape standing up for himself, and Beto O'Rourke comes out with a sensible gun control solution."
Union City Radio: Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay; the toxic impact of private equity; AFSCME Local 3001 OmniRide drivers settle a new contract.
Union Strong - Call for Transparency on Campus Foundations: "SUNY’s 30 campus-related foundations have a lot of money—millions. Where does it come from, where is it going and how is it being used? These are all questions raised by UUP, the nation’s largest higher education union. On this podcast, a conversation with UUP President Dr. Fred Kowal about campus foundations and much more."
Workers Beat: "Will have a lineup of local union and other progressive leaders to endorse labor outreach."
Your Rights at Work: "Hosted by Chris Garlock, with Mark Gruenberg; DC’s call-in show about worker rights: those you have, those you don’t, how to get them and how to use them. On this week’s show: Ghost Workers author Mary Gray and a sneak preview of Gene Bruskin’s new labor musical, 'The Moment Was Now.'"
State of the Unions: "Tim talks to NABTU Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry."
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2019 - 14:07Tags: Podcast
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast: Save Our Apprenticeships
On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-host Tim Schlittner talks to North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Chief of Staff Mike Monroe about a Department of Labor proposal that would undermine world-class apprenticeships in the construction industry.
Listen to our previous episodes:
- A discussion with Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay (Education Austin/AFT-NEA) in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.
- UNITE HERE President D. Taylor talking about the activism of airline catering workers and the current moment for union organizing.
- Highlights of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's (UMWA) town halls in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit, where he discussed NAFTA and trade.
- AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) talks about pushing the labor movement to be bold, take risks and not be afraid of failure.
- Pride At Work Executive Director Jerame Davis discusses the progress made by LGBTQ working people over the past quarter-century and the work still left to be done.
- Union organizer Andy Levin goes to Washington to make a difference for working people.
- Talking to National Nurses United (NNU) Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2019 - 10:46Tags: Podcast
Lesotho Plan Has All Elements to End Gender-Based Violence at Work
A new worker-centered, precedent-setting program will comprehensively address the rampant gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) denying thousands of women garment workers a safe and dignified workplace in Lesotho.
The program, established by two negotiated and enforceable agreements, will cover 10,000 Lesotho garment workers in five factories that produce jeans and knitwear for the global market. Lesotho-based unions and women’s rights groups, major fashion brands and international worker rights organizations, including the Solidarity Center, negotiated with the factory owner, Nien Hsing Textiles, to mandate education and awareness training for all employees and managers, an independent reporting and monitoring system, and remedies for abusive behavior.
The parties came to the table after the U.S.-based Worker Rights Consortium documented how the mostly female workforce at three Nien Hsing textile factories regularly was coerced into sexual activity with supervisors as a condition of gaining or retaining employment or promotions, and were persistently sexually harassed, verbally and physically.
The Lesothoan unions and women’s rights groups, all with proven histories of fighting to advance the rights of workers and women throughout the country, are: the Federation of Women Lawyers in Lesotho (FIDA), the Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), the National Clothing Textile and Allied Workers Union, Lesotho (NACTWU), the United Textile Employees (UNITE) and Women and Law in Southern Africa Research and Education Trust (WLSA)-Lesotho. They will administer the agreement and will serve on the oversight committee.
The Solidarity Center, WRC and Workers United joined these groups to negotiate the two agreements with Levi Strauss, The Children’s Place, Kontoor Brands and Nien Hsing Textiles.
“This is the first initiative in Lesotho that brings together workers, unions, women’s organizations and employers to work towards one common goal of improving the socioeconomic rights of women in the workplace,” said Thusoana Ntlama, FIDA programs coordinator, and Libakiso Matlho, WLSA national director.
Agreements Follow Report Documenting Abuse at Lesotho Factories
Nearly two-thirds of the garment workers WRC interviewed reported “having experienced sexual harassment or abuse” or having knowledge of harassment or abuse suffered by co-workers, according to the report. Women workers from all three factories identified GBVH as a central concern for themselves and other female employees.
“Many supervisors demand sexual favors and bribes from prospective employees,” one worker told WRC investigators. “They promise jobs to the workers who are still on probationary contracts.[…]All of the women in my department have slept with the supervisor. For the women, this is about survival and nothing else.[…]If you say no, you won’t get the job, or your contract will not be renewed.”
All the Elements to Prevent, Eliminate GBVH at Work
While sexual harassment and other forms of gender-based violence may happen at any workplace, GBVH is rampant in the global garment and textile industry. Globally, some 85% of garment workers are women. They are especially vulnerable to abuse and violence at work because of imbalanced power structures, high poverty and unemployment.
The Lesotho plan “has all the elements needed to prevent and eliminate gender-based violence at work,” says Solidarity Center Executive Director Shawna Bader-Blau. “First, there’s real accountability. It is binding and enforceable on all parties. And the global brands and the employer have guaranteed their commitment to enforcing and upholding the code of conduct by signing fully executed, binding and enforceable contracts.”
The agreements:
- Establish an independent organization to investigate issues, fully empowered to determine remedies;
- Create a clear code of conduct on unacceptable behaviors and a system for reporting abuse—with garment workers as full participants in creating, implementing and monitoring it; and
- Establish an education and awareness program that goes beyond the typical harassment and gender violence training. It will be comprehensive and get at the root causes of gender discrimination and violence against women.
Importantly, says Bader-Blau, “the program is sustainable because it’s worker designed, with unions working together with women’s rights groups to deliver it.”
And because the freedom to form unions and collectively bargain has proven essential to addressing gender-based violence and harassment at work and in creating the space for workers to shape a future of work that is fair and democratic, it’s especially key that these agreements also protect workers’ rights to freely form unions, says Bader-Blau.
Nien Hsing, which manufactures apparel for global brands in several countries, signed one agreement with trade unions and women’s rights organizations in Lesotho to establish the GBVH program, and has committed to take recommended action when violations of the program’s code of conduct have been established.
The global brands entered into a parallel agreement in which, should Nien Hsing commit a material breach of its agreement with the unions and NGOs, it will take action, including a potential reduction in orders.
In the past, as one worker told WRC, “The [supervisors accused of harassment] are usually rotated to other departments,” arrangements the plan seeks to eradicate.
Putting the Plan into Action
Lesotho-based women’s rights organizations, unions, the Solidarity Center and WRC will jointly design the education and awareness program and curriculum, with input from the newly created independent investigative organization.
They also will carry out the two-day training in which all workers and managers will take part. Workers will be paid regular wages during the training.
And importantly, says Bader-Blau, “Empowered workers with a negotiated stake in the agreements can identify and report violence and harassment. And because they have established the terms with the employer as equals, they can be sure that retaliation for reporting abuse and the impunity of abusers will end. Unlike corporate social responsibility programs, the Lesotho program is a contractual agreement with the employer, the brands and the unions, which means everyone is accountable to the code of conduct–with workers able to enforce it as an equal party.”
The program is partially modeled after the Fair Food Program, a set of binding agreements between leading food brands, like McDonald’s and Whole Foods, and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Using the type of independent complaint mechanism that will be established by the Lesotho agreements, the Fair Food Program largely has eliminated what had been rampant sexual harassment and coercion in the tomato fields of Florida.
The agreements also build on the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety, in which unions were key participants, and recognizes the fundamental role of collective bargaining in negotiating an agreement that is binding on employers and international brands and in bringing accountability to the global supply chain by ensuring the agreement is implemented and enforced.
Funding for the two-year program will come primarily from the three brands, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the program will kick off in fall 2019.
This post originally appeared at the Solidarity Center.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2019 - 10:45Tags: Solidarity Center
Ahead of Election Season, New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s Labor Candidates School Grooms New Crop of Office-Seeking Union Members
It was a monumental weekend for 28 union members who graduated from the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s 23rd Annual Labor Candidates School on Sunday.
The two-day immersion course, held at the union-staffed Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center on Aug. 17 and 18, featured lectures from a number of seasoned election experts. Topics included fundraising, election law, campaign research, message development, public speaking, media relations, voter contact, volunteer recruitment, targeting and digital strategy.
"To say I’m proud of the graduates of this year’s Labor Candidates School would be an understatement," said Charles Wowkanech, president of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. “It’s exciting to see so many union members interested in running for elected office. These ambitious brothers and sisters understand the issues facing the working class, and once they’re elected, they’ll pursue a proactive and progressive labor agenda at the state and local level.
“This new crop of labor candidates has the full support of the state fed, and we look forward to mentoring them during this upcoming election season,” Wowkanech added.
Wowkanech launched the Labor Candidates School in 1997 as part of the state federation's ongoing effort to recruit, train and support union members running for elected office. Since then, the school has helped 1,031 union members get elected to local, state and federal offices.
More than 150 Labor Candidates School graduates currently hold public office. Among them are U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross, State Senate President Steve Sweeney, State Sen. Troy Singleton and Assemblymen Joe Egan, Wayne DeAngelo, Eric Houghtaling, Tom Giblin, Anthony Verrelli and Paul Moriarty. As officeholders, these graduates have championed policies that reflect the priorities of New Jersey’s working families, such as paid family leave and raising the minimum wage.
With its ever-increasing tally of election victories and 78% win ratio, the New Jersey State AFL-CIO’s Labor Candidates School has become a nationwide paragon of success. In fact, many state federations now are expanding their political programs based on New Jersey’s labor candidate training model. This includes the Minnesota AFL-CIO, which sent Field Director Pommella Wegmann to New Jersey to observe the school this past weekend.
“Minnesota’s labor movement is excited to bring this tried-and-tested labor candidate training to the Midwest,” Wegmann said. “The New Jersey State AFL-CIO has built the premier program in the country, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend this school and learn from their staff.”
As of now, 66 union members are running for political offices throughout New Jersey in November’s general election. For a complete list of New Jersey State AFL-CIO endorsements, click here.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2019 - 11:58AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee's Response to Israel's Denial of Entry to Reps. Omar and Tlaib
The AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee issued the following response to the government of Israel’s decision to deny entry to Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib:
As longtime supporters of Israel, and its General Federation of Labor, the Histadrut, we urge the government of Israel to reverse its decision to bar Reps. Ilhan Omar (Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (Mich.) from entering Israel. We say this as close friends of our brothers and sisters in the Histadrut and the Israeli people.
While we strongly disagree with Reps. Omar’s and Tlaib’s positions on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and maintain our longstanding commitment to meaningful, direct negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians toward a viable two-state solution, we also feel that all members of the U.S. Congress should be able to visit Israel. Regardless of Omar’s and Tlaib’s political positions, they should not be forbidden from visiting Israel.
The AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee:
Christopher Shelton, CWA, Co-Chair
Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU/UFCW, Co-Chair
Robert Martinez, IAM, Vice Chair
James Boland, BAC
Harold Daggett, ILA
Jennifer Dorning, DPE
Leo Gerard, USW
Lorretta Johnson, AFT
Gary Jones, UAW
Sara Nelson, AFA/CWA
Fred Redmond, USW
Paul Rinaldi, NATCA
Michael Sacco, SIU
Baldemar Velasquez, FLOC
Business is Booming: 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.
NYC's $15 Minimum Wage Hasn't Brought the Restaurant Apocalypse—It's Helped Them Thrive: "New York City restaurant workers saw their pay increase by 20% after a $15 minimum-wage hike, and a new report says business is booming despite warnings that the boost would devastate the city's restaurant industry. As New York raised the minimum wage to $15 this year from $7.25 in 2013, its restaurant industry outperformed the rest of the U.S. in job growth and expansion, a new study found. The study, by researchers from the New School and the New York think tank National Employment Law Project, found no negative employment effects of the city increasing its minimum wage to $15."
ICE Raids Affect the Country's Economy, According to Experts: "Last April, an annual report published by the AFL-CIO indicated that in 2017, 5,147 workers died at their job sites due to 'traumatic injuries', and almost 3.5 million suffered workplace related injuries and diseases. Although there was a decline in accidental deaths in the agricultural sector, it is still one of the most dangerous in the US: for every 100,000 inhabitants, the sector had a rate of 23 deaths, compared to the construction sector, which had 9.5, or that of transport, with 14.3."
Trump Defends Immigration Raids in Mississippi to Deter Illegal Immigration: "Immigrant rights advocacy groups, including the AFL-CIO, the Hispanic Federation, and other civic groups, have also condemned the raids. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said that the raids are only intended to sow fear and ingratiate themselves with divisive elements of the country, and that the only 'crime' of those arrested 'is to work hard for a better life.'"
The U.S. Labor Shortage, Explained: "The U.S. economy doesn’t have enough workers. For a record 16 straight months, the number of open jobs has been higher than the number of people looking for work. The US economy had 7.4 million job openings in June, but only 6 million people were looking for work, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is not normal. Ever since Labor began tracking job turnover two decades ago, there have always been more people looking for work than jobs available. That changed for the first time in January 2018."
Perkins Center to Honor AFL-CIO Senior Executive and Child Advocate: "The Frances Perkins Center will honor two women who exemplify Perkins’ inspiring leadership and commitment to social justice and economic security at its annual Garden Party: Liz Shuler, current secretary-treasurer and chief financial officer of the AFL-CIO, advocate for the welfare of working Americans, and Maria Mossaides, the director of Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate, defender of America’s most vulnerable citizens. 'We’re delighted to recognize Liz Shuler and Maria Mossaides for their decades of work in advancing the causes championed by Frances Perkins,' said Perkins Center Executive Director Michael Chaney. Liz Shuler, the second top-level officer for the AFL-CIO, the first woman elected to the position, and the youngest woman to sit on the federation’s Executive Council, will receive the Intelligence and Courage Award."
Save Veteran Construction Training Programs: "After coming home from the Army, Union Veteran Council Executive Director Will Attig struggled to find his place. 'I came home without a job, a degree or a future,' Attig said. That changed when he found a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and became a journeyman pipe fitter with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA)."
Shatter the Silence: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Bricklayers: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Bricklayers."
‘State of the Unions’ Podcast—Special Episode: The Labor Movement Responds to the El Paso Massacre: "On the latest episode of 'State of the Unions,' podcast co-hosts Julie Greene and Tim Schlittner talk with Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay (Education Austin/AFT-NEA) in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. They discuss immigration, organizing and the need for solidarity in times of darkness."
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/15/2019 - 12:16Save Veteran Construction Training Programs
After coming home from the Army, Union Veteran Council Executive Director Will Attig struggled to find his place. “I came home without a job, a degree or a future,” Attig said. That changed when he found a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and became a journeyman pipe fitter with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA).
This is not only Attig’s story but countless other veterans who have found the registered apprenticeship programs as a way to achieve the American dream after returning home from service. At the same time, we have seen private organizations and for-profit schools create phony programs that prey on veterans leaving them with sub-par training and no true education. Right now, the future of America's veteran construction workers, the integrity of their industry and programs that support tens of thousands of veterans' transitions are at risk.
“The Registered Apprenticeship model gives us the same level and quality of training we received in the military,” Attig added. “This is one of the reasons why veterans choose to attend NABTU Registered Apprenticeship Programs and are joining construction unions at a rate almost double then non-veterans.”
A new proposal by the U.S. Department of Labor could drive down training and labor standards in construction registered apprenticeship programs and set off a race to the bottom throughout this industry. We have less than a month to stop it from becoming a reality. Here is how you can add your voice to the fight. While we applaud the government’s interest in expanding apprenticeship opportunities in new industries, [Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs] have no place in construction.
How Can You Help?
First, if you are a union veteran and a member of a building trades union, we need you to click the link below to submit a comment. It takes less than five minutes and could mean the difference in defending the way of life for your fellow construction workers, your family and yourself.
Building Trade Veterans: Click here to take a stand!
Second, if you are not a member of the building trades but support your fellow union veteran brothers and sisters, please follow the link below to send in a comment voicing your support and solidarity for your fellow union veterans in the trades and the programs that are helping thousands of veterans find a way to truly return home.
Veterans and Supporters: Click here to take a stand!
The proposed IRAPs differ significantly from registered apprenticeship programs. Construction registered programs help recruit, train and retain workers through progressive wage increases; apprentice-to-journey worker ratios that promote safety; quality assurance assessments by the government; uniform standards; mandatory safety training; instructor eligibility requirements; and transparency requirements. The proposed IRAP regulations abandon the important protections of the registered model and give employers the license to implement whatever low-road standards they see fit.
IRAPs in construction would jeopardize both the quality of construction and the safety and security of veterans in the construction workforce, thereby weakening every community across the country where our fellow veterans and workers reside and are needed.
As veterans and supporters of veterans, the time is now to stand together and oppose second-rate IRAP certifications that would undermine the gold-standard that the registered apprenticeship programs have attained.
This post originally appeared at the Union Veterans Council.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2019 - 11:56Tags: Union Veterans Council
Shatter the Silence: 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 AFL-CIO:
This is just wrong. It's unnecessary, immoral, disrespectful and frankly, inhumane. These attacks on our elders and seniors must stop. #akleg #akgov https://t.co/X9zEElpKPD
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 2, 2019Arkansas AFL-CIO:
NYC's $15 minimum wage hasn't brought the restaurant apocalypse — it's helped them thrive https://t.co/lcbJIx9SjV via @businessinsider
— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) August 12, 2019California Labor Federation:
In CA, we can #ShattertheSilence & protect workers from sexual harassment & discrimination w/ #AB51. Nothing in this bill runs afoul of federal law but it does give workers in CA an important tool to fight #ForcedArbitration @LorenaSGonzalez #YesonAB51 https://t.co/gE45XMCDFi
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) August 8, 2019Connecticut AFL-CIO:
"Now we’ll not only be heard on our concerns about running short-staffed, we’ll have a seat at the table with management to do something about it." #UnionYES @AFTCT @AFLCIO https://t.co/NthduDDzur
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 5, 2019Idaho State AFL-CIO:
I just wrote a @theactionnet letter: Federal Workers Under Attack. Write one here: https://t.co/08d8ON7NmW
— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) August 6, 2019Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Trump campaigned in 2016 as a voice for forgotten workers, but he consistently sides with large corporations against workers, and his nomination of Scalia would amplify the sad and damaging war on unions. #1u https://t.co/Q8oVUP2yDb
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 12, 2019Iowa Federation of Labor:
Hundreds of Portillo's workers organize https://t.co/UNejihZECl #1u
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) August 7, 2019Maine AFL-CIO:
Graduation time at the 2019 Labor Summer Institute! #1U #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/TXLcyPcaEQ
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 8, 2019Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
We stand in #solidarity with the @UNITEHERE26 Battery Wharf Hotel workers after their unanimous strike vote! #1job #1u https://t.co/rbUjusgjLF
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 6, 2019Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO:
Striking VA OmniRide drivers reach agreement - Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO with photos! https://t.co/JaQjNFifEg
— MetroDCLaborCouncil (@DCLabor) August 6, 2019Michigan AFL-CIO:
#RejectScalia https://t.co/J7aBQ5SxE8
— Michigan AFL-CIO (@MIAFLCIO) August 8, 2019Minnesota AFL-CIO:
U.S. Bank Stadium becomes first to achieve LEED Platinum status. https://t.co/DQfFa7jRfd And it’s #UnionBuilt by members of @MNBldgTrades unions. pic.twitter.com/DJAiUYmVyE
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 10, 2019Missouri AFL-CIO:
Unions provide workers with an opportunity to get their voices heard in policy debates that shape their lives. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/zYrFv9UbVM
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 9, 2019Montana AFL-CIO:
Montana's best interests lie with representatives who put workers first! #1u #UnionStronghttps://t.co/3peu0npXkz
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) August 9, 2019Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
The Nebraska State AFL-CIO stands in unity with the people of El Paso and Dayton - Hate has no place in America - hateful rhetoric has no place in America. https://t.co/GIjr103pPc
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) August 5, 2019New Mexico Federation of Labor:
Really! #Solidarity for these #CommonSense proposals from our brothers and sisters. https://t.co/lTX9446LKs
— NMFL (@NMFLaflcio) August 7, 2019New York State AFL-CIO:
Podcast Episode 16: Hard Hats. Strong Women. Building the Future. #UnionStrong #CountMeIn @NEWStrongWomen @NYCBldgTrades #1u https://t.co/6yY1JrD5VY
— NYSAFLCIO (@NYSAFLCIO) August 7, 2019North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
.@MaryBeMcMillan to speak @UnionSportsmen's Inaugural NC State Conservation Dinner Nov. 6th in #Charlotte https://t.co/fNTgdmn82D #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 6, 2019Ohio AFL-CIO:
Say it loud and proud!
Raising wages actually helps the economy for all working people, passing a @GOP #TaxScam helps the economy only for billionaires and investor class. It’s time to #UnrigTheSystem and have it work for worker! https://t.co/ZAFvXKf6db
Oklahoma State AFL-CIO:
Check out our August Newsletter with information on Young Workers in the Labor Movement, Union Made Labor Day, our Convention, Saving Construction Apprenticeships, and more!
Check it out at https://t.co/N1dYjUN2cS h
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Cara, a recent graduate of Portland State University, explains why she's not shopping at @FredMeyerStores until they #FixTheGap between pay for male and female employees.
Learn more and take action by visiting https://t.co/2ZeqyNv5Lf! pic.twitter.com/hCFROftCHM
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
We’re talking the #PROAct, it’s time to protect the workers’ right to organize, and enforce that right! @SenBobCasey @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/YSrrouVfLi
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 7, 2019Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
An updated Union Directory listing union goods and services in RI can be found on our website. Here is the direct link -->https://t.co/bmFICV4I4W Please use and share. #1U #AFLCIO #Union #UnionMade #UnionServices #Unions #UnionStrong
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) August 7, 2019Texas AFL-CIO:
We are ready for Tuesday, Aug. 13th! Are you? The largest labor action in North Texas is prepared to show @americanair that workers deserve respect. #1u #1Job @unitehere @unitehere23 pic.twitter.com/LjQtAOOWcW
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 10, 2019Virginia AFL-CIO:
Thanks so much to @AFLCIO ‘s Secretary Treasurer @lizshuler for joining us this morning! Thanks for your hard work representing workers everywhere. Check out some of her speech highlights below: pic.twitter.com/MNaoWhkz8n
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) August 10, 2019Washington State Labor Council:
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is proud to be part of this coalition and to support Opportunities For All!#ApproveR88 https://t.co/yZtub4TAUH
— WA State AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 9, 2019Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Laborfest information for Madison via @LaborSCFL #WIunion pic.twitter.com/0YmQMqas3Z
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 12, 2019 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2019 - 10:25Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Bricklayers
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Bricklayers.
Name of Union: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
Mission: To help workers in the industry deal with unfair treatment, discrimination and other workplace issues in pursuit of balancing the power that an employer has over individual employees. To provide information, training and support for bricklayers and allied craftworkers.
Current Leadership of Union: James Boland serves as president of BAC. Boland became a BAC member in 1977 and worked on projects in the San Francisco Bay Area for a decade. In 1988, he became a business agent for BAC Local 3 before being elected president in 1992. A year later, he joined BAC's Executive Council. Boland joined the international union's headquarters staff as assistant to the vice president. Later that year, he became regional director for California and Nevada. He served as secretary-treasurer from 1999 to 2010. He became president in 2010 and was re-elected in 2015.
Timothy J. Driscoll serves as secretary-treasurer. Gerard Scarano and Carlos Aquin serve as executive vice presidents. The executive council also includes regional vice presidents, regional directors, craft vice presidents and at-large members.
Members Work As: Bricklayers, stone and marble masons, cement masons, plasterers, tile setters, terrazzo and mosaic workers, pointers, cleaners and caulkers.
Industries Represented: The organized masonry industry.
History: Watch this video about the history of the Bricklayers.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The BAC Craft Awards recognize distinguished service that BAC members provide to our unions and communities. BAC runs an International Pension Fund, a Member Assistance Program and an International Health Fund to improve the quality of life for members. The Disaster Relief Fund helps members who are survivors of natural or other disasters. Through it's online store, BAC sells tools and branded clothing and other merchandise. BAC has several training and education resources. The BAC Journal provides information for working people in the masonry industry.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2019 - 08:07‘State of the Unions’ Podcast—Special Episode: The Labor Movement Responds to the El Paso Massacre
On the latest episode of “State of the Unions,” podcast co-hosts Julie Greene and Tim Schlittner talk with Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay (Education Austin/AFT-NEA) in the wake of the deadly mass shooting in El Paso, Texas. They discuss immigration, organizing and the need for solidarity in times of darkness.
Listen to our previous episodes:
- UNITE HERE President D. Taylor talking about the activism of airline catering workers and the current moment for union organizing.
- Highlights of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's (UMWA) town halls in Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit, where he discussed NAFTA and trade.
- AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) talks about pushing the labor movement to be bold, take risks and not be afraid of failure.
- Pride At Work Executive Director Jerame Davis discusses the progress made by LGBTQ working people over the past quarter-century and the work still left to be done.
- Union organizer Andy Levin goes to Washington to make a difference for working people.
- Talking to National Nurses United (NNU) Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right.
“State of the Unions” is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and anywhere else you can find podcasts.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/07/2019 - 09:51Tags: Podcast
A Labor Icon: 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.
CWA's Morton Bahr Was a Labor Icon: "On Tuesday night, Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Emeritus Morton Bahr passed away. Bahr was an iconic leader in the American labor movement whose innovation and dedication will be felt for many years to come."
Drivers Win Dignity by Forming Union, Striking for Fairness: "Right in the heart of tourist season on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, visitors and residents alike now will be driven around the island by union bus drivers who just won their first contract."
Hotel Trades and Airbnb Square Off in Jersey City Over Ordinance Regulating Short-Term Rentals: "On June 26, the Hotel Trades Council celebrated the passage of a Jersey City ordinance that places regulations on Airbnb rentals. The ordinance safeguards the wages, benefits and jobs of hundreds of hotel workers in the Jersey City region. Moreover, it protects affordable housing and quality of life for tens of thousands of city residents."
Oregon AFL-CIO Cements Deal to Make Portland Baseball Stadium Union-Friendly: "The Oregon AFL-CIO and allies negotiated a historical deal with the Portland Diamond Project that will mean a stadium being built in order to attract Major League Baseball to the city will be union-friendly. In signing the labor harmony agreement, the Portland Diamond Project has voluntarily agreed to allow workers at the stadium to organize and form unions."
Solidarity Makes Us Strong: In the States Roundup: "It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states."
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers: "Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers."
Labor Puts Candidates on Notice: ‘Let’s Be Honest About the Democratic Party’s Record’: "The president of the AFL-CIO labor federation spoke at a closed meeting with representatives from the entire field of 2020 Democratic presidential candidates ahead of Wednesday’s debate in Detroit. His message was straightforward: 'It’s time to do better.' Richard Trumka told attendees that while President Donald Trump is enacting bad policies for workers, Democratic leaders need to reckon with their own role in creating an unfair economy. He said 'both parties' are to blame for a system that caters to the rich."
AFL-CIO’s Trumka Looks for Workers’ Candidate: Campaign Update: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said he’ll be watching the Democratic debates to see which presidential candidate can best help working people. 'We ARE this country, yet more and more, the economic and political rules have been rigged against us,' Trumka, who heads the largest federation of U.S. unions, said in a statement. 'We’ll be listening for a candidate who will use the presidency to make our country work for working people. We’re not settling for anything less.'"
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Before Debate: "We’re everywhere. We make this country run. We ARE this country, yet more and more, the economic and political rules have been rigged against us. Today, here in Michigan, an autoworker woke up with a pain in her stomach, terrified that she’ll be the next to lose her job to NAFTA. A single mother heard pundits talk about our great economy and wondered when that greatness would reach her paycheck. An immigrant worker was exploited and threatened with deportation for daring to speak up for safety on the job. A nurse watched another patient walk away from medical care they couldn’t afford. A coal miner worried about the urgent threat of climate change AND the urgent threat to his hard-earned pension. Today, in small towns and big cities, in factories and in offices, co-workers joined together, trying to make things better, fighting to organize a union, only to find their voices silenced by unrestrained corporate greed and century-old labor laws."
MLB to Portland Group Expects to Meet with MLB Commissioner in Next Two Months: "Portland Diamond Project announced Monday it will allow employees who work at Portland's future ballpark to organize and join a union, and provided an update on the group's effort to bring a Major League Baseball team to Portland.During Monday's press conference, PDP also signed a labor peace agreement with the Oregon AFL-CIO and its affiliated unions. 'Oregon's unions are proud to be a part of the efforts to bring baseball to the Rose City,' Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain said. Chamberlain added that the future ballpark will be the only unionized sports arena in the state. 'This agreement is just the beginning of PDP's efforts to generate economic opportunities for Portlanders and people across the region,' PDP founder and president Craig Cheek said. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler called the labor agreement 'a significant milestone' in bringing a Major League Baseball team to Portland. Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury called it 'a strong first step.'"
Trumka Inspires at the WSLC Convention: "AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka brought hundreds of delegates to their feet Thursday at the 2019 Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, with an inspirational call to action amid dark times in our nation. 'I started in the labor movement 50 years ago,' Trumka said. 'And I’ve never been more confident in the power of working people. Something is happening in America right now. You can see it, you can hear it, and God, you can feel it.' 'But even on our brightest day, it’s impossible to ignore the daily atrocities committed in the land that we love,' he added. 'Americans are being scapegoated, minimized, dehumanized, and told to go back to the country where they came from….Some say America has lost her way, but I think it’s even worse than that. The forces of greed in our nation, both elected and not, are pulling America apart deliberately and strategically in order to line their own pockets. Today they are laughing all the way to the bank. Donald Trump is a symptom of the problem. He capitalized on anxiety, fear, and divisions that have been sowed by the ruling class since the dawn of time….The cure for that cancer has always been the same one—solidarity, working-class solidarity.'"
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/06/2019 - 15:06Global Champion for Working People, Barbara Shailor, Passes Away
Working people across the world lost an important champion last week when Barbara Shailor passed away. Shailor spent her life dedicated to helping improve the lives of working people, particularly women, both in the United States and around the world.
Shailor had a long and distinguished career fighting on behalf of working people across the world. She was committed to social justice, had a rigorous intellect and great style.
Her career began when she first got a job as a flight attendant. After years of pioneering labor/community coalitions to address political issues such as energy and workers' rights, she rose up the ranks to become international director of the Machinists (IAM). She was chosen in 1995 by then-AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to reorganize and refocus the federation's international work. She served in the role of international affairs director for the AFL-CIO and oversaw the work of the Solidarity Center, refocusing its mission for modern times. After leaving the federation, she served as the U.S. State Department's special representative for international labor affairs until 2014.
In all of her roles, Shailor focused on the concerns and rights of women workers. She worked hard to promote women leaders and to develop younger women activists. The impact she had on the lives of millions of women around the globe cannot be measured.
Shailor is survived by her husband, Robert Borosage; their children, Alexander and his wife Stephanie, Gregory and his wife Kimberly, and Frances; and two grandchildren, Jackson and Ben. She will be missed by friends around the world and the millions of working people whose lives are better because of her hard work and dedication.
About Shailor, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) said:
From her work in the movement to end the Vietnam War to Democratic Party politics and presidential campaigns to high-level legislative and organizing work at the International Association of Machinists (IAM) that brought together unions and citizen organizations like Jobs with Justice to her sophisticated leadership in international affairs at the IAM and later the AFL-CIO itself, Barbara exemplified the heart and skills that we need now more than ever in pursuing social justice. Along with John Sweeney, she led the AFL-CIO to create the Solidarity Center to build worker power around the world. As the U.S. State Department’s Special Representative for International Labor Affairs, she brought her considerable abilities to labor diplomacy, making clear the role workers and unions play in both economic justice and democracy.
And AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler (IBEW) said:
Barbara was a master at bringing global interests together, within the labor movement, but also across allied organizations, corporations and governments. I marveled at seeing her in action at the ILO annual conference in Geneva, where she brought a fierce and persuasive voice for working people to countless negotiations. She could travel seamlessly between different worlds—whether it was meeting with a high level diplomat or world leader, or an agricultural worker from a developing nation, Barbara brought her intellect, empathy and savvy diplomacy to every interaction—and working people are better off because of her heroic work.
Shailor's loss will be felt not only by those who knew her personally, but by anyone fighting on behalf of working people in the United States.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/06/2019 - 09:49Tags: Solidarity Center
Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Longshoremen
Next up in our series that takes a deeper look at each of our affiliates is the Longshoremen.
Name of Union: International Longshoremen's Association (ILA)
Mission: To promote the best interests of our members and their families; to organize unorganized workers; to bargain collectively and to negotiate; to improve the wages, hours of work, job security, work and living conditions; to secure and promote laws for the benefit of all workers; to expand educational opportunities of our members and their families; and to promote health, welfare, pension, recreational and civic programs in the interests of our members and their families.
Current Leadership of Union: Harold J. Daggett serves as international president of ILA. Daggett began his career with ILA as a mechanic with Local 1804-1 in 1967. He is a third generation ILA member who worked with Sea-Land Services for more than a decade until he was appointed as secretary-treasurer and business agent for his local. He was re-elected to that position six times, while also serving as secretary-treasurer of the New York–New Jersey District Council. In 1991, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the ILA Atlantic Coast District, a position to which he was re-elected twice. In 1998, he was elected president of ILA Local 1804-1. He began serving as an ILA executive officer in 1999, the first eight years as assistant general organizer and then four years as executive vice president. He was first elected international president of the ILA in 2011 and has been re-elected in 2015 and 2019.
The other officers of ILA include: Stephen K. Knott (secretary-treasurer), Dennis A. Daggett (executive vice president), Wilbert Rowell (general vice president), John D. Baker (general organizer), James H. Paylor Jr. (assistant general organizer), Alan A. Robb (assistant general organizer), Benny Holland Jr. (executive vice president emeritus), Michael J. Vigneron (president, Atlantic Coast District), James Stolpinski (secretary-treasurer, Atlantic Coast District) and William Bernard Dudley (general vice president, Atlantic Coast District).
Current Number of Members: 65,000
Members Work As: Longshoremen
Industries Represented: Maritime workers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico and eastern Canada.
History: The roots of the ILA can be traced back to colonial America, as ships from the Old World needed workers to unload supplies. The earliest longshoremen in the United States lived a meager existence with horrible working conditions and low wages. Exploitation was widespread and workers were unhappy. In 1864, the first modern longshoremen's union was formed in New York, the Longshoremen's Union Protective Association (LUPA).
In 1877, an Irish tugboat worker from Chicago, Dan Keefe, formed the first local of the Association of Lumber Handlers, which would later become the ILA. Divisions among workers were exploited by big business in order to crush early unions such as LUPA. In 1892, delegates convened in Detroit where they officially became the National Longshoremen's Association of the United States. A few years later, it was changed to the "International" Longshoremen's Association to reflect the growing Canadian membership. Shortly after, ILA affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.
By 1900, ILA had grown to 50,000 members, most working the Great Lakes. Five years later, membership had doubled, with most of the new members coming from outside the Great Lakes region. The United States was the last country with large foreign commerce that hadn't passed any laws to protect the safety of longshoremen. During the Great Depression, unemployed Americans flooded the longshoremen job market with cheap labor. Company unions grew in power and in size. After the passage of labor-friendly laws like the Norris–LaGuardia Act and the National Labor Relations Act, the ILA began to reorganize and reclaim many lost members and ports. After that, membership soared to above prewar levels.
In the 1950s, New York Gov. Thomas E. Dewey conducted an investigation of the ILA over concerns about corruption and ties to organized crime. The ILA immediately worked to clean house and get rid of corrupt or criminal elements, but in 1953, the ILA was suspended by the AFL and the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen (IBL) was created to replace it. Even though the accusations against the ILA were later proved to be groundless, the turmoil nearly destroyed the ILA.
In order to address these problems, organizer Thomas "Teddy" Gleason was sent from port to port nationwide to overcome the rising negative opinions about the ILA. After the ILA won an important election to determine representation at the Port of New York, opposing forces ramped up their campaign against the union. Gleason ramped up his organizing efforts in response and the ILA won a slim victory in yet another election for representation in New York. After a third representation election in 1956, which the ILA again won, the IBL dissolved in 1959 and the ILA joined the AFL-CIO.
Gleason was unanimously elected president of the ILA in 1963. He moved the headquarters to its current location, began settling the union's troubled financial affairs and negotiated the longest-lasting ILA contract in history at that point. Gleason served as president for 24 years and his foresight saved countless jobs and increased job security and workplace safety.
Today the ILA continues to grow and flourish, despite opposition from big business interests and competing labor organizations. Now, the ILA lives up to the vision of a modern union that leaders of the past saw for the organization and stands ready to face new challenges and technology that will affect working people's lives.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The ILA Quarterly Safety Bulletin provides those working in the industry with safety guidelines and helpful information. The OSH Circular provides additional safety information. The Tracking Damages video describes the effects of improper handling of damaged shipping containers. The Civil, Human and Women's Rights Awards recognize the efforts of ILA members and allies who fight for a more inclusive workplace.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/05/2019 - 09:45Economy Gains 164,000 Jobs in July; Unemployment Steady at 3.7%
The U.S. economy gained 164,000 jobs in July, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.7%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compensation in both union and nonunion sectors showed modest growth for the year ending June 2019. Meanwhile, productivity is rising faster than wages in too many industries.
In response to the July job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs tweeted:
The tepid 3.2% in wage growth in perspective: For a higher wage sector like manufacturing, wages were up 2.5%, but in lower wage sectors where the minimum wage increases have mattered, retail trade was up 5.3% and leisure and hospitality up 3.7% @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/3m4Xz8qC4g
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
With continued revisions in previously release preliminary employment numbers, so far this year has averaged 164,000 jobs a month; compared to 223,000 jobs a month in 2018. The @federalreserve rate cut should not be a mid-course correction; but, a time to change course. @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Changing job demographics. Latinx unemployment has been rising consistently since April from 4.2 to 4.5% in July. But, with higher labor force participation and rising employment-to-population ratio from 63.2 to 63.4% @UnidosUS_Econ @Marietmora @AFLCIO @LULAC
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Black and white labor force participation continues to show convergence, with slight up tic in Black labor force participation in July for Blacks from 61.9 to 62.7, now virtually equal to white's 62.9% rate. @AFLCIO #JobsReport @rolandsmartin @CBTU72 @APRI_National pic.twitter.com/zIFg0ysf0H
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
July continued to show that trying to explain the labor market using a skills argument is difficult. Unemployment rates fell for less than high school and high school only workers, but rose for better educated workers with some college or a degree. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/JJoFXSAF24
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Not good. Since last July, unemployment among younger veterans has risen, while unemployment rates for older veterans and for non-veterans has gone down. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/RQCbE4rQLj
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
To be clear. This July report is not good news for the President of Hate. Unemployment is up from last July for blue collar jobs of construction, production workers and transportation jobs. It was also up for current younger veterans. @AFLCIO #JobsReport pic.twitter.com/ebZT1lM7aG
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Legislation to ensure workers have regular schedules is important because 5.2% of the workforce hold multiple jobs. For women, a large share are either putting together two part-time or one full-time and a part-time job to make it. #JobsReport @IWPResearch @AFLCIO @CLUWNational pic.twitter.com/cuTtom2N6s
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
On the good news front, slow but steady small increases continue in motor vehicle and parts manufacturing jobs, up 7,200 in July from June and 11,900 from last July. @AFLCIO @UAW
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Given the heavy debt-overhang in many retail sector companies, continued job weakness is a concern. July, retail shed 3,600 jobs since June and 59,900 since last July. (Though food and beverage stores show modest gains @UFCW ) @AFLCIO
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
After finally recovering to near its 2008 peak in September 2018 a decade later, state government employment continues to show weakness; unchanged in June and down 23,000 since last July. @AFSCME @AFLCIO Low public investment is not good for our economy. pic.twitter.com/7dReHYOGFw
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Local government employment continues its recovery, and after gaining 14,000 jobs in July, is about equal to its June 2008 peak (11 years later). But this is late for our class rooms that have had too few teachers-per-student. @AFTunion @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/JmycgkXXG5
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
It's time to rebuild labor economics. Our two largest broad industry categories are: 1) Education and Health Services and 2) Business and Professional Services. (1) is 77.3% female, the other (2) 45.6% female. The two industries are over 1/3 of private employment. @CLUWNational pic.twitter.com/J6ojOOP7Nr
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019
Continued weakness for women in the labor market. Once again in July, women who were unemployed in June were more likely to drop out than find employment (763,000 to 711,000). Except June, this has been the case most this year. @CLUWNational @IWPResearch https://t.co/hliQQA9Zg7
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) August 2, 2019Last month's biggest job gains were in professional and technical services (31,000), health care (30,000), social assistance (20,000), financial activities (18,000) and manufacturing (16,000). Mining saw a loss of jobs (5,000). Employment in other major industries, including construction, wholesale trade, retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information, leisure and hospitality, and government changed little over the month.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates rose for Asians (2.8%) and Hispanics (4.5%). The unemployment rates for teenagers (12.8%), blacks (6.0%), adult men (3.4%), whites (3.3%) and adult women (3.4%) showed little or no change in July.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed in July and accounted for 19.2% of the unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/02/2019 - 10:35Tags: Jobs Report
CWA's Morton Bahr Was a Labor Icon
On Tuesday night, Communications Workers of America (CWA) President Emeritus Morton Bahr passed away. Bahr was an iconic leader in the American labor movement whose innovation and dedication will be felt for many years to come.
In 1951, Bahr took a job as a telegraph operator at Mackay Radio and Telegraph in New York. Not long after, he had organized his fellow workers into an independent union that later affiliated with CWA. He worked his way up to a leadership position, becoming district director and then vice president of the union's largest district, where he led CWA's first organizing campaign in the public sector.
Bahr's tireless efforts on behalf of working people led to his election as president of CWA in 1985, becoming only the third president in the union's history. He would win re-election to the position and remained president for 20 years. During this time, he also became an AFL-CIO vice president and Executive Council member.
The year before he was elected, the AT&T Bell System was broken up and the shakeup meant the telecommunications industry was in turmoil. Bahr created new bargaining and campaign strategies to help workers survive the turbulent times. One major strategy was to expand beyond telecommunications to include high technology, media, the airline industry, electronics, manufacturing, public service and more.
Bahr became an expert on the nexus of technology and the workforce, and he championed groundbreaking education and training programs that would help transform the labor movement. His dedication to worker education will endure, as a scholarship in his name continues to help working people enhance career opportunities through distance learning.
While serving on the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Bahr was active on the International Affairs Committee, the Industrial Union Council and the committees on Capital Stewardship, Community Partnerships, Political Education, Public Affairs, Women Workers, Political Funding and more. He also served on the boards of the National Labor College and Union Privilege, as well as secretary-treasurer for the Economic Policy Institute.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (UMWA) mourned the loss:
Morty was a brother, a friend and a first-class leader. All workers are better off for his service and solidarity. The best way to honor his legacy is to confront the challenges of our time, from inequality to technology, with poise, purpose and passion.
Even after he retired in 2005, Bahr couldn't give up the labor movement. He became a volunteer organizer dedicated to bringing collective bargaining rights to every Verizon Wireless worker in the country.
Bahr laid out why he was so devoted to education and lifelong learning for workers:
A commitment to lifelong learning requires a change in lifestyle and values. Instead of going out for a beer with your co-workers at the end of the shift, you might have to go to the library. Education has to become a major part of your life, almost on a par with work and family. While the sacrifice can be great, the rewards are much greater. Taking advantage of educational opportunities will likely lead to a higher income, greater employment security and higher levels of job satisfaction. But the lifelong learner is also more active, better rounded and, there is growing evidence, a healthier individual.
Bahr will be sorely missed.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/01/2019 - 10:53
