Women's History Month Profiles: Sara Cutler
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Sara Cutler of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM).
Sara Cutler is an accomplished harpist who served on her union’s executive board for many years before being unanimously appointed as AFM Local 802 president in 2023 to serve out her predecessor’s term. In one busy year, she negotiated landmark agreements with the New York Philharmonic, the New York City Ballet and Broadway. “As a harpist in New York City, I’ve been fortunate in my career,” she said. “I believe I have an obligation to pass that good fortune on to a new generation of musicians and create a union equipped to serve them. This continues to be my personal mandate.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:14Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Barnes & Noble Workers Ratify First Union Contracts at New York City Stores
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) members who work at Barnes & Noble at three New York City locations ratified their first union contracts, covering more than 200 workers across the Union Square, Park Slope, and West 82nd Street locations. The three-year agreements include wage increases, healthcare coverage, and safety provisions.
"Workers at Barnes & Noble should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished together in these historic first union contracts,” said RWDSU president Stuart Appelbaum. “United in their fight for increased safety in their stores, it was their voices among others across our union that won increased protections for everyone in the industry through the Retail Worker Safety Act."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 03/07/2025 - 10:05Women in Construction Week: 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:
We are saddened to learn that former Equity stage manager councilor Frank Hartenstein has passed away. His career included serving 10 years on council and work on 29 Broadway productions, including the original A Chorus Line. He will be sorely missed.https://t.co/ds2wKwPvCs
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) March 5, 2025
AFGE:
This ruling by Judge Alsup is an important initial victory for patriotic Americans across this country who were illegally fired from their jobs by an agency (@USOPM) that had no authority to do so.https://t.co/wrYrOShczX
— AFGE (@AFGENational) February 28, 2025
AFSCME:
Federal budget cuts CANNOT be made without slashing Medicaid & Medicare. Millions of families will lose health care & it would devastate public services.
CALL NOW & tell your member of Congress: Save the vital programs we depend on. 📲 202-559-1165 https://t.co/2cBzx3zscm
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) March 6, 2025
Alliance for Retired Americans:
Elon Musk called Social Security a "Ponzi Scheme." He wants you to believe that we can't afford earned benefits.
But the truth is, we could actually expand benefits if wealthy people like him paid their fair share into the system. #ScrapTheCap pic.twitter.com/oiqRAd1NQW
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) March 6, 2025
Amalgamated Transit Union:
Our Local 587-Seattle WA, pushed the City Council to form this important task force on safety. #NotOneMore #1u #UnionStrong https://t.co/3KGYTO1BNv
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) March 6, 2025
American Federation of Musicians:
News of the Trump Administration’s misguided trade war must remind us of our values and our mission. All musicians have the right to live and work in dignity. At every level of governance, the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada remains committed to… pic.twitter.com/Tbd0DpSUso
— AFM (@The_AFM) March 5, 2025
American Federation of Teachers:
The #FINNxHumbleHouse Future of Education Summit is today! @rweingarten and other speakers will discuss innovative ideas, solutions, and policies needed to advance the teaching profession and improve educational outcomes for all students. See you there #SXSWEdu! pic.twitter.com/HVQHfcfOMT
— AFT (@AFTunion) March 6, 2025
American Postal Workers Union:
✊✊Defend our public Postal Service!
Keep up the pressure - in light of recent threats, it's important to tell your legislators to defend our public postal service against any upcoming attacks. Send an email to your legislators right now!https://t.co/7YfqJ8DhBH
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) February 27, 2025
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
“Safety & security doesn’t just happen. It is the product of our collective mission to make it happen. We encourage you to continue to look to the experts on the frontlines, promote sufficient & steady funding to staff, maintain, & modernize our workplace.”https://t.co/2qPu3i3bi4 pic.twitter.com/RgKD9X6vY8
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) March 4, 2025
Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
BCTGM Disappointed by President Trump’s Misguided #Tariffs on Canadahttps://t.co/yFQOj7yrfc
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) March 6, 2025
Boilermakers:
Women in Construction Week is the perfect time to encourage your daughter, niece, grand-daughter or any woman in your life to consider a career in the trades. Here's what Linda Tribble, L-D194 has to say. https://t.co/dLmecTNPOy pic.twitter.com/kdBFXiHacr
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) March 5, 2025
Bricklayers:
“Before I joined, I was looking at $10 less than what I started as an apprentice with no benefits. Coming in as an apprentice, having medical, thats more than most other jobs. I dont have to worry about medical benefits for my kids.” - Priscilla Rocco of BAC Local 1 NY
#WIC2025 pic.twitter.com/yoEsmykYfj
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) March 6, 2025
Communications Workers of America:
As House Republicans debate the future of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $42B program to build high-speed internet & Musk seeks to divert public money for private profit, CWA defends program that would bring high-speed internet & jobs to all Americanshttps://t.co/cSzFQRqC3J
— CWA (@CWAUnion) March 6, 2025
Department for Professional Employees:
Happy Birthday @IAFFofficial! We are proud to have you as a DPE affiliate. https://t.co/amhKsE2Nvo
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) February 28, 2025
Electrical Workers:
"CT has immediate needs for infrastructure investment... We need a regulatory environment that protects customers and workers while allowing for continuous and long-term investments in the electric grid." - @IVPMikeMonahan https://t.co/cNgilhw9Py
— IBEW (@IBEW) March 5, 2025
Fire Fighters:
⏲️ #DaylightSaving is this weekend.
As we prepare to spring forward, take a moment to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
A small step that makes a big difference in keeping your community safe. pic.twitter.com/bICmpWrhcj
— International Association of Fire Fighters (@IAFFofficial) March 6, 2025
Heat and Frost Insulators:
Become a Union Member 💪
Whether you have experience working in the Insulation industry or are new to the trade — now is the time to earn a higher wage & better benefits.
➡️Learn more & become a member today: https://t.co/yjahHngRTW#InsulatorsUnion #Insulators #InsulatorPride… pic.twitter.com/QlXF7OlH6l
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) February 26, 2025
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
IFPTE stands in Solidarity with Postal Workers and denounces any efforts to privatize our Postal Service https://t.co/Os8dNlCb7t
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) February 22, 2025
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
LCLAA reaffirms its commitment to continue fighting to protect the rights of latino workers, their children, and their families against threats that undermine access to education #ProtectOurChildren #SavePublicEducation
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) March 5, 2025
Labor Heritage Foundation:
LABOR QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I’m a big believer in unions! They have our backs, they bring us into community, and they give us power!”
Jane Fonda, at the 2025 SAG-AFTRA awards https://t.co/5TMvdEdqob pic.twitter.com/kfAlg1F44g
— Labor Heritage (@LaborHeritage1) March 3, 2025
Laborers:
121+ years strong & STILL fighting!
For over a century, #LIUNA has taken on worker exploitation, demanding fair wages, safety protections, & dignity on the job.
The job sites may have changed, but our mission never will – protecting the Laborers who build this nation.… pic.twitter.com/g5Ctf8qLDj
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) March 6, 2025
Machinists:
Safe staffing matters. Tasking workers with multiple conflicting duties can leave patients feeling abandoned. Not on our watch!
Our IAM Healthcare PCAs and PCTs at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center are fighting for what's right. pic.twitter.com/ZMIFEL3pOC
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) March 6, 2025
Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association:
150 years ago today, M.E.B.A. founding fathers formed the first national maritime organization to fight against the dangerous working conditions of the day. Today, M.E.B.A. members enjoy contracts with the best wages, benefits, and protections in the industry. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/c4mQZP4gcd
— M.E.B.A. (@MEBAUNION) February 23, 2025
Metal Trades Department:
The big unknown still hanging over the plan is whether the Trump administration will thwart efforts that the Biden administration put in place to develop more clean electricity generation. https://t.co/MNnatY6FZa
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) March 6, 2025
Mine Workers:
The January/February issue of the journal proudly features Belinda Biafore as its Associate Membership Spotlight.
Belinda Biafore is an Associate Member and long-time supporter of the United Mine Workers. Sister Biafore is the former West Virginia...https://t.co/5tMbj1wAGI
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) February 27, 2025
Musical Artists:
AGMA Joins the Human Artistry Campaign to Advocate for the Rights of Artists in the Age of AI: https://t.co/c7MToluWjw @human_artistry pic.twitter.com/DfOcw6CSf6
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) February 26, 2025
National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
During his testimony today before @TransportGOP @TransportDems NATCA President Nick Daniels provided the union’s position on critical issues facing the aviation industry including controller staffing, safety, integration of new users, FAA reform, and modernization. pic.twitter.com/Nv2UnVOOox
— NATCA (@NATCA) March 4, 2025
National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians-CWA:
#protectpublictvandradio pic.twitter.com/J5A0mFGFgQ
— NABET-CWA (@NABETCWA) March 2, 2025
National Association of Letter Carriers:
📢 Calling all branches! On March 23, join NALC members nationwide to rally & say #HELLNO to dismantling USPS Contact your NBA’s office to get involved. Together, we’ll #FightLikeHell to protect our jobs, service & the future of USPS. More info ➡️ https://t.co/V560ijIosA pic.twitter.com/VbOOkNMUiZ
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) February 28, 2025
National Domestic Workers Alliance:
As our work has made America prosper. But a greedy few are risking Medicaid, HeadStart, and other critical programs to redirect resources from our communities into their pockets.
Stop putting billionaires’ profits over families’ care.
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) March 5, 2025
National Nurses United:
Nurses are sounding the alarm at @MissionHealthNC after a patient died in the ER during severe short-staffing. It's time our bosses put #PeopleOverProfit and fix the staffing crisis so nurses can provide the safe care every patient deserves. Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/2EovpiHL7Z
— NationalNursesUnited (@NationalNurses) March 6, 2025
National Taxi Workers Alliance:
Congrats @workersjustice @LosDeliveristas who win against all odds. Gig economy uber-wealth is built on wage theft + poverty pay & cemented by forced arbitration preventing workers from their day in court. @NewYorkStateAG coming through has been the light in the darkness. https://t.co/dxkvyzdeBs
— NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) February 25, 2025
NFL Players Association:
Our Chief Strategy Officer, @JCTretter, joined the @RichEisenShow to talk about this year's team report cards, which shine a light on player issues so that we can continue raising the workplace standard across the NFL.
Watch it here: https://t.co/JDojkxIze5
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) March 5, 2025
North America's Building Trades Unions:
Women are reshaping the labor movement, driving growth and pushing for stronger protections in every industry. Their leadership is making unions more inclusive and powerful than ever. #WomenInConstructionWeekhttps://t.co/EvJxKGSziY pic.twitter.com/BnYTTilrfx
— The Building Trades (@NABTU) March 5, 2025
Office and Professional Employees:
Jessica Timo has been a union member for 30 years. As purchasing manager at the United Federation of Teachers, and in her role as president of OPEIU Local 153, she works each and every day to strengthen the New York labor movement. pic.twitter.com/LqG0w6fM3g
— OPEIU | #UnionStrong (@OPEIU) March 3, 2025
Painters and Allied Trades:
During Women in Construction Week, Telemundo spotlighted one of our DC9 sisters, Evelyn, who talked about the challenges of being a woman in construction and the opportunities for growth for women in the trades. Hear more about it here: https://t.co/uMLDAOOiz7
— IUPAT (@GoIUPAT) March 5, 2025
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
Thank you @NTEUnews President Greenwald for inviting @PASSprezdc to speak at rally today. Neither the rain nor DOGE will keep federal unions from speaking out against the chaos being inflicted upon the dedicated public servants who work for the American people. #publicservice pic.twitter.com/gIFruWrSEh
— PASS (@PASSNational) March 5, 2025
Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
New Yorkers: #ShopUnion at bookstores unionized with @RWDSU & @UAW Local 2179! Together, we represent ~40% of locations of the major corporate & independent chain bookstores in NYC. With @BNWorkers ratifying their 1st contracts this week, it’s easier than ever to support unions! pic.twitter.com/VwNga94vYW
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) March 6, 2025
Roofers and Waterproofers:
What an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and showcase the skills and dedication that define the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers.
A special shoutout to Local 11 and everyone else for stopping by our booth!#RoofingExpo#RoofersUnion#UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/4UTMiXBXeb
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) March 6, 2025
SAG-AFTRA:
Introducing Take 5. 🎬 When it's time to take a beat, tune into educational videos on key SAG-AFTRA topics. Stay informed about your union with this informative, engaging and empowering series. #Take5SagAftra
Check out the first video now! 👇 https://t.co/7jvxpiapSO
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) March 6, 2025
Seafarers:
Op-Ed: How the SHIPS for America Act can restore U.S. maritime leadership https://t.co/JHv4Zo9Epi
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) March 4, 2025
Service Employees International Union (SEIU):
This triumph showcases the power of collective action in the fight for fair wages and safe working conditions. https://t.co/kJi9GuUFq6
— SEIU (@SEIU) March 6, 2025
Solidarity Center:
New way to stay in touch 🦋 ! pic.twitter.com/eW4SrLAuKG
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) March 6, 2025
Theatrical Stage Employees:
Encore’s Clients in San Diego pay up to $170/hr per worker, but the company starts workers at less than $18/hr!
It’s time for Encore to do the right thing. Years of training, expertise, and hard work are worth more! pic.twitter.com/HjgLi2Ux2H
— IATSE // #IASolidarity (@IATSE) March 6, 2025
Transport Workers Union:
The TWU strongly backs the Faster Labor Contracts Act, requiring contract talks within 10 days of a union vote. "This new bill would eliminate a frequent anti-worker tactic used by the bosses and give workers more collective power to secure and improve their jobs." @TwuSamuelsen
— TWU (@transportworker) March 6, 2025
Transportation Trades Department:
It's time to reform U.S. labor law to protect the rights of workers to organize and collectively bargain for fair pay, better benefits and safe working conditions without fear or intimidation.
We support the PRO Act as a pathway to achieving these reforms. https://t.co/XFPIaTo4u6
— TTD | America's Transportation Unions (@TTDAFLCIO) March 6, 2025
UAW:
Workers at the Volkswagen Parts Distribution Center in New Jersey know that there's strength in numbers. That's why they're coming together to demand a voice on the job and to join the 4,000 VW workers in Chattanooga who joined the UAW last year.
"There is a kind of fear in the… pic.twitter.com/ugLRbj8jwy
— UAW (@UAW) March 4, 2025
Union Veterans Council:
Thread 1/4: Union Veterans Council Condemns Trump Administration’s Betrayal of Veterans with Proposed VA Layoffs.
Washington, DC — The Union Veterans Council strongly condemns the Trump administration’s proposed layoffs of up to 80,000 VA employees—an outright betrayal! pic.twitter.com/YQxFVscnVD
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ (@unionveterans) March 6, 2025
UNITE HERE:
Organizing new workers must be the #1 priority of the labor movement — but American labor law is fundamentally broken — and tilted heavily in the boss's favor. That's why workers are out today to support the reintroduction of the PRO Act, which creates an equal playing field. pic.twitter.com/4kvQ1tvoYU
— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) March 5, 2025
United Food and Commercial Workers:
Nearly 100 @UFCWLocal152 members at Berks Foods have ratified a strong new contract!
The 3-year contract includes annual wage increases, a longevity bonus, affordable health benefits, improved vacation policies, & extended funeral leave.
➡️ https://t.co/ULa0ImD45B pic.twitter.com/Oq9LpoefeI
— UFCW (@UFCW) February 27, 2025
United Steelworkers:
🚨 The SAVE Act is a threat to workers—especially our Women of Steel siblings. 🚨
This Republican-backed bill would make voter registration harder because: pic.twitter.com/YCMnbjeuE2
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) March 6, 2025
Utility Workers:
💪🏾💪🏼💪🏿💪🏻💪🏽 We are so excited to announce that Michigan-based Vesta Wind Technicians voted to join UWUA!
Read all about it: https://t.co/71VcLGZfty #ItsBetterInAUnion #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5vhRgjl3Dk
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) March 6, 2025
Writers Guild of America East:
Solidarity with our @cbsdigitalunion members as we begin bargaining today. We're fighting for a strong first contract for workers at CBS' digital platforms including https://t.co/oRDQdzifLY, their social media and the CBS News app.
Fair contract here we come! 💪 #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/5047eRHIH1
— Writers Guild of America East (@WGAEast) March 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 12:34Women's History Month Profiles: Diana Valles
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Diana Valles of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union.
Diana Valles is a proud immigrant who was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. In 1988, she moved to Las Vegas, where she has been a member of the Culinary Union for 36 years. She is passionate about continuing to mentor and develop leaders so that workers can organize and win a better standard of living for their families. Valles was elected president of the Culinary Union Local 226 in 2022.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:11Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Gannett Journalists Win Tentative Two-Year Contract Deals
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
After three years of bargaining and a walkout pledge, journalists represented by The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, at six of the largest Gannett-owned papers in New Jersey and New York have reached tentative agreements.
The APP-MCJ Guild and the Hudson Valley News Guild bargained separately but have been coordinating closely to secure victories for all the covered newsrooms. Wins include life-changing wage increases, strong salary floors, artificial intelligence guardrails, just cause provisions and more.
“This agreement is a testament to their strength, tenacity and solidarity and should serve as proof-positive for other Gannett newsrooms, who should stop asking nicely and start using their collective power to demand what they deserve,” said Asbury Park Press reporter Mike Davis, acting unit chair of the APP-MCJ Guild.
“We fought for Gannett to invest in our communities, and in us,” said Journal News reporter Nancy Cutler, acting unit chair of the Hudson Valley News Guild. “And we won.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:02Women's History Month Profiles
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country.
Here are the members we've featured so far:
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/05/2025 - 10:37Tags: Women's History Month
Women's History Month Profiles: Paige Cisco
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Paige Cisco of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Paige Cisco, USW Local 689 member and active Woman of Steel, has worked at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Ohio for almost seven years and is a fierce activist for worker health and safety. As the full-time health and safety representative for her local and an active worker trainer for the USW Tony Mazzocchi Center, Cisco educates union members about health and safety every chance she gets.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/05/2025 - 10:27Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: University of California Workers Strike Over Management Intimidation
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Tens of thousands of University of California (UC) system health care and research workers who are members of AFSCME Local 3299 and University Professional and Technical Employees-CWA (UPTE-CWA) Local 9119 staged a multiday strike last week to protest the administration’s unfair labor practices.
Powerful, coordinated actions took place across all 10 UC campuses and five medical centers, as well as clinics and research laboratories. Both unions cite lack of meaningful movement on wage provisions as a major sticking point during ongoing negotiations with UC management. Research has shown that this share of the UC workforce that would be income eligible for limited government housing subsidies has nearly tripled since 2017. Instead of working toward a fair deal with AFSCME and UPTE-CWA, administrators have chosen to continue illegally restricting the freedom of members’ protected union activity, forcing nearly 60,000 staff to walk off the job.
“We all want to be in the center, taking care of patients, taking care of students, back in our research stations and we want to be doing that work. We don’t want to be out here,” said Michael Benaron, an UPTE-CWA member and physician assistant at UC Santa Barbara Student Health. “We just deserve the dignity of getting paid fairly well for the work that we do. The UC, it’s a world-class institution, and they should be paying world-class wages when we fight.”
“UC is attempting to silence our voices on the job — but we refuse to be silenced,” said Christopher Contreras, head custodian at UC Santa Cruz and a member of AFSCME. “Many of us work two or three jobs, seven days a week, while commuting up to two hours just to make ends meet. One job should be enough. It’s time for a change. We take care of UC. UC should take care of us.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/05/2025 - 09:53Tags: Strikes
Protect Our Kids: 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.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
On March 2nd, a full-page ad was placed in the ADN in which thousands of Alaskans showed their unwavering support for our state's federal employees.
Our delegation must fight against this ill-advised, indiscriminate, and illogical mass firing of federal employees. #akleg pic.twitter.com/OQwPescLky
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
The @CaliforniaLabor movement stands in solidarity w/ educators, faculty, students, & community allies who are mobilizing all across the country to protect education funding + good union jobs!@CFTunion #MarchinMarch pic.twitter.com/sDo4X4an9r
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) March 5, 2025
Colorado AFL-CIO:
KGNU Labor Exchange - The joy of organizing with Karli McClure & Nate Paer, SEIU 105 mental health workers; guest Host Ben Ullrich. Karli and Nate helped build the union at Mental Health Partners (now Clinica Family Health). 6:00 PM 88.5 FM or online https://t.co/9Uz9Ney6oX
— Colorado AFL-CIO ✊ (@AFLCIOCO) March 3, 2025
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
HAPPENING NOW: Members of the New Haven Federation of Teachers and their community partners are rallying to #ProtectOurKids, stand up for our schools & fight for our communities! @AFTunion pic.twitter.com/1vduurtwue
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
Florida AFL-CIO:
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) February 26, 2025
Illinois AFL-CIO:
We’re kicking off #TradeswomenTakeOverSpringfield. Last night, volunteers came by the office to stuff packets and get ready for today. This morning, we are at the Department of Labor discussing how to recruit and retain more women in the trades. pic.twitter.com/k56m0XF2ED
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) March 5, 2025
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Women have always had to fight twice as hard as men for less rights, less pay and less respect in the workplace. As we celebrate #WomensHistoryMonth let's recommit our fight for equality! pic.twitter.com/CqpYAMoan2
— Iowa AFL-CIO ✊ (@IowaAFLCIO) March 1, 2025
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
HB 398 puts workers at risk and protects bad employers. Your voice matters. Stand up for workplace safety in Kentucky!
☎️ Call your legislator now and tell them to vote NO. Call the number in the graphic or click here to be put through: https://t.co/Sa99qV0d4C pic.twitter.com/flI1VDPjmT
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 4, 2025
Maine AFL-CIO:
The impacted VA employees whom we’ve spoken to have served our country honorably and took great pride in their work supporting other veterans. These firings will hurt Maine veterans and undermine the services they rely on. https://t.co/yeOMV4PPxj
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) February 25, 2025
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Dropkick Murphys Union Night Fundraiser Benefitting the Steven A. Tolman Addiction Fund
$65 Dropkick Murphys Tickets
- Tickets Are Only Available to Union members and their guests
Get your tickets NOW at https://t.co/tA82dAM5td pic.twitter.com/wEPv6yQyES
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) March 3, 2025
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
STATEMENT: Trump’s Plan for America Puts Billionaires First and Workers Last
“Trump’s plan for America puts billionaires first, workers last – and it’s total bullshit,” said Ron BIEBER, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO.https://t.co/g3AxWQzMSn
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) March 5, 2025
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Among the protesters’ signs, one read, “DHS: Danger OSHA violators at work.” #BetterInAUnion @afscmemn5 https://t.co/iK0c85J4Eo
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) March 3, 2025
Missouri AFL-CIO:
Click here to read an interview with Ken Martin, new DNC chair and #Union member whose work is inspired by his #Union family and working-class upbringing! https://t.co/Avu4MmMWTR
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) March 2, 2025
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Labor luncheon week #5 at the Nevada Legislature! 😋🍔🌭🌮🌯🥙🥗
TYSM to this weeks’ sponsors, Nevada Faculty Alliance & @uawregion6 ♥️🫶🏻 pic.twitter.com/zUCHeW2JdW
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
New York State AFL-CIO:
"The labor movement in this state and across this country will always fight to protect our public schools, we will always fight to protect our public education system, and we will always fight to protect our children." #ProtectOurKids pic.twitter.com/Mm8hI0oL6I
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
North Carolina Republicans are Trying to Throw Out College Students’ Votes to Steal an Election https://t.co/FVZwcGC6m1 #ncpol #1u via @TeenVogue
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) February 28, 2025
Ohio AFL-CIO:
This is what democracy looks like. There is no stronger force than worker #solidarity. We must not let Elon Musk and the billionaire class divide us while they conquer and raid our tax coffers https://t.co/B3k1sCw8Xq
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) March 5, 2025
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Thank you Attorney General Dan Rayfield @ORDOJ and Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson @bolistephenson for joining us for Oregon Lobby Day 2025! #ORpol #ORLeg #OregonLabor #ExtendUItoStrikers #OregonLaborLobbyDay pic.twitter.com/2SxWgfupTi
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
All nine of Pennsylvania’s Republican congressmen voted to cut Medicaid—putting 800,000 Pennsylvanians at risk. We won’t stand by while working families lose coverage.https://t.co/JJY4ONfPEG
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) March 1, 2025
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
This is an annual scholarship that is awarded to high school graduates between the ages of 17-21 who are entering their first year at a state-accredited college/university with the objective of obtaining a minimum of a 2-year degree. Apply here - https://t.co/4YcDKlD2Ub pic.twitter.com/bhS66iLMdg
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) February 27, 2025
Texas AFL-CIO:
As someone who worked on a large-scale construction project with a PLA, our Secretary-Treasurer @AguilarLeonard knows that PLAs are essential to keeping workers safe and ensuring projects are completed on time.
That's why we're urging Texas Senators to vote NO on #SB925. #txlege pic.twitter.com/MbRQgx3oP0
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
Virginia AFL-CIO:
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Washington is a wealthy state- our government should make life easier for working families, not cut childcare and other services that we depend on.
Tell your legislators- no cuts to essential services! Make the ultra wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, just like the rest of us pic.twitter.com/RCiULXM9nh
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) March 4, 2025
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Important Election Update for April 1 election https://t.co/ZBUuy8ajJk
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) March 4, 2025
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 03/05/2025 - 01:31Worker Wins: A Huge Step Forward
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Alaska Flight Attendants Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract: Late last week, Alaska Airlines flight attendants—who are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA)—ratified a new three-year contract with 95% of members in favor of the deal. With a remarkable 91% voting participation, this industry standard-setting deal is being celebrated across membership. Highlights of this agreement include double-digit raises for the 7,000-member bargaining unit, boarding pay, company 401(k) match increase, higher per diems and more. “This contract will immediately and significantly improve the lives of Alaska Flight Attendants,” said Jeffrey Peterson, AFA-CWA MEC president at Alaska Airlines in a press release. “Alaska Flight Attendants’ solidarity pushed management to recognize our critical role to the safety and success of this airline. This contract also raises the foundation for the new joint Alaska-Hawaiian negotiations following the merger.”
NBC Digital NewsGuild Secures Tentative Three-Year Contract Deal: Editorial staff at NBC News, NBC News NOW and Today, represented by NewsGuild of New York, TNG-CWA Local 31003, reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the network on Friday. The scope of the deal covers approximately 300 digital staff who work as reporters, producers, editors, designers, videographers and in other roles. This victory has been years in the making: NBC NewsGuild members first organized in 2019 and, if this TA is ratified, it will be their first contract. The contract includes wins like the establishment of minimum salary floors, job security protections, an end to forced arbitration in cases of discrimination and harassment, and more. “This contract is a huge step forward for journalists at NBC News,” said Tate James, documentary video editor and unit chair in a NewsGuild of New York press release. “We will now have the job security essential to fighting for transparency and accountability without fear.” “NYGuild members contribute to the reach and value of NBC News every day,” said Susan DeCarava, president of The NewsGuild of New York. “I’m glad that NBC is finally recognizing their essential work by agreeing to a contract that enshrines the wages and workplace protections they deserve.”
Maryland State Supervisors Overwhelmingly Vote to Join AFSCME: In a victory more than a year in the making, nearly 5,000 supervisors who work for the state of Maryland have voted to form a union with AFSCME Maryland Council 3. State supervisors worked with AFSCME to pass legislation last year that granted them collective bargaining rights in Maryland. “With our AFSCME union, we as supervisors can finally have a say in workplace policies that affect us, such as expanded hours, how our scheduling works, how comp time works, and more,” said Michael Lawson, acting assistant superintendent and a bus maintenance supervisor at the Maryland Transit Administration. “We are experts at how our agencies and offices operate, and now we have a seat at the table to weigh in on decisions that shape our work, our services, and our agencies.”
Equity Reaches New Developmental Work Agreement with Broadway League: The National Council of Actors’ Equity Association (Equity) voted last week to ratify a new five-year Development Agreement with The Broadway League, ending an eight-month strike against early-stage development work. This agreement is used during the development of new works by members of The Broadway League—the trade organization representing theater producers and owners—before entering into an intended Production Contract engagement. The previous version of this contract expired in February of last year, after which the union unanimously voted to authorize a strike. Highlights of the new agreement include a cumulative pay increase of over 8%, more pre-production time for stage managers and the establishment of a new joint working group between the union and employers. “Today is a day to celebrate the hard work of Equity’s team in getting us back into the rehearsal halls and making some magic,” said Equity Negotiating Team Chair Stephen Bogardus in a press release. “The talent and commitment our members bring to their work is vital in transporting what’s on paper to the stage, and Development work sessions are a crucial step in that process. This was a long strike, but it was worth it. I know our members are looking forward to digging into the work we love doing while being more fairly compensated for that labor.”
Victory: Federal Court Finds Firing of Probationary Federal Employees Illegal: On Thursday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted a temporary restraining order against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its acting director, finding that the termination of probationary federal employees was illegal because OPM had no authority to order it. The coalition of plaintiffs on the case include AFGE, AFSCME, United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) and various community ally groups. “This ruling…is an important initial victory for patriotic Americans across this country who were illegally fired from their jobs by an agency that had no authority to do so,” said Everett Kelley, national president of the AFGE. “These are rank-and-file workers who joined the federal government to make a difference in their communities, only to be suddenly terminated due to this administration’s disdain for federal employees and desire to privatize their work.” “We know this decision is just a first step, but it gives federal employees a respite,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “While they work to protect public health and safety, federal workers have faced constant harassment from unelected billionaires and anti-union extremists whose only goal is to give themselves massive tax breaks at the expense of working people. We will continue to move this case forward with our partners until federal workers are protected against these baseless terminations.”
UAW Members Reach Tentative Agreement with Rolls-Royce, Averting Strike: UAW Local 933 announced that it secured a last-minute tentative agreement (TA) with Rolls-Royce late Wednesday night, right before their current contract expired. Local 933 represents over 800 workers at the Indianapolis facility where members manufacture aircraft engines for contracts with the U.S. government. Highlights of the deal include the elimination of wage tiers, profit-sharing, improved retirement benefits and a cost-of-living adjustment. In a huge victory for the bargaining unit, under this new TA, the lowest-paid workers would see a wage increase of nearly 70% over the lifetime of the contract. “Winning strong agreements is only possible when our members are organized and united,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “It only happens when the company looks over the shoulder of our bargaining team and sees an army of fired up and fed up members who are ready to do what it takes to win what they deserve. That is exactly what happened here this week when hundreds of members showed up to rally in support of their bargaining team and show the company that they were ready to strike if needed.”
Workers at St. Anselm Secure Election Victory Despite Aggressive Union-Busting: In the midst of intense anti-union pressure from management, workers at popular Washington, D.C., restaurant St. Anselm successfully voted to form a union with UNITE HERE Local 25. The lucrative dining spot is operated by STARR Restaurant Group—which refused to voluntarily recognize the union earlier this month—and the new bargaining unit covers both the front- and back-of-house workers. This victory was the first of three STARR-operated restaurants in the city to hold elections to join Local 25 as part of a larger DC Restaurant Workers Rising organizing effort. Staff are celebrating this powerful victory, and are eager to sit down at the bargaining table and secure a contract with improvements to working conditions and wages. “I’m so proud of what we won today because I know it means real change is coming—in our paychecks, our benefits, and how workers at STARR restaurants are treated,” said Bridget Killburn, a baker at St. Anselm. “I’m excited for my colleagues at Pastis and Le Diplomate to join us in winning their union in the coming weeks.”
Reconsidered Goods Thrift Store Workers Unanimously Vote to Form Union: On Monday, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union-UFCW (RWDSU-UFCW) announced that workers at Reconsidered Goods in Greensboro, North Carolina, voted unanimously to form a union. Staff at the thrift store have become the second retail location in the city to join RWDSU-UFCW this year after their union brothers, sisters and siblings at REI Greensboro won their election last month. But the path to get here wasn’t easy: management attempted to exclude two people from the proposed bargaining unit, forcing workers to go on strike until all eligible staff could vote. Members cited concerns like safety issues, working conditions, wages and scheduling as core focuses for when they enter bargaining. “There has been no doubt in my mind that we would win this election,” said fabric specialist Yvonne Rabel. “We’ve been working hard for over a year to build a sense of community and camaraderie with each other….Our community has been nothing but supportive of our goals to ensure a safer work environment, and we’re going to continue to work toward these goals during negotiations. I can’t say whether I expect our directors to be collaborative or not, but I’m hopeful we can work on a solution that includes the workers having a say in the decisions that affect them.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/04/2025 - 12:06Fed Up and Taking Action
The government can work for billionaires or it can work for working people—but not both.
So when Elon Musk created his own unaccountable pseudo-government department, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to fire federal workers and jeopardize the programs working people rely on, we launched our own “Department of People of Who Work for a Living (DPWL)” to hold these billionaires accountable.
The DPWL was out in force last week as working people participated in more than 104 actions in 31 states and Washington, D.C. Some unions and working people planned rallies, others scheduled meetings with their members of Congress, and some attended town halls to speak out.
Here are some highlights from workers who spoke at last week’s protests against DOGE’s actions:
“I'm sad that I lost my job. But I'm also sad I'm not going to be able to help these people anymore who desperately need it,” said fired Environmental Protection Agency employee Nyla at a rally in Chicago.
“I’ve wanted to work for [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] NOAA a long time,” said an anonymous protester in Juneau, Alaska. “If I cared about money, I would have gone to Wall Street, but I care about our environment and our people. And NOAA provides a lot of services to Alaska, the rural and coastal communities here really get a lot of information from us, and I’m worried.”
“I had to apply for unemployment, and on the very same day I did that, Elon Musk tweeted a meme calling the 10% of the poorest Americans members of the parasite class,” said Kristin Jenn, a fired federal worker in Austin, Texas.
When you think of federal government workers, you may think of Washington, D.C., but the truth is 85% of federal employees live and work all over the country, with large numbers in states like California, Texas, Florida and Georgia.
Job cuts are being felt nationwide, hurting communities, local economies and services in red and blue states alike.
That’s why we’ve launched the DPWL website to share information and resources for workers and communities affected by these attacks on federal workers.
See our map, take action and learn more about how unelected billionaires and their agenda are affecting working people.
Thank you for supporting America’s working families.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/04/2025 - 11:10Action Alert: Protect Our Kids: Find an Action Today Near You!
Today, March 4, educators, students, parents and community allies will stand up against assaults on public education and on opportunity for America’s kids.
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) is calling on lawmakers to strengthen, not undermine, our local public schools and the services they provide to children, families and communities. Find an action near you happening today!
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/04/2025 - 11:00Women's History Month Profiles: Sylvia J. Ramos
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Sylvia J. Ramos of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Sylvia J. Ramos began her career in 1981 at Southwestern Bell in San Antonio, where she held various roles, including bilingual service representative and job steward with CWA Local 6143. She chaired the organizing and mobilizing committees, led successful organizing campaigns, and received the AFL-CIO “A Woman’s Place Is in Her Union” award in 1998. Ramos later became an AT&T strategist and CWA staff representative, and chaired many bargaining committees. In 2023, she made history as the first Latina chief of staff at CWA, where she advocates for workers’ rights, including the impact of artificial intelligence on labor.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/04/2025 - 10:27Tags: Women's History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Maryland State Supervisors Overwhelmingly Vote to Join AFSCME
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In a victory more than a year in the making, nearly 5,000 supervisors who work for the state of Maryland have voted to form a union with AFSCME Maryland Council 3.
State supervisors worked with AFSCME to pass legislation last year that granted them collective bargaining rights in Maryland.
“With our AFSCME union, we as supervisors can finally have a say in workplace policies that affect us, such as expanded hours, how our scheduling works, how comp time works, and more,” said Michael Lawson, acting assistant superintendent and a bus maintenance supervisor at the Maryland Transit Administration. “We are experts at how our agencies and offices operate, and now we have a seat at the table to weigh in on decisions that shape our work, our services, and our agencies.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 03/04/2025 - 10:21Tags: Organizing
Women's History Month Profiles: Patricia Redding
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Patricia Redding of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Patricia Redding has been an IATSE member for seven years. She serves on her local’s women’s and diversity, equity and inclusion committees, and volunteers with food pantries and holiday toy drives her local participates in. Her inspirations are Michelle Obama, retired IATSE Vice President C. Faye Harper and fellow Local 479 sister Jennifer Hutchins. “Being an IATSE member means a lot to me. I was hungry to learn more about my union and wanted to be in a position to give more to our union members.”
Kenneth Quinnell Sun, 03/02/2025 - 10:46Women's History Month Profiles: Brittney Davidson
For Women's History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making women's history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Brittney Davidson of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Brittney Davidson isn’t just breaking glass ceilings—she’s smashing them with a sledgehammer. First female executive board member of Local 119? Check. First female trainer of the local? Check. Financial trustee? Sergeant-at-arms? You bet. Trailblazing comes naturally to Davidson. She isn’t just good at the job—she’s great. She trains the next generation, makes sure the work’s done right and keeps the union’s future positive. She’s got the grit, the know-how and the leadership to back it all up.
Kenneth Quinnell Sat, 03/01/2025 - 10:46Strike Totals Remain High: 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.
Brightline's 'Onboard Service' Employees Vote to Join Union: “About 100 Brightline employees will join the Transport Workers Union (TWU) following a vote with the National Mediation Board last month. In a news release after the Jan. 14 vote, the Transport Workers Union of America said, ‘this is the largest newly organized group of railroad workers nationwide in over 20 years.’”
Actors’ Equity And The Broadway League Reach Agreement On Thorny Issues Around New Work Development: “Actors’ Equity Association has reached a deal with the Broadway League on a new five-year Development Agreement, resolving an eight-month strike prohibiting Equity members’ participation in early stages of development work. The National Council of Actors’ Equity Association, the labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, announced today that it had voted to ratify a new five-year Development Agreement, concluding an eight-month strike against The Broadway League, the trade organization representing theater producers and owners.”
The U.S. Postal Service Is More Efficient Than You Think. Privatizing It Could Cause Problems for Many: “‘The Postal Office remains the most affordable way to ship,’ Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, told CNN. ‘The destruction of any part of the public service we provide is going to have one bottom line result for the customers, it’s going to cost more and take longer to get there.’ ‘It really comes down to the core meaning of a public service,’ he said. ‘The Post Office is going to serve you at the same cost no matter where you are. That really should be the very definition of a public service.’”
Reconsidered Goods Unionizes: “Reconsidered Goods is nestled on the corner of the Food Lion on Spring Garden Street, across the street from Pho Hien Vuong. Unlike its surrounding businesses, Reconsidered Goods is a 501c nonprofit organization that takes donated materials and helps divert them from landfills, putting them into the hands of artists, makers, teachers, children, and other reuse advocates to create something new. Their mission is to promote sustainability, environmental awareness, community engagement, and creative expression through reuse, education, and the arts. Unfortunately, despite the organization’s noble morals, the staff of Reconsidered Goods have had enough. Due to safety regulations, lack of training, and more the workers have banded together to try and unionize to get these policies changed.”
Workers at D.C.'s St. Anselm Secure Unionization as STARR Group Challenges Vote Outcome: “Hundreds of employees at some of D.C.'s most lucrative restaurants are overjoyed following the news of their union vote. On Friday, St. Anselm employees voted 51-42 in favor of unionizing. In mid-January employees with five restaurants: Le Diplomate, Pastis, and St. Anselm, operated by STARR Restaurant Group; and Rasika and Modena, operated by Knightsbridge restaurant group, announced they were organizing a union with UNITE HERE Local 25. The unit covers the front and back of house and includes servers, bussers, dishwashers, cooks and bakers.”
Keystone Ski Patrol Union Votes to Ratify New Contract Following Negotiations: “Nearly all 81 members of the Keystone Ski Patrol Union voted to accept a new contract with Keystone Resort that will last through the 2026-2027 ski season. The announcement follows months of back and forth between management at Vail Resorts and the union that formed in 2024. Union bargaining team member Jake Randall said that after workers at Keystone’s sister resort in Park City Utah went on strike, Vail Resorts was ready to come to the table. ‘We actually came to an agreement pretty quickly after the strike ended,’ Randall said. ‘We put it to a vote with overwhelming support. We did have a couple no votes in there, but the sentiment of the group is that we made a lot of progress with this contract.’”
Picketing May Have Peaked but Union Strike Totals Remain High: “Unions led fewer strikes against U.S. employers last year than in 2022 or 2023, according to Bloomberg Law labor data. But the 236 walkouts called in 2024 still represent the third-highest annual total in almost two decades, suggesting that the post-pandemic trend of labor unrest is still far from over. After unions initiated only 86 strikes in shutdown-riven 2020, strikes took place with increasing frequency in the ensuing three years—from 164 in 2021 to 317 in 2022 to 356 in 2023—as workers sought to assert more control over their job security and compensation. It took until 2024 for the tide of strikes to subside (to 236) rather than rise.”
Children’s Theatre Company Ratifies 1st Ever Contract With IATSE: “A state theatre company has ratified its first-ever contract with a theatre union. The Children's Theatre Company (CTC) in Minneapolis has completed an almost two-year process and come to terms with the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IATSE) Local 13.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/28/2025 - 12:02Black History Month Profiles: Alfred Winters
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Alfred Winters of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Alfred Winters is currently in his fourth year of HFIU Local 1's apprenticeship program. Since starting, he has proven to be an asset to the local. Winters works with Brand Safeway in the field. In 2024, he represented Local 1 at the Regional Apprentice Competition, showcasing both his expertise and his commitment to excellence in the trade. He serves as a delegate to the Southwestern Illinois Building Trades Council, where he plays a key role in advocating for the interests of the union. His representation of Local 1 at career fairs has been instrumental in attracting and encouraging minority workers to join the trade.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:03Tags: Black History Month
Black History Month Profiles: Yusuf Al-Shabazz
For Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Yusuf Al-Shabazz of UNITE HERE.
Yusuf Al-Shabazz got his start with UNITE HERE Local 11 when he helped organize to bring the union into the American Airlines (AA) airport lounges at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. He was fired unfairly from the AA Lounges for organizing the union in 2023, and his case is still pending with the NLRB. He then got a job as a cook at the Hyatt Tempe Mission Palms and now serves as a chief shop steward of his co-workers. In the recent contract fight at Hyatt, 21-year-old Al-Shabazz helped lead his co-workers out on strike. They went on to win an incredible contract with life-changing raises and a pension. His sister is also a member of Local 11 with Starbucks at the Phoenix Airport.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:03Tags: Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Workers at St. Anselm Secure Election Victory Despite Aggressive Union-Busting
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
In the midst of intense anti-union pressure from management, workers at popular Washington, D.C., restaurant St. Anselm successfully voted to form a union with UNITE HERE Local 25.
The lucrative dining spot is operated by STARR Restaurant Group—which refused to voluntarily recognize the union earlier this month—and the new bargaining unit covers both the front- and back-of-house workers. This victory was the first of three STARR-operated restaurants in the city to hold elections to join Local 25 as part of a larger DC Restaurant Workers Rising organizing effort. Staff are celebrating this powerful victory, and are eager to sit down at the bargaining table and secure a contract with improvements to working conditions and wages.
“I’m so proud of what we won today because I know it means real change is coming—in our paychecks, our benefits, and how workers at STARR restaurants are treated,” said Bridget Killburn, a baker at St. Anselm. “I’m excited for my colleagues at Pastis and Le Diplomate to join us in winning their union in the coming weeks.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:02Tags: Organizing
