More Freedom for Working People: 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 July 2024 on the member portal. https://t.co/myvtrd4Ufv pic.twitter.com/Ck1c3B8GWp
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 21, 2024
AFGE:
Thank you @RepMarkTakano for working tirelessly to improve our VA medical centers and the workplace rights of those who serve our nation’s heroes. pic.twitter.com/G2zo9Rqu5I
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 21, 2024
AFSCME:
ICYMI: AFSCME backs @KamalaHarris for president because she believe in “more freedom for working people,” President Saunders said at #DNC2024. https://t.co/86PYM4udOz
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 20, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Affordable health care and protections for people with pre-existing conditions are on the ballot this year. https://t.co/JVPEeqg7tB
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 20, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Day 2 of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was just as exciting as the first. Representing the ATU were #DNC New Jersey Delegate International President John Costa, International Vice President Yvette Trujillo, Secretary-Treasurer Ken Kirk, International Vice… pic.twitter.com/wnkQQCx9pf
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 21, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Are you absolutely sure that you're registered to vote?
Couldn't hurt to check.
Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Flight Attendants save lives.
We are aviation’s first responders and the last line of defense in aviation security. We are the first impression and the smile of aviation connecting the people of our nations.
Happy National Aviation Day to Aviation’s First Responders! pic.twitter.com/EmNC7roE7l
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 19, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
No one in government fought as hard as @SenSherrodBrown did for our pensions. https://t.co/RRMETZS2rA
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 21, 2024
Boilermakers:
‼️ Breaking News: IBB announces leadership changes: https://t.co/QMz9Hcpvqq pic.twitter.com/kAnuH7Fuxz
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 20, 2024
Bricklayers:
Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, Justin Guillermo, Jeris Orian, and Joe Ermitano from BAC local 1 Hawaii are working on the Wahiawa Civic Center!
Thank you for your hard work!#Unionstrong #thebesthandsinthebusiness pic.twitter.com/wevdu6PwPL
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 21, 2024
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Sylvia Lieberman Recalls First CLUW Convention. #CLUW50 https://t.co/Xt7NNGc6ki
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) August 19, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
🚨Strike Alert! 🚨
CWA members at AT&T Southeast are on strike to protest unfair labor practices committed by management during negotiations for a new union contract. pic.twitter.com/qb4iCXdyzX
— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 16, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024
Electrical Workers:
. @UnionSportsmen brings you Major League Fishing Angler Jesse Spellicy who shares five baits you need in your tacklebox. https://t.co/KrWt0oJ5uY
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 21, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Asbestos Memorial🕊️
During the 2024 Officers Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, General President, Terry Larkin & former IVP, Anthony Ceraldi, visited the Memorial.
➡️Read more: https://t.co/NInou94huB
#InsulatorsUnion #HFIAW #asbestos #mesothelioma pic.twitter.com/VCyZzCTBAx
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 19, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
We just heard from union leaders at the #DNC. They are right—it’s time for workers to be able to freely organize w/o interference from billionaire CEOs, take home family-sustaining wages, and retire w/ dignity. #UnionYes @AFLCIO @AFSCME @IBEW @CWAUnion @SEIU @LIUNA
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) August 20, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
🚨 Eliminating the Department of Education under #Project2025 would have devastating effects on our society and communities. Historically, authoritarian regimes target education to control citizens and impose conservative ideals, undermining democratic values. pic.twitter.com/tUtC8EWNZA
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) August 21, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
No Contract, No Cartoons."
After weekend rallies, The Animation Guild (TAG) started contract talks w/the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. "We're defending the soul of this industry," said TAG President Jeanette Moreno King
Read more: https://t.co/8ual57wPpt pic.twitter.com/SWpigI22g4
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 21, 2024
Laborers:
Our GP and several labor leaders brought the POWER to the #DNC2024 stage last night, uniting behind the Harris-Walz ticket! Their passion and commitment to workers and #unions were electric. This is the momentum we need to secure our future! @DemConvention @VP @Tim_Walz https://t.co/2qH8Xmv03e
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 20, 2024
Machinists:
Celebrating the beautiful life and legacy of Sister Maria Santiago Lillis, IAM Western Territory Locals united with community organizations in her honor. Their service magnifies the dedication Maria had for our communities. https://t.co/9aWtkhzpYc.
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 21, 2024
Mine Workers:
“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength..." - Cecil Robertshttps://t.co/97mBMS41A0
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 20, 2024
Musical Artists:
Save the San Francisco Symphony Chorus: Send a Letter to Management - https://t.co/OfUYN7k9AO pic.twitter.com/EJYjSxAAyT
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 19, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Are you keeping your contact information current on MyNATCA? It's crucial for all NATCA members to regularly update their preferred contact details on MyNATCA to ensure they receive important communications.
Visit https://t.co/snJux6foFR and log in with your credentials. pic.twitter.com/6Iys6A3Tey
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 20, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
This #MemberMonday, we're giving a shout-out to New Castle, PA Branch 22 carrier Bill Rubin. For Scott Collar, a customer with disabilities who lives on Bill's route, the kindness that Bill delivers each day makes him more than a mailman – he's become a true friend. (🧵1/2) pic.twitter.com/nc2YQCgM1U
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 19, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
Coming up next month!#BringHumanRightsHome https://t.co/x6jgzPxeM6
— NDLON (@NDLON) August 20, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
More workers than ever need paid time off for mental health conditions and are getting denied. Employers must support the well-being of their employees.
That means investing in care. https://t.co/HeWXEO2RNu
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) August 15, 2024
National Nurses United:
Nurses met with @RevDrBarber today at #DNCConvention2024!
We’re excited and honored to be fighting alongside such a powerful champion for working families. #NursesForKamala pic.twitter.com/pVInzv04cc
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 20, 2024
NFL Players Association:
Denver Broncos linebacker Baron Browning tackled back-to-school prep at a block party last week, where 100 kids and their families scored school supplies and a day of fun at the team’s training facility. 📚✏️ pic.twitter.com/mWm4Q4knai
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 16, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Brent Booker, @LIUNA General President, says Trump made empty promises, while the Biden-Harris Administration delivered. As President, Kamala Harris will fight for the workers who are building America.https://t.co/zngunCZixh
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) August 21, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Standardized patients at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia are fighting for a fair contract!
Tell university administrators to stop union-busting and pay them a fair wage! ↓↓↓ #UnionStrong https://t.co/KbvUUTanQ5
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 20, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
As we approach our General Convention, we reflect on each and every one of our members who have shaped the IUPAT into the strong and fighting union that we are today.
For over 137 years, our members' commitments and our union's collective efforts have ignited a force of change… pic.twitter.com/EYtfCXqRkK
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 12, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024
Pride At Work:
Join us to organize this election season and ensure LGBTQIA+ worker power is a priority!
Sign up here: https://t.co/jkPXJ0Ym8c #organize #solidarityforever pic.twitter.com/x1FtxpmvK7
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) August 19, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@RWDSU President @sappelbaum opens the 2nd @DemConvention Labor Council meeting. Asst. to the President Jessica Garcia who has spearheaded the planning led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. #DemConvention2024 pic.twitter.com/WQfY6rNCYY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 21, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
Certain weather conditions can be hazardous for roofers. Follow these tips to stay safe! https://t.co/4J2VP83XzI #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/XPjZABkM3D
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 21, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
🎙️ “Voice Actor and Movement Performers, we love this work.”
Check out the full Game Actors on Game Actors: SAG-AFTRA Panel At Comic-Con 2024: https://t.co/D7AguPJaC0 pic.twitter.com/sxkMuaMnSc
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 21, 2024
Solidarity Center:
“We will leave no one behind.”
Amid victory against union busting after a month-long campaign, #Sofitel workers' unions continue to lead the push for job security for all workers.
🔗https://t.co/Oy6exvFsLu#StandWithSofitelWorkers #Philippines #Solidarity pic.twitter.com/qAN9sA8Suo
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 21, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
🚨
On Sunday evening, Adrian Szkolar – a member of the @CTnewsguild organizing committee – was fired. This comes a mere ten days after the guild went public with their union drive.
Tell Hearst CT Media Group: Reinstate Adrian & recognize @CTnewsguild 👇https://t.co/8DjIkU4bh6
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 19, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
“As a union member, it’s important that we have candidates who support our values,” IATSE Local 720 (Nevada) Member Matt Kimball said.
“Donald Trump crossed my union’s picket line in ‘04, and that’s something I can never forgive him for and never will.” https://t.co/SoqFek4XxA
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 21, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
— TWU (@transportworker) August 19, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
The @seattletimes Editorial Board nails it with a message for the Washington State Ferry System: pay your workers!
Low staffing levels, noncompetitive wages, and overworked @MEBAUNION marine engineers = compromised service.
Read more: https://t.co/W4DjOzEPU8
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 20, 2024
UAW:
Cornell University has a $10 billion endowment. Management could easily afford to treat workers with the dignity and respect they deserve. Instead, Cornell is attempting to union bust by encouraging retirees and faculty to scab.
This is textbook corporate greed. @UAWregion9 pic.twitter.com/pyTIMaTxcx
— UAW (@UAW) August 21, 2024
Union Veterans Council:
We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans' legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024
UNITE HERE:
Hotel workers are at a breaking point – and thousands have now authorized strikes.
Wages aren’t enough to cover the cost of living. Staffing cuts have made hotel jobs more painful than ever.
But we know that when we fight, we win. pic.twitter.com/faAi8vrvTu
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 21, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Discover the UFCW Discount College Program, offering highly discounted tuition rates at participating colleges. Unlock a wide variety of online degrees & pursue higher education goals on your schedule. Available to all UFCW members & families.
➡️ https://t.co/vJfcSxhgs0 pic.twitter.com/BxpXkoA1kv
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 20, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Congrats to USW Local 819, Pactiv Evergreen, in Turlock, Calif., for ratifying a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement after more than 18 months of difficult bargaining. pic.twitter.com/FaxuwJG75W
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 21, 2024
Utility Workers:
Louder for the folks in the back! 📣
Every worker deserves the opportunity to join a union, and those with the lowest wages, fewest benefits, and the most unpredictable schedules have the most to gain by organizing! #UnionYeshttps://t.co/89SAkeba70
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 21, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum - and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:10Service & Solidarity Spotlight: TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United
Working people across the United States regularly step 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.
After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU).
Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more.
“It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/21/2024 - 08:03Life Is Better In 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).
Alabama AFL-CIO:
August 12, 2024 downtown Montgomery Alabama with a room full of labor leaders from across the state to endorse candidates for this years election and not one candidate #inattendence pic.twitter.com/IURccTxlrd
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Alaska AFL-CIO:
When someone shows you who they are, believe them. https://t.co/2uNEll3ylH
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S.
A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
#UnionizeCalifornia https://t.co/SC9fUNvGLG
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 15, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Management at Hearst have FIRED a union organizer in a clear case of retaliation. Tell Hearst to reinstate Adrian and recognize the @CTnewsguild! #UnionBustingIsDisgusting https://t.co/z0bDpceGI4
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Today is Florida's Primary Election, and polls are open from 7am to 7pm. If you haven't already, go vote! pic.twitter.com/5yop33AyV9
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 20, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
#Thankful for all the #aviation workers #❤️ #AviationDay #1u #unionstrong #unionproud #solidarity #UnionsForAll https://t.co/UG5be23hhO
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 19, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
#unionsforharriswalz because life is better in a union. #1u pic.twitter.com/Ml3Em0jkQR
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Stage Hands Local 114 are celebrating their 120th Anniversary! Check out our story about the founders of Local 114 during the vaudeville era in 1905 & the rebirth of live stage events in Portland from the late 1970s to the present.https://t.co/kkNdFKjiXN @IATSE114 @IATSE
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
“Unions built the middle class” - @JoeBiden
The Biden-Harris admin. has our backs every day: 15 million new jobs, billions in infrastructure, bringing manufacturing back home to America, and saving our pensions #DNC #ThankYouJoe #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForHarrisWalz @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/LtedLJq6Cw
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 20, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
This November, Michiganders will be faced with a choice between the candidates who stand with working people, and the ones who stand with corporate billionaires.
We're proud to announce our endorsements of pro-labor champions up and down the ballot.https://t.co/y5aSi4UGtS
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Under the legislation, which went into effect on July 1, companies in Minnesota are barred from entering into new contracts that contain restrictive covenants, which function like noncompete agreements but have previously slipped past the prohibitions. #1u https://t.co/70nFyktrVj
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
We’re voting YES on Proposition A to bring #PaidSickDays to MO and #RaiseTheWage to $15/hr by 2026. It’s time to prioritize the people who keep our communities thriving. pic.twitter.com/vrFLf483e2
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 17, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
7️⃣9️⃣ days until the election! Thank you to everyone who came to our Superwalk kickoff in both Northern and Southern Nevada, our speakers who energized the room, and our volunteers who are spending their sunny Saturday knocking on doors & phone banking.
LETS WIN THIS THING🗳️ pic.twitter.com/c81lHJo1Tu
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 17, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!
Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Standing with our UAW family fighting for a fair contract at Cornell University today ✊ #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/VADRCuxUdU
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
NC Labor Movement Welcomes @VP @KamalaHarris back to Raleigh! https://t.co/1eLJR68CvR #1u #ncpol 1/3 pic.twitter.com/D16u6hqaF8
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 16, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Get the @UAW shirt today! #UnionsForHarris #ItsBetterInAUnion#TrumpIsAScab https://t.co/vPfwhk88Pz
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 20, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon workers are #StrongerTogether. Find out how to organize by going to https://t.co/WphIRB4ySr pic.twitter.com/dw4QrE9cER
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 18, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Glad you asked!
In Pennsylvania, both the number of union members and the number of workers with union representation is the highest it’s been in over a decade. https://t.co/823aBSengh pic.twitter.com/sSj4PldTGa
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 20, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
See how we rep Texas workers at the DNC?
Very demure. Very mindful. pic.twitter.com/z3GdrUcrLW
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 19, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
The WI AFL-CIO was proud to host a press conference this morning in support of Kamala Harris for President. Standing against the chaos and division of another Trump Presidency, we heard from Former Racine Police Chief Art Howell and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. pic.twitter.com/Uqu3ezOltH
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 16, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:32Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Richmond Hotel Workers Secure 30% Wage Increase, End Strike
Working people across the United States regularly step 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 the Sheraton Vancouver Airport, members of UNITE HERE Local 40, ratified a new contract after striking for 14 months. The new three-year contract gives all workers a 30.5% wage increase, a return-to-work bonuses, an increase in banquet workers’ gratuities, transparency and other tip protections, and new health benefits. More than 85% of the union members voted in favor of the new contract.
“This new agreement sets the union on a new path with Larco Hospitality, and we look forward to forging ahead in a productive and positive working relationship with them,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/20/2024 - 08:08Worker Wins: What We Deserve
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
NWSL Players Association Scores Historic New Contract: This morning, the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA) announced that they have secured an historic new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that ensures free agency for all players, revenue sharing on top of salaries, important health and safety protections and other provisions that will help create a more equitable league. “Just weeks after some members of the NWSLPA became Olympic champions with Team USA, these athletes have made history yet again,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “This game-changing collective bargaining agreement sets the gold standard for all professional sports and affirms what workers in unions can accomplish when we stand together….The AFL-CIO is beyond proud to count the NWSLPA among its Sports Council and affiliate unions, and we look forward to continuing to support the NWSL players to ensure fair implementation of this contract. It’s a damn good day for union women in America!” Read the AFL-CIO’s full statement here.
Las Vegas Venetian Workers Win Historic TA with Major Pay Boosts: On Tuesday, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165—Nevada affiliates of UNITE HERE—announced with The Venetian Resort Las Vegas that they have reached a tentative agreement (TA) on a new four-year contract. Before workers organized in June 2023 through a card-check neutrality agreement, the Venetian Resort Las Vegas—which includes both The Venetian and The Palazzo properties—had been a decades-long holdout under the previous ownership as the Las Vegas Strip’s only nonunion property. If ratified by members, this would be the first union contract covering the more than 4,000 food, beverage, housekeeping, bar, lounge and bell department workers at the casino resorts. A committee of more than 100 staff participated in every main table negotiating session and subcommittee meeting over the past year, resulting in a milestone TA with standard protections, such as health care benefits, language on increased worker security regarding sexual harassment and immigration, a pension and more. The deal also secured wins including the largest wage increases ever, workload reductions, daily room cleaning for guest room attendants, safety protections for workers on the job and recall rights. “I’m happy to have the union protections and voice we deserve,” said Sergio Javier Andrade, floor attendant at The Venetian Resort for 17 years, in a union press release. “This new contract is a game-changer for all of us—getting such a significant wage increase and a pension, is something we’ve been working toward for a long time, and to see it happen this morning is exciting, and I appreciate the Culinary Union and The Venetian Resort working together to make it happen. We’ve worked hard for this for over a year, and I feel very proud of what we were able to accomplish together. By voting yes to ratify, we’re setting ourselves up for a better, more secure future.”
WMATA Metro Workers Ratify New Contract: With 90% in approval, Washington Metro workers overwhelmingly ratified a new contract between the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board and their union, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. The ratification vote took place Monday, and Local 689 announced Wednesday that the WMATA Board has concurred, making the new agreement official. ATU represents over 8,500 workers across the regional transit system who are indispensable in keeping the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area moving. The new contract includes major victories to improve members’ livelihoods, WMATA’s fiscal responsibility and system accountability. “The contract overwhelmingly approved by Metro workers is a huge win for the dedicated transit professionals who move our region day in and day out,” said ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “We negotiated a fair and equitable deal with the Authority ensuring our members continue to receive fair compensation they’ve earned while also enforcing accountability throughout the system. Notably, we were able to get retiree healthcare back for many of our members while also guaranteeing that everyone would see raises through the life of this contract.”
Workers at Hyatt Regency Crystal City Vote Decisively to Organize Despite Anti-Union Campaign: Despite weeks of aggressive anti-union campaigning from hotel management, a majority of housekeepers at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia, voted Friday to join UNITE HERE Local 25. After a supermajority of staff signed union authorization cards, housekeepers at the hotel filed for a union election on July 12. Hyatt then began an intensive anti-union crusade inside, which included regular anti-union meetings and distribution of anti-union literature. In the face of these attempts at undermining their organizing, workers picketed outside the hotel every Saturday with the support of labor allies and local lawmakers until their scheduled National Labor Relations Board election this past Friday. While the fight isn’t over, housekeepers are hoping that forming a union will help them address their workload and benefits concerns. “We are so excited and proud,” said Olga Ortiz, a housekeeper at the hotel and a leader on the organizing campaign. “It didn’t matter what the company threw at us—we stood strong and stood together. Now we are preparing to win our first contract with fairer workloads, higher pay and affordable benefits.”
TA Reached Between OHSU and Postdoc Workers United: After almost a year of negotiations, postdoctoral researchers reached their first tentative agreement (TA) last week on a four-year contract with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Members of OHSU Postdoc Workers United—an affiliate of the Oregon AFSCME Council 75—certified their union back in May 2023. After repeated lowball proposals from the public research university, workers earlier this month voted with 87.5% support to authorize a strike that would have started Thursday. But thanks to the dedication of the bargaining committee, the 250 members of Postdoc Workers United have avoided a strike and will now decide whether to accept an exciting new agreement. The deal includes a 6% pay increase upon ratification, with annual increases of 3.5% through the life of the contract, provisions that support international postdocs, increased paid time off, a commitment to forming a joint labor-management committee and more. “It’s been a long haul,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a pancreatic cancer researcher who is on the bargaining team. “Our union was able to stand strong in our belief that this is what we deserved. There were a lot of smiles in the room last night.”
New Mexico School for the Deaf Educators Form Union: Staff at the New Mexico School for the Deaf (NMSD) joined AFT New Mexico earlier this month, forming a wall-to-wall union at the Santa Fe campus. The New Mexico School for the Deaf Faculty & Staff Association bargaining unit includes all workers, from educators to bus drivers to administrative secretaries and more. The state Public Employee Labor Relations Board voted Aug. 6 to ratify the results of a union card-check, and the union has described the organizing process as a “relatively amicable” one. The workers who staff the school—which serves students from prekindergarten to 12th grade—really united over the need to secure wages that keep up with the high costs of living in Santa Fe. Funding for the institution comes from the state, but unlike other public schools, the NMSD doesn’t get money on a per-student basis. So, if the New Mexico Legislature passes a raise for teachers, it doesn’t necessarily mean these staff will receive a pay increase. Members are hoping that with the union, they can better negotiate for transparency and consistency in their salaries and benefits.
Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority: Registered nurses (RNs) at Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract. The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term. “We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”
Maine Can Now Order Employers to Pay Workers Back Pay and Damages for Missed Wages: A new law went into effect Friday in Maine that will give the state Department of Labor more tools to hold businesses accountable for failure to pay workers the wages they are rightfully owed. Aimed at fighting wage theft, this legislation empowers the Labor Department to order an employer to pay both the unpaid wages as well as damages equal to twice the amount of those wages with interest. The bill is a major win in the effort to combat a widespread issue. The Maine Center for Economic Policy reports that minimum wage violations in Maine amounted to an estimated $30 million in 2017. Additionally, they found that between 2021 to 2023, employers who were caught violating wage and hour laws paid an average penalty of just $9.61 per violation. To make it worse, only 10.7% of the assessed fines were actually paid. “In my 25 years working in the construction industry I have seen countless examples of disreputable contractors taking advantage of non-union workers and cheating them out of their hard-earned wages and benefits,” said Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member, Grant Provost. “When the punishment for violating wage and hour protections is just a slap on the wrist, companies have a perverse incentive to break the law and treat fines as a cost of doing business. This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work.”
NLRB Rules in Favor of NPEU Over Member’s Illegal Termination: The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) is celebrating a huge win after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled on Wednesday that the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) acted illegally when it terminated a worker who was punished for raising concerns about poor working conditions at the nonprofit. NPEU, a local of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), represents professionals employed at more than 50 nonprofit organizations. An administrative law judge for the agency found that the ACLU did in fact violate the National Labor Relations Act by denying NPEU member Kate Oh a transfer and discharging her in retaliation for exercising her right to engage in protected concerted activities. As a remedy, the judge ordered the ACLU to offer her reinstatement and to make her whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits. “This decision sends a clear message: no one is above the law, including and especially powerful management officials claiming to champion civil liberties with their words while illegally doing the opposite with their actions,” said Oh. “I am deeply grateful for my union having my back and for an NLRB that seeks to vindicate workers' rights.” Amy Chin-Lai, president of NPEU, added: “We are thrilled with the NLRB’s decision, which protects the fundamental rights of workers to advocate for better working conditions and speak out without fear of retaliation. Kate Oh’s dedication to her colleagues and her resilience in the face of unlawful treatment exemplify the spirit of our union. I am proud to call her a union sister. We look forward to finishing a first contract for all of our ACLU workers who fight for civil liberties, including Kate.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:24Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Torrance Nurses Ratify New Contract by Overwhelming Majority
Working people across the United States regularly step 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 Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center in Torrance, California, voted late last week with 89% supporting the ratification of a new three-year contract.
The RNs are represented by the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU), and have been bargaining for this agreement since April of this year. Thanks to the bargaining unit’s unfaltering unity—including during an informational picket in June—members are celebrating a powerful new contract that secures critical provisions members need to continue delivering quality care to patients. Highlights of the deal include strengthened health and safety measures, the establishment of an equity and inclusion committee focused on diversity, language to ensure nurses can take their breaks with safe staffing levels and a 14.5% across-the-board wage increase over the three-year term.
“We’re very proud of what we were able to achieve,” said Maria Chavez, an RN in the telemetry oncology unit. “We now have an agreement that we think will improve our recruitment and retention rates of RNs, including our vastly expanded educational program that offers RNs tuition assistance and more.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:04Hitting the Picket Lines: 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.
Stark Comparison: Union Leaders Praise Tim Walz as J.D. Vance Tries To Rebrand GOP As Pro-Labor: “As a former high school teacher, Walz was once a union member himself. Long before Walz joined the national ticket, he helped make Minnesota one of the most worker-friendly states in the country. ‘He's done great work here with labor, and we appreciate his willingness to always be at the table with us,’ said Bernie Burnham, the president of Minnesota AFL-CIO, the president of Minnesota American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). ‘When you see Tim Walz, you can see he's as comfortable getting down the floor and talking to a toddler as he is listening to senior citizens and hearing about what their needs are,’ Burnham said.”
Striking SAG-AFTRA Video Game Actors To Hit Picket Lines for Second Day: “Striking SAG-AFTRA video game performers plan to picket outside Disney Character Voices Thursday—the union's second picketing event since it walked off the job on July 23 to highlight a dispute it says focuses on an unwillingness by top gaming companies to protect voice actors from the emergence of artificial intelligence.”
UAW Suit Against Trump and Musk Breaks New Ground: “Trump’s praise of Musk’s illegal firings didn’t surprise the AFL-CIO. ‘Scab recognizes scab,’ it tweeted. ‘Greedy bosses aren’t just laughing at workers in smoke-filled backrooms anymore,’ federation President Liz Shuler elaborated in a statement. ‘They’re broadcasting it for the world to hear. It’s no surprise coming from Trump and Elon Musk—two notorious union-busters who boast a combined record of crossing picket lines, underpaying workers, flouting health and safety laws, and retaliating against workers for demanding the rights and fair pay we deserve.’”
Trump Gutted Federal Employee Unions. They Believe He'd Do It Again: “Labor unions are among Kamala Harris’ most fervent backers in her run for president, and federal employee unions especially so. Not only do they love her unabashed support for labor, they also fear what her opponent Donald Trump might do if he’s elected president again. It’s not hyperbole to say that since becoming vice president, Harris has played a key role in bringing federal employee unions back from the brink.”
Walz Gives Remarks at Labor Union Convention in Los Angeles: “Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz addressed members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union at their convention in Los Angeles Tuesday afternoon. The visit by the Democratic vice presidential candidate comes as the Harris-Walz ticket looks to solidify its base, including with organized labor. AFSCME is one of several major labor organizations, including other constituent unions within the AFL-CIO, that have given strong support to the Democratic Party ticket.”
The Animation Guild Starts Negotiating with Studios: “Following a weekend of solidarity events, The Animation Guild (IATSE 839) officially began its contract negotiations yesterday with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. TAG members and supporters turned out in droves at a rally in Burbank on Saturday (August 10), with support also pouring in online through the #StandWithAnimation hashtag. Industry veterans like Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack), James Baxter (The Lion King), Peter Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and Rebecca Sugar (Steven Universe) were among an estimated 2000-plus attendees—more than double the crowd that showed up for a previous rally in March 2022. ‘To look out at this sea of people the weekend before we actually go in for negotiations was really inspiring,’ says storyboard artist Kaitrin Snodgrass (My Little Pony: A New Generation).”
Recent Contracts Give Amtrak Workers Big Raises: “Two recently ratified contracts, one with the Transport Workers and the other with the Electrical Workers, have given on-board Amtrak workers and the passenger train system’s electricians historically large raises, the unions stated. Both contracts feature 34.1% compounded raises over seven years, retroactive to July 2022 and run through the end of 2028. The contract with Transport Workers Local 1460 covers 360 Amtrak on-board service workers, including train attendants and cafe car workers. Amtrak’s pact with IBEW’s of Railroad System Council 7 covers 1,200 electrical workers. ‘Amtrak on-board workers are a critical part of our nation’s transportation system and this contract includes essential quality-of-life wins,’ TWU President John Samuelsen said in a statement.”
Woodland Park Zoo Workers Reach Tentative Agreement On New Contract: “The Joint Crafts Council (JCC) Coalition of Unions, representing approximately 200 Woodland Park Zoo employees, has reached a tentative agreement with zoo management on a new contract, according to a statement released by the union on Monday. The agreement, which is fully recommended by the union’s negotiations committee, is now subject to ratification by the union members. The proposed contract follows months of negotiations centered on key issues, including affordable healthcare, equitable wages, and the long-term well-being of the animals. The JCC Coalition of Unions represents 34 different classifications of zoo workers, including animal keepers, veterinary technicians, carpenters, and laborers.”
S&P 500 CEOs Made 268 Times What the Typical Worker Made Last Year, Report Says: CEO Payflation Strikes Again: “‘Today, the very CEOs who benefited most from Trump’s tax gift to the wealthy are making 268 times what their workers are making. And while corporate profits and stock prices surge, working people’s wages aren’t keeping up,’ Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, said in a statement.”
I Helped Organize An Architect's Union: “Unionization in design industries is approaching a tipping point. In July, three different sectors achieved major victories for the labor movement. At Blizzard, a video game developer where other members have already unionized, more than 500 employees formed a ‘wall-to-wall’ union. Workers at the Apple Store in Towson, Maryland—the first such store to unionize at the world’s most famous design company—ratified their first contract. And finally, my colleagues and I at Bernheimer Architecture (BA) ratified the first collectively bargained contract at a private-sector architecture office.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/16/2024 - 10:25Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Crooked Media Union Members Unanimously Ratify Contract with Wage Increases, AI Protection
Working people across the United States regularly step 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.
Members of the Crooked Media union, an affiliate of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE), unanimously ratified their first contract, with gains including minimum starting salaries of $80,000, protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and a minimum of 49 days of paid time off. The $80,000 minimum salary rises to $84,000 in 2027 and the three-year agreement includes an immediate 15% increase to base salaries; 30 days’ notice from the company if AI is to be used; increased health insurance coverage; and a minimum of 13 weeks severance. The 61-member unit of Crooked Media produces podcasts, including "Pod Save America" and "Lovett or Leave It."
“Today, members of the Crooked Media Workers Union ratified its first contract with a unanimous yes and 100% participation. It’s one thing to talk about the power of unions; it’s another to actually do the work. We’re pleased to have secured a fair, progressive contract, and for those wins to set a new standard for the industry at large. If we inspire workers at one other company to stand up together, fight for each other, and insist on what they deserve, this has all been worth it,” representatives from the Crooked Media Workers Union said.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/16/2024 - 10:12Fed Up and Fired 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:
Equity Endorses @ElissaSlotkin for United States Senate!
“Rep. Slotkin has proven to be a strong ally to our members with her service in the House,” said Al Vincent Jr., executive director of Actors’ Equity Association.
Read our full press release:https://t.co/jDQFd8iyls pic.twitter.com/AnufM4LPRA
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) August 9, 2024
AFGE:
AFGE activists are excited to discuss policies and shape our union’s future.#AFGERising pic.twitter.com/uM0nNw09Jv
— AFGE (@AFGENational) August 15, 2024
AFSCME:
.@AFLCIO President @LizShuler makes it clear: Workers across America are fed up, fired up and waking up to the life-changing power of a union.
We are organizing like never before! pic.twitter.com/3zc7hxhIqK
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) August 14, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
It's official: Medicare drug price negotiation will save seniors and taxpayers billions. #InflationReductionAct https://t.co/5PEu7m3wNW https://t.co/mluVHRuPN9
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) August 15, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB calls on Winnipeg Transit to improve safety for riders and our members. #NotOneMorehttps://t.co/A5MLZfvKVo
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) August 15, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
Are you absolutely sure that you're registered to vote?
Couldn't hurt to check.
Visit https://t.co/lfN1JDpjKD to confirm your voter registration status, and share this to your friends so they do the same! #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/XV0o3rtfPt
— AFT (@AFTunion) August 14, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
Let's Build A Better Post Office: Jacob O'Neil from NH is concerned about his local branch: "When my post office is down one or two clerks, it becomes a full blown postal crisis. We deserve more than one day off every two weeks."
Sign the petition: https://t.co/DQ2q2AvNJR pic.twitter.com/BUE5dTP0jT
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) August 10, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
"We have been standing up for good jobs & to push forward for American workers. [@KamalaHarris] is signing off on all of her rallies with "When we fight we win!" That's a labor slogan, she's showing through and through she is with labor." @FlyingWithSara pic.twitter.com/CzQNDcszmB
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) August 12, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
In the latest #bctgmvoices podcast, B&C Pension Fund Manager Elizabeth Briere answers this question and many others about the future expectations of the B&C Pension Fund.
Share this with your members and find the full Pension Q&A here 👉 https://t.co/KTh9BQxQqE #laborradiopod pic.twitter.com/ONaG3c4pjD
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) August 2, 2024
Boilermakers:
Our #Boilermakers 65th School for Workers Advanced Training Institute is happening this week with the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Here's to a great week of learning for our brothers and sisters at SFW! 🎓 pic.twitter.com/p8aI02AAdI
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) August 14, 2024
Bricklayers:
Each year, the IL State Fair Twilight Parade marches through Springfield, announcing the annual 11 day showcase of Illinois agriculture and entertainment.@RepNikkiB was in attendance and showed her support of the BAC while taking a moment with Brandon Pittman from Local 8 of IL. pic.twitter.com/1Cp3KCfkJh
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) August 15, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA members at the Penn Square Apple Store in Oklahoma City, OK voted YES to authorize a strike as bargaining over their first union contract has stalled. https://t.co/NDjOHVGq1j
— CWA (@CWAUnion) August 12, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
ICYMI: Apple TV visual effects professionals voted to join together in union with @IATSE https://t.co/Z8IlD1VelM
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) August 11, 2024
Electrical Workers:
"Donald Trump called the Biden-Harris clean energy plan the 'Green scam' at the recent RNC convention. This plan is not a scam, and repealing it would pull the rug out from American workers." - Ricardo Villafan, #IBEW Local 640 https://t.co/ehoNxeMTHV
— IBEW (@IBEW) August 14, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Your mental health matters.
We are proud to partner with Perspectives & Youturn to provide a program that is FREE to our members & their family — offering 24/7 support.
➡️Learn more: https://t.co/Ev8xkylmMd #InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW #mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/RTMvCheXo4
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) August 15, 2024
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE Executive Officers Welcome Tim Walz to the Democratic Presidential Tickethttps://t.co/fIqygxZHSO
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) August 6, 2024
International Labor Communications Association:
WORKSHOP ANNOUNCEMENT: our friends from @Time_of_Day Media will be presenting “From Memes To Member Power: Harnessing Paid Digital Advertising to Mobilize Workers and Win Campaigns.”
Join us at the ILCA-CALM Mini Conference in NYC, Sept 5-7: https://t.co/mfkdKjxfZU pic.twitter.com/LqPoVu9LhP
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) August 1, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
2024 Labor Day Labor Arts Calendar Preview - NoVa Labor Book Club: Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism Tuesday, August 27; 7:30 PM via Zoom. Big tech has replaced capitalism’s twin pillars. pic.twitter.com/HyXfXJ3tBY
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) August 15, 2024
Laborers:
#LIUNA has always stood strong defending our rights and will continue to protect our livelihoods for generations to come. #FeelThePower #MarchToAMillion pic.twitter.com/Z84Bp27d6S
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) August 15, 2024
Machinists:
Happening this am 28 @IAMDistrict141 Remote Reservations agents are participating in a Reservations Summit at the @IAMW3Center . The week long class will be sharing information topics such as Grievance handling at the third step level and arbitration, EAP de-escalation… pic.twitter.com/8CRbT8ZtwJ
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) August 14, 2024
Musical Artists:
BREAKING UNION NEWS: AGMA Issues Do Not Work Order for Dallas Black Dance Theatre - https://t.co/wJzwJ5AYrc @TexasAFLCIO @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/qEdpqEhqqY
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) August 12, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Get ready to be at @NATCACFS 2024! CFS is the premier aviation safety conference uniting industry leaders, innovators & professionals. After August 18, hotel rooms in NATCA’s room block are no longer guaranteed and are subject to availability.https://t.co/fOeuta2WOI pic.twitter.com/B5N55UEqPK
— NATCA (@NATCA) August 14, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
NALC is grateful for your support of the Protect Our Letter Carriers Act (H.R. 7629)! This bipartisan and urgently needed legislation is a crucial step toward keeping letter carriers safe on the job. Learn more at https://t.co/ylwbV47RZY. #EnoughIsEnough https://t.co/s9dbEpATe4
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) August 14, 2024
National Nurses United:
The nurses united will never be defeated! 💪 @nynurses https://t.co/o5wtG0evoH
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) August 14, 2024
NFL Players Association:
175 kids, 20 teams and a countless memories. Mike Evans gave back to his hometown community of Galveston, TX. and organized a free youth basketball league and camp. This campaign supported his “Mike Evans Family Foundation” which he and his wife, Ashli started in 2017. pic.twitter.com/BUc070UKBD
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) August 9, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
When private equity takes over — at hospitals, newspapers, tech companies, or factories — workers and their communities bear the impact.
PE's domination of the video relay service industry — relied upon by Deaf and hearing-impaired people across the U.S. — is no different. 👇 https://t.co/6EB26ID6AE
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) August 7, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
We want to send a big shout-out to our members in DC 57 in Pittsburgh, PA, who volunteered to give a fresh coat of paint to the Adult and Teen Challenge PA recovery center, a rehab facility offering assistance to those in our community struggling with substance issues.
This is… pic.twitter.com/BLBFaOGwcX
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) August 15, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
Project 2025 wants Congress & DOL to exempt small business, first-time, non-willful violators from OSHA fines issued by, even potentially in egregious cases of employer malpractice. https://t.co/3Y0j8V9TVC
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) August 15, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
"It's really an emergency." Sophia works the night shift at an NYC department store, and would feel safer if there were panic buttons.
Sophia is calling on @GovKathyHochul to sign the #RetailWorkerSafety Act into law. Will you join her? Write your email: https://t.co/y4aig8N4PI pic.twitter.com/kypLMtqiaY
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 14, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
If you’re working 6 or more feet above a lower level, your employer is required to provide you with fall protection – learn more at: https://t.co/SS3wZ2YgbS #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/TVHPKx8hRW
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) August 14, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
The video game companies offered insufficient and incomplete A.I. protections. SAG-AFTRA's A.I. proposals include vital protections, and THAT is why we're on strike until the employers #LevelUpTheContract. #VideoGameStrike #SagAftraStrong pic.twitter.com/qlPgBJlnsz
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 15, 2024
Solidarity Center:
Workers were denied the right to establish or join a union in 75% of countries. Freedom of association is a fundamental @ilo worker right. Every worker should be able to join a union. Period.https://t.co/5NtQVVRdBv@ituc#RightsIndex2024 pic.twitter.com/zcxmg4hPOJ
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) August 12, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
BIG NEWS 🚨Workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette — the longest continuous strike in the US — are one step closer to winning their strike!
The NLRB has filed an injunction against the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette over numerous labor law violations
Read more:https://t.co/zoapxvRkgF
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) August 15, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
IATSE Sisters are shining bright at the 2024 @ualelabor Women’s Summer School ready to learn, share, and lead.
Strong women, strong unions! #UnionStrong #IAWomenUp pic.twitter.com/7xES5yp4RU
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) August 15, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
Under @MTA Chair Lieber, NYC’s Subway became more dangerous for Transit Workers. A @twulocal100 Trackworker was killed in Nov. @FTA_DOT uncovered 38 near-miss events involving workers in 2023 – up 58% from 2022. https://t.co/n5iTaJUIfJ
— TWU (@transportworker) August 15, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Solidarity with @MEBAUnion as they call out chronic understaffing that has thrown the Washington Ferry System into crisis.
Decades of underinvestment & poor management have created a dire situation that relies on overtime to keep the system afloat. https://t.co/Hqfm3mXjiV
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
UAW:
There is only one answer to the threat we face as a nation.
The answer is solidarity.#StandUpUAW pic.twitter.com/GPRS3O5Z7l
— UAW (@UAW) August 9, 2024
Union Veterans Council:
We proudly call Gov. @Tim_Walz one of our own here at the Union Veterans Council. As a card-carrying Union Vet, he has worked closely with us to pass vital veterans' legislation and support working families. 🇺🇸 #UnionStrong #StandWithWalz https://t.co/cSL1NJVrpP
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) August 11, 2024
UNITE HERE:
During the pandemic, companies thrived while workers suffered financial loss.
Janal knows what a true family feels like – it’s when UNITE HERE members step up to fight for a better life. This year, 40K+ hotel workers across the U.S. and Canada are getting ready to do just that. pic.twitter.com/sbLb73XPCR
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) August 15, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
ICYMI: Dina Velasquez Escalante, a poultry worker and Local 663 steward in Minnesota, sat down with @workdaymagazine to share her thoughts on the fight to protect immigrant workers and experience in the industry.
Full Story: https://t.co/yhTauHXd6U pic.twitter.com/hrKCcGfctm
— UFCW (@UFCW) August 15, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Are you ready to vote on November 5?
Whether you plan to drop your ballot in the mail or head to your local polling place – democracy needs you. Make your plan: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/dm0dK5WcS5
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 15, 2024
Utility Workers:
Members of @uwua_local_1_2 out early in the morning keeping the power flowing in New York City! #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/dnp2L3HCin
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 15, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
A huge congrats to our @crooked_union members who held strong to win a benchmark-setting contract with an $80k salary minimum - and LOTS more. Take a look ⬇️💪 #UnionStrong https://t.co/SPKSkQpvbc
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) August 15, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/15/2024 - 09:54Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Do Good Multnomah Workers Seeking Voluntary Union Recognition
Working people across the United States regularly step 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.
Late last week, shelter, housing, case management and behavioral health workers at nonprofit Do Good Multnomah demanded voluntary recognition after a majority of staff signed authorization cards to join AFSCME.
Founded in 2015, Do Good Multnomah was initially created as a shelter for homeless veterans and has since expanded its services to other populations in the Portland-metro area of Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Staff at the shelter—which operates through contracts with the county government—work tirelessly to assist community members in crisis access transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, mental health services and other forms of support. Workers are organizing with Oregon AFSCME Council 75 to get the safety protocols, guaranteed leave time, fair wages and good labor practices they need to continue their critical work.
“Burnout and turnover are synonymous with our field,” said case manager Davis Nafshun in an Oregon AFSCME press release. “While the work of getting individuals housing can be so rewarding, it’s also extremely demanding, and it is not made easier by extensive short staffing problems and a lack of resources. At our location, we have no air conditioning. The day-to-day life of both the people we help and Do Good staff would largely improve from having a voice at the table in the decisions made at our job.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/15/2024 - 09:38Nothing Is Over Until It's Over: 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:
A median worker from @Abercrombie & Fitch would have to work starting in 4,053 B.C. in order to earn what the CEO made in 2023.
For comparison, the Great Pyramid of Giza was built circa 2,560 B.C.
View the 2024 @AFLCIO Executive Paywatch Report: https://t.co/JMkm20hjJT
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Today @ActSecJulieSu visited Arizona to discuss the dangers workers face from extreme heat, both indoor and outdoors. Heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in Arizona the U.S.
A THREAD 🧵 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/pwKdMgKR3u
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 8, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Labor Day is just around the corner. The California Labor Movement - organized by our Central Labor Councils - have events up and down the state. Make your plans to join your brothers & sisters on our state’s greatest holiday! https://t.co/hM8dz5ZSnB
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 14, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Tonight we talk to Sophie Mariam, a labor policy analyst for the Colorado Fiscal Institute, about a study called The Rise of the Union Curious. https://t.co/M8v456DrPs
Labor Exchange tonight KGNU 6:00 PM 88.5 FM / 1390 AM Denver and online on the podcast. https://t.co/xu9gEqEhK3
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) August 5, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
The Connecticut AFL-CIO strongly condemns the anti-Semitic remarks made by Rep. Figueroa. @ehawthorne3 pic.twitter.com/Fwvi0lj7hy
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
We need more of this from our leaders...and less weird culture war nonsense. https://t.co/I1QIkPU7He
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🎉 Get ready for a day filled with unity and fun! Join us this 🗓️ Saturday, August 17th, from 1 PM to 4 PM for Solidarity Saturday hosted by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Metro Atlanta Chapter! #SolidaritySaturday #CBTU #UnionStrong #1u #AtlantaEvents #LaborRights pic.twitter.com/ixBiKlJ0Yu
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 13, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to our Equity Director, Chynna Hampton, on her graduation from the Edgar Fellows! pic.twitter.com/YlVTnFTIoT
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Gov Walz knows a thing or two about our values, because he lived them for years a member himself. https://t.co/GSg1EFDrMu
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
“This law will finally put some teeth in our labor laws to hold corporate lawbreakers accountable and ensure working Mainers are paid fully for an honest day’s work,” Maine AFL-CIO vice president and Ironworkers Local 7 member Grant Provost said. https://t.co/TOGodfRLXi
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Join the Labor Movement in Milton on Saturday, August 17 to knock doors for proud @IUPAT_DC35 member and candidate for State Rep. @tonyking4rep.
We will be meeting at 9:30am at Heritage Hall, 114 Granite Ave. pic.twitter.com/as47NosQOV
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 14, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Among MN’s publicly traded companies, Target, C.H. Robinson, Best Buy, UnitedHealth Group & General Mills had the largest pay disparities between CEOs & typical workers in 2023, according to the @AFLCIO's annual report on executive pay. https://t.co/5RffhBLCge #1u #Paywatch
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
206%: The increase in public and private spending on building manufacturing plants in the U.S. since the start of the Biden-Harris administration. Don't take our word for it: https://t.co/JPg7ntt8E5 pic.twitter.com/dc572sGVZ1
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
"Nothing is over until its over." Kenny Merritt, President BCTGM Local 50G. We stand with you! #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong #1union pic.twitter.com/EcdS3GdHIO
— Nebraska State AFL-CIO (@NE_AFLCIO) August 7, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
82 days until Election Day! We need your help canvassing and phone banking THIS WEEKEND. Two locations, lots of food, all the solidarity✊🏻✊🏼✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/0yYBkKQYqD
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
We are thrilled to announce the 2024 @NHAFLCIO Labor Day Breakfast Keynote Speaker, @JBPritzker!@JBPritzker is a true ally to union members everywhere!
Get your tickets today using this link: https://t.co/iLbOzbwMbq#NHPolitics #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/ppCGbVZNe9
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 13, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we stand in solidarity with Governor Walz on key issues for working families. pic.twitter.com/Hn8mW1uFSq
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 7, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with our UAW family at Cornell University fighting for a fair contract! #StandUpCornell #UnionStrong https://t.co/BQwQQa6d7u
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
We're with @votebraxton! "Despite running to represent millions of our state's workers, Luke Farley is anti-worker, anti-union, anti-minimum wage, and is even opposed to federal heat safety regulations for workers." https://t.co/NdESnoIFYl #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) August 12, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
To be clear, the biggest organization pushing to pass right to work laws, end public @AFLCIO unions and attack increasing the minimum wage is all in for Mr. #WageTheft @berniemoreno. Meanwhile, @SherrodBrown restored pensions to millions of Americans and pushes for the #ProAct. https://t.co/nYWP5dX9dM
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 11, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Stand with @OFNHP technical employees at St Charles Medical Center. They’re picketing on 8/15 to demand that management agree to common sense proposals that will help secure safe staffing and living wages for healthcare workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/PSWlGL1nST
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 10, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
“I believe there are blue-collar voters who are willing to listen. They want to hear facts. They want to hear about achieving real results. I do believe that Walz can reach those voters.” — President Angela Ferritto#Labor2024 #UnionVotershttps://t.co/sYyHALfhLT
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 13, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
We stand in complete solidarity with these incredibly talented performers who spoke up together through @AGMusicalArtist for better livelihoods. Nothing short of reinstatement and a fair contract is acceptable. https://t.co/19dRSD5HGT
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the workers at Woodland Park Zoo on reaching a TA on a new contract!@teamsters117 @Laborers242 @IATSELocal15 @IbewLocal46 @IUPAT_DC5 https://t.co/CGpapBB5xF
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) August 14, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Voters reject constitutional amendments seeking to give Legislature power over federal funds https://t.co/uVCV8nTBv9 via @madisondotcom
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 14, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2024 - 09:52Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland Cannabis Workers Join UFCW
Working people across the United States regularly step 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 the Apothecarium Dispensary in Cumberland, Maryland, voted 25-0 to organize with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 27. The workers are seeking to address longstanding issues, including poor wages, unaffordable benefits, safety concerns and a lack of support from the parent company, TerrAscend Corp.
“The workers had been increasingly agitated about their pay and working conditions since TerrAscend Corp. bought Allegany Medical Marijuana Dispensary,” the workers said in a statement. “Working conditions at the dispensary have been abysmal since the corporate acquisition. Workers have had to endure leaking ceilings, bathrooms in disrepair, exposed electrical wires in the workplace and air conditioning that doesn’t properly circulate throughout the building.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/14/2024 - 09:09Fighting Every Day to Improve the Lives of Workers: 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.
Project 2025 Exposed: Child Labor and Decimated Unions Promised with Trump’s Election: “Donald Trump took a private flight with the head of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, The Washington Post reports. Jody Calemine, director of advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joins Joy Reid to discuss the potential, destructive impact of Project 2025 on labor unions and the American worker.” (Learn more about how Project 2025 affects you.)
What Is Tim Walz's Record on the Economy? Look at Minnesota: “The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor organization, praised the selection of Walz as vice presidential nominee. ‘We know that Gov. Walz will be a strong partner in the Harris White House, fighting every day to improve the lives of workers in communities across America,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement on Tuesday.”
AFL-CIO Warns of CEO Payflation Crisis Fueled by Stock Buybacks, Trump Tax Cuts: “The largest federation of labor unions in the U.S. published a report Thursday warning that the country is facing a crisis of ‘CEO payflation’ as executive compensation at leading companies surges, a trend fueled by former President Donald Trump's regressive tax cuts and record stock buybacks. The AFL-CIO's annual report on executive pay shows that the CEO-to-median-worker-pay ratio at S&P 500 companies was 268 to 1 last year, meaning that ‘it would take more than five career lifetimes for workers to earn what CEOs receive in just one year.’ ‘This level of inequality is not sustainable,’ Fred Redmond, the AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer, said during a press call on Thursday. ‘Working people are sick and tired of politicians like Donald Trump pushing massive tax breaks for CEOs.’”
Harris and Walz Are Showing Their Support for Organized Labor with Appearance at Detroit Union Hall: “Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to play up their support for organized labor during an appearance at a Detroit-area union hall as the new Democratic ticket lavishes attention on a crucial base of support. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Walz, who joined the ticket on Tuesday, plan to speak on Thursday to several dozen United Auto Workers members. After President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign last month and endorsed his vice president, organized labor quickly rallied around Harris. The AFL-CIO endorsed her after having first backed Biden. The UAW formally backed her last week.”
Apple Store Workers Get First U.S. Contract: “Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a labor contract with the tech giant on Tuesday, after a year and a half in which bargaining appeared to stall for long stretches and union campaigns at other stores fell short. After the union announced the outcome, Apple said it did not dispute the result and was pleased to have an agreement. The contract, covering about 85 workers at a Towson, Md., store who voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022, will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years.”
Storm King Workers Approve First Union Contracts: “Unionized workers at Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, have approved their first labor union contract, ending months of negotiations over benefits and better wages. Approximately 75 workers at the beloved sculpture park, home to large-scale works by artists such as Richard Serra and Alexander Calder, voted in June 2023 to join two units of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).”
Iron Workers, Operating Engineers Locals Celebrate Topping Out of Eastbound Span of I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge: “Talented union members from Iron Workers Locals 396 and 392 and Operating Engineers Locals 513 and 520 recently ‘topped out’ on the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge project. The July 21 ceremony, marking the setting of the eastbound brdge, took place on a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Madison County, Ill. The new structure is being built directly south of the existing Chain of Rocks Bridge, and is the first of the project’s twin bridges to be built. Work on the westbound span is expected to begin in 2025.”
UAW Local 282 Members End Strike at Lear with Tentative Agreement: “After a three day strike, UAW Local 282 members at Lear are back to work with a tentative four-year agreement that includes a 30% wage increase for production workers and a 35% increase for maintenance employees. The 460 employees, who make seats for GM vehicles, went on strike early July 22 for better health and safety protections on the job, higher wages and improved health and retirement benefits. The action halted production at the nearby GM Wentzville Assembly plant, which ran out of Lear-made seats.”
UAW Leader Says Trump Would Send the Labor Movement into Reverse If He's Elected Again: “Putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats’ chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November, the head of the United Auto Workers union says. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry and would send the labor movement into reverse if he's elected again.”
Workers at 4 Café Ceres Locations Vote to Unionize: “Baristas at Café Ceres have voted to unionize with Unite Here 17. The union, which represents service industry workers in Minnesota, announced the results of the election on Saturday, Aug. 3. Workers at four Café Ceres locations, as well as Colita, informed Chef Daniel Del Prado's DDP Restaurant Group of their intention to unionize in June. The company did not voluntarily recognize either union, forcing a vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:55Service & Solidarity Spotlight: U.S. Rep. from Rhode Island Introduces Federal Bill to Crack Down on Wage Theft
Working people across the United States regularly step 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.
U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island held a press conference last week to announce that he will introduce a bill to make wage theft a felony nationwide when Congress reconvenes in September.
The Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act updates the legal framework for wage theft violations to be comparable with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Currently, employers who steal worker tips, pay them less than promised or deny them overtime, at most, face a misdemeanor or a fine under $10,000. Wage theft is already a felony in Rhode Island—thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly last year—and the local labor movement is applauding Magaziner for building on this success by taking the fight to the federal level. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple unions and pro-worker organizations, both around the state and nationally.
“This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting workers rights and our entire economy,” said George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Wage theft is insidious, pervasive and comes in many forms—from failing to pay for overtime to distributing pooled tips to an employer or supervisor. This is a rampant problem that needs to be fixed at the federal level, and I applaud Representative Magaziner’s proposed legislation. It will provide a deterrence to unscrupulous employers exploiting workers so that law-abiding businesses can fairly compete and that workers can get the wages that they have duly earned.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:18Worker Wins: A Great Win for Us and Our Members
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
University System of Maryland Workers Ratify First Systemwide Contract: AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and the University System of Maryland (USM) officially signed the first systemwide union contract Friday after a nearly two-year-long negotiating process. Members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the historic contract in late July and, soon after, the USM Board of Regents also ratified the deal on their end. Highlights of the agreement include an increase to the minimum wage, upward of 5% or more in pay bumps, improved annual leave accrual, workplace privacy protections, new health and safety protocols, and more. This victory also marks a major shift from negotiating individual union contracts for each campus in the USM to having one unified deal that more effectively addresses disparities in pay and working conditions between schools. “This historic accomplishment is many years in the making,” said Patrick Moran, president of Council 3. “And now for the first time, the hardworking staff at these University System of Maryland schools will have a strong union contract that raises the bar across the board when it comes to pay, benefits, and working conditions. Gone are the days of each university trying to divide us because they know we’re stronger when we advocate together.”
UFCW Members Reach Agreement with Hanover Foods, Avoid Strike: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 avoided a strike last week after ratifying a new contract by a 2-to-1 margin on a new three-year contract with food processing corporation Hanover Foods. The union reached an agreement on Wednesday, after an extended period of negotiations. Since the prior contract expired at the beginning of the year, workers have remained steadfast in their fight for a fair deal, voting twice to unanimously reject proposals from the company that included cuts to benefits and salaries. Because of their unity, members are now celebrating wins like 3%-5% wage increases in the first year of the contract—with up to 5% in the second and third years—additional vacation time for long-term workers and retention of the union’s health care plan. “UFCW 1776 stood together with our members to bring Hanover Foods to the table to negotiate a settlement,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “This significant achievement wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of our member bargaining committee.”
Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union: Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week. The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions. “We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”
Under New Law, Illinois Employers Can’t Force Workers to Sit Through Anti-Union Meetings: This week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, a bill aimed at curtailing the practice of captive-audience meetings, during the Illinois AFL-CIO’s biennial convention. When the law goes into effect on Jan. 1, it will make the state the eighth to ban mandatory workplace meetings where managers discuss political and religious topics, including union membership. The bill also creates a right of action for individual workers to sue employers if they are punished for refusing to attend these meetings. Staff also can report their employer to the state Department of Labor, which can levy fines of $1,000 per violation. Importantly, the legislation additionally prohibits both state and local governments from ever enacting “right to work” laws, a critical protection for working people. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, local lawmakers and workers joined Pritzker at the signing to celebrate this milestone. “People go to work to work, not to be indoctrinated,” Drea said in a statement. “Now, workers will not have to choose between their livelihood and personal values when employers use mandatory meetings to advance their political and religious interests.”
Prism Reports Staff Organize with Pacific Media Workers Guild: Workers in the nonprofit newsroom Prism Reports announced on Wednesday they are forming a union with Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). After 100% of bargaining unit members signed cards in support of joining Prism Workers United, management voluntarily recognized the union. Prism Reports writers, editors, copy editors and social media editors are organizing in order to have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation at the independent news outlet so they can play a role in shaping what a fair, equitable workplace can look like. “I am unionizing to make sure that Prism continues to be a leader in our industry,” said senior climate features reporter Ray Levy Uyeda. “In a professional field where our jobs are treated like our identities, Prism has always shown that journalism is what we do; people—in all expressions of humanity—are who we are. I’m also excited to unionize to demonstrate solidarity with workers everywhere who know that organizing is how we build toward a liberated future.”
TWU Wins Largest Wage Increase for On-Board Workers in Amtrak History: Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 1460 secured the largest wage increase Tuesday for Amtrak workers in the rail service’s 53-year history after on-board service workers overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract. The seven-year agreement covers critical Amtrak staff like train attendants and café car workers, the vast majority working on Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor, and was approved with more than 85% of TWU members voting favorably. Wins in the contract include a 34% compounded wage increase over the life of the deal, retroactive back pay, an industry-leading paid parental leave provision, no increases to health care costs, improved bereavement leave and more. When all the wage increases, bonuses and other forms of compensation are calculated together, workers will have received an additional $80,000 at the end of the contract compared to what they were making before the new agreement was ratified. “I think this was a great win for us and our members at Amtrak on-board service,” said Local 1460 President Amy Griffin, who has worked for Amtrak since 1988. “It’s been a long, hard-fought battle, but I know we came out on top. The paid parental leave is phenomenal, and we got a few work rules changed that haven’t been touched in 30-plus years.”
Bronx Defenders Union Ratifies Historic Contract: Members of The Bronx Defenders Union–UAW Local 2325 (BxD Union) last week voted to ratify a historic two-year contract with their public defender nonprofit employer, one month and a day after workers voted for strike authorization. There were 92% of BxD Union members who participated in the ratification vote, with a resounding 91% of those members voting to approve the new contract. The old agreement expired at the beginning of July after months of management stonewalling negotiations with staff. This new contract victory agreement was secured just days before a strike deadline, in which BxD Union’s Collective Bargaining Committee had authorized an unlimited strike based on a number of unfair labor practices, including retaliation, unilaterally changing employment terms and more. Wins include 8%–10% salary increases for Bronx Defenders workers—formerly the lowest-paid public defenders in New York City—and other hard-fought provisions like free speech protections. Additionally, the deal includes a one-year salary reopener with a right to strike and an expiration date that aligns with Association of Legal Aid Attorneys–UAW Local 2325 contracts at Brooklyn Defender Services and Neighborhood Defender Services, queuing up some 800 workers to strike in 2026. “It took each and every worker to make this contract possible, and we salute the BxD Union membership for their tireless advocacy in defense of the Bronx,” said Babatunde Aremu, chapter chair of BxD Union. “We look forward to joining sectoral bargaining negotiations with our fellow New York City legal services workers in both 2025 and 2026 as we aim to make the City more equitable and just for all New Yorkers.”
South Florida Sun Sentinel Workers Win Union Election by Unanimous Landslide: A supermajority of workers at the South Florida Sun Sentinel voted to form a union Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). Journalists announced their intention to organize earlier this month so that they can better protect their own rights and ensure their community’s access to quality local journalism. The news outlet is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which purchased parent company Tribune Publishing in 2021. Alden has an established reputation for decimating small newsrooms, slashing jobs and cutting costs to increase returns for its stockholders. Over the past several years, staff at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have continued to deliver powerful, award-winning journalism despite attacks on their wages and benefits. Now that members of the Sun Sentinel Guild have proved their solidarity with one another, they’re ready to join together to secure workplace transparency, better pay and benefits, job security, better work-life balance and more. “This is a historic day at the Sun Sentinel,” said veteran education reporter Scott Travis. “For years, we have suffered layoffs, the loss of a 401K match and even pay cuts during the pandemic. Before, we just had to accept it without a fight. Now our hard-working journalists will finally have a seat at the table to negotiate a better future.”
ATU Members in Lewiston–Auburn Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 714 members who work as drivers for the Citylink transit service in Maine reached a tentative agreement (TA) late Friday after they held a powerful rally that morning outside a Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) facility. Citylink, which is operated by WMTS, is a bus line that connects the towns of Auburn and Lewiston. Drivers for this service formed a union with ATU in November 2023, but reported that since then, management had refused to budge on worker wages, which are below those of drivers in similarly sized communities. So, the union organized a rally Friday morning to put pressure on WMTS to settle a fair contract with better wages, improved benefits and a more reliable transit system for our riders. That same day, Local 714 announced it had reached a strong deal with management that included an increase of more than $3 per hour over the next three years.
Maryland Apple Retail Store Workers Reach Historic Tentative Agreement: The International Association of Machinists’ (IAM’s) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) made history on Friday as it reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Apple. In 2022, retail workers at the Towson, Maryland, Apple location were the first in the country to form a union, and IAM CORE has been negotiating with the tech giant since January 2023. The new three-year contract includes wins like an average raise of 10% over the life of the contract, increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications, a fair and clear disciplinary process, better work-life balance and more. “From the beginning, IAM CORE’s mission has been to improve Apple for our employees, customers and communities,” said the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee. “By reaching a tentative agreement with Apple, we are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains. Together, we can build on this success in store after store and grow the power IAM CORE has started here in Maryland.”
Saint Louis University Hospital Nurses Ratify New Contract: After more than a year of negotiations and two strikes, Saint Louis University Hospital (SLUH) nurses overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract on Saturday. SLUH nurses have been represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) since 2012. Members have proved their commitment to securing a fair contract for more than a year, staging informational pickets as well as work stoppages. And that unity has paid off in this new agreement. Contract victories include critical safe staffing provisions that protect both nurses and patients, retention of their current health care plan, wage increases that average 17%, provisions that address workplace violence and more. “This new contract is a huge win for patients and nurses,” said Earline Shepard, an RN in the cardiac catheterization lab. “It was a long time coming but we finally won an agreement that will let us recruit and retain experienced nurses. With improved staffing, we can give our patients the care they deserve.”
Gate Gourmet’s Airline Catering Workers Reach TA, Averting Strike: More than 8,000 airline catering workers employed by catering subcontractor Gate Gourmet at 30 airports have a new tentative agreement (TA) that was reached late Friday night, averting a potential strike that could have kicked off as soon as July 30. These workers are represented by a coalition of labor unions—including UNITE HERE; the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW); and the Teamsters—called the Employee Representatives’ Council. They prepare, pack, and deliver food and beverages to aircraft departing airports across mainland U.S. and Hawaii, an essential role in commercial air travel that requires skill in provisions to keep flights running smoothly. Despite the fact that Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of airline catering services, members reported struggling with low wages and lack of access to quality, affordable health care. After more than six years in bargaining sessions, and intervention by the National Mediation Board, workers now have a tentative contract. However, the unions report there are several details that still need to be hammered out before the deal can be finalized.
LIUNA, Minneapolis Park Board Reach Tentative Agreement: Laborers (LIUNA) Local 363 announced Friday that after more than three weeks on strike, members have secured a tentative agreement (TA) with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). Earlier last week, park workers shut down a scheduled park board meeting after an effort to discuss a resolution that would have pushed MPRB negotiators to drop proposed anti-worker contract language was rejected by commissioners. The contract language put forth by the MPRB—which has remained a sticking point for LIUNA members—would erode workers’ rights through making automatic step increases discretionary and limiting the number of stewards who can be paid to do union work. Workers later delivered a no-confidence petition to the board before returning to the bargaining table. “I think it was our collective action and voice. I think it was the workers that pushed through,” said Local 363 Business Manager A.J. Lang. “...I think we put in more work on this contract than probably any other contract, in terms of negotiating, but the members on the picket line, at the board meetings, with petitions in the community gathering signatures...that’s what pushed this over the top.”
Workers at Bernheimer Architecture Ratify Contract: Workers at Bernheimer Architecture made history last week when they unanimously ratified the first-ever collective bargaining agreement at a private-sector architecture firm. Staff first announced their decision to form a union with the Machinists (IAM)—aided by IAM’s architectural industry campaign, Architectural Workers United (AWU)—in 2022 and were soon voluntarily recognized by Andrew Bernheimer, the firm’s founder. Members said they wanted to organize in part to draw attention to labor issues across their industry and beyond so all workers can see the power of collective bargaining. Their landmark contract establishes important standards for issues like respect in the workplace, health and safety, performance reviews, wages, layoff protections, and more. “We’re excited to share what the collective bargaining process can do for workers, and not just in our industry,” said members of the Bernheimer Architecture staff union’s bargaining unit. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a new sense of democracy at our workplace, with everyone having a real avenue for having their voices heard on the issues that are most important to them.” “This is a historic moment for this industry,” said Andrew Daley, an organizer with AWU. “One that will set the benchmark for what’s possible, and it’s all because of these brave and dedicated workers who put in all the effort to make this contract a reality.”
Microsoft’s World of Warcraft Workers Vote to Form Union: Workers on the team behind World of Warcraft—one of the most popular video games in the world—have voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), creating the first wall-to-wall union at Activision Blizzard and the largest wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft-owned studio. On Wednesday, a neutral arbitrator confirmed that a majority of staff had either signed a union authorization card or indicated via an online portal that they wanted union representation. The bargaining unit, World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild-CWA (WoWGG-CWA), organized under the labor neutrality agreement forged in 2022 between CWA and Microsoft, which took effect upon the completion of the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Members work as designers, engineers, producers, artists, quality assurance testers and other game developers for the multiplayer role-playing game that was originally released in 2004. “What we’ve accomplished at World of Warcraft is just the beginning,” said Eric Lanham, a test analyst and member of WoWGG-CWA. “My colleagues and I are embarking on a quest to secure better pay, benefits and job security through a strong union contract. We know that when workers have a protected voice, it’s a win-win for employee standards, the studio and World of Warcraft fans looking for the best gaming experience.…Like the legendary heroes of Azeroth, our union is forged in the fires of perseverance and resilience, and together, we will stand strong as the Alliance and the Horde to ensure a bright future for all.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 12:23Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hearst Connecticut Staff Seek Better Pay and Conditions with Union Drive
Working people across the United States regularly step 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 staff of Hearst Connecticut Media Group went public with their union drive on Thursday, with more than 80% of the bargaining unit having signed union authorization cards.
Reporters, photographers, editors and digital producers in the state’s largest newsroom have been organizing with The NewsGuild-CWA to secure better pay, fair scheduling and a meaningful voice on the job. Members of the Connecticut News Guild have stated that in addition to wanting to improve their own conditions, they want to use their efforts as a means to push back on larger trends in local journalism across the country—namely, media consolidation, depressed wages, the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and hasty return-to-office mandates. Hearst owns 10 daily and 13 weekly newspapers, as well as a statewide magazine and website, and despite the fact these publications cover some of the wealthiest municipalities in the country, many reporters and photographers are earning well below the mean state income.
“We’re passionate about our livelihoods and the service we provide to our readers,” digital producer Adrian Szkolar said. “That’s why we’re coming together as one. We want to have a seat at the table and work with Hearst to be sure that our quality work will continue in the future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:59CEO Payflation Strikes Again
Do you know how long the median employee in America would have to work in order to earn what a CEO makes in a single year?
You may be surprised.
On average, the median employee of an S&P 500 company would have had to start working in 1755 (prior to the start of the American Revolution) to earn what the average CEO received in 2023. At the worst offending company this year, the median employee would have had to start working in 8,354 B.C. to earn what the CEO made in a single year. The tower of Jericho was built circa 8,000 B.C.
In 2023, CEO pay at S&P 500 companies increased 6% over the previous year—to an average of $17.7 million in total compensation.
Our economy works best when corporations act responsibly toward their employees, their customers, the environment and local communities. Yet too many corporate CEOs choose management strategies for short-term gains that undermine their companies, their workers and our communities in the long term.
Find out what CEOs at different companies earn compared to their employees in our annual publication, the Executive Paywatch.
Visit Executive Paywatch 2024.
Workers are coming together to advocate for better working conditions, including family-sustaining wages and benefits, and it’s paying off. But sadly, ultra-rich CEOs will continue to pay themselves exorbitant wages without transparency.
That’s why we need your help to spread the word about the problem of runaway CEO compensation.
Read this year’s report and spread the word.
P.S. Are you ready to take action? Large corporations should pay their fair share by increasing corporate taxes if their CEO-to-worker pay ratios exceed 50-to-1. Tell Congress to tax runaway CEO pay. Send a letter to Congress here.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 11:58Tags: Paywatch
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Apple Store Workers Secure First Contract; 10% Raises
Working people across the United States regularly step 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 the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a new contract after a year and a half of bargaining. The contract covers about 85 workers at a Towson, Maryland, store and will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years. The workers also will effectively receive the same benefits as those in nonunion stores and guaranteed severance pay. The workers are members of the Machinists (IAM). They voted to authorize a strike in May, but the two sides came to an agreement that prevented the need for an actual strike.
“We are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains,” the store’s bargaining committee said. “Together, we can build on this success in store after store.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:01Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union
Working people across the United States regularly step 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.
Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week.
The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions.
“We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/07/2024 - 10:25A More Inclusive Tomorrow: 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:
Great turnout for our first labor walk of the cycle! Didn't make it? Have no fear, we’ll be walking every Saturday until Election Day! #akleg pic.twitter.com/HjssyRUpcn
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 3, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
🎉 Join us for the 2024 AZ AFL-CIO Labor Day Luncheon on Aug 30! Discover why it’s truly #BetterInAUnion. Register by Aug 23! ✊ https://t.co/N3FI2NsYCN pic.twitter.com/uC9KdDfquL
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 1, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Want to help #UnionizeCalifornia? Apply to work at @CaliforniaLabor and support our 1,300 affiliate unions and labor councils strengthen and grow the labor movement! We're looking for organizing trainers, communications, and elections staff in Sac, Fresno & Kern, and LA! pic.twitter.com/f7YxbRXO8u
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 5, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
The whole speech is excellent 👏 https://t.co/SKRnktW6KL
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
🌈📚 The #InclusiveEducationAct2025 is a step toward a more inclusive tomorrow. Embrace diversity and prepare students for a complex world. Stand with us! 🙌❤️ #InclusiveFuture #EducationReform #Georgia
Show your support below!!!https://t.co/S4160wYIRm
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 3, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
“Instead of having five people carrying my equipment, I now force four people to carry the equipment for five people. … We’re gonna be even more tired, more overworked.”https://t.co/Wt5bf3vnNz pic.twitter.com/p7KbBPNpBv
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Debbie is a former OSHA CoS and worker safety expert. She has dedicated her life to protecting working people on the job. Lowering Child Labor standards is unacceptable. Heed her warnings. https://t.co/YYddNT9JJz
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 31, 2024
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
The KY AFL-CIO is proud to announce our 2024 General Election candidate endorsements! This diverse, bipartisan list reflects KY and our unwavering commitment to supporting KY's Working Families. 💪 #WorkingFamilies #Labor2024 #Election2024 #1Union #ProtectOurSchoolsKY pic.twitter.com/CREGNJqlpb
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) June 27, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Congrats to members of IBEW 1253 who stood strong together & fought for better wages & a new defined benefit pension in their new contract! https://t.co/hdIK005eJw
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
"[CBAs] raise wages for workers by 10.2 percent on average... close racial wage gaps, boosting pay for Black workers by 13.1 percent and for Hispanic workers by 18.8 percent... narrow the gender wage gap" @chrissylynch29 @ewarren @Mass_BTU #mapoli https://t.co/42TqQyOEZV
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 6, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Our statement on adopt and amend getting struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court. The legislature robbed workers of wages and sick leave in 2018 and today's ruling is the first step in making workers whole.https://t.co/9tefVxKpWL
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 31, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
As Minnesotans, we’re proud to have one of our own on a Presidential ticket. As working people and union members, we’re even more thrilled to have one of our own as the Democratic nominee for Vice President. #1u #ItsBetterInaUnion #unionsforharriswalz https://t.co/YMQdUvv4AG pic.twitter.com/yHk9iI1hMX
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
TODAY is Election Day! Polls are open until 7 pm. In Missouri, voters can participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary on August 6th. You can select the ballot you would prefer at your polling location. Vote pro-union! Check out our endorsements on our website! pic.twitter.com/ocSIotlD5m
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
#HarrisWalz2024 Nebraska is proud of Tim Walz. He will be a great Vice President! pic.twitter.com/1slJpOoRNZ
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Today, the Nevada State AFL-CIO finalized the general election endorsements for the 2024 election.
From now until election night, we will spend countless hours walking, phone banking, texting, doing everything we can to get our members out to vote. pic.twitter.com/kRVp8KH8an
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) August 1, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
FIVE DAYS 'TIL THE DEADLINE! https://t.co/tXlDnMUI3m
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we are proud to stand strong in solidarity with the AFL-CIO's support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. pic.twitter.com/7S3GHkPtO1
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Introducing: the Denis M. Hughes Conference Center! Yesterday the NYS AFL-CIO held a ceremony to dedicate our main conference room in honor of former president Denis Hughes and his significant contributions to the union movement in New York State. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/0uursqIk75
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 6, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Member Spotlight: Ricky McDowell (@UAW) https://t.co/7naxP5sdRY #1u @AFLCIO
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
While this issue is a joke to many, it’s another example of an extreme, activist state Supreme Court that puts corporate donors to the @GOP over people. Let’s restore integrity and fairness and end the pay-to-play style politics that’s corrupted #Ohio for too long. #UnseatDeters https://t.co/yNxn8ZpQCN
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 4, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Congrats @AFT_Oregon Oregon Coast Community College faculty and staff on negotiating the contract you deserve! #UnionPower ✊https://t.co/QJgXskOAaJ
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 2, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
#Labor2024 is in full swing around the state! Join us to talk to union members on August 10th about what's at stake this November.
Sign up here: https://t.co/Snku6ftPaS pic.twitter.com/WEBn3m69Gp
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 5, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
In June, Houston ISD lost more teachers than they typically lose in a YEAR.
Meanwhile, Gov. Abbott is trying to funnel public dollars away from public schools - right into the pockets of wealthy families & unaccountable private schools.
Our teachers & students deserve better.
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) August 5, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
One week until primary Election Day on August 13. The WI AFL-CIO recommends union members Vote NO on both statewide constitutional amendments - Question 1 and Question 2 - so we can continue to efficiently get federal funds to local communities in times of emergency and beyond. pic.twitter.com/ZBaTG2BO8R
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 6, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/06/2024 - 13:10
