Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month is a reminder to honor the many significant contributions and achievements of these communities American culture, theater and the labor movement. pic.twitter.com/Huwq90GEV1
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 2, 2024
AFGE:
Find out more about why AFGE is speaking out against the proposed closure of critical urgent care services at the D.C. Superior Courthouse ⬇https://t.co/Inz5oVcaWt
— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 1, 2024
AFSCME:
A year ago, we kicked off the Staff the Front Lines initiative to fill vital public service roles. Our nationwide bus tour garnered attention and jobs are being filled, but the fight against understaffing persists. Explore our progress and ongoing efforts. https://t.co/IU9Mk5iKGm pic.twitter.com/TrpYeN10fc
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 2, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Did you know? More than half of Medicare enrollees are women.
A new report from @HHS_ASPE shows how much they specifically benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. #OlderAmericansMonth https://t.co/b6bGRnyzgR
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 1, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
May is Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month. We are recognizing our rockstar API members who have made a difference in their Locals and our Union. Our first honoree is Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB, Sister Maria Claro. #APIHeritageMonth #1u #canlab pic.twitter.com/t6g1jXFtyQ
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 2, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
AFM is proud to announce the ratification of the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture Agreements contract. https://t.co/Ws4C6WPgja pic.twitter.com/045GABShRn
— AFM (@The_AFM) April 2, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
What would it look like for a healthcare workplace to truly value staff & actively seek to prevent moral injury? Check out this ecological model of a morally centered healthcare organization that you can use to guide your advocacy and bargaining. #CodeRedhttps://t.co/NFGtG6FDas
— AFT (@AFTunion) May 2, 2024
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Join us on May 22 as we celebrate #APAHM with an AAPI Labor History Celebration! RSVP here: https://t.co/pnPRRZ1sPy pic.twitter.com/bNZJBTKWH0
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) May 2, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
"This bill moves the FAA forward on staffing and oversight, while rejecting poison pills that would harm workers and make our system less safe.
"We urge Congress to act before May 10 to ensure that the FAA has the resources & authority to keep flying.” https://t.co/EPik9wDc4w
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 1, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
REMINDER: On May 7 and 8, workers employed at the Hearthside Food Solutions bakery in London, Ky. will vote in a Union election to be represented by the BCTGM. RT to show your support & leave a solidarity message in the comments! pic.twitter.com/eYkYS5O1HK
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) May 1, 2024
Boilermakers:
See IVP-Canada Arnie Stadnick's message of appreciation to Local 271 (Montreal, Quebec) for the local's #Boilermaker orientation seminar. https://t.co/wuWRIGHD0m pic.twitter.com/hiGJwGwHVQ
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) May 2, 2024
Bricklayers:
Congratulations, Pat Mulkerrin, newly elected president of the Quincy Building Trades Council, and BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI member Jim Pimental, newly elected president of the Southeastern @Mass_BTU! #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/cu6JWUqJiy
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) May 2, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA condemns Google’s illegal termination of workers, including some @AlphabetWorkers members who raised concerns about the company’s contracts with the Israeli military, which will have a chilling effect on worker organizing.https://t.co/4eWowbcJ9C
— CODE-CWA (@CODE_CWA) May 1, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
DPE spoke with @crooked_union member @fionapest about forming a union with @WGAEast. Fiona says that organizing helped them build strong relationships with more of their coworkers which they really enjoyed. Watch the full interview here: https://t.co/RLugtAfuNP
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 2, 2024
Electrical Workers:
Victory! #IBEW celebrates a big win in our 8-year-long fight for consumer protection and public safety!
Battery energy storage system (BESS) installations of 80 KWh+ in CA will be handled by C-10 licensed contractors, electricians, & apprentices. #unionstrong#buildingtrades pic.twitter.com/wbVgbjwqMb
— IBEW Local 332 (@332Ibew) May 2, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Many students looking for a future career need to realize apprenticeship programs are low to no cost. Post this video on social media to recruit more members to your apprenticeship programs https://t.co/q84KDay45N pic.twitter.com/7Io2Z4bLpY
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) May 2, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
We all deserve the right to know what's expected from us at work. Amazon workers worldwide are organizing and refusing to be treated like robots!
Thank you @SenMarkey for standing with warehouse workers and protecting basic rights. https://t.co/ZWqC4Frhya
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) May 2, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
LCLAA National Team and @lclaadcmetro joined la marcha de los Trabajadores Inmigrantes in #washingtondc to commemorate #InternationalLabourDay Immigrant Workers are fundamental piece of the workforce of our country. We stand with them on their fight for work permits. pic.twitter.com/yQh2s2KesZ
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 1, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
2024 DC Labor Film launches at 7 tonight @AFISilver with Ken Loach’s The Old Oak! pic.twitter.com/ObfnKwQ9cH
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) May 1, 2024
Laborers:
As Laborers, our rights matter. From fair treatment to equitable pay, let's stand together to ensure EVERY laborer is treated with respect and fairness.
WATCH #ITK on "Laborers Bill of Rights" now: pic.twitter.com/jpIN1Q63RS
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 2, 2024
Machinists:
Approximately 1,300 @712Aimta members working at Airbus Canada have voted in favor of their new five-year contract that includes salary increase, improvements in group insurance access, an increase in evening premiums and more.https://t.co/WPLjGQuFPP
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 2, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
MTD Chief of Staff Brittanie Potter represented the Department today at the May Day wreath-laying ceremony held at the Mother Jones historic marker in Adelphi, MD. pic.twitter.com/AczAY4OdMy
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) May 1, 2024
Mine Workers:
Our Canadian Brothers in Local Union 7606 honored those who have died or been injured for workplace-related reasons at the Estevan Coal Car on April 28 for their annual Day of Mourning Service.https://t.co/qhiID1j94X
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 30, 2024
Musical Artists:
The AGMA Operatic and Concert Choristers Caucus (OCCC) is seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as the Opera Co-Chair: https://t.co/I4oCVs5sBi pic.twitter.com/3T3gglNvYb
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 1, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
PRESS RELEASE: NATCA announced today its strong support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. Read the full press release here: https://t.co/iSojcvYvzs pic.twitter.com/YQi7dFnILr
— NATCA (@NATCA) May 2, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Supporting your local food bank by participating in the #StampOutHunger Food Drive is simple! On Saturday, May 11, leave a food donation at your mailbox. Your letter carrier will take care of the rest! 📭 https://t.co/22gc6aWeW2
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 2, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
It's been a few months since a Home Depot in New Rochelle, New York, prohibited day laborers from standing outside to seek work, a decision that has sparked outrage amongst workers and advocates.
Here is what happened. 👇https://t.co/X2fY8851IV
— NDLON (@NDLON) April 30, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
It’s officially May! And while #CareWorkerRecognitionMonth might be over, the impact of our work on the ground in D.C. and around the country continues to resonate! pic.twitter.com/hSouuSgXb9
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) May 2, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
Passport Services Local 1998 Members Attend Impactful Training Following Key Arbitration Win:https://t.co/04HiFf3yOY
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 29, 2024
National Nurses United:
Nurses had a great meeting today with @RepRobertGarcia as part of our Federal Lobby Week!
We've said it once, and we'll say it again: There is no nursing shortage — just a nurse staffing crisis that is perpetuated by our greedy employers who want to cut costs! pic.twitter.com/T5AQL92HEj
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) May 1, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
May is #MentalHealthMonth and we’ve teamed up with our sibling PAs to spotlight our athletes as they share the importance of prioritizing and talking about mental health! pic.twitter.com/9j0KpBDdq2
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) May 1, 2024
NFL Players Association:
That's a wrap on the 2024 #NFLPADebut 🎬
Thank you #Detroit for putting it on for everyone and making the week one to remember. Most of all, CONGRATS to all the players who heard their name called and those who've signed contracts. Welcome to the big leagues 👏 pic.twitter.com/U4MeRLJFBg
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 29, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
New: Wages for private sector union workers increased 6.3% over the past 12 months, once again proving it pays to be in a #union#buildingtradeshttps://t.co/RzjCrNyeBK
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 1, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Today and every day, we honor the memory of workers who needlessly lost their lives at work. We have the capacity to prevent every single workplace death and must do everything in our power to protect working people.
https://t.co/jvqFwTcWpf#WorkersMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/ajgrnJnrCz
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) April 28, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
100 of our @iupat_dc91 brothers and sisters are now ON STRIKE at Gemtron in Vincennes, Indiana.
Gemtron is a glass manufacturer that’s trying to take pensions away from our members who make their plants run.
Together, we will win this fight! pic.twitter.com/n4vWJOeTfD
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) May 1, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“I really like that there’s always a part for everybody, no matter that I’m a 100-pound girl. You don’t have to be the biggest or the baddest. You don’t have to be macho.” —Hannah Hamer, @526admin journeyperson.https://t.co/NKCl5mqJL1
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 28, 2024
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Thanks @FAA_Mike for meeting w/PASS Region II VP @Douglas_Lowe_13 & union rep Anthony Gutierrez while in Jacksonsville. PASS has been at the negotiating table for several years & it is imperative that this labor-friendly administration get the contracts completed. @SecretaryPete pic.twitter.com/VyNw9nOvne
— PASS (@PASSNational) April 29, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
“A 2022 nationwide study showed that the majority of retail fatalities were actually customers simply running errands. Creating a safe workplace for workers makes everyone in our community safer.” @sappelbaum on why we’re fighting for the #RetailWorkerSafety Act in New York! pic.twitter.com/sz6cDUpRJm
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 2, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers: 8
Special webinar for this year’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.
This virtual event is devoted to educating employers and crew leaders on how rescue planning can save lives. #StopFalls
Register: https://t.co/F4WOZe63EH pic.twitter.com/5UcxNSKoLL
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 2, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
And the winner is... SAG-AFTRA! 🏆
We are thrilled to be honored with the #SABREAwardNA for best Int’l Multimarket Campaign. Thank you to @provoke_news for recognizing our communications efforts. pic.twitter.com/moxWVsxj9F
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 2, 2024
Solidarity Center:
The global labor movement lost a staunch advocate with the passing of Laurence “Laurie” Clements on April 19. As our Serbia country program director—while running programs in the Middle East—he was committed to building union strength and solidarity. pic.twitter.com/FDAQxNVcgC
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 2, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Gannett’s rosy projections during its Q1 earnings call today left out the employees who are paying the price for its mismanagement – esp @rocnewsguild reporters who were on the verge of a contract before Gannett pulled a bait & switch.
Full statement:https://t.co/h1ZV6plLlZ
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 2, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Join your union kin today as we honor the hard-fought struggles of the generations before us and celebrate worker solidarity! ✊ https://t.co/pDBDtDJiLV
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 1, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
“Bus Operators are a crucial part of commutes and communities — the TWU will fight any effort to replace skilled operators with machines. We support tech that helps Operators👍, not tech that replaces them 👎.” @Twusamuelsen @afternoondelete https://t.co/TWFlgXZcyh
— TWU (@transportworker) May 1, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Workers keep our world moving. Happy #MayDay ✊ pic.twitter.com/T8C50DOQ4t
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) May 1, 2024
UAW:
"The grad students, who also serve as teaching and research assistants, are working with the United Auto Workers union to form the Graduate Workers of Saint Louis University Union-UAW."https://t.co/b2vbYR2juz
— UAW (@UAW) May 2, 2024
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Yet another state looks to loosen child labor laws. https://t.co/SVF8BnKTrL
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 29, 2024
UNITE HERE:
“In Florida some politicians voted to take away the living wage by preempting the state, it’s really starting to feel like it’s up to us. They’re trying to destroy all roads that leads us to a better life, we won’t stop fighting," said Kandiz Lamb, VP @UNITEHERE_SoFla pic.twitter.com/5vikMANnjo
— Unite Here Local 355 (@UNITEHERE_SoFla) May 2, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
UFCW applauds the introduction of the new Farm Bill by Senator @Stabenow.
The new framework increases economic aid, supports essential food workers & creates badly needed labor standards for SNAP delivery drivers.https://t.co/aldB4Gzse3
— UFCW (@UFCW) May 2, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Happy #MayDay to our USW family and workers everywhere! Today we celebrate the strength and solidarity of our members and working people throughout the world. Let's stand together for fair wages, safe working conditions and a future where everyone's labor is valued. 🌹✊ #1u pic.twitter.com/KJnHkoenma
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) May 1, 2024
United Students Against Sweatshops:
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 We've teamed up with the Easter Bunny 🐰 to fight sweatshop labor! This April Fools, let's make a REAL difference! Donate to @USAS and let's crack down on exploitation together! Because nothing's funnier than justice! #AprilFools https://t.co/gbi9ZY6kPO
— USAS (@USAS) April 3, 2024
Utility Workers:
LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Tom Cole of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council is the newest member of the UWUA National Executive Board. Earlier today, he was sworn in by UWUA President James Slevin. pic.twitter.com/bEzVTK0eSE
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) May 2, 2024
Working America:
Keep your cool this summer with LIHEAP! Learn how this federal program could help offset your cooling costs and keep your AC unit running smoothly during heat waves. See if you're eligible here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/dilbdbQx3n
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 30, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
Happy AAPI Heritage Month! WGAE president @LisaCullen and DOL @ActSecJulieSu are both fierce labor advocates and proud members of the AAPI community. Yesterday, they met to talk about the importance of combating biases at work and in AI. #AAPIMonth pic.twitter.com/r8SOmkcKuI
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) May 2, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:47Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Abe Lagrimas Jr.
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Abe Lagrimas Jr. of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
“When I played at the local as a kid, it was just a gig,” Abe Lagrimas Jr. said. “Much later in my career, I see the importance of being affiliated with the AFM union, and the community that it creates and brings together. Regulars at these performances tell their friends, and word of mouth brings more people in. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt anywhere else I’ve lived. Hawaii has a tight-knit community in general, and we need to keep this special relationship between patrons and musicians going because we need each other.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:36Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Poor People’s Campaign Seeks to Alleviate Poverty Through Voter Empowerment
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and the Poor People’s Campaign are uniting with the AFL-CIO and other economic justice organizations to fight poverty by launching efforts to empower voters, including the June 29th Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. and to the Polls.
Poverty currently ranks among the top five leading causes of death in the United States, with child poverty specifically more than doubling over the last year. Barber and coalition leaders are working to further pro-worker agenda items like higher minimum wages, expanded child tax credits and better funding for anti-poverty programs by mobilizing low-income Americans to the polls.
“This [march] is an offensive move, we are calling people to come by the thousands. This is a mass mobilization of consciousness not based on poverty but on principle,” Barber said.
“The American labor movement is committed to registering and mobilizing union members and union families to elect lawmakers who will advocate for workers and poor people,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, who participated in the Poor People’s Campaign launch event. “Together, we can put an end to poverty, and create a more compassionate nation.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:20Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gilbert Galam
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Gilbert Galam of AFGE.
Gilbert Galam is a transportation security officer who serves as AFGE Local 1230 secretary and legislative political coordinator. He is also the AFGE District 12 Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) coordinator and the vice chair of AFGE’s Asian Pacific Organized Workers Empowering Representation (A.P.O.W.E.R.). Galam became active in his local once he saw how unfairly workers were being treated and wanted to make a difference at his agency. He brings his contagious enthusiasm to the table for the labor movement.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/01/2024 - 10:27Service & Solidarity Spotlight: House Cafeteria Workers Get Better Pay, Protections Under New Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
House cafeteria workers with UNITE HERE Local 23 are celebrating a new contract that raises wages and improves working conditions. The new contract includes a $3 hourly pay bump in the first year, a raise of $7.50 over five years, access to health insurance at no cost under the agreement beginning in 2026, increased pension contributions, protections for trans and nonbinary workers, and protections for employees who are victims of family or intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking.
“It started out, we were all thinking it was going to be tough,” said Rickie Toon, a cook in the Ford House Office Building. “Just to see the support from other people coming in and helping us out. The company had no choice but to listen.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/01/2024 - 09:17Memorializing Lost Workers: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
Corporate-backed, Out-Of-Touch Lawmakers Are The Real Leeches: Alabama AFL-CIO President Responds to Gov. Ivey and Speaker Ledbetter Lies About Unions #StandUpUAW #AFLCIO #Alec #alpolitics
-Press Release: https://t.co/mqj3QuXXyx
-Website: https://t.co/31UPyrHCBE
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 27, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
The Alaska AFL-CIO was proud to stand with @agwa_uaw members fighting for a first contract. @UA_System, quit stalling and give your graduate workers a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/kXSi9GUheY
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 30, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Young workers, DYK your rights on the job?
A new law—AB 800—ensures you will!
This #WorkplaceReadinessWeek (4/29–5/3) high schoolers will learn they have same rights as adult workers—including the right to join a union!
Check out our WRW resource guide: https://t.co/2E8LNhEdg2 pic.twitter.com/yzkeDFZSAU
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 29, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@AFSCMECT4 held their #WorkersMemorialDay ceremony this morning to honor and remember workers that lost their lives from on-the-job injuries. #1uSafety pic.twitter.com/PXjjwRWyNZ
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 26, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Early Voting has started!!! #vote #Georgia #Atlanta #Election2024 #yourvoicecounts https://t.co/iUOJdLpZIo
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 30, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
It was a full house at @LER_Illinois' board meeting.@RepCasten discussed the Biden administration's worker-centered policies, and @ILDeptofLabor Director Jane Flanagan and Climate Jobs Institute Director Richard Benton addressed what's happening here at home in Illinois.#1u pic.twitter.com/4Cv5BiYo9V
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
With Workers Memorial 2024 upcoming this Sunday, we reflect back on the first event held April 28th, 1970 to commemorate the enshrinement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act into law. Since it came into effect, worker safety regulation has dramatically improved. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/k1v9bU7x1u
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 26, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Important segment on the Mainers who died or were injured on the job and how we can address these preventable accidents featuring IBEW 567 member Kilton Webb. https://t.co/t08aMmSOSJ #WorkersMemorialDay
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 30, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Today is Workers Memorial Day. Friday, we gathered with @MassCOSH, families, and workers to mourn those we have lost and call for greater worker protections for all.
Today and everyday we remember the 62 lost workers and stand for nameless, unknown workers who we also lost. https://t.co/8dqLNNnyvg pic.twitter.com/R0wkUJ6LU9
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 28, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
That union-made stage sure is a beautiful sight.
Draft weekend made possible by union workers. Shoutout to the crew – from IATSE stagehands to the crane operators – who built a record-breaking draft. And of course, shoutout to @NFLPA fighting for players on and off the field✊ https://t.co/xQBw8nSNQX
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 28, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
#WorkersMemorialDay observances in the region continue this weekend and early next week. https://t.co/s8l1MWbGNq
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 26, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
An organization called LEANSTL, Laborers Escaping Addiction Now, is working to help offer resources for mental health and addiction to construction workers across the region.
Watch the story here: https://t.co/WAhjFag1Sq
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you Senators for brining awareness and shedding light on this issue! https://t.co/f79bXvhC2t
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
ICYMI: Workers’ Compensation Should Cover Mental Injury, Too by President Mario Cilento in the @timesunion https://t.co/B7VUrwdKQr
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Jeremy wraps things up. Thank you for joining the 2024 #WorkersMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/G7zbqLiBw4
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 28, 2024
'
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Too many politicians talk about the @MineWorkers members and their families. @SherrodBrown is one of the few public servants on a first-named basis with them. Thanks for walking the walk for workers and not just talking the talk. pic.twitter.com/pV4Qd8fUTn
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 25, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Thank you to everyone who joined us today to canvass for Dan Rayfield for Oregon Attorney General & Lisa Fragala for Oregon House District 8!
Join us at an upcoming #Labor2024 event: sign up at https://t.co/B1B90w8pfV #OregonLabor #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/o8WiwrcVa8
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 28, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Yesterday @AlleghneyLabor held their #WorkersMemorialDay ceremony to mourn all our brothers and sisters who have been killed, injured, or made ill on the job and renew the fight for strong safety and health protections. #YearOfTheWorker pic.twitter.com/zhDDBdk8Ea
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 30, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
📢 On International Workers Day, Rhode Island Hotel Workers stand united for fair contracts! Join @UNITEHERE26 at Omni Providence Hotel on May 1, 5:00 p.m.
Let's raise standards for workers & guests, reverse cuts, and ensure dignity in the workplace. #FairContract #WorkersRights pic.twitter.com/jmKBSyCkN5
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 29, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
“The white leaders of this state, installed by corporate backers, started feeling the heat of a growing movement for economic and racial justice in this state.” — President @RickTxAFLCIO at today’s rally in support of DEI pic.twitter.com/mkhzIYiCzu
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
🚨🗣️ calling all union supporters! Join our striking @IBEWlocal46 Limited Energy siblings as they rally for a fair contract.
🗓️ Tuesday, April 30
⏰ 3-5pm
📍Gasworks Park, Seattle
Let’s make sure management knows Washington is a union state ✊ pic.twitter.com/G6t0r5Uo2k
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 26, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Workers' Memorial Day; Milwaukee event honors those who died on the job https://t.co/3AlvLdlXrg
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 29, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/30/2024 - 10:20Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Is May 11
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of nonperishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ (NALC's) annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.
The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Simply leave your donation of nonperishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.
To donate through your food bank, please use our search tool here.
For more information, visit Stamp Out Hunger in America.
Watch this video for more:
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/30/2024 - 10:05
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TWU Local 556 Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 ratified a four-year contract that includes a 22.3% raise on May 1, $364 million in retroactive wages, industry-first paid maternal and parental leave, additional compensation for extra time spent on the ground while on duty, higher pay for irregular operations, premium pay for an extended duty day, pay protections for flight attendants who experience an on-the-job injury, and provides holiday pay for three more holidays: July Fourth, Memorial Day and Labor Day. The contract was approved, with 81% of votes in favor.
“This deal provides significant raises and critical quality-of-life improvements for TWU’s Southwest Flight Attendants who worked through historic operational meltdowns and a global pandemic,” said TWU International Executive Vice President Alex Garcia. “TWU Local 556 won quantifiable compensation throughout all phases of the day that will put real money into our Flight Attendants’ pay checks. This is the least they deserve after years of hard work and negotiations.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:02Every Worker Deserves a Fair Share: The Working People Weekly List
Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.
Black and Latino Workers Die on the Job at Disproportionate Rates, New Report Shows: “‘The alarming disparities in workplace fatalities among workers of color are unacceptable, symptomatic of deeply ingrained racial inequity and the need to pay increased attention to the dangerous industries that treat workers as disposable,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement.”
Biden Labor Department Finalizes Pro-Worker Rules on Overtime, Retirement Savings: “Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, said the nation's largest labor federation has ‘been pushing for the fiduciary and overtime rules since the Obama administration.’ ‘It's really this simple," said Shuler. ‘Every worker deserves their fair share of the wealth they help create and every worker deserves to make sure their hard-earned money is secure.’”
President Biden Speaks at 2024 NABTU Conference: “‘You had my back in 2020, and because of you, I am standing here as president of the United States of America,” said President Biden at the start of his remarks at the 2024 North America’s Building Trades Unions' conference in Washington, D.C. The president spoke on his strong support for unions as he touted his policy achievements, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He touched on growth in the economy, infrastructure investment, and job creation, as well as highlighting the policy differences between his administration and that of former President Trump.”
AFL-CIO: Global Warming a Union Issue Because It’s a Workers’ Issue: “The ongoing story of global warming is littered with ravaged livelihoods, devastated towns, and lost lives. It chronicles a tragic plight for everyone in its path, and it’s a narrative that fossil fuel interests would prefer to sweep under the rug. Many look to Earth Day as a clarion call to take action in the wake of this crisis, and the AFL-CIO held an event on April 22 to do just that. It was the first national convening of a united coalition of labor, racial justice, and environmental justice organizations to hold a discussion on how climate change is impacting workers and their communities.”
White House Calls on Pension Funds to Adopt Stronger Labor Standards: “White House officials will meet on Tuesday with leaders from five major pension funds who have committed more than $1 trillion in capital requiring robust labor standards in private-equity investments, in an effort to push more funds to follow suit. The Biden administration is touting these commitments as public pension funds amass growing holdings in private equity firms, which have been blamed for driving down wages, fighting unionization, and cutting jobs. Administration officials, including National Economic Adviser Lael Brainard and acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, have been in talks to encourage pension fund managers to adopt higher labor standards in their private equity investments.”
Biden Rule Grants Overtime Pay to 4 Million U.S. Workers: “The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday unveiled a rule extending mandatory overtime pay to an estimated 4 million salaried workers, going even further than an Obama-era rule that was struck down in court. The U.S. Department of Labor rule will require employers to pay overtime premiums to workers who earn a salary of less than $1,128 per week, or about $58,600 per year, when they work more than 40 hours in a week.”
Biden’s 401(k) Advice Rule Finalized Over Wall Street Objections: “The US Labor Department has released a closely watched rule that will expand strict fiduciary standards of conduct to cover more retirement plan advisers, and has already drawn ire from Wall Street. The rule from the DOL’s Employee Benefits Security Administration could equip regulators with more power to oversee Wall Street heavy hitters and require companies to comply with expensive disclosure exemptions.”
Federal Trade Commission Approves Ban Of Noncompete Agreements: “The Federal Trade Commission on Tuesday voted 3-2 in favor of adopting a historic and far-reaching ban on noncompete agreements, potentially giving more leverage in the job market to millions of U.S. workers. The agency has said that the agreements, in which workers are forbidden from seeking a job with a competing business for a certain period of time, lead to an ‘unfair method of competition’ and violate federal law. The vote by the agency’s five commissioners this week means the ban will move forward.”
Vice President Harris Announces Final Rules Mandating Minimum Standards for Nursing Home Staffing: “The federal government is for the first time requiring nursing homes to have minimum staffing levels after the COVID-19 pandemic exposed grim realities in poorly staffed facilities for older and disabled Americans. Vice President Kamala Harris announced the final rules on Monday before a trip to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where she will talk to nursing home care employees about their work. In the battleground state, Harris also will hold a campaign event focused on abortion rights.”
Volkswagen ‘the First Domino to Fall’ After Union Vote, Says UAW President: “After celebrating his union’s historic victory at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee, Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers, told the Guardian that he was confident of more unionization wins at auto plants across the U.S., saying: ‘The workers at VW are the first domino to fall. They have shown it is possible,’ Fain added in an interview on Sunday evening. ‘I expect more of the same to come. Workers are fed up.’ The three-day unionization vote at Volkswagen ended last Friday, with the union winning overwhelmingly, 2,628 to 985—the first time workers at a foreign-owned auto plant in the south have unionized.”
President Biden Delivers Remarks at IBEW Construction and Maintenance Conference: “President Joe Biden delivered remarks at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Construction and Maintenance Conference on Friday at the Washington Hilton. The IBEW represents more than 800,000 active members and retirees who work in many fields including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government, according to its website.”
Maine Can Help Our Nation Regain Shipbuilding Dominance: “China is now building warships at a rate that could rival the United States during wartime. As international president of the 600,000-member International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), Local S6 member and former pipefitter at Bath Iron Works, I write with a sense of urgency and deep concern for the future of our shipbuilding capabilities, as recent reports have pointed out that Chinese shipyards are thriving and primed to build at wartime rates, while U.S. shipbuilding is struggling to keep up. The Alliance for American Manufacturing just released a video, citing a leaked Navy briefing slide, showing China’s shipbuilding capacity is 232 times greater than the United States. The IAM and four national labor unions filed a petition urging President Joe Biden to launch an investigation into China’s predatory trade practices and get America’s shipbuilding industry back on track.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/29/2024 - 08:08Top 14 Things You Should Know from the Death on the Job 2024 Report
Today, ahead of Workers Memorial Day on April 28, the AFL-CIO released our 33rd annual report, Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect. This annual report serves as a national and state-by-state profile of worker safety and health, offering direction to policymakers and regulatory bodies as they strive to address the scourge of working people facing death, injury and illness at work.
“Despite workers’ hard-won safety and health rights, this report shows the fight is far from over,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Too many workers face retaliation for reporting unsafe working conditions or injuries, while low penalties fail to deter employers from following the law. The alarming disparities in workplace fatalities among workers of color are unacceptable, symptomatic of deeply ingrained racial inequity and the need to pay increased attention to the dangerous industries that treat workers as disposable. As we honor those who have fallen this Workers Memorial Day, we remain committed to holding corporations accountable so that all jobs are safe jobs—where every worker can return home safely at the end of the day.”
Here are 14 things you need to know from the 2024 Death on the Job report:
- 344 workers died each day from hazardous working conditions.
- 5,486 workers were killed on the job in the United States.
- An estimated 120,000 workers died from occupational diseases.
- The job fatality rate increased again to 3.7 per 100,000 workers.
- Workers of color die on the job at a higher rate: Black and Latino worker job fatality rates are disproportionate compared with all other workers and are continuing to increase.
- Employers reported nearly 3.5 million work-related injuries and illnesses, an increase from the previous year.
- 43 workers died from heat on the job; fatal and nonfatal data are an undercount of the real problem.
- Workplace homicides and workplace suicides increased 9% and 13%, respectively, from 2021 to 2022.
- Separately, unintentional overdoses at work increased 13% from 2021 to 2022.
- The rate of serious workplace violence injuries has increased to 4.3 per 10,000 workers.
- Musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive motion injuries continue to be a major problem, accounting for 28% of all serious work-related injuries and illnesses in private industry.
- Underreporting of all workplace injuries and illnesses is widespread—the true toll of work-related injuries and illnesses is 5.6 million to 8.4 million each year in private industry.
- Chemical exposures continue to plague working people, leading to debilitating, life-threatening diseases that are totally preventable.
- The cost of job injuries and illnesses is enormous, estimated at $174 billion to $348 billion a year—an undercount of the real impact on society, families and communities.
“This report exposes an urgent crisis for workers of color and reaffirms what we’ve long known: When we talk about justice for workers, we must prioritize racial equity,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. “The fact that Black and Latino workers continue to die on the job at disproportionate rates demands a reckoning with the failure of employers to protect them. We must honor the lives lost on the job with action, as we recommit ourselves to advancing safety, health and equity for all workers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/25/2024 - 10:15Win A Better Future: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).
Alaska AFL-CIO:
"Joining the Nurse Licensure Compact is smoke and mirrors, disguising dangerous working conditions and calling it a workforce shortage." #akleg
Nurse Licensure Compact is bad for workers and bad for Alaska! https://t.co/DVENu1mgk0
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
📌Join us this Friday, April 26th where we will gather to remember and pay tribute to the workers who have lost their lives due to work-related hazards.#WorkersMemorialDay #1u
RSVP Required: https://t.co/vpZjqQXbNl pic.twitter.com/dKfPSUJYe4
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
We don’t have to choose between good jobs & a healthy planet. We’re fighting for both.
We can act on climate & build a sustainable economy w/ abundant public services & healthy & prosperous communities w/ good union jobs.
Choose a better present. Win a better future.#EarthDay pic.twitter.com/Ijou3l3bBO
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 22, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
“At this moment, Colorado has the opportunity to not just legislate but to lead — to champion a cause that resonates beyond its borders, inspiring a national movement toward greater rail safety and accountability.”#coleg #copols https://t.co/kc78NJHIkf
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 17, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@EHawthorne3 honoring the workers who died at L'Ambiance: "This remembrance is to honor those 28 workers but should also serve as a reminder that nothing is more paramount than worker safety. We will not stop until every worker is able to go to work and return home safely" pic.twitter.com/fxVUj7kvcC
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
And the bosses know climate is a labor issue, too.
Gov. DeSantis and his majority in the legislature recently passed a law BANNING cities and counties from enacting any heat protections for workers. https://t.co/mbwkq2nmQC
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
#Congratulations to @UAW Pres. Shawn Fain !!! Thank you for continuing the movement 🫶🏼#1u #UnionsForAll #UnionStrong #unionproud #Georgia pic.twitter.com/3ZH3tjXo9v
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 21, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Thank you @ILTreasurer for highlighting your investments to improve Illinois' infrastructure and create good-paying jobs at #NABTU2024 Conference in Washington, DC today. pic.twitter.com/CQHhgB3BRV
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Everyone who wants a union deserves a union, keep up the fight! ✊ https://t.co/4P6Z06EAdQ
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Congratulations @UAW!! ✊✊✊#UnionStrong https://t.co/Vbc1WYiV0b
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) April 20, 2024
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Announcing the Kentucky State AFL-CIO's 2024 Primary Election Endorsements#Labor2024 #KyElect #WorkingFamilies #UnionStrong #1Union pic.twitter.com/ZUhIaGGcaR
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) April 16, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
This is our statement on @GovJanetMills’ shameful veto of a minimum wage for farmworkers in Maine. #mepolitics #Shame pic.twitter.com/cGSKJTaS7F
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Denise Ilitch and Mark Gaffney have been crucial allies of labor on campus. Reelecting pro-labor candidates to our university governing boards is an essential step to ensuring our universities protect the rights and dignity of their workers.https://t.co/lrCFlZeY7W
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
She stands up for working people in Congress and we are proud to endorse @IlhanMN! https://t.co/CDYngCE5DO
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Happy Passover to those who celebrate! ✡️ #chagsameach pic.twitter.com/w1lYlUNdtY
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:
Huge win developing for workers who voted this week to join @UAW in Chattanooga! There’s nothing better than having a voice in the workplace! #unionstrong https://t.co/7meEcFCbRo
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 20, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Join us this Friday at Sunset Park for a Workers Memorial Day Luncheon! pic.twitter.com/f2o6tavMKh
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
No other candidate running for Governor understands what NH working families face day-to-day. That’s why the @NHAFLCIO has endorsed @JoyceCraigNH. Excited to be at her office opening tonight in Manchester!#NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/qkDo3cTiMM
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 18, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Statement of New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on Passage of Vital Tier 6 Pension Reforms in State Budget: https://t.co/e9YftLG8Ax
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 21, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
IT'S A NEW DAWN, IT'S A NEW DAY, IN THE SOUTH Y'ALL! Volkswagen workers vote yes to unionizing, igniting @UAW's push to #organizetheSouth https://t.co/ly4C6miAGn #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 20, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
We remember when our pro-#union Brother @heyjohnrussell ran here in #Ohio for Statehouse and Congress. Glad he's still in the fight for working people. https://t.co/3jwb2dEhBW
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 22, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
The #OregonPrimary is one month away! Check out our #OregonLabor 2024 Voting Guide and learn more about the pro-worker candidates we’ve endorsed.https://t.co/mZfx8WjXO5 pic.twitter.com/0zBE7H7AjW
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 22, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council unanimously voted to elect Maurice Cobb as its Secretary-Treasurer to fill the unexpired term until the next convention, succeeding George Piasecki as Secretary-Treasurer.
Read our full statement: https://t.co/7unLnKJ2mC pic.twitter.com/KxKoyyrDJw
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 23, 2024
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
We have the chance to ban captive anti-union meetings in Rhode Island! Let's protect our workers from threats, intimidation, and limits on their free speech rights
Thank you bill sponsors @RepCraven & @LaMountainfor31 #UnionStrong #1u https://t.co/Hl4lmZbUH2
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 23, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Enough with the fear-mongering, @GovBillLee. If this was really about "choice," you wouldn't have attempted to interfere in yet another election. Your failure to stay out of this decision is the only "mistake" that we see #StandUpUAW #1uhttps://t.co/f9E0paOn1n
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 23, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Please join us in welcoming Fabiola Barreto, our new Texas Immigrant Worker Project Coordinator 🥳
She will organize our Citizenship Clinics, assist in other immigration-related initiatives, and participate in immigration-related legislative activities.
Welcome, Fabiola! pic.twitter.com/4yAi2xmehk
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 23, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Make sure to thank your school bus drivers today! https://t.co/gMmvwpUisU pic.twitter.com/lmPxpAMwvS
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) April 23, 2024
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
“Affordable & accessible childcare is critical not only to a healthy workforce and families, but also to the state’s overall economy,” said WV AFL-CIO Pres Josh Sword. “The most effective way to ensure working people remain in the workforce is to allow parents affordable access…
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) April 19, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Learning to lead: ILR institute trains the next generation of union organizers https://t.co/1NkRoKJ3Fh
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 19, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: GM Aramark Workers Win Major Gains
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at General Motors Aramark won a historic tentative agreement that raises the standards for all UAW GM members in sanitation. Under the new contract, workers will receive raises of up to 43% over the life of the three-year deal. It would take a worker just 90 days to reach the top wage rate. Workers will receive retroactive back pay from March 15.
“If ratified, this deal will be a major victory for our UAW members in sanitation, not just at Aramark,” said Mike Booth, UAW vice president and director of the GM Department. “Of the 10 sanitation companies the UAW bargains with, Aramark is the largest. We took the fight to Aramark head-on to win a contract that recognizes your hard work and dedication.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/24/2024 - 09:48Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minnesota Grocery Workers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Grocery workers, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 663, reached a tentative contract agreement with management of Quisberg’s and Miner’s grocery stores in Brainerd, Baxter, Crosby and Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. The contract agreement comes after the workers went on a four-day strike in December. The workers rejected management's offer in January and fought until they secured the new agreement on Monday. Details of the tentative contract are to be released after members are informed of the details through in-person meetings.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/23/2024 - 09:54The Fight Goes On: 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.
‘He Has Our Backs’: Pennsylvania Steelworkers Cheer Biden’s Proposed Tariffs on Chinese Steel: “Darrin Kelly, the president of the Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council, told PennLive that Biden’s tariffs proposal ‘is just one further acknowledgment that this is the most worker-friendly president in the history of our great country.’ Kelly praised Biden’s commitment to labor and the middle-class, saying that, ‘Every step and every breath this man takes has the American worker in his blood, in his heart. That’s why we’re here. That’s why we’ll always stand with him.’”
Shedd Aquarium Employees Launch Union Drive: “Employees at the Shedd Aquarium announced plans to unionize Thursday, the latest in a series of unionization campaigns at Chicago’s prominent cultural in recent years. The employees eventually plan to file for a union election with the American Federation of Sate, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which since 2022 has unionized workers at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Institute and its affiliated school, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Lincoln Park and the Newberry Library, a research library on the Near North Side.”
Disneyland Character Workers File for a Union Election with the National Labor Relations Board: “The workers who play characters like Goofy and Mickey Mouse and cheer and dance at parades at Disneyland have taken a step forward in their push to unionize with Actors’ Equity. The group of organizers, which is seeking to represent 1,700 employees, filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board, Actors’ Equity president Kate Shindle announced at a press conference in Anaheim on Wednesday. According to Shindle, a ‘supermajority’ of eligible employees have signed union authorization cards, supporting the move to be represented by Actors’ Equity in collective bargaining. Beyond performers, the group—which calls itself ‘Magic United’—also includes workers who help facilitate character performers’ interactions with park patrons and trainers who work with them.”
Graduate Student Workers Vote to Authorize Strike: “Fordham Graduate Student Workers (FGSW) announced its members had approved a 98% vote in favor of authorizing a strike on April 9 after polls had closed. The vote is an effort to pressure the university to meet the union’s demands in ongoing contract negotiations for higher compensation, healthcare benefits, childcare subsidies, and more. The strike authorization vote will allow union leaders to call for a strike at any moment if Fordham does not move closer to meeting FGSW’s demands—both parties have been in negotiations for 19 months. If a strike were to occur, union members would not work until both parties negotiate a satisfactory contract with Fordham.”
MSHA Final Rule Lowers Limit for Miner Exposure to Silica: “To Cecil Roberts, president of United Mine Workers of America, the rule protects miners both in the short-term and throughout their lives. ‘Young miners in their 30s and 40s are getting lung diseases that are being exacerbated by silica dust,’ Roberts said in a release. ‘What was thought to be a disease of the past is coming back with a vengeance because miners are cutting more rock than ever before.’ In a separate release, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler calls the rule ‘a definitive step toward safeguarding the health and well-being of our nation’s miners.’”
U.S. Antitrust Funding Jump Urged by Unions, Lobbies, Trade Groups: “The Justice Department’s antitrust enforcers need more funding to crack down on illegal mergers and conduct, unions, small business and advocacy groups told members of Congress Tuesday ahead of Attorney General Merrick Garland’s expected testimony. In a pair of letters to the leaders of the House and Senate appropriations committees, the groups urged lawmakers to increase the antitrust funding for the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission.”
Nebraska Steamfitter Running for U.S. Senate Against GOP Incumbent Is Gaining Traction: “In Nebraska’s U.S. Senate race, something extraordinary is happening—Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate, is gaining traction at the polls, attracting national media attention, and, most importantly, securing cross-over voters. A former union president who led a 77-day strike at Kellogg’s in 2021, Osborn was fired from the company last year and is currently an apprentice for a local steamfitter’s union in Omaha. Now, the 48-year-old father of three is spending all of his free time outside his 40-hour workweek campaigning against incumbent GOP Sen. Deb Fischer.”
Another Group of St. Louis Public Radio Employees File to Organize Despite University of Missouri Resistance: “Another group of St. Louis Public Radio employees has filed to organize, following the newsroom’s historic unionization last year. The St. Louis Public Radio Guild announced it has filed for a second election to add the radio station’s non-supervisory fundraising, events and support staff to its ranks. The St. Louis Public Radio Guild organized the 37 newsroom workers who bring local, national and international news and programs to the airwaves and online, including journalists, producers, on-air talent and marketing professionals. Last year, they made history by becoming the first public media union to file for and win union recognition in the state of Missouri.”
America's Newest Doctors Fuel Efforts to Unionize: “A new generation of doctors struggling with ever-increasing workloads and crushing student debt is helping drive unionization efforts in a profession that historically hasn't organized. Why it matters: Physicians in training, like their peers in other industries, increasingly see unions as a way to boost their pay and protect themselves against grueling working conditions as they launch their careers. It also comes amid a wave of unionization and labor actions by nurses and other caregivers across a health care system that's still dealing with high levels of burnout.”
Sault Saint Marie Nurses Strike for Fair Pay Amid Negotiation Standoff: “Nurses in Sault Saint Marie are now on strike. This follows negotiations between the Michigan Nurse's Association and MyMichigan Health that ended in a deadlock. About 120 nurses work at MyMichigan Health, and they could be striking outside the hospital for five days if an agreement is not reached.”
Marquette Employees Launch Union Organizing Drive Amid Budget Uncertainty and Job Cuts: “A group of more than 50 Marquette University employees have launched a union organizing drive in hopes of gaining federal recognition—allowing them to negotiate over wages, benefits and workplace conditions. The effort announced this week comes shortly after Marquette laid out plans to cut $31 million from its budget over the next seven years. ‘It just seems like we need this now more than ever,’ said Grant Gosizk, a union steering committee member who teaches in the university's English department. ‘There’s an amount of pressure to the campaign now that we haven't had for the past year or two. It’s been in the works for a long time, but now it seems essential.’”
WGA Strike Leaders Chris Keyser and David Goodman Warn Members to Stay Vigilant: ‘The Strike Is Over, the Fight Goes On’: “Chris Keyser and David Goodman, the veteran showrunners who steered the five-month Writers Guild of America strike last year, warned guild members on Sunday to stay vigilant in a fast-changing business landscape despite the gains of last year’s historic labor action. ‘Though this strike is over, the fight goes on. If we take our eye off the ball, everything we gained can literally go away tomorrow,’ Goodman told the crowd at the Writers Guild Awards at the Hollywood Palladium.”
'Overworked, Underpaid': Flight Attendants Picket at Newark Airport: “If an airline has the cash to give its executives a big pay bump, its employees also deserve a raise. This was the call from dozens of unionized flight attendants with United Airlines at a picket line outside Newark Airport on Thursday. As part of a national day of action held at airports across the U.S., the flight attendants held up signs reading ‘Pay Us Or Chaos’ and chanted ‘Overworked, underpaid—pay us a living wage.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:17Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers Become First Southern Autoworkers to Win Their Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a historic victory, 73% of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the UAW. The Volkswagen workers are the first Southern autoworkers outside of the Big Three to win a union.
“This election is big,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department at Volkswagen (VW). “People in high places told us good things can’t happen here in Chattanooga. They told us this isn’t the time to stand up, this isn’t the place. But we did stand up and we won. This is the time; this is the place. Southern workers are ready to stand up and win a better life.”
“We saw the big contract that UAW workers won at the Big Three and that got everybody talking,” said Zachary Costello, a trainer in VW’s proficiency room. “You see the pay, the benefits, the rights UAW members have on the job, and you see how that would change your life. That’s why we voted overwhelmingly for the union. Once people see the difference a union makes, there’s no way to stop them.”
“This is a movement for every blue-collar worker in America,” said Doug Snyder, a body worker at Volkswagen. “Our vote shows that workers everywhere want a better life on and off the job. Fair pay is important, but so is time with our families. So is a voice for safety in our plant. We’re looking forward to getting to the bargaining table with the company and winning a contract that makes things right at Volkswagen.”
“We congratulate the Volkswagen workers, our UAW family and UAW President Shawn Fain for this monumental victory in Chattanooga,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “The victory at Volkswagen’s plant in Tennessee marks a historic milestone for workers across the state and the broader South. Led by a diverse coalition of young activists, this triumph challenges outdated labor laws and sets new standards for collective bargaining power. It symbolizes a shift away from the old economic model that prioritizes the profits of big corporations to a new era where working people have the power to shape our futures.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:53Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Portland Hilton Secure New Contract After Two Years of Bargaining
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
UNITE HERE Local 8 reached a tentative contract agreement that raises wages and restores automatic daily room cleaning at the Hilton and Duniway hotels in downtown Portland. The contract covers about 125 workers across the two hotels, including housekeepers, cooks, bellhops and reception clerks. The contract would provide a 50-cent-an-hour raise every February and August though Feb. 1, 2027, for non-tipped workers and includes retroactive raises dating back to Aug. 1, 2022.
Andi Tiffany, a cook at the Duniway, said low wages in the kitchen have led to high turnover, chronic short staffing and increased workloads for those who stick around. “We’ve lost a lot of really excellent cooks from the kitchen because we wore them out so quickly,” Tiffany said.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/19/2024 - 10:01SOLIDARITY ALERT: Sesame Workshop writers
Writers at Sesame Workshop—the incredibly talented team that gives Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, and all our favorite Muppets the words that change our kids’ lives forever—are on the verge of a strike.
These writers are fighting for a contract with industry-standard annual raises, improvements to residuals and coverage of all writing work performed for Sesame Workshop—including animation and social media segments.
Their current contract expires this Friday, April 19.
If the company continues to refuse to engage on core issues and a deal can’t be reached by that deadline, Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) and Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) members at Sesame Workshop have unanimously voted to authorize a strike.
Organizers are hopeful they can reach an agreement by the end of the day on Friday—but they need your support to win their contract.
Help Sesame Workshop writers reach a deal before the strike deadline!
Please take a moment to send a letter to Sesame Workshop’s executive staff and board calling for a fair union contract that protects all writers at Sesame.
Your support will ensure that the negotiating committee has the leverage they need to make the strongest possible deal before their contract expires on Friday—or to have the WGAE Council and WGAW Board call for a strike if the company is still unwilling to meet its workers' reasonable demands.
For updates about the campaign and ways for WGA members, union allies and fans of Sesame Workshop to support the fight for a fair contract, visit wgaeast.org/sesame2024.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:15Worker Wins: A New Way of Doing Business
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
AFSCME Maryland Celebrates Pro-Worker Legislation Victories During 2024 Session: Following the end of Maryland’s legislative session, AFSCME members and leadership are celebrating the passage of bills securing collective bargaining rights for state supervisory employees and public library workers. More than 7,000 state workers will be gaining the right to join a union later this year, in what AFSCME Maryland Council 3 called the largest legislative expansion of collective bargaining rights in the past few decades. State employees in supervisory roles expressed that because they previously haven’t had collective bargaining rights, there hasn’t been a clear way to address workplace issues or push for policy reforms. Similarly, library workers around the state are hoping access to a union will allow them to advocate for better pay, grievance processes and other workplace improvements. AFSCME hopes these policy changes will help the state retain and attract a quality public sector workforce who can continue to deliver essential services to local communities. “Once again, AFSCME members showed up and made their voices heard in Annapolis,” said AFSCME Maryland President Patrick Moran. “We also thank Governor Moore for including negotiated raises for state workers in his budget, and we look forward to continuing our work together to ensure Maryland’s working families are not left behind.”
Wisconsin Gov. Evers Protects Child Labor Law with Senate Bill 436 Veto: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers delivered remarks Monday at the Wisconsin State Council of Machinists’ 2024 spring conference in Madison and vetoed S.B. 436, which would have eliminated the requirement that employers obtain a work permit in order to employ 14- or 15-year-olds. The work permit process keeps young workers safer at work through parental oversight and gives critical information about where kids work and what jobs they’re doing to Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development, so it can better enforce child labor laws. In 2017, then-Gov. Scott Walker, a national disgrace, signed a bill passed by fellow Republicans in the state Legislature that eliminated the work permit requirements for 16- and 17-year-olds. The bill Evers vetoed would have expanded and built on this exemption. “Governor Evers continues to stand up for the safety of our kids by protecting child labor law in Wisconsin,” said Wisconsin State AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale. “The dangerous push to weaken child labor law in Wisconsin and across the country comes at a time when more children are harmed at work or work hazardous jobs.” “Eliminating these permits would have been a reckless gamble with the well-being of young people,” said Machinists (IAM) International President Brian Bryant in a press release. “Work permits are not merely red tape. They are essential shields protecting our children from exploitation, unsafe conditions, and disrupted education. By vetoing this bill, Gov. Evers has shown clear leadership in prioritizing the safety and welfare of Wisconsin’s future workforce.”
DreamWorks Animation Production Workers Form Union Under IATSE: Production workers from DreamWorks Animation have officially voted to form a union with The Animation Guild (TAG), also known as Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839, and the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). In total, 160 workers are joining the ranks of their DreamWorks artist, technician and editor colleagues who are already union members. This victory also marks the largest unit to date with a seat on the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to join the union. Production staff organized with the goal of preserving their workplace culture at DreamWorks amid recent announcements of significant company policy changes like increased outsourcing and a retraction of most remote work for production staff. DreamWorks and The Animation Guild have had a relationship since the studio started. In those first days, DreamWorks was interested in offering the same working conditions as the other studios in order to attract the best talent possible. Today, we extend that coverage to ensure the production staff can enjoy the best working conditions we can negotiate with the company,” said Steve Kaplan, The Animation Guild’s business representative.
Austin Pets Alive Workers File to Become Nation’s Largest Animal Shelter Union: On Thursday, Austin Pets Alive (APA) animal shelter employees in Texas filed to form a union with Machinists (IAM) District 776, taking a first step toward creating the largest animal shelter union in the country. Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW) members are calling for voluntary recognition from management. Their core bargaining goals include implementing policies supporting the well-being and safety of both animals and workers, increasing wages, improving benefits and codifying fair employment practices. “I want to join with my co-workers to form a union because workers like me who are on the front lines of animal care deserve to feel safe and supported in our mission-fulfilling work at APA,” said Ryan Martinez, an APA staff member. “I know that a strong union contract negotiated by affected employees is the best way to make that happen, which will ultimately improve conditions for the animals in our care.”
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $20 Billion Investment to Create Good-Paying Clean Energy Jobs: On Thursday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its selections for $20 billion in grant awards to fund tens of thousands of clean energy and transportation projects in communities across the United States. The grants, made available through the $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, will create a national clean financing network of recipients that will help kickstart projects across the country to reduce pollution while providing local communities with quality, good-paying jobs. AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Julie Collier sits on the board of the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC), one of the eight recipients. Of the $20 billion allocated for the largest federal climate investment in the history of the United States, at least $4 billion will be dedicated to investment specifically in rural areas. “President Biden and Vice President Harris have put communities at the center of their Investing in America agenda,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “The selectees announced today will deliver transformational investments for American communities, businesses and families and unleash tens of thousands of clean technology projects, like putting solar on small businesses, electrifying affordable housing, providing EV [electric vehicle] loans for young families and countless others. That translates to good-paying jobs, energy bill savings and cleaner air, all while delivering on President Biden’s historic agenda to combat climate change.”
AFM Musicians Ratify New Motion Picture Agreements: The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) announced Tuesday that members have voted to ratify the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture Agreements contract that was unanimously recommended by the bargaining committee in February. This deal represents a massive victory for musicians working in film and television. Some of the wins members have secured include residuals for content made for streaming, enhanced health care coverage, performance bonuses and new protections to safeguard against generative artificial intelligence. “This agreement is a monumental victory for musicians who have long been under-compensated for their work in the digital age,” AFM International President and Chief Negotiator Tino Gagliardi said in a statement. “It wouldn’t have been possible without our members’ unwavering strength and unity, along with the tireless organizing efforts that led up to this historic contract.”
Workers at Oakland’s Creative Growth Form a Union: Staff members at Creative Growth—a nonprofit based in Oakland, California, that supports artists with disabilities—are requesting voluntary recognition as they join AFSCME Council 57. Creative Growth United’s bargaining unit would cover an estimated 34 workers, including art facilitators, instructors, program coordinators, gallery staff members and other direct-service providers at Oakland’s second-largest arts organization. The union delivered its announcement to the interim executive director and board of trustees on Tuesday, with workers citing concerns such as high turnover rate for management and the need for more equitable hiring practices and standardized benefits. “Unionizing will improve working conditions for all staff at Creative Growth. It will also improve conditions for all artist-clients, who benefit from a more harmonious and rooted organizational culture, reflected in better planning and more effective and committed direct care staff,” said Creative Growth United in a community petition. “We believe every worker deserves a living-wage, and every worker has the legal right to form a union, without fear of retaliation or intimidation.”
Rail Labor Applauds Final Two-Person Crew Rule for Train Operations: In a victory for rail workers’ safety, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a final rule establishing a minimum requirement of two-person crews for most Class I freight and passenger railroad operations. Workers have been sounding the alarm for years on the necessity of federal regulation to improve working conditions both on the tracks and in rail yards. This move from the Biden administration is in sharp contrast to the administration of former President Trump, who in 2019 withdrew a proposed regulation on crew staffing, saying that no additional safety regulations were “necessary or appropriate for railroad operations.” “This rule acknowledges that crew size is fundamentally a safety issue at its core. Rail workers experience the risks of the job daily, and have made it clear that two-person crews are inherently necessary to ensure the safe operation of our rail systems,” said Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD). “We thank President Biden for ensuring that his Administration delivered this essential rail safety rule.” “This final rule is essential for safety and is long overdue,” said Transport Workers Union (TWU) International President John Samuelsen. “The TWU looks forward to the swift implementation of a two-person crew requirement.”
Transit Workers in Arlington, Virginia, Vote to Join ATU: Arlington Transit (ART) workers have voted overwhelmingly to be represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, joining the ranks of their organized counterparts at multiple other local transit systems in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. A whopping 99% of ART workers voted in favor of joining Local 689, including bus operators, mechanics, fuel island attendants, technicians and cleaners. The staff are employed by private transportation company Transdev, who is contracted to operate Arlington’s local bus service. Just last month, ATU members at Northern Virginia transit system Fairfax Connector—who are also employed by Transdev—ratified a well-bargained new contract after a successful 15-day strike. “On behalf of Local 689, congratulations to the ART workers on their election victory and welcome to our family,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “Local 689 will continue to fight to ensure that every transit worker in our region has fair wages, strong benefits, and protections on the job so that they can support their families and be treated with dignity for the hard work they perform every day to move our region.”
Nashville East Bank, LIUNA Agreement Hailed as ‘New Way of Doing Business in This City’: Laborers (LIUNA) Local 386 and the company heading up a massive development of the East Bank property in Nashville, Tennessee, have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to worker safety, pay and other benefits for the construction project. The Fallon Company is responsible for handling hiring and managing development of the roughly 95 acres of land on the East Bank riverfront that’s owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Construction will include a Tennessee Performing Arts Center and 695 affordable housing units, among other commercial and public uses. The MOU establishes a priority in the bidding process for contractors looking to work for Fallon based on their track record of and future commitments to things like worker safety, on-time pay and quality health care benefits. Additionally, a company also could get a leg up in the bidding process if it agrees to work with local registered apprenticeship programs. “It’s refreshing to us that the developer saw this as a priority,” Local 386 Vice President Ethan Link said. “We had shared values around that, which for years has not been the norm here in Nashville.…It’s a totally different posture than what we’re used to.” “Having that East Bank job, if it was set up in those ways, it would make me feel secure,” said Cydney Jenkins, a 2022 graduate of Music City Construction Careers, a certified apprenticeship readiness program. “It would make me feel appreciated on the job, but it would also give me the chance to not be so far away from my children.”
Equitas Health Workers United Members Ratify Their First Contract with the LGBTQ+ Health Provider: Union staff at one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS-serving health care providers, Equitas Health, have ratified their first contract with the nonprofit health system. Equitas Health Workers United (EHWU), a local of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, which is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents more than 200 front-line, client-facing workers at 15 Equitas Health locations across Ohio. The union announced the victory on Friday—workers first began organizing in 2021, filed for a union election in May 2022 and then won their vote in August of the same year. The agreement includes retroactive wage increases, signing bonuses, a binding grievance and arbitration process, a labor-management committee with direct participation from the board of trustees, and more. “We started organizing our union three years ago because we are committed to providing our clients with the best care possible, and we couldn’t do that while management was making poor decisions without input from staff who work directly with clients,” said Breann Smith, a medical case manager and member of the EHWU bargaining team. “That’s why we prioritized contract language that gives us different ways to have an impact on the decisions that affect our work and our clients’ care.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/18/2024 - 10:36Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Hails Passage of Library Worker Rights Legislation
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Machinists (IAM) union, which represents Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) workers, is celebrating the passage of the Library Workers Empowerment Act, a milestone piece of legislation initiated by the IAM last year that will grant library staff across Maryland the right to organize.
The legislation, cross-filed as H.B. 609 and S.B. 591, received bipartisan support in the Maryland General Assembly. Once the bill is signed by Gov. Wes Moore, it will empower public library workers to be able to form unions and collectively bargain for the wages, benefits and working conditions they deserve. Currently, library staff in only four counties and Baltimore City can organize, but this bill extends this critical right to libraries throughout the state.
“The IAM and its members extend their deepest gratitude to the legislators who supported this piece of legislation and to the library employees who have tirelessly advocated for their rights,” said IAM Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) Local 4538 President and Library Service Assistant Anita Bass. “This achievement is a testament to the power of solidarity and the importance of standing together for the betterment of all workers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:07Fighting for Our Rights: 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:
Disneyland cast members have filed for an election with the NLRB. https://t.co/tsWErejmdA
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 17, 2024
AFGE:
🔥The numbers are in!
AFGE grew by 5.5% in 2023, making our union the fastest growing large union in the country.
We're pushing towards our next goal of 325,000 members by the end of 2025.https://t.co/93Ne1MJNlO
— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 17, 2024
AFSCME:
.@PHLafscmeDC47 Kelli Gray shares her life-changing moment with @VP Kamala Harris. Thanks to Public Service Loan Forgiveness,$350K of her student debt has been wiped away. Now, Kelli's a thriving homeowner! https://t.co/k8jAt0yVJX
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 16, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Clearly, we can't always count on corporations to respect workers' right to organize.
News stories like this show why we need the PRO Act. https://t.co/24phaSSMvN
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 17, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Our Halifax, NS, Local 508 ferry operators are burned out, time for Halifax Transit to address the worker shortage. https://t.co/plloArGY56 #ATUStrongerTogether #canlab @NS_Labour
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 17, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Happy National #SchoolLibraryMonth — a month-long celebration of school librarians and school libraries! This quote from author Kelly Barnhill sums it up best. pic.twitter.com/IegZ2t0BWE
— AFT (@AFTunion) April 17, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
On Tuesday, April 16, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee held a hearing to conduct oversight of the USPS, including the implementation of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022. https://t.co/bbBZlkB51b
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) April 16, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
#Chicago is a union town! Join us tomorrow, Thursday, April 18th at 1:00pm on the picket line at ORD with our @APFAunity American flying partners to fight against corporate greed. 📢 Let’s make some noise! RSVP here: https://t.co/XKX7KGQIpA pic.twitter.com/V4jvKOLgLh
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 17, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Workers @ Hearthside Food Solutions in London, Ky. have filed for a union election w/ BCTGM. They have been trying to unionize for over a decade & their friends in McComb, Oh. and Michigan City, Ind. hope to follow very soon. RT to show your support!#hfsworkersunited #unionyes pic.twitter.com/Sn4DtlaxKc
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 10, 2024
Boilermakers:
NACBE has been around since 1975 as a great partner to the #Boilermakers union. So what does NACBE stand for and what do they do? 🤔 Check it out: https://t.co/KA2PfV6hEJ pic.twitter.com/FTI80IgNM8
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 17, 2024
Bricklayers:
Proud of our #tilesetters of BAC Local 4 #California who are working on the campuses of Indio College and Palomar College! #tilesetting #tilesetter #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #unionstrong #construction #unionpride #1u pic.twitter.com/0Z8Ho44Ndk
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) April 14, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
🚨@rocnewsguild journalists are on strike!
Here's how you can support: https://t.co/JOXEMoUDUS
— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 16, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
Securing FY25 funding for the NEA and NEH at $211 million is critical to building more inclusive arts, entertainment, and media industries. Contact your representatives in the House and Senate and urge them to support increased federal arts funding. https://t.co/HmJweCo9ls
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 16, 2024
Electrical Workers:
My #IBEW Story: Kim Davis, @ibewlocal332 pic.twitter.com/VkjimTgfx2
— IBEW (@IBEW) April 17, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Insulators Local 69 Business Manager Steven Overby joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about the workload in Local 69’s jurisdiction. Listen to the full interview: https://t.co/BqZKsHRTPH pic.twitter.com/JcS5BIswyq
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 16, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
We're standing in support of the workers who print our money! IFPTE joins @DCLabor and @AFLCIO in calling on @BEPgov to stop the delay tactics and bargain a fair contract NOW! pic.twitter.com/UGBAA3yetH
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) April 16, 2024
International Labor Communications Association:
REMINDER: entry fees for the 2024 Labor Media Awards go up on April 20 from $40/entry to $60/entry! Submit your 2023 work to be considered for the contest by April 20 to pay the reduced fee! Learn more and submit: https://t.co/kgaMDbUFhM pic.twitter.com/U1QfMYzDY2
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) April 16, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
Today, we're sending solidarity & fortitude to Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga as they kick off their election to join @UAW. Each VW worker's vote to join the union marks a historic leap forward for all Southern workers and their right to stand united! #StandUpVW #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/zslSROJETz
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 17, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
DYK? Only 56% of LGBTQI+ workers have paid sick leave, and just 31% have paid family leave. We need #PaidLeave for ALL families. #CareCantWait https://t.co/5cTSJwMZrd pic.twitter.com/TDYlY2K4BJ
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 17, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
Hm, who can spot what’s missing at the Toledo Auto-Lite Strike Memorial? Anyone know where it is please email info@laborheritage.org pic.twitter.com/GrMURdhQTk
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) April 17, 2024
Laborers:
Dive into the latest #ITK video from LIUNA for all things #PublicEmployees! You don’t want to miss it!
WATCH NOW: https://t.co/rTr9b8awlK
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 17, 2024
Machinists:
The IAM applauds @POTUS's historic steps to safeguard U.S. shipbuilding and steel manufacturing workers, including launching a @USTradeRep investigation into China’s unfair trade practices in shipbuilding.
Read full statement here: https://t.co/xi1v1H8V7I
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 17, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
USTR MOVES FORWARD ON MTD-BACKED SHIPBUILDING PETITION@steelworkers @USTradeRep https://t.co/Sc296rYksY
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) April 17, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
Kalypso and Royal IHC to Build First Jones Act-Compliant Offshore Wind Cable Layer https://t.co/GrYuQG4CKl
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 16, 2024
Mine Workers:
Live stream of @CecilRoberts , @ActSecJulieSu , @CWilliamsonWVMD ,and @NIOSH discuss the need to better protect miners from debilitating and deadly illnesses and announce new actions the @MSHA_DOL is taking to ensure all miners are protected on the job.https://t.co/RuqBzE0AlT
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 17, 2024
Musical Artists:
Union busting relies on third-partying unions, presenting a union as external and negative. It's unfolding at Miami City Ballet, mirroring past Artist organizing efforts. Learn more about third-partying here: https://t.co/F9fQUcVmgZ pic.twitter.com/WefaTjHGlH
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 17, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The FAA will open its doors to new applicants nationwide from April 19 to 22. This is an opportunity to embark on a rewarding career, and be part of a team of highly trained and respected professionals. Learn more at https://t.co/pFKwIZ3Owg pic.twitter.com/3U322zttCQ
— NATCA (@NATCA) April 17, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Letter carriers appreciate your and @RepGarretGraves unwavering efforts to repeal the WEP & GPO! Thank you for your continued work. https://t.co/7sJEPEhiGo
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 17, 2024
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National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Join @WeCount_Fl for Workers Memorial Day 2024! https://t.co/T1s4nZJ3m3
— NDLON (@NDLON) April 16, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Have you signed up for NDWA’s email or SMS list yet? If so you should have gotten the first clue in the Care Is Everywhere Scavenger Hunt!
It’s not too late! Text “careworkers” to 33843 to submit the first clue and win a prize! pic.twitter.com/54sOT72rWP
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 17, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
Lemie Gillesania Appointed as NFFE National Organizing Director:https://t.co/CO36i3xVGo
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 11, 2024
National Nurses United:
These are the lengths our corporate bosses will go to in order to keep us from our right to a voice on the job and a safe and healthy workplace. 😡
This award-winning piece by @jamieson is a must-read for all workers! https://t.co/NTy7OvvIKl
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 17, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
Happy #NationalSiblingDay to the iconic duos, past & present of the NWSL! pic.twitter.com/sm5CnCyzJV
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) April 10, 2024
NFL Players Association:
Congratulations are in order to @CharlieBatch16 who opened a brand new home for his @BestoftheBatch foundation! 👏 https://t.co/lDkknUyELD pic.twitter.com/JC3Ystb7Rc
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 12, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Skilled trades are on the rise! 💼🛠️ Exciting to see young people realize what we have always known, the building trades are in the business of changing lives💪#InfrastructureGenerationhttps://t.co/AjaKJ9ywtG
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 17, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
Our members are at the forefront of protecting our nation's infrastructure & buildings from corrosion and wear.
Here's our sister Sarah Jean doing thermal spray coating on a project in Connecticut, which is often applied to bridges, dams, piers and onshore & offshore facilites. pic.twitter.com/x7WwGDwd6o
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 17, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Hannah Hamer is a proud @526admin journeyperson and #OPCMIA apprenticeship graduate!https://t.co/aSRIEBlpt2 pic.twitter.com/zHRY231ljh
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 17, 2024
Pride At Work:
PA FOLKS! https://t.co/SZLo3zmkJY
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) April 16, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
NY State Senator @JabariBrisport supports the #RetailWorkerSafety Act, which puts the onus on retail employers to provide safe workplaces for their workers without further criminalization.
Will you join us? Write to NYS legislators: https://t.co/ZU1sHknitU pic.twitter.com/qw7YamF3AM
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 17, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Today belongs to the Volkswagen employees in Alabama who are voting in an election to unionize their workplace with @UAW. They are fighting for a brighter future. They are standing up for each other. #UnionYes pic.twitter.com/imfGSDuFbv
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 17, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
Check out the SAG-AFTRA podcast for an inside look at the world of video gaming with #SagAftraMember @NoshirDalal and NED & Chief Negotiator @DuncanCI. Discover performer challenges and why fair treatment is non-negotiable. 🎮🎙️ Listen now! https://t.co/jYGcxtymyU pic.twitter.com/4kZITm72dV
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 17, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Our survey of leather tannery workers in #Bangladesh shows that industrial pollution, dangerous working conditions and low wages are leaving workers and their families vulnerable to the increasing effects of the #climate crisis in the country. pic.twitter.com/4jLvOmTOT3
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 17, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
"We know that Gannett needs us, whether or not it wants to admit it. More importantly, we know that Rochester needs us—but we need a contract."
Read from @CitizenMurphy on why D&C @rocnewsguild journalists are on strike:https://t.co/sMwOIYDizS
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 16, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
The #WNBADraft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music was UNION-MADE by the proud kin of IATSE Local 4! 💪 pic.twitter.com/TcoOdxJxSd
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 17, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
.@skift writes on the new @Allegiant contract. The deal “makes Allegiant crews some of the best paid among U.S. ultra low-cost airlines” https://t.co/im7DxLGXs2
— TWU (@transportworker) April 17, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
The labor movement stands united against the hostile takeover attempt of Norfolk Southern Railroad. ✊
The @AFLCIO is urging @nscorp shareholders to reject Ancora's proposed takeover, which would result in significant rail staffing and safety decreases: https://t.co/03m8QeTMfz pic.twitter.com/oqInhVsQuU
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) April 16, 2024
UAW:
After reaping nearly $6B in profits in 2023, Daimler Truck said they plan to increase stock dividends by 46%, instead of sharing the wealth with the workers who produce the profits. It's why Daimler workers are done playing second fiddle and are preparing to STAND UP! pic.twitter.com/aAG8pHrRGS
— UAW (@UAW) April 16, 2024
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
🔥🔥 “We’re going to win,” said Lisa Elliott, a quality control worker at VW. “We have the momentum. I know this will be a [historic] event.” https://t.co/C5WDEL3C0B
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 17, 2024
UNITE HERE:
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 15, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Get ready to expand your knowledge & skills w/ the UFCW Discount College Program.
Access a wide range of program options from certificates to bachelor's & even master's degrees. Part-time or full-time, online classes make learning convenient for you!
➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/UijkXr0agY
— UFCW (@UFCW) April 17, 2024
United Steelworkers:
The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration today realized a longtime USW priority when it issued a final rule updating standards to significantly reduce worker exposure to silica dust.
Learn more: https://t.co/p6bVyyWtIM pic.twitter.com/ycQ6diEcEB
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) April 16, 2024
Utility Workers:
MUST READ: Wind turbine technician is expected to be one of the fastest growing jobs this decade, and Wired magazine profiled one of our members to get the scoop. 🧵 https://t.co/ITMos2aKJh pic.twitter.com/WUnVvwHSHb
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 17, 2024
Working America:
Stay cool during heat waves with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)! Learn more about how this federal program may help cover your cooling costs and even repair your AC unit.
Check out if you qualify here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/s4dsEf1L8w
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 16, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
"S" is for solidarity! Show your support for WGA members at Sesame Workshop fighting for a fair deal before their current contract expires THIS Friday. #1u
Send a letter to execs calling for a fair union contract that protects writers at Sesame:https://t.co/T9XvpGBzMH
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) April 17, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/17/2024 - 15:43
