One Week from Election Day
Elected officials make decisions that affect every aspect of our lives. How do we get lower gas prices? What are they teaching in our schools? Can I get health insurance? They even decide where to put stop signs and bike lanes.
I don’t know about you, but I want those decisions to be made by people I choose and trust. So I’m voting this year—are you?
The link above goes to our voting website, where you can look up your polling location, early voting information and everything you need to know to cast your ballot. After you figure out how you’re going to vote, make a voting plan so that you don’t forget.
There are tight races all over the country, so your vote will make a difference—especially on the local level. Check the polls, and see for yourself how close the numbers are.
So get out there and vote. Or stay home and vote, if you’re voting by mail. But vote!
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/01/2022 - 16:52Tags: Elections 2022
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Georgia Union Members’ Labor 2022 Campaign Gathers Momentum in Augusta
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.
On Saturday, Oct. 22, the August East Georgia Central Labor Council held its Labor and Community Roundtable. More than 25 people attended, including members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Bricklayers (BAC) Local 8 and Communications Workers of America (CWA). Candidates were present for this engaging conversation around the upcoming election, recent debates, issues that are on the minds of union voters and the labor movement’s support for gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Sen. Raphael Warnock.
That same weekend, campaign leaders encouraged their mighty team of volunteer canvassers, highlighting the gains they made during the previous week of canvassing. The team, based in Augusta, went from canvassing some 400 doors to more than 1,100 doors in seven days and celebrated meeting their goals for that week while also setting goals for the week ahead.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 11/01/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: IUOE Brings Labor 2022 Conversations to Members Building Gordie Howe Bridge
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 Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 324 in Michigan know all about turning dreams into reality. So it is with the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, a massive infrastructure project funded by Canada that will add a new connection between Detroit and Ontario.
Local 324 Political Director William Miller (pictured above, right) was out at the construction site earlier this month speaking to members about their priorities in this election, and candidates like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer who share our values. He spoke to many of the 100 IUOE members at work and reported having many positive conversations. Miller is himself a union member and elected official in Michigan, where he serves as a commissioner for Oakland County.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/31/2022 - 10:51Union Plus Offers Help to Those Impacted by Hurricanes
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes Ian and Fiona, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program. (1)
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to eligible participants of one of the following programs:
- Union Plus Credit Card Program (2)
- Union Plus Mortgage Program
- Union Plus Personal Loan Program
- Union Plus Life Insurance
- Union Plus Accidental Death Insurance
- Union Plus Auto Insurance
- Union Plus Retiree Health Program
Eligible applicants can receive up to three grants per lifetime. Members have 24 months from the incident date to initiate a claim for a grant. To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant:
1. Your primary residence must be in a county qualifying for individual assistance money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). To check if your county has been designated as an area eligible for individual assistance, visit FEMA’s disaster declarations page.
2. You must have a Union Plus Credit Card or Teamster Privilege Credit Card for at least three months (1), Union Plus Mortgage, Union Plus Life or Accidental Death Insurance, Union Plus Retiree Healthcare or Union Plus Auto Insurance policy for at least 12 months, or Union Plus Personal Loan for at least six months with that account or policy in good standing (be up to date on payments).
If you participate in the Union Plus Credit Card Program and want to apply for a Disaster Relief Grant, call 1-800-622-2580.
If you participate in any other of the designated programs and want to apply for a Disaster Relief Grant, call 1-800-472-2005.
The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided more than $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships after hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.
(1): Certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications apply to these grants. Additional information and eligibility criteria can be obtained at unionplus.org/hardship-help/disaster-relief-grants.
(2): The Union Plus Credit Cards are issued by Capital One N.A. pursuant to a license from Mastercard International Inc.
Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Inc.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/28/2022 - 17:00Poll Worker Stories: Maria Starr-Van Core
For years, union members have volunteered at the polls to help Americans exercise our sacred right to vote. But this year, there’s a critical shortage of election workers. So we’re partnering with Power the Polls, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteer poll workers. Numerous union members have already volunteered to be poll workers, and we'll spotlight a few of them between now and Election Day.
Maria Starr-Van Core is president of the Greater Lansing Area chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA). About volunteering as a poll worker, she said: “Polling and election work means that I am able to help educate and inspire a generation of young people to get involved, to express their opinions and ideals by voting, and to stay engaged in their community. An educated voter is more likely to engage others to be involved as well. Each of us can make a difference in our community and our lives by voting.”
Please sign up to be a poll worker today—help ensure that everyone who can vote gets to vote and everyone's vote is counted.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/28/2022 - 11:06Service + Solidarity Spotlight: UNITE HERE Hits 1.5M Doors (and Counting) in Battleground States of Nevada, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia
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.
In four of the battleground states—Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Georgia—hospitality workers with UNITE HERE are talking to thousands of voters in a program the union calls “Workers to the Front.” UNITE HERE is leading the largest statewide canvassing efforts in Nevada, Arizona and Pennsylvania, with support from the AFL-CIO, other unions and many allies. Already, UNITE HERE canvassers have hit more than 1.5 million doors and plan to hit many thousands more by Election Day.
For months, UNITE HERE members have been knocking doors to elect candidates who support working people and stop anti-worker politicians from grabbing control of the U.S. Senate and state governments. UNITE HERE has recruited hundreds of people from across the union to staff out its programs in these battleground states, where canvassers work full time, six days a week, to move unlikely voters to the polls in tight races.
Canvassers with UNITE HERE’s program in Nevada, led by its largest affiliate—the Culinary Union-UNITE HERE Local 226—have knocked on over 711,000 doors and are on track to hit nearly 1 million by Nov. 8. With less than two weeks until Election Day, the Culinary Union has hit more doors in Nevada than it did in 2020. In Pennsylvania, UNITE HERE canvassers, led by UNITE HERE locals 274 and 634, have knocked on over 500,000 doors in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, targeting Black, Brown and low-income neighborhoods. In Arizona, UNITE HERE Local 11 is leading a major canvassing operation, too—which just hit 250,000 doors last week. In Georgia, UNITE HERE Local 23 is standing up the union’s newest operation in Columbus. In less than two weeks, the canvassers there have hit 7,500 doors.
In each of these states, high-stakes races are determined by increasingly razor-thin margins, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the labor movement’s support, UNITE HERE is running its largest political program in history because the in-person political organizing at the doors can make the critical difference.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 10/28/2022 - 09:42Get Out the Vote: 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:
It's all hands on deck for our GOTV Rally this Saturday at 10 AM with @MaryPeltola! pic.twitter.com/GSN6e1jCpi
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 26, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
Here at the Painter’s Union Hall Phone-banking with President! @LizShuler pic.twitter.com/zuzMTNJf44
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 26, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Grad students are workers.
Want to form a union? https://t.co/aO9tdpvcpl https://t.co/2xd7bWWwzW
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Listen to Colorado labor organizer Alejo Gonzalez on Invisibilia. #coloradopolitics #coleg #1u #unionstrong https://t.co/TNulNJR8CZ
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 12, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
CT @AFLCIO President @EHawthorne3 on #WCMHUnited strike line at Windham Hospital: "The hospital administration called you heroes for your sacrifices during the pandemic… We are here today to remind them that healthcare heroes won’t settle for less than we deserve." @AFTCT pic.twitter.com/98Sw5hdfiv
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) October 25, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Come see why Jen Jordan is the #right #choice for Attorney General 🎉#1u #unionendorsed #UnionsForAll #gapol #VoteBlueToProtectYourRights #Vote https://t.co/wyY9qV4kZf
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 27, 2022Idaho State AFL-CIO:
#pnwaec #aflcio #unionstrong pic.twitter.com/qgsonqV3Rc
— Idaho State AFL-CIO (@IdahoAFLCIO) October 12, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
Meet Joleen.
Joleen is a nurse in Rock Island.
She is voting YES for @ILWorkersRights so nurses can bargain for the pay they deserve, the practices that keep them and patients safe and the equipment necessary to do their jobs.#voteyesforworkersrights pic.twitter.com/2GFmQ65bav
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Union members across Indiana are working hard to educate working families about union-endorsed candidates who will fight for us.
Join us this weekend! https://t.co/yQCz3hdWie pic.twitter.com/n4o5UE5UwX
Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
When is a 17-1 YES vote actually a NO vote? https://t.co/c5a6005WMA
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Maine AFL-CIO:
A first grade teacher at Windham Primary School discovered a little boy taking food off lunch trays & hiding it so he would have enough to eat.
Thanks to @SenTroyJackson & @GovJanetMills all students now receive free school meals. No questions asked.https://t.co/Z6OlvwNFSC
Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
ELECTION COUNTDOWN: 14 days to 11/8/22 - Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO @AFLCIO @MDDCStateFed https://t.co/9TDgrLZrIt pic.twitter.com/5zPupFSxME
— Metro Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO (@DCLabor) October 26, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
Join us for a Labor Walk this Saturday for @FairShareMA and @yesonfourma #1u #mapoli
⏱Saturday, October 29th at 9:30AM
📍Meet at Blair Parking Lot in Nubian Square pic.twitter.com/7JN7oPavlu
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
.@TudorDixon is unfit to serve in any elected office. #TeamWhitmer https://t.co/bF7qQUiNvO
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Jensen's tax cut would require deep spending cuts Minnesotans of both parties will reject (via @MNReformer) https://t.co/ElUoAhXogJ #1u #labor2022
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Missouri AFL-CIO:
When workers come together in a union, we are strong; when unions come together to work for a common cause, we are unstoppable. https://t.co/n5FbMjJYF1
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Montana State AFL-CIO:
If you're serious about investing in Montana's workforce, you don't put in place an unworkable process and then transfer funding to robots. Union apprenticeship programs are ready to put people to work with a path to a good paying career. #mtpol #mtnews https://t.co/t5PbkH8X5p
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) October 24, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you @AFTunion President @rweingarten for your inspirational message to our dedicated volunteers about the importance of this election!
It’s critical that we elect pro-labor candidates who will fight for our working families!
Make A Plan To Vote: https://t.co/TdXKkFntdr pic.twitter.com/97lpLXpxRb
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
John Robinson Block is horrible. https://t.co/v4nqAJTls7
— New Hampshire AFL-CIO (@NHAFLCIO) October 27, 2022New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Thank you @SenatorJoeCryan for your leadership in protecting vulnerable temporary workers. Let's work together to pass A1474, the Temporary Worker's Bill of Rights!https://t.co/NZrqG6FkWd pic.twitter.com/C48itWoS85
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 25, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Nurses represented by @NYSPEF thank @KathyHochul for making good on her promises: https://t.co/WgbRhT3BFA
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) October 27, 2022North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
As a former public defender and longtime judge, @CheriBeasleyNC saw the impacts of drugs and violent crime first hand. She understand the good law enforcement can do and will fight to give them comprehensive tools to succeed. #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/KqzUSYNWBV
— NC State AFL-CIO // #OrganizeTheSouth (@NCStateAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Ohio AFL-CIO:
"Freedom in on the ballot. It is the value that gave birth to the United States of America. Ad this idea of freedom, economic freedom, is on the ballot."
-@TimRyan pic.twitter.com/pqLwUWy7cD
Oregon AFL-CIO:
If you believe in the power of 🗳️voting, join us to 📞call union members this week. A conversation can encourage someone to vote. Your 🤗words could be the push they need. You can call from wherever you are, M-TH 5:30-8pm. Sign up today. #orpol
🔗https://t.co/igdZ6vUgc9 pic.twitter.com/DirJfuzhBW
Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
On behalf of 700,000 working men & women in PA the #PAAFLCIO is proud to endorse the following candidates from Bucks county in Pennsylvania’s 2022 General Election. @RepTinaDavis @Breyman4PA Jim Miller, @RepPolinchock #Labor2022 #1U #Vote #UnionProud #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/6yTGHOmRNQ
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) October 27, 2022Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
Today @SethMagaziner greeted @IBT251 members in the rain, on their way to work at UPS
These drivers work up to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week - and that's before the holiday season rush!
We need members of congress who will fight for workers #MagazinerForCongress pic.twitter.com/JIqSl9ciO4
Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
Don't let the corporate elites control the narrative: Stopping Amendment 1 isn't a party-lines issue, it's about standing against greedy bosses for our dignity.#1u #Labor2022 #NoOn1 pic.twitter.com/jEQXDEQfKm
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 26, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Unlike the TX Senate, the TX House maintains relatively proportional numbers of chairmanships between political parties. While that can't stop regressive legislation by itself, it does lend an ear to progress. The political arm of @TexasAFLCIO has endorsed these candidates… pic.twitter.com/cTjhVAKFr1
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 27, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
The WSLC, AFL-CIO is proud to endorse @EmilyRandallWA, Adison Richards (@VoteForAdison), & Matthew Macklin in the 26th LD. Mail in or drop off your ballot by Nov. 8!
WSLC endorsements are made by a vote of our affiliated unions; learn more➡️ https://t.co/vCLADCwEof #WAelex pic.twitter.com/JNsmhOlBlH
West Virginia AFL-CIO:
UMWA President Cecil Roberts: Jim Bowen “turned unsafe jobs into safe jobs, unhealthy jobs into healthy jobs.” 👊💪 #wvpol https://t.co/luafb1SpJ0
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 17, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Ready to rally with Governor Evers and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh at @WILaborers Local 113 in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/6aBxwjsrKN
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 27, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/27/2022 - 15:03Candidates on Retirement Security: Ron Johnson of Wisconsin
One of the most important issues for working people in the 2022 midterm elections is retirement security. Candidates across the country are focused on undercutting retirement benefits, but working people reject these cynical moves and will support candidates who promise to protect Social Security and related programs. Today, we are spotlighting a 2022 candidate on retirement security: Ron Johnson of Wisconsin.
Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has taken heat for suggesting that funding for Medicare and Social Security should not be automatically renewed each year, but instead become discretionary spending subject to annual congressional review.
“Some terrible ideas never die,” said Joseph Peters Jr., secretary-treasurer of the Alliance for Retired Americans. “Privatizing means ‘cutting,’ and Alliance members will continue to support candidates who want to protect and expand Social Security and Medicare, not cut them.”
Johnson this week discussed how to “coax” retirees back into the labor force during a tele-town hall. Earlier, Johnson suggested, during a recent campaign stop, that earned benefits should be re-approved by Congress on an annual basis, and insisted that Social Security was “set up improperly” and should be turned over to Wall Street.
Social Security is gaining traction as a top issue for voters, and Democrats are calling out those who are going after Social Security and Medicare. President Biden, in a tweet over the weekend, said, “Congressional Republicans want to put them on the chopping block every five years,” referring to the plan released by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.), chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
“Alliance members need to make sure all seniors know that their earned benefits are at stake this November,” said Alliance President Robert Roach Jr. “Seniors should pay close attention to this issue and make sure they turn out to elect candidates who will protect the retirement and health benefits they have earned.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/27/2022 - 10:40Service + Solidarity Spotlight: O’Sullivan Encourages LIUNA Members to Vote
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.
Laborers (LIUNA) General President Terry O’Sullivan came out with a strong video message last week, rallying members of LIUNA to take action during the final weeks of the midterm elections campaign. He highlighted the progress we’ve made over the past two years, including the enactment of the historic bipartisan infrastructure law and saving union members’ hard-earned pensions. “We have to keep up the momentum. Nothing is ever permanent and progress is never guaranteed,” O’Sullivan declared. “We need each and every LIUNA member to vote like your job depends on it, because it does.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/27/2022 - 10:31Poll Worker Stories: Kathy Antoniewicz
For years, union members have volunteered at the polls to help Americans exercise their sacred right to vote. But this year, there’s a critical shortage of election workers. So we’re partnering with Power the Polls, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteer poll workers. Numerous union members have already volunteered to be poll workers, and we'll spotlight a few of them between now and Election Day.
Communications Workers of America (CWA) retiree Kathy Antoniewicz has been working at the polls in Milwaukee since 1984 and became a chief inspector in 1990. She takes immense pride in being out there every election cycle helping people cast their vote. No matter the election, or if it's the midst of a pandemic, Antoniewicz is doing everything in her power to share information on voter registration, early voting, recruiting more poll workers and ensuring that everybody who can vote gets to cast their ballot.
Please sign up to be a poll worker today—help ensure that everyone who can vote gets to vote and everyone's vote is counted.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/26/2022 - 14:12Tags: Elections 2022
The Power of Going on Strike: 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.
National AFL-CIO Chief: Kotek Has a Proven Track Record: “The first woman to lead the nation's largest labor federation, a former Oregonian herself, came to Portland to show organized labor's support for Democrat Tina Kotek's candidacy for governor. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler says Kotek has demonstrated her support for paid sick leave (2015), a higher state minimum wage (2016) and paid family and medical leave (2019), plus other issues of concern to working families during her 15 years in the Oregon Legislature, a record nine of them as speaker of the House.”
GOP Promises to Gut Your Social Security, Medicare if It Takes Power: “It used to be a truism that no elected office-holders would dare to tamper with Social Security if they wished to keep their jobs. That must not be true any longer, judging from the surge in threats to the revered program coming from the GOP lately. In its latest manifestation, four Republicans angling to become chair of the House Budget Committee in a Republican House talked openly about holding the federal debt ceiling hostage to an agreement on ‘entitlements’—that is, Social Security and Medicare—plainly aimed at cutting benefits.”
American Workers Are Rediscovering the Power of Going on Strike: “Dire headlines about inflation are masking one of the biggest economic shifts in the U.S. labor market: After decades of decline, the American labor movement is showing signs of revival. With support for unions increasing, workers have more power as they request better pay and workplace benefits—and this could have a significant impact in reversing the long-standing trend of sluggish wage growth and low job quality for workers, despite increasing productivity and economic growth.”
First Woman AFL-CIO President to Discuss Workers’ Rights: “A 1992 graduate of the UO School of Journalism and Communication, [Liz] Shuler made history in August 2021 when she was elected the first woman president of the AFL-CIO, a national federation of 5[8] unions representing 12.5 million people across all sectors of the U.S. economy....‘I look forward to a conversation with the University of Oregon community on how America's unions can build on this organizing momentum and use it to bring voice and power to working people everywhere,’ Shuler said. ‘All over the country people are recognizing the power of unions,’ she added. ‘They’re seeing how we fight for a better workplace, a better life, for union members and for everyone. And the momentum around union organizing is contagious, spreading everywhere from nurses in Austin, Texas, to sheet metal workers in Alaska, from architects to athletes. At the AFL-CIO, we’re working to capture that momentum and use it to build the labor movement of the future.’”
AFL-CIO to Invest Millions in New Worker Organizing Efforts: “The AFL-CIO labor federation is increasing the fees paid by its member unions to fund more organizing and help restore union membership after years of decline. The federation’s board voted to approve a new measure Wednesday that will raise the per-capita contributions each union makes based on the size of its membership. Once the phased increases are in place, they would bring in roughly $11 million annually, all devoted to organizing campaigns. The pot of money would go toward a new department within the federation called the Center for Transformational Organizing, where organizers and researchers will develop campaigns to boost union density in industries where organized labor has struggled to gain traction. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, called the new fee structure an ‘unparalleled investment’ at a time when workplaces are ripe for unionization.”
Biden Is Trying to Remake the Gig Worker Economy: “AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler hailed the draft rule on Tuesday for ‘restoring commonsense rules to determine who is an employee, and making it harder for employers to intentionally misclassify their employees as independent contractors.’”
Being in a Union Means You Could Make $1.3 Million More Over Your Lifetime: “If you want to make a million more dollars over your lifetime, there's one solution: Join a union. That's according to a new paper in Cornell University's ILR Review. Researchers Zachary Parolin of Bocconi University and Tom VanHeuvelen of University of Minnesota Twin Cities examined the advantages of being part of a union throughout your entire career.”
Biden Labor Proposal Shakes Up Gig Economy That Relies on Contractors: “Liz Shuler, president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), said the proposal gives the government the tools to protect workers from the ‘escalating problem of misclassification.’”
Labor Department Moves to Make It Harder to Misclassify Gig Workers: “The Department of Labor has proposed a rule that could make it harder to classify gig workers as independent contractors, a move that could have implications for Uber, Lyft and a host of other companies that rely on freelancers. Gig Workers Rising and the AFL-CIO applauded Tuesday’s proposed rule. But some felt it did not go far enough to protect workers.”
Your Boss Can Monitor Your Activities Without Special Software: “Despite the surveillance, workers are not powerless, said Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO. ‘There’s power in collective action,’ she said. ‘You can form a union, but you can also create pressure…it takes some form of coming together to rebalance the scale.’”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/26/2022 - 11:25Candidates on Retirement Security: Marco Rubio of Florida
One of the most important issues for working people in the 2022 midterm elections is retirement security. Candidates across the country are focused on undercutting retirement security, but working people reject these cynical moves and will support candidates who promise to protect Social Security and related programs. Today, we are spotlighting a 2022 candidate on retirement security: Marco Rubio of Florida.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) unveiled his “New Parents Act,” a plan that many advocates for seniors were quick to criticize. Rubio’s plan offers paid parental leave but forces parents to take money out of their future Social Security earnings, either delaying retirement or seeing cuts in Social Security benefits for up to five years.
Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) President Bill Sauers called Rubio’s plan “uncaring, heartless, and unnecessary,” condemning its disruption of Social Security benefits.
Janice Poirier, regional vice president for FLARA and president of the Florida Education Association’s retired chapter, stated: “Rubio’s plan forces parents to pay for family leave with their own Social Security benefits. That’s not a pro-family agenda, that’s a scam.”
The national Alliance for Retired Americans Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Peters Jr. echoed their sentiments. “This is yet another thinly-veiled attempt to undermine Social Security,” he said. “We will not allow these attacks against the programs that our seniors depend on to gain traction in Congress.”
Rubio also has supported Sen. Rick Scott’s plan to sunset Social Security and Medicare after five years. Other plans similar to Scott’s proposals have also been prevalent within the Republican Party. Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) has recently reiterated his support for uprooting Medicare and Social Security altogether through “entitlement reform,” and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) and Rubio have supported cutting earned benefits.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/26/2022 - 10:00Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Rest in Power: Howard Johannssen, Founding President of PASS, Dies
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 founding president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), Howard Johannssen (pictured above), died on Saturday at his home in Maryland. He was 79 years old.
“Howard was what we all aspire to be. PASS is what we are because of his sacrifices and principles,” said PASS National President Dave Spero.
The seed for PASS was planted in the 1970s after an incident at JFK International Airport involving Johannssen and an air traffic controller where a fire broke out. Johannssen, an airways facilities technician with the Federal Aviation Administration, saw smoke coming from under a doorway, but technicians weren’t trusted to have keys. He grabbed a fire extinguisher to knock the door down and a controller, who also smelled the smoke, helped. “We put that fire out,” Johannssen recalled. “The next day, I find that I’m going to get a suspension for destroying government property. And the controller who helped me got a reward!” This was just one of many incidents of disparate treatment between the workforces that resulted in the birth of PASS in 1977. He served as PASS’s national president until 1994.
“He was passionate about his union,” continued Spero. “He spoke with everyone he met about the importance of union membership and working for the greater good. That passion is the foundation of our success.”
He is survived by his wife, Maura; his son, Kristopher; his daughter-in-law, Kerry; and his granddaughter, Jillian. The labor movement sends our deep condolences to Brother Johannssen’s family, loved ones and fellow union members.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 10/26/2022 - 09:51Do Your Politicians Care About Your Retirement?
Imagine working hard every day at your job, contributing to your community and growing the economy for 40 years…50 years…. Then after a lifetime of giving your time and energy, all you want is to retire with dignity. But your employer and your government say: Thanks for everything, but you can’t afford retirement. Get back to work.
That’s the reality for millions of Americans.
As many as half of all working people will retire in poverty. And 57% of workers have no retirement at all. Big corporations have slashed pensions and other retirement benefits just to pad their own bottom lines. Extremist politicians want to gut our pensions, slash Social Security payments and end Medicare as we know it.
We deserve better than this. This November, we will let them know.
Through our votes, we can reject the notion that working people have to stay on the job until we die because we can’t afford a decent retirement. Up and down the ballot, we must elect leaders who will fight for our Social Security, Medicare and pensions.
So please take the time to figure out how and when you’re going to vote. Go to voter.aflcio.org and make a plan to vote.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/25/2022 - 15:17Candidates on Retirement Security: Don Bolduc of New Hampshire
One of the most important issues for working people in the 2022 midterm elections is retirement security. Candidates across the country are focused on undercutting retirement security, but working people reject these cynical moves and will support candidates who promise to protect Social Security and related programs. Today, we are spotlighting a 2022 candidate on retirement security: Don Bolduc of New Hampshire.
Don Bolduc, New Hampshire’s GOP Senate nominee, advocated privatizing Medicare during a campaign town hall in early August, according to a recording of the event obtained by Politico. Bolduc’s comments came in response to a woman who complained about Medicare and Medicaid, arguing they were worsening outcomes for elderly patients and hamstringing medical professionals. Bolduc responded that he frequently speaks about how major reform is necessary for the programs.
“The privatization is hugely important,” the retired Army general told the audience in the town of Pembroke. “Getting government out of it, getting government money with strings attached out of it.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/25/2022 - 10:40Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Union Organizer Running for State Office in California
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.
Pilar Schiavo, who comes from a union family and got her start in the labor movement through the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute (OI), is running for the state assembly in California. She was an intern in the early years of the AFL-CIO Union Summer internship program with UNITE HERE Local 11. Schiavo worked as a campus recruiter for a couple years with the OI. She went on to work as political director for the San Francisco Labor Council and then to the California Nurses Association/NNU (CNA/NNU) for 13 years as a union and political organizer.
Schiavo’s campaign is endorsed by more than 50 unions, and she is fighting to unseat an anti-union incumbent who does not share our values. She is one of several union leaders running for the California Legislature this year. Click here to learn more about Schiavo and support her campaign.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 10/25/2022 - 10:15Candidates on Retirement Security: Blake Masters of Arizona
One of the most important issues for working people in the 2022 midterm elections is retirement security. Candidates across the country are focused on undercutting retirement security, but working people reject these cynical moves and will support candidates who promise to protect Social Security and related programs. Today, we are spotlighting a 2022 candidate on retirement security: Blake Masters of Arizona, a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
An Aug. 4 event in Arizona focused on the threat posed by Blake Masters, who won the Republican primary for Senate in the state and has called publicly for the privatization of the program, including at a candidate forum in June. He has even gone so far as to say that he expects this essential earned benefit to not be there for future generations.
“There is no doubt that Blake Masters would be a solid YES for any plan to cut or end Social Security as we know it. We literally cannot afford to let him win,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans.
“Cutting Social Security is a top priority for Senate Republicans and Republican candidates across the country this year,” Fiesta added. “They are telling us what they want to do if they take control of the Senate—and we need to believe them.”
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/24/2022 - 13:54Tags: Elections 2022
Service + Solidarity Spotlight: Labor 2022 Campaign on the Move Among NPMHU Members
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.
Leaders of National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU) Local 320 held a worksite visit last week to meet with union members at a postal facility in Tucson, Arizona. Local 320 President Felipe Ruiz (not pictured) and steward James Esquivel (pictured above, right), discussed the importance of voting in the upcoming election. They also urged the members to fill out the AFL-CIO member survey so that the voices of union members in Arizona, and particularly in Tucson, will be heard and taken when the federation is prioritizing all the issues that we and our unions champion.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 10/24/2022 - 10:00Your Future Is At Stake: 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:
Thank you to @AFAAlaska members who joined us to make calls this afternoon for labor-endorsed @MaryPeltola. #1u pic.twitter.com/ShPsMOs7ho
— Alaska AFL-CIO (@AKAFLCIO) October 19, 2022Arizona AFL-CIO:
Happening now! We’re kicking off the first week of voting with @CaptMarkKelly & Arizona union member retirees who are facing threats to lifesaving programs like Social Security & Medicare for a special forum on seniors’ issues. #AZLabor2022 @ActiveRetirees @AFLCIO pic.twitter.com/FafwqTJXW5
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) October 14, 2022California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Join us this weekend as we talk to voters about pro-worker candidates! Saturday 10/22 we’ll be in Hayward supporting Liz Ortega and Aisha Wahab.
RSVP here: https://t.co/iSMyjVV2MI pic.twitter.com/HcBbwcbQAS
Colorado AFL-CIO:
Listen to Colorado labor organizer Alejo Gonzalez on Invisibilia. #coloradopolitics #coleg #1u #unionstrong https://t.co/TNulNJR8CZ
— Colorado AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOCO) October 12, 2022Connecticut AFL-CIO:
On Friday, 4 unions will compete in a softball tournament at the Yard Goats to benefit the United Labor Agency! Come join in on the fun, raise some money for ULA & have an entertaining evening at one of the best minor league baseball stadiums.
Tickets: https://t.co/n8qDuFmXhR pic.twitter.com/OHiUmKIByh
Florida AFL-CIO:
The Florida AFL-CIO continues to roll trucks into SW Florida driven by our @teamsters packed with relief supplies for victims of Hurricane Ian. Help us keep the trucks full and moving by donating to our relief effort. https://t.co/yzGF4pT4c2 pic.twitter.com/ieidvmyvGF
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) October 7, 2022Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Please join us at our GSU Special Collection & Archives Reed Fink Award Talk “We Aren’t Aunt Jemima Women: Constructing a History of Atlanta Domestic Worker Organizing” on 10/24 at 2:00 pm via https://t.co/cj1NdYEO1V#1u #honor #UnionStrong #UnionsForAll pic.twitter.com/HwUdOrjdJ6
— Georgia AFL-CIO // Pass The #ProAct (@AFLCIOGeorgia) October 20, 2022Illinois AFL-CIO:
Meet Marvell Porter, @UAW Local 865 retiree president.
Marvell is the lead volunteer for#VoteYesForWorkersRights phone banks in the Quad Cities.
At 95 years old, Marvell drives himself to the hall everyday, recruits and trains volunteers, and phone banks four days a week.
Indiana State AFL-CIO:
You can’t talk about inflation if you don’t also mention that corporations are reporting record profits.
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) October 17, 2022Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Corporate Kim robs working Iowans’ resources and wages https://t.co/58qYYJJ7BV
— Iowa AFL-CIO (@IowaAFLCIO) October 20, 2022Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
SATURDAY: Join @maura_healey, @MayorDriscoll, and @DianaDiZoglio for a rally and labor walk in Dorchester #1u #mapoli pic.twitter.com/WNigjoxgkk
— Massachusetts AFL-CIO // Build Back Better (@massaflcio) October 19, 2022Michigan State AFL-CIO:
Just last week, Attorney General @dananessel and her team successfully defended #PrevailingWage in the Michigan Court of Claims. Her dedication to fighting for Michigan's working families is why we're #TeamNessel! pic.twitter.com/hESa5YW5Uc
— Michigan AFL-CIO ✊ (@MIAFLCIO) October 17, 2022Minnesota AFL-CIO:
MN Unions on AG Race Maintain Worker Protections (via @PNS_News @PNS_MN) https://t.co/zcCmVXfU6Y #1u Attorney General @keithellison is fighting for working people every day. Let's keep him for another 4 years. #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/Uxb3ddRgdt
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) October 19, 2022Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Thank you Governor @PhilMurphy & @CiscoForNevada for a late night visit to the Nevada State AFL-CIO headquarters & speaking with our incredible volunteers! #UnionStrong
1st Day Of Early Vote: Saturday, Oct 22 pic.twitter.com/4iF6E6S1Xa
New Hampshire AFL-CIO:
Thank you to @Maggie_Hassan, @ChrisPappasNH, @TomShermanNH, and all of our brothers and sisters that came to support striking @Sysco workers @teamsters653 @Teamsters
We stand together and hang tough! #Solidarity #1u #NHPolitics pic.twitter.com/mDXNDuYBax
New Jersey State AFL-CIO:
Health care is on the ballot. See which candidates are fighting for affordable health coverage, lower prescription drug prices, mental health, safe staffing and worker safety. Visit https://t.co/2b65aZAdPY to see the list and more about voting. pic.twitter.com/gGw3bQOxix
— New Jersey AFL-CIO (@NJAFLCIO) October 19, 2022New York State AFL-CIO:
Rochester Labor Council hits the doors supporting our Labor-endorsed candidates. #UnionStrong @RepJoeMorelle @SenatorCooney @HarryBBronson
Find out more at https://t.co/bqX8yryVp0 pic.twitter.com/5oUOPbUX2h
North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
🚨📩 EARLY VOTING IS STARTS TODAY!!!
👇 Statement from @marybemcmillan on the importance of this crucial voting tool: pic.twitter.com/ljvWn1X8a3
Ohio AFL-CIO:
We will never forget 2 things:
1: If it wasn't for Gene Branstool, we wouldn't have public employee collective bargaining in #Ohio, and
2: @BranstoolOrch has the best peaches and apples we ever tasted.. bar none! https://t.co/gDBYXrGzS6
Oregon AFL-CIO:
Stand in support for those fighting back for basic needs! #solidarity @MachinistsUnion @Weyerhaeuser https://t.co/7ofTDf5gCu pic.twitter.com/kkdGtCI3VH
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) October 20, 2022Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
On behalf of 700,000 working men & women in PA the #PAAFLCIO is proud to endorse the following candidate from Fulton county in Pennsylvania’s 2022 General Election. @CarolTaylor4PA
#Labor2022 #1U #Vote #UnionProud #UnionStrong #PowerToThePeople #Union #Pennsylvania pic.twitter.com/fRC7bV8Mpd
Rhode Island AFL-CIO:
This Saturday: The Honorable Marty Walsh, U.S. Secretary of Labor, is coming to Rhode Island on Saturday to support Seth Magaziner, our endorsed candidate for Congress in District 2. pic.twitter.com/63oVfiRvZo
— Rhode Island AFL-CIO (@riaflcio) October 19, 2022Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
"Right to Work" only benefits corporate giants, special interest groups, and out-of-state billionaires. Protect the working class and vote "NO" on Amendment 1! #1u #Labor2022 pic.twitter.com/2Zfyux2h4A
— Tennessee AFL-CIO (@tnaflcio) October 20, 2022Texas AFL-CIO:
Unions are supporting @hays4ag, whose vision would benefit working people in rural TX – prioritizing Medicaid expansion, increasing options in the healthcare marketplace & building the rural healthcare workforce. See: https://t.co/ECims57xmr pic.twitter.com/AWFjSVDNri
— Texas AFL-CIO (@TexasAFLCIO) October 20, 2022Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
Solidarity with workers at Tacoma Art Museum as they go public with their union! Hit the link to sign their community support letter ⬇️ and follow them @TAMWorkers for updates. #1u https://t.co/aGSSwnxIk6
— Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (@WAAFLCIO) October 18, 2022West Virginia AFL-CIO:
UMWA President Cecil Roberts: Jim Bowen “turned unsafe jobs into safe jobs, unhealthy jobs into healthy jobs.” 👊💪 #wvpol https://t.co/luafb1SpJ0
— West Virginia AFLCIO (@WestVirginiaAFL) October 17, 2022Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Evers campaign highlights education issues with endorsement from national teachers union https://t.co/hc1gLdnUFx via @WIExaminer
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) October 20, 2022 Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/20/2022 - 15:45Take Action: Support The Dodo Workers
Please take urgent action to support union members at The Dodo, the world’s best site for animal content. The 40-member unit is ready to strike. Tell Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff to agree to a fair contract.
While The Dodo is the No. 1 media brand for animals globally, the company still won’t agree to minimum salaries that meet industry standards. On average, workers at The Dodo, who are members of the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE), make $16,000 less than their colleagues at other Vox Media brands and are facing huge increases to health care costs.
If management does not show significant movement on its positions, and if an agreement can’t be reached, members of The Dodo Union are prepared to strike.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 10/20/2022 - 14:46
