Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Send a Letter and Tell Congress to Support Increased Federal Arts Funding

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.

American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) members' voices are critical in ensuring members of Congress support the funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) at $211 million for fiscal year 2025.

It's easy to contact representatives and senators and tell them to support this funding increase. AGMA has co-sponsored a letter-writing campaign set up by the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO, through Action Network. The letter has been drafted, so all that senders need to do is insert a few details.

Congress is already making decisions about next year’s funding for the NEA and NEH and needs to hear from union creative professionals about the need to increase federal arts funding.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/17/2024 - 08:07

Thank A Union: 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:

The list goes on and on. #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/3G0nv8Vbrf

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Arizona AFL-CIO:

Internet access is vital in today's world, and the Affordable Connectivity Program has helped millions get online. But it's running out of funding in TWO WEEKS. Call/email Congress to fund the ACP now to ensure access for all! #FundACP #InternetForAllhttps://t.co/CaIPbyl4Pw

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Thanks to the Biden administration’s new site https://t.co/5hRHAtcpOO Californians have more options than ever to file their federal taxes for FREE! Free CA state return filing and free tax prep help is also available — check out our video for more info! pic.twitter.com/A4BCsxzPCe

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 10, 2024

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

After 10 hours on strike, facilities workers at the University of New Haven won a new contract! #solidarity @217unitehere https://t.co/mPa9GlGOHf

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Gov. DeSantis works for the bosses, not for you. https://t.co/3QgZNQ18jB

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

#sundayvibes https://t.co/uGKqDe3IEp

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) April 14, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

A "commitment" to responsible supply chains + sustainability without signing onto the Accord is just lip-service when complacence is a matter of life + death. 

Tomorrow, 4/16, join @WorkersUnited to tell @LEVIS to #SignTheAccord.

📍Levi's, 600 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
🕑 4PM pic.twitter.com/pHeCSo0bDA

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

Here's our latest on our progress on the state budget, Buy American legislation & support for Federal & State workers during government shutdowns https://t.co/v4zwOValM0

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 12, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Shoutout to @GBLCBoston for holding an informative legislative breakfast this morning pic.twitter.com/MAGyybfRJt

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 11, 2024

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters as the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/QcGNpdm2J2

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 10, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

We’re at the Capitol today rallying support of the #DebtFairness Act. This bill would end some of the worst practices that medical debt collectors use. #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/oxzgB7Ursp

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Orange cones ahead? Slow down and proceed with caution. Let’s protect our road workers and ensure everyone gets home safely. #WorkZoneAwarenessWeek #NWZAW pic.twitter.com/h8zaPWFnIq

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Today, the delegates of the Nevada State AFL-CIO convened at IBEW 357 union hall and voted to endorse the following candidates for the 2024 election cycle. pic.twitter.com/YB4F8wMxYC

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 13, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Union drip ❤️ https://t.co/B7pr5IZrPg

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

"[W]e stand united with our @UAW family, and their families, like we do in our schools and communities every single day." @NCAE Op-Ed: In NC auto workers’ fight for better wages, public school teachers see themselves https://t.co/pvgJfq3Mym @cardinalandpine #StandUpDaimler #1u

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

The @GOP talks about being pro American worker, but almost never has the votes to help us! https://t.co/equt3lkWEW

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 15, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Huge thanks to the @GoIUPAT @DOLJobCorps painters for your work on our exterior walls! pic.twitter.com/UXUVW1xgXh

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

"It shows that our union and our congressmen are behind us 100 percent," Rob Jones, an operating technician 1 for U.S. Steel on the Mon Valley said.https://t.co/qWo3mZdaVv

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 15, 2024

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

Happy 121st Birthday 🎂🎂 to our union siblings at @LIUNA ! Here's to another 121 years and 1 million members. #Solidarity #HappyBirthday #Union @GPBrentBooker @GSTMFSabitoni @LIUNA @LIUNALocal271 @LIUNANewEngland https://t.co/ntZuQe14Lt

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 13, 2024

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

With flow motion now in effect on the Hill, the proceedings will begin to move even faster and with less restrictions.

Learn more about what that means for the bills that we're still tracking in our latest legislative update ⬇ #TNLeg #1uhttps://t.co/jCzJC9pPz7

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 15, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

We stand in solidarity with United Steelworkers 13-227 and call on management to negotiate in good faith toward a fair contract. #1u https://t.co/KL4tf1Q2Dd

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

The sound of solidarity is ringing across downtown Bellevue as striking @ibewlocal46 Limited Energy electricians and supporters rally for a fair contract. 

Solidarity forever with these brave workers! #1u pic.twitter.com/DH2A6inTQI

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 15, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Worker power. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced last week that the number of union election petitions rose 35% during the first six months of fiscal year 2024 compared to the same period last year. pic.twitter.com/rgc2nytLtg

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 15, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/16/2024 - 09:14

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wichita Nurses Ratify First-Ever Union Contracts at Ascension Hospitals

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.

Registered nurses (RNs) at two Ascension-owned hospitals in Wichita, Kansas, voted overwhelmingly in favor of ratifying new two-year contracts. The RNs, represented by National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), voted 96% in favor of the contract at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, and 100% at Ascension Via Christi St. Joseph. The RNs went on strike twice and threatened a third strike, if necessary. Highlights of the contract include safe staffing levels, improved safety guidelines for patients and nurses, and improved compensation and a transparent wage scale based on years of experience.

“This is a historic day for our union, our patients, our hospitals, and the entire city of Wichita,” said Shelly Rader, RN in the emergency department at St. Francis. “We’ve shown Ascension that nurses won’t back down when it comes to fighting for better patient care and better working conditions. We organized to fight for and win a strong contract, and we’re very excited to announce we’ve done just that now that nurses have approved this contract.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/16/2024 - 07:35

We Need Shared Governance Back: 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.

New Rule Would Stop Civil Service from Turning into Spoils System: “‘One reason for the stability of our federal government is federal employees continue doing their jobs and serving the American public even as political administrations come and go,’ said AFGE President Everett Kelley after OPM formally published its new rule on April 8. ‘Turning positions that demand technical expertise into political appointments filled based on partisan loyalty would undermine this fundamental tenet of our government and lead to chaos and corruption. Such actions would undermine our democratic, nonpartisan government and take us back to the 19th century when civil servants were hired based on political loyalty rather than professional ability.’”

Berea College Student Body, Administration Prepare for Vote on Potential Student Workers’ Labor Union: “Last month, student workers at Berea College announced their plans to organize a labor union—the first at any Work College in the country. Members of the United Student Workers of Berea are organizing for a number of reasons, including higher wages, negotiable job contracts and a formal grievance system. The group filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in mid-March to hold a unionization vote. More than 1,300 undergraduate students would be represented. If the vote passes, they will be able to start negotiations with the school’s administration. Maggie Neal is a junior at Berea College and union organizer.”

UAOU Unites for Unionization Amid University’s Delays: “The United Academics of Ohio University, or UAOU, organized a solidarity event and discussion of the current state of unionizing at the Scripps Hall Amphitheater on Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. to show OU leadership that faculty are ready to vote for unionization. Around 50 faculty members attended the event, sporting red UAOU buttons and holding signs expressing their reasons for advocating for unionization. ‘I want a union at OU to stop admin bullying and to ensure a better learning environment,’ read one sign. Other signs featured on UAOU’s Instagram state reasons for unionization such as, ‘Our working conditions are student learning conditions’ and ‘We need shared governance back!’ The gathering highlighted unity among various union groups present, including the Association of People Supporting Employment First, or APSE, and the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.”

U.S. Senate Backs Repeal of NLRB 'Joint Employer' Rule, Teeing Up Biden Veto: “The U.S. Senate on Wednesday narrowly approved a proposal, which President Joe Biden has vowed to veto, to repeal a National Labor Relations Board rule that would treat companies as the employers of many of their contract and franchise workers and require them to bargain with those workers' unions. The Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, passed the resolution in a 50-48 vote.”

Smith College Library Staff Unionizes: “On Tuesday, more than 40 Smith College library staffers did something that only 6% of private-sector workers in the United States can claim: joined a union. Locally, however, the workers who voted unanimously to join the Office and Professional Employees International Union are far from alone. So far, 2024 is already shaping up to be the biggest year in recent memory for union organizing in western Massachusetts. Federal data from the National Labor Relations Board show that at least 477 workers have unionized this year in the region—more than in any previous year since at least 2019. And it’s higher-ed workers who have driven that trend.”

Partners Coffee Workers Holding Vote to Join UFCW: “Workers at Partners Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, will vote this week on whether to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500, nearly two years after workers first started organizing at the shop. If the 22 baristas, roasters, production workers and kitchen employees vote to unionize on Thursday, they’ll join a wave of young workers at other coffee shops like Starbucks and Blank Street Coffee that have unionized since the pandemic.”

8 Ways the Biden Administration Is Improving the Lives of Service Workers: “The Biden administration is raising pay, building power, and improving living standards for service workers across the economy—including fast-food cooks, call center workers, teachers, home care workers, and federal employees. The Biden administration has received ongoing attention for its actions to improve the lives of blue collar workers—from walking the picket line with striking autoworkers to ensuring that its signature investments in American industry create good jobs. Pundits and the press often point to actions to expand and raise standards in the construction and manufacturing sectors as central to the Biden administration’s economic agenda. Yet the administration has also taken numerous steps to boost the earnings and wealth of service sector workers, empower them to come together in unions, and hold accountable corporations that violate their rights.”

Biden Promotes 'Care Economy' Spending in Speech to Care Workers: “President Joe Biden called for increased pay for care workers, and guaranteed paid leave for those who care for family members, in a speech Tuesday at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. Biden highlighted his administration's investments in what he called the care economy, before a group of caregivers that included representatives from the AFL-CIO, AARP and National Domestic Workers Alliance.”

Biden Announces Student Debt Relief for Millions in Swing-State Pitch: “President Biden on Monday announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for tens of millions of American borrowers, seeking an election-year boost by returning to a 2020 campaign promise that was blocked by the Supreme Court last year. Biden’s new plan would reduce the amount that 25 million borrowers still owe on their undergraduate and graduate loans. It would wipe away the entire amount for more than 4 million Americans. Altogether, White House officials said, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more.”

Rebuild the Key Bridge with Local Union Labor: “As the city of Baltimore and the wider region grapple with the aftermath of an unthinkable tragedy, we must mourn the six men who lost their lives in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse last month, and never forget how fragile life can be, especially on a job site—any job site. We also must recognize that we are at a crossroads. How we choose to rebuild will shape the physical landscape of our city and define our commitment to our workers, our communities and our children. We must seize this moment as an opportunity to rebuild responsibly, safely. We must rebuild with a highly trained local workforce that is paid prevailing wages. And we must rebuild around responsible union contractors who partner with minority-owned businesses.”

The Rize Event Center Joins UNITE HERE Local 74: “The Rize Event Center, a new full-service catering and restaurant facility, has joined UNITE HERE Local 74....The restaurant is open two nights a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. ‘Our goal is to connect families, people and community at a price they can afford,’ said owner Betsey Mitchell. ‘We decided to open the restaurant two days a week to make ends meet, and it’s been a big hit.’ Mitchell, who’s owned restaurants with her mother in the past, said she was delighted to learn there was a union for hospitality workers in the St. Louis area. She’s a former teacher at St. Louis Public Schools and was a member of AFT Local 420, and her husband was a 25-year member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562.”

Absent Radical Labor Law Reform the Nation Could Be In Trouble: “Unions and labor activists have been warning that unless labor law is updated corporations will take advantage of the current law and its loopholes to set back progress on countless issues important to Americans. Current labor law, for example, allows bosses to drag their feet for years, at times, in negotiations with workers. Bill Samuel says, that when it comes to a top issue such as comprehensive pro-worker labor law reform, you have to take the long view about accomplishing it. Make that the very long view, as in decades. Which is what Samuel has done as the AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director for almost 24 years. He’ll retire soon.”

Autoworkers at Alabama’s Mercedes-Benz Plant File for a Union Election: “Mercedes-Benz workers in Vance, Alabama, will vote on whether to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). On Friday, the UAW filed for an election to represent all 5,200 of the plant’s hourly employees, after the union said a supermajority of workers at the company’s mammoth plant signed union cards in three months. Jeremy Kimbrell, a measurement machine operator at the plant, said as part of the UAW’s announcement: ‘At Mercedes, at Hyundai and at hundreds of other companies, Alabama workers have made billions of dollars for executives and shareholders, but we haven’t gotten our fair share. We’re going to turn things around with this vote. We’re going to end the Alabama discount.’”

UVM Graduate Students Form a Union to Bargain for Better Pay and Benefits: “Last week, University of Vermont graduate students voted 373-9 to form a union in an election involving nearly two-thirds of the students in the bargaining unit. Among the top priorities for the students will be better pay and health care benefits, which currently don't cover vision or dental. ‘I'm personally excited not just about increased pay but the health benefits,’ said Neil Traft, a second-year doctoral student in the complex systems and data science program. ‘A huge thing for me is dental and vision. I need work done on my wisdom teeth. I wear glasses and contacts. It will affect me directly.’”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:34

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Machinists Local 811 Gives Back to Houston Shelter

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.

Every year, the Machinists (IAM) Local 811 Women’s Committee does a community service event in Houston. This year, the committee chose the Mission of Yahweh, which is a sanctuary for homeless women and children.

“We contacted the shelter to find out what their needs were,” said Local 811 Women’s Committee Chair Sarah Monderoy Garcia. “When we held our membership appreciation day, we asked every member to bring three items, and from there, we kept it going as long as we could.”

They delivered hundreds of dollars worth of canned goods, baby food, diapers, wipes and women’s clothing.

“My thanks go out to our membership, the Chair of the Community Services Committee, Roderick Lightfoot, and Women’s Committee member Evelita Iveritt,” Garcia said. “We’re always looking for a way to give back, and their efforts helped make this all come together, from collecting goods to delivering them. Without their assistance and contributions, this wouldn’t have been a successful outcome.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:52

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Arizona Labor Unions Host Successful Citizenship Fair, with More in the Works

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.

Arizona labor organizers, union members, immigration lawyers and their clients filled the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 86 hall in Phoenix last month for the Arizona AFL-CIO’s inaugural citizenship fair.

Nearly two dozen applicants worked closely with lawyers and union volunteers to fill out applications for naturalization, known as the N-400, to complete their last step to becoming a U.S. citizen. Once those forms were complete, attendees were directed to head straight to the post office to mail them off to avoid a higher filing fee. The Arizona AFL-CIO has been planning this free community fair for around three months, with more planned for the future, and every volunteer was a local union member. Organizers noted that, for a number of applicants, they were motivated to become naturalized citizens in order to finally have a say in the election process, which often decides where their tax dollars go.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:09

A Big Thumbs Up: 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:

Each month, Equity shares the names of recently deceased members in order to honor their passing and pay our respects. You may read about the losses in our community reported to Equity for March 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/PivaaaK22T pic.twitter.com/vauVYPWn4k

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 9, 2024

AFGE:

Low pay and chronic understaffing continues to pose a risk to federal correctional officers and inmates.https://t.co/JlIyHzCUky

— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 11, 2024

AFSCME:

AFSCME members give a big thumbs up to new student loan forgiveness measures from @POTUS. https://t.co/WcDc1D70ec

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 10, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

The majority of Americans don't want Social Security cuts. So why are House Republicans trying to slash benefits and raise the retirement age anyway? https://t.co/mt075D2HXv

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 10, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Not Your Average Joe, the ATU Applauds President Biden for Fulfilling Promise to Protect Transit Workers from Brutal Attacks. #NotOneMore #ATUStrongerTogether #1u @POTUS @AFLCIO #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/ebmG4KQWGZ

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 11, 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:

Community schools are neighborhood hubs with wraparound services that provide everything from mental health services to food pantries, academic tutoring to prom dresses, and healthcare to after care. Learn more in our latest ads! #RealSolutions https://t.co/I49aZdhTHg

— AFT (@AFTunion) April 8, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

The APWU and the Postal Service have agreed to a moratorium on grievances, disciplinary actions and arbitration hearings at the national, regional, state and local levels from July 8 through July 22, 2024, due to the 2024 APWU Biennial Convention: https://t.co/t4OHXdn7on

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) April 11, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

GUM and LHR kicking off @AFAUnitedMEC's Systemwide Day of Action! Flight Attendants and allies will be picketing at 14 bases across the system demanding a fair contract! Let's Get Loud! #1u #WhateverItTakes #ContractNow pic.twitter.com/EcTIRtlWsi

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 11, 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:

Beautiful day for Boilermakers Local 92 to open their new Carson, CA, union hall. 🎉 

"This is going to not only jump-start our community, but it's going to jump-start opportunities for working families." - Dr. Jawane Hilton, Carson Mayor Pro Tem pic.twitter.com/aaGLpF9vth

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 10, 2024

Bricklayers:

Thank you @usedgov for visiting our @imiweb training center and support BAC registered #apprenticeships! #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #apprentices #apprenticeship #training #masonry #bricklaying #bricklayers #unionstrong #itsbetterinaunion https://t.co/V2Lc3clQ9Q

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) April 10, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

April 2024 will be the final fully-funded month of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – which helps nearly 23 million households access high speed broadband - unless Congress saves the program.

Take action now to tell Congress #DontDisconnectUS: https://t.co/GaB1j0R3xI

— CWA (@CWAUnion) April 10, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

We are calling on Congress to fund the NEA and NEH each at $211 million in FY25, which gets us closer to a full funding level of $1 per capita. Contact your members of Congress and ask them to sign the NEA and NEH appropriations request letters today: https://t.co/2rjeqvMkdh

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 11, 2024

Electrical Workers:

Data center jobs have become mainstays for thousands of #IBEW members. In Maryland, Local 24 Business Manager Michael McHale is working hard to keep bringing as much of that work as possible into his state. https://t.co/cUtiiec32L

— IBEW (@IBEW) April 10, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Local 8 Cincinnati Brothers, along with fellow affiliated Cincinnati Building Trades members, served breakfast and talked to veterans at the Cincinnati VA Hospital. Thank you, Brothers, for representing our trade and giving back to your community. pic.twitter.com/aqtm7Wv6Su

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 11, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

Despite anti-worker politicians and policy, VW workers in Chattanooga are uniting to demand what they're owed. 🔥✊ Those who exploit Southern labor are on notice!! #StandUpVW #StandUpUAW https://t.co/GCxBoUNnZP

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 11, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

Caregiving jobs often have low pay and few benefits – and that is not by chance. ”Women’s work” has often involved care work, disproportionately performed by women of color who lack access to #PaidLeave and #PaidSickDays @NPWF https://t.co/QsAfbjd8lb pic.twitter.com/UAVlt1mBQn

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 11, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

See exclusive preview of the 2024 DC Labor FilmFest @AFISilver, featuring powerful movies that highlight the essence of labor. Tune in to today's Labor Heritage Power Hour at 1p on @wpfwdc! Join in celebration of UFW's @DoloresHuertaFD. @UFWupdates #SiSePuede @LaborHeritage1 pic.twitter.com/SqFUp8VvZY

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) April 11, 2024

Laborers:

Hate long commutes? So do we! #LIUNA members build and repair our roadways like the I-376 “Bathtub” corridor of Pittsburgh. #LIUNABuilds everyone gets to work safely and on time. pic.twitter.com/KRN3PlJTje

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 11, 2024

Machinists:

IAM Retirees and Membership Assistance Department Director James Little and Veterans Services Coordinator Rich Evans just presented a check to NOVA @VetAdvocacy's Diane Boyd Rauber to sponsor an attendee to their upcoming conference 👏 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/wCNH7S7XJJ

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) April 9, 2024

Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association:

Happy Jesse Calhoon Day! April 4 is an M.E.B.A. holiday to celebrate the Union's modern patriarch. He racked up exceptional gains for the maritime industry and M.E.B.A. during his 22 years as National President that we continue to build upon today. pic.twitter.com/ihd79G8M6m

— M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) April 4, 2024

Maritime Trades Department:

MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and Administrator Brittanie Potter attended the Ohio Union Sportsmen's Alliance Banquet last month, hosted at the UA Local 189 hall in Columbus. Here they are with United Industrial Workers VP Monte Burgett and his members pic.twitter.com/nMgCm13GRE

— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) April 8, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

Unions and labor activists have been warning that unless labor law is updated corporations will take advantage of the current law and its loopholes to set back progress on countless issues important to Americans. https://t.co/GnD6G5YAEP

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 8, 2024

Mine Workers:

Source: WVMetroNews

“Those 58,000 plus soldiers on that wall, they died heroes and their families paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Roberts said.https://t.co/5vxsocoJa2

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 4, 2024

Musical Artists:

AGMA ALERT: Miami City Ballet Management Launches Aggressive, Coordinated Union Busting Campaign - https://t.co/kQSyD8FZ3n pic.twitter.com/fftF3eyGGe

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 9, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

The FAA is hosting three live workshops to answer questions about filling out the application, training, and life as an air traffic controller. Register at https://t.co/R8raRwk8tl. #BeATC pic.twitter.com/IXLyaYtGFz

— NATCA (@NATCA) April 10, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

Letter Carriers are uniting together and spreading the word across the country: #EnoughIsEnough! A third city has been added to this month's round of rallies: Port St. Lucie, Florida on Sunday, April 28. Join us as we continue to demand action to #ProtectOurLetterCarriers! pic.twitter.com/HSKO0lku5M

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 10, 2024

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

Happening now!

Launching the "Respeto y futuro digno para los Adultos Mayores Macehualli” (Respect and a Dignified Future for Macehualli Mexican Seniors) study & campaign to extend Mexico’s Bienestar Pension and retirement benefits to immigrants working in the US.🧵 pic.twitter.com/jN1JocpiXH

— NDLON (@NDLON) April 8, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Care workers are @WhiteHouse to celebrate #CareWorkersRecognitionMonth! 

Follow along live and hear more about @POTUS's plan to fight for the care workers and the care we need. https://t.co/TeTodacWRp

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 11, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

NFFE Applauds OPM Regulations Curtailing Future Schedule F Restorationhttps://t.co/e73e0h4vhf

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 4, 2024

National Nurses United:

Maine nurses have a clear message for @GovJanetMills: We need #SafeStaffing ratios! Your support is critical to get LD 1639, the Maine Quality Care Act, over the finish line. 

Will you stand with us for nurse and patient safety?https://t.co/wzjdUbS3Fv

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 11, 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:

We're raising the standard for helmet safety, introducing 5 new models that tested better than any helmet worn before.

As part of our annual helmet lab testing with the @NFL, 12 new helmet models will be available to players in 2024, including 8 new position-specific helmets. pic.twitter.com/MIMYc28yjM

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 9, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

Empowering the next generation of skilled workers across North America with apprenticeships! 🛠️ Join the #InfrastructureGeneration and build your future in the trades.https://t.co/wef7Up5sQT

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) April 10, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

Library workers at Smith College just voted 26-0 to join @OPEIU153, joining student dining workers at the college who voted to unionize with OPEIU in February.

Happy #NationalLibraryWorkersDay! #UnionStrong https://t.co/Bbk64w0R79

— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) April 9, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

Workers who seek to affiliate with our union are often forced to attend 10+ captive audience meetings by their employer where they try to disuade them from unionizing.

We're supporting SB3649 in Illinois so workers can be protected if they don't attend captive audience meetings.

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 11, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

To expand the middle class, we need “fundamental labor law reforms to ensure workers’ rights to unionization & collective bargaining... Why does this matter? Workers in unions have higher wages & better benefits than similar workers who are not in unions.”https://t.co/V9UGgW3vp1

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 8, 2024

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

Thank you @RepCasar @JoaquinCastrotx & @RepCuellar for bringing attention to critical issue. PASS has been pushing FAA for adequate staffing. This is danger to American flying public. Employees we represent are dedicated but can't properly maintain radar w/o staff. @FAA_Mike https://t.co/lphzXvd7u5

— PASS (@PASSNational) April 10, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

Happy #NationalPetDay from this @reiunion dog who supported @reiunionchicago workers on their ULP strike picket line back in February!

Show us your union pets! pic.twitter.com/4MReYTkjG5

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 11, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Order your stickers and hazard alert cards now!#SafetyStandDown https://t.co/776zGvkRGp

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 11, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

Being a #SagAftraMember is a family affair! 🌟 Happy #NationalSiblingsDay. Who are some of your favorite SAG-AFTRA sibs? 👇 pic.twitter.com/P3eDKOVNy7

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 11, 2024

Solidarity Center:

Through collective bargaining, #Morocco women agricultural workers have won the chance to perform tasks once reserved for men, leading to more protection from layoffs and better retirement benefits, says Saida Bentahar of the Democratic Labor Confederation. #CSW68 #WorkerRights pic.twitter.com/IjfEatbz7j

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) April 10, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

Yesterday's eclipse strike showed the power union journalists hold when they withhold their labor.

But we're not done yet. While @AustinNewsGuild returns to work today, @rocnewsguild, @lbmguild, & @pghguild remain on strike.

Support striking journos ⬇️https://t.co/8aN7c3lVjE pic.twitter.com/RQrWDlrPkL

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 9, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

On 4/7, Locals 52 and @USA829IATSE Young Workers held their annual Solidarity Social Mixer at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Brooklyn. Congratulations to the USA 829 Young Workers on winning the tournament and becoming the 2024 Shuffleboard Champions. pic.twitter.com/QUAYAYYyBK

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 10, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

"The Biden Administration rightly rejected efforts by transit executives to sideline workers when drafting mandatory safety plans. Workers know the hazards of their work better than anyone." @TwuSamuelsen https://t.co/QDeOUFbWo1 pic.twitter.com/qA6G07Di8h

— TWU (@transportworker) April 10, 2024

Transportation Trades Department:

Proud to See Mike Efaw of @BRS_LaborUnion share his story at the #CareCantWait rally with @POTUS! 

Mike’s wife, who helps manage his MS, is one of many women who make up the care industry. Let’s strengthen the care economy with #PaidLeave and affordable healthcare for all. pic.twitter.com/9qEUh9Z3Xl

— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) April 11, 2024

UAW:

NEW VIDEO: 🎥 "We're ready to stand together for as long as it takes." 

Workers at Daimler Trucks in GA, TN, and NC are holding practice pickets and preparing to stand up for a record contract. 

TICK TOCK... ⏰#StandUpDaimler pic.twitter.com/mDBEDgiJ3k

— UAW (@UAW) April 10, 2024

UNITE HERE:

“I’m really proud of all of my co-workers that were able to come out and help send the message home to our bosses that we deserve this contract" - Jordan Hill, a Flagship prep cook at Meta San Franciscohttps://t.co/SnxrsjBoww

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 10, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Happy #NationalPetDay

Pets are a part of your family, so why wouldn't they be a part of our UNION family? 

Join in on the fun, and share your photos using #UFCWPets! pic.twitter.com/Hfyx8B8RyW

— UFCW (@UFCW) April 11, 2024

United Steelworkers:

🚨 Steelworkers! We are 9 days away from the 2024 Rapid Response, Legislative & Policy Conference registration deadline on April 19! 

We are nearing capacity for our room block, so if you haven’t booked yet, please do ASAP!

Find out more at https://t.co/70FgjxG9pC. #USWRR24 pic.twitter.com/ka0WY8qQ6N

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) April 10, 2024

Utility Workers:

✊🏽✊🏻✊🏿✊🏼✊🏾 Members of UWUA Local 416 won a hard-fought contract battle at West View Water Authority that included a 17.5% pay increase over the duration of the agreement. Read more details in the latest issue of The Utility Worker magazine: https://t.co/6sIo58gSVp pic.twitter.com/EYAsIXLM30

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 11, 2024

Working America:

Talking to voters is at the core of our work. Hear from Carolyn in Georgia about her thoughts on housing accessibility in the state. What are your thoughts on the state of housing in our community?#WorkingAmerica #FrontPorchVoices pic.twitter.com/1wNmy6kHOu

— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 9, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

iHeart management has continued to disrespect the @iheartpodunion members holding strong for the union protections they deserve. Seems like a great time to remind management we're not backing down - join us in sending letters of solidarity! https://t.co/0oECulfA7j https://t.co/vDYz5Cta8C

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) April 10, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/11/2024 - 14:05

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wisconsin Gov. Evers Protects Child Labor Law with Senate Bill 436 Veto

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.

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.” 

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/11/2024 - 10:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Austin Pets Alive Workers File to Become Nation’s Largest Animal Shelter 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.

Austin Pets Alive (APA) animal shelter employees in Texas filed to form a union with Machinists (IAM) District 776 on Thursday, 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.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/10/2024 - 10:10

Fighting for Respect: 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:

Tent going up for our 14th annual Legislative Appreciation Day. pic.twitter.com/GHOisF8gXA

— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) April 3, 2024

Alaska AFL-CIO:

It's been over a year since the House State Affairs Committee had one meaningful conversation on defined benefit pensions. #akleg

Send an email to members of the House State Affairs Committee to demand a hearing today!https://t.co/yRAKHBBCE0

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) April 8, 2024

Arizona AFL-CIO:

Workers at #SkyHarborAirport have been fighting tirelessly for nearly 7 months for a fair contract. They’re demanding livable wages, affordable health insurance, pensions, for workloads, and above all, RESPECT. pic.twitter.com/S7QYz50uX3

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) April 4, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Shaping the future of work for Californians couldn’t be more urgent.

Our #caleg package prioritizes jobs > AI/automation; labor standards on public $s; strong public services & worker rights on the job.

Read our 2024 legislative priorities press release: https://t.co/VLWuoq8ETv pic.twitter.com/Wg5Ym3HQzg

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) April 3, 2024

Colorado AFL-CIO:

We’re proud to endorse Bryan Lindstrom for HD 36 and want to thank our members for joining and guiding our interviews for endorsement! #coleg #copols pic.twitter.com/QsCstqZWpN

— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) April 5, 2024

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

HAPPENING NOW: @RepJohnLarson is announcing new $462 million federal investment in F135 modernization, which supports thousands of Connecticut manufacturing jobs! The @MachinistsUnion builds the best jet engines in the world. pic.twitter.com/AhjlqUioWG

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 4, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Florida has the HIGHEST number of teaching vacancies in the nation! https://t.co/8JtzkAwW94

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 9, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Proud of the IL AFL-CIO's Resource Director Amy Rueff who received the Decatur Trades + Labor Assembly's lifetime achievement award.

Amy got her first union card at 18 when she went from making $3.35 to $6.50 an hour + weekends off. She has not looked back since!#1u pic.twitter.com/PMmt5RR9jb

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) April 8, 2024

Kentucky State AFL-CIO:

New Bill, Same Stink
Don't let them repeal KY's Child Labor Laws with Frankfort Tricks
In a last minute attempt to pass this bad legislation, Reps in the KY House are seeking to amend SB 369 to include the bad language of HB 255 in an innocuous Senate Billhttps://t.co/eCIs0pXzRw pic.twitter.com/xxWq9Rda9v

— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 27, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

Protect mail delivery! #Savethepostoffice https://t.co/7A1Am59cBo

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) April 9, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Nursing home workers deserve substantial wage increases, affordable healthcare, and safety to continue the best care to residents. Join @UFCW1445 tomorrow and show your support for nursing home workers. pic.twitter.com/3C1ow5qp1q

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) April 8, 2024

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

April is National Volunteer Month, a month dedicated to celebrating community leaders like union member Abigail Baum, who received last year's Walt Campbell Community Service Award.https://t.co/FW1RYbRdCl

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 2, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

Workers at Indeed Brewing Co. Just Formed a Union https://t.co/aBYvOiVFnw Another #union brewery in Minnesota! @unitehere17 #1u

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 7, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

#GoUnion, get more. #1u #UnionWages #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/mMAhOURDSE

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 4, 2024

Montana State AFL-CIO:

Railroad workers are joining together to protect safety on the job and the safety of our communities! 
Thanks to the advocacy of @SMARTunionTD, @BLET, and @TTDAFLCIO the Transportation Department finalized a rule this week requiring two-person crews on railroads. #1u

— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) April 5, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

The @northernnvlabor put on an amazing Cesar Chavez Celebration Day last night. Our two principal officers spoke about the importance of engaging the Latino community along with Business Manager Eloy Jara with @liuna Local 169. pic.twitter.com/9asm9NVM9l

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 6, 2024

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

“Right-to-Work” is up for a vote by the @TheNHSenate today. Thank you, to our Brothers and Sisters for coming out today to show our Senators that “Right-to-Work” is STILL WRONG for NH!#NHPolitics #Solidarity #1u pic.twitter.com/6TLa3f5qoK

— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) April 5, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Still need to do your taxes? You may be eligible to file online for free with IRS Direct File: https://t.co/bbhhd1OB8d pic.twitter.com/TRdfp0soRB

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 5, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Generations of workers, including you, are better because @AFLCIO #Union workers of the past risked and some gave their life so you could write stupid sh*t like this, then enjoy the weekend and ensure your kids aren't in a factory instead of public schools. Worst. Take. Ever. https://t.co/yWyq6FFvgh

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 8, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Have you joined our mailing list? Sign up now to get the latest updates about strikes, rallies, and actions across Oregon.

Together we will keep Oregon #UnionStrong ✊https://t.co/eJ2LJ30qiD pic.twitter.com/p0mLTzUv8J

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 8, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

One small step for gamers, one giant leap for techkind —Congratulations to the Sega union who became the nation's first major video game company to get a signed union contract. #PowerToThePeople #1uhttps://t.co/Y7VoFV1j4A

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 8, 2024

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

WJAR agrees to pay workers time and a half on Sundays https://t.co/bebLSCsTtu via @BostonGlobe

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 9, 2024

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:

We can see the light at the end of the legislative tunnel, but we've still got a few more weeks to go.

With TN's statewide voucher scheme in jeopardy, click below to take action and ask your lawmakers to vote "NO" on this disastrous plan! #TNLeg #1uhttps://t.co/MxNOks0IsN

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 8, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

We joined members of ⁦@AustinNewsGuild⁩ as they began a planned four-day strike against the Austin American-Statesman. Talks toward a first contract are about to hit the 3-year mark. Outrageous. Gannett needs to bring good faith to bargaining table. #1u #SolidarityForever pic.twitter.com/RP3EEyV14E

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) April 5, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Solidarity with Port Angeles paraeducators on strike today! 

The district needs to settle a fair contract and allow paraeducators to get back to doing their job — supporting students. @washingtonea https://t.co/dkxMpjgIi1

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) April 8, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Gov. Evers Vetoes Republican-Backed Bill to Roll Back Child Labor Protections, Bring More Kids into State’s Workforce https://t.co/8mOebGMkMQ

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 8, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:18

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Los Angeles City Workers Ratify Contracts with Robust Wage Increases

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.

Six AFSCME locals representing more than 10,000 Los Angeles City workers ratified new contracts with robust wage increases and other benefits. AFSCME locals 741, 901, 2006, 2626, 3090 and 3672 began negotiations with the city in August 2023 as a part of the Coalition of Los Angeles City Unions, which negotiates benefits for all Los Angeles city employees represented by AFSCME, the Laborers (LIUNA), the Operating Engineers (IUOE), the Los Angeles/Orange County Building Trades, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and the Teamsters. Union members ratified the tentative agreements in March. 

The workers secured a 22% cost-of-living adjustment over the five-year life of the contract, allows members to cash out all of their unused sick time from their 100% sick time bank when they retire, increases the minimum pay of employees to $25 per hour by 2026, provides 12 weeks of parental leave, allows workers to cash out unused personal leave at the end of each calendar year, among other benefits.

“I have been with the city for 20 years, and never have I had a contract of this magnitude,” said Larry Gates, president of Local 3090. “In speaking with my members, almost all are overwhelmingly excited and grateful for the hard work and dedication of the negotiations committee.”

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:00

Reinvigorating the Labor Movement: 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.

Rail Unions Hail Biden’s Two-Person Crew Mandate: “The nation’s rail unions and the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department are hailing the Biden administration’s final rule mandating two-person crews on all but a few of the nation’s freight trains. The rule, strenuously opposed by the nation’s freight railroads, orders a minimum two-person crew—the engineer and the conductor—on all freight trains, especially those miles-long trains the nation’s big Class I railroads run. The unions have lobbied for two-person crews, both at the Transportation Department, the parent agency of the FRA, and on Capitol Hill, for years, but the rail lobby has always blocked congressional action. And it convinced the GOP Trump regime’s FRA to allow one-person crews, as a money-saver.”

Austin Pets Alive Workers File to Become Nation’s Largest Animal Shelter Union: “On Thursday, Austin Pets Alive! (APA) animal shelter employees filed to become the largest animal shelter union in the country, according to a news release. The release said APA employees filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting recognition of their union, Austin Pets Allied Workers (APAW). The release said the majority of approximately 200 APA workers signed union cards with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, along with support from the National Veterinary Professionals Union.”

Harvard Law School Academic Workers Vote 62-3 to Unionize: “Harvard Law School clinical workers voted 62-3 on Wednesday in favor of unionizing under Harvard Academic Workers-United Auto Workers. Out of 110 eligible voters in the unit, 80 percent showed up to the polls at Roscoe Pound Hall, despite the rainy weather. After the votes were certified with the National Labor Relations Board Wednesday evening, HAW-UAW Clinical can move forward in negotiations with Harvard. In addition to the 65 official votes cast, 12 workers also voted under challenge.”

IATSE Sees Fears and Promise of Artificial Intelligence: ‘We Want the Spoils’: “When the Writers Guild of America went on strike last May, union leaders argued that artificial intelligence posed an existential threat to writers, painting a picture of a dystopian future in which TV shows might be crafted by one writer and a machine. Ten months later, the tone in Hollywood labor circles has shifted significantly. At a March 3 rally in Los Angeles, Matthew Loeb, international president of IATSE, argued that AI has the potential to make union members’ jobs easier. ‘We want some of the spoils of artificial intelligence,‘ Loeb said.”

Philly College Adjuncts Fight for Stability: “To draw attention to the struggles of adjunct or ‘contingent‘ faculty, instructors from Temple, University of the Arts, Community College of Philadelphia and several other schools will hold a rally outside City Hall on Friday with state Sen. Nikil Saval, state Rep. Rick Krajewski, and other supporters. ‘We’re keeping the focus on how the most vulnerable faculty are not only experiencing all of the instability and the political pressures that have been leveled at higher ed, but they’re also the ones bearing the brunt of these unnecessary cuts,‘ said Bradley Philbert, an adjunct at UArts and an officer with the United Academics of Philadelphia, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers union.”

MAGA House Republicans Attack Workers Again: “The Republican House majority on the Education and the Workforce Committee—ideologues for whom ‘Labor‘ in its title was a dirty word so they removed it–attacked workers again. This time, they approved House Joint Resolution 116, the equivalent of a law if a president signs it, would abolish the Biden Administration Labor Department’s new rule that makes it much tougher for shady businesses to misclassify their workers as ‘independent contractors.‘ The committee OK’d it on a party-line vote on March 21, just before lawmakers skipped town for another of their many two-week recesses. In its place: A Trump-era rule which gives those bosses a much freer hand, and lets them deprive workers of the right to organize, while cutting ‘labor costs‘ for the crooks in half, one estimate says. HJRes 116 would enshrine the anti-worker Trump rule forever. Trump’s ‘rule unfairly tipped the scales toward businesses rather than the workers DOL is supposed to protect,‘ the unions and their allies retorted in a joint letter to House and Senate legislative leaders, anticipating floor fights on this Republican brainstorm.”

East Bank Redevelopment Project Update: Master Developer, Labor Union Strike Deal: “This memorandum of understanding between Fallon and Laborers' International Union of North America Local 386, also known as LIUNA, strengthens worker pay and security protections, said Ethan Link, vice president of LIUNA Local 386. The Madison-based union represents construction workers and Vanderbilt University service workers. Workforce development apprenticeship programs are key to the union's efforts to keep job sites active with limited labor supply.”

How a Union Battle Could Decide Who Wins the U.S. Senate: “Tim Burga, president of the Ohio branch of the AFL-CIO—America's largest federation of unions—told Newsweek that once organized labor mobilizes around a candidate, unions can tap into their extensive networks and existing infrastructure, to spread political messages. Through worksite outreach campaigns, door-to-door volunteers, and manpower to deploy traditional campaign mailers, unions can play a pivotal part in turning out voters. With Brown's robust labor record, Burga expects him to garner support across the board, saying, ‘I couldn't even quantify. It's really strong.‘”

Barnes & Noble Workers Plan Union Drive at Largest U.S. Bookstore Chain: “Workers at America’s largest chain of bookstores are gearing up for a nationwide union drive after six Barnes & Noble outlets voted to organize over the past year. ‘Many more‘ stores will unionize, according to booksellers demanding better pay and conditions. At locations that already have, employees accuse the chain’s management of dragging their heels during contract negotiations. James Daunt, the CEO, is said to have embarked upon a months-long campaign to dissuade employees from voting in favor.”

Liz Shuler Wants AI to Reinvigorate the Labor Movement: “Liz Shuler was standing inside a university lab one day a few years ago when she saw the future of everything—in a cutting board. At the time Shuler was secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, one of America’s most storied labor organizations, and she’d come to Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University with a delegation that included members of Unite Here, the union representing hundreds of thousands of workers in the hospitality industry. Their mission: to get a glimpse at how technology might impact the workplace in the years ahead. It didn’t take long before that impact became clear, at least in the kitchen. One of the professors at CMU, a school known for its prowess in technology and design, was demonstrating a cutting-edge cutting board that was able to measure how fast someone sliced vegetables, as well as the quality of their motion.”

Major Nebraska Labor Federation Backs U.S. Senate Candidate Dan Osborn: “Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn has announced significant endorsements from major Nebraska unions for his campaign, along with the achievement of collecting enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Osborn, a U.S. Navy and Nebraska Army National Guard veteran and steamfitter from Omaha, was joined by local union leaders/members at the Steamfitters & Plumbers Local Union #464 in Omaha on his lunch break to make the announcement Thursday. At the event, the Nebraska State AFL-CIO—the state chapter representing the federation of labor unions in the United States—announced their support for Osborn in the U.S. Senate race, challenging incumbent Senator Deb Fischer. ‘…because we know he will be a champion for working people,‘ said Lori J. Meyers, Communications Director/Mobilization Coordinator for the Nebraska State AFL-CIO. ‘Osborn has proven that he will fight to ensure that workers have a voice in the workplace, protect, and strengthen labor standards and expand employment protections. Our affiliates believe that Dan Osborn is the right person to represent working people in the U.S. Senate.‘”

‘The Right to Organize Is on the Line,’ Casey Says as He Picks Up Labor Endorsement: “Shortly after thanking dozens of trade union members and leaders for endorsing his reelection bid, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., stood near a wall-size mural of an overalls-clad working man gazing past the Pittsburgh skyline and concluded the 2024 election cycle could be summed up in one word: rights. ‘If you and I were having this conversation, say, 15-20 years ago, and you were saying this election would be about women’s rights, workers’ rights and voting rights, I’d have said, ‘Well, that’s not where the election’s going to be because those rights are settled,’ Casey said. ‘But now those three rights are on the line, in this election. His specific focus on this day: workers’ rights. Dressed in jeans and a gray pullover, Casey made his argument to a friendly crowd—he was visiting the Plumbers Union Local 27 headquarters in North Fayette, a suburb west of Pittsburgh, to receive the endorsement of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council. The council supports 33 local unions representing a broad swath of workers, from carpenters to plasterers to electrical workers to bricklayers.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/08/2024 - 10:15

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: DreamWorks Animation Production Workers Vote to Join the Animation and Motion Picture Editors Guilds

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.

DreamWorks Animation production workers are joining their artist and technician colleagues in The Animation Guild (Theatrical Stage Employees [IATSE] Local 839) and their editor colleagues are joining the Motion Picture Editors Guild (IATSE Local 700). More than 90 production workers who work on television and feature films voted to join the two IATSE locals, while 41 voted against unionization. The workers include production assistants, production coordinators, post production supervisors and post production assistants, and they have worked on the recent releases like "Kung Fu Panda 4," "Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken" and "Trolls Band Together."

“Production workers know what’s best for their roles and lives, and with the recent announcements of significant company policy changes like increased outsourcing and a disallowal of most remote work for production staff, they felt a sense of urgency,” said Animation Guild organizer Allison Smartt.

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 04/08/2024 - 10:02

Economy Gains 303,000 Jobs in March; Unemployment Down to 3.8%

The U.S. economy gained 303,000 jobs in March, and the unemployment rate was down slightly, to 3.8%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

March's biggest job gains were in health care (+72,000), leisure and hospitality (+49,000), construction (+39,000), retail trade (+18,000), other services industry (+16,000) and social assistance (+9,000). Employment showed little or no change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; and professional and business services. 

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Black Americans (6.4%) increased in March, while the rates for Hispanics (4.5%) and Asian Americans (2.5%) decreased. The jobless rates for teenagers (12.6%), adult women (3.6%), White Americans (3.4%) and adult men (3.3%) showed little or no change over the month.

The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in March and accounted for 19.5% of the total number of people unemployed.

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/05/2024 - 12:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tillamook Bus Drivers Secure 5-Year 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.

Workers at Tillamook County Transportation District in Oregon unanimously ratified a five-year contract that raises starting wages about 22% over the life of the contract. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 represents 26 workers, including drivers, dispatchers and vehicle maintenance employees. Other benefits include adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday, providing workers with five days of paid bereavement leave and doubling the rate of annual vacation accrual for workers in their first two years on the job. 

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 04/05/2024 - 10:06

Fighting Back: 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:

We are saddened to learn about the passing of Robert J. Bruyr. A former councilor & Equity staff member, Robert earned a lifetime membership to the union in 2012. His work to uplift stage managers continues to inspire us today. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/u0M3F3qLNP

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) April 2, 2024

AFGE:

The Biden Administration just implemented a rule to prevent partisan abuse of civil service employees.

Here's what you need to know⬇https://t.co/IyX8nwEwkL

— AFGE (@AFGENational) April 4, 2024

AFSCME:

Today marks 56 years since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s tragic assassination while in Memphis supporting the strike by AFSCME-represented sanitation workers. We honor his legacy and that of the strikers in the award-winning I AM Story podcast — https://t.co/twIQ1iqth5. pic.twitter.com/voPTOqz8nc

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) April 4, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

The Biden Administration is doubling down on lower drug prices and affordable health care for Americans. https://t.co/cbvNVwQqfj

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) April 3, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

We are praying for the safety of our members and people who were in the path of the powerful storms and tornadoes from Georgia to Illinois that have damaged homes and property in communities where our members live and work. #ATUStrongerTogetherhttps://t.co/uLzi02duWJ

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) April 3, 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:

The newest School Health Research Library and accompanying research highlight reference sheets on PM2.5, VOCs, and PFAS are now out! Check out over 280 peer-reviewed school-based environmental health studies curated by @mygreenschools here: https://t.co/WMWZbtMxVY

— AFT (@AFTunion) April 4, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

APWU President Mark Dimondstein was one of many union leaders featured in this article by @inthesetimesmag, notably for introducing an AFL-CIO resolution in favor of the 32-hour work week. Read more: https://t.co/QJW7eamuDI

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) April 3, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

"When safety culture is broken down & the expediency of shoveling profits to Wall Street becomes the mission—this is what you get. It's not okay. It's not sustainable," said @FlyingWithSara. Thank you @SenDuckworth, crew must know important safety design!https://t.co/VjGcCrg7xM

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) April 4, 2024

Boilermakers:

Read an immediate press release: Workers protest illegal action at T&W Stamping ⤵️https://t.co/jStbw7qNt3#BoilermakersUnion #StandWith1622 pic.twitter.com/tvk3EGofMn

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) April 3, 2024

Bricklayers:

A shout out to our members of Local 23 of #Ohio Valley who took the time at the ACE Mentor Program Trades Day in #Cleveland, letting high school students try their hand at being a #bricklayer & learning about registered #apprenticeship and career opportunities with the #union! pic.twitter.com/BqzVzuyB2T

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) April 4, 2024

Coalition of Labor Union Women:

It's CLUW's 50th Anniversary! Founded March 24, 1974, the Coalition of Labor Union Women is America's only national organization for union women. https://t.co/cP9Rr0okaP

— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) March 24, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

End-of-the-Month CWA organizing roundup!https://t.co/MB5aR2sumt

— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 31, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

Take me out to the unionized ball game... Congrats to the tour guides at Dodgers Stadium who won their union with @IATSE. ⚾️https://t.co/jeaCDaIy6o

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) April 3, 2024

Electrical Workers:

“You don't have to worry about the debt you accumulate from going to school. With our #IBEW apprenticeship program, you really start right off the bat." - Matt Fuhrman, IBEW Local 56 https://t.co/N44IChe8T0

— IBEW (@IBEW) April 3, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

Here is a video perfect for social media of apprentices sharing how joining an apprenticeship program with the Insulators has helped them start a well paying career https://t.co/AxaKAGGzmP pic.twitter.com/HiRdClxd1Y

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) April 4, 2024

Ironworkers:

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event."

STATEMENT: https://t.co/F2A4qGfNd0 pic.twitter.com/pCJ1oNU7xa

— Iron Workers Union (@TheIronworkers) March 26, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

What do you do when a bully like @Uber tries to scare you? You fight back. 💥 💥💥

Minneapolis drivers are showing us how to do just that. The more our cities stand up to their bullying & greed the less Uber can take us all for a ride.https://t.co/tVdSf0ilde

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) April 3, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

The #WageGap isn't just a number; it's a story of inequality. Let's stop generalizing data and start disaggregating it to truly understand the challenges faced by AANHPI women in the workforce. #AANHPIEqualPay pic.twitter.com/bWlMAVnYSD

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) April 3, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

THIS JUST IN: Oxford University Press Workers: Ready to strike, if necessaryhttps://t.co/7PTw7ICrm7 pic.twitter.com/ViolqB3pHF

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) April 2, 2024

Laborers:

Exciting news from Tennessee! The @BlueOval_SK , in partnership with #LIUNA, is transforming lives with new job opportunities and economic growth. Thanks to Joe Biden's leadership and the passage of the #InflationReductionAct, we're seeing real change in action! https://t.co/Um5k55O3zA

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) April 4, 2024

Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association:

Happy Jesse Calhoon Day! April 4 is an M.E.B.A. holiday to celebrate the Union's modern patriarch. He racked up exceptional gains for the maritime industry and M.E.B.A. during his 22 years as National President that we continue to build upon today. pic.twitter.com/ihd79G8M6m

— M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) April 4, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

Thanks for all you've done for labor, President Taylor. Enjoy your semi-retirement. https://t.co/93Dd9Eey3b

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) April 2, 2024

Mine Workers:

Source: WVMetroNews

“Those 58,000 plus soldiers on that wall, they died heroes and their families paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Roberts said.https://t.co/5vxsocoJa2

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 4, 2024

Musical Artists:

Dancers of Miami City Ballet Take Steps to Unionize! AGMA has filed a petition with the NLRB for a union election at Miami City Ballet and notified the Company’s management. Read more: https://t.co/eVTa92VuPH pic.twitter.com/wOmSQKu3vt

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) April 3, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

NATCA is incredibly fortunate to have a team at our National Office that exemplifies dedication & excellence. Today, we are excited to shine the spotlight on Deputy Director of Public Affairs for Events and Outreach Jill Blimline.https://t.co/wrxu98K9Im pic.twitter.com/zBK7klQkmd

— NATCA (@NATCA) April 4, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

We were proud to have Buffalo-Western Branch 3 member Tim Martin among this year's Heroes of the Year honorees. Thank you for your heroism, positivity, and service to your community, Tim! https://t.co/slbKeITNZw

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) April 4, 2024

National Day Laborer Organizing Network:

“For day laborers and other migrant workers who are risking their lives in dangerous jobs and facing employer threats and abuse, this rule provides a key opportunity for us to better fight for our right to a safe and healthy workplace.”

Read more: https://t.co/n56UV5Zh8J

— NDLON (@NDLON) March 30, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Ready for a #CareWorkersRecognitionMonth twist on your favorite brain teaser? Join our “Care is Everywhere” Scavenger Hunt!

Keep your 👀 peeled on social, email, and SMS and look out for a new clue every week to piece together this puzzle. 

P.S. Did we mention there are prizes? pic.twitter.com/0UjgzOBnGB

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) April 3, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

NFFE Applauds OPM Regulations Curtailing Future Schedule F Restorationhttps://t.co/e73e0h4vhf

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 4, 2024

National Nurses United:

Hannah Drummond, a nurse at @HCAhealthcare's @MissionHealthNC, will testify at today's important hearing because #UnionStrong nurses know: Our profit-driven health care system is broken, and it must be healed! https://t.co/P8KvT5DNn2

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) April 3, 2024

NWSL Players Association:

Happy Trans Day of Visibility 🏳️‍⚧️

Thank you for being a vital part of our NWSL community! pic.twitter.com/yzwpePIjZl

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

Have you checked out our @NABTU_TWBN 2023 highlight video? We're getting excited for September👀👇https://t.co/5DjKDXqUtE

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 29, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

Applications for the OPEIU Student Debt Reduction Program are now open! 

Each year, our union awards five $2,500 scholarships to eligible members to reduce their student debt burden.

Visit our website to apply today: https://t.co/Z8NjSaawPk

— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) April 1, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

"Our trades are very rewarding. I can walk down streets and say, in part, the buildings were done by these hands. I feel like I really make a difference when I get to tell people I did that." pic.twitter.com/IGngXwKKbM

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) April 3, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“The Biden era has been really good for blue-collar wages... Wage gains have more than kept up with inflation & wage gains have been most rapid for lower-paid workers... Most workers’ wages adjusted for inflation are higher than before the pandemic...”https://t.co/YReQZdGTC8

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 4, 2024

Pride At Work:

Our trans and non-binary siblings need our support now more than ever. The attacks against them are widespread, and we must stand together to fight back. Let's remember the foundation of the labor movement: an injury to one is an injury to all. #TransDayOfVisibility pic.twitter.com/svZwhXYOiD

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) March 31, 2024

Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:

FAA also in dire need of qualified technicians, @FAA_Mike. Critical workforce understaffed. Excellent opportunity for vets w/relevant experience. Will be covered by PASS's contract w/ FAA guaranteeing workplace protections. Apply now! https://t.co/KmU5VMQpnF

— PASS (@PASSNational) April 3, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

Retail workers like Sherry Perkov deserve to feel safe at work every day. As Sherry said, we need the #RetailWorkerSafety Act in New York to "force employers to take my safety, and the safety of my coworkers, seriously." pic.twitter.com/cN8Bs2kGlr

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) April 4, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Overhead power lines put roofers at risk of electrocutions and falls. Learn more at: https://t.co/D8JelAN09b #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/hkaojTbULj

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) April 3, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

New York, Philadelphia, Washington-Mid Atlantic #SagAftraMembers! if you have worked under the Network Television Code, we want to hear what is important to YOU before negotiations begin!

🎬 Background/Stand-In: 4/8
🎬 General Topic: 4/9, 4/11

More info: https://t.co/njlFSMqtWQ pic.twitter.com/1mOh67bCHH

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) April 4, 2024

Seafarers:

Great stuff from Adm. Phillips, who is tireless in her work at MARAD. Credit to Sara for a great job hosting, too! #1u #Maritime #MARAD https://t.co/EM90vSeUqK

— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) March 27, 2024

Solidarity Center:

As part of a project to build solidarity, Mexican labor leaders from the auto industry traveled to Detroit to discuss with UAW members how they can work together to improve the lives of all workers. THIS is how you build power across borders. ✊ @demosindicalMx @UAW #StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/L3d8U3EBf8

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 29, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

"We have been at the bargaining table with Gannett for 2 years [...] so with the news event of the eclipse it made sense that this is a chance for 24 journalists in the largest newspaper organization in the country to play hardball." #TotalEclipseOfTheNewshttps://t.co/zYe4vAdm4e

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) April 4, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

When workers support each other, the impossible can happen! Congrats to the crew members of "CARVED" filming in Harrodsburg Kentucky as they successfully organized the production and are now working under an IATSE CBA!! Together we rise. ✊ pic.twitter.com/XV4yTus2Ih

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) April 3, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

The ⁦@MBTA⁩ ⁦@MassDOT⁩ should send carpetbaggers @Keolis back to France for underpaying & disrespecting 
commuter rail workers. @keolis doesn’t deserve a renewed contract. #mapoli ⁦@NECN⁩ ⁦@bostonherald⁩ ⁦⁩⁦@MassDems⁩ ⁦@BostonGlobe⁩ pic.twitter.com/0h8w7P3f76

— TWU (@transportworker) April 4, 2024

UAW:

Today, @ENERGY announced its final rule for energy conservation standards for distribution transformers, preserving over 1,000 good union jobs in Western Pennsylvania, after UAW members spoke out about the impact of the DOE’s actions. https://t.co/RbK6bfocjy

— UAW (@UAW) April 4, 2024

UNITE HERE:

D. Taylor Steps Down as UNITE HERE President, Leaving a Multi-Decade Legacy in Labor Defined by Record Union Growth in Right-to-Work States, Improved Standards for Hospitality Jobshttps://t.co/SscnZZXlc1

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) April 1, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

On average, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander women working full-time make 93 cents for every 1 dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men.

These numbers are unacceptable & economic justice for these communities is long overdue.#AANHPIEqualPayDay pic.twitter.com/yv8maQ538f

— UFCW (@UFCW) April 3, 2024

United Steelworkers:

Today’s walkaround rule is a victory for every American worker. Thanks to @ActSecJulieSu and @OSHA_DOL, they’ll have a stronger voice on the job and safer workplaces.
Learn more: https://t.co/7A3kExve5X pic.twitter.com/cZcCyAsTI6

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 29, 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:

UWUA President James Slevin reminds us that we must get out of our own siloes and collaborate to build a stronger labor movement! #solidarityhttps://t.co/EYLgexGNxC pic.twitter.com/jokUQDnOvo

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) April 4, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

“The Writers’ Guild got everyone’s attention because they were talking about the dumbing down or gig-ifying of their work based on AI… And it’s sort of woken up the entire country around the potential for this kind of technology and how it’s going to impact work.” - @LizShuler https://t.co/eHzUWx41N0

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) April 1, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/04/2024 - 10:10

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Qantas Airways Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Vote to Join IAM

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.

Qantas Airways aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) at Los Angeles International Airport overwhelmingly voted to join the Machinists (IAM). The new unit consists of 150 workers.

“I am grateful in being able to serve to bring respect and honor to those fellow mechanics who have honored and respected an old dog trying to learn new tricks,” said Edward Berg, a Qantas AME and lead inside organizer. “This career and field are new to me, and I’m humbled and proud to be working alongside those who really care about their craft. I hope in the upcoming negotiations that management will see the majority of those mechanics who care about their responsibilities and do right by them.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 04/04/2024 - 10:01

Worker Wins: We Deserve Safe Working Conditions

Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life. 

Sega of America Workers Ratify Union Contract, Protecting 150 Employees: Workers at Sega of America have ratified their first collectively bargained contract with the U.S. arm of the multinational video game and entertainment company, setting new standards for the industry. The agreement covers about 150 full-time and temporary employees in a variety of roles, including brand marketing, localization, marketing services, product development, sales and quality assurance (QA). Members of Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega (AEGIS), an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), secured important concessions, including base-building raises for all employees, protections against layoffs, a fair grievance process and a commitment to crediting people on games they’ve worked on, including early QA testers, who are often the lowest-paid in the chain of production. 

Museum Workers Ratify Deal with MASS MoCA, Ending Weekslong Strike: After holding the picket line for nearly three weeks, unionized workers at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) have successfully ratified a new contract that delivers victories on core member issues. MASS MoCA Union members, who are part of International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 2110, voted to approve the two-year deal Tuesday evening after a unanimous endorsement from the bargaining committee. Wins include an increase in base wages to $18 an hour, a 3.5% across-the-board raise, additional holiday pay—as well as overtime pay for shifts lasting longer than 10 hours—and more. 

Medical School Residents at Western Michigan University Vote to Unionize: Over 260 residents and fellow physicians at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) overwhelmingly voted to form a union as the Resident & Fellow Alliance (RFA), an affiliate of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Michigan. Medical workers are aiming to create a voice for residents and fellows at WMed in addition to improving patient care, raising salary standards, creating more flexibility in time off and codifying fair educational stipends. Members say that the 60- to 80-hour workweeks they regularly put in aren’t reflected in their pay and that residency programs leave them with few avenues to negotiate over issues such as working conditions. With the union, they’ll have more of a say. 

UNITE HERE Members Ratify New Contract with 34 Southern California Hotels: Thousands of Southern California hospitality workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 11 overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract containing historic wins after repeated rolling strikes since the summer of 2023. Workers at 34 hotels, who led the largest hotel strike in modern U.S. history, won higher pay, increased employer contributions to pensions, fair workload guarantees, health care protections and more. This includes room attendants, cooks and other nontipped workers at some of Los Angeles’ most high-end properties, such as the Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria. By the end of this contract, workers will see a 40%–50% increase in wages, with half of the rise being delivered in the first year of the agreement. 

California AMC Workers Vote to Unionize with IATSE: Workers at the Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood in Universal City, California, have officially voted to unionize with the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Ushers, cooks, bartenders and all other nonmanagement employees of the theater are part of the new bargaining unit. This victory is the second location of the national theater chain to unionize with IATSE; the first was AMC DINE-IN South Bay Galleria 16 in Redondo Beach, California. Staff first filed for their election at the National Labor Relations Board in February, citing concerns with low wages and unfair scheduling practices. 

SAG-AFTRA Members Ratify TV Animation Contracts: In a ratification vote that ended on Friday, SAG-AFTRA members have ratified new three-year television and basic cable animation contracts covering voice actors, with overwhelming support. The new contract provides for 7% wage increases in the first year of the contracts—which will be retroactive to July 1, 2023—and additional increases in the second and third year, establishes Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth as contractual holidays and allows SAG-AFTRA to request up to two meetings a year with companies and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to ensure performers are paid on time. In terms of artificial Intelligence protections, the deal includes strong language that states a “voice actor” can only refer to humans, grants rights to performers when any digital replica is “recognizable” as them, provides foreign residuals when a voice actor’s work is digitally translated into another language and exhibited, and mandates that producers must negotiate with with the union if they use a synthetic voice instead of a voice actor. 

TWU Local Reaches Tentative Agreement with Allegiant Air: Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 577, representing 1,700 flight attendants working for Allegiant Air, announced a tentative agreement last week on a five-year contract. Bargaining began in August 2022 and would be Local 577’s second-ever contract if ratified. The agreement secures wage increases ranging from 20% to 41.2% for members, with an average wage increase of 25%. In addition to pay bumps, workers also would get improvements to contractual pay credits based on the amount of time a flight attendant spends on duty, yearly pay increases of 3% throughout the life of the contract, lump sum bonuses at ratification, health insurance benefits and improved 401(k) match. 

Shelf Life Books Becomes First Richmond, Virginia, Bookstore to Form a Union: Workers at a popular new and used bookstore in Richmond, Virginia, have officially joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400. Shelf Life Books staff made history as the first unionized bookstore in the city, with the owners choosing to voluntarily recognize the union after every eligible worker signed authorization cards. Members hope that by joining a union, they’ll be able to strengthen the largest independent bookstore in Richmond and improve their job security amid trends in the bookseller industry as corporate giants like Amazon eat into local businesses. 

Nitehawk Cinema Workers in New York Join Union Despite Union-Busting Campaign: After notifying management last month of their intention to organize with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 2179, workers at Nitehawk Cinema’s Prospect Park location in Brooklyn voted in favor of the union last weekend. Staff at the dine-in theater cited unfair labor practices, unstable pay, harassment and scheduling and safety concerns as core reasons for forming a union. The Nitehawk Workers Union bargaining unit includes full and part-time bartenders, line cooks, food runners, porters and servers. While the Nighthawk owner and management deployed scare tactics, spread misinformation about unions and intimidated staff across departments, workers secured a victory in their election. 

AGMA and Dance Theatre of Harlem Announce Unanimous Union Victory for Dancers: After just over a month since coming forward with their intent to organize, dancers at the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) have won their election to form a union with the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA). The vote was unanimous and DTH management has publicly stated its intention to work in good faith with AGMA to improve the well-being of its dancers and strengthen the industry as a whole. Established in 1969, Dance Theatre of Harlem holds the distinction of being the first Black classical ballet company. While it used to be an AGMA company, DTH closed its doors in 2004 and severed ties with the union. Then, when it resumed operations in 2012, it reopened as nonunion. 

Oakland Museum of California Workers Win Voluntary Recognition of Union: The Oakland Museum of California voluntarily recognized OMCA Workers United, an affiliate of AFSCME Council 57 Cultural Workers United and the museum’s first union, last week. Back in February, museum workers first announced their plans to form a union to secure better wages to keep up with Bay Area cost of living, affordable health care and a voice at the institution—specifically to weigh in on how OMCA can better embody values of equity and anti-racism. OMCA Workers United represents a range of staff roles, including preparators, curators, designers, ticketing and retail associates, and program developers. 

Oregon Public Broadcasting Workers to Join SAG-AFTRA: Workers at Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and KMHD Jazz Radio have announced that they will join SAG-AFTRA. The notice was sent to management last week, and staff are asking for voluntary recognition. The unit would include roles like hosts, reporters and digital, audio and video producers who are dedicated to telling important and compelling stories from around the Pacific Northwest and through radio, TV and online media. Both OPB and KMHD have seen immense growth over the past few years, with KMHD solidifying its place as one of the region's most respected jazz stations. 

Madison Sourdough Workers Ratify Union Contract That Boosts Pay, Benefits: Workers at Madison Sourdough in Wisconsin, who are affiliated with United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1473, have ratified their first contract with the bakery, nine months after negotiations launched in June 2023. The agreement, a first-of-its-kind in Madison, Wisconsin, raises base pay and includes guaranteed annual raises, along with paid sick time and other benefits, for around 40 bakers, baristas, dishwashers, cooks and delivery drivers. Additionally, Madison Sourdough Workers United and the bakery have established a joint labor-management safety committee. 

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/03/2024 - 09:34

Tags: Organizing

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Passes Landmark Rule Requiring Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers

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 Phoenix City Council unanimously passed an ordinance last week that will provide protections from extreme heat for thousands of outdoor workers in the hottest city in the United States.

The rule requires employers to provide workers access to shade from the sun, rest, water and air conditioning as well as training on recognizing signs of heat stress. This will apply to city contractors and their subcontractors who work outdoors, including airport and construction workers. Its passage was aided by a citywide campaign led by members of UNITE HERE Local 11, SEIU’s Airport Workers United, and other labor and community organizations.

Currently, there are no federal standards that protect outdoor workers from extreme heat, making this ordinance game-changing for an issue that is literally life or death. In 2023, heat killed 340 people in Phoenix and 645 people in Maricopa County. Three out of four of those fatalities took place outdoors.

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/03/2024 - 09:27

Standing in Solidarity: 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:

Wally Robinson, a 20-year member of @IBEW1547, faced sub-zero temperatures to run the 2024 Iditarod, a 1,000-mile sled dog race.

Being a member of the @IBEW has allowed Wally to raise his family and secure a good retirement. Wally is a prime example of the #UnionDifference! pic.twitter.com/CTOfKdFDPD

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 26, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Our coalition has urged action to protect workers from extreme indoor heat since 2016.

8 yrs later workers have continued to suffer preventable injuries & lost their lives.@CAgovernor needs to fully implement Cal/OSHA’s heat illness prevention rule. #SummerIsComing #HeatKills pic.twitter.com/iitEWSIOfq

— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) March 28, 2024

Colorado AFL-CIO:

Hey, hey Colorado - you want more passenger rail? You want safer railways so derailments like the one in Pueblo that killed a totally uninvolved truck driver don’t happen? So people who live near rail aren’t subject to catastrophe? SUPPRT HB24-1030!! https://t.co/VaJElmvLaU

— Colorado AFL-CIO, Young Workers Organizing (@ColoradoYWO) March 27, 2024

Connecticut AFL-CIO:

Proud to stand in #solidarity with the members of @217unitehere working at the University of New Haven as they fight for a fair contract and job security! https://t.co/R8dMhHDw3r

— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) April 2, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Breaking News!

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled:

- Amendment 3, the proposed amendment to legalize adult personal use of marijuana, and

- Amendment 4, the proposed amendment to limit government interference in abortion, will both be on Florida's November ballot.

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) April 1, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter! 🐣 As we celebrate renewal and rebirth, let's remember the strength we have when we stand together in solidarity. To all the workers striving for fair rights, you are the backbone of our communities. #HappyEaster #Solidarity #WorkersRights ✊🌸 pic.twitter.com/pWemfXj4sD

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) March 31, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Yolanda joined the @IUBAC when she was one of few women.

She has been behind some of Chicago's most notable landmarks: the Bulls/Blackhawks Stadium to the Bilandic Building.

This #womenshistorymonth, Yolanda is a living example that women can thrive in the trades.#1u pic.twitter.com/3Gjjd5sGFK

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 31, 2024

Kentucky State AFL-CIO:

New Bill, Same Stink
Don't let them repeal KY's Child Labor Laws with Frankfort Tricks
In a last minute attempt to pass this bad legislation, Reps in the KY House are seeking to amend SB 369 to include the bad language of HB 255 in an innocuous Senate Billhttps://t.co/eCIs0pXzRw pic.twitter.com/xxWq9Rda9v

— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 27, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

Good news for farmworkers! The Maine Legislature's Labor Committee voted on party lines to advance a bill that will apply the state minimum wage to farmworkers & grant them the right to take action in court if their wages are stolen.https://t.co/HzzIe4a2os #mepolitics

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) March 29, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

The MA AFL-CIO is a proud member of the @PTPGCoalition behind this victory. Thank you to the @mbta Board for their work toward making transit equity a reality. https://t.co/5SljSSotuE

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 29, 2024

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Keeping this seat in pro-worker hands this April is essential to continuing all the progress we’ve made since electing the first pro-worker trifecta in 40 years.

That's why we're endorsing Peter Herzberg in the special election in HD 25! pic.twitter.com/kCINcfpJSg

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 27, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

When workers strike & win, we all win. That's why it's time to begin balancing the scales & give striking workers access to unemployment insurance. Take Action Now! https://t.co/OFb4LRdt32 #1u #mnleg #Labor #Solidarity

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) April 2, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

Josh Hawley just admitted he thinks millions of public sector workers shouldn’t have a right to organize for fair pay and safe workplaces.

These are the public servants who keep us safe and serve our families. Solidarity isn't in Josh Hawley's vocabulary. https://t.co/EKXk9QI33Q pic.twitter.com/5nJZH9gSwz

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) April 1, 2024

Montana State AFL-CIO:

https://t.co/bVYy39LTe0 #unionstrong #mtworkers #mtlabor #mtnews pic.twitter.com/IwdEQi1tgG

— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) March 28, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

The Nevada State AFL-CIO is immensely grateful for all of D. Taylor’s years of dedicated service to the labor movement in Nevada, and the rest of the country. pic.twitter.com/p0ZAKV7Cp0

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) April 1, 2024

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

We will be standing in Solidarity together and for NH Workers, on Thursday 4/4 to let our Senators know that SB 516 (“Right-to-Work”) is WRONG for NH!#NHPolitics #1u

Follow the link for more information: https://t.co/qze43Sfi9X pic.twitter.com/Us90Lc7esW

— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) March 29, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Statement from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento regarding disingenuous editorial on affordable housing by the New York Post: https://t.co/LhNfFd2vsv

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 28, 2024

North Dakota AFL-CIO:

Postal workers concerned over distribution changes https://t.co/yyfBqaB6zl

— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) March 28, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Thanks, @SenSherrodBrown, for investing in every #Ohio community. https://t.co/cwKUKscqA4

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) April 2, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

#OregonLabor is proud to see this bill become law to ensure labor standards are included in all future offshore wind development in our state. #ORpol #ORleg https://t.co/pUKI4Bqqam

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) April 1, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

🗳April 8 – Voter registration deadlinehttps://t.co/3OrvlRkV0a

🗳
April 16 – Last day to apply for a mail ballot.https://t.co/AYOCunH4C6

🗳
April 23 – Election Day! Completed mail ballots must be received by 8 PM.https://t.co/54inhwakHD pic.twitter.com/l4suWK8r2e

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) April 2, 2024

Rhode Island AFL-CIO:

Unions key in ramp up to the next industrial revolution https://t.co/ES2n3A1rO5 via @cwbeacon @AFLCIO @ConnAFLCIO @massaflcio @climatejobsri @climatejobs

— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) April 1, 2024

Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council: p

Not an April Fools' joke: House leadership is considering gutting promised teacher pay raises to help fund other parts of its version of the statewide school voucher scheme.

Our thoughts on the waning weeks of session can be found below ⬇ #TNLeg #1u https://t.co/MziklJmbar

— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) April 1, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Hundreds of academic student workers are rallying at the University of Washington campus to demand a fair contract with meaningful raises, supports for international student workers, and no cuts to benefits. 

UW, do right by your workers! pic.twitter.com/dI5XuiVeBP

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 29, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Confirm your polling location, preview what's on your ballot and more at https://t.co/8yDehWa8Bf #WIvote pic.twitter.com/6FkVPwkARq

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) April 2, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:14