Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Veterans Affairs Registered Nurses Sign 3-Year Contract with NNOC/NNU
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Registered nurses with National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU) at the Department of Veterans Affairs signed a three-year contract, which covers more than 14,000 RNs at 23 hospitals.
“We are pleased that this protracted process is finally over and this agreement is signed,” said NNOC/NNU-VA Chair Irma Westmoreland, RN. “We are proud to have a new contract in place, but our work as registered nurses is never done. We must now keep our sleeves rolled up to tackle the understaffing conditions our nurses are facing across the country. We look forward to working with Secretary [Denis] McDonough to implement alternative work schedule flexibilities that will retain nurses and improve staffing levels for veterans.
“Throughout the pandemic, VA nurses have worked tirelessly in extremely difficult conditions to provide care for the sickest of the sick. While providing this care, we have had to fight for optimal personal protection equipment, appropriate training and staffing, notification and testing following exposures, and proper infection controls. This has put us, our families, and our patients unnecessarily at risk. We hope the signing of this contract marks the beginning of a new era of renewed respect for the rights and lives of the nurses who advocate and care for our nation’s heroes.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/30/2023 - 09:16Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Aina Iglesias
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Aina Iglesias of the Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU).
Aina is a labor relations specialist with Hawaii Nurses' Association (OPEIU Local 50) and serves as OPEIU's representative on the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) board. "APALA gives a space to talk about issues that are important to AAPI members," she said.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/29/2023 - 11:29Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Douglas K. Correia
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Douglas K. Correia of AFSCME.
Doug Correia, a proud member of United Public Workers in Hawaii, knows the meaning of solidarity. When UPW members went on strike this year, Correia was up early every day to help set up, serve food and stand with his co-workers. Whether taking care of his community or helping people understand their rights on the job, he is always there for his union family.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/26/2023 - 11:29Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Michelle Gutierrez-Vo
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Michelle Gutierrez-Vo of National Nurses United (NNU).
Michelle Gutierrez-Vo, a registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fremont, California, is a longtime RN leader, an inspiring mentor to Filipina and other AAPI nurses, and a member of the board of directors of the California Nurses Association, an affiliate of National Nurses United. She was also a member of the bargaining team that recently won a historic four-year contract for 21,000 Kaiser Permanente nurses in Northern California, including the creation of a new regional Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/25/2023 - 11:29Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tell TCGplayer to Respect Workers’ Right to a Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In March, workers at eBay-owned TCGplayer organized with Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1123, becoming the first eBay workers to unionize in the U.S. Since then, management has s
In a statement, the TCGplayer workers said, “TCGplayer presents itself as a company defined by its ideals, claiming to empower its employees to make a difference both inside their workplace and through their impact on our customers’ experience. However, the Core Values now ring hollow for too many of us who work at the Authentication Center every day. We have seen our fellow workers unfairly disciplined and consistently ignored when they try to make their voices heard. Our mental health has been impacted by the relentless insistence on metrics, creating a culture of anxiety as we desperately try to keep up with unfair standards of performance.”
Stand with TCGplayer workers and send a message to the CEO of TCGplayer, Robert Bigler, telling him to respect the union and stop the obstruction.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/25/2023 - 10:07Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Fred Yamashita
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Fred Yamashita of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Fred Yamashita is a native of Detroit who has served as the executive director of the Arizona AFL-CIO since November 2017. Yamashita brings more than 25 years of union organizing experience to the federation, starting his career in organized labor with United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 99. From 2015 to 2017, Yamashita served as chair of the Pima Area Labor Federation in Tucson. Prior to working in the labor movement, Yamashita worked on the floor in the grocery industry for 20 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/24/2023 - 11:29Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE's Culinary Union Announces Palms Casino Resort Has a Union Contract
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
UNITE HERE's Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 reached a new agreement with Palms Casino Resort on a first time three-year contract to protect workers with health care benefits, provide fair wages and job security, and to respect the seniority rights for more than 900 employees.
The new agreement covers guest room attendants, cocktail and food servers, porters, bellmen, cooks, bartenders and stewards. The contract includes standard union language on worker security regarding subcontracting, safety buttons, sexual harassment, workload, technology and immigration. Workers voted by an overwhelming majority of 95% to accept the new contract.
“We celebrate this historic agreement with Palms, which protects workers with the best health care in Nevada, strong job security, and fair wage increases,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union. “The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and Palms Casino Resort have done the right thing by respecting their employees and recalling workers back to work with their seniority intact. The Culinary Union is proud to have reached an agreement for a strong union contract at Palms, which protects workers with the union standard we have fought to build and strengthen over 88 years. Congratulations to the workers on your new union contract and welcome to the union family!”
Palms workers voted in April 2018 to unionize with the Culinary Union and Bartenders Union by an 84% majority under its previous operator, Station Casinos, the worst labor law violator in the history of the Nevada gaming industry.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/24/2023 - 10:04Take Action: Don’t Default on Working People
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has introduced legislation that forces deep cuts to health care, retirement and many other kitchen-table priorities for working people. It is an economic crisis in the making, and it is completely unnecessary.
Working families shouldn’t be asked to pay the price before the rich are asked to pay their fair share. If you agree, please send an email to your representative.
Defaulting would throw the day-to-day lives of our veterans into limbo, as the Department of Veterans Affairs could potentially grind to a halt. This would mean seniors would worry about whether their Social Security check would show up in the mail: money they need to live and that they’ve earned by making Social Security contributions their entire adult lives.
Not only that, it also would preserve tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans at workers’ expense. There is a real debate to be had about our deficit, but playing a dangerous game with the lives of working people is not the way forward.
If you agree that we should choose veterans, retirees and families over corporations, email your representative now. Ask them to vote to raise the debt ceiling without preconditions and to reject McCarthy’s devastating spending cuts.
Thank you for standing up for working families.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:54Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME’s Saunders: Help EMS Workers Help Our Communities by Ensuring Safe Staffing
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in honor of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week:
“When disaster strikes, EMS professionals are the first on the scene. Through fires, storms, car accidents, health emergencies and more, our communities depend on their bravery to get us through crisis—and they always deliver. We cannot thank them enough for their tireless service to our communities.
“However, while EMS professionals do lifesaving work every day, severe staffing shortages are stretching them dangerously thin. They are working exhaustingly long hours, leading to burnout and high turnover rates. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of EMS job openings will continue to grow by about 20,000 annually in the coming years. There’s no sugarcoating it: the increase in EMS vacancies will mean an increase in lives lost.
“We have the resources to solve this problem, and it starts with getting EMS workers the pay they deserve, along with improved safety standards and a protected voice on the job. This will help turn EMS into a more sustainable career, keeping workers from leaving this honorable field and attracting other skilled, passionate individuals. To help EMS workers help our communities, we need to take steps to staff the front lines.”
A Great Week for American Labor: 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 Board Asks Members to Authorize Strike Ahead of AMPTP Negotiations: “SAG-AFTRA’s National Board unanimously voted on Thursday to ask members to authorize a strike, ahead of negotiation talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Those negotiations are set to begin on June 7. ‘An affirmative vote does not mean a strike would necessarily happen, but it would allow the National Board to call one if deemed necessary during the negotiations process,’ the board announced in a statement on the SAG-AFTRA website. ‘The action comes following a unanimous agreement by the TV/Theatrical negotiating committee that the strike authorization would give the union maximum bargaining leverage as it enters this round of negotiations with the AMPTP.’”
In Georgia, 1,400 Electric Bus Manufacturing Workers Have Just Won a Union: “After a bruising three-year fight, workers at school bus manufacturer Blue Bird in Fort Valley, Georgia, voted May 12 to join United Steelworkers (USW) Local 697. ‘It’s been a long time since a manufacturing site with fourteen hundred people has been organized, let alone organized in the South, let alone organized with predominantly African American workers, and let alone in the auto industry,’ said Maria Somma, organizing director with the USW. ‘It’s not a single important win. It’s an example of what’s possible—workers wanting to organize and us being able to take advantage of a time and a policy that allowed them to clear a path to do so.’ The high-turnout vote was 697 to 435.”
A Great Week for American Labor: “Two signal union victories last week suggest that, against all odds, the American labor movement may have a future. The first confirmed a new trend in worker organizing; the second could mean that the government has finally found a way to help workers to join a union. The second of last week’s union victories is even more astonishing. Last Friday, largely African American workers at a rural school bus factory in Southwest Georgia joined the United Steelworkers by the decisive margin of 697 to 435. As a New York Times report noted, the landmark legislation and agency rulings of the Biden presidency have tilted the playing field just a bit in the workers’ favor.”
Labor Victory: Minnesota Lawmakers Approve 9 Major Worker-Friendly Changes: “Minnesota Democrats say a sweeping labor bill they passed on Tuesday could be the most significant worker protection bill in state history. ‘This bill is a big damn deal,’ said Sen. Erin Murphy (DFL-St. Paul) during a news conference. The labor bill (SF3035) includes a Democratic wish list years in the making that will affect virtually every worker in the state. The bill mandates paid sick days, bans noncompete agreements, boosts funding for workplace safety inspectors and increases protections for workers in nursing homes, Amazon warehouses, meatpacking plants, construction sites, hospitals and public schools.”
Steelworkers Win Vote at Blue Bird Bus Plant in Georgia: “In a big win for the Steelworkers and a big break in the normally union-hostile South, workers at the Blue Bird school bus company plant in rural Fort Valley, Georgia, voted for the union on May 12, 697-435. The bargaining unit would cover 1,350 workers, the National Labor Relations Board reports. Total employment at the plant is 2,400.”
James Holbrook: Protect Our Fight for a Fair Deal; Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor: “Workers across our state are fighting for better contracts, fair pay and safer working conditions every day. We need elected officials and those appointed by President Biden to protect our freedom to fight for what we’ve earned. That’s why we’re calling on Sen. Daines and Sen. Tester to vote to approve the nomination of Julie Su for secretary of labor. As prices soar and the wealthiest corporations are trying to rig the economy in their favor through stock buybacks, union busting and corporate monopolies, we need those we’ve elected to take action and protect Montana's working families and our local economies. That starts by making sure our leaders are crafting policy and legislation that puts working families first and protects our freedom to bargain for a fair deal.”
So You Want to Go on Strike? Philadelphia’s Union Council Is Teaching Workers How: “Work stoppages by labor unions are having a moment. Several high-profile strikes have taken place locally in less than a year, including Temple University graduate student workers, Philadelphia Museum of Art staff, Rutgers University faculty, and Teamsters at the Liberty Coca-Cola distribution center. Noticing this, leaders of the AFL-CIO Philadelphia Council figured a lot of workers might have questions. Their solution: Strike School. ‘People who are involved in and leading unions haven’t gone on strikes in many many years,’ said Jana Korn, organizing director for the council, which comprises over 100 local labor unions. ‘There’s this generational, institutional knowledge that’s missing.’”
Public Transit Automation Must Not Come at the Expense of Safety: “While the recent train derailments in East Palestine and other communities throughout the country have highlighted a number of issues regarding transportation safety, one is deserving of particular focus—the inherent danger in reducing our transportation workforce. Over the past few years, freight railroads have been laying off workers in massive numbers while simultaneously moving to a dangerous, profit-at-all-costs business model called precision scheduled railroading. In the case of the East Palestine derailment, this led to Norfolk Southern tasking only three workers, one of whom was a trainee, with ensuring the over 1.75-mile train got to its destination safely. As we all know, it unfortunately did not.”
Carnegie Museums Workers Union Announces Tentative Contract Agreement: “The United Museum Workers Union on Saturday announced it had reached a tentative contract agreement with the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. The more-than-500 union members are scheduled to vote this week on whether to ratify the contract. The union represents curators, scientists, art handlers, educators, gallery attendants, grant writers and other workers at the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural history, The Andy Warhol Museum, and the Carnegie Science Center. It was formed in 2020 and has been in negotiations with the museum since September 2021.”
New Jersey Nurses Demand Safe Staffing Law in Hospitals: 'Stop the Bleeding': “‘Our nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system,’ New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charlie Wowkanech said. ‘But current staffing levels are threatening our health care system’s ability to provide the level of care we need, and it is taking its toll on already strained health care workers.’ ‘Unfortunately, some hospitals are opposed to improving staffing ratios because they are choosing to prioritize profits, even as we reach a post-pandemic health care staffing crisis point,’ Wowkanech added. ‘[This bill] would establish the fair patient-to-nurse ratios we need to improve our health care system.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/22/2023 - 11:05Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Secretary-Treasurer Redmond Joins Sofitel Workers at D.C. Rally
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond joined workers at the Sofitel Hotel in Washington, D.C., rallying in favor of the workers’ right to organize. The hotel workers, overwhelmingly immigrants, women and people of color, are organizing to join UNITE HERE and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). The hotel, operated by Accor and owned by Brookfield Asset Management, has held mandatory anti-union meetings and threatened to change the schedule of an employee who is leading the union organizing effort.
“I am organizing a union because I want consistency with my schedule and to feel that my time is respected,” said Francisco Rivas, an engineer at the Sofitel. “I want to spend more time with my family.”
UNITE HERE represents workers at Accor-managed and at Brookfield-owned hotels in 11 cities across the United States and Canada. The Sofitel workers don’t have a guarantee of the same affordable health insurance, fair scheduling, regular raises, and pensions that union workers at hotels in these cities, and at over 30 union hotels in D.C., already enjoy.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/22/2023 - 09:53Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute Holds First Annual Workers Gala
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
On Friday, May 12, the Michigan State AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute (WDI) hosted its first workers gala, bringing together business leaders, union members, legislators and government officials, along with WDI staff, program graduates and current students to celebrate the accomplishments and rapid growth of the institute and its programs, like Access for All and Women In Skilled Trades.
“The individuals we are celebrating tonight truly embody the greatest Michigan success stories,” said Chong-Anna Canfora, WDI chief executive officer. “Our program participants, partners and staff are a powerhouse, working tirelessly every day to carry out our mission and build bright futures, not only for themselves, but for their communities and working people across Michigan.”
Throughout the evening, WDI’s program participants were recognized for their achievements. Other honorees were legislative, labor and workforce allies who have been instrumental in WDI’s success and growth, including Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin, who was recognized with a Trailblazer Award.
“On behalf of the entire LEO team, we are proud to be recognized for the critical partnership and work being done to make sure everyone has a path to rewarding careers and prosperity,” Corbin said. “The Michigan State AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute has played a key role in helping us expand opportunities for Michiganders, empowering and preparing them to achieve employment in high-demand, high-wage careers, ultimately helping to build a better Michigan.”
WDI’s programs provide services to job seekers and employers throughout the state of Michigan and are a collaborative effort between the labor movement, businesses, and dedicated instructors and staff. By providing pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and occupational skills training, as well as career exploration and job placement services for youth and adults, WDI has helped open up pathways to prosperity in the skilled trades for people across the state. WDI’s programs have served more than 60,000 Michigan job seekers since its incorporation in 1988.
The gala was sponsored by the Michigan State AFL-CIO, a growing federation of 40 labor organizations, 18 central labor councils and eight constituency groups representing more than 1 million union members and their families. Many other supporters include LIUNA Training Michigan, Ironworkers Local 25, Operating Engineers Local 324, the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, and the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council.
“It is impossible to overstate the importance of the work WDI does each and every day to empower the next generation of workers, open up paths to the middle class for working people and grow the skilled trades,” said Michigan State AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber. “Tonight’s celebration is truly a testament to our ability to change lives when the labor movement, job creators and our state government join forces.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/18/2023 - 10:27Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Maria Teresa Hank
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Maria Teresa Hank of Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Maria Teresa Hank has been a Southwest Airlines flight attendant based in Las Vegas for 33 years. She is of Filipino and Hawaiian heritage. Hank graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is an elected TWU Local 556 shop steward. Hank fought for Nevada’s Kin Care Leave Law (AB 190) and worked to reform workers’ compensation to better help Local 556's membership.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/18/2023 - 10:14Worker Power: In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
USW Local 351L celebrating it's 76th anniversary today. #1U #USW #Trailblazer pic.twitter.com/1UzZtrjY4x
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) May 5, 2023Alaska AFL-CIO:
WORKER POWER 📢 💪 #1u https://t.co/CT6KlZ9ohE
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 16, 2023Arizona AFL-CIO:
📚🤝Introducing the Arizona AFL-CIO #LaborBookClub! Join us in building community and raising awareness about the labor movement. All are welcome to attend our monthly meetings and vote on our book selections. Click on the link to join⤵https://t.co/MjUJKVP5rc#1u pic.twitter.com/TrIiuUIkzx
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 10, 2023California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
A win for Julie Su is a win for women and workers all over this country. Let’s 👏get 👏it 👏done 👏 #StandWithSu https://t.co/u79pxEwlan pic.twitter.com/VCFPGV6KOd
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) May 16, 2023Colorado AFL-CIO:
"Catastrophic" hazmat incident in Denver is "highly likely," new study shows #copols #coleg @jaredpolis @SteveFenberg @McCluskieforCO https://t.co/oJvn26UQ7Q
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) May 11, 2023Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the workers at Advanced Grow Labs for forming the first cannabis union in Connecticut! #1u #UnionYES @UFCW @ufcw919 https://t.co/ynSPU2qKrG
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 15, 2023Georgia State AFL-CIO:
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia was founded in 2004. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges and discrimination facing people who identify as LGBT+#StandAgainstHate #1u #UVC #LoveNotHate #Solidarity #Georgia #Atlanta #Love
#🏳️🌈#share pic.twitter.com/JGTwEt5tat
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Rockford United Labor spent the weekend planting flowers at Veterans Memorial Circle.
They'll be out again next weekend to plant the roundabout at Auburn and Main beginning at 9am.
Plants, tools, and coffee will be provided. pic.twitter.com/qk4OOAqCAn
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
#Solidarity ✊ https://t.co/TDOtN9qDKf
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) May 16, 2023Maine AFL-CIO:
LD 1756 strengthen our Constitutional right to Freedom of Association by prohibiting employers to force employees to attend captive audience meetings to be indoctrinated about unions, politics and religion. https://t.co/RKIgQlDCJk #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 15, 2023Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Yesterday, Gov. Moore signed HB 2 which returns the right for MD workers to subtract union dues on their state income taxes. Thank you to everyone that helped make this day possible! pic.twitter.com/Gr2DXIRVyW
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) May 10, 2023Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to @UFCW1445 and @reiunionboston on your historic election! We will continue to stand with you as you negotiate a fair contract. #1u #mapoli https://t.co/oiSa7jW79R
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 17, 2023Michigan State AFL-CIO:
This Nurses Week, we're calling for the swift passage of the Safe Patient Care Act to put nurses and patient safety before profits. Read our official press release:https://t.co/mL8WNMpNZY
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) May 10, 2023Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Minnesota AFL-CIO celebrates groundbreaking Labor legislation heading to Governor Walz’s desk https://t.co/I9UZgGSRPZ #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/2C1MKtkYPv
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 17, 2023Missouri AFL-CIO:
When our #UnionFamily stands up to keep their livelihoods intact and their pay in line with their billionaire boss's, we stand up too. #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/a3UULHQC3H
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) May 16, 2023Nevada State AFL-CIO:
We fully support #SB496. The construction of film studio infrastructure in our state will not only boost our economy, but create thousands of union jobs in our construction and service industries. Thank you to @rlange9 for bringing this legislation forward! pic.twitter.com/0WLurbTsmf
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 16, 2023New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Thank you, to all of our Brothers and Sisters that have joined us today at the @NHAFLCIO Constitutional Convention.
Our strength comes from your #Solidarity and our #Solidarity is our sanctuary. Let’s keep fighting for New Hampshire working families!#NHPolitics #1u pic.twitter.com/8QsxoYfgAC
New York State AFL-CIO:
Anti-worker lobbyists and special interests are spending BIG to block Julie Su's confirmation because they know that she will fiercely defend working people. Sign this petition to show that you #StandWithSu: https://t.co/ZUqohXfi2Q pic.twitter.com/RFs4FJMuNg
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) May 16, 2023North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
We just signed @reiuniondurham's petition! Join us in supporting their campaign here: https://t.co/KWySeJhsLH #LetDurhamVote #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 9, 2023North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Letter: Take a moment to thank teachers and support professionals this week https://t.co/Gzt2DSMIoZ
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) May 8, 2023Ohio AFL-CIO:
Every worker deserves the #DignityofWork. And a #union voice for a safe work environment. https://t.co/gmNTHg6P8u
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 16, 2023Oregon AFL-CIO:
We don't get paid when we don't show up for work, but apparently, @ORSenateGOP doesn't care about wasting our time and money on political grandstanding. #orpol #orleg pic.twitter.com/hjEMqKwQV4
— Oregon AFSCME (@Oregon_AFSCME) May 15, 2023Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Happy Mother's Day! 💕#UnionMoms #UnionStrong #UnionProud #1u #MothersDay pic.twitter.com/mPpBywKHxW
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 14, 2023Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
☎ Have you made a call to let Senators know that you #StandWithSu? Workers deserve a labor secretary who will fiercely defend us. Call 866-832-1560 or click below to sign the petition and ask our Senators to vote to confirm Julie Su! https://t.co/Dni8iIYOAL
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 16, 2023Texas AFL-CIO:
Moments ago, the Texas Senate failed the working people of our state and passed HB 2127.
They've displayed the lengths they will go to strip us of our hard-fought rights. Our solidarity has never been more important than now.
Our fight isn’t over, it has just begun. #txlege
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Proud to support the @TAMWorkers and strongly urge @TacomaArtMuseum to honor the wishes of 80-plus percent of their employees and recognize the Union. #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/wOxKHhoHsr
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 15, 2023 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/17/2023 - 13:50Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Pa Luh
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Pa Luh of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Pa Luh has been an apprentice for four years and a model student and employee, often going well above and beyond requirements.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/17/2023 - 10:10Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Los Angeles' Star Garden Dancers Become Nation's Only Unionized Strippers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After a 15-month effort, dancers at the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar in North Hollywood, California, have gained union recognition and become the nation’s only unionized strippers.
"If you have been following our journey, then you know this has been a long, exhausting fight, which is why this victory is so sweet,” said Reagan, one of the Star Garden dancers. “We put everything we have into this campaign, and we were fortunate to have the support and solidarity from the club’s patrons, our allies and friends, the labor movement, and our union, Actors' Equity Association.”
Lawyers representing the owners of the Star Garden Topless Dive Bar agreed to recognize the union and will meet with Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) across the bargaining table within 30 days to negotiate a first contract. The club also will reopen for business and bring back dancers who were dismissed last year.
As a result of the settlement, the National Labor Relations Board will count the votes this week and is expected to certify Equity as the bargaining agent for Star Garden’s dancers.
This also is a first for Equity: “Strippers are live entertainers. While some elements of their job are unique, they are essentially performance artists, and have a lot in common with other Equity members who dance for a living,” said Actors’ Equity Association President Kate Shindle. “Every worker who wants a union deserves a union. The Star Garden dancers have been absolute warriors throughout this long process, and I'm thrilled that we’ve won recognition of their rights to safety and democracy in the workplace and representation at the bargaining table.”
Dancers at Star Garden and other strip clubs routinely have issues with health and safety as well as compensation, including wage theft. Like workers in other occupations, they want health insurance and other benefits. And probably more than most, they need protection from sexual harassment.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/17/2023 - 10:10Fighting Against the Gigification of the Entire Economy: 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.
Want Your Hotel Room Cleaned Every Day? Hotel Housekeepers Hope You Say Yes: “In the tourism heart of Washington, D.C., ringed by posh hotels and globally famous landmarks, they marched to a familiar beat, chanting ‘What do we want? Clean rooms! When do we want it? Every day!’ Their demand may have sounded simple: that the D.C. council extend a temporary ordinance that in effect required hotels to clean rooms daily, unless a guest opts out. (The council complied just days later.) But for the hospitality union UNITE HERE, that requirement is so important to its members, it's waged a fight over the issue across the U.S. and Canada.”
U.S. Lawmakers Call to Modernize OSHA as Hundreds Die on the Job Each Day: “The AFL-CIO’s Death on the Job 2023 report, released on 26 April, outlines the ‘toll of neglect’ that comes from inadequately addressing workplace safety issues amid aggressive opposition from industry groups and employers against improving and enforcing workers protections. The report cites low civil penalties for safety violations issued by OSHA, understaffing and underfunding at OSHA, the millions of workers who are currently not covered under OSHA, which include independent contractors and federal, state and local public workers, inadequate retaliation protections for workers to speak out and report safety issues, and the need to improve and expand data on worker injuries and illnesses. For Black workers, the workplace fatality rate increased from 3.5 per 100,000 workers in 2020 to 4.0 in 2021, the highest rate in a decade, while Latino workers currently have a worker fatality rate of 4.5 per every 100,000 workers, 25% higher than the national average.”
Black Workers Died on the Job at the Highest Rate, AFL-CIO Report Says: “People of color are dying while at work more than others, the AFL-CIO said in its latest report: ‘Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect.’ Looking at the number of worker deaths in 2021, the union found that ‘Black workers died on the job at the highest rate in more than a decade’ and ‘Latino workers continue to be at greater risk of dying on the job than all workers.’”
Actors’ Equity to Join WGA Picket Line at NYC’s HBO and Amazon Offices: “Actors’ Equity Association, the union representing theater actors and stage managers, is inviting its members and allies to join the WGA picket line outside HBO and Amazon offices tomorrow. In tweets yesterday and this morning, Equity writes, ‘New York Members (and allies): Join us on Wednesday, May 10 from 11 .m. to 2 p.m. ET on the #WGAStrike picket line’ at the HBO and Amazon offices in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards neighborhood. ‘Join Equity in standing with The WGA on Strike,’ the tweet states.”
Rutgers Unions Vote to Ratify New Contracts: “It took nearly a year of tough negotiations and the first strike in school history, but three unions representing 9,000 Rutgers University educators, researchers, clinicians and librarians overwhelmingly voted to ratify new contracts with the school May 8. As NJBIZ reported, the Rutgers AAUP-AFT, which represents full-time faculty, graduate workers, postdoctoral associates, and counselors; the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, which represents adjunct faculty; and AAUP-BHSNJ, which represents health science faculty in Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences facilities, announced Monday that some 93% of members who cast ballots voted yes to ratify a total of five tentative agreements with the university.”
Nurses Feel Worse Off Now Than They Did During the Height of the Pandemic, Survey Shows: “National Nurses United says there are one million registered nurses with active licenses who are not working as nurses. ‘I would say the job has gotten increasingly harder since I started nursing,’ said Jean Ross, a nurse in Minnesota and one of the presidents of National Nurses United.”
UMass Dartmouth Grad-Student Employees Form Union: “UMass Dartmouth graduate student employees let out cheers of joy on Thursday, April 27, after they voted to officially become a labor union after months of effort. Of the 122 certified votes received at the on-campus election only three were against unionizing, said AJ Vincelli, a seventh-year PhD student in Protein Engineering who is among those leading the unionization drive. That high favorability for a union ‘speaks very loudly of how horribly mistreated our graduate students have been,’ said Vincelli. UMass Dartmouth could not be reached for comment. The students will join the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts union. Prior to this vote, UMass Dartmouth was the only UMass campus other than the medical school that did not have a union for grad-student employees and had among the lowest compensation rates of the four main campuses, organizers said.”
The WGA Strike Is a Fight Against Silicon Valley’s Gigification of the Entire Economy: “Thousands of Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers in New York City and Los Angeles are on strike fighting the impact of technological innovation on their industry and earnings. These entertainment writers are in many ways the original gig workers. Even for unionized writers, job security never lasts more than a few weeks. Much like other gig workers including Uber drivers and DoorDash delivery workers, technological innovations driven by Silicon Valley firms have been used to drive down wages and to justify rewriting the terms of employment in the industry to workers’ detriment. Where taxi drivers saw their work moved onto apps like Uber and its independent contractor model, writers saw their shows moved from broadcast networks to streaming services—with entertainment bosses insisting that residuals, the compensation writers receive on reruns and other future revenue generated from their work, no longer need to be paid.”
Why Julie Su’s Nomination as Secretary of Labor Matters to Asian-Pacific Americans and Beyond: “As an Asian-Pacific American, I’m filled with pride to support Julie Su as Secretary of Labor. Julie Su is the daughter of Chinese immigrants. Her mother came to the United States on a cargo ship because she couldn’t afford a passenger ticket, her parents later built a small laundromat business and raised a daughter who became a worker’s advocate and civil rights leader. Su’s unwavering dedication to confronting corporate greed and championing workers’ rights is genuinely inspiring.”
Focus Organizing Drives on Workers Without College Degrees, U.S. Unions Told: “‘Just because we’re not seeing many wins yet in blue-collar doesn’t mean things aren’t happening’ said Cindy Estrada, a former UAW vice-president who was recently named director of the AFL-CIO’s Center for Transformational Organizing. ‘There’s a lot of stuff happening on the ground. I’m excited about this moment.’ That center will seek to spearhead and coordinate large, more innovative unionization campaigns. Estrada voiced confidence that her center will work with various unions to organize thousands of workers in new jobs created by the infrastructure act, the Chips Act to encourage semiconductor production in the US, and the climate-change provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. ‘We’re looking at how do we capture this moment right now when federal dollars are subsidizing whole industries,’ Estrada said. She talked of ‘sectoral strategies’ to unionize electric bus factories and battery plants as well as workers modernizing the electric grid and making schools more energy-efficient. ‘We have this narrative about manufacturing that it’s going to rebuild the middle class,” Estrada said. ‘That’s not going to happen unless workers have democracy in the workplace and an ability to bargain.’”
Overturning Labor Laws: A New Republican Assault on Children: “Now, advocates of fair labor standards are aghast, watching in horror at the Republican-led rollback of laws protecting children. Charlie Wishman, president of the Iowa AFL-CIO, told the Guardian newspaper, ‘It’s just crazy to me that we are re-litigating a lot of things that seem to have been settled 100, 120, or 140 years ago.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/16/2023 - 12:06Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Kim You Taing
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kim You Taing of UNITE HERE.
Kim You Taing said: "I came to the United States in May 1981 from Cambodia. I decided to become a shop steward to help my co-workers. I have helped to organize my co-workers and fought through many contract negotiations. I am proud to be a Culinary Union member."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:31Service & Solidarity Spotlight: What do Julie Su, Starbucks and McDonald’s Have in Common?
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Corporate special interests are spending big to block the confirmation of Julie Su for secretary of labor. Will you take two minutes to call your senators?
The law firm Littler, which describes itself as “excel[ling] in union avoidance and elections,” signed an open letter against Su, along with countless other special interests.
This is the same firm that represented Starbucks and McDonald’s in their anti-union efforts as they tried to retaliate against Fight for $15 organizers.
Luckily, union members are coming together to do what we do best. More than 20,000 of you have signed our petition calling for Julie Su’s confirmation as labor secretary.
We need you to keep up the pressure. Will you take two minutes to call your senators?
Su is an incredibly qualified candidate—and just the person workers need as our country experiences this incredible groundswell of labor organizing.
Call and ask your senators to vote to confirm Julie Su when her nomination comes up for a vote in a few weeks. Thank you for doing your part.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:24Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles: Steve Wong
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Steve Wong of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
For the past 40 years, Steve Wong has worked on a diverse array of projects, from major motion pictures to television shows and commercials. At IATSE Local 600, he is the national secretary-treasurer, chair of the Finance Committee and has served on the National Executive Board for over 15 years.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/15/2023 - 10:10
