Fighting Every Day to Improve the Lives of Workers: The Working People Weekly List

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.

Project 2025 Exposed: Child Labor and Decimated Unions Promised with Trump’s Election: “Donald Trump took a private flight with the head of Project 2025, Kevin Roberts, The Washington Post reports. Jody Calemine, director of advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joins Joy Reid to discuss the potential, destructive impact of Project 2025 on labor unions and the American worker.” (Learn more about how Project 2025 affects you.)

What Is Tim Walz's Record on the Economy? Look at Minnesota: “The AFL-CIO, the nation's largest labor organization, praised the selection of Walz as vice presidential nominee. ‘We know that Gov. Walz will be a strong partner in the Harris White House, fighting every day to improve the lives of workers in communities across America,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement on Tuesday.”

AFL-CIO Warns of CEO Payflation Crisis Fueled by Stock Buybacks, Trump Tax Cuts: “The largest federation of labor unions in the U.S. published a report Thursday warning that the country is facing a crisis of ‘CEO payflation’ as executive compensation at leading companies surges, a trend fueled by former President Donald Trump's regressive tax cuts and record stock buybacks. The AFL-CIO's annual report on executive pay shows that the CEO-to-median-worker-pay ratio at S&P 500 companies was 268 to 1 last year, meaning that ‘it would take more than five career lifetimes for workers to earn what CEOs receive in just one year.’ ‘This level of inequality is not sustainable,’ Fred Redmond, the AFL-CIO's secretary-treasurer, said during a press call on Thursday. ‘Working people are sick and tired of politicians like Donald Trump pushing massive tax breaks for CEOs.’”

Harris and Walz Are Showing Their Support for Organized Labor with Appearance at Detroit Union Hall: “Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, are set to play up their support for organized labor during an appearance at a Detroit-area union hall as the new Democratic ticket lavishes attention on a crucial base of support. Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and Walz, who joined the ticket on Tuesday, plan to speak on Thursday to several dozen United Auto Workers members. After President Joe Biden ended his reelection campaign last month and endorsed his vice president, organized labor quickly rallied around Harris. The AFL-CIO endorsed her after having first backed Biden. The UAW formally backed her last week.”

Apple Store Workers Get First U.S. Contract: “Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a labor contract with the tech giant on Tuesday, after a year and a half in which bargaining appeared to stall for long stretches and union campaigns at other stores fell short. After the union announced the outcome, Apple said it did not dispute the result and was pleased to have an agreement. The contract, covering about 85 workers at a Towson, Md., store who voted to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers in June 2022, will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years.”

Storm King Workers Approve First Union Contracts: “Unionized workers at Storm King Art Center, in New York’s Hudson Valley, have approved their first labor union contract, ending months of negotiations over benefits and better wages. Approximately 75 workers at the beloved sculpture park, home to large-scale works by artists such as Richard Serra and Alexander Calder, voted in June 2023 to join two units of Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000, an affiliate of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).”

Iron Workers, Operating Engineers Locals Celebrate Topping Out of Eastbound Span of I-270 Chain of Rocks Bridge: “Talented union members from Iron Workers Locals 396 and 392 and Operating Engineers Locals 513 and 520 recently ‘topped out’ on the Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks Bridge project. The July 21 ceremony, marking the setting of the eastbound brdge, took place on a barge in the middle of the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Madison County, Ill. The new structure is being built directly south of the existing Chain of Rocks Bridge, and is the first of the project’s twin bridges to be built. Work on the westbound span is expected to begin in 2025.”

UAW Local 282 Members End Strike at Lear with Tentative Agreement: “After a three day strike, UAW Local 282 members at Lear are back to work with a tentative four-year agreement that includes a 30% wage increase for production workers and a 35% increase for maintenance employees. The 460 employees, who make seats for GM vehicles, went on strike early July 22 for better health and safety protections on the job, higher wages and improved health and retirement benefits. The action halted production at the nearby GM Wentzville Assembly plant, which ran out of Lear-made seats.”

UAW Leader Says Trump Would Send the Labor Movement into Reverse If He's Elected Again: “Putting Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the Democratic ticket increases the Democrats’ chance of winning Michigan and keeping the White House in November, the head of the United Auto Workers union says. In an interview Friday with The Associated Press, Shawn Fain said former President Donald Trump is beholden to billionaires, knows nothing about the auto industry and would send the labor movement into reverse if he's elected again.”

Workers at 4 Café Ceres Locations Vote to Unionize: “Baristas at Café Ceres have voted to unionize with Unite Here 17. The union, which represents service industry workers in Minnesota, announced the results of the election on Saturday, Aug. 3. Workers at four Café Ceres locations, as well as Colita, informed Chef Daniel Del Prado's DDP Restaurant Group of their intention to unionize in June. The company did not voluntarily recognize either union, forcing a vote overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:55

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: U.S. Rep. from Rhode Island Introduces Federal Bill to Crack Down on Wage Theft

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island held a press conference last week to announce that he will introduce a bill to make wage theft a felony nationwide when Congress reconvenes in September.

The Don’t Stand for Taking Employed American’s Livings (Don’t STEAL) Act updates the legal framework for wage theft violations to be comparable with other forms of criminal theft under federal law. Currently, employers who steal worker tips, pay them less than promised or deny them overtime, at most, face a misdemeanor or a fine under $10,000. Wage theft is already a felony in Rhode Island—thanks to legislation passed by the General Assembly last year—and the local labor movement is applauding Magaziner for building on this success by taking the fight to the federal level. The legislation has been endorsed by multiple unions and pro-worker organizations, both around the state and nationally.

“This legislation is a critical step forward in protecting workers rights and our entire economy,” said George Nee, president of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. “Wage theft is insidious, pervasive and comes in many forms—from failing to pay for overtime to distributing pooled tips to an employer or supervisor. This is a rampant problem that needs to be fixed at the federal level, and I applaud Representative Magaziner’s proposed legislation. It will provide a deterrence to unscrupulous employers exploiting workers so that law-abiding businesses can fairly compete and that workers can get the wages that they have duly earned.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:18

Worker Wins: A Great Win for Us and Our Members

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

University System of Maryland Workers Ratify First Systemwide Contract: AFSCME Maryland Council 3 and the University System of Maryland (USM) officially signed the first systemwide union contract Friday after a nearly two-year-long negotiating process. Members voted overwhelmingly to ratify the historic contract in late July and, soon after, the USM Board of Regents also ratified the deal on their end. Highlights of the agreement include an increase to the minimum wage, upward of 5% or more in pay bumps, improved annual leave accrual, workplace privacy protections, new health and safety protocols, and more. This victory also marks a major shift from negotiating individual union contracts for each campus in the USM to having one unified deal that more effectively addresses disparities in pay and working conditions between schools. “This historic accomplishment is many years in the making,” said Patrick Moran, president of Council 3. “And now for the first time, the hardworking staff at these University System of Maryland schools will have a strong union contract that raises the bar across the board when it comes to pay, benefits, and working conditions. Gone are the days of each university trying to divide us because they know we’re stronger when we advocate together.”

UFCW Members Reach Agreement with Hanover Foods, Avoid Strike: United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 avoided a strike last week after ratifying a new contract by a 2-to-1 margin on a new three-year contract with food processing corporation Hanover Foods. The union reached an agreement on Wednesday, after an extended period of negotiations. Since the prior contract expired at the beginning of the year, workers have remained steadfast in their fight for a fair deal, voting twice to unanimously reject proposals from the company that included cuts to benefits and salaries. Because of their unity, members are now celebrating wins like 3%-5% wage increases in the first year of the contract—with up to 5% in the second and third years—additional vacation time for long-term workers and retention of the union’s health care plan. “UFCW 1776 stood together with our members to bring Hanover Foods to the table to negotiate a settlement,” said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. “This significant achievement wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of our member bargaining committee.”

Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union: Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week. The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions. “We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”

Under New Law, Illinois Employers Can’t Force Workers to Sit Through Anti-Union Meetings: This week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Worker Freedom of Speech Act, a bill aimed at curtailing the practice of captive-audience meetings, during the Illinois AFL-CIO’s biennial convention. When the law goes into effect on Jan. 1, it will make the state the eighth to ban mandatory workplace meetings where managers discuss political and religious topics, including union membership. The bill also creates a right of action for individual workers to sue employers if they are punished for refusing to attend these meetings. Staff also can report their employer to the state Department of Labor, which can levy fines of $1,000 per violation. Importantly, the legislation additionally prohibits both state and local governments from ever enacting “right to work” laws, a critical protection for working people. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea, local lawmakers and workers joined Pritzker at the signing to celebrate this milestone. “People go to work to work, not to be indoctrinated,” Drea said in a statement. “Now, workers will not have to choose between their livelihood and personal values when employers use mandatory meetings to advance their political and religious interests.”

Prism Reports Staff Organize with Pacific Media Workers Guild: Workers in the nonprofit newsroom Prism Reports announced on Wednesday they are forming a union with Pacific Media Workers Guild, Local 39521 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). After 100% of bargaining unit members signed cards in support of joining Prism Workers United, management voluntarily recognized the union. Prism Reports writers, editors, copy editors and social media editors are organizing in order to have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation at the independent news outlet so they can play a role in shaping what a fair, equitable workplace can look like. “I am unionizing to make sure that Prism continues to be a leader in our industry,” said senior climate features reporter Ray Levy Uyeda. “In a professional field where our jobs are treated like our identities, Prism has always shown that journalism is what we do; people—in all expressions of humanity—are who we are. I’m also excited to unionize to demonstrate solidarity with workers everywhere who know that organizing is how we build toward a liberated future.”

TWU Wins Largest Wage Increase for On-Board Workers in Amtrak History: Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 1460 secured the largest wage increase Tuesday for Amtrak workers in the rail service’s 53-year history after on-board service workers overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract. The seven-year agreement covers critical Amtrak staff like train attendants and café car workers, the vast majority working on Amtrak’s busy Northeast Corridor, and was approved with more than 85% of TWU members voting favorably. Wins in the contract include a 34% compounded wage increase over the life of the deal, retroactive back pay, an industry-leading paid parental leave provision, no increases to health care costs, improved bereavement leave and more. When all the wage increases, bonuses and other forms of compensation are calculated together, workers will have received an additional $80,000 at the end of the contract compared to what they were making before the new agreement was ratified. “I think this was a great win for us and our members at Amtrak on-board service,” said Local 1460 President Amy Griffin, who has worked for Amtrak since 1988. “It’s been a long, hard-fought battle, but I know we came out on top. The paid parental leave is phenomenal, and we got a few work rules changed that haven’t been touched in 30-plus years.”

Bronx Defenders Union Ratifies Historic Contract: Members of The Bronx Defenders Union–UAW Local 2325 (BxD Union) last week voted to ratify a historic two-year contract with their public defender nonprofit employer, one month and a day after workers voted for strike authorization. There were 92% of BxD Union members who participated in the ratification vote, with a resounding 91% of those members voting to approve the new contract. The old agreement expired at the beginning of July after months of management stonewalling negotiations with staff. This new contract victory agreement was secured just days before a strike deadline, in which BxD Union’s Collective Bargaining Committee had authorized an unlimited strike based on a number of unfair labor practices, including retaliation, unilaterally changing employment terms and more. Wins include 8%–10% salary increases for Bronx Defenders workers—formerly the lowest-paid public defenders in New York City—and other hard-fought provisions like free speech protections. Additionally, the deal includes a one-year salary reopener with a right to strike and an expiration date that aligns with Association of Legal Aid Attorneys–UAW Local 2325 contracts at Brooklyn Defender Services and Neighborhood Defender Services, queuing up some 800 workers to strike in 2026. “It took each and every worker to make this contract possible, and we salute the BxD Union membership for their tireless advocacy in defense of the Bronx,” said Babatunde Aremu, chapter chair of BxD Union. “We look forward to joining sectoral bargaining negotiations with our fellow New York City legal services workers in both 2025 and 2026 as we aim to make the City more equitable and just for all New Yorkers.”

South Florida Sun Sentinel Workers Win Union Election by Unanimous Landslide: A supermajority of workers at the South Florida Sun Sentinel voted to form a union Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA). Journalists announced their intention to organize earlier this month so that they can better protect their own rights and ensure their community’s access to quality local journalism. The news outlet is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which purchased parent company Tribune Publishing in 2021. Alden has an established reputation for decimating small newsrooms, slashing jobs and cutting costs to increase returns for its stockholders. Over the past several years, staff at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have continued to deliver powerful, award-winning journalism despite attacks on their wages and benefits. Now that members of the Sun Sentinel Guild have proved their solidarity with one another, they’re ready to join together to secure workplace transparency, better pay and benefits, job security, better work-life balance and more. “This is a historic day at the Sun Sentinel,” said veteran education reporter Scott Travis. “For years, we have suffered layoffs, the loss of a 401K match and even pay cuts during the pandemic. Before, we just had to accept it without a fight. Now our hard-working journalists will finally have a seat at the table to negotiate a better future.”

ATU Members in Lewiston–Auburn Reach Tentative Agreement on New Contract: Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 714 members who work as drivers for the Citylink transit service in Maine reached a tentative agreement (TA) late Friday after they held a powerful rally that morning outside a Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) facility. Citylink, which is operated by WMTS, is a bus line that connects the towns of Auburn and Lewiston. Drivers for this service formed a union with ATU in November 2023, but reported that since then, management had refused to budge on worker wages, which are below those of drivers in similarly sized communities. So, the union organized a rally Friday morning to put pressure on WMTS to settle a fair contract with better wages, improved benefits and a more reliable transit system for our riders. That same day, Local 714 announced it had reached a strong deal with management that included an increase of more than $3 per hour over the next three years.

Maryland Apple Retail Store Workers Reach Historic Tentative Agreement: The International Association of Machinists’ (IAM’s) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) made history on Friday as it reached a tentative agreement (TA) with Apple. In 2022, retail workers at the Towson, Maryland, Apple location were the first in the country to form a union, and IAM CORE has been negotiating with the tech giant since January 2023. The new three-year contract includes wins like an average raise of 10% over the life of the contract, increases in starting pay for 80% of job classifications, a fair and clear disciplinary process, better work-life balance and more. “From the beginning, IAM CORE’s mission has been to improve Apple for our employees, customers and communities,” said the IAM CORE Negotiating Committee. “By reaching a tentative agreement with Apple, we are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains. Together, we can build on this success in store after store and grow the power IAM CORE has started here in Maryland.”

Saint Louis University Hospital Nurses Ratify New Contract: After more than a year of negotiations and two strikes, Saint Louis University Hospital (SLUH) nurses overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract on Saturday. SLUH nurses have been represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) since 2012. Members have proved their commitment to securing a fair contract for more than a year, staging informational pickets as well as work stoppages. And that unity has paid off in this new agreement. Contract victories include critical safe staffing provisions that protect both nurses and patients, retention of their current health care plan, wage increases that average 17%, provisions that address workplace violence and more. “This new contract is a huge win for patients and nurses,” said Earline Shepard, an RN in the cardiac catheterization lab. “It was a long time coming but we finally won an agreement that will let us recruit and retain experienced nurses. With improved staffing, we can give our patients the care they deserve.”

Gate Gourmet’s Airline Catering Workers Reach TA, Averting Strike: More than 8,000 airline catering workers employed by catering subcontractor Gate Gourmet at 30 airports have a new tentative agreement (TA) that was reached late Friday night, averting a potential strike that could have kicked off as soon as July 30. These workers are represented by a coalition of labor unions—including UNITE HERE; the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW); and the Teamsters—called the Employee Representatives’ Council. They prepare, pack, and deliver food and beverages to aircraft departing airports across mainland U.S. and Hawaii, an essential role in commercial air travel that requires skill in provisions to keep flights running smoothly. Despite the fact that Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of airline catering services, members reported struggling with low wages and lack of access to quality, affordable health care. After more than six years in bargaining sessions, and intervention by the National Mediation Board, workers now have a tentative contract. However, the unions report there are several details that still need to be hammered out before the deal can be finalized.

LIUNA, Minneapolis Park Board Reach Tentative Agreement: Laborers (LIUNA) Local 363 announced Friday that after more than three weeks on strike, members have secured a tentative agreement (TA) with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB). Earlier last week, park workers shut down a scheduled park board meeting after an effort to discuss a resolution that would have pushed MPRB negotiators to drop proposed anti-worker contract language was rejected by commissioners. The contract language put forth by the MPRB—which has remained a sticking point for LIUNA members—would erode workers’ rights through making automatic step increases discretionary and limiting the number of stewards who can be paid to do union work. Workers later delivered a no-confidence petition to the board before returning to the bargaining table. “I think it was our collective action and voice. I think it was the workers that pushed through,” said Local 363 Business Manager A.J. Lang. “...I think we put in more work on this contract than probably any other contract, in terms of negotiating, but the members on the picket line, at the board meetings, with petitions in the community gathering signatures...that’s what pushed this over the top.”

Workers at Bernheimer Architecture Ratify Contract: Workers at Bernheimer Architecture made history last week when they unanimously ratified the first-ever collective bargaining agreement at a private-sector architecture firm. Staff first announced their decision to form a union with the Machinists (IAM)—aided by IAM’s architectural industry campaign, Architectural Workers United (AWU)—in 2022 and were soon voluntarily recognized by Andrew Bernheimer, the firm’s founder. Members said they wanted to organize in part to draw attention to labor issues across their industry and beyond so all workers can see the power of collective bargaining. Their landmark contract establishes important standards for issues like respect in the workplace, health and safety, performance reviews, wages, layoff protections, and more. “We’re excited to share what the collective bargaining process can do for workers, and not just in our industry,” said members of the Bernheimer Architecture staff union’s bargaining unit. “Over the past two years, we’ve seen a new sense of democracy at our workplace, with everyone having a real avenue for having their voices heard on the issues that are most important to them.” “This is a historic moment for this industry,” said Andrew Daley, an organizer with AWU. “One that will set the benchmark for what’s possible, and it’s all because of these brave and dedicated workers who put in all the effort to make this contract a reality.”

Microsoft’s World of Warcraft Workers Vote to Form Union: Workers on the team behind World of Warcraft—one of the most popular video games in the world—have voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), creating the first wall-to-wall union at Activision Blizzard and the largest wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft-owned studio. On Wednesday, a neutral arbitrator confirmed that a majority of staff had either signed a union authorization card or indicated via an online portal that they wanted union representation. The bargaining unit, World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild-CWA (WoWGG-CWA), organized under the labor neutrality agreement forged in 2022 between CWA and Microsoft, which took effect upon the completion of the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Members work as designers, engineers, producers, artists, quality assurance testers and other game developers for the multiplayer role-playing game that was originally released in 2004. “What we’ve accomplished at World of Warcraft is just the beginning,” said Eric Lanham, a test analyst and member of WoWGG-CWA. “My colleagues and I are embarking on a quest to secure better pay, benefits and job security through a strong union contract. We know that when workers have a protected voice, it’s a win-win for employee standards, the studio and World of Warcraft fans looking for the best gaming experience.…Like the legendary heroes of Azeroth, our union is forged in the fires of perseverance and resilience, and together, we will stand strong as the Alliance and the Horde to ensure a bright future for all.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 12:23

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hearst Connecticut Staff Seek Better Pay and Conditions with Union Drive

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

The staff of Hearst Connecticut Media Group went public with their union drive on Thursday, with more than 80% of the bargaining unit having signed union authorization cards.

Reporters, photographers, editors and digital producers in the state’s largest newsroom have been organizing with The NewsGuild-CWA to secure better pay, fair scheduling and a meaningful voice on the job. Members of the Connecticut News Guild have stated that in addition to wanting to improve their own conditions, they want to use their efforts as a means to push back on larger trends in local journalism across the country—namely, media consolidation, depressed wages, the unregulated use of artificial intelligence and hasty return-to-office mandates. Hearst owns 10 daily and 13 weekly newspapers, as well as a statewide magazine and website, and despite the fact these publications cover some of the wealthiest municipalities in the country, many reporters and photographers are earning well below the mean state income.

“We’re passionate about our livelihoods and the service we provide to our readers,” digital producer Adrian Szkolar said. “That’s why we’re coming together as one. We want to have a seat at the table and work with Hearst to be sure that our quality work will continue in the future.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:59

CEO Payflation Strikes Again

Do you know how long the median employee in America would have to work in order to earn what a CEO makes in a single year?

You may be surprised.

On average, the median employee of an S&P 500 company would have had to start working in 1755 (prior to the start of the American Revolution) to earn what the average CEO received in 2023. At the worst offending company this year, the median employee would have had to start working in 8,354 B.C. to earn what the CEO made in a single year. The tower of Jericho was built circa 8,000 B.C.

In 2023, CEO pay at S&P 500 companies increased 6% over the previous year—to an average of $17.7 million in total compensation.

Our economy works best when corporations act responsibly toward their employees, their customers, the environment and local communities. Yet too many corporate CEOs choose management strategies for short-term gains that undermine their companies, their workers and our communities in the long term.

Find out what CEOs at different companies earn compared to their employees in our annual publication, the Executive Paywatch.

Visit Executive Paywatch 2024.

Workers are coming together to advocate for better working conditions, including family-sustaining wages and benefits, and it’s paying off. But sadly, ultra-rich CEOs will continue to pay themselves exorbitant wages without transparency.

That’s why we need your help to spread the word about the problem of runaway CEO compensation.

Read this year’s report and spread the word.

P.S. Are you ready to take action? Large corporations should pay their fair share by increasing corporate taxes if their CEO-to-worker pay ratios exceed 50-to-1. Tell Congress to tax runaway CEO pay. Send a letter to Congress here.

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 11:58

Tags: Paywatch

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Apple Store Workers Secure First Contract; 10% Raises

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Workers at the first unionized Apple Store in the country ratified a new contract after a year and a half of bargaining. The contract covers about 85 workers at a Towson, Maryland, store and will provide a typical worker with a raise of roughly 10% over the next three years. The workers also will effectively receive the same benefits as those in nonunion stores and guaranteed severance pay. The workers are members of the Machinists (IAM). They voted to authorize a strike in May, but the two sides came to an agreement that prevented the need for an actual strike.

“We are giving our members a voice in their futures and a strong first step toward further gains,” the store’s bargaining committee said. “Together, we can build on this success in store after store.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:01

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurse Case Managers at St. Charles’ Four Hospitals Vote to Join Union

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Nurse case managers at St. Charles’ hospitals in Bend, Madras, Prineville and Redmond overwhelmingly voted to join the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—last week.

The 19 registered nurse (RN) case managers are joining ONA’s bargaining unit at St. Charles Bend, which already represents more than 1,100 front-line nurses at the private, nonprofit health care company's flagship hospital. These workers serve a critical role in their hospitals and in central Oregon’s broader community health. RN case managers partner with patients, family members and caregivers to help them navigate the health care system, coordinate different medical services, take lead in patient education about health management, and provide assistance with follow-up care after discharge. By joining ONA, these new members are aiming to raise health care standards and secure better wages, benefits and working conditions.

“We are so happy to have the nurses in case management join the Bend ONA! They are hard-working and dedicated nurses who deserve fair treatment, better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Rosa Lasso, chair of ONA’s St. Charles Bend bargaining unit. “We support them completely, and with them, the Bend ONA becomes even better.”

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 08/07/2024 - 10:25

A More Inclusive Tomorrow: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).

Alaska AFL-CIO:

Great turnout for our first labor walk of the cycle! Didn't make it? Have no fear, we’ll be walking every Saturday until Election Day! #akleg pic.twitter.com/HjssyRUpcn

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) August 3, 2024

Arizona AFL-CIO:

🎉 Join us for the 2024 AZ AFL-CIO Labor Day Luncheon on Aug 30! Discover why it’s truly #BetterInAUnion. Register by Aug 23! ✊ https://t.co/N3FI2NsYCN pic.twitter.com/uC9KdDfquL

— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) August 1, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

Want to help #UnionizeCalifornia? Apply to work at @CaliforniaLabor and support our 1,300 affiliate unions and labor councils strengthen and grow the labor movement! We're looking for organizing trainers, communications, and elections staff in Sac, Fresno & Kern, and LA! pic.twitter.com/f7YxbRXO8u

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) August 5, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

The whole speech is excellent 👏 https://t.co/SKRnktW6KL

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

🌈📚 The #InclusiveEducationAct2025 is a step toward a more inclusive tomorrow. Embrace diversity and prepare students for a complex world. Stand with us! 🙌❤️ #InclusiveFuture #EducationReform #Georgia

Show your support below!!!https://t.co/S4160wYIRm

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) August 3, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

“Instead of having five people carrying my equipment, I now force four people to carry the equipment for five people. … We’re gonna be even more tired, more overworked.”https://t.co/Wt5bf3vnNz pic.twitter.com/p7KbBPNpBv

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) August 5, 2024

Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

Debbie is a former OSHA CoS and worker safety expert. She has dedicated her life to protecting working people on the job. Lowering Child Labor standards is unacceptable. Heed her warnings. https://t.co/YYddNT9JJz

— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 31, 2024

Kentucky State AFL-CIO:

The KY AFL-CIO is proud to announce our 2024 General Election candidate endorsements! This diverse, bipartisan list reflects KY and our unwavering commitment to supporting KY's Working Families. 💪 #WorkingFamilies #Labor2024 #Election2024 #1Union #ProtectOurSchoolsKY pic.twitter.com/CREGNJqlpb

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

Maine AFL-CIO:

Congrats to members of IBEW 1253 who stood strong together & fought for better wages & a new defined benefit pension in their new contract! https://t.co/hdIK005eJw

— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

"[CBAs] raise wages for workers by 10.2 percent on average... close racial wage gaps, boosting pay for Black workers by 13.1 percent and for Hispanic workers by 18.8 percent... narrow the gender wage gap" @chrissylynch29 @ewarren @Mass_BTU #mapoli https://t.co/42TqQyOEZV

— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) August 6, 2024

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

Our statement on adopt and amend getting struck down by the Michigan Supreme Court. The legislature robbed workers of wages and sick leave in 2018 and today's ruling is the first step in making workers whole.https://t.co/9tefVxKpWL

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 31, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

As Minnesotans, we’re proud to have one of our own on a Presidential ticket. As working people and union members, we’re even more thrilled to have one of our own as the Democratic nominee for Vice President. #1u #ItsBetterInaUnion #unionsforharriswalz https://t.co/YMQdUvv4AG pic.twitter.com/yHk9iI1hMX

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

TODAY is Election Day! Polls are open until 7 pm. In Missouri, voters can participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary on August 6th. You can select the ballot you would prefer at your polling location. Vote pro-union! Check out our endorsements on our website! pic.twitter.com/ocSIotlD5m

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

Nebraska State AFL-CIO:

#HarrisWalz2024 Nebraska is proud of Tim Walz. He will be a great Vice President! pic.twitter.com/1slJpOoRNZ

— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Today, the Nevada State AFL-CIO finalized the general election endorsements for the 2024 election. 

From now until election night, we will spend countless hours walking, phone banking, texting, doing everything we can to get our members out to vote. pic.twitter.com/kRVp8KH8an

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

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

FIVE DAYS 'TIL THE DEADLINE! https://t.co/tXlDnMUI3m

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

New Jersey State AFL-CIO:

At the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, we are proud to stand strong in solidarity with the AFL-CIO's support of Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. pic.twitter.com/7S3GHkPtO1

— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Introducing: the Denis M. Hughes Conference Center! Yesterday the NYS AFL-CIO held a ceremony to dedicate our main conference room in honor of former president Denis Hughes and his significant contributions to the union movement in New York State. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/0uursqIk75

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) August 6, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Member Spotlight: Ricky McDowell (@UAW) https://t.co/7naxP5sdRY #1u @AFLCIO

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

While this issue is a joke to many, it’s another example of an extreme, activist state Supreme Court that puts corporate donors to the @GOP over people. Let’s restore integrity and fairness and end the pay-to-play style politics that’s corrupted #Ohio for too long. #UnseatDeters https://t.co/yNxn8ZpQCN

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) August 4, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

Congrats @AFT_Oregon Oregon Coast Community College faculty and staff on negotiating the contract you deserve! #UnionPower ✊https://t.co/QJgXskOAaJ

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) August 2, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

#Labor2024 is in full swing around the state! Join us to talk to union members on August 10th about what's at stake this November.

Sign up here: https://t.co/Snku6ftPaS pic.twitter.com/WEBn3m69Gp

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) August 5, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

In June, Houston ISD lost more teachers than they typically lose in a YEAR.

Meanwhile, Gov. Abbott is trying to funnel public dollars away from public schools - right into the pockets of wealthy families & unaccountable private schools.

Our teachers & students deserve better.

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

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

One week until primary Election Day on August 13. The WI AFL-CIO recommends union members Vote NO on both statewide constitutional amendments - Question 1 and Question 2 - so we can continue to efficiently get federal funds to local communities in times of emergency and beyond. pic.twitter.com/ZBaTG2BO8R

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) August 6, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 08/06/2024 - 13:10

A Win for Unions and Gaming Industry Workers: The Working People Weekly List

Every week, we bring you a roundup of the top news and commentary about issues and events important to working families. Here’s the latest edition of the Working People Weekly List.

Shuler Slams GOP Anti-Worker Trump/Vance Ticket and Their Platform: “Expanding on her prior attack on the Republican ticket of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, and its extremist platform, formally Project 2025, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler directly contrasted the duo and the document with Democratic achievements for workers and labor’s strong support for the new Democratic front-runner, Vice President Kamala Harris. Shuler spoke against the background of increasing enthusiasm among union leaders and rank-and-file voters—union and non-union–for the substitution of Harris for incumbent Democratic President Joe Biden atop the party’s ticket this election year. The nation’s largest union, the independent 3-million-member National Education Association, endorsed Harris on July 31, the same day Shuler spoke. So did the United Auto Workers. Both endorsements free up union people power and voluntary campaign contributions for Harris.”

Unions Stage Massive, Enthusiastic Zoom Pep Rally for Harris: “In what was advertised as a working session on labor’s plans for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, union leaders turned a massive zoom call on election plans into an enthusiastic pep rally for the presumed Democratic presidential nominee instead. All reported not just their own endorsement of Harris but high enthusiasm and unity from the rank-and-file. ‘Our unity gives me a lot of optimism,’ said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. Harris ‘shares our values,’ added AFSCME President Lee Saunders. Virtually every speaker advocated good old-fashioned precinct work. Shoe leather, door-knocking, phone-banking and one-on-one contacts—the tried and true campaign tactics labor does best—will win the election for Harris. Even if, as one speaker admitted, it means ‘difficult conversations’ with often-skeptical colleagues and other voters.”

Under New Law, Illinois Employers Can’t Force Workers to Sit Through Anti-Union Meetings: “AFL-CIO national President Liz Shuler, the keynote speaker for Wednesday’s state convention, praised the legislation before Pritzker signed it. She admonished ‘rich and powerful’ executives like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk, the founder of companies including Tesla, for ‘stacking the deck against us.’ ‘They want to sit there and hold their captive audience meetings and make us listen to a bunch of their propaganda,’ she said.”

Entertainment Industry Backs Bill to Outlaw AI Deepfakes: “The entertainment industry has united in support of a bill to outlaw digital deepfakes and create the first-ever federal right to one’s voice and likeness. A bipartisan group of senators, led by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, introduced a revised version Wednesday of the No Fakes Act, which would make it illegal to create an AI replica of someone without their consent. The bill has the support of SAG-AFTRA, Disney, the Motion Picture Association—which represents six major studios—as well as the Recording Industry Association of America, the Recording Academy, and the major music labels and talent agencies. ‘Game over A.I. fraudsters!’ said Fran Drescher, the president of SAG-AFTRA, in a statement. ‘Enshrining protections against unauthorized digital replicas as a federal intellectual property right will keep us all protected in this brave new world. Especially for performers whose livelihoods depend on their likeness and brand, this step forward is a huge win!’”

Kamala Harris’s Entry Has ‘Electrified’ Presidential Race: American Federation Of Teachers President: “During The American Federation of Teachers’ convention last week, President Randi Weingarten spoke in support of Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.”

How Unionized Voters Could Decide the Election: “Between the lines: A big question heading into November is whether the Biden administration's pro-union moves—like the president walking the UAW picket line, and putting union protections into key legislation—will make a difference on Election Day. So far, many big unions have thrown their support behind Harris' campaign.”

New Report Shows Greater Interest in Labor Unions, Especially Among Young Workers: “A new report from the University of California San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy reveals significant changes in support for labor unions among U.S. workers. The report, published by the Economics Policy Institute, delves into the evolving attitudes toward unions and identifies three major shifts are occurring in U.S. workers: a recent, marked decline in opposition to labor unions, a rise of workers who are interested in—but unsure about—unions and an emerging generation gap in attitudes toward unionization between younger and older workers.”

Austin Workers Unionize at Game Studio Blizzard: “A win for unions and gaming industry workers in Texas: Quality assurance workers at Blizzard Entertainment—the studio behind the Diablo and Hearthstone franchises—have successfully unionized. In a press release issued late Wednesday, it was announced that 60 QA workers at the Austin office of the Microsoft-owned studio have joined the Communications Workers of America, and the studio has officially recognized their membership. ‘We're celebrating our victory,’ said Jonathan Boakes, a test analyst on Diablo Immortal and one of the organizers behind this initiative.”

Airline Catering Company Reaches Tentative Agreement with Workers Who Had Threatened to Strike: “Airline catering company Gategourmet and unions representing its workers said they reached a tentative agreement that could prevent a threatened strike, although a union spokesperson said Monday that some details remained to be completed. A spokesperson for Unite Here, one of the unions representing the workers, said there is a tentative agreement but negotiators ‘are working out some critical issues before it can be finalized.’ The unions had threatened to go on strike as soon as Tuesday morning, but the spokesperson said there would not be a walkout overnight.”

House Dems Unveil Sweeping Bill to Protect Worker Rights and Safety: “A group of Democratic U.S. House members on Friday unveiled legislation ‘aimed at bolstering protections for America's workers and ensuring accountability for employers who flout labor and employment laws.’ The Labor Enforcement to Securely (LET'S) Protect Workers Act was introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.)—the ranking member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce—and House Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), and Steven Horsford (D-Nev.). Earlier this month, nearly 50 labor organizations led by the AFL-CIO and representing a wide range of U.S. workers urged congressional Democrats to resist Republican efforts to roll back rules enacted by the Biden administration to protect worker rights amid relentless attacks by abusive employers.”

U.S. Union and Apple Reach Tentative Labor Agreement: “The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Coalition of Organized Retail Employees (IAM CORE) reached a tentative agreement with tech giant Apple on Friday over improvement in work-life balance, pay raises and job security. Workers at the Towson, Maryland, Apple retail store will vote on the tentative agreement on Aug. 6. The tentative three-year agreement includes an average pay raise of 10%, limits on contracted employees and a severance clause, improvement in work-life balance and rules on transparency. The deal will maintain all current benefits and an agreement to bargain over any future additions.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:17

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UFCW Members at Hanover Foods Secure Contract; Avoid 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.

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 members at Hanover Foods ratified a new contract, narrowly avoiding a strike. The three-year contract was approved by a 2-to-1 margin. In the new contract, workers will remain on the union-sponsored health care plan, transition to a new pension plan, receive 3%-5% wage increases in the first year of the contract, up to 5% in the second and third years, and workers with more than 20 years of service will see additional vacation time.

“UFCW 1776 stood together with our members to bring Hanover Foods to the table to negotiate a settlement," said Wendell Young, president of Local 1776. "This significant achievement wouldn't have been possible without the outstanding dedication and hard work of our member bargaining committee."

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 08/05/2024 - 10:06

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: South Florida Sun Sentinel Workers Win Union Election by Unanimous Landslide

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 supermajority of workers at the South Florida Sun Sentinel voted to form a union Monday with The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA).

Journalists announced their intention to organize earlier this month so that they can better protect their own rights and ensure their community’s access to quality local journalism. The news outlet is owned by hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which purchased parent company Tribune Publishing in 2021. Alden has an established reputation for decimating small newsrooms, slashing jobs and cutting costs to increase returns for its stockholders. Over the past several years, staff at the South Florida Sun Sentinel have continued to deliver powerful, award-winning journalism despite attacks on their wages and benefits. Now that members of the Sun Sentinel Guild have proved their solidarity with one another, they’re ready to join together to secure workplace transparency, better pay and benefits, job security, better work-life balance and more.

“This is a historic day at the Sun Sentinel,” said veteran education reporter Scott Travis. “For years, we have suffered layoffs, the loss of a 401K match and even pay cuts during the pandemic. Before, we just had to accept it without a fight. Now our hard-working journalists will finally have a seat at the table to negotiate a better future.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 08/01/2024 - 09:02

Uniting the Power of Working People: What Working People Are Doing This Week

Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.

Actors' Equity:

Equity offers its full support to the SAG-AFTRA members in the video game industry who are currently on strike. We join the labor movement in calling for the struck companies to return to the bargaining table and offer a fair contract. #levelupthecontract pic.twitter.com/VQZgM0q7rF

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 30, 2024

AFGE:

In April, AFGE reached an agreement with the Defense Health Agency on an interim master labor agreement covering 38,000 bargaining unit employees.
Here's what locals need to do now ⬇️https://t.co/aWXgx5fmRp

— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 31, 2024

AFSCME:

National @AFLCIO President Liz Shuler joins AFSCME Council 31 Associate Director Tracey Abman in support of workers at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium forming their union! pic.twitter.com/CzNpn30S9M

— AFSCME Council 31 (@afscme31) July 31, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

🚨Don’t be fooled!🚨 

Heritage Foundation can pretend it’s winding down Project 2025, but Trump and the GOP still have plans to privatize and cut Medicare. https://t.co/kVWksJbiJ6

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) July 30, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

Local 1220-Richmond, VA, launched a coach operator mentorship program with the Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC). These mentors will play an important role in preparing GRTC coach operators for success on the job. Our Union continues to set the standard for workforce… pic.twitter.com/gMI04LJETN

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 31, 2024

American Federation of Musicians:

The AFM proudly endorses Kamala Harris for president of the United States. "For musicians concerned about protecting their rights against exploitation both intellectually and at work, ensuring the security of our pay, benefits, and retirement, Harris is the clear choice,” says…

— AFM (@The_AFM) July 23, 2024

American Federation of Teachers:

A major win for child safety online! New legislation passed by the Senate and now headed to the House, targets stricter data privacy, content moderation, and age verification to protect minors in the digital world. https://t.co/zni8PM0TIy

— AFT (@AFTunion) July 31, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

“We must continue our efforts and use this momentum [of the Building Union Power campaign] to increase our worker power during contract negotiations and on the workroom floor.” – Organization Director Anna Smithhttps://t.co/WkBTNi8qHr

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) July 31, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

SAME WORK.
POVERTY PAY.
END THE DELTA DISPARITY DIFFERENCE.

Endeavor AFA Flight Attendants and allies are picketing at @mspairport! #1u pic.twitter.com/iVwgRHTZjK

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 31, 2024

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

BCTGM stands with these workers - one day longer, one day stronger ✊ https://t.co/rR819Tvh0A

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 24, 2024

Boilermakers:

We organize to unite the power of working people. 💪 Read International President Warren Fairley's latest commentary: https://t.co/Dj2Ynrqm5U pic.twitter.com/eUv9yY4hUq

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 29, 2024

Bricklayers:

Happy #WorkSiteWednesday! This week, @BricklayersNJ apprentice, Edward Guerreiro spent some time working to restore the Moss Elementary School in Metuchen, NJ!#besthandsinthebusiness #1U #UnionProud #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/NRpL52g3Vx

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) July 31, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

Check out our new report exposing how @ATT is driving away its experienced and skilled technicians with low pay and abusive job practices, making it harder for customers to get the high-quality service they deserve.https://t.co/ESZgXAxdY0

— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 26, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

Congrats to @acoreunion members on their first contract that includes raises of 10% on average, job security improvements, work-life balance provisions and more. https://t.co/UVznMnw2xS

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 29, 2024

Electrical Workers:

“The working men and women of the United States owe President Joe Biden a great debt of gratitude, and on behalf of the entire membership of the IBEW, I want to thank him for his leadership.” IBEW Pres. Kenny Cooper. https://t.co/vXwLZBTwiM pic.twitter.com/5xAsouTBlw

— IBEW (@IBEW) July 21, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

📲 Get the Insulators App

▶️Watch the video for registration instructions, then download today: https://t.co/OMMiqtBQNM#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW pic.twitter.com/BAmnaRiiJT

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) July 29, 2024

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

IFPTE Endorses VP Kamala Harris for President of the United Stateshttps://t.co/w6wm8m24ik

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 23, 2024

International Labor Communications Association:

Calling all labor communicators in the U.S. and Canada: see ya in New York?! Join us for an ILCA/@CanLabourMedia mini-conference in NYC, Sept 5-7! 

Americans, learn more and register: https://t.co/mfkdKjwIam 

Canadians, register with CALM: https://t.co/aZ7XbonX8V! pic.twitter.com/3mbnJXPmdB

— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) July 18, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

SAVE THE DATE!

We’re gathering workers + community leaders from TN, SC, and AL for a virtual workers’ rights board hearing about the impacts of EV manufacturing in their communities. RSVP and learn more: https://t.co/uVhb3XgROs. pic.twitter.com/q2uOft9hgL

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 25, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

📢 The #Project2025 proposal threatens to eliminate unions, strip away workers' rights, dismantle vital protections, and reverse the hard-won achievements in workplace inclusion. 
Learn more here: https://t.co/sLZp9NTCKx#WorkersRights #ProtectUnions #StandAgainstProject2025 pic.twitter.com/TYSN9PqzkD

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 31, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

Latest LHF newsletter just posted! Includes weekend labor arts calendar https://t.co/Vd3gPJaq9b

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) July 27, 2024

Laborers:

On behalf of its more than one-half million members #LIUNA strongly endorses Vice President @KamalaHarris to be the next President of the United States. @VP @WhiteHouse 

Read More: https://t.co/0xb4YDQ7Ka pic.twitter.com/k9vEmxDFBV

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 25, 2024

Machinists:

HISTORY. MADE.

Our @acoreunion members are the FIRST workers in the United States to reach a tentative labor agreement with @Apple.

The agreement delivers:
✊ Work-life balance
✊ Pay raises
✊ Job security
✊ Fairnesshttps://t.co/v1cxY0MO4A

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) July 27, 2024

Maritime Trades Department:

Congratulations to @MachinistsUnion and their big win at the Towson Apple Store!https://t.co/ffDviFjIiy

— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) July 29, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

https://t.co/Xst6yi0qLP Much attention has been paid to the antidemocratic aspects of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a radical playbook for the first 180 days of a new Trump term. But few have focused on its plan to kneecap unions and attack workers’ rights.

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 29, 2024

Musical Artists:

AGMA Artists: Submit your writing or artwork for the next AGMAzine! The theme is UNION STRONG: WHAT AGMA MEANS TO ME. Deadline: September 6. Review full submission details on AGMA's website: https://t.co/NA83n9XZLc pic.twitter.com/4Coy87bcVO

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 31, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

NATCA recently participated in the U.S. Contract Tower Association Annual Conference, held from June 27-28, in Washington, D.C., underscoring the critical role of the Federal Aviation Administration Contract Tower Program. https://t.co/CmUDTcBxgn pic.twitter.com/nSeBIalGT2

— NATCA (@NATCA) July 31, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

We’ve traveled across the country to pass local and state #DomesticWorkerBillofRights. Now, we think it's time we pass a federal one.https://t.co/KoPjAr2uGr

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 26, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Trump’s second-term agenda plans a purge of the federal workforce https://t.co/Zfd2EDrT31

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) July 26, 2024

National Nurses United:

Vice President @KamalaHarris fought alongside union nurses to defend the nursing profession and make it easier for us to advocate on behalf of our patients. And we know she is the only candidate ready to defend and restore our reproductive rights! pic.twitter.com/QoT1KCyvjk

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 31, 2024

NFL Players Association:

As leaders & advocates for player health & safety, we appreciate this bi-partisan push to address an important issue for our members. We hope all in the Ohio legislature support this bill, which is in the best interests of all athletes. Thanks to @tupchurch216 @creech3_rodney. pic.twitter.com/WlAorjeDdB

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

We’re almost at our Tradeswomen Build Nations 2024 capacity! Register now before it’s too late.https://t.co/sIs7Ayw1eb pic.twitter.com/lU6CecSMcA

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 31, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

Stand in solidarity with workers @RESCUEorg! ✊

Sign this letter to IRC management and urge them to do the right thing by voluntarily recognizing their union! Every letter counts.https://t.co/pLvibUxP5U pic.twitter.com/9tzJG7mUsR

— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) July 27, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

Our union's work shapes how our community lives. It can be seen everywhere, in the smallest details, like High Schools' sports tracks.

We'd like to take a moment to spotlight District Council 36 Local 1247 apprentices Jose Mendoza, Zeal Carter, and Andres Ramirez on their… pic.twitter.com/1LE2elbtkg

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 31, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“Extreme heat can also be hard on roads & cars. When temperatures reach triple digits, roadways can buckle, resulting in costly damage that disrupts travel and leads to unsafe road conditions.” Infrastructure investments are more important than ever. https://t.co/doRqSO5St4

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 30, 2024

Pride At Work:

Register here: https://t.co/qg8nnzh42E pic.twitter.com/LurjHdZMQD

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 29, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

This is your friendly reminder that the @RWDSU Funds Office is always here with answers to all your pension and health benefit questions! Reach out at https://t.co/sXmXjBd6Nr pic.twitter.com/CHR10IAMPs

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) August 1, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

Did you know? Roofers have 10 times the rate of fatal falls of all other construction occupations combined! https://t.co/BMNjhH8tsx #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/JASZxNUqQC

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 31, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

Thank you to the LA #SagAftraMembers who helped us get ready for the first #VideoGameStrike picket! Our signs are made and it's game on, Los Angeles! 🎮🪧 

Join us TOMORROW, 8/1, 9 AM - Noon PT in Burbank at Warner Brothers Studios. #SagAftraStrong #LevelUpTheContract pic.twitter.com/0uFpYvyHvV

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) August 1, 2024

Solidarity Center:

"Where the union is present, child labor is absent." By organizing unions, longtime partner & @USDOL Iqbal Masih Award winner Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe of @GawuTuc works towards eliminating child labor in Ghana. More on his work & how it earned him the award https://t.co/cImYLhy352

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 29, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

🚨 Journalists at the Alden Capital-owned Sun Sentinel *unanimously* voted in favor of a union! 👏

“The union is our way of defending the future of our newsroom – and South Florida’s access to quality local journalism,” the guild's mission statement readshttps://t.co/OXnIF49FSN

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 29, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

TWU Local 252 is honoring veterans with a new patch acknowledging their service in the armed forces. Suffolk County Transit Operator Luis Mercado, a @USMC and @navy_reserve veteran, came up with the idea! pic.twitter.com/xZ49N644tl

— TWU (@transportworker) July 31, 2024

Transportation Trades Department:

The @BLET held their Eastern Regional Meeting this week. TTD President Greg Regan talked about historic investments, legislative and regulatory wins, and the work that lies ahead to protect rail workers all over the country. pic.twitter.com/Xt8COSUXMB

— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) July 31, 2024

UAW:

https://t.co/T3ZaZWRBl9

— UAW (@UAW) August 1, 2024

Union Veterans Council:

Will Attig, Executive Director of the @unionveterans, @AFLCIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent White House meeting to discuss the @POTUS Biden Administration’s impact on union jobs for military veterans. https://t.co/66YFHDEbGD

— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) July 18, 2024

UNITE HERE:

Hey, you! Yes, you! 👀

Did you know that the hotel industry’s profits were up 27% from 2019 to '22? But staffing per occupied room was down 13% during this same period!

10K+ hotel workers are taking strike votes because this understaffing hurts workers and guests! pic.twitter.com/mnQfG4WYXx

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 31, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Feeling left out of hot labor summer? Check out Union 101!

We review everything from how to start a union to the nitty gritty of how union contracts work. A lot goes into what we do, but our mission is simple: help people make their work better. 

➡️ https://t.co/Uy3YRT7Sl4 pic.twitter.com/tSTWegSpwh

— UFCW (@UFCW) July 31, 2024

United Steelworkers:

The countdown is on: you have 96 days to make sure you’re ready to exercise your right to vote on Nov. 5. 

Now more than ever, workers’ rights are on the line. Check your voter registration status here: https://t.co/IvMx95ftKk pic.twitter.com/7FrSE28ejo

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) August 1, 2024

Utility Workers:

Congratulations to UWUA Local 393 scholarship winners Jessica Alfano and Chloe Brooks! 

Local scholarships are a great example of how our union gives back and supports the next generation. #solidarity pic.twitter.com/fpA8dxGeqi

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) August 1, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

PBS Thirteen management is demanding the authority to assign our union members' work to non-union employees at their other affiliated stations. That sure sounds like union busting to us. @ThirteenWNET needs to come to the table with REAL proposals that won't decimate the union. pic.twitter.com/x22Yuvk15I

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) July 25, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/31/2024 - 17:12

Calling All Labor Activists: In the States Roundup

It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on X (formerly Twitter).

Alaska AFL-CIO:

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302 Apprentice Lyndon Tulimasealii shares his journey through the apprenticeship program. #1u #UnionStrong 

"Everyone that I have asked wishes they joined the union a lot sooner." - Lyndon Tulimasealii pic.twitter.com/c1p4LKiEit

— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 16, 2024

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:

We are deeply disappointed the State Supreme Court has allowed tech corporations to buy their way out of basic labor laws despite #Prop22's inconsistencies with our state constitution. Our statement on today's chilling decision⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SNKPOL0XPr

— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) July 25, 2024

Florida AFL-CIO:

Folks! We’re getting very close to one of the best times of the year: Labor Day Picnic Season! 🌽🌭🍔 🍻 https://t.co/ZzJv7AuwUu

— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) July 29, 2024

Georgia State AFL-CIO:

Video game companies must offer A.I. protections to ALL video game performers. Join me and show your support for those who bring our favorite games to life. #LevelUpTheContract #VideoGameStrike #SagAftraStrong#1u #UnionStrong #unionproud pic.twitter.com/rVuI8L1GK7

— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) July 26, 2024

Illinois AFL-CIO:

Lat week, Bloomington Illinois City Council approved a new project labor agreement, ensuring taxpayer money will be spent wisely on high-quality infrastructure in the community while supporting local jobs and a commitment to diversity. Union power is community power.#1u pic.twitter.com/WT1MiXKJ9b

— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 29, 2024

Indiana State AFL-CIO:

We have been hearing a lot about Project 2025, and what could potentially happen to organized labor under a Trump administration. National @AFLCIO outlines all the way our unions and membership will be impacted if this plan becomes a reality: https://t.co/oeJaAf53Ff

— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) July 23, 2024

Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:

“This is a recipe for disaster for these young workers. … This is how kids die on the job.”

It's unconscionable for the state of Iowa to put kids in danger by ignoring the safety professionals. These are some of the most dangerous jobs out there. Disgusting. https://t.co/smp8BZHyiv

— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 28, 2024

Maine AFL-CIO:

The contract raises pay to $35.16 per hour for drivers, $39.91 per hour for dispatchers and $45 an hour for maintenance technicians by Jan 1, 2027 https://t.co/hK7ecYcNRe

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

Massachusetts AFL-CIO:

Finally, we were thrilled to see the low-income MBTA fare program included – a massive victory for the @PTPGcoalition to help make our transit systems more accessible to working families! pic.twitter.com/R4Sw63FAgc

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

Michigan State AFL-CIO:

We are devastated to learn of the loss of former Rep. Tim Sneller. In a career spanning decades, Tim was a fearless fighter for the labor movement and a true public servant. Our full statement:https://t.co/5miPv3Ub4l

— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) July 12, 2024

Minnesota AFL-CIO:

“...we see a place where every person has the opportunity not just to get by, but to get ahead — a future where no child has to grow up in poverty, where every senior can retire with dignity, and where every worker has the freedom to join a union." #1u https://t.co/n4QVPO7z1A

— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

Missouri AFL-CIO:

In Missouri no-excuse in-person absentee voting has begun and will go until Election Day. 

Select your County and find where you can go vote before Election Day. https://t.co/JLtw3WA8KO

Do you have questions? Message us! pic.twitter.com/jKbbHaZfNO

— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 28, 2024

Nebraska State AFL-CIO:

The Nebraska State AFL-CIO proudly endorsed John Cavanaugh for LD 9. Thank you for standing with Nebraska's workers. #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/2r0wbkFA2u

— NE State AFL-CIO (@NEAFLCIO) July 25, 2024

Nevada State AFL-CIO:

Happening tonight, 5pm PST join labor leaders across the country who are mobilizing to ensure VP Harris is elected as our next President! https://t.co/FVgs7wI9pU

— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

New Hampshire AFL-CIO:

ICYMI: The 2024 Linda Horan Scholarship applications & details at our website - https://t.co/Teq7GTIHax! @AFTNewHampshire @AFSCME93 @UAW2322 @PFFNH @Local_789 @NTULocal1044 @AFTunion @AAU @AaupUnh @Ibew2320nh @Ibew490 @APWU

— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) July 19, 2024

New York State AFL-CIO:

Gillibrand, Schumer, Garbarino, Goldman, D’Esposito Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation To Fix World Trade Center Health Program Funding Shortfall: https://t.co/NUtBgGyclF

— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 26, 2024

North Carolina State AFL-CIO:

Member Spotlight: Ricky McDowell (@UAW) https://t.co/7naxP5sdRY #1u @AFLCIO

— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

Ohio AFL-CIO:

Hundreds of #Ohio @AFLCIO hit the streets in #Cleveland, #Cincinnati, #Columbus, #Toledo, #Dayton, #Youngstown, #Akron, #Canton, #Athens and #Lorain to talk about re-electing @SherrodBrown and voting YES on the @CitizenMapsOH Constitutional Amendment to end #gerrymandering. pic.twitter.com/WwFV5fYIec

— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 29, 2024

Oregon AFL-CIO:

"There’s no reason that, if someone wants to send a letter from Talent to Medford, that it needs to go to Portland and then back. That doesn’t logically make sense. So I believe there is an easy path to keeping our local mail local."https://t.co/VNLelv0h5S

— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 29, 2024

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:

By ushering in a new generation of leaders, President Biden ensures the fight for fairer, more just representation will continue, and he solidifies the strides unions have made with the guidance of the Biden-Harris Administration. #YearOfTheWorker #Labor2024 pic.twitter.com/yyctIAN7sS

— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 28, 2024

Texas AFL-CIO:

Congratulations to the Blizzard Entertainment quality assurance workers right here in Austin, Texas for unionizing with @CWAUnion this week 🎉 

This is a huge win for video game workers in Texas and across the industry. Welcome to Texas labor, y’all! #1u

— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:

Calling all labor supporters! Join the @AFLCIO Labor for Harris call and get plugged in with organized labor's work to send VP Kamala Harris back to the White House as President. 

🗓️ July 31
⏰ 5pm PT
📍 Zoom

Register: https://t.co/oAWTL2DV6Z pic.twitter.com/1xDT9xOi38

— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) July 30, 2024

Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:

Early voting starts today for Wisconsin's August 13 primary election. Check with your municipal clerk's office for available times and locations near you. Vote NO on Question 1 and Question 2. pic.twitter.com/oa8jTA9iHk

— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) July 30, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/30/2024 - 11:46

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gate Gourmet’s Airline Catering Workers Reach TA, Averting 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.

More than 8,000 airline catering workers employed by catering subcontractor Gate Gourmet at 30 airports have a new tentative agreement (TA) that was reached late Friday night, averting a potential strike that could have kicked off as soon as July 30.

These workers are represented by a coalition of labor unions—including UNITE HERE; the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW); and the Teamsters—called the Employee Representatives’ Council. They prepare, pack, and deliver food and beverages to aircraft departing airports across mainland U.S. and Hawaii, an essential role in commercial air travel that requires skill in provisions to keep flights running smoothly. Despite the fact that Gate Gourmet is the world’s largest independent provider of airline catering services, members reported struggling with low wages and lack of access to quality, affordable health care. After more than six years in bargaining sessions, and intervention by the National Mediation Board, workers now have a tentative contract. However, the unions report there are several details that still need to be hammered out before the deal can be finalized.

Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/30/2024 - 10:04

Worker Wins: Working People Are Front and Center in Policymaking

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

Shoppers Grocery Workers Ratify New Contract: Workers at grocery store chain Shoppers, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract last week. The vote was a powerful endorsement of the bargaining advisory committee’s efforts, with 98% of members in favor of this new agreement, which contained a number of huge wins. The new two-year deal includes better pay scales, a fully funded pension, no out-of-pocket health care cost increases or other changes to health coverage, and more. In addition, the collective bargaining agreement also has new language to develop procedures, training and protocols that would protect workers in case of a shooting or other similar in-store violence emergencies. The new contract took effect retroactively on July 14, 2024, and expires July 11, 2026.

Arborists in Virginia Make History with Vote to Join IAM: Arborists working at Truetimber in Richmond, Virginia, have become the first residential tree care workers in the country to be represented by a union after voting to join the Machinists (IAM). Tree care industry workers serve a vital role in managing tree growth in our communities, so homes and public infrastructure are safe, and often work alongside power linemen to restore stability after storms or other severe weather. However, there are few regulations governing safety standards for arborists or what sort of credentials are required to start a tree care business. Truetimber staff began organizing after the company’s founder broke a promise to sell the business to workers and instead sold it to a private equity firm. Once new ownership took over, the profit-sharing program was scrapped with no notice, prompting workers to reach out to IAM Local 10 (District 2020) and start organizing their co-workers. Despite management’s attempt to union-bust, 80% of the prospective bargaining unit members signed cards within two weeks, and ultimately an overwhelming majority of arborists voted to join the union. “I would advise any workers who are seeking respect and a voice on the job to contact your local union rep and get a conversation started,” said IAM member Nathan Salle. “In all honesty, it was a stressful time at work, but in the end, it was gratifying and uplifting to see the unity of everyone shown through the percentage of employees who voted for the union. If you are feeling unheard and disrespected at work, I would encourage other workers to reach out to one another on a safe platform and start discussing joining a union and reaching out to a union rep to learn more about what the process would look like.”

Pineapple Street Studios Union Ratifies First Contract: Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members who work for Pineapple Street Studios overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first contract Monday, gaining critical protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and other wins. The bargaining unit includes producers, editors, engineers and other staff who make possible award-winning podcasts such as “Classy,” Wondery’s 'Ghost Story,'” Paper Kite’s “Million Dollar Advice” and HBO’s “Succession Podcast.” When broadcasting company Audacy acquired Pineapple Street Studios in 2019, workers cited this as a major turning point in their organizing efforts and announced their intent to join WGAE in 2022. This January, Audacy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and laid off 25% of its staff at Pineapple Street. But workers remained committed to securing a first agreement and that dedication has paid off. The new contract includes victories like increased minimum starting salary, better severance payments, successorship language that requires any new employer to bargain with the union in the event of a sale, language that ensures that generative AI will not be allowed to be used to perform bargaining unit work without the express consent of the union, and more. “After nearly a year and a half of negotiations, we are thrilled to have a contract that sets industry standards in both pay and policy,” said Pineapple Street Union member Emerald O’Brien. “While this contract is exceptional in many ways, we feel strongly that, in an industry dominated by massive corporations, no podcast worker should be receiving less than what we’ve been able to agree to here.”

Bethesda Officially Becomes the First Microsoft Game Studio to Fully Unionize: Workers at Bethesda Game Studios—a developer that has produced popular titles such as Elder Scrolls, Fallout and Starfield—have joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), forming the first wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft video game studio. Microsoft has voluntarily recognized the unit, which includes 241 developers, artists, engineers, programmers and designers. Staff in Maryland will be members of CWA Local 2108, and those based in Texas will join CWA Local 6215. They join the ranks of other video game workers at Sega of America, Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax Media Inc. and Tender Claws who also have joined CWA as part of the union’s Campaign to Organize Digital Employees (CODE-CWA) initiative. “We are so excited to announce our union at Bethesda Game Studios and join the movement sweeping across the video game industry,” said Mandi Parker, a senior system designer and CWA member. “It is clear that every worker can benefit from bringing democracy into the workplace and securing a protected voice on the job. We’re thrilled to get down to brass tacks and win a fair contract, proving that our unity is a source of real power to positively shape our working conditions, our lives and the company as a whole.”

Alaska State Employees Association Wins Big Pay Bumps for Wildland Firefighters: Thanks to the hard work of Alaska State Employees Association (ASEA/AFSCME Local 52) members and staff, Alaska’s wildland firefighters this month received a critical pay increase that will help recruit and retain workers who serve an important role in protecting the state against wildfires. ASEA represents about 106 wildland fire and resource technicians and wildland forestry technicians who are employed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Fire Protection. As of July 1, per the new agreement between the state and the union, members have secured an incentive pay increase of 30% above their base hourly rate, a hazard pay increase from 15% to 25% in four-hour increments and a 5% cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, the contract now reflects that members are eligible for hazard pay any time they take part in or help firefighting operations or are exposed to firefighting hazards. This is a massive win for wildland firefighters, who have cited low pay as a key cause of the forestry division’s longstanding recruitment and retention problems, which in turn puts Alaska residents at risk. “I hope this news aids in the recruitment and retention of more firefighters in the Division of Forestry so you have the support you need to continue doing the critical and important work you do to protect lives and property,” ASEA Executive Director Heidi Drygas wrote in an email to members.

IATSE Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Hollywood Basic and Area Standards Agreements: On Thursday, members of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) overwhelmingly voted to ratify both the 2024–2027 Hollywood Basic Agreement (HBA) and the 2024–2027 Area Standards Agreement (ASA). With historically high turnout, 85.9% of members voted in favor of the HBA, and 87.2% voted in favor of the ASA. The HBA is an umbrella contract covering about 45,000 behind-the-scenes film and television workers located primarily in Los Angeles. The ASA covers approximately 25,000 film and television workers across the United States, excluding Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago. Major wins coming out of bargaining for the HBA deal include high minimum wage increases—7% in the first year, 4% in the second year and 3.5% in the third year—and a $700 million infusion of funding into the union’s health and pension plans. Additionally, the contract also establishes critical language governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and new penalties for long workdays to protect member safety. The ASA deal’s also secured the same wage rate increases, AI regulations, a standardized benefit contribution rate and some of the same penalties on long workdays. “IATSE’s rank-and-file members have spoken, and their will is clear,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. “Between significant wage increases in addition to several craft-specific adjustments, bolstered health and pension benefits with new funding mechanisms, improved safety provisions, critical protections preventing misuse of artificial intelligence from displacing IATSE members and more—the gains secured in these contracts mark a significant step forward for America’s film and TV industry and its workers. This result shows our members agree, and now we must build on what these negotiations achieved.”

Mass. Gov. Maura Healey Swears in Members of Labor Advisory Council: Last week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey swore in the members of her new Labor Advisory Council, becoming the first governor in the state in more than 50 years to create such a council. The chairs are Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch and UNITE HERE Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo. Gov. Healy announced that she was signing an executive order to create this body to advise her on labor-related issues earlier this year while at the Massachusetts Building Trades Council’s annual convention. It includes representatives from both private- and public-sector workers across a broad range of industries. The other members of the council are Rich MacKinnon (president, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts); Joe Byrne (executive secretary-treasurer, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters); Frank Callahan (president, Massachusetts Building Trades Council); Beth Kontos (former president, American Federation of Teachers [AFT] Massachusetts); Dan Leary (president, Utility Workers [UWUA] Local 369); Joe Bonfiglio (business manager, Massachusetts and Northern New England Laborers’ District Council); Jim Evers Jr. (president and business agent, Amalgamated Transit Union [ATU] Local 589); Steve Finnigan (sub-district director, United Steelworkers [USW] District 4); Fernando Lemus (president, United Food and Commercial Workers [UFCW] Local 1445); Max Page (president, Massachusetts Teachers Association); Tim Foley (executive vice president, SEIU District 1199), Dave Foley (president, SEIU District 509); Chris Cook (president, SEIU/National Association of Government Employees Local 282); Mark Bernard (executive director, AFSCME Council 93); Colleen Glynn (international vice president and business representative, Theatrical Stage Employees [IATSE] Local 11); Lou Antonellis (business manager and financial secretary, Electrical Workers [IBEW] Local 103); Jessica Tang (president, Boston Teachers Union and AFT Massachusetts); and Katie Murphy (president, Massachusetts Nurses Association). “This Labor Advisory Council is representative of Gov. Healey and Lieutenant Gov. Driscoll’s recognition that working people are critical to every aspect of life in Massachusetts,” Lynch said. “I’m proud to be leading this impressive group of leaders who will make sure that the voices of union members and working people are front and center in policymaking.” “The organized labor community in Massachusetts is strong, innovative and diverse—just like this Labor Advisory Council,” said Aramayo. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as chair and am grateful to Gov. Healey for making this a priority.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/29/2024 - 14:55

From Day One: 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.

SAG-AFTRA Calls Strike Against Major Video Game Companies After Nearly 2 Years Of Contract Talks: “SAG-AFTRA is going on strike again. This time, the union is calling a work stoppage against the major video game companies after nearly two years of trying to renegotiate its Interactive Media Agreement. The decision to hit the picket lines comes 10 months after the union’s initial strike authorization vote. The strike goes into effect July 26 at 12:01 a.m. The 10 companies facing the strike are Activision Productions Inc., Blindlight LLC, Disney Character Voices Inc., Electronic Arts Productions Inc., Epic Games, Inc., Formosa Interactive LLC, Insomniac Games Inc., Take 2 Productions Inc., VoiceWorks Productions Inc., and WB Games Inc.”

Cincinnati Metro, ATU Local 627 Agree to New Three-Year Labor Contract: “Cincinnati Metro and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 627 have successfully negotiated and approved a new three-year labor contract. The new agreement offers increased wages and benefits for Cincinnati Metro's dedicated fixed-route union staff, which includes bus operators, maintenance workers and associated support staff. ‘[Cincinnati] Metro’s operators and mechanics are the backbone of our system, which serves the community every day,’ said Darryl Haley, general manager and CEO of Cincinnati Metro. ‘This new contract recognizes the dedication and hard work of our team members and helps continued efforts to attract the very best as we build our talent in this fiercely competitive labor market.’”

Essential Clinic and Hospital Providers Vote to Unionize Across Northeast Minnesota: “More than 400 nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other clinicians in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin voted to unionize in an effort to gain leverage over how they practice medicine at their Essentia Health clinics and hospitals. The Minnesota Nurses Association announced Monday night that the group voted overwhelmingly to join its union. Essentia countered with plans to appeal a federal labor ruling and possibly undercut the entire organizing movement. ‘We will and often do have to sacrifice ourselves and our families to care for those that have placed their lives in our hands,’ said nurse practitioner Eric Griffith, who accused his health system of preying on providers' compassion by forcing them to care for more patients with less time and resources. ‘It is time to tell Essentia that enough is enough.’”

Disneyland, Employees Avert Strike with Tentative Contract Deal: “Disneyland and its employees said they had reached a tentative contract deal, averting what could have been the first major work stoppage at the Anaheim theme park in 40 years. Members of the Master Services Council—an alliance of unions representing custodians, ride operators, candy makers, merchandise clerks and other Disneyland employees—on Friday voted 99% in support of a walkout. On Wednesday, the unions’ bargaining committee said it had reached an agreement with Walt Disney Co.”

AFL-CIO Unanimously Endorses Kamala Harris for President: “Following a vote of its Executive Council, which represents 60 unions and 12.5 million workers, yesterday the AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president in the 2024 election. ‘From day one, Vice President Kamala Harris has been a true partner in leading the most pro-labor administration in history,’ said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.”

For the First Time Since It Was Founded in 1870, The Salt Lake Tribune Has a Union: “With overwhelming support across the newsroom, leadership at The Salt Lake Tribune agreed to voluntarily accept the petition from the Salt Lake News Guild to form a union, marking the first time in the publication’s 154-year history that employees will be unionized. ‘This is a watershed moment for The Tribune and its employees,’ members of the guild organizing committee said. ‘As a nonprofit newsroom, our first commitment is to informing our community. The journalists and production team are the lifeblood of The Tribune and there is no question that readers will benefit when we are organized and our work is respected and valued.’”

Unions Applaud ‘Most Pro-Union President in History’ Following Biden’s Decision to End Campaign: “A bevy of federal labor leaders on Sunday expressed gratitude for President Biden’s career of public service in defense of the federal workforce in the hours following Biden’s announcement that he will bow out of the 2024 presidential campaign. Dogged by concerns about his continued fitness for office for another four years, fueled by a calamitous presidential debate performance last month, Biden said that he would continue to serve until his term ends next January. He quickly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed him, and she appears to be the presumptive nominee, as the Democratic party quickly rallied around her Monday.”

New AFL-CIO Guide Shows How Trump Agenda Would Be 'Catastrophic' for Workers: “‘In his first term as president, Donald Trump was a disaster for workers and our unions, governing exclusively for the wealthy and well-connected,’ AFL-CIO president Liz Shuler said in a statement Thursday. ‘The Trump Project 2025 Agenda lays out his plan to turbocharge his anti-worker policies, eliminate or control unions, and eviscerate labor laws and workers' contracts,’ she continued. ‘A second Trump term would put everything we've fought for—good jobs, fair wages, healthcare, retirement security, worker safety—on the chopping block. ‘This new online tool is an essential part of our massive voter education campaign to reach every union household with critical information about the stakes of this election,’ Shuler added. ‘Union voters could be the difference-makers in this election, and the AFL-CIO and affiliated unions have a plan to mobilize tens of thousands of grassroots activists across every community to get the message out and vote.’”

Top Labor Department Official Touts Blue Bird Buses, Union Pact: “The acting U.S. secretary of labor came to Blue Bird’s school bus factory in Fort Valley on Friday in a visit that melded support for organized labor with the high-stakes, high-dollar promotion of low-emission energy policy. Julie Su watched as company and union representatives signed the first contract negotiated by Blue Bird with the United Steelworkers Union, a pact that will provide hefty raises to many workers, as well as safety guarantees and expanded retirement benefits.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:23

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Microsoft’s World of Warcraft Workers Vote to Form Union

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Workers on the team behind World of Warcraft—one of the most popular video games in the world—voted to join the Communications Workers of America (CWA), creating the first wall-to-wall union at Activision Blizzard and the largest wall-to-wall union at a Microsoft-owned studio.

On Wednesday, a neutral arbitrator confirmed that a majority of staff had either signed a union authorization card or indicated via an online portal that they wanted union representation. The bargaining unit, World of Warcraft Gamemakers Guild-CWA (WoWGG-CWA), organized under the labor neutrality agreement forged in 2022 between CWA and Microsoft, which took effect upon the completion of the company’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Members work as designers, engineers, producers, artists, quality assurance testers and other game developers for the multiplayer role-playing game that was originally released in 2004.

“What we’ve accomplished at World of Warcraft is just the beginning,” said Eric Lanham, a test analyst and member of WoWGG-CWA. “My colleagues and I are embarking on a quest to secure better pay, benefits and job security through a strong union contract. We know that when workers have a protected voice, it’s a win-win for employee standards, the studio and World of Warcraft fans looking for the best gaming experience.…Like the legendary heroes of Azeroth, our union is forged in the fires of perseverance and resilience, and together, we will stand strong as the Alliance and the Horde to ensure a bright future for all.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:11

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Local 627 Members Agree to Three-Year Contract with Cincinnati Metro

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 627 ratified a new three-year contract. The contract covers Cincinnati Metro's dedicated fixed-route union staff, which includes bus operators, maintenance workers and associated support staff. It includes increased wages of 13% over three years, improvements to operator work schedules, improved vacation for employees, a new partnership with the ATU on Cincinnati Metro’s Joint Maintenance Training Committee and other benefits.

"We are proud to have reached this agreement, which will not only benefit hardworking employees, but also contribute to the overall success of [Cincinnati] Metro," said Frank Harper, president of Local 627. "This contract recognizes the importance of our union members and the vital role they play in serving the community." 

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:33

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at Optimum in West Virginia Ratify 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.

Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) ratified a new contract with the Optimum brand of Altice USA. The new contract was secured after the workers voted to authorize a strike in May. That strike didn't happen, and the new three-year contract covers workers throughout West Virginia. The workers secured raises of 7.69% over the life of the contract.

“I’m really proud of what we were able to negotiate to make Optimum a better place to work,” said Patrick Adkins, a member of the CWA bargaining committee. “When we fought for our first union contract, we were able to win job security and important rights at work, like our first grievance procedure. Because of the foundation we built in our first union contract, we were able to really focus on improving the standard of living for our families with the wage increases we’ve earned.”

Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 07/25/2024 - 10:06

Fighting Back Against Union Busting: 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:

NEA & NEH funding is critical to creating jobs for union creative professionals & supports enriching programs across the US. Rep. Brecheen wants to cut funding by $48 million for each agency. 

Tell your Congressperson to VOTE NO on the Brecheen’s amendments. 
📞Call 202-224-3121 pic.twitter.com/8cn5a9VrYN

— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) July 23, 2024

AFGE:

AFGE members at the Department of Housing and Urban Development forced the agency back to the bargaining table.

Here's what you need to know ⬇https://t.co/0KmdpvV0Z2

— AFGE (@AFGENational) July 24, 2024

AFSCME:

"We are all in for Kamala Harris. From today until Nov. 5, we will mobilize in communities nationwide, turning out the vote and moving mountains to make Kamala Harris the 47th president of the United States."

AFSCME endorses Kamala Harris for president: https://t.co/lB8yUzcBxf pic.twitter.com/TT9bJBCF0b

— AFSCME (@AFSCME) July 22, 2024

Alliance for Retired Americans:

Did you know? The risk of heat-related illness increases with age. Seniors can stay safe by keeping hydrated and wearing loose, light colored clothing. https://t.co/v3f5U5NX6l

— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) July 23, 2024

Amalgamated Transit Union:

We’re proud of our Local 694 members in San Antonio, TX, for fighting back against union busting by VIA Metropolitan Transit. Thank you council members Teri Castillo (D5) and Manny Pelaez (D8) for standing with us! https://t.co/uSqDI3dTVx #1u #UnionStrong

— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) July 24, 2024

American Federation of Musicians:

The AFM proudly endorses Kamala Harris for president of the United States. "For musicians concerned about protecting their rights against exploitation both intellectually and at work, ensuring the security of our pay, benefits, and retirement, Harris is the clear choice,” says…

— AFM (@The_AFM) July 23, 2024

American Federation of Teachers:

And that’s a wrap on day 2 of our 2024 Convention! Thank you to all of our members for all that you do. Proud to be Union family. #RealSolutions pic.twitter.com/80cz6TtIWD

— AFT (@AFTunion) July 23, 2024

American Postal Workers Union:

APWU National Executive Board Endorses Vice President Kamala Harris for the Next President of the United States

Read more:https://t.co/yDAymMFDLe pic.twitter.com/NLe55RZ39b

— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) July 23, 2024

Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:

"The America Biden has worked his whole life to build isn’t about ME, it’s about WE.

"In his first days in office, he stopped airline furloughs & secured our jobs, while banning airline stock buybacks and capping exec comp." @FlyingWithSara on Bidenhttps://t.co/SajCV1lOYN

— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) July 21, 2024

Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:

BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton's statement on President Biden's decision to end his campaign for re-election.

📄Full statement: https://t.co/eZTX9XLh0T

🖨 Printable: https://t.co/P4QLkPVZ2Y pic.twitter.com/nzgYzMwv2p

— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) July 22, 2024

Boilermakers:

👀 Check out this news story about our #Boilermaker Brother, Jimmy Heron, from L-13 (Philadelphia)! Thank you, Brother Heron, for your selfless, life-saving dedication (and for the reminder that there are some awesome humans in the world): https://t.co/kRpY81xhQ9

— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) July 24, 2024

Bricklayers:

Today’s #WorksiteWednesday comes to us from BAC ADC 1 of IL. Brothers and Sisters have been working hard to help renovate Ravinia Elementary School.

We are always happy to help build the places where our children can grow, so that they too can build incredible things.

#1U pic.twitter.com/wH68GrgO2I

— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) July 24, 2024

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:

Work to the End to Win. #JustVote #Kamala2024 pic.twitter.com/NhnNc5Uvvf

— CBTU (@CBTU72) July 23, 2024

Coalition of Labor Union Women:

“On behalf of the members of the CLUW, we commend President Joe Biden for his lifelong commitment to women’s rights and workers’ rights. We respect his decision to not run for re-election and thank him for his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris…” (1/2)

— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) July 22, 2024

Communications Workers of America:

CWA endorses Kamala Harris for President!

We must ensure that we continue to build on the progress we have made alongside President Biden and Vice President Harris and get the job done.

Read more: https://t.co/zk9thvBwMv pic.twitter.com/j3JigjuGmI

— CWA (@CWAUnion) July 22, 2024

Department for Professional Employees:

🚨BRECHEEN AMENDMENTS DEFEATED!🚨Last night, the Brecheen amendments that would have defunded the NEA and NEH were defeated. Thank you to all the union creative professionals and allies who called their representatives in Congress and urged them to vote no on these amendments. pic.twitter.com/h9mT059OOG

— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) July 24, 2024

Electrical Workers:

“The working men and women of the United States owe President Joe Biden a great debt of gratitude, and on behalf of the entire membership of the IBEW, I want to thank him for his leadership.” IBEW Pres. Kenny Cooper. https://t.co/vXwLZBTwiM pic.twitter.com/5xAsouTBlw

— IBEW (@IBEW) July 21, 2024

Heat and Frost Insulators:

United in Solidarity!@UAPipeTrades General President Mark McManus & Director of Organizing & Recruitment Brian Fisher welcomed our Membership Development team to join them on an Organizing Blitz in New Jersey.#InsulatorsUnion #UnionPride pic.twitter.com/9AyWvMphK0

— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) July 24, 2024

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:

IFPTE Endorses VP Kamala Harris for President of the United Stateshttps://t.co/w6wm8m24ik

— IFPTE (@IFPTE) July 23, 2024

International Labor Communications Association:

Labor Communicators: you’re invited to join ILCA and our friends @CanLabourMedia in NYC for our second cross-border mini conference! Join us for trainings, networking, and the NYC Labor Day Parade! Learn more and register here: https://t.co/mfkdKjxfZU pic.twitter.com/c5aK2C2ryw

— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) July 9, 2024

Jobs With Justice:

We thank @POTUS for his service to the country, his willingness to listen to the needs of workers, and his commitment to building a country and an economy that finally puts working people first. Read our full statement: https://t.co/hSeFt4MeZP. pic.twitter.com/fJXYqJXPc3

— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) July 22, 2024

Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:

📣 Protect yourself from being a victim of scammers when submitting your application for the Parole in Place Program. More details: 
...
📣 Evita ser víctima de estafa a la hora de presentar tu solicitud para el Programa de Permiso de Permanencia Temporal:#paroleinplaceprogram pic.twitter.com/nPBBMEitNE

— LCLAA (@LCLAA) July 23, 2024

Labor Heritage Foundation:

Tragedy and Resistance at Port Chicago Naval Magazine (Encore) https://t.co/6EwJQuLluX

— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) July 21, 2024

Laborers:

Lets Beat the Heat! All 50 states should have heat safety standards for workers! pic.twitter.com/u5UjZoUz9A

— LIUNA (@LIUNA) July 24, 2024

Machinists:

Veterans helping veterans! 

When IAM veterans committee members came together at @IAMW3Center last week for training, they spent some time at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home to do community service! 

That’s our motto: Justice on the job and service to the community ⚙️💪🇺🇸… pic.twitter.com/3LrTna8ihX

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) July 24, 2024

Metal Trades Department:

https://t.co/Y6aYqHtHjy Project 2025 is the 920-page document by Donald Trump and his allies that spells out what they plan to do during a Trump second term.

— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) July 22, 2024

Mine Workers:

The National Park Service (NPS) announced on Wednesday, July 10 awarded grants to eight recipients to help preserve battlefields and other sites of armed conflict, including the site of the Ludlow Massacre in Las Animas County.https://t.co/TzSHNHeOt3

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) July 11, 2024

Musical Artists:

UPDATE! SF Symphony management continues to disregard the hardworking chorus members, delaying talks until August 23 - after the AGMA contract expires: https://t.co/OdO9uRcJzM pic.twitter.com/ATdUkPZnSf

— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) July 23, 2024

National Air Traffic Controllers Association:

Today’s class at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh focused on a critical aspect of aviation safety: weather awareness. At the NATCA booth, NATCA members presented “ATC & You: Don’t Let That Cloud Fool You,” led by Marcus Miller (Houston Center, ZHU) and Gabe Benjamin (Brackett ATCT, POC). pic.twitter.com/AiumZs3NXQ

— NATCA (@NATCA) July 24, 2024

National Association of Letter Carriers:

Calling all delegates and convention attendees! Be sure to check out this thread so you're ready to register when you arrive in Boston.⤵️ pic.twitter.com/UJN5fyrqzs

— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) July 23, 2024

National Domestic Workers Alliance:

Vivian Siordia and Liezl Japona, both care workers in California, show us the ups and downs of domestic work and express how more organizing aid could improve the job. https://t.co/kwR7sFOLCi

— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) July 23, 2024

National Federation of Federal Employees:

Max Alonzo Appointed National Secretary-Treasurer of NFFE; Will Serve Remainder of Current Term.https://t.co/b4aOsr6Zky

— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) July 22, 2024

National Nurses United:

We agree with the governor that signed the first #SafeStaffing law in the nation. 👍 https://t.co/xGFl8bthVU

— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) July 24, 2024

National Taxi Workers Alliance:

Last week, 2K+ @Uber & @lyft drivers held a historic rally to protest the companies' unfair lockouts, pledging to strike if they don't stop now.

This week, we're listed among the most powerful transport players in New York.

The union makes us strong. ✊🏽🌹https://t.co/s2cY360ZfV

— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) July 22, 2024

NFL Players Association:

Solomon Thomas and @TDefensiveLine put together a special summer weekend for hundreds of Texas kids, treating them to a night of theater and a day of training — all in the name of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. pic.twitter.com/a1Y1so68Gy

— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 19, 2024

North America's Building Trades Unions:

🚨NABTU has signed a landmark MOU with @TVAnews to raise jobsite standards for the construction industry through NABTU's RESPECT (Responsible Environment Supporting Positive Equity Culture and Treatment) initiative. https://t.co/iuYowqt9TQ pic.twitter.com/1gwKmNgGEh

— The Building Trades (@NABTU) July 23, 2024

Office and Professional Employees:

It’s so easy to enter the Union Plus #UnionsPowerAmerica Contest: Share a story about how you or someone you know helps power America on the job, at home or in the community & you (or they) could win cash prizes on Labor Day! 

Enter today: https://t.co/YbrIZga4qc pic.twitter.com/pZPvRRYOM0

— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) July 19, 2024

Painters and Allied Trades:

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades is proud to endorse @KamalaHarris as the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States!

Read our full statement here ⤵️https://t.co/7uw5QJxPqq pic.twitter.com/DOXsyHhjYN

— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) July 22, 2024

Plasterers and Cement Masons:

“Workers are voting to join unions at the highest rate in 15 years... Workers voted in favor of a union 74% of the time this year (through April) — a jump from 2019 when it was 69%.”https://t.co/OKyFh5J7BK

— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) July 24, 2024

Pride At Work:

Join us to build LGBTQIA+ Worker Power! https://t.co/TCExXV94jN pic.twitter.com/jqEtF8R8sW

— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) July 19, 2024

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:

NY retail workers & shoppers want the same thing: a safer shopping experience for everyone. The #RetailWorkerSafety Act would require retail employers to put violence prevention plans into place.
Urge @GovKathyHochul to sign the bill into law: https://t.co/y4aig8Mx0a pic.twitter.com/sZViAgN2lM

— RWDSU (@RWDSU) July 23, 2024

Roofers and Waterproofers:

When properly installed, guardrails can prevent falls. Learn more at: https://t.co/6bFN4Yuj1l #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/LCNshjUbhm

— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) July 24, 2024

SAG-AFTRA:

🔒 Your identity is our strength! Help us shape a brighter tomorrow #SagAftraMembers by logging into https://t.co/TONAMbvw3Y and completing your member profile today. This confidential information is essential in having statistics for our ongoing fight to protect you! pic.twitter.com/rgSd5bAhT9

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 23, 2024

Solidarity Center:

Workers & unions in the #Philippines face...

🔴 red tagging
🔴 abductions
🔴 arbitrary arrests

Workers persist-organizing & mobilizing around wages, benefits & more.

Learn about the situation for workers in the Philippines: https://t.co/5NtQVVRLr3 @ITUC pic.twitter.com/OzWz8cHSZQ

— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) July 22, 2024

The NewsGuild-CWA:

ICMYI: @PBNewsGuild & @swflnewsguild have reached a tentative agreement for their first collective bargaining agreement with Gannett after nearly four years of negotiations!

Highlights include: raises, AI protections, & enhancements to healthcare + 401k https://t.co/7c3mogszCJ

— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) July 23, 2024

Theatrical Stage Employees:

Thanks to @MarkWarner & @SenThomTillis for introducing the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA)!

They know entertainment workers deserve tax fairness and should be able to deduct costs for equipment, tools, and travel.

Read more: https://t.co/Mk3pWZLww4

— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) July 24, 2024

Transport Workers Union:

Cruise isn't allowed to operate in California after a robotaxi dragged a pedestrian down the street. Putting vehicles incapable of being operated by humans on public roads is the wrong move – something Cruise finally realized. https://t.co/oMlGuwcuza

— TWU (@transportworker) July 23, 2024

Transportation Trades Department:

Fire fighters and first responders are essential to a safe transportation system.

We welcome @OSHA_DOL's updated safety and health standards for emergency responders, which will better serve @IAFFofficial heroes and the communities they protect. https://t.co/8qitPkwIu3

— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) July 24, 2024

UAW:

"Nearly 460 workers are on strike from the Lear seating assembly plant in Wentzville, MO. The main reasons for this strike, according to Local 282 President Bill Hugeback, are health and safety issues that the union fears are putting workers at risk."https://t.co/PbckicHwfl

— UAW (@UAW) July 23, 2024

Union Veterans Council:

Will Attig, Executive Director of the @unionveterans, @AFLCIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent White House meeting to discuss the @POTUS Biden Administration’s impact on union jobs for military veterans. https://t.co/66YFHDEbGD

— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) July 18, 2024

UNITE HERE:

🚨 HUGE STRIKE VOTE ALERT 🚨

10K+ hotel workers in Boston, Honolulu, Providence, and San Francisco have announced plans for strike votes at Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Omni, and more.

We are ready to FIGHT for raises, fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era staffing cuts. pic.twitter.com/Wg7C6qkKAr

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) July 24, 2024

United Food and Commercial Workers:

Financial security during your retirement is not a luxury - it is a right.

At UFCW we fight for fair retirement benefits, including pensions and healthcare, ensuring that our members can retire with dignity and peace of mind.

This is #WhyUnionsMatter. pic.twitter.com/4hrYjMtRiM

— UFCW (@UFCW) July 23, 2024

United Steelworkers:

USW Atomic Energy Workers Council President Jim Key visited the White House this month to witness President Joe Biden sign into law the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (A.D.V.A.N.C.E.) Act. Read about it: https://t.co/DaddHxmsRU pic.twitter.com/D7XzrYyIhl

— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) July 23, 2024

Utility Workers:

“At Liberty Gas in Georgia, I’ve seen many benefits as a new member of the UWUA. These include being able to review and evaluate wages and benefits and make sure everyone is receiving the appropriate compensation, as well as having more job security.' 
🧵 pic.twitter.com/xM5R7ow5vi

— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) July 24, 2024

Writers Guild of America East:

Members in need of support during this time can browse @deadline's list of mental health resources for Hollywood union members, from WGAE's Unemployment Support Guide to our partners at @alifeinthearts. https://t.co/iPLPqOdaRl #1u

— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) July 23, 2024

Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/24/2024 - 10:23