Economy Gains 206,000 Jobs in June, Unemployment Up Slightly to 4.1%
The U.S. economy gained 206,000 jobs in June and the unemployment rate was up slightly to 4.1%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
June's biggest job gains were in government (+70,000), health care (+49,000), social assistance (+34,000) and construction (+27,000). Employment declined in professional and business services (-17,000) and retail trade (-9,000). Employment showed little change over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; transportation and warehousing; information; financial activities; leisure and hospitality; and other services.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for Asian Americans (4.1%) and adult women (3.7%) increased in June. The jobless rates for teenagers (12.1%), Black Americans (6.3%), Hispanics (4.9%), adult men (3.8%), and White Americans (3.5%) showed little or no change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) rose in June and accounted for 22.2% of the total number of people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/08/2024 - 09:08Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nurses Ratify New Contract with MyMichigan
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, after 18 rounds of bargaining over the course of six months, members of the Michigan Nurses Association—an affiliate of National Nurses United (NNU)—who work at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault voted to ratify a new contract.
Nurses staged a strike in April, voted to authorize an additional work stoppage in June and held the line at multiple pickets in order to secure this victory. And their bravery has paid off. The new contract covers approximately 120 members and includes wage increases that will move the top-of-the-scale wage beyond $50 an hour by the end of the contract.\
“We’re proud of our solidarity and strength as a union that made this possible, as well as the amazing community support for which we are so grateful,” said Colleen Waucaush, RN, president of the Michigan Nurses Association local bargaining unit at the hospital, in a press release. “This journey was worth it to set up a better future for local nurses and our hospital, which ultimately means a better future for everyone in the eastern U.P. Nurses never lost our focus on providing the best care possible for our patients, and we’re proud that this contract will support making that happen every day at our hospital.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/08/2024 - 09:00Happy Fourth of July: 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:
Suzane LaFrance, the first woman elected Mayor of Anchorage, has officially been sworn in. We are excited to work with her administration and ensure Anchorage's working families can thrive! pic.twitter.com/pdau5ueBRo
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) July 2, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
The more union workers in a state, the better the overall safety standards for all workers in a state. That’s how it works. https://t.co/YdcjgM40F9 pic.twitter.com/NXNx4yH5rj
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) July 3, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
When you see a work zone, slow down and move over! One death on the job is too many. Our thoughts are with union brother, Andrew DiDomenico, a DOT worker who was killed while working in Wallingford last week. #1u pic.twitter.com/eLaK05v5FW
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) July 1, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
A strong majority of Floridians support labor unions in a recent poll.
“I’m very optimistic...There’s an organic nature to why people are in labor unions in spite of being up against forces that have all the money and all the megaphones.”https://t.co/jBPaB443n5
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) January 3, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 30, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Growing up in a community devastated by the loss of industry, Mandy Jo Ganieany embarked on a career as a dry wall finisher. After working non-union, Ganieany joined the @GoIUPAT and experienced the union difference: dignity.
Full story here:https://t.co/ejgTskZojQ pic.twitter.com/1PWnII8yZa
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) July 2, 2024
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Make sure your 4th of July celebration is #UnionMade! pic.twitter.com/ugcGted8VC
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) July 1, 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:
Check out our new video featuring Searsport resident Bud Rivers making a compelling case for the transition to clean energy, offshore wind and for a port to help build the new industry supporting good union jobs! @ME_LaborClimate pic.twitter.com/h23vFm34gJ
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) June 28, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Last Week, the MA house passed language supporting Project Labor Agreements. Scan the QR code below to to send a letter to your Senator asking them to support PLAs in the Senate @Mass_BTU pic.twitter.com/fjv87R7KC5
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) July 2, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Labor’s 🔥🔥🔥’d up for @CurtisHertelJr!!
We were out on doors earlier today talking to voters all about Curtis’s plan to fight for workers’ rights in Congress. pic.twitter.com/5ISaruyenL
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) June 25, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Thanks to all the union members who marched with us at this year’s Twin Cities Pride Parade! Our Labor Movement stands with every worker, no exceptions! #1u #tcpride #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/EQhzOrJsHI
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 30, 2024
Missouri AFL-CIO:
#Unions NEVER stop fighting for #Workers and their families! #1u #UnionStrong #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/45gLnDBCb7
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) July 1, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
We’re happy to see @VP back in Vegas and are rallying for another 4 more years! pic.twitter.com/qZKaduYAf9
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) June 28, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Paid holidays exist because of labor unions 🇺🇸
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) July 3, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
"The project is going to create about 8,000 jobs for our area [and] was made possible by President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law." Construction starts on railroad connecting Raleigh to Richmond https://t.co/eZ3z4B9eXB via @ABC11_WTVD #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) July 3, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Write an @AFLCIO letter: Congress: Protect Our Loved Ones. Safe Staffing Over Corporate Interests!. Write one here: https://t.co/9FJCkCmrAw
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) June 5, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
This is a BFD! Thank you, #Akron! And way to go @RepEmiliaSykes and @SenSherrodBrown, who despite the chaos the @GOP, continue to deliver for working people across our state. https://t.co/WCtebsgfzw
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) July 2, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
“Congress set up agencies with deep expertise in studying and regulating ways to protect America’s workers. This ruling constitutes a brazen power grab by the Supreme Court to have judges rewrite the rules.” https://t.co/5VdJVDHRpY
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) July 2, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
A little weather didn't stop us from talking to the union voters in Erie, PA! Folks know the future of unions is on the ballot this Nov, and they’re all in to keep building on the progress we’ve made during the #Year OfTheWorker. https://t.co/0NqQMbWeOZ #Labor2024 #UnionsVote pic.twitter.com/JVIKvN4sPN
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) July 1, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Gov. Abbott put TX workers’ lives at risk by banning local water & rest break laws, despite our scorching summers.
Today the Biden admin announced a federal rule that will protect 36M workers from extreme heat.
This is what it looks like to put workers first. Thank you, @POTUS!
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) July 2, 2024
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Virginia AFL-CIO and Virginia State Building Trades Celebrate Newport News City Council's Unanimous Vote for Collective Bargaining Task Force —
Read all about it here 🔗 https://t.co/Jasfsqkxmr #UnionStrong #1u pic.twitter.com/WHcy8WFtM9
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) July 3, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
📢📢Join International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members who work at Experis Games Solutions for a Solidarity Action for a fair first contract. @MachinistsUnion pic.twitter.com/aLAi7A6Lyh
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 28, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/03/2024 - 15:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Michigan Kroger Workers Ratify New Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951 in Michigan voted to ratify a new Kroger contract that secures major improvements to wages and benefits.
The three-year contract went into effect on Sunday, triggering immediate wage increases of up to $1.50 per hour. The agreement also includes provisions that ensure more paid time off for workers with 18 years of service, prevent increases in the weekly cost of health and welfare benefits for the life of the agreement and that establish improvements to workplace safety protocols. In total, the Local 951 bargaining committee secured a commitment from Kroger of more than $8 million in associate health care investments and more than $500,000 in investments for retirement benefits.
“We fought hard for significant wage increases and an overall improved contract for the Kroger members,” said Courtney Phillips, secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 951. “I am proud of the members who served on the bargaining committee and worked together to achieve contract gains that improve the lives of their fellow members.”
Jackie Davis, who works at a Kroger in Saginaw, Michigan, added in a news release: “I have been on the bargaining committee in the past and this is the most money I have ever seen from the company. I am very proud. The committee was able to come together and made decisions for what was best for all the employees.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:59A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event: 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.
Kroger Union Members Ratify New Contract, Increasing Hourly Wages: “Kroger's unionized employees in Michigan and members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 951 ratified a new labor contract earlier this week, which increases hourly wages and invests in benefits for employees.”
Machinist Union Strikes for 5 Days at NASA’s Stennis Space Center Over Wages, Benefits: “Around 200 union members working at NASA’s Stennis Space Center went on a strike for five days before the union voted to settle on Monday evening, accepting a compromise deal. The strike lasted for five workdays, said John Piatt, a business representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union.”
The ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Event That Will Reset the WNBA: “When the time comes to negotiate a new CBA, Women’s National Basketball Players Association executive director Terri Jackson said, WNBA players are ‘laser focused’ on specific salaries instead of a compensation model that currently gives players the opportunity to earn more through other means such as bonuses and marketing agreements. ‘All eyes on that deal and what it could set us up for next,’ Jackson said. ‘Many [players] crafted their contracts to give them greater opportunity to renegotiate something that is more appropriate and closer to their value, particularly in this new system that we have.’”
Hollywood Crew Members Reach Tentative Deal with Major Studios: “Film and TV crew members have reached a tentative contract deal with the major Hollywood studios after months of bargaining, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers announced Tuesday night. The resolution arrived before the current contract’s expiration date, finally permitting the entertainment industry to breathe a sigh of relief in the wake of two marathon strikes waged by actors and screenwriters. IATSE’s Hollywood Basic Agreement spans three years and covers some 50,000 craftspeople primarily based in Los Angeles.”
Ending Two-Tier Wage System Key Postal Workers Goal in Talks: “Eliminating yet another two-tier wage system and lifting the lowest ranks of its members out of the ranks of poverty-wage workers are among the key goals of the Postal Workers as they opened talks on June 25 on a new contract with the U.S. Postal Service. Any agreement, whether it’s achieved through collective bargaining, as APWU hopes, or by a pact which arbitrators impose, would be the largest single contract unions and bosses would achieve this year. The current contract, covering 190,000 workers, expires in September. The two sides in the talks appeared to have a very different focus. APWU President Mark Dimondstein emphasized raising wages, eliminating two tiers, and expanding the USPS into new lines of business to increase its revenues. He also pushed achieving safety, stability and better working conditions for union members, including an end to a management culture of toleration or worse of bullying and harassment on the job.”
Food 4 Less Workers’ Union Reaches Tentative Labor Deal with Grocer to Avert Potential Strike: “The union representing thousands of Food 4 Less workers reached a tentative contract agreement today with the grocery company, averting a potential strike. Workers had previously authorized a work stoppage if labor talks failed. But on Tuesday, representatives of United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 announced that they had reached a tentative deal that includes 'substantial wage increases for all workers, more guaranteed hours and other contract improvements.’”
Joe Biden’s Climate Law Has Created More Than 300,000 Clean Energy Jobs: “U.S. companies have created more than 300,000 clean energy jobs since President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022, according to a detailed new analysis from an environmental advocacy group. Climate Power, a left-leaning organization focused on combating climate change, has been meticulously tracking public announcements of clean energy jobs from the private sector since the law’s passage. As of May 31, it found that U.S. companies have announced or moved forward with projects accounting for more than 312,900 new clean energy jobs for electricians, mechanics, construction workers, technicians, support staff and others.”
AFL-CIO Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month: “This June, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equity, dignity, and inclusion both in life and in the workplace. Collective bargaining remains the best tool against discrimination of any kind, which is why the AFL-CIO fights so that working people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions can enjoy the protections of a union contract. We honor the legacy of queer organizers, whose contributions have too often gone underappreciated and unknown. From Bayard Rustin’s central role in the March on Washington to the ongoing advocacy of Pride at Work, queer leaders have always been at the cutting edge of worker advancements. Still, queer people face ongoing discrimination due to the lack of adequate federal protections in the workplace. Meanwhile, state legislatures continue to pass extreme, discriminatory laws that restrict both LGBTQIA+ rights, especially trans rights, and the freedom to join a union. This movement will never tolerate hate and will continue to be a force for progress whether it’s in the courts, on the streets or at the ballot box this fall. The AFL-CIO proudly stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community everywhere, this month and always.”
iHeartMedia Workers Vote to Ratify First Union Contract: “More than two years after negotiations began, iHeartMedia workers represented by the Writers Guild of America East have ratified their first labor contract. Ninety-nine percent of the 100-member group voted to ratify the contract in a recent vote, while one percent voted against. The WGA East represents writers, producers, editors and other people who work in storytelling at the audio company.”
Apple TV Visual Effects Workers File to Unionize with IATSE: “As it continues to press forward with its campaign to organize visual effects workers, IATSE has made a bid to represent a small group of these professionals who work on Apple television series. On Friday the union announced that it had submitted a petition to the National Labor Relations Board to represent 17 workers at six Apple Studios LLC shows including Bubbi, Jiminy, Foxtrot, Government Cheese, Surface and Blackbird. The union is seeking to represent roles such as VFX production supervisor/manager, VFX coordinator, VFX production assistant, VFX witness camera operator and VFX on-set supervisor, among other classifications. According to IATSE, a 'supermajority’ of the proposed bargaining unit has signed union authorization cards.”
Laborers Union Looking for Apprentices, Has Jobs to Fill: “They’re called ‘Construction Craft Laborers,’ but perhaps you know them through the work they do—residential, commercial and public project construction jobs. In Southern Illinois, these laborers are all part of Local 773 of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. The Marion-based branch has more than 4,000 professional members.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/02/2024 - 13:50Service & Solidarity Spotlight: After A Year of Negotiations, Louisville Fire Fighters Approve Contract with City
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 54 members approved a new contract that boosts firefighter pay by 24% over five years. The contract passed with 60% of the vote. After a 7% increase on back pay, salaries will go up another 5% this year, with a 5% increase following in 2025, 3% in 2026 and 4% in 2027.
"The dollars speak for themselves," Local 54 President Jeff Taylor said. "It makes us one of the highest, if not the highest paid fire department in the state of Kentucky."
After securing a new contract, Taylor's focus is on securing money for repairing the department's buildings, some of which are more than 100 years old.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 07/02/2024 - 10:18Worker Wins: When Workers Stand Together, We Win
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Potential Strike Averted as Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Workers Reach TA: The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals representing thousands of Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers reached a tentative agreement (TA) on Tuesday with the grocery company, averting a potential strike. For the past three months, members of UFCW locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 have been fighting for a fair contract at the bargaining table and in their communities with rallies, petitions, conversations with customers and more. This TA comes after workers overwhelmingly voted to approve a strike authorization after their previous contract expired without a new agreement in place. Members will soon vote on the deal, which includes substantial wage increases, greater guaranteed hours and other contractual improvements. “We are proud to announce a tentative agreement with Food 4 Less/Foods Co. that we unanimously recommend to our co-workers,” said the bargaining committee in a press release. “We are grateful for the solidarity and strength our co-workers have shown throughout negotiations as well as the overwhelming support we have received from our customers and community members. We could not have achieved this deal without them. Today proves that when workers stand together, we win. We look forward to discussing the details of this agreement with our co-workers before we make our voices heard during the voting process.”
A Pension Is a Promise: Biden Administration and Sen. Casey Announce Pension Protections for BCTGM Members and Retirees: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) International President Anthony Shelton visited Hershey, Pennsylvania, last week—along with members and retirees of BCTGM Local 6—for a historic update on pension reform from White House Senior Advisor and American Rescue Plan (ARP) Implementation Coordinator Gene Sperling and Sen. Bob Casey. President Biden highlighted on Friday that 1 million pensions have now been saved under the ARP, protecting the promise of dignified retirement for people across the country. Assistance through the 2021 Biden administration stimulus bill will prevent benefit cuts for roughly 103,000 manufacturing, production, maintenance and sanitation workers, and retirees who are represented by BCTGM. These members already have earned their pension benefits over their years of service but were facing benefit reductions of approximately 45% by the end of the decade. Instead, thanks to ARP, the plan will now be projected to pay full benefits to workers and retirees through at least 2051. This is the second largest award to date through the ARP’s Butch Lewis Act. Over 52,000 Pennsylvanians, 71,000 Illinoisans, 71,000 New Yorkers, 62,000 Ohioans, 61,000 Michiganders, 39,000 Missourians, 33,000 Wisconsinites and many more Americans have had their pensions preserved by the Biden administration.
iHeart Podcast Network Workers Vote to Ratify First Union Contract: Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) members at the iHeart Podcast Network announced Monday that they have successfully ratified their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. The 100-member unit started negotiations with management after the union was voluntarily recognized in 2022. Members include writers, producers, editors and other staff who work in storytelling at the audio company. The path to this massive victory wasn’t an easy one—the union dealt with multiple insulting proposals from management over more than two years of bargaining. But ultimately, iHeart Podcast Union members’ solidarity paid off in their new contract, which provides nearly half a million dollars in immediate pay increases, new minimum starting salaries, severance of up to 16 weeks, the right to bargain over any implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace and so much more. In addition to the iHeart Podcast Network, the WGAE represents workers at other popular podcast production companies, including Crooked Media, The Ringer, Spotify Studios (formerly Gimlet and Parcast) and more. “With more than 30 million monthly listeners, podcasts have become an essential part of iHeartMedia’s business and their employees deserve to be fairly compensated and provided with workplace protections,” said WGAE President Lisa Takeuchi Cullen in a press release. “The contract won by Guild members at the iHeart Podcast Network sets a new bar for people who work in the podcast industry. The WGAE will continue to fight to raise industry standards in podcasting.”
NYC Utility Workers Secure Tentative Agreement, Averting Strike: Utility Workers (UWUA) Local 1-2 reached a tentative agreement (TA) Sunday with energy company Con Edison, averting a potential strike during a record-breaking heat wave. Con Edison is New York City’s primary power provider, servicing 10 million residents across the metropolitan area and Westchester County. Local 1-2 represents about 8,000 workers at the company, including electrical technicians, engineers, designers and administrators. Members were poised to walk off the job on Sunday—with picket captains ready at various locations—in order to secure a fair contract that reflects the critical role they play at Con Edison. The four-year tentative contract includes an improved general wage increase, an enhanced medical plan with minimal increases, an upgraded wage acceleration plan and increased various operational agreements. “This agreement reflects the hard work and dedication of both parties to reach an agreement that benefits all,” said Local 1-2 in an online statement. “Moreover, this agreement would not be possible without the unwavering support of the rank and file.”
Alaska Airlines Flight Attendants Win ‘Record’ Tentative Agreement: After a week of bargaining at the National Mediation Board (NMB), the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) and Alaska Airlines bargaining committee announced on Friday that it had reached a “record” tentative deal with the carrier. The union credits the tireless efforts of activist-members throughout the negotiation process as a critical reason why it was able to strike a deal with the airline. Flight attendants have staged actions large and small over the course of bargaining, including wearing color-coordinated pins and lanyards on flights, participating in informational pickets, taking an overwhelmingly supportive strike authorization vote, pushing Congress to tell the NMB to end protracted negotiations, demonstrations at airports across the country and more. The next step in the process is for the negotiating committee to present the TA to the Master Executive Council, a body of member-elected local Executive Council presidents who are responsible for coordinating the activities of AFA-CWA across an entire airline, which will vote on whether it will be released for a full membership ratification. “[Member] actions over the last two years of bargaining, including gaining support from lawmakers for our right to strike, ensured we had the leverage to extract every last dollar from Alaska Airlines management,” read a mediation update statement from AFA Alaska. “The AFA Alaska Negotiating Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the support and efforts of Members and our Mobilization Volunteers over the past two years. With the solidarity and unity of our workgroup and the real, credible threat of a release, management felt the pressure needed to get this Tentative Agreement.”
IBEW Local 46 Strike at Limited Energy Ends: Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 46 members voted Wednesday to ratify a tentative agreement with the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) after bravely spending more than 10 weeks on the picket line. The contract was approved by a margin of 85% and included a total of $12.50 per hour in raises as well as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to continue discussing paid time off provisions. Limited Energy electricians—who perform critical work to install and maintain systems like fire and security alarms, HVAC controls, emergency radios and more—went on strike in April. This work stoppage marked the first time since just after World War II that a Local 46 electrician unit had been on strike. Throughout the strike, members held the line in the face of multiple insulting proposals from NECA and displayed the true spirit of solidarity by cooking meals together, fixing each other’s cars and helping fellow electricians get to doctors’ appointments. “It has been a long journey,” said Local 46 Business Representative Megan Kirby in a statement posted to social media. “I cannot express how proud I am of this unit with their commitment and solidarity.”
Guthrie Theater Front-Facing Crew Votes to Join IATSE: Front-of-house workers at Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater voted to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 13 earlier this month, with more than 70% of the ballots cast in favor of joining the union. These newly minted union members were supported by their organized colleagues throughout the campaign—Guthrie stagehands are also represented by Local 13 and the staff who handle set design voted overwhelmingly to join United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829, IATSE in 2022. The venue produces a mix of classic and contemporary plays on three stages, and front-facing staff work across multiple departments, including Audience Services, Box Office, Environmental Services, Guest Services and the Kitchak Lounge. Despite management’s pushback at various points in the organizing process and refusal to voluntarily recognize the union, members of the Guthrie Front-Facing Staff Union refused to back down and the election results show a powerful unity among workers.
After One Year and One Day, IAPE and Dow Jones Reach TA on New Contract: The Independent Association of Publishers’ Employees (IAPE), Local 1096 of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), reached a tentative agreement (TA) Monday with Dow Jones on a new four-year contract. IAPE is composed of 1,400 journalists, technology staff, sales professionals, and administrative, production, and support staffers across the United States and Canada who make possible outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron’s, Factiva, and others. Highlights of the TA include a 16.25% wage increase over the duration of the contract, a lump sum payment of 4.25% of pay or $4,250 (whichever is larger), a ratification bonus, a freeze of health insurance premiums, enhanced parental leave benefits, an additional paid company holiday, and increase to the minimum pay scales and more. After a year and a day of negotiations, the workers who provide Dow Jones with award-winning reporting, record subscriptions and unprecedented profits have secured a hard-fought win after coming to the brink of a walkout for the first time in the 80-plus year history of the union.
D.C. Hospitality Workers Secure New Contract with Salary Increase, Benefits: Thousands of Washington, D.C., hospitality workers, represented by UNITE HERE Local 25, ratified a new four-year contract last week, delivering historic wins to members on core issues. The bargaining committee spent several months solidifying this agreement with more than 20 D.C. hotels and restaurants. Roughly 4,000 workers will see an approximately 25% wage increase over four years; medical, vision and dental coverage for staff and their families; an expanded pension package; and more. This contract victory comes just weeks after Destination D.C., the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, reported that 25.95 million total visitors came to the District in 2023, a 17% uptick from 2022 and a higher total than the pre-pandemic record set in 2019. “Everything in this new contract means so much to me,” Sarayia Johnson, a housekeeper at Marriott Marquis, said in a statement. “I love coming to work, I love the people, I love taking care of guests. But I have bills I need to take care of and food I need to put on the table. We needed more money, and I’m so proud we were able to win these raises.”
Residents and Fellows at UMMC Vote to Join Union by Overwhelming Margin: Residents and fellow physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) voted in a landslide victory on Thursday to join AFT-Maryland, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Members of University of Maryland Resident & Fellow Alliance (UMRFA) work across multiple locations in more than 60 specialties and programs, and their final vote margin was a stunning 628 to 19. As the election got closer, workers won support from high-profile public officials, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and Zeke Cohen, a City Council member who’s a candidate for council president. This union is the first of its kind in Maryland, and physicians are aiming to secure a contract that ensures higher wages, improved health care benefits and better retirement plan matching so they can better serve patients. “Our state federation is excited to work with these brilliant medical minds to deliver great outcomes for workers that will only result in a better UMMC,” Kenya Campbell, president at AFT-Maryland said. “Most importantly, better quality of care for the surrounding community that relies on residents and fellows to keep us healthy and safe.” “We have rewritten this chapter of our collective story and reclaimed some of the agency often denied to trainees and workers,” UMRFA announced in a press release. “We look forward to being a stronger voice and partner at UMMC advocating for the needs of residents and fellows so that they can ensure the people of Baltimore receive the best possible care.”
New Contract for Miami Solid Waste Workers Highlights the Union Difference: Despite Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ramming extreme union-busting legislation through the state Legislature last year, AFSCME Florida members working at Miami’s solid waste department recently ratified a new three-year contract with the city that proves the power of collective action. The bill, S.B. 256, requires most public sector unions to maintain 60% dues payment rates, requires anti-union language to be added to membership cards, outlaws their right to receive dues via paycheck deductions, requires them to undertake costly auditing procedures, and more provisions aimed at undermining the rights of union members. But AFSCME Local 871 members refused to back down and resolved to retain their union through these attacks. They signed and re-signed every new card and were one of the first locals to pass the law’s 60% membership threshold. As of last week, nearly 85% of the workers in Local 871’s bargaining unit are AFSCME members. And that dedication has paid off: Their new contract is retroactive to October 2023 and maintains pension and health care costs, strengthens their voice on the job, and delivers an 18% wage increase over the life of the agreement. Other financial wins include a provision that almost doubles shift differential pay and language that establishes a new top pay grade that’s 5% higher above the previous highest level. “The past few years have seen public service workers come under attack, but this contract shows that when you stand up and fight for what is right, you are going to win more times than not,” said Joe Simmons Jr., a waste equipment operator and president of Local 871. “Our governor and his yes men in the legislature thought that when they passed the most anti-union, anti-worker legislation in Florida history…that we would just sit down and shut up. But they don’t have the sense God gave Adam because every time they say they support workers, stand up for families and want to give people a shot at the American dream, they are lying through their teeth.”
Workers at National Sawdust Successfully Vote to Join Union: Ushers at Brooklyn’s nonprofit music venue National Sawdust in New York voted overwhelmingly last week to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 306. Founded in 2015, National Sawdust is a Williamsburg-based cultural institution that commissions, produces and presents programming from multidisciplinary artists. With this successful vote, ushers will join the ranks of their front-of-house peers at iconic venues like New York City Radio City Music Hall, Richard Rodgers Theatre, Madison Square Garden and more. Staff started organizing in October of 2023 when they first reached out to IATSE with goals of securing a contract with quality health care benefits, robust safety provisions, mental health resources and avenues for professional growth. “I love working at National Sawdust; With the knowledge and support of a Union, I feel optimistic that we can work towards implementing positive changes that will enhance our roles and in turn quality of life,” said usher Marika Wolf. “Not only for the benefit of the longstanding Front-of-house workers who have contributed to National Sawdust’s success as it has grown but also for any future members who will join the team.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:01Tags: Organizing
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Local 757 Reaches Tentative Agreement with TriMet
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757’s bargaining committee reached a tentative agreement Tuesday with transit agency TriMet on a proposed new working and wage agreement.
Operators, maintenance staff and other workers at TriMet are responsible for the daily functioning of bus, light rail and commuter rail service that connects the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Highlights of this new contract include a 13.64% wage increase over the lifetime of the agreement, two additional floating holidays, a new monthly child care subsidy, the first annual increase in hourly “longevity” pay in 25 years, an increase to the employer-sponsored retirement and more.
“This truly is a landmark agreement proposal that will greatly benefit ATU 757 members in a variety of ways, including personally and financially,” said Local 757 President Shirley Block. “As my tenure with TriMet and leading the ATU Local 757 comes to a close, I know this contract leaves my union brethren in a much better situation and sets them up for a prosperous future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 07/01/2024 - 10:22Pride Month Profiles: Andres Morales
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Andres Morales of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Andres Morales is a proud flight attendant for United Airlines based out of Houston, Texas. He is also a strong activist in his union, the AFA-CWA, serving as the human rights and equity chair for his airline. Morales says he got involved with the AFA-CWA because the flight attendants at United lost a flying partner and the political climate was and continues to be hostile toward people of color. When he found a space to use his concerns and passion to uplift his colleagues, he leapt at it. As an activist and advocate, Morales works to ensure that his flying partners, and especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, are seen, heard and respected as their authentic selves.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:34Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Scott Matos-Elliott
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Scott Matos-Elliott of UNITE HERE.
Scott Matos-Elliott started his union journey as a barista working for HMSHost Starbucks at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He joined the committee and led the first Arizona airport strike in UNITE HERE Local 11’s history, resulting in massive contract wins for hundreds of workers. He fought for and won historic raises for airport food service workers just three years after joining the committee. In 2023, Matos-Elliott was elected to UNITE HERE Local 11’s executive board.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:34Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Bianca Polovina
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Bianca Polovina of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Workers’ rights and excellent public services are Bianca Polovina’s passions. As a compliance officer in the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement, they have recovered more than $15 million in restitution for San Francisco workers. They are the first nonbinary president of IFPTE Local 21, which represents over 12,000 municipal workers in the San Francisco Bay Area. As president, Polovina led Local 21’s largest chapter in its first strike school. They are also an active member of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance chapter in San Francisco.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 06/29/2024 - 10:34Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Zoey Moretti Niebuhr
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Zoey Moretti Niebuhr of the North Carolina State AFL-CIO.
Zoey Moretti Niebuhr serves as chapter president of the recently established Pride At Work North Carolina chapter. Niebuhr has been instrumental in organizing LGBTQ+ workers in North Carolina and has actively participated in solidarity actions across the state. They are involved in the North Carolina State AFL-CIO and their local central labor council, and are working collectively to advocate for LGBTQ+-inclusive changes within North Carolina.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 06/29/2024 - 10:34Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Hannah Damitio
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Hannah Damitio of AFSCME.
Hannah Damitio is a powerful labor leader at the Washington State Public Health Laboratories, where they serve as a steward as well as the chair of union-management meetings. They speak with commanding authority as they demand the rights and respect everyone deserves. Damitio’s boldness should serve as an inspiration to anyone who feels unheard.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/28/2024 - 10:34Tags: Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Potential Strike Averted as Food 4 Less/Foods Co. Workers Reach TA
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) locals representing thousands of Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers reached a tentative agreement (TA) on Tuesday with the grocery company, averting a potential strike.
For the past three months, members of UFCW locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 have been fighting for a fair contract at the bargaining table and in their communities with rallies, petitions, conversations with customers and more. This TA comes after workers overwhelmingly voted to approve a strike authorization after their previous contract expired without a new agreement in place. Members will soon vote on the deal, which includes substantial wage increases, greater guaranteed hours and other contractual improvements.
“We are proud to announce a tentative agreement with Food 4 Less/Foods Co. that we unanimously recommend to our co-workers,” said the bargaining committee in a press release. “We are grateful for the solidarity and strength our co-workers have shown throughout negotiations as well as the overwhelming support we have received from our customers and community members. We could not have achieved this deal without them. Today proves that when workers stand together, we win. We look forward to discussing the details of this agreement with our co-workers before we make our voices heard during the voting process.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/28/2024 - 10:25Pride Month Profiles: C. Quintana
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQIA+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is C. Quintana of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE).
C. Quintana is a queer writer with Cuban blood and New Orleans roots whose work proclaims, "You are not alone." Quintana staffed on "Orphan Black: Echoes," premiering on AMC this June, started her television-writing career on "The Baker and the Beauty" for ABC/Keshet, and most recently worked on Fox’s "Alert: Missing Persons Unit." As a playwright, Quintana’s work has been produced nationwide. Most recently, Life Jacket Theatre Company named Quintana the inaugural recipient of its Trans Playwriting Commission. A Guild member since fall 2019, Quintana is a proud co-leader of WGAE LGBTQ+ Salon alongside Andrés Pérez-Duarte and T Cooper. For more, visit cquintana.com.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:28Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Dylan Guerra
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQIA+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Dylan Guerra of the Writers Guild of America East (WGAE).
Dylan Guerra is a queer Brooklyn-based television, film and theater writer and director. His short film "Didn't Think I'd See You Here" was an official selection for the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, and he is set to write/direct his first feature with Picturestart and Get Lifted later this year. He was a writer on the Emmy-nominated third season of "The Other Two," and has two television projects currently in development with A24 and another with Jax. As a playwright, his work has been developed with Playwrights Horizons, Roundabout, MTC, Page 73 and EST. Guerra was a captain during the 2023 writers' strike and currently serves as co-chair of the WGAE Latine Salon.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:28Tags: Pride
Pride Month Profiles: Marty Smith
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Marty Smith of the Utility Workers (UWUA).
Marty Smith is a unit control operator at J.H. Campbell in West Olive, Michigan. She serves as a diversity, equity and inclusion champion, making sure all at the company are included and can bring their whole selves to work. She is an avid member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and a faithful union officer, serving as vice president of UWUA Local 388.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:13Tags: Pride
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Hollywood Crew Members Reach Tentative Deal with Major Studios
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Film and TV crew members represented by the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) reached a tentative contract deal with the major Hollywood studios after months of bargaining. The new Hollywood Basic Agreement spans three years and covers 50,000 craftspeople.
The tentative deal includes updated terms related to pay, pensions, health benefits, overtime, work-life balance, job security, subcontracting, streaming residuals and artificial intelligence.
“From start to finish, your input was invaluable and ensured that our Negotiations Committee was at the bargaining table with clear goals and a consensus for how to achieve them,” said IATSE’s negotiating team. “The ratification timeline will be forthcoming, and we look forward to presenting to you the complete package.”
The contract must be ratified by the union’s membership before the memorandum of agreement can officially go into effect.
IATSE advocates for costume designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, cinematographers, set decorators, lighting technicians, camera operators and other craftspeople.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:52It's Time to Scrap the Cap: 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:
Recently added: the Legacy Robe Ceremony for Lempicka.
Visit our YouTube page to watch the robe ceremonies from Suffs, Merrily We Roll Along, The Who's Tommy and many more! https://t.co/TcoiUqxqWR
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) June 24, 2024
AFGE:
This is an intimidation tactic to try to menace federal workers and sow fear.
Civil servants are required take an oath to the Constitution-- not a loyalty test to a president.https://t.co/B4QVJsPjBS
— AFGE (@AFGENational) June 24, 2024
AFSCME:
Campbell has spent her legal career representing workers, labor unions and pension plans in Tennessee and surrounding states. She has demonstrated a clear commitment to equal justice under the law. We thank @POTUS for her nomination and look forward to her confirmation. https://t.co/VS3AulN5EH
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) June 25, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
It's not fair that the wealthiest Americans pay less into Social Security than average workers do. It's time to #ScrapTheCap! https://t.co/vm5CJwMsGF
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) June 25, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Our Local 587-Seattle, WA, teamed up with Transit Riders for an organized cleanup of bus/train stops at the International District Junction of King County Metro, Sound Transit Light Rail, and Seattle Streetcar service. #ATUStrongerTogether #1u pic.twitter.com/yASuuuK9kU
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) June 26, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
“We’ve gotten lots more inquiries than we can handle in the last few months. We’re growing in health care by leaps and bounds.” - @rweingarten on the formation of Union Physicians of AFT.
Read more about our organizing in healthcare ⬇️ @AFTHealthcare https://t.co/GYLWX6m4uG
— AFT (@AFTunion) June 25, 2024
American Postal Workers Union:
2024 Contract Negotiations Opening Day https://t.co/DwbVLkFavM
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) June 25, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Endeavor AFA is demanding an end to the Delta Disparity Difference that makes it so hard for so many of our Union Siblings to make ends meet. RSVP to an upcoming picket to end tiers in aviation! https://t.co/906ASdxUOH #1u pic.twitter.com/kEf5PrRYCL
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) June 25, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
Biden Administration and Sen. Casey announce assistance for over 100,000 BCTGM workers and retirees covered by the B & C Pension Fund #saveourpensions #butchlewisact https://t.co/XqKbCDvamj
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) June 22, 2024
Boilermakers:
Today, Canada recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day 🇨🇦 Read #Boilermakers Canada's editorial honoring Indigenous People https://t.co/jLzPtZF0On
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) June 24, 2024
Bricklayers:
A special shout out to DCTC PCC Instructor Erin McNamara for being recognized as the winner in the Union/Trade Association Member category at the IL Real Estate Journals 2024 awards!
We commend Erin’s dedication to the BAC and to mentoring future bricklayers and craftworkers. pic.twitter.com/VM5H9KdKf5
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) June 25, 2024
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
Congratulations Curtis! https://t.co/qHUm7Pql6M
— CBTU (@CBTU72) June 20, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
For decades, corporate-backed politicians have traded away our jobs for profits. But with President Biden we've seen a change.
CWA members across the country are working side-by-side with @POTUS and his pro-union, pro-worker Administration to create good, union jobs. #CWAStrong pic.twitter.com/EpbK666Een
— CWA (@CWAUnion) June 25, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
The 2024 @ALALibrary Annual Conference & Exhibition starts on Thursday! Get ready by learning more about the professional library workforce. #1u https://t.co/wKHcxLVzGF pic.twitter.com/JFHLYekih2
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) June 25, 2024
Electrical Workers:
The #IBEW's newest apprenticeship initiative is focused on training workers for the booming Battery and advanced manufacturing sectors. https://t.co/rvo4Re9i15
— IBEW (@IBEW) June 25, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Congratulations, Teresa Payne!⭐️
Teresa became the first female Business Manager to lead Local 64.
Read more of Teresa’s story: https://t.co/ffmt9Bl7Jr #InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride #HFIAW #womenintrades #womanintrades #trades #union pic.twitter.com/LImEV6T4Hu
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) June 18, 2024
International Labor Communications Association:
Don’t panic, you have a week left to submit your entries to the Labor Media Awards! Get those submissions in by July 1: https://t.co/9YGKIYAudh pic.twitter.com/hInMxMPoAZ
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) June 24, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
Can you imagine being fired by an app?
Uber calls it "deactivation," but drivers expose it for what it is: a behind-the-scenes, unfair practice used to keep drivers in line.
But drivers across the country are rising up. Watch this ⬇️ https://t.co/t7okcXfy66
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) June 25, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
The fear of being outed or having their sexual orientation or gender identity disclosed without their consent can lead to significant stress. #ProtectLGBTQ+Rights pic.twitter.com/S2NbbHs7fI
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) June 25, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
LABOR ART OF THE WEEK
Labor Strike, 1939
Philip Tipperman (American, 1916 -1969)
The Brooklyn College Library Collection https://t.co/EU5BVUnbhB #PhilipTipperman #LaborHistory #1939Strike #BrooklynCollegeLibrary #AmericanArt #ArtHistory
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) June 22, 2024
Laborers:
Strength, skill, and solidarity: Women in the trades embody all these qualities and more. #LIUNA is proud to stand with our union sisters who are shaping the future of construction! #GirlPower #WomenInTheTrades pic.twitter.com/PiTcnxv1cg
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) June 26, 2024
Machinists:
Delta is still breaking international labor standards by interfering with workers' inherent right to freely organize their union, without fear and intimidation. 😡https://t.co/i6XnWKCtIL
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) June 24, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
MTD PRESIDENT OFFERS ‘HEARTFELT GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION’ FOR SEAFARERS@SeafarersUnion @ITFglobalunion https://t.co/fc0G0VcpZV
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) June 25, 2024
Metal Trades Department:
An interesting take on how the U.S. can improve shipbuilding https://t.co/KLaFcCMs8b
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) June 20, 2024
Musical Artists:
AGMAzine Spotlight: AGMA Soloist Allegra De Vita Explores the Parallels Between Singing and Martial Arts: https://t.co/jD2TbUAx3z pic.twitter.com/gXrHP4eSDG
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) June 24, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
Summer is upon us, which means temperatures are rising across the country. What does that mean for our facilities? Join your NATCA OSHA Reps for a webinar Thursday, June 27 at 5 p.m. ET to find out. Register Here: https://t.co/TxcTrP9Oiv pic.twitter.com/01eMtu0LQx
— NATCA (@NATCA) June 26, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Up next in our Convention 2024 Series: What is the order of the convention? Follow this thread to learn more and check out our previous videos at https://t.co/g94ntzzKLX. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/j9ea1g0tu4
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) June 25, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
#Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, TX, found out they had been freed two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.
Today, we’re honoring Black domestic workers as we continue to fight for their respect. pic.twitter.com/VRpMpzAIus
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) June 19, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
NFFE Secures Housing Refunds for Forest Service Employee Renters: https://t.co/LPn2ye8r8G
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) June 25, 2024
National Nurses United:
The average health care CEO in the U.S. makes $15 million a year — yes, million.
And it's not just the health care industry. CEO pay is ballooning while many working people are just struggling to get by! 😡 https://t.co/cmWraJfLyC
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) June 25, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
Today we celebrate & honor #juneteenth
❤️💛💚🖤 pic.twitter.com/8S6A60s3Hv
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) June 19, 2024
NFL Players Association:
Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones went back to his alma mater high school in Detroit to host his free “Limitless” football camp for 150 kids, continuing his tradition of supporting his hometown for the third consecutive year. #CommunityMVP pic.twitter.com/YWT6zKE4Z9
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 21, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
"Because of the work I do, as well as the work of all of my sisters in the trades, I know that the path to a meaningful career in construction will be that much easier to walk for the women that follow us."
-Jennifer Wilson, @IBEW569https://t.co/fRytUqbkCP
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) June 26, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
“The best part about being a union rep,” said Phoebe Feldsher of @OPEIULocal8 “is the moment people wake up to their own power.” We are proud to highlight their contributions to the labor movement – as a member, steward and union representative – this #PrideMonth! #UnionPride pic.twitter.com/CliVEwAO0h
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) June 25, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
If you look around, even in rivers and oceans, you can see the proud work of our union!
District Council 39/ LU 1151 members blasted, repaired, and repainted the Belleisle Bay Ferry. This cable ferry crosses Belleisle Bay on the Saint John River in New Brunswick. pic.twitter.com/idKPToWwol
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) June 24, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“As waves of labor activism sweep the country, women of color are leading union growth, while union women in construction & manufacturing are raising labor and safety standards for all workers.”https://t.co/kLkIk5Auj0
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) June 26, 2024
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
From @WhiteHouse proclamation 2024: "On Juneteenth, may we celebrate the essence of freedom that galvanized the country, the progress we have made in our Nation, and all that is possible when we march forward together." #juneteenth #ourhistory #ourstory pic.twitter.com/kW7kNDefuL
— PASS (@PASSNational) June 19, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
Your Sunday evening reminder that the “the most important word in the language of the working-class is solidarity.” #1u pic.twitter.com/nQ0ZSEkuIi
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) June 23, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers:
There are several job-related factors that increase your risk of heat-related illness and death. Learn how to protect yourself and your crew at: https://t.co/kIzQSZgBi9 #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/TtIO6MpL6E
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) June 26, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
✨ #ICYMI: #SagAftraMembers @TatsBGats and @TiffanyYvonneC speak out on hairstyling equity in Hollywood. The @Nightline story highlights the challenges actors of color face and highlights recent contract wins for better hairstyling standards.https://t.co/XJVKDdrsZz
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) June 25, 2024
Solidarity Center:
We condemn the murder of #Guatemala union leader Anastacio Tzib Caal & extend our deepest condolences to his family, the two children he leaves behind & his union sisters & brothers in SITRATEXPIA II.
Full statement here: https://t.co/iWXZWVgwHN. pic.twitter.com/mMwUrfdWX1
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) June 26, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Today’s #PrideMonth spotlight is Local 769 Business Agent, Thomas Pusateri. Thomas has served as shop steward on various projects as well as on several Local 769 committees. In his spare time, Thomas volunteers at St. Francis Catholic Worker House and Little Sisters of the Poor… pic.twitter.com/z9mJp9hUkV
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) June 26, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
Take it from esteemed TWU lawyer Holly Olivia-Van Horsten: “Organizing is power!” ✊ pic.twitter.com/9UskJtKM3q
— TWU (@transportworker) June 19, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Representing the near 50,000 @boilermakernews members is John Mansker, Director of Railroad Lodge Services. We are proud to have him on TTD's Executive Committee this #TransportationTuesday. pic.twitter.com/xW0FirjlCI
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) June 25, 2024
UAW:
In this @mcall op-ed, three UAW members who work at the BMW-RDC in Nazareth, PA, share why they are ready to strike if the company refuses to offer a record contract by June 30.
"Like workers across the country who have stood up to billion-dollar companies, we’re raising our… pic.twitter.com/g5TIO8ZaSY
— UAW (@UAW) June 26, 2024
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Zoom in: 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/tHx20yJPXp
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) June 21, 2024
UNITE HERE:
🚨Breaking News: Gwen Mills has been elected as the first woman President in UNITE HERE’s 130-year history!
This is a monumental moment for our union and a step forward for the entire labor movement. pic.twitter.com/vUJtUSpQJv
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) June 20, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Happy #NationalBeauticiansDay!
Let's show some ❤️for our UFCW members who bring beauty & confidence to our lives! pic.twitter.com/BRH0xIuGtT
— UFCW (@UFCW) June 26, 2024
United Steelworkers:
📣 It’s Union Organizing Week in Pennsylvania!
Pittsburgh-area workers from Eos Energy, the Frick Museum and University of Pittsburgh staff spoke on Tuesday at the Pennsylvania state capitol to share why they’re organizing unions at their workplaces. pic.twitter.com/q1OXsvkXk0
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) June 26, 2024
Utility Workers:
“Organizing a women's committee can serve several important purposes:
1. Representation: Women's committees ensure that the perspectives and needs of women are represented and addressed within an organization or community.' 🧵 pic.twitter.com/CQRkgIvO0F
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) June 26, 2024
Working America:
Beat the heat without worrying about your budget. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers assistance in covering cooling expenses. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/MkkAxM0Ozv
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) June 20, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
Congratulations to WGAE member Joyzel Acevedo on being one of 42 union members to be awarded a 2024 @UnionPlus Scholarship!
2025 UP scholarship applications are now open. ✍️ Apply -> https://t.co/XL5LszG26E
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) June 25, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:39Pride Month Profiles: Chelsey Engel
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ workers who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Chelsey Engel of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Chelsey Engel serves as the co-president of Pride At Work Pennsylvania and as a general executive board member of Pride At Work. As a labor communicator, Engel tirelessly shares the message of solidarity and works to uplift workers within the labor community. When Engel isn’t writing about labor, she can be found on the nearest picket line.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:10Tags: Pride
