Pride Month Profiles: Steven Alcantar
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Steven Alcantar of UNITE HERE's Culinary Union.
Steven Alcantar, utility houseperson and UNITE HERE's Culinary Union member for 13 years, said: "Inspired by my mom's activism, I became a union shop steward, supporting co-workers and fighting for better wages and equality. Being part of the union means being accepted for who I am, including as a proud member of the LGBTQ community. My union health insurance even covered my partner during the pandemic, providing us with much-needed security. Together, we stand with our union family, supporting each other in good and challenging times."
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/23/2023 - 10:07Service & Solidarity Spotlight: AFGE Rally During National Day of Action to Fix Lingering Problems at the Social Security Administration
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
AFGE workers visited Capitol Hill to demand Congress fix the problems festering inside the Social Security Administration (SSA). Reps. Maxwell Frost (Fla.) and Matt Cartwright (Pa.), Social Security Works, and the Center for American Progress joined AFGE leaders for a national day of action. SSA is facing a growing crisis based on staffing attrition that leaves many people in America helpless and without lifesaving resources. SSA workers are facing overwhelming caseloads with little to no support.
“It’s well past time that members of the House and Senate recognize the disrespect of SSA employees that has hung vulnerable Americans out to dry,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “We’re ready to talk to our nation’s leaders about what actually needs to get done in this Agency to see real results.”
AFGE leaders are meeting with members of Congress to discuss necessary changes.
“What we’re seeing now is unacceptable. We deserve better. The American people deserve better,” said Jessica LaPointe, president of AFGE Council 220. “That’s why we’re demanding action from our lawmakers in Washington. Individuals shouldn’t have to die while waiting for determinations on their benefits. Supporting Social Security workers means supporting our American values. Stand with federal employees in advocating for their well-being and every individual who relies on SSA to live."
Pride Month Profiles: Nate Richmond
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Nate Richmond of the Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
Nate Richmond, IATSE's Canadian office operations manager and chair of the Pride Committee, represents the IATSE on the Canadian Labour Congress’ Solidarity and Pride Working Group. "When it comes to supporting your LGBTQ+ kin, you don’t have to be an expert. You just need an open mind, an open heart, and the willingness to learn," Richmond said.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/22/2023 - 10:07Pride Month Profiles: Ally Burt
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Ally Burt of the Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Ally Burt serves as an at-large executive board member for IAFF Local 644 in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also serves on the Nebraska State AFL-CIO executive board. Burt actively participates in charitable giving events sponsored by her local.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: Phoenix Becomes Second 'Drunk Shakespeare' Company to Organize with Equity
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Actors, stage managers, bartenders and servers for "Drunk Shakespeare" in Phoenix became the second company of the franchise to organize with the Actors’ Equity Association (Equity). Chicago's company joined several weeks ago. Workers for the Phoenix production unanimously chose to unionize to pursue achievable solutions to recurring problems. “We learn so much from each other—collaboration and communication make the show better and make the workplace better," said Clara Kundin, a performer in "Drunk Shakespeare" Phoenix. “Going Equity means we can pull from a greater pool of actors next time we’re hiring. Union workplaces are strong workplaces.”
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/21/2023 - 10:03What’s on the Horizon for Working Women? 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.
What’s on the Horizon for Working Women?: “One year ago this week, I was officially elected as the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, America’s largest labor federation—consisting of 12.5 million workers across 60 unions. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the changing labor movement that is increasingly led by women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and others who have gone underrepresented for too long. But the truth is, the real leaders are the women and workers on the ground who are leading organizing drives and picket lines across America, such as nurses in New York, teachers in Minnesota, retail workers at REI, warehouse workers at Amazon, or baristas at Starbucks. The past 12 months have been nothing short of historic in how these workers and many more have risen up and seized our collective power (with the Federation marching and fighting alongside them).”
Maine AFL-CIO Construction Training 'Academy' Aims to Diversify Workforce: “The new Union Construction Academy of Maine recently graduated its first cohort of 15 pre-apprentices, including six individuals in pre-release or re-entry programs, seven asylum seekers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Togo, and three refugees from Afghanistan. The academy is a free, four-week registered pre-apprentice program run by the Maine AFL-CIO, Maine Building Trades Council and the New England Laborers Training Academy. It’s designed specifically to prepare a diverse workforce from underrepresented populations to graduate into union-registered apprenticeship programs as union carpenters, electricians, elevator constructors, ironworkers, insulators, laborers, millwrights, plumbers and pipefitters, sheet metal workers and more. The goal of the program is to prepare workers to succeed in registered apprenticeship programs and to build careers.”
'It's Gonna Be a Hot Labor Summer'—Unionized Members Show Up for Striking Writers: “Film and TV writers are now in their seventh week on strike against the Hollywood studios. Actors negotiating their own new contract with the studios as members of the union SAG-AFTRA may also go on strike soon, which would shut down productions entirely. The writers' fight for better pay and protections in the streaming economy is resonating with labor movements beyond Hollywood and beginning to unite workers across industries. On Monday in New York City, the Writers Guild of America rallied outside Amazon studios, buoyed by the leader of the country's largest labor union, the AFL-CIO, which represents 12.5 million American workers, including postal workers, mine workers and those in the entertainment industry. ‘Can you hear us Jeff Bezos?’ taunted Liz Shuler, president of the federation. ‘We're not gonna take it anymore. We're here in force, not just the Writers Guild, we're here with the labor movement in this country standing strong in solidarity.’”
Minnesota Miracle: State Legislature Passes ‘Avalanche’ of Progressive and Pro-Labor Laws: “‘Whoa, holy buckets,’ declared Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman after the close of a state legislative session that saw the passage of an ‘avalanche’ of progressive bills, including the most sweeping pro-labor legislation in state history. ‘Our elected leaders listened to the thousands of union volunteers who knocked on doors last fall and continued to show up at the Capitol this year to enact the most pro-worker policy agendas Minnesotans have seen in more than a generation,’ said Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham.”
Nurses Advocate for Better Resources During a National Day of Action: “Nurses at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital will join thousands of registered nurses who are members of National Nurses United to hold a day of action. The national day of action will take place on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.”
AFL-CIO’s Shuler: Supreme Court’s Decision Will Not Stop Workers from Exercising Our Right to Strike: “‘The court unnecessarily gave the employer another bite at the apple,’ Shuler said. ‘The court recognized that for nearly a century, federal law has protected workers’ right to strike in order to improve workers’ wages, hours and working conditions. Unfortunately, the court then relied on unfounded allegations in the employer’s complaint that the union intended to damage the cement trucks when it called the strike.’”
Strip Club Dancers in Oregon City Unionize, Demand Safer Work Environments: “As part of the growing industry in town, dancers at a strip club in Northwest Portland are now unionizing. In an online petition, dancers at Magic Tavern said some employees were fired because they brought up safety concerns. The dancers are being represented by Actors' Equity Association, the labor union that represented the country's only unionized dancers in Los Angeles. ‘We’re joining their union because we’ll be able to bargain our contract and protect us and make sure that the club owners are held responsible,’ said Daphne.”
William Spriggs, Economist Who Highlighted Racial Disparities, Dies at 68: “Spurred by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May 2020, economist William E. Spriggs wrote an open letter to his peers castigating them for making too many assumptions to explain racial disparities in America’s economy. Dr. Spriggs, an economics professor at Howard University and chief economist for the AFL-CIO labor federation, noted that far too many economists assume ‘that African Americans are inferior until proven otherwise.’”
Thousands of Southern California Workers Authorize the Largest Hotel Strike in Modern U.S. History: “The authorization was approved by 96% of those who voted, UNITE HERE Local 11 said Thursday night. If a contract agreement isn’t reached, a strike could begin as early as the Fourth of July weekend and would be the largest in modern U.S. history, the union said. The previous record holder happened in 2018 when nearly 8,000 housekeepers, bartenders and other workers walked off the job at 23 Marriott hotels in eight U.S. cities, including San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose. That strike lasted more than two months before final contract agreements were reached.”
1,800 Nurses Warn of Strike Starting June 19 at Providence Portland, Two Other Facilities: “Roughly 1,800 nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and two other Providence facilities will stage a five-day strike starting June 19 unless progress is made in contract bargaining, the Oregon Nurses Association announced Friday. Providence told KGW on Friday that it will not bargain with the union while the strike is pending or in progress, but will resume bargaining after the strike ends.”
Local Labor Unions Show Their Solidarity During Writers Strike: “As Hollywood's writer strike continues, a rally of support was held on Saturday in Buffalo. Local labor unions, in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America, gathered in front of the production studio that's under construction at the corner of Niagara and West Ferry. Organizers say there are no stories to tell without writers.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 13:50Pride Month Profiles: Michael Flint
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Michael Flint of the Laborers (LIUNA).
Michael Flint is a shop steward with LIUNA Local 71 and a certified OSHA outreach trainer. He was recently elected to serve as the first president of the newly formed Pride at Work Alaska chapter. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Flint never stopped giving back to his community and currently volunteers with Choosing Our Roots and the Alaska CASA program for children who need advocates in the courtroom.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:43Service & Solidarity Spotlight: LCLAA Members Join Delegation Urging EPA to Protect Health Care Workers
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Last week, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) joined a delegation to Washington, D.C., to advocate on behalf of health care workers and Latino communities across the country. They sought to raise awareness about the growing dangers of ethylene oxide, also known as EtO, a highly carcinogenic gas used to sterilize medical devices. The presidents of the LCLAA chapters in Long Island and Westchester County, New York, Anthony Garcia and Maria Kercado, respectively, joined the delegation. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued a risk assessment that found EtO presents a high cancer risk for workers in sterilization facilities, and is a severe threat to health care workers and the general public.
The delegation was led by Earthjustice and met with officials from the EPA, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the White House, and several congressional offices, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Cory Booker (N.J.) and John Fetterman (Pa.) and Rep. Yvette Clarke (N.Y.). The delegation urged the members of Congress and agency officials to call on the EPA to do more to protect health care workers and the general public.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/20/2023 - 10:06Pride Month Profiles: Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA).
Kiara "Kiki" O’Bryant has been a flight attendant at Alaska Airlines for more than 12 years, and after flying for five years, she decided to become more active in her union, AFA-CWA. In her time serving within AFA-CWA Alaska's leadership, she has advocated on Capitol Hill for a minimum of 10 hours for flight attendants and for the renewal of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. She also has served as Fatigue Review Board alternate, Grievance Payroll representative and Uniform Committee chair.
Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 06/19/2023 - 10:43The Labor Movement Is Ready to Ensure that Voting Rights Are Fully Restored
The right to vote is the cornerstone of democracy and was at the heart of the civil rights movement.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and other civil rights leaders and allies—including the labor movement—called attention to the pervasive and pernicious tools used to disenfranchise Black voters in the South. Work that led to the enactment of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) in 1965, which put an end to the physical intimidation, harassment, poll taxes and literacy tests Black voters were subjected to just to exercise our right to vote.
But the VRA has been chipped away ever since it became law. A number of states have made it more difficult to vote through restrictive photo identification requirements, and by rescinding same-day voter registration, provisional ballots and early voting periods.
Other states have reduced the number of polling places—often in communities of color where voters have to endure the long lines and extra steps meant to dissuade us from casting a ballot.
And some states have redrawn congressional districts in an attempt to dilute the power of certain racial demographic groups.
Racial gerrymandering is prohibited by the VRA, and was at the heart of a case taken up by the Supreme Court last week. In Allen v. Milligan, the high court ruled Alabama violated the Voting Rights Act when it drew its congressional map following the 2020 census.
It was a surprising decision by this Supreme Court, given this bench’s track record and conservative ideological leanings, but it shouldn’t have been—not for a country that values democracy and the democratic process.
And, unfortunately, this decision does nothing to repair the one it made a decade ago that ripped a gaping hole in the VRA and empowered extremist lawmakers to restrict access to the ballot box.
Shelby County v. Holder was a wake-up call—that we must always be vigilant to protect our freedoms and rights, and that political extremists will go to terrific lengths for power and personal gain, even if that means jeopardizing our democracy.
It also was a wake-up call for the labor movement to re-engage and tighten our relationship with civil and voting rights coalitions.
The labor movement has a long history of supporting civil and voting rights and the Voting Rights Act. We educate union members about the importance of voting rights. We mobilize union members in support of positive voting rights reforms. We advocate, along with our allies at the state and federal levels, for improvements to our voting laws. And we fight discriminatory voter ID legislation and other voter suppression laws that restrict the right to vote.
And we will continue to do so.
When President Liz Shuler and I were elected to lead the AFL-CIO a year ago, we pledged to ensure racial and social justice is in everything we do—in all of our programmatic work and at every level of the federation. We are committed to advancing racial justice in our outreach and programs, and to opening pathways for young people and people of color to enter leadership positions. We are committed to vanquishing oppression in all its forms.
That includes fighting state legislatures that try to prevent people of color, women, young adults, LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized people from exercising their right to take part in our electoral process.
And we will continue to push Congress to do its job and pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to fully restore and permanently protect voting rights, and ensure access to free and fair elections.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/16/2023 - 10:12Pride Month Profiles: Shawn Brown
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Shawn Brown of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
For more than 15 years, AFT member Shawn Brown has been an advocate and activist representing public employees on the state and local level, defending the rights of all union members. As a union leader and author, he has used his voice to spread awareness and to strengthen the fight for social and economic justice and equality for people of color and all underrepresented communities.
Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 06/16/2023 - 08:30Pride Month Profiles: Art Franco
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Art Franco of UAW.
Art Franco is a first generation American of Cuban descent. He has represented LGBTQ+ members of UAW Local 788, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and UAW Region 8. Franco volunteered for the Osceola Housing Crisis Workshop with the Salvation Army. He also volunteers with his central labor council's citizenship clinic, helping community members become U.S. citizens. He has held leadership roles in Local 788, Region 8 and the Florida Community Action Program. He currently serves as vice chair of the bargaining committee for his local, delegate to the central labor council and trustee on the executive board. Franco works at Lockheed Martin as an inspector in quality assurance.
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/15/2023 - 09:30Service & Solidarity Spotlight: D.C.'s InterContinental Workers Poised to Win Union
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Workers at the InterContinental on the Wharf are poised to win their union, UNITE HERE Local 25. In an agreement finalized today between InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) and the union, IHG has agreed to an expedient, neutral process for union recognition and bargaining for a first contract. Local 25 took action with a boycott of non-union IHG properties in the D.C. area. The overwhelming majority of workers have already signed authorization cards.
“I am so proud of what we’ve won together,” said Wes Waterhouse, a server and bartender at the InterContinental Restaurant. “It’s been a fight to get here, but we have won exactly what we’ve demanded all along: a chance to make our hospitality jobs sustainable for our careers.”
The workers are organizing for respect from management, higher wages, better health care benefits and greater transparency around wages.
“When hospitality workers stand up for their rights and organize together, we win,” said Paul Schwalb, executive secretary-treasurer of UNITE HERE Local 25. “Workers at the former Moon Rabbit [DC] restaurant and InterContinental on the Wharf are about to become the newest members of our union and are on a pathway to reaping the benefits of one of the strongest hotel workers’ contracts in the country. We applaud IHG for doing the right thing here. We appreciate their commitment to an expedited and fair bargaining process.”
Kenneth Quinnell Thu, 06/15/2023 - 08:02
Shuler in Ms. Magazine: What’s on the Horizon for Working Women?
This was op-ed was originally published on Ms. Magazine.
One year ago this week, I was officially elected as the first woman to lead the AFL-CIO, America’s largest labor federation—consisting of 12.5 million workers across 60 unions. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to be part of the changing labor movement that is increasingly led by women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants and others who have gone underrepresented for too long.
But the truth is, the real leaders are the women and workers on the ground who are leading organizing drives and picket lines across America, such as nurses in New York, teachers in Minnesota, retail workers at REI, warehouse workers at Amazon, or baristas at Starbucks. The past 12 months have been nothing short of historic in how these workers and many more have risen up and seized our collective power (with the Federation marching and fighting alongside them).
As working people continue to push for more, I’ll be focused over the next 12 months on how we can continue to build a bold, inclusive and modern movement, empower working women through unions and unleash a wave of grassroots organizing that will put all working people on the path to a better life.
Women Will Continue Leading the Labor Movement ForwardWomen have always played an instrumental role in shaping the values of the labor movement but now, as we lead some of the most inspiring organizing campaigns in decades, it is clear that gender equity is essential to the future of our movement.
Women comprise half of the country’s workforce and have increasingly become the primary breadwinners in many households. Yet, we earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and that number is much lower for women of color. The U.S. also currently lags far behind other nations in terms of women’s labor force participation.
Strong unions are the solution to unlocking women’s full economic potential. The AFL-CIO is the largest organization of working women in the country. Women covered by a union contract earn 22 percent more than non-union women and we can bargain for life-supporting policies like child care and paid family leave.
As the Biden administration looks to create millions of union jobs and apprenticeships through unprecedented Federal investments in infrastructure, manufacturing and clean energy, we are working hard to ensure women have greater access to these life-changing opportunities. We’re also deeply committed to growing the leadership of union women and leveraging policies that uplift women workers.
Grassroots Organizing Is How We Will Win
We also have to keep building from the ground up. Companies like Amazon, Starbucks, Delta Airlines, Hello Fresh, Google and others spent more than $400 million on consultants to discourage unions—and hundreds of millions more on misinformation campaigns, anti-union lobbying in Congress, and other measures to stifle workers who want to form and join unions.
So how do we win? It has to start on the ground. Establishing one-on-one relationships is more powerful than big money. Using new and creative tactics, we can organize across industries to strengthen our collective power. That’s why last year the AFL-CIO launched the Center for Transformational Organizing, the labor movement’s hub for implementing and scaling powerful campaigns to increase union density and unleash unprecedented worker power.
It’s about training the next generation of organizers, and taking successful lessons from union actions in one industry and applying them across new and emerging ones.
A perfect example is the recent win at the electric bus manufacturer Blue Bird in Georgia, where workers’ right to form a union is severely restricted. Powerful women organizers like Wilhelmenia Hardy engaged former employees to make the case for why a union would improve their workplace and help them build a better life.
It’s clear that this kind of organizing works. Workers filing for union elections is at an all-time high—which shows that they see collective action as the pathway to a better life.
We Are All In This TogetherThe way we’ll win is by forging a true movement that reaches across every workplace and every sector of our economy and public service. The labor movement was founded on the belief that no matter our job, background, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, we are all part of the same struggle for dignity and respect. We are seeing an incredible transformation in organized labor—more women, more immigrants, more people of color are joining our movement, and as a result, we’re stronger than ever.
When the Writers Guild of America went on strike a few weeks ago, they didn’t stand alone. Pro-athletes, teachers, flight attendants, hospitality workers, actors, directors and musicians almost immediately showed their support. This incredible showing of support from all across the labor movement is what modern solidarity looks like.
Here is the best part: Everyone can get involved. This is a movement for all women and all working people—for anyone who wants their basic dignity and respect at work and throughout their lives. My challenge to every person reading this piece, go to a local rally of working people and support a local strike. If you work in a place that is not unionized, think about whether it may make sense for you and your co-workers.
And always remember, there is a home for you in our movement. We are growing stronger, larger and more powerful than we have been in a long time. And we are ready to win together.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/14/2023 - 12:32AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust Holds Massachusetts Investor Summit for Affordable Housing and Union Job Creation
In response to a rise in the need for affordable housing across Massachusetts, the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) hosted pension investment professionals, elected officials, labor and affordable housing experts to discuss how union pension funds and public investments are catalysts for equitable development and workforce growth.
Gov. Maura Healey emphasized the need to unlock development partnership opportunities and work with cities, towns and developers to build more housing as quickly as possible and for those who need it most. “Housing is one of the greatest challenges that we face as a state. We’ve got to relieve pressures so that people can afford to live and work here,” Healey said. “I appreciate all the work being done by powerful worker-led organizations to expand access to careers in the trades, because they create the economic opportunities for both mobility and transformation in this state.”
HIT CEO Chang Suh highlighted the importance of pension and public investments in creating new neighborhoods of affordable and workforce housing. “Our investments have already created thousands of homes and construction jobs while generating competitive returns,” he noted.
Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg highlighted the need for bold action to address the affordable housing crisis. “Encouraging and focusing on the development of affordable housing and facilitating employment for union members in the construction trades and related industries is critically important for our state of economy,” said Goldberg, chair of Mass PRIM, which is an investor in the HIT. “The HIT is an example of the kind of work that can be done when we work together.”
The summit addressed the most pressing housing and job creation challenges facing the commonwealth, including rising rent, the shortage of affordable and workforce housing units, and creating union construction career pathways for residents. Massachusetts needs 108,000 units of affordable housing to meet demand. Pension funds’ investments in vehicles such as the HIT can play a critical role in long-term planning to meet demand.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/14/2023 - 08:31Pride Month Profiles: Tiffany McPherson
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Tiffany McPherson of AFGE.
Tiffany McPherson is a U.S. Army veteran and proud mother. She is the second vice president of AFGE Local 96, representing Department of Veterans Affairs workers in Missouri. Additionally, she is Local 96's women and fair practices coordinator and health and safety officer. McPherson also serves as AFGE's District 9 pride coordinator, National Women’s Advisory coordinator and an AFGE Y.O.U.N.G. mentor. Outside of AFGE, she is a member of the Missouri NAACP, the Human Rights Campaign St. Louis and a volunteer for the Veterans Community Project.
Kenneth Quinnell Wed, 06/14/2023 - 08:30Celebrating Pride: 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.
Alabama AFL-CIO:
It was a pleasure meeting with these community leaders. https://t.co/PR0Uxg4CCB
— Alabama AFL-CIO (@AlabamaAFLCIO) May 25, 2023Alaska AFL-CIO:
Some states have reversed decades of child labor laws that protect our kids from exploitation.
We commit to fighting against attempts to undermine the safety of our children! ✊ #1u #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/OpkxMY6E2I
Arizona AFL-CIO:
Today hundreds of Journalists are walking out ✊ @azrepublicguild anticipate withhold pay. Donate to their strike fund #GannettGreed https://t.co/QsNWriLOON
— Arizona AFL-CIO (@ArizonaAFLCIO) June 5, 2023California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO:
Commercial AV vehicles are dangerous. #AB316 will help keep CA streets safe for working families. https://t.co/TmQB1MchIL
— California Labor Federation (@CaliforniaLabor) June 13, 2023Connecticut AFL-CIO:
With the stroke of @GovNedLamont's pen, Connecticut has caught up with the rest of the country by implementing early voting! We now join the 46 other states that already offer early in-person voting. pic.twitter.com/ZaKvwTPtKY
— Connecticut AFL-CIO (@ConnAFLCIO) June 13, 2023Florida AFL-CIO:
Bullies in Tallahassee keep pushing to strip the rights of nurses, 911 operators, teachers, bus drivers, sanitation workers and everyone in the public sector who make our lives better. Don't let them! Click here to call your legislators now. https://t.co/2ugKvour1u
— Florida AFL-CIO (@FLAFLCIO) March 24, 2023Georgia State AFL-CIO:
Love knows no boundaries. 🌈 Embrace diversity, celebrate equality, and spread the power of love this #PrideMonth! 🏳️🌈 #LoveIsLove#1u #unionstrong #lovenothate #solidarity #unionproud #georgia #atlanta #joy #happy pic.twitter.com/7omBqyfNGZ
— Georgia AFL-CIO (@AFLCIOGeorgia) June 12, 2023Illinois AFL-CIO:
"As the Inflation Reduction Act begins the work of transitioning America’s complex energy system into this new era, their utilization can be a winning formula for project owners, for workers, and for taxpayers."https://t.co/saDhPahXJi
— Illinois AFL-CIO (@ILAFLCIO) June 13, 2023Indiana State AFL-CIO:
Happy Indy Pride from the IN AFL-CIO Pride at Work chapter! We had the best float in the parade, thanks to the UAW. pic.twitter.com/2B3l6zqv73
— Indiana AFL-CIO (@INAFLCIO) June 11, 2023Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO:
Happy #PrideMonth! 🏳️🌈✊🏳️🌈✊🏳️🌈✊
LGBTQ+ rights are workers' rights! #LGBTQ+ #EndHate pic.twitter.com/9wQZ7iMRH0
Kentucky State AFL-CIO:
Call 844-994-4545 and tell your Legislators NOT to Override the Veto of SB 7. pic.twitter.com/VoZLGx2Epw
— Kentucky AFL-CIO (@aflcioky) March 29, 2023Maine AFL-CIO:
BDN comes out in SUPPORT of two bills that will support thousands of good quality climate jobs! A recent poll 2/3 of Maine voters support offshore wind development here and want it done with strong labor standards! #mepolitics https://t.co/ybY1hNoDUp
— Maine AFL-CIO (@MEAFLCIO) June 13, 2023Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO:
We’re proud to stand with @nihfellowsunite as they file to form their union. NIH works because they do! pic.twitter.com/GJPV8mJwHy
— Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO (@MDDCStateFed) June 1, 2023Massachusetts AFL-CIO:
"The Massachusetts Community Climate Bank will... create high-quality union jobs throughout Massachusetts." - @chrissylynch29 @ClimateJobsMA
Healey announces a new green bank to fund climate-friendly affordable housing https://t.co/XVeiDMtb03 via @BostonGlobe
Michigan State AFL-CIO:
During Pride, we celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ people to our workplaces, the labor movement, and beyond.
No one should be fired because of who they are or who they love. We're proud to continue standing in the fight for LGBTQ+ workers' rights. pic.twitter.com/FtMM7fXqFF
Minnesota AFL-CIO:
Union members make the best elected officials because we know what working people need. Are you planning to run like Robbinsdale City Council Member Andrew Wagner did? Learn more at https://t.co/lNVRiNA05V #1u #mnleg pic.twitter.com/4jFKyuWtvU
— Minnesota AFL-CIO (@MNAFLCIO) June 12, 2023Missouri AFL-CIO:
Labor unions are organizing to protect their members from being replaced by technology. https://t.co/P3IllT2IFG
— Missouri AFL-CIO (@MOAFLCIO) June 12, 2023Montana State AFL-CIO:
Working families in Butte deserve better! #mtpol #1u https://t.co/1H1C1sQ7sV
— Montana AFL-CIO (@MTaflcio) June 6, 2023Nevada State AFL-CIO:
Congrats to @Culinary226’s @TedP226 & Diana Valles on your successful re-election!
Ted & Diana also serve as Vice Presidents of the Nevada State AFL-CIO Executive Board. They are incredible leaders and have worked tirelessly to move the labor movement forward! #UnionStrong https://t.co/FAghdZ3Oo3
New York State AFL-CIO:
Happy #Pride! ❤️🏳️🌈 #UnionStrong pic.twitter.com/G9Fai0sCVC
— NYS AFL-CIO // #UnionStrong (@NYSAFLCIO) June 11, 2023North Carolina State AFL-CIO:
Unions of working people in North Carolina are proud to endorse @JoshStein_ for governor! Learn more about his campaign at https://t.co/kgqHyWAGAt. #1u #ncpol pic.twitter.com/nuXiOoSIr4
— NC State AFL-CIO // #CountMeIn (@NCStateAFLCIO) June 8, 2023Ohio AFL-CIO:
"To eliminate a constitutional check and balance is a monumental step that goes to the very heart of our democracy. I am not ready to give up my right to participate independently of the legislature so I am voting NO on Issue 1."https://t.co/D1WL0KsWpH
— Ohio AFL-CIO (@ohioaflcio) June 13, 2023Oregon AFL-CIO:
Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor speaks in support of Oregon Nurses Association members who are fighting for a fair contract in the Providence health care system. "We've got your back every step of the way." #1u #UnionStrong #FairContractWay @OregonNurses @graham_oregon pic.twitter.com/OWD2YXmEVo
— Oregon AFL-CIO (@OregonAFLCIO) June 9, 2023Pennsylvania AFL-CIO:
In many communities, labor’s voice is powerful! When our leaders speak out publicly against the conditions their fellow members face at work, it can dramatically impact their members' lives. #1u #PowerToThePeople #PrideMonth #Pride #Union #UnionProud pic.twitter.com/ZtLOy5998y
— PA AFL-CIO (@PaAFL_CIO) June 12, 2023Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Council:
“The right to petition goes to a cornerstone of how employees, as citizens, can reach their government.” Tennessee’s long-standing at-will employment doctrine is “not absolute." #TNLeg #1u
via @TNLookout https://t.co/gLJQVEnlzd
Texas AFL-CIO:
President @RickTxAFLCIO and our Director of Politics and Policy, Emily Amps, joined @MachinistsUnion members this weekend to meet the moment and discuss building worker power in our state.
Workers are the future of Texas. Solidarity! https://t.co/QmHpx7A3yo
Virginia AFL-CIO:
We send our deepest condolences to the family & friends of Bill Spriggs. We enjoyed your presence, your knowledge, and dedication towards the movement. You will truly be missed. https://t.co/KnxIdPOZ5p
— Virginia AFL-CIO (@Virginia_AFLCIO) June 8, 2023Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO:
.@SBWorkersUnited workers created this ad for the Seattle Pride guide, calling out Starbucks’ egregious union busting. But it won’t be printed.
Starbucks is a corporate sponsor of Seattle Pride — and they don’t want you to see this ad. Read more from Mike Andrew (@PrideatWork) https://t.co/jWRpw7CSMv pic.twitter.com/Q1z8LeY0pl
Wisconsin State AFL-CIO:
Congratulations to the members of the Scoopers United union at Ben & Jerry's! https://t.co/AH5jKgdbH5
— WI AFL-CIO (@wisaflcio) June 9, 2023 Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:49Hot Labor Summer: 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.
William Spriggs, Advisor to the Minneapolis Fed Who Criticized How Economists Approach Race, Dies at 68: “William Spriggs, a prominent Black economist who criticized how his field treated racial disparities and was an advisor to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, died late Tuesday in Washington. He was a professor and former chair of the economics department at Howard University, served advisory posts for Congress and the Federal Reserve and was an assistant secretary in the Labor Department during the Obama administration. Most recently, he was chief economist of the AFL-CIO. Spriggs was 68 years old. The AFL-CIO did not give a cause of death. Neel Kashkari, president of the Minneapolis Fed, called Spriggs a ‘brilliant economist’ and ‘tireless advocate for working people.’ He noted Spriggs participated in numerous conferences the bank convened and influenced Kashkari's thinking on labor markets, economic opportunity, racial wealth gaps and other issues. He was also a mentor and friend to many at the Minneapolis Fed.”
St. Charles Health System and Nurses Union Avoid Strike with Last-Minute Deal: “Following a 48-hour marathon of negotiations, St. Charles Health System and the Oregon Nurses Association reached a tentative agreement on a new contract Thursday, avoiding a potential strike that was set to begin Monday in Bend. The nurses association, which represents nearly 1,000 nurses at Central Oregon’s largest hospital, released few details about the agreement, as members still need to officially ratify it. What’s clear is that nurses will likely receive substantial pay raises.”
Dancers at Oregon Club Aim to Form Second Strippers Union in U.S.: “Dancers from the Magic Tavern strip bar in Northwest Portland aim to become just the second unionized group of strippers in the U.S. The strippers, now formally employed by Magic Tavern, say after repeated and ignored demands for a safer workspace, they’ve filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board through the Actors’ Equity Association—an established union that typically represents stage actors and performers.”
Barnes & Noble Flagship Votes Overwhelmingly To Join Union: “The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said that workers at Barnes & Nobles’ flagship store in Union Square in Manhattan voted overwhelmingly to join the RWDSU. This follows two wins in the last two months by employees at Barnes & Noble College Booksellers at Rutgers University with the RWDSU, and at independent bookstores McNally Jackson, Goods for the Study, Greenlight Bookstore and Book Culture, as well as the petition from workers at the Brooklyn, New York, Barnes & Noble.”
More Strikes, More Solidarity Expected as L.A. Enters ‘Hot Labor Summer’: “Labor tensions are simmering across the Southland. In Hollywood, the Writers Guild of America has entered its second month of striking, and Screen Actors Guild workers are poised to join them on the picket lines if they don’t hammer out a deal soon. Meanwhile, workers in hotels, fast food restaurants, at the LA ports, Dodger Stadium, Medieval Times, UPS are all enmeshed in their own negotiations and strikes, and the list seems to grow longer every day. That’s prompting some experts to predict that it’s going to be a ‘hot labor summer” in Los Angeles and beyond. ‘We have workers who are organizing, we have workers who are fighting for a better contract, we have workers who are fighting for a first contract,’ says Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, executive officer of the California Labor Federation. ‘All of this means that they're taking to the streets, that they're getting out there. They're ensuring that their bosses know that they're gonna expect a little bit more and it's about time.’”
Bill Spriggs: An Economist Who Fought For Racial And Economic Equality: “The economics profession and the progressive policy world is dealing with the shocking news that Bill Spriggs, Chief Economist at the AFL-CIO and former chair of the Howard University Economics Department, has passed away at the age of 68. We’ve lost a great economist and a champion for Black equality, and for all working people. At his death, Bill was both teaching at Howard and serving as Chief Economist at the AFL-CIO, combining his work on racial justice with his advocacy for all working people. Right up until his untimely death, he was advocating for racial and economic justice—in written work, Congressional testimony, media appearances, and public advocacy.”
Two Dozen Gannett Newsrooms Staged a Walkout This Week: “Hundreds of journalists at Gannett, publisher of USA Today and more than 200 local newspapers across the country, walked off the job this week to protest their working conditions and the company’s leadership. Two dozen newsrooms across seven states participated. While it wasn’t a companywide strike, it was the largest work stoppage Gannett has experienced in its history, according to the NewsGuild-CWA, the union that represents about 1,000 Gannett journalists in about 50 bargaining units. The pay and staffing issues the guild raised were relevant to news organizations across the company, regardless of whether they belong to the union.”
SAG-AFTRA Members Authorize Nationwide Strike of Actors: “With a 98% ‘yes’ vote, SAG-AFTRA members authorized their board to call a strike if bargaining with their bosses, the nation’s television, movie, and streaming video moguls, doesn’t produce a new contract. The June 5 vote in a heavy turnout of nearly 65,000 members arms the board with a show of strength just before talks open on a new pact. The current contract expires at the end of June.”
General Motors Announcement, Groundbreaking Mark More Than $1 Billion Investment in Flint: “Mike Booth, the United Auto Workers vice president who heads the union’s GM department, lauded the investment in the Flint facilities. ‘When business is booming as it has been for the past decade—due to the hard work of UAW members—the company should continue to invest in its workforce,’ Booth said. ‘It is good to see that GM recognizes the hard work you, the UAW membership, contribute to the success of this company. We are proud that UAW-GM members will continue to build quality, union-made products here in the USA.’”
‘My Theory of Change is Rooted in Solidarity’: “When April Sims got a union job as a child support enforcement officer two decades ago, she was a high school dropout and single mom. She got involved in her union, and over time that became her life’s work. In January, she became her state’s top labor leader, president of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. She shared some of her story with the Labor Press.”
‘Largest Nurses Strike in Texas History’: Ascension Seton Nurses Vote to Authorize Strike: “A union that represents 900 registered nurses at Ascension Seton Medical Center said Thursday that 98% of its members authorized a one-day strike at the health system. A strike at Ascension Seton would be the first nurses strike in an acute care setting, as well as the largest nurses strike in Texas history, according to the release from The National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United.”
United Airlines Pilots Union Votes to Authorize a Strike Vote: “The United Airlines Holdings Inc. pilots union has unanimously voted to authorize a strike vote, the union chair said in a letter to pilots on Friday. ‘You'll receive more communication regarding this impending strike vote in the coming days,’ the letter says. A spokesman for the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said it has not yet set a date for the strike vote.”
Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO Holds 11th Annual Take Kids Fishing Day: “Kids got the chance to fish for free in Wisconsin this weekend and it was an extra special day for some at Chad Erickson Memorial Park. Saturday afternoon was the 11th annual Take Kids Fishing day. Hosted by the Western Wisconsin AFL-CIO and the Union Sportsmen's Alliance's Boots on the Ground conservation program, it gives families the chance to get outside and try fishing. ‘There's some people that want to try fishing that can't even afford the investment. The free rod and reel gives them the opportunity to fish more,’ treasurer Bill Brockmiller says.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:04Service & Solidarity Spotlight: BCTGM Members in Memphis Strike at IFF
Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Nearly 200 members of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM) Local 390G went on strike against International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) in Memphis, Tennessee. The BCTGM members produce soy protein products used by companies including Nestlé, Nestlé Purina and Abbott Nutrition to manufacture baby formula, pet foods, soy-based nutritional powders, and other food and beverage products.
“The BCTGM International Union stands in unwavering solidarity with our courageous Brothers and Sisters who are on strike against IFF,” said BCTGM International President Anthony Shelton. “Workers have been working under the terms of their expired contract for over a year while the company refuses to negotiate a fair contract that protects the workers’ health insurance and overtime.
“IFF, a $12 billion company, is making these demands without regard for the well-being of the hardworking men and women who make the product that is supplied to global giants like Nestlé and Abbott Manufacturing, among others. “We are proud of our members at IFF for taking a strong stand against this company’s greed and we will support them for as long as it takes to force the company to negotiate a fair contract that rewards them for their hard work and dedication and protects their future.”
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/13/2023 - 09:34Pride Month Profiles: Aicha Tahirou
For Pride Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various LGBTQ+ union members who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Aicha Tahirou of UNITE HERE.
Aicha Tahirou is a housekeeper at the Radisson Warwick Hotel in Philadelphia and a member of UNITE HERE Local 274. Tahirou has taken multiple monthslong leaves from her job to work as a canvasser on UNITE HERE's political campaigns in Pennsylvania, turning out unlikely voters to deliver victories for President Biden in 2020 and Sen. John Fetterman in 2022. She was most recently a campaign lead on the union's campaign for Helen Gym for Mayor. Born and raised in Niger, Tahirou is a proud queer woman.
Kenneth Quinnell Tue, 06/13/2023 - 08:30
