A Say Over the Future: 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.
Omni Providence Workers Ratify New Union Contract: “UNITE HERE Local 26 said workers at the Omni Providence Hotel ratified a new union contract on Sept. 24. The union said that negotiations on a new contract began after the previous expired on Jan. 31, and that workers voted to authorize a strike on Aug. 7. The new contract includes wage increases and more affordable healthcare.”
Apple Store Workers in Oklahoma City Ratify First Union Contract: “U.S. retail workers at the Oklahoma City Apple store in Penn Square Mall have successfully ratified their first collectively bargained contract. The union workers are part of Communications Workers of America (CWA), operating as Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. The ratified three-year contract promises up to an 11.5% wage increase up to 2027, alongside provisions for worker involvement in scheduling and guaranteed paid time off for voting.”
Project 2025’s Plan to Gut Civil Service with Mass Firings: ‘It’s Like the Bad Old Days of King Henry VIII’: “Even as Donald Trump seeks to disavow Project 2025, he and the rightwing effort’s authors have voiced similarly hostile plans for the U.S.’s 2 million-plus federal employees—to replace many of them with political appointees. These plans are stirring alarm among federal employees, with many warning that ‘politicizing’ the civil service will hurt not just them, but also millions of Americans across the US by undermining how well the U.S. government provides services and enforces regulations that protect the public.”
Congress Passes Bill to Avert a Shutdown Before the Election, Sending It to Biden: “Congress overwhelmingly passed a funding bill Wednesday to avert a government shutdown next week after House Republicans removed a proposal demanded by Donald Trump that would require Americans nationwide to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. The Senate voted 78-18 Wednesday evening, shortly after the House passed the same measure on a 341-82, with all opposition in both chambers coming from Republicans.”
Labor Wants—and Gets—A Say Over the Future: “The AFL-CIO’s Technology Institute will announce today an ongoing collaboration with the NSF, in which the two groups will explore how labor can consult on the foundation’s cutting-edge research projects.”
Wesleyan Graduate Students Vote for Union Membership: “Graduate student workers and Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) at the University will cast their ballot in a vote to join the Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 on Thursday, Sept. 26. The vote comes after months of organizing and internal discussions within the Wesleyan Graduate Labor Union (WesGLU). WesGLU first announced their intention to unionize last April, and subsequently entered into negotiations with the University. Those negotiations ended earlier this semester, when the administration refused to voluntarily recognize the union. WesGLU leadership determined that the University’s decision was a departure from the status quo, and that it was not in line with the good faith labor relations expected by some organizers.”
Federal Funds, Clean Energy Projects Boost Maine Union Workforce: “Union workers in Maine say federal funds are helping fuel the state’s clean energy transition and offering incentives for young people to stick around. Skilled trade workers are in high demand as the state aims to install 275,000 heating pumps by 2027 and construct numerous offshore wind projects. Kim Tobias, an electrician and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1253, said learning a trade nearly tripled her income and she is encouraging her own daughters to do the same. ‘With apprenticeships and with the union jobs that are going to be here, it’s a good way for people to be able to afford to stay here,’ Tobias pointed out. Tobias noted young people are motivated to help fight climate change and the Inflation Reduction Act is helping create not just jobs, but well-paying careers. The state aims to double its clean energy workforce to 30,000 by 2030.”
Guitar Center Workers in Six Locations, Including Illinois, Ratify New Contract: “Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU-UFCW) members at six Guitar Center locations in Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada and New York have ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes multiple meaningful wins for staff, like an increased minimum wage rate for every position—which will continue to go up every year throughout the life of the contract—and an additional seniority wage adjustment for more tenured workers.”
Redmond: Labor Has ‘the Responsibility to Lead’ the Fight for Democracy: “AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond is repeating a somber warning to workers, union and non-union alike: This November’s election is not just about the presidency, but about democracy. Redmond told a panel discussion at the Labor Department on September 17, the anniversary of the founders’ signing the Constitution, that organized labor must lead the fight to preserve the republic. ‘Unions thrive in democratic countries and in countries where you have democratic principles. They don’t survive in autocracies and dictatorships,’ Redmond declared. ‘So we have the responsibility to fight for democracy and it should be the responsibility of the entire labor movement to lead that fight.’”
Culinary Union Celebrates the End of Its Longest Campaign: “Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Ted Pappageorge said at an event Thursday to mark the signing of the contract that he had faith that the Venetian would one day be a union property. ‘I can tell you that I knew one day we would be doing that, but honestly, we didn't know when,’ he said. ‘We have a fighting spirit at the Culinary and Bartenders union here in Las Vegas, and we look at time maybe a little differently than some organizations do.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:13Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Odalis Betances
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 Odalis Betances of the Heat and Frost Insulators (HFIU).
Odalis Betances is a hardworking, 13-year member of HFIU Local 3. Betances always steps up when needed for the union, serving on the executive board and assisting with any language barriers. Betances is proud of his Dominican roots and of being a Local 3 member.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/30/2024 - 10:02Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Tiffany Roman
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 Tiffany Roman of AFGE.
Tiffany Roman has been an AFGE member and licensed practical nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 2018. She is currently the southern Colorado vice president for AFGE Local 1117. She is also the national chair of AFGE’s Hispanic Coalition (HISCO) and the AFGE District 11 HISCO coordinator. Roman recently became president of the newly established Rocky Mountains chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement. She is a single mother and is pursuing her master’s in social work.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/27/2024 - 11:10Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Tool & Die Unit Reaches Tentative Agreement at Ford’s River Rouge
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.
On Wednesday, the UAW Local 600’s Tool & Die Unit at Ford’s River Rouge Complex reached a tentative agreement with Ford Motor Co., one day ahead of its strike deadline.
Roughly 500 workers in the Tool & Die Unit work at the Dearborn, Michigan, facility. Members were prepared to go on strike starting Sept. 26 if the multinational automotive manufacturer refused to address issues such as job security, wage parity and work rules. The negotiated TA includes protections against the impacts of advancements in 3D printing and establishes a process to secure additional die work as required. Additionally, UAW won a provision to eliminate the wage disparity for skilled trades, ensuring fair and equal pay across the board.
“The members at the Rouge Complex understand the power of strength in numbers,” said UAW Vice President Chuck Browning. “They stuck together and showed Ford that they were willing to stand up if necessary to win what they deserve.”
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/27/2024 - 09:58Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Sorenson
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 Liz Sorenson of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Liz Sorenson has served as president of the Nevada State AFL-CIO since 2017. She began her career over 40 years ago and in 1990 transferred to Nevada Bell, where she served as a steward, organizer, lobbyist and officer for CWA Local 9413. She was hired as CWA District 9 staff representative and, later, area director/political director. Sorenson has run the Nevada State AFL-CIO political walk program since 2000. She was elected as a board member of the Nevada State AFL-CIO in 2009 and is currently serving her second term as president after being re-elected in 2021.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:33Service & Solidarity Spotlight: UAW Members at Ford's River Rouge Tool and Die Unit Reach Tentative Agreement
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.
UAW members working at Ford's new tab tool and die unit in the River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, reached a tentative agreement one day ahead of its strike deadline. The more than 500 workers in the tool and die unit will review the details of the agreement and hold a ratification vote in the coming days. Last week, the union said it would go on strike on Sept. 26 if local contract issues were not resolved. Core issues included job security, wage parity and work rules.
"If ratified, the agreement will set a new standard for the skilled trades at Ford," the union said.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:33Knocking Doors for Pro-Worker Candidates: 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).
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Whether you work in the public sector, are a tradesperson, a service worker, a healthcare worker… any worker. Trump’s Project 2025 plan will wreck your job. Anti-worker, anti-union. https://t.co/Jes7Kgk0YZ
— California Federation of Labor Unions (@CaliforniaLabor) September 24, 2024
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Huge turnout of union members in Danbury to knock doors for pro-worker candidates! Thanks to the members of the CT Building Trades, @AFTCT, @IAMDistrict26, @CEUI_SEIU_511 and @IBEW Local 420 for volunteering their time! #1u #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/NmpQir6bHg
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) September 21, 2024
Florida AFL-CIO:
Florida brothers and sisters - now is the time to get prepared! https://t.co/JgWQruYHTK
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) September 24, 2024
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
👷♀️👷♂️ Happy National Tradesman Day! Today, we honor the skilled tradespeople who are the backbone of our communities. From fixing leaks to building skyscrapers, your work is invaluable. 🏗️🔨 #NationalTradesmanDay #Tradesmen #1u #SkilledTrades #ConstructionHeroes #ThankYou 🚧 pic.twitter.com/Kx7SYMzRxF
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) September 20, 2024
Illinois AFL-CIO:
Matthew is an Engineer/Paramedic in Alton, IL. As a first responder, Matthew is committed to serving his community and ensuring that quality and emergency medical care is readily available for those in need. #1u #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/mf2E12JOFO
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) September 25, 2024
Maine AFL-CIO:
Maine @MachinistsUnion members came back from their recent International convention pumped up & energized to build power in their unions! https://t.co/zsjH2k6u4I
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) September 25, 2024
Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
We will be out hitting the doors for labor's endorsed champions throughout election day.
Saturday, join us for a labor walk for SEIU Member Kostas Loukos for State Rep. & IBEW member Paul Feeney for State Senate. We will meet at 9:30am at IBEW Local 104 in Mansfield. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/J1dmfLLTFm
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO (@massaflcio) September 24, 2024
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
7 weeks until Election Day.
Make sure you’re registered to vote. pic.twitter.com/E96G8Hk3pk
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) September 17, 2024
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
“10,073 cars were stolen in Minnesota in 2017 compared to 316,000 people who experienced wage theft.” @NSPolicyAction #BetterInAUnion #mnleg https://t.co/Kg50QVWNRm
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) September 24, 2024
Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Superwalk kickoff with U.S. Senator Rosen firing up the crowd this weekend! We are always glad to have our pro-labor champions in the house of labor 💪🏼.
6 weekends left before the election and every single union door needs to be knocked on! pic.twitter.com/S0VLvWWQIU
— Nevada State AFL-CIO // Pass the #PROAct (@NVAFLCIO) September 21, 2024
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
This is what #Solidarity looks like! Thank you to all of our Brothers & Sisters that came out, in the rain, to talk to fellow union members about the importance of electing @JoyceCraigNH & @KamalaHarris!#1u #OurChoiceisJoyce pic.twitter.com/yN7pyQiLFh
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) September 21, 2024
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
At a a panel discussion at the Labor Department, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond emphasized what is at stake for union members in this year's election.
Read the full article here: https://t.co/QmdLc2N5yh pic.twitter.com/KwjMLD75qc
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) September 23, 2024
New York State AFL-CIO:
Attention WNY! Secure your spot on this weekend's bus to Erie, PA to support Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Register here: https://t.co/u0Ru526nFw
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) September 24, 2024
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
“...collective bargaining... doesn’t solve all the problems, but it provides the framework that when we get into conflicts, we can sit across the table and negotiate in good faith, with everybody protected.” https://t.co/iDXTzYg7fg via @NCNewsline #countmein #1u
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) September 20, 2024
Ohio AFL-CIO:
Ken Casey of the #DropkickMurphys had the last word of our #Ohio @AFLCIO Convention today as he showed his support for @SherrodBrown over another anti-working class grifter like Bernie Moreno. pic.twitter.com/KUd0IwSFh9
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) September 25, 2024
Oregon AFL-CIO:
📢 Show your solidarity with striking workers 📢
Join picket lines at Boeing and Bigfoot Beverages.
Find out when and where by visiting our strike map. https://t.co/S3qR90RkDB@MachinistsUnion @Teamsters pic.twitter.com/VSWWE4k9dv
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) September 24, 2024
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Everything unions have fought for is on the ballot this year—fair wages, better benefits, safer workplaces. It’s time to stand strong and vote to protect it all. #HarrisWalz #LaborVotes pic.twitter.com/njd2NU95yZ
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) September 24, 2024
Texas AFL-CIO:
And they’re off ⛳️
More than 30 teams of Texas union siblings are hitting the course for a day of fun and solidarity for our 21st Annual Walter Umphrey Golf Tournament! pic.twitter.com/6hsqpFdwne
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) September 25, 2024
Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
As Machinists continue to strike Boeing, labor and community support is essential. Here’s how you can stand with the workers.
This page will be continuously updated until the workers' demands are met.https://t.co/725C1m1GE9 pic.twitter.com/vAUnY4t2k8
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) September 16, 2024
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
I spy some union members 👀What it looked like at the Kamala Harris rally in Madison https://t.co/beyQoOTtMV via @CapTimes
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) September 24, 2024
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/25/2024 - 10:17Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Monica Martinez
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 Monica Martinez of AFSCME.
Monica Martinez is a clinical care partner at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and serves as vice president of the patient care unit for AFSCME Local 3299. She takes great pride in making sure her neighbors have access to quality medical care. Martinez is always there for her patients and co-workers, showing up at the picket line and the bargaining table to strengthen her community and win respect and dignity for their essential work.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/25/2024 - 09:57Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Apple Store Employees in Oklahoma City Ratify Their First Union Contract
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.
Workers at the Apple Store in Oklahoma City's Penn Square Mall voted to ratify their first collective bargaining contract. The workers are members of Apple Retail Union-CWA Local 6016. They began organizing in early 2022, and the parties reached a tentative agreement in early September after a unanimous strike authorization vote in August and a store picket. This is the second group of Apple retail workers to secure a contract.
The three-year contract includes wage increases of up to 11.5%, worker involvement in scheduling, guaranteed paid time off to vote, a safer and more democratic workplace, a grievance and arbitration process, the establishment of joint Safety and Health and Working Relations committees, job protection in the event of a store closure or relocation, severance pay, guaranteed paid time off, health and other benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 09/25/2024 - 09:55‘An Indispensable Weapon’: 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.
U.S. Labor Secretary Helps Celebrate Union Contract at Venetian: “Standing in front of a sculpture spelling out the word ‘Love’ in the Palazzo-Venetian waterfall atrium, Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su compared the Culinary Union Local 226’s first contract with the Venetian and Palazzo to a marriage. ‘I’ve never known workers that are trying to organize a union because they don’t want to work with their employer,’ Su said Thursday at a contract celebration. ‘They want the employer to do well, and that shared success is the...future of the romance that you all solidified here today.’”
Machinists’ Union President Rallies Striking Workers at Boeing’s Gresham Facility: “Around 33,000 of Boeing’s unionized workers on the West Coast have been on strike since early Friday. That includes over 1,000 workers in Gresham. The walkout comes as the machinists’ union continues to negotiate toward better wages and pensions.”
Nevada Unions Rallying to Amplify Kamala Harris’ Campaign: “Every day, more and more people are signing up to help knock on doors and make phone calls for Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, a Las Vegas union official said. ‘We were trained by (the Harry Reid) machine,’ said Susie Martinez, executive secretary for the Nevada AFL-CIO, referring to the late U.S. senator’s work organizing Democrats in Nevada. ‘You’ve got to get out there. You’ve got to pitch your story.’ While the Culinary Union’s ground game for Democrats dominates headlines, other labor organizations have kicked off their own—sometimes joint—efforts.”
'An Indispensable Weapon': Harris Mobilizes Diverse Labor Force in the Sun Belt: “President Joe Biden has often proclaimed that he is the most pro-union president in history, a declaration that Democrats often tied to his appeal to white working-class voters in the Midwest. Now serving as the party’s standard-bearer, Vice President Kamala Harris is building her own coalition by mobilizing a more diverse and expansive labor force in a different part of the country. Harris is tapping into the organizational strength of a network of union groups that have a significant membership of women and people of color in the Sun Belt, a battleground region Democrats are aiming to keep out of former President Donald Trump’s column this fall.”
Ten Ways Project 2025 Could Undermine Workers’ Rights: “But those public stances and declarations stand in stark contrast with the blueprint for what Republicans want to do if and when they retake the White House. Project 2025 is an almost 900-page document laying out an agenda for the next Republican president in detail, and it lists a multitude of priorities that would, if enacted, harm workers’ pay, safety and ability to organize. Taken as a whole, the priorities the authors describe are ‘so unbelievably anti-union, anti-worker, anti-anybody but corporate interests,’ said Sharon Block, executive director of the Center for Labor and a Just Economy at Harvard Law School.”
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler Speaks at Wisconsin Convention: “Liz Shuler speaks at the Wisconsin’s 33rd biennial AFL-CIO convention at the La Crosse Center on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.”
Arapahoe County Facilities Workers Latest to Unionize Under 2022 State Law: “Workers with Arapahoe County’s Facilities and Fleet Management department voted to unionize Friday, acting on a new Colorado law that allows county workers to organize. Workers voted 30-15 in favor of forming a union with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Colorado local.”
More Than 30,000 Boeing Unionized Machinist Aircraft Workers Out on Strike: “At midnight, Friday, September 13, workers stood on picket lines at every gate of Boeing’s giant aircraft plant on Logan Avenue in Renton, Wash., holding up their picket signs and chanting ‘Strike, Strike, Strike.’ Mostly youthful members of International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751, they were among the 33,000 Boeing workers who voted a day earlier by a resounding 94.6% to reject the proposed contract and by 96% to go on strike—far more than the two-thirds majority needed to approve a walkout.”
AT&T, Unions Reach Agreement to End Strike; Alabama Workers Back on the Job Monday: “AT&T Southeast and AT&T West and the Union of the Communications Workers of America have reached a tentative agreement that puts an end to the longest telecommunications strike in the south’s history. A release from the CWA said the union reached ‘strong tentative agreements’ with AT&T Southeast and AT&T West to end the 30-day strike in nine states, including Alabama. CWA members will return to work Monday.”
GE Workers Hold Rally with Louisville Union Leaders Demanding Better Wages, Working Conditions: “General Electric Haier workers in Louisville are making their voices heard. Employees of the company met at the IUE-CWA Local 761 union hall on Poplar Level Road on Saturday. A rally was organized by the union and called for members to stand together and demand fair wages, better working conditions and affordable health care.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/24/2024 - 10:34Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Hilda G. Cortes
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 Hilda G. Cortes of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
A 22-year Federal Aviation Administration veteran, Hilda G. Cortes manages environmental safety and health and technical training for the agency’s Houston district. She began her federal service as a college student. An active PASS member, she is also the national director of education for the National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/24/2024 - 10:00Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Culinary Union Celebrates Las Vegas Strip Becoming 100% Union with Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su
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 UNITE HERE’s Culinary Union and Bartenders Union reached a new contract with the owners of the Venetian late last month, workers and labor leaders are celebrating that every resort on the Las Vegas Strip now officially recognizes the union.
The Culinary Union and the Department of Labor (DOL) acting Labor Secretary Julie Su held an event recognizing this historic victory on Thursday. This first-time union contract covering more than 4,000 of The Venetian Resort team members has been a fight 25 years in the making.
“We are proud to celebrate a new day here at the Venetian,” said Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer for the Culinary Union. “The fight to unionize the Venetian has been one of the longest and most significant in Culinary Union’s 89-year history. From standing up to anti-union billionaire Sheldon Adelson in 1999, to winning the right at the U.S. Supreme Court to picket and protest on sidewalks in front of Las Vegas casinos, and now securing a historic first contract, workers never gave up….This victory today is also a testament to the leadership of the Biden–Harris administration, whose unwavering commitment to ensure workers can organize and win a union has been a source of great strength.”
“This contract now brings the Las Vegas Strip to a 100% unionized workforce,” said Secretary Su. “When President Biden says the middle-class built America and unions built the middle class, he's talking about all of you….We want to make sure that a [good] job like that is available to every worker, to every family, in every community all across the country, and you are showing that that is possible here. So thank you for what you have done.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 09/24/2024 - 09:59Worker Wins: Looking Forward to What Comes Next
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Temple Faculty, Administration Reach Tentative Agreement: The Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—has secured a tentative agreement (TA) on a five-year contract with the administration of Temple University. This deal follows more than a year of negotiations and is subject to approval by both membership and Temple’s board of trustees. The TA features a $10,000 across-the-board raise for full-time employees upon ratification—amounting to a 10% raise for at least half the bargaining unit, which includes more than 2,300 faculty, librarians and other academic professionals. Over the life of the contract, a tenured professor on average will receive an 18% increase, while those who are nontenured will get about 23%. Other wins include expanded bereavement leave, improved parental leave, more protections for academic freedom, no increased health care costs and more. “This is the most complex and transformative agreement for our union since our 1990 strike, and contained in this agreement are historic wins on pay equity, job security, and numerous working conditions, benefits, and union power,” the union said in a statement posted to social media.
Workers at Two Maryland Cannabis Dispensaries Vote to Join UFCW: Workers at The Apothecarium cannabis dispensary in Burtonsville and Sweetspot cannabis dispensary in Olney announced on Sept. 16 that they had voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400. Staff at both Maryland locations voted overwhelmingly to form a union, joining the ranks of their colleagues at numerous other dispensaries around the region and across the country who have organized with UFCW. With the global cannabis market projected to hit $145.4 billion by 2025, more and more workers in the nascent industry are joining together to secure contracts that ensure fair wages, safe working conditions and a voice on the job. “I’m incredibly honored to be working alongside such an awesome team that believes in representation for themselves and fellow workers,” said Matt Saundry, who works at The Apothecarium. “We’re grateful for the chance to work with [parent company] Terrascend to negotiate a contract, we appreciate them working with us throughout this process, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
CWA Wins Tentative Agreement at AT&T Southeast: The Communications Workers of America (CWA) announced on Sept. 15 that the union had reached a tentative agreement (TA) with AT&T Southeast, ending the longest telecommunications strike in the region. The new contract covers technicians, customer service representatives, and other workers who install, maintain, and support residential and commercial services in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Wages and health care costs were key issues for members. The deal includes across-the-board wage increases of 19.33%, with additional 3% increases for wire technicians and utility operations, and provisions that hold health care premiums steady in the first year and then lowers them in the second and third years. “I believe in the power of unity, and the unity our members and retirees have shown during these contract negotiations has been outstanding and gave our bargaining teams the backing they needed to deliver strong contracts,” said CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. “CWA members and retirees from every region and sector of our union mobilized in support of our bargaining teams, including by distributing flyers with information about the strike at AT&T Wireless stores.”
Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga Rally to Win Strong First Contract: After a historic union election victory earlier this year, UAW members who work for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, geared up to begin negotiating a powerful first contract with the automotive giant last week. More than 400 newly minted UAW members, their family members and community supporters rallied on Sept. 15 to channel momentum from the vote to securing a contract that raises workplace standards, increases wages, improves benefits and codifies protections similar to those secured by autoworkers in other unionized plants. Other demands from Volkswagen workers include corporate accountability, workplace respect, retirement security and better paid time off. With representation across every department and shift at the facility, the 20-person elected bargaining committee has been meeting for weeks already to analyze survey data about members’ goals for the first agreement. “Our victory in April was just the beginning,” said Samuel Gallardo, an assembly line worker at Volkswagen. “Now we are focused on winning a contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of every worker here. We’ve shown that when we stand together, we win—first our union, and soon a contract that guarantees higher wages, better benefits, and a brighter future for all.”
Mercury Ballroom Stagehands in Louisville Vote to Form Union: On Sept. 12, stagehands at the Louisville, Kentucky-based Mercury Ballroom voted unanimously to join Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 17. The unit will include around a dozen staff at the Mercury Ballroom, which is one of the city’s premier venues for live music, performances and other events. Local 17 already represents its counterparts at other major stages throughout the city. This resounding victory marks the third crew at a Live Nation venue to organize in recent months, following successful votes by workers at Denver’s Summit music hall and Marquis Theater earlier this summer. “This win demonstrates IATSE Local 17’s commitment to representing locations of all sizes,” said Local 17 Business Agent Greg Campbell. “The workers who support these types of clubs are the foundation of the live event music industry. From amphitheaters and clubs to opera houses and Broadway, all entertainment workers deserve the voice and protections that a union brings.”
Eos Workers Vote to Join USW: Some 160 workers at Eos Energy Enterprises in Pittsburgh voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) earlier this month to ensure they have a voice in shaping the future of their role in the rapidly expanding clean energy sector. Workers at the zinc battery company manufacture batteries used to store electricity generated from renewable sources like solar and wind energy. The vote comes right as Eos is eligible for billions of dollars in clean energy federal investments from legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. UAW members fought back against attempts to undermine their right to a free and fair union election, demanding that corporations receiving taxpayer money should respect the rights of their workforce. Their victory represents a powerful milestone in ensuring this emergent sector has high standards for labor rights. “We’re proud to be contributing to our nation’s energy future, but for that future to succeed, we need to earn fair wages and be treated with respect on the job,” said Dante Williams, an assembly operator at Eos. “Unionizing puts our future into our own hands, and now we’re looking forward to sitting down and bargaining a fair contract.”
Central Vermont Medical Center Support Staff Votes to Join Union: Support staff at Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) overwhelmingly voted earlier this month to join the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Vermont. This unit will cover licensed nursing assistants, mental health technicians, phlebotomists, front desk staff and food service workers across CVMC’s locations—including the hospital, 27 community-based medical practices and a nursing facility. The resounding election victory comes just over a year after CVMC nurses and technical staff also joined the state chapter of AFT. Core issues for these invaluable workers are largely based around lack of employment protections other hospital personnel have, the need for safer patient-to-staff ratios, and demands for higher wages and better benefits. “We are passionate about our jobs, and we value being in service to our central Vermont community, so we are hoping to work collaboratively with the CVMC administration to come to mutually beneficial agreements that will impact our community positively,” said Spencer Starr, a patient service specialist and organizing committee member.
Ultium Cells Workers in Tennessee Win Card-Check to Join Union: On Sept. 4, the UAW announced that a majority of workers at Ultium Cells in Tennessee have signed union authorization cards and that the battery manufacturing company has agreed to do right by its staff and recognize their union. Ultium Cells, a joint venture of General Motors and LG Energy Solution, employs 1,000 workers at the Spring Hill plant, where they produce battery cells for electric vehicles. This facility is the second Ultium Cells factory built in the United States and the second to organize with the UAW—workers at the other location in Lordstown, Ohio, recently ratified their first contract in June. This victory is yet another win for autoworkers in the South, marking the latest big win in the state since thousands of Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, made history with their union election earlier this year. “The UAW members at Ultium and VW are proving that the new jobs of the South will be union jobs,” said Director Tim Smith of UAW Region 8. “In the battery plants and EV factories springing up from Georgia to Kentucky to Texas, workers know they deserve the same strong pay and benefits our members have won. And we’re going to make sure they have the support they need to win their unions and win their fair share.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/23/2024 - 15:22Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Antonio Betancourt
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 Antonio Betancourt of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Antonio Betancourt is dedicated to moving the film industry in Puerto Rico forward. He is currently coordinating specialized workshops to improve the knowledge of IATSE crew members and has developed film workshops for underserved communities. Betancourt is also one of the founding members of IATSE Local 494. “Being part of IATSE has helped me develop into a crew member who can be proud of his legacy,” he said. He is a member of the Cinema Audio Society and was the sound mixer for “What Happened to Santiago” (“Lo que le Pasó a Santiago”), which was nominated for an Oscar.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/23/2024 - 09:53Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Castlevania Studio Animation Workers Ratify First Union Contract
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.
Animation workers at Powerhouse Animation Studios in Texas overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract, with 96% of members voting to approve the agreement. Details of the contract were not immediately available. The more than 100 workers produce games like Castlevania and include both production workers and artists at the studio, folding in roles such as animator, background designer and production assistant.
“This is one of the strongest agreements we have been able to negotiate, and the crew’s resolve to their priority issues is the reason,” said Steve Kaplan, business representative of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 839. “I also want to acknowledge the work Powerhouse and its leadership team put in. We all had to be flexible to get to the finish line, and they showed their commitment to being a productive partner with the Union in the negotiations.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 09/23/2024 - 09:50Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Temple Faculty, Administration Reach Tentative Agreement
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 Temple Association of University Professionals (TAUP)—an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT)—has secured a tentative agreement (TA) on a five-year contract with the administration of Temple University.
This deal follows more than a year of negotiations and is subject to approval by both membership and Temple’s board of trustees. The TA features a $10,000 across-the-board raise for full-time employees upon ratification—amounting to a 10% raise for at least half the bargaining unit, which includes more than 2,300 faculty, librarians and other academic professionals. Over the life of the contract, a tenured professor on average will receive an 18% increase, while those who are nontenured will get about 23%. Other wins include expanded bereavement leave, improved parental leave, more protections for academic freedom, no increased health care costs and more.
“This is the most complex and transformative agreement for our union since our 1990 strike, and contained in this agreement are historic wins on pay equity, job security, and numerous working conditions, benefits, and union power,” the union said in a statement posted to social media.
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Alicia Castro Chicol
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 Alicia Castro Chicol of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Since becoming a member of IATSE Local 480 in 2011, Alicia Castro Chicol has actively served as a volunteer and board member of Chainbreaker Collective, a membership-based economic and environmental justice organization that helps expand access to affordable transportation and sustainable communities for working people in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and surrounding areas. Having strong roots in both El Salvador and Guatemala, Chicol helps with community organizing through different grassroots and political entities within these countries.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 09/20/2024 - 09:53Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles
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.
Here's who we've featured so far:
- Omayra Sánchez, Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU)
- Amanda Filpo, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)
- Roy Zuniga, National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC)
- Elizabeth Mercado, Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Hispanic Heritage Month Profiles: Elizabeth Mercado
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 Elizabeth Mercado of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Elizabeth Mercado has been a CWA union activist and leader for more than 23 years. She has held many positions in both her union and her community—from serving on her local school board as the first Puerto Rican woman (and, eventually, president), to chairing the CWA National Women’s Committee from 2021 to 2023, working as a Labor Council for Latin American Advancement Trabajadoras Fellow and beyond, Mercado continuously demonstrates her commitment to the community, workers’ rights and human rights.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:23Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga Rally to Win Strong First Contract
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 a historic union election victory earlier this year, UAW members who work for Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are gearing up to begin negotiating a powerful first contract with the automotive giant later this week.
More than 400 newly minted UAW members, their family members and community supporters rallied on Sunday to channel momentum from the vote to securing a contract that raises workplace standards, increases wages, improves benefits and codifies protections similar to those secured by autoworkers in other unionized plants. Other demands from Volkswagen workers include corporate accountability, workplace respect, retirement security and better paid time off. With representation across every department and shift at the facility, the 20-person elected bargaining committee has been meeting for weeks already to analyze survey data about members’ goals for the first agreement.
“Our victory in April was just the beginning,” said Samuel Gallardo, an assembly line worker at Volkswagen. “Now we are focused on winning a contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of every worker here. We’ve shown that when we stand together, we win—first our union, and soon a contract that guarantees higher wages, better benefits, and a brighter future for all.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:03
