All Hands on Deck: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
All hands on deck! Join the Fairbanks Education Association for their rally against @GovDunleavy's disastrous education vetoes. Bring a red shirt and meet at the Fairbanks LIO (1292 Sadler Way) at 4:00 PM. pic.twitter.com/XsurWtGtqS
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) June 27, 2023Arizona AFL-CIO:
✈️ Airport Workers are demanding better wages & benefits nationwide. Let's join together and demand that Congress stand with us by including the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act's wage and benefit standards in FAA Reauthorization. Show your #solidarity ✊#1u pic.twitter.com/X8xFUU9XxN
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) June 27, 2023California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Give it up for our newest cohort of graduates from the @CaliforniaLabor Organizing Institute! 👏👏👏
These brand new organizers are hitting the ground RUNNING and signing up new union members all week long! No time to waste, together we’re going to #UnionizeCalifornia 💪 pic.twitter.com/138622cHc0
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
.@SenBlumenthal is proudly standing with baristas on strike in West Hartford with @CCSBWU as they fight for LGBTQ+ workers and demand the company bargain in good faith! pic.twitter.com/OYHzVlbPpC
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 28, 2023Florida AFL-CIO:
Florida’s union families are mourning the passing of Mike Williams, President of the Florida AFL-CIO following a water accident on June 17th at his home in St. Marks Florida. Williams was one of the most transformative labor leaders in Florida history.
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Who moves this city? We move this city! We're mobilizing with @atu_local_732 and talking to folks about the historic federal investments in Georgia. #1u #UnionsForAll #solidarity pic.twitter.com/mXKtdknRjm
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 17, 2023Illinois AFL-CIO:
We are LIVE with @iftaft @EqualityILL @afscme31 @UAW Local 551 and @transportworker to discuss LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace.
Tune in here: https://t.co/N3cJggF261
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Today we remember the historic struggles of Black Americans and their fight for freedom. We must continue that fight and end systemic racism in the workplace and in society as a whole. Celebrate Freedom. #Juneteenth2023 pic.twitter.com/zo4K9OlebF
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) June 19, 2023Maine AFL-CIO:
Gov. Mills, like Gov. LePage before her, has pulled the plug on offshore wind.
“We would expect this type of resistance from a Republican governor. But to have a Democratic governor impeding the president’s agenda is something that we just didn’t expect." #mepolitics https://t.co/z2lwAvkAUX
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Check out a sneak peak of some of our pics from the Richard L. Trumka Educational Conference earlier this month pic.twitter.com/mqbCQNpdEd
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) June 20, 2023Michigan State AFL-CIO:
During Pride, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our workplaces, the labor movement, and beyond.
No one should be fired because of who they are or who they love. We're proud to continue standing in the fight for LGBTQ+ workers' rights. pic.twitter.com/FtMM7fXqFF
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Minnesota set for $650 million broadband windfall from federal infrastructure bill https://t.co/h8KJhOcLIO #1u
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 27, 2023Missouri AFL-CIO:
Defend workers - pass the #PROAct and hold corporations accountable. #1u pic.twitter.com/r2Z30IrtAj
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) June 28, 2023Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @Culinary226 on their victory! Las Vegas is a union town, and we’ll make sure that no one ever forgets it. ✊ https://t.co/FsFLqMCoqJ
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) June 28, 2023New York State AFL-CIO:
We stand with our LGBTQ+ siblings! ✊ 52 years ago today the first gay pride parade happened in NYC, which commemorated the Stonewall Riots that took place a year earlier. Learn more about the fight for gay rights in the US: https://t.co/2yq31ZnsbA #PrideDay pic.twitter.com/WAXDoxutWT
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) June 28, 2023North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to NC native, former @UAW Pres, and newest member of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, Ray Curry, on receiving this honor from @NC_Governor today! Ray is only the 3rd union member of the Order, the others being our former GC & former Pres, Mike Okun & James Andrews. #1u pic.twitter.com/pkYB5Sd4Bi
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) June 26, 2023North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Ohio AFL-CIO:
From a community press event in Toledo to postcard writing parties in Columbus and Cleveland, members of the #Ohio @AFLCIO are working hard to political power grab known as Issue 1. #VoteNoInAugust to protect #OnePersonOneVote and stop special interests from stealing our power. pic.twitter.com/xyH7c4DPyN
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 27, 2023Oregon AFL-CIO:
We are proud to announce that Sarina Roher, Secretary and Steward for @OFNHP is our new Secretary-Treasurer! We’re incredibly inspired by her spirit of justice and passion for defending the rights of working people. #OregonLabor #UnionStronghttps://t.co/chRigFuvkx pic.twitter.com/CdTqfnHJoV
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 23, 2023Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
On Tuesday, A Pennsylvania state court rejected the latest effort to throw out the presidential battleground state’s broad mail-in voting law that has become a target following former claims about election fraud. https://t.co/EsHPBiPe5w
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 28, 2023Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
The best way to protect workers in RI is to make wage theft a felonyhttps://t.co/CsE1fyyYfj
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) June 14, 2023Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"Some noted they want to continue to work for IFF, many have been there for years because they were treated well. But, they said, facets of what made IFF a good company to work for are being taken away one by one." #IFFStrike #1u https://t.co/HCo8zanJZp
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) June 27, 2023Texas AFL-CIO:
Mental health workers in our state are indispensable, but they need support too. That's why they've come together to form a union with @CWAUnion
Thank you @LinaHidalgoTX & @RodneyEllis for advocating for worker unity and organizing in Texas.https://t.co/0fveNznLSy
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Over $1 billion to expand broadband coming to Wisconsin https://t.co/ikq00pEMf3 via @madisondotcom
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 26, 2023 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/28/2023 - 15:29Pride Month Profiles: Erdem Odner
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Erdem Odner of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Erdem Odner is a member of CWA Local 9509 in San Diego. Odner has been a retail sales consultant at AT&T for eight years. Odner is a proud member of the San Diego chapter of Pride at Work and has been instrumental in the revitalization of the CWA Pride Caucus this past year, while increasing membership and organizing and originating petitions to Congress on trans rghts and liberation.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/28/2023 - 10:07It's About Respect: 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.
Film Forum Union Ratifies First Contract: “Unionized workers at the renowned New York cinema Film Forum have ratified their first contract, about a year after the group voted to unionize. An ‘overwhelming majority’ of the 45-member bargaining unit, including both full- and part-time staffers, voted to ratify the five-year agreement, the union said, declining to give exact numbers. The deal will go into effect on July 1, 2023, and will run through June 30, 2028. The union is allied with UAW Local 2110, which represents workers at museums, universities, publishers and other cultural institutions. In the film space, the union also represents workers at Anthology Film Archives.”
‘It’s About Respect’: Union Members at Encore Boston Harbor Vote to Authorize Strike: “Union workers at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett voted Wednesday to authorize a labor strike in a continued push to secure a new contract. More than 98% of Encore workers who are members of Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 voted in favor of a labor strike that will begin at midnight on June 30, according to a Unite Here spokesperson. The strike will impact an array of workers at the resort casino, including room attendants, cocktail servers, bar porters, cooks, dishwashers, public area cleaners, and drivers, the spokesperson said.”
Apple Engaged in 'Coercive' Interviews and Other Anti-Union Tactics at New York Store, Judge Rules: “Apple illegally subjected employees to ‘coercive’ interviews and interfered with the distribution of union leaflets at a New York City Apple Store, a U.S. labor board judge ruled Tuesday. The finding represents the first time that an administrative law judge at the National Labor Relations Board, a federal agency, has ruled against Apple. But it is not the last word on the subject; Apple is free to appeal the ruling to the agency's full board or to federal appeals court.”
Nurse Staffing Bill Would Help Maine Patients: “That is why we are fighting for passage of LD 1639, sponsored by Sen. Stacy Brenner, a registered nurse, which would limit the number of patients nurses can be assigned during their shifts and provide protection to nurses who report unsafe care conditions. This legislation will protect patients and nurses. We know that safe staffing improves patient outcomes. A 2021 study reported that each additional patient per nurse increased the odds of hospital patient mortality by 12% in patients with sepsis. The Maine Quality Care Act would keep nurses at the bedside. When nurses know they will get an appropriate patient assignment that affords them the time to deliver the care that patients need, they will stay. Unsafe staffing drives nurses away.”
WGA Strike at Day 50: Major Hollywood Unions to Join Big L.A. March Tomorrow as Economic Impact Mounts: “The 50-day-old Writers Guild strike has now reached the halfway point of the guild’s 100-day strike of 2007-08, and tomorrow it will be one-third as long as the 153-day strike of 1988—the longest in the guild’s history. On Wednesday, the guild will suspend picketing for the day in Los Angeles to stage a ‘March and Rally for a Fair Contract,’ which kicks off at 10 am at Pan Pacific Park and ends at the La Brea Tar Pits, where representatives from the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, the Directors Guild, IATSE, the Teamsters and the American Federation of Musicians will speak to striking writers and their supporters.”
AFL-CIO Backs Biden in Early 2024 Endorsement: “The nation’s top union organization, the AFL-CIO, endorsed President Biden’s reelection campaign on Friday, a major win for the president as he works to shore up support from big labor for his 2024 White House bid. The endorsement comes ahead of Biden rallying with union members on Saturday in Philadelphia. It is the earliest the AFL-CIO’s general board has ever voted to endorse in a presidential election, according to the union. ‘There’s absolutely no question that Joe Biden is the most pro-union president in our lifetimes,’ AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said in a statement. ‘From bringing manufacturing jobs home to America to protecting our pensions and making historic investments in infrastructure, clean energy and education, we’ve never seen a president work so tirelessly to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and middle out.’”
AFT Backs Biden for Re-Election in Latest Union Endorsement: “The American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the second-largest teacher’s union in the country, endorsed President Biden and Vice President Harris for reelection Friday in another show of organized labor strength for the president. The AFT offered its endorsement of Biden on the same day the AFL-CIO, the country’s largest federation of unions in the country, did the same, reflecting a broader strategy to show support for Biden among organized labor.”
Actors’ Equity Joins Unions Endorsing Biden-Harris Second Presidential Term: “Actors’ Equity Association has joined with other unions of the AFL-CIO in endorsing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential campaign. ‘President Biden and Vice President Harris listened to Equity when our industry was in crisis, on issues like Covid relief and federal arts funding,’ said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association, said in announcing the union’s support for a second Biden-Harris term. ‘But four years of a pro-worker administration is simply not enough to put labor laws back on the side of workers, safeguard our democracy and our climate, address systemic racism, protect gender identity and bodily autonomy and so much more.’”
Spirit AeroSystems and Machinists Union Reach a Tentative 4-Year Contract: “Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. on Thursday presented a 4-year contract for approval by company workers in Wichita who are represented by Local Lodge 839 of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM). Leaders of the IAM informed Spirit that they're recommending approval of the contract to its members. The tentative deal includes a 34% pay increase over four years, voluntary overtime on Sundays, job benefit increases, and a $7,500 ratification bonus. IAM said in a statement that they believe the contract is the result of negotiations ‘built on respect for employees and their families, their IAM representatives and Spirit's business.’”
Barnes & Noble Manhattan Flagship Store Workers Unionize with RWDSU: “With an overwhelming vote, workers at Barnes & Noble’s flagship Manhattan store, a multi-story emporium crammed to each ceiling with books, unionized with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. When certified as their rep, the union will represent 185 workers, and it said 97% of those casting ballots supported going union. It’s the third B&N store to go union this year, and there soon may be a fourth. On June 5, the National Labor Relations Board certified United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459 had won the election at the B&N store in Hadley, Mass., 11-0. And the board’s regional office just set a June 29 election date, for RWDSU versus no union, among the 32 workers at B&N’s store on Seventh Ave. in Brooklyn. The other unionized store, and third with RWDSU, is the Barnes & Noble College Bookstore at Rutgers University in New Jersey. The college bookstore division is separate from the B&N chain.”
Museum of Science and Industry Workers Vote to Unionize: “Workers at the Museum of Science and Industry have voted to unionize. Museum of Science & Industry Workers United posted on Twitter calling it an incredible achievement for cultural workers and said they are calling on museum management to collaborate. In a statement, museum officials said: ‘We respect an employee's right to choose or decline union representation.’”
Mike Williams, a Transformative Labor Leader in Florida, Dies: “Mike Williams, the longtime president of the Florida AFL-CIO and a giant in the labor movement, died Saturday, June 17. AFL-CIO official Rich Templin said in a statement that Williams died from a water accident at his home in St. Marks, Florida. ‘Mike served as the federation’s President since 2009. He has been one of the most transformative labor leaders in Florida history and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of working families across the state, union and non-union alike,’ Templin said. Dan Reynolds, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Florida AFL-CIO said, ‘Mike Williams dedicated his life to the fight for justice and dignity for Florida’s workers. He was our leader and our friend, and his passing is a massive loss for our movement. We will dedicate ourselves to continue the fight for workers just as he would expect and will do everything we can to honor his incredible legacy of courage, dedication and service.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 11:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Alaska Fred Meyer Workers Join UFCW
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a huge win, workers from across 10 departments at the West Fairbanks Fred Meyer voted to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1496. This is the first step on a long road to securing a fair contract, as they navigate the bargaining process against the backdrop of a possible Albertson-Kroger merger.
"The result of this vote is a big win our pursuit of a better workplace," said Kris Kozak, a worker in the home department at the Fred Meyer store in West Fairbanks. "I want to express my gratitude to each and every one of my fellow co-workers who dedicated their valuable time and effort in this process. We are confident that this union win will pave the way for a brighter future for everyone in our store. We look forward to coming together as a team and making Fred Meyer a better place for its workers, customers, and the Fairbanks community. Our victory is a testament to our shared vision and the power of solidarity."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:19Pride Month Profiles: Denise Robinson
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Denise Robinson of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Denise Robinson serves as president of IFPTE Local 400, representing members at the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. She works as an engineering technician and is the Northeastern area vice president of IFPTE. She previously served as correspondence secretary, steward, unit representative, chief steward and vice president. She currently serves as vice president of the Northeastern Council and is on the executive board of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. She is a member of the national Coalition of Labor Union Women and serves as a trustee on the CLUW state executive board. Robinson has been employed in union jobs for over 40 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/27/2023 - 10:07Working People Have the Power to Restore Reproductive Rights
This past week marked one year since the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization to overturn 50 years of precedent in Roe v. Wade.
This ruling continues to reverberate throughout our communities and have a direct and harmful impact on the lives of working women, people and families.
The state of reproductive health care in America is increasingly marked by confusion, uncertainty and chaos, and it has become more evident that the quality of health care we receive depends on where we live and work and our economic standing. Each day, we read horrifying stories of women who are denied lifesaving care, doctors facing criminal charges for simply doing what they were trained to do and extremist politicians who will stop at nothing to restrict interstate travel for people seeking reproductive care.
The burden of this decision will continue to fall disproportionately on low-income women and gender-oppressed people. It will work to deepen racial and economic disparities and push working families already struggling to get by into further financial insecurity. Dobbs was a wake-up call for working people to take action, and as we continue to deal with the fallout from the court’s decision, we are lifting our voices to demand economic justice and equity.
Now that the Supreme Court has forced a fight over fundamental rights into statehouses across the country, working people are speaking out in favor of legislation that would protect and expand the right to bodily autonomy and the confidential relationship between providers and patients. We are also demanding that electeds must prioritize overdue and necessary investments in our child care system and family and medical paid leave, end the gender wage gap, and increase access to jobs with high wages and good benefits. Efforts from extremist lawmakers to curtail our rights will only continue to ramp up over the next several months, but the labor movement will continue to stand in the gap.
As we look to the future, we must continue to increase the power of workers who have a union so that we can go to the bargaining table and stake out our right to comprehensive health care. That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness about the power of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to hold employers accountable and guarantee access to quality reproductive care. A union contract gives working families the support and protection we need to make the decision that is best for us.
If you are already in a union or you are considering forming a union to strengthen your rights in the workplace, check out these important resources to get started:
- Reproductive Care Model CBA Language.
- Training guide to help people connect the dots between reproductive rights and workers’ rights.
Pride Month Profiles: Emily Caulfield
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Emily Caulfield of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Emily Caulfield started her activism at the local level by creating an AFA-CWA HRE committee. She has been able to engage members who do not usually do union work or speak openly about their experiences with racism or other injustices. She was the impetus for the creation of the HRE committee of United Airlines' AFA-CWA Master Executive Council, which she now chairs.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/26/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NNU Applauds Introduction of Federal Safe Staffing Legislation
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After a historic wave of strikes, marches and informational pickets by nurses, and dozens of new successful nursing organizing campaigns across the country, registered nurses have brought their fight to Congress to fix the crisis of unsafe nurse staffing levels in hospitals across the country. The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, sponsored by Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (Ill.), establishes minimum RN-to-patient ratios for every hospital unit, effective at all times. Additionally, the legislation creates whistleblower protections to ensure that nurses are free to speak out for enforcement of safe staffing standards.
Leaders with National Nurses United (NNU) refuted industry claims of a “nurse shortage,” arguing that congressional and industry leaders must create safer, sustainable conditions in hospitals so nurses will return to and stay at the bedside.
“This staffing crisis was manufactured by the hospital industry,” said Deborah Burger, RN and an NNU president. “Hospital executives claim there is a nursing ‘shortage,’ but we know that many nurses have left the bedside because they are unwilling to risk their patients’ lives by being forced to care for them in an unsafe manner. This bill would bring them back to providing direct care at the bedside and in clinics by ensuring their patients receive proper, safe, optimal, and timely care. The bill’s introduction is a direct response to the escalating staffing crisis in hospitals across the country. Tens of thousands of nurses have spoken out, marched, and struck for safer patient care conditions over the last year, sounding a clarion call for action. Nurses know the quality of our healthcare system is on the line and depends on the passage of this bill.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/26/2023 - 09:56Pride Month Profiles: Dara Tep, RN
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Dara Tep, RN of National Nurses United (NNU).
Dara Tep is a registered nurse at Keck Medicine of USC and member of California Nurses Association/NNOC, an affiliate of NNU. After getting stonewalled by insurance for coverage of her gender-affirming care, Tep rallied her union. Together, they sent a petition to management and won insurance approval for her health care.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/25/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Capt. Maya Tallman
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Capt. Maya Tallman of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA).
Capt. Maya Tallman is a pilot with United Airlines and has been an ALPA member for 24 years. Passionate about safety, pilot culture and diversity, she has spent many of her flying years volunteering as a writer, speaker, educator, mentor, and line check pilot evaluator. She has worked on several special projects with EQUAL, United’s LGBTQ+ business resource group. She is the chair of ALPA's United Airlines Master Executive Council Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. A firm believer and practitioner of the adage, “You cannot be what you cannot see,” Tallman is working toward a more inclusive pilot culture with the power of visibility, education and conversation.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 06/24/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Steven Alcantar
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Steven Alcantar of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union.
Steven Alcantar, utility houseperson and UNITE HERE's Culinary Union member for 13 years, said: "Inspired by my mom's activism, I became a union shop steward, supporting co-workers and fighting for better wages and equality. Being part of the union means being accepted for who I am, including as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. My union health insurance even covered my partner during the pandemic, providing us with much-needed security. Together, we stand with our union family, supporting each other in good and challenging times."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/23/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Rally During National Day of Action to Fix Lingering Problems at the Social Security Administration
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
AFGE workers visited Capitol Hill to demand Congress fix the problems festering inside the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reps. Maxwell Frost (Fla.) and Matt Cartwright (Pa.), Social Security Works, and the Center for American Progress joined AFGE leaders for a national day of action. SSA is facing a growing crisis based on staffing attrition that leaves many people in America helpless and without lifesaving resources. SSA workers are facing overwhelming caseloads with little to no support.
“It’s well past time that members of the House and Senate recognize the disrespect of SSA employees that has hung vulnerable Americans out to dry,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “We’re ready to talk to our nation’s leaders about what actually needs to get done in this Agency to see real results.”
AFGE leaders are meeting with members of Congress to discuss necessary changes.
“What we’re seeing now is unacceptable. We deserve better. The American people deserve better,” said Jessica LaPointe, president of AFGE Council 220. “That’s why we’re demanding action from our lawmakers in Washington. Individuals shouldn’t have to die while waiting for determinations on their benefits. Supporting Social Security workers means supporting our American values. Stand with federal employees in advocating for their well-being and every individual who relies on SSA to live."
Pride Month Profiles: Nate Richmond
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Nate Richmond of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Nate Richmond, IATSE's Canadian office operations manager and chair of the Pride Committee, represents the IATSE on the Canadian Labour Congress’ Solidarity and Pride Working Group. "When it comes to supporting your LGBTQ+ kin, you don’t have to be an expert. You just need an open mind, an open heart, and the willingness to learn," Richmond said.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/22/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Ally Burt
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ally Burt of the Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Ally Burt serves as an at-large executive board member for IAFF Local 644 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also serves on the Nebraska State AFL-CIO executive board. Burt actively participates in charitable giving events sponsored by her local.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Becomes Second 'Drunk Shakespeare' Company to Organize with Equity
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Actors, stage managers, bartenders and servers for "Drunk Shakespeare" in Phoenix became the second company of the franchise to organize with the Actors’ Equity Association (Equity). Chicago's company joined several weeks ago. Workers for the Phoenix production unanimously chose to unionize to pursue achievable solutions to recurring problems. “We learn so much from each other—collaboration and communication make the show better and make the workplace better," said Clara Kundin, a performer in "Drunk Shakespeare" Phoenix. “Going Equity means we can pull from a greater pool of actors next time we’re hiring. Union workplaces are strong workplaces.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:03What’s on the Horizon for Working Women? 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.
What’s on the Horizon for Working Women?: “One year ago this week, I was officially elected as the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, America’s largest labor federation—consisting of 12.5 million workers across 60 unions. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the changing labor movement that is increasingly led by women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and others who have gone underrepresented for too long. But the truth is, the real leaders are the women and workers on the ground who are leading organizing drives and picket lines across America, such as nurses in New York, teachers in Minnesota, retail workers at REI, warehouse workers at Amazon, or baristas at Starbucks. The past 12 months have been nothing short of historic in how these workers and many more have risen up and seized our collective power (with the Federation marching and fighting alongside them).”
Maine AFL-CIO Construction Training 'Academy' Aims to Diversify Workforce: “The new Union Construction Academy of Maine recently graduated its first cohort of 15 pre-apprentices, including six individuals in pre-release or re-entry programs, seven asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Togo, and three refugees from Afghanistan. The academy is a free, four-week registered pre-apprentice program run by the Maine AFL-CIO, Maine Building Trades Council and the New England Laborers Training Academy. It’s designed specifically to prepare a diverse workforce from underrepresented populations to graduate into union-registered apprenticeship programs as union carpenters, electricians, elevator constructors, ironworkers, insulators, laborers, millwrights, plumbers and pipefitters, sheet metal workers and more. The goal of the program is to prepare workers to succeed in registered apprenticeship programs and to build careers.”
'It's Gonna Be a Hot Labor Summer'—Unionized Members Show Up for Striking Writers: “Film and TV writers are now in their seventh week on strike against the Hollywood studios. Actors negotiating their own new contract with the studios as members of the union SAG-AFTRA may also go on strike soon, which would shut down productions entirely. The writers' fight for better pay and protections in the streaming economy is resonating with labor movements beyond Hollywood and beginning to unite workers across industries. On Monday in New York City, the Writers Guild of America rallied outside Amazon studios, buoyed by the leader of the country's largest labor union, the AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million American workers, including postal workers, mine workers and those in the entertainment industry. ‘Can you hear us Jeff Bezos?’ taunted Liz Shuler, president of the federation. ‘We're not gonna take it anymore. We're here in force, not just the Writers Guild, we're here with the labor movement in this country standing strong in solidarity.’”
Minnesota Miracle: State Legislature Passes ‘Avalanche’ of Progressive and Pro-Labor Laws: “‘Whoa, holy buckets,’ declared Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman after the close of a state legislative session that saw the passage of an ‘avalanche’ of progressive bills, including the most sweeping pro-labor legislation in state history. ‘Our elected leaders listened to the thousands of union volunteers who knocked on doors last fall and continued to show up at the Capitol this year to enact the most pro-worker policy agendas Minnesotans have seen in more than a generation,’ said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham.”
Nurses Advocate for Better Resources During a National Day of Action: “Nurses at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital will join thousands of registered nurses who are members of National Nurses United to hold a day of action. The national day of action will take place on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.”
AFL-CIO’s Shuler: Supreme Court’s Decision Will Not Stop Workers from Exercising Our Right to Strike: “‘The court unnecessarily gave the employer another bite at the apple,’ Shuler said. ‘The court recognized that for nearly a century, federal law has protected workers’ right to strike in order to improve workers’ wages, hours and working conditions. Unfortunately, the court then relied on unfounded allegations in the employer’s complaint that the union intended to damage the cement trucks when it called the strike.’”
Strip Club Dancers in Oregon City Unionize, Demand Safer Work Environments: “As part of the growing industry in town, dancers at a strip club in Northwest Portland are now unionizing. In an online petition, dancers at Magic Tavern said some employees were fired because they brought up safety concerns. The dancers are being represented by Actors' Equity Association, the labor union that represented the country's only unionized dancers in Los Angeles. ‘We’re joining their union because we’ll be able to bargain our contract and protect us and make sure that the club owners are held responsible,’ said Daphne.”
William Spriggs, Economist Who Highlighted Racial Disparities, Dies at 68: “Spurred by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May 2020, economist William E. Spriggs wrote an open letter to his peers castigating them for making too many assumptions to explain racial disparities in America’s economy. Dr. Spriggs, an economics professor at Howard University and chief economist for the AFL-CIO labor federation, noted that far too many economists assume ‘that African Americans are inferior until proven otherwise.’”
Thousands of Southern California Workers Authorize the Largest Hotel Strike in Modern U.S. History: “The authorization was approved by 96% of those who voted, UNITE HERE Local 11 said Thursday night. If a contract agreement isn’t reached, a strike could begin as early as the Fourth of July weekend and would be the largest in modern U.S. history, the union said. The previous record holder happened in 2018 when nearly 8,000 housekeepers, bartenders and other workers walked off the job at 23 Marriott hotels in eight U.S. cities, including San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. That strike lasted more than two months before final contract agreements were reached.”
1,800 Nurses Warn of Strike Starting June 19 at Providence Portland, Two Other Facilities: “Roughly 1,800 nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and two other Providence facilities will stage a five-day strike starting June 19 unless progress is made in contract bargaining, the Oregon Nurses Association announced Friday. Providence told KGW on Friday that it will not bargain with the union while the strike is pending or in progress, but will resume bargaining after the strike ends.”
Local Labor Unions Show Their Solidarity During Writers Strike: “As Hollywood's writer strike continues, a rally of support was held on Saturday in Buffalo. Local labor unions, in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America, gathered in front of the production studio that's under construction at the corner of Niagara and West Ferry. Organizers say there are no stories to tell without writers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 13:50Pride Month Profiles: Michael Flint
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Michael Flint of the Laborers (LIUNA).
Michael Flint is a shop steward with LIUNA Local 71 and a certified OSHA outreach trainer. He was recently elected to serve as the first president of the newly formed Pride at Work Alaska chapter. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Flint never stopped giving back to his community and currently volunteers with Choosing Our Roots and the Alaska CASA program for children who need advocates in the courtroom.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: LCLAA Members Join Delegation Urging EPA to Protect Health Care Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) joined a delegation to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of health care workers and Latino communities across the country. They sought to raise awareness about the growing dangers of ethylene oxide, also known as EtO, a highly carcinogenic gas used to sterilize medical devices. The presidents of the LCLAA chapters in Long Island and Westchester County, New York, Anthony Garcia and Maria Kercado, respectively, joined the delegation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a risk assessment that found EtO presents a high cancer risk for workers in sterilization facilities, and is a severe threat to health care workers and the general public.
The delegation was led by Earthjustice and met with officials from the EPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the White House, and several congressional offices, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Cory Booker (N.J.) and John Fetterman (Pa.) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (N.Y.). The delegation urged the members of Congress and agency officials to call on the EPA to do more to protect health care workers and the general public.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:06Pride Month Profiles: Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant has been a flight attendant at Alaska Airlines for more than 12 years, and after flying for five years, she decided to become more active in her union, AFA-CWA. In her time serving within AFA-CWA Alaska's leadership, she has advocated on Capitol Hill for a minimum of 10 hours for flight attendants and for the renewal of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. She also has served as Fatigue Review Board alternate, Grievance Payroll representative and Uniform Committee chair.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/19/2023 - 10:43The Labor Movement Is Ready to Ensure that Voting Rights Are Fully Restored
The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and was at the heart of the civil rights movement.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and other civil rights leaders and allies—including the labor movement—called attention to the pervasive and pernicious tools used to disenfranchise Black voters in the South. Work that led to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in 1965, which put an end to the physical intimidation, harassment, poll taxes and literacy tests Black voters were subjected to just to exercise our right to vote.
But the VRA has been chipped away ever since it became law. A number of states have made it more difficult to vote through restrictive photo identification requirements, and by rescinding same-day voter registration, provisional ballots and early voting periods.
Other states have reduced the number of polling places—often in communities of color where voters have to endure the long lines and extra steps meant to dissuade us from casting a ballot.
And some states have redrawn congressional districts in an attempt to dilute the power of certain racial demographic groups.
Racial gerrymandering is prohibited by the VRA, and was at the heart of a case taken up by the Supreme Court last week. In Allen v. Milligan, the high court ruled Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act when it drew its congressional map following the 2020 census.
It was a surprising decision by this Supreme Court, given this bench’s track record and conservative ideological leanings, but it shouldn’t have been—not for a country that values democracy and the democratic process.
And, unfortunately, this decision does nothing to repair the one it made a decade ago that ripped a gaping hole in the VRA and empowered extremist lawmakers to restrict access to the ballot box.
Shelby County v. Holder was a wake-up call—that we must always be vigilant to protect our freedoms and rights, and that political extremists will go to terrific lengths for power and personal gain, even if that means jeopardizing our democracy.
It also was a wake-up call for the labor movement to re-engage and tighten our relationship with civil and voting rights coalitions.
The labor movement has a long history of supporting civil and voting rights and the Voting Rights Act. We educate union members about the importance of voting rights. We mobilize union members in support of positive voting rights reforms. We advocate, along with our allies at the state and federal levels, for improvements to our voting laws. And we fight discriminatory voter ID legislation and other voter suppression laws that restrict the right to vote.
And we will continue to do so.
When President Liz Shuler and I were elected to lead the AFL-CIO a year ago, we pledged to ensure racial and social justice is in everything we do—in all of our programmatic work and at every level of the federation. We are committed to advancing racial justice in our outreach and programs, and to opening pathways for young people and people of color to enter leadership positions. We are committed to vanquishing oppression in all its forms.
That includes fighting state legislatures that try to prevent people of color, women, young adults, LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized people from exercising their right to take part in our electoral process.
And we will continue to push Congress to do its job and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to fully restore and permanently protect voting rights, and ensure access to free and fair elections.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/16/2023 - 10:12
