Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Biden Becomes First President to Walk a Strike Picket Line; Joins UAW in Michigan
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.
President Joe Biden walked the picket line with members of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) at General Motors’ Willow Run parts center near Detroit, becoming the first U.S. president to join a labor union on strike.
UAW President Shawn Fain railed against the billionaire class. “They think they own the world,” he said. “But we make it run” and “our president has chosen to stand up with workers in our fight for economic and social justice.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “President Biden is demonstrating once again that he is the most pro-union president in history. Working people know he has our backs every day and that he understands that UAW members’ fight for a fair contract is deeply connected to the struggle over the soul of our country. We stand with President Biden, the UAW and workers across the country who are sick and tired of getting the short end of the stick. Together, we’re organized to fight back against the corporate CEOs who have rigged the system against working people for far too long.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/27/2023 - 10:01Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Ricardo Sanchez
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Ricardo Sanchez of the Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
Ricardo Sanchez has been a member of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) Local 781 for 18 years as a commercial painter. After completing his apprenticeship and working in the field, he became a project manager for the company where he worked. Sanchez joined IUPAT District Council 7 as a trainer and recruitment coordinator in 2018 and has been instrumental in servicing our Spanish-speaking members.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:06Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Wrigley Field Concession Workers Authorize Strike
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.
In an effort to get a new contract, hundreds of workers at Wrigley Field could walk off the job this weekend. The members of UNITE HERE Local 1, voted by an overwhelming majority to authorize a strike. More than 700 union members work as bartenders, cashiers, cooks, dishwashers, suite runners and warehouse workers at Wrigley Field. They are seeking a $20 per hour minimum wage, expanded health care coverage and a pension.
“Workers of Compass Levy at Wrigley Field welcome visitors to one of the most iconic venues in Chicago and serve baseball fans with dedication,” said UNITE HERE Local 1 President Karen Kent. “They are asking for nothing more than to be treated equally to stadium workers at the United Center and Sox Park so they can take care of their families and live with dignity. Concessions workers at Wrigley Field are tired of waiting for Compass Levy to step up to the plate and are ready to do whatever it takes to win a fair contract."
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:05Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Cynthia Rivera-Havard
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Cynthia Rivera-Havard of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Cynthia Rivera-Havard, a customer service representative at American Airlines based in Tampa, Florida, and member of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 3140, has shown unwavering commitment to both her labor union and her community. She has actively participated in various human rights initiatives with CWA, including co-founding her local's Human Rights Committee.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/25/2023 - 10:25Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Neftali Nieves-Reyes
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Neftali Nieves-Reyes of IATSE.
Neftali Nieves-Reyes is currently the business agent for Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 494 and serves on the local’s Education Committee, Order and Discipline Committee, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. "Becoming a union member has been a great honor, and I have gained a big family of sisters and brothers. I am most proud of the collective moments when we finish and have a successful production despite any challenges, and all of my IATSE sisters and brothers shine in their respective crafts."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFSCME Boosts Public Service Hiring Through ‘Staff the Front Lines’ Bus Tour
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.
AFSCME's Staff the Front Lines bus tour made stops in 17 cities and turned out more than 2,000 job seekers looking for a career in public service. Six governors, 12 mayors and countless state, city and county employers joined the tour. They sat down with AFSCME members for listening sessions to find solutions and discuss how to better recruit and retain the essential workers needed to keep our communities running. At approximately half the stops, AFSCME also partnered with state and local leaders to put on job fairs. Later this fall, AFSCME plans to release a policy guide with recommendations on how to tackle the staffing crisis in public service, which will include learnings from the bus tour’s listening sessions.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:55Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Juan Rivera
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Juan Rivera of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC).
Juan Rivera from Sinaloa, Mexico, comes to the U.S. through the H-2A program to harvest and plant crops. He's been doing it since the 1990s and has been a member of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC) since the Mount Olive boycott in 2004. He harvests Christmas trees, sweet potatoes and strawberries. Throughout the years, he has leaned on the union to resolve various grievances with his growers, and this year he became part of the Union Advisory Council, where he offers input and guidance to union leadership.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/21/2023 - 09:45Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Editors Guild Wins Higher Wages, Unanimously Ratifies New Nickelodeon 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.
The Motion Picture Editors Guild/IATSE Local 700 (MPEG/IATSE Local 700) ratified a new animation deal with Nickelodeon on Sept. 14. Some 70 post-production members of the Editors Guild are affected by the new four-year contract.
“Witnessing this kind of solidarity throughout this challenging process was awe-inspiring,” said MPEG National Executive Director Cathy Repola. “It was such an honor for our team to represent them and to help them achieve a contract they are proud of. The negotiating committee needs to be commended; they spoke with a single voice and a single vision and vowed that no one would be left behind. In the end, nobody was.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/21/2023 - 09:39Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Pedro Olguin
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Hispanics and Latinos have made to the labor movement. Today's profile features Pedro Olguin of OPEIU Local 11.
“I have an opportunity to reach out and organize folks who historically have not been in the labor movement,” said Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 11 organizer Pedro Olguin. “I offer through my own heritage and my own identity the ability for people to feel reflected and feel included.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/20/2023 - 14:33Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Tell The New York Times to Stop Union-Busting
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 NewsGuild of New York (TNG-CWA Local 31003) calls on The New York Times CEO Meredith Kopit Levien, its publisher A.G. Sulzberger and managers to stop union-busting through the farce of “subcontracting” to itself. These union-busting actions are clearly an attempt to undercut the hard-fought contract protections won this year by The New York Times Guild. Management claims that The Times will continue to write about sports, but the writers and editors who have been covering sports for The Times for decades are being scattered around the company with little to no guidance. We, the readers, deserve better.
Send a letter today, demanding The Times stop union-busting.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/20/2023 - 08:55
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Nearly 4,000 OPEIU Members Overwhelmingly Vote to Approve a Strike at Kaiser Permanente
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.
Nearly 4,000 Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland health care workers overwhelmingly voted to approve an unfair labor practice strike at Kaiser Permanente. The workers, members of Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 2, say that Kaiser’s refusal to acknowledge understaffing is driving a growing crisis in patient care. They voted to authorize an unfair labor practice strike by 98% if an agreement isn’t reached by Sept. 30.
“We’ve been raising the alarm about patient safety, but Kaiser isn’t hearing us,” said Katrina Schaetz, an OB-GYN clinical assistant. “Kaiser executives keep refusing to listen to frontline healthcare workers on the issues that impact the care of our patients, and they’re violating the law by failing to bargain in good faith. We are standing up for more staff and better patient care. If Kaiser doesn’t stop committing unfair labor practices, healthcare workers are prepared to go on strike.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:06Worker Wins: Every Worker Deserves an Advocate on the Job
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Workers at Kidspace Children’s Museum Win Historic Victory with AFSCME: Approximately 60 workers at Kidspace Children’s Museum in Los Angeles County voted in August to be represented by AFSCME, with 82% in favor. The new union members work as play facilitators, guest service associates, animal program coordinators, retail associates and other jobs. Workers organized to address issues such as earning a livable wage, securing better training, including staff in the museum’s decision-making process and other issues. “Kidspace is a thriving piece of the Pasadena community, and the beautiful learning experiences that happen here couldn’t happen without workers,” said Carter Ward, a guest associate. “I'm excited for us to have the collective power to demand respect and fair compensation for being the vital contributors we are.”
Ironworkers Secure $75 Million in Pension Relief: The Ironworkers celebrate the announcement that President Biden’s American Rescue Plan provides financial assistance to save the pension plan for Ironworkers Local 16 retirees in Baltimore. The rescue package amounts to some $75 million, and will ensure financial security for hundreds of dedicated members and their families. “This financial assistance ensures that our members who put in a lifetime of work at Local 16 in Baltimore regain the retirement security they deserve,” said Ironworkers General President Eric Dean. “In concert with the Biden administration, we have been given rescue assistance for thousands of our members whose pension funds fell on hard times. Time and again, proving that this administration has the working class at the forefront of their agenda.”
Minnesota State Workers Win Wage Hikes, Other Provisions in New Contract: Thousands of AFSCME Council 5 members in Minnesota voted to ratify the 2023–2025 state employee contract. It includes raises of more than 10% across the board and raises to eliminate wage inequities compared to private sector workers. Members won numerous other provisions as well. “Our members fought for and won a contract with big investments in state workers. Minnesota is now better positioned to recruit and retain excellent workers,” said Bart Andersen, interim executive director of Council 5. “Minnesotans deserve fully staffed, fully funded, excellent services. This contract will make huge progress towards these goals and we will continue to use our momentum to build upon our progress.”
Pennsylvania Cannabis Workers Join UFCW: Cannabis workers at two facilities in Pennsylvania recently joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776KS. Approximately 24 cannabis workers at the Restore Integrative Wellness Center in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, won their election by a 2-to-1 margin. “As the cannabis industry expands throughout Pennsylvania, workers recognize they need guarantees that they can earn a living wage in a safe work environment and have access to things like overtime and holiday pay,” said Local 1776KS President Wendell Young IV. “We are excited for these workers to join our team here at UFCW Local 1776 and look forward to working with them throughout contract negotiations to secure those guarantees.”
IAM Wins Campaign for 100-Plus New Members at North Dakota Farming Equipment Manufacturer: The Machinists (IAM) Organizing Department won a hard-fought two-year campaign to represent 103 workers at Vaderstad Inc., an agricultural equipment manufacturer in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Production workers at the facility make air seeders and tillage equipment. “This group stuck together and was determined to win a voice on the job and a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative Dennis Mendenhall. “They ran their campaign from the inside and remained united through every anti-union tactic they encountered.”
IATSE Charters New National Union for Freelance Production Department Workers: Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) chartered a new national local, the Production Workers Guild Local 111, representing freelance production department workers. The local will start with an estimated 5,000 TV commercial production workers, including production assistants, production supervisors, assistant production supervisors, line producers and bidding producers on commercial projects. “We are 170,000 strong and growing, welcoming crafts that historically have not been represented in this critical moment,” said IATSE International President Matthew Loeb. He described the new local as “a testament to our union’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every worker in entertainment is represented, protected, and heard. And mark my words, this is just the beginning.”
Miners at Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Join USW: The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed workers at Cleveland-Cliffs’ Northshore Mining as the newest members of the union. There are approximately 400 workers in the mine in Babbitt, Minnesota, and plant in Silver Bay, Minnesota. They authorized the union using card-check. “Mining in Minnesota provides essential support for our local communities, our domestic steel industry and our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “We’re honored that workers at Northshore chose our union.”
Portland Strip Club Dancers Unanimously Vote to Join Equity: Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) was elected as the exclusive bargaining representative for the dancers employed at Magic Tavern, a strip club in Portland, Oregon. The vote was unanimous. “I’m thrilled for these workers. They not only knew their rights; they knew they had to stick together and never let up,” said Kate Shindle, president of Equity. “Yes, this is proof that strippers joining a union is no fluke, and that workers who want a union can have a union. In this moment, it means that another group of dancers is on the path to a fairer, safer workplace. But it’s also a win for the labor movement, particularly those in stigmatized and marginalized industries where their needs are routinely overlooked or ignored. We are eager to get to the bargaining table and get them back into their club.”
Dallas Nonprofit Workers at International Rescue Committee Announce Union: Workers at the national nonprofit organization International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Dallas announced the formation of a union with Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 277 and have requested voluntary recognition. The 80 workers provide services to refugees and asylum-seekers. This would be the first IRC in the office to organize. “An overwhelming majority of us have signed union cards and come forward because, as the staff that provide IRC services on the frontlines, we understand this work the best,” said Zarifa Barkatullah, Refugee Cash Assistance coordinator. “We see this as an opportunity for leadership to partner with us to improve our work and better achieve our vital mission.” The workers want to address the issues of insufficient staffing, unreasonable caseloads, low wages, safety concerns and inadequate interpretation support.
Virginia Tech Graduate Students and Staff Build on Wave of Young People Organizing a Union: Two unions at Virginia Tech are taking their organizing drives public after three years of preparation. The United Campus Workers of Virginia Tech is an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the Virginia Tech Graduate Labor Union (VT GLU) is affiliated with the National Education Association; combined, the unions could represent as many as 20,000 workers. “Our two unions have united in this announcement out of a shared commitment that every person working on our campus deserves an advocate on the job, a living wage, a safe working environment, academic freedom, and respect for their individual contributions to the university,” VT GLU said in a statement.
Staten Island Ferry Workers Win New Contract After 13 Years: Approximately 120 Staten Island Ferry workers who have gone without a pay raise since 2009 announced a collective bargaining agreement that guarantees them an immediate salary increase of 28.55%. The bump is retroactive, which means six-figure sums in back pay. The workers, members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), work as engineers, captains and mates, and they voted 94% to approve the contract, which goes through January 2027.
After Two Years, Oregon Capitol Staffers Reach Tentative Contract Agreement With Lawmakers: Aides in the Oregon Capitol reached a tentative labor agreement with the state legislature. The deal arrives more than two years after staff first voted to unionize. A finalized contract for the approximately 200 legislative aides would make them the first workers of their kind in the nation to sign a union contract. During legislative sessions, the aides greet visitors, schedule meetings, research policies and perform other duties.
More Connecticut Cannabis Workers Join UFCW Local 919: Medical cannabis workers at the Caring Nature Dispensary (owned by Verano) in Waterbury, Connecticut, joined United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 919 on June 13. The workers were concerned about job security and a voice on the job. This victory marks the second cannabis win for UFCW Local 919 in Connecticut this year. “We are excited and proud to represent the workers at Caring Nature Dispensary who will join the many Verano workers across the country who have formed their unions,” said UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa. “We look forward to bargaining a great contract that will afford these workers a voice on the job and the protection they deserve.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/18/2023 - 13:01Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Members at Homegrown Strike Over Job Insecurity, Unaffordable Health Care
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.
Approximately 150 workers at six locations of Seattle-based sandwich maker Homegrown went on strike Thursday over contract negotiations. The workers say the company offers unaffordable health insurance and provides no employment guarantee to workers in case the company is sold. The workers are members of UNITE HERE Local 8.
“I’m fighting for a contract that will allow me to stay in the company long term, and I need to know that I can keep this job if the company is sold,” said Emily Minkus, who works at the Queen Anne location
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Minor League Baseball Players Celebrate One Year with 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.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of minor leaguers officially joining the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). The eventful year was highlighted by the minor league players’ achieving their first collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The CBA significantly improved the daily lives of more than 5,000 ballplayers and their families, providing for them better salaries; health benefits; housing; transportation; workplace safety; free agency; name, image and likeness rights; and a prohibition on job cuts through contraction during the course of the CBA. Minor leaguers also have procedures in place to resolve issues that arise with their clubs, including due process in disciplinary matters.
Please support the MLBPA in celebrating this outstanding achievement by resharing the MLBPA video that launched today on their social channels @MLBPA and @MiLB_PLAYERS at 9:30 a.m. ET. Don’t forget to use #ItsBetterInAUnion.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/15/2023 - 06:50
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: 1,100 UAW Members at Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan Go on Strike
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.
About 1,100 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan workers who work call center and claims processing jobs went on strike Wednesday. The workers are members of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). They walked off the job in pursuit of a fair contract.
“These people are the heart and soul of Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said Steve Dawes, director of UAW Region 1D. “They are the ones who take care of the people when they are in the most important time of need in their life. When the CEO of this corporation makes well above $15 million a year and it takes a new hire here 22 years to reach top rate, we have a serious problem with this company.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/14/2023 - 07:54Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Are You ‘All In’ with UAW Members?
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.
Union contracts for 150,000 International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) members at the Big Three automakers expire Sept. 14. It will take the unity and strength of every UAW member, union, community and political ally to win what autoworkers and every worker deserves. The Big Three have made extreme profits over the past decade. Workers deserve fair pay and the Big Three can afford it. You can show your support.
Add your name and sign the petition to show you’ve got 150,000 UAW members’ backs!
To get the very latest news about Big Three bargaining, tune into UAW President Shawn Fain’s Facebook Live this Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 5 p.m. ET.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/13/2023 - 08:16Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Wins Campaign for 100-Plus New Members at North Dakota Farming Equipment Manufacturer
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 Machinists (IAM) Organizing Department won a hard-fought two-year campaign to represent 103 workers at Vaderstad Inc., an agricultural equipment manufacturer in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Production workers at the facility make air seeders and tillage equipment.
“This group stuck together and was determined to win a voice on the job and a better life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said IAM Organizing Department Grand Lodge Representative Dennis Mendenhall. “They ran their campaign from the inside and remained united through every anti-union tactic they encountered.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/12/2023 - 09:57Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Miners at Cleveland-Cliffs Northshore Join USW
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomed workers at Cleveland-Cliffs’ Northshore Mining as the newest members of the union. There are approximately 400 workers in the mine in Babbitt, Minnesota, and plant in Silver Bay, Minnesota. They authorized the union using card-check. “Mining in Minnesota provides essential support for our local communities, our domestic steel industry and our nation’s critical infrastructure,” said USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez. “We’re honored that workers at Northshore chose our union.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Working People Respond to Hurricane Idalia
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.
But union members also are affected by hurricanes, and we respond by taking care of each other. While many were prepared for Hurricane Idalia, there were still many who were affected negatively. Unions have responded not only with rescue and recovery efforts, but by doing wellness checks on fellow union members, raising funds, and gathering and distributing supplies to needy families.
You can do your part. AFL-CIO houses a Union Community Fund for disaster relief. Any resources given above and beyond what is needed for Hurricane Idalia will be used to support future relief efforts. Contributions can be made via credit card: go.aflcio.org/relief
Or by mail to:
Union Community Fund
Note in the memo line: “Disaster Relief Efforts”
815 Black Lives Matter Plaza NW
Washington, DC 20006
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: USW’s Conway: How a First Union Contract Provides Workers a Seat at the Table
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.
In an editorial for the St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune, United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway said: “Workers who want to band together for better futures often face prolonged and brutal anti-union campaigns from employers hellbent on holding them down....
“When bullying fails to stop workers from organizing, many employers simply shift gears and try to thwart bargaining. More than one-third of companies use anti-union attorneys to derail negotiations, and a quarter threaten to close workplaces in an effort to sabotage contract talks, among other abuses, according to new research by Cornell University.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/07/2023 - 10:03
