Worker Wins: ‘The Hardest We Have Ever Fought’
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
SAG-AFTRA and Nickelodeon Reach Tentative Agreement: SAG-AFTRA announced on Wednesday that it has reached a tentative agreement with Nickelodeon Animation Studio Inc. on the terms of its 2025 Basic Cable Television Animation Agreement. The agreement covers SAG-AFTRA members working on animated programs for Nickelodeon basic cable and Paramount+. This includes popular shows like “The Loud House,” “The Patrick Star Show,” “Rugrats,” “Dora the Explorer” and more. The new three-year tentative contract now moves to SAG-AFTRA’s national board for ratification consideration. “I’d like to thank our hardworking negotiating committee for their dedication to their colleagues who provide their voice artistry to Nickelodeon’s programming,” said SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. “I’m especially pleased that Nickelodeon agreed to commonsense A.I. protections for voice actors.” The chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Nickelodeon Animation Agreement Negotiating Committee, David Jolliffe, added: “We’re thrilled that productive bargaining has resulted in a very strong contract for voice actors that includes A.I. guideline enhancements that protect voice performers. There’s much to celebrate about this deal, and we look forward to sending it to the Board for review.”
HealthPartners Workers Ratify Contract, Win Record Gains: Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 12 members who work at HealthPartners in Minnesota have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract. This victory comes after nearly eight months of bargaining with the nonprofit health care provider and health insurance company. During negotiations, members took a strike pledge, two strike authorization votes and worked for five months under an expired agreement. “This is the hardest we have ever fought for the contract we deserve and in return we've just ratified the largest contract ever,” the Local 12 bargaining team said in a social media post. “Together we have built out new networks of our colleagues and activated and inspired each other to get involved. Let's keep up the energy and solidarity as we work to transform the culture of HP and live up to the promise of Be Well.
IfNotNow Staff Form Union with NPEU: The staff at IfNotNow, an American Jewish advocacy organization, have joined the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) Local 70. The movement-based organization uses direct action to end U.S. support for the apartheid system in Israel, and call for equality for all Palestinians and Israelis. Workers are looking forward to starting the process of negotiating a first contract now that executive leadership has voluntarily recognized the union. “We are grounded in the long history of Jewish labor organizing as we formally join the labor movement,” said Eli Newell, a member of the organizing committee. “We are building justice in our own workplace so that we can continue to fight for equality, justice, and a thriving future for all in Israel, Palestine, and the U.S.” “We are honored to welcome IfNotNow workers to NPEU. Their decision to organize reflects a deep commitment to their values and to each other. We commend IfNotNow management for respecting their employees’ voices and setting a powerful example in the nonprofit sector, even as the industry faces threats from the Trump administration,” added Amy Chin-Lai, president of NPEU.
NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge: Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) overruled every objection filed by Whole Foods regarding a landmark January election where workers at a Philadelphia location voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1776. After a majority of workers at the Amazon-owned grocer’s flagship storefront cast ballots in support of organizing a union, the corporate giant filed numerous objections with the NLRB to challenge the election results. Amazon argued that UFCW unfairly offered workers transportation to the polling site, that the NLRB could not certify the union because it lacked quorum and more. Following a two-day hearing that included testimony from 10 witnesses, Philadelphia-region Hearing Officer Deena Kobel rejected those arguments. “This ruling is definitive—Whole Foods lost, the workers won, and it’s time for the company to respect the results,” said Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV. “Amazon’s tired playbook of delay and obstruction has failed. We call on Whole Foods to stop wasting time and taxpayer resources with baseless legal challenges and sit down at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.”
Detroit Free Press Staff Ratify New 2-Year Contract: On Wednesday, staff represented by the Newspaper Guild of Detroit, Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 34022, at the Detroit Free Press ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with parent company Gannett. The bargaining unit—which includes reporters, photographers, assistant editors, web editors and other staff—approved the new deal, with 90% member support. Workers secured increased starting wages, with all employees receiving at least a 2.6% raise and the lowest-paid seeing up to 29%, as well as improvements to benefits like parental leave. “Free Press members have gone for years without a raise — so this rectifies that, but also adds some important things that folks were looking for,” said Eric Lawrence, the Free Press unit chair and president of the Guild. “We had a robust and engaged group of people who worked hard to get this done. We think that the overwhelming ratification vote shows that the members appreciate and recognize it as the significant win that it is.”
Martz Gold Line Workers End Strike; Ratify Strong Contract: Following a powerful six-day work stoppage, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 members have secured a new contract with Martz Gold Line. Operators, mechanics and service technicians at the fixed-route commuter bus service in Maryland went on strike last week over unfair labor practices committed by the company during negotiations, including bad faith bargaining. On Tuesday, ATU members and management returned to the bargaining table with a mediator, and after a daylong session, workers won a deal that improves working conditions, wages and benefits. “Throughout the negotiations and strike, Martz workers stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and together they won a strong contract,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “Once again, workers have proven that workers bonded together and speaking with one voice are undefeatable.” “All of the ATU spread across America and Canada are proud of what Martz Gold Line workers accomplished,” added ATU International President John Costa. “On the picket lines last week, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity. United, the workers stood up to the company and through the strength on the strike line, forced the company to the bargaining table and won a strong contract. These workers demonstrated the strength of collective action and its impact on working people.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/08/2025 - 10:51Tags: Organizing
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kevin Ancog
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kevin Ancog of AFSCME.
United Public Workers (UPW) Hawaii member Kevin Ancog is a building maintenance worker at the Department of Defense in Honolulu, where he has worked for nearly 20 years. He developed his leadership skills and discipline during his 23 years in the Army National Guard, where he was a well-respected and trusted leader. Ancog is chief steward and chair of UPW/AFSCME’s education committee, helping his fellow union members understand their rights and benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/08/2025 - 08:59Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFL-CIO President Celebrates Historic Worker Rights Milestone in Vermont
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.
On May Day, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler visited Vermont, where she witnessed the passage of a historic constitutional amendment and attended a May Day rally on the State House lawn. Proposal 3 would enshrine the right to form a union and collectively bargain into the state constitution, just as Illinois did in 2022.
The Vermont House took the final legislative action last week needed to make this a reality by passing the amendment in a landslide 125–15 vote. This effort has been a four-year legislative process, with the last step being a ballot measure that Vermont voters will decide in November 2026. President Shuler sat in the gallery with Vermont union leaders for this exciting moment in state history and was introduced to the entire House by Vermont Worker's Caucus co-chair Rep. Conor Casey. After the vote, more than 1,500 people gathered on the State House lawn in Montpelier for the Vermont State Labor Council's May Day rally.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/08/2025 - 08:49Tell Congress: No Cuts to Medicaid
Right now, Congress is considering a reckless budget package that would make the 2017 tax giveaway to billionaires and giant corporations permanent, and expand the tax cuts for the rich by cutting $1.5 trillion from essential programs like Medicaid.
Medicaid is the single largest source of health care coverage in the United States, and a major source of funding for hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes.
It’s Medicaid—not Medicare—that is the primary payer for 63% of nursing home residents. It’s Medicaid that pays for 42% of births in the United States each year. And it’s Medicaid that provides health care for nearly half of all children in our country.
The proposed cuts would tear health care away from millions of people, including kids and our most vulnerable Americans. It would raise health care and insurance costs for everyone else. And massive cuts to Medicaid would cause hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home-health agencies to close or downsize, especially in rural and lower-income communities—causing 477,000 health care jobs to be lost in 2026 alone.
We would all suffer the consequences if Medicaid is harmed.
The domino effects of these cuts would be severe and wide-reaching. If you spoke out to protect the Affordable Care Act, we need you to speak out even louder to protect Medicaid.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/07/2025 - 16:34Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
Join us for the next Embracing Equity Series Event: "Out of The Shadows: Our Unique Mental Health Challenges," a mental health panel moderated by Sean Hayden, host of Stage Combat: The Podcast.
Advance registration required! Sign up on the member portal: https://t.co/71lOT0fHH4 pic.twitter.com/8GOXFz9FEJ
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 3, 2025
AFGE:
This is the largest and most significant challenge to Trump’s attempt to remake the government without congressional approval.
Here's what you need to know ⬇https://t.co/MquNHrBrPq
— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 7, 2025
AFSCME:
Saving Medicaid from reckless cuts was the purpose of a trip 70 AFSCME members made to Capitol Hill last week. https://t.co/vyhmxRr4Mk
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 6, 2025
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Today's Senate vote to confirm Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner is deeply troubling for seniors.
Read our statement to learn more: https://t.co/q6bzNQ22j2 pic.twitter.com/3jsq914RWi
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 6, 2025
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Stay informed about the latest news, campaigns, politics, and all the issues impacting our Union, our members, and our industry by subscribing to our e-newsletter, the ATU Dispatch today at https://t.co/2zRvpNDZrE #1u #canlab pic.twitter.com/HPiW9qZ0xm
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 7, 2025
American Federation of Musicians:
President Trump, in his Fiscal Year 2026 Budget request, has called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts. The NEA is essential to our livelihoods and our democracy. Without it, communities across the country, both rural and urban, will lack access to arts… pic.twitter.com/UMderdRkW8
— AFM (@The_AFM) May 3, 2025
American Federation of Teachers:
As we continue to celebrate healthcare professionals this #NationalNursesWeek, today we want to thank the thousands of nurses and healthcare professionals working in our schools to keep kids healthy.
Happy #NationalSchoolNurseDay, and thank you for all you do! @AFTHealthcare pic.twitter.com/FjHV3A08qz
— AFT (@AFTunion) May 7, 2025
American Postal Workers Union:
☎️ 🚨 Call the APWU Legislative Hotline and urge your House Rep. to vote NO to cuts for federal and postal workers' retirement.
This week the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform approved significant cuts to our retirement. This measure will now be included in the…
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) May 2, 2025
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Evaluate your mental well-being on a routine basis just like you are advised to do for your physical health. pic.twitter.com/MUv57w515T
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 5, 2025
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
039: BCTGM Sugar Locals on Milling, Refining and Having a Voice at the Table https://t.co/oLUReY4CnN
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) April 27, 2025
Boilermakers:
Listen up! America's Work Force Union Podcast spoke with the Founder/CEO of Bartlett Maritime Corporation, Capt. Ed Bartlett Jr. and mentioned their partnership with the Boilermakers https://t.co/svS6vSKEMA
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) May 6, 2025
Bricklayers:
Although falls are the leading cause of death in construction and these deaths have increased over the last 10 years, every fall is preventable. Learn how: https://t.co/5L9JzwysA0#StandDown4Safety #StopFalls #1uSafety #workplacesafety
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) May 6, 2025
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Happy May Day from CBTU International Under 40 Leaders! pic.twitter.com/1JeiGRl8pc
— CBTU International Under 40 Leaders (@Under40Leaders) May 2, 2025
Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Every four years, CLUW elects officers. Interested in running? Email info@CLUW.org
President
Executive Vice President
Treasurer
Corresponding Secretary
Recording Secretary pic.twitter.com/4NNq0jveJn
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) April 19, 2025
Communications Workers of America:
Rain or shine, Michigan @CWAUnion shows up! Fiber is faster, more reliable, and built to last. Don't let greedy satellite companies tell you otherwise. #ProtectOurWork #CWAStrong pic.twitter.com/M78DC6cih2
— CWA District 4 (@D4CWA) May 6, 2025
Department for Professional Employees:
DPE applauds the release of @USTradeRep's Special 301 Report, which details the findings of USTR’s review of global IP protection and enforcement. Read our full statement: https://t.co/cdoWxaVueK pic.twitter.com/hoeAT6PXcD
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 7, 2025
Electrical Workers:
“If you think: ‘I work in the private sector. This doesn’t affect me,’ then think again. When public-sector workers lose their rights, it opens the door for anti-union forces to target everyone.” https://t.co/h41N6AbG0t pic.twitter.com/TKAn83cEx8
— IBEW (@IBEW) May 6, 2025
Fire Fighters:
💛💙🔥 Support @MDAorg research by donating to #FilltheBoot and help people with ALS live longer, more independent lives.https://t.co/FYsG2Qc0Gw pic.twitter.com/NyIqQhea7r
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) May 6, 2025
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Building brotherhood—one catch at a time. 🐠
When the weather’s right, you’ll find Local 132, out of Honolulu, Hawaii, not just working together but diving.
“Once we hit the water, our stresses and worries fade away and we’re able to focus on one thing: spearfishing,” says Local… pic.twitter.com/apeKpwxTTx
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) May 2, 2025
International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers:
WATCH: Our Local 110 brother Jeremy braved a torrential storm and spoke truth to power during a Kentucky May Day rally: “The labor movement is about more than just wages and benefits. It’s about justice, it’s about dignity, it’s about human rights.” pic.twitter.com/wVToA6euDt
— SMART Union (@smartunionworks) May 7, 2025
International Labor Communications Association:
We want YOU to submit to the 2025 Labor Media Awards!
Submit by May 30 and pay $60/entry, or submit by July 1 and pay $80/entry.
Learn more about the contest and submit here: https://t.co/9YGKIYAudh pic.twitter.com/0xnlDbGthw
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) May 5, 2025
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
🎬🔥 Join the DC Labor Film Fest! Don’t miss the screening of LA COCINA — a gripping, tragicomic drama by Alonso Ruizpalacios that takes us inside the heat and hustle of a Times Square restaurant, where undocumented workers fight for dignity and the American dream.
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 6, 2025
Laborers:
What’s happened in the #First100Days?
Delays. Canceled projects. Rolled-back protections.
The impacts on workers and union jobs are REAL! 🎯 #1u
👀WATCH: pic.twitter.com/QoBmXa5mQT
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 2, 2025
Major League Baseball Players Association:
Congratulations to the Players who reached 10 Years of Service Time this March and April!
Learn more about their journeys, and follow along each month as we recognize the newest members of this elite club, at: https://t.co/PSrTsomFxe pic.twitter.com/J5k86e0Dvw
— MLBPA (@MLBPA) April 30, 2025
Major League Soccer Players Association:
As we step into may, the MLSPA recognizes #AAPIMonth and celebrates the significant contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities to both soccer, the labor movement, and well beyond 💙 pic.twitter.com/0qxv97Ibcr
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) May 2, 2025
Mine Workers:
Happy Birthday Mary Harris “Mother” Jones. Born 1830, in Ireland, to become one of the most renowned women within the UMWA history and a prominent labor organizer and activist. Her presense lives on when her name is spoken. “Pray for the dead, and fight like hell for the living.” pic.twitter.com/N3JhIsc7XL
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) May 1, 2025
Musical Artists:
Contract Negotiations Began Today at the Metropolitan Opera: https://t.co/0CyLqRki7y pic.twitter.com/yydrJQNu3A
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 6, 2025
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
NATCA is proud to recognize #AAPIHeritageMonth. We celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans to the United States, labor rights, and our Union. pic.twitter.com/rzGlmlZc2Z
— NATCA (@NATCA) May 6, 2025
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Private shippers have been wanting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. We say #HellNo to handing them the keys! The Postal Service is for the people, and we’ll #FightLikeHell to protect the universal service all Americans rely on!
🔗 https://t.co/3CCvZzPPUj pic.twitter.com/aIHBxu9RHX
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 7, 2025
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
We're showing up for the final vote on the POWER Act in Philly!
If it passes, 750K+ workers could gain:
✅ Anti-retaliation rights
✅ Relief for abuse
✅ Bad Actors Database
✅ Paid sick time
✅ Worker Justice Fund
Let’s win this! pic.twitter.com/1VjQxiVQQc
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) May 7, 2025
National Nurses United:
This is what democracy looks like! ✊ pic.twitter.com/R7iZWwK5OZ
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) May 6, 2025
NFL Players Association:
Shoutout to @Chargers TE @haydenrhurst on this #CommunityMVP Friday 👏
In its 6th year, the @HHFoundation81 golf tournament raised $118,250 in benefit of mental health programs for youth, military vets & more -- with $89K going toward the Youth Crisis Center in Jacksonville 💙 pic.twitter.com/jRnhbLuKXt
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 2, 2025
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Arizona is stepping up by investing in Registered Apprenticeships that lead to real careers, real wages, and real union jobs. This is how we build the future right. https://t.co/1bVhhm60CO
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 7, 2025
Painters and Allied Trades:
Taxpayer-funded projects should not support contractors who break the law and exploit workers. Yet at the Oak Grove development in Norwalk, CT, subcontractors with egregious labor violations are still being used by AP Construction
We’re calling on Norwalk Housing Authority to… pic.twitter.com/9zk4pDJglt
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) May 5, 2025
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
It's PSRW, time to show gratitude for nation’s civil servants, what they do to keep nation running. But there's been barrage of actions taken by gov aimed at federal workers. But that will not stop PASS from celebrating stellar service they provide! #PSRWhttps://t.co/F04BimIWuw
— PASS (@PASSNational) May 4, 2025
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@Local_1102 RWDSU members at Animal Care Centers of NYC — on the front lines of caring for the city’s most vulnerable pets and strays — have won a new 3yr union contract that reflects their essential work and unwavering compassion. #1U Read more:https://t.co/QEmWKFMJ6V pic.twitter.com/og0KJIpTn7
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 7, 2025
Roofers and Waterproofers:
On National Skilled Trades Day, we salute the men and women who put in the hard work, day in and day out, to build, fix, and protect what matters.#SkilledTrades #UnionStrong #RooferPride pic.twitter.com/DeI2xZbOqK
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 7, 2025
SAG-AFTRA:
TAKE 5 🎬 You never know who you can get to join your project! 😉 Learn about the Ultra Low Budget Agreement, or UPA, from @StaceyTravis777, Chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Low Budget Committee, and Olga Rodriguez-Aguirre, Executive Director for Entertainment Contracts. #Take5SagAftra pic.twitter.com/LZJGXNDdR3
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 7, 2025
Seafarers:
Proud and grateful to have been part of the SHIPS for America press conference today. Thank you, @RepTrentKelly @SenMarkKelly @SenToddYoung @RepGaramendi #SHIPSforAmerica #1u #Maritime pic.twitter.com/5sqrrbmPx8
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) April 30, 2025
Service Employees International Union:
🛑 No cuts to Medicaid. Call Congress now! #CodeBlueForMedicaid #SaveMedicaid pic.twitter.com/EudBdNw7WP
— SEIU (@SEIU) May 7, 2025
Solidarity Center:
"Solidarity isn’t about funding—it’s about people.
LO Norway is helping continue Solidarity Center programs in Palestine and Ukraine to ensure workers have a voice, fair wages and safe jobs.✊🌍 #GlobalSolidarity #WorkerRights
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 2, 2025
The NewsGuild-CWA:
NEW: “Trump’s unlawful executive action to stop funding America’s public media is another attack on our 1st Amendment rights,” says NewsGuild-CWA president @gaufre.
Defend local news: Become a monthly donor to your local @NPR | @PBS station.https://t.co/CBOZFDXgO8
— The NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 5, 2025
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Join us for Safety and Health Week 2025 with a hop-on & hop-off webinar rebroadcast marathon! The Education Department will host two webinar rebroadcasts on Thursday, May 8. All IATSE workers are welcome to join! A schedule of events is as follows:
Safety Awareness While Working… pic.twitter.com/jMdvhXvYhJ
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 6, 2025
Transport Workers Union:
Congrats to TWU Locals 2001 & 2055 for fighting back against NYS’s @MTA and its concessionary demands. Members ratified - with 98% in support - a new contract with @MetroNorth rail, proving again that when workers fight We Win!
— TWU (@transportworker) May 2, 2025
Transportation Trades Department:
We are thrilled to introduce @TTDAFLCIO's new PAC Administrator and Legislative Aide, Jeffrey Robb! Originally from Ohio, Jeffrey worked on state, local, and national campaigns. Join us in welcoming him to the transportation labor movement. pic.twitter.com/AqvT373jH3
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) May 6, 2025
UAW:
Stellantis could ramp up U.S. vehicle production right now just by utilizing the excess capacity at its active factories. Instead, the company continues to offshore jobs to low-wage, high-exploitation countries. It's time for Stellantis to stop stalling and to invest in the U.S. pic.twitter.com/3cknYIPtUL
— UAW (@UAW) May 5, 2025
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
For those of us who were paying attention, there was nothing quiet about it. Federal workers deserve better! https://t.co/asYGBPwgzh
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) May 1, 2025
Union Veterans Council:
On June 6, we rally in D.C. 🇺🇸 Unite for Veterans, Unite for America – The Bonus Army 2025
Join us as we fight back against the attacks on vets’ jobs & benefits.
✊ Sign up: https://t.co/LU1zIPHTmx#Unite4Vets #BonusArmy2025 #VeteransRise #UnionStrong
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) April 23, 2025
UNITE HERE:
We are BACK outside the Wilson Building with @unitehere23 and the Building Trades to stand up for i82, stadium workers, and good jobs at RFK! https://t.co/03Pyn8corT pic.twitter.com/6wYsTZ7xa7
— UNITE HERE Local 25 (@UHLocal25) May 6, 2025
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#MomsEqualPayDay, marks how far into the year moms must work to earn what working fathers made the previous year.
At UFCW, we fight every day to close this gap through strong contracts & respect for the essential work moms do.
Want to learn more? Visit https://t.co/5EteFz3G3H pic.twitter.com/xVQuzs21co
— UFCW (@UFCW) May 6, 2025
United Steelworkers:
For AANHPI Month, we’re highlighting members who are doing big things in the labor movement! Greta Jianjia Cheng helped 2,100+ Pitt grad workers unionize with 98% support. Now she’s bargaining for better support for international students, health care, housing, and inclusion. pic.twitter.com/rN42jZDRUi
— United Steelworkers Union (@steelworkers) May 7, 2025
Writers Guild of America East:
We’re proud to share we’ve reached a tentative agreement with CBS News Chicago! None of this would have been possible without your public support for our union. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/p5RPhqaxDJ
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) May 5, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:04Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Kristy Pham
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kristy Pham of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Kristy Pham is a member of Communications Workers (CWA) Local 9510. Currently, she serves as the District 9 representative of the CWA National Minority Caucus, the secretary-treasurer of Local 9510 and the chair of the Women's Committee. Her union experience includes roles as a shop steward and executive board member. In 2022, Pham was honored as the Orange County Labor Federation Delegate of the Year. Pham is a passionate advocate for equity, fair wages and social justice.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/07/2025 - 08:55Service & Solidarity Spotlight: NLRB Sides with Whole Foods Workers in Amazon’s Union Election Challenge
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.
Last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) overruled every objection filed by Whole Foods regarding a landmark January election where workers at a Philadelphia location voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1776.
After a majority of workers at the Amazon-owned grocer’s flagship storefront cast ballots in support of organizing a union, the corporate giant filed numerous objections with the NLRB to challenge the election results. Amazon argued that UFCW unfairly offered workers transportation to the polling site, that the NLRB could not certify the union because it lacked quorum and more. Following a two-day hearing that included testimony from 10 witnesses, Philadelphia-region Hearing Officer Deena Kobel rejected those arguments.
“This ruling is definitive—Whole Foods lost, the workers won, and it’s time for the company to respect the results,” said Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV. “Amazon’s tired playbook of delay and obstruction has failed. We call on Whole Foods to stop wasting time and taxpayer resources with baseless legal challenges and sit down at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/07/2025 - 08:50RSVP TODAY: Airport Workers Virtual Roundtable
Join workers, advocates, and community partners at the Airport Workers United's Virtual Roundtable on May 7th at 12 pm ET featuring SEIU International President April Verrett, airport worker leaders from across the country, elected champions and other partners for an important conversation about the intersecting crisis of poverty and safety at our nation's airports.
Special guests will share their experiences within the aviation system and highlight a new report Flight Path to Safe, Secure and Accessible Airports: The Case for centering fair workplaces, community needs, and passenger choice over airline's soaring profits. This comprehensive report highlights workers' experiences and conditions at PHX, DFW, and CLT airports and illustrates how lifting standards and enforcing protections for this workforce advances the safety, security, and needs of the entire airport ecosystem -- workers, passengers, and surrounding communities all benefit.
Special Guests confirmed to participate in the virtual roundtable:
Airport Service Worker Leaders from each featured airports in white paper PHX, DFW, CLT
April Verrett, SEIU International President
US Representative Yassamin Ansari, (AZ 3)
Enrique Lopezlira, Ph.D., Director, Low-Wage Work Program, UC Berkeley Center for Labor Research and Education
Colleen Flanagan, Disability Rights Advocate
RSVP today HERE!
For more information about the roundtable or SEIU's Airport Workers United please contact Isaiah Wilson at isaiah.wilson@seiu.org.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/07/2025 - 07:06Solidarity Forever: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
Electric May Day celebration in Anchorage, Alaska yesterday! Our community came together to stand up for workers in every sector and demand answers from our federal delegation.
One Union. One Alaska. One Fight. ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/rZW2pYFvZF
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 2, 2025
Arizona AFL-CIO:
✊Today is International Workers' Day! We celebrate the strength and solidarity of the labor movement and say "enough." We are fighting back on illegal attacks on our jobs, our unions, our contracts, and our freedoms.https://t.co/HSVGdh5wLs pic.twitter.com/LumNIfOyxW
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
We stand in strong solidarity with @UPTECWA and @afscme3299, who are on strike today protesting unfair labor practices at the University of California.
Here’s a photo from the UPTE action in Sacramento! #MayDay pic.twitter.com/Xa6NhhY85l
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) May 1, 2025
Colorado AFL-CIO:
The Colorado House just heard the Worker Protection Act! This bill is a fair shot at strong unions and an economy that works for all of us. @GovofCO , sign this bill & stand with the workers who power our economy every day. @baconforco #coleg pic.twitter.com/tDSB15jjiS
— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Incredible support from Day 1 on the IAM strike line in East Hartford! We appreciate you all and we'll be here every day until the members get a fair contract! pic.twitter.com/uxzysvFbjR
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Senate Labor Chair Robert Peters joined the @AWFUnionPodcast to talk about his journey into politics, Illinois' pro-worker legislation and efforts to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the trades.
Tune in here: https://t.co/HGhieHGQH1 pic.twitter.com/JfFG78lRV7
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Happy International Workers’ Day! Today the world celebrates the courage and resolve of workers who have fought for safety, dignity and justice at work. Solidarity Forever! ✊#MayDay #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/X0XUpTtW2E
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) May 1, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
"Unfortunately, [our staffing is] subject to potential reductions through the [Congressional] budget reconciliation process," said Bangor air traffic controller Bryan Loquet, @NATCA State Coordinator for Maine. https://t.co/D7dV9vNhpm
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 6, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Support Macy's Workers Fighting for a better future! @ufcw1445https://t.co/ygvXwKmbe6 pic.twitter.com/7vMgCsWkjh
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 6, 2025
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Satellite company CEOs are being greedy and pushing to funnel more of the money intended for fiber buildout to unreliable satellite internet service. Enough is Enough. Protect our work and reliable, affordable internet service NOW: https://t.co/XNR6akvDqw pic.twitter.com/fSnqHaFXMS
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 6, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Join us on June 29th! #BetterInAUnion https://t.co/zf8GmzOBtp
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
As Trump & his DOGE team attack our union contracts and basic freedoms, we must stand united in our fight for a better future for all workers. Our solidarity is our strength. You come for one of us, you come for ALL OF US. https://t.co/atG8VHy6AT
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 2, 2025
Nebraska State AFL-CIO:
Our rights weren’t given. They were fought for and won by workers who refused to accept dismal working conditions.
On International Workers' Day and every day, the labor movement carries their strength in our fight for worker justice. #MayDay2025 pic.twitter.com/brlO5XBLAC
— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) May 2, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
This afternoon we joined SEIU 1107 at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center professionals at their rally for quality patient care and tetention! pic.twitter.com/OUgUg73XLP
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 6, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
Statement of President Mario Cilento on Unemployment Insurance Benefit: https://t.co/gKfivGHCjv
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Workers, veterans and retirees are speaking out about how North Carolinians are being hurt by DOGE cuts to our essential services. Why is @SenThomTillis so afraid of hearing from his constituents? pic.twitter.com/DUFqSDOyQQ
— NC State AFL-CIO (@ncstateaflcio.bsky.social) (@NCStateAFLCIO) April 29, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon State Representatives are considering a key labor bill, SB 916A, which extends unemployment benefits to striking workers. Stand with Oregon workers today and send a letter asking lawmakers to Vote YES on SB 916A. https://t.co/TEH1DkhEjk pic.twitter.com/cEWmV0lND4
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
The U.S. Department of Labor exists to protect workers—like coal miners. But they are trying to dismantle those protections piece by piece. Without a strong DOL, worker safety isn’t just at risk—it’s gone. pic.twitter.com/5MOJn1KqMl
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 5, 2025
Texas AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with workers at Austin’s @alamodrafthouse Slaughter Lane who just voted to join @UAW!
Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! (via @KVUE) #ATX #UnionStrong https://t.co/hbMjuBXvve
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 6, 2025
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
NIOSH keeps Workers safe. Call and demand Congress save NIOSH from DOGE's reckless cuts! https://t.co/hSCyIRrMKQ
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 5, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Worker safety agency NIOSH lays off most remaining staff https://t.co/3blbSUikep via @CBSNews
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 5, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:15Pressure Comes from the People: 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.
U.S. Labor Unions Demand 'Brother' Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Return from El Salvador: “The letter was signed by Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO labor federation; James Williams, Jr., president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, or IUPAT; Gwen Mills, president of the hospitality union Unite Here; and Michael Coleman, president of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, or SMART, which is Abrego Garcia’s union.”
Writers Guild Voluntarily Recognizes Staff Union: “The Writers Guild of America West has voluntarily recognized its staff’s intent to unionize with the Pacific Northwest Staff Union, allowing the bargaining unit to move forward on its first labor contract. ‘We have an agreement on our first demand, and we’re excited to take this important step towards having a voice in improving our workplace and organizing without fear of retaliation,’ WGAW Operations Coordinator II and Writers Guild Staff Union leader Doug MacIsaac said. ‘We’re happy to be able to advocate for ourselves and look forward to negotiating our first collective bargaining agreement.’”
AFL-CIO President Visits Maine to Highlight Potential Impacts of Veterans Administration Cuts: “Union officials are warning that potential cuts to the veterans’ administration will result in longer wait times for services and benefits. Last month, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs announced a reorganization plan that calls for reducing the VA workforce by 83,000 employees this year, one of many federal cost cutting measures. In response, members of the AFL-CIO gathered in Augusta Wednesday to share their stories as part of a roundtable discussion with National President Liz Shuler. She’s been traveling the country to meet with workers in places like Maine, that ‘aren’t strongholds for either political party,’ she said. ‘This is about capturing workers’ voices and bringing their stories to life because often they are left out of the conversation,’ she said.”
Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Musicians Agree on New Contract: “Established in Kansas in 1944, the Wichita Symphony Orchestra has recently come to an agreement with its musicians to increase their salaries, among other deals. In all, 45 members of the Wichita Musicians’ Association, local union No. 297 of the American Federation of Musicians, unanimously approved the contract, which will run through June 2028 and cover around 80 orchestra musicians.”
Coalition of Nonprofits, Unions Launch Challenge to Trump's 'Unlawful' Attack on Government: “‘The Trump administration's reckless attempt to dismantle our government without congressional approval threatens vital services Americans depend on every day—from caring for veterans and safeguarding public health, to protecting our environment and maintaining national security,’ said AFGE national president Everett Kelley. ‘This illegal power grab would gut federal agencies, disrupt communities nationwide, and put critical public services at risk. AFGE is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this coalition to protect not just the patriotic public servants we represent, but the integrity of American government and the essential services that our nation deserves.’”
Too Many Workers Die on the Job Every Year. Trump’s Attacks on OSHA Will Kill More: “This Monday marked Workers Memorial Day, an annual international day of remembrance of workers who have died on the job, as well as a day of action to continue the fight for workplace safety. An estimated 140,587 U.S. workers died from hazardous working conditions in 2023, according to a new AFL-CIO report. This amounts to roughly 385 workplace-related deaths a day. While mourning these lives lost, there is also reason to fear this death toll will only rise due to aggressive Trump administration attacks on basic health and safety protections long taken for granted in most U.S. workplaces.”
Referendum to Repeal Anti-Union Law Meets Threshold to Qualify for 2026 Ballot: “Labor groups have met the requirements to put a measure on the 2026 ballot to repeal a law banning police, firefighters and teachers unions from representing their members in contract negotiations. As of Monday morning, the referendum backers had reached their target in the required 15 senate districts, in addition to the 146,480 verified signatures statewide, according to the lieutenant governor’s office.”
SAG-AFTRA National Board Overwhelmingly Approves Commercials Contracts Deal: “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board overwhelmingly approved 2025’s Commercials Contracts tentative agreements reached with the Joint Policy Committee April 12, meaning the agreements will now move on to the membership for ratification. The decision, made at the regularly scheduled, two-day, in-person assembly, yielded a deal valued at an increase of $218.4 million in new earnings and benefit plan contributions over three years. If ratified, the agreements would provide compounded increases in performer compensation at a rate of 5% in year one, 4% in year two and 3% in year three.”
AFL-CIO President on Mass Protests: ‘Pressure Comes from the People’: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins The Weekend to discuss how to keep the momentum going following massive anti-Trump protests this month.”
Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Its Attack on Union Rights: “Trump’s executive order, which AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler called ‘the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history,’ applied to workers at a wide swath of agencies, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Treasury Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Shuler applauded Friedman’s injunction. ‘We commend the court for recognizing the Trump administration’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights for what it was: illegal, retaliatory union-busting,’ Shuler said in a statement. ‘This was the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history, and if Trump was allowed to do it to federal workers, he would be able to do it to every worker in America, in every workplace and every industry.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:11Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Ili Meaole
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ili Meaole of AFGE.
Ili Meaole has dedicated more than 21 years of her life to the labor movement, fighting tirelessly for the rights of workers. Her journey began in 2002 when she joined the union and became a steward, driven by a desire to advocate for her colleagues. In 2008, she was elected as local secretary, working relentlessly to ensure equality in the workplace. Meaole continues to lead with determination as AFGE District 11's elected National Fair Practice and Affirmative Action Coordinator. She is also a proud member of the AFGE Council of Prison Locals.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 09:42Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Members at Pratt & Whitney Go on 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.
Approximately 3,000 members of Machinists (IAM) locals 700 and 1746 in Connecticut rejected the latest proposal from their employer, Pratt & Whitney, and launched a work stoppage early Monday morning to secure a fair contract.
Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of defense company RTX, produces engines for both commercial and military jets. Workers at the aerospace manufacturer voted with about 77% in support of a strike after management failed to provide a deal that sufficiently addressed concerns over wages, retirement and job security.
“Pratt and Whitney is a powerhouse in military and commercial aerospace products because our membership makes it so,” said IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “This offer does not address the membership concerns, and the membership made their decision—we will continue to fight for a fair contract.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/06/2025 - 09:32Get to Know AFL-CIO's Affiliates: Actors and Artistes
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 63 of our affiliates. Next up is the Actors and Artistes (4As).
Name of Union: Associated Actors and Artistes of America.
Current Leadership of Union: Gabrielle Carteris, president.
Mission: The 4As works to advance and protect the welfare of the people who work to entertain and inform others in person and through every medium of recording and transmission. There are five member unions that make up the 4As. Actors’ Equity Association, the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and SAG-AFTRA are directly affiliated with the AFL-CIO. Two other unions are part of the AFL-CIO through their membership in the 4As: the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA) and the Italian American Actors (GIAA). Administrative functions of the 4As are handled by the Department for Professional Employees (DPE).
American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA)Mission: To represent performing artists and stage managers for live performances in the variety field.
Current Leadership of Union: Judy Little serves as executive president. Other officers include Christopher Johnson (executive vice president), Susanne K. Doris (executive secretary-treasurer), Thania Guzman (director of membership) and Darlene Wendy Frank (national comptroller).
Members Work as: Variety performers, including singers and dancers in touring shows and in theatrical revues, theme park performers, skaters, circus performers, comedians and stand-up comics, cabaret and club artists, lecturers, poets, monologists, spokespersons, and those working at private parties and special events.
Industries Represented: Any performances in the variety area.
History: AGVA was founded in 1939.
Current Campaigns and Community Efforts: The AGVA Welfare Trust Fund is a self-funded major medical insurance plan, governed by a board of trustees, for the purpose of providing medical, optical and dental insurance coverage to eligible AGVA performers. AGVA offers current and previous members assistance through the Margie Coate Sick and Relief Fund, which is also regularly involved with other industry-related charities that benefit AGVA members, such as the Entertainment Community Fund, Episcopal Actors’ Guild, Catholic Actors Guild, Better Wellness, the New York Health Fair, Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, Central Labor Rehabilitation Council, St. Malachy’s Actors’ Chapel and various telethons. The fund also presents regular variety shows using the talents of AGVA member performers (for which they are paid a fee for expenses) at various senior citizen facilities, hospitals, care centers, schools and public service locations throughout the country. AGVA also provides members with visa application assistance.
Learn More: Website, Facebook, X
Italian American Actors (GIAA)Mission: Helping advance, promote, foster and protect the welfare of its members within its own jurisdiction and its sister unions. To preserve the history and awareness of Italian heritage among its members.
Current Leadership of Union: Carlo Fiorletta is the president of GIAA. Other officers include Carolyn McDonough (first vice president), Debbie Klaar (second vice president), Mara Lesemann (secretary/treasurer), Simcha Borenstein (councilor), Ashley Wagner (councilor), Ron Piretti (alternate councilor), Regina M. Cafarelli (alternate councilor), Elaine LeGaro (alternate councilor) and Paul Borghese (president emeritus).
Members Work as: Actors.
Industries Represented: The arts and entertainment industries.
History: GIAA was founded in 1937 as the Italian Actors Union to provide a voice for small ethnic theater groups. Since the 1990s, the group has been known as the Guild of Italian American Actors.
Current Campaigns and Community Efforts: GIAA provides news and casting opportunities to its members. If members choose to have their headshot and resume included on the website, their information will be available to casting directors and agents who regularly use the site as a resource.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 13:05Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Angie Nguyen
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Angie Nguyen of AFSCME.
Angie Nguyen is a home care provider in California, caring for her mother and aunt, both in their 80s. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to California in 1993 through help from the Humanitarian Operation Program. Nguyen has been a proud United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME) member since 2008 and currently serves as a board member, committed to lifting up home care and family child care providers, clients and communities through collective action. She has helped grow the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance's (APALA’s) membership in Orange County, organized activists for community actions and local elections, and worked with the Orange County Labor Federation to advance APALA’s mission.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 10:24Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Unions Ask Congress to Demand That President Trump Reinstate Fired NIOSH Workers
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.
On Thursday, the AFL-CIO and 27 labor unions urged members of Congress to pressure the Trump administration to reverse its effort to gut the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). More than 85% of NIOSH staff have been placed on administrative leave and will be terminated in June without action. NIOSH plays a crucial role in protecting workers on the job, and without a fully staffed and functioning agency, the number of tragic and avoidable workplace injuries and fatalities will increase.
“[I]n its attempt to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services using artificial intelligence, the so-called ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ functionally dismantled NIOSH—one of the most critical and impactful agencies to every worker in America, their families and to industries alike,” the labor organizations wrote. “This decision must be immediately reversed as it will take working conditions back centuries, when chronic occupational diseases and fatalities skyrocketed with no government agency to help identify causes and research interventions.”
Read the full letter and list of signatories here.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/05/2025 - 09:53
May Day Means Solidarity
Today is May Day, or International Workers’ Day, the day the world celebrates the bravery of workers throughout history who have sacrificed for safety, dignity and justice on the job.
We’re united in our resolve to fight for a better future for ALL workers abroad and at home, including those targeted by the DOGE/Project 2025 Agenda.
That includes our International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) brother Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was ripped away from his family in Maryland and sent to a prison in El Salvador, and our Service Employees International Union (SEIU) sister, Rümeysa Öztürk, taken while walking to dinner in Massachusetts and thrown into a detention center thousands of miles away.
Neither of these workers committed a crime.
Our solidarity is our strength. We take pride in knowing that we are a global movement standing up to the billionaires who are threatening our rights and freedoms.
Here are a few important ways you can get involved this May Day:
- Find an event near you! Get involved and join the fight for a better future for workers.
- President Trump’s executive order to eliminate the collective bargaining rights of hundreds of thousands of federal workers is blatant union-busting. Fill out this form to call your representative and tell them to overturn this executive order by supporting the Protect America’s Workforce Act! Or dial 844-896-5059.
- DOGE is gutting the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the agency that conducts job safety research on things like asbestos, lead and silica. This is a gift to corporations that want to slash worker protections to create more profits. Call your member of Congress and demand that they save NIOSH! Fill out this form to receive a call or dial 844-292-9097.
Working people won’t allow billionaires to divide us based on where we’re from.
This May Day, we’re standing together to send a message loud and clear across the country and the globe: We’re united in our resolve to fight for a better future for all workers.
Thank you for getting involved.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/01/2025 - 14:44Worker Wins: A Pivotal Opportunity
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
RWJBarnabas Clinicians Vote to Join AAUP: On Tuesday, 150 clinicians from RWJBarnabas Health voted to join the American Association of University Professors—Biomedical Health Sciences of New Jersey (AAUP-BHSNJ). RWJBarnabas is a network of independent health care providers in New Jersey, and after a 2018 agreement forged with Rutgers University, it became the largest academic health system in the state. Clinically Focused University Practitioners (CFUPs) are physician faculty members with 10% employment at Rutgers and 90% employment at RWJBarnabas. This role was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, depriving academic physicians of the union-negotiated benefits and protections that their 100% Rutgers-employed colleagues in the exact same departments and clinics enjoyed. They were previously excluded from union representation, a move that the union decried as illegal. CFUPs faced intimidation as management attempted to suppress union support, but ultimately they emerged victorious in their fight for equal benefits and protections. “We do not tolerate union busting or creating new inequities in the workforce,” said Todd Wolfson, national president of the AAUP and local president of the Rutgers AAUP. “The corporatization of academic medicine has worsened physician working conditions, patient care, and the training of medical students and residents. The AAUP and our physician faculty members are going to change that. We are already hearing from other RWJBH physicians about wanting to join our union, and we welcome them with open arms.
Public Sector Union Referendum Clears Thresholds for Ballot Vote in Utah: The Utah lieutenant governor confirmed this week that a coalition of unions have gathered enough signatures for a referendum to overturn state legislation restricting collective bargaining rights for public sector workers. Labor unions across the state banded together to fight H.B. 267, which was authored by out-of-state anti-worker think tanks. This bill was passed by the state legislature in February and severely weakens the rights of public sector workers to bargain for fair wages and safe working conditions. Organizers submitted 320,000 signatures from voters calling for a vote to repeal the legislation. Unless opponents to the referendum remove enough signatures to disqualify it, voters will consider the measure either this fall or next.
Showbox and Showbox SoDo Stage Crew Join IATSE and Ratify Contract: Workers at historic Seattle music venues, The Showbox and Showbox SoDo, are celebrating the ratification of their first union contract as Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 15 members. This victory, which has been more than two years in the making, is historic because it marks the first nightclub to have a union-represented stage crew in the Seattle area. Technicians and stagehands successfully secured meaningful wins like substantial wage increases, vacation pay, retirement contributions and more. “This moment—it’s exciting, it’s historic, and it’s a pivotal opportunity for the union to build relationships and worker power with a previously un-represented subsector of the live event industry,” said Tiffany Youngblood, Showbox house steward and stagehand. “We organized because we wanted to improve conditions, increase transparency, and introduce industry-standard practices and benefits.”
Judge Blocks Trump Executive Order Gutting Federal Unions: A federal judge issued an injunction Friday afternoon that temporarily blocked the Trump administration from ripping away collective bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of federal workers. Judge Paul L. Friedman, of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, said the directive that aimed to invalidate union contracts covering federal workers at dozens of agencies was “unlawful.” The executive order was issued last month under the guise of protecting national security, but many impacted members don’t perform jobs related to counterintelligence or domestic defense. The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed the initial complaint, and this ruling should prevent agencies from implementing the policy for now. “We commend the court for recognizing the Trump administration’s executive order stripping collective bargaining rights for what it was: illegal, retaliatory union-busting,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler in a press statement. “This was the most significant attack on workers’ rights in history, and if Trump was allowed to do it to federal workers, he would be able to do it to every worker in America, in every workplace and every industry. So this ruling to restore federal workers’ collective bargaining rights and reinstate their existing contracts—even if temporarily while the case continues in court—is an important first step.”
Road Crew for ‘Chicago: The Musical’ Win Voluntary Recognition: Ten stage and wardrobe professionals, members of the Theatrical Stage Employees’ (IATSE) Associated Crafts and Technicians (ACT) Local, who work on Chicago Razzle Dazzle II LLC’s production of “Chicago: The Musical,” won voluntary recognition of their union. The voluntary recognition is part of a growing trend within North America’s live‑events sector. In recent years, the owners of concert tours, festivals and theatrical productions have recognized the tangible benefits of a unionized workforce. “We are elated to be joining the IATSE after longing for representation and a voice on the job,” the crew members said in a statement. “We are proud to finally be a part of this organization that stands for fair labor practices [and] worker representation and provides community in an ever-growing profession. We hope to be an example of the strength that comes from a united front in the fight for workers’ rights and are excited to return to the ‘Chicago’ tour with a union contract.” “Chicago: The Musical” debuted on Broadway in 1975 and remains one of the longest-running musicals in history, and these IATSE ACT members are part of the revival that first opened in 1996. “It’s an honor to welcome these workers into the IATSE family and provide a path for collective representation,” said IATSE Assistant Director of Stagecraft Stasia Savage. “While the workers on this production are overall quite happy, we standby to provide training, advocacy and protections.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/01/2025 - 11:50Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wichita Symphony Orchestra Musicians Agree on New Contract
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.
A total of 45 members of the Wichita Musicians’ Association, Local 297 of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), voted unanimously to approve a new contract, which will run through June 2028. In total, the contract covers some 80 orchestra musicians.
The contract stipulates structured wage increases over three years, improved rehearsal pay policies, musician protections and refined language around artistic evaluations, a change in the hourly pay to a flat service rate for all musicians participating in rehearsals, among other improvements.
“We are incredibly pleased with this outcome, which will further enhance our orchestra’s artistic quality and provide important stability for the years ahead,” the orchestra’s executive director, Tim Storhoff, said.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:01100 Days of Speaking Truth to Power
In the past 100 days, President Trump, Elon Musk and their unaccountable DOGE have fired or targeted for firing at least 121,000 federal workers. They’ve been ripping up union contracts, cutting critical services we rely on and dismantling the fundamental freedom to organize for a better life.
We were ready for Project 2025—but this governing agenda is Project 2025 on steroids. Everything from Medicaid and Social Security, the U.S. Postal Service and Department of Veterans Affairs programs, and cancer research and food inspections have been on the chopping block over the past few months to pay for even bigger tax cuts for billionaires and giant corporations. And in the meantime, costs for working families just keep going up and up.
In short: This is the most anti-union, anti-worker barrage of attacks we’ve ever seen come from the White House.
But you know what’s giving us hope right now? You. The power and solidarity of our 63 unions, our 15 million union members, and working people all across this country—standing up and speaking out for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
The labor movement is leading the fight against this administration’s illegal actions and defending the jobs and services that people depend on. In the past 100 days, we’ve launched our own Department of People Who Work for a Living rapid response program to hold the DOGE accountable—and Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network to get workers the legal support they need to fight back.
We have tens of thousands of people showing up to rallies, and protests, and town halls—working folks who are ready to do something. We have entire communities coming out to protect their immigrant neighbors. We have brave lawyers taking the fight to this administration and winning in court, so that thousands of Americans can return to their jobs.
And we have people continuing to organize together and form unions in places we never have before, like the Deep South. Workers are saying: If the government isn’t going to fight for me, or raise my wages to a livable wage, I’ll stand with my co-workers and do it myself.
The labor movement is under attack like never before, but we’ve never been more united—and the people united will never be defeated.
Please watch and share:
View this post on InstagramA post shared by AFL-CIO (@aflcio)
If you’re looking for things to do right now on this 100 days marker, here are a few other ways you can get involved:
- Call Congress to restore federal bargaining rights now. Call your member of Congress and tell them to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act and to reverse the Trump administration’s executive order stripping the right to organize from hundreds of thousands of federal workers at more than 30 agencies. We are asking every single American who cares about the fundamental freedom of all workers to join a union to call their member of Congress right now at 844-896-5059.
- Find an event near you. Our union, state labor federation and local labor leaders are holding events all across the country every week to educate, organize, and mobilize working people. Keep checking in on our map to find an event near you.
- Join the Department of People Who Work for a Living, our own pseudo-government agency to expose the billionaire takeover. Share our content on social media and take action to stand up to the DOGE.
- Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network is uniting over a thousand lawyers to ensure working people get the support they deserve. Tell your friends by sending them to workerslegaldefense.org and donate to help support fired federal workers.
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Audrey Edmonds Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:13Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Showbox and Showbox SoDo Stage Crew Join IATSE and Ratify Contract
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 historic Seattle music venues, The Showbox and Showbox SoDo, are celebrating the ratification of their first union contract as Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 15 members.
This victory, which has been more than two years in the making, is historic because it marks the first nightclub to have a union-represented stage crew in the Seattle area. Technicians and stagehands successfully secured meaningful wins like substantial wage increases, vacation pay, retirement contributions and more.
“This moment—it’s exciting, it’s historic, and it’s a pivotal opportunity for the union to build relationships and worker power with a previously un-represented subsector of the live event industry,” said Tiffany Youngblood, Showbox house steward and stagehand. “We organized because we wanted to improve conditions, increase transparency, and introduce industry-standard practices & benefits.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 04/30/2025 - 10:50
