Service + Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Records Biggest October Membership Growth Since 2015
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Federal government workers in Washington, D.C., and across the country are joining AFGE in droves, eager for the chance to be a part of our movement. These new members are powering some of the best growth the union has seen since 2015. Last month, AFGE added more new members than it has in any October in the past five years and had the most net growth—a gain of 677 members—since 2015.
“We are showing what’s possible when unions commit to an organization-wide organizing effort,” said AFGE Membership and Organization Director David Cann (not pictured). “Folks are out there doing exciting stuff at every level of the union, and the results are in the numbers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/14/2022 - 11:03I Drove the President's Motorcade in New Mexico
Mark Strand is the assistant business manager of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 611 and president of the Central New Mexico Labor Council.
I was asked to be part of President Joe Biden’s motorcade during his most recent visit to Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was a great honor to drive in the motorcade of the current president of the United States.
President Biden is a strong supporter of unions that fight for workers’ rights, better working conditions and a living wage for workers. Biden flew to Albuquerque to show support for our current governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham. Our governor has improved New Mexico by passing laws that give every worker in the state sick leave, our teachers a much-needed raise and law enforcement funding for recruitment to help fight crime. Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Mayor Tim Keller were also a part of this great event to welcome the president to Albuquerque.
Unions are an important part of my life. I did not earn a college degree, yet was able to support my wife and our three children with the help of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Unions prevent corporate greed and give workers a voice. I never imagined being asked to be a part of such a monumental event, which I will remember for the rest of my life. Without great leaders like President Joe Biden and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, unions like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers would not be able to protect the working class, ensure the rights that were fought for and be there for future generations.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/14/2022 - 10:35National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Charles Smith
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Charles Smith, cemetery specialist and member of AFSCME Local 904.
Charles Smith is a member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and works as a cemetary specialist at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Exeter, Rhode Island. His father, a veteran of three wars, is among those buried in the 125-acre cemetery. Smith leads the effort to erect the cemetery’s first monument to Native American veterans.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/11/2022 - 12:14National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman, a stage manager and member of Actors’ Equity Association (Equity).
Christopher Kee Anaya-Gorman is an equity stage manager currently working on Broadway and a delegate of Actors’ Equity Association’s 2022 National Convention. He was one of over a hundred delegates discussing issues important to his fellow members and helping shape the future of the union. Anaya-Gorman is also on the Production: Broadway and Sit-Downs negotiating team, which is currently at the bargaining table.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/10/2022 - 11:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Illinois Labor Movement Wins Workers’ Rights Amendment
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
One of the most important ballot proposals in this election was in Illinois, where right-wing politicians have been trying to chip away at our right to organize. Voters, driven by a positive and effective campaign from Illinois’ union members, have responded in huge numbers to pass the Workers’ Rights Amendment. This amendment to the Illinois Constitution will protect the right to organize so that more workers in the state have the opportunity to join together in a union. Illinois is now the fourth state to enshrine the right to collective bargaining in its constitution.
“History was made with the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment,” celebrated Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea (UFCW; not pictured). “This would not have been possible without the strong solidarity of a statewide labor movement that came together in unison to protect the rights of our hardworking families.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/10/2022 - 10:51Thank You
To everyone who voted, canvassed, phone banked and organized: Thank you. We showed how far the labor movement will go to protect our freedom. And guess what? You haven’t seen anything yet.
There’s no such thing as an off-year election. That’s why we drove calls, phonebanked, collected signatures and knocked on doors, having conversations with millions of union members across the country.
And your hard work paid off—across the country, we won races for working people, often against steep odds. So we should take a moment to celebrate.
But protecting our freedom isn’t something we do every four years. It’s just what we do.
And our work doesn’t stop at city halls, state capitols, the halls of Congress or even the White House.
We stop when we run out of people to organize.
We pledge to continue fighting and organizing. Are you with us?
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:18Every Vote Counts: 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:
Congratulations to John Fetterman who won his U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania! pic.twitter.com/2bgpCxbub8
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) November 9, 2022AFGE:
Working families in Illinois won last night! #1u
With the passage of the Workers’ Rights Amendment, every Illinois citizen is guaranteed a fundamental right to organize their workplace and bargain collectively with their coworkers for better pay and safe workplaces. ✊ https://t.co/fUJrdXdLGb
AFSCME:
"Last night working people chose this progress over political extremists hellbent on taking away our rights and freedoms. In other words, gas prices are temporary; authoritarianism is forever."
Read President Saunders' statement on #Midterms2022: https://t.co/cADvmypLcl
Alliance for Retired Americans:
There are still some races that haven't been called yet, but that's okay. Democracy is worth the wait. #EveryVoteCounts pic.twitter.com/Fy7VhvSNdw
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) November 9, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
Congratulations to Wisconsin Governor @GovEvers on his re-election. The ATU looks forward to working with Governor Evers to better the lives of transit workers and all working families across Wisconsin. #ATUStongerTogether pic.twitter.com/b7eJLmnq5g
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 9, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
📣 AFT President @rweingarten issued the following statement on the emerging results of the 2022 midterm elections #AFTvotes https://t.co/DnOfLqB7so
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 9, 2022American Postal Workers Union:
Great news to see a friend of postal workers reelected. https://t.co/gq8iJeNMRl
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) November 9, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
Flight Attendants: Tropical Storm Nicole is forecast to make landfall in Florida as a hurricane, but its impacts including prolonged coastal flooding, beach erosion, strong winds, high surf, heavy rain and tornadoes will impact other parts of the US. https://t.co/9PTuN9L3hC
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 9, 2022Boilermakers:
It's a special day for L-191 (Victoria, British Columbia) Boilermaker member Horst von Selz, who turns 100 years old! 🎉🎂
Happy Birthday, Brother von Selz!!
Read more about his long service and contribution to L-191: https://t.co/YBwf2oGb0G#BoilermakersUnion #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/osXBDSfbDS
Communications Workers of America:
Congratulations to @GovTimWalz for winning reelection in Minnesota! Shout out to the CWA members who helped turn out the vote. pic.twitter.com/oAekTgKsPp
— CWA (@CWAUnion) November 9, 2022Department for Professional Employees:
Next week, join us for the release of the results of our survey of non-union professionals on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10:30am ET/7:30am PT. RSVP here: https://t.co/iBU0o1d3MD pic.twitter.com/hOIlGYOfqu
— Department for Professional Employees (@DPEaflcio) November 9, 2022Electrical Workers:
Congratulations to Brother Sylvester Taylor on being named as a Department of Labor apprenticeship ambassador. https://t.co/QJfcaJJpst #IBEW
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 9, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on the @AWFUnionPodcast and urged building owners to take advantage of a federal tax credit and lower their energy bills by installing Mechanical Insulation. Discover more: https://t.co/H3jDJHNO3J pic.twitter.com/pgUJwS6y9s
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) November 8, 2022Jobs With Justice:
🚨BIG news. New study from @COJWJ shows #gigeconomy companies like #Uber, #Lyft, and #DoorDash are straight up lying about how much workers make.
Check the 🧵below
And read the 📰: https://t.co/Z700Ehl1N5 https://t.co/mxH2dOjfbW
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
The Labor Council of Latin America Advancement congratulates @SoniaRuthLuna on her historic win! She is the FIRST Latina to sit on Manassas city council. Read our statement: https://t.co/h2hv3jsD5K pic.twitter.com/ZMvaIH7oRl
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) November 9, 2022Machinists:
We are so proud that Machinists Union members from coast to coast joined millions of Americans to make their voices heard at a critical time for our democracy.
A statement from IAM International President @IAMBobMartinez: https://t.co/0LbA5ZngkV
Metal Trades Department:
CPWR is looking for your input on how to improve PPE for tradeswomen. https://t.co/yLAN0WuUqz
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) November 8, 2022Mine Workers:
We invite @JoeBiden to come to WV, western PA, southwest VA or eastern KY to see for himself the damage that has already been done to coal-reliant families and communities. Perhaps then we can all have a clear understanding of the importance of the jobs that are left. pic.twitter.com/vaEGI9X0fF
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 7, 2022Musical Artists:
Sign the Petition! Reinstate the English National Opera's ACE Funding Immediately: https://t.co/7O2RGoVTLa #1u pic.twitter.com/eTpbhxXNgU
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 8, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
There is just one day left to register for NATCA’s first annual ATX. Sign-up closes tomorrow, Nov. 10! Register now for the event, which will take place Dec. 12-16 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.https://t.co/qxgVrxsEE3 pic.twitter.com/aFNwd8VDBo
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 9, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
Schedule your NALC High Option Plan – Aetna Medicare Advantage webinar today. Visit https://t.co/rgUN8u4z5u to register for a session or view an on-demand video. Available to NALC Health Benefit reps, current annuitants, or those who want to learn more. https://t.co/m8QutRVtHf pic.twitter.com/mIjl0s92WB
— Letter Carriers (@NALC_National) November 9, 2022National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Organizing and actual conversations with actual voters is powerful! Our team in Northern Virginia made 14,518 calls and knocked on 13,661 doors to make sure that Latinas in Prince William County had accurate and reliable information about this year's elections. pic.twitter.com/4kEDUB1uqD
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 9, 2022National Nurses United:
.@JoshShapiroPA will be the next Governor of Pennsylvania!
Congratulations to the people of PA on an amazing victory. Shapiro will be an excellent representative to lead the state forward.✊ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QDTlrUyhYE
NFL Players Association:
ICYMI: @DalvinTomlinson is our #CommunityMVP this week after he hosted some special #SKOL fans. It was a way to honor his mother who always told him, "Be a blessing to others while you can."
🔗: https://t.co/drH63aJmat pic.twitter.com/1aIqyTVNBx
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
“As funding from the infrastructure act starts to flow and work ramps up, so will job openings for construction workers.” One way to fill the gap is to “start apprenticeships at lower ages, such as for high school students...”https://t.co/zhOLeGMXVu
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 9, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
.@RWDSU is thrilled to congratulate Governor @KathyHochul! We look forward to working with all the pro-union candidates who won their elections in the fight for worker justice. We're sending solidarity to pro-worker candidates still awaiting final election results in many races! pic.twitter.com/cl1RQDqdbd
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 9, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Prevent falls from ladders. Download the NIOSH Ladder Safety app and use the angle measuring tool to set your ladder at the proper angle. https://t.co/OJc3s7NaxR #roofersafety365 pic.twitter.com/1OqG9er1ei
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 9, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
Guess how many times the Micro-Budget Project Agreement has been used since December 2020, and then listen to this clip from SAG-AFTRA National Director, Entertainment Contracts Jessica Johnson.
Learn more about the agreement on the SAG-AFTRA podcast! https://t.co/K6El5MDduH pic.twitter.com/HbYwXCphby
Seafarers:
COP27: Shipping decarbonisation action plan launched to upskill global seafaring workforce https://t.co/eZksPHyaw6
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) November 9, 2022Solidarity Center:
#Publicsector #workers in #SouthAfrica are preparing to #strike as #wage negotiations between government and public sector #unions reached an impasse after #workers rejected a 3% increase and demanded a 6.5% rise instead.https://t.co/WtyEGduKdv
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 9, 2022Union Veterans Council:
Congrats to @unionveterans @ChrisForPA! https://t.co/Qlo5wz2LxV
— Union Veterans Council🪖✊ Pass the #PROAct (@unionveterans) November 9, 2022UNITE HERE:
BREAKING: Over 1,200 UNITE HERE canvassers in NV, AZ, PA, GA to knock on 2.7 million doors in largest labor field operation in the country
Full statement: https://t.co/iBPDuEr00y pic.twitter.com/kauDni6sVf
United Food and Commercial Workers:
#UFCWVictory ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏽✊🏾
Over 80 health care workers at Cape Regional Physicians Associates banded together across 13 locations in Cape May, NJ, joined @ufcwlocal152 for better working conditions.
Learn more: https://t.co/LQBawlTOMU pic.twitter.com/OCBmMVlD3U
United Steelworkers:
We've got a tentative deal with @U_S_Steel! More: https://t.co/KrbQrF5AAy #EverybodysUnion #1u
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) November 8, 2022Utility Workers:
Recent inflation rates have made predicting cost of living increases more challenging. Limited re-opener language like in the new UWUA Local 582 contract can leave the door open for future adjustments ✊https://t.co/DbeKRPcdDi
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 9, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/09/2022 - 15:03Vote! In the States Roundup
It's time once again to take a look at the ways working people are making progress in the states. Click on any of the links to follow the state federations on Twitter.
Alaska AFL-CIO:
STOP - IMPORTANT VOTING ANNOUNCEMENT🗳️
Before walking into the voting booth, visit our 2022 Union Voter Guide to see what candidates will actually stand up for working families in Juneau and DC! #1u #UnionStrong #akelect https://t.co/7inFRtctbt
Arizona AFL-CIO:
As Americans, we cherish our ability to influence the direction of our country through the right to vote. It’s a freedom that must never be compromised. The #polls are now open until 7 pm. Be sure to #vote to protect #workers rights! #electionday2022 #1u pic.twitter.com/9N2DF661gf
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) November 8, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
If you haven’t voted, the time is now! Support candidates who will protect California’s workers.
See our full 2022 election resources here, including search-by-region recommendations: https://t.co/UWJXpCFjfY pic.twitter.com/NMeUe4V6av
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Happy Tuesday! ❤️
Make sure to drop your ballot off BEFORE 7:00 pm tonight.
🗳 Find a location here: https://t.co/aLjTgm4z15
💪🏽 Endorsements: https://t.co/7NYk4y8quP pic.twitter.com/65YDKdwcvS
Connecticut AFL-CIO:
Polls are now open until 8 PM! Get out and vote!
Remember:
→ If you're in line by 8 PM, you can vote
→ CT offers same day voter registration
→ Your polling location may have changed. Check it here: https://t.co/S1xZPkoIgK https://t.co/ecXs8HLZT6
Georgia State AFL-CIO:
You're invited to come watch the election numbers roll in. Join the GA AFL-CIO and Partners as we enjoy some food fun and drinks 😀#1u #unionstrong #unionproud #gapol #Atlanta #georgia #party #vote pic.twitter.com/OV0l37sO2W
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) November 6, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
Our kids are asking for a fair and equitable workplace when they grow up.
Let's give them that gift by enshrining the right to collectively bargain and organize in our state constitution.
When you head to the polls today, #voteyesforworkersrights at the top of your ballot. pic.twitter.com/vw5J82jVut
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Vote. pic.twitter.com/WkBJ9ZmbFQ
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Get Out to Vote! https://t.co/YcEdA9Gl6I
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
Great column by @IBEW 567 apprentice Kilton Webb! #mpeolitics @ME_LaborClimate https://t.co/EgFcVHKgG2
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) November 7, 2022Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
Today is the day! Vote with confidence for the UNION endorsed candidates. Vote for @iamwesmoore, @BrookeELierman, @BrownforMD, @ChrisVanHollen, and the entire union ticket! Here is your list of Federal and State endorsed candidates in Maryland and DC:https://t.co/oCFbZYMtiP
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) November 8, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Polls are open. VOTE! #mapoli
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) November 8, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
No voter should be turned away for any reason. If you experience problems or delays at the polls, please call the Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE/866-687-8683 #MIVoting #WeVoteMI pic.twitter.com/IuJ2dk5UTq
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
It's Election Day! Visit https://t.co/ThIUk2ipaU to find your Labor-endorsed candidates and make your plan to vote. Make sure you are in line to vote by 8:00pm! #1u #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/Nnc0BvnTNV
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
November 8 is the LAST day to #vote!
It’s critical that we vote for pro-#labor candidates like Senator @CortezMasto & Governor @SteveSisolak who will fight for #Nevada’s working families!
Visit https://t.co/y3mpK2H6HG to find your nearest polling location. pic.twitter.com/xouyy3Qjnx
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Our labor walks are a demonstration of solidarity and strength. On Saturday, more than 1200 union members came together and volunteered to educate, engage, and empower fellow union members about the stakes in this election by visiting our brothers and sisters at their homes. pic.twitter.com/F9YqDTtYX4
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) November 7, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
#ElectionDay is TODAY! If you haven’t voted yet, make sure you get to the polls! Find your polling location and see our endorsements: https://t.co/7jp9atoli8 pic.twitter.com/LQ5ZSBOfXB
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) November 8, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Elections matter. This first-of-its-kind agreement in the U.S. was made possible only because voters in 2020 decided to elect a pro-worker President who chose to make this a priority. https://t.co/1ov7PujHMQ #1u #ncpol
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) November 7, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
It’s time we have elected leaders that want to inspire us with joy and happiness rather then instill fear and hatred. Thanks for running a campaign of inclusion, not exclusion, @TimRyan. pic.twitter.com/YzeTDyMZMX
— 🇺🇦 Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) November 8, 2022Oregon AFL-CIO:
Don’t let anti-worker candidates take us backward. We can count on these labor champions to move us forward.
See the full list of union-endorsed candidates here: https://t.co/8ipWSXOq15#orpol pic.twitter.com/MuOkp1jin5
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
Today is the day! Union members have been working to help #GOTV for all of our endorsed candidates! Make sure you go #VOTE before 8pm today! 🗳 #1U #PowerToThePeople #UnionStrong #YourVoteMatters #Fetterman #Shapiro
Find your polling place here: https://t.co/iTpuGaR9Xb pic.twitter.com/6OF6IbtYeo
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Election Day is this Tuesday. Make a plan to vote so it doesn’t pass you by!
Be sure not to skip the Amendment section, and Vote NO on Amendment 1. Here’s why:#1u #Labor2022 #NoOn1 pic.twitter.com/HLfMv5k0YH
Texas AFL-CIO:
Today is the LAST day of voting & the LAST chance to elect pro-labor candidates! Check out https://t.co/In9PIvT8cx for polling location info and more. #ElectionDay #VoteUnion #TexasVotes pic.twitter.com/IDsYidirFu
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Washington‼️ We have until 8pm to drop ballots off at our local drop box. Not registered to vote or lost your ballot? You can still vote in-person at your county election office until 8pm today. Find a list of drop boxes and election offices ➡️ https://t.co/vCLADCwEof #WAelex #1u https://t.co/lIxUmokra1
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) November 8, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
You can register to vote today at the polls with proof of residence.
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) November 8, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 14:00The Final Push: 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.
In Philadelphia, Organized Labor Is Making a Final Push as Democrats Try to Win Back Working-Class Voters: “On Saturday morning, Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, the largest labor union conglomerate in the country, rallied in South Philadelphia with gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro and a bevy of local elected officials who spoke to 150 workers preparing to knock on doors through the city. ‘All these important labor leaders, national people, are coming into Pennsylvania because this race is the race,’ Shuler said, pointing to the Senate campaign. ‘And you all are the most important people that will make this victory happen.’”
Nearly 50,000 University of California Workers Could Go on Strike This Month: “Tens of thousands of academic workers across the University of California system voted to authorize a potential strike, threatening to throw a wrench in the operations of 10 major universities across the state and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents some 48,000 postdocs, teacher’s assistants, academic student employees and student researchers across four bargaining units, called for a strike vote last month alleging unfair labor practices.”
Empowering the Women Who Build Nations: “Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the largest gathering of tradeswomen in the world. At this year’s Tradeswomen Build Nations conference, organized by North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), more than 3,000 women in the building and construction trades gathered in Las Vegas to discuss how to empower each other and address the unique issues they face.”
More Wisconsin Workers Are Organizing. How Much Leverage Do They Have?: “First introduced in 2019, the PRO Act will likely remain stalled unless enough Senate seats flip in November to allow Democrats to eliminate the filibuster and pass the legislation with a simple majority. That’s exactly what AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and her 12.5 million-member union umbrella organization hope to do. ‘We're gonna send Ron Johnson packing!’ Shuler told the roaring crowd gathered at the Madison Concourse Hotel for the Wisconsin AFL-CIO Convention in September. ‘And we’re gonna send Mandela Barnes, who…knows what a union difference makes, to Washington, D.C.!’”
AFL-CIO Bashes Federal Reserve Over Rate Hike: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler on Wednesday criticized the Federal Reserve for issuing another interest rate hike, warning that the move will have a ‘direct and harmful impact’ on working families. The labor leader’s remarks come after Fed officials raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point, the sixth rate hike since the Fed ramped up its efforts to slow the economy and tame inflation in March. ‘The Fed seems determined to raise interest rates, though it openly admits those rates could ruin our current economy as unemployment remains low and people are able to find jobs,’ Shuler said in a statement.”
Food Prices Soar, and So Do Companies’ Profits: “For years, food companies and restaurants generally raised prices in small, incremental steps, worried that big increases would frighten consumers and send them looking for cheaper options. But over the last year, as wages increased and the cost of the raw ingredients used to make treats like cookies, chips, sodas and the materials to package them soared, food companies and restaurants started passing along those expenses to customers. But amid growing concerns that the economy could be headed for a recession, some food companies and restaurants are continuing to raise prices even if their own inflation-driven costs have been covered. Critics say the moves are all about increasing profits, not covering expenses.”
They Offer Free Orientation for People Interested in Obtaining Citizenship in the United States: “Texas AFL-CIO Immigration Policy and Programs Coordinator Jesus Perales appeared today on Univision to discuss a free Citizenship Clinic scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, along with Citizenship Forums ahead of the event that prepare eligible U.S. residents for the event. The Citizenship Clinic offers assistance filling out the complex citizenship application form, free legal advice from volunteer immigration attorneys, and materials to help applicants prepare for the citizenship exam that leads to naturalization. The Texas AFL-CIO is proud to work with affiliates, Central Labor Councils and allies on this program.”
Minneapolis Parks Workers to Strike as Early as November 8: “Today, A.J. Lange, Business Manager of the City Employees’ Union LIUNA Local 363, announced that more than 200 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) employees intend to walk off the job on November 8 after issuing a 10-day notice to strike. ‘We have exhausted all options to avoid taking this action. Minneapolis Park employees take pride in providing the community with welcoming, clean, and enjoyable public spaces,’ said Lange. ‘In the midst of a pandemic and civil unrest, we continue to work despite being understaffed and overworked. We are the reason the Minneapolis park system consistently ranks in the top five across the country.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 13:54Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Text VOTE to 235246 to Find Polling Location
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
The AFL-CIO has set up a new tool to help members find their polling location.
Text VOTE to 235246 and receive a text message that asks for your full address. Once you send your address, you will receive another text message with your polling location. It’s that simple!
Be sure to tell our members about this quick and easy way to find their polling location on Election Day. Union members can also visit aflciovote.org for more voting information and resources.
Please note that the texting tool does not work for voters who are registered in Alabama.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/08/2022 - 09:31National Native American Heritage Month Profiles
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people.
Here are the profiles we've already featured throughout the month:
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/07/2022 - 16:13Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Building Power with Immigrant Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Forty-one leaders from 16 unions gathered at BAC Local 3’s training hall in Phoenix to learn about new tools to protect the workplace rights of immigrants. Immigrant workers who take collective action will now be eligible to apply for temporary status protections and a work permit.
“This is a game changer. Immigration threats will no longer be a weapon for the boss to use to crush worker organizing and lower pay,” said Fred Yamashita (UFCW; pictured above, standing to the right), executive director of the Arizona AFL-CIO. “These new protections are a perfect example of the kind of policies we can achieve when we elect pro-worker candidates. The real way to raise wages and grow our unions is by expanding rights and protections for all of us, regardless of where we were born. Organizers are excited to put these new tools into action!”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/07/2022 - 09:44Economy Gains 261,000 Jobs in October; Unemployment Inches Up to 3.7%
The U.S. economy gained 261,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate inched up to 3.7%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continuing strong job creation numbers are a clear sign that the worker-friendly policies implemented by President Biden continue to have a positive impact on working people.
In response to the October job numbers, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs said:
Over the last three months, the annualized average wage growth has slowed to 3.9%. That is a rate of wage growth set to have real wages grow with productivity, at the Federal Reserve's 2% inflation target.
He also tweeted the following:
An important thread. (I don't agree that rising profits, with falling real wages do not equate to price gauging and find the estimate too low), but the @federalreserve needs to be more transparent and honest. It is being political in their discussion of inflation. https://t.co/LaUIGPsmKW
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 4, 2022The @BLS_gov reports that payrolls increased 261,000 in October, but in the comparable household survey employment fell 741,000 (https://t.co/ukl1qcPBMD) explaining, in part, why the unemployment rate rose from 3.5 to 3.7% mostly among women. @aflcio #JobsReport #NumbersDay pic.twitter.com/txrRFmVpEH
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 4, 2022Job gains in October were spread across all industries, with big gains (going right on the chart) in education and health services. Low wage industries (going down on the chart) showed gains with leisure and hospitality making recovering. So this is steady looking growth. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/vdKRxbSOY4
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 4, 2022In the household data, women's labor force participation rate was flat in October, but their employment-to-population ratio fell slightly. The household and payroll numbers do not always line up, and this month the comparable measures in the household and payroll surveys diverged pic.twitter.com/pKdGuAsQ8a
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 4, 2022The employment recovery in manufacturing is split between an almost full recovery in durable goods, and a more robust recovery for non-durable goods manufacturing. In an area not dominated by trade competition, food manufacturing (35% of non-durable) continues to soar. @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/5CeF3em2Tp
— William E. Spriggs (@WSpriggs) November 4, 2022Another in line with @federalreserve transparency on how it thinks higher interest rates are targeted at the source of the cost-of-living crisis. Lowering wages is a wrong target.
Fed should make clear that rising profit margins are spurring inflation https://t.co/1C8QtHJc1q
October's biggest job gains were in health care (+53,000), professional and technical services (+43,000), leisure and hospitality (+35,000), manufacturing (+32,000), social assistance (+19,000), wholesale trade (+15,000), transportation and warehousing (+8,000) and financial activities (+3,000). Employment changed little over the month in other major industries, including mining, construction, retail trade, information, other services, and government.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult women (3.4%) and White Americans (3.2%) rose in October. The jobless rates for teenagers (11.0%), Black Americans (5.9%), Hispanic Americans (4.2%), adult men (3.3%), and Asian Americans (2.9%) showed little or no change over the month.
The number of long-term unemployed workers (those jobless for 27 weeks or longer) in October remained about the same as in September and accounted for 19.5% of the total people unemployed.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/04/2022 - 10:11National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Ranelle Yazzie
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and toward expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Ranelle Yazzie, logistics program coordinator at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and member of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS).
Ranelle Yazzie has worked at the FAA for 30 years. An active union member, Yazzie is chapter president of PASS Utah 3 and a PASS contract bargaining team member. She is president of the FAA's Native American Alaska Native Coalition. She is also a member of the Diné Tribe.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/04/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Texas Unions Join Community Allies for ‘Mega Walk’ to Drive Up Voter Turnout in Rio Grande Valley
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Members of the Texas AFL-CIO—including members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Electrical Workers (IBEW) and CWA—joined forces with LUPE Votes and other community groups in San Juan, Texas, on Saturday to increase voter turnout and drive support for pro-labor candidates in the Rio Grande Valley. The event saw more than 75 excited participants. After canvassing, event organizers held a community cookout with food and live music. It was such a success, organizers committed to holding future solidarity events in the Rio Grande valley.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/04/2022 - 09:36Just Vote! 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:
Report harassment or discrimination in your workplace by contacting Equity immediately. Learn more about reporting workplace harassment in the member portal - https://t.co/LLuqGoyS2j pic.twitter.com/VfWfwn7KVQ
— Actors' Equity (@ActorsEquity) November 3, 2022AFGE:
The @SocialSecurity Administration cannot serve the public without a quality workforce.
Read more about how SSA employees are pushing back against major issues at the agency ⬇https://t.co/fs1dk6MQJy
AFSCME:
Today, President Saunders spoke with our allies @makeroadactNV in Nevada — with less than a week left before Election Day, folks are fired up to knock on doors and get out the vote for pro-worker candidates! pic.twitter.com/pBUTo0QOrG
— AFSCME (@AFSCME) November 2, 2022Alliance for Retired Americans:
Today is the perfect day to fill out your absentee or mail-in ballot and put it in a drop box near you or take it to your local registrar's office. #Election2022 https://t.co/bsxrGohd0z pic.twitter.com/fDF7bN9UYy
— Alliance for Retired Americans (@ActiveRetirees) November 2, 2022Amalgamated Transit Union:
The critical midterm elections in the U.S. are only days away, make sure you vote for transit. #ATUStrongerTogether #1u #Transit #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/2wFrdoEjKL
— ATU, Transit Union (@ATUComm) November 3, 2022American Federation of Musicians:
Kudos to @The_AFM musicians from all over the country who voted to sit out tonight's #ClassicalMusicInstitute rehearsal in #solidarity. #BandTogether @WCOrchLockouts
— AFM Local 23, Musicians' Society of San Antonio (@AFM_Local23) October 31, 2022American Federation of Teachers:
Poll workers and election officials from both sides of the aisle show up to help make sure we have free and fair elections. Our friends, our neighbors, our community members–they serve as poll workers to keep our elections safe and secure. #OurElections #AFTvotes pic.twitter.com/ub9CAu5xrj
— AFT (@AFTunion) November 3, 2022American Postal Workers Union:
Today is Retro-Pay Day! It's a great time to talk to your nonmember coworkers about joining the union today. #APWUnited pic.twitter.com/QHLDYRqr8T
— The American Postal Workers Union - APWU (@APWUnational) October 28, 2022Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance:
Still time to make your plan and make sure you cast your ballot! Check out: https://t.co/vklaurqRJR https://t.co/2oQSEWaPve
— Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (@APALAnational) November 2, 2022Association of Flight Attendants-CWA:
November marks the beginning of #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth; a month-long celebration of the histories, cultures, contributions, and achievements of Native Americans to the United States. pic.twitter.com/xtZxmllSv9
— AFA-CWA (@afa_cwa) November 2, 2022Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers:
#CORNNUTSSTRIKE ENDS | Read the full statement 👉 https://t.co/FW6jUFGW1C pic.twitter.com/Y0nifQZkIp
— BCTGM International (@BCTGM) October 19, 2022Boilermakers:
Congratulations to #Boilermakers at L-237 (Hartford, Connecticut) and L-363 (Bellville, Illinois) for receiving the Charles W. Jones Award 👏👨🏭 https://t.co/yaS4f2dQPF#BoilermakersUnion #UnionStrong #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/3SDHyHMslo
— Boilermakers Union (@boilermakernews) November 3, 2022Bricklayers:
Happy Birthday BAC pic.twitter.com/nz8z8jWanp
— Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union (@IUBAC) October 17, 2022Coalition of Black Trade Unionists:
#justvote pic.twitter.com/UDi2TQY6y3
— CBTU (@CBTU72) November 2, 2022Coalition of Labor Union Women:
Commentary on Working-Class Culture, Education & Politics: In the words of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “(Sallie Mae) has cheated borrowers at every stage of repayment, including servicemembers, veterans w/ disabilities, low-income borrowers.” https://t.co/4CxuXheQf6
— CLUW National (@CLUWNational) October 31, 2022Communications Workers of America:
Congrats to @USLPlayers for ratifying their collective bargaining agreement for USL League One.
This is the first ever CBA at the division 3 professional level. https://t.co/X9TfzoqRtZ
Department for Professional Employees:
Members of @thedodounion have a new union contract that:
💵 Raises the salary floor to $60k, provides members with pay increases, guarantees annual raises
🍼 Provides increases in leave policies
🏠💻 Secures work-from-home flexibilityhttps://t.co/n4AvG9dFMw
Electrical Workers:
Thanks to @ChrisMurphyCT for standing with the #IBEW. pic.twitter.com/RdO79Kkcdl
— IBEW (@IBEW) November 3, 2022Heat and Frost Insulators:
The Midwest States Conference proudly represented the Insulators at the @NABTU_TWBN Conference. pic.twitter.com/dJsIn5UIHO
— Insulators Union 🦎 (@InsulatorsUnion) November 3, 2022International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers:
"Right to work" has always been wrong for Tennessee , it doesn't need to be in the constitution. Read the OpEd from IFPTE Sec.Treasurer and Tennessee native Gay Henson https://t.co/qgWEECvHwK
— IFPTE (@IFPTE) October 26, 2022International Labor Communications Association:
For today’s #MemberMonday we’re shouting out @STLLaborTribune! With over 60,000 paid subscribers, the Labor Tribune is the country’s top union paper. Founded in 1937, the Labor Tribune is one of the country’s oldest and most respected union papers. pic.twitter.com/gg4jrdkxKh
— International Labor Communications Association (@ILCAonline) October 31, 2022Ironworkers:
Ironworkers are out at the doors with Rep. Grayber for our next governor @Tina4Oregon today in Washington County! #orpol #ironworkersrising @TheIronworkers @djgrayber pic.twitter.com/H1dnjBdFlb
— Ironworkers Local 29 (@Ironworkers29) November 3, 2022Jobs With Justice:
Did you miss the 2022 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Awards Celebration (or had any tech issues streaming)? Fret not! The FULL event is now available! @SBWorkersUnited, @USWNTPlayers, @steelworkers, @linquafranqahttps://t.co/m45OxByJth
— Jobs With Justice (@jwjnational) October 20, 2022Labor Council for Latin American Advancement:
📣 Nevada residents! Don't lose track of your ballot. After casting your vote, visit https://t.co/MehX9GxGkK to ensure its delivery! #Vote #LCLAAvote #Pennsylvania #CastYourVote pic.twitter.com/sZzbUaHIAE
— LCLAA (@LCLAA) November 3, 2022Laborers:
#LIUNA General President Terry O'Sullivan with an IMPORTANT message on the 2022 Midterm Elections: Vote for Your Job on November 8th. https://t.co/HIzqSPFXsC via @YouTube #LIUNAVotes2022 #GOTV #Vote #Election2022 #ProUnion #UnionJobs #1u #MidtermElections #OneUnionOneVote
— LIUNA (@LIUNA) October 27, 2022Machinists:
More members in Georgia Getting-Out-the-Vote for candidates who will work for working families, @ReverendWarnock and @staceyabrams ⚙️💪🗳 #IAMStandingStrong #IAMVoting pic.twitter.com/bOBjYeJsik
— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) November 3, 2022Maritime Trades Department:
"...It’s vital to have U.S.-flagged ships bring those goods home and distribute them across the country. Not because that’s how it should be done when times are good but because it may be the only way it can be done when they aren’t."https://t.co/GhCJzvNNH8
— Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (@Maritime_Trades) October 21, 2022Metal Trades Department:
"The railroads consistently underestimate the frustration and anger of the workers. Workers can't take it anymore" #WorkersFirst https://t.co/preigS4U3C
— Metal Trades Dept. (@metaltradesafl) October 28, 2022Mine Workers:
"Coming here is just a small token of our way of paying our respects to all those who lost their lives and never returned home." https://t.co/gGVMrea7oC
— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) November 3, 2022Musical Artists:
Just Published: Stage Managers Shed Light on Opera’s Hiring Crisis: https://t.co/kdlcpMpgCa pic.twitter.com/9v46P0ithK
— AGMA (@AGMusicalArtist) November 1, 2022National Air Traffic Controllers Association:
The minutes from the National Executive Board (NEB) meeting in Hollywood, Fla., on Sept. 7-8 are now available on the NEB minutes page of the website. To view them, click here. https://t.co/pVg7ArtPmQ pic.twitter.com/7esjqy0TUX
— NATCA (@NATCA) November 3, 2022National Association of Letter Carriers:
Congratulations to Northeastern New York Branch 358 member Dave Graves, who recently received his NALC gold card! Branch President Bill Cook presented him with the honor at a retiree brunch.
Thank you for 5️⃣0️⃣ years of membership, Dave! 👏🎉👏 pic.twitter.com/UAyfLeWqTS
National Day Laborer Organizing Network:
SUAY SEW SHOP + the NATIONAL DAY LABORER ORGANIZING NETWORK invite you to our launch party and fundraiser for the collaborative campaign in support of skilled labor. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 5th, 5-10pm at SUAY Sew Shop for a FREE event. RSVP required: https://t.co/cGCNAg4a4P
— NDLON (@NDLON) October 28, 2022National Domestic Workers Alliance:
Ingrid, a domestic worker and one of our neighbors in DC, deserves a #DCDomesticWorkerBillofRights so that she can enjoy the same rights and protections as the rest of DC’s workforce. #paidcollab pic.twitter.com/YgWWeIqVTs
— Domestic Workers (@domesticworkers) November 3, 2022National Federation of Federal Employees:
Historic CBA for Local 1953, Organizing Record Set, Joint Fire Letter, and more - https://t.co/abrwdrrTnq pic.twitter.com/RlP8zUD3u9
— NFFE (@NFFE_Union) October 28, 2022National Nurses United:
On November 8, vote @ZimmermanRob for U.S. House of Representatives in #NY03! 🗳
As an ally of RNs, a supporter of guaranteed health care for all, reproductive rights, and #SafePatientCare in our hospitals, we know he will make an excellent leader in Congress! pic.twitter.com/a5txjFdw5B
NWSL Players Association:
In 2021, we took our power back.
In 2022, we ratified the first Collective Bargaining Agreement in domestic pro soccer history.
A new era deserves a new logo. The future is now. pic.twitter.com/6aYcjTOwsR
NFL Players Association:
#CommunityMVP https://t.co/PiULjLwY3t
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 3, 2022North America's Building Trades Unions:
"Every day I’m learning something new - it’s a blessing and it’s FUN.”
Watch this video on the @NYSBCTC & @WDINY ARP that ensures equitable access for people from all backgrounds to enter the family-sustaining careers that the #BuildingTrades offer.
🔗: https://t.co/urdvQD4ggs pic.twitter.com/a0RlkkRxcr
Office and Professional Employees:
November is #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! This month, we celebrate and honor the rich histories, diverse cultures and myriad contributions of indigenous peoples. #NAHM pic.twitter.com/AoW19JpVgQ
— OPEIU (@OPEIU) November 1, 2022Painters and Allied Trades:
Rest in peace to our union brother, Jeremy Rozan.
Jeremy was a proud @DC9_IUPAT LU 806 bridge painter who passed away last night rehabiliating the Roosevelt Avenue Bridge.
Please join us in commemorating his life and offering all the love and support to his family.
Plasterers and Cement Masons:
GP Stepano Praises Steel Edge Women at TWBN Conference – Announces M2M Fund for Maternity Leave: https://t.co/I40J6i42g0
— OPCMIA International (@opcmiaintl) November 1, 2022Pride At Work:
Only one week left until Election Day - are you ready to vote? Find all the resources you need to make sure you have a plan to vote here:https://t.co/aa6jIeOyxv
— Pride at Work (@PrideatWork) November 1, 2022Professional Aviation Safety Specialists:
PASS saddened with loss of another founder Bud Long; an air traffic controller who saw how poorly technicians were treated. Brought PATCO support to help form PASS. Spent countless hours organizing; became lifetime member & officer. RIP, Brother Bud. #1u https://t.co/fG9xvRzlZ7
— PASS (@PASSNational) November 2, 2022Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union:
It's time to get out the vote in NYS! Volunteers from @RWDSU, @Local338, and @Local_1102 gathered last night to phone bank for @KathyHochul. With less than a week to go until #ElectionDay, we're all in for pro-union candidates! pic.twitter.com/ibizwnT6uF
— RWDSU (@RWDSU) November 3, 2022Roofers and Waterproofers:
Amazing what workers can accomplish when they come together to form a UNION. https://t.co/jvFcXefHKp
— Roofers Union (@roofersunion) November 3, 2022SAG-AFTRA:
"When voting rights are being stripped away from people ... it makes it really hard to keep a democracy together." #sagaftramember @Alyssa_Milano speaks on the importance of voting by Nov. 8!
Have you made your #Vote2022 plan? Get all the info you need: https://t.co/MecJbMyl2n pic.twitter.com/B0mS1CA6pv
Seafarers:
Politicians demand answers on ‘novel and problematic’ Jones Act waiver https://t.co/3LlIbZaVP5 via @splash_247
— Seafarers Union (@SeafarersUnion) October 24, 2022Solidarity Center:
#Farmers in #Lybia are being forced to abandon their land and stop working because of #highprices of materials and supplies used in #agriculture. One #farmer said, "he problem lies in the increasing cost of living and the lack of supplies in the market."https://t.co/X0GVjH10Kp
— Solidarity Center (@SolidarityCntr) November 3, 2022The NewsGuild-CWA:
Support the striking workers at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette! https://t.co/rSonkCeva7
— NewsGuild-CWA (@newsguild) November 1, 2022Theatrical Stage Employees:
@IATSELocal764 President Pat White & Biz Rep Leah Okin were on hand for the naming of the Lena Horne Theatre. Guardian Sarah Bessey worked the event taking care of the children who performed. @GovKathyHochul spoke now go see a a Broadway show!! pic.twitter.com/BDSWL8Thn5
— IATSE Local 764 // #PROAct (@IATSELocal764) November 3, 2022Transport Workers Union:
.@twusamuelsen with the @twu556 negotiating team in Dallas, talking strategy and tactics to deliver a contract for our 19,000 Southwest Flight Attendants. pic.twitter.com/NEN6VnzqKm
— TWU (@transportworker) November 3, 2022Transportation Trades Department:
Your vote matters. That's why @TTDAFLCIO staff is out knocking doors and dialing phones in PA to let working people know what's at stake this election.
Be a voter this election: https://t.co/XmEp7Si2wi pic.twitter.com/13vgPI1Pne
UAW:
“The entire UAW family today expresses great sadness at the passing of Phil Wheeler,” says UAW President Ray Curry. “...a man who loved the labor movement, UAW members and fighting for social justice.” https://t.co/gnI8mVgw0G
— UAW (@UAW) November 1, 2022Union Label and Service Trades Department:
Do you think they really want to know? How Is Your Company Responding to Labor Organizing? We Want to Hear. - The New York Times https://t.co/yo8PgKiSrr
— Union Label Dept. (@ULSTD_AFLCIO) October 28, 2022Union Veterans Council:
#SocialSecurity is a #Veterans!
Pass it on! #1u https://t.co/ToiTb6YXqT
UNITE HERE:
We're the largest door-to-door canvassing operation in NV, AZ, and PA.
We have been talking to voters everyday since as early as March.
We are the hospitality workers' union and we will fight like hell until working-class people win — at the bargaining table, and ballot box. pic.twitter.com/0t2bscSv6M
United Food and Commercial Workers:
On this Day of the Dead, we remember all UFCW members and family who we have lost over the pandemic.
UFCW will honor their memory and continue to fight for stronger worker health and safety protections. pic.twitter.com/lJP3u4K5sj
United Steelworkers:
We're SO freakin' proud of our brother @NateVenturelli, front man on the song "Union Man," Local 12775 member, and now winner of the "Rising Star of the Year Award" presented at the @josiemusicaward show held at the legendary Grand Ole @Opry. #EverybodysUnion #1u pic.twitter.com/Qnvreddwrd
— United Steelworkers #EverybodysUnion (@steelworkers) November 3, 2022United Students Against Sweatshops:
Our in person bootcamps this fall were so great. We can’t wait to see more of you this spring 😎 #solidarity #usas #unitedstudentsagainstsweathsops pic.twitter.com/gBSWCX0KWX
— USAS (@USAS) October 23, 2022Utility Workers:
Thank you to President/CEO Wendy McClinton for inviting some of UWUA’s leaders to experience the great work of @blackvets. The BVSJ provides a wide range of resources from housing assistance to job placement, addiction treatment, help with military benefits, and much more. pic.twitter.com/Nc55r8VBAa
— UWUA National (@The_UWUA) November 3, 2022Working America:
5 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY 🗳️🗣️
Working America is hitting the pavement in communities around the country to ensure working people's voices are heard at the polls! If you see our red shirts in your neighborhood, say "Hi!" pic.twitter.com/SVPCEZuRWa
Writers Guild of America, East:
The WGA East's statement on the decision to protect writers and block merger of publishing giants. ⬇️https://t.co/ZYLPMJDCRw pic.twitter.com/TGzJMb8JyI
— Writers Guild of America, East (@WGAEast) November 2, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/03/2022 - 14:30National Native American Heritage Month Profiles: Liz Pecos
Throughout National Native American Heritage Month, the AFL-CIO will be profiling leaders and activists to spotlight the diverse contributions Native Americans have made to the labor movement and towards expanding the rights of working people. Today's profile features Liz Pecos, an international representative for the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Meet Liz Pecos, co-chair of IATSE's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and international representative in the IATSE's Motion Picture and Television Department. She was born and raised in New Mexico, her family is from Jemez Pueblo and traces ancestors back to Pecos Pueblo. Pecos previously served as the first female and woman of color elected to the presidency at IATSE Local 480 in New Mexico, and she sits on the New Mexico Federation of Labor's Executive Board.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/03/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Stage Managers Speak Out on Opera’s ‘Hiring Crisis’
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
OPERA America published an article in July entitled “Opera’s Hiring Crisis” that was met with criticism from workers in opera, particularly staging staff. The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) released an essay on Tuesday, written by a group of stage managers (AGMA President Ray Menard, Brian August, Leslie Sears, Lynn Krynicki and Trevor Regars), rebutting the July article that left out the voices of workers in their craft. They highlighted the difficult working conditions they face and the pandemic’s continuing impact on opera.
“Stage Managers are burning out faster than they can be replaced. The OPERA America article mentions the pipeline issue for production staff but it’s important to distinguish that the responsibility and accountability fall to the companies, not to other workers or freelancers,” they explained. “For those of us trying to stay in the industry to which we devoted our lives, we are begging companies to meet us halfway.”
Click here to read the full essay on AGMA’s website.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 11/03/2022 - 09:40Don't Settle for Less: 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.
Tennessee’s Right-to-Work (for Less) Amendment—Don’t Settle for Less: “A ‘misnomer’ is a wrong or inaccurate name, term or designation. ‘Morning sickness’ is a misnomer because feelings of nausea can hit women day or night. Another example is Tennessee's constitutional Amendment 1—the Right-to-Work amendment. It more accurately should be called the ‘Muzzling of Workers and Right-to-Work for Less Amendment.’ Like morning sickness, it's nauseating. Here's why: We live in a time of rising income inequality, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Furthermore, inflation is at a near 40-year high, with many working families struggling to pay bills. The minimum wage in the Volunteer State is $7.25 an hour, half the living wage in a place like Nashville. Meanwhile, CEOs of large companies make 340 times the wages of a frontline worker, a pay gap of 340:1. Despite this imbalance, some of our so-called state leaders have decided that now is the time to not only limit the little leverage workers have, but to enshrine this injustice in the Tennessee Constitution.”
What to Know About: The Amendment to Make Illinois Union Friendlier: “‘Bruce Rauner had a war on unions,’ says Tim Drea, president of the Illinois AFL-CIO. ‘It was quite the wake-up call. We had also seen in Wisconsin, a progressive state that led the nation in labor, Scott Walker wiped out collective bargaining for public employees.’ That was in 2011, and Wisconsin’s governor was able to do so because, unlike private sector workers, public sector employees are not protected by the National Labor Relations Act. Enshrining the right to collective bargaining in the state constitution would prevent an Illinois governor from following Walker’s example. Vote Yes for Workers’ Rights, a PAC formed by the Illinois AFL-CIO to promote the amendment, has raised more than $12 million, including $1 million apiece from LIUNA Chicago Laborers’ District Council and the International Union of Operating Engineers. The PAC has spent $4 million of that on a TV ad featuring a nurse complaining that staffing shortages and longer shifts at his hospital are endangering patients. ‘When we speak up, we risk being fired,’ he says. ‘But the Workers’ Rights Amendment will protect us when we stand up for our patients.’”
‘The Greatest Harm I Could Ever Imagine’: Organized Labor Blasts Fed Rate Hikes: “Organized labor is expressing anger about continued interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, joining a chorus of voices on the left arguing that lower inflation is not worth the pain of recession. ‘The Federal Reserve is doing the greatest harm I could ever imagine,’ Bill Spriggs, chief economist of the AFL-CIO labor union federation, said in an interview. ‘I consider what they’re doing right now politics, and they are making a political statement about the economy, and they are wrong. Their analysis is flat wrong.’”
Regan: Infrastructure Law Is Most Pro-Worker Bill Passed by Congress: “AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan joined the 'America’s Work Force Union Podcast' and discussed why the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the most pro-worker infrastructure law ever passed by Congress. Regan recently testified before Congress about the importance of the act. Regan touted numerous pro-worker provisions in the bill, including its commitments to Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and a 5% expenditure on workforce training, which he called unprecedented. He believes the current Congress is the most productive he has seen in his 20-year career, as they have passed numerous pieces of legislation to create meaningful jobs for working families.”
Labor Leaders Say Jobs Top Issue in November Election: “Labor leaders from the state and local level made a stop in the Miami Valley on Tuesday speaking about issues important in this upcoming election. Labor leaders said it needs people who will fight for Ohio jobs. According to Tim Burga, Ohio-AFL-CIO president, working people, union workers and voters want candidates and messages that matter. ‘Fighting for working people matters, plans matter,’ said Burga. ‘Sharing Ohio values matter, and Tim Ryan checks off all the boxes when he's fighting for his district, fighting for the state of Ohio, fighting for the working people.’”
Netflix Music Supervisors Seek NLRB Election in Order to Be Represented by IATSE: “Music supervisors at Netflix, who are seeking representation by IATSE, today filed for a union certification election with the National Labor Relations Board. According to the union, an ‘overwhelming majority’ of music supervisors currently or recently employed by Netflix requested that the streaming giant voluntarily recognize their union, ‘a request Netflix has declined.’ ‘Their creative vision is behind some of the most beloved moments in film and television,’ IATSE said in a statement. ‘But, as the importance of music in media has grown, their responsibilities have expanded, their conditions have deteriorated, and their pay has stagnated.’”
New Jersey State AFL-CIO Urges Senate to Vote for Temporary Worker’s Bill of Rights: “The New Jersey State AFL-CIO respectfully urges you to support A1474, the Temporary Worker’s Bill of Rights in concurrence with the Governor’s recommendations. The bill would increase accountability for staffing firms, protect temporary workers against wage theft, pay discrimination and unsafe working conditions, and improve predictability in temporary worker’s schedule. Specifically, as recommended by the Governor, the bill requires staffing firms provide temporary workers equal pay for performing work equal to an employee in addition to requiring staffing agencies to register with the state and disclose certain information related to temporary worker paychecks.”
An Epidemic: Health Care Workers Speak Out About Being Violently Attacked on the Job: “National Nurses United surveyed more than 2,500 nurses across the nation and found that 48% reported an increase in workplace violence. These incidents have risen to the public attention in the Triangle with a hospital nurse attacked earlier this summer and a Durham nurse practitioner stabbed to death by a patient. Jean Ross, a registered nurse and the president of National Nurses United, said staffing is one of the biggest issues contributing to these incidents. National Nurses United's survey found that 69% reported staffing has gotten worse, a significant increase from surveys conducted last year. ‘Let's say you're just standing in line at a store, waiting for a clerk to help you, it's frustrating and the longer you stand there, the more frustrated you are,’ Ross said. ‘Now, pretend you're a patient, maybe you're in pain. You've got your light on, the nurse can't come, there aren't enough nurses.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/02/2022 - 10:56Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor Movement in Rochester, New York, Gets Out the Union Vote as Early Voting Begins
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
With competitive elections up and down the ballot, union members from the Rochester, New York, area held a labor-to-labor canvassing event on Saturday—the first day of early voting in the Empire State.
“Right-wing candidates are coming after Social Security and Medicare. They’re putting it in writing. That’s our money they want to give away to their big corporate donors,” Rochester-Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation President Dan Maloney (UAW; pictured above in back row, fourth from right) told union volunteers. “Be sure to spread the message at the doors.”
Joining the event were volunteers from the Communications Workers of America (CWA), Public Employees Federation (PEF), Civil Service Employees Association/AFSCME (CSEA/AFSCME), New York State United Teachers-AFT/NEA (NYSUT-AFT/NEA), IBEW, AFSCME Council 66 and Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 11/02/2022 - 09:38
