Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Flight Attendants at Utah Airline Voted Overwhelmingly to Unionize
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.
Flight attendants at Utah-based Breeze Airways voted overwhelmingly to join the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA-CWA). The flight attendants filed for a union election in just two weeks, one of the fastest campaigns AFA-CWA officials have ever seen. More than 76% of Breeze flight attendants voted in favor of joining the union, which now represents the airline’s roughly 600 flight attendants. The workers are seeking to address issues such as low pay, inconsistent policies, insufficient travel accommodations, erratic scheduling and poor communication.
“Management broke out all the tired old union-busting, but together we weren’t intimidated or fooled,” said Robynne Martino, Breeze flight attendant. “Our work group spoke clearly. It’s time for Breeze to treat us with the dignity we earn every day on the line. We call on management to come to the table and negotiate a fair contract without delay.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/09/2024 - 09:55Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gary Kakalia
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 Gary Kakalia of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
Gary Kakalia is a member of NALC Branch 1100 in Garden Grove, California, and is originally from Hawaii. He has served his fellow letter carriers as a shop steward for 20 years, and 2025 will mark Kakalia’s 30th year as a letter carrier. Alongside his wife, Linda, who is also involved in NALC as a branch officer, Kakalia is involved in a variety of activities that give back to the membership and the community, including the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. His favorite event was being dunked in a dunk tank to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association at the annual picnic.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:11Service & Solidarity Spotlight: More than 400 Lab Professionals at LabCorp Win 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 Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Lab professionals at Labcorp held a union election from March 1 to 3, where 434 workers voted to join the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The new union members work at labs in Portland, Oregon, and Salmon Creek, Washington, and include medical technologists, lab specialists and phlebotomists. The workers are the latest in a wave of health care unionization.
“I am excited that lab professionals at Labcorp have finally won a union and can now advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions,” said Meagan Hollis, a medical laboratory scientist at Labcorp. “When we come together as health care professionals, we have the strength to make huge changes that can benefit the future of our entire health care system.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:00We Love Teachers: 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:
Teachers go above and beyond in the classroom every single day. We will keep fighting until every single teacher has the opportunity to retire with dignity and has enough resources in their classroom to deliver high-quality education. #PensionsForPublic #RaiseTheAKBSA pic.twitter.com/80eVOkwf9X
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
Arizona AFL-CIO:
📢 Exciting News! 📢 Arizona AFL-CIO has just released additional endorsements for AZ House and Senate races on our Facebook/Instagram! While more are yet to come, you can check out the full list and learn how to get involved this election cycle at https://t.co/UjQplals8f. pic.twitter.com/oLADFJxVjj
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) May 3, 2024
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the graduates from our Alameda Organizing Institute! 40 labor warriors came through our training with new skills & tools for organizing their fellow workers and are already hard at work making sure our union siblings are represented & protected! @AlamedaLabor pic.twitter.com/SZXCASHlhx
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) May 7, 2024
Colorado AFL-CIO:
We look forward to the Governor bringing Colorado closer to a Workers' Rights state and signing the Worker Freedom Act! @GovofCO #coleg #copoliticshttps://t.co/uPI7SH2h8J
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) May 5, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Senate Majority Leader @senatorduff helps make the case for #UIforStrikingWorkers! Working people shouldn't have to choose between better working conditions or putting food on the table. #LevelThePlayingField
Take Action: https://t.co/kaWtA5S6hY pic.twitter.com/Av68NiBBvI
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) May 1, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Florida's teachers deserve a lot better.
That's it, that's the tweet. pic.twitter.com/ExbKLSDkoG
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) May 6, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Happy National Nurses Day to our everyday heroes! Today, we celebrate your unwavering commitment and compassion. 🎉🩺 It’s time we stand together to ensure our nurses have the support, benefits, and respect they deserve. #SupportNurses #NursesDay2024 🌷🤝 @NationalNurses pic.twitter.com/cXC8509lBk
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) May 6, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
The @IllinoisEPI's Chief Economist, Frank Manzo, recently published an op-ed analyzing the economic repercussions of a public labor shortage. Read the full article here: https://t.co/HIObzT9AUR pic.twitter.com/AEKqa0DC0B
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
All across the state, in all types of industries, Hoosiers are joining unions! Our movement is building momentum. https://t.co/G7mhPHYwli
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) May 3, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
"When we don’t have enough staff to redirect patients, it can be very dangerous. I carry my two front teeth in a container in my purse as a reminder of what can go wrong." — Sally Nichols, Riverview Psychiatric Centerhttps://t.co/Puo817SirD #mepolitics
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) May 8, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
This #MayDay, we’re standing up for our planet 🌎 and all workers—including immigrants and those displaced by climate disasters or conflict. Join us. https://t.co/CfpZGBbxJX pic.twitter.com/22ZY1pymPq
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) May 1, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
That union-made stage sure is a beautiful sight.
Draft weekend made possible by union workers. Shoutout to the crew – from IATSE stagehands to the crane operators – who built a record-breaking draft. And of course, shoutout to @NFLPA fighting for players on and off the field✊ https://t.co/xQBw8nSNQX
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) April 28, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to all the graduates of our 3-Day AFL-CIO Organizing Institute! Looking forward to seeing how you will help empower working Minnesotans. pic.twitter.com/iryKTwuub9
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) May 3, 2024
Montana State AFL-CIO:
When we focus on working people, we focus on what matters. Because workers ARE the economy. #mtpol #mtlabor #unionstrong https://t.co/aNAv2N8SeH
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) May 2, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Help us Stamp Out Hunger in tandem with the National Association of Letter Carriers at ULAN! They need volunteers for their food drive THIS Saturday from 2:30-5pm. pic.twitter.com/t6grBSFttQ
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
ICYMI: Workers’ Compensation Should Cover Mental Injury, Too by President Mario Cilento in the @timesunion https://t.co/B7VUrwdKQr
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) April 29, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
“Rest in peace my dear son,” said Mr. Gilgor. “May your memory be a blessing." Community Honors 217 North Carolina Workers Who Died on the Job https://t.co/S2hTKJubWR #WorkersMemorialDay #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) May 2, 2024
North Dakota AFL-CIO:
Congratulations IAM local 2525! https://t.co/ReE5bM8P8y
— North Dakota AFL-CIO (@NDAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
This is how @AFLCIO #Union members help end #gerrymandering with the @CitizenMapsOH campaign and @OhFairDistricts. And yes, we got plenty of signatures, too. pic.twitter.com/v28QIhTHRE
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) May 4, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
“Unionized workers in the U.S. saw record raises, while nonunion workers’ pay barely beat inflation over the past 12 months, the latest government data show.”#ItsBetterInAUnion #TheUnionDifferencehttps://t.co/0BJCHYU7nB
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
We will never stop saying that when we stand together in solidarity, great things WILL HAPPEN! Congratulations @GETUPgrads on your union win! #YearOfTheWorker ✊✊✊ https://t.co/N2rUDrrZYG
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) May 3, 2024
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Next Saturday (May 11th), the @NALC_National's Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is set to take place.
It's very easy to participate. Simply leave a bag of non-perishable food items at your mailbox on May 11th, and your letter carrier will handle the rest! #StampOutHunger #1u pic.twitter.com/9vL82aIhaj
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) May 4, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!
Today we honor our Texas teachers, who have continued to fight for their students and communities in the face of nonstop attacks on public education. #1u pic.twitter.com/IARssx33Cn
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) May 7, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Support locked out Boeing Fire Fighters‼️
💥 Join them on the picket line:
Auburn, Everett, Frederickson, Renton, Moses Lake, Seattle
💥 Donate to the lockout fund:
Venmo, PayPal, or check
Picket sign-up & lockout fund info: https://t.co/vBCgSUszqg pic.twitter.com/y8cEdDp8j1
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) May 6, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
President Biden visiting Racine, expected to highlight $3.3 billion investment from Microsoft https://t.co/mJgd6fYrKZ via @journaltimes
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) May 8, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/07/2024 - 11:16Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profiles
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.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/07/2024 - 11:05Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Jamie Uyeunten
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 Jamie Uyeunten of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE).
Jamie Uyeunten is the western regional federal vice president of IFPTE and has served as the president of Local 121 since 2010. Uyeunten is a general engineer at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and she holds a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Uyeunten is currently serving as a vice president of the Hawaii State AFL-CIO and is also sergeant-at-arms of the Hawaii Federal Employees Metal Trades Council.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:39The Most Dangerous Jobs in America: 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.
Report Exposes Racial Disparities in Workplace Safety: “‘These alarming disparities in workplace fatalities among workers of color are unacceptable, symptomatic of deeply ingrained racial inequity and the need to pay increased attention to the dangerous industries that treat workers as disposable,’ remarked AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler in a statement.”
Congress Has the Opportunity to Keep Millions of Americans Connected: “The internet is one of America’s greatest success stories and is now an essential part of daily life for millions of people around the world. Through significant investment, innovation and the hard work of thousands of people building modern and innovative broadband networks, we’re close to making the internet accessible to all Americans—regardless of where they live. The digital divide is a persistent challenge, but it’s one Verizon Communications and the Communications Workers of America are committed to solving.”
Citing Infrastructure Spending and Jobs, Philly Construction Union Endorses Biden: “Union leaders from the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council announced their endorsement of Joe Biden for president at an event at their headquarters. The endorsement comes on the heels of a major national union endorsement, the North America’s Building Trades Unions. Leaders and members pointed to the Investing in America plan as the catalyst for the endorsement. ‘A lot of my members have been out working on the infrastructure bill,’ said Francis McLaughlin, business manager for International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 21 (IUPAT).”
EPA to Ban Most Uses of Methylene Chloride: “The Environmental Protection Agency will ban most industrial and commercial uses of the carcinogenic chemical methylene chloride, under a final rule announced April 30. A solvent widely used in bathtub refinishing, as well as in paint strippers, cleaners, adhesives and sealants, methylene chloride has contributed to the deaths of 88 workers since 1980, EPA says. Most of the cases stemmed from exposure during home renovation contracting. In some instances, the workers were fully equipped with personal protective equipment.”
Urge DHS to Protect, Empower Immigrant Workers: “Around the world, workers’ lives, livelihoods and rights are under attack. Climate disasters and conflicts are displacing people from their homes, and are increasing risks for working people and all our families. In the face of those challenges, we stand united in our fight for justice for all workers at home and abroad. Immigrants and refugees have always helped to build, feed and care for our nation, and we will not allow them to be treated as a second class of exploitable workers. The AFL-CIO is calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take action today to help tear down barriers to worker organizing and empowerment, so that all working people in our country can live and work safely and with dignity.”
AFL-CIO: The Fights for Climate Justice and Racial Justice Are Intertwined: “‘Thinking about movements coming together in the same room today made me think of Dr. King and what he said,’ remarked AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, the highest-ranking African-American leader in the labor movement. ‘During his days, a term like environmental justice didn’t really exist, but he understood how interconnected these challenges were. Structural racism, economic injustice, and underinvestment in Black and brown communities. He told us in 1967 that the cities were gasping in polluted air and enduring contaminated water. What’s equally important is that he knew the solution, how important it was to stand together in solidarity. Organized labor can be one of the most powerful interests to do away with this evil that confronts our nation that we refer to as discrimination.’”
These Are the Most Dangerous Jobs in America: “Fatalities are on the rise, in part, because some employees are afraid of potential retaliation if they highlight dangerous conditions at their job, resulting in many workers operating in an unsafe environment, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. Employee overdosing on drugs while at work, deadly violence against co-workers and suicides have also contributed to the jump in workplace deaths, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.”
Workers and Activists Across Europe and Asia Hold May Day Rallies to Call for Greater Labor Rights: “Workers, activists and others across Europe and Asia took to the streets on Wednesday to mark May Day with protests over rising prices and government labor policies and calls for greater labor rights. May Day, which falls on May 1, is observed in many countries to celebrate workers’ rights. May Day events have also given many an opportunity to air general economic grievances or political demands.”
Poor People’s Campaign Emphasizes Moral Resurrection of Economic Rights: “‘There is no greater form of oppression than when a country that has immense resources and wealth allows its people to suffer and die from a lack of resources,’ said Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO. ‘Poverty is a failure of the system, it exists because we allow it to exist.’”
Pro-Worker Rules to Help Millions; Republicans Blast Them: “Union leaders cheered—and corporate-backed congressional Republicans slammed—three new Biden administration decisions to help workers and consumers. With deadlines for announcing new federal rules looming, the Labor Department issued two. One orders investment managers for pension plans to put recipients, not themselves, as the top priority. The other raises to $58,656 annually on January 1 the amount of money a worker can earn before becoming ineligible for overtime pay. ‘Expansion of the federal overtime rule will help millions more workers earn the pay they deserve,’ said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. ‘Some public service workers–including those in child welfare, mental health and substance abuse counseling–have been ineligible for overtime pay despite modest wages and the long hours they put in at essential jobs,’ he explained.”
Biden Praises UAW-Daimler Truck Agreement as a ‘Testament to the Power of Collective Bargaining’: “President Joe Biden praised the United Auto Workers and Daimler Truck for reaching a tentative in the eleventh hour Friday night, preventing a potential strike affecting 7,300 workers. ‘This agreement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and shows that we can build a clean energy economy with strong, middle-class union jobs,’ Biden said in a statement Sunday.”
Labor Leaders Honor Key Bridge Victims on Workers Memorial Day: ‘We Have More Work To Do’: “Sunday was Workers Memorial Day, an annual day of remembrance for laborers killed or hurt on the job, started in 1989 by the AFL-CIO. Thousands of workers nationwide are estimated by the organization of labor unions to be injured or killed on the job each day, and the issue became front and center in Baltimore on March 26 after the six men, all employees of Brawner Builders, died while working an overnight shift filling potholes on the bridge that was struck by a cargo ship early that morning.”
Latino Workers Are Disproportionately at Risk of Dying While Working, Study Shows: “Latinos face a disproportionate risk of dying while on the job in the United States, a new report by AFL-CIO found. Fatality rates have been increasing over the years and continued doing so in 2022, the year analyzed by the organization, reaching 4.6 per 100,000 workers. That is 24% higher than the national average and a 24% increase over the past decade.”
On Workers Memorial Day, AFL-CIO’s Shuler Says Workers Still Pay ‘Ultimate Price’: “Even after decades of enforcement, activism and union campaigning, ‘workers are still paying the price every day’ in deaths and injuries on the job ‘for corporate greed,’ AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler says. Flourishing a copy of the federation’s 33rd annual report, ‘Death on the Job: A Toll of Neglect,’ Shuler told a Labor Department audience the job of campaigning to cut the toll is incomplete. Workers and their allies must lobby for tougher laws against companies and more enforcement, too, she said.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:42Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Steven Moy
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 Steven Moy of the Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Steven Moy is a member of IBEW Local 3 in New York. He comes from a family of labor activists, including his young daughter who belongs to SAG-AFTRA. He began his career as a Local 3 apprentice in 1994. Since then, he's been active in the Asian American Cultural Society, where he filled several positions, including president. He was elected to the APALA National Executive Board in 2011. In 2012, Moy was appointed president of the New York City chapter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus. In January 2015, he was elected as president of the New York City chapter of APALA.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:36Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Organizers Are Building a Movement to Meet the Moment at AFL-CIO Organizing Institute Trainings
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.
More than 80 organizers, including participants and teaching fellows, joined together this week in Las Vegas and St. Paul, Minnesota, at the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute (OI) Three-Day Training.
The OI’s mission is to train union organizers to secure the kinds of huge wins that grow the labor movement and change lives for generations. Tens of thousands of member activists and staff organizers have been trained by the OI, which provides them with the best practices and mobilization principles that are key to helping workers win respect, dignity and a voice at work through forming a union. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joined attendees at the St. Paul session, where they were reinforcing the skills necessary to help usher in a new era of labor organizing.
Find more information about the OI and register your teams for training at aflcio.org/oi.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 05/06/2024 - 09:29Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Jan Tokumaru
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 Jan Tokumaru of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Jan Tokumaru is a retired, Japanese American member of CWA Local 39521. She worked as a project coordinator for the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, the UCLA Labor Center and the Los Angeles Federation of Labor. She has served on the advisory committee of Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and California State University Dominguez Hills' labor studies program. As a member of Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance's Los Angeles chapter and Nikkei Progressives, Tokumaru continues her activism by building solidarity with labor and community partners in Southern California.
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 05/05/2024 - 10:12Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Emily Reyes
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 Emily Reyes of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Emily Reyes is an elementary school teacher and leader with the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA), AFT Local 1021. She serves as UTLA's vice chair at her school. She is also an active member on the UTLA West Area steering committee and served on the Political Action Council for Educators (PACE). Reyes began serving a two-year term on the California Teachers Association (CTA) state council. In addition, she represents Local 1021 on the APALA National Executive Board and as her local chapter’s executive vice president.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 05/04/2024 - 10:12The Enduring Legacy of Asian American Pacific Islander Workers and Union Leaders
As a Japanese American, I’m especially moved by the stories of early Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and Native Hawaiians who are a part of the tapestry of our labor history, though their stories are not well celebrated. From the sugar fields of Hawai’i to the California coast where the Transcontinental Railroad originated to the grape fields in Delano, California, employers exploited these immigrant workers brutally.
The 19th century was the era when bosses perfected the strategy of pitting one race of workers against another, all in a cycle to drive down wages. But this was also the era where workers—especially Asian immigrants—figured out how to organize across races and nationalities. This was a matter of survival for those who defied expectations.
Their success is more remarkable when you think they often had to overcome cultural and language barriers to find commonality with others—and all in a time when the right to organize was not well protected.
There are countless stories of untold heroism in this history.
Native Hawaiian sugar workers staged the first general strike by native laborers in the Hawaiian Islands in 1841 because they rejected the western concept of work and being paid in scrip. Five thousand Chinese workers staged a strike covering 30 miles of rail in 1867. There’s the story of Japanese and Mexican agricultural workers fighting for justice together in sugar beet fields at the very beginning of the 20th century. The lessons of the Japanese-Mexican Labor Association repeated in the 1960s when Filipino workers banded with Chicano and Mexican workers to organize grape fields in California. Standing right alongside César Chávez were Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz.
It’s extraordinary to think that these workers often were organizing at a time when they had little support from communities, press or even organized labor. In fact, it was the labor movement of the late 19th century that promoted the hateful Chinese Exclusion Act, which has the ugly distinction of being the first and only major federal legislation to explicitly suspend immigration for a specific nationality. These workers often were not welcomed into the unions of the day, but it didn’t stop them from acting collectively and demanding justice at work.
Today, the landscape of organized labor is vastly different from what existed in the 19th century. Almost 800,000 Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) call themselves union members (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024).
In 1992, we founded the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) to recognize the role of AAPI union members in the movement and to make a commitment to organizing AAPI workers. APALA has since served as a vital entry point for AAPI union members to their union activism and as an important resource for unions as we continue to train AAPI organizers through our Organizing Institutes. We are also the bridge to AAPI communities which, not surprisingly, have become increasingly pivotal in elections as we continue to grow our voter turnout.
Despite a dark history of labor’s hostility toward AAPI workers, we are now a vital part of today’s labor movement and will remain vigilant to ensure we do not regress in the name of trade or nationalism. We will fight for worker rights, job protections and safe communities while uplifting all workers.
As immigration trends have changed, a new wave of AAPI workers is organizing in their sectors and winning. The New York Taxi Workers Alliance is organized by mostly south Asians from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Members staged a strike in 1998 where 98% of New York City’s 24,000 yellow cab drivers parked their cars on a single day to protest unfair and arbitrary fines. 98%! Young AAPI academic workers are leading in their unions and AAPI teachers who are members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA) are leading the fight to include AAPI history in our curricula.
There is still a long way to go and more organizing to be done. The rise in anti-Asian hate during the pandemic underscores that the ugliness of racism that fueled the nativist rhetoric of the 19th century isn’t that far away. False narratives about AAPI folks being meek and passive continue to undercut the truth that we will always fight for justice at both work and in our communities. Yet I’m optimistic as I look ahead to a new generation of AAPI union activists leading their unions. We are sharing the collective responsibility of uplifting our history and our members as rightful and powerful parts of the labor movement.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to cast a spotlight on AAPI contributions to our culture and heritage. I welcome this as it focuses on a national conversation on our history. But I do look forward to the day when our AAPI labor history is seamlessly woven into the fabric of all labor history. A day when we think of our labor heroes and conjure up not only the images of Mother Jones, A. Philip Randolph and César Chávez, but also Larry Itliong or May Chen, who led the 1982 International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union (ILGWU) strike in New York City’s Chinatown. I think that is a fitting responsibility for us today to honor our heroes of yesterday.
Resources
Sandra Engle is a retired UAW member and executive director of the Asian
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:52Economy Gains 175,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Up Slightly to 3.9%
The U.S. economy gained 175,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was up slightly to 3.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
April's biggest job gains were in health care (+56,000), social assistance (+31,000), transportation and warehousing (+22,000), retail trade (+20,000), construction (+9,000), and government (+8,000). Employment was little changed over the month in other major industries, including mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; manufacturing; wholesale trade; information; financial activities; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and other services.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (3.6%) increased in April. The rate for Black Americans (5.6%) decreased. The jobless rates for teenagers (11.7%), Hispanics (4.8%), adult women (3.5%), white Americans (3.5%) and Asian Americans (2.8%) showed little change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) was little changed in April and accounted for 19.6% of the total number of people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:36Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai
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 Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai of AFSCME.
For 17 years, Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai—a proud member of the Hawaii Government Employees Association (AFSCME Local 152)—has been a lifeline for patients at the Maui Community Mental Health Center. Even when wildfires were raging across her island last summer, Akimo-Lu’uwai was on the front lines, working extra hours to ensure the community’s most vulnerable continued to receive much-needed mental health care. To Akimo-Lu’uwai, her work is more than just a job, it’s part of a lifelong calling to help others.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:12Service & Solidarity Spotlight: More Than 2,000 Oregon Health and Science University Research Workers Join AFSCME
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.
Oregon AFSCME submitted union authorization cards signed by more than half of the over 2,000 research workers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) on April 26. Under the state law, once Oregon Employment Relations Board verifies the cards, OHSU will be required to recognize Oregon AFSCME as the workers’ bargaining representative. The unit includes workers who conduct lab experiments, order equipment, file paperwork and care for animals used in studies. It will not cover faculty members who apply for grants and lead research.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 05/03/2024 - 10:04Tags: Organizing
Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: What Working People Are Doing This Week
Welcome to our regular feature, a look at what the various AFL-CIO unions and other working family organizations are doing across the country and beyond. The labor movement is big and active—here's a look at the broad range of activities we're engaged in this week.
Actors' Equity:
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This month is a reminder to honor the many significant contributions and achievements of these communities American culture, theater and the labor movement. pic.twitter.com/Huwq90GEV1
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) May 2, 2024
AFGE:
Find out more about why AFGE is speaking out against the proposed closure of critical urgent care services at the D.C. Superior Courthouse ⬇https://t.co/Inz5oVcaWt
— AFGE (@AFGENational) May 1, 2024
AFSCME:
A year ago, we kicked off the Staff the Front Lines initiative to fill vital public service roles. Our nationwide bus tour garnered attention and jobs are being filled, but the fight against understaffing persists. Explore our progress and ongoing efforts. https://t.co/IU9Mk5iKGm pic.twitter.com/TrpYeN10fc
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) May 2, 2024
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Did you know? More than half of Medicare enrollees are women.
A new report from @HHS_ASPE shows how much they specifically benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act. #OlderAmericansMonth https://t.co/b6bGRnyzgR
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) May 1, 2024
Amalgamated Transit Union:
May is Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month. We are recognizing our rockstar API members who have made a difference in their Locals and our Union. Our first honoree is Local 1505-Winnipeg, MB, Sister Maria Claro. #APIHeritageMonth #1u #canlab pic.twitter.com/t6g1jXFtyQ
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) May 2, 2024
American Federation of Musicians:
AFM is proud to announce the ratification of the Basic Theatrical Motion Picture and Basic Television Motion Picture Agreements contract. https://t.co/Ws4C6WPgja pic.twitter.com/045GABShRn
— AFM (@The_AFM) April 2, 2024
American Federation of Teachers:
What would it look like for a healthcare workplace to truly value staff & actively seek to prevent moral injury? Check out this ecological model of a morally centered healthcare organization that you can use to guide your advocacy and bargaining. #CodeRedhttps://t.co/NFGtG6FDas
— AFT (@AFTunion) May 2, 2024
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Join us on May 22 as we celebrate #APAHM with an AAPI Labor History Celebration! RSVP here: https://t.co/pnPRRZ1sPy pic.twitter.com/bNZJBTKWH0
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) May 2, 2024
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
"This bill moves the FAA forward on staffing and oversight, while rejecting poison pills that would harm workers and make our system less safe.
"We urge Congress to act before May 10 to ensure that the FAA has the resources & authority to keep flying.” https://t.co/EPik9wDc4w
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) May 1, 2024
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
REMINDER: On May 7 and 8, workers employed at the Hearthside Food Solutions bakery in London, Ky. will vote in a Union election to be represented by the BCTGM. RT to show your support & leave a solidarity message in the comments! pic.twitter.com/eYkYS5O1HK
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) May 1, 2024
Boilermakers:
See IVP-Canada Arnie Stadnick's message of appreciation to Local 271 (Montreal, Quebec) for the local's #Boilermaker orientation seminar. https://t.co/wuWRIGHD0m pic.twitter.com/hiGJwGwHVQ
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) May 2, 2024
Bricklayers:
Congratulations, Pat Mulkerrin, newly elected president of the Quincy Building Trades Council, and BAC Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI member Jim Pimental, newly elected president of the Southeastern @Mass_BTU! #skilledtrades #buildingtrades #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/cu6JWUqJiy
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) May 2, 2024
Communications Workers of America:
CWA condemns Google’s illegal termination of workers, including some @AlphabetWorkers members who raised concerns about the company’s contracts with the Israeli military, which will have a chilling effect on worker organizing.https://t.co/4eWowbcJ9C
— CODE-CWA (@CODE_CWA) May 1, 2024
Department for Professional Employees:
DPE spoke with @crooked_union member @fionapest about forming a union with @WGAEast. Fiona says that organizing helped them build strong relationships with more of their coworkers which they really enjoyed. Watch the full interview here: https://t.co/RLugtAfuNP
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) May 2, 2024
Electrical Workers:
Victory! #IBEW celebrates a big win in our 8-year-long fight for consumer protection and public safety!
Battery energy storage system (BESS) installations of 80 KWh+ in CA will be handled by C-10 licensed contractors, electricians, & apprentices. #unionstrong#buildingtrades pic.twitter.com/wbVgbjwqMb
— IBEW Local 332 (@332Ibew) May 2, 2024
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Many students looking for a future career need to realize apprenticeship programs are low to no cost. Post this video on social media to recruit more members to your apprenticeship programs https://t.co/q84KDay45N pic.twitter.com/7Io2Z4bLpY
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) May 2, 2024
Jobs With Justice:
We all deserve the right to know what's expected from us at work. Amazon workers worldwide are organizing and refusing to be treated like robots!
Thank you @SenMarkey for standing with warehouse workers and protecting basic rights. https://t.co/ZWqC4Frhya
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) May 2, 2024
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
LCLAA National Team and @lclaadcmetro joined la marcha de los Trabajadores Inmigrantes in #washingtondc to commemorate #InternationalLabourDay Immigrant Workers are fundamental piece of the workforce of our country. We stand with them on their fight for work permits. pic.twitter.com/yQh2s2KesZ
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) May 1, 2024
Labor Heritage Foundation:
2024 DC Labor Film launches at 7 tonight @AFISilver with Ken Loach’s The Old Oak! pic.twitter.com/ObfnKwQ9cH
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) May 1, 2024
Laborers:
As Laborers, our rights matter. From fair treatment to equitable pay, let's stand together to ensure EVERY laborer is treated with respect and fairness.
WATCH #ITK on "Laborers Bill of Rights" now: pic.twitter.com/jpIN1Q63RS
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) May 2, 2024
Machinists:
Approximately 1,300 @712Aimta members working at Airbus Canada have voted in favor of their new five-year contract that includes salary increase, improvements in group insurance access, an increase in evening premiums and more.https://t.co/WPLjGQuFPP
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) May 2, 2024
Maritime Trades Department:
MTD Chief of Staff Brittanie Potter represented the Department today at the May Day wreath-laying ceremony held at the Mother Jones historic marker in Adelphi, MD. pic.twitter.com/AczAY4OdMy
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) May 1, 2024
Mine Workers:
Our Canadian Brothers in Local Union 7606 honored those who have died or been injured for workplace-related reasons at the Estevan Coal Car on April 28 for their annual Day of Mourning Service.https://t.co/qhiID1j94X
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) April 30, 2024
Musical Artists:
The AGMA Operatic and Concert Choristers Caucus (OCCC) is seeking a dedicated volunteer to serve as the Opera Co-Chair: https://t.co/I4oCVs5sBi pic.twitter.com/3T3gglNvYb
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) May 1, 2024
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
PRESS RELEASE: NATCA announced today its strong support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. Read the full press release here: https://t.co/iSojcvYvzs pic.twitter.com/YQi7dFnILr
— NATCA (@NATCA) May 2, 2024
National Association of Letter Carriers:
Supporting your local food bank by participating in the #StampOutHunger Food Drive is simple! On Saturday, May 11, leave a food donation at your mailbox. Your letter carrier will take care of the rest! 📭 https://t.co/22gc6aWeW2
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) May 2, 2024
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
It's been a few months since a Home Depot in New Rochelle, New York, prohibited day laborers from standing outside to seek work, a decision that has sparked outrage amongst workers and advocates.
Here is what happened. 👇https://t.co/X2fY8851IV
— NDLON (@NDLON) April 30, 2024
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
It’s officially May! And while #CareWorkerRecognitionMonth might be over, the impact of our work on the ground in D.C. and around the country continues to resonate! pic.twitter.com/hSouuSgXb9
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) May 2, 2024
National Federation of Federal Employees:
Passport Services Local 1998 Members Attend Impactful Training Following Key Arbitration Win:https://t.co/04HiFf3yOY
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) April 29, 2024
National Nurses United:
Nurses had a great meeting today with @RepRobertGarcia as part of our Federal Lobby Week!
We've said it once, and we'll say it again: There is no nursing shortage — just a nurse staffing crisis that is perpetuated by our greedy employers who want to cut costs! pic.twitter.com/T5AQL92HEj
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) May 1, 2024
NWSL Players Association:
May is #MentalHealthMonth and we’ve teamed up with our sibling PAs to spotlight our athletes as they share the importance of prioritizing and talking about mental health! pic.twitter.com/9j0KpBDdq2
— NWSLPA (@nwsl_players) May 1, 2024
NFL Players Association:
That's a wrap on the 2024 #NFLPADebut 🎬
Thank you #Detroit for putting it on for everyone and making the week one to remember. Most of all, CONGRATS to all the players who heard their name called and those who've signed contracts. Welcome to the big leagues 👏 pic.twitter.com/U4MeRLJFBg
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) April 29, 2024
North America's Building Trades Unions:
New: Wages for private sector union workers increased 6.3% over the past 12 months, once again proving it pays to be in a #union#buildingtradeshttps://t.co/RzjCrNyeBK
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) May 1, 2024
Office and Professional Employees:
Today and every day, we honor the memory of workers who needlessly lost their lives at work. We have the capacity to prevent every single workplace death and must do everything in our power to protect working people.
https://t.co/jvqFwTcWpf#WorkersMemorialDay pic.twitter.com/ajgrnJnrCz
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) April 28, 2024
Painters and Allied Trades:
100 of our @iupat_dc91 brothers and sisters are now ON STRIKE at Gemtron in Vincennes, Indiana.
Gemtron is a glass manufacturer that’s trying to take pensions away from our members who make their plants run.
Together, we will win this fight! pic.twitter.com/n4vWJOeTfD
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) May 1, 2024
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“I really like that there’s always a part for everybody, no matter that I’m a 100-pound girl. You don’t have to be the biggest or the baddest. You don’t have to be macho.” —Hannah Hamer, @526admin journeyperson.https://t.co/NKCl5mqJL1
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) April 28, 2024
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Thanks @FAA_Mike for meeting w/PASS Region II VP @Douglas_Lowe_13 & union rep Anthony Gutierrez while in Jacksonsville. PASS has been at the negotiating table for several years & it is imperative that this labor-friendly administration get the contracts completed. @SecretaryPete pic.twitter.com/VyNw9nOvne
— PASS (@PASSNational) April 29, 2024
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
“A 2022 nationwide study showed that the majority of retail fatalities were actually customers simply running errands. Creating a safe workplace for workers makes everyone in our community safer.” @sappelbaum on why we’re fighting for the #RetailWorkerSafety Act in New York! pic.twitter.com/sz6cDUpRJm
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) May 2, 2024
Roofers and Waterproofers: 8
Special webinar for this year’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.
This virtual event is devoted to educating employers and crew leaders on how rescue planning can save lives. #StopFalls
Register: https://t.co/F4WOZe63EH pic.twitter.com/5UcxNSKoLL
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) May 2, 2024
SAG-AFTRA:
And the winner is... SAG-AFTRA! 🏆
We are thrilled to be honored with the #SABREAwardNA for best Int’l Multimarket Campaign. Thank you to @provoke_news for recognizing our communications efforts. pic.twitter.com/moxWVsxj9F
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) May 2, 2024
Solidarity Center:
The global labor movement lost a staunch advocate with the passing of Laurence “Laurie” Clements on April 19. As our Serbia country program director—while running programs in the Middle East—he was committed to building union strength and solidarity. pic.twitter.com/FDAQxNVcgC
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) May 2, 2024
The NewsGuild-CWA:
Gannett’s rosy projections during its Q1 earnings call today left out the employees who are paying the price for its mismanagement – esp @rocnewsguild reporters who were on the verge of a contract before Gannett pulled a bait & switch.
Full statement:https://t.co/h1ZV6plLlZ
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) May 2, 2024
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Join your union kin today as we honor the hard-fought struggles of the generations before us and celebrate worker solidarity! ✊ https://t.co/pDBDtDJiLV
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) May 1, 2024
Transport Workers Union:
“Bus Operators are a crucial part of commutes and communities — the TWU will fight any effort to replace skilled operators with machines. We support tech that helps Operators👍, not tech that replaces them 👎.” @Twusamuelsen @afternoondelete https://t.co/TWFlgXZcyh
— TWU (@transportworker) May 1, 2024
Transportation Trades Department:
Workers keep our world moving. Happy #MayDay ✊ pic.twitter.com/T8C50DOQ4t
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) May 1, 2024
UAW:
"The grad students, who also serve as teaching and research assistants, are working with the United Auto Workers union to form the Graduate Workers of Saint Louis University Union-UAW."https://t.co/b2vbYR2juz
— UAW (@UAW) May 2, 2024
Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Yet another state looks to loosen child labor laws. https://t.co/SVF8BnKTrL
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) April 29, 2024
UNITE HERE:
“In Florida some politicians voted to take away the living wage by preempting the state, it’s really starting to feel like it’s up to us. They’re trying to destroy all roads that leads us to a better life, we won’t stop fighting," said Kandiz Lamb, VP @UNITEHERE_SoFla pic.twitter.com/5vikMANnjo
— Unite Here Local 355 (@UNITEHERE_SoFla) May 2, 2024
United Food and Commercial Workers:
UFCW applauds the introduction of the new Farm Bill by Senator @Stabenow.
The new framework increases economic aid, supports essential food workers & creates badly needed labor standards for SNAP delivery drivers.https://t.co/aldB4Gzse3
— UFCW (@UFCW) May 2, 2024
United Steelworkers:
Happy #MayDay to our USW family and workers everywhere! Today we celebrate the strength and solidarity of our members and working people throughout the world. Let's stand together for fair wages, safe working conditions and a future where everyone's labor is valued. 🌹✊ #1u pic.twitter.com/KJnHkoenma
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) May 1, 2024
United Students Against Sweatshops:
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 We've teamed up with the Easter Bunny 🐰 to fight sweatshop labor! This April Fools, let's make a REAL difference! Donate to @USAS and let's crack down on exploitation together! Because nothing's funnier than justice! #AprilFools https://t.co/gbi9ZY6kPO
— USAS (@USAS) April 3, 2024
Utility Workers:
LEADERSHIP UPDATE: Tom Cole of the Michigan State Utility Workers Council is the newest member of the UWUA National Executive Board. Earlier today, he was sworn in by UWUA President James Slevin. pic.twitter.com/bEzVTK0eSE
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) May 2, 2024
Working America:
Keep your cool this summer with LIHEAP! Learn how this federal program could help offset your cooling costs and keep your AC unit running smoothly during heat waves. See if you're eligible here: https://t.co/HdcHFNx4BS #LIHEAP #WorkingAmerica pic.twitter.com/dilbdbQx3n
— Working America (@WorkingAmerica) April 30, 2024
Writers Guild of America East:
Happy AAPI Heritage Month! WGAE president @LisaCullen and DOL @ActSecJulieSu are both fierce labor advocates and proud members of the AAPI community. Yesterday, they met to talk about the importance of combating biases at work and in AI. #AAPIMonth pic.twitter.com/r8SOmkcKuI
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) May 2, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:47Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Abe Lagrimas Jr.
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 Abe Lagrimas Jr. of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
“When I played at the local as a kid, it was just a gig,” Abe Lagrimas Jr. said. “Much later in my career, I see the importance of being affiliated with the AFM union, and the community that it creates and brings together. Regulars at these performances tell their friends, and word of mouth brings more people in. It’s unlike anything I’ve felt anywhere else I’ve lived. Hawaii has a tight-knit community in general, and we need to keep this special relationship between patrons and musicians going because we need each other.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:36Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Poor People’s Campaign Seeks to Alleviate Poverty Through Voter Empowerment
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 Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and the Poor People’s Campaign are uniting with the AFL-CIO and other economic justice organizations to fight poverty by launching efforts to empower voters, including the June 29th Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington, D.C. and to the Polls.
Poverty currently ranks among the top five leading causes of death in the United States, with child poverty specifically more than doubling over the last year. Barber and coalition leaders are working to further pro-worker agenda items like higher minimum wages, expanded child tax credits and better funding for anti-poverty programs by mobilizing low-income Americans to the polls.
“This [march] is an offensive move, we are calling people to come by the thousands. This is a mass mobilization of consciousness not based on poverty but on principle,” Barber said.
“The American labor movement is committed to registering and mobilizing union members and union families to elect lawmakers who will advocate for workers and poor people,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, who participated in the Poor People’s Campaign launch event. “Together, we can put an end to poverty, and create a more compassionate nation.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 05/02/2024 - 10:20Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Gilbert Galam
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 Gilbert Galam of AFGE.
Gilbert Galam is a transportation security officer who serves as AFGE Local 1230 secretary and legislative political coordinator. He is also the AFGE District 12 Young Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) coordinator and the vice chair of AFGE’s Asian Pacific Organized Workers Empowering Representation (A.P.O.W.E.R.). Galam became active in his local once he saw how unfairly workers were being treated and wanted to make a difference at his agency. He brings his contagious enthusiasm to the table for the labor movement.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/01/2024 - 10:27Service & Solidarity Spotlight: House Cafeteria Workers Get Better Pay, Protections Under 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.
House cafeteria workers with UNITE HERE Local 23 are celebrating a new contract that raises wages and improves working conditions. The new contract includes a $3 hourly pay bump in the first year, a raise of $7.50 over five years, access to health insurance at no cost under the agreement beginning in 2026, increased pension contributions, protections for trans and nonbinary workers, and protections for employees who are victims of family or intimate partner violence, sexual assault or stalking.
“It started out, we were all thinking it was going to be tough,” said Rickie Toon, a cook in the Ford House Office Building. “Just to see the support from other people coming in and helping us out. The company had no choice but to listen.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 05/01/2024 - 09:17
