DC LaborFest: We're in the Same Boat DC LaborFest

The fifth annual DC LaborFest—anchored by the 18th DC Labor FilmFest runs May 1-31 in Washington, D.C. Check out the complete festival schedule, including event descriptions, film trailers and links to RSVP or buy tickets. The essay below, by Working America’s Karen Nussbaum, is featured in the LaborFest’s 2018 program guide. 

My favorite moment this awards season was when Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton came out on stage together at the Emmys. The stars of “9 to 5” conversationally used the most famous words in the 1980 smash hit—“sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot”—and got a prolonged standing ovation. “How cool,” I thought, “to be associated with an iconic movie.”

The movie about turning the tables on a boorish boss was inspired by 9to5, the national organization of women office workers I helped organize in 1973. And it was a hit because it reflected the hidden truths of an invisible workforce, 20 million women office workers. Fonda and the writers spent hours talking with our members. The movie changed the national debate about women and work because there was an organized national movement ready to turn the popular farce into action.

“9 to 5” may not be “Battleship Potemkin” or another of Sergei Eisenstein’s great works, “Strike,” which is one of the many exciting films featured in this year’s DC Labor FilmFest. The festival also celebrates the 200th birthday of Karl Marx, swinging from “Swing Shift,” another film about working women with a great cast to “The Young Karl Marx,” which may have you tearing up at the dramatic reading of "The Communist Manifesto" at the end. (OK, I did.) You’ll have the opportunity to see a score of movies that touch on many facets of working people’s fights over the past century.

But “9 to 5” (shown at the DC Labor FilmFest in 2005, when Jane Fonda was presented with the festival’s Labor Arts Award) has particular resonance, and it’s not just #MeToo.  

9to5, the organization, captured a moment when working-class and middle-class women found themselves co-workers in offices across the nation, and their common cause across class and race was explosive. The surge of women into the workforce in the 1970s hit the wall of few job opportunities for women. Nearly 25% of women worked as clericals. The next biggest occupation, nurses, trailed at 9%, followed by teachers and cashiers at only 5% each.

And that’s how it felt. If you were a college graduate, you might become a nurse or a teacher, but you were more likely to get an office job alongside of high school graduates. As organizers at 9to5, we knew how important this was. So we fostered common cause among the lifelong insurance workers who trained men to be their own supervisors and the publishing house employees who weren’t allowed anywhere near a book.

By the mid-1980s, employers caved. In the face of organizing, lawsuits and popular opinion (thanks, at least in part, to the “9 to 5” movie) they opened professional and managerial jobs to college-educated women—women like their daughters. The women’s workforce settled into a class structure that looked like that of men. Inequities still abound—women still earn only 80% of what men earn, and the pay gap is nearly twice as great for Latina and African American women. And as we know from #MeToo, sexual harassment is still pervasive.

Changes in jobs and working conditions are creating common cause across class and race again today. Since the 1970s, employers have put a lid on wages and cut way back on benefits. When I started working I earned minimum wage, but I had five days of vacation and five paid sick days—and that was common. Today, only about half of private-sector employees have paid sick or leave time. Employers have abandoned this responsibility to such a degree that voters are turning to city and state legislation to require paid leave. More than 60% of workers had pensions in the 1970s—today only 23% have a pension and the benefits are only half as valuable. And we know health care remains unaffordable for too many.

Working America sees it when we talk to people at the doors. "I used to think of myself as middle class, but I guess you'd have to say I'm working class," is a common comment. "I have a middle-class job, but I can't afford a middle-class house or car," one man told me. "I'll never be able to afford to retire," older members worry. I may be drawing more from E.P. Thompson than the young Karl Marx, but it looks to me like economic conditions are changing class consciousness.

So, as Dolly sings in the song, “You're in the same boat with a lotta your friends,” and the next big blockbuster will reflect a resurgent workers’ movement that builds common cause across class and race on economic issues. In the meantime, have fun at the movies!

Karen Nussbaum is a co-founder of 9to5, and a board member of Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/24/2018 - 12:22

Big Week for Workers as More Than 10,000 Working People Join Together in Union in One Week AFL-CIO

This past week alone, more than 10,000 working people chose to join together in union for the freedom to negotiate a fair return on their hard work. From flight attendants to graduate students, each day more working people are gaining the power to change an economy rigged against us.

In response to the wave of victories, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said:

We’re living in a profound moment of change. By joining together in a union, working people are joining, fighting and winning together for the dignity that we’ve earned. Despite rigged rules and aggressive corporate attacks, 260,000 new union members joined our ranks last year, and three-quarters of new union members are under the age of 34. As we gain density, we gain power. As we grow in numbers, we grow in influence. That’s how we start to build the America working people need.

Nearly 5,000 JetBlue in-flight crew members will have the freedom to negotiate with the airline’s management after they overwhelmingly voted in favor of joining the Transport Workers (TWU) on Tuesday. Larry Willis, president of the Transportation Trades Department, said:

At a time when our economy favors the rich and powerful, today’s victory by JetBlue’s inflight crewmembers to join the Transport Workers Union demonstrates the power working people have when they come together.

JetBlue’s 5,000 inflight crewmembers want nothing more than a share in the profits they make possible, a say in workplace policies and procedures, and a seat at the table. Having a powerful union voice evens the playing field and ensures these hardworking, dedicated employees receive the dignity and respect they deserve.

In a historical victory for graduate teaching and research assistants at universities who have been fighting for a fair return on their work, more than 5,000 Harvard University teaching and research assistants decided Thursday to join UAW. Julie Kushner, director of UAW Region 9A, said:

I want to congratulate Harvard’s student workers on their incredibly hard work and welcome them to the UAW. They overcame obstacle after obstacle to win a union for themselves and their peers. We look forward to supporting them as they move into bargaining a contract. We have a history of successfully bargaining with NYU, UConn, UMass and, most recently, The New School and are looking forward to engaging in a constructive dialogue with Harvard. Today’s victory is a crucial moment in the growing student worker movement—it signals that the appointment of an anti-union NLRB will not stop the thousands who are fighting for their unions. We stand with them.

The labor movement is growing in Southern states, as evidenced Thursday when 700 working people at Atlanta Gas Light, in Atlanta, voted to join the Electrical Workers (IBEW). Lonnie Stephenson, international president of IBEW, thanked the new members:

On Thursday, 2,000 personal support workers and 400 registered nurses at Spectrum Health Care in the greater Toronto area joined the Machinists (IAM). International President Robert Martinez of IAM said:

This victory for Spectrum workers is the best example yet that the IAM’s new strategic growth plan is working. Across our union, we are thinking of new ways to bring dignity and justice on the job to working families who deserve representation at work. Our power at the negotiating table is growing by the day—and that’s good news for IAM members of today and tomorrow.

In Pleasanton, California, 400 registered nurses from Stanford Health Care’s ValleyCare Medical Center will join National Nurses United (NNU) after a majority of them voted to join the union. NNU Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN, said:

Congratulations to the ValleyCare RNs. Your vote to join with your CNA colleagues across the Bay Area and throughout California will have an enormous impact on your patients, your neighbors and your colleagues. We are proud of your decision.

In Marlborough, Massachusetts, 220 working people from nurses to clerical staff at UMass Memorial-Marlborough Hospital decided to join the State Healthcare and Research Employees Union, an affiliate of AFSCME.

The wave of working people in newsrooms who join together in labor unions continues to grow. Last week, an overwhelming majority of editorial employees of the New Republic have signed on to a union organizing effort and have asked management to recognize The NewsGuild of New York/TNG-CWA Local 31003 as their local union. Grant Glickson, president of Local 31003, said:

At a time when our industry needs unions, we are excited to see the staff of this 100-year-old publication demand a seat at the table and a say in the future of the publication. We look forward to working with management in these shared goals.

On Friday, hundreds of working people at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, voted to be represented by the New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE. Warren Pepicelli, manager of the New England Joint Board, said:

[These] workers sent a strong message of unity by voting yes today. We’re hopeful that Foxwoods will respect the workers’ decision and schedule negotiations as soon as possible. We look forward to negotiating in good faith with Foxwoods to address the many concerns that workers have.

At a time when powerful corporations and special interests continue to use a rigged system to their benefit, this kind of momentum proves that working people are standing up to defend the freedom to join together in union.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/24/2018 - 09:55

Celebrate Working People This Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event that celebrates our planet’s natural beauty and calls for the protection of our natural treasures and mitigation of the damage human activity can inflict on our planet. Across the country, working people are a key part of those efforts. Here are some key examples of how working people are making our world a cleaner, safer place every day.

• AFGE represents workers at the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Service and the Department of the Interior.

• Transport Workers (TWU) represents members at various observatories and zoos.

• At NASA, Machinists (IAM) members build and launch the satellites and rockets that explore Earth from above. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) represents the scientists and engineers at NASA.

• A large percentage of U.S. Forest Service workers are represented by IAM-NFFE.

• AFSCME represents water quality workers, solid waste and sewage treatment plant processors who keep the Earth clean. Also represented by AFSCME are parks and recreation employees throughout the country, as well as city/county/state parks workers, including those who monitor fishing and game licenses, animal control, watershed rangers, vehicle emissions testers, public transportation and port workers.

• Communications Workers of America (CWA) represents working people at state and municipal parks who maintain our natural treasures and make sure they are accessible to the public.

• Transit and other workers who are part of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) provide cheaper and more planet-friendly travel options to millions of Americans.

• Members of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) are farm workers throughout the country who harvest our food and get it to our tables.

• Among the working people represented by the Utility Workers (UWUA) are those who clean the water in St. Louis for Mid-American Water, city recycling workers, arborists who save trees and parks employees.

• International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) members not only produce the energy-efficient air and heating systems that keep homes and business healthy and comfortable, they manufacture electric buses and team up with various groups to make buildings more environmentally friendly.

• Electrical Workers (IBEW) are at the forefront of the clean energy revolution, particularly in the growth of wind and solar energy and managing the electrical grid to accommodate more clean energy production.

• UAW members produce electric cars, lithium battery packs, fuel cells and autonomous vehicles. Members also work at places such as Sierra Club headquarters and Lansing, Michigan’s Forestry Division and Potter Park Zoo.

• Building and Construction Trades Department (BCTD) union members install wind turbines and solar panels, and operate the best training programs for renewables installation.

• Heat and Frost Insulators improve energy efficiency in thousands of buildings large and small.

• Plumbers and Pipe Fitters (UA) members install high efficiency HVAC systems that reduce emissions, and assembled 400 volunteers to change water lines and faucets in Flint, Michigan.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to working people working at jobs that are friendly to our planet. Did we miss something? Email us at website@aflcio.org and we’ll add to this list!

Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 04/21/2018 - 11:12

From a Whisper to a Roar: 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 this week’s Working People Weekly List.

 

Andrew Pallotta: A National Lesson in Unionism: “You can hear it building: A movement growing from a quiet whisper to a full roar. In West Virginia and Oklahoma—and in Kentucky and Arizona—teachers are finding their voices. They are standing with their unions to use that collective voice to improve their lives and their communities.”

Arizona Teachers Vote to Strike, Sparking First-Ever Statewide Walkout: “Teachers in Arizona held a strike vote on Thursday that launched a first-ever statewide walkout and turned down a proposed pay raise—instead demanding increased school funding. The Arizona Education Association and the grassroots group the Arizona Educators United announced that teachers will walk off the job April 26.”

Trump’s SEC Proposes Obama-Era Broker Conflict Rules Rewrite: “And on Twitter, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka panned the SEC’s action, calling it ‘insufficient to hold Wall Street accountable.’ ‘We won’t stop fighting,’ Trumka wrote.”

I’m an Undocumented Immigrant. I Pay My Taxes Every Year: “As a young boy, I remember accompanying my parents to visit their accountant and seeing them turn over large folders, neatly organized, with all of their tax forms and corresponding documents. My mother would tell me her priority was to show the government our family was contributing, so that when it came time to become legal permanent residents, and later U.S. citizens, there would be no questions about our contributions to the country.”

Senate Bill to Curtail Labor Rights on Tribal Land Falls Short: “The AFL-CIO said passage of the measure, the subject of several years of tribal lobbying, would have amounted to the most aggressive erosion of labor protections since 1940s. A package of bills containing the measure fell five votes short of the 60 needed to break a filibuster.”

Paid Summer Breaks and Other Common Myths About Teachers: “As teachers in several states across the United States protest for higher pay and more funding for public education, lawmakers and onlookers are debating whether teachers deserve more money. But many of the arguments against teachers’ demands are based on misconceptions about the teaching profession and how they’re compensated.”

Increase Wages, But Also Restore Rights: “As the United States, Mexico and Canada renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, there is a lot of room for improvement. No improvement is more needed, however, than a new labor system in Mexico that secures for all workers the freedom to form and join free and independent unions, so that working people can act democratically and responsibly together to improve their wages and working conditions.”

New Rule on Investment Advice Leaves Working People Vulnerable: “Workers depend on investments in the financial markets to finance our retirements and grow our other long-term savings. That means we need sound investment advice, provided by experts who are looking out for our best interests. While it seems obvious that the people whom we rely on to provide this advice should be required to act in our best interest and not line their own pockets, that is not always the case under current rules. Research shows that, as a result, many working people lose more than one-fourth of their potential retirement paychecks to corrupt financial advice.”

Ten Years Later: Worker Wins: “Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with a victory 10 years in the making and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.”

JetBlue In-Flight Crew Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Join TWU: “In-flight crew members at JetBlue overwhelmingly voted to join the Transport Workers (TWU). With more than 86% of eligible employees participating in the vote, more than two-thirds voted in favor of joining TWU.”

12 Things We’ve Learned About the GOP Tax Bill: “President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans rushed to pass the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, leaving very little time for public scrutiny or debate. Here are a few things we have learned since the GOP tax bill passed.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/20/2018 - 13:08

Increase Wages, But Also Restore Rights

As the United States, Mexico and Canada renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, there is a lot of room for improvement. No improvement is more needed, however, than a new labor system in Mexico that secures for all workers the freedom to form and join free and independent unions, so that working people can act democratically and responsibly together to improve their wages and working conditions.

If Mexico’s corrupt labor system does not change, the rest of the NAFTA renegotiation won’t be worth much. Mexico will continue to be a haven for worker exploitation and abuse, and a popular outsourcing destination for greedy CEOs who seek to increase their bottom lines while their employees live in dire conditions. In this , Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, president of Mexico’s Mineworkers Union, compellingly argues that North America’s working families have a shared interest in Mexico’s labor rights regime (translated from Spanish):

There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of using the NAFTA renegotiation as an impulse to increase wages in Mexico, since the increase in Mexican workers’ income would eliminate the pretext mentioned by Donald Trump to complicate the treaty, arguing that low wages favor Mexican companies to the detriment of those of the United States and Canada....

But the increases are not so valuable when they are granted without accompanying democratic rights with which workers can defend their gains. In recent years, the Mineworkers Union has achieved an average increase in salaries and benefits above 12%, that is, two or three times higher than those obtained by employer-dominated unions. This success is mainly due to the willingness and ability of our members to mobilize together with their communities, to democratically and responsibly exercise the right to strike to make the union grow with new investment projects, and to organize new members.

It would be a mistake to think that the increases by themselves could solve the deficit of democratic rights that persists in the Mexican labor world. As many experts have observed, Mexican wages in large industries are lower compared with those in other countries, not because of lack of productivity, but because of a diabolical pact between politicians, businessmen and employer-dominated unions to use the legal structure to systematically rob the workers, dividing the booty among themselves.

The most recent example of this alliance is the legislation to implement constitutional reforms in labor matters, which is to be debated in the Senate this week. As many lawyers, academics and trade union leaders have warned, the bill aims to consolidate control of the institutions of labor justice by corrupt unions, complicit officials and companies associated with them, closing off all spaces for workers to attempt to organize in democratic unions and thus negotiate collective agreements that guarantee good salaries, workplace health and safety, the profit sharing to which they are legally and fairly entitled, and the possibility of a dignified retirement....

The only effective strategy to revert the control of large companies and their corrupt union lackeys is to defeat this false bill and approve one that faithfully implements constitutional norms and international agreements signed by Mexico that protect the rights of workers.

This has been the main demand of the international trade unions of Canada, Europe and the United States in their letters addressed to the senators of Mexico. It is another cruel irony that they worry more about the rights of Mexican workers than our own government and, of course, the corrupt trade unionists.

Read the full text of the op-ed (in Spanish).

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/20/2018 - 13:01

Macy’s Workers Unite Across the Country DC Jobs With Justice

Macy’s workers and their supporters held three rallies on Thursday, one as far away as Seattle, as United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals 400 and 21 gear up to negotiate their next union contracts with the company.

Workers want “better pay, better hours, better schedules, better everything,” UFCW 400 member Bianca Morris said on Thursday’s “Your Rights at Work” show on WPFW.

“Negotiations are slow going, but we’ve made it very clear to Macy’s that our goal is to take the time to get the deal that our members have earned,” said UFCW 400 mobilization director Alan Hanson, who joined Morris on the show.

UFCW 400 coordinated with Seattle sister local 21, which also represents hundreds of Macy’s associates, to hold simultaneous rallies Thursday. “We are really excited to be joining forces with our sisters and brothers in the Pacific Northwest,” Hanson said. “We have made a commitment to negotiate together to win the contract we deserve.”

This post originally appeared at Metro Washington (D.C.) Council AFL-CIO.

 

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/20/2018 - 11:04

New Rule on Investment Advice Leaves Working People Vulnerable

Workers depend on investments in the financial markets to finance our retirements and grow our other long-term savings. That means we need sound investment advice, provided by experts who are looking out for our best interests. While it seems obvious that the people whom we rely on to provide this advice should be required to act in our best interest and not line their own pockets, that is not always the case under current rules. Research shows that, as a result, many working people lose more than one-fourth of their potential retirement paychecks to corrupt financial advice.

Investor advocates have been fighting for decades to close this egregious loophole. On Wednesday, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a rule called Regulation Best Interest. And while any movement in this area could be viewed as a positive sign, the proposal as is appears to be inadequate.

The devil is in the details, which will take some time to fully understand. The standard of conduct required of brokers appears to fall short of a clear and unambiguous requirement that brokers recommend the best available investment options.

Democratic SEC Commissioner Kara Stein said:

Does this proposal require financial professionals to put their customers’ interests first, and fully and fairly disclose any conflicting interests? No. Does this proposal require all financial professionals who make investment recommendations related to retail customers to do so as fiduciaries? No. Does this proposal require financial professionals to provide retail customers with the best available options? No. 

Could we have proposed a best-interest standard? Yes, we could have proposed such a standard. Unfortunately, we did not.

Commissioner Robert J. Jackson Jr., also a Democratic SEC commissioner, said:

The standard set forth in Regulation Best Interest is far too ambiguous about a question on which there should be no confusion: the duty that investors are owed by those who are entrusted with ordinary families’ economic futures. Americans deserve a clear best-interest rule that places the client’s needs ahead of the broker’s. Period.

The commissioners’ statements say it all. The SEC should have proposed a rule that would stop people who provide investment advice from skimming our savings. The proposal does not do that.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/19/2018 - 11:59

Ten Years Later: Worker Wins OPEIU Local 459

Our latest roundup of worker wins begins with a victory 10 years in the making and includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.

OPEIU Workers Win Historic 10-Year Fight at American Red Cross: After a decade-long battle, workig people at American Red Cross in Michigan have won a new contract. They also came to resolution of an unfair labor practice charge that will repay workers more than $1.6 million in lost benefits.

A Growing Wave of Campaigns Are Organizing: In advance of the 2018 midterm elections, nine Democratic campaigns have come together in union. Additionally, Revolution Messaging, a digital communications firm, also has unionized. The newly organized campaign workers are represented by The Campaign Workers Guild, which is assisting in negotiations with dozens of other campaigns. The nine campaigns that have organized so far are: for the U.S. House of Representatives—Randy Bryce (Wis.), Brian Flynn (N.Y.), Dan Haberman (Mich.), Jess King (Pa.), Marie Newman (Ill.), Andy Thorburn (Calif.); attorney general—Renato Mariotti (Ill.); governor—Erin Murphy (Minn.); and County Council—Chris Wilhelm (Montgomery County, Md.).

Restaurant Workers Win Protection for Their Tips: Restaurant workers across the country won big with legislation that codifies protections for tipped workers against employers taking any portion of their tips. "Today represents a historic victory for restaurant workers. The National Restaurant Association wanted to steal workers’ tips, but the workers said no—and they won. The fact that hundreds of thousands of workers stood up and said no to employers taking their tips, and that congressional leadership listened and acted, is a testament to the power of workers standing up together," said Saru Jayaraman, president of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United.

California Nurses Want New Safety Rules Made National: The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United (CNA/NNU) pushed for and got new safety regulations, as the rate of nonfatal violence against nurses is three times higher than against other industries. Now the nurses are pushing for the same rules to be established nationally. "What works for health care facilities should be extended to all workplaces. Our patients and their families are then also at risk because violence impacts everyone in the vicinity. We know that the frequency and severity of these violent attacks can be drastically reduced through workplace violence prevention plans that are specific to the needs of each facility and unit and are created with the expertise and input of nurses and other workers," said NNU Executive Director Bonnie Castillo.

Onion Staff Request Formal Recognition of Union: The overwhelming majority of staff at satirical website The Onion have signed cards expressing their desire to be represented by the Writers Guild of America, East, (WGAE) and asked management to voluntarily recognize the union. The unit would represent all of the creative staff at The Onion and related websites.

Aviation Workers at FAA Join PASS: Working people at the Federal Aviation Administration's Eastern, Central and Western Service Centers voted by an overwhelming majority of 89% to be represented by the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). "This is a big win for PASS, of course," said PASS National President Mike Perrone, "but more importantly, it’s a big win for these dedicated federal employees. They will soon be able to enjoy the workplace benefits of a collective bargaining agreement."

Facebook Cafeteria Workers Win Major Improvements: Food service workers at Facebook's offices in Menlo Park, California, ratified their first union contract. "We’re glad to have negotiated this first contract; it’s a big step forward for cafeteria workers in Silicon Valley. We still have work to do, and we’re not going to stop until all the food service jobs have the job standards and security that people need to live a decent life," said Enrique Fernandez of UNITE HERE Local 19.

New Republic Employees Continue Trend of Editorial Organizing: Editorial staff at The New Republic, which has been published for more than 100 years, have joined The NewsGuild of New York, joining a growing trend of editorial organizing, which includes publications like the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune and Mic.com. "We all work for TNR because we love it here, but all workers need the protection of a union. We believe that unionizing is the best way to strengthen our workplace, not just for ourselves but for future generations of journalists. By organizing, we're simply affirming our commitment to The New Republic's progressive values. We're also affirming our commitment to each other," said Sarah Jones, staff writer.

California Virtual Educators Agree to First Union Contract: Teachers who work for California Virtual Academies, one of the largest online public charter schools, reached an agreement on their first union contract. "Organizing teachers in a workplace—where we don’t see our peers and where the bargaining unit stretches across a state as large as California—isn’t easy, and it also isn’t easy establishing a precedent-setting agreement. We are so proud of the hard work and commitment our teachers made in ensuring that our core values on work status, caseloads and workload were recognized....Our schools here in California and other online schools have had very little input from the teachers on the front line. This agreement will change that and allow those who work most closely with students a greater say in shaping the curriculum and school policies."

NLRB Regional Director Certifies Green Valley Ranch Employees' Election to Join Culinary Workers: Despite a history of telling employees that it would respect the results of their union election, Station Casinos challenged the election where a super majority of 78% of Green Valley Ranch's working people voted in favor of the union. The NLRB regional director rejected the challenge and certified the election, finding no objectionable conduct by union organizers.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/18/2018 - 13:38

Ending a Rigged System: 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 and central labor councils on Twitter.

Alaska AFL-CIO:

#TaxDayProtest pic.twitter.com/bDl4juYQLR

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 17, 2018

Arkansas AFL-CIO:

Tough weather did not stop AFSCME Local 965! #1u #afscme #livingwage https://t.co/ZyIiiWGKRs

— Arkansas AFL-CIO (@ArkansasAFLCIO) April 9, 2018

California Labor Federation:

⚡️Women standing strong together to end a rigged system⚡️ "Uber whistleblower Susan Fowler backs California legislation to end forced arbitration" Must read from @Cookie and @jonrussell on #AB3080

Your Union-Made Snack Guide! AFL-CIO

You like snacks, right? Everybody does! Did you know that your snack choices can reflect your values and show support for working people? That's right, when you choose these snacks made by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM), you not only have fun, you use the power of your wallet to make the world a better place. Here's a handy guide to let you know which snacks are union-made!

Chips and Pretzels: You have lots of options here (all made by BCTGM), including: Rold Gold pretzels made in Canton, Ohio (Local 19); UTZ pretzels made in Reading, Pennsylvania (Local 6); Frito-Lay products made in Topeka, Kansas (Local 218) and Vancouver, Washington (Local 364); Pirate's Booty and Keystone Foods products made in Easton, Pennsylvania (Local 6); Mikesell’s potato chips made in Dayton, Ohio (Local 57); Happy’s potato chips made in St. Paul, Minnesota (Local 22); and Bugles made in West Chicago, Illinois (Local 316G).

Ice Cream Toppings: If you love ice cream and want some special toppings, get those made by BCTGM at the Masterson Company of Milwaukee (Local 244).

Sweet Goods: Prefer your desserts baked? Try out Safeway's bakery goods made by BCTGM Local 114 (Portland, Oregon), Local 118 (Washington, D.C.), Local 68 (Baltimore) or Hostess Brands, including Ding Dongs, Twinkies, SnoBalls, made from either the Indianapolis (Local 1) or Columbus, Georgia (Local 42) bakeries. 

Bread and Rolls: The following products are made by various BCTGM locals: Bimbo, SB Thomas, Sara Lee, Nature’s Harvest, Earthgrains, Freihofer, Colonial, Metz, Arnold, Brownberry, Oroweat, Entenmann’s, Ball Park, Marinela, Maier’s, Beefsteak, D’Italiano, J.J. Nissen, Boboli, Mrs. Baird’s, Heiner’s, Tia Rosa tortillas and Stroehmann.

Candy: If you want candy, your options are mind-expandingly plentiful. Here are some of the companies where BCTGM members make the candy you need:

• Annabelle Candy Company: Rocky Road, Abba-Zaba, Look, Big Hunk and U-No made by Local 125 in Oakland, California.
• Boyer Candy: Mallo Cups, Peanut Butter Cups, Smoothie Cups, Triple Twist Pretzels and Dark Chocolate Mallo Cups made by Local 19 in Cleveland, Ohio.
• Brown & Haley: Almond Roca, Cashew Roca and Mocha Roca made by Local 9 in Seattle.
• Concord Confections/Tootsie Roll Industries: All Tootise Roll brand products (made by BCTGM Local 1 in Chicago) and Double Bubble Bubble Gum (made by Local 264 in Toronto).
• Frankford Candy & Chocolate: Gums, jellies, hard candy, molded filled, hollow and solid chocolate (made by Local 6 in Philadelphia).
• Ghirardelli Chocolate: Pumpkin Spice Caramel Squares, Solid Milk, Milk & Caramel, Solid 60% Cacao Dark and Dark & Sea Salt Caramel and all varieties of chocolates (made by Local 125 in Oakland, California).
• Hershey: Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars, Hershey Milk Chocolate with Almond Bars, Cookies 'N’ Creme Bars (snack, extra-large and giant sizes only), Hershey Kisses (Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Special Dark, Cookies 'N’ Creme), Rolo and Hershey Nuggets (made by Local 464 in Hershey, Pennsylvania). 
• Jelly Belly: Candy Corn, Jelly Belly Disney Villains bags, Harry Potter Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Harry Potter Jelly Slugs, Jelly Belly BeanBoozled, Gummi Rats, Gummi Tarantulas and other jelly beans (made by Local 125 in Oakland, California).
• Nestlé Chocolate: Laffy Taffy, Rope Taffy, Tangy Taffy, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, BB's, Pearson's Nips, Nestlé, Peanut Butter Cups and Minis, Nestlé Crunch Bars, Skinny Cow Candy and Sno Caps (made by Local 342 in Bloomington, Illinois, and Local 1 in Chicago).
• New England Confectionery Company (NECCO): Mary Jane Peanut Butter Kisses, Mary Jane Original, Clark Jr., Skybar Zombie Food, Bat Wings, Mummy Hearts, NECCO Jr. Wafers (made by Local 348 in Framingham, Massachusetts).
• Pearson’s Candy Company: Tins, bagged and chocolate mints, including The Nut Goodie Bar, Salted Nut Roll and Pearson's Mint Patties (made by Local 22 in Twin Cities, Minnesota).
• Sconza Candy Company: Chocolate Jordanetts, Boston Baked Beans, Yogurt Raisins, Lemoncello Almonds, Chocolate/Yogurt Fruit & Raisins and other products (made by Local 125 in San Leandro, California).
• See's Candies: Chocolates, nuts and chews, truffles, lollipops, brittles and toffees (made by Local 125 in San Leandro).

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/18/2018 - 12:49

Tags: Union Made

JetBlue In-Flight Crew Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Join TWU TWU

In-flight crew members at JetBlue overwhelmingly voted to join the Transport Workers (TWU). With more than 86% of eligible employees participating in the vote, more than two-thirds voted in favor of joining TWU.

TWU President John Samuelsen said:

This historic victory is yet another example of the tide turning in America as workers continue to lock arms and fight back to defend their livelihoods. The TWU intends to immediately commence contract bargaining with JetBlue. It is our sincerest wish that the company comes to the table and bargains a fair and just contract with the workers they employ....If JetBlue refuses to bargain in good faith, this union is prepared to engage in a fightback campaign that will continue until a contract is secured and the in-flight crew members are protected.

JetBlue said it respects the outcome of the election. Once the National Mediation Board authorizes TWU as the representative for the in-flight crew members, contract negotiations will begin.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka applauded the victory:

Powerful, congrats! #1u https://t.co/pKWdDrpny5

— Richard L. Trumka (@RichardTrumka) April 17, 2018

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said:

On behalf of the 2.5 million members of the New York State AFL-CIO, I congratulate the Transport Workers Union and their president, John Samuelsen, on today’s overwhelming vote to unionize JetBlue flight attendants. We are a stronger movement today as we continue to fight back against those who seek to diminish organized labor. Working people understand that by standing shoulder to shoulder and speaking with one voice, we raise the standard of living and quality of life for all working men and women.

Larry I. Willis, president of the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department, said:

At a time when our economy favors the rich and powerful, today’s victory by JetBlue’s in-flight crew members to join the Transport Workers Union demonstrates the power working people have when they come together. JetBlue’s 5,000 in-flight crew members want nothing more than a share in the profits they make possible, a say in workplace policies and procedures, and a seat at the table. Having a powerful union voice evens the playing field and ensures these hardworking, dedicated employees receive the dignity and respect they deserve. I congratulate JetBlue’s in-flight crew members on their hard-earned victory and welcome them to the transportation labor family.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/18/2018 - 10:14

12 Things We've Learned About the GOP Tax Bill

President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans rushed to pass the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, leaving very little time for public scrutiny or debate. Here are a few things we have learned since the GOP tax bill passed.

1. It Will Encourage Outsourcing: An April 2018 report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirms that two "provisions [of the GOP tax bill] may increase corporations’ incentive to locate tangible assets abroad."

2. It Has Not Boosted Corporate Investment: The rate of investment growth has stayed pretty much the same as before the GOP tax bill passed.

3. Few Workers Are Benefiting: Only 4.3% of workers are getting a one-time bonus or wage increase this year, according to Americans for Tax Fairness.

4. Corporations Are Keeping the Windfall: Americans for Tax Fairness calculates that corporations are receiving nine times as much in tax cuts as they are giving to workers in one-time bonuses and wage increases.

5. Corporations Are Using the Windfall to Buy Back Stocks: Corporations are spending 37 times as much on stock buybacks, which overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy, as on one-time bonuses and wage increases for workers, according to Americans for Tax Fairness.

6. Corporations Are Laying Off Workers: Americans for Tax Fairness calculates that 183 private-sector businesses have announced 94,296 layoffs since Congress passed the tax bill.

7. It Costs More Than We Thought: The GOP tax bill will eventually cost $1.9 trillion by 2028, according to an April 2018 report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. And we know some Republicans will call for cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security to pay for it.

8. We’ve Fallen Behind When It Comes to Corporate Tax Revenue: Thanks to the GOP tax bill, corporate tax revenue (as a share of the economy) will be lower in the United States than in any other developed country, according to an April 2018 report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.

9. Extending the Individual Tax Cuts Would Benefit the Wealthy: The GOP tax bill’s temporary tax cuts for individuals expires by 2025, and some Republicans are now proposing to extend them.  An April 2018 report by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy shows that 61% of the benefit from these extending individual tax cuts would go to the richest one-fifth of taxpayers.

10. It Is Shoddy Work: In March 2018, a leading tax expert concluded that the GOP tax bill’s new rules for pass-through businesses "achieved a rare and unenviable trifecta, by making the tax system less efficient, less fair and more complicated. It lacked any coherent (or even clearly articulated) underlying principle, was shoddily executed and ought to be promptly repealed."

11. It Is Still Unpopular: The GOP tax bill polls poorly, with a clear majority disapproving.

12. The Outsourcing Incentives Can Be Fixed: In February 2018, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) introduced the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act, which would eliminate the GOP tax bill’s incentives for outsourcing by equalizing tax rates on domestic profits and foreign profits.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/16/2018 - 10:26

Make It in the USA: The Working People Weekly List BuildBuyUSA

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s this week’s Working People Weekly List.

There's No Reason Not to Enter the BuildBuyUSA Video Contest: "Did you know that BuildBuyUSA is sponsoring a 'Make It in the USA' video contest? The competition offers four chances for you to win $5,000 by creating a short video about using your individual buying power to reward pro-union employers for recognizing working people's right to come together in union."

Southern Labor Leaders Unite Around a Common Strategy to Build Worker Power: "'Collective action is alive and well here in the South,' said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler to more than 300 labor leaders gathered in New Orleans this week. Southern union leaders from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia joined together to unite around a common strategy to build worker power in their states."

Texas AFL-CIO Takes Next Step to Expand Union Participation in Citizenship Drives: "In January, delegates to the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention unanimously approved a far-reaching resolution calling for the state federation and affiliates to conduct citizenship drives across the state, with the long-term intent of registering new voters and changing the political environment."

11 Things You Need to Know on Equal Pay Day: "Equal Pay Day calls attention to the persistent moral and economic injustice working women face. For a woman to earn as much as a man, she has to work a full year, plus more than a hundred extra days, all the way to April 10. The problem is even worse for women of color, LGBTQ women and part-time workers."

No Bargaining, No Justice: What Working People Are Doing This Week: "Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week."

Economy Gains 103,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Unchanged at 4.1%: "The U.S. economy gained 103,000 jobs in March, and unemployment was unchanged at 4.1%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics."

At State Labor Convention, Unions Confront Uncertain Future by Embracing Diversity, Technology: "National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, a Greene County native who worked in coal mines before rising through the labor ranks, attended to swear in new delegates and take part in a panel discussion on automation's effect on jobs. Mr. Trumka said unions on a local level could bargain over the effects of technology, requiring companies to provide training to obtain new skills or wage insurance packages to find other careers. 'We're not shying away from the advances of automation,' he said. 'But we are using our voice to make sure working people are not left behind.'"

Trump Weighs Rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership Amid Trade Dispute with China: "'TPP was killed because it failed America’s workers and it should remain dead,' Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, wrote on Twitter. 'There is no conceivable way to revive it without totally betraying working people.'"

Equal Pay Day: How Does Your State Stack Up on Pay Equity for Women?: "Equal Pay Day arrives Tuesday, marking the day on the calendar when the average woman’s earnings finally catch up to what a male peer earned in 2017. It took three more months and 10 days. The notion of bringing home 80 cents for every dollar pocketed by a man on a national basis is unsettling enough. But it's even more startling when those lost wages are added up."

Teachers Union Threatens to Cut Ties with Wells Fargo Over NRA Support: "AFT President Randi Weingarten has been in talks with Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan about the partnerships, according to the release. The group praised other companies, including Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI, that cut ties with the NRA or changed their policies on gun sales in the wake of the mass shooting at a Florida high school in February. 'We’re issuing Wells Fargo an ultimatum—they can have a mortgage market that includes America’s teachers, or they can continue to do business with the NRA and gun manufacturers,' Weingarten said in the statement. 'They can’t do both.'"

Want to Carry on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Work? Join a Union: "Fifty years ago this week, Martin Luther King Jr. went to Memphis, Tennessee, to march with the city’s striking black sanitation workers. Wages were bad, and conditions were so unsafe that workers were seriously injured or even killed while using the trash compactors of their trucks. The city of Memphis, their employer, refused to do better; city officials refused to act to improve their wages or safety. So they took matters into their own hands and went on strike, demanding basic dignity and civil rights on the job."

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/13/2018 - 13:20

Southern Labor Leaders Unite Around a Common Strategy to Build Worker Power AFL-CIO

“Collective action is alive and well here in the South,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler to more than 300 labor leaders gathered in New Orleans this week. Southern union leaders from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia joined together to unite around a common strategy to build worker power in their states.

“Today we are going to focus on ways our unions can accelerate change, be bold, and meet the challenges of our time.” @lizshuler addresses over 300 Southern labor leaders in New Orleans #1u pic.twitter.com/neMrzVr0Ux

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) April 10, 2018

Shuler acknowledged recent victories in the South and the importance of building on that momentum. Those wins include:

• Across the South, union members mobilized to elect champions for working people, such as Ralph Northam in Virginia, Doug Jones in Alabama, Linda Belcher in Kentucky and Braxton Winston in North Carolina.
• In New Orleans, workers at the city’s largest hotel formed a union with UNITE HERE.
• In Tennessee, the labor movement stopped a corporate-backed effort to privatize maintenance and management at most state-run facilities.
• In Arkansas, we saw the addition of 15,000 new union members last year, reaching the highest level of union membership in the state since 2008.
• Teachers in Oklahoma and Kentucky walked out and demanded higher salaries and more school funding.
• Workers at Disney World rejected the company’s lowball contract offer and continue to stand together for better pay and working conditions.  

“Our test of 2018 and beyond will be to build on these successes,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in a video address to attendees. Two panels dove further into the achievements and challenges we face in the states and featured state federation presidents from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas State Federation leaders talk about the opportunities to create worker power in their states #1u #organizethesouth pic.twitter.com/zGHchB1KGI

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) April 10, 2018

 

State federation leaders from Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Kentucky lead a discussion with over 300 Southern labor leaders to talk how they’re building power for working people in their states #1u pic.twitter.com/7jAVu38rLb

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) April 10, 2018

Breakout sessions gave participants the tools they need to build a stronger labor movement in the South. Sessions focused on internal organizing, using issues to engage our members and allies, building a program to elect union members to political office, and using data and technology to break new ground in politics and organizing.

Participants left feeling energized and ready to increase worker power. Attendee Cheryl Eliano, national vice president of AFGE District 10, said, “Too often we work in silos, so I wanted to see how we can work more collaboratively as a labor movement. We need a change of course. If we leave here with a new mindset and put what we learned to action, we’ll be a stronger labor movement.”

The AFL-CIO Southern District meeting was the sixth and final district meeting of 2018.

Check out the photo album on Facebook.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/13/2018 - 10:13

Texas AFL-CIO Takes Next Step to Expand Union Participation in Citizenship Drives Texas AFL-CIO

In January, delegates to the Texas AFL-CIO COPE Convention unanimously approved a far-reaching resolution calling for the state federation and affiliates to conduct citizenship drives across the state, with the long-term intent of registering new voters and changing the political environment.

On April 10, in a strategy meeting attended by union affiliates from across the state, the Texas AFL-CIO took the next step to fulfill the goals of that resolution.

We were honored to welcome as a major participant Esther Lopez, international secretary-treasurer of the United Food and Commercial Workers, whose union has done pioneering work on citizenship drives. Lopez described the initiative as “the throwdown in Texas.”

Rather than taking a “go big or go home” approach, Lopez said, unions need to “go deep” and commit to making citizenship drives “core union work” that goes hand in hand with organizing and political education. She said UFCW has done citizenship drives in big cities, but also in places such as Marshalltown, Iowa, and Tar Heel, N.C. The union has trained 700 volunteers and helped 3,000 UFCW members become citizens, Lopez said.

Lopez said citizenship drives transform the lives of working people.

Representatives from unions, central labor councils, constituency groups and allies were warm to the idea of designating members who will take responsibility for growing the program.

Allies from the Equal Justice Center, United We Dream, Casa Marianella and the Mexican Consulate detailed citizenship drives that have been held in Austin over the last few years.

The AFL-CIO passes along a startling statistic that makes Texas prime ground for union citizenship drives: Our state has more than 1 million people who are eligible to become naturalized citizens, based on an American Community Survey by the U.S. Census.

Eligible residents don’t move through the process at a high rate of speed because of cost ($725 to apply) and complexities of the application process. A growing number of employers and lenders are helping out with the expenses, either defraying costs outright or setting up manageable payment plans. As for the complexities, that’s where citizenship drives can make a giant difference.

We are not starting from ground zero. For years now, Education Austin has worked with the Texas AFL-CIO, other unions and allies in carrying out citizenship drives. Eleven Education Austin-led drives have resulted in completed applications for approximately 1,200 people, said Texas AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Montserrat Garibay, who took the lead in organizing citizenship drives when she worked at Education Austin.

The most recent one, which took place last week, resulted in 112 completed applications for naturalization. Applicants go to workshops ahead of the events to learn what information and documentation they need to fill out an application. On the day of the drive, they leave with a well-vetted application, down to a properly addressed envelope. The Austin events have generated hundreds of volunteers, including the officers and most of the staff of the Texas AFL-CIO. Few bouts with bureaucracy give us so much pleasure.  

Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said the next step will be to train union representatives on developing local citizenship drives. The unions and labor organizations at the meeting committed to identifying and sending such leaders for training in June or moving quickly to obtain officer approval.

Garibay emphasized the program has to be long-term. She said the potential for citizenship drives to accelerate the change happening in Texas is not around the corner.

“You’re not going to see changes in 2020,” said Garibay, who was naturalized five years ago. “It’s going to be a long process, but we have to be committed.”

Levy said the people who become citizens after going through the union process are instantly aware of the role their new status can play in their workplaces and in society. The potential is extraordinarily high, he said. “This program is an on-ramp for over 1 million people to become participating, voting Texans.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/12/2018 - 10:45

There's No Reason Not to Enter the BuildBuyUSA Video Contest BuildBuyUSA

Did you know that BuildBuyUSA is sponsoring a "Make It in the USA" video contest? The competition offers four chances for you to win $5,000 by creating a short video about using your individual buying power to reward pro-union employers for recognizing working people's right to come together in union.

The great news is that the contest is for you. That's right, you have no reason not to enter the competition. I already can hear you coming up with reasons why you can't participate in the contest. Let me answer those concerns and then you can start on your path to the fame and fortune (well, a $5,000 fortune) you so richly deserve!

"Well, there's no way I qualify for this contest."

Sure, you do. All you have to do is be older than 18 and a U.S. resident.

"Creating original content is hard. How do I know the effort is worth it?"

The winners of the contest, and there are four of them, each get $5,000.

"Maybe I'm not in it for the money."

The winner of the best song also gets a recording session at the studios of the American Federation of Musicians in Los Angeles.

"I can't sing."

The contest has a category specifically for videos that aren't songs. And the winner of that category gets $5,000. Non-musical entries also are eligible for the union member-only category and the people's choice category. Your video can be anything; the only limit is your imagination.

"I'm not a union member."

You don't have to be a union member to enter the contest.

"But I am a union member. Does that mean I can't participate?"

You are welcome to participate, too. In fact, there is a separate category just for union members. At least one union member will win $5,000.

"How do I know that the judges are actually knowledgable about the music and the themes of the contest?"

You can check their credentials. The judges include actor/philanthropist/investor Ashton Kutcher, musician/activist Tom Morello, Demos President Heather McGhee, Emmy-nominated cinematographer Michael Goi, AFM Local 47 President John Acosta and musician/labor leader Dan Navarro!

"I don't do well with judges. I'm more of a people person."

Great, there is a people's choice category that will be publicily voted on. The top 20 entries that don't win the awards for best song, best non-song video and the union member category will be put to a public vote, with the winner getting $5,000.

"Nobody will want to listen to my original song, with people doing cover songs and such written by famous musicians."

The contest is limited to original material. There is one big exception. UNITE HERE (the modern International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union [ILGWU]) has invited participants to remake or sample their song "(Look for) the Union Label."

"I don't really have the time to make a video."

The video can't be longer than four minutes. And the submission deadline is April 25. That's two weeks away. Surely you have the time to record a four-minute video in a two-week timespan.

"I have no idea what the video should be about."

No problem. BuildBuyUSA has provided you with the themes.

"OK, well all that sounds good, but I don't know how to get more information about the contest."

BuildBuyUSA has you covered with this handy-dandy website!

So what are you waiting for? Get to work on your video today!

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/11/2018 - 11:34

11 Things You Need to Know on Equal Pay Day AFL-CIO

Equal Pay Day calls attention to the persistent moral and economic injustice working women face. For a woman to earn as much as a man, she has to work a full year, plus more than a hundred extra days, all the way to April 10. The problem is even worse for women of color, LGBTQ women and part-time workers.

Here are 11 things you need to know on Equal Pay Day:

1. Equal Pay Day for women of color is even later: For black women, Equal Pay Day comes later because they are paid, on average, even less than white women. Equal Pay Day for black women is Aug. 7. For Native American women, it's Sept. 7. For Latinas, it's Nov. 1.

2. LGBTQ women face a host of related problems: A woman in a same-sex couple makes 79% of what a straight, white man makes. Additionally, they face higher rates of unemployment, discrimination and harassment on the job.

3. It will take decades to fix the problem if we don't act now: If nothing changes, it will take until 2059 for women to reach pay equality. For black women, parity won't come until 2124 and for Latinas, 2233.

4. Fixing the wage gap will reduce poverty: The poverty rate for women would be cut in half if the wage gap were eliminated. Additionally, 25.8 million children would benefit from closing the gap.

5. Fixing the wage gap would boost the economy: Eliminating the wage gap would increase women's earnings by $512.6 billion, a 2.8% boost to the country's gross domestic product. Women are consumers and the bulk of this new income would be injected directly into the economy.

6. Women aren't paid less because they choose to work in low-paying jobs: The gender pay gap persists in nearly every occupation, regardless of race, ethnicity, education, age and location.

7. Education alone isn't the solution: Women are paid less at every level of education. Women with advanced degrees get paid less than men with bachelor's degrees.

8. The Paycheck Fairness Act would help: This bipartisan legislation would close loopholes in existing law, break harmful patterns of pay discrimination and strengthen protections for women workers.

9. Being in a union makes a difference: Women who are represented by unions and collective bargaining contracts are closer to pay equality, making 94 cents per dollar that a white man makes.

10. Business leaders have a role in the solution: Individual business owners and leaders have the power to close the pay gap and improve people's lives. Catalyst offers five tips on what business leaders can do.

11. Many companies already are working on solutions: Learn from them.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/10/2018 - 11:38

No Bargaining, No Justice: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

A. Philip Randolph Institute:

Extensive Data Shows Punishing Reach of Racism for Black Boys https://t.co/QtawyIToik

— APRI National (DC) (@APRI_National) March 28, 2018

Actors' Equity:

Beyond his own gifts as an actor, Soon-Tek Oh helped to greatly expand opportunities for Asian-American actors in theatre. We mourn his loss and offer condolences to his family and friends. #RIP https://t.co/PGw14COrrd

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 8, 2018

AFGE:

AFGE members shouted "No bargaining, no justice!" outside of the Department of Education's headquarters last week. Here's the story → #1u #StandWithEdWorkers https://t.co/kR8lqBXmmM pic.twitter.com/9rAafODu7C

— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 5, 2018

AFSCME:

Gregory Eliopoulos, a sewage treatment plant process worker and member of CSEA Local 1000, was killed on the job last fall. Now, the City of Watertown, New York, is being cited for safety violations in the wake of his death. https://t.co/W9uRj8wRsP pic.twitter.com/H9pi2zELrI

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 6, 2018

AFT:

The teacher walkouts are a reminder that even professionals with master's degrees in some of the country's largest cities endure many of the same economic challenges associated with those in blue-collar jobs. https://t.co/UWiCHYVD5E

— AFT (@AFTunion) April 7, 2018

Air Line Pilots Association:

Thank you @RepPeterDeFazio and @RepRickLarsen for urging @SecElaineChao and @StateDept to insist any new U.S.-UK air services agreement protects fair competition for U.S. workers & prohibits flags of convenience by airlines flying between U.S. & UK #OpenSkies pic.twitter.com/JmYvD9GD6H

— ALPA (@WeAreALPA) April 5, 2018

Alliance for Retired Americans:

New research from @AHIPCoverage shows that patients with Medicaid have significantly better access to health care services than those without coverage: https://t.co/YlvLILIS71 #SaveMedicaid #ProtectOurCare pic.twitter.com/g21T5Adskp

— Alliance Retirees (@ActiveRetirees) April 9, 2018

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Local 282-Rochester, NY, joins with advocates to push for more funding for #publictransit https://t.co/de4dF1lHqh #p2 #transit pic.twitter.com/kI5COdW7DT

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 30, 2018

American Federation of Musicians:

We must change our antiquated #copyright laws. 80+ additional artists have joined our fight to pass the #CLASSICSAct, bringing the total number of artists who support the legislation to 300+ https://t.co/4ZOfN01nLe pic.twitter.com/AWL6ORkwHK

— Amer. Fed. Musicians (@The_AFM) April 5, 2018

Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:

#AAPIs can and will be the force to be reckoned in elections.

(Also, don't miss this photo of APALA Nevada members on this article, too!) https://t.co/jJ7r1X13Ne

— APALA (@APALAnational) April 7, 2018

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

“25 years ago, we used CHAOS to win raises of up to 60% for Flight Attendants...with power, comes respect.” -@afa_cwa’s @FlyingWithSara #afabod2018 pic.twitter.com/xxpcioktf3

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 9, 2018

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

This morning, on the 50th anniversary of #MLK’s assassination, the BCTGM was among thousands who marched through the streets of Memphis in solidarity with the thousands who marched for justice and dignity 50 years ago. #IAM2018 pic.twitter.com/j5qNGE1tm6

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 4, 2018

Boilermakers:

Why union? How about higher wages. Union workers make 26% higher wages than non-union. And that's just one reason to @joinIBB #FormAUnion or check out our apprenticeship programs. pic.twitter.com/e126GAC0fv

— Boilermaker News (@boilermakernews) April 5, 2018

Bricklayers:

Congratulations to @TuftsUniversity's dining hall workers on joining @UNITEHERE26! https://t.co/pLoLSGzpnX #Solidarity #1u #ThursdayThoughts

— Bricklayers Union (@IUBAC) April 5, 2018

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:

This is an important and alarming trend in labor relations. @BillFletcherJr @barbs73 @WSpriggs #1uMLK #1u https://t.co/XAw5ksnlRQ

— CBTU (@CBTU72) April 6, 2018

Communications Workers of America:

Local 83711 works hard to make @IUE_CWAUnion STRONG. Local activists signed up 30+ members & developed new member activists. As the union's grown stronger, previously rigid MGMT has taken a more open approach to its relationship w/the union. Great job! #1u https://t.co/RAHgQAGI8v

— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 8, 2018

Department for Professional Employees:

“Our members collaborate in their work and in their union, and we are proud that the editorial and production employees at Onion, Inc. will become part of this community of creative professionals.” - @WGAEast's @LowellPeterson. #1u #OnionIncUnion https://t.co/tEtIDG0RY1

— DPE (@DPEaflcio) April 9, 2018

Electrical Workers:

"Gov. Rauner has shown to be essentially driven by the sole goal of breaking men and women of organized labor" https://t.co/YWTH46V0Nn #1u

— IBEW (@IBEW) April 6, 2018

Farm Labor Organizing Committee:

Add your name to the petition demanding that convenience stores drop VUSE e-cigs until @RAI_News signs an agreement with @SupportFLOC giving farmworkers a voice to improve their working conditions. #BoycottVUSE https://t.co/yuFmTwvSKM

— Farm Labor Organizing Committee (@SupportFLOC) March 26, 2018

Fire Fighters:

Encourage your mayor to participate in #IAFFMayorsFireOps a pre-conference event of the 86th Annual Conference of Mayors in Boston, MA on June 8th. Sign up today! https://t.co/fSPJaneIn6 pic.twitter.com/jPghF1QiLs

— IAFF (@IAFFNewsDesk) April 9, 2018

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Are you wondering what it’s like to be an insulator? Can you picture yourself working for the Insulators Union? If you’ve thought about this as a career, reach out to us today and join others as they create a life-long career. https://t.co/9j9gPG2Jjz

— Insulators Union (@InsulatorsUnion) April 4, 2018

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

Our IFPTE delegation in Memphis for #IAM2018 represents a union and a labor movement inspired by and committed to achieving Dr. King's moral vision of justice. #MLK50 #1u #canlab pic.twitter.com/WZVa9bbdzC

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 4, 2018

Ironworkers:

Ironworkers can earn six-figure salaries per year, as well as pensions, benefits and paid time off. It is also an alternative to college. https://t.co/CQRwmFEBn8 #MondayMotivation

— Ironworkers. (@TheIronworkers) April 9, 2018

Jobs With Justice:

New York State wants to end unpredictable scheduling practices, which wreak havoc on the life of people working in the retail and service industries. https://t.co/R5jxdDFptL #FairScheduling #JustHours

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 9, 2018

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

Dr. King once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”. Today we not only remember his powerful words but we recognize that we still live in an unjust world. We call for a just peace. #MLK50 #NoJusticeNoPeace

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 4, 2018

Laborers:

ATTN Drivers: Obey road crews and signs when traveling through work zones! #LIUNA Flaggers are trained & highly skilled, they know how best to move traffic safely in work zones. Warning signs are there to help you and other drivers move safely. #workzonesafety pic.twitter.com/cil9KxpGrK

— LiUNA Chicago (@LiUNAchicago) April 9, 2018

Machinists:

We build the @Boeing planes we fly on, the @LockheedMartin jets keeping us safe, the @ulalaunch rockets exploring our galaxy and the @harleydavidson bikes we ride.

We’re union and proud of it.

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 5, 2018

Maritime Trades Department:

MTD Joins Other Unions at I AM 2018 to Commemorate the Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike of 1968 | Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO https://t.co/rNopvx4s0y

— MaritimeTrades (@Maritime_Trades) April 4, 2018

Metal Trades Department:

All of us at Metal Trades Department send our condolences to the family of Senator Daniel Akaka. Senator Akaka was a great friend to the Department. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/NrvPe6Qk3e

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 9, 2018

Mine Workers:

The @KyLegislature has put every worker in KY at risk, especially coal miners: https://t.co/Xjuq2IGqKN #1u

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 6, 2018

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

Take time to unwind during Stress Awareness Month. #DYK the National Institutes of Health has a free library eBook collection? Explore topics like the benefits of chocolate, sleep medicine & mindfulness. https://t.co/wrYlhIv50x pic.twitter.com/WOWcgQ383E

— NATCA (@NATCA) April 9, 2018

National Association of Letter Carriers:

Letter carriers deserve to know the facts about the Postal Service with respect to the president’s latest tweets: https://t.co/Bx9qxn5mI2

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 4, 2018

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

“We have not backed down. We will continue to move forward.” - Orange County’s municipal seat, City of Santa Ana, reaffirms #CAValues, rejects Trump’s attack on California. #ICEoutofOC #ICEoutofCA #DefendSanctuary #sb54 pic.twitter.com/M9SvpVE9oG

— NDLON (@NDLON) April 4, 2018

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

"Whether in the professional context or the family context, caregiving is difficult work, and the undervaluing of the role of the caregiver has meant that we too often leave their expertise and insight on the table." - @aijenpoo https://t.co/EqOGsWJsFv

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 9, 2018

National Nurses United:

No one should have to choose between food or medical care. Our patients and our communities need #MedicareforAll! #MondayMotivation pic.twitter.com/Nw0EaxsjnD

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 9, 2018

National Taxi Workers Alliance:

The real solution — the one that will require politicians to stand up to these Wall-Street-backed corporations — is to put a cap on the number of vehicles on city streets, not keep taking more money out of drivers’ pockets. @NYGovCuomo @NYCMayorsOffice https://t.co/cRv01CDI5I

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) April 6, 2018

NewsGuild-CWA, The:

What’s happened to the newspaper industry cannot simply be explained by the rise of the internet. A lack of imagination is also to blame. Most owners have embraced cost cutting to maintain profits over trying to grow the business. https://t.co/dHawBJpiUM #AldenExposed

— NewsGuild (@news_guild) April 9, 2018

NFL Players Association:

"Every employee deserves to be treated with respect...There is absolutely no justification for paying [cheerleaders] less than a fair wage and for making them endure discrimination in the workplace." - @DeSmithNFLPA

Economy Gains 103,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Unchanged at 4.1%

The U.S. economy gained 103,000 jobs in March, and unemployment was unchanged at 4.1%, according to figures released this morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This continues the recovery of the labor market at a tempered pace, which means the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee should continue to let the economy grow and not raise interest rates. 

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka testified before Congress on a key solution that would boost jobs growth and provide other benefits to working people across the country:

One trillion dollars in new infrastructure investment would make a big difference to working Americans and put our nation on the path to sustainable prosperity. How we invest matters; it must be real investment and create good jobs.

Let me be clear: If we want good jobs, we must have high labor standards and protections for the people who build, maintain and operate our infrastructure. That’s not all. We need to make sure public money is used to support American jobs, American resources and American products.

In response to the March jobs numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs said:

With the adjustments made to lower the job growth numbers reported in January, the first quarter finished with job growth lower than last year's, which was lower than the previous year's.

He also tweeted:

Payroll rose 108,000 in March, slower growth than in February. With wages only up 2.7% over the year. Further Fed hikes are unwarranted with this moderation. @AFLCIO

— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) April 6, 2018

 

March report from @BLS_gov adjust preliminary figures for January down and February up for a net of 50,000 lower than previously reported. This makes the first quarter modest growth a sign the Fed needs to rethink further rate hikes. @AFLCIO

— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) April 6, 2018

Last month's biggest job gains were in professional and business services (33,000), health care (22,000), manufacturing (9,000) and mining (9,000), while retail (-4,000) and construction (-15,000) saw losses. Employment in other major industries, including wholesale trade, transportation and warehousing, information, financial activities, leisure and hospitality and government, showed little or no change over the month.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers (13.5%), blacks (6.9%), Hispanics (5.1%), adult women (3.7%), adult men (3.7%), whites (3.6%), and Asians (3.1%) showed little or no change in March.

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed in March and accounted for 20.3% of the unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/06/2018 - 14:44

We’re Reaching for that Mountaintop: 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 this week’s Working People Weekly List.

Honoring the Life and Preserving the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: “By recognizing social and economic justice as one and the same, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood the immense power working people have when they come together. He saw union representation as the clearest path out of poverty and into the middle class, and fought for the rights of all people to have good jobs and a voice at work.”

Trumka in Memphis: We’re Reaching for that Mountaintop: “At the 1961 AFL-CIO Convention, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature. He spews racism from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other.”

King’s Agenda for Working People Resonates 50 Years Later: “Fifty years ago this week, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his final speech in Memphis, Tennessee. In the decades since his assassination, much of the focus on King’s life has centered on his civil rights legacy. But his final days in Memphis are a reminder that he was also a relentless champion for the dignity of work.”

FLOC Calls for Convenience Stores to Stop Selling VUSE E-Cigarettes: “On April 9, 2007, Santiago Rafael Cruz was assassinated in the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) office in Mexico. The organizer gave his life in service of trying to improve the lives and workplaces of farm laborers. In his honor, FLOC will picket nationally outside 7-Eleven, Circle K, Kangaroo Express and Wawa convenience stores, calling on the corporations that run these stores to stop selling VUSE e-cigarettes.”

Caution: Your Right to a Timely Vote May Be at Risk: “Three years ago, the National Labor Relations Board took modest steps to streamline, modernize and improve the process by which workers petition for an election to vote on forming a union at work. The rules reduced unnecessary delay caused by management lawyers litigating issues in order to slow down elections and deprive workers of their right to vote.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Championed Civil Rights and Unions: “Kentuckians, including many union members, will march Wednesday in Frankfort in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was murdered April 4, 1968, in Memphis.”

It Is Always About the People: 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 and central labor councils on Twitter.”

Organizing Leads to Prosperity: 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.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/06/2018 - 11:27